JP2004260515A - Business machine, control method and program for business machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To access a user interface of an MFP from a personal computer switch a normal JOB mode and a service JOB mode. <P>SOLUTION: When a general user 2 accesses the user interface 1a of a USB communication channel by using a PC 2b and transmits a PDL to the MFP 1, the MFP 1 interprets the command P of a PJL included in the header part of the PDL and switches a communication interface to a printing JOB mode. Thus, the general user 2 can make the MFP 1 perform a desired printing processing by the PC 2. When a service person 3 accesses the user interface 1a of the USB communication channel by using the PC 3b and transmits the PDL to the MFP 1, the MFP 1 interprets the command S of the PJL included in the PDL and switches the communication interface to an FSMS mode. Thus, the service person 3 makes the MFP 1 perform desired maintenance by the PC 3b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an office equipment having a plurality of job mode application switching functions. More specifically, the present invention relates to an office equipment capable of switching between a plurality of job mode applications in a common language, and an office equipment having the same. The present invention relates to a control method and a control program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, office equipment such as a printer, a scanner, or a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as MFP: Multi-Function Peripheral) is a normal job mode for performing normal processing of the MFP itself, and a service job mode for performing maintenance service and the like. And a plurality of JOB mode application switching functions such as JOB mode. For example, in the case of a printer, at least an application in a print job mode, which is a normal job mode for performing normal print processing, and an FSMS (F-Secure Management Server), which is a service job mode for performing service processing such as self-diagnosis and maintenance service. : Management server) It has a function to switch between applications in the mode. As described above, in the MFP having a plurality of job mode switching functions, when switching from the normal job mode to the service job mode, the power of the MFP body is turned on and the key panel is operated to set the predetermined service job mode. Has been launched. Note that the operation in the normal JOB mode is performed by the user himself, but the operation in the service JOB mode is generally performed by a service person or the like.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when switching from the normal JOB mode to the service JOB mode in the conventional MFP, it is necessary to go to the installation location of the MFP and perform the power ON / OFF operation each time to start a predetermined service JOB mode. Operability during diagnosis and maintenance of the MFP is extremely poor. Further, when the user performs an operation in the service JOB mode while performing an operation in the normal JOB mode such as a print JOB, the MFP is inconvenient to use, for example, the print job being operated must be temporarily stopped. Note that there is a system in which the job mode of the MFP can be switched by a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer). However, when the service job mode is executed, the user must go to the installation location of the MFP and perform a predetermined operation. For example, the inconvenience of using the MFP has not been solved.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object the ability to switch between a normal job mode and a service job mode simply by accessing a user interface from a personal computer side without performing operations on the MFP side. It is an object of the present invention to provide a switchable office equipment, an office equipment control method, and an office equipment control program.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, an office equipment according to the present invention is provided in an office equipment having a plurality of job switching application switching functions based on a print job language parameter included in print data received via a communication line. A desired job mode is selected from the plurality of job modes to switch applications.
[0006]
Further, the office equipment of the present invention includes a user interface for receiving print data via a communication line, and a plurality of user interfaces included in the user interface based on parameters of a print job language included in the print data received by the user interface. Communication interface selecting means for selecting at least one communication interface from among the communication interfaces. Further, there is provided a job mode executing means for selecting and executing at least one job mode from the plurality of job modes based on the selection of the communication interface by the communication interface selecting means.
[0007]
Here, the plurality of job modes include at least a print job mode for executing a printing process and a service job mode for executing at least one of a maintenance service and a program update, and the job mode execution unit includes the communication interface. When the selection means selects a print mode interface as the communication interface and establishes a communication mode, the print job mode is executed, and the communication interface selection means selects a service mode interface as the communication interface and sets the communication mode. When established, the service job mode is executed.
[0008]
Further, the communication interface selection means selects a plurality of communication interfaces in parallel, and the JOB mode execution means, based on a plurality of communication modes established by the plurality of communication interfaces selected by the communication interface selection means, A plurality of job modes can be executed by multi-processing.
Further, the present invention relates to a method for controlling an office equipment having a function of executing a plurality of job modes, wherein the office equipment receives print data via a communication line, and a print job language included in the received print data. Selecting at least one communication interface based on the parameters of: and executing at least one JOB mode based on the communication mode established by the selected communication interface, the control program of the present invention comprises: This method causes a computer to execute the method.
[0009]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the office equipment of this invention, it is common to office equipment using the parameter of the print JOB language (henceforth PJL: PrintJobLanguage) contained in print data (henceforth PDL: Page Description Language: page description language). By accessing a simple user interface, a desired job mode can be selected from a plurality of job modes by a command described in the PJL. Accordingly, even if the user does not operate the office equipment every time, if the user accesses the user interface of the office equipment from the PC side, the user can select an arbitrary JOB mode from a plurality of JOB modes and execute a desired process. it can.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an MFP according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in the following embodiment, a printer will be described as an example of an MFP to facilitate understanding.
Normally, a printer has a function that can execute a print job mode in which a user himself performs print processing, a service job mode (FSMS mode) in which a serviceman performs diagnosis and maintenance of the printer, and other job modes. . In addition, a printer having a plurality of communication protocols can switch communication modes of a print JOB mode, a service JOB mode, and other JOB mode applications by switching communication interfaces.
[0011]
Therefore, in the present invention, a description is made in PJL by accessing a user interface common to printers using parameters of a print job language (hereinafter, PJL) included in print data (hereinafter, PDL). The communication interface of the print job mode, service job mode, and other job modes can be appropriately switched by a desired command. In this way, in the MFP (that is, the printer) of the present invention, a plurality of job modes can be switched by a command in PJL, which is a common language, thereby improving the expandability of the user interface. Also, by accessing the user interface from the PC using the PJL parameters included in the PDL, the communication mode of a plurality of JOB modes can be arbitrarily switched, so that a special operation such as turning on / off the power on the MFP can be performed. It is possible to remotely switch the job mode only by operating the PC without performing the operation. Therefore, the job of switching the job mode becomes extremely simple, and the usability on the user side is further improved.
[0012]
More specifically, since the print job normally has print data called PDL and the language PJL exists in the header portion, it is necessary to access the user interface of the MFP (printer) using the parameters of the PJL. Accordingly, the communication mode can be switched to each of the communication interfaces of the print JOB mode, the service JOB mode (FSMS mode), and other JOB modes. That is, when the PC selects a predetermined button when accessing the user interface of the printer, the PDL is transmitted to the printer side. Therefore, the printer reads the command described in the PJL in the PDL and executes the print job mode. The communication mode is switched between the service JOB mode and the other JOB modes.
[0013]
In the following embodiments, for ease of explanation, a case will be described in which a printer, which is an MFP, switches between a print job mode and an FSMS mode, which is a service job mode. The print job mode is a job mode for performing a normal print process, while the FSMS mode is a job mode for a service person or the like to perform maintenance or firmware update, and is not provided to a general user. It is a job mode that does not make you conscious. Hereinafter, a general user accesses the user interface of the MFP (printer) by using the PC and switches to the communication interface of the print job mode, or a service person accesses the user interface of the MFP (printer) by using the PC and switches to the communication interface of the FSMS mode. The case of switching will be described.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a system conceptual diagram showing a state in which a general user and a service person access an MFP using respective PCs in the present invention. In FIG. 1, a PC 2a, 2b, 2c of a general user 2 and PCs 3a, 3b, 3c of a serviceman 3 are connected to a user interface 1a of an MFP (that is, a printer) by a network or a communication line of USB or P (parallel) 1284. It is connected. The user interface 1a of the network communication line is a network interface, the user interface 1a of the USB communication line is a USB interface, and the user interface 1a of the P1284 communication line is a P1284 interface. Since these are not directly related to each other, they are grouped here as one user interface 1a for convenience.
[0015]
In FIG. 1, for example, when a general user 2 accesses a user interface 1a of a USB communication line using a PC 2b and transmits a PDL to the MFP 1, the MFP 1 interprets a PJL command included in a header portion of the PDL. The communication interface is switched to the print job mode communication mode. Thus, the general user 2 can cause the MFP 1 to execute a desired print process by using the PC 2b. Next, when the serviceman 3 accesses the user interface 1a of the USB communication line by using the PC 3b and transmits the PDL to the MFP 1, the MFP 1 interprets the PJL command included in the header portion of the PDL and sets the communication interface. Switch to the communication mode of the FSMS mode. By switching the MFP 1 to the FSMS mode in this way, the serviceman 3 can cause the MFP 1 to execute a predetermined service process using the PC 3b. For example, as a predetermined service process, service maintenance of the MFP can be performed, or when the firmware of the MFP is upgraded or a function is added, the firmware can be updated.
[0016]
The PCs 2a and 2c of the general user 2 and the PCs 3a and 3c of the service person connected to the network communication line or the P1284 communication line also access the user interface 1a of the MFP 1 to access the PJL included in the PDL. It goes without saying that the print job mode and the FSMS mode can be switched by a command.
[0017]
Normally, when switching from the print job mode to the FSMS mode, a switching notification button (not shown) is pressed after the switching-dedicated client software is activated on the PC 3b side of the serviceman 3. By pressing this switching notification button, the PDL is transmitted from the PC 3b to the MFP 1. As a result, the MFP 1 checks the parameters of the PJL (for example, @PJL COMMENT DSSC PRINT PRINTMODE =) described in the header portion of the received PDL, and if the switching command to the FSMS mode is described in the parameters. The MFP 1 is switched to the FSMS mode. At this time, the MFP 1 waits until printing is completed for a print job that has already been printed, and then switches to the FSMS mode. Further, after switching to the FSMS mode, a display such as “under maintenance” is displayed on the panel of the MFP 1 itself and the Web display unit, so that the user can recognize the display.
[0018]
Further, when the PC 2b of the general user 2 requests the print processing during the execution of the service processing in the FSMS mode, the MFP 1 enables only the reception of the corresponding print job, and when the FSMS mode ends, the print job is completed. Switch to. Further, when switching from the FSMS mode to the print job mode, client software dedicated to switching is used as in the case of switching from the print job mode to the FSMS mode, and the print job mode switching button is pressed on the PC 2b side of the general user 2. Accordingly, the MFP 1 checks the PJL included in the PDL, and returns to the print job mode based on the PJL command.
[0019]
2A and 2B show an example of a screen displayed on the personal computer when the MFP is switched to the FSMS mode. FIG. 2A shows a screen for a communication mode switching dedicated driver, FIG. 2B shows a first window screen after the communication mode is switched, (C) is a second window screen following the first window screen. When the PC 3b of the serviceman 3 shown in FIG. 1 specifies and selects the service job mode of “FSMS mode” in the communication mode selection as shown in FIG. 2A, the mode description of “FSMS mode” is made. "This is the mode for acquiring program updates and machine status." When the operator of the PC 3b confirms the information and presses the “execute” button, the switching instruction information to the “FSMS mode” is transmitted from the PC 3b to the MFP 1 as a PJL command included in the PDL. Thereby, the MFP 1 determines the PJL command included in the received PDL and switches to the FSMS mode.
[0020]
As a result, the first window screen after switching the communication mode to the "FSMS mode" is displayed on the screen of the PC 3b of the serviceman 3, as shown in FIG. 2B. On this screen, when "Program Update" is selected as the service mode selection, "Program Update" is displayed as the service mode. Here, when the service engineer presses the "execute" button, the screen of the PC 3b of the service engineer 3 displays the second window after switching the communication mode to the "FSMS mode" as shown in FIG. The screen is displayed. On this screen, when, for example, “VB90” is selected as the program information selection, a system firmware “SySFW, 0” is displayed as an update program. When the serviceman 3 confirms the information and presses the “rewrite” button, the system firmware information “SysFW.0” is transmitted from the PC 3b of the serviceman 3 to the MFP 1. Therefore, the firmware of MFP 1 is rewritten to the latest version of “SySFW, 0”.
[0021]
3A and 3B are examples of a screen displayed on the personal computer when the MFP is switched to the print mode. FIG. 3A illustrates a screen of a driver dedicated to communication mode switching, and FIG. 3B illustrates a screen of the connected printer when the MFP is switched to the print mode. It is a property window screen. When the MFP is switched to the print mode, the PC 2b of the general user 2 shown in FIG. 1 specifies and selects the "print mode" in the communication mode selection as shown in FIG. "Print / PC-FAX etc." is displayed. When the operator of the PC 2b confirms the information and presses the “execute” button, switching instruction information to “print mode” is transmitted from the PC 2b to the MFP 1 as a PJL command included in the PDL. As a result, the MFP 1 switches to the print mode by seeing the PJL command included in the received PDL. When the switching instruction information for switching to the “print mode” is transmitted from the PC 2b to the MFP 1 in this way, as shown in FIG. 3B, the properties of the currently connected printer are displayed on the screen of the PC 2b. Therefore, if the operator confirms the information of the currently connected printer and presses “OK”, the MFP 1 executes a desired print process.
[0022]
Next, the system configuration of the software of the MFP that switches the job mode as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system configuration realized by software of the MFP. In FIG. 4, all interfaces are displayed as I / F. In FIG. 4, a software system of the MFP includes a user I / F 11 that receives print data from a PC 15 via a communication line, and a PJL (print job language) included in a PDL (print data) received by the user I / F 11. A communication I / F selector 12 for selecting a desired communication interface from a number of communication interfaces included in the user I / F 11 based on parameters; a mode program 13 having a function of realizing each JOB mode; A job mode execution unit for executing a desired job mode selected from the mode program 13 based on the communication mode established by the communication interface selected by the / F selection unit 12.
[0023]
The mode program 13 includes a print mode 13a for performing a print job, a facsimile mode 13b for performing a fax job, a first service mode 13c for performing a core part program update, a second service mode 13d for checking a machine status of the MFP, and A third service mode 13e for performing a program update of a portion outside the core. Further, the user I / F 11 includes a print mode I / F 11a, a FAX mode I / F 11b, a first service mode I / F 11c, and a second service mode I, which are communication interfaces corresponding to each JOB mode in the mode program 13. / F11d and a third service mode I / F11e.
[0024]
Next, the operation of software in the system configuration of the MFP shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In the normal job mode, the communication I / F selector 12 selects the print mode I / F 11a or the FAX mode I / F 11b according to the PJL parameters included in the PDL transmitted from the PC 15 to the user I / F 11. Thereby, the job mode execution unit 14 executes the job of the print mode 13a or the fax mode 13b in the mode program 13 based on the selected communication mode.
[0025]
When a PJL parameter for executing the FSMS mode is transmitted from the PC 15 to the user I / F 11, if the PJL parameter is a command for executing the first service mode 13c, the communication I / F is selected. The unit 12 selects only the first service mode I / F 11c and shuts off all other communication interfaces. As a result, the job mode execution unit 14 executes only the job of the first service mode 13c in the mode program 13 to update the program of the core part, but the job of another mode such as the print mode 13a. Stop all. Note that, in this case, the first service mode 13c is started by stopping the printing process or the like at a time when a break such as the printing process is good.
[0026]
When a PJL parameter for executing the FSMS mode is transmitted from the PC 15 to the user I / F 11, the PJL parameter is a command for executing one or both of the second service mode 13d and the third service mode 13e. In some cases, the communication I / F selector 12 selects one or both of the second service mode I / F 11d and the third service mode I / F 11e. At this time, if a job in the print mode 13a or the FAX mode 13b has already been executed, the print mode I / F 11a and the FAX mode I / F 11b are continuously connected. Accordingly, the job mode execution unit 14 checks the machine status of the MFP by the job in the second service mode 13d while executing the job in the print mode 13a or the fax mode 13b in the mode program 13, The JOB in the service mode 13e can execute the update of the program outside the core. Of course, at this time, these service mode processes are executed without the user executing the printing process or the FAX process using the MFP being conscious.
[0027]
Next, the flow of switching processing between the print JOB mode, which is the normal JOB mode, and the service JOB mode will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for switching the communication mode to the service JOB mode during the execution of the print JOB mode. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for returning the communication mode to the print job mode during the execution of the service job mode.
[0028]
In FIG. 5, when the print job mode is being executed in the MFP (step S1), the client PC determines whether or not the job application needs to be switched (step S2). At this time, if it is not necessary to switch the job application (NO in step S2), the client PC causes the MFP to perform normal printing, test printing, and other normal printing processing (step S3). If it is necessary to switch the job application in step S2 (YES in step S2), the client PC opens client software dedicated to switching (step S4).
[0029]
Further, the switching button for the FSMS mode which is the service JOB mode is pressed on the client PC side (step S5). As a result, the print data (PDL) is transmitted from the client PC to the MFP, so that the MFP searches the PDL for the PJL for switching the job application (step S6). Further, the MFP checks the currently accepted JOB mode other than the FSMS mode (step S7). Then, the functions of all the job modes other than the service job mode (that is, the FSMS mode) are stopped (step S8). Further, the MFP returns a response to the effect that the service JOB mode (FSMS mode) is executed to the client PC, and executes a predetermined service process (step S9).
[0030]
In FIG. 6, when the MFP is executing the service JOB mode (step S11), the client PC determines whether or not the service JOB mode has ended (step S2). At this time, if the service JOB mode has not been finished (NO in step S12), the client PC causes the MFP to continue work such as service maintenance (step S13). If the service JOB mode has been completed in step S12 (YES in step S12), the client PC opens switching-dedicated client software (step S14).
[0031]
Further, the client PC presses a button for switching to the print job mode (step S15). As a result, the print data (PDL) is transmitted from the client PC to the MFP, so that the MFP searches the PDL for the PJL for switching the job application (step S16). Then, the MFP is switched to the print job mode by the PJL command (step S17). Accordingly, the client PC causes the MFP to perform normal printing, test printing, and other normal printing processes (step S18).
[0032]
In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the print job mode and the service job mode (FSMS mode) are alternately switched. However, since the MFP of the present invention has a multi-job function, for example, the print job mode The service process can be performed in the FSMS mode during the execution of the print process by. At this time, when the general user 2 is executing the printing process, the service process in the FSMS mode is executed without noticing, so that the general user may not feel discomfort of the JOB interrupt during use. Absent.
[0033]
The embodiment described above is an example for describing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. In the above-described embodiment, a case where a printer is used as the MFP has been described. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to a printer, but may be applied to any office equipment such as a facsimile or other multifunction peripherals.
[0034]
Note that the control program in the present embodiment is usually stored in the ROM of the MFP. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The same function may be downloaded from a network via an interface, or the same function may be stored on a recording medium. What is stored may be installed in the system. As a recording medium at this time, a computer-readable recording medium capable of storing a program, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (such as an MO), or a semiconductor memory. If so, the form may be any form. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention is applied to the program itself recorded on the recording medium as described above.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a personal computer accesses a common user interface for office equipment in a common language, and executes a plurality of job modes, for example, a print job mode and a service job mode, in a similar operation procedure. be able to. In other words, since the service job can be executed in the same environment as when the print job is executed, when a service person or the like performs service maintenance or firmware update, it is not necessary to go to the office equipment every time. A desired service process can be executed by starting a predetermined service JOB mode from the personal computer side. Also, a service person or the like can switch to the desired service JOB mode from the personal computer side and execute the service processing without worrying about the usage state of the printing processing and the facsimile processing performed by the general user. There is no possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable while using office equipment.
[0036]
Further, since the office equipment of the present invention can also have a multi-job function, the service job can be executed during execution of the print job without affecting the print job being operated by a general user. At this time, it is possible to switch to the service JOB mode and perform service maintenance or the like without the general user noticing, so that a comfortable use environment can be provided to the general user even during the maintenance.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system conceptual diagram showing a state in which a general user and a service person access an MFP using respective PCs in the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an example of a screen displayed on a personal computer when the MFP is switched to an FSMS mode, where (a) is a screen for a driver dedicated to communication mode switching, (b) is a first window screen after switching the communication mode, (C) is a second window screen following the first window screen.
FIG. 3 is an example of a screen displayed on a personal computer when the MFP is switched to a print mode, in which (a) is a screen of a communication mode switching dedicated driver, and (b) is a screen of a connected printer when the printer is switched to the print mode. It is a property window screen.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system configuration realized by software of the MFP.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing for switching a communication mode to a service JOB mode during execution of a print JOB mode.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of returning a communication mode to a print job mode during execution of a service job mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 MFP (printer), 1a user interface, 2 general users, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c, 15 PC, 3 service person, 11 user I / F, 11a print mode I / F, 11b fax mode I / F, 11c first service mode I / F, 11d second service mode I / F, 11e third service mode I / F, 12 communication I / F selector, 13 mode program, 13a print mode, 13b FAX mode, 13c 1st service mode, 13d 2nd service mode, 13e 3rd service mode, 14 JOB mode execution part.

Claims (7)

In office equipment equipped with multiple job mode application switching functions,
An office machine, wherein a desired job mode is selected from the plurality of job modes based on a print job language parameter included in print data received via a communication line, and an application is switched. In an office machine having a function of executing a plurality of job modes,
A user interface for receiving print data via a communication line;
Communication interface selecting means for selecting at least one communication interface from a plurality of communication interfaces included in the user interface based on a print job language parameter included in the print data received by the user interface;
Office equipment characterized by comprising: 3. The office equipment according to claim 2, further comprising JOB mode executing means for selecting and executing at least one JOB mode from the plurality of JOB modes based on the selection of the communication interface by the communication interface selecting means. . The plurality of job modes include at least a print job mode for executing a print process and a service job mode for executing at least one of a maintenance service and a program update.
The job mode execution means executes the print job mode when the communication interface selection means selects a print mode interface as the communication interface and establishes a communication mode, and the communication interface selection means sets the communication interface as the communication interface. 4. The office equipment according to claim 3, wherein the service job mode is executed when a communication mode is established by selecting a service mode interface. The communication interface selecting means selects a plurality of communication interfaces in parallel,
4. The job mode execution unit according to claim 3, wherein the job mode execution unit executes a plurality of job modes by multi-processing based on a plurality of communication modes established by the plurality of communication interfaces selected by the communication interface selection unit. Office equipment. In a control method of office equipment having a function of executing a plurality of job modes,
The office equipment receives print data via a communication line,
Selecting at least one communication interface based on a print job language parameter included in the received print data;
Executing at least one JOB mode based on the communication mode established by the selected communication interface;
A method for controlling office equipment, comprising: In an office equipment having a function of executing a plurality of JOB modes, in a control program of the office equipment which causes a computer to select a desired JOB mode and execute the same
The office equipment receives print data via a communication line,
Selecting at least one communication interface from the plurality of communication interfaces based on a print job language parameter included in the received print data;
Executing at least one JOB mode from a plurality of JOB modes based on the communication mode established by the selected communication interface;
Control program for office equipment that causes a computer to execute

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