JP3616336B2 - Image processing apparatus, information processing system, and data processing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a data processing method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is well known, devices such as printers and digital multi-function peripherals are requested by a plurality of terminal devices to execute respective jobs for recording images, texts, and the like on a sheet via a network, and these jobs are sequentially or according to priority order. Execute. At this time, when a paper out, a paper jam, a toner out, etc. occur and the execution of the job is interrupted, the occurrence of an error is notified to the terminal device that has requested this job through the network. The user of the terminal device sees the notification of the error, goes to the device, resolves the error of the device, and resumes execution of the job.
[0003]
However, if there is no user to whom the error is notified, the apparatus error is not resolved, and another job is not executed no matter what time.
[0004]
For this reason, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-8727, when an error occurs, all the jobs affected by the error are searched, and the error occurrence is notified to each terminal device that has requested execution of these jobs. A technique of notifying through a network has been proposed. If the occurrence of an error is notified to a plurality of terminal devices in this way, the error of the device is resolved by the user of one of the terminal devices.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if the occurrence of an error is notified to the terminal device as in the past, the occurrence of the error is not always notified to the user. For example, even if a message indicating the occurrence of an error is transmitted to the terminal device, if the message is opened on the terminal device side and the content is not displayed, the occurrence of the error is not notified to the user. Even if the occurrence of an error is notified to a plurality of terminal devices, if this becomes a habit, it is likely to be left to others, and the message may not be opened on any terminal device. As a result, the error is not solved and the user's job is not executed at any time.
[0006]
Accordingly, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a data processing method that not only notify the occurrence of an error but also monitor the user's confirmation status for the notification in order to solve the above-described conventional problems. The purpose is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is requested to execute a job through a network from a client, and when an error occurs, the image processing notifies the client who has requested the execution of the job of the error through the network. The apparatus includes an error job management unit that monitors a client confirmation state for an error occurrence notification.
[0008]
According to the image processing apparatus having such a configuration, since the confirmation state of the client with respect to the notification of the occurrence of the error is monitored, if the notification of the occurrence of the error is not confirmed by the client, the error can be solved early. The treatment can be appropriately performed, and the use efficiency of the image processing apparatus can be improved.
[0009]
Further, in the present invention, if the notification of the occurrence of the error is not confirmed by the client between the notification of the occurrence of the error and the elapse of the preset first time, the occurrence of the error is determined in advance on the network. Notifying registered devices.
[0010]
Alternatively, in the present invention, if the error is not resolved by the time when the second time set in advance has passed after the client confirms the occurrence of the error, the error occurrence is registered in advance on the network. To notify.
[0011]
In this way, when the first time has passed without the notification of the occurrence of the error being confirmed by the client, or when the second time has passed without the error being resolved, the error occurrence is registered in advance on the network. Notify For example, the occurrence of an error is notified to another client or the terminal device of the administrator. As a result, errors can be eliminated at an early stage, and the use efficiency of the image processing apparatus can be improved.
[0012]
Next, the present invention includes a client and an image processing apparatus connected to the client through a network. The image processing apparatus is requested to execute a job through the network from the client, and when an error occurs, the job is executed. In the information processing system that notifies the client that has requested the occurrence of an error through the network, when the client receives the notification of the occurrence of the error, the client notifies the confirmation state for the notification of the occurrence of the error to the image processing apparatus through the network. The image processing apparatus receives the notification of the confirmation state and monitors the confirmation state.
[0013]
Even in the information processing system configured as described above, the image processing apparatus monitors the confirmation state of the client with respect to the notification of the occurrence of the error, and if the notification of the occurrence of the error is not confirmed by the client, the error is resolved early. Appropriate measures can be taken.
[0014]
Also, in the present invention, if the image processing apparatus does not receive a confirmation status notification after the occurrence of an error until a preset time elapses, the error processing is registered in advance on the network. To the connected device.
[0015]
For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the occurrence of an error is notified to another client or the terminal device of the administrator. As a result, errors can be eliminated at an early stage, and the use efficiency of the image processing apparatus can be improved.
[0016]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the client receives a message indicating the occurrence of an error, and when the message is opened, notifies the image processing apparatus that the error has been confirmed.
[0017]
Alternatively, in the present invention, the client receives a message indicating the occurrence of an error, and when an input operation is performed on this message, the client notifies the image processing apparatus of a confirmation state that the occurrence of the error has been confirmed.
[0018]
When a message is opened or an input operation is performed on the message in this way, it is considered that an error has been confirmed, and the image processing apparatus is notified that the error has been confirmed.
[0019]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the image processing apparatus registers the occurrence of the error on the network in advance if the error is not resolved between the notification of the occurrence of the error and the elapse of a preset time. Notifying the device.
[0020]
For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the occurrence of an error is notified to another client or a terminal device of an administrator, thereby attempting to resolve the error early and improve the use efficiency of the image processing apparatus.
[0021]
Next, according to the present invention, a data processing method of an image processing apparatus that requests execution of a job through a network from a client and notifies the client that has requested execution of the job through the network when an error occurs. , The step of monitoring the confirmation status of the client with respect to the notification of the occurrence of the error, the step of measuring the time since the notification of the occurrence of the error, and the notification of the occurrence of the error before a preset time elapses If the error is not confirmed, the method includes a step of notifying a device on the network of the occurrence of an error.
[0022]
Even in such a data processing method of the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus monitors the confirmation state of the client with respect to the notification of the occurrence of the error, and a predetermined time elapses without the notification of the occurrence of the error being confirmed by the client. Then, for example, the occurrence of an error is notified again to the same client, or the occurrence of an error is notified to an administrator's terminal device, thereby attempting to resolve the error early and improve the use efficiency of the image processing apparatus.
[0023]
The present invention also relates to a data processing method for an image processing apparatus that requests execution of a job from a client through a network and notifies the client that has requested execution of the job to the client through the network when the error has occurred. Monitoring the confirmation status of the client for the notification of the occurrence of an error, the time after notification of the occurrence of the error, the step of measuring the time since the client confirmed the occurrence of the error, and the occurrence of the error The notification of the occurrence of an error is not confirmed by the time after the preset first time has passed, or the time after the occurrence of the error is confirmed is a second time set in advance. If the error is not resolved by the time elapsed, a step of notifying the occurrence of the error to a device on the network; Which comprise.
[0024]
In this data processing method of the image processing apparatus, when the first time has passed without the notification of the occurrence of the error being confirmed by the client, or the second time has passed without the error being resolved, for example, the occurrence of the error is the same. The client is notified again, or the occurrence of an error is notified to the administrator's terminal device.
[0025]
Furthermore, in the present invention, a device on the network that is notified of the occurrence of an error is registered in advance in the image processing device.
[0026]
In this case, an arbitrary device can be set as a notification destination of occurrence of an error. For example, the image processing apparatus itself may be used, or other clients and various terminal devices may be set.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an information processing system of the present invention. The information processing system according to the present embodiment includes the computers 1, 2, 3, the mobile terminal device 4, the image processing devices 5, 6, and a local area network LAN that interconnects them. The image processing apparatus 5 is a multi-function digital multifunction peripheral having a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, an Internet facsimile function, and the like. Further, the image processing apparatus 6 has only a printer function.
[0029]
When there is a print request for data such as an image or text, each of the computers 1 to 3 and the mobile terminal device 4 inquires of each of the image processing devices 5 and 6 through the network LAN whether or not printing is possible. For example, the computer 1 inquires to the image processing apparatus 5 through the network LAN whether or not printing is possible. When the computer 1 confirms that printing by the image processing apparatus 5 is possible, the computer 1 transmits data to the image processing apparatus 5 through the network LAN. The image processing device 5 expands this data, records an image, text, etc. on a sheet, and discharges this sheet. At this time, the progress status of the print job for recording this data is transmitted from the image processing apparatus 5 to the computer 1 through the network LAN, and this progress status is displayed on the computer 1 side. Data recording is performed in the same procedure regardless of which of the other computers 2 and 3 and the portable terminal device 4 or the other image processing device 6 is used.
[0030]
FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing the image processing apparatus 5 which is a multifunction digital multi-function peripheral. The image processing device 5 is operated to input a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, an external storage device 14, a display unit 15 for displaying numbers, symbols, images, and the like, and various conditions and instructions. A user interface 17 that controls the display unit 15 and the operation unit 16, a printer device 18 that records data on paper, a scanner device 19 that reads an image of a document, and a facsimile device 20 that performs facsimile communication. , An engine interface 21 for controlling the devices 18, 19, and 20, a network interface 22 for performing connection control with respect to the network LAN and transmitting and receiving various data, and a system bus 23 for interconnecting them.
[0031]
The CPU 11 comprehensively controls access between the parts connected to the system bus 23 based on a control program or the like stored in the ROM 13.
[0032]
The ROM 13 stores font data and the like in addition to the control program.
[0033]
The RAM 12 functions as a work area for the CPU 11 to execute a program.
[0034]
The external storage device 14 is a hard disk or the like, spools a print job received by the image processing device 5, stores programs and various data, and is also used as a work area.
[0035]
The display unit 15 preferably has a dot matrix type display screen, for example, a liquid crystal display panel. A touch panel may be provided on the display screen of the display unit 15. Accordingly, an input operation of touching the touch panel can be performed according to the display on the display screen, and the input operation does not have to be complicated even if the input content to the image processing apparatus 5 is complicated. Therefore, the operability for the user is improved, and the configuration of the operation unit 16 can be simplified, such as reducing the number of operation keys of the operation unit 16.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the image processing apparatus 5 which is a multi-function digital multifunction peripheral. In FIG. 3, parts having the same functions as those in FIG.
[0037]
In FIG. 3, a print waiting job queue 31, a line waiting job queue 32, a scanner waiting job queue 33, and registration data 34 are formed in the RAM 12 or the external storage device 14. In addition, by executing each program in the ROM 13 by the CPU 11 and performing each process using the work area in the RAM 12, the functions of the job management unit 35, the error job management unit 36, and the job execution control unit 37 are achieved. Fulfilled.
[0038]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing job storage processing in the image processing apparatus 5.
[0039]
First, in the image processing apparatus 5, when a job is transmitted from any one of the computers 1 to 3 and the mobile terminal device 4 through the network LAN, the job is received by the network interface 22 and the job is stored in the job management unit. 35 (step S401).
[0040]
The job management unit 35 extracts the job type, the job priority, the device that requested the job, the user identification data, and the like from the accompanying data of the job and stores them in the RAM 12 or the external storage device 14 (step S402). ). Then, the job management unit 35 determines which of the job queues 31, 32, and 33 stores this job according to the type of job. Further, the job management unit 35 determines the job execution order based on the priority of the job, and inserts the job in the previously determined job queue in this execution order (step S403). As a result, a job related to data recording by the printer device 18 is stored in the print waiting job queue 31, a job related to reading a document by the scanner device 19 is stored in the scanner waiting job queue 33, and a facsimile by the facsimile device 20. Jobs related to communication are stored in the line waiting job queue 32.
[0041]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing job execution processing in the image processing apparatus 5.
[0042]
First, the job execution control unit 37 takes out the head job from one of the job queues 31, 32, and 33 (step S501). The job execution control unit 37 monitors the operation state of the device resources occupied when executing the job, for example, the operation state of the memory and each of the devices 18 to 20 (step S502), and determines whether or not the extracted job can be executed. Is determined (step S503). If it is not executable (step S503, No), the monitoring of the operation state of the device resource is continued (step S502).
[0043]
If it can be executed (step S503, Yes), the job execution control unit 37 operates the device resource and executes the job (step S504).
[0044]
Thereafter, if there is a job in any one of the job queues (step S505, Yes), the process returns to step S501. If there is no job (step S505, No), this process is terminated.
[0045]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing error processing in the image processing apparatus 5.
[0046]
First, when an error such as out of toner, paper jam, or paper out occurs in the printer device 18, for example, the job execution control unit 37 notifies the job management unit 35 of the occurrence and type of the error (step S601).
[0047]
Depending on the type of error, the job management unit 35 stores data related to all jobs whose execution is affected by this error, that is, the job causing the error and all jobs in the print queue job queue 31 in the RAM 12 or the hard disk 14. (Step S602), the identification data of each device and user that has requested execution of these jobs is read (step S603), the occurrence and type of the error, and the identification data of each device and user are errors. The job management unit 36 is notified (step S604).
[0048]
The error job management unit 36 selects one of a plurality of error messages stored in advance in the RAM 12 or the hard disk 14 in accordance with the type of error (step S605). Further, the error job management unit 36 searches the registered data 34 for the names of these devices and users using the identification data of the devices and users that have requested execution of each job affected by the error ( In step S606), an error information notification destination list is generated in which the names of the users are arranged according to the job execution order of the users. Further, the error job management unit 36 transmits an error message and an error information notification destination list to each device through the network interface 22 using the identification data of each device and the user (step S607). Then, the error job management unit 36 starts measuring time T1 simultaneously with the transmission of the error message (step S608).
[0049]
Each of the computers 1 to 3 and the mobile terminal device 4 (hereinafter referred to as a terminal device) receives an error message and an error information notification destination list if it requests the image processing device 5 to execute a job affected by an error. Then, each terminal device that requested the execution of the job first has a title 71 as shown in FIG. 7 included in the error message, that is, a content indicating that the error message has been received, even while another application is being executed. Display on the display screen. When the title 71 is double-clicked on this display screen or the button 71a "Details" is clicked, each terminal device displays a message text 72 indicating the content of the error message as shown in FIG. A list 73 is displayed on the display screen. As a result, each user in the error information notification destination list 73 can know the occurrence of an error in the image processing apparatus 5, communicate with each other, and which user goes to the image processing apparatus 5 to eliminate the error. You can decide whether to go.
[0050]
Each terminal device that requested execution of the job transmits confirmation information indicating that the error message has been confirmed to the image processing device 5 when the message text 72 and the error information notification destination list 73 are displayed.
[0051]
Each terminal device that requested the execution of the job displays the title 71 of FIG. 7 on the display screen, but if the double click of the title 71 or the “detail” button 71a is not performed, the message text of FIG. 72 and the error information notification destination list 73 are not displayed, and the confirmation information is not transmitted to the image processing apparatus 5.
[0052]
Note that the message text 72 and the error information notification destination list 73 are not displayed, but the display screen of the message text 72 and the error information notification destination list 73 is closed, or the “confirm” button 74 shown in FIG. When clicking on a box (not shown), confirmation information indicating that the error message has been confirmed may be transmitted.
[0053]
The error job management unit 36 of the image processing apparatus 5 waits for reception of confirmation information (step S609), determines whether confirmation information is received through the network interface 22 (step S610), and transmits an error message. At the same time, the determination (step S611) of whether or not the time T1 at which the time measurement has started has reached a preset first time is repeated. Then, before the time T1 reaches the first time (step S611, No), when the confirmation information is received (step S610, Yes), the error job management unit 36 starts measuring time T2 (step S613).
[0054]
Thereafter, the error job management unit 36 monitors the cancellation of the error of the image processing apparatus 5 (step S614), determines whether or not the processing for eliminating the error has started (step S615), and confirms the confirmation information. The determination (step S616) of whether or not the time T2 at which timing is started simultaneously with the reception has reached a preset second time is repeated. Here, before the time T2 reaches the second time (step S616, No), if the process for eliminating the error is started (step S615, Yes), the error job management unit 36 will cause the image processing device 5 to 6 is terminated (step S617), the process of FIG. 6 is terminated.
[0055]
Further, the process for eliminating the error is not started even if the time T1 reaches the first time (step S611, Yes) or the confirmation information is received without receiving the confirmation information (step S610, No). If the time T2 reaches the second time (No in step S615) (step S616, Yes), the error job management unit 36 regards that the error is not eliminated and sets the terminal device (network The identification data of other users or administrators (connected to the LAN) is retrieved from the registration data 34, and using this terminal device and the identification data of other users or administrators, an error message and error information notification destination The list is transmitted to the terminal device through the network interface 22 (step S612). Also in this terminal device, the error message and the error information notification destination list are displayed on the display screen as shown in FIGS.
[0056]
The other user or administrator of this terminal device is an agent for eliminating an error in the image processing device 5. For this reason, when another user or administrator receives an error message, he or she immediately goes to the image processing apparatus 5 to eliminate the error of the image processing apparatus 5.
[0057]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when an error of the image processing apparatus 5 occurs, not only the user's terminal is notified of the occurrence of the error, but also the user's confirmation status for the notification of the occurrence of the error is monitored, If the occurrence notification is not confirmed or is confirmed but the error is not resolved, the occurrence of the error is notified to another predetermined user or administrator. For this reason, the error of the image processing apparatus 5 is quickly eliminated without being left, and the use efficiency of the image processing apparatus 5 can be improved.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the processing of the image processing apparatus 5 is illustrated, but the same processing can be performed by the image processing apparatus 6. Further, the display content of the user's device may be variously modified. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus 5 may check whether or not the error message has been confirmed by patroling each apparatus to which the error message is transmitted without waiting for reception of the confirmation information. Further, if the notification of the occurrence of the error is not confirmed or the error is not eliminated, the error message may be transmitted again to the same device. Or, when the error occurrence is notified to another user or administrator who is set in advance, the confirmation status for the error occurrence notification is monitored, and the error occurrence notification is not confirmed or the error is resolved If not, another user or administrator may be notified of the occurrence of the error.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the confirmation status of the client with respect to the notification of the occurrence of the error is monitored, if the notification of the occurrence of the error is not confirmed by the client, a measure for quickly resolving the error Thus, the use efficiency of the image processing apparatus can be improved.
[0060]
Further, according to the present invention, when the first time has passed without the notification of the occurrence of the error being confirmed by the client, or when the second time has passed without the error being resolved, the occurrence of the error is detected on the network. Notify a pre-registered device. For example, the occurrence of an error is notified to another client or the terminal device of the administrator. As a result, the error can be eliminated at an early stage, and the use efficiency of the image processing apparatus can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an information processing system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing an image processing apparatus which is a multi-function digital multifunction peripheral in the system of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating the image processing apparatus of FIG. 2;
4 is a flowchart showing job storage processing in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing job execution processing in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 3;
6 is a flowchart showing error processing in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a title indicating that an error message has been received.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a message text indicating the content of an error message and an error information notification destination list.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,2,3 computer
4 Mobile terminal devices
5,6 Image processing device
11 CPU
12 RAM
13 ROM
14 External storage device
15 Display section
16 Operation part
17 User interface
18 Printer device
19 Scanner device
20 Facsimile device
21 Engine interface
22 Network interface
23 System device

Claims (6)

In an image processing apparatus that is requested to execute a job through a network from a client and an error occurs, the image processing apparatus that notifies the client that has requested execution of the job of the occurrence of an error through the network.
Whether the notification of the occurrence of the error is confirmed by the client between the notification of the occurrence of the error and the elapse of the first time set in advance after the notification of the occurrence of the error is monitored . Error job management means for notifying the occurrence of an error to a pre-registered device on the network if the error is not resolved between the time when the client confirms the occurrence of the error and the elapse of a preset second time. An image processing apparatus comprising: A client, and an image processing apparatus connected to the client via a network. The image processing apparatus is requested to execute a job by the client via the network. In an information processing system that notifies the occurrence of an error through the network,
Upon receiving the notification of the occurrence of the error, the client notifies the image processing apparatus of the confirmation status for the notification of the occurrence of the error through the network.
The image processing apparatus receives the notification of the confirmation state, monitors the confirmation state, and receives the notification of the confirmation state from the notification of the occurrence of the error until the preset first time elapses. If the error is not resolved between the client confirming the occurrence of the error and the elapse of the preset second time, the error occurrence is notified to a pre-registered device on the network. An information processing system characterized by 3. The information processing according to claim 2 , wherein the client receives a message indicating the occurrence of an error, and notifies the image processing apparatus that the occurrence of the error has been confirmed when the message is opened. system. The client receives a message indicating the occurrence of an error, the input operation to the message is made, according to claim 2, wherein the notifying the confirmation state of occurrence of the error is confirmed in the image processing apparatus Information processing system. In a data processing method of an image processing apparatus that requests execution of a job through a network from a client and notifies the occurrence of an error through the network to a client that has requested execution of the job when an error occurs.
Monitoring client confirmation status for error notifications;
Timing the time since notification of the occurrence of an error and the time since the client confirmed the occurrence of the error;
The notification of the occurrence of the error is not confirmed or the time after the occurrence of the error is confirmed until the first time set in advance after the notification of the occurrence of the error elapses. And a step of notifying an apparatus on the network of the occurrence of the error if the error is not resolved before two hours have passed. 6. The data processing method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein an apparatus on the network to which the occurrence of an error is notified is registered in advance in the image processing apparatus.

Images