JP2002297349A - Printer, data managine device, message notification method and message notification program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer for appropriately notifying a user about that printing is impossible in a printer. SOLUTION: The printer records access information (an access source address, an access date, a usage protocol and a user name, etc.), in a database whenever access is performed from a client (S107). When the printer becomes a maintenance state on an error occurs (S109: YES), the user who performs access in the time period, etc., is extracted from the database (S111). A notification method (an E-mail or an instant message, etc.), is specified for every user (S113) and a message that printing is impossible is transmitted to only the extracted user via a network.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a data management apparatus, a message notification method, and a message notification program, and more particularly to a method for appropriately executing printing when it becomes impossible to execute printing on a printing apparatus connected to a network. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a data management apparatus, a message notification method, and a message notification program for notifying a client of a message to that effect.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus (a printer, a multifunction machine of a printer, a facsimile, and a copier, etc.) is connected to a personal computer (PC) or a work station via a network. A client sends a print job to a printing apparatus and prints the print job.

[0003]

It is assumed that a user such as a personal computer transmits a print job to a printing apparatus in such a network environment. At this time, the user rarely checks whether the printing device is ready for printing (except when the printing device is near the user).

For this reason, the user usually knows that the printing apparatus is in a state in which printing cannot be performed (for example, when maintenance is being performed or when an error has occurred) after a job has been transmitted. is there. At this time, if the print job has been developed by the printing device, the user cancels the print job of the printing device and outputs the print job to another printing device again, or waits until the printing device returns. There is a need to. At this time, a printing instruction operation by the user may cause a trouble in a printing apparatus in a network environment used by a plurality of users, or an excessive load on the network.

[0005] Further, if it is attempted to notify all users in the network that printing is not possible, the notification may put a load on the network or notify a user who does not need the information much. is there.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and a printing apparatus, a data management apparatus, and a message notification method capable of accurately notifying a user that printing on a printing apparatus is not possible. And a message notification program.

[0007]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving a signal from a client via a network; A storage unit that obtains access information from a client accessing a printing apparatus and stores the information in a database. When printing cannot be performed, a client is extracted based on the database access information, and a notification method is set for each client. And a notifying unit that is set separately and notifies the extracted client of a message indicating that printing is not possible.

[0008] Preferably, the notification unit is configured to notify a client that satisfies a predetermined condition in the database that the printing has been enabled when the status of the printing has been changed from an impossible status to an enabled status. Notify by

[0009] Preferably, the notification method is determined based on the access information of the database. Preferably, the notification method is determined based on the method by which the client accessed the printing device.

[0010] Preferably, the notification method is an instant message notification. Preferably, the notification method is an e-mail.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a data management device includes: a storage unit that obtains access information of a client accessing a printing device via a network and stores the information in a database; When receiving a notification that the status is correct, the client is extracted from the database based on predetermined conditions, a notification method is separately set for each client, and a notification that a message indicating that printing is not possible is sent to the extracted client. Unit.

[0012] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a message notification method includes a receiving step of receiving a signal from a client via a network, and access information for accessing the printing apparatus by the client based on the received signal. And acquiring a client in a database, and when it becomes impossible to execute printing, extract a client from the database based on predetermined conditions,
A notification step of separately setting a notification method for each client and notifying the extracted client of a message indicating that printing is not possible.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a message notification program includes a receiving step of receiving a signal from a client via a network, and access information indicating that the client has accessed the printing apparatus based on the received signal. A step of acquiring and accumulating it in a database, and when it becomes impossible to execute printing, a client is extracted from the database based on predetermined conditions, a notification method is separately set for each client, and the extracted And a notifying step of notifying the client of a message indicating that printing is not possible.

[0014] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a message notification method includes a step of acquiring access information for a client accessing a printing apparatus via a network and storing the information in a database; Upon receiving the notification that the status is impossible, the client is extracted from the database based on predetermined conditions, the notification method is set separately for each client, and a message indicating that printing is impossible is sent to the extracted client. Notification step.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a message notification program includes a storage step of acquiring access information of a client accessing a printing apparatus via a network and storing the information in a database, and executing printing by the printing apparatus. Upon receiving the notification that the status is impossible, the client is extracted from the database based on predetermined conditions, the notification method is set separately for each client, and a message indicating that printing is impossible is sent to the extracted client. And causing the computer to execute the notification step.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records the above-described message notification program.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment A printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

When the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is in a state where printing cannot be performed due to maintenance or an error state, among the users who have used the printing apparatus, a printing impossible message is notified. An appropriate user (particularly, a user who may transmit a print job during a print disabled state) is extracted. Then, an appropriate notification method (notification by e-mail, notification by instant message, notification by facsimile or telephone, etc.) is selected for the extracted user, and the notification is performed by the selected notification method.

Thus, before transmitting the print job to the printing apparatus, the user can recognize that printing on the printing apparatus is impossible. This allows the user to use an appropriate alternative, such as printing using another printing device. In this manner, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a new trouble in the printing apparatus and reduce the traffic load on the network.

Further, since the message indicating that printing is impossible is sent only to the extracted user, it is possible to prevent unnecessary notification from being given to a person who does not use the printing apparatus. Furthermore, since an appropriate notification method is selected for the user, the efficiency of message notification can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network to which printing apparatuses P1 and P2 are connected according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawing, printing devices P1 and P2 and workstations WS1 to WS3 are connected to a local area network (LAN). The network is connected to the Internet I via a firewall F. It is assumed that the workstation WS4 is connected to the Internet I.

Each of the workstations WS1-W
By transmitting a print job from S4 to the printing devices P1 and P2 via the network, printing using the printing devices P1 and P2 is executed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of one (P) of the printing apparatuses P1 and P2.

Referring to the figure, a printing apparatus P includes a printing engine (a transfer drum or a laser driving device in the case of a laser printer, an ink jet head in the case of an ink jet printer) 103, and a printing engine 103.
An engine interface 101 for driving the
A CPU 107 for controlling the entire apparatus, a ROM (flash ROM) 109 for storing a program, its own IP address, constants, and the like; and a RAM 111 for recording a program and operating as a working area of the program
And interface 1 for connecting to the network
05, an access management / data management / notification management unit 113 (hereinafter simply referred to as a management unit 113) for managing access information of a client that has accessed the printing apparatus, and a hard disk for storing access information and the like. And a database 115 including

The interface 105 transmits and receives data to and from external devices via a LAN, and also transmits and receives data such as telephone, facsimile, and e-mail via a telephone line or the Internet.

The management section 113 is a section for detecting and managing an access made by the user to the printing apparatus. The management unit 113 has three functions of an access management unit, a data management unit, and a notification management unit. The data management unit stores the information obtained by the access management unit in the database 115.
And retrieves necessary data from the database 115. That is, the data management unit takes over the management of the database 115. The notification management unit is a part that notifies the user of the status of the printing apparatus.

When the user accesses the printing apparatus by setting the print driver of the workstation or transmitting a job to the printing apparatus, the management apparatus 113 detects that the printing apparatus has been accessed. . Then, information related to access (access source address, access date and time, protocol used, user name, data amount, frequency (number of times) of use of the printing apparatus by the user, setting of printing options, etc.) is stored in the database 115. To go. If necessary, the management unit 113 utilizes an external database via the interface 105 to obtain appropriate information (for example, obtain a domain name from an IP address using a DNS (Domain Name System)).

When the printing apparatus is in a state where printing cannot be performed due to maintenance or an error, a user suitable for notifying the state of the printing apparatus is extracted from the database 115. Then, an appropriate notification method is selected for each user, and a notification that the printing apparatus cannot process is notified.

FIG. 3 shows workstations WS1 to WS1.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of one of the four units.

Referring to the figure, a workstation includes a CPU 601 for controlling the entire apparatus, and a display 6.
05 and a LAN (local area network) card 6 for connecting to a network and communicating with the outside.
07 (or a modem card), an input device 609 including a keyboard and a mouse, a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 611, a CD-ROM drive 613, a hard disk drive 615, an RA
M617 and ROM 619 are provided.

A program for driving a CPU (computer) of a workstation or a printing apparatus as described in the present embodiment can be recorded on a recording medium such as a floppy disk F or a CD-ROM 613a. This program is sent from the recording medium to a RAM in a workstation or a printing apparatus or another recording medium and recorded. The program may be recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card and provided to the user. Further, such a program may be downloaded to a workstation or a printing apparatus from an external site or the like via the Internet and executed.

FIG. 4 shows the workstations WS1, WS
2 is a diagram for describing a method of transmitting a print job from WS4 to printing devices P1 and P2.

Referring to the figure, first, it is possible to send a print job directly from the workstation WS1 to the printing device P1 via the network. Second, a print job can be sent from the workstation WS2 to the printing device P2 via a mail server (here, the workstation WS3 is assumed to be a mail server) in a form attached to a mail.

Third, it is possible to send a print job from the workstation WS4 outside the LAN to the printing devices P1 and P2 via the Internet I and the firewall F.

FIG. 5 shows a database 115 of the printing apparatus P.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an access information table 1 recorded in (see FIG. 2).

Referring to the figure, each time the workstation accesses the printing apparatus P, the management unit 113 accesses the database 115 to the access source address, the access date and time, the protocol used, and the user name of the workstation that accessed the database 115. , Data amount, print option setting information (use options), and access method (whether the print job was sent directly, sent via a mail server, or sent from outside via the Internet) . It is recorded for each.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the access information table 2 recorded in the database 115. Referring to the figure, information calculated by CPU 107 based on the table shown in FIG. 5 is recorded in this table.
Specifically, an access source address, an access time zone, a used protocol, a user name, an average data amount, a use frequency (access count), a use option, and an access method are recorded for each workstation.

For example, the access time zone is recorded from what time until what time the print job was sent via the workstation, and conversely, from what time to what time there is no access. As the average data amount, an averaged data amount is recorded based on the data amount recorded at each access in FIG. As the usage frequency, the number of accesses during a certain period (or the access frequency, etc.) is recorded.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a table of a method of notifying a print impossible message recorded in the database 115. This is created by the printing apparatus from the tables of FIGS. In this table, a message notification method when printing becomes impossible is recorded for each workstation. As the message notification method, for example, methods such as (1) instant message, (2) electronic mail, (3) telephone, (4) facsimile, and the like can be recorded. Here, a message is sent to a message transmitting / receiving software resident in the workstation for a workstation whose notification method is an instant message. As a result, the screen of the workstation immediately displays that the printing device has become unprintable. Thus, it is possible to promptly notify the user that printing is not possible.

A notification indicating that printing is not possible (notification by e-mail) is sent to the workstation whose notification method is e-mail via a mail server. This allows the user to be notified that printing is not possible, although not as quickly as an instant message.

A user who has selected a telephone as the notification method is notified using a voice message via a telephone line (not shown) or an Internet telephone. For a user who has selected facsimile as the notification method, a notification using facsimile data (this may be a notification to a normal facsimile apparatus using a telephone line or a notification to FAX software of a workstation) may be made. It is.

Various methods can be considered as a method of selecting the notification method. For example, it is necessary to promptly notify a user who frequently uses a printing apparatus that printing is not possible, so that a notification method using an instant message (or telephone) may be selected.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the processing of a program executed in the printing apparatus.

Referring to the figure, in step S101, initialization after power-on is performed. Then, step S
In step 103, the process waits until a print job is received.

After the user creates sentences and illustrations using the application on the workstation, the user
Send the print job to the printing device. If the printing apparatus determines that the print job has been received in step S103, the printing apparatus accepts the job in step S105 and prints the job. At the same time, step S107
Then, the contents of the access information of FIG. 5 are recorded and calculated, and the contents of FIG. 6 are obtained and recorded in the database.

In step S109, it is determined whether a maintenance state or an error has occurred in the printing apparatus. If NO, the process returns to step S103 to wait for a print job.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S109 that a maintenance state or an error has occurred, the database is searched in step S111, and a user to be notified of a message indicating that printing is not possible is specified (extracted).
Is performed. Thereafter, in step S113, a preferable notification method is specified (selected) for each user to be notified.

Next, in step S115, the extracted user is notified that the printing apparatus cannot be processed using the selected notification method.

In step S117, it is determined whether or not the printing apparatus has returned to a processable state. If YES, in step S119, the method of notifying the user that the processing is not possible is performed. In the same manner, the user is notified that the printing device has returned.

When the user to be notified is extracted in step S111 described above, for example, the following criteria can be used.

(1) A user who has used the printing apparatus in the past (2) A user belonging to a specific address (3) In a certain time zone (for example, the current time zone in which printing is disabled), (4) A user who has transmitted a print job within a predetermined time in the past from the time when printing became impossible (5) A user who has transmitted a print job using a specific protocol (6) A user belonging to a specific group (this is determined by, for example, a user name or an address) (7) A user who has transmitted a certain amount of data or more (since it is troublesome to transmit again) (8) (9) Frequently used users (9) Users who have used certain print setting options (10) Users who meet the above conditions in combination (E.g., a user who has used a printing device with a specific protocol within a certain period of time) and the extraction conditions based on the cause of non-printability (during maintenance, errors, only certain options failed, etc.) You may make it change.

The notification method in step S113 is determined, for example, under the following conditions.

(1) When the user sends a print job via another server such as an e-mail, the non-printable message is also sent via the other server using an e-mail or the like. On the other hand, if the user sends a print job from the workstation directly to the printing device,
Send a message (instant message) to an address on the protocol.

(2) A message is transmitted directly to an address on the protocol in order to promptly notify a user who has performed printing a predetermined time before the point in time when the processing is disabled. For other users, messages are sent to individuals via other servers such as e-mail.

(3) A message is transmitted to a user who has transmitted a job to the printing apparatus from the Internet or the like (for example, outside the company) through a firewall by using e-mail, telephone, facsimile, or the like. On the other hand, LA
An instant message is sent to a workstation connected to N (for example, a workstation in a company).

(4) When the printing process is disabled, an instant message is transmitted to the user who regularly uses the printing apparatus during the time period.

(5) A user who attempts to acquire status information of the printing apparatus within a certain time (a user who accesses within a certain time) is notified by an instant message in order to promptly notify the user.

By switching the notification method as described above (including the switching of the protocol), a message can be quickly transmitted to a user who needs to notify quickly, and a user who does not need to be notified can be quickly transmitted. Can notify the user using e-mail or the like without interrupting the work performed by the user.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network employing a notification unit U according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the figure, the same printing apparatus as that of the prior art is used as printing apparatus P2 in the present network. However, in the present embodiment, since the printing apparatus P2 does not have a network interface, it is connected to the network via the notification unit U.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the notification unit U. Referring to the figure, the notification unit U includes an access management / data management / notification management unit (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “management unit”) 201 and a database 203 such as a hard disk for storing access information and the like. I have. The management unit 201 and the database 203 substantially correspond to the management unit 113 and the database 1 in FIG.
The same operation as 15 is performed. That is, the computer in the management unit 201 executes the program shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

In the present embodiment, the notification unit U exists between the workstation and the printing device P2, and the communication between the workstation and the printing device P2 is always performed via the notification unit U. . As a result, the notification unit U easily manages access to the printing apparatus P2 and stores the access information in the database 20.
3 can be stored.

The notification unit U periodically acquires status information of the printing apparatus P2. As this acquisition method, a notification (SNMP Trap or the like) from the printing apparatus may be obtained, or the notification unit U periodically polls status information (for example, polls the MIB value of the printing apparatus by SNMP). May be performed.

As described above, in this embodiment, a message can be appropriately transmitted to the user when printing is not possible, as in the first embodiment, while using a conventional printing apparatus.

[Third Embodiment] The configuration of a network to which a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention is connected is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the printing apparatus P and the workstation WS3 in the present embodiment.

Referring to the figure, the printing apparatus P in the present embodiment includes a management unit 117 that performs only access management and data management. Other configurations are the same as those of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The workstation WS3 that manages the printing apparatus is a management unit 301 that manages access data and manages notification of messages.
And a database 303 for storing access information.

In this embodiment, the data management unit and the notification management unit are constructed in the workstation WS3 independently of the printing device P. The printing device is the management unit 11
7 to manage access from the workstation and access data. The access data is stored in the database 115 as in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, the management unit 301 in the workstation WS3 independent of the printing device P exchanges data stored in the database 115 with the management unit 117 of the printing device P, Get status information. Further, it acquires the data of the access information tables 1 and 2 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) in the database 115 and stores the data in the database 303 in the workstation WS3. Further, the management unit 301 accumulates a print impossible message notification method table (see FIG. 7) in the database 303 based on the information in the database 303.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the printing operation of the printing apparatus is detected in the workstation WS3, the workstation and the notification method to be notified are specified in the workstation WS3. A notification of a print disabled state is given. By doing so, the same processing as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be performed in this embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, a workstation is used as an example of a client.
A mobile gear, a scanner, or the like can be used. Further, as a printing apparatus, a printer, a copier, a facsimile, a multifunction machine thereof, and the like can be considered as long as they have a printing function.

In addition to the method described in the above-described embodiment, conditions for extracting a partner who is to be notified of a message indicating that printing is not possible include the access time, access count, and access method (procedure) of the client. , Protocol, etc.), information identifying the client (address,
Elements such as a user name), data amount of communication, and option setting information at the time of printing can be used alone or in appropriate combination. These elements can be used alone or in appropriate combination as conditions for determining the notification method.

Further, in the above embodiment, the notification method is automatically selected for each user to be notified, but the user may be allowed to select the notification method. In this case, the user accesses the printing apparatus from the client (for example, the workstation WS1) and inputs the notification method directly to the database 115, whereby the notification method desired by the user is recorded in the table of FIG. Become.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network to which a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is connected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a workstation.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a method for transmitting a print job in the network of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an access information table 1 recorded in a database.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an access information table 2 recorded in a database.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a non-printable message notification method table recorded in a database.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a program executed by a CPU of the printing apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart following FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network to which a notification unit U according to the second embodiment of the present invention is connected.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a notification unit U.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus P and a workstation WS3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

107 CPU, 113 management unit, 115, 203, 3
03 database, 117, 201, 301 management unit, P, P1, P2 printing device, WS, WS1 to WS4
Workstation (client), F firewall, I Internet.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP07 AQ05 AQ06 HJ08 HK23 HQ12 HV02 HV32 HV35 HV53 5B021 AA01 BB10 CC06 NN16 NN19 NN21 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA35 AB38 AB42 AC22 AC34 AC58 AF00 AF01

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A receiving unit that receives a signal from a client via a network, and a storing unit that obtains access information for accessing the printing apparatus by the client based on the received signal and stores the information in a database. When printing becomes impossible, the client is extracted based on the access information of the database, a notification method is separately set for each client, and a message indicating that printing is impossible is sent to the extracted client. A printing apparatus comprising: a notifying unit for notifying. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when the printing is changed from a state in which the printing cannot be performed to a state in which the printing can be performed, the notifying unit notifies the client that the predetermined condition in the database can be printed. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the notification is performed by a set notification method. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification method is determined based on access information of the database. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the notification method is determined based on a method in which the client accesses the printing apparatus.
3. The printing device according to any one of 3. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification method is an instant message notification. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification method is an electronic mail. 7. A storage means for acquiring access information of a client accessing a printing apparatus via a network and storing the information in a database; and receiving a notification indicating that the printing apparatus cannot execute printing. A data management apparatus comprising: a client that extracts a client from a database based on a predetermined condition, separately sets a notification method for each client, and notifies the extracted client of a message indicating that printing is not possible. . 8. A receiving step of receiving a signal from a client via a network; a storing step of obtaining access information for accessing the printing apparatus by the client based on the received signal and storing the information in a database. When it becomes impossible to execute printing, a client is extracted from the database based on predetermined conditions, a notification method is separately set for each client, and a message to the extracted client indicating that printing is impossible is made. And a notifying step of notifying a message. 9. A receiving step of receiving a signal from a client via a network; a storing step of obtaining access information for accessing the printing apparatus by the client based on the received signal and storing the information in a database. When it becomes impossible to execute printing, a client is extracted from the database based on predetermined conditions, a notification method is separately set for each client, and a message to the extracted client indicating that printing is impossible is made. And causing the computer to execute a notification step of notifying
Message notification program. 10. The notifying step includes, when the printing is changed from an impossible state to a possible state, to the client that satisfies a predetermined condition in the database. The message notification program according to claim 9, wherein the notification is performed by the notified notification method. 11. The message notification program according to claim 9, wherein the notification method is determined based on information in the database. 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the notification method is determined based on a method in which the client accesses the printing device.
12. The message notification program according to any one of items 1 to 11. 13. The message notification program according to claim 9, wherein the notification method is an instant message notification. 14. The notification method is an electronic mail,
The message notification program according to claim 9. 15. A storage step of acquiring access information from a client accessing a printing apparatus via a network and storing the information in a database; and receiving a notification that printing of the printing apparatus is not possible. A notification step of extracting a client from the database based on a predetermined condition, separately setting a notification method for each client, and notifying the extracted client of a message indicating that printing is not possible. . 16. A storage step of acquiring access information of a client accessing a printing apparatus via a network and storing the information in a database; and receiving a notification that the printing of the printing apparatus is in an impossible state. Extracting a client from the database based on a predetermined condition, separately setting a notification method for each client, and notifying the extracted client of a message indicating that printing is not possible to the extracted client. , Message notification program. 17. A recording medium on which the message notification program according to claim 9 is recorded.