JP2023066222A - Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing system that re-schedules a task not carried out by a user.SOLUTION: An information processing system that includes a device and an information processing device which receives registration of a task relating to the device includes: schedule information storing means for storing schedule information in which the task is registered; present time obtaining means for obtaining a present time; and re-scheduling means for re-scheduling, when there is a task not carried out yet, the task that is not carried out yet on the basis of the present time obtained by the present time obtaining means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art In devices such as image forming apparatuses, motors, clutches, and the like perform mechanical operations to print with color materials, and therefore various types of maintenance such as cleaning and parts replacement may be required. For example, in the case of a large image forming apparatus (such as a commercial printer), various maintenance operations are performed. As maintenance work, a user or the like manually performs maintenance work on the image forming apparatus, or a manager changes the setting values of the image forming apparatus from a terminal device or the like.

A scheme has been devised in which an administrator operates a Web browser displayed by a PC (Personal Computer) to set up an image forming apparatus (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-100003). The administrator can change the settings without directly operating the image forming apparatus.

However, the conventional technology has a problem that if the user does not perform the task according to the schedule, the user needs to manually re-register the task schedule. Unless the user manually reschedules the task, the user may forget to perform the task.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system that reschedules a task that a user did not perform.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an information processing system having a device and an information processing apparatus that receives registration of a task related to the device, schedule information storage means for storing schedule information in which the task is registered; Current time obtaining means for obtaining the current time, and rescheduling for rescheduling the unexecuted task if there is an unexecuted task that has not yet been executed based on the current time obtained by the current time obtaining means. and means.

An information handling system can be provided that reschedules tasks that were not performed by the user.

It is a figure which shows an example of a task. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a task schedule displayed by the information processing system; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining task rescheduling; It is a figure explaining the system configuration example of an information processing system. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of DFE. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functions that are used for general purposes among the functions that the DFE has; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functions related to rescheduling among functions possessed by the DFE; It is a figure which shows an example of the working-hours information memorize|stored in the working-hours memory|storage means. It is a figure which shows an example of the work end time setting screen which a terminal device displays. It is a figure which shows an example of the task information memorize|stored in a task information storage means. It is a figure which shows an example of the schedule information memorize|stored in the schedule information storage means. FIG. 10 is an example of a flow chart for explaining a procedure or operation for a DFE to register working hours information in response to an operation from a user; FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the procedure or operation of rescheduling an unexecuted task by a DFE when a date is changed; FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart diagram illustrating a procedure or operation of rescheduling an unexecuted task by a DFE at the end of working hours; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method of rescheduling to the earliest available free time that is longer than the estimated required time of an unexecuted task. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method of rescheduling to the earliest available free time without considering the order of the unperformed tasks when there are a number of unperformed tasks. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method of rescheduling to the earliest available free time in consideration of the order of the unexecuted tasks when there are a plurality of unexecuted tasks. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method of rescheduling the unexecuted tasks collectively at the start of work on the next day when there are a plurality of unexecuted tasks. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method of rescheduling the unexecuted tasks collectively during the next day's free time when there are a plurality of unexecuted tasks. It is a figure which shows an example of a schedule setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a schedule display screen.

An information processing system and an information processing method performed by the information processing system will be described below as an example of a mode for carrying out the present invention.

<Overview>
In this embodiment, the administrator can register various maintenance work as a "task" in the schedule. The task includes maintenance for changing settings, and the administrator can register a task for changing the settings of the image forming apparatus from the screen for registering the task schedule.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of tasks. As described above, in this embodiment, the administrator registers tasks corresponding to various maintenance tasks in a DFE (Digital Front End), which will be described later. Various maintenance work occurs in the image forming apparatus, and the maintenance work in FIG. 1 is "Head Cap Cleaning". One maintenance work is treated as one task 51 at a manageable granularity. Therefore, one maintenance task manually performed by the user may be divided into a plurality of tasks.

Also, the task 51 has one or more task components 52 . A task component 52 is a finer maintenance work subdivided to accomplish a task. A task 51 called “Head Cap Cleaning” has the following task components 52 .
1. Move to maintenance Md retreat position (30 seconds)
2. Remove the maintenance dome exterior cover (3 minutes)
3. Pull out the head array (2 minutes)
4. Clean the cap (30 seconds × 22 pieces)
5. Push back the head array
6. Remount the maintenance dome exterior cover (3 minutes)
7. Move to maintenance Md retreat position (30 seconds)
8. Cleaning competed
The number of task components included in one task is arbitrary. Such tasks are registered in the schedule by the administrator.

FIG. 2 is an example of a task schedule displayed by the information processing system of this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the horizontal axis is the date 53 and the vertical axis is the time 54 . The administrator can register the task as shown in Fig. 1 in the schedule by specifying the date and start time.

When the administrator executes the registered task, the DFE displays the task on the terminal device based on the current time. For example, the DFE displays registered tasks according to display formats such as month, week, and day. The display format in FIG. 2 is a weekly display. A general user who executes a task (or an administrator may execute the task) selects the task from the schedule and displays the task parts of the task. Since the task component displays the screens (including screens for changing settings, etc.) required for maintenance corresponding to this task component, general users do not need to select and display the screens required for maintenance.

However, users may not perform maintenance on schedule. In this case, unless the user manually re-registers the maintenance schedule, there is a risk of forgetting to perform the maintenance.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system of the present embodiment reschedules the unexecuted task if there is an unexecuted task that has not yet been executed based on the current time. For example, the information processing system automatically reschedules the unexecuted task to the free time when the date changes or when the working hours end. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining task rescheduling. In FIG. 3A, three tasks 701 to 703 are registered on July 3rd, but the date has changed while the third task 703 has not been performed, or the working hours have ended. Therefore, the information processing system reschedules the unexecuted tasks. As shown in FIG. 3B, the information processing system determines a free time 704 during which the unexecuted task can be executed from the estimated required time of the task 703, and reschedules the unexecuted task during this free time 704. FIG.

In this way, the information processing system of the present embodiment automatically reschedules the unexecuted tasks when the date changes or when the working hours end, at the most recent free time, so that the user can It is possible to prevent forgetting to perform maintenance due to

<Terms>
Maintenance is the maintenance, management, and maintenance of machines and structures, or work necessary for these.

A task means an assignment or work. In this embodiment, various adjustments and maintenances registered in the information processing apparatus are called tasks.

"Schedule" means "plan" or "schedule", and "schedule information" means information in which the schedule is set according to the date and time. Schedule information is usually registered in association with calendar dates and times.

“Not implemented” means that it has not yet been implemented. The timing of determining whether or not it has not been implemented may be arbitrary.

Rescheduling refers to partially correcting the result of scheduling once.

<System configuration example>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example of the information processing system 100 of this embodiment. The information processing system 100 has a terminal device 101 shown in FIG. 4(a), a DFE 102 shown in FIG. 4(b), and an image forming apparatus 103 shown in FIG. 4(c). The server device 104 will be described later.

Terminal device 101 and DFE 102 can communicate via network N. FIG. The network includes, for example, a LAN in the facility where the image forming apparatus 103 is arranged, and further includes the Internet when the DFE 102 is arranged on the Internet. The DFE 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 may be connected one-to-one via a dedicated line, or may be connected via a network. Also, the DFE 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 may be integrated or detachable.

A web browser is running on the terminal device 101 . A Web browser accesses the server provided in the DFE 102 and displays input operation screens for task creation, schedule registration, and task execution. The terminal device 101 receives operations such as task creation, schedule registration, and task execution on the input screen from the administrator, and requests these to the DFE 102 .

Note that the administrator inputs the user ID and password into the terminal device 101 in order to log in to the DFE 102 . Since the terminal device 101 transmits the user ID and password to the DFE 102, if the authentication by the DFE 102 succeeds, the user is identified as a general user or an administrator. The screen displayed and the items that can be entered may differ depending on whether the user is a general user or an administrator. Note that the administrator authentication may be performed by the authentication server.

If the authentication succeeds and the administrator logs in, he/she is given access rights to task creation, schedule registration, and task execution, and general users are given access rights to task execution.

The terminal device 101 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a wearable PC (sunglass type, wristwatch type, etc.). However, it suffices that the DFE 102 has a communication function and dedicated application software operates on the Web browser or the DFE 102 . For example, the terminal device 101 can be a car navigation system, a game machine, a television receiver, or the like.

If the image forming apparatus 103 also operates a Web browser, the administrator can operate the image forming apparatus to request the DFE 102 to create a task, register a schedule, and execute the task.

It is also possible for the DFE 102 to display an input operation screen on the display of its own device and accept processing for task creation, schedule registration, and task execution from the keyboard. In this case, the information processing system 100 does not require the terminal device 101 .

The DFE 102 is essentially an information processing apparatus that receives a print job executed by the image forming apparatus 103, performs image processing (RIP: Raster Image Processor), manages progress during execution, monitors anomalies, and the like. In the present embodiment, the DFE 102 also receives maintenance-related processing and requests the image forming apparatus 103 to do so. The DFE 102 receives task creation, schedule registration, and task execution processing from the terminal device 101 . That is, the DFE 102 provides the administrator with a user interface (input operation screen) for operating the image forming apparatus 103 . The DFE 102 has one or more information processing devices.

The DFE 102 generates screen information for the screen displayed by the web browser. The screen information is a program described in HTML, XML, script language, CSS (cascading style sheet), etc. Mainly, the structure of the web page is specified by HTML, and the operation of the web page is specified by the script language. CSS specifies the style of a web page. Also, an application realized by linking screen information on the client side with an application or database on the server side is called a Web application. Also in this embodiment, the terminal device 101 and the DFE 102 cooperate to execute the Web application.

In response to a request from the terminal apparatus 101 or the image forming apparatus 103, the DFE 102 performs processing for registering tasks and task schedules in a database, and task execution processing for the image forming apparatus (change of device settings, request for operation, etc.). I do.

The image forming apparatus 103 executes a print job according to the request received from the DFE 102 . Further, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 103 undergoes maintenance work, for example, changes its device settings according to tasks, and executes designated operations.

The image forming apparatus 103 has a function of printing an image on paper. Methods for forming images include laser printers, ink jet printers, and the like. Also, the image forming apparatus 103 may have the function of a multifunction machine (multi-function printer) or MFP (Multi-function Peripheral/Product/Printer). The image forming apparatus 103 may be called a printer, a printing device, or the like.

Also, the image forming apparatus 103 of this embodiment may be a so-called commercial printer. A commercial printer is not a device for printing printed matter for internal use by an employee or the like, but a device for commercial printing in which the printed matter is a product. In commercial printing, the image forming apparatus 103 outputs printed materials used for business activities of general companies and organizations. For example, flyers, pamphlets, posters, catalogs, company guides, manuals, etc. may be output. Office image forming apparatuses and commercial image forming apparatuses differ mainly in printing speed, image quality, compatible paper types and sizes, and the like.

Also, the present embodiment can be applied to equipment other than the image forming apparatus 103 . The image forming apparatus 103 is, for example, a PJ (Projector: projector), an electronic blackboard, a video conference terminal, a digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, an industrial machine, an imaging device, a sound collector, a medical device, a network home appliance, a game. machine, wearable PC, desktop PC, or the like.

In the explanation of FIG. 4, it was explained that the DFE 102 is in charge of maintenance-related processing (Web application). However, the server device 104 can handle maintenance-related processing. For example, the independent server device 104 shown in FIG. 4D may perform maintenance-related processing. In the case of FIG. 4D, the server apparatus 104 communicates with the image forming apparatus 103 to change settings or execute designated operations according to tasks.

Also, the image forming apparatus 103 may perform maintenance-related processing. In this case, the image forming device 103 has the function of the server device 104 .

<Hardware configuration>
<<DFE>>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the DFE 102. As shown in FIG. The DFE 102 has a configuration similar to that of a computer. The DFE 102 has a CPU 201 , ROM 202 , RAM 203 , HDD/SSD 204 , I/F 205 and operation unit 206 .

The CPU 201 uses the RAM 203 as a work area and executes programs stored in the ROM 202 .

The HDD/SSD 204 is used as a storage unit and stores task and schedule information. Information stored in the HDD/SSD 204 may be used by the CPU 201 when executing a read program.

An I/F 205 is an interface that enables communication with the image forming apparatus 103 and the terminal device 101 .

An operation unit 206 has a touch panel, and displays the state of the image forming apparatus, the schedule of tasks, the contents of tasks, and the like on the screen. The operation unit 206 also receives inputs from users (administrators, general users) who execute tasks and administrators who create tasks and register schedules.

<<Image forming apparatus>>
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 103 is, for example, an inkjet image forming apparatus, and mainly includes a paper feeding unit 401, an image forming unit 306, a drying unit 402, a paper discharging unit 403, and a control device 423. . In the image forming apparatus 103 , the image forming unit 306 forms an image on the sheet P, which is a recording material as a sheet material fed from the paper feeding unit 401 , using ink, which is liquid for image formation. The image forming apparatus 103 dries the ink adhering to the paper in the drying unit 402 and then discharges the paper from the paper discharge unit 403 .

The paper feeding unit 401 mainly includes a paper feeding tray 411 on which a plurality of papers P are stacked, a feeding device 412 that separates and feeds the papers one by one from the paper feeding tray 411 , and the image forming unit 306 that feeds the papers. It is composed of a pair of registration rollers 413 for feeding. As the feeding device 412, any feeding device can be used, such as a device using rollers or rollers, or a device using air suction. After the leading edge of the paper fed from the paper feeding tray 411 by the feeding device 412 reaches the pair of registration rollers 413, the pair of registration rollers 413 is driven at a predetermined timing to feed the paper to the image forming unit 306. be. Note that in the present embodiment, the configuration of the paper feeding unit 401 is not limited as long as it feeds the paper P to the image forming unit 306 .

The image forming unit 306 mainly includes a receiving cylinder 361 that receives the fed paper P, a paper carrying drum 362 that carries and transports the paper P conveyed by the receiving cylinder 361 on its outer peripheral surface, and a paper carrying drum 362 . and a transfer cylinder 365 for transferring the paper P transported by the paper carrying drum 362 to the drying unit 402 . The paper P transported from the paper feeding unit 401 to the image forming unit 306 is gripped at its leading end by a paper gripper provided on the surface of the receiving cylinder 361 and transported as the surface of the receiving cylinder 361 moves. The paper conveyed by the receiving cylinder 361 is transferred to the paper carrying drum 362 at a position facing the paper carrying drum 362 .

A paper gripper is also provided on the surface of the paper carrying drum 362, and the leading edge of the paper is gripped by the paper gripper. In addition, a plurality of suction holes are dispersedly formed on the surface of the paper carrying drum 362 , and a suction device 363 generates a sucking air current toward the inside of the paper carrying drum 362 in each of the suction holes. The paper P transferred from the receiving cylinder 361 to the paper carrying drum 362 is gripped by the paper gripper at the leading end, is attracted to the surface of the paper carrying drum 362 by the suction air current, and is moved along with the movement of the surface of the paper carrying drum 362. transported by

The ink ejection unit 364 of this embodiment ejects four colors of ink, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), to form an image. of liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y and 364K. The liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K are not limited in their configuration as long as they eject liquid, and any configuration can be adopted. The ink ejection unit 364 may be provided with a liquid ejection head that ejects special ink such as white, gold, or silver, or a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid that does not form an image, such as a surface coating liquid. You may

The ejection operations of the liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K of the ink ejection section 364 are controlled by drive signals corresponding to image information. When the paper P carried on the paper carrying drum 362 passes through the area facing the ink ejection section 364, the liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K eject inks of different colors, and an image corresponding to the image information is produced. It is formed. Note that in the present embodiment, the configuration of the image forming unit 306 is not limited as long as the image forming unit 306 forms an image by depositing liquid on the paper P.

The drying unit 402 mainly includes a drying mechanism 421 for drying ink adhered to the paper P in the image forming unit 306, and a transport mechanism 422 for transporting the paper P transported from the image forming unit 306. It is The paper P conveyed from the image forming unit 306 is received by the conveying mechanism 422 , conveyed so as to pass through the drying mechanism 421 , and delivered to the paper discharging unit 403 . When the paper P passes through the drying mechanism 421, the ink on the paper P is subjected to a drying process, whereby liquids such as moisture in the ink evaporate, the ink adheres to the paper P, and the paper P curls. Suppressed.

The paper discharge unit 403 mainly includes a paper discharge tray 431 on which a plurality of sheets P are stacked. The sheets of paper P transported from the drying section 402 are sequentially stacked and held on the discharge tray 431 . Note that, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the discharge unit 403 is not limited as long as it discharges the paper P. FIG.

A control device 423 is an information processing device that controls the image forming apparatus. The control device 423 has, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, SSD (HDD), communication device, and the like. The control device 423 communicates with the DFE 102 to receive setting values and operation requests according to task execution.

<About functions>
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the DFE 102 by dividing them into blocks. Each unit in FIG. 7 is a function of a web application realized by cooperation between the server function in the DFE 102 and the web browser of the terminal device 101 . First, functions that are commonly used regardless of rescheduling are described. It is also assumed that the web browser is running on the terminal device 101 . The processing of the DFE 102 may be the same whether the web browser runs on the DFE 102 or the administrator directly operates the DFE 102 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the DFE 102 has input acquisition means 11 , image display means 12 , information update means 13 , information acquisition means 14 and storage means 20 . These functions of the DFE 102 are functions or means implemented by the CPU 201 executing instructions included in one or more programs installed in the DFE 102 .

The input acquisition unit 11 acquires, from the terminal device 101, information input to a screen displayed by a web browser of the terminal device 101, for example.

The image display means 12 generates screen information according to the operation acquired by the input acquisition means 11 . The image display means 12 is implemented by HTML included in the screen information, JavaScript (registered trademark), and a server program on the DFE 102 side, and updates the screen display according to input to the Web browser.

The information updating means 13 stores the results of input to the web browser and the results of processing in the storage means 20 . The information acquisition unit 14 acquires from the storage unit 20 the requested information input to the Web browser.

<<Functions related to rescheduling>>
Next, the task rescheduling function in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8 with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 7 perform the same functions, only the main components of this embodiment will be described in some cases.

The input acquisition unit 11 acquires information about the work end time input by the user from the terminal device 101 . The information updating means 13 saves the work end time registered by the user in the working time storage means 21 .

The current time acquisition means 15 acquires the current time from an RTC (Real Time Clock) or a time management server on the network. The current time acquisition means 15 transmits the current time to the rescheduling means 16 .

The rescheduling means 16 acquires the unexecuted schedule for the current day and the schedule for tomorrow and thereafter from the schedule information storage means 22, and acquires the estimated required time of the tasks registered in each schedule from the task information storage means 23. The rescheduling means 16 reschedules the unexecuted tasks by adding the unexecuted schedule of the current day to the free time of tomorrow's schedule.

The information acquisition means 14 acquires the rescheduled schedule information from the schedule information storage means 22 and transmits it to the image display means. The image display means generates screen information for displaying the schedule information transmitted from the information acquisition means 14 and transmits the screen information to the terminal device 101 .

In the storage means 20, a working time storage means 21, a schedule information storage means 22, and a task information storage means 23 are constructed.

FIG. 9 shows an example of working hours information stored in the working hours storage means 21 . As shown in FIG. 9, the work end time is set in the working time storage means 21 . The user can register the work end time in the DFE 102 .

FIG. 10 shows an example of a work end time setting screen 790 displayed by the terminal device 101 . The work end time setting screen 790 transitions from a schedule display screen, which will be described later. The work end time setting screen 790 has a display start time column 791 , a display end time column 792 and an update timing column 793 . A display start time column 791 and a display end time column 792 specify the schedule display range (from what time to what time the schedule is to be displayed) on the schedule display screen. The update timing column 793 is set with the work end time. That is, in the update timing column 793, the time at which the schedule of the unexecuted task is updated is set. A display start time column 791, a display end time column 792, and an update timing column 793 are all pull-down menus from which the user can select a time.

FIG. 11 shows task information stored in the task information storage means 23. As shown in FIG. The task information associates the task ID of the created task, the task name, the details of the task to be performed, and the estimated required time for the task. The execution contents of a task have detailed task components 52 (see FIG. 1) and execution order.

FIG. 12 shows schedule information stored in the schedule information storage means 22. As shown in FIG. The schedule information is a timetable (timetable) in which tasks are performed. The schedule information includes items such as schedule ID, task ID to be executed, task execution date scheduled to be executed, scheduled start time, scheduled end time, start time, end time, implementation status, and rescheduled. are doing.

- Schedule ID is the identification information of a schedule. One schedule corresponds to one task. The schedule ID is numbered when the schedule is registered.

- The task ID to be executed is the identification information of the task to be registered and executed in the schedule.

- The task implementation date is the date on which the task is scheduled to be implemented. Registered by an administrator.

- The scheduled start time is the scheduled start time of the task. Registered by an administrator.

• Scheduled end item is the scheduled time at which execution of the task will end. Since the time required for the task component 52 of the task is fixed, it may be set automatically or set by the administrator. Alternatively, since the start time and the end time are recorded, the estimated end time may be set using the average thereof. Furthermore, the scheduled end time may be set using an average for each user who is scheduled to perform.

• The start time is the time when the execution of the task actually started.

• The end time is the time when the execution of the task is actually finished.

- The implementation status indicates whether or not the task is implemented. The implementation status is "Completed or Not". The initial value is "not completed", and when the user presses the completed button, it becomes "completed".

• Rescheduled is "Yes" if the task has been rescheduled and "No" otherwise. This indicates that the task has been rescheduled.
<Operation procedure>
Next, the flow of processing or operations performed by the information processing system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG.

First, registration of the work end time will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an example of a flow chart for explaining the procedure or operation for the DFE 102 to register the end-of-work time in response to an operation from the administrator. The administrator sets the work end time in the DFE 102 by the terminal device 101 communicating with the DFE 102 , the image forming apparatus 103 communicating with the DFE 102 , or the administrator directly operating the FE 102 . FIG. 13 illustrates a case where an administrator operates the terminal device 101 .

An administrator operates the terminal device 101 to connect the terminal device 101 to the DFE 102 . The terminal device 101 displays the work end time setting screen 790 of FIG. The manager inputs the work end time on the work end time setting screen 790 (S1).

The operation reception means 32 of the terminal device 101 receives the input, and the communication means 33 transmits the work end time to the DFE 102 (S2).

The input acquisition means 11 of the DFE 102 receives the work end time, and the information update means 13 updates the work end time of the work time storage means 21 with the work end time acquired by the input acquisition means 11 (S3).

The information acquisition means 14 acquires the work end time from the working time storage means 21 and passes it to the image display means 12 (S4).

The image display means 12 generates screen information for displaying the work end time passed from the information acquisition means 14, and transmits the screen information to the terminal device 101 (S5). Since the terminal device 101 displays the updated work end time, the manager can confirm the input work end time.

<<Rescheduling Process Part 1>>
Next, rescheduling of tasks will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the procedure or operation of the DFE 102 rescheduling an unexecuted task when the date changes.

A user activates the DFE 102 (S11). Start-up means recovery from a sleep state, power-on from a shutdown state, or the like. It may be started automatically instead of being started by the user.

The current time acquisition means 15 repeatedly notifies the rescheduling means 16 of the current time (S12).

The rescheduling means 16 determines whether the date has changed based on the current time (S13). A date change means that 23:59:59 on the current day has changed to 00:00:00 on the next day. The time at which the date changes may be settable. The rescheduling means 16 waits until the date changes.

When the current time and the work end time match (Yes in S13), the rescheduling means 16 acquires the unexecuted tasks of the current day from the schedule information storage means 22 (S14).

Further, the rescheduling means 16 acquires schedule information for the next day from the schedule information storage means 22 (S15).

Next, the rescheduling means 16 acquires the estimated required time of the unexecuted task on the day from the task information storage means 23 (S16).

The rescheduling means 16 identifies the free time longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task from the free time of tomorrow's schedule, and sets the unexecuted task in this free time, thereby obtaining schedule information for tomorrow. Create (S17). There are several variations of rescheduling of unexecuted tasks to free time, and the details will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 20. FIG. As an example, the rescheduling means 16 gives priority to older unexecuted tasks and applies them to the free time of tomorrow's schedule. If there is no free time in the schedule for tomorrow, similar processing is performed for the schedule for the day after next.

The information updating means 13 receives the rescheduled schedule information for tomorrow from the rescheduling means 16 and registers it in the schedule information storage means 22 (S18).

The information acquisition means 14 acquires the updated schedule information from the schedule information storage means 22 and transfers it to the image display means 12 (S19).

The image display means 12 generates screen information based on the rescheduled schedule information, and transmits the screen information to the terminal device 101 (S20).

<<Rescheduling Process Part 2>>
Next, with reference to FIG. 15, rescheduling of tasks following the end of working hours will be described. FIG. 15 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the procedure or operation of the DFE 102 rescheduling unexecuted tasks at the end of working hours. Note that in the explanation of FIG. 15, differences from FIG. 14 are mainly explained. In the process of FIG. 15, step S101 is added and S13-2 is different from FIG.

When the DFE 102 is activated, the rescheduling means 16 acquires the work end time from the work time storage means 21 in order to determine whether or not the day's work has ended (S101).

The current time acquisition means 15 repeatedly notifies the rescheduling means 16 of the current time (S12-2). The rescheduling means 16 may acquire the current time from the current time acquisition means 15 .

The rescheduling means 16 determines whether or not the current time coincides with the work end time (S13-2). The rescheduling means 16 waits until the current time and the work end time match. Matching does not require a complete match, and the current time just passes the work end time. The processing after the current time has passed the work end time may be the same as in FIG.

<Variation of rescheduling>
Variations of rescheduling will be described with reference to FIGS. 16-20.

FIG. 16 shows a method of rescheduling an unexecuted task at the earliest available time that is longer than the estimated required time of an unexecuted task. In FIG. 16, there are two vacant times 712 and 713 on the next day that are longer than the estimated required time of an unexecuted task 711 on the current day. Reschedule unexecuted task 711 .

FIG. 17 shows a method of rescheduling to the earliest available free time without considering the order of the unexecuted tasks when there are multiple unexecuted tasks. There are two unperformed tasks 721 and 722 on the current day. There are two free times 723 and 724 on the next day. The rescheduling unit 16 preferentially reschedules an unexecuted task having an earlier scheduled start time among the multiple unexecuted tasks 721 and 722 .

The rescheduling means 16 reschedules the task 721 to the earliest available time 724 among the available times longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task 721 having the earliest scheduled start time. Similarly, the rescheduling means 16 reschedules the task 722 to the earliest available time 723 among the available times longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task 722 having the next earliest scheduled start time. Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 17, the execution order of unexecuted tasks 721 and 722 may be reversed.

FIG. 18 shows a method of rescheduling to the earliest available free time in consideration of the order of unexecuted tasks when there are a plurality of unexecuted tasks. There are two unperformed tasks 731 and 732 on the current day. There are two vacant times 733 and 734 on the next day. The rescheduling unit 16 preferentially reschedules the unexecuted task 731 having an earlier scheduled start time among the multiple unexecuted tasks 731 and 732 .

The rescheduling means 16 reschedules the task 731 to the earliest available time 734 among the available times longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task 731 having the earliest scheduled start time. On the other hand, the rescheduling means 16 selects a free time 734 arriving after the rescheduled task 731 among the free times longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task 732 whose scheduled start time is the next earliest. Reschedule the task 732 for implementation. Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 18, the execution order of the unexecuted tasks 731 and 732 will not be reversed.

FIG. 19 shows a method of rescheduling, when there are a plurality of unexecuted tasks, the unexecuted tasks collectively at the beginning of the next working day. As shown in FIG. 19(a), there are two unexecuted tasks 741 and 742 on the current day. There are two free times 743 and 744 on the next day. However, the free time 743 is shorter than the total estimated required time of the two unexecuted tasks 741 and 742 .

The rescheduling means 16 reschedules all the unexecuted tasks 741 and 742 at the beginning of the working hours of the next day. Then, as shown in FIG. 19(b), when a task 745 overlapping the estimated required time of all rescheduled unexecuted tasks is registered, the overlapping task 745 is added to all rescheduled tasks. Register after unexecuted tasks 741 and 742 .

By doing so, the tasks that have not been performed can be performed with priority, and the order of the tasks that have not been performed will not be changed.

FIG. 20 shows a method of collectively rescheduling the unexecuted tasks to the next day's free time when there are a plurality of unexecuted tasks. There are two unperformed tasks 751 and 752 on the current day. There are two free times 753 and 754 on the next day. However, the free time 753 is shorter than the total estimated required time of the two unexecuted tasks 751 and 752 .

The rescheduling means 16 reschedules all the unexecuted tasks to the earliest available time 754 out of the free times longer than the sum of the estimated required times of all the unexecuted tasks 751 and 752 .

By doing so, the order of unexecuted tasks will not be changed without changing the schedule of existing tasks.

<Example of schedule information display>
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the schedule setting screen 640. As shown in FIG. Items included in the schedule setting screen 640 will be described below.
- The task name 641 is the task name of the task. An administrator may be able to select a task from a pull-down menu.
The required time 642 is the task estimated required time registered in the task information storage means 23 . When a user scheduled to perform a task is set in the user column 646 and the user's average required time for the task is registered in the average required time information, the user's average required time for the task is displayed.
The execution plan date 643 is an item for setting a date for the administrator to execute the task from a calendar or the like.
The start time 644 is an item for the administrator to set the scheduled time to start executing the task.
The repetition period 645 is an item for the administrator to set the period for repeated execution if the task is to be executed repeatedly. Since there are many tasks that are executed repeatedly, having such a setting can reduce the workload of the administrator.
The user column 646 displays a list of users registered in the user information as a pull-down menu or the like.
A schedule field 647 is a field where registered tasks are displayed on the calendar.

When the administrator presses the OK button 648, a schedule similar to the schedule column 647 is displayed, and tasks newly registered in this schedule are displayed. Note that the execution plan date 643 and start time 644 may be reflected in the schedule column 647 in real time.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the schedule display screen 650. As shown in FIG. The schedule display screen 650 can also receive task execution, and can be called a task execution screen. Items included in the schedule display screen 650 will be described.

A schedule column 651 is a column in which tasks registered in the schedule information are displayed. Users can view task schedules by month, week, or day. The image display means 12 displays tasks according to display settings (month, week, day) and the current time. For example, the schedule column 651 displays tasks for one month, one week, one day, etc., including the current time. In FIG. 22, the schedule field 651 is a day display. When the general user switches the display settings, the image display means 12 acquires the tasks included in the display range in the display settings (day, week, month) from the schedule information, acquires the task information of these tasks, and displays the schedule. Update. A task displayed in the schedule column 651 is associated with a screen regarding execution of the task. One of the tasks displayed in the schedule column 651 is displayed in the task column 652 .

Two tasks 761 and 762 are displayed in the schedule column 651, of which the first task 761 is a rescheduled task. Rescheduled tasks 761 are displayed in a different manner than completed tasks, such as in red.

- The task column 652 displays the most recent task with respect to the current time. In the task column 652, the task 59 (“Paper feeding belt cleaning”) that has not been performed so far is displayed at the top. That is, tasks rescheduled from the previous day are displayed at the top. The task 59 is also displayed in a different manner from the executed tasks, such as red.

In FIG. 22 , apart from the unexecuted task 59 , there are three tasks “Web cleaner replacement”, “Channel plate cleaning” and “Head cap cleaning” scheduled to be executed on the day selected in the schedule column 651 . In FIG. 22, the contents of "Head cap cleaning" are displayed.

Each task component has a button 653, and when the administrator presses the button 653, the state of the button 653 changes as follows. For example, the button 653 may change from execution to display running tasks to display finished tasks. A button 653 pressed in the “execute” state accepts task execution as an execution button, and executes an adjustment operation for the image forming apparatus 103 . The button 653 may be displayed as "start adjustment" instead of "execute". Adjustments and maintenance that can be performed by the DFE 102 include, for example, automatic cleaning of the transfer belt, print position alignment, nozzle cleaning, and the like. After the “execute” or “start adjustment” button is pressed, characters such as “complete” are displayed next to the button 653 .

<Main effects>
As described above, the information processing system of the present embodiment automatically reschedules unexecuted tasks when the date changes or when working hours end, so that the user can can prevent forgetting to carry out maintenance.

<Other application examples>
Although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using examples, the present invention is by no means limited to such examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. and substitutions can be added.

For example, although the terminal device 101 uses a general-purpose Web browser in this embodiment, the DFE 102 may use a dedicated application.

7 and 8 are divided according to main functions in order to facilitate understanding of processing by the terminal device 101, DFE 102, and image forming apparatus 103. FIG. The present invention is not limited by the division method or name of the unit of processing. The processing of the terminal device 101, DFE 102, and image forming apparatus 103 can also be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Also, one processing unit can be divided to include more processing.

Moreover, the devices described in the examples are only representative of one of several computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, DFE 102 includes multiple computing devices, such as server clusters. Multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other over any type of communication link, including a network, shared memory, etc., to perform the processes disclosed herein.

Further, the DFE 102 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps, eg, the flowcharts of FIGS. 13-15, in various combinations. For example, a process executed by a given unit can be executed by a plurality of information processors of DFE 102 . Also, the DFE 102 may be integrated into one server device, or may be divided into a plurality of devices.

Each function of the embodiments described above may be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in this specification means a processor programmed by software to perform each function, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to perform each function described above. Devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and conventional circuit modules are included.

101 terminal device 102 DFE
103 image forming apparatus 104 server apparatus

JP-A-2001-225531

Claims (14)

An information processing system having a device and an information processing device that receives registration of a task related to the device,
schedule information storage means for storing schedule information in which the task is registered;
a current time obtaining means for obtaining the current time;
rescheduling means for rescheduling the unexecuted task if there is an unexecuted task that has not been executed based on the current time obtained by the current time obtaining means;
An information processing system characterized by having: When it is determined that the date has changed based on the current time obtained by the current time obtaining means, the rescheduling means reschedules the unexecuted tasks to be executed before the date changes. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized by: Having working time storage means for storing the work end time,
When the current time passes the work end time, the rescheduling means stores unexecuted tasks to be executed before the current time passes the work end time, which are stored in the schedule information storage means. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the rescheduling is performed. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said rescheduling means reschedules said unexecuted task in said vacant time which arrives earliest among vacant times longer than the estimated required time of said unexecuted task. The information processing system according to any one of the items. When there are a plurality of unexecuted tasks, the rescheduling means prioritizes the unexecuted tasks in order of earliest scheduled start time, and performs the task at the earliest of the free times longer than the required time of the unexecuted tasks. 4. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the unexecuted task is rescheduled in the upcoming free time. When there are a plurality of unexecuted tasks, the rescheduling means prioritizes the unexecuted tasks in order of earliest scheduled start time,
The order of execution of the unexecuted tasks is maintained, and the unexecuted tasks are rescheduled to the earliest available vacant time that is longer than the required time of the unexecuted task. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The rescheduling means reschedules all the unperformed tasks to the beginning of the next day after work start time,
When a task is registered that overlaps the estimated duration of all the rescheduled unperformed tasks, the overlapping task is registered after all the rescheduled unperformed tasks. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The rescheduling means reschedules all the unexecuted tasks in the earliest available time that is longer than the total estimated required time of all the unexecuted tasks. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the schedule information storage means, a rescheduled task is registered to the effect that it has been rescheduled,
9. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising image display means for displaying a rescheduled task in a manner different from a non-rescheduled task. 10. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the task is work related to adjustment or maintenance of the device. 10. The information processing system according to claim 9, wherein said image display means displays an execution button for executing an adjustment operation for said equipment for each of said tasks registered in said schedule information. A task information processing device that accepts registration of a task related to a device,
schedule information storage means for storing schedule information in which the task is registered;
a current time obtaining means for obtaining the current time;
rescheduling means for rescheduling the unexecuted task if there is an unexecuted task that has not been executed based on the current time obtained by the current time obtaining means;
An information processing device comprising: An information processing method performed by an information processing system having a device and an information processing device that receives registration of a task related to the device,
a step of acquiring schedule information from schedule information storage means in which the task is registered;
a step in which the current time obtaining means obtains the current time;
If there is an unexecuted task that has not been executed based on the current time obtained by the current time obtaining means, a rescheduling means reschedules the unexecuted task;
An information processing method characterized by having An information processing device that accepts registration of tasks related to devices,
a step of acquiring schedule information from schedule information storage means in which the task is registered;
a step in which the current time obtaining means obtains the current time;
If there is an unexecuted task that has not been executed based on the current time obtained by the current time obtaining means, a rescheduling means reschedules the unexecuted task;
A program characterized by causing the execution of

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