JP2001136331A - Data processor, its control method and computer- readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data processor that can simply and surely inform its operator of the desired information. SOLUTION: A composite machine having a plurality of functions such as a copying machine and a printer generates a message according to an application 1103 from an external PC/WS 11 and to be displayed on an operation section 115 and allows the external PC/WS 11 to transmit data denoted by it message to a core section 10, which analyzes the data and displays analyzed data to the operation section 115 in prescribed timing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus which is connected to an external apparatus, performs predetermined processing, and can display various information, a control method thereof, and a computer storing a program for controlling the apparatus. It relates to a readable storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, multifunction machines having a plurality of functions, such as copying, facsimile, and printers, have been known.

[0003] Such a multi-function device has an operation unit for an operator to perform an operation input or to display various information in order to use various functions. Conventionally, this operation unit only displays information for operation guidance and the state of the apparatus.

[0004]

However, in order to make a notification about the multifunction peripheral, such as restricting the use of a specific function among a plurality of functions, for example, write the contents of the multifunction peripheral on paper or the like. It was necessary to paste it on the device, which was very complicated.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data processing apparatus capable of notifying an operator who performs an operation input of desired information, a control method thereof, and a computer-readable storage medium. Is what you do.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, a data processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following arrangement.

That is, instruction input means for inputting a manual instruction by an operator, processing means for performing predetermined processing based on the input from the instruction input means, connection means for connection to an external device, and external connection via the connection means Display means for displaying information based on the data received from the apparatus; determining means for determining whether or not the input by the instruction input means has been performed for a predetermined period; and input by the instruction input means for a predetermined period by the determination means. And control means for controlling the display means to display a display based on data received from an external device via the connection means when it is determined that the data has not been received.

Further, instruction input means for inputting a manual instruction by an operator, processing means for performing a predetermined process based on the input from the instruction input means, connection means for connecting to an external device, and external connection via the connection means Display means for displaying information based on data received from the apparatus; accepting means for accepting a request for display information set to be displayed on the display means from an external device via the connection means; accepting by the accepting means Transmitting means for transmitting to the external device via the connection means based on the request.

Also, processing means for performing predetermined processing, connecting means for connecting to an external device, display means for displaying information based on data received from the external device via the connecting means, and Control means for restricting the processing by the processing means based on the data received from the external device and controlling the display means to display the restriction.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. The reader unit 1 is connected to the image input / output control unit 3, reads an image on a document, and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 2 and the image input / output control unit 3. The printer unit 2 records and outputs an image corresponding to image data from the reader unit 1 and the image input / output control unit 3 on recording paper. The image input / output control unit 3 includes a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a magneto-optical disk drive unit 6, a computer interface unit 7, a formatter unit 8, an image memory unit 9, a core unit 10, and hard disks 12, 13.
have.

In this embodiment, an apparatus having various functions including these functions is referred to as a single multifunction peripheral, and is hereinafter simply referred to as a multifunction peripheral.

The facsimile unit 4 decompresses compressed image data received by facsimile communication via a telephone line, and transfers the decompressed image data to the core unit 10, and conversely, the image transferred from the core unit 10. The data is compressed, and the compressed image data is transmitted by facsimile communication via a telephone line. A hard disk 12 is connected to the facsimile unit 4 so that the received compressed image data can be temporarily stored.

A magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 is connected to the file unit 5, and the file unit 5 compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10 and includes a keyword for searching for the compressed image data. The data is stored in the magneto-optical disk set in the magneto-optical disk drive unit 6. The file unit 5 includes a core unit 10
The compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk is searched based on the keyword transferred through the CPU, the searched compressed image data is read and expanded, and the expanded image data is transferred to the core unit 10.

The computer interface unit 7 includes:
Personal computer or workstation (P
C / WS, hereinafter referred to as computer) 11 and core unit 1
0 interface. The computer interface unit 7 is connected to a PC /
Connected to WS11. The formatter unit 8 expands code data such as PDL representing an image transferred from the computer 11 into image data in a format that can be recorded by the printer unit 2. A hard disk 13 is connected to the formatter unit 8, and can temporarily store code data representing an image transferred from the computer 11 or rasterized image data.

The image memory unit 9 includes a computer 11
This is for storing the data transferred from. The image memory unit 9 can store a plurality of files. Although details of the core unit 10 will be described later, the core unit 10 controls the flow of data among the reader unit 1, facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9. Things.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The document feeder 101 of the reader unit 1 feeds a document set with the image side up, one by one, starting from the last page, onto the platen glass 102 such that the image side faces down, and After the reading operation is completed, the original on the platen glass 102 is discharged. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 102, the document is exposed and scanned by turning on the lamp 103 and moving the scanner unit 104.

The reflected light from the original at this time is reflected by the mirror 10
CCD by 5, 106, 107 and lens 108
The image is guided to an image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) 109. As described above, the image light of the document scanned by exposure is CC
The light is incident on D109, photoelectrically converted, and output as image data. The image data output from the CCD 109 is subjected to predetermined processing and then transferred to the printer unit 2 and the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3.

The laser driver 221 of the printer unit 2
It drives the laser light emitting unit 201, and the reader unit 1
Alternatively, the laser light emitting unit 201 emits a laser beam corresponding to the image data output from the core unit 10. The laser beam is applied to the photosensitive drum 202 and the photosensitive drum 20
A latent image corresponding to the laser light is formed on the surface 2. A developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 202 by a developing device 203. Then, at a timing synchronized with the start of the laser beam irradiation, the recording paper is fed from one of the cassettes 204 and 205 and conveyed to the transfer unit 206 to transfer the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 202 to the recording paper. I do.

The recording paper onto which the developer has been transferred is fixed to a fixing unit 207.
The developer is fixed to the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 207 is discharged by a discharge roller 208, and the sorter 220 stores the discharged recording paper in each bin and sorts the recording paper. Note that the sorter 220 stores the recording paper in the uppermost bin when the sorting is not set.

When double-sided recording is set,
After the recording paper is conveyed to the position of the discharge roller 208, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208 is reversed, and the recording paper is guided to the re-feeding conveyance path by the flapper 209 in a reversed state. If multiple recording is set, the recording paper is discharged
In order to prevent the sheet from being transported to the position 8, the sheet is guided to the sheet re-feeding transport path by the flapper 209 without being turned over. The recording paper guided to the re-feeding conveyance path is transferred to the transfer unit 2 at the timing described above.
06 is fed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the reader unit 1.
The image data output from the CCD 109 is A / D · S
The analog / digital conversion is performed in the H section 110, and shading correction is performed. A / D / SH unit 1
The image data processed by the image processing unit 11
1 and to the printer unit 2 and via the interface unit 113 to the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3.

The CPU 114 controls the image processing unit 111 and the interface 113 in accordance with the settings set by the operation unit 115. For example, when the copy mode in which the trimming process is performed and the copy is performed by the operation unit 115 is set, the image processing unit 111 performs the trimming process and transfers the image data to the printer unit 2. When the facsimile transmission mode is set on the operation unit 115, the control unit 108 causes the interface 113 to transfer the image data and a control command corresponding to the set mode to the core unit 10. The control program of the CPU 114 is stored in the memory 11
6 and the CPU 114 performs control while referring to the memory 116. Also, the memory 116 stores the CP
It is also used as a work area for U114.

The operation unit 115 has a liquid crystal touch panel TP, and this liquid crystal touch panel has both an input operation function and a display function. The operation unit 115 includes a start key SK for starting various processes, a reset key RK for resetting a currently executed process or mode to an initial state, a copy mode (an image based on image data from the reader unit 1 and a printer unit 2). Mode setting key MK for setting a mode such as printing in a facsimile mode (performing processing using the facsimile unit 4), a printer mode (printing an image based on image data from the core unit 10 in the printer unit 2), and the like. , Numeric keypad TK to input the number of copies, etc.
Etc. are included. In addition, on the display screen of the operation unit 115, in addition to the guidance display for various operations, various message data transmitted from the administrator's computer 11 are also displayed. The operation unit 115
, Different display contents according to the function being executed or specified (copy function, facsimile function, printer function) are displayed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the core unit 10.
The image data from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 121, and the control command from the reader unit 1 is
23. The data processing unit 121 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing. Image data transferred from the reader unit 1 to the data processing unit 121 is transmitted from the reader unit 1 via the interface 120 to the data processing unit 121. The control command is transferred to the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, or the computer interface unit 7 according to the transferred control command.

The code data such as PDL representing the image input through the computer interface unit 7 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then transferred to the formatter unit 8 and expanded into rasterized image data. The image data is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the facsimile unit 4 and the printer unit 2. The image data from the facsimile unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit 7. The image data from the file unit 5 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, the facsimile unit 4, and the computer interface unit 7.

The CPU 123 performs the above control in accordance with the control program stored in the memory 124 and the control commands transferred from the reader unit 1. The memory 124 is also used as a work area of the CPU 123.

As described above, with the core unit 10 as a core, it is possible to perform processing combining functions of reading an original image, printing an image, transmitting and receiving an image, storing an image, and inputting and outputting data from a computer. It is possible.

When code data such as PDL representing an image transferred from the computer 11 is received via the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8 notifies the core unit 10 of the start of a job. After receiving the start of the job from the core unit 10, the formatter unit 8 develops the code data into bitmap image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2, and temporarily stores the data on the hard disk 13. At this time, the paper feed stage, the number of output copies,
Output operation setting information such as duplex printing is also stored on the hard disk 13.
To save temporarily. Thereafter, the image data and the output operation setting information are transferred to the printer unit 2 via the bus, and the printing is executed. The printing of a plurality of copies is realized, for example, by outputting three copies of three pages by repeating printing of one to three pages three times.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the modules required to carry out the present embodiment.

Here, a case will be described in which the multifunction peripheral of this embodiment is connected to a LAN (local area network) 702 via the computer interface unit 7.

Computer interface 7, LA
The PC / WS 11 connected to the N702 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, hard disk, display, and keyboard.
A network interface card (NIC) 11 for controlling data exchange via the LAN 702
It is assumed that 01 is mounted and a control program for controlling it is installed on the hard disk. Also,
The hard disk contains SNMP (Simple Network Manager)
SNMP protocol module 110 for exchanging information with the agent as a manager according to
2. Application software 1103 for controlling message information used in the present embodiment, and management of message information, etc.
It is assumed that at least a program for building and controlling the MIB management unit 1104 for performing based on the above is installed.

A network interface control unit 701 is included in the computer interface unit 7 and controls data exchange with other devices via the LAN 702.

The memory 124 of the core unit 10 has the SN
Control of an SNMP agent module 1001 for exchanging information by MP, a panel control unit 1002 for controlling display contents on the operation unit 115, and a MIB management unit 1003 for managing message information using the MIB. Program information is stored. Note that message data to be managed by the MIB management unit 1003 is stored in the hard disk 13.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overview of the operation unit 115. As shown in FIG.

Mode setting key M for setting a copy mode, a printer mode, and a facsimile mode, respectively.
K, numeric keypad TK for entering numbers in various settings, start key S for instructing the start of various processes
K, the reset key RK for instructing to cancel the setting or shift to the initial state is composed of hard keys, and the liquid crystal touch panel TP displays various information and inputs instructions. The display contents, functions, etc. are controlled by software. Is changed.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration for performing processing relating to the operation unit 115. As shown in FIG.

The operation unit 115 is controlled by a panel control unit 1002. The panel control unit 1002 controls permission and prohibition of input of each key by detecting various conditions, and displays the operation contents of the operator on the touch panel TP. Reflect on the display.

The panel control unit 1002 constantly monitors the operation state of each unit of the multifunction device shown in FIG. 1, the input message information, and each key input of the operation unit 115 at a predetermined cycle, and controls the operation unit 115. The operation content from the operation unit 115 is transmitted to each unit of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing message information managed by the MIB management units 1104 and 1003. This is managed under an object that defines a message table for displaying the MIB on the operation unit 115. The name indicating this object has a format in which the node numbers from the root of the MIB tree to this message table are arranged.

Here, the touch panel TP of the operation unit 115
It is possible to manage multiple message patterns to be displayed in the message display area of
The message type designation information M and the content of the message are managed in association with N. The message includes a pop-up message and a status message (details will be described later). These information form one group. The structure of this information is defined by the description in the ASN.1 language.

The index number N is N = 1 for the copy mode screen, N = 2 for the printer mode screen, and N = 3 for the facsimile mode screen. Here, one message is shown for each mode. However, a plurality of messages can be created for each mode by assigning numbers separately, and can be read out and used as appropriate.

The pop-up message is 64 per line.
Input settings for four lines can be made up to characters.

The message type designates the display mode of the above-mentioned four-line pop-up message. Non-display mode (Delete): M = 1, normal display mode (Normal):
M = 2, emergency mode (Urgent): M = 3. Details of these will be described later.

In addition to the pop-up message, a status message of up to 64 characters per line can be set for each mode.

In the message information, the PC / WS 11 can manage display messages to a plurality of multifunction devices of the same type, and each of the multifunction devices has a hierarchical structure (a lower layer of the object indicating the type of the multifunction device). A plurality of message information is managed for each mode screen. Then, the corresponding message information is selected and transmitted to each MFP.

As shown in FIG. 9, the message data transmitted from the PC / WS 11 to the MFP shown in FIG.
(Graphical User Interfac
e) It can be created in a manner. That is, PC / W
The message display screen of FIG. 9 is displayed under the control of the application 1103 by the predetermined operation of S11. On this message display screen, a copy key 51, a printer key 52, and a FAX key 53 are displayed as keys (or icons) for specifying in which mode (function) the message is to be displayed. Of the desired key is clicked with a mouse. FIG. 9 shows a state where the copy key 51 is designated.

9 is an area for inputting message data to be displayed as a status message only on a part (one line) of the touch panel TP of the operation unit 115 of the multifunction peripheral.
For example, one line (up to 64 characters) of message data such as “Let's press the reset key after use” is input to 7. Also, status line area 5
6 is also provided with an erase key 58. The delete key 58 is a key for deleting the message data input to the input area 57 of the status line. When the role of the message is completed, the OK key 54 is designated in a state where the input area 57 is blank. To instruct the MFP to not display it in the future.

The pop-up message area 59 is an area for inputting message data to be displayed on almost the entire touch panel TP of the operation unit 115 of the multifunction peripheral. The input area 60 has four lines ( (Up to 64 characters per line.)

A pull-down menu 61 is for designating a display mode of a pop-up message.
"Delete (= non-display mode)", "Normal
(= Normal display mode) ”or“ Urgent (= emergency mode) ”.

When the OK key 54 is pressed in a state where “Delete” is designated, the information indicating the depression is displayed in the NIC1.
1 is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 via 101, and the panel control unit 1002 having received the transmission controls the touch panel TP of the operation unit 115 so that a pop-up message is not displayed.

When the OK key 54 is pressed in a state where “Normal” is designated, the character string input to the input area 60 is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral and displayed in the pop-up message display area of the touch panel TP of the operation unit 115. You. The pop-up message displayed on the touch panel TP in the normal display mode can be arbitrarily erased by the user operating the operation unit 115.

When the OK key 54 is pressed while “Urgent” is specified, the character string input to the input area 60 is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral and displayed in the pop-up message display area of the touch panel TP of the operation unit 115. . The pop-up message displayed on the touch panel TP in the emergency mode is not deleted unless a special operation is performed on the operation unit 115.

The display time designation area 62 includes the input area 6
This is an area for inputting a display interval when the message data of 0 is displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 115 of the multifunction peripheral. In the display time designation area 63, for example, 1
If a minute is entered, it is displayed again if no operation is performed after one minute has passed since the pop-up message was deleted.

The pop-up message area 59
Key 63 plays a similar role to the message data in the input area 60 as the delete key 58 in the area 56 of the status line. OK key 54
Is a key for confirming the setting contents, and the cancel key 55 is a key for canceling the setting contents.

The setting / transmission function of the message data and the like of the PC / WS 11 is realized by installing an application program recorded on a floppy disk, a CDROM or the like (not shown) on the hard disk. .

Next, the message display processing will be described. First, a message display process according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of data in this processing.

The PC / WS 11 is an application 110
A message creation screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display by the utility according to 3 and message data indicating the input display message is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 1000 shown in FIG.

The formatter unit 8 of the multifunction peripheral 1000 is connected to the PC / W via the computer interface unit 7.
Message data indicating a display message is received from S11. The formatter unit 8 stores the received message data in the hard disk 13. Here, MFP 1
000 analyzes the received message data as described later and displays it on the operation unit 115.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a display message is input and transmitted by the PC / WS 11.

This flowchart is for application 1
103 is an OS installed on the PC / WS 11,
It operates in cooperation with the SNMP client module 1102, the MIB management unit 1104, the NIC 1101, and the like. It shows the flow.

First, in step S1101, the application 11 for the utility for the display message is executed.
When the MFP 03 is started, the MFP (and a compatible machine) connected to the LAN 702 is searched in step S1102. The search method at this time includes a method of transmitting (broadcasting) a command for acquiring MIB data held by the multifunction peripheral by SNMP to the entire LAN 702 and a method of using a unique protocol for device search.

After searching for the target multifunction peripheral, step S110
In step 3, the application 1103 displays a list of icons indicating the found multifunction devices and their compatible devices on the display of the PC / WS 11, and prompts the user to select a device to be displayed.

If it is determined in step S1104 that the desired device has been selected and that the message operation has been started in step S1105, the flow advances to step S1106 to select the selected device (here, the multifunction peripheral 1000 which is the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1). 8) which is managed by the MIB management unit 1003 of FIG.

In step S1107, based on the acquired MIB data, as shown in FIG.
The message information set in 000 is displayed.

Subsequently, in step S1108, message data input processing is started using the keyboard or the like of the PC / WS 11, and in step S1109, message input is appropriately set as described above and the OK key 54 is pressed. 1103 indicates that the information set here is a step
In S1110, the data is stored in the MIB management unit 1104 of the hard disk of the PC / WS 11 as MIB data. At the same time, in step S1111, the MIB data including the message character string set in the SNMP client module is encoded and transmitted.

If it is determined in step S1112 that the processing has been completed, the processing of the application 1103 is terminated, and the message processing utility is closed.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing on the MFP 1000 side.

These flowcharts show the flow of the operation in which the CPU 123 controls based on the program data stored in the memory 124 while cooperating with each unit (the computer interface unit 7, the panel control unit 1002, etc.).

At step S1201 in FIG. 12, the process waits for reception of message data related to display on the operation unit 115 via the computer interface unit 7, and when it is determined that the message data has been received, reads the received message data at step S1202.

In step S1203, the SNMPI / gent module 1001 decodes and analyzes message data received as an SNMP packet. Then, in step S1204, this message data is held by the MIB management unit 1003 in the memory 124.

Then, based on the analysis result of step S1203, it is determined in step S1205 whether or not the pop-up message is displayed, that is, whether the message data is related to the entire screen display. In S1206 to S1208, a determination relating to the display of the status message is performed. That is, it is determined whether the message data is displayed on a part of the copy screen, the message data displayed on a part of the facsimile screen, or the message data displayed on a part of the printer screen.

Hereinafter, the message data displayed on a part of the copy screen will be described. However, it goes without saying that the same applies to the case of displaying the message data on a part of the facsimile screen and the part of the printer screen.

If the message data is displayed on a part of the copy screen, in step S1209, the display screen of the touch panel TP of the operation unit 115 is currently the copy screen, and the copy screen is displayed. It is determined whether the message can be displayed. As a result, if it is not the copy screen, or if it is the copy screen but cannot be displayed because other data is displayed, it waits until it can be displayed on the copy screen.

On the other hand, if it can be displayed on the copy screen, as shown in FIG.
The status message (the character string input in the input area 57) received from the PC / WS 11 is displayed as a status message in a predetermined display area on the display screen (step S1210). This message is sent to PC /
The display is continued until an erase command is received from the WS 11 or a message with a higher priority is displayed. Since the message is stored in the hard disk 13 as described above, the message is stored even when the power is turned off, and is displayed again when the power is turned on next time.

As shown in FIG. 14, the status message is displayed at a place where normal operation is not hindered.

If it is determined in step S1205 that the image is to be displayed on the entire screen, the process proceeds to step S1205 in FIG.
At 1301 to 1303, it is determined whether the message data is to be displayed on the entire copy screen, the message data to be displayed on the entire facsimile screen, or the message data to be displayed on the entire printer screen.

Hereinafter, the message displayed on the entire copy screen will be described. However, it goes without saying that the same applies to the case where the message is displayed on the entire facsimile screen and the case where the message is displayed on the entire printer screen.

If the message is displayed on the entire copy screen, in step S1304, the operation unit 11
It is determined whether or not an instruction to display a pop-up message has been issued in response to the instruction from 5. If it is determined that a display instruction has been given, a message is displayed on the copy screen as shown in FIG. 15 based on the message data and the message type corresponding to the input area 60 in step S1306. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no display instruction, it is determined in step S1305 whether there has been no operation of the operation unit 115 for a predetermined time. If there has been an operation, the display is waited. Display a message. This step S1
The display of the pop-up message 306 is displayed on the display screen of FIG. 15 until the user specifies deletion (presses the OK key 91) (step S1307).

If there is an erasure designation, step S13
At 07, the time designated as the display interval is set in the timer. Then, by returning to step S1304, after the designated time has elapsed, a message as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed again. However, when the display on the touch panel TP is turned off, the display is not performed again but is displayed during some operation. This allows a plurality of users to check the message while saving power consumption.

This flow is repeated until a message deletion instruction is received from the PC / WS 11. Since the message is stored in the hard disk 13 as described above, the message is stored even when the power is turned off, and is displayed again when the power is turned on next time. Message can be transmitted to other users.

As described above, in the first embodiment, copying,
A computer sends message data such as a failure or maintenance notification corresponding to each function to a multifunction device with multiple functions such as facsimile and printer, and responds to each function when the function is specified. The message is displayed at a desired timing. Therefore, it is not necessary for the administrator to post a notice or the like on the multifunction peripheral for failure or maintenance, and the load on the administrator can be reduced.

Further, it is possible to call attention to the cost reduction by a message, and it is possible to reduce the load on the administrator when performing the cost reduction. Arousing attention with a message is more effective in attracting attention than calling attention to reduction, so that cost can be reliably reduced.

In addition, one computer on the network can transmit and display message data such as a failure notification or a maintenance notification corresponding to each function to a plurality of compatible machines connected via a network such as a LAN. it can.

Also, when displaying the message data on a part of the display screen, similarly to the case of displaying the message data on the entire display screen, the display interval is set or the message data being displayed is deleted by the user's key operation or the like. It is also possible.

Further, the exchange of message data between the computer and the multifunction peripheral can be performed according to the existing SNMP.

The data managed by the MIB is not limited to the above-described structure as long as it conforms to the description of the MIB. The data exchanged between the SNMP manager and the SNMP agent as the data on the MIB in accordance with SNMP is not limited to the above-described structure. It is good if it is.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a display message is exchanged using an existing electronic mail.

Also in the second embodiment, FIGS.
8, 10, 14, and 15 are the same, and the detailed description is omitted here.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a module necessary for implementing the second embodiment.

The PC / WS 11-1 is connected to the LAN via the NIC 1105.
Exchange information with other devices on the 702. 1106 is an existing SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and POP (Po
This is an SMTP / POP service module for controlling Internet mail communication services according to the St Office Protocol). Reference numeral 1107 denotes a mail application for performing a mail operation using the SMTP / POP service module.

The PC / WS 11-2 is a mail server computer that handles the communication service of the mail for message data of the present embodiment. The NIC 1108 controls information exchange with another device via the LAN 702. The SMTP / POP service module 1109 controls a mail communication service according to SMTP and POP. Reference numeral 1110 denotes a mail server application that controls mail transfer based on a request according to SMTP and POP from the SMTP / POP service module 1109. Reference numeral 1111 denotes a mail spool module that functions as a mail database managed by the mail server module.

Reference numeral 701 denotes a network interface control unit included in the computer interface unit 7.

The memory 124 of the core unit 10 receives an SMTP / POP service module 1004 for controlling a mail communication service using SMTP / POP, a mail agent module 1005 for performing mail reception processing in accordance with POP, and a mail agent module 1005 for receiving. A message control unit 1006 that analyzes a message processing mail and processes received data for displaying a message, controls a message management unit 1007 that manages message data handled by the message control unit 1006, and displays contents on an operation unit 115. It is assumed that program information for the panel control unit 1002 for controlling the program is stored.

It is also assumed that the mail server 11-3 handling general electronic mail is also connected to the LAN 702. However, this mail server 11-3 is PC / WS11
-2, a common terminal may be used by installing a mail server application for processing ordinary electronic mail.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the PC / WS 11-1. This flowchart shows the OS in which the application 1107 is installed in the PC / WS 11-1, the SMTP / POP service module 110
6. Operate in conjunction with NIC1105, etc.
Based on the program data installed on the hard disk of C / WS 11-1 and controlling them, PC / WS 11
1 illustrates a flow of an operation controlled by the CPU of FIG.

First, in step S1701, an application 1107 for processing a message by e-mail is provided.
Is started, the communication port of the PC / WS 11-1 is opened in step S1702.

In step S1703, it is determined whether or not a response mail from a multifunction peripheral, which will be described later, has been received. If not, it is determined in step S1706 whether there has been an instruction to start creating message data.

If the start of message data creation has been instructed, the flow advances to step S1707 to display a predetermined UI (user interface) to create message data. The message data created here is in e-mail format, and as shown in FIG.
Is "Set", the display mode for the popup message is specified as the TYPE in the body part as in the first embodiment described above, four lines of the message are displayed for the popup message in LINE1 to LINE4, and the copy is performed in PANEL. facsimile,
The message is specified for one of the screens of the printer, and the status message is specified in STATUS.

When the input of such a mail by the user is completed and a transmission instruction is given in step S1708, the SMTP / POP service module 110 is sent in step S1709.
6 / PC / WS11 via NIC1105 using SMTP
-2.

In step S1707, "G" is added to the title (Subject).
If the electronic mail is transmitted in step S1709 by designating "et", the message data currently set in the multifunction peripheral is requested.
Wait at 4. This response mail has a format as shown in FIG. Then, in step S1704, the contents of the response mail are analyzed.
Is displayed on the display of the PC / WS 11-1.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the PC / WS 11-2. This flowchart shows that the mail server application 1110 runs on PC / WS
It operates in conjunction with the OS installed in the 11-2, the SMTP / POP service module 1109, the NIC 1108, and the like, and shows the flow of operations controlled by the CPU of the PC / WS 11-2.

First, when the mail server application is activated in step S1801, step S1802
To open the communication port of the PC / WS 11-2.

Then, in step S1803, reception of an electronic mail is waited for, and upon receipt, the contents of the mail are analyzed in step S1804. This e-mail is accepted by SMTP and the recipient is checked.

As a result of this analysis, if it is a message data mail addressed to the MFP to be displayed, the step
In step S1806, the message is accumulated in the message data area on the hard disk of the PC / WS 11-2 managed by the mail spool module 1111. If it is any other general e-mail, it is transferred to the mail server 11-3 in step S1808.

If a message data mail transfer request is received from the MFP to be displayed in step S1807, the message data mail managed by the mail spool module 1111 is transferred. The transfer here is to be accepted by POP from the MFP.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the processing by the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 for displaying a message.
This flowchart is based on the program data stored in the memory 124.
3 shows a flow of an operation of controlling in cooperation with the interface unit 7, the panel control unit 1002, and the like.

When the MFP is started in step S1901, the mail agent module 1005 is started in step S1902, and the communication port is opened in step S1903.

Then, in step S1904, reception of the e-mail is checked. If it is determined in step S1905 that the e-mail has been received, the contents of the received e-mail are analyzed in step S1906. The check of the reception of the mail in step S1905 is periodically performed.

As a result of the mail analysis, if it is determined in step S1907 that the subject of the received mail is "Get", that is, it is the current message data acquisition request, step S19
At 08, the currently set message data is acquired from the panel control unit 1002, and at step S1909, the message data shown in FIG.
Create a response mail as shown in. And step
In step S1910, the source of the request mail is transmitted via the network interface 701 using SMTP.

Also, in step S1911, the received mail S
If it is determined that the ubject is "Set", that is, a message data setting request as shown in FIG.
The content of the mail is analyzed in 912, the message data is set by the message control unit in step S1913, and stored in the message management unit 1007.
A display request is issued to the panel control unit 1002. Then, in a step S1914, this message is displayed on the touch panel TP of the operation unit 115 as shown in FIGS.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, a message to be displayed on the operation unit can be exchanged using the existing e-mail protocol. The PC / WS 11-1 can use a general-purpose e-mail application using this description, and can easily transmit, correct, and confirm a message to be displayed on the multifunction peripheral. Further, the same processing can be performed by a compatible machine of the multifunction peripheral of the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, a request item (acquisition, setting, etc. of a message) is determined in the title of the mail.
Although the content of the mail is identified by the line in the body of the message that describes TYPE, LINE, etc., other methods may be used, as long as the format can be handled by the message control unit.

The mail agent module receives the mail from the mail server application by periodically checking the received mail by using the POP. However, the mail addressed to the MFP to be displayed is spooled by the mail spool module. SMTP to the MFP without
It is also possible to reduce the delay by delivering the data. In this case, the delivery setting of the mail server is performed when the MFP is connected to the LAN.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, a display message is displayed on the operation unit 115 with a different display color according to its priority.

In this embodiment, a table for designating a display color of a message to be displayed on the touch panel TP of the operation unit 115 is stored in the memory 124 of the core unit in association with the priority as shown in FIG. .

FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing a flow of message data indicating a setting screen and a display message on the PC / WS 11 side in this case.

As shown in this figure, the message data is
When setting and inputting on the PC / WS 11, a check box is provided to indicate any of emergency, notification, and TIPS, and the user is allowed to check any one of them. Then, urgent = priority 1, notification = priority 2, and TIPS = priority 3 are transmitted together with the message data to the MFP 1000 to be displayed.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the multifunction peripheral 1000 in this case. This flowchart shows the flow of processing controlled by the CPU 123 based on the program data stored in the memory 124.

First, in step S2401, a message is received and a message process for setting the message in the operation unit 115 is performed. This process may be performed by any of the methods of the first and second embodiments. The description here is omitted.

Then, in step S2402, the priority included in the received message data is read, and in step S2403, the priority is determined.

Then, if the priority is 1, step S
In 2404, the display color is set to red, and if the priority is 2,
In step S2405, the display color is set to pink. If the priority is 3, the display color is set to blue in step S2406.

In step S2407, the message data processed in step S2401 is displayed on the touch panel TP of the operation unit 115 under the above-described conditions based on the display color set above.

The priority, the display color, and the setting method are not limited to those described above.

The table corresponding to the priority and the display color is a PC.
The / WS11 side may manage the information and specify the display color when transmitting the message data.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the display color of the message displayed on the operation unit is made different according to the priority, so that the priority of the message can be more intuitively transmitted to the user. Can be.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the image memory unit 9 uses display functions in various display colors as in the third embodiment.
This controls the file display managed by.

The image memory unit 9 can store a plurality of files such as a file received via the computer interface unit 7, but in the present embodiment, the display color is changed according to the attribute of the file. .

In this embodiment, a table for designating display colors according to whether or not a file stored in the image memory unit 9 as shown in FIG. 25 is protected by a password is stored in the memory 124 of the core unit. It is something to remember.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in this case. This flowchart is stored in the memory 124
3 shows a flow of an operation controlled by the CPU 123 based on the program data stored in the.

First, in step S2601, the operation unit 11
It is determined whether the memory inquiry for displaying the file name of the file stored in the image memory unit 9 on the touch panel TP has been designated by the operation 5.

When a memory inquiry is specified, step S2
In step 602, the image memory unit 9 is searched to check whether or not each file is protected by an attribute, that is, a password. As a result, the file determined to be protected by the password is set to red as the display color in step S2604, and the file determined to be not protected by the password is set to blue in step S2605. This file search is performed until it is determined in step S2606 that all files have been completed.
To display a list of files on the touch panel TP in the set display colors as shown in FIG.

The password-added file can be output by inputting a password from the numeric keypad TK.

The file output includes printing on the printer unit 2 and display on the touch panel TP.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the user can intuitively identify the attribute of a stored file.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the operation unit and the printer unit are linked, and the operation of the printer unit is controlled according to the message data sent from the PC / WS11.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to the fifth embodiment.

Reference numeral 2801 denotes a printer unit, and the operation relating to printing performs the same operation as the printer unit 2 described above. Reference numeral 2802 denotes a printer control unit which analyzes input data to be printed, sends a print instruction of the data (video signal) and a print environment at that time to the printer engine, and sends a message received from the PC / WS 11 to the printer engine. In addition to transferring the data to the operation unit 2811, the printer unit 28
01 is controlled. The printer control unit 2802 includes a CPU, a ROM,
With RAM. Reference numeral 2803 denotes a printer engine control unit that controls a printer engine 2805 that transfers a video signal, a print command, and a print environment and performs printing by an electrophotographic method.

A RAM 2804 stores data to be printed.

A printer engine 2805 is a printer unit for performing printing in an electrophotographic system, and includes a recording paper transport mechanism,
It consists of a semiconductor laser unit, a sightseeing drum, a developing unit, a fixing unit, a drum cleaning unit, a separation unit, etc., and performs printing by an electrophotographic process.

A computer receiving unit 2807 receives data to be printed and information including a message to be displayed on the operation unit 2811 from the PC / WS 11,
08 receives facsimile data from a normal telephone line, a dedicated line, or the like.
0 (similar to the reader unit 1).

[0143] Printer control unit 2802, printer engine control unit 2803, RAM 2804, computer reception unit 2807, fax reception unit 2808, reader reception unit 280
9. The operation unit 2811 constitutes a control unit 2806 that controls the operation of FIG. 28 in conjunction with each other.

The operation unit 2811 has the same configuration as the operation unit 115 described above.

FIG. 29 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of processing and data according to the fifth embodiment.

A message is input by the utility of the PC / WS 11 connected to the LAN 702 as in the above-described embodiments, and at the same time, a check box 2904 or 290 for designating operation restriction or print inhibition.
Specify one of 5

The information is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 2901 which is the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the multifunction peripheral 2901 in this case. This flowchart shows the flow of control performed by the CPU of the printer control unit 2802 based on a program stored in the ROM of the printer control unit 2802.

First, in step S3001, the computer receiving unit 2807 determines whether message data has been received. If it is determined that the message data has been received, the received message data is read in step S3002. And step
In step S3003, the content of the message data is analyzed. If it is determined in step S3004 that the information indicating the operation restriction is included, the process proceeds to step S3005, and the fact is displayed on the touch panel TP of the operation unit 2811, and the operation is performed according to the content. Control is performed so that operation input of the unit 2811 cannot be performed.

If it is determined that the received message data contains information indicating print prohibition, step S
In step 3008, the fact is displayed on the touch panel TP of the operation unit 2811, and in step S 3009, the operation of the printer engine 2805 is prohibited by the printer engine control unit 2803.

On the other hand, if the information indicating the operation restriction and the print prohibition is not included, the flow advances to step S3010 to perform another message display processing as in the above-described embodiment.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the message displayed on the operation unit, the operation restriction contents of the operation unit, and the printing operation by the printer unit can be linked.

According to the various embodiments described above,
For a multifunction device with multiple functions such as copy function, facsimile function, printer function, etc., display a desired message by operating from a remote location using an external computer terminal for each screen for each function Can be done.

Therefore, it is possible to simply, reliably, and quickly transmit a notice of a failure, maintenance, and the like. In addition, since the operation unit that has been used only for the operation of the conventional apparatus is used, it is efficient.

It is needless to say that the content displayed on the operation unit is not limited to character data, but may be a graphic or the like. In addition, the operation unit is used not only as a bulletin board but also in various forms such as using it for advertisement. It is possible.

The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.) or to an apparatus composed of one device (for example, a copying machine or a facsimile machine). Is also good.

[0157] Also, in order to operate various devices to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, a computer connected to the various devices or a computer in the system is provided with software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments. The present invention also includes a case where the present invention is implemented by supplying a program code and causing a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to operate various devices according to a stored program.

In this case, the software program code itself implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, the program code The stored storage medium constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer or another program. Needless to say, even when the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with application software or the like, such program codes are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided in a function expansion board of the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then stored in the function expansion board or the function storage unit based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention includes a case where a provided CPU or the like performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0162]

As described above, according to the present invention, when there is no operation input for a predetermined period, information based on data received from an external device is displayed. Desired information can be easily displayed from the device.

Since the display information set based on the request from the external device is transmitted, it is possible to easily confirm and correct the display information.

In addition, since the restriction of the processing and the display to that effect are performed based on the data received from the external device, the processing of the restriction of the processing content and the status notification to the operator can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a reader unit 1 and a printer unit 2 of the MFP shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a reader unit 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a core unit 10;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating modules and the like that operate in a system including the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1 and a PC / WS11 connected via a network.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overview of an operation unit 115.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration for operating unit 115 and controlling the operation unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing message information managed by MIB management units 1104 and 1003.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display setting screen of a utility for creating message data on the PC / WS11 side.

10 is a diagram showing a flow of data between the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1 and a PC / WS 11 connected via a network.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the PC / WS11.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process performed by the MFP of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process performed by the MFP of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel TP of the operation unit 115 when a status message is displayed.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel TP of the operation unit 115 when a pop-up message is displayed.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating modules and the like that perform processing operations according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process performed by the PC / WS 11-1 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process performed by the PC / WS 11-2 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process performed by the MFP according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a view showing a display message setting mail created by the PC / WS 11-1.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a response mail for notifying display message information currently set to the multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a table in which message priorities are associated with display colors.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a data flow between a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment and a PC / WS11 connected via a network.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process performed by the MFP according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a table in which file attributes stored in the image memory unit 9 are associated with display colors of file names.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process performed by the MFP according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a file name is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel TP of the operation unit 115 according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a data flow between the multifunction peripheral according to the fifth embodiment and a PC / WS11 connected via a network.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process performed by the MFP according to the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 core unit 11 PC / WS 115 operation unit 701 network interface control unit 702 local area network 1001 SNMP agent module 1002 panel control unit 1003 MIB management unit 1101 network interface card 1102 SNMP client module 1103 application software 1104 MIB management unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masaki Unishi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Kadoo 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ06 AR03 AS02 HN05 HN15 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA14 AA16 AA27 AA30 AB20 AB23 AB42 AC22 AC29 AF06 BA00 BD09

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An instruction input unit for inputting a manual instruction from an operator, a processing unit for performing a predetermined process based on an input from the instruction input unit, a connection unit for connecting to an external device, and an external device via the connection unit Display means for displaying information based on data received from the apparatus; determining means for determining whether or not input by the instruction input means has been performed for a predetermined period; and input by the instruction input means for a predetermined period by the determination means. Control means for controlling the display means to display a display based on data received from an external device via the connection means when it is determined that the data is not present. 2. The display means displays a different display screen for each processing function executed by the processing means, and the control means transmits the display screen through the connection means based on which display screen the information is for. 2. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display is controlled based on data received from an external device. 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a display screen of information based on data received from an external device via the connection unit and an operation screen for input by the instruction input unit. Or the data processing device according to 2. 4. An operation screen according to claim 1, wherein said display means switches between an operation screen for input by said instruction input means and a display screen based on data received from an external device via said connection means. The data processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second display information to be displayed on the display is distinguished and displayed. 5. The control means stores data for information to be displayed on the display means in MIB (Management Information).
Base) and SNMP (Simple Network Management P)
5. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the data is received from an external device via the connection unit according to a protocol. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means receives data for information to be displayed on said display means as electronic mail data from an external device via said connection means. The data processing device according to claim 1. 7. The control means transmits data for information to be displayed on the display means to a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).
7. The data processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the data is received in accordance with a (rotocol) / POP (Post Office Protocol). 8. The display means is capable of displaying information in a plurality of display colors, and the control means controls the display color to be different according to a priority included in data received from an external device via the connection means. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein 9. A storage device for storing a plurality of files, wherein the display device controls the information indicating the file stored in the storage device if the display color is different according to the attribute of the file. The data processing device according to claim 8, wherein the data is displayed on the display means. 10. An instruction input unit for inputting a manual instruction from an operator, a processing unit for performing a predetermined process based on an input from the instruction input unit, a connection unit for connecting to an external device, and an external device via the connection unit. Display means for displaying information based on data received from the apparatus; accepting means for accepting a request for display information set to be displayed on the display means from an external device via the connection means; accepting by the accepting means Transmitting means for transmitting to the external device via the connection means based on the request. 11. The data processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said transmission means transmits the display information as electronic mail data. 12. The data processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said transmitting means transmits the display information according to SMTP. 13. A processing unit for performing a predetermined process; a connection unit for connecting to an external device; a display unit for displaying information based on data received from the external device via the connection unit; Control means for restricting processing by said processing means based on data received from an external device, and controlling the display means to display the restriction. 14. The data processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said control means limits print processing by said processing means. 15. A control method of a data processing device for performing predetermined processing based on input of a manual instruction by an operator and displaying various information on a display device, a receiving step of receiving data sent from an external device, A determination step of determining whether or not an instruction has been input for a predetermined period; and determining based on the data received in the receiving step when determining that the instruction has not been input by the operator for a predetermined time in the determination step. A control step of controlling display on the display device. 16. A control method for a data processing device for performing a predetermined process based on an input of a manual instruction by an operator and displaying various information on a display device, wherein an external device is set to display the information on the display device. A control method for a data processing device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a request for display information; and a transmitting step of transmitting display information to an external device based on the request received in the receiving step. 17. A control method for a data processing device for performing predetermined processing by a processing unit and displaying various information on a display device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving data from an external device; Limiting the processing by the processing unit based on the data received in the receiving step, and controlling the display device to display information indicating the state of the processing unit based on the data received in the receiving step. A method for controlling a processing device. 18. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling a data processing device that performs predetermined processing based on input of a manual instruction by an operator and displays various information on a display device, A receiving step of receiving data sent from the external device; a determining step of determining whether or not an instruction has been input by an operator for a predetermined period; and an input of the instruction by the operator for a predetermined time in the determining step. A control step of controlling the display device to display information based on the data received in the receiving step when it is determined that the information is not present, in a computer-readable storage medium. 19. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for performing a predetermined process based on an input of a manual instruction by an operator and for controlling a data processing device for displaying various information on a display device, The program has a receiving step of receiving a request for display information set to be displayed on the display device from an external device, and a transmitting step of transmitting display information to the external device based on the request received in the receiving step. A computer-readable storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 20. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling a data processing device that performs predetermined processing by a processing unit and displays various information on a display device, wherein the program is an external device. Receiving the data from the receiving unit; limiting the processing by the processing unit based on the data received in the receiving step; and information indicating the state of the processing unit on the display device based on the data received in the receiving step. And a control step of controlling the display of a computer-readable storage medium.