JP5360541B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform processing meeting a condition requested by a user in response to a change of an apparatus state caused by an artificially performed operation such as a change of supply in a program registration function reutilizing the registered setting information. <P>SOLUTION: When processing a job is requested using the program registration function, whether an apparatus state change affecting the processing (output) has occurred between the time of registration and the time of utilizing a registered program is determined by a difference between program related information such as registered operation information and status of supply (paper sheets and a developing material) and program related information indicating the present state of the apparatus (S102). For mismatch, an alarm indicating that effect and a mismatch part is issued to a user (S104). Further, a solution such as a setting change for making a match possible is indicated to enable the execution of the job intended by the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP) that combines functions of a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, a scanner, and the like. More specifically, the multi-function is used efficiently and processing intended by a user is properly performed. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a program registration function for enabling an input operation of an operation unit for instructing processing to be performed easily, an image processing method, and a program for causing a computer to perform the image processing method.

Through the era of analog copying machines, a copy is created with digitized image data by the development of a reading device using a line sensor composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) photoelectric conversion element and a toner writing device by laser irradiation. A digital copier appeared.
Since becoming a digital copier, compatibility with not only single-function copiers but also other devices that handle digital image data has increased, combined with various functions such as facsimile functions, printer functions, scanner functions, It came to be called MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals).
In addition, increasing the capacity and cost of memory such as HDD (hard disk) drives, speeding up and popularizing communication technologies such as networks, improving the processing power of CPU (Central Processing Unit), and improving technologies related to digital image data processing Along with the evolution of technologies related to MFPs such as (compression technology), the functions to be mounted are diversified.

In order to make full use of the wide variety of functions installed in the MFP, it is necessary to be able to efficiently perform complicated input operations when selecting functions to be used in the operation unit and instructing processing. Become. One means for solving these problems is a program registration function.
The program registration function registers the setting information input through the operation unit when requesting processing such as image input / output, and then re-uses the registered setting information to instruct the currently requested processing. This is a function for executing processing according to the setting contents including the used application (program) indicated in the setting information to be reused. By using this function, it is possible to reduce the complexity of the operation related to the setting when making an image input / output request, and to perform the operation simply and appropriately.

The following patent documents 1 to 3 can be shown as conventional techniques similar to the program registration function.
Patent Documents 1 and 2 relate to a printer. A printer driver normally mounted on a host machine (for example, PC: Personal Computer) that issues a print request to the printer has a function that allows the user to freely change the print conditions such as print density and number of copies. . This is to enable printing that matches the user's purpose of use and application software used on the host machine.
These printing conditions are changed as necessary every time the user uses the printer. However, when a conventional printer driver executes a printing process without changing the printing conditions at the time of printing, the initial conditions are used. (Hereinafter referred to as “default”) instructing the printing conditions. Usually, the default setting of the printer driver is set to a condition that the user generally uses frequently.

However, in some cases, in order to output the print conditions required by the user, the print process may be executed as it is, although the printer driver default must be changed. In such a case, for example, printing more than necessary or printing with different printing paper sizes and orientations may cause printing errors.
As a method of preventing such a printing error, Patent Document 1 alerts the user by issuing a warning or the like when the printing conditions required by the user are different from the default, and the current printing is thereby performed. There has been proposed a printing control system and method for confirming whether or not conditions are acceptable.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses that a warning is issued even when the user intentionally changes the printing conditions in order to change the default and execute printing according to the conditions requested by the user. It is intended to improve the technology. By checking the input printing conditions against the printing conditions executed in the past and checking whether they are appropriate, it is as appropriate as possible for the printing conditions requested by the user. There has been proposed a printing control system that reduces printing errors due to changes in printing conditions by performing warnings and displays, and that emits unnecessary displays and warnings as much as possible.
Further, Patent Document 3 proposes an image processing apparatus having a function of improving the convenience of operation by reusing setting information saved together with a preview image as a setting history in the MFP. Has been.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-309924 JP 2004-157680 A JP 2008-40690 A

The above Patent Documents 1 and 2 make it possible to simplify the user's operation by using the default setting, and to reduce setting errors that occur at that time.
However, this is an effective function that is set from the PC or from the operation screen of the print control system and leads to a reduction in printing mistakes. It does not consider adapting to the conditions required by the user in response to changes in supply such as paper and developer. Regarding this problem, Patent Document 3 does not show a solution. In other words, taking supply changes such as recording paper and developer as an example, setting errors from the operation screen can be reduced when using default settings and program registration functions for plotters used in copy functions, etc. As for the part related to the supply of the equipment performed by, control proceeds according to the setting, so for example, if the paper type is different or the output status of the plotter has changed, unintended output may occur To do.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art. The purpose of the present invention is to register setting information input through the operation unit during processing such as image input / output, and then reuse the registered setting information. In the program registration function that can instruct the currently requested process, a process that matches the condition requested by the user in response to a change in the state of the image processing apparatus caused by an operation such as a supply change that is manually performed by the user or the like It is to be able to do.

The present invention provides an image input means for inputting an image, an image processing means for processing image data generated through the input by the image input means as output image data, and an image for outputting an image using the output image data. An output means, an operation display means having a user interface function and accepting an operation of an image input / output request accompanied by an input / output condition, operation information related to an image input / output request received by the operation display means, and executed according to the operation information Program registration means related to the program and associated with the program related information corresponding to the state of the image processing apparatus at that time, the image input means, the image processing means, the image output means, the operation display means, and the program registration The entire image processing apparatus is controlled in response to an image input / output request under the control of each part of the image processing apparatus including the means. An image processing apparatus having control means for controlling, wherein the operation display means is capable of accepting an operation of an image input / output request for reusing operation information and program related information registered in the program registration means. The control means is registered in the program registration means when receiving an image input / output request for reusing the operation information and program related information registered in the program registration means through the operation display means. The program-related information is compared with the current program-related information according to the received image input / output request to confirm the difference. If they are different, this is notified and different program-related information is the same. To notify the operation display means to make an operation for making the Characterized in that so as to execute the processing of the image input and output by broadcast.
The present invention relates to an image input means, an image processing means for processing image data generated through input by the image input means as output image data, an image output means for outputting an image using the output image data, and a user interface function the have an operation information about the image input-output request accepted by the operation display unit and the operation display unit receives an operation of the image output request with the input and output conditions, related to the program executed according to the operation information, the time that An image processing method in an image processing apparatus comprising program registration means for relating and registering program related information corresponding to the state of the image processing apparatus, the operation information registered in the program registration means through the operation display means And processing required to accept image input / output request operations that reuse program-related information Comparing the program related information to be reused registered in the program registration means of the image input / output request received in the receiving step and the processing request receiving step with the current program related information corresponding to the received image input / output request The program-related information confirmation step for confirming the difference is different from the current program-related information corresponding to the image input / output request received by the program-related information registered in the program registration means in the program-related information confirmation step. If it is confirmed that the operation display means, the operation display means is made to notify the fact that the different program related information is the same, and if it is confirmed that the same, It has a control process to execute image input / output processing based on registered program related information To.

According to the present invention, as a program registration function, information relating to a program to be registered in association with operation information at the time of an image input / output request, the state of an image processing apparatus (supplied state, etc.) caused by an operation performed manually by a user or the like When an input / output instruction is issued according to registered operation information by adding information indicating change, when the program is registered and the state of the image processing apparatus is different, the user is notified by notifying that effect. Attention can be urged to avoid unnecessary input / output. Furthermore, when the status of the image processing device is different, it is possible to perform input / output as intended by the user by allowing the user to perform an operation for matching the input / output instruction and the status of the image processing device. It becomes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an image processing apparatus and an image processing method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking a multifunction peripheral as an example.
“Overview of MFPs”
A multifunction machine according to the present embodiment described below has a combination of functions of copying, document box (a function for using stored images for re-output), facsimile, printer, and scanner. In this embodiment, an apparatus capable of outputting color printing is taken as an example, but may be implemented as an apparatus capable of outputting only monochrome printing.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine according to the present embodiment. This figure mainly shows the configuration of the image data processing system of the multifunction machine.
The image data processing system shown in FIG. 1 performs image input by means of a document image reading means or means for receiving data in a predetermined format from an external device via a network or the like, and processes the input image as data used for print output. To do. Note that data input from an external device includes scan data from a host PC (Personal computer) or the like, print data created by a printer driver, and facsimile reception data.
Further, in this image data processing system, an input image can be stored (accumulated) in a storage means, and print output can be performed by shifting the time, and the accumulated data can be reused for print output or data output (transmission) to an external device. I am doing so. Since the external device of the data transmission destination is a PC, a facsimile machine, a network printer, a multifunction device, etc., it is transmitted as a predetermined format image that can be processed by each device or data that can be converted into a predetermined format image. .

  In FIG. 1, a reading device 1 such as a scanner includes a line sensor composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) photoelectric conversion element, an A / D converter, and drive circuits thereof, and an original obtained by scanning a set original. It generates and outputs digital image data of 8 bits for each of RGB from the density information of RGB (R: RED, G: GREEN, B: BLUE) components of the image. It is possible to adopt not only CCD but also CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor with the same configuration, and the number of read bits tends to increase in recent years. To 10 bits or 12 bits.

The image data processing device (1) 2 performs a process for unifying the digital image data from the reading device 1 with predetermined characteristics and outputs the processed data. Since the image data read and input by the scanner depends on the device characteristics of the scanner, this processing suppresses or eliminates signal components depending on the device, and performs processing to normalize the image data, The data is converted into general-purpose data that can be used for output, and stored in the HDD 5 described later. That is, the data is stored as data that can be reused for various purposes by using various functions of the MFP.
The bus control device 3 is a data bus control device for exchanging various data such as image data and control commands necessary in the image data processing system, and also has a bridge function between a plurality of types of bus standards. In this embodiment, the image data processing device (1) 2, the image data processing unit (2) 4, and the CPU 6 are connected to each other by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) -Express bus, and the HDD 5 by an ATA (AT Attachment) bus. (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

The image data processing unit (2) 4 is digital image data processed by the image data processing device (1) 2 and image data input through a line I / F (interface) device 11 or an external I / F device 12 described later. The image data stored in the HDD 5 described later is subjected to image adjustment / edit processing and image processing suitable for the output destination designated by the user. For example, when outputting to paper, the image data unified by the image data processing device (1) 2 is converted into color components CMYK (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, etc.) depending on the plotter device 9 described later. K: black) data.
An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 5 is a large-capacity storage device for storing digital image data and image management information such as bibliographic information attached to the digital image data. In this embodiment, an ATA bus-connected hard disk that is standardized by expanding IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) is used. As a device having a large capacity and storing such data, a silicon disk using a flash memory whose capacity has been increasing in recent years can be applied. In that case, improvement of the power consumption and access speed can be expected.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 6 is a microprocessor that controls the entire control of the image data processing system. In this embodiment, an integrated CPU in which an additional function is added to a CPU core unit that has become widespread in recent years, a CPU in which a connection function with a general-purpose standard I / F and a bus connection function using a crossbar switch are integrated is used. .
The memory 7 stores data to be temporarily exchanged in order to absorb a difference in speed when a plurality of types of bus standards are bridged and a difference in processing speed between connected components themselves, and the CPU 6 can store the image data processing system. It is a volatile memory that temporarily stores programs and intermediate processing data when performing the above control. Since the CPU 6 is required to perform high-speed processing, the system is activated by a boot program stored in the ROM 14 (to be described later) during normal activation, and thereafter, the processing is performed by a program developed in the memory 7 that can be accessed at high speed. In this embodiment, a DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) standardized and used in a personal computer is used.

The plotter I / F device 8 receives digital image data of each color component CMYK (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, K: black) sent from the general-purpose standard I / F integrated with the CPU 6. A bus bridge process for outputting to the dedicated I / F of the plotter device 9 is performed. The general-purpose standard I / F used here is a PCI-Express bus.
Upon receiving the CMYK digital image data, the plotter device 9 performs writing with a laser driven by the image data, and prints out by an electrophotographic process in which an image is formed on a transfer paper as a recording medium using toner as a developer. To do. When performing monochrome output, it may be configured to output if only K is received, but here it is assumed that four channels of CMYK are always received for ease of explanation.
Of course, the process used for output can be arbitrarily selected, and an inkjet engine that is often used for personal use in recent years may be used. In that case, the correspondence of multi-color inks such as 6 colors and 7 colors can be configured as necessary.

S. B. (South Bridge) 13 is one of chip sets used for a PC, and is a general-purpose electronic device called “South Bridge”. The bus bridge function often used when constructing a CPU system mainly including a PCI-Express and an ISA (Industrial Standard Architecture) bridge is formed as a general-purpose circuit. In this embodiment, a bridge is connected to the ROM 14 described later. doing.
A ROM (Read Only Memory) 14 is a memory for storing a program used when the CPU 6 controls the image data processing system, and is configured by a nonvolatile memory so that the contents are not lost even when the power is turned off. . In addition, among the programs stored in other non-volatile recording (storage) media such as the ROM 14 or the HDD, job processing using a program registration function shown in an embodiment described later (see the control flow in FIG. 5). By recording (storing) a program for executing the program, the CPU 6 reads the control / processing program, control data, and the like recorded on the recording medium into the memory 7 and drives the program at the time of execution of the process. The CPU 6 (computer) can function as an execution means for this process. The medium for recording the program is not limited to the ROM 14 or the HDD, and various storage media including a disk type such as a CD-ROM and MO (Magnet Optical Disk) can be used.

The operation display device 10 is an interface between the image data processing system and the user, and is composed of an LCD (liquid crystal display device) that also serves as a touch panel and a button (key) switch. The button switch input from the user is detected. Note that the button switch can be omitted and the touch panel can be configured to handle all inputs. In the present embodiment, the operation display device 10 is connected to the CPU 6 via a PCI-Express bus.
The line I / F device 11 is a device that connects a PCI-Express bus and a telephone line. With this apparatus, the image data processing system can exchange various data via the telephone line. With this interface, FAX transmission / reception is performed via a telephone line with an external facsimile (FAX) device 15 or a device having a facsimile function.

  The external I / F device 12 is a device that connects a PCI-Express bus and an external device. With this device, the image data processing system can perform various controls and input / output of image data with an external device such as a PC 6 or an external device. Do. In this embodiment, Ethernet (registered trademark) and USB (Universal Serial Bus) are used for the connection I / F. That is, this image data processing system is connected to an external medium as a network or an external device via the external I / F device 12. There are wired LANs (Local Area Networks) and wireless LANs, but either can be configured. The PC 6 shown in FIG. 1 performs various controls and input / output of image data to and from this image data processing system via application software and drivers installed in the PC. The external medium 17 is a memory device such as a so-called compact flash (registered trademark) card or SD (Secure Digital (registered trademark)) card, and records various electronic data including image data. Input and output image data to the processing system.

Next, the operation of the image data processing system (FIG. 1) will be described.
In the MFP according to the present embodiment, as described above, in addition to the scanner input from the reading device 1 that reads a document, an external device such as an external device such as the PC 16 or an external medium 17 is connected via the external I / F device 12. In response to data input (hereinafter, referred to as “external I / F input”), print output is performed in the apparatus using various input data, or data output is performed via the external I / F device 12. This image data input and output processing process uses which of the functions of copying, facsimile (FAX), scanner, printer, and document box. It depends on the output destination.

Hereinafter, a copy operation (scanner input → plotter output) relating to a scanner input image and an external I / F input operation (external I / F input → plotter output) will be described as an operation flow of main input / output processing.
The above two operations start from an input device such as a scanner input or an external I / F input. As described below, the input image is used for image output via the HDD 5 or the memory 7. ing. Since the output operation performed using the image data stored in the HDD 5 or the memory 7 is not different from the re-output operation by the document box function, the following description is an explanation of the output operation in the document box function starting from the stored (saved) image. Doubles as

"Copy operation (scanner input → plotter output)"
The user sets an original on the reading device 1 and inputs an instruction for setting the image processing mode (input / output conditions) and the like to be obtained through the operation display device 10 and instructing the start of copying (see the description of FIGS. 2 and 3 to be described later). The operation display device 10 converts information entered by the user into control command data inside the device and issues it. The issued control command data is notified to the CPU 6.
The CPU 6 executes the copy operation process program in accordance with the copy start control command data, and performs the copy operation in the following operation process.

First, RGB 8-bit image data obtained by scanning a document with the reading device 1 is unified to characteristics predetermined by the image data processing device (1) 2. The processing performed here performs γ conversion, filter processing, color conversion, and resolution conversion on the read image data of 8 bits for each of RGB, and γ characteristics, MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) characteristics, color characteristics by each processing. The characteristics of the image are unified for (conversion to RGB standard color space) and resolution characteristics (conversion to a predetermined resolution). That is, the read image data depending on the device characteristics of the reader 1 is normalized and output as general-purpose data. When conditions are instructed in the scanner input process such as a reading mode (for example, a reading condition corresponding to the type of document), image processing is performed by setting a condition according to the instruction.
Also, setting data related to the document type and image input processing is extracted and managed as data used when reusing image data and using the program registration function shown in the embodiments described later. The The image data after these processes are sent to the bus control device 3.

Upon receiving the RGB image data from the image data processing device (1) 2, the bus control device 3 develops and stores it in the memory 7 via the CPU 6. In addition, the RGB image data developed in the memory 7 is not only used this time, but is also stored by a user for subsequent reuse, broadcast transmission to a plurality of output destinations in FAX transmission, editing processing, etc. Is stored and stored in the HDD 5 as necessary before the above processing.
Next, the RGB image data stored in the memory 7 is sent to the image data processing device (2) 4 via the CPU 6 and the bus control device 3. Note that the RGB image data processed by the image data processing device (1) 2 is subjected to data compression / decompression processing as necessary when it is transferred via the bus control device 3 or stored in the HDD 5. It is also possible to handle data efficiently. This data compression / decompression process can be performed by a program operation of the CPU 6.

The image data processing device (2) 4 converts the received RGB image data into CMYK image data used for output by the plotter device 9, and outputs the CMYK image data. Here, CMYK 2-bit image data suitable for the performance of the plotter device 9 is generated in order to obtain a highly reproducible output image by filter processing, color conversion, resolution conversion, halftone processing, and γ conversion. Output to the control device 3.
When the bus control device 3 receives the CMYK image data from the image data processing device (2) 4, the bus control device 3 develops this data in the memory 7 via the CPU 6. The CMYK image data expanded in the memory 7 is sent to the plotter device 9 via the CPU 6 and the plotter I / F device 8.
The plotter device 9 prints out the recording paper using the CMYK image data received via the plotter I / F device 8, and creates a copy of the document. Note that the image data processing device (2) 4 processes the image data for output under the conditions set in accordance with the instruction when the user designates a mode such as scaling or editing as the output condition.
In addition, setting data related to output image processing such as color mode and density adjustment is extracted as data used when reusing image data and using a program registration function shown in the embodiments described later in this embodiment. Managed.

“External I / F input operation (external I / F input → plotter output)”
The external I / F input is data input from an external device accepted by the external I / F device 12, and one of the external devices is a device such as a PC 16 on the network. The PC 16 connected to the MFP via the network inputs a print request command (image data to be output and setting data such as a requested image processing mode) and data instructing print start via the external I / F device 12. To make a print output request. The CPU 6 receives input of these data from the PC 16 on the network and recognizes the control command for the print output request.
As another external device, an external medium (not shown) such as a memory card is used. In this case, the user connects an external medium in which image data is recorded via the external I / F device 12, and inputs an instruction for setting the image processing mode requested through the operation display device 10 and starting printing (printing). I do. The operation display device 10 that receives this input converts the information / data input by the user's operation into control command data inside the device and issues it.
The CPU 6 executes a print operation process program in accordance with a print start control command, and performs settings and operations necessary for plotter output according to the following operation process.

Since the image data input from the external PC 16 or the external medium is used for an output device (plotter device 9) common to the copying operation in the scanner input, the external I / F input is basically the same plotter device 9 as well. So that it can be used for the output operation, and is unified into predetermined characteristics as general-purpose data and stored in the HDD 5.
Normally, digital image data based on the standardized color space of each rendered RGB 8-bit input from the PC 16 as a print request command, or 8-bit RGB input from the external medium via the external I / F device 12 The digital image data based on the standardized color space is stored in the memory 7 via the CPU 6 in the standardized color space. There are various definitions in the standardized color space, but generally sRGB and AdobeRGB are often used.
Here, if the RGB image data input by requesting the print output is other than that assumed as a standardized color space, the RGB image data stored in the memory 7 is stored in the CPU 6 and the bus control device 3. Then, it is sent to the image data processing device (2) 4 and converted into a standardized color space set by the user and stored in the memory 7 again.

Next, the RGB image data of the standardized color space stored in the memory 7 is sent to the image data processing device (2) 4 via the CPU 6 and the bus control device 3.
The image data processing device (2) 4 converts the received RGB image data of the standardized color space into CMYK image data for plotter output and outputs it. Note that the processing in the image data processing device (2) 4 is the same as that for the output image of the operation 1 (scanner input → plotter output operation), and therefore the above description is referred to for details.
Thereafter, the plotter device 9 that has received the CMYK image data from the image data processing device (2) 4 prints it on the transfer paper using this data. Note that the print output process using the CMYK image data from the image data processing apparatus (2) 4 and the process for managing the setting data related to the output image process are the same as in the output process of the copy operation described above. Therefore, refer to the previous description for details.

“Operation of processing request by user”
When using the MFP, the user instructs the content of requested processing by an input operation on the operation panel of the operation display device 1. In the MFP, this function is requested by selecting which function to be used as a composite function is to be used and instructing conditions to be set for the process executed by the selected function (application).
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel of the MFP. The operation panel 21 shown in FIG. 1 includes an application selection button 22 for selecting a composite function (image processing application) of the MFP, an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel 23 that also serves as a touch panel, a numeric keypad 24, a function selection button 25, and a start button 26. , A stop button 27 and the like. In this example, the application selection button 22 includes buttons corresponding to functions of copy, document box, fax (FAX), printer, and scanner.

By performing an operation of selecting one function from the application selection button 22, an input operation screen of the selected application is displayed on the screen of the LCD panel 23. At this time, the LCD panel 23 displays a screen for inputting setting conditions used in processing executed by the application, and the setting is input by operating the touch panel. The start button 26 instructs the start of the operation by the selected function. For example, in the case of the copy function, when this button is pressed, the reading operation of the document image is started. The stop button 27 is used when stopping an operation in operation.
The function selection button 25 is used to select functions such as “program registration function”, “interrupt function”, and “reset function”, which will be described later. By pressing this button, processing and operation by the selected function is started. Is done. “Interrupt function” is a function that allows you to select this button when performing an operation according to an operation, perform another setting input operation, and operate according to this operation. “Reset function” is shown on the operation panel. This function is used when initializing the set contents. The operation using the operation screen displayed on the LCD panel 23 by the operation of the “program registration function” button related to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an input operation screen displayed on the LCD panel when one of the application selection buttons is operated. This figure shows a display screen when the copy function is selected.
A touch panel sheet is affixed to the display part of the LCD panel. In this case, an operation screen for the copy function is displayed, and a touch position is detected when a button (corresponding portion of the touch panel sheet) displayed on the screen is pressed. The position information is transmitted to the controller, and the controller can recognize which button is operated in relation to the button display position on the screen.
As shown in FIG. 3, the operation screen related to the copy function displays the status of the copy function. If the copy function is on standby as shown in FIG. 3, the characters “Can copy” are displayed. . Below the portion where the status is displayed, an image quality mode (indicated by <monochrome>), the number of copies, and the like are displayed. In the lower area of the status display, “paper selection (tray selection)”, “magnification”, and “output method (sort, stack, etc.)” are arranged, and in the lower area for more detailed settings Has an Application Mode tab. By pressing this tab, hierarchical display is performed, and settings that cannot be included in the current display screen can be made.

"Program registration function"
The MFP of the present embodiment has a program registration function that simplifies an instruction operation performed by the user on the operation panel when requesting processing such as image input / output. This program registration function is a function that allows an application (program) selected from the composite functions of the MFP to be reused under processing conditions registered in advance. Therefore, the application to be registered accompanies information related to the processing conditions.
The information related to the processing conditions to be included includes operation information instructed by the user as a setting condition or the like from the operation panel as a setting for processing executed by each application of the composite function. Therefore, when instructing processing, this program registration function is used to perform a simple operation of specifying a name for identifying a registered application, and the setting conditions indicated in the accompanying operation information are collectively displayed. The application can be executed with the settings at the time of registration. An application (program) to be registered is prepared for each of the composite functions (copy, document box, fax (FAX), printer, scanner), and can be applied to the setting of the selected function.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for the program registration function according to the present embodiment. The operation screen shown in the figure is displayed on the LCD panel 23 by operating a program registration function button prepared as one of the function selection buttons 25 on the operation panel 21 (FIG. 2).
Since the status display part of the program registration function in FIG. 4 is an operation screen of the program registration function when the copy function is selected, “program (copy)” is displayed, and the function is displayed below the status display part. The menu button 321 includes “call”, “register”, “name change”, and “delete” buttons. Depending on which button is selected, the screen is switched to each screen. . In the default state, “calling” is selected, and FIG. 4 is in this state, and a screen waiting for selection input of a registration program to be reused is displayed.
“Call” shown in the menu of the program registration function is performed by pressing the call button of the menu button 321. That is, an operation for designating a registration program to be reused from among the list displayed is performed, and then when a call button is pressed, a setting according to registration contents (an application attached with information on processing conditions) is performed. Switch to the operation screen that reflects the settings. If the start button on the operation panel 21 (FIG. 2) is pressed in this state, the input or output set according to the registered content is performed.

The next “registration” is a state where program conditions are set in the selected application (in the case of the copy function, the setting is input on the operation screen of FIG. 3), and the program function button (operation panel). One of the function selection buttons 25 provided in the menu 21 is pressed. When the registration button is further pressed on the operation screen (FIG. 4) of the program registration function which is switched by pressing this button, the registration name to be given to the application (program) to be registered is requested. A name is input, and thereafter, operation information and the like to be registered in the program are stored and managed under this name. As an input method of the registered name, for example, an alphabet or a hiragana key is displayed on the operation screen, and a method of performing an input operation on the key can be adopted.
The next “name change” is a button for changing the registered name. In this process, only the name assigned for management is changed without changing the registered contents (application with information related to the processing conditions). When the name change button is pressed, the management information of the registered program is called, and the name of the target registered program selected from the list displayed in the form of a list is changed in accordance with the user's instruction, and then written back.
The next “delete” is a button for deleting the registered program. After pressing the delete button, a process for deleting the registered program from the management information is performed in accordance with an instruction from the user who selects the registered program to be deleted.

By using the program registration function described above, it is possible to collectively specify the setting conditions shown on the operation screen (see FIG. 3), and detailed settings can be made while checking individual setting items. It is possible to perform registration with settings that are highly likely to be appropriate by eliminating the need for complicated operations to be instructed and using the settings of the executed application (program) as registration contents.
However, if registration is performed with the settings that were made when the application was executed, there is no guarantee that it will be appropriate if the status of the device changes afterwards even if it is appropriate at the time of registration. In particular, there is currently no support for changes in device status caused by artificially performed operations such as changes in the supply of recording paper and developer performed by the user and corrections that change the output status of the plotter (for example, automatic gradation correction). When such a change in the device state occurs, the operation information set on the operation screen is not sufficient to adapt to the processing conditions such as input / output required by the user.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, as information related to the processing condition incidental to the application to be registered, program related information related to the program executed according to the operation information is also managed, and based on the information related to the processing condition including the program related information. By adding a procedure to check whether or not there is a change in the status of the device that affects processing (output), when using the program registration function, it meets the output conditions required by the user in consideration of the current status of the device. To be able to perform processing. A specific example of the program related information will be described in an embodiment described later.

"Job processing using the program registration function"
Check the device status changes described above to prevent unintentional output (printing mistakes, etc.) that may occur when processing the requested job using the program registration function, and to match the processing conditions required by the user. In the following embodiment, job processing having a procedure for enabling processing conforming to the output condition required by the user will be described.
The following “Embodiment 1” shows an outline of a job processing flow to which this technique is applied, along with the basic technique used in this processing procedure. Further, in the “embodiment 2” to “embodiment 6”, the technique of the “embodiment 1” is applied to various factors that cause the state change of the device that affects the processing (output), and the state of each device The embodiment which enabled it to cope with a change is shown.

“Embodiment 1”
As a processing procedure for performing job processing using the program registration function according to the user's intention, first, whether a change in the state of the device affecting processing (output) occurred between the time of program registration and the current processing time. Capture by no. In the present embodiment, this is based on the determination result of whether or not the operation information and the program related information related to the program executed at the time of registration differ from the current information, that is, the information.
As described above, the program-related information is information that is attached to the registered application and captures the state of the device that affects the processing (output), but is not the operation information itself but information related to the program executed according to the operation information. In this embodiment, setting contents that are not displayed on the operation screen but are hierarchized as an application mode, setting conditions and processing of processing (for example, an image forming process) executed by a program to be registered The status (process status), program name, registration date, etc. correspond to this information. Therefore, information relating to supply such as recording paper and developer can be included in the program-related information. Since information about the supply is changed by the user and is not covered by the operation information on the system, it can be managed by putting it in the program related information.

As for the method of registering program related information for use in the program registration function, the same procedure as the operation information registration method described above with reference to FIGS. The program related information such as setting contents and processing status when the application is executed is extracted and registered as information to be registered.
The registered program calling method is also a program registration screen (FIG. 4) that is displayed when a program function button (one of the function selection buttons 25 provided on the operation panel 21) is pressed. ), An operation for designating the registered program is performed, and then the call button is pressed, so that settings corresponding to the operation information of the registered contents and the program-related information are collectively performed, and the program can be started.

When job processing by a program called using the program registration function is requested, it is not intended by performing a procedure to check whether a change in the state of the device that affects processing (output) has occurred. Introduce a technique to prevent processing and adapt it to the processing conditions required by the user.
The procedure for confirming whether or not a change in the state of the device has occurred is the difference between the information related to the processing conditions including the registered operation information and program-related information and the information indicating the current state of the device, That is, it is a procedure for determining whether or not they match. Here, if they do not match, it is determined that the state of the device is different from that at the time of registration, and there is a mismatch with the registered contents, and the intended processing result cannot be obtained.
If a mismatch is confirmed as a result of performing this procedure, a warning indicating that the mismatch is not possible and that the requested processing is not possible because the mismatch has occurred is issued. Further, if there is a solution such as a setting change for enabling matching, the solution is displayed, and the processing intended by the user is enabled.

Here, job processing to which the above-described method is applied will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
According to the processing flow of FIG. 5, first, when the application selection button 22 is pressed by the user, this operation is received (if the application activated by default is used, this button operation is not necessary), and processing is requested. The application is started, its operation screen (see FIG. 3) is displayed, and setting operations such as processing conditions can be performed.
In this state, on the program registration screen (see FIG. 4) displayed by pressing the program function button provided on the operation panel 21, when the call button is pressed next to the registration program specifying operation, this operation is received and specified. The operation information and the program related information as setting contents related to the registration program are called (step S101).
Next, obtain the operation information and program related information as the setting contents related to the called registration program and the system setting information indicating the current device status, compare these setting information, and check whether there is a mismatch (Step S102).

If there is no mismatch in the setting information in step S102 (step S103-NO), the job is processed by executing the application according to the setting contents related to the registration program (step S107). When the job processing is finished, this processing flow is finished.
On the other hand, if the setting information does not match in step S102 (step S103-YES), a warning message is displayed to the user through the operation screen of the operation panel 21 (step S104). This warning message informs that the requested process is not possible because a mismatch has occurred, and points out the mismatch. Further, if the mismatch can be resolved by changing the setting on the operation screen, a message prompting the user to change the setting is displayed as a solution. At this time, in order to respond to the setting change operation performed by the user in response to the warning message, the user may be asked whether or not the setting change operation is to be performed, and the user may respond.

Next, in response to the warning message in step S104, it is determined whether or not a setting change operation is performed by the user (step S105). If the setting change operation is not performed (step S105-NO), the job is processed by executing the application according to the setting contents related to the registration program without changing the setting (step S107).
On the other hand, if the setting change operation is performed by the user (step S105-YES), the setting related to the registration program is changed according to the operation (step S106), and the job is executed by executing the application with the changed setting. Is processed (step S107). When the job processing is finished, this processing flow is finished.
If the mismatched part confirmed in step S102 is a part where the setting cannot be changed, steps S105 and S106 are omitted, and the process proceeds to step S107 to execute the job.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the settings related to the registration program in the program registration function are managed with the operation information and the program related information as contents, and the processing conditions including the program related information are included when the program registration function is used. When the status of the device, including the current supply, etc. is different from the time when the program was registered by adding a procedure to check whether the status change of the device affecting processing (output) has occurred based on the information In addition, this can be notified to alert the user, and unnecessary output can be avoided.
Furthermore, when the state of the device is different between the time of registration and the time when the registration program is used, the process intended by the user is made possible by guiding the user to perform an operation for eliminating the mismatch.

“Embodiment 2”
This embodiment is an embodiment in which the basic method shown in “Embodiment 1” is applied to the case where the factor causing the change in the state of the device that affects the processing (output) is the color of the recording paper in the supply. Show.
The MFP according to the present embodiment performs image formation based on image data with the plotter device 9 as image output processing. Many types of recording paper for image formation supplied to the plotter device 9 are used, and factors that greatly affect fluctuations in image output are different colors depending on the type of paper (hereinafter referred to simply as “paper”). To have a taste.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when an image output is instructed using the program registration function, the intended image quality of the program is obtained when the instruction time and the time when the program is registered are different from each other in paper type and paper color. In this case, when the intended output is obtained by changing the setting, the procedure is performed to perform the setting changing operation.

The job processing performed using the program registration function of the present embodiment basically executes the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the description regarding the application to the difference between papers having different colors, which is the gist of the present embodiment, is supplemented, and the basic procedure is referred to the description of the first embodiment. .
In the present embodiment, the setting contents relating to the called registration program and the paper type obtained from the current system setting information are compared, and whether or not there is a mismatch is confirmed (step S102). If the set paper type does not match (step S103-YES), a warning message is displayed to the user through the operation screen of the operation panel 21 (step S104).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the LCD panel at this time.
As shown in the drawing, a warning message indicating that the program settings do not match is displayed on the message display unit 331, and the setting contents that do not match are set as “A4 tray plain paper” when registering the program. The current paper setting “A4 tray recycled paper” is displayed.
Further, the user can ask whether or not to execute the job, and can instruct whether or not to execute the job by operating one of the “OK” button 332 and the “cancel” button 333 provided at the bottom of the operation screen. To do. Here, if the “OK” button 332 is pressed, the job is processed by executing the application with the current paper setting “A4 tray recycled paper” (step S107). Note that, in the case of using the operation screen of FIG. 6, steps S105 and S106 in the processing flow of FIG. 5 are omitted.

Also, depending on the type of paper, even if there is a discrepancy in the set paper type, the paper is changed if the difference in the range in which the color difference of the paper can be dealt with by image processing is different. It is also possible to output the intended image by absorbing the difference by image processing.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the LCD panel at this time. The screen shown in the figure is the same as the operation screen shown in FIG. 6 in that a warning message indicating that the program settings are inconsistent is displayed on the message display unit 341, but correction for absorbing the difference in image processing is performed. If this is the case, the color can be reproduced. Therefore, this point is displayed with a guidance message for job execution “Do you want to execute the job after setting to reduce the effect on the paper type image?” And the “OK” provided at the bottom of the operation screen. The user can instruct whether or not to execute the job by operating one of the “” button 342 and the “cancel” button 343. Moreover, the procedure of the process performed according to the operation screen of FIG. 7 follows steps S104 to S107 of FIG.

As a correction method for absorbing the image processing difference, color correction, γ correction, or the like can be used.
In addition, for identifying the paper type, a method of checking the contents set in advance by user registration can be adopted as a method that can be easily implemented. In addition, for example, the color of the paper is measured using a sensor. You may employ | adopt the system structure which colors.
Reference is made to the proper use of the procedure on the operation screen of FIG. 7 and the procedure on the operation screen of FIG. For example, considering that the paper was registered on plain paper when the program was registered, but the paper was changed to recycled paper when the program registration contents were actually used, the paper in this case has a slight difference in the background. However, this is considered to be a range that can be dealt with by correction by image processing, and the procedure using the operation screen of FIG. Also, if you registered the program on plain paper when registering the program, but the paper has been changed to colored paper when you actually use the program registration, you can correct it instead of being absorbed by the difference in the background. In such a case, the procedure using the operation screen of FIG. 6 is suitable.

“Embodiment 3”
This embodiment shows an embodiment in which the basic technique shown in “Embodiment 1” is applied to the case where the factor causing the state change of the device that affects the processing (output) is the thickness of the paper in the supply. .
The MFP according to the present embodiment performs image formation based on image data with the plotter device 9 as image output processing. The thickness of the image forming paper supplied to the plotter device 9 is thick paper in addition to plain paper, and the process conditions applied to each differ, and there are also differences in usage. Unintentional image output.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when an image output is instructed using the program registration function, a notification that the intended image output of the program cannot be obtained when the instruction time and the time when the program is registered is different from the paper thickness is notified. Then, this is dealt with by performing a procedure for prompting the user to perform a paper replacement operation.

The job processing performed using the program registration function of the present embodiment basically executes the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the explanation regarding application to the difference in sheet thickness, which is the gist of the present embodiment, will be supplemented, and the description of the first embodiment will be referred to for the basic procedure.
In this embodiment, the setting contents related to the called registration program are compared with the sheet thickness obtained from the setting information of the current system, and whether or not there is a mismatch is confirmed (step S102). If the set paper thickness does not match (step S103-YES), a warning message is displayed to the user through the operation screen of the operation panel 21 (step S104).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the LCD panel at this time.
As shown in the drawing, a warning message indicating that the program settings do not match is displayed on the message display unit 351, and the setting contents that do not match the sheet thickness setting “A4 tray plain paper at the time of program registration”. ”And the current paper thickness setting“ A4 tray thick paper ”.
Further, the user can ask whether or not to execute the job, and can instruct whether or not to execute the job by operating one of the “OK” button 352 and the “Cancel” button 353 provided at the bottom of the operation screen. To do. Here, if the “OK” button 352 is pressed, the job is processed by executing the application with the current paper setting “A4 tray thick paper” (step S107). In the case of using the operation screen of FIG. 8, steps S105 and S106 in the processing flow of FIG. 5 are omitted.

As for the determination of whether the paper is plain paper or thick paper, a method of checking the contents set in advance by user registration can be adopted as a method that can be easily implemented. A system configuration in which it is used to determine whether the paper is plain paper or thick paper may be employed.
In many cases, the paper thickness was registered as plain paper when the program was registered, but when the program registration was actually used, the paper thickness was changed to thick paper. Considering this case, since the paper thickness affects the process conditions of the toner fixing process, the paper conveyance speed and the fixing temperature may be changed when the thickness changes. In such a case, the surface properties and gloss of the printed surface are affected, and the quality may be deteriorated. Further, since the paper thickness differs depending on the usage, it is different from the output intended by the user. In such a case, it is preferable to display a warning display as shown in FIG.

“Embodiment 4”
This embodiment shows an embodiment in which the basic method shown in “Embodiment 1” is applied to the case where the factor causing the change in the state of the device that affects the processing (output) is the paper tray position in the supply. .
The MFP according to the present embodiment performs image formation based on image data with the plotter device 9 as image output processing. Depending on the type of paper for image formation supplied to the plotter device 9, the process conditions to be applied differ and there are also different uses. If they are mistaken, the image quality is fluctuated and the image is not intended by the user. Examples of such paper types are seen in the difference in sheet thickness such as plain paper and cardboard of the third embodiment, or the difference in color of paper such as plain paper and recycled paper in the second embodiment. be able to.
By the way, the paper mix occurs when the method of specifying the tray for storing the paper to be supplied indirectly is used instead of specifying the paper type directly when setting the paper type.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when an image output is instructed using the program registration function, the paper is different from the desired type when the tray for storing the paper to be fed is different between the instruction time and the time when the program is registered. Since there is a possibility that the image output intended by the program may not be obtained, this is dealt with by notifying that the trays are different and urging the user to pay attention.

The job processing performed using the program registration function of the present embodiment basically executes the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the description regarding the application to the difference in tray position, which is the gist of the present embodiment, will be supplemented, and the description of the first embodiment will be referred to for the basic procedure.
In this embodiment, the setting contents related to the called registration program are compared with the setting of the tray position obtained from the setting information of the current system, and whether or not there is a mismatch is confirmed (step S102). If the set tray position does not match (step S103-YES), a warning message is displayed to the user through the operation screen of the operation panel 21 (step S104).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the LCD panel at this time.
As shown in the drawing, a warning message indicating that the program settings do not match is displayed on the message display unit 361, and for the setting contents that do not match, the tray position setting “A4 tray tray 1” at the time of program registration is displayed. And the current tray position setting “A4 tray tray 3” are displayed.
Further, it is asked whether or not the job is to be executed, and it is possible to instruct whether or not to execute the job by operating one of the “OK” button 362 and the “cancel” button 363 provided at the bottom of the operation screen. To do. Here, if the “OK” button 362 is pressed, the job is processed by executing the application with the current paper setting “A4 tray 3” (step S107). In the case of using the operation screen of FIG. 9, steps S105 and S106 in the processing flow of FIG. 5 are omitted.

In addition, about the tray position, the method of checking the content preset by the user is employable.
Further, many cases are assumed to have been registered as plain paper in tray 1 at the time of program registration, but were changed to tray 3 when the program registration contents were actually used, and this case will be considered. . In this case, even though tray 1 is A4 size plain paper at the time of program registration, trays 1 and 2 are A3 size paper when actually used, and A4 size thick paper is set in tray 3. Then, the tray 3 is selected as the tray position setting. This is because the setting of the tray position at the time of output is performed regardless of the contents registered in the program, and the tray that stores the paper of the specified size with priority on the paper size is selected. In such a case, as described in the third embodiment, the sheet thickness changes and the intended output cannot be obtained. For this reason, a warning display as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed to alert the user.

“Embodiment 5”
This embodiment shows an embodiment in which the basic technique shown in “Embodiment 1” is applied to the case where the factor causing the change in the state of the device that affects the processing (output) is the type of developer in the supply. . In the following, an embodiment in which the developer is toner is illustrated.
The MFP according to the present embodiment performs image formation based on image data with the plotter device 9 as image output processing. The type of toner used for image formation supplied to the plotter device 9 may be other than a genuine product, and a toner other than a genuine product can always provide a desired output when used under process conditions applied to a genuine product. Therefore, the image quality is changed and the image is not intended by the user.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when an image output is instructed using the program registration function, a notification that the intended image output of the program cannot be obtained when the instruction time and the time when the program is registered is different from the toner type is notified. In consideration of the case where the image quality required by the adjustment is obtained, this is dealt with by performing a procedure for prompting the user to perform the color adjustment.

The job processing performed using the program registration function of the present embodiment basically executes the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description supplements the description regarding application to the difference in toner type, which is the gist of the present embodiment, and for the basic procedure, refer to the description of the first embodiment.
In this embodiment, the setting contents related to the called registration program and the toner type obtained from the current system setting information are compared, and the presence or absence of a mismatch is confirmed (step S102). If there is a mismatch between the set toner types (step S103-YES), a warning message is displayed to the user through the operation screen of the operation panel 21 (step S104).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the LCD panel at this time. As shown in the figure, a warning message is displayed on the message display section 371 with the message “Toner used is not genuine toner” for the setting type of the toner whose program settings do not match. If you make adjustments, you may be able to reproduce the color you want, so this point should be “Use genuine toner or adjust the color for the toner being used. It can be changed in the direction) ”and“ Do you want to execute the job? ”Are displayed as guidance messages for job execution.
In addition to the above message display, a “Execute after genuine toner” button 372, “Execute after color adjustment” button 373 and “Cancel job” button 374 are displayed at the bottom of the message display portion 371. Provide.

If the user confirms whether or not to perform color adjustment according to the display of the warning message and determines that it is not necessary to perform color adjustment, the user may execute the job as it is. In this case, since it is desirable to switch to genuine toner, the execution button 372 is provided with a comment for entering genuine toner.
In addition, when performing color adjustment, by selecting the “Execute after color adjustment” button 373 in the warning screen, color adjustment can be simply performed without entering the setting screen for performing color adjustment again. After setting the above, the job can be executed.
Whether or not color adjustment is necessary may be checked, for example, whether or not a toner cartridge designated is used.
In the display example of the warning message including the method of eliminating the setting mismatch in this embodiment, a notch that can easily change the color from red to blue is prepared as a method of eliminating the mismatch, and A fine adjustment is made possible. However, if a toner different from the designated toner is used, other factors may affect the image quality.

Note that the warning message display example shown in FIG. 10 shows an example of warning display including a method for resolving inconsistency, but it is also possible to use a display that prompts color adjustment separately by only warning display. More specifically, the registration was performed using the toner cartridge specified at the time of program registration, but a toner cartridge other than the specification (for example, refill toner) is used when actually using the registered contents of the program. It may be the case. In such a case, since the color materials of the toners used are different, the color development properties of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are different. For this reason, it is necessary to display a warning message illustrated in FIG. 10 to call attention. However, if the difference in color material is small, it may be handled by color adjustment as described above.
As described above, whether the job is executed by any one of the “execute after adding genuine toner” button 372, the “execute after color adjustment” button 373, and the “cancel job” button 374. Be able to indicate whether or not. The procedure of processing performed in accordance with the instruction on the operation screen follows steps S104 to S107 in FIG.

“Embodiment 6”
In this embodiment, the basic method shown in “Embodiment 1” is applied to the case where the factor causing the change in the state of the device that affects the processing (output) is the execution state of automatic gradation (density) correction. An embodiment is shown.
The MFP according to the present embodiment performs image formation based on image data with the plotter device 9 as image output processing. The image quality of the image formed by the plotter device 9 is inevitably affected by changes in the state of the device that occur over time, resulting in an image output unintended by the user. To improve the image quality caused by such a change in the state of the device, one improvement is to apply gradation correction. Therefore, if there is a discrepancy between the registered program settings and the current situation, using the registered program settings as they are and outputting the image may result in unintended image quality. If automatic gradation correction is not performed, the image quality cannot be maintained. .
Therefore, if there is a discrepancy between the settings of the registered program and the current situation, it is determined whether automatic gradation correction is necessary, and based on the determination that it is necessary, the intended image output is obtained according to the setting of the registered program. This is dealt with by notifying that there is a case in which it cannot be performed and urging the user to perform automatic gradation correction.

The job processing performed using the program registration function of the present embodiment basically executes the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description supplements the explanation regarding application of automatic gradation correction, which is the gist of the present embodiment, and refers to the explanation of the first embodiment for the basic procedure.
In the present embodiment, the settings of gradation processing are compared based on the setting contents related to the called registration program and the current system setting information, and whether or not there is a mismatch is confirmed (step S102). If there is a mismatch in the set gradation processing settings (step S103-YES), a warning message is displayed to the user through the operation screen of the operation panel 21 (step S104).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the LCD panel at this time. As shown in the figure, the message display unit 381 displays a warning message with the background of the mismatch of the setting contents (setting of gradation processing) of the designated registration program as “the latest automatic gradation correction is 00/00/00. When the specified program is executed, the image may be affected because 00 days have passed since the automatic correction was performed. " If this is done, the desired image quality may be obtained, and this point is displayed as a guidance message to the job execution “Do you want to execute the job after performing automatic gradation correction?”.
In addition to the above message display, the “Execute after automatic gradation correction” button 382, “Execute without automatic gradation correction” button 383, and “Job” are displayed at the bottom of the message display portion 371. A “cancel” button 384 is provided.

If the user confirms whether or not automatic gradation correction is to be performed according to the display of the warning message, and determines that automatic gradation correction is not necessary, the user can execute the job as it is.
Also, when performing automatic gradation correction, selecting the “Execute after automatic gradation correction” button 383 in the warning screen does not return to the setting screen for performing automatic gradation correction again. However, automatic gradation correction can be performed, and then the job can be executed.
Regarding the necessity of automatic gradation correction, for example, a threshold value is determined as a system that counts the number of days and the number of used sheets from the date and time of the previous adjustment in advance, and a warning is displayed when the threshold value is exceeded. This can be implemented by taking the following method.
Note that the warning message display example shown in FIG. 11 shows an example of warning display including a method for resolving inconsistency. However, only warning display may be used, and a display that prompts automatic gradation correction may be used. .
As described above, any of the “Execute after automatic gradation correction” button 382, the “Execute without automatic gradation correction” button 383, and the “Cancel job” button 384 are operated. Can instruct whether to execute the job. The procedure of processing performed in accordance with the instruction on the operation screen follows steps S104 to S107 in FIG.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an MFP (multifunction peripheral) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation display apparatus (operation panel) of MFP (FIG. 1). It is a figure which shows the input screen displayed on a LCD touch panel when a copy function is selected by the operation panel (FIG. 2). It is a figure which shows the input screen displayed on a LCD touch panel when the function selection button of a program registration is operated with the operation panel (FIG. 2). It is a processing flow diagram of a job performed using a program registration function having a step of checking the state of the device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a mismatch of paper types on an LCD panel in job processing (FIG. 5) performed using a program registration function. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a screen for displaying a mismatch of paper types on the LCD panel in job processing (FIG. 5) performed using a program registration function. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for displaying a mismatch of paper thickness on an LCD panel in a job process (FIG. 5) performed using a program registration function. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for displaying a mismatch of paper tray position settings on an LCD panel in a job process (FIG. 5) performed using a program registration function. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that displays a mismatch of toner used on an LCD panel in a job process (FIG. 5) performed using a program registration function. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a message on the LCD panel informing the execution timing of automatic density correction in the job processing (FIG. 5) performed using the program registration function.

Explanation of symbols

1 .... Reading device 2 .... Image data processing device (1) 4 .... Image data processing device (2) 5 .... HDD, 6 .... CPU, 9 .... Plotter device 10 .... Operation display device , 21 .. Operation panel, 22 .. Application selection button, 23 .. LCD (liquid crystal display) panel, 25 .. Function selection button.

Claims (16)

An image input means for inputting an image;
Image processing means for processing image data generated through input by the image input means as output image data;
Image output means for outputting an image using the output image data;
An operation display means having a user interface function and accepting an image input / output request operation with input / output conditions;
Program registration for associating and registering operation information related to an image input / output request received by the operation display means and program-related information related to a program executed according to the operation information and corresponding to the state of the image processing apparatus at that time Means,
Under the control of each part of the image processing apparatus including the image input means, the image processing means, the image output means, the operation display means, and the program registration means, there is a control means for controlling the entire image processing apparatus in response to an image input / output request. An image processing apparatus,
The operation display means is a means capable of accepting an operation of an image input / output request for reusing operation information and program related information registered in the program registration means,
When the control means accepts an image input / output request for reusing the operation information and program related information registered in the program registration means through the operation display means, the program related information registered in the program registration means The information is compared with the current program-related information corresponding to the received image input / output request to confirm the difference. If they are different, this is notified and the different program-related information is made identical. An image processing apparatus characterized in that the operation display means is notified to prompt the user to perform an operation, and in the same case, an image input / output process is executed using the registered program related information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control means corresponds to a supply state predetermined as a state in which the current supply state can obtain an acceptable image quality when the program related information is a supply state and the supply state is different from that at the time of registration. An image processing apparatus characterized in that, when it is not possible to determine that it is applicable, the operation display means is notified to prompt an operation for making different program related information the same. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state of the supply is a state defined by a color of a recording sheet supplied for image formation by the image output unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state of the supply is a state defined by a thickness of a recording sheet supplied for image formation by the image output unit. In the image processing device according to claim 3 or 4,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state of the supply is a state indirectly defined by a tray selected as a tray to be used from a plurality of trays storing recording sheets to be supplied to the image output unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state of the supply is a state defined by the type of developer supplied for image formation by the image output unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control means manages the execution history of automatic gradation correction, and confirms that the registered program-related information is different from the current program-related information based on the automatic gradation correction execution history. An image characterized by determining whether or not automatic gradation correction is necessary, and causing the operation display means to perform a notification prompting an operation for performing automatic gradation correction based on the determination that it is necessary. Processing equipment. Image input means, image processing means for processing image data generated through input by the image input means as output image data, image output means for outputting an image using the output image data, and a user interface function Operation display means for accepting an operation of an image input / output request accompanied by an output condition, operation information relating to an image input / output request accepted by the operation display means, and a program executed according to the operation information, and the image processing apparatus at that time An image processing method in an image processing apparatus provided with a program registration means for associating and registering program related information corresponding to a state,
A process request accepting step for accepting an operation of an image input / output request for reusing the operation information and the program related information registered in the program registration means through the operation display means;
By comparing the program related information to be reused registered in the program registration means of the image input / output request received in the processing request receiving step with the current program related information corresponding to the received image input / output request. A program related information confirmation process for confirming the difference,
If it is confirmed that the program related information registered in the program registration means in the program related information confirmation step is different from the current program related information corresponding to the received image input / output request, the fact is notified. , Causing the operation display means to perform a notification for prompting an operation for making different program related information the same, and when confirming that they are the same, execute an image input / output process based on the registered program related information An image processing method comprising a control step. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein
The control step corresponds to a supply state predetermined as a state in which the current supply state can obtain an acceptable image quality when the program related information is a supply state and the supply state is different from that at the time of registration. An image processing method characterized by causing the operation display means to perform notification for prompting an operation for making different program-related information the same when it is not possible to determine that it is applicable. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein
The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the supply state is a state defined by a color of a recording sheet supplied for image formation by the image output unit. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein
The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the supply state is a state defined by a thickness of a recording sheet supplied for image formation by the image output unit. The image processing method according to claim 10 or 11,
The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the state of the supply is a state indirectly defined by a tray selected as a tray to be used from a plurality of trays storing recording sheets supplied to the image output means. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein
The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the supply state is a state defined by the type of developer supplied for image formation by the image output means. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein
The control step manages an execution history of automatic gradation correction, and when the program related information registered in the program related information confirmation step is confirmed to be different from the current program related information, the automatic gradation correction Based on the correction execution history, whether or not automatic gradation correction is necessary is determined, and based on the determination that it is necessary, notification for prompting an operation for performing automatic gradation correction is sent to the operation display means. An image processing method characterized by that. The program for making a computer perform each process of the image processing method described in any one of Claims 8 thru | or 14. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 15 is recorded.

Images