U.S. patent application number 15/617378 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-21 for image forming apparatus capable of displaying initial screen based on past setting information, method of controlling the image forming apparatus, and storage medium.
The applicant listed for this patent is CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Tomonori Hayashi.
Application Number | 20170269880 15/617378 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50473091 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170269880 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hayashi; Tomonori |
September 21, 2017 |
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS CAPABLE OF DISPLAYING INITIAL SCREEN BASED
ON PAST SETTING INFORMATION, METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE IMAGE
FORMING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM
Abstract
An image forming apparatus improved in user-friendliness of
operation for making settings concerning the operation of
applications. A storage control section stores personal settings in
a HDD, on an application-by-application basis. An authentication
section authenticates a user. A display control unit is configured
to, in response to selection of an application by the user
authenticated by the authentication section, read from the HDD
personal settings associated with the application, and display the
personal settings on a console section.
Inventors: |
Hayashi; Tomonori;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
50473091 |
Appl. No.: |
15/617378 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14247300 |
Apr 8, 2014 |
9710201 |
|
|
15617378 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00474 20130101;
H04N 1/00413 20130101; H04N 1/00482 20130101; H04N 1/4413 20130101;
G06F 3/1222 20130101; G06F 3/1204 20130101; H04N 1/00514
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12; H04N 1/44 20060101 H04N001/44; H04N 1/00 20060101
H04N001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 8, 2013 |
JP |
2013-080388 |
Feb 25, 2014 |
JP |
2014-034161 |
Claims
1-11. (canceled)
12. An image forming apparatus: a log-in processing unit configured
to execute a log-in process for allowing a user to log in to the
image forming apparatus; a display control unit configured to
perform control to display a setting screen for reception of
settings of a job for each of a plurality of applications, based on
an operation of the user who has logged in to the image forming
apparatus; and a storage unit configured to store information
indicative of an application which has been used by the user
immediately before the last logging out, and store settings of the
job set through the setting screen for the application at a
predetermined timing, wherein the display control unit configured
to perform control to display, when the user logs in to the image
forming apparatus again after the user's logging out, the setting
screen for reception of settings of the job for the application
which has been used by the user, the setting screen having the
stored settings of the job reflected thereon immediately before the
last logging out.
13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the
storage unit is configured to store the information indicative of
the application which has been used by the user immediately before
the last logging out and the settings of the job for the
application, in association with identification information of the
user.
14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, further
comprising a determination unit configured to determine whether or
not the information indicative of the application which has been
used by the user immediately before the last logging out is stored
in the storage unit in association with the identification
information of the log-in user who has logged in to the image
forming apparatus, wherein in a case where it is determined by the
determination unit that the information indicative of the
application which has been used by the user immediately before the
last logging out is stored in the storage unit in association with
the identification information of the log-in user who has logged in
to the image forming apparatus, the display control unit performs
control to display a setting screen for reception of the settings
of the job for the application indicated by the stored information,
in a case where it is determined by the determination unit that the
information indicative of the application which has been used by
the user immediately before the last logging out is not stored in
the storage unit in association with the identification information
of the log-in user who has logged in to the image forming
apparatus, the display control unit performs control to display a
selection screen for selection of the application to be used, from
among the plurality of applications.
15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further
comprising a first setting unit configured to set whether or not
settings of the job are stored, an application, on an
application-by-application basis.
16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further
comprising a second setting unit configured to set the
predetermined timing at which the settings of the job are stored,
wherein the storage unit is configured to store the settings of the
job set through the setting screen at the predetermined timing set
by the second setting unit.
17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the
predetermined timing comprises at least any one of a job start
time, a screen shifting time, a cancel button operation time, and
an auto-clear time.
18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the
plurality of applications include at least a copy application of
executing printing based on the image data generated by reading an
image on an original, and a transmission application of
transmitting the image data generated by reading an image on an
original.
19. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:
executing a log-in process for allowing a user to log in to the
image forming apparatus; performing control to display a setting
screen for reception of settings of a job for each of a plurality
of applications, based on an operation of the user who has logged
in to the image forming apparatus; and storing information
indicative of an application which has been used by the user
immediately before the last logging out, and store settings of the
job set through the setting screen for the application at a
predetermined timing, wherein the control performing step comprises
performing control to display, when the user logs in to the image
forming apparatus again after the user's logging out, the setting
screen for reception of settings of the job for the application
which has been used by the user, the setting screen having the
stored settings of the job reflected thereon immediately before the
last logging out.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a
control program for executing a method of controlling an image
forming apparatus, wherein the method comprises: performing control
to display a setting screen for reception of settings of a job for
each of a plurality of applications, based on an operation of the
user who has logged in to the image forming apparatus; and storing
information indicative of an application which has been used by the
user immediately before the last logging out, and store settings of
the job set through the setting screen for the application at a
predetermined timing, wherein the control performing step comprises
performing control to display, when the user logs in to the image
forming apparatus again after the user's logging out, the setting
screen for reception of settings of the job for the application
which has been used by the user, the setting screen having the
stored settings of the job reflected thereon immediately before the
last logging out.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus,
a method of controlling the same, and a storage medium.
[0003] Description of the Related Art
[0004] In recent years, an image forming apparatus has been
equipped with various functions, and operations to be executed by a
user have become complicated. In general, an image forming
apparatus, which is often shared by a plurality of users, is
provided with an auto-clear function for use in automatically
clearing settings changed by a user, after the lapse of a
predetermined time period so as to prevent a next user from using
the settings without being aware of the changed settings.
[0005] When using such an image forming apparatus, each user needs
to select a desired setting screen from an initial menu provided
for the image forming apparatus, whenever the user starts to use
the image forming apparatus.
[0006] For this reason, even if settings usually used by a user are
predetermined or fixed, the user has to make the same settings,
which is troublesome to him/her.
[0007] To solve this problem, there has been proposed a
customization function which allows each user to make initial
settings as desired. In this customization function, however, a
user himself/herself has to carry out operations for customizing
settings, and therefore if the user is inexperienced in using the
image forming apparatus, he/she finds difficulty in the
customization operations.
[0008] To overcome this problem, there has been disclosed a
technique in which when a user sequentially selects a plurality of
functions within a predetermined time period after user
authentication, details and a preference order of selections are
stored in association with the user (see e.g. Japanese Patent
Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-273126).
[0009] In this technique, when a display control section reads out
customization information associated with a user from a
customization information storage section, the display control
section reads out and displays an initial display screen associated
with a first-selected function (first in the preference order) of
the plurality of functions on a touch panel.
[0010] With this technique, a preference order of selections of
functions is taken into consideration for each of a plurality of
users, whereby it is possible to provide initial display screens
appropriately customized on a user-by-user basis.
[0011] However, in the conventional technique, each initial display
screen is a screen associated with a function selected first in the
immediately preceding use of the image forming apparatus.
Therefore, in a case where the image forming apparatus has setting
screens of a plurality of applications, if, after an initial
display screen associated with one application is displayed, the
application is switched to another application, it is required to
make settings on a screen displayed after the switching of the
application. This means that the above-described conventional
technique does not always contribute to improvement of
user-friendliness.
[0012] Further, when a first-selected function is not set such that
it can be normally terminated or when an erroneous operation is
performed, the displayed screen is reproduced as an initial display
screen. This leads to the inconvenience that the user has to make
settings again when using the image forming apparatus next
time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus
improved in user-friendliness of operation for making settings
concerning the operation of applications, a method of controlling
the image forming apparatus, and a storage medium.
[0014] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an image forming apparatus comprising a storage unit
configured to store personal settings on an
application-by-application basis, an authentication unit configured
to authenticate a user, and a display control unit configured to,
in response to selection of an application by the user
authenticated by the authentication unit, read personal settings
associated with the application from the storage unit, and display
the personal settings on a display section.
[0015] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of controlling an image forming apparatus on
which a plurality of applications are installed, comprising storing
settings concerning operation of each application in a storage
section, in association with user information indicative of a user
who has made the settings on the application, as personal settings,
on an application-by-application basis, authenticating a user using
the user information, and when displaying a setting screen of one
of the plurality of applications on a display section in response
to an operation of a user authenticated by said authenticating,
acquiring from the storage section settings associated with user
information of the user, and displaying a setting screen according
to the acquired settings, on the display section.
[0016] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing
a control program for executing a method of controlling an image
processing apparatus on which a plurality of applications are
installed, wherein the method comprises storing settings concerning
operation of each application in a storage section, in association
with user information indicative of a user who has made the
settings on the application, as personal settings, on an
application-by-application basis, authenticating a user using the
user information, and when displaying a setting screen of one of
the plurality of applications on a display section in response to
an operation of a user authenticated by said authenticating,
acquiring from the storage section settings associated with user
information of the user, and display a setting screen according to
the acquired settings, on the display section.
[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to store
settings of applications, on an application-by-application basis,
and hence when the user causes a setting screen of a desired
application to be displayed, there is displayed the setting screen
on which the stored settings are reflected. This saves the user
from performing setting operations again, and hence it is possible
to improve user-friendliness of operation for making settings
concerning the operation of the application.
[0018] Further features of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments
(with reference to the attached drawings).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration
of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of a database of personal
settings stored in an HDD appearing in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a view of a main menu screen displayed on a
console section appearing in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a view of a copy screen displayed on the console
section appearing in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a view of a transmission screen displayed on the
console section appearing in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a view of a storage screen displayed on the
console section appearing in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a view of a print setting screen displayed on the
console section appearing in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a view of a storage timing-setting screen
displayed on the console section appearing in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a storage process which is
executed by a CPU appearing in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a variation of the storage process
which is executed by the CPU appearing in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a reproduction process which is
executed in a step of the storage process in FIG. 10.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a variation of the reproduction
process which is executed in a step of the variation of the storage
process in FIG. 11.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a view of a variation of the main menu
screen.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a view of a screen displayed when a "User's Own
Settings" button in the main menu screen in FIG. 14 is pressed, for
use in registering personal settings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail below
with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments
thereof.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming
apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 comprises
a controller unit 100, a console section 106, a scanner 108, and a
printer 109.
[0037] The controller unit 100 comprises a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a
console section interface 105, a network interface 110, a ROM 103,
an HDD 104, and a device interface 107, which are interconnected by
a system bus 111.
[0038] The CPU 101 controls the components connected to the system
bus 111 in a centralized manner to thereby control the overall
operation of the image forming apparatus 1.
[0039] The RAM 102 stores an operating system, system software,
application software, and the like programs, and data. The programs
stored in the RAM 102 are each executed by the CPU 101. The CPU 101
processes data, such as image data, stored in the RAM 102, the ROM
103, and the HDD 104.
[0040] The ROM 103 stores a boot program for the system, a system
program, application programs, and information, such as font
information, necessary for the image forming apparatus.
[0041] The HDD 104 as a storage section stores the operating
system, the system software, the application software, image data,
and settings data concerning operations of the applications.
Processes in flowcharts, described hereinafter, are each realized
by the CPU 101 which loads an associated one of the programs stored
in the HDD 104 into the RAM 102, and executes the program. Note
that in the case of a small-sized image forming apparatus, the
system software, the application software, and the like may be
stored in the ROM 103, and the HDD 104 may not be provided in the
image forming apparatus. The HDD 104 may be replaced by an SSD
(solid state drive).
[0042] The console section interface 105 provides interface between
the console section 106 including a touch panel, not shown, and the
controller unit 100. The console section interface 105 outputs
image data to be displayed on the console section 106 to the same,
and transfers information input by a user via the console section
106 to the CPU 101. The console section 106 as a display section
displays a screen enabling the user to give an instruction e.g. for
starting printing, and screens enabling the user to make print
settings, including a setting of page layout on a sheet, settings
of a finisher operation, such as stapling, and settings of image
quality, such as density.
[0043] The device interface 107 provides interface between the
scanner 108 as an image input device and the controller unit 100,
and also provides interface between the printer 109 as an image
output device and the controller unit 100.
[0044] Image data input from the scanner 108 via the device
interface 107 is stored in the RAM 102 or the HDD 104. The stored
image data is subjected to image processing or the like, as
required, by an application program stored in the RAM 102.
[0045] Further, the image data is output to the printer 109 via the
device interface 107.
[0046] The network interface 110 is connected to a network to send
and receive image data, information for controlling the image
forming apparatus 1, and the like, to and from external
apparatuses.
[0047] In addition to the above-described components, the image
forming apparatus 1 may include a device for realizing a facsimile
function, an interface between the image forming apparatus 1 and a
memory card, a USB interface, and so forth.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration
of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1.
[0049] The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a storage control
section 204, a copy job control section 205, a storage job control
section 206, an authentication section 207, a network control
section 210, an operation control section 201, an image reading
control section 202, an image output control section 203, an image
processing section 208, and a transmission job control section
209.
[0050] The storage control section 204 performs control concerning
storage to the RAM 102 and the HDD 104. The copy job control
section 205 performs control concerning copy settings and a copy
operation. The storage job control section 206 performs control
concerning print data stored e.g. in the HDD 104.
[0051] The authentication section 207 performs control concerning
authentication for allowing users to use the image forming
apparatus 1. Specifically, for example, the authentication section
207 displays a screen on the console section 106 to prompt the user
to enter his/her user name and password.
[0052] When the user name and password are entered on the console
section 106, the input user name and password are sent to the
authentication section 207 via the console section interface 105.
The authentication section 207 verifies the user name and password
against a user database of combinations of user names and passwords
stored in the HDD 104 of the image forming apparatus 1, and
authenticates the user when the user database contains the same
combination of the user name and password.
[0053] Note that another authentication method, such as a method
using a non-contact IC card, may be employed in place of the
above-described authentication method. Further, the user database
necessary for authentication may not be provided in the image
forming apparatus 1, but an external authentication server, such as
Active Directory, may be used for user authentication.
[0054] The network control section 210 performs control concerning
a network. The operation control section 201 performs control
concerning the console section 106. The image reading control
section 202 performs control concerning reading of originals. The
image output control section 203 performs control concerning
printing.
[0055] The image processing section 208 processes image data into
data for use in printing, and performs image processing on image
data, according to settings of e.g. aggregation printing by the
user. The transmission job control section 209 performs control
concerning transmission of data for use in execution of a job.
[0056] A description will be given of the operation executed for
copy printing with the above-described configuration. First, the
operation control section 201 generates a screen necessary for copy
printing and displays the screen on the console section 106. At
this time, the user can make print settings.
[0057] When the user places an original on a platen or an ADF
(Automatic Document Feeder), neither of which is shown, and gives
an instruction for starting reading the original, from the console
section 106, the operation control section 201 shifts the control
to the copy job control section 205. The copy job control section
205 instructs the image reading control section 202 to read the
original, since an operation to be executed first is to read the
original.
[0058] The image reading control section 202 controls the scanner
108 via the device interface 107 to thereby optically read the
original set on the platen or the ADF and generate image data.
[0059] The generated image data is stored in one of the RAM 102 and
the HDD 104, which is determined by the image reading control
section 202, via the device interface 107 and the system bus 111,
by the storage control section 204.
[0060] Next, to print the image data, the copy job control section
205 instructs the image output control section 203 to print the
image data stored by the storage control section 204.
[0061] The image output control section 203 instructs the image
processing section 208 to perform image processing on the image
data stored by the storage control section 204, according to the
print settings made by the user.
[0062] When the processing of the image data for printing is
completed, the image processing section 208 causes the storage
control section 204 to store the processed image data.
[0063] The image output control section 203 reads out the image
data and sends the same to the printer 109 via the system bus 111
and the device interface 107. The printer 109 sequentially prints
the received image data on sheets.
[0064] In the following description, the copy job control section
205, the storage job control section 206, and the transmission job
control section 209 will also be sometimes collectively referred to
as the job control section.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of a database concerning
personal settings stored in the HDD 104 appearing in FIG. 1.
[0066] The database in FIG. 3 is composed of copy setting
information 502, transmission setting information 505, storage
setting information 508, and state-before-logout 511, which are
stored in association with each user identifier.
[0067] The user identifier 501 as user information is information
for uniquely identifying a logged-in user, which is a value set to
be different on a user-by-user basis.
[0068] The copy setting information 502 is composed of personal
settings 503 of a copy application and a storage setting 504
indicative of whether or not settings are to be stored as personal
settings.
[0069] In FIG. 3, a double-sided printing mode and a finisher mode
are stored as the personal settings 503 associated with user
identifier A00001, and the storage setting 504 is set to ON
indicating that the settings are to be stored.
[0070] On the other hand, although the storage setting 504
associated with user identifier A00002 is set to ON, no settings
associated therewith have been stored yet as the personal settings
503.
[0071] The transmission setting information 505 is composed of
personal settings 506 for a transmission application and a storage
setting 507 indicative of whether or not settings are to be stored
as personal settings.
[0072] In FIG. 3, the double-sided printing mode and an address
have been stored as personal settings 506 associated with user
identifier A00002, and the storage setting 507 is set to ON.
[0073] The storage setting information 508 is composed of personal
settings 509 for a storage application and a storage setting 510
indicative of whether or not settings are to be stored as personal
settings.
[0074] In FIG. 3, in personal settings 509 associated with user
identifier A00001, the double-sided printing mode and the finisher
mode, which are set for print data identified by Document ID: 01,
have been stored as personal settings, and the storage setting 510
is set to ON.
[0075] Note that although each set of the personal settings 503,
506, and 509 is configured to store only information on differences
from initial settings, it may be configured to store all
information including the initial settings.
[0076] Further, each of the storage settings 504, 507, and 510 can
be changed by the user.
[0077] The storage settings 504, 507, and 510 can be set for the
respective applications. Therefore, even for a user who always uses
some specific applications without changing settings once made for
each of them, but uses the other applications with settings changed
each time, it is possible to appropriately cause settings made in
the past to be reflected on the settings of each of the specific
applications at the start of use of the image forming apparatus 1.
This contributes to an improvement of user-friendliness of
operation.
[0078] The state-before-logout 511 is information indicative of an
application used by a logged-in user immediately before logging
out. FIG. 3 shows that the user identified by user identifier
A00001 used the copy application immediately before logging out,
and the user identified by user identifier A00002 used the
transmission application immediately before logging out.
[0079] As described above, the personal settings are associated
with user information indicative of a user who made settings
concerning the operation of applications.
[0080] The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present
embodiment has installed thereon at least the above-mentioned three
applications, i.e. the copy application, the transmission
application, and the storage application.
[0081] In the following, a description will be given of a user
interface used in the present embodiment. In the following
description, descriptions of keys, buttons, modes, etc. which are
not directly related to the present embodiment are omitted.
[0082] FIGS. 4 and 5 are views showing a main menu screen 301 and a
copy screen 310, respectively, which are displayed on the console
section 106 appearing in FIG. 1.
[0083] FIG. 4 shows the main menu screen 301 which is displayed as
an initial screen when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered
on.
[0084] A copy application selection button 302 is used to shift to
the copy screen 310. A transmission application selection button
303 is used to shift to a transmission screen 320. The term
"transmission" is intended here to represent a process for
transmitting image data read by the scanner 108 of the image
forming apparatus 1 by e-mail or transmitting the same to a file
server.
[0085] Storage application selection buttons 304A and 304B are used
to shift to a storage screen 330 and a stored file usage screen
340, respectively. The term "storage" is intended here to represent
both a process for causing the storage control section 204 to store
image data, read by the scanner 108 of the image forming apparatus
1, in the HDD 104 (process of "scan and store" indicated by 304A),
and a process for printing out the stored image data (process of
"use stored file" indicated by 304B).
[0086] FIG. 5 shows the copy screen 310 displayed when the copy
application selection button 302 is touched.
[0087] The user can use the copy screen 310 to designate print
settings for printout, including settings of page layout on a
sheet, settings of a finisher operation, such as stapling, and
settings of image quality, such as density. On the copy screen 310,
buttons selected for the settings are displayed in reverse
video.
[0088] A double-sided printing button 312 is used to set the
double-sided printing mode. In FIG. 5, it is shown that the
double-sided printing mode has been set.
[0089] A finisher button 311 is used to set a mode concerning
sorting or stapling. In FIG. 5, it is shown that the finisher mode
has been set. When a start button, not shown, for giving a start
instruction is operated in this state, the copy job control section
205 executes printing according to the print settings.
[0090] FIGS. 6 and 7 are views showing the transmission screen 320
and the storage screen 330, respectively, which are displayed on
the console section 106 appearing in FIG. 1 when the transmission
application selection button 303, and the storage application
selection button 304A, are touched on the main menu screen 301
shown in FIG. 4.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 6, the user can set a destination and make
settings for original reading, using the transmission screen 320.
In the illustrated example, the transmission screen 320 displays a
double-sided printing mode setting 323, a color/monochrome reading
mode setting 322, and a mixed original size mode setting 324, as
settings for original reading.
[0092] The double-sided printing mode setting 323 is a setting as
to whether or not it is required to perform double-sided reading of
an original. The color/monochrome reading mode setting 322 is a
setting for automatically discriminating an original between a
color original and a monochrome original before reading the
original and causing the original to be read according to the
discrimination. The mixed original size mode setting 324 is a
setting used when originals are different in size.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 7, the user can select from boxes 331, a
box in which image data is to be stored, by using the storage
screen 330. When the user gives the reading instruction after
selecting the box, the stored file usage screen 340 including print
settings, referred to hereinafter, is displayed.
[0094] FIGS. 8 and 9 are views showing the stored file usage screen
340 and a storage timing-setting screen 350, respectively, which
are displayed on the console section 106 appearing in FIG. 1.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 8, in the case of printing stored print
data, the user selects print data for printing, which is stored in
a box, and makes print settings on the stored file usage screen
340. Further, the user can make print settings for printout,
including settings of page layout on a sheet, settings of a
finisher operation, such as stapling, and settings of image
quality, such as density, on the stored file usage screen 340.
[0096] On the stored file usage screen 340, buttons selected for
settings are displayed in reverse video. A double-sided printing
button 342 is used to set the double-sided printing mode. In FIG.
8, it is shown that the double-sided printing mode has been
set.
[0097] A finisher button 341 is used to set a mode concerning
sorting or stapling. In FIG. 8, it is shown that the finisher mode
has been set. If a printing start button 343 is touched in this
state, the storage job control section 206 reads out image data
stored by the storage control section 204 and executes printing
according to the print settings.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the user can
set timing for storing personal settings, and the storage
timing-setting screen 350 is used to make this setting of timing
for storing the personal settings. The user can change storage
timing by selecting a check box for a setting item provided for
selecting desired storage timing.
[0099] The user is not allowed to select a plurality of setting
items at the same time, and the operation control section 201
performs control such that only one item is always selected.
[0100] A check box 601 is checked for selecting a job start time as
the storage timing of personal settings. In the present embodiment,
it is assumed that the job start time is selected for the storage
timing by default.
[0101] A check box 602 is checked for selecting a screen shifting
time at which the screen is switched to a screen of another
application, as the storage timing of personal settings.
[0102] For example, assuming that the check box 602 has been
checked, in a case where the screen is switched from the copy
screen 310 to the transmission screen 320 of the transmission
application without executing a job by the copy application,
setting information of the copy application before the screen
switching is stored as personal settings of the copy
application.
[0103] A check box 603 is checked for selecting a cancel button
operation time as the storage timing of personal settings.
[0104] Assuming that this check box 603 has been checked, when a
cancel button is operated, settings of an application being in
operation, which have been made before the cancel button is
operated, are stored as personal settings.
[0105] A check box 604 is checked for selecting an auto-clear time
at which an auto-clear operation is executed, as the storage timing
of personal settings.
[0106] Assuming that the check box 604 has been checked, before
settings of an application being in operation are cleared by
execution of the auto-clear function, the settings before being
cleared are stored as personal settings of the application.
[0107] A cancel button 605 is used for cancelling selection of a
check box (removing a check in the check box). An update execution
button 606 is used for finalizing the setting of storing personal
settings at the storage timing associated with a checked check
box.
[0108] The settings made on the storage timing-setting screen 350
are stored by the storage control section 204 in the HDD 104. As
described above, in the present embodiment, timing for storing the
personal settings in the HDD 104 can be set by the user.
[0109] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a storage process which is
executed by the CPU 101 appearing in FIG. 1.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 10, when the authentication section 207
authenticates a user using a user identifier to allow the user to
log in (YES to a step S401), a reproduction process, described
hereinafter, is executed for displaying a reproduced menu, the main
menu, or the like (step S402). The step S401 corresponds to an
operation of an authentication unit configured to authenticate a
user.
[0111] Then, the operation control section 201 receives print
settings and original reading settings via one of the copy screen
310, the transmission screen 320, and the storage screen 330, which
are described hereinabove (step S403).
[0112] Then, when an instruction for starting a job is issued (YES
to a step S404), the operation control section 201 identifies an
application for which the start of the job is designated and
determines whether or not the job can be started (step S405). In
the step S405, on condition that setting information of the
identified application is information of settings with which the
job can be started, the operation control section 201 determines
that the job can be started.
[0113] If it is determined in the step S405 that the job cannot be
started (NO to the step S405), the CPU 101 returns to the step
S404.
[0114] On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S405 that
the job can be started (YES to the step S405), the operation
control section 201 determines whether or not the application is
configured such that personal settings of the application are
stored (step S406). In the present embodiment, the user can make a
setting, on an application-by-application basis, as to whether or
not to store personal settings of an application in the HDD 104,
and it is possible to store the personal settings according to the
setting.
[0115] If it is determined in the step S406 that the application is
not configured such that personal settings are to be stored (NO to
the step S406), the CPU 101 proceeds to a step S409.
[0116] On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S406 that
the application is configured such that personal settings are to be
stored (YES to the step S406), the storage control section 204
stores personal settings of the application in the HDD 104 (step
S407).
[0117] Further, the storage control section 204 associates the
personal settings with the user identifier (step S408). For
example, in the case of the copy application, assuming that the
settings are as shown in FIG. 5, the double-sided printing mode set
by the double-sided printing button 312, and the finisher mode set
by the finisher button 311 are stored as the personal settings.
This causes the personal settings to be added to the database
described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 3. The configuration
may be such that whether or not to store the personal settings anew
can be set on a user-by-user basis.
[0118] Next, the job control section causes the job to be executed
according to the personal settings (step S409), and the user logs
out (step S410), followed by terminating the present process.
[0119] Although in the storage process described above, the timing
at which values of the personal settings are stored is set to the
job start time according to the example illustrated in FIG. 9, it
may be a time other than the job start time, as described as to the
storage timing-setting screen 350 with reference to FIG. 9, and may
be allowed to be set on a user-by-user basis.
[0120] Note that in a case where the operation control section 201
is configured in advance to make it impossible to set any
combination of settings with which a job cannot be executed, if
only it is possible to issue an instruction for starting a job, the
job can be executed without exception, and hence the step S405 can
be dispensed with.
[0121] Alternatively, the job control section may determine whether
or not the job can be started according to information on settings
having been made.
[0122] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a variation of the storage process
which is executed by the CPU 101 appearing in FIG. 1.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 11, when the authentication section 207
authenticates a user using a user identifier to allow the user to
log in (YES to a step S701), a reproduction process, described
hereinafter, is executed for displaying a reproduced menu, the main
menu, or the like (step S702).
[0124] Then, the operation control section 201 determines whether
or not an instruction for shifting from the currently displayed
screen to another screen is issued (step S703).
[0125] If it is determined in the step S703 that no instruction for
shifting from the currently displayed screen to another screen is
issued (NO to the step S703), the operation control section 201
determines whether or not an instruction for cancellation is issued
(step S704).
[0126] If it is determined in the step S704 that no instruction for
cancellation is issued (NO to the step S704), the operation control
section 201 determines whether or not an instruction for an
auto-clear operation is issued (step S705).
[0127] If it is determined in the step S705 that no instruction for
an auto-clear operation is issued (NO to the step S705), the
operation control section 201 determines whether or not an
instruction for starting a job is issued (step S706).
[0128] On the other hand, if any of the answers to the steps S703,
S704, and S705 is affirmative (YES), the CPU 101 directly proceeds
to a step S707.
[0129] If it is determined in the step S706 that no instruction for
starting a job is issued (NO to the step S706), the CPU 101 returns
to the step S703.
[0130] On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S706 that
an instruction for starting a job is issued (YES to the step S706),
the CPU 101 proceeds to the step S707. In the step S707, the
operation control section 201 determines whether or not timing of
the instruction determined to have been issued at any of the steps
S703 to S706 matches the storage timing of the personal
settings.
[0131] More specifically, the operation control section 201
determines whether or not the operation instructed at any of the
steps S703 to S706 matches the storage timing of the personal
settings stored by the storage control section 204 in the HDD 104.
As described hereinabove, from the screen shown in FIG. 9, the user
can set the storage timing. For example, assuming that the storage
timing has been set to the screen shifting time at which the screen
is switched to a screen of another application, which is set by the
check box 602, if the step S707 is reached by the affirmative
answer (YES) to the question of the step S703, the answer to the
question of this step S707 is affirmative (YES).
[0132] If it is determined in the step S707 that the timing of the
instructed operation matches the storage timing of the personal
settings (YES to the step S707), the operation control section 201
identifies an application for which one of the above-mentioned
instructions has been issued when the associated one of the answers
to the steps S703 to S706 is affirmative (YES), and determines
whether or not setting information of the identified application is
information of settings with which the job can be executed (step
S708).
[0133] If it is determined in the step S707 that the timing of the
instructed operation does not match the storage timing of the
personal settings (NO to the step S707), the CPU 101 proceeds to a
step S709.
[0134] If it is determined in the step S708 that the setting
information of the identified application is not information of
settings with which the job can be executed, the CPU 101 also
proceeds to the step S709.
[0135] On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S708 that
the setting information of the identified application is
information of settings with which the job can be executed (YES to
the step S708), the operation control section 201 determines
whether or not the application is configured such that personal
settings of the application are stored (step S712). In the present
embodiment, the user can make a setting, on an
application-by-application basis, as to whether or not to store the
personal settings of an application in the HDD 104, and it is
possible to store the personal settings according to the
setting.
[0136] If it is determined in the step S712 that the application is
not configured such that personal settings are to be stored (NO to
the step S712), the CPU 101 proceeds to the step S709.
[0137] On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S712 that
the application is configured such that personal settings are to be
stored (YES to the step S712), the storage control section 204
stores the personal settings of the application in the HDD 104
(step S713).
[0138] Further, the storage control section 204 associates the
personal settings with the user identifier (step S714). This causes
the personal settings to be added to the database described
hereinabove with reference to FIG. 3. The configuration may be such
that whether or not to store the personal settings anew can be set
on a user-by-user basis. Then, the CPU 101 proceeds to the step
S709.
[0139] In the step S709, the operation control section 201
determines whether or not an instruction for starting a job has
been issued (step S709). This determination is executed because
there are cases where this step is reached without passing the step
S706 in which it has been determined whether or not an instruction
for starting a job is issued.
[0140] If it is determined in the step S709 that no instruction for
starting a job has been issued (NO to the step S709), the CPU 101
proceeds to a step S716.
[0141] On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S709 that
an instruction for starting a job has been issued (YES to the step
S709), the operation control section 201 identifies an application
for which the start of the job is designated and determines whether
or not the job can be started (step S710).
[0142] If it is determined in the step S710 that the job cannot be
started (NO to the step S710), the CPU 101 returns to the step
S703, whereas if it is determined in the step S710 that the job can
be started (YES to the step S710), the CPU 101 proceeds to a step
S715.
[0143] In the step S715, the job control section causes the job to
be executed according to the settings of the application, and then
in the step S716, the user logs out, followed by terminating the
present process.
[0144] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the reproduction process in the
step S402 of the storage process in FIG. 10.
[0145] Referring to FIG. 12, the operation control section 201
displays the main menu screen 301 described with reference to FIG.
4 (step S802).
[0146] Then, the operation control section 201 determines whether
or not an instruction for shifting to an application screen is
issued (step S803).
[0147] If it is determined in the step S803 that no instruction for
shifting to an application screen is issued (NO to the step S803),
the CPU 101 returns to the step S802.
[0148] On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S803 that
an instruction for shifting to an application screen is issued (YES
to the step S803), the operation control section 201 determines
whether or not there is a set of personal settings including a user
identifier which matches the user identifier of the user who has
logged in, which are stored in the HDD 104 in association with an
application for which the application screen is provided, by the
storage control section 204 (step S804).
[0149] If it is determined in the step S804 that there is the set
of personal settings (YES to the step S804), the operation control
section 201 acquires the set of personal settings from HDD 104
using the storage control section 204, and displays the reproduced
settings as settings of the application on which the acquired
personal settings are reflected, on the application screen (step
S805), followed by terminating the present process. This makes it
possible to automatically reproduce a screen, used by the user last
time, of the application without giving any instruction. The step
S805 corresponds to an operation of a display control unit
configured to control, in response to selection of an application
by the user authenticated by the authentication unit, such that
personal settings associated with the application are read from a
storage unit, and the personal settings are displayed on a display
section.
[0150] If it is determined in the step S804 that there is no such
set of personal settings (NO to the step S804), the operation
control section 201 displays the application screen with default
settings (step S806), followed by terminating the present
process.
[0151] An example of the reproduced settings which are displayed on
the application screen as described above, in a case where the
personal settings described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 3
are stored, is as follows:
[0152] Assuming that the user corresponding to the user identifier
A00001 has logged in, and the instruction for shifting to the copy
screen is issued in the step S803, the copy screen shown in FIG. 5
is reproduced in which the double-sided printing mode and the
finisher mode are selected.
[0153] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a variation of the reproduction
process in the step S702 of the variation of the storage process in
FIG. 11.
[0154] As distinct from FIG. 12 which shows the reproduction
process in which the main menu screen is displayed immediately
after log-in, FIG. 13 shows the reproduction process in which a
last-used application screen is displayed immediately after log-in
without displaying the main menu screen.
[0155] Referring to FIG. 13, the operation control section 201
determines whether or not there is information on a last-used
application used by the user who has logged in (step S902). The
information on a last-used application can be acquired by searching
the database described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 3 for
personal settings of the user, and referring to the
state-before-logout 511 when the personal settings are found.
[0156] If it is determined in the step S902 that there is
information on a last-used application used by the user (YES to the
step S902), the operation control section 201 determines whether or
not there is a set of personal settings associated with the
last-used application, including a user identifier which matches
the user identifier of the user who has logged in, which are stored
in the HDD 104 by the storage control section 204 (step S906). For
example, in FIG. 3, the state-before-logout 511 associated with the
user identifier A00002 is the transmission application, and hence
the operation control section 201 determines whether or there is a
set of personal settings 506 associated with the transmission
setting information 505. In the case of the example illustrated in
FIG. 3, the operation control section 201 determines that there is
a set of personal settings associated with the last-used
application.
[0157] If it is determined in the step S906 that there is no set of
personal settings associated with the last-used application (NO to
the step S906), the CPU 101 proceeds to a step S908.
[0158] On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S906 that
there is the set of personal settings associated with the last-used
application (YES to the step S906), the operation control section
201 acquires the set of personal settings from the HDD 104 using
the storage control section 204, and displays reproduced settings
as settings of the application on which the acquired personal
settings are reflected, on the application screen (step S907),
followed by terminating the present process. Thus, when the user
has logged in, information indicating an application used by the
user immediately before logging out on the preceding occasion is
acquired from the HDD 104, and a setting screen of the application
on which the acquired settings are reflected is caused to be
displayed on the console section 106.
[0159] Referring again to the step S902, if it is determined in the
step S902 that there is no information on a last-used application
used by the user (NO to the step S902), the operation control
section 201 displays the main menu screen 301 shown in FIG. 4 (step
S903).
[0160] Next, the operation control section 201 determines whether
or not an instruction for shifting to an application screen is
issued (step S904).
[0161] If it is determined in the step S904 that no instruction for
shifting to an application screen is issued (NO to the step S904),
the CPU 101 returns to the step S903.
[0162] On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S904 that
an instruction for shifting to an application screen is issued (YES
to the step S904), the operation control section 201 determines
whether or not there is a set of personal settings stored by the
storage control section 204 in the HDD 104, which includes a user
identifier which matches the user identifier of the user who has
logged in (step S905).
[0163] If it is determined in the step S905 that there is the set
of personal settings (YES to the step S905), the CPU 101 proceeds
to the step S907.
[0164] On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S905 that
there is no such a set of personal settings (NO to the step S905),
the operation control section 201 displays the application screen
with default settings (step S908), followed by terminating the
present process.
[0165] In the above reproduction process, assuming that the user
corresponding to the user identifier A00002 has logged in, and the
transmission is determined to be the last-used application, the
transmission screen shown in FIG. 6 is reproduced in which the
double-sided printing mode and the address information are set.
[0166] According to the reproduction process shown in FIGS. 12 and
13, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present
embodiment is capable of properly reproducing settings desired by
each user, which contributes to improvement of
user-friendliness.
[0167] In the embodiment described above, the personal settings are
stored on an application-by-application basis, and when the
application is switched to another, or when the first selected
function is not provided with settings with which the function
normally terminates, or further when an erroneous operation is
performed, a setting screen on which the personal settings are
reflected is displayed.
[0168] As described heretofore, according to the present
embodiment, it is possible to store personal settings on an
application-by-application basis, and hence when the user causes a
setting screen of a desired application to be displayed, the
setting screen displays settings on which the personal settings are
reflected. This saves the user from performing setting operations
again, and hence it is possible to improve user-friendliness of
operation for making settings concerning the operation of
applications.
[0169] Although the copy application, the transmission application,
and the storage application are described as examples of
application software (see the buttons 302 to 304B appearing in FIG.
4, and FIG. 3), the present embodiment is not limited to this. When
the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a facsimile
function, it is also possible to apply the present embodiment to a
facsimile application.
[0170] Although in the above description, the personal settings are
stored in the HDD 104 of the image forming apparatus 1, the present
embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the personal
settings may be stored in an SSD (Solid State Drive), a CD (Compact
Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a Blu-ray Disc, a flash
memory, a memory card, and so forth. Further, it is possible to
employ a method of storing the personal settings in one server or a
plurality of servers which provide a storage service as a cloud
service.
[0171] Although in the above description, it is assumed that the
timing of storing the personal settings is the job start time, the
screen shifting time, the cancel button operation time, or the
auto-clear time (see FIG. 8), the present embodiment is not limited
to this. For example, after the log-in of the user in the step
S701, a setting screen (not shown) for prompting the logged-in user
to make personal settings may be displayed. Specifically, as the
main menu screen displayed in the step S802 of the reproduction
process in FIG. 12 or in the step S903 of the variation of the
reproduction process in FIG. 13, the CPU 101 displays a main menu
screen shown in FIG. 14, instead of the main menu screen shown in
FIG. 4, on the console section 106. Further, upon detecting that
the user touches "User's Own Settings" appearing at a left-side
portion of the main menu screen in FIG. 14, the CPU 101 displays a
screen shown in FIG. 15, and personal settings of each application
input via this screen are stored in the HDD 104 as the personal
settings of the logged-in user.
[0172] Although in the present embodiment, the personal settings
are described using the example of information in the database
shown in FIG. 3, besides the information referred to in the
description, there are personal settings described hereafter.
[0173] <Display Language>
[0174] For personalization, there is provided a function for
making, on a user-by-user basis, a display language setting of
operation screens displayed on the touch panel of the console
section 106. The display language setting is a setting of language
and keyboard layout. It is assumed that types of language and
keyboard layout which can be set by a logged-in user are the same
as those of language and keyboard layout which can be set by the
image forming apparatus 1. At the time point a user is
authenticated and is allowed to log in to the image forming
apparatus 1, the display language setting of the image forming
apparatus 1 is switched to the display language setting made by the
logged-in user, and at the time point the user logs out of the
image forming apparatus 1, the display language setting of the
image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the personal setting to
a shared language setting set by a system administrator in advance
(hereinafter referred to as "device setting").
[0175] In a case where the personal setting of display language of
the logged-in user is not stored in the database of the HDD 104,
the application operates not according to the personal setting but
according to the device setting. Further, when the function for
personalization is OFF, the application operates according to the
device setting. The setting of ON/OFF of the function for
personalization is set by the system administrator at the time of
initial installation of the image forming apparatus 1, or as
required.
[0176] <Accessibility Setting>
[0177] For personalization, there is provided a function for making
accessibility settings on a user-by-user basis. The accessibility
settings are settings of key repeat, screen colors reversal, and a
voice input mode. As the settings of the voice input mode, there
are set a voice input mode at the startup of the apparatus, a type
of voice guide, a volume of voice guide, a speed of voice guide, a
time-out period for voice input, and a display of confirmation of
execution of an operation instructed by voice input. At the time
point a user is authenticated and is allowed to log in to the image
forming apparatus 1, the accessibility settings of the image
forming apparatus 1 are switched to the accessibility settings made
by the logged-in user, and at the time point the user logs out of
the image forming apparatus 1, the accessibility settings of the
image forming apparatus 1 are switched to the device settings of
accessibility. The start of the voice input mode is instructed by
pressing and holding a reset key (not shown) of the console section
106 or by pressing and holding a Push-to-Talk button (not
shown).
[0178] Note that as a limitation, when the voice input mode is
active, if the display language is switched, the voice input mode
is terminated, and hence, in a case where the user desires to use
the voice input mode after the display language of the personal
settings is switched to another, the voice input mode is required
to be started again.
[0179] When there are no personal settings of accessibility, each
application operates according to the device settings. Further,
when the function for personalization is OFF as well, the
application operates according to the device settings.
[0180] <Initial Screen After Log-In>
[0181] For personalization, there is provided a function for
setting an initial screen to be displayed first after log-in, on a
user-by-user basis. A screen to be displayed as the initial can be
selected from the main menu screen shown in FIG. 4, operation
screens associated with respective buttons displayed on the main
menu screen, a custom menu screen (not shown), and a status
confirmation screen (not shown). At the time point a user is
authenticated and is allowed to log in to the image forming
apparatus 1, the screen of the image forming apparatus 1 is
switched to the initial screen set by the user.
[0182] However, when the image forming apparatus 1 is operating in
a function-specific authentication mode (authentication mode for
authenticating a user at timing of selection of a function of the
image forming apparatus 1 by the user), user authentication is
executed at a time point that the screen is shifted from the main
menu screen to a screen associated with a designated function, and
hence even if the initial screen to be displayed after log-in has
been set, the setting is invalidated.
[0183] Through cooperation with a server, it is possible to
synchronize the image forming apparatus 1 with another image
forming apparatus, to thereby share the initial screen setting, on
a user-by-user basis. If the synchronized initial screen setting is
the setting of a screen of a function which cannot be made use of
by the image forming apparatus 1, the screen is shifted to the main
menu screen in FIG. 4.
[0184] If there is no personal setting of the initial screen after
log-in, the application operates according to the device setting.
Further, if the function for personalization is OFF, the
application operates according to settings made by the system
administrator in advance.
[0185] <Default Screen>
[0186] For each application, there can be set a default screen
which is displayed when the application is started. For the copy
application, a screen of either "Quick" or "Normal" can be selected
as its default screen. For the transmission application, one of
screens of "Address Book", "Frequently Used Settings", "One Touch",
and "Normal" can be selected as its default screen. For facsimile
application, one of screens of "Address Book", "Frequently Used
Settings", and "Normal" can be selected as its default screen. For
management application of job status and history, one of screens of
"Copy/Print", "Transmission/Reception", "Storage", and
"Consumables/Others" can be selected as its default screen.
[0187] If there is no personal setting of the default screen, the
application operates according to the device setting. Further, if
the function for personalization is OFF, the application operates
according to device settings made by the system administrator in
advance.
[0188] <History of Settings (Call)>
[0189] The history of settings (call) is a function for memorizing
settings of jobs executed by a copy function, a scan-and-transmit
function, and the facsimile function, to thereby enable easy
restoration of settings of a job. For personalization, there is
provided a function for memorizing history of settings of three
jobs at the maximum in the past for each of the above functions, on
a user-by-user basis.
[0190] During cooperation with a server, history of settings is not
synchronized with that of another device. This is because the
history of settings (call) is automatically stored by the system,
and hence if it is synchronized with that of another device, it
becomes difficult for the user to understand contents of the
call.
[0191] If there is no personal setting of the history of settings,
the application operates with no history of settings of jobs in the
past. Further, if the function for personalization is OFF, the
application memorizes three jobs at the maximum for the whole image
forming apparatus 1.
[0192] <Default Job Settings>
[0193] In the copy function (copy application), the
scan-and-transmit function (transmission application), a
use-stored-file function or scan-and-store function (storage
application), and the facsimile function (facsimile application),
it is possible to change default job settings on a job setting
screen. For personalization, there is provided a function for
memorizing default job settings of each application, on a
user-by-user basis. Default job settings made by the user are
reflected on the settings of each associated application at a time
when the screen is shifted to the job setting screen of the
application.
[0194] If there are no personal settings of the default job
settings, the application operates according to factory settings.
Further, if the function for personalization is OFF, the
application operates according to the device settings.
[0195] Through cooperation with a server, it is possible to have
the default job settings synchronized with another device, and
share the same, on a user-by-user basis.
[0196] <Custom Menu>
[0197] A custom menu is a function for providing short-cut buttons
storing settings. The short-cut buttons provided by the custom menu
include shared buttons which can be used by all users, and my
buttons which can be used on a user-by-user basis.
[0198] By making the custom menu compatible with personalization,
it is possible to synchronize the shared buttons and my buttons
with another device through cooperation with a server, to thereby
share the buttons. Note that when no user is logged in, my buttons
cannot be used.
[0199] <Address Book>
[0200] The address book is a function for registering addresses for
use in transmitting an image obtained by scanning using the
transmission application or the facsimile application. As the
address book, a shared address book is provided which all users can
use. By making the address book compatible with personalization,
there are provided my address book which can be used on a
user-by-user basis and a group address book which can be used on a
group-by-group basis.
[0201] Through cooperation with a server, it is possible to have
the shared address book, my address book, and the group address
book synchronized with another device, and share them, on a
user-by-user basis.
[0202] Further, if the function for personalization is OFF, the
application can make use of the shared address book, but cannot
make use of my address book or the group address book.
[0203] <Report Output>
[0204] A report which is manually output is output according to the
display language of a logged-in user. Further, a report which is
automatically output is output according to the display language of
user who has been logged-in when it is output. If the function for
personalization is OFF, a report is output according to the device
setting of the display language.
[0205] Other Embodiments
[0206] Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a
computer of a system or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU)
that reads out and executes a program recorded on a memory device
to perform the functions of the above-described embodiment(s), and
by a method, the steps of which are performed by a computer of a
system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing a
program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the
above-described embodiment(s). For this purpose, the program is
provided to the computer for example via a network or from a
recording medium of various types serving as the memory device
(e.g., computer-readable medium).
[0207] While the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent structures and functions.
[0208] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent
Application No. 2013-080388 filed Apr. 8, 2013, and Japanese Patent
Application No. 2014-034161 filed Feb. 25, 2014, which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
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