JP2022170243A - Information processing apparatus and method for controlling information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that, when a plurality of functions share memory, can appropriately display that a small amount of memory remains.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: a display unit; a storage unit that ensures an available area for every function; and a control unit that, when a memory residual amount indicating free space in the area for a function selected by a user is equal to or less than a threshold, displays, on the display unit, at least either one of a memory residual amount corresponding to a function different from the function or a memory residual amount of the entire storage unit as a warning memory residual amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and the like.

Conventionally, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) has been used. A single multifunctional multifunction machine realizes a copy function, a facsimile (FAX) function, a scanner function, a print function, and the like. Such a multifunction machine manages the remaining amount of storage space for FAX-related image data (remaining memory capacity) as the remaining memory capacity of a nonvolatile memory (for example, flash memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive)). possessed a sexual memory. In recent years, however, in order to realize multiple functions, multi-function printers allocate an area (storage area) of non-volatile memory to the FAX function and other functions, and share the storage area of non-volatile memory. This makes efficient use of memory. In this case, even if the remaining storage area (remaining memory) that can be used by the FAX function is sufficient, other functions will use the area of the non-volatile memory, so the storage area that can actually be used by the FAX function will become smaller. Sometimes. For example, the usage rate where the size of the storage area allocated to the FAX function (for example, the storage area for storing FAX-related image data) is the denominator and the size of the storage area used by the FAX function is the numerator. The mere display gives the user of the FAX function the impression that the remaining amount of memory is sufficient, but in actuality, it is possible that the FAX function cannot be fully used.

In this way, even though the remaining memory capacity for a given function is sufficient, if the size of the area that can actually be used is not sufficient, the remaining memory capacity (free space) will run out, and a given process will not be possible. does not proceed, or a predetermined process fails. However, in some cases, the user did not know why this happened.

Therefore, in Patent Document 1, in the FAX function, when the data sent from the outside does not fit in the memory, the content of the memory is checked, the usage status of the memory is displayed, and the data sent from the external device can be processed. An MFP is disclosed that displays an out-of-state message on the display of an external device.

JP-A-11-122412

However, as in the MFP of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200310, the following problems arise when only the remaining memory capacity of the used function (for example, the remaining memory capacity of the FAX function) that is shared in the memory is displayed.

・If a lot of shared memory is used by functions other than the used function, the remaining memory for the used function is displayed as sufficient, but in reality there is not enough memory. Use function does not work effectively. Furthermore, the user does not know the reason why the function was not available.
- When the remaining memory capacity is insufficient, the user does not know how to increase the remaining memory capacity.

In view of such circumstances, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an information processing apparatus and the like that can appropriately display that the remaining memory capacity is low when a plurality of functions share a memory.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a display unit, a storage unit in which a usable area is secured for each function, and a free space for the area for a function selected by a user. is equal to or less than a threshold, at least one of the remaining memory capacity corresponding to a function different from the function or the remaining memory capacity of the entire storage section is displayed on the display unit as a warning remaining memory capacity. and a control unit for

The control method according to the present disclosure includes a display unit and a storage unit that secures a usable area for each function, and manages the remaining memory capacity, which is the free space of the memory with respect to the memory capacity allocated to each function. In a method for controlling an information processing device, when the remaining memory capacity corresponding to a function selected by a user is equal to or less than a threshold value, the remaining memory capacity corresponding to a function different from the function is displayed on the display unit. It is characterized by comprising a control step for displaying the amount.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, when a plurality of functions share a memory, it is possible to appropriately display that the remaining amount of memory is low.

1 illustrates an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing for displaying insufficient memory capacity of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of remaining memory capacity of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a warning display for remaining memory capacity of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing processing for displaying insufficient memory capacity of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a warning display when the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is near-end; FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing job deletion proposal display processing of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display of a job deletion proposal of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing detailed display of a job of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment; It is a figure which shows the example of an operation|movement which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation|movement which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation|movement which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation|movement which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1.1 Functional configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1A is a diagram schematically showing an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus 10. FIG. FIG. 1B is a block diagram (functional configuration diagram) for explaining the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG.

The image forming apparatus 10 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) installed in an office or the like, and is a so-called multifunction machine. The image forming apparatus 10 has multiple modes. A mode indicates a state in which functions of the image forming apparatus 10 are realized.

The mode in the image forming apparatus 10 is a mode capable of realizing a general copy function, print function, FAX function, and scanner function. When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the copy mode, the copy function is realized and the copy job is executed. When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the print mode, the print function is realized and the print job is executed. When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the FAX mode, the FAX function is realized and the FAX job is executed. When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the scanner mode, the scanner function is realized and the scanner job is executed. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 may have functions other than those described above, and may be configured to be switchable to a mode for realizing each function.

Further, the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment manages the remaining memory capacity (free space) with respect to the maximum memory usage for each function, and performs information processing to issue a warning when the remaining memory capacity is running low. Also a device.

The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 120, a document reading unit 130, an image forming unit 140, a display unit 150, an operation unit 160, and a communication unit 170, as shown in FIG. 1B.

The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the image forming apparatus 10 as a whole. The control unit 100 implements various functions by reading and executing a control program stored in the storage unit 120, and is composed of one or more arithmetic units (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)). It is

The storage unit 120 is a functional unit that stores programs and data. The storage unit 120 is configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like, as a nonvolatile memory.

Further, in the storage unit 120, areas that can be used for each function are allocated to each function that the image forming apparatus 10 has. Thereby, the storage area of the storage unit 120 is shared by a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a print function, a FAX function, and a scanner function.

The document reading unit 130 reads an image of a document and generates image data. It is composed of devices and the like.

For example, the document reading unit 130 reads a document placed on a table within a range set according to the size of the document, and outputs it as image data. Note that the document may be set on a table or may be set on an automatic document feeder (ADF).

The image forming unit 140 is a functional unit for forming image data on a recording medium (for example, recording paper). For example, the image forming unit 140 feeds recording paper from the paper tray 132 , forms an image on the surface of the recording paper, and then discharges the paper from the paper discharge tray 134 . The image forming unit 140 is configured by, for example, a laser printer using an electrophotographic method.

The display unit 150 displays various states of the image forming apparatus 10 and displays states of operation inputs. For example, it is configured by a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (EL: electro-luminescence) panel, or the like.

The operation unit 160 is buttons, switches, and the like that receive operation inputs from the user. The operation unit 160 may be realized by a hardware input device such as a switch and a keyboard, or may be realized by a touch panel or the like integrally formed with the display unit 150 . A general detection method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or an electrostatic capacitance method may be used as a method for detecting an input to the touch panel.

The communication unit 170 communicates with other devices via a network. For example, the communication unit 170 has an interface that can be connected to a network, and receives print data and transmits scan data by communicating with other devices via a wired/wireless LAN (Local Area Network). . It also supports wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and NFC (Near field communication), and can communicate with other compatible devices.

The communication unit 170 is also a functional unit for performing FAX communication. For example, it transmits and receives image data (text data) as a manuscript to and from another FAX machine, multi-function machine, computer, etc. through an ISDN line. It should be noted that the communication may be circuit-switched communication using an analog telephone line, packet communication, or communication using the Internet (for example, Internet FAX). That is, any means of communication can be used as long as the received document is stored as image data and processed.

[1.2 Flow of processing]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing for displaying insufficient memory capacity of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 2 is executed by the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading the program stored in the storage unit 120 . Also, the processing shown in FIG. 2 is executed when the image forming apparatus 10 realizes a predetermined function (for example, a FAX function).

First, the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 checks the remaining memory capacity of the storage unit 120 (step S102). The remaining memory capacity is the total remaining memory capacity of the storage unit 120 or the remaining memory capacity relative to the maximum usable memory capacity determined for each function. In this embodiment, the total remaining memory capacity of the storage unit 120 refers to the size of a storage area not used by each function among the storage areas shared by each function.

An example of remaining memory capacity will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the size of the storage area shared by each function (maximum memory size) and the size of the storage area allocated to each function (maximum memory size) in the storage unit 120. FIG. .

For example, "No. 1" in FIG. 3A indicates that the size of the storage area shared by each function in the storage unit 120 (maximum memory capacity of the entire storage unit 120) is 1 GB. Further, as indicated by "No. 2" to "No. 5" in FIG. 3A, storage areas of predetermined sizes are assigned to the FAX function, copy function, print function, and scanner function, respectively. indicates that Note that, as shown in FIG. 3A, the total size of the storage area allocated to each function may be larger than the total size of the storage area shared by each function. By doing so, when a certain function does not use the storage area very much, other functions can use the unused storage area.

FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the total remaining memory capacity of the storage unit 120 and the remaining memory capacity for each function. For example, as shown in "No. 1" in FIG. 3B, it is assumed that the size of the area (memory usage) used in the memory for the entire storage unit 120 is 900 MB. In this case, the memory usage rate is 90% from the memory usage amount/maximum memory amount (900 MB/1 GB). Therefore, the total remaining memory capacity of the storage unit 120 is 100 MB, and the ratio of remaining memory capacity is 10%.

Similarly, as shown in "No. 2" in FIG. 3B, the memory usage rate of the FAX function is 50% (100MB/200MB). Therefore, the remaining memory capacity of the FAX function is 100 MB, and the percentage of remaining memory capacity is 50%.

As shown in "No. 3" in FIG. 3(c), the memory usage rate of the copy function is 30% (120 MB/400 MB). Therefore, the remaining memory for the copy function is 280 MB, and the percentage of remaining memory is 70%.

As shown in "No. 4" in FIG. 3(c), the memory usage rate of the print function is 70% (280 MB/400 MB). Therefore, the remaining memory for the print function is 120 MB, and the percentage of remaining memory is 30%.

As shown in "No. 5" in FIG. 3(c), the memory usage rate of the scanner function is 80% (400 MB/500 MB). Therefore, the remaining memory capacity of the scanner function is 100 MB, and the percentage of remaining memory capacity is 20%.

Subsequently, the control unit 100 determines whether the remaining memory capacity corresponding to the currently used function is equal to or less than the threshold (step S104). For example, the threshold may be set by an administrator of the image forming apparatus 10, or may be set in the image forming apparatus 10 in advance. For example, the control unit 100 determines the No. obtained in step S102. 1 to No. 5, the remaining memory capacity of the function corresponding to the currently used function is acquired. Then, when the acquired remaining memory capacity is equal to or less than the threshold corresponding to the function currently being used, the control unit 100 determines that the remaining memory capacity is equal to or less than the threshold.

If the remaining memory capacity is equal to or less than the threshold (step S104; Yes), the controller 100 displays a warning that the remaining memory capacity of the function being used (for example, the FAX function) is low. It is displayed (step S106), and the processing shown in FIG. 2 ends. The warning memory remaining amount will be described later in detail.

On the other hand, if the remaining amount of memory is not equal to or less than the threshold (step S104; No), the control unit 100 omits (skips) the process in step S106 and ends the process shown in FIG.

[1.3 Operation example]
An operation example in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the description of the operation example, it is assumed that the remaining memory capacity of the storage unit 120 as a whole and the remaining memory capacity of each function are as shown in FIG.

In the normal display of the remaining memory capacity, for example, when the FAX function is used by the user, the display unit 150 displays the message "Remaining memory capacity of the FAX function" as shown in FIG. 50%” is displayed. However, if only the remaining memory capacity of the FAX function is displayed, there is a possibility that images cannot be received due to the lack of the remaining memory capacity of the entire storage unit 120 due to the memory being used by other functions. . For the user, it is unclear why reception is not possible even though the remaining memory capacity is 50%.

Therefore, a threshold value that may cause trouble in executing each function is set, and when the threshold value falls below the threshold value, a warning remaining memory capacity indicating that the remaining memory capacity is low is displayed on the display unit 150 .

For example, assume that the remaining memory threshold for the FAX function is 50% (100 MB). In this case, as shown in "No. 2" in FIG. 3B, when the remaining memory capacity of the FAX function is 50%, "No. 2" in FIG. "20%", which is the remaining memory capacity of ".5", is displayed as the warning remaining memory capacity. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, information such as "the remaining memory capacity of the FAX function is low, 20%" is displayed as a warning on the display unit 150 of the image forming apparatus.

Also, the warning memory remaining amount may be the total memory remaining amount of the storage unit 120 as indicated by "No. 1" in FIG. 3B. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4C, information such as "remaining memory capacity is low, 10%" is displayed on the display unit 150 of the image forming apparatus.

It should be noted that whether to display the remaining memory capacity of the function with the least remaining memory capacity or the total remaining memory capacity of the storage unit 120 as the remaining warning memory capacity may be set by the user. . It should be noted that either one of the remaining amounts of memory (for example, the one with the smaller remaining amount of memory) may be automatically displayed as the warning remaining amount of memory. Note that both the remaining memory capacity of the function with the smallest remaining memory capacity and the remaining memory capacity of the entire storage unit 120 may be displayed as the remaining warning memory capacity.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, it has been described that the ratio of remaining memory capacity is displayed on the display unit 150 as the remaining warning memory capacity, but the remaining memory capacity itself (for example, a specific value such as 100 MB) is Alternatively, both the remaining memory capacity and its percentage may be displayed.

[1.4 Effect]
In this way, when the remaining memory capacity is equal to or less than a preset threshold, the user can be warned that the remaining memory capacity is low by displaying the warning remaining memory capacity.

[2. Second Embodiment]
In the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, when the remaining amount of memory decreases and approaches the near-end, the display based on another specific object (for example, A4 5 sheets etc.). Note that "near-end" of the remaining memory capacity refers to a state in which the remaining memory capacity is a predetermined amount greater than the state in which the remaining memory capacity is zero.
Also, since the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

[2.1 Flow of processing]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing for displaying insufficient memory capacity of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Note that steps S102 to S106 are the same processing as in the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, after displaying a warning about the remaining memory capacity in step S106, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the remaining memory capacity is near the end (step S108). For example, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 120 is caused to set (store) a near-end threshold in advance for the remaining amount of memory. Furthermore, when the remaining memory capacity of the currently used function is equal to or less than the near-end threshold, the control unit 100 determines that the remaining memory capacity is near-end.

If it is near-end (step S108; Yes), based on the remaining amount of memory, a specific object that can be stored is further displayed (step S110). For example, the specific object may be the number of sheets of a certain size or the number of jobs.

If the control unit 100 is not near-end (step S108; No), the control unit 100 omits (skips) step S110 and ends the processing shown in FIG.

[2.2 Operation example]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a warning display when the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is near-end.

As shown in FIG. 6, the message "Facsimile function memory remaining capacity is low, 20% (A4 paper: about 5 sheets is possible)" is displayed. Further, in the case of near-end, the remaining number of storable specific objects (A4 size paper in the example of FIG. 6) that can be stored with respect to the remaining amount of memory is specifically displayed in parentheses. When the remaining number of sheets is displayed, it is obtained by dividing the remaining amount of memory by the capacity required to store the data per sheet. At this time, the capacity required for storing data per sheet may be the maximum value of the capacity required for storing data per sheet, or may be the average value, It may be a fixed value.

It should be noted that, in addition to the processing of the first embodiment, in the near-end case, in addition to the remaining memory capacity and the percentage of remaining memory capacity (displayed as a percentage), processing for displaying a specific object is also performed. Alternatively, instead of displaying the remaining memory capacity or the percentage (% display) of the remaining memory capacity, a process of displaying a specific object may be performed. Further, in step S106, the control unit 100 may perform display based on a specific object in addition to the % display, or display a specific object instead of the remaining memory capacity or the ratio of the remaining memory capacity (% display). Display based on the object may be performed. In this case, steps S108 and S110 shown in FIG. 5 are unnecessary.

[2.3 Effect]
In this manner, since the warning memory remaining amount is displayed based on a specific object, the user can easily grasp the specific memory remaining amount.

[3. Third Embodiment]
The image forming apparatus of the third embodiment performs a process of making a proposal for increasing the remaining amount of memory in addition to the processes described in the first and second embodiments.

[3.1 Flow of processing]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing job deletion proposal display processing (proposal display processing) of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading the program stored in the storage unit 120 . Note that the process shown in FIG. 7 is executed, for example, at the timing when the warning of the remaining memory capacity is displayed. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 7 may be executed at the timing when the control unit 100 detects that the remaining memory capacity is equal to or less than the threshold, or the user may perform an operation to display a screen for checking the remaining memory capacity. It may be executed at selected timing.

First, the control unit 100 displays the remaining memory capacity on the display unit 150 (step S302). For example, the control unit 100 indicates the overall remaining memory capacity of the storage unit 120 and the remaining memory capacity corresponding to each function using gauges, and displays a screen in which the gauges are arranged.

Subsequently, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the remaining memory capacity has been selected (step S304). For example, when an operation is performed to select one of the gauges displayed in step S302, the control unit 100 determines that the remaining memory capacity has been selected.

Subsequently, the control unit 100 displays a screen for proposing job deletion (step S306). By proposing job deletion to the user, this plays the role of suggesting means for securing the necessary remaining memory capacity. Note that a job in the present embodiment is data that includes information necessary for executing a set of processes and information on the history when the process was executed, and is data that is stored in the storage unit 120. Say. Also, the job may be a file stored in the storage unit 120 . In this case, files corresponding to jobs are stored in the storage unit 120 for each function.

For example, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 150 to display a screen (job display screen) including information about jobs as shown below.

(1) When the remaining memory capacity of the entire storage unit 120 is selected - Several jobs with the largest file size among the functions are displayed - Several jobs with the oldest date among the functions are displayed

(2) When the remaining amount of memory corresponding to a predetermined function is selected - Several jobs with the largest file sizes are displayed - Several jobs with the oldest date are displayed Display several jobs that have been printed ・Display several jobs that have been transferred to the network among the received fax data ・Display several jobs that have been printed by the copy function - Display several jobs that have been printed by the printer function

The user confirms the job for which deletion is proposed as described above, and determines whether or not to delete the job. At this time, the control unit 100 may display at least the first page of the images printed or received by the image forming apparatus 10 on the display unit 150 so that the user can confirm the contents of the job. OK, you can print it. Alternatively, the job contents to be deleted may be displayed in detail.

The control unit 100 determines whether or not the user has selected to delete the job, and if the user has selected to delete the job (step S308; Yes), deletes the information of the job selected by the user (step S308; Yes). step S310). For example, the control unit 100 displays a delete button for inputting an operation to delete a job on the job delete screen. When the user selects the delete button, the control unit 100 determines that the job has been selectively deleted. Further, control unit 100 deletes the job displayed on display unit 150 from storage unit 120 when the delete button is selected.

On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the user did not select to delete the job (step S308; No), the control unit 100 omits (skips) the processing in step S310.

Further, the control unit 100 determines whether or not an operation to terminate the proposal display process has been performed, and if an operation to terminate has been performed, the process shown in FIG. 7 is terminated (step S312; Yes). An operation to end the proposal display process is an operation by the user to cause the display unit 150 to display another screen (for example, a home screen on which a mode can be selected, etc.). If the control unit 100 determines that the operation to end the proposal display process has not been performed, the process returns to step S302 (step S312; No→step S302).

[3.2 Operation example]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a display screen displayed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8(a) is a display screen W300 displaying the remaining amount of memory. As shown in FIG. 8A, the display screen W300 displays a gauge indicating the remaining amount of memory. The user can select one of the gauges displayed on the display screen W300, as indicated by H300 in FIG.

FIG. 8B shows a display screen W310 displayed on the display unit 150 when the gauge corresponding to the copy function is selected from the display screen W300. The display screen 310 displays information about one or more jobs, and information indicating how much the remaining memory capacity will increase when the job is deleted. Information on the remaining memory capacity that increases when a job is deleted may be the size of the memory usage rate that decreases when the job is deleted, or the size of the remaining memory capacity that increases when the job is deleted.

Display screen W310 also includes an area E310 that includes buttons for switching jobs displayed on display screen W310. The display screen W310 may also include a button E312 for displaying an image related to the job displayed on the display screen W310, and a button E314 for instructing deletion of the job.

FIG. 8C shows a display screen W320 displayed on the display unit 150 when the gauge corresponding to the FAX function is selected from the display screen W300. As shown in FIG. 8(c), for example, when the FAX function is selected, information of jobs that have been printed among the FAX reception data is displayed.

FIG. 8D shows a display screen W330 displayed on the display unit 150 when the button E320 for switching the displayed job is selected from the display screen W320. As shown in FIG. 8D, the display screen W330 displays information about jobs related to the FAX function and for which the received data among the received FAX data has been transferred to the network. In this way, the jobs are switched and displayed according to the function.

Note that a screen other than the display screen described above may be displayed. For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 9, a detail button E350 may be displayed on a display screen W350 that displays the remaining amount of warning memory. When the details button E350 is pressed by the user, as shown in FIG. 9B, the number of jobs, the number of pages, and the date stored in the storage unit 120 for the currently used function (for example, the FAX function) are displayed. , a display screen W360 including detailed information such as remaining memory capacity may be displayed on the display unit 150. FIG. The user can use this display as a reference for determining whether or not to delete the job.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9B, the display screen W360 may include a button E360 for switching to a screen containing detailed information on functions other than the function currently being used. When the button E360 is selected, a display screen W370 including detailed information on other functions is displayed on the display unit 150 as shown in FIG. 9(c). The user can switch between functions and determine which function's job should be deleted.

In the above description, the job to be deleted is proposed to the user and the job is deleted based on the user's operation. However, the job may be deleted automatically.

For example, the order of priority of functions to be deleted is determined in advance. For example, if the memory capacity is insufficient for the FAX function, the priority of the job deletion function among the functions other than the FAX function is determined in advance, for example, in the order of the scanner function, the print function, and the copy function. The control unit 100 deletes the job of the function with the highest priority.

For example, the control unit 100 deletes jobs in order of the oldest date among jobs in the function in descending order of priority, or deletes jobs in order of large file size.

Note that, when deleting, the control unit 100 may display at least the first page on the display unit 150 or print it for confirmation by the user. Further, if the job can be backed up, the control unit 100 backs up the job and then performs the deletion process. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may delete what has been printed.

Although the control unit 100 deletes the jobs from the memory of each function according to the priority order, it is also possible to delete all the jobs stored in the storage unit 120 in order of oldest or largest capacity. good.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a job to be deleted is proposed, so that the user can easily delete the job based on the proposal.

[4. Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, unlike the first to third embodiments, the warning is displayed not based on the size of the available storage area, but based on the management means of the storage unit. It is an embodiment to perform. It should be noted that the processing for displaying insufficient memory capacity of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing that the size (maximum amount) of the storage area shared by each function in the storage unit 120 is 1 GB in this embodiment. FIG. 10 also shows the maximum number of files and pages that can be stored when information such as jobs is managed in files or pages by FM (file manager) or IMS (image send: fax/scanner). It is a figure showing. In addition, FIG. 10 also shows the amounts corresponding to 1% of the respective maximum amounts.

An operation example in this embodiment will be described. In the description of the operation example, the size (maximum amount) of the storage area shared by each function in the storage unit 120 and the maximum number of files and pages that can be stored in the storage unit 120 are as shown in FIG. Suppose there is

(1) Example 1: When using 100 jobs, 1000 pages, and 700 MB The usage status of the storage unit 120 in Example 1 is shown in FIG. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the ratio of the remaining memory capacity with a gauge.

"No. 1" in FIG. 11(a) is a gauge showing the overall remaining memory capacity of the storage unit 120 and the ratio of the remaining memory capacity for each function.
"No. 2" in FIG. 11A is a gauge showing the ratio of the remaining memory capacity (the number of storable files (jobs)) of files (jobs) managed by the FM.
"No. 3" in FIG. 11(a) is a gauge showing the ratio of the remaining memory capacity (number of storable pages) of pages managed by the FM.
"No. 4" in FIG. 11A is a gauge showing the ratio of the remaining memory capacity (the number of storable files (jobs)) of files (jobs) managed by the IMS.
"No. 5" in Fig. 11(a) is a gauge showing the ratio of the remaining memory capacity (the number of storable pages) of pages managed by the IMS.
Note that the meanings indicated by "No. 1" to "No. 5" are the same in FIGS. 12 and 13 as well.

Among the remaining memory capacity shown in FIG. 11A, the ratio of the remaining memory capacity is the smallest at 30% of "No. 1". Therefore, in the processing in step S106 of FIG. 2, the control unit 100 displays "30%" as the warning memory remaining capacity, as shown in FIG. 11(b).

(2) Example 2: 300 jobs, 2000 pages, 200 MB used The usage of the storage unit 120 in Example 2 is shown in FIG. Among the remaining memory capacity shown in FIG. 12A, the ratio of the remaining memory capacity is the smallest at 25% of "No. 4". Therefore, in the processing in step S106 of FIG. 2, the control unit 100 displays "25%" as the warning memory remaining capacity, as shown in FIG. 11(b).

(3) Example 3: 100 jobs, 4999 pages, 200 MB used The usage status of the storage unit 120 in Example 3 is shown in FIG. Among the remaining memory capacity shown in FIG. 13(a), "No. 3" and "No. 5" have the smallest percentage of the remaining memory capacity, at 1%. Therefore, in the processing in step S106 of FIG. 2, the control unit 100 displays "1%" as the warning memory remaining amount, as shown in FIG. 11(b).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to display a warning based on the management means of the storage unit.

[5. Modification]
As described above, the embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. include.

In addition, the program that operates in each device in the embodiment is a program that controls the CPU and the like (a program that causes the computer to function) so as to implement the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, then stored in various ROM and HDD storage devices, and read and corrected by the CPU as necessary. • Writing is performed.

Examples of recording media for storing programs include semiconductor media (eg, ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media/magneto-optical recording media (eg, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), MO (Magneto Optical Disk), MD (Mini Disk), CD (Compact Dick), BD (Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark)), etc.), non-temporary recording media such as magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disc, etc.) It can be anything as long as it is. By executing the loaded program, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized. In some cases, the disclosed functions are implemented.

When distributed to the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium for distribution, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, of course, the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present disclosure.

Also, part or all of the devices in the above-described embodiments may be realized as LSI (Large Scale Integration), which is an integrated circuit. Each functional block of each device may be individually chipped, or part or all may be integrated and chipped. Also, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Further, when a technology for integrating circuits to replace LSIs emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, it is of course possible to use an integrated circuit based on this technology.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 image forming apparatus 100 control unit 120 storage unit 130 document reading unit 140 image forming unit 150 display unit 160 operation unit 170 communication unit

Claims (7)

a display unit;
a storage unit in which a usable area is secured for each function;
When the remaining memory capacity indicating the free space for the area for the function selected by the user is equal to or less than a threshold, the remaining memory capacity corresponding to a function different from the above function or the remaining memory capacity of the entire storage section is displayed on the display section. a control unit that displays at least one of the amounts as a warning remaining memory capacity;
An information processing device comprising: When displaying the remaining memory capacity corresponding to a function different from the function on the display section, the control section displays the smallest remaining memory capacity among the remaining memory capacity corresponding to functions other than the function selected by the user. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a remaining amount is used as said warning memory remaining amount. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value indicates near-end, and the control unit displays the amount of data that can be stored in the storage unit as a specific object. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit displays the number of sheets of paper whose size is specified as the specific object. The information processing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when displaying the remaining warning memory capacity, the control unit displays a screen showing a proposal to delete a job on the display unit. Device. The control unit deletes jobs corresponding to functions other than the functions in a predetermined order of the functions when the remaining memory capacity of the function selected by the user is equal to or less than the threshold. The information processing device according to claim 5 . Information processing that controls an information processing device that includes a display unit and a storage unit that secures a usable area for each function, and manages the remaining memory capacity, which is the amount of free memory with respect to the memory capacity allocated to each function. In the control method of the device,
characterized by comprising a control step of displaying the remaining memory capacity corresponding to a function different from the function on the display unit when the remaining memory capacity corresponding to the function selected by the user is equal to or less than a threshold. A control method for an information processing device.

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