Abstract:
This invention facilitates setting information input operation by the user in an image processing apparatus. In order to achieve this purpose, according to this invention, a control method in an image processing apparatus which performs image processing using setting information set for each function includes a step of inputting setting information for each function on a displayed screen, a step of, when the user issues a recording instruction, storing the input setting information in correspondence with the function, and in a case where the user issues a recording stop instruction, storing stop information in correspondence with the function, and a step of starting setting control of setting information for each function in response to a setting instruction from the user, in a case where the setting information has been stored, controlling to set the setting information (step S 1505 , S 1507 ), and when the stop information has been stored, controlling to wait for input of setting information by the user and then set the setting information (step S 1506 , S 1515 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a processing technique in an image processing apparatus which has a plurality of functions for image processing and performs the processing using setting information set for each function.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     With recent functional advance of image processing apparatuses, setting value input operation by the user has also become complicated. To facilitate setting value input operation, various methods have been proposed.  
         [0003]     For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-295274 proposes a method of storing setting values input by the user in advance as a file and invoking the file in image processing. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-341445 proposes a method of, when inputting setting values, recording input operation performed by the user using a so-called macro function, and reproducing the input operation in image processing.  
         [0004]     When, for example, only some of setting items to be input are to be changed and set, the method in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-295274 requires an operation of storing the target setting items as a separate file. According to the method in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-341445, target setting items must be recorded by additionally performing input operation. These operations impair user friendliness, and it is desired to facilitate input operation by the user even in this case.  
         [0005]     The above methods cannot apply a file stored in a specific image processing apparatus to an image processing apparatus having different functions, or reproduce input operation recorded by a specific image processing apparatus in an image processing apparatus having different functions. The user must execute setting value input operation again in an image processing apparatus having different functions, resulting in poor user friendliness.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention has been made to solve the conventional drawbacks, and has as its object to facilitate setting value input operation by the user in an image processing apparatus and improve user friendliness.  
         [0007]     To achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following arrangement. That is, 
        an image processing apparatus which has a plurality of functions for image processing and performs image processing using setting information set for each function, comprising:        
 
         [0009]     a display unit configured to display a screen in accordance with information on a predetermined display order;  
         [0010]     a setting information input unit configured to input setting information for each function of the image processing apparatus on the screen displayed on the display unit;  
         [0011]     a storage unit configured to, in a case where a user issues a recording instruction, store the setting information input by the setting information input unit in correspondence with the function, and in a case where the user issues a recording stop instruction, store recording stop information in correspondence with the function; and  
         [0012]     a setting control unit configured to start setting control of setting information for each function in response to a setting instruction from the user, in a case where the setting information has been stored in the storage unit, control to set the setting information, and in a case where the recording stop information has been stored in the storage unit, control to prompt the user to input setting information from the setting information input unit.  
         [0013]     The present invention facilitates setting value input operation by the user in an image processing apparatus, and improves user friendliness.  
         [0014]     Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a view schematically showing the configuration of a network having an image processing apparatus (copying machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the copying machine;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view schematically showing the hardware configurations of the scanner and printer of the copying machine;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a view showing the outer appearance of the operation unit of the copying machine;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a view showing an example of an operation window (normal window) displayed on the LCD display of the operation unit of the copying machine;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a view showing an example of the first window for both sides;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a view showing an example of the second window for both sides;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a view showing an example of the third window for both sides;  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is a view showing an example of the first window for registration;  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a view showing an example of the second window for registration;  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is a table showing the configuration of user registration contents;  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is a view showing an example of the first window for invoke;  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  is a table showing the configuration of copying machine registration contents;  
         [0029]      FIG. 14  is a view showing an example of the second window for invoke;  
         [0030]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing the flow of reproduction processing in the copying machine;  
         [0031]      FIG. 16  is a view abstractly showing various functions of the copying machine and windows used to set setting information for the respective functions, and showing a state in which the window branches to different windows on the basis of the setting contents of respective windows;  
         [0032]      FIG. 17  is a table showing the configuration of user registration contents; and  
         [0033]      FIG. 18  is a table showing the configuration of copying machine registration contents. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0034]     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.  
       First Embodiment  
       [0000]     1. Network Configuration  
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is a view schematically showing the configuration of a network having an image processing apparatus ( 101 ) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus is a copying machine having a data transmission function.  
         [0036]     In  FIG. 1 , reference numerals  101  and  102  denote copying machines having a data transmission function. The copying machines  101  and  102  are connected to a facsimile apparatus  103 , database/mail server  104 , and client computer  105  via a LAN  106  so that the copying machines  101  and  102  can communicate with them. The copying machine  101  is connected to a facsimile apparatus  107  via a public line  108 .  
         [0037]     The copying machine  101  has a scanner function and facsimile function. Also, the copying machine  101  has a data transmission function of reading a document image, and transmitting, to apparatuses on the LAN  106 , image data generated by reading the document image. Note that the apparatuses on the LAN  106  are the copying machine  102 , facsimile apparatus  103 , database/mail server  104 , and client computer  105 .  
         [0038]     The copying machine  101  has a PDL function, and can receive a PDL image designated by the client computer  105  connected to the LAN  106  and print the PDL image.  
         [0039]     Further, the copying machine  101  has a personal box function. With the personal box function, an image read by the copying machine  101 , or a PDL image designated by the client computer  105  connected to the LAN  106  can be saved as a scanner job or PDL job in a designated box area of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive)  204  ( FIG. 2 ). The scanner job or PDL job saved in the box area can also be printed. Similarly, data read by the copying machine  102  can be received via the LAN  106  to save the received data as a reception job in the HDD  204  of the copying machine  101 , and also to print out the data. Contents received from the public line  108  via a Web browser can be saved as a browser job in the copying machine  101  and printed out.  
         [0040]     The facsimile apparatus  103  can receive data read by the copying machine  101  via the LAN  106 , and transmit the received data.  
         [0041]     The database/mail server  104  is a server apparatus having a function of receiving, via the LAN  106 , data read by the copying machine  101 , storing the data in a database, and transmitting the data as E-mail.  
         [0042]     The client computer  105  is connected to the database/mail server  104 , and can acquire desired data from the database/mail server  104  and display the acquired data. The client computer  105  can also receive, via the LAN  106 , data read by the copying machine  101 , and process and edit the received data.  
         [0043]     The facsimile apparatus  107  has a facsimile function, and can receive, via the public line  108 , data read by the copying machine  101  and print out the received data.  
         [0000]     2. Block Diagram of Main Configuration  
         [0044]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the copying machine  101  according to the first embodiment. In  FIG. 2 , reference numeral  200  denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner  291  serving as an image input device and a printer  292  serving as an image output device. The controller unit  200  performs control of implementing a copy function of printing out image data read by the scanner  291  from the printer  292 . When the controller unit  200  is connected to the LAN  106  or public line (WAN)  108 , it performs control of inputting and outputting image data, Web contents, and various kinds of device information.  
         [0045]     The controller unit  200  has a CPU  201 . The CPU  201  activates an operating system (OS) by a boot program stored in a ROM  203 , and executes an application program stored in the HDD (Hard Disk Drive)  204  on the OS. In response to this, the controller unit  200  executes various processes. As a work area for the CPU  201 , a RAM  202  is used. In addition to the work area, the RAM  202  provides an image memory area for temporarily storing image data. The HDD  204  stores image data together with the application program.  
         [0046]     The CPU  201  is connected to an operation unit I/F (operation unit interface)  206  via a system bus  207  in addition to the ROM  203  and RAM  202 . The CPU  201  is also connected to a network I/F (network interface)  210 , modem  250 , and image bus I/F (image bus interface)  205 .  
         [0047]     The operation unit I/F  206  is an interface with an operation unit  293  having a touch panel. The operation unit I/F  206  outputs, to the operation unit  293 , image data to be displayed on the operation unit  293 . The operation unit I/F  206  sends, to the CPU  201 , information (setting information and the like) input by the user from the operation unit  293 .  
         [0048]     The network I/F  210  is connected to the LAN  106 , and inputs/outputs, via the LAN  106 , information between apparatuses on the LAN  106 . The modem  250  is connected to the public line  108 , and inputs/outputs information via the public line  108 .  
         [0049]     The image bus I/F  205  is a bus bridge which connects the system bus  207  and an image bus  208  for transferring image data at high speed, and converts a data structure. The image bus  208  is formed from a PCI bus or IEEE1394. A raster image processor (to be referred to as a RIP hereinafter)  260 , device I/F  220 , scanner image processing unit  270 , printer image processing unit  280 , image rotation unit  230 , and image compression unit  240  are connected to the image bus  208 .  
         [0050]     The RIP  260  rasterizes a PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I/F  220  is connected to the scanner  291  and printer  292 , and performs synchronous/asynchronous conversion of image data. The scanner image processing unit  270  corrects, processes, and edits image data input to the scanner  291 . The printer image processing unit  280  executes correction and resolution conversion for image data printed out via the printer  292 . The image rotation unit  230  rotates image data. The image compression unit  240  converts multilevel image data into JPEG data, and binary image data into compressed data (e.g., JBIG, MMR, or MH data). The image compression unit  240  also decompresses compressed data.  
         [0000]     3. Hardware Configuration  
         [0051]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view schematically showing the hardware configurations of the scanner  291  and printer  292  of the copying machine  101  in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0052]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the scanner  291  and printer  292  are integrated. The scanner  291  is equipped with a document feed unit  301 . The document feed unit  301  feeds document sheets one by one from the first sheet onto a platen glass  302 , and every time each document sheet is read, discharges it from the platen glass  202  to a discharge tray (not shown).  
         [0053]     When a document is fed onto the platen glass  302 , the scanner  291  turns on a lamp  303 , and starts moving a moving unit  304 . As the moving unit  304  moves, the document on the platen glass  302  is read and scanned. During read scanning, light reflected by the document is guided to a CCD image sensor (to be referred to as a “CCD” hereinafter)  309  by mirrors  305 ,  306 , and  307  and a lens  308 . The image on the document is formed onto the image sensing plane of the CCD  309 . The CCD  309  converts the image formed on the image sensing plane into an electrical signal, which undergoes predetermined processing and then is input to the controller unit  200  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0054]     The printer  292  has a laser driver  311 . The laser driver  311  drives a laser-emitting unit  312  on the basis of image data input from the controller unit  200 . The laser-emitting unit  312  emits a laser beam corresponding to image data. A photosensitive drum  313  is irradiated with the scanned laser beam.  
         [0055]     An electrostatic latent image is formed by the irradiated laser beam on the photosensitive drum  313 , and visualized as a toner image by toner supplied from a developing unit  314 . In synchronism with the laser beam irradiation timing, a print sheet is fed between the photosensitive drum  313  and a transfer unit  315  from a cassette  320  or  321  via a convey path. The toner image on the photosensitive drum  313  is transferred onto the print sheet fed to the transfer unit  315 .  
         [0056]     The print sheet bearing the toner image is conveyed to a pair of fixing rollers (heating roller and press roller)  316  via a convey belt. The pair of fixing rollers  316  thermally press the print sheet to fix the toner image onto the print sheet. The print sheet having passed through the pair of fixing rollers  316  is delivered to a delivery unit  330  via a pair of deliver rollers  317 . The delivery unit  330  is formed from a sheet processing apparatus capable of performing post-processes such as sorting and stapling. When a both-side printing mode is set, the rotational direction of the pair of deliver rollers  317  is reversed to guide the print sheet to a refeed convey path  319  by a flapper  318 . The print sheet guided to the refeed convey path  319  is fed again between the photosensitive drum  313  and the transfer unit  315  at the above-mentioned timing, and a toner image is transferred to the reverse side of the print sheet.  
         [0000]     4. Outer Appearance of Operation Unit  
         [0057]      FIG. 4  shows the outer appearance of the operation unit  293 . An LCD display  401  is covered with a touch panel sheet on the LCD, and displays a system operation window. When a displayed key is pressed, the LCD display  401  notifies the CPU  201  of the controller unit  200  of position information of the key.  
         [0058]     A start key  405  is used to start reading a document image by the scanner  291 . An LED  406  in two, green and red colors is arranged at the center of the start key  405 , and the color of the LED  406  represents whether the start key  405  is available. A stop key  404  stops an operation in progress. An ID key  403  is used to input the user ID of the user. A reset key  402  is used to initialize settings from the operation unit  293 .  
         [0000]     5. Operation Window  
         [0059]      FIG. 5  is a view showing an example of an operation window displayed on the LCD display  401  of the operation unit  293 .  
         [0060]     As shown in  FIG. 5  the upper portion of the operation window displays touch keys as tabs for a plurality of functions such as a copy key  501 , send/FAX key  502 , box key  503 , and Web browser key  504 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 5  illustrates the initial window of the copy function displayed when the copy key  501  is pressed. As shown in  FIG. 5 , an initial window  506  of the copy function displays a status message (“ready to copy.”) representing that the copy function can be executed. Below the message, a copy ratio, selected feed stage, and input numeric figure are displayed.  
         [0062]     As touch keys for setting the operation mode of the copy function, an equal-magnification key, copy ratio key, paper selection key, sorter key, both-side key, and interrupt key are displayed. A text/photo/map key, a left arrow key to decrease density and a right arrow key to increase density for density adjustment, and an “auto” key for automatically adjusting density are displayed. To designate operation modes which cannot be displayed in the initial window, setting windows are hierarchically displayed in the window by pressing an application mode key.  
         [0063]     A display area  507  displays the status of the copying machine  101 , and displays, for example, an alarm message for jam or the like, and a status message representing that PDL printing is in progress when PDL printing is executed.  
         [0064]     Reference numeral  508  denotes a system status/stop key which is pressed to display a window for displaying device information of the copying machine  101  or a window (not shown) for displaying a print job status. A job can be stopped via the window.  
         [0065]     When the send/FAX key  502  is pressed, a setting window (not shown) for transmitting as E-mail an image read via the scanner  291  to a device on the LAN  106 , or FTP-transmitting the image is displayed. Note that devices on the LAN  106  are the facsimile apparatus  103 , database/mail server  104 , client computer  105 , and copying machine  102 . This setting window also makes it possible to transmit a read image to the facsimile apparatus  107  via the public line  108 .  
         [0066]     When the box key  503  is pressed, an image read by the copying machine  101  is saved (registered) in a box area of the hard disk  204 . Image data saved in the box area is designated and printed. Further, a setting window (not shown) for transmitting image data to a device on the LAN  106  is displayed.  
         [0067]     When the controller unit  200  has five or more functions, a right arrow key  505  is displayed on the right side of the four, copy, send/FAX, box, and Web browser function keys.  
         [0068]     Reference numeral  509  denotes a “trace start” key which is pressed to register setting information in a memory for each function. The “trace start” key can be pressed when the first window for setting setting information for each function is displayed. Reference numeral  510  denotes a “playback” key which is pressed to restart paused setting processing for setting information. Reference numeral  511  denotes a “pause” key which is pressed when target setting information is not uniquely determined. Reference numeral  512  denotes a “mode memory” key, details of which will be described later.  
         [0000]     6. Description of Copy Function  
         [0069]     Of various functions of the copying machine  101 , the “both sides” function of the copy function and detailed functions accessory to this function will be explained.  
         [0000]     6.1 About “Both Sides” Function  
         [0070]     The “both sides” function is a function of outputting a single- or both-side document on a single side or both sides, or a function of outputting a double-spread document such as a booklet on both sides. Target setting information of the “both sides” function includes the spread (vertical spread/horizontal spread) of a both-side document or the spread (vertical spread/horizontal spread) of a both-side output, details of which will be described below.  
         [0000]     6.2 First Window for Both Sides  
         [0071]     When a “both sides” key  513  among keys in the initial window  506  in  FIG. 5  is pressed, a “first window for both sides” shown in  FIG. 6  is displayed.  
         [0072]     Keys  601  to  604  are used to select “type of both sides”. The key  601  is used to set “from a single side to both sides”, and pressed when a single-side document is output by both-side copying. The key  602  is used to set “from both sides to both sides”, and pressed when a both-side document is output by both-side copying. The key  603  is pressed to set “from both sides to a single side”, and pressed when a both-side document is output by single-side copying. The key  604  is used to set “both sides in two-page separation”, and pressed when a double-spread document such as a booklet is output by both-side copying. Reference numeral  605  denotes a “setting cancel” key which is pressed when both-side setting is canceled. Reference numeral  606  denotes a “next” key which is pressed when the next setting of both-side setting is made.  
         [0000]     6.3 Second Window for Both Sides  
         [0073]     When the “from both sides to both sides” key  602  is pressed in the “first window for both sides” shown in  FIG. 6  and then the “next” key  606  key is pressed, a “second window for both sides” shown in  FIG. 7  is displayed. In this window, the double spread of a both-side document is set. Reference numeral  701  denotes a “horizontal spread” key which is selected when both-side document pages are laid out from side to side. Reference numeral  702  denotes a “vertical spread” key which is selected when both-side document pages are laid out up and down.  
         [0000]     6.4 Third Window for Both Sides  
         [0074]     When a “next” key  703  is pressed in the “second window for both sides” shown in  FIG. 7  is pressed, a “third window for both sides” shown in  FIG. 8  is displayed. Reference numeral  801  denotes a “horizontal spread” key which is selected to lay out both-side outputs from side to side. Reference numeral  802  denotes a “vertical spread” key which is selected to lay out both-side outputs up and down. To finalize both-side settings, an “OK” key  803  is pressed.  
         [0000]     7. Description of Registration Processing  
         [0075]     Setting information registration/reproduction processing as a characteristic function of the copying machine  101  according to the first embodiment will be explained. Registration processing will be described by exemplifying a case wherein the “from both sides to both sides” key  602  is pressed and the both-side output setting (setting in  FIG. 8 ) is fixed to “horizontal spread” though the spread setting of a both-side document (setting in  FIG. 7 ) is not consistent.  
         [0000]     7.1 Registration Processing  
         [0076]     The “trace start” key  509  is pressed when the “first window for both sides” shown in  FIG. 6  is opened. At this time, the “trace start” key  509  is hatched, and the “pause” key  511  can be pressed.  
         [0077]     In this state, the “from both sides to both sides” key  602  is selected, and the “next” key  606  is pressed. At this time, if it is determined from the state of the “trace start” key  509  that the “trace start” key  509  has been pressed, setting contents in the window are temporarily finalized.  
         [0078]     If the “next” key  606  is pressed, the “second window for both sides” shown in  FIG. 7  is displayed. At this time, the “pause” key  511  is pressed, and then the “next” key  703  is pressed. It is determined that the “trace start” key  509  has not been pressed when the “next” key  703  is pressed. The process advances to the next operation without finalizing setting contents in the window.  
         [0079]     After that, the “third window for both sides” shown in  FIG. 8  is displayed. At this time, the “pause” key  511  can be pressed again (the “trace start” key  509  changes to pressed state). The “horizontal spread” key  801  and “OK” key  803  are pressed to temporarily finalize setting contents in the window and register setting information of the “both sides” function. In the same way, another function can be combined and registered.  
         [0080]     After all settings are made, the “mode memory” key  512  in the copy function window is pressed. In response to the press of the “mode memory” key  512 , a “first window for registration” shown in  FIG. 9  is displayed. A key group  901  includes “memory” keys which allow registration of nine pieces of setting information. Reference numeral  902  denotes a “registration” key which is pressed when registered setting information is assigned to a key selected from the “memory” key group  901 . Reference numeral  903  denotes a “name registration” key which is pressed when an arbitrary name is registered for a selected “memory” key.  
         [0081]     A case wherein the both-side setting and another function are registered together will be explained. When an M1 key is selected and the “registration” key  902  is pressed, a “second window for registration” shown in  FIG. 10  is displayed.  
         [0082]     In the “second window for registration” of  FIG. 10 , current settings are confirmed. Reference numeral  1001  denotes a pause position in a previously set document orientation. If this setting is OK, a “YES” key  1002  is pressed; if this setting is canceled, a “NO” key  1003  is pressed.  
         [0083]     If the “YES” key  1002  is pressed, contents (user registration contents  1 ) shown in  FIG. 11  are registered in the copying machine  101 . User registration contents  1  ( 1100 ) include a function registration column  1101 , and a detailed function registration column  1102  which describes “detailed functions” of a “function” registered in the function registration column  1101 . User registration contents  1  ( 1100 ) also include a setting registration column  1103  which records “setting information” of the user for each detailed function, and a stop registration column  1104  which records “stop information” (information representing the stop of recording) set by the user for each detailed function.  
         [0000]     7.2 Reproduction Processing of Registered Contents  
         [0084]     Reproduction processing for registered contents will be explained. When the “mode memory” key  512  in the copy function window is pressed, a mode memory window is opened (see  FIG. 12 ). An arbitrary key (in this case, M1 key) among the memory key group  901  is pressed in the “mode memory window” shown in  FIG. 12 , the window changes to a state shown in  FIG. 12 . An “OK” key  1201  is pressed to start reproduction.  
         [0085]     Contents (copying machine registration contents  1 ) shown in  FIG. 13  are registered in the copying machine  101  for each function. Copying machine registration contents  1  ( 1300 ) include a function registration column  1301 , and a detailed function registration column  1302  which describes “detailed functions” of a “function” registered in the function registration column  1301 . Copying machine registration contents  1  ( 1300 ) also include a window registration column  1303  which describes a “window name” (window identification information) for setting detailed functions, and a previous window registration column  1304  which describes a “previous window name” (previous window identification information) as information representing the display order.  
         [0086]     Reproduction processing is done on the basis of user registration contents  1  ( 1100 ) shown in  FIG. 11  and copying machine registration contents  1  ( 1300 ) shown in  FIG. 13 . Pieces of “both sides” information that are registered in user registration contents  1  ( 1100 ) are extracted, and settings are filled in accordance with the both-side setting window order of copying machine registration contents  1  ( 1300 ).  
         [0087]     More specifically, the “first window for both sides” in  FIG. 6  is opened to set “from both sides to both sides” setting information registered in user registration contents  1  ( 1100 ). Thereafter, the “second window for both sides” in  FIG. 7  is opened. Since user registration contents  1  ( 1100 ) hold no setting information but only stop designation, the display stops (see a “second window for invoke” in  FIG. 14 ).  
         [0088]     In the second window for invoke shown in  FIG. 14 , the user selects either the “horizontal spread” key  701  or “vertical spread” key  702 , and presses the “playback” key  510  to display the “third window for both sides” in  FIG. 8 . “Horizontal spread” is set as an output orientation registered in user registration contents  1  ( 1100 ). It is obvious from information on the display order in copying machine registration contents  1  ( 1300 ) that the “third window for both sides” in  FIG. 8  is a final window. After the process reaches the final window, open windows (first to third windows for both sides) are closed.  
         [0089]     By pressing a setting cancel key  1401  in the “second window for invoke” in  FIG. 14 , invocation of registered contents can be stopped. By pressing a return key  1402 , the “first window for both sides” in  FIG. 6  can be opened to change the type of both sides. If a type different from a currently registered one is selected, the “playback” key  510  is hatched and cannot be pressed. By pressing the “next” key  703 , the “third window for both sides” in  FIG. 8  is opened to allow selecting the type of both-side copying.  
         [0000]     7.3 Flow of Reproduction Processing  
         [0090]     The flow of reproduction processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart of  FIG. 15 . In step S 1501 , a “function” for performing setting information reproduction processing is acquired from the function registration column  1101  of user registration contents  1  ( 1100 ).  
         [0091]     In step S 1502 , the first “window information” corresponding to the “function” acquired in step S 1501 , and “detailed functions” corresponding to the window are acquired from the window registration column  1303  and detailed function registration column  1302  of copying machine registration contents  1  ( 1300 ) in the copying machine  101 .  
         [0092]     In step S 1503 , a window is opened on the basis of the “window information” acquired in step S 1502 . In step S 1504 , “setting information” and “stop information” (information representing the stop of recording) corresponding to the “detailed functions” acquired in step S 1502  (or step S 1511 ) are acquired from the setting registration column  1103  and stop registration column  1104  of user registration contents  1  ( 1100 ).  
         [0093]     If no corresponding “setting information” exists or stop information exists in step S 1504 , the flow stops in the window displayed in step S 1503  (step S 1505 →S 1506 ).  
         [0094]     If corresponding “setting information” exists in step S 1504 , “setting information” described in the setting registration column  1103  is set in the window displayed in step S 1503  (step S 1505 →S 1507 ).  
         [0095]     Whether the current window is a final one is determined on the basis of the previous window registration column  1304  of copying machine registration contents  1  ( 1300 ). If the current window is a final one, OK key processing is executed (step S 1508 →S 1509 ).  
         [0096]     If the current window is not a final one, “next” key press processing is executed to acquire the next “window information” from the window registration column  1303  (step S 1512 ).  
         [0097]     In step S 1513 , “detailed functions” corresponding to the “window information” acquired in step S 1512  are acquired from the detailed function registration column  1302  of copying machine registration contents  1  ( 1300 ). In step S 1514 , a window is opened on the basis of the “window information”. The flow is executed from step S 1504  for the newly opened window.  
         [0000]     7.4 About Processing in Step S 1506  (Stop in Currently Displayed Window)  
         [0098]     Since setting information for performing reproduction is not acquired, the flow waits for an input from the user. If an input is received, it is determined whether the input is an OK/next/playback key input (step S 1515 ). If the input is the “playback” key, it is determined whether the current window is a final one, and reproduction processing is automatically executed to acquire necessary setting information from the next window.  
         [0099]     If the input is the “next” key, “next” key press processing is executed (step S 1512 ). If the input is the “OK” key, OK key press processing is executed (step S 1509 ).  
         [0000]     7.5 About Processing in Step S 1508  (Current Window is Final One)  
         [0100]     “OK” key press processing is automatically executed to determine whether the next “function” to be reproduced exists in user registration contents  1  ( 1100 ) (step S 1510 ). If the next “function” exists, the “function” is acquired from the function registration column  1101 , and the flow is executed from step S 1502  (step S 1511 ).  
         [0101]     If no next “function” to be reproduced exists, reproduction processing ends, and the flow waits for a start command input from the user.  
         [0102]     As is apparent from the above description, according to the first embodiment, recording of setting information input operation by the user can be stopped at an arbitrary location. When the user wants to change and set only some of setting items to be input, he stops recording operation for the desired setting items in recording. In reproduction, the user can arbitrarily input settings to the desired setting items, improving user friendliness.  
       Second Embodiment  
       [0103]     In the first embodiment, the next window to be displayed is determined regardless of setting contents in a predetermined window. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a case wherein, for example, window display is controlled to change a subsequent window depending on setting contents.  
         [0104]     More specifically, according to the first embodiment, when it is determined in reproduction processing that stop information has been recorded for a predetermined function, the user is prompted to input setting information. After setting information is input, the input setting information is set. To the contrary, according to the second embodiment, when it is determined in reproduction processing that no setting information has been recorded for a predetermined function (it is determined that the setting registration column holds NULL information), the user is prompted to input setting information. In this way, even if a subsequent window changes depending on setting contents, no registration processing need be done for all subsequent windows, improving user friendliness. This processing will be explained with reference to  FIG. 16 .  
         [0105]      FIG. 16  is a view abstractly showing various functions of a copying machine  101  and windows used to set setting information for the respective functions.  FIG. 16  illustrates a state in which the window branches to different windows on the basis of the setting contents of respective windows.  
         [0106]     Window 1 is used to set function A. The “next” key is pressed in window 1 to open window 2 for setting function B. Similarly, the “next” key is pressed in window 2 to open window 3 or 4 depending on the setting contents of function B.  
         [0107]     Assume that in registration processing, the user presses the “pause” key in window 2/function B, and registers subsequent setting information in window 3/function C. Further, assume that in reproduction processing, the user inputs setting information in window 2/function B so as to shift to window 4/function D.  
         [0108]     In this case, since no setting information is recorded for window 4/function D, the flow pauses to prompt the user to input setting information for function D.  
       Third Embodiment  
       [0109]     In the first and second embodiments, user registration contents are stored in the main body of the copying machine  101 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, user registration contents may be held in the client computer  105  or saved in an ID card (not shown). In this case, the user registration contents in a specific copying machine can also be applied to another copying machine.  
         [0110]     Similar to the second embodiment, when it is determined in reproduction processing that no setting information has been recorded for a predetermined function (it is determined that the setting registration column holds NULL information), the user is prompted to input setting information. With this configuration, even when the functions of a specific copying machine and those of another copying machine are different, user registration contents in the specific copying machine can also be applied to another copying machine.  
         [0111]     A case wherein reproduction processing is done in a copying machine  102  on the basis of setting information held in a client computer  105  or setting information saved in an ID card, and the detailed functions of the copying machine  102  are larger in number than those of a copying machine  101  will be explained.  
         [0112]     Registration contents held in the client computer  105  or ID card are defined as user registration contents  2  ( 1700 ) in  FIG. 17 . Registration contents held in the copying machine  102  are defined as copying machine registration contents  2  ( 1800 ) in  FIG. 18 .  
         [0113]     Function A means a large item of function classification. User registration contents  2  ( 1700 ) include setting information on detailed functions A- 1 /A- 2 /A- 4 , and pause in settings of detailed function A- 2 .  
         [0114]     Copying machine registration contents  2  ( 1800 ) hold information on detailed functions A- 1 /A- 2 /A- 3 /A- 4 , windows for performing detailed settings, and windows previous to the windows.  
         [0115]     In this configuration, when reproduction processing is executed using user registration contents  2  ( 1700 ) in the copying machine  102  which holds copying machine registration contents  2  ( 1800 ), not only the second window for A→detailed function A- 2  to be stopped by the user, but also the third window for A→detailed function A- 3  not contained in user registration contents  2  ( 1700 ) are paused. If the user inputs detailed function A- 3 , reproduction processing resumes and advances to the next fourth window for A to set detailed function A- 4 . Note that setting information input by the user in the third window for A is registered in user registration contents  2  ( 1700 ).  
         [0116]     As is apparent from the above description, according to the third embodiment, setting information can be held in an external device, ID card, and the like, in addition to a copying machine, and reproduction processing can be done using the setting information. Even if available functions are different between copying machines, setting information registered in advance can be set (setting information recorded in the copying machine  101  can be reproduced in the copying machine  102  having different functions). As a result, user friendliness improves, compared to a conventional copying machine.  
       Other Embodiment  
       [0117]     The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interface device, reader, and printer) or an apparatus including a single device (e.g., a copying machine or facsimile apparatus).  
         [0118]     The object of the present invention is achieved even by supplying a storage medium which stores software program codes to implement the functions of the above-described embodiments to the system or apparatus. In this case, the functions are implemented by causing the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to read out and execute the program codes stored in the storage medium. In this case, the storage medium which stores the program codes constitutes the present invention.  
         [0119]     As the storage medium to supply the program codes, for example, a floppy® disk, hard disk, optical disk, magnetooptical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, or ROM can be used.  
         [0120]     The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the readout program codes are executed by the computer. Also, the present invention includes a case wherein an OS (Operating System) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of actual processing on the basis of the instructions of the program codes and thereby implements the functions of the above-described embodiments.  
         [0121]     Furthermore, the present invention includes a case wherein the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented after the program codes read out from the storage medium are written in the memory of a function expansion board inserted into the computer or the memory of a function expansion unit connected to the computer. That is, the present invention includes a case wherein, after the program codes are written in the memory, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of actual processing on the basis of the instructions of the program codes and thereby implements the functions of the above-described embodiments.  
         [0122]     The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention, the following claims are made.  
         [0123]     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2005-021822 filed Jan. 28, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.