Patent Publication Number: US-7221885-B2

Title: Image forming device, system, control method, program and memory medium utilizing operation history

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an image forming device, an image forming system, a control method for an image forming device, a control method for an image forming system, a program and a memory medium for executing an individual authentication, controlling display information to be displayed on a display unit based on the authenticated individual information and setting a device utilizing an operation history. 
   2. Related Background Art 
   In the following there will be given an explanation on display means and a utilizing method of an operation history in a prior image forming device. 
   At first, an operation sequence of a copying operation in a prior image forming device will be explained with reference to a flow chart shown in  FIG. 29 . 
     FIG. 29  is a flow chart showing an example of an operation sequence in a copying operation on a prior image forming device, wherein S 3301 –S 3310  indicate process steps. 
   At first, an operator selects a function (S 3301 ). It is assumed that a copy function selecting switch is depressed to select a copy function. Thus an LCD panel of an operation unit displays a user interface corresponding to the copy function. 
   Then the operator executes, on the user interface, a copy magnification setting by a same size switch or a magnification switch (S 3302 ), a size selection of a copy paper by a paper size switch (S 3303 ), and a setting of a number of copies by numeral keys (S 3304 ). Contents of such setting in the steps S 3302 –S 3304  are displayed on a status display of the operation unit, so that the operator can confirm the current setting. 
   Subsequently, if necessary, the operator depresses a sorter switch to set a sorting method (S 3305 ), then a two-side switch to select a two sided mode (S 3306 ), a density setting switch to set a copy density (S 3307 ) and an application mode switch to set an application mode (S 3308 ). 
   In these steps S 3305 –S 3308 , in response to the depression of each switch, a new user interface image is displayed on the LCD panel for enabling detailed setting, but portions not relating to the features of the present invention will not be explained (except for the setting of the application mode in the step S 3308 , which will be explained later). 
   As a copying operation becomes ready by the aforementioned setting operations, the operator depresses a copy start switch thereby giving a copy start instruction to the image forming device (S 3309 ). Upon detecting such instruction, the image forming device executes a copy process (S 3310 ), whereby a copying operation is completed. 
   Then, a prior method of utilizing an operation history, provided as a function of the application mode, will be explained in the following. 
   When an operation history switch is depressed in the application mode, the LCD panel provides a popup display of a prior operation history detailed setting screen as shown in  FIG. 30 . 
     FIG. 30  is a schematic view showing an example of an operation history detailed setting screen in a prior image forming device. 
   In  FIG. 30 , there are shown a history information display screen  3202  for displaying information set in a copy operation in the past, a one-previous switch  3203  for displaying a first previous operation history, a two-previous switch  3204  for displaying a second previous operation history, and a three-previous switch  3205  for displaying a third previous operation history. 
   A cancel switch  3206  is used for closing the operation history detailed setting screen  3201  without reflecting the set information, displayed in the history information display screen  3202 , on the image forming device. An OK switch  3207  is used for closing the operation history detailed setting screen  3201  after reflecting the set information, displayed in the history information display screen  3202 , on the image forming device. 
   The operator, in case for example of wishing to refer to setting information in a second previous operation history, depresses the two-previous switch  3204 , whereby the history information display screen  3202  displays information set in a second previous copy operation as the operation history. 
   In case the operator depresses the OK switch  3207  in this state to utilize the setting information, such setting is automatically set on the image forming device and the operation history detailed setting screen  3201  is automatically closed. 
   The aforementioned setting function for the copy operation based on the operation history utilizing the history information display screen  3202  allows to significantly simplify (step saving) the setting process for the copy operation explained in the flow chart shown in  FIG. 29 . 
   An image forming device utilizing the operation history is described in a patent reference 1: 
   Patent Reference 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2000-231309. 
   However, in such prior image forming device in which all the operations thereof are memorized and re-used as operation history of a same level, it is anticipated, in case the image forming device is commonly utilized by plural persons, that also the operation history of other persons having a low possibility of re-use are displayed and the operation history of the operator himself becomes difficult to find. 
   Also in case the memory of the operation history reaches an upper limit of the memory, namely when three operation histories are memorized in the example shown in  FIG. 30 , an older operation history is deleted at a subsequent operation thereafter. It is therefore anticipated that the operation history of the operation of the operator in the past may be lost not only by an operation of the operator himself but also by an operation of other persons, and it may be difficult to maintain a convenience of use. 
   Also since such operation history is retained for each individual image forming device, the re-use of the operation history has only been possible in an image forming device that has been used before. Therefore, in case of using an image forming device that has not been used before, the setting of functions has to be made from the beginning even in an image forming device of a same type as the image forming device that has been used before, and the convenience of use cannot be called of a satisfactory level. 
   Furthermore, as the operation history in the aforementioned prior image forming device is automatically set on the image forming device by the operations of the one-previous switch  3203 , the two-previous switch  3204  or the three-previous switch  3205  for displaying the operation history and the OK switch  3207 , the operator may not easily notice a situation where such automatic setting is unusable at the time of setting. 
   Therefore the operator may notice an improper setting for the first time by an error message displayed on the image forming device, at the start of the actual copy operation after the copy setting with the operation history, and may therefore have to repeat the setting again, and such configuration may constitute a productivity deteriorating factor. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is to provide an image forming device, an image forming system, a control method for an image forming device, a control method for an image forming system, a program and a memory medium capable of resolving the aforementioned drawbacks. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming device, an image forming system, a control method for an image forming device, a control method for an image forming system, a program and a memory medium, capable of providing an image forming environment which can easily simplify setting operations by an operation history utilizing environment, excellent from the standpoint of the operator taking a situation of use by plural users and a status of the device at the operation into consideration. 
   Also an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming device, an image forming system, a control method for an image forming device, a control method for an image forming system, a program and a memory medium, capable of solving prior drawbacks that even operation histories of other persons having a low possibility of re-use are also displayed and the operation history of the operator himself becomes difficult to find and that an older operation history is deleted by an operation of another person when the memory of the operation history reaches an upper limit of the memory, whereby the operator can easily select and re-use a desired operation history. 
   Also an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming device, an image forming system, a control method for an image forming device, a control method for an image forming system, a program and a memory medium, enabling an operator, even when using an image forming device that has not been operated before (not storing an operation history), in case such image forming device is capable of communication with an image forming device of a same type which the operator has operated (storing an operation history therein), to utilize the operation history stored in the image forming device of the same type in the image forming device which the operator has not operated, thereby alleviating the works of all the setting from the beginning even in an image forming device to be used for the first time and solving the drawback that the image forming device used for the first time requires all the setting from the beginning as the operation history in another image forming device cannot be utilized, whereby the operator can easily select and re-use a desired operation history, thus improving the operability and the productivity through effective utilization of the operation history stored in each image forming device. 
   Also another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming device, an image forming system, a control method for an image forming device, a control method for an image forming system, a program and a memory medium, capable of solving a prior drawback that the operator does not easily notice a situation where an operation set with a past operation history is not usable at the time of setting or where a setting in another image forming device is not usable in the image forming device to be used, but notices an improper setting for the first time by an error message displayed on the image forming device, at the start of the actual copy operation, and executes the setting again thus resulting in a deteriorated productivity, and capable of securely preventing an erroneous setting of an unusable operation history by the operator thereby avoiding a deterioration of productivity by a re-setting, and further capable of providing an image forming environment which can easily simplify setting operations by an operation history utilizing environment, excellent from the standpoint of the operator taking a situation of use by plural users and a status of the device at the operation into consideration. 
   Also an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming device, an image forming system, a control method for an image forming device, a control method for an image forming system, a program and a memory medium, enabling an operator, in case of image formation from any of image forming devices available from an information processing device, to easily select and re-use a desired operation history from the operation histories of the image forming devices. 
   Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming device, an image forming system, a control method for an image forming device, a control method for an image forming system, a program and a memory medium, capable, in case of image formation from any of image forming devices available from an information processing device, of securely preventing an operator from an erroneous setting of an operation history not usable at the time of setting or an operation history of another image forming device not usable in the image forming device to be used, thereby avoiding a deterioration in the productivity resulting from a re-setting. 
   Still other objects of the present invention, and features and advantages thereof, will become fully apparent from the following description, which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a structure of an image forming device constituting a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view showing a mechanical structure of a scanner unit, a print unit and a paper discharge unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view showing a structure of an operation unit shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view showing an example of an application mode details setting screen, popup displayed on an LCD panel shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing a structure of an operation history details setting screen, popup displayed on the LCD panel shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing a structure of an individual authentication screen, popup displayed on the LCD panel shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing an operation sequence and a process sequence in case of a copy operation with an image forming device of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a view showing a user ID table stored in an HDD unit (or an unillustrated non-volatile memory) for memorizing user authentication information in the image forming device of the present embodiment; 
       FIG. 9  is a view showing an individual operation history memory table stored in an HDD unit (or an unillustrated non-volatile memory) for memorizing an operation history of each authenticated individual in the image forming device of the present embodiment; 
       FIG. 10  is a view showing an unauthenticated operation history memory table stored in an HDD unit (or an unillustrated non-volatile memory) for memorizing an operation history of individually unauthenticated operations (unauthenticated operation history) in the image forming device of the present embodiment; 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing an example of a first control process sequence in the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a flow chart showing an example of a first control process sequence in the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic view showing a state of the operation history details setting screen shown in  FIG. 5 , in which an unusable history is indicated; 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram showing a structure of a system including an information processing device and an image forming device and constituting a second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 15  is a schematic view showing an example of a UI image display of a printer driver to be executed on the information processing device shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic view showing an example of a UI image display of a printer driver to be executed on the information processing device shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a schematic view showing an example of a printer driver operation history details setting screen to be executed on the information processing device shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 18  is a flow chart showing an example of a second control process sequence in the present invention; 
       FIG. 19  is a flow chart showing an example of a second control process sequence in the present invention; 
       FIG. 20  is a schematic view showing a state of the printer driver operation history details setting screen shown in  FIG. 17 , in which an unusable history is indicated; 
       FIG. 21  is a flow chart showing an example of a third control process sequence in the present invention; 
       FIG. 22  is a block diagram showing a structure of a system including an image forming device and constituting a third embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 23  is a schematic view showing a structure of an operation history details setting screen, popup displayed on an LCD panel of the image forming device shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
       FIG. 24  is a flow chart showing an example of a fourth control process sequence in the present invention; 
       FIG. 25  is a block diagram showing a structure of a system including an image forming device and constituting a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 26  is a schematic view showing an example of a printer driver operation history details setting screen to be executed on the information processing, device shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
       FIG. 27  is a flow chart showing an example of a fifth control process sequence in the present invention; 
       FIG. 28  is a view showing a memory map of a memory medium (storage medium) storing various data processing programs readable with the image forming device or the information processing device of the present invention; 
       FIG. 29  is a flow chart showing an example of an operation sequence in case of a copy operation in a prior image forming device; and 
       FIG. 30  is a schematic view showing an example of an operation history details setting screen in a prior image forming device. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   (First Embodiment) 
     FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a constitution of an image forming device constituting a first embodiment of the present invention, particularly corresponding to an image forming device having a copy function, a fax function, a print function and the like (also called a digital multi-function device). 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a main controller unit  5501  is provided therein with a CPU, a RAM, a ROM and the like, and controls the entire image forming device by the execution, by the CPU, of a program stored in the ROM or in another recording medium. An operation unit  5502  serves to accept an operation of an operator to the image forming device and to provide the operator with information such as a state of the device. 
   An I/O unit  5503  serves for a communication between the operation  5502  with the main controller unit  5501 . An LCD panel  5504  provides the operator with information and displays a switch generated by a software. A touch panel unit  5505  detects an operation on the software switch displayed on the LCD unit  5504 . A switch unit  5506  is provided physically in order to accept an operation from the operator. 
   An HDD unit  5507  is utilized for storing print data and programs and as a data cache area. An image memory unit  5508  is used for developing or processing a print image. 
   An expansion bus  5509  is used for a functional expansion of the image forming device. An NIC (network interface card) unit  5510  is attached to the image forming device, utilizing the expansion bus  5509 . A LAN controller  5511  monitors communication packets passing on a LAN and executes a control of receiving a data packet relating to the image forming device and transmitting a data packet generated in the image forming device to the LAN. A transformer unit  5512  executes a voltage conversion for realizing a physical communication between the image forming device and the LAN. 
   A print unit  5513  executes printing of an image on a paper constituting a recording medium. An output process unit  5514  executes an image processing such as a gamma correction, an edge enhancement and a smoothing, in order to correct image data, transmitted by the main controller unit  5501 , into data suitable for printing. 
   A PWM unit  5517  converts the image data after the image processing into a signal for driving a laser beam. A printer unit  5516  is used for printing an image on paper, based on a signal provided by the laser beam. 
   A paper discharge unit  5517  discharges a printed paper, prepared in the print unit  5513 , to the exterior of the image forming device. An I/O unit  5518  is used for a communication between the paper discharge unit  5517  and the main controller unit  5501 . A controller unit  5519  controls the paper discharge unit  5517 . 
   A paper sensor unit  5520  monitors a flow of the paper in the paper discharge unit  5517 . A paper feed motor driving unit  5521  drives a motor for conveying the paper. A tray motor driving unit  5522  drives a paper discharge tray. A paper path control unit  5523  control the paper flow. 
   A fax unit  5524  is attached to the image forming device, utilizing the expansion bus  5509 . A memory unit  5525  temporarily stores data to be transmitted or received by the fax unit. A compression unit  5526  executes a compression process on the transmission data at a fax transmission. 
   An extension unit  5527  executes an extension process on the reception data in a fax reception. A modulation unit  5528  executes a D/A conversion and a modulation process on the transmission data at a fax transmission. A demodulation unit  5529  executes a demodulation and an A/D conversion on the reception data at a fax reception. An NCU unit  5530  is constituted of a voltage conversion unit, a surge protection unit and the like for connecting a modem unit (constituted by the modulation unit  5528  and the demodulation unit  5529 ) and a public telephone line. 
   A scanner unit  5531  reads an original for copying. An image sensor unit  5532  converts an optical signal into an electrical signal. An A/D conversion unit  5533  executes a gain regulation, an offset regulation and an A/D conversion on an input signal. A shading unit  5534  executes a known shading correction utilizing a signal read from a reference white board. 
   In the present embodiment, there will principally be explained an information transmission device constructed as so-called multi-function device having plural operation modes such as a local copy mode for printing job data (also called image data) entered from the scanner unit of the own device by the print unit of the own device through the image memory unit of the own device, a remote copy mode for printing job data (also called image data) entered from the scanner unit of the own device by the print unit of another device, an external copy mode for printing job data entered from an external device such as a host computer or a partner facsimile device by the aforementioned print unit through the aforementioned image memory unit, a box mode for temporarily storing job data, outputted from the scanner unit of the own device and/or the scanner unit of an external device in a box (a recording area provided in a hard disk for each user) of the aforementioned memory unit, and a transmission mode for transmitting job data entered from the scanning unit of the own device to an external device, but the present embodiment is not limited to such configuration and is also applicable to an information processing device of single function (also called single function peripheral: SFP) having at least a copy mode among these plural operation modes. 
   Also as to the structure of the device, the present embodiment will explain so-called integral device in which the scanner unit and the print unit are integrated, but the present embodiment is also applicable to so-called separate structure device in which the units described in the present embodiment or a part thereof are in separate casings. 
     FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view showing a mechanical structure of the scanner unit  5531 , the print unit  5513  and the paper discharge unit  5517  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   In the scanner unit  5531  shown in  FIG. 2 , an original feeder  201  conveys originals, stacked on an original feed table, onto a platen glass  202  one by one starting from a last page, and discharges the original on the platen glass  202  after an original reading operation. The original feed table of the original feeder  201  is equipped with an unillustrated sensor for detecting that an original is placed thereon. 
   When the original is conveyed onto the platen glass  202 , a lamp  203  is turned on and a scanner unit  204  starts a movement, thereby scan exposing the original. A reflected light from the original is guided through mirrors  205 ,  206 ,  207  and a lens  208  to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter called CCD)  209 . 
   An image on thus scanned original is read by the CCD  209 . Image data thus inputted into the image sensor unit  5532  are supplied to the A/D conversion unit  5533  for a gain regulation and an offset regulation therein, then converted into 8-bit digital data in the A/D converter and supplied to the shading unit  5534 . The data are subjected to a known shading correction by the shading unit  5534  utilizing a signal read from a reference white board, and then supplied to the main controller unit  5501 . 
   The main controller unit  5501  sends the image data to the print unit  5513  and requests a print process. 
   The image data inputted to the output process unit  5514  of the print unit  5513  are subjected to a gamma correction, a sharpness process and a smoothing process for conversion into density data matching density characteristics of a toner, and supplied to the PWM unit  5515 . The PWM unit  5515  generates a laser driving signal, which is an analog signal, based on the inputted digital signal. 
   The laser driving signal drives a laser beam emission unit  210 , which emits a laser beam corresponding to such signal. The laser beam irradiates a photosensitive drum  211 , thereby forming a latent image corresponding to the laser beam. A developer is deposited by a developing device  212  onto the photosensitive drum  211  in a portion of the latent image. Separately, at a timing in synchronization with the start of irradiation of the laser beam, a recording paper is fed from either of cassettes  213 ,  214  and is conveyed to a transfer unit  215 , where the developer deposited on the photosensitive drum  211  is transferred onto the recording paper. The recording paper bearing the developer is conveyed to a fixing unit  216 , in which the developer is fixed to the recording paper by an application of heat and pressure in the fixing unit  216 . 
   The recording paper after passing the fixing unit  216  is discharged by discharge rollers  217  to a paper discharge unit  5517 . 
   In case a two-sided recording is selected, the recording paper is conveyed to the position of the discharge rollers  217 , and is then guided to a re-feed conveying path by a reverse rotation of the discharge rollers  217  and by a function of a flapper  218 . Also in case a multiple recording is selected, the recording paper is not conveyed to the position of the discharge roller  217  but to the re-feed conveying path by a function of the flapper  218 . The recording paper guided to the re-feed conveying path is fed to the transfer unit  215  at a timing explained above. 
   In the paper discharge unit  5517 , the recording sheets discharged from the print unit  5513  are sorted by a paper discharge unit or a sorter  219  into respective bins. 
   The sorter  219  stores the recording papers in an uppermost bin in case a sorting is not selected. 
   The foregoing is a process sequence in an ordinary copy operation. 
     FIG. 2  shows a case where the printer unit  5513  utilizes a laser beam method, but the present invention is likewise applicable to an electrophotographic process (for example LED method) other than laser beam method, a liquid crystal shutter method, an ink jet process, a thermal transfer process, a dye sublimation process or any other process. 
     FIG. 3  is a plan view showing a structure of the operation unit  5502  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   Referring to.  FIG. 3 , there are provided an operation panel  3001  and an LCD panel  3002  (included in the LCD panel unit  5504  shown in  FIG. 1 ) constituting a display unit positioned on the operation panel  3001 . Also a touch panel (included in the touch panel unit  5505  shown in  FIG. 1 ) is provided on the LCD panel  3002  and is utilized for detecting an operation on a software switch displayed on the LCD panel  3002 . 
   In the following description,  3003 – 3015  correspond to switches and display units displayed by a software on the LCD panel  3002 . 
   A copy function selecting switch  3003  is used for selecting a copy function. A fax function selecting switch  3004  is used for selecting a fax function. A box function selecting switch  3005  is used for selecting a box function. An expansion function selecting switch  3006  is used for utilizing an expansion function, provided for example by an option device. 
   A state display unit  3007  displays a current set state and a current operation state of the image forming device. A density setting switch  3008  is used for setting a print density. A same size switch  3009  is used for setting a same size print magnification. A magnification switch  3010  is used for setting a print magnification. A paper size switch  3011  is used for selecting a paper size. 
   A sorter switch  3012  is used for setting a sorter mode in the sorter. A two-side switch  3013  is used for setting a two-side print mode. An application mode switch  3014  is used for selecting an application function usable in the copy. A system condition/stop switch  305  is used for confirming a system condition or utilizing a function of interrupting copy operation. 
   In the following description,  3016 – 3024  correspond to switches provided as hardware on the operation panel  3001 , and are included in the switch unit  5506  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   A reset switch  3016  is used for initializing a setting. A power saving switch  3017  is used for setting or canceling a power saving mode. A start switch  3018  is used for instructing a start of a copy operation or a fax transmission. 
   A stop switch  3019  is used for stopping for example a copy operation. Numeral keys  3020  is used for inputting a fax number or a number of copies. A clear key  3021  is used for canceling an inputted number or an inputted character. An ID key  3022  is used for setting an ID number. A guide key  3023  is used displaying an operation guide on the LCD panel  3002 . A user mode key  3024  is used for setting specification of the image forming device. 
   When the operator executes any operation to the image forming device, it is necessary at first to select, among plural functions, any one to be utilized. When the operator wishes to utilize the copy function, the operator depresses the copy function selecting switch  3003  displayed on the LCD panel  3002 . 
   In response the LCD panel  3002  displays a screen as shown in  FIG. 3  providing a user interface necessary for utilizing the copy function. Similarly the fax function selecting switch  3004  for the fax function, the box function selecting switch  3004  for the box function, or the expansion function selecting switch  3006  for the expansion function is depressed and a user interface displayed in response on the LCD panel  3002  is to be utilized. 
   In the following there will be explained a method of utilizing an operation history provided as a function of the application mode. 
   When the application mode switch  3014  is depressed, under a control from the main controller unit  5501 , an application mode details setting screen  3101  shown in  FIG. 4  is popup displayed on the LCD panel  3002 . 
     FIG. 4  is a schematic view showing an example of an application mode details setting screen which is popup displayed on the LCD panel  3002  shown in  FIG. 3 , wherein components same as those in  FIG. 3  are represented by same symbols. 
   In  FIG. 4 , an application mode details setting screen  3101  has an operation history switch  3102 , which has to be depressed for utilizing the operation history. A close switch  3103  is used for closing the popup displayed application mode details setting screen  3101 . 
   When the operation history switch  3102  is depressed (touched), under a control from the main controller unit  5501 , an operation history details setting screen  101  shown in  FIG. 5  is popup displayed on the LCD panel  3002 . 
     FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing a structure of an operation history details setting screen which is popup displayed on the LCD panel  3002  shown in  FIG. 3 , wherein components same as those in  FIG. 3  are represented by same symbols. 
   In  FIG. 5 , a display  102  indicates a user ID of the operator who has a current individual authentication, displayed to the right of a title display “operation history details setting screen” and corresponding to “USER ID:0123” in the example shown in  FIG. 5 . 
   A whole history switch  103  is used for setting the operation history of the entire device as the object of utilization (namely setting the history mode at a whole history mode). An individual history switch  104  is used for setting the operation history of a person currently subjected to an individual authentication as the object of utilization (namely setting the history mode at an individual history mode). A history information display screen  105  displays setting information which is set when a copy operation was executed in the past, and includes setting information relating to one or more image forming conditions of date and time of operation, an image quality, an image drawing method, a print speed, a fixing process, a paper feeding process, and a paper discharging process. 
   In case an individual authentication is already made at the time of display of the operation history details setting screen  101 , an individual history is set in the operation history, but in case an individual authentication is not yet made, a whole history is set in the operation history, and these are made switchable by the whole history switch  103  and the individual history switch  104 . 
   Also in case the whole history is displayed on the history information display screen  105  (in case of whole history mode), an operation user name, indicating the user who has made the operation, may also be displayed on the history information display screen  105 . 
   An operation history selecting UI  106  is used for specifying an operation history from plural operation histories. A cancel switch  107  is used for canceling the operation on the operation history details setting screen  101  and closing the screen. 
   An OK switch  108  is used for reflecting the setting information, displayed on the history information display screen  105 , on the operation screen shown in  FIG. 3  and closing the operation history details setting screen  101 . In response, the main controller unit  5501  causes the setting information, based on the operation history selected in the operation history details setting screen  101 , to be displayed on the operation screen shown in  FIG. 3. 109  indicates a control UI for setting whether to activate or to deactivate a function of indicating an operation history a device unusable operation history to the operator (indicating function). 
   When the individual authentication switch  104  is depressed (touched), under a control from the main controller unit  5501  shown in  FIG. 1 , an individual authentication details setting screen  401  shown in  FIG. 6  is popup displayed on the LCD panel  3002 . 
   Also in case an authenticated user designates a specified operation history within the operation history of such authenticated user or a whole operation history of such authenticated user and actuates an unillustrated history deleting button, the main controller unit  5501  detects such operation and deletes thus designated history information from the HDD unit  5507 . It is thus rendered possible to rearrange the individual histories according to the necessity or to delete all the individual histories to an initial state. 
   Also a priority may be made selectable in order to preferentially display a predetermined operation history. 
   Furthermore a title desired by the user may be made settable to a predetermined operation history. 
   Also in case an authenticated manager designates a specified operation history within the whole operation history or a whole operation history and actuates an unillustrated history deleting button, the main controller unit  5501  detects such operation and deletes thus designated history information from the HDD unit  5507 . It is thus rendered possible to rearrange the individual histories or the unauthenticated operation histories according to the necessity or to delete all the individual histories to an initial state. 
   It is also possible to store a frequency of re-use of each operation history in the HDD unit  5507  at every re-use of the operation history and to cause the main controller unit  5501  to delete each operation history based on the frequency of re-use of each operation history, at a predetermined period (for example a period of about 1 month). More specifically, it is possible to delete an operation history of a frequency of re-use lower than a predetermined threshold value or an operation history that has not been re-used for a predetermined period. 
     FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing a structure of an individual authentication screen which is popup displayed on the LCD panel  3002  shown in  FIG. 3 , wherein components same as those in  FIG. 3  are represented by same symbols. 
   In  FIG. 6 , an individual ID switch  402  is used for setting an individual ID input mode, and a depression thereof enables an input of an individual ID into an individual ID input unit  404  with the numeral keys  3020 . 
   A password switch  403  is used for setting a password input mode, and a depression thereof enables an input of a password into a password input unit  405  with the numeral keys  3020 . 
   A close switch  406  is used for closing the popup displayed individual authentication screen  401 . 
   The individual authentication screen  401  is popup displayed when the an original for copying is set on the original feed table of the original feeder  201 , also in case the ID switch  3022  is depressed by the operator. 
   Now a process sequence in an ordinary copy operation in the aforementioned constitution will be explained with reference to a flow chart shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing an example of an operation sequence and a process sequence in case of a copy operation with the image forming device of the present invention, wherein S 301 –S 315  indicates process steps in which steps S 301 –S 315  correspond to operation sequences of the operator while steps S 314  and S 315  are executed by the main controller unit  5501  shown in  FIG. 1 , according to program stored in the HDD unit  5507 , the ROM in the main controller unit  5501  or another recording medium. 
   In case of a copy operation with the image forming device of the present invention, the operator has to set an original for copying on the original feeder  201  or on the platen glass  202 , and a case of setting it on the original feeder  201  will be explained in the following. 
   When the operator sets a copy original on the original feed table of the original feeder  201 , an unillustrated original sensor provided in the original feeder  201  detects such setting of the copy original and this information is transmitted to the main controller unit  5501 . 
   The main controller unit  5501 , upon detecting the setting of the copy-original (S 301 ), communicates with the I/O unit  5503  of the operation unit  5502  and instructs a display of the individual authentication screen shown in  FIG. 6 . The individual authentication screen  401  is displayed on the LCD  3002  provided on the operation panel  3001  and can be viewed by the operator. On the other hand, in case the copy original is set on the platen glass  202 , the aforementioned automatic detection of the copy original is not executed, but the operator can depress the ID switch  3022  to intentionally display the individual authentication screen  401  on the LCD panel  3002 . 
   When the individual authentication screen  401  is displayed, the operator usually depresses the individual ID switch  402  (S 302 ) to set the details setting ID input mode and then inputs an individual ID in the individual ID input unit  404  with the numeral keys  3020  (S 303 ). Then the operator depresses the password switch  403  (S 304 ) to set the password input mode and then inputs a password in the password input unit  405  with the numeral keys  3020  (S 305 ). However, the operator, in case of not wishing an individual authentication or not given an individual authentication ID from the manager of the image forming device, can skip the individual authentication by depressing the close switch  406  without inputting the individual ID and the password. Nevertheless, in such case, the operator cannot enjoy a part of the services that are made available by the individual authentication. 
   After the individual ID and the password are inputted according to the normal flow, the operator closes the close switch  406  to establish the inputs. 
   The depression of such switch displayed by a software on the LCD panel  3002  is detected by the touch panel unit  5505  and is transmitted through the I/O unit  5503  to the main controller unit  5501 . In response to the input information of the individual ID switch  402  and the password switch  403 , the main controller unit  5501  sets the individual ID input mode and the password input mode. 
   Also the main controller unit  5501 , in response to the input information transmitted from the touch panel unit  5505  (depression information of the close switch  406 ), obtains the inputted individual ID and the password, and executes a comparison with a user ID table  501  (shown in  FIG. 8  to be explained later) stored in the HDD unit  5507  shown in  FIG. 1  (or in an unillustrated non-volatile memory). 
     FIG. 8  shows a user ID table stored for memorizing the authentication information of the user in the image forming device of the present embodiment, in the HDD unit  5507  (or in an unillustrated non-volatile memory). 
   Based on the information of the user ID table  501 , the main controller unit  5501  confirms whether the inputted individual ID and password are proper, and, if identified proper, closes the individual authentication screen  401  and displays a copy operation screen shown in  FIG. 3  on the LCD panel  3002 . 
   On the other hand, in case the individual ID and the password are identified ineffective, the main controller unit  5501  does not close but continues to display the individual authentication screen  401  in order to request re-input of the individual ID and the password. However, in case the operator does not wish the individual authentication for any reason, it is also possible to forcedly close the individual authentication screen  401  by depressing the ID switch  3022  or the reset switch  3016 . 
   When the copy operation screen shown in  FIG. 3  is displayed on the LCD panel  3002 , the operator executes operations of following steps S 306 –S 312  according to the necessity, for various setting for the copy operation. 
   In case a change in the copy magnification is necessary, the same size switch  3009  and the magnification switch  3010  are operated for setting a copy magnification (S 306 ). Upon detecting the depression of the magnification switch  3010 , the main controller unit  5501  display a details setting screen for setting the magnification on the LCD panel  3002 , but such screen will not be explained. 
   Also in a similar manner, in case a change in the paper size is necessary, the paper size switch  3011  is operated to display a details setting screen and a selection of the paper size is executed (S 307 ). In case a change in the number of copies is necessary, the numeral keys  3020  are operated for setting a number of copies (S 308 ). In case a change in the sorting method is necessary, the sorter switch  3012  is depressed to display a details setting screen and a sorting method is selected (S 309 ). In case a change to the two-sided mode is necessary, the two sided switch  3013  is depressed to display a details setting screen and a two-sided mode is selected (S 310 ). In case a change in the density is necessary, the density setting switch  3008  is operated to set a density (S 311 ). In case the use of an application mode is desired, the application mode switch  3014  is depressed to display a details setting screen and a setting is executed for each application mode (S 312 ). 
   When the preparation for starting the copy operation is completed by the aforementioned operations, the operator depresses the start switch  3018  to instruct the start of the copy operation to the image forming device (S 313 ). The depression of the start switch  3018  is detected by the switch unit  5506  of the operation unit  5502  and is transmitted to the main controller unit  5501  through the I/O unit  5503 . 
   The main controller unit  5501 , at the timing of detection of the depression of the start switch  3018 , executes a process of memorizing the operation history in an operation history table (shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  to be explained later) (S 314 ). 
     FIG. 9  shows an individual operation history memory table stored in the HDD unit  5507  (or in an unillustrated non-volatile memory) for memorizing the operation history of each individual having an individual authentication. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , the individual operation history memory table is provided for each user. 
   In case the authentication for the person currently operating the image forming device has been completed by the procedure of the steps S 302 –S 305 , the setting items set in the current copy operation are memorized in the individual operation history memory table provided for such person. 
     FIG. 9  shows an example where the setting information includes a magnification, a paper size and a number of copies in addition to a number of the operation history and time and date of operation, but it is naturally possible to memorize and re-use later any and all the setting items relating to the copy operation, such as an image quality, an image drawing method, a print speed, a finishing process, a paper feed process, a paper discharge process or the like. Also the present embodiment only refers to a copy operation, but it is naturally possible to memorize and re-use later, as the operation history, any and all the setting items relating to a fax function, a print function, a box (data server) function, a scanner function, a data transmission function and the like that may be provided in a digital multi-function device. 
     FIG. 10  shows an unauthenticated operation history memory table stored in the HDD unit  5507  (or in an unillustrated non-volatile memory) for memorizing the operation history of an operation not having an individual authentication (unauthenticated operation history). 
   All the operation histories of an operator not having an individual authentication are stored in the unauthenticated operation history memory table shown in  FIG. 10 . 
   After the completion of the process for memorizing the operation history in the operation history table (S 314 ), a copy process explained in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is executed under the control of the main controller unit  5501  (S 315 ). 
   In the following, there will be explained a process sequence of the copy operation utilizing the operation history of the present invention. 
   The operation history becomes usable by a depression of the application mode switch  3014  at the timing of the step S 312  shown in  FIG. 7 . In response to the depression of the application mode switch  3014 , an application mode details setting screen  3101  is popup displayed on the LCD panel  3002  and the operation history switch  3102  becomes operable. 
   In response to a depression of operation history switch  3102 , an operation history details setting screen  3101  shown in  FIG. 5  is popup displayed on the LCD panel  3002  and the use of the operation history becomes possible. 
   In the following there will be explained, with reference to flow charts shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a process sequence of the copy function in case an operation history is used in the image forming device of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 11 and 12  show flow charts indicating an example of a first control sequence in the present invention, executed by the main controller unit  5501  shown in  FIG. 1 , based on a program stored in the HDD unit  5507 , in a ROM in the main controller unit  5501  or in another recording medium. S 801 –S 815  in  FIG. 11  and S 1401 –S 1407  in  FIG. 12  indicate process steps. 
   The main controller unit  5501  shown in  FIG. 1 , upon detecting a depression of the operation history switch  3102  in the application mode screen shown in  FIG. 4 , starts a process of the flow chart shown in  FIG. 11  and discriminates, prior to the display of the operation history details setting screen  101  shown in  FIG. 5 , whether a current operation is executed by an operation having an individual authentication (S 801 ). 
   In case the main controller unit  5501  identifies an individual authentication in the step S 801 , the main controller unit  5501  reads an operation history information corresponding to the individually authenticated user from the individual operation history memory table ( FIG. 9 ) in the HDD unit  5507  shown in  FIG. 1  (S 802 ), and executes a display process of displaying latest operation history information among the obtained operation history information on the operation history display screen  105  (S 803 ). 
   The display process in this step S 803  will be explained further with reference to a flow chart shown in  FIG. 12 . 
   In the display process of the step S 803 , main controller unit  5501  at first discriminates, as shown in  FIG. 12 , an effective/ineffective state of an indicating function for indicating a device-unusable operation history to the operator by confirming a setting of the control UI  109  for setting an effective/ineffective state of such function (S 1401 ), then, in case of identifying that the indicating function is set in an effective state, obtains a current state of the image forming device (S 1402 ) in continuation, and discriminates whether the setting information of the operation history to be displayed includes a setting item which is currently unusable for the image forming device (S 1403 ). 
   In case the step S 1403  identifies that the unusable setting item does not exist, the main controller unit  5501  executes a display in a normal manner of the setting information of the operation history corresponding to the history information display screen  105  (S 1404 ) and in succession a display in a normal manner of a corresponding operation history number (S 1405 ). 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 1403  identifies that the currently unusable setting item exists, the main controller unit  5501  displays the setting information of the operation history corresponding to the history information display screen  105  and also shows the currently unusable setting item by a gray-out (or flashing or reversal) display thereby clearly indicating such non-reusable setting item to the operator (S 1406 ). 
   Then the main controller unit  5501  also provides a gray-out (or flashing or reversal) display for the corresponding operation history number (S 1407 ), thereby clearly indicating to the operator that the operation history memorized in this operation history number is currently unusable, and also maintains the OK switch  108  in a gray-out state so as that the operator cannot select this operation history number, thereby avoiding selection of the unusable operation history. More specifically, for example an operation history “01” utilizing an A4-sized paper in the operation history details setting screen  102  shown in  FIG. 13  is identified as currently unusable in the step S 1403  because the A4-sized paper is not contained in the image forming device, a display portion “A4” of the paper size information on the history information display screen  105  is grayed out, and a number and an OK switch  108  on the operation history selection UI  106  are also grayed out whereby the display is so controlled as to disable the selection. It is thus made possible to securely prevent a situation where the operator executes a setting with the currently unusable operation history “01”. 
   Now reference is made again to a step S 1401  in  FIG. 12 . 
   In case the step S 1401  identifies that the function of indicating the unusable operation history to the operator is set in an ineffective state, the main controller unit  5501  branches to a step S 1404  to display the setting information and the history number in a normal manner as explained above, regardless whether the utilization is possible or not (S 1404 , S 1405 ) 
   Now reference is made again to a step S 803  in  FIG. 11 . 
   In the display process in the step S 803  shown in  FIG. 11 , the operation history selecting UI  106  displays a number “01”, indicating that the latest operation history is displayed. However, in case the operation history of the operator having the individual authentication does not exist at all (in case the authenticated individual operates the image forming device for the first time), it is desirable that the operation history selecting UI  106  displays a number “00” or a blank and that the history information display screen  105  displays a blank or a message indicating the absence of the operation history. 
   Also in case the step S 801  identifies that the operation is executed by an unauthenticated user not having an individual authentication, the main controller unit  5501  reads the operation histories of all the users from the individual operation history memory table ( FIG. 9 ) of the HDD unit  5507  and the unauthenticated operation history memory table ( FIG. 10 ) (S 804 ), then merges all the obtained operation history information, and, after a sorting in the order of time stamps, executes a display process of displaying the latest operation history information on the history information display screen  105  (S 805 ). 
   The display process in the step S 805  is similar to that in the step S 803 , which has already been explained with reference to the flow chart in  FIG. 12 , and will not therefore be explained again. 
   Also in the display process in the step S 805  as in the step S 803 , the operation history selecting UI  106  displays a number “01”, indicating the latest operation history. However, in case the operation history does not exist at all (case of first operation of the image forming device), it is desirable that the operation history selecting UI  106  displays a number “00” or a blank and that the history information display screen  105  displays a blank or a message indicating the absence of the operation history. 
   Then an operation of the operator is awaited, and, in a step S 806 , the main controller unit  5501  discriminates whether the whole history switch  103  has been depressed, and, if yes, the aforementioned process of the steps S 804  and S 805  are executed. This process is effective for example in case an operator having the individual authentication wishes to utilize, not limited to the individual operation history, the whole operation history. 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 806  identifies that the whole history switch  103  has not been depressed, the main controller unit  5501  proceeds to a step S 807  and discriminates whether the individual history switch  104  has been depressed. 
   In case the step S 807  identifies that the individual history switch  104  has been depressed, the main controller unit  5501  executes a popup display of the individual authentication screen  401  on the LCD panel  3002  (S 808 ) and requests an individual authentication to the operator, in order to display the operation history of a specified individual. Then authentication information is inputted by the operator and the main controller unit  5501  discriminates whether the individual authentication is made successfully (S 809 ). 
   In case the step S 809  identifies that the individual authentication has been made successfully, the main controller unit  5501  executes the process of the steps S 802  and S 803 , and thereupon displays the operation history of the authenticated individual on the history information display screen  105 . 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 809  identifies that the individual authentication has not been successful, the main controller unit  5501  executes the process of the steps S 804  and S 805 , and thereupon displays the whole operation history on the history information display screen  105 . 
   Also in case the step S 807  identifies that the individual history switch  104  has not been depressed, the main controller unit  5501  proceeds to a step S 810  and discriminates whether the operation history UI  106  has been operated (S 810 ). 
   In case the step S 810  identifies that the operation history UI  106  has been operated, the main controller unit  5501  displays an increased or decreased number according to an operation of the up/down switch in the operation history UI  106 , also reads an operation history corresponding to such operation history number from the individual operation history memory table ( FIG. 9 ) or from the whole operation history table ( FIG. 10 ) generated by sorting in the step S 804  and executes a display process for displaying the setting information of such operation history (S 811 ). The display process in the step S 811  is similar to that in the step S 803  or S 805 , which has already been explained with reference to the flow chart in  FIG. 12 , and will not therefore be explained again. 
   In the display process in the step S 811 , the number of the operation history selected by the operation of the up/down switch in the operation history UI  106  is displayed in the operation history selecting UI  106 . 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 810  identifies that the operation history UI  106  has not been operated, the main controller unit  5501  proceeds to a step  812  to discriminate whether the OK switch  108  has been depressed. 
   In case the step S 812  identifies that the OK switch  108  has been depressed, the main controller unit  5501  sets the setting information currently displayed on the history information display screen  105  on the image forming device (S 813 ), and then closes the operation history details setting screen  101  (S 814 ) thereby terminating the process sequence utilizing the operation history. Thereafter, upon detecting the instruction of the start switch  3018  shown in  FIG. 3 , the main controller unit  5501  starts a print process based on the setting information set in the step S 813 . 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 812  identifies that the OK switch  108  has not been depressed, the main controller unit  5501  proceeds to a step S 815  and discriminates whether the cancel switch  107  has been depressed. 
   In case the step S 815  identifies that the cancel switch  107  has been depressed, the main controller unit  5501  skips the process (S 813 ) of setting on the image forming device, and closes the operation history details setting screen  101  (S 814 ) thereby terminating the process sequence utilizing the operation history. 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 815  identifies that the cancel switch  107  has not been depressed, the main controller unit  5501  returns the process to a state of the step S 806  for awaiting an operation from the operator. 
   The above-described process enables the operator to refer to the whole operation history or the individual operation history and to reflect, whenever necessary, the setting information of the copy function, set in the past, on the image forming device. When the start switch  3018  is depressed by the operator after this process, the copy process of the step S 315  in  FIG. 7  is executed, based on thus set setting information. 
   The foregoing procedure executes the copy function of the image forming device utilizing the operation history details setting screen  101  of the present embodiment. 
   In the foregoing embodiment, the individual authentication is explained to be executed by a user ID (individual ID) and a password utilizing the details setting screen  401  explained in  FIG. 9 , but it is naturally possible to utilize any authenticating method such as an authentication with various cards such as an IC card, an ID card, or a memory card, an authentication with a voice, a fingerprint authentication, a capillary vein authentication, a venous pattern authentication, a corneal authentication, or a facial authentication. 
   As explained in the foregoing, it is made easily possible to select and set a desired operation history by the individual history, without the drawback in the prior technology that the entire operation histories are forcedly displayed even including the operation history of another person that has a low practical possibility of re-use whereby the operation history of the operator himself becomes difficult to find. 
   Also by memorizing the operation history for each individual and by setting an upper limit of the number of the memorized operation histories for each individual, it is possible to prevent, when the number of the memorized histories reaches an upper limit, that the history of a person is deleted by the history of another person. 
   Also in case a past operation memorized in the operation history becomes unusable at the time of display of such operation history, such situation is informed to the operator, thereby securely avoiding a productivity deteriorating factor that a setting based on an unusable operation history causes an error at the start of operation and necessitates a repeated setting operation. 
   The present embodiment has been explained by a local copy mode in which original data are inputted from the scanner unit of the own device and are printed in the print unit of the own device, but the aforementioned simplification of the setting operation of the image forming device by a re-use of the individual history or the whole history is naturally applicable also to a facsimile transmission mode, a box mode, or a remote copy mode in which original data are inputted from the scanner unit of the own device and are printed in the print unit of another device. 
   (Second Embodiment) 
   The foregoing first embodiment has explained a constitution of calling an individual history or a whole history stored in an image forming device from an operation history details setting screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming device and re-using such history in the setting of a copy function, a fax function, a box function or the like in the image forming device, but it is also possible to call an individual history or a whole history stored in an image forming device from a setting screen of a printer driver functioning on an information processing device capable of communication with the image forming device and re-using such history for the resetting of a print function of the data transmitted from the information processing device. In the following, such embodiment will be explained. 
     FIG. 14  is a block diagram showing a structure of a system including an information processing device and an image forming device, constituting a second embodiment of the present invention. 
   In  FIG. 14 , there are shown an image forming device  100  shown in  FIG. 1  and an information processing device  200 , which are connected by a LAN  300  and in which the information processing device  200  can function as a client PC of the image forming device  100 . The structure of the image forming device  100  will not be explained as it is already explained in  FIG. 1 . In the following, structure of the information processing device  200  will be explained. 
   Referring to  FIG. 14 , a CPU  1  can execute a print process by the image forming device  100 , by controlling devices connected to a system bus  4  based on a program (such as a printer driver program of the image forming device  100 ) stored in a program ROM of a ROM  3  or in an external memory  11 . 
   Also a font ROM of the ROM  3  stores font data and the like, and a data ROM of the ROM  3  stores various data. A RAM  2  functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU  1 . 
   A keyboard controller (KBC)  5  controls inputs from a keyboard (KB)  9  and an unillustrated pointing device such as a mouse. A video controller (VC)  6  controls the display of a monitor  10 . 
   A memory controller (MC)  7  controls an access to the external memory  11 . The external memory  11  includes, for example, a hard disk (HD), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. 
   A network interface card (NIC)  8  control a communication with a network such as internet through the LAN  300 , utilizing a predetermined protocol. 
     FIGS. 15 and 16  are schematic view showing an example of a UI screen display of a printer driver, executed on the information processing device  200  shown in  FIG. 14 , the display being given on the monitor  10 . 
     FIGS. 15 and 16  show a printer driver UI screen  900 , wherein  FIG. 15  shows to a UI screen for page setting while  FIG. 16  shows a UI screen for user ID/operation setting history in which same components as those in  FIG. 15  are represented by corresponding symbols. 
   At first a page setting UI screen shown in  FIG. 15  will be explained. 
   Referring to  FIG. 15 , a page setting tab  901  is used for page setting such as a paper size and a print direction. A finish tab  902  is used for a setting on print finish. 
   A paper feed tab  903  is used for a setting relating to paper feeding. A print quality tab  904  is used for a setting on the print quality. A user ID/operation history tab  905  is used for setting a user ID or executing an operation on the operation history. In case the user ID/operation history tab  905  is selected, the CPU shifts the printer driver UI screen displayed on the monitor  10  from the page setting UI screen shown in  FIG. 15  to a user ID/operation setting history UI screen shown in  FIG. 16 . 
   A favorite setting UI  907  registers in advance a setting frequently utilized by the user, thereby enabling to change the setting by a simple operation. An addition switch  908  is used for adding a new setting to the favorite item. An editing switch  909  is used for changing the set content of the favorite item. 
   There are also shown an operation mode setting UI  910  for the printer driver, an original size setting UI  911 , an output paper size setting UI  912 , a copy number setting UI  913 , and a print direction setting UI  914 . 
   There are further shown a page layout setting UI  915 , a layout order setting UI  916 , a stamp print control UI  917 , and a stamp data selecting UI  918 . A stamp editing switch  919  is used for editing stamp data. 
   A preview screen  920  is used for visually showing a current setting. A setting confirmation switch  921  is used for confirming the setting in a list. A page option switch  922  is used for setting a page option such as a date or a page number. A return to standard switch  923  is used for initializing various settings to a standard setting. 
   An OK switch  924  is used for reflecting the setting information of the printer driver UI screen  900  on the image forming device and then closing the printer driver UI screen  900 . 
   A cancel switch  925  is used for closing the printer driver UI screen  900  without reflecting the setting information of the printer driver UI screen  900  on the image forming device. 
   A help switch  926  is used for displaying an explanation screen for the setting method for the printer driver UI screen  900 . 
   As the printer driver UI screen varies depending on the content of setting/selection,  FIG. 15  merely shows an example of the UI which the printer driver can display and the UI is not limited to such example. 
   In the following, the user ID/operation setting history UI screen shown in  FIG. 16  will be explained. 
   Referring to  FIG. 16 , a user ID control UI  1001  is used to control whether or not to utilize the user ID, set on the user ID/operation setting history UI screen, for printing. 
   A user ID input UI  1002  and a password input UI  1003  are used for inputting a user ID and a password into the image forming device  100 . An operation history switch  1004  is used for displaying a printer driver operation history details setting screen shown in  FIG. 17 . In case this operation history switch  1004  is selected, the CPU  1  displays a printer driver operation history details setting screen shown in  FIG. 17  on the monitor  10 . 
     FIG. 17  is a schematic view showing an example of a printer driver operation history details setting screen to be executed on the information processing device  200  shown in  FIG. 14  and displayed on the monitor  10  when the operation history switch  1004  is selected. 
   In  FIG. 17 ,  1100  indicates a printer driver operation history details setting screen, in which a printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  displays information including time and date of operation (not shown), and setting information on image forming process including one or more of an image quality, an image drawing method, a print speed, a finishing process, a paper feed process and a paper discharge process. 
   An individual operation history selecting UI  1102  is used for designating the display of the individual operation history (namely setting the history mode at an individual history mode). A whole operation history selecting UI  1103  is used for designating the display of the whole operation history (namely setting the history mode at a whole history mode). 
   In case the whole history is displayed in the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1101  (in case of the whole history mode), an operation user name, indicating the user who has made the operation, may also be displayed in the printer driver operation history information displaying screen  1101 . 
   A printer driver operation history selecting UI  1104  is used for selecting one from the past operation histories. A control UI  1105  is used for setting whether to activate or to deactivate a function of indicating an operation history a device-unusable operation history to the operator. 
   In case an individual authentication is already made at the time of display of the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1100 , an individual history is set in the operation history, but in case an individual authentication is not yet made, a whole history is set in the operation history, and these are made switchable by the whole operation history switch  1103  and the individual operation history switch  1102 . 
   Also in case the whole history is displayed on the printer driver history information display screen  1101 , an operation user name, indicating the user who has made the operation, may also be displayed on the printer driver history information display screen.  1101 . 
   A page setting tab  1106  is used for displaying the page setting such as a paper size and a print direction in the selected operation history on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101 . A finish tab  1107  is used for displaying a setting for the print finish in the selected operation history on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101 . A paper feed tab  1108  is used for displaying a setting relating to the paper feeding in the selected operation history on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101 . A print quality tab  1109  is used for displaying a setting for the print quality in the selected operation history on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101 . 
   An OK switch  1110  is used for reflecting the setting information, corresponding to the operation history selected in the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1100 , on the printer driver UI screen  900  shown in  FIG. 15  and then closing the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1100 . 
   A cancel switch  1111  is used for closing the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1100 , without reflecting the setting information selected in the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1100  on the image forming device. 
   A help switch  1112  is used for displaying an explanation screen for the operating method for the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1100 . 
   In the following there will be explained, with reference to printer driver screens shown in  FIGS. 15–17  and flow charts shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a sequence of the print function of the image forming device utilizing the printer driver operation history details setting screen of the present embodiment. 
     FIGS. 18 and 19  show flow charts indicating an example of a second control sequence in the present invention, executed by the CPU  1  of the information processing device  200  shown in  FIG. 14 , based on a program stored in the external memory  11  or another recording medium. S 1201 –S 1218  in  FIG. 18  and S 1501 –S 1507  in  FIG. 19  indicate process steps. 
   At first, when the CPU  1  detects that the operator instructs activation of the printer driver on the information processing device  200  serving as a print client, the CPU  1  activates the printer driver. 
   After the activation of the printer driver, the CPU  1  discriminates whether the user ID is effective, by checking that the user ID control UI  1001  provided in the user ID/operation history tab  905  shown in  FIG. 16  is effectively set and that any value is set in the user ID input UI  1002  and the password input UI  1003  (S 1202 ). In case the CPU  1  identifies that the user ID is effective, it executes a user authentication by communicating with the image forming device  100  based on the user ID and the password set in the user ID input UI  1002  and the password input UI  1003  (S 1203 ), and then proceeds to a step S 1204 . In more details, it transmits the user ID, the password set in the user ID input UI  1002  and the password input UI  1003  and an authentication request to the image forming device  100 , thereby requesting an authentication thereto. The image forming device  100  executes an authentication process by comparing the user ID and the password received from the information processing device  200  with the user ID table  501  shown in  FIG. 8 , and returns a result of authentication to the information processing device  200 . The information processing device  200  receives the result of authentication from the image forming device  100 , and the CPU  1  discriminates presence/absence of the authentication. 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 1202  identifies that the user ID is not effective, the CPU  1  skips the user authentication in the step S 1203  and proceeds to a step S 1204 . 
   Then the printer driver (CPU  1 ) communicates with the image forming device  100  to obtain the operation histories of all the users stored in the individual operation history memory table ( FIG. 9 ) of the HDD unit  5507  and the unauthenticated operation history stored in the unauthenticated operation history memory table ( FIG. 10 ) (S 1204 ), and stores all the obtained operation histories in a memory area (for example RAM  2 ) on the client PC (information processing device  200 ) (S 1205 ). 
   The printer driver (CPU  1 ) further communicates with the image forming device  100  to obtain the current state of the image forming device  100  (by a request from the information processing device  200  to the image forming device  100  and by a response from the image forming device  100  to the information processing device  200 ), and stores such state in a memory area (for example RAM  2 ) on the client PC (information processing device  200 ) (S 1219 ). The stored state information of the image forming device  100  includes an error state of the image forming device  100 , a constitution information of the image forming device  100  by an option or the like, size information of the paper medium and a remaining amount information. 
   Subsequently the printer driver (CPU  1 ) displays a printer driver UI screen as shown in  FIG. 15  on the monitor  10 , and awaits an operation from the operator. In case the operator is uncertain about the operation on the UI, a guidance on the operation can be popup displayed by a depression of the help switch  926 . 
   Also the operator, in case of wishing a user ID setting, actuate the user ID/operation history tab  905  to display a printer driver screen as shown in  FIG. 16 . In succession the operator inputs a user ID in the user ID input UI  1002  and, if necessary, a password in the password input UI  1003 , then checks the user ID control UI  1001  and depresses the OK switch  924 , thereby validating the use of the user ID. In response to these operations of the operator, the printer driver executes a user authentication by an enquiry to the image forming device  100 , and, in case of a proper authentication, the services provided only to the user with authentication can be enjoyed. 
   Also the operator, in case of wishing a setting of the printer driver utilizing the operation history thereof, depresses the printer driver operation history switch  1004  to display the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1100  shown in  FIG. 17  and executes an operation on this screen. Also the process of the aforementioned step S 1205  may be executed at the timing when the printer driver operation history switch  1004 . 
   Then the printer driver (CPU  1 ) awaits an operation of the operator, then, in a step S 1206 , discriminates whether the whole operation history selecting UI  1103  has been depressed, and, if yes, reads all the operation histories stored in the memory area in the foregoing step S 1205 , then merges all the obtained operation history information, and, executes a sorting in the order of time stamps (corresponding to the time and date of operation of the operation history memory tables) (S 1207 ), and executes a display process of displaying the latest operation history information on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  (S 1208 ). 
   The display process in this step S 1208  will be explained further with reference to a flow chart shown in  FIG. 19 . 
   In the display process of the step S 1208 , the CPU  1  at first discriminates an effective/ineffective state of an indicating function for indicating a device-unusable operation history to the operator by confirming a setting of the control UI  1105  for setting an effective/ineffective state of such function (S 1501 ), then, in case of identifying that the indicating function is set in an effective state, reads out a current state of the image forming device  100  memorized in the step S 1219  (S 1502 ), and discriminates whether the setting information of the operation history to be displayed includes a setting item which is currently unusable for the image forming device  100  (S 1503 ). 
   In case the step S 1503  identifies that the unusable setting item does not exist, the CPU  1  proceeds to a step S 1504 . 
   Also the CPU  1  executes a display in a normal manner of the setting information of the operation history corresponding to the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  (S 1504 ) and in succession a display in a normal manner of a corresponding operation history number (S 1505 ). 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 1503  identifies that the currently unusable setting item exists, the CPU  1  displays the setting information of the operation history corresponding to the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  and also shows the currently unusable setting item by a gray-out (or flashing or reversal) display thereby clearly indicating such non-reusable setting item to the operator (S 1506 ). 
   Then the CPU  1  also provides a gray-out (or flashing or reversal) display for the operation history number corresponding to the currently unusable setting item (S 1507 ), thereby clearly indicating to the operator that the operation history memorized in this operation history number is currently unusable, and also maintains the OK switch  1110  in a gray-out state so as that the operator cannot select this operation history number, thereby avoiding selection of the unusable operation history. More specifically, for example an operation history “01” utilizing an A4-sized paper as shown in  FIG. 13  is identified as currently unusable in the step S 1503  because the A4-sized paper is not contained in the image forming device, a display portion “A4” of the paper size information on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  is grayed out, and a number and an OK switch  1110  on the operation history selection UI  1104  are also grayed out whereby the display is so controlled as to disable the selection. It is thus made possible to securely prevent a situation where the operator executes a setting with the currently unusable operation history “01”. 
   Also in case the step S 1501  identifies that the function of indicating the unusable operation history to the operator is set in an ineffective state (indicating function ineffective), the CPU  1  branches to a step S 1504  to display the setting information and the history number in a normal manner as explained above, regardless whether the utilization is possible or not (S 1504 , S 1505 ). 
   Now reference is made again to a step S 1208  in  FIG. 18 . 
   In the display process in the step S 1208 , the operation history selecting UI  1104  displays a number “01”, indicating that the latest operation history is displayed. However, in case the operation history of the operator having the individual authentication does not exist at all (in case the authenticated individual operates the image forming device for the first time), it is desirable that the operation history selecting UI  1104  displays a number “00” or a blank and that the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  displays a blank or a message indicating the absence of the operation history. 
   After the process of displaying the latest operation history information on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  in the step S 1208 , the printer driver (CPU  1 ) returns to the step S 1206  to await an operation of the operator again. 
   On the other hand, in case the CPU  1  identifies in the step S 1206  that the whole operation history selecting UI  1103  is not depressed, the CPU discriminates in a step S 1209  whether the individual operation history selecting UI  1102  has been depressed, and, if yes, then discriminates whether the operator currently operating the printer driver already has an individual authentication (S 1210 ), and, if not, the CPU  1  returns to the step S 1202  for executing a process of individual authentication in cooperation with the image forming device. 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 1210  identifies that the individual authentication has already been made, the CPU  1  reads operation history information corresponding to the authenticated user ID from all the operation histories stored in the memory area in the foregoing step S 1205 , then merges all the obtained operation history information, and, executes a sorting in the order of time stamps (corresponding to the time and date of operation of the operation history memory tables) (S 1211 ), and executes a display process of displaying the latest operation history information on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  (S 1212 ). 
   The display process in the step S 1212  is similar to that in the step S 1208 , which has already been explained with reference to the flow chart in  FIG. 19 , and will not therefore be explained again. 
   Also in the display process in the step S 1212 , as in the step S 1208 , the operation history selecting UI  1104  displays a number “01”, indicating the latest operation history. However, in case the operation history does not exist at all (case of first operation of the image forming device), it is desirable that the operation history selecting UI  1104  displays a number “00” or a blank and that the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  displays a blank or a message indicating the absence of the operation history. 
   After the process of displaying the latest operation history information on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  in the step S 1212 , the printer driver (CPU  1 ) awaits an operation of the operator again. 
   Also in case the step S 1209  identifies that the CPU  1  does not select the individual history, the CPU  1  proceeds to a step S 1213  and discriminates whether the operation history selecting UI  1104  has been operated. 
   In case the step S 1213  identifies that the operation history selecting UI  1104  has been operated, the CPU  1  displays an increased or decreased number according to an operation of the up/down switch in the operation history selecting UI  1104 , and executes a display process for displaying an operation history corresponding to the operation history number on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  (S 1214 ). 
   The display process in the step S 1214  is similar to that in the step S 1208 , which has already been explained with reference to the flow chart in  FIG. 19 , and will not therefore be explained again. 
   In the display process in the step S 1214 , the number of the operation history selected by the operation of the up/down switch in the operation history selecting UI  1104  is displayed in the operation history selecting UI  1104 . 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 1213  identifies that the operation history selecting UI  1110  has not been operated, the CPU  1  proceeds to a step S 1215  to discriminate whether the OK switch  924  has been depressed. 
   In case the step S 1215  identifies that the OK switch  1110  has been depressed, the CPU  1  sets the setting information currently displayed on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  in a setting area (for example secured in the RAM  2 ) of the printer driver (thereby being reflected on the program operating screen  900  shown in  FIG. 15 ) (S 1216 ), and then closes the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1100  (S 1217 ) thereby terminating the process sequence utilizing the operation history. Thereafter, upon detecting the instruction of the start of printing, the CPU  1  starts a print process by transmitting a print job based on the setting information set in the step S 1216  to the image forming device  100 . 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 1215  identifies that the OK switch  1110  has not been depressed, the CPU  1  proceeds to a step S 1218  and discriminates whether the cancel switch  1111  has been depressed, and, if depressed, the CPU  1  skips the process (S 1216 ) of setting on the printer driver, and proceeds to a step S 1217  to close the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1100  thereby terminating the process sequence utilizing the operation history. 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 1218  identifies that the cancel switch  1111  has not been depressed, the CPU  1  returns the process to the step S 1206  for awaiting an operation from the operator. 
   The above-described process enables the operator to obtain the whole operation history or the individual operation history stored in the image forming device and to reflect, whenever necessary, the setting information of the copy function, set in the past, on the image forming device. As explained in the foregoing, the present embodiment provides a constitution in which the setting information used by the printer driver in the past is memorized in the operation history memory table ( FIGS. 9 ,  10 ) provided in the image forming device whereby the authenticated operator can obtain and reuse all such operation history even in case of operation from plural client PCs (information processing device  200 ), but it is naturally possible to construct a system in which the operation history memory table is provided in a client PC whereby the operator can obtain and reuse the operation history only from a client PC currently operated by the operator. 
   After the process sequence explained in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the OK switch  924  of the printer driver shown in  FIG. 15  is depressed and an OK switch (a switch for instructing the start of print execution) on an unillustrated print dialog is depressed, whereupon the CPU  1  transmits the setting information, set as explained above, and a print instruction in succession to the image forming device, thereby starting a print process therein. This print process will be explained in the following with reference to a flow chart in  FIG. 21 . 
     FIG. 21  is a flow chart indicating an example of a third control sequence in the present invention, corresponding to a print process in the image forming device. The process of the flow chart is executed by the main controller unit  5501  shown in  FIG. 1  by a program stored in the HDD unit  5507  or the RON or another recording medium in the main controller unit  5501 . S 1301 –S 1306  indicate process steps. 
   The printer driver (CPU  1 ), upon detecting a depression of an OK switch (switch for instructing start of print process) on the aforementioned unillustrated print dialog, transmits the setting information of the printer driver to the image forming device  100  in synchronization with the timing of such detection. 
   In the image forming device  100 , the main controller unit  5501  waits until the setting information of the printer driver is received (S 1301 ), and when the reception of the printer driving setting information is identified as completed (reception completed), the main controller unit  5501  confirms whether the user currently in the print operation already has an individual authentication (S 1302 ). The procedure of the individual authentication in the printer driver is as already explained in the flow chart of  FIG. 18 . 
   In case the step S 1302  identifies that the user currently in the print operation already has an individual authentication, the main controller unit  5501  stores the setting information, received in the step S 1301 , in a table corresponding to an authenticated individual in the individual operation history memory table shown in  FIG. 9 , and sets such information in the image forming device  100  (step S 1303 ). On the other hand, in case the step S 1302  identifies that the print operation is from an operator not having an individual authentication, the main controller unit  5501  stores the setting information, received in the step S 1301 , in the unauthenticated operation history memory table shown in  FIG. 10 , and sets such information in the image forming device  100  (step S 1304 ). 
   Since the printer driver, after the transmission of the setting information, in succession transmits a print execution instruction to the image forming device  100 , the main controller unit  5501  therein awaits such print instruction (S 1305 ), and upon receiving the print instruction, executes a reception of print data transmitted in succession and a print process (S 1306 ). 
   In the following, operations of print data reception and print process in the step S 1306  will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
   The print data transmitted from the printer driver are received for example through the LAN, by the NIC unit  5510 . In the NIC unit  5510 , the signal received from the LAN is converted by the transformer unit  5512  into a signal processable by the image forming device, and is received by a LAN controller  5511 . The print data received by the LAN controller  5511  are once supplied to the main controller unit  5501  through the expansion bus  5509 . 
   The main controller unit  5501  converts various image formats and the print data of PDL language, transmitted from the printer driver, into a data format processable in the print unit  5513  of the image forming device, and transmits such data to the print unit  5513  thereby requesting a print process. 
   The image data inputted to the output process unit  5514  of the print unit  5513  are subjected to a gamma correction, a sharpness process and a smoothing process for conversion into density data matching density characteristics of a toner, and supplied to the PWM unit  5515 . The PWM unit  5515  generates a laser driving signal, which is an analog signal, based on the inputted digital signal, and which is supplied to the printer unit  5516 . 
   The laser driving signal drives a laser beam emission unit  210 , which emits a laser beam corresponding to such signal. The laser beam irradiates a photosensitive drum  211 , thereby forming a latent image corresponding to the laser beam. 
   A developer is deposited by a developing device  212  onto the photosensitive drum  211  in a portion of the latent image. Separately, at a timing in synchronization with the start of irradiation of the laser beam, a recording paper is fed from either of cassettes  213 ,  214  and is conveyed to a transfer unit  215 , where the developer deposited on the photosensitive drum  211  is transferred onto the recording paper. 
   The recording paper bearing the developer is conveyed to a fixing unit  216 , in which the developer is fixed to the recording paper by an application of heat and pressure in the fixing unit  216 . The recording paper after passing the fixing unit  216  is discharged by discharge rollers  217 , and a sorter  219  sorts the recording papers by storing in respective bins. The sorter  219  stores the recording papers in an uppermost bin in case a sorting is not selected. 
   In case a two-sided recording is selected, the recording paper is conveyed to the position of the discharge rollers  217 , and is then guided to a re-feed conveying path by a reverse rotation of the discharge rollers  217  and by a function of a flapper  218 . Also in case a multiple recording is selected, the recording paper is not conveyed to the position of the discharge roller  217  but to the re-feed conveying path by a function of the flapper  218 . The recording paper guided to the re-feed conveying path is fed to the transfer unit  215  at a timing explained above. 
   The foregoing corresponds to operations of print data reception and print process executed in the step S 1306 . 
   Also the foregoing corresponding to the procedure of executing the print function of the image forming device, utilizing the printer driver operation history details setting screen ( FIG. 17 ) of the present invention. 
   In the foregoing embodiment, the individual authentication is explained to be executed by a user ID (individual ID) and a password utilizing the user ID/operation history tab  905  shown in  FIG. 16 , but it is naturally possible to utilize any authenticating method such as an authentication with various cards such as an IC card, an ID card, or a memory card, an authentication with a voice, a fingerprint authentication, a capillary vein authentication, a venous pattern authentication, a corneal authentication, or a facial authentication. 
   As explained in the foregoing, it is made easily possible, also in a setting screen for an image forming device, displayed on an information processing device, to select and set (reuse) a desired operation history from the individual history or the whole history of the operation on such image forming device in the past. 
   Also in case a past operation memorized in the operation history becomes unusable at the time of display of such operation history, such situation is informed to the operator, in a setting screen for an image forming device, displayed on an information processing device, thereby securely avoiding a productivity deteriorating factor that a setting based on an unusable operation history causes an error at the start of operation and necessitates a repeated setting operation. 
   The present embodiment has been explained by a constitution in which a printer driver for an image forming device is activated on an information processing device and an individual operation history or a whole operation history in a print mode is selectively displayed on a setting screen of the printer driver for enabling reuse thereof for a print setting, but it is also possible to activate a scanner driver for the image forming device on the information processing device and to selectively display an individual operation history or a whole operation history in a scanner mode for enabling reuse thereof for a scanner setting. 
   Also the foregoing embodiments explain a constitution in which the histories are memorized in the image forming device regardless of presence/absence of the individual authentication, but it is also possible to memorize the histories in the image forming device only in case of presence of the individual authentication. 
   Also the foregoing embodiments explain a constitution in which the histories are memorized in an image forming device, but it is also possible, in case a user executes a setting for canceling the history mode by an unillustrated user interface (such setting being memorized in the HDD unit  5507 ), not to memorize the history of such user. 
   Another constitution is also possible where the user can select whether or not to memorize the history at every timing of the memory of the history. 
   (Third Embodiment) 
   The foregoing first embodiment has explained a constitution of calling an individual history stored in an image forming device and reusing such history in the function setting, but it is also possible to call not only an individual history stored in an own image forming device but also those stored in plural image forming devices connected through a network for reuse in a function setting. In the following, such embodiment will be explained. 
     FIG. 22  is a block diagram showing a structure of a system including image forming devices in a third embodiment of the present invention. 
   In  FIG. 22 , there are shown image forming devices  100  ( 100 A– 100 C) as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which are connected through a LAN  300  in a mutually communicable manner. The structure of the image forming devices  100 A– 100 C is already shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and will not be explained further. 
     FIG. 23  is a schematic view showing a structure of an operation history details setting screen which is popup displayed on the LCD panel  3002  of the image forming device  100  shown in  FIG. 22 , wherein components same as those in  FIG. 5  are represented by same symbols. 
   In  FIG. 23 , a device history switch  110  is used for setting the operation history of a whole device currently used as the object of use (namely setting the history mode at a device history mode). 
   An individual history switch  111  of the present embodiment is used for setting only the operation histories of an individual currently having an individual authentication, including those collected from other image forming devices, as the object of use (namely setting the history mode at a network individual history mode). 
   In case an individual authentication is already made at the time of display of the operation history details setting screen  101 , a network individual history mode is set in the operation history, but in case an individual authentication is not yet made, a device history mode is set in the operation history, and these are made switchable by the device history switch  110  and the individual history switch  111 . 
   Also in case the device history is displayed on the history information display screen  105  (in case of the device history mode), an operation user name, indicating the user who has made the operation, may also be displayed on the history information display screen  105 . 
   Also in case the network individual history is displayed on the history information display screen  105  (in case of the network individual history mode), a device name, indicating the device which has made the operation, may also be displayed on the history information display screen  105 . 
   When the individual history switch  111  is depressed (touched), under a control of the main controller unit  5501  shown in  FIG. 1 , an individual authentication screen  401  shown in  FIG. 6  is popup displayed on the LCD panel  3002 . 
   Also in case an authenticated user designates a specified operation history within the operation history of such authenticated user or a whole operation history of such authenticated user and actuates an unillustrated history deleting button, the main controller unit  5501  detects such operation and, in case such designated history information belong to the currently operated device, deletes thus designated history information from the HDD unit  5507 , or, in case such designated history information belong to a device other than the currently operated device, instructs such another device to delete the designated history information from the HDD unit  5507  of the corresponding device. The main controller unit  5501  of the device receiving such instruction deletes the designated history information from the HDD unit  5507 . 
   It is thus rendered possible to rearrange the individual histories of the whole image forming system constituted of plural image forming devices connected through a network, according to the necessity or to delete all the individual histories to an initial state. 
   Also a priority may be made selectable in order to preferentially display a predetermined operation history. 
   Furthermore a title desired by the user may be made settable to a predetermined operation history. 
   Also in case an authenticated manager designates a specified operation history or a specified device history within the whole operation history and actuates an unillustrated history deleting button, the main controller unit  5501  detects such operation and, in case such designated history information belong to the currently operated device, deletes thus designated history information from the HDD unit  5507 , or, in case such designated history information belong to a device other than the currently operated device, instructs such another device to delete the designated history information from the HDD unit  5507  of the corresponding device. The main controller unit  5501  of the device receiving such instruction deletes the designated history information from the HDD unit  5507 . 
   It is thus rendered possible to rearrange the history information (individual histories or unauthenticated operation histories) according to the necessity or to delete all the operation histories to an initial state. 
   It is also possible to store a frequency of re-use of each operation history in the HDD unit  5507  at every re-use of the operation history and to cause the main controller unit  5501  to delete each operation history based on the frequency of re-use of each operation history, at a predetermined period (for example a period of about 1 month). More specifically, it is possible to delete an operation history of a frequency of re-use lower than a predetermined threshold value or an operation history that has not been re-used for a predetermined period. 
   In the following there will be explained, with reference to a flow chart shown in  FIG. 24 , a process sequence of the copy function in case an operation history is used in the image forming devices of the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 24  shows a flow chart indicating an example of a fourth control sequence in the present invention, executed by the main controller unit  5501  shown in  FIG. 1 , based on a program stored in the HDD unit  5507 , in a ROM in the main controller unit  5501  or in another recording medium. S 801 –S 805  and S 808 –S 819  in  FIG. 24  indicate process steps, and steps same as those in  FIG. 11  are presented by same numbers and will not be explained further. 
   In case the main controller unit  5501  identifies an individual authentication in the step S 801 , the main controller unit  5501  reads operation history information corresponding to the individually authenticated user ID from the individual operation history memory table ( FIG. 9 ) in the HDD unit  5507  shown in  FIG. 1  into an unillustrated RAM in the main controller unit  5501  (S 802 ), and also collects operation history information corresponding to the individually authenticated user ID from other image forming device connected through the network such as a LAN (S 816 ). More specifically, the main controller unit  5501  requests history information to another image forming device, which in response transmits (returns) operation history information corresponding to such user ID to the requesting image forming device. The requesting image forming device obtains the operation history information corresponding to the user ID and returned from such another image forming device and stores the information in an unillustrated RAM of the main controller unit  5501 . In the information collecting process of the step S 816 , it is possible to judge an image forming device of a same type (including a device of a same series, a same category and an interchangeable type) and to obtain the operation history information from the image forming device of the same type only. 
   Then, in a step S 817 , the main controller unit  5501  executes a process of integrating the operation history read in the step S 802  and the operation history collected in the step S 816 . In this integrating process, the main controller unit  5501 , after excluding (deleting) the operation history from an image forming device of a different type that is not usable in the currently used image forming device, executes a sorting in the order of time stamps based on the information of date and time of the operation. In case the integrated operation history, obtained as a result of such operation, exceeds a memory amount assigned in advance to a specified individual, the main controller unit  5501  leaves the histories from the latest one and deletes the older operation histories that cannot be memorized. Then the main controller unit  5501  executes a display process of displaying the latest operation history information, among thus integrated operation history information, on the history information display screen  105  (S 803 ). 
   In the display process shown in the step S 803 , the operation history selecting UI  106  displays a number “01”, indicating that the latest operation history is displayed. However, in case the operation history of the operator having the individual authentication does not exist at all (in case the authenticated individual operates the image forming device for the first time), it is desirable that the operation history selecting UI  106  displays a number “00” or a blank and that the history information display screen  105  displays a blank or a message indicating the absence of the operation history. 
   Also in case the step S 801  identifies that the operation is executed by an unauthenticated user not having an individual authentication, the main controller unit  5501  reads, as in  FIG. 11 , the operation histories of all the users from the individual operation history memory table ( FIG. 9 ) of the HDD unit  5507  and the unauthenticated operation history memory table ( FIG. 10 ) (S 804 ), then merges all the obtained operation history information, and, after a sorting in the order of time stamps, executes a display process of displaying the latest operation history information on the history information display screen  105  (S 805 ). 
   Then an operation of the operator is awaited as in  FIG. 11 , and, in a step S 818 , the main controller unit  5501  discriminates whether the device history switch  110  has been depressed, and, if depressed, the aforementioned process of the steps S 804  and S 805  are executed. This process is effective for example in case an operator having the individual authentication wishes to utilize, not limited to the individual operation history, the operation histories of all the image forming devices currently in use. 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 818  identifies that the device history switch  110  has not been depressed, the main controller unit  5501  proceeds to a step S 819  and discriminates whether the individual history switch  111  has been depressed. 
   In case the step S 819  identifies that the individual history switch  111  has been depressed, the main controller unit  5501  executes a popup display of the individual authentication screen  401  on the LCD panel  3002  (S 808 ) and requests an individual authentication to the operator, thereby requesting an individual authentication to the operator, in order to display the operation history of a specified individual. Then authentication information is inputted by the operator and the main controller unit  5501  discriminates whether the individual authentication is made successfully (S 809 ). 
   In case the step S 809  identifies that the individual authentication has been made successfully, the main controller unit  5501  executes the process of the steps S 816 , S 817  and S 803 , and thereupon displays the operation history of the authenticated individual on the history information display screen  105 . 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 809  identifies that the individual authentication has not been successful, the main controller unit  5501  executes the process of the steps S 804  and S 805 , and thereupon displays the whole operation history on the history information display screen  105 . 
   Also in case the step S 819  identifies that the individual history switch  111  has not been depressed, the main controller unit  5501  proceeds to a step S 810  and discriminates whether the operation history UI  106  has been operated (S 810 ). 
   In case the step S 810  identifies that the operation history UI  106  has been operated, the main controller unit  5501  displays an increased or decreased number according to an operation of the up/down switch in the operation history UI  106 , also reads an operation history corresponding to such operation history number from the individual operation history generated by integration in the step S 817  or from the whole operation history table ( FIG. 10 ) generated by sorting in the step S 804  and executes a display process for displaying the setting information of such operation history (S 811 ). The display process in the step S 811  is similar to that in the step S 803  or S 805 , which has already been explained with reference to the flow chart in  FIG. 12 , and will not therefore be explained again. Also other steps will not be explained as they are similar to those in  FIG. 11 . 
   The above-described process enables the operator to refer to the whole operation history of the currently used image forming device or the individual operation history (including the operation history memorized in another image forming device and collected from the network) and to reflect, whenever necessary, the setting information of the copy function, set in the past, on the image forming device. When the start switch  3018  is depressed by the operator after this process, the copy process of the step S 315  in  FIG. 7  is executed, based on thus set setting information. 
   The foregoing procedure executes the copy function of the image forming device utilizing the operation history details setting screen  101  of the present embodiment. 
   As explained in the foregoing, even in case of using an image forming device that has not been used before (not storing the operation history), if an image forming device, of a type same as and capable of communication with the aforementioned image forming device, has been used before (operation history being stored in such image forming device of the same type), it is rendered possible to utilize the operation history stored in such image forming device of the same type whereby the work of executing all the setting from the beginning can be alleviated. 
   Also in case an operation history memorized in another image forming device is unusable in the image forming device to be used, the operation history details setting screen  101  is displayed excluding such operation history, thereby securely avoiding a productivity deteriorating factor that a setting based on an unusable operation history causes an error at the start of operation and necessitates a repeated setting operation. 
   The present embodiment has been explained by a local copy mode in which original data are inputted from the scanner unit of the own device and are printed in the print unit of the own device, but the aforementioned simplification of the setting operation of the image forming device by a re-use of the individual history or the whole history is naturally applicable also to a facsimile transmission mode, a box mode, or a remote copy mode in which original data are inputted from the scanner unit of the own device and are printed in the print unit of another device. 
   (Fourth Embodiment) 
   The foregoing second embodiment has explained a constitution of calling, from a setting screen of a driver printer functioning on an information processing device, an individual history stored in an image forming device capable of communication therewith and reusing such history in the setting of the print function for data transmitted to such image forming device from the information processing device, but it is also possible to call, from a setting screen of a driver printer functioning on an information processing device, an individual history stored in each of image forming devices capable of communication therewith and reusing such history in the setting of the print function for data transmitted to any of the image forming devices from the information processing device. In the following, there will be explained such embodiment. 
     FIG. 25  is a block diagram showing a structure of a system including image forming devices in a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein components same as those in  FIG. 22  are represented by same symbols. 
   As shown in  FIG. 22 , image forming devices  100  ( 100 A– 100 C) and image processing devices  200  (for example PC/WS) are connected through a LAN  300  in a mutually communicable manner. The structure of the image forming devices  100 A– 100 C is already shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  while the structure of the information processing device  200  is shown in  FIG. 14 , so that they will not be explained further. 
     FIG. 26  is a schematic view showing a structure of a printer driver operation history details setting screen which is executed on the image processing device  200  shown in  FIG. 25  and is popup displayed on the monitor  10  shown in  FIG. 14 , wherein components same as those in  FIG. 17  are represented by same symbols. 
   In  FIG. 26 , an individual operation history selecting UI  1120  of the present embodiment is used for collecting and displaying the individual operation history from plural image forming devices through the network (namely setting the history mode at a network individual history mode). A device operation history selecting UI  1121  of a currently selected image forming device is used for designating the display of the whole operation history of the currently selected image forming device (namely setting the history mode at a device history mode). 
   In case the device history is displayed in the printer driver operation history details setting screen  1110  (in case of the whole history mode), an operation user name, indicating the user who has made the operation, may also be displayed in the printer driver operation history information displaying screen  1101 . 
   Also in case the network individual history is displayed on the printer driver history details setting screen  1110  (in case of network individual history mode), a device name, indicating the device which stores the history, may also be displayed on the printer driver history information display screen  1101 . 
   In the following there will be explained, with reference to a printer driver screen shown in  FIG. 26  and a flow chart shown in  FIG. 27 , a sequence of the print function of the image forming device utilizing the printer driver operation history details setting screen of the present embodiment. 
     FIG. 26  is a flow chart indicating an example of a fifth control sequence in the present invention, executed by the CPU  1  of the information processing device  200  shown in  FIG. 14 , based on a program stored in the external memory  11  or another recording medium. S 1201 –S 1203 , S 1208 , S 1210 , S 1212 –S 1219  and S 2701 –S 2709  in  FIG. 27  indicate process steps, and steps same as those in  FIG. 18  are represented by same step numbers. 
   At first, the operator selects an image forming device on an information processing device  200  serving as a print client, and, when the CPU  1  detects that the operator instructs activation of a printer driver corresponding to the selected image forming device (for example image forming device  100 A), the CPU  1  activates the printer driver (S 1201 ). 
   After the activation of the printer driver, the CPU  1  discriminates whether the user ID is effective, by checking that the user ID control UI  1001  provided in the user ID/operation history tab  905  shown in  FIG. 16  is effectively set and that any value is set in the user ID input UI  1002  and the password input UI  1003  (S 1202 ). In case the CPU  1  identifies that the user ID is effective, it executes a user authentication by communicating with the image forming device  100  based on the user ID and the password set in the user ID input UI  1002  and the password input UI  1003  (S 1203 ), and then proceeds to a step S 2701 . In more details, it transmits the user ID and the password set in the user ID input UI  1002  and the password input UI  1003  and an authentication request to the image forming device (image forming device  100 A in this case), thereby requesting an authentication thereto. The image forming device  100 A executes an authentication process by comparing the user ID and the password received from the information processing device  200  with the user ID table  501  shown in  FIG. 8 , and returns a result of authentication to the information processing device  200 . The information processing device  200  receives the result of authentication from the image forming device  100 A, and the CPU  1  discriminates presence/absence of the authentication (whether the user authentication is successful). 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 1202  identifies that the user ID is not effective, the CPU  1  skips the user authentication in the step S 1203  and proceeds to a step S 1204 . 
   Then the printer driver (CPU  1 ) communicates with the selected image forming device (image forming device  100 A in this case) to obtain the operation histories of all the users stored in the individual operation history memory table ( FIG. 9 ) of the HDD unit  5507  of the image forming device  100 A and the unauthenticated operation history stored in the unauthenticated operation history memory table ( FIG. 10 ) (S 2701 ), and stores all the obtained operation histories as “device operation history” in a memory area (for example RAM  2 ) of the client PC (information processing device  200 ) (S 2702 ). 
   Then in a step S 1219 , the printer driver (CPU  1 ) further communicates with the selected image forming device  100 A to obtain the current state of the image forming device  100 A (by a request from the information processing device  200  to the image forming device  100 A and by a response from the image forming device  100 A to the information processing device  200 ), and stores such state in a memory area (for example RAM  2 ) on the client PC (information processing device  200 ). The stored state information of the image forming device  100  includes an error state of the image forming device  100 , a constitution information of the image forming device  100  by an option or the like, size information of the paper medium and a remaining amount information. 
   Then, in a step S 2703 , the printer driver (CPU  1 ) discriminates whether the authentication of the user is completed (successful) in the step S 1203 , and, if not, proceeds to a step S 2706 . 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 2703  identifies that the authentication of the user is completed, the printer driver (CPU  1 ) communicates in a step S 2704  with another image forming device (other than image forming device  100 A, namely image forming device  100 B or  100 C) to obtain the operation history of the user having the user authentication, stored in the individual operation history memory table ( FIG. 9 ) of the HDD unit  5507  of the image forming device  100 B or  100 C and, in a step S 2705 , merges the operation history of the user having the user authentication obtained in the step  2701  from the selected image forming device, and the operation history of the user having the user authentication obtained in the step S 2704  from as “individual operation history” and stores it in the memory area (for example RAM  2 ) in the client PC (information processing device  200 ). More specifically, the printer driver (CPU  1 ) transmits a request for the history information to the image forming device  100 . The image forming device, having received the request, transmits (returns) operation history information corresponding to the corresponding user ID to the requesting information processing device  200 . Then the requesting information processing device obtains and stores, in the RAM  2 , the operation history information corresponding to the user ID returned from the image forming device. 
   In such merging process, according to the state of the device obtained in the step S 1219 , the CPU  1 , after excluding (deleting) the operation history from an image forming device of a different type that is not usable in the image forming device  100 A, executes a sorting in the order of time stamps based on the information of date and time of the operation. 
   Then the printer driver (CPU  1 ) awaits an operation from the operator, then discriminates in a step S 2706  whether the device operation history selecting UI  1120  has been depressed, and, if depressed, reads all the operation histories S 2702 , then merges these, executes a sorting in the order of time stamps (corresponding to time and date of the operation history memory tables) (S 2707 ), and executes a display process of displaying the latest operation history information on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  (S 1208 ). 
   On the other hand, in case the CPU  1  identifies in the step S 2706  that the whole operation history selecting UI  1103  is not depressed, the CPU  1  discriminates in a step S 2708  whether the individual operation history selecting UI  1121  has been depressed, and, if depressed, then discriminates whether the operator currently operating the printer driver already has an individual authentication (S 1210 ), and, if not, the CPU  1  returns to the step S 1202  for executing a process of individual authentication in cooperation with the image forming device. 
   On the other hand, in case the step S 1210  identifies that the individual authentication has already been made, the CPU  1  reads the individual operation history stored in the memory area in the foregoing step S 2705 , then merges these, executes a sorting in the order of time stamps (corresponding to the time and date of operation of the operation history memory tables) (S 2709 ), and executes a display process of displaying the latest operation history information on the printer driver operation history information display screen  1101  (S 1212 ). Other steps will not be explained as they are similar to those shown in  FIG. 18 . 
   In the information collecting process of the step S 2704 , it is possible to judge an image forming device of a same type (including a device of a same series, a same category and an interchangeable type) as the selected image forming device and to obtain the individual operation history from the image forming device of the same type only. 
   The above-described process allows the operator to obtain the device operation history stored in the selected image forming device or the individual operation history corresponding to the authenticated user, stored in the communicable image forming devices, and to reflect, whenever necessary the setting information of the print function set in the past on the printer driver. The present embodiment, as explained in the foregoing, provides a constitution in which the setting information used by the printer driver in the past is memorized in the operation history memory tables ( FIGS. 9 ,  10 ) provided in the image forming device whereby the authenticated operator can obtain all the operation histories and reuse them even in case such operator executes operation from plural client PCs (information processing device  200 ), but it is naturally possible to construct a system in which the operation history memory table is provided in the client PC whereby the operator can obtain and reuse the operation history only from the operated client PC. 
   After the process sequence explained in  FIG. 27 , the OK switch  924  of the printer driver shown in  FIG. 15  is depressed and an OK switch (a switch for instructing the start of print execution) on an unillustrated print dialog is depressed, whereupon the CPU  1  transmits the setting information, set as explained above, and a print instruction in succession to the image forming device, thereby starting a print process therein. 
   The foregoing procedure executes the print function of the image forming device utilizing the printer driver operation history details setting screen of the present embodiment. 
   As explained in the foregoing, also in a printer driver setting screen displayed on an information processing device corresponding to a specified image forming device, it is easily possible to select and set (reuse) a desired operation history from the individual history operated in the past in all the communicable image forming devices. 
   Also in case an operation history memorized in the image forming devices is unusable at the time of the display of the operation history, such situation is informed to the operator (or such operation history not being displayed) on the printer driver setting image for the image forming device displayed in the information processing device, thereby securely avoiding a productivity deteriorating factor that a setting based on an unusable operation history causes an error at the start of operation and necessitates a repeated setting operation. 
   The present embodiment has been explained by a constitution of activating a printer driver for an image forming device on an information processing device and selectively displaying an individual operation history or a whole operation history in the print mode on a setting screen of such printer driver, but it is also possible to activate a scanner driver for the image forming device on the information processing device and to selectively display an individual operation history or a whole operation history in a scanner mode for enabling reuse thereof for a scanner setting. 
   Also the foregoing embodiments explain a constitution in which the histories are memorized in the image forming device regardless of presence/absence of the individual authentication, but it is also possible to memorize the histories in the image forming device only in case of presence of the individual authentication. 
   Also the foregoing embodiments explain a constitution in which the histories are memorized in an image forming device, but it is also possible, in case a user executes a setting for canceling the history mode by an unillustrated user interface (such setting being memorized in the HDD unit  5507 ), not to memorize the history of such user. 
   Another constitution is also possible where the user can select whether or not to memorize the history at every timing of the memory of the history. 
   The screens shown in  FIGS. 3–6 ,  13 ,  15 – 17 ,  20 ,  23  and  26  and structures and contents of the data shown in  FIGS. 8–10  are not restrictive and can naturally be modified with various structures or contents according to application and purpose. 
   In the foregoing, the present invention has been explained by embodiments thereof, but the present invention can be realized in embodiments for example of a system, a device, a method, a program or a memory medium, and can more specifically be applied to a system constituted of plural equipment or a device constituted of a single equipment. 
   As explained in the foregoing, an embodiment is realized by executing an individual authentication for authenticating an operator, memorizing an operation history based on an inputted operation instruction in a memory for each authenticated individual, controlling a display of the operation history of the authenticated individual among the memorized operation history of each individual, selecting an arbitrary operation history among the displayed operation history and setting an image forming device based on the selected operation history, thereby solving prior drawbacks that even operation histories of other persons having a low possibility of re-use are also displayed and the operation history of the operator himself becomes difficult to find and that an older operation history is deleted by an operation of another person when the memory of the operation history reaches an upper limit of the memory, whereby the operator can easily select and re-use a desired operation history. 
   Also an embodiment is realized by obtaining a state of an image forming device and controlling the display of an operation history based on thus obtained state of the image forming device, thereby solving a prior drawback that the operator does not easily notice a situation where an operation set with a past operation history is not usable at the time of setting but notices an improper setting for the first time by an error message displayed on the image forming device, at the start of the actual copy operation, and executes the setting again thus resulting in a deteriorated productivity, and also securely preventing an erroneous setting of an unusable operation history by the operator thereby avoiding a deterioration of productivity by a re-setting. 
   Also an embodiment is realized by requesting an authentication of an operator from an in formation processing device to an image forming device thereby authenticating the operator, obtaining an operation history of an individual authenticated by the image forming device from the image forming device for a display on the information processing device, selecting an arbitrary operation history from thus displayed operation history in the information processing device, transmitting setting information of the image forming device based on thus selected operation history to the image forming device, storing the setting information received from the information processing device in a memory in the image forming device as an operation history for each authenticated individual, and setting the image forming device based on the setting information received from the information processing device, thereby enabling to easily select and reuse a desired operation history from the individual operation history of the operator, even in case of utilizing the image forming device from the information processing device. 
   Also an embodiment is realized by obtaining a state of an image forming device in an information processing device from the image forming device, and controlling the display of an operation history based on thus obtained state of the image forming device, thereby securely avoiding a situation where the operator erroneously set an operation history which is unusable at the time of setting, and, as a result, preventing a deterioration in the productivity by re-setting. 
   Also an embodiment is realized by executing an individual authentication for authenticating an operator, memorizing an operation history based on an inputted operation instruction in a memory for each authenticated individual, executing a data communication with another image forming device connected to a network, collecting through the communication an operation history of a specified individual authenticated by means for individual authentication, integrating the operation history for each individual stored in the memory and the collected operation history of the specified individual, then rearranging these histories in the order of time stamps, executing a control of leaving the operation histories from the latest one corresponding to a memory amount assigned to the operation history of the specified individual and deleting the older histories, displaying the operation history of the authenticated individual from the integrated operation history for each individual, selecting an arbitrary operation history among the displayed operation history, and setting the image forming device based on thus selected operation history, thereby solving prior drawbacks that even operation histories of other persons having a low possibility of re-use are also displayed and the operation history of the operator himself becomes difficult to find, also that an older operation history is deleted by an operation of another person when the memory of the operation history reaches an upper limit of the memory, and also enabling an operator, even when using an image forming device that has not been operated before (not storing an operation history), in case such image forming device is capable of communication with an image forming device of a same type which the operator has operated (storing an operation history therein), to utilize the operation history stored in the image forming device of the same type in the image forming device which the operator has not operated, thereby alleviating the works of all the setting from the beginning even in an image forming device to be used for the first time and solving a drawback that the image forming device used for the first time requires all the setting from the beginning as the operation history in another image forming device cannot be utilized, whereby the operator can easily select and re-use a desired operation history. 
   Therefore, the present invention provides an effect of providing an image forming device, an image forming system, capable of providing, in consideration of an environment of use by plural operators and an installation state at operation, an image forming environment capable of effectively utilizing operation histories stored in each image forming device and providing improved operability and productivity. 
   Also constitutions uniting any or all of the foregoing embodiments and variations thereof are also included in the present invention. 
   In the following, there will be given a comparison of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention and the patent reference 1 explained in the prior technology. 
   In the aforementioned embodiments, the individual operation history and the unauthenticated operation history are respectively stored, and the individual operation history or the whole operation history itself is selectively utilized by the operator. Also in the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, an individual operation history stored in an image forming device of a same type other than the device used for image formation is also collected and utilized by the operator. Further, the individual operation history is processed according to the state of the image forming device, and an unusable history is masked to avoid an erroneous unusable setting by the user. 
   On the other hand, in the patent reference 1, the image forming device holds an individual operation history, but such held individual operation history is used for changing the operation mode to the user and for customizing the operation of the image forming device, and there are not described characteristic constitutions of the embodiments of the present invention, such as that the operation history itself is utilized for setting by the operator and that the operation history is processed according to the current state of the device for masking unusable equipment. In this point, the embodiments of the present invention are fundamentally different form the patent reference 1. 
   These points are worth particular attention in considering the difference between the embodiments of the present invention and the image forming device described in the patent reference 1. 
   In the following there will be explained, with reference to a memory map shown in  FIG. 28 , a data processing program readable by the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 28  is a view showing a memory map of a memory medium (recording medium) storing various data processing programs readable by the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus of the present invention. 
   Although not particularly illustrated, there may also be stored information for managing programs stored in the memory medium, such as version information or a preparing person, and information dependent on an OS of the program reading side such as an icon for identifying the program. 
   Also data belonging to various programs are managed by the directory. Also there may be stored a program for installing various programs into a computer, and a thawing program in case the installed program is compressed. 
   The functions of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  18 ,  19 ,  21 ,  24  and  27  may be realized by externally installed programs executed by a host computer. In such situation, the present invention is applicable also in case information including programs is supplied to an output device from a memory medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory or an FD, or from an external memory medium through a network. 
   The objects of the present invention can naturally be attained also by supplying a system or an apparatus with a memory medium storing program codes of a software realizing the functions of the aforementioned embodiments and by reading and executing the program codes stored in the memory medium by a computer (or CPU or MPU) of such system or apparatus. 
   In such case, the program codes themselves read from the memory medium realize the novel functions of the present invention, and the memory medium storing such program codes constitute the present invention. 
   The program is not restricted in its form as long as it has a function as a program, and includes object codes, a program executed by an interpreter or script data supplied to an OS. 
   A memory medium for supplying the program can be, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetooptical disk, an MO, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, or a DVD. 
   In such case, the program codes themselves read from the memory medium realize the novel functions of the present invention, and the memory medium storing such program codes constitute the present invention. 
   A program can also be supplied by making a connection to a home page on the internet utilizing browser of a client computer, and downloading, from such home page, a computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file having an auto installing function into a memory medium such as a hard disk. Such supply can also be realized by dividing the program codes, constituting the program of the invention, into plural files and downloading the respective files from different home pages. Thus a www server and a ftp server for downloading a program file, for realizing the functions of the present invention by a computer, to plural users are also included in the claims of the present invention. 
   Such supply can also be realized distributing a memory medium such as a CD-ROM storing the program of the invention in an encrypted form to users, downloading decrypting key information to users who have cleared certain conditions from the home page through the internet, and installing the encrypted program by such key information into a computer. 
   The present invention includes not only a case where the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are realized by the execution of the read program codes by the computer, but also a case where an OS (operating system) or the like functioning on the computer executes all the actual processes or a part thereof under the instruction of such program codes, thereby realizing the functions of the aforementioned embodiments. 
   The present invention further includes a case where the program codes read from the memory medium are once stored in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer and a CPU or the like provided on such function expansion board or function expansion unit executes all the actual processes or a part thereof under the instruction of such program codes, thereby realizing the functions of the aforementioned embodiments. 
   Also the present invention may be applied to a system constituted of plural equipment or a device constituted of a single equipment. The invention is naturally applicable also to a case where it is realized by supplying a system or a device with a program. In such case, such system or device can enjoy the effects of the present invention, by reading, from a memory medium, a program represented by a software for realizing the present invention. 
   The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments but is subject to various modifications (including combinations of the embodiments) within the scope of the invention, and such modifications are also included within the scope of the invention. 
   The present invention has been explained by embodiments and examples thereof, but it will be easily understood to those skilled in that art that the spirit and scope of the present invention are not restricted to any particular description in the specification. 
   The first and third embodiments have been explained by a local copy mode in which original data are inputted from the scanner unit of the own device and are printed in the print unit of the own device, but the aforementioned simplification of the setting operation of the image forming device by a re-use of the individual history or the whole history is naturally applicable also to a facsimile transmission mode, a box mode, or a remote copy mode in which original data are inputted from the scanner unit of the own device and are printed in the print unit of another device. 
   The second and fourth embodiments have been explained by a constitution of activating a printer driver for an image forming device on an information processing device and selectively displaying an individual operation history or a whole operation history in the print mode on a setting screen of such printer driver, but it is also possible to activate a scanner driver for the image forming device on the information processing device and to selectively display an individual operation history or a whole operation history in a scanner mode for enabling reuse thereof for a scanner setting. 
   As explained in the foregoing, the present invention provides an image forming environment which can easily simplify setting operations by an operation history utilizing environment, excellent from the standpoint of the operator taking a situation of use by plural users and a status of the device at the operation into consideration. 
   Also the present invention can solve prior drawbacks that even operation histories of other persons having a low possibility of re-use are also displayed and the operation history of the operator himself becomes difficult to find and that an older operation history is deleted by an operation of another person when the memory of the operation history reaches an upper limit of the memory, whereby the operator can easily select and re-use a desired operation history. 
   Also the present invention can enable an operator, even when using an image forming device that has not been operated before (not storing an operation history), in case such image forming device is capable of communication with an image forming device of a same type which the operator has operated (storing an operation history therein), to utilize the operation history stored in the image forming device of the same type in the image forming device which the operator has not operated, thereby alleviating the works of all the setting from the beginning even in an image forming device to be used for the first time and solving the drawback that the image forming device used for the first time requires all the setting from the beginning as the operation history in another image forming device cannot be utilized, whereby the operator can easily select and re-use a desired operation history, thus improving the operability and the productivity through effective utilization of the operation history stored in each image forming device. 
   Also the present invention can solve a prior drawback that the operator does not easily notice a situation where an operation set with a past operation history is not usable at the time of setting or where a setting in another image forming device is not usable in the image forming device to be used, but notices an improper setting for the first time by an error message displayed on the image forming device, at the start of the actual copy operation, and executes the setting again thus resulting in a deteriorated productivity, and can securely prevent an erroneous setting of an unusable operation history by the operator thereby avoiding a deterioration of productivity by a re-setting, and can further provide an image forming environment which can easily simplify setting operations by an operation history utilizing environment, excellent from the standpoint of the operator taking a situation of use by plural users and a status of the device at the operation into consideration. 
   Also the present invention can enable an operator, in case of image formation from any of image forming devices available from an information processing device, to easily select and re-use a desired operation history from the operation histories of the image forming devices. 
   Also the present invention allows, in case of image formation from any of image forming devices available from an information processing device, to securely prevent an operator from an erroneous setting of an operation history not usable at the time of setting or an operation history of another image forming device not usable in the image forming device to be used, thereby avoiding a deterioration in the productivity resulting from a re-setting. 
   In this manner, the present invention can resolve the drawbacks anticipated in the prior technology and can provide a convenient environment comfortable for use taking operability and productivity in consideration. 
   This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2003-395849 filed on Nov. 26, 2003, and 2004-120454 filed on Apr. 15, 2004, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.