Abstract:
A method of controlling a job interruptible image forming device in which job interrupting is enabled, includes a step of storing contents of respective job settings of an interrupted first job and an interrupting second job respectively, a step of causing a display to indicate that the respective job settings of the first job and the second job coexist, and a step of activating job setting windows for respective job settings selectively on the display in response to a selection entry of a user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-080717, filed on Mar. 27, 2007, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an interrupt operation enabled image forming device. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    In the related art, an image forming device in which a so-called interrupt operation is enabled such that a first user suspends a job, then a second user executes a new job, and the first user restarts the job after having ended the new job has been in practical use. 
         [0006]    With the device in the related art, in a case in which the interrupt operation is performed on a single operating screen such as a touch panel, when the user selects the interrupt operation, a display screen is switched to a new screen, and a previously displayed screen is hidden. Therefore, the user may be confused in the following circumstance. 
         [0007]    For example, the first user leaves the image forming device while a job is being executed. 
         [0008]    Then, the second user executes an interrupt job, and leaves the image forming device. 
         [0009]    The first user returns back to the image forming device, and tries to restart the interrupted job. 
         [0010]    In this case, even when the first user discovers that the displayed items or settings in the display are changed, he/she might get confused and, consequently, cancel all the jobs or settings and restart the job from the beginning. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In order to overcome the problems described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention enable a user to restart his/her job without confusion even though his/her job is interrupted by an interrupt job. 
         [0012]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a job interruptible image forming device including a job setting storing unit arranged to store contents of respective job settings of an interrupted first job and an interrupting second job, a display controller arranged to display that the respective job settings of the first job and the second job coexist, and a selective activating unit arranged to activate job setting windows for the respective job settings selectively on the display in response to a selection entry of a user. 
         [0013]    According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display controller preferably controls the display to cause the respective job settings to coexist by displaying respective identifiers of the first job and the second job in parallel. 
         [0014]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display controller preferably controls the display to display the job setting window for the second job so as to hide at least a body portion of the setting display of the job setting window for the first job. 
         [0015]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display controller preferably controls the display to display the respective job setting windows for the first job and the second job in parallel. 
         [0016]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display controller preferably controls the display to display the active job setting window so as to be identifiable from between the respective job setting windows displayed in parallel. 
         [0017]    An image forming device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a user specific information storage unit arranged to store (a) identification information of the respective users of the image forming device and (b) job setting content specific for the respective users of the image forming device, and an authenticating unit arranged to authenticate the users stored in the user specific information storage unit, wherein the display controller controls the display when the user is authenticated by the authenticating unit to display the user specific job setting content with the user identifier. 
         [0018]    An authenticating unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably includes at least one of 1) a password accepting unit arranged to accept passwords, 2) a biometrics information acquiring unit arranged to accept biometrics information, 3) an identification (ID) scanning unit arranged to scan an ID from an ID storage device, and 4) an IP address acquiring unit arranged to acquire an Internet Protocol (IP) address specific for a communication terminal which is connected to the image forming device via a network, wherein the user specific information storage unit accepts a change of the user identification information stored in the user specific information storage unit and the user specific job setting content only when the user is authenticated by the authenticating unit. 
         [0019]    A selective activating unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably activates the user job setting window on the display only when the user is authenticated by the authenticating unit. 
         [0020]    An image forming device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a storage time limiting unit arranged to allow the job setting storage unit to store the job setting content of the first job only for a predetermined time period from a moment when a job interrupt command of the second job is entered. 
         [0021]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the respective setting content of the interrupted first job and the interrupting second job are preferably stored, the coexistence thereof is indicated on the display, and any one of the job settings is activated in response to the entry of the user selection. Therefore, when the user restarts the interrupted job, the user is able to restart the job without confusion. 
         [0022]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display is preferably controlled to cause the respective job settings to coexist by displaying respective identifiers of the first job and the second job in parallel. Therefore, the user is able to restart the job without confusion. 
         [0023]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the job setting window for the second job is preferably displayed so as to hide at least the body portion of the setting display of the job setting window for the first job. Therefore, even when a plurality of job settings coexist, the windows are displayed in substantially the same size as the job setting window displayed when a single job is being executed. 
         [0024]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display is preferably controlled to display the job setting windows respectively for the first job and the second job in parallel. Therefore, the user is able to recognize the coexistence of the plurality of job settings easily. 
         [0025]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display is preferably controlled to display the active job setting window so as to be identifiable from between the respective job setting windows displayed in parallel. Therefore, the user is able to execute the job without confusion. 
         [0026]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the user is authenticated by the authenticating unit, the display is preferably controlled to display the user specific job setting content with the user identifier attached thereto. Therefore, even when the job is interrupted, the job can be restarted without confusion. 
         [0027]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the authenticating unit preferably authenticates the user by at least one of the password, the biometrics information, the ID, and the IP address of the communication terminal connected via the network, and the user specific information storage unit accepts the change of the user identification information and the user specific job setting content stored in the user specific information storage unit only when the user is authenticated by the authenticating unit. Therefore, the respective users are able to use the image forming device comfortably and without being confused. 
         [0028]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the job setting window of the user is preferably activated on the display only when the user in question is authenticated by the authenticating unit. Therefore, other users are prevented from changing the setting content. Accordingly, the user is able to restart the job without confusion. 
         [0029]    According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage time limiting unit is preferably arranged to allow the job setting storage unit to store the job setting content of the first job only for a predetermined time period from the moment when the job interrupt command of the second job is entered. Therefore, effective use of a limited number of registered jobs is enabled with a reduced memory capacity. 
         [0030]    Other features, elements, processes, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a multifunction peripheral device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating the exemplary configuration of the multifunction peripheral device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a table of display items displayed on a display of the multifunction peripheral device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  illustrates the display content displayed on the display of the multifunction peripheral device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram illustrating a case in which a job interrupt command is entered to the multifunction peripheral device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a job interrupt process in the multifunction peripheral device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the multifunction peripheral device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a table of specific settings of the multifunction peripheral device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  illustrates display content displayed on the display of the multifunction peripheral device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a functional block diagram of a case in which a user interrupt command is entered to the multifunction peripheral device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a user interrupt process in the multifunction peripheral device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Preferred Embodiment 
       [0042]    Referring now to the drawings, a Multi Function Peripheral (MFP) device having functions of a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile machine together will be described as an image forming device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  and the other figures illustrate only elements and/or functions relating to preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
       Configuration of Multifunction Peripheral Device  10   
       [0043]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of multifunction peripheral device  10  according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction peripheral device  10  is preferably used for scanning a document, generating an image data, and printing the image data on recording paper, or for transmitting the image data or the like with respect to communication terminals connected via a network and printing out the image data stored in the communication terminals, or for transferring the image data to other communication terminals. 
         [0044]    An entry operation unit  11  receives an entry operation of a user, and includes mechanical switches such as a ten-keypad required for operating the multifunction peripheral device  10  and various function keys. The entry operation unit  11  accepts job interrupt commands as well as execution commands for various commands such as scanning and copying of the documents through operation of the keys by the user. 
         [0045]    A display  12  is a general display composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and displays image information and the like required for operating the multifunction peripheral device  10 . A touch panel display is provided on the display  12 , and supplements or subsidizes part or all of the functions of the entry operation unit  11 . 
         [0046]    A scanning unit  13  scans documents placed on a copy tray  14  having an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) by an imaging device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) line sensor (not shown) or the like in sequence, and generates image data on the basis of the images recorded on the documents. The scanned documents are discharged to a document discharge tray  15 . The documents do not have to be scanned by the ADF, and may be scanned in a Flat Bed Scanner (FBS) system. The FBS system executes a scanning sequence including the steps of scanning a document placed on a contact glass (not shown) with an image pickup device and discharging the scanned document. 
         [0047]    An image drawing or printing unit  16  is, for example, an electrophotographic system, for printing out and recording image data generated by the scanning unit  13  or transmitted from a communication terminal connected via a network as a hard copy. Although detailed illustration thereof is omitted, toner is supplied from a toner cassette attached to a photoconductive drum on the basis of the image data. Then, the attached toner is transferred to recording paper transported from a recording paper cassette  17  by a recording paper transporting unit, and the transferred recording paper is discharged to a recording paper discharge tray  18 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplified configuration of the multifunction peripheral device  10 , and  FIG. 3  is a table of setting content  220 . The components described above are all electrically connected via a bus  20  and are also connected electrically with the following components. 
         [0049]    A job setting storage unit  21  is preferably provided with a nonvolatile memory and stores, for example, a predetermined waiting screen (for example, a logo); the default setting content  220  displayed when the user executes a given entry operation from the entry operation unit  11  when the waiting screen is displayed; and, when a job interrupt command is entered through the entry operation unit  11  when the setting content of a job A (first job) is being accepted and a job B (second job) interrupts the job A, setting content  22   a  of the job A which is set until immediately before the job interrupt command is entered; and a setting content  22   b  of the job B. The setting contents  22   a  and  22   b  which are stored in a setting content section  22  in the job setting storage unit  21  include jobs such as copying, printing, or facsimile transmission; the paper size and the scaling magnification applied when the image drawing unit  16  prints out the data; image types of the scanned image from the scanning unit  13  or the printed-out image from the image drawing unit  16  such as color images, gray scale images, and binary images; the printing density; and the number of copies. The default setting content  220  includes, for example, copying job, A4 size paper, magnification (×1.00), gray scale scanning, gray scale output, density  4 , and 1 copy. The date and time of storage in the job setting storage unit  21  are also stored. 
         [0050]    The setting content section  22  holds the setting content stored in the job setting storage unit  21  when the job interrupt command is entered for a predetermined time period by the execution of a time limiting program by a Microprocessor Unit (MPU)  23 . More specifically, the holding time of the setting content is, for example, on the order of about 10 minutes, and it is preferable to hold the setting content at least for a time period longer than an estimated time period until a job discontinued by the entry of the job interrupt command is restarted (no-operation period). However, a configuration in which an arbitrary time is entered and set as the holding time when the time period required for the job executed when the job interrupt command is entered (hereinafter, referred to as “interrupting job”) is estimated to be longer than 10 minutes is also applicable. 
         [0051]    The MPU  23  controls entered signals such as execution commands from the entry operation unit  11 , data calculation on the basis of the entered signals, generation of output signals, items displayed on the display  12 , the scanning unit  13 , the image drawing unit  16 , and a display controller  50  (see  FIG. 5 ). A Read Only Memory (ROM)  24  stores programs executed by the MPU  23  and data required for the control executed by the MPU  23 , and a Random Access Memory (RAM)  25  temporarily stores data required for total control executed by the MPU  23 . Consequently, the respective functions of the multifunction peripheral device  10  are achieved. In other words, the MPU  23  controls the respective components of the multifunction peripheral device  10  in association with the ROM  24  and the RAM  25 . 
       Function of the Display Controller  50   
       [0052]      FIG. 4  illustrates the display items on the display  12 , and  FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram when the job interrupt command is entered. The multifunction peripheral device  10  includes the display controller  50 . This is a functional block provided by operating according to a program stored in the ROM  24  while the MPU  23  is using the RAM  25  as a temporary processing section. 
         [0053]    First, when no job is accepted, the display controller  50  displays a waiting screen such as a logo stored in the job setting storage unit  21  on the display  12 . When an operation start command such as a job command is entered through the entry operation unit  11  or the touch panel on the display  12  in a state of displaying the waiting screen, the default setting content  220  is displayed on the display  12 . When the job interrupt command is entered through the entry operation unit  11  or the touch panel of the display  12 , the display controller  50  displays in a form in which the user can simultaneously see and confirm both the setting contents  22   a ,  22   b , etc., which are set before the job interrupt is entered, and the default setting content  220 , which is to be executed after the job interrupt command is entered. The setting contents are selectively activated and displayed on the display  12 . 
         [0054]    More specifically, the display controller  50  first displays the waiting screen such as the logo on the display  12 . In this state, the display controller  50  accepts setting content information  51  indicating various settings such as job type, paper size, magnification, image type, printing density, and number of copies from the touch panel of the display unit  12  and displays the same in a frame  41   a  of the display  12 . When job interrupt information  54  is entered before job execution command information  52  for the job A is entered or end command information  53  for the job A is entered, the display controller  50  transfers the setting content information  51  of the job A to the setting content  22   a , stores the same in the job setting storage unit  21 , creates a new frame  41   b , and displays the default setting content  220  as active. The display controller  50  now accepts the settings only for either one of the frames  41   a  and  41   b  which are displayed as active. At this time, the frame  41   a  which is not active is attached with an identifier  42   a  and is displayed on the display  12  only with the identifier  42   a.    
         [0055]    When the job execution command information  52  is entered through the entry operation unit  11 , the job is executed in association with the scanning unit  13  and the image drawing unit  16 . 
         [0056]    The identifier  42   a  includes a designation of the job and the stored date and time of the setting content  22   a  accepted in the frame  41   a , and in the present preferred embodiment, is in the form of a so-called tag. The identifier  42   a  has also a function as a selection button for selecting the frame  41   a  as an active frame. In other words, when the user touches the identifier  42   a , the frame  41   a  is activated (displayed as a top layer) by a touch panel function, and only the identifier  42   b  is displayed as a top layer as if the setting content  22   b  displayed in the frame  41   b  is stored in the job setting storage unit  21  and the frame  41   b  is displayed behind the frame  41   a . In other words, the setting content of the frame  41   a  is displayed so as to hide at least a body portion of the display setting content of the frame  41   b . However, the identifiers  42   a ,  42   b  are still displayed in parallel. 
         [0057]    The information provided by the identifiers  42   a ,  42   b  do not have to be the designation or stored date and time of the jobs and may be icons corresponding to the respective jobs. The identifiers  42   a ,  42   b  may have identifiers corresponding to the setting contents instead of simply indicating the jobs. For example, when the setting content of the job A is to scan a binary image and output the binary image, an identifier  43   a  is provided. When the setting content of the job A is to scan a color image and output a gray scale image, an identifier  43   b  is provided. 
         [0058]    In order to cancel or end the interrupt job, the end command information  53  is transmitted to the display controller  50  by pressing an “end” button  44  which is displayed on the entry operation unit  11  or either one of the active frames  41   a ,  41   b . When the end command information  53  is transmitted, the display controller  50  deletes the active frame (the frame  41   b  in  FIG. 4 ). At this time, when the setting contents  22   a  and  22   b  are stored in the job setting storage unit  21 , one of the setting contents  22   a  and  22   b  (the setting content  22   a  corresponding to the frame  41   a  in  FIG. 4 ) is invoked and is displayed on the display  12  as the active frame  41   a . In a case in which none of the setting contents  22   a  and  22   b  is stored in the setting storage unit at the time when the end command information  53  is transmitted, the predetermined waiting screen such as the logo is displayed on the display  12 . 
       Operation of Multifunction Peripheral Device  10   
       [0059]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart of the job interrupt process. The multifunction peripheral device  10  executes the following operations with the provision of the configuration described above. In this flowchart, only the operations of the multifunction peripheral device  10  for processing the job interrupt is shown, and illustration and description of other process operations are omitted. A series of processing operations in the multifunction peripheral device  10  is executed automatically under the control of the MPU  23  unless otherwise specifically described. 
         [0060]    First, the multifunction peripheral device  10  displays the waiting screen such as the logo on the display  12  in a state in which the power of the multifunction peripheral device  10  is ON. Then, the multifunction peripheral device  10  waits until the entry operation unit  11  or the touch panel of the display  12  accepts various settings (hereinafter, referred to as a “job command”) for executing a job (Step S 601 ). When Yes is determined in Step S 601  (that is, when the job command is accepted), whether or not other job commands are entered is determined (Step S 602 ). 
         [0061]    When Yes is determined in Step S 602  (that is, when other job commands are entered), the setting content  22   b  accepted by the other job commands is stored in the job setting storage unit  21 , and a new frame  41   b  is prepared (Step S 603 ). In contrast, when No is determined in Step S 602  (that is, other job commands are not entered), the new job entered in Step S 601  is displayed in the active frame (Step S 604 ) so that the settings of the job displayed on the active frame are ready to be accepted (Step S 605 ). In this case, with regard to the job which the multifunction peripheral device  10  has accepted first, No is automatically selected in Step S 602 , and the procedure in Step S 604  is executed. 
         [0062]    In a state in Step S 605 , the setting content information  51  is accepted, and whether or not a job execution command is accepted is determined (Step S 606 ) and, immediately, whether or not an end command is accepted is determined (Step S 608 ). When Yes is determined in Step S 606  (that is, when the job execution command is accepted), the multifunction peripheral device  10  executes a commanded job (Step S 607 ). After execution of the job in Step S 607  or when the end command is accepted without accepting the job execution command (that is, when Yes is determined in Step S 608 ), the active frame  41   b  is deleted (Step S 609 ). 
         [0063]    When No is determined in Step S 608  (that is, the end command is not accepted), whether or not the no-operation periods of the respective jobs exceed a predetermined specified time period is determined (Step S 610 ). When the no-operation periods exceed the specified time period, Yes is determined in Step S 610 , and the frame and the settings of the corresponding job are deleted (Step S 611 ). In contrast, when there is no job whose No-operation period exceeds the predetermined time period, No is determined in Step S 610 , and Step S 611  is skipped. Subsequently, whether or not the job interrupt command is accepted is determined (Step S 612 ) and, immediately, whether or not another frame  41   a  is selected is determined (Step S 613 ). 
         [0064]    When Yes is determined in Step S 612  (that is, the job interrupt command is accepted), the procedure goes back to Step S 602 . When Yes is determined in Step S 613  (that is, when the frame  41   a  is selected), the procedure goes back to Step S 605 . In contrast, when No is determined in Step S 613  (that is, the frame  41   a  is not selected), the procedure goes back to Step S 606 . 
         [0065]    When the active frame  41   b  is deleted in Step S 609  after having repeated these steps, whether or not there is still an active frame is determined (Step S 614 ). When Yes is determined, the frame of the job which used to be active immediately before accepting the job interrupt command is automatically selected, and then the procedure goes back to Step S 605 . In contrast, when No is determined in Step S 614  (that is, there is no more active frames), whether or not the power is OFF is determined (Step S 615 ). 
         [0066]    When Yes is determined in Step S 615 , all the processes are ended. In contrast, when No is determined, the procedure goes back to Step S 601 , and the same process is repeated until Yes is determined in Step S 615 . 
       Advantages of the First Preferred Embodiment 
       [0067]    As described above, when the job interrupt command is entered, the setting contents  22   a  and  22   b  before the job interrupt command is entered and the default setting content  220  after the job interrupt command is entered are selectively displayed on the display  12 . Therefore, when the user wants to restart the suspended job, the user is able to restart the job without confusion. 
         [0068]    When the job interrupt command is entered, the new frame  41   b  is prepared and selectively displayed on the display  12 . Therefore, even when the job interrupt command is entered, the setting content  22   b  is displayed in substantially the same size as the setting content  22   a  displayed before the job interrupt command is entered. Since the identifiers  42   a ,  42   b ,  43   a , and  43   b  are attached to the display, the user is able to restart the job without confusion. 
         [0069]    The job setting storage unit  21  holds the setting contents  22   a  and  22   b  stored in the job setting storage unit  21  when the job interrupt command is entered for the predetermined time period. Therefore, the user is able to execute the job by selecting and activating the frame without resetting if it is within the predetermined time period. Since the setting contents  22   a  and  22   b  are deleted after the predetermined time period is elapsed, memory capacity is saved. 
       Second Preferred Embodiment 
       [0070]    In the first preferred embodiment, an example in a case in which the job interrupt command is entered and a new frame is prepared for each job has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Referring to the drawings, as a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, an example will be made in which the display  12  is divided when a process of entering a user interrupt, i.e., a process of entering the job interrupt command is performed as a form of job interrupt. The components having the same functions as those in the first preferred embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. 
       Configuration of Multifunction Peripheral Device  70   
       [0071]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplified configuration of multifunction peripheral device  70  according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction peripheral device  70  further includes an authenticating unit  71  and an identification information storage unit  72  in addition to the components in the multifunction peripheral device  10  in the first preferred embodiment. 
         [0072]    The authenticating unit  71  authenticates the user stored in the identification information storage unit  72 . For example, an identification (ID) card scanning unit  71   a  for scanning a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card (see  FIG. 1 ) is provided and the user identification information stored in the identification information storage unit  72  and the scanned information are compared and authenticated. The authenticating unit  71  does not necessarily have to authenticate by scanning the RFID card (in general, ID storage device), and it may be done by password entry. In this case, the authenticating unit  71  authenticates the user on the basis of the password entered through the entry operation unit  11  or the touch panel of the display  12 . The authenticating unit  71  may authenticate the user on the basis of the biometrics information acquired by providing a biometrics information acquiring unit  71   b  arranged to acquire the biometrics information such as fingerprints, voiceprints, or irises as needed. The authenticating unit  71  may also authenticate the user on the basis of IP addresses acquired by providing an IP address acquiring unit  71   c  arranged to acquire IP addresses specific for communication terminals to be connected via a network. The authenticating unit  71  includes at least one of the units shown above. 
         [0073]    The identification information storage unit  72  is provided with a nonvolatile memory as in the case of the job setting storage unit  21  and stores user specific identification information  72   a  and the user specific job setting content  72   b  of a user who is capable of operating the multifunction peripheral device  10 . The information stored as the identification information  72   a  is the identification information of the same type as the type of the identification information authenticated by the authenticating unit  71  (password, biometrics information, ID card information, IP address, etc.). 
         [0074]      FIG. 8  is a table of the job setting content  72   b . The information stored as the job setting content  72   b  includes, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the job, the paper size, the scaling magnification, image type, the printing density, the number of copies specified individually by the user, etc. For example, in many cases where the user A uses the multifunction peripheral device  70  and outputs five copies of two pages of color documents so as to be aggregated on one piece of paper of A4 size in gray scale image irrespective of the document size, the job setting content  72   b  to be stored includes, copying, A4, same size, color scan, color output, five copies, two pages aggregation. 
       Function of Display Controller  100   
       [0075]      FIG. 9  illustrates the display content of the display  12 , and  FIG. 10  is a functional block diagram of a case in which a user interrupt command is entered. The multifunction peripheral device  70  includes a display controller  100 . 
         [0076]    The display controller  100  selectively displays job setting contents  80   a ,  80   b ,  80   c  . . . set by the user before the user interrupt command is entered and a job setting content  80  in a waiting state after the user interrupt command is entered when the user interrupt command is entered through the entry operation unit  11  or the touch panel of the display  12 . 
         [0077]    More specifically, first, the display controller  100  displays the job setting content  80   a  as a specific content of the authenticated user A on the display  12  when authenticated by the authenticating unit  71  and the identification information  72   a  and accepts a setting content information  101  and a job execution command information  102 . Then, when a user interrupt button  90  displayed on the display  12  is pressed in a state in which the job setting content  80   a  of the user A is displayed, that is, in a state in which the job from the user A is acceptable, the display controller  100  accepts a user interrupt information  104 . 
         [0078]    When another user B is authenticated by the authenticating unit  71  and the identification information  72   a , the display controller  100  divides a portion of the display screen of the display  12  and displays the job setting content before the user interrupt command is entered from the user B, that is, the job setting content  80   a  of the user A, and the setting content in the waiting state after the user interrupt command is entered (for example, the job setting content  80   b  of the user B) are displayed in parallel on the display  12  so as to allow the user to select the job. Here, the job setting content  80   a  of the user A is displayed on one of the divided screens (not illustrated) with the identifier (not illustrated) of the user A attached thereto, and the job setting content  80   b  of the user B is displayed on another divided screen  91   b  with a user identifier  92   b  attached thereto. The user identifiers  92   b  and  92   c  and the various settings (job, paper size, magnification, image type, print density, and the number of copies) displayed on the respective divided screens  91   b  and  91   c  are displayed hierarchically by pressing respective buttons, so that the change of settings is acceptable. 
         [0079]    In a case in which the user interrupt command is entered by another user C in a state in which the jobs from the users A and B are acceptable, the new divided screen  91   c  having the job setting content  80   c  of the user C displayed thereon, and the divided screen  91   a  having the job setting content  80   a  of the user A and the job setting content  80   b  of the user B displayed thereon are selectively displayed on the display  12 . By improving visibility by increasing the display density of the active divided screen (the divided screen  91   c  in  FIG. 9 ) from between the divided screens  91   b  and  91   c  displayed on the display  12  or by displaying the active divided screen in a larger scale than the divided screen which is not active (the divided screen  91   b  in  FIG. 9 ), the user is able to execute or restart the job without confusion. 
         [0080]    In the present preferred embodiment, there are two divided screens  91   b  and  91   c  which are displayed simultaneously on the display  12 , and the job setting content  80   a  of the user A is displayed by pressing a screen switching button  93 . However, three or more divided screens  91   a ,  91   b , and  91   c  may be displayed depending on the size of the displayable area of the display  12 , or a new frame may be prepared for the job setting contents  72   b  from the third one onward to be selectively displayed in combination with the example shown in the first preferred embodiment. 
         [0081]    When an “END” button  94   c  is pressed in the active divided screen  91   c  from between the divided screens  91   b  and  91   c  displayed on the display  12 , the display controller  100  accepts the end command information  103 , deletes the divided screen  91   c , and displays the job setting content  80   a  of the user A on the display  12  in the same mode. 
         [0082]    The display controller  100  displays a save settings button  95  on the display  12  and, when the save settings button  95  is pressed, saves the job setting content  80   c  of the user C which is displayed in the active divided screen  91   c  as the job setting content  72   b , that is, as the setting content in the waiting state when the information of the user C is entered. At this time, the change of the job setting content  72   b  may be limited by executing the user authentication in the authenticating unit  71  again or by accepting entry of the password or the like for saving the job setting content  80   c  of the user C as the job setting content  72   b  and allows saving only when the password is authenticated. 
         [0083]    The display controller  100  displays a forced erase button  96  on the display  12  and is able to forcedly erase a portion or the entire portion of the users who are accepted by the multifunction peripheral device  70  when the forced erase button  96  is pressed. Accordingly, the amount of used memory is minimized. In order to prevent unintended erasure due to the wrong operation or the like, the forced erase is limited to only when it is authenticated to be the operation by the authorized user or when the password is entered. 
       Operation of Multifunction Peripheral Device  70   
       [0084]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart of the user interrupt process. The multifunction peripheral device  70  configured as described above operates as follows. In this flowchart, only the operation of the multifunction peripheral device  70  to process the user interrupt is shown and illustration and description of other process operations are omitted. A series of processing operations in the multifunction peripheral device  70  is executed automatically under the control of MPU  23 . 
         [0085]    In the state in which the power of the multifunction peripheral device  70  is ON, the multifunction peripheral device  70  waits until the user information is entered through the ID card scanner  71   a  (Step S 1101 ). When Yes is determined in Step S 1101  (that is, when the user information is entered), whether or not another user is using the multifunction peripheral device  70  is determined (Step S 1102 ). With regard to the user information that the multifunction peripheral device  70  is received at the beginning, No is automatically selected in Step S 1102 . 
         [0086]    When Yes is determined in Step S 1102  (that is, when another user is using the multifunction peripheral device  70 ), whether or not the screen of the display  12  is to be divided is determined (Step S 1103 ). When Yes is determined, the display layout such as the screen division of the display  12  is determined (Step S 1104 ), and the entered job setting content  80   c  of the user C is displayed in an active state (Step S 1105 ). In contrast, when No is determined in Step S 1103 , a new frame is prepared (Step S 1105 ), and the entered user specific setting content is displayed in an active state (Step S 1106 ; see  FIG. 4 ). In Step S 1106 , acceptance of entry to the job setting content  80   c  of the user C displayed on the displayed active frame or the active divided screen (hereinafter referred to as “active divided screen”)  91   c  is enabled (Step S 1107 ). 
         [0087]    Whether or not the job execution command is accepted is determined in the state of Step S 1107  (Step S 1108 ) and whether or not the end command is accepted is determined (Step S 1110 ). When Yes is determined in Step S 1108  (that is, when the job execution command is accepted), the commanded job is executed (Step S 1109 ). After executing the job in Step S 1109  or when the end command is accepted without accepting the job execution command (that is, Yes is determined in Step S 1110 ), the active frame is erased (Step S 1111 ). 
         [0088]    When No is determined in Step S 1110  (that is, when the end command is not accepted), whether or not the no-operation periods of the respective jobs exceed a predetermined specified time period is determined (Step S 1112 ). When the no-operation periods exceed the specified time period, Yes is determined in Step S 1112 , and the frame and the settings of the corresponding jobs are erased (Step S 1113 ). On the other hand, when there is no job whose no-operation period exceeds the specified time period, No is determined in Step S 1112  and Step S 1113  is skipped. Subsequently, whether or not the user interrupt command is accepted is determined (Step S 1114 ) and, immediately, whether or not other divided screens  91   b , etc., are selected is determined (Step S 1115 ). 
         [0089]    When Yes is determined in Step S 1114  (that is, when the user interrupt command is accepted), the procedure goes back to Step S 1101 . When Yes is determined in Step S 1115  (that is, when another divided screen  91   b , etc. is selected), the procedure goes back to Step S 1107 . In contrast, when No is determined in Step S 1115 , the procedure goes back to Step S 1108 . 
         [0090]    After having repeated these processes, when the active divided screen  91   c  is erased in Step S 1111 , whether or not another user is using the multifunction peripheral device  70  is determined (Step S 1116 ), and when Yes is determined, the frame of the job which has been active immediately before the job interrupt command is accepted is automatically selected and the procedure goes to Step S 1103 . In contrast, when No is determined in Step S 1116  (that is, when there is no other user using the multifunction peripheral device  70 ), whether or not the power is turned OFF is determined (Step S 1117 ). 
         [0091]    When Yes is determined in Step S 1117 , all the processes are ended. In contrast, when No is determined, the procedure goes back to Step S 1101 , and the same processes are repeated until Yes is determined in the Step S 1117 . 
       Advantages of the Second Preferred Embodiment 
       [0092]    As described thus far, when the user interrupt command is entered, the display  12  is divided and the job setting content  80   b  before the entry of the user interrupt command and the job setting content  80   c  in the waiting state after the entry of the user interrupt command are selectively displayed. Therefore, the user is able to recognize that the user interrupt command is entered with ease. 
         [0093]    When the user is authenticated by the authenticating unit  71 , the job setting content  72   b  is displayed with the user identifiers  92   b  and  92   c  attached thereon, even when the job is suspended, the user is able to restart the job without confusion. 
         [0094]    The authenticating unit  71  authenticates the user by at least one of the password, the biometrics information, the ID card (ID storage device), and the IP address of the communication terminal connected via the network, and the identification information storage unit  72  accepts the change of the identification information  72   a  of the user and the job setting content  72   b  stored in the identification information storage unit  72  only when the user is authenticated by the authenticating unit  71 . Therefore, the respective users are able to use the multifunction peripheral device  70  comfortably and without being confused. 
       Modifications 
       [0095]    Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described thus far, the invention is not limited to the above-describe preferred embodiments. For example, it is also possible to combine the first and second preferred embodiments and accept the job interrupt command even for the same user to enable execution of the interrupt job. 
         [0096]    Furthermore, a circuit configuration in which the above-described processes are achieved is also applicable, and the present invention is not limited to the respective steps shown above. 
         [0097]    While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed invention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume many embodiments other than those specifically set out and described above. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims are intended to cover all modifications of the present invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.