JP2005011018A - Image forming apparatus, mail incoming confirmation method and reception mail processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent useless retransmission mail, and to prevent the delay of the processing execution of an instruction mail in an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: Even when a power source is in an OFF status, a power source control part 26 controls a power source unit 15 in each predetermined time to turn on the power source of an image forming apparatus. When the image forming device is started, the incoming confirmation of a new incoming mail is executed by a main body control part 21, and when an instruction mail is received from a host server 50 by a communicating part 23, whether or not the instantaneous execution of processing instructed by the instruction mail is possible is discriminated from the mail attributes of the instruction mail and the operating status of the image forming device. When the instantaneous execution is possible, the processing of the instruction mail is instantaneously executed, and a reply mail to notify the end of the processing is transmitted to the host server 50, and when the instantaneous execution is impossible, a reply mail to notify the result is transmitted to the host server 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, a printer, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine that performs print output based on image data, a mail arrival confirmation method and a received mail processing method in the image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when maintenance of an image forming apparatus is performed, an electronic mail (hereinafter simply referred to as mail) in which various instruction commands such as an instruction to rewrite various setting information and an instruction to upgrade a control program are written from a host server. A system for performing maintenance of an image forming apparatus from a remote place by transmitting to the forming apparatus has been established.
[0003]
In such a system, in consideration of the case where the transmission of the instruction mail fails, a retransmission function in which the mail is retransmitted from the host server at regular intervals until a response mail for the transmitted instruction mail is received from the image forming apparatus. May be provided. However, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off, the mail is retransmitted many times from the host server to the image forming apparatus. It becomes.
[0004]
Therefore, a technique has been developed that detects whether or not the mail transmission destination terminal is in a state in which mail can be received, and performs retransmission of the mail when it is detected that mail can be received to reduce unnecessary retransmission mail ( For example, see Patent Document 1.)
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-186593
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described technique, the instruction mail is not transmitted until the image forming apparatus is ready to receive mail, so that the execution of processing for the instruction from the host server is delayed. The response mail is sent from the image forming apparatus after executing the processing instructed by the instruction mail. Therefore, even when the image forming apparatus is ready to receive mail, it is in a printing operation or the like. In the image forming apparatus, the processing instructed from the host server cannot be executed immediately, and the response mail for the instruction mail is not transmitted to the host server, so that the re-mails from the host server are successively added.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to prevent unnecessary retransmission mail and to prevent delay in execution of instruction mail processing in an image forming apparatus.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention described in claim 1
In an image forming apparatus including a host server that transmits an instruction mail describing various instruction commands to the image forming apparatus and performs remote maintenance of the image forming apparatus, and a communication unit that transmits and receives mail via the mail server.
A storage unit for storing a time interval for confirming arrival of new mail;
A power control unit that activates the image forming apparatus at each stored time interval when the image forming apparatus is powered off;
A main body control unit that transmits inquiry information of new mail to the mail server via the communication unit for each stored time interval, and confirms arrival of new mail, and
The communication unit receives a new mail from the mail server when it is confirmed by the main body control unit that a new mail has arrived.
[0009]
The invention described in claim 7
Incoming mail in an image forming apparatus having a host server that transmits an instruction mail describing various instruction commands to the image forming apparatus to perform remote maintenance of the image forming apparatus and a communication unit that transmits and receives mail via the mail server Check method,
Storing a time interval for confirming arrival of new mail in the storage unit;
A step of activating the image forming apparatus by the power control unit at each stored time interval when the image forming apparatus is powered off;
Sending inquiry information of new mail to the mail server via the communication unit at each stored time interval, and confirming the arrival of new mail;
When it is confirmed that a new mail has been received, a step of receiving a new mail from the mail server by the communication unit;
It is characterized by including.
[0010]
According to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention, even when the image forming apparatus is powered off, it is activated at predetermined time intervals to check for new mail, so regardless of the power state of the image forming apparatus, New mail can be received in the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a reply mail from being returned to the host server from being delayed in the image forming apparatus, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary retransmission mail from the host server.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
When the received new mail is an instruction mail from the host server, the main body control unit immediately executes the process instructed by the instruction mail, and after the process is completed, the instructed process is completed. Generate a response email to notify you,
The communication unit transmits the generated response mail to a host server.
[0012]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the instruction mail is received from the host server, the processing instructed in the image forming apparatus is immediately executed and the response mail is returned. It is possible to prevent a delay in processing instructed by the user.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect,
The power supply control unit turns off the power supply state of the image forming apparatus after the response mail is transmitted to the host server by the communication unit when the power supply state of the image forming apparatus before the arrival confirmation of the incoming mail is OFF. It is characterized by doing.
[0014]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a new mail is confirmed while the power is turned off, it is activated only while the new mail is confirmed, so that energy saving can be achieved.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects,
An operation unit for inputting setting information of a time interval for confirming arrival of the new mail;
The storage unit stores a time interval of the input incoming call confirmation.
[0016]
According to the invention described in claim 4, the user can set a time interval for confirming new mail.
[0017]
The invention described in claim 5
In an image forming apparatus including a host server that transmits an instruction mail describing various instruction commands to the image forming apparatus and performs remote maintenance of the image forming apparatus, and a communication unit that transmits and receives mail via the mail server.
When the instruction mail is received from the host server via the communication unit, whether or not the process instructed by the instruction mail can be immediately executed from the mail attribute of the received instruction mail and the operation state of the image forming apparatus. A main body control unit that generates a response mail notifying that the instructed process cannot be executed immediately when it is determined that the instructed process cannot be executed immediately;
The communication unit transmits the generated response mail to a host server.
[0018]
The invention according to claim 8 provides:
Incoming mail in an image forming apparatus including a host server that transmits an instruction mail describing various instruction commands to the image forming apparatus and performs remote maintenance of the image forming apparatus, and a communication unit that transmits and receives mail via the mail server A processing method,
When the instruction mail is received from the host server via the communication unit, whether or not the process instructed by the instruction mail can be immediately executed from the mail attribute of the received instruction mail and the operation state of the image forming apparatus. A process of determining whether or not
A step of generating a response mail notifying that the instructed process cannot be executed immediately when it is determined that the instructed process cannot be executed immediately;
Transmitting the generated response mail to a host server by the communication unit;
It is characterized by including.
[0019]
According to the fifth and eighth aspects of the present invention, it is determined from the mail attribute of the instruction mail received from the host server and the operation state of the image forming apparatus that the process instructed by the instruction mail cannot be executed immediately. In such a case, a reply mail notifying that is sent back, so that unnecessary retransmission mail from the host server can be prevented.
[0020]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect,
When the main body control unit determines that the process instructed by the instruction mail cannot be immediately executed, the main body control unit includes a storage unit that stores the instruction mail;
When the operation state of the image forming apparatus becomes an operation state in which the instruction mail stored in the storage unit can be processed, the main body control unit executes the process instructed by the instruction mail, Generate a response email notifying you that the process is complete,
The communication unit transmits the generated response mail to a host server.
[0021]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the instruction mail that could not be executed immediately is temporarily stored, and the instruction mail stored when the operation state of the image forming apparatus is ready to be processed is processed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a delay in processing execution instructed by the host server.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, even when the power is off, it is activated every predetermined time to check arrival of new mail, and when an instruction mail is received from the host server, the mail attribute and image formation of the instruction mail It is determined from the operating status of the device whether or not the process instructed by the instruction mail can be executed immediately. If it can be executed immediately, the instruction mail process is immediately executed and the process is completed. An example of an image forming apparatus that transmits a response mail to the host server and transmits a response mail notifying that to the host server when immediate execution is impossible will be described.
[0023]
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a maintenance system 100 in the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the maintenance system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 10 connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 1 and a host server 50 connected to the LAN 2. Further, the LAN 1 is connected to the image forming apparatus 10, the print controller 40, and the mail server M1, and the LAN 2 is connected to the host server 50 and the mail server M1. LAN1 and LAN2 are connected to the Internet N via a firewall FW and a router R, respectively, and the image forming apparatus 10 and the host server 50 can transmit and receive information to and from each other via the Internet N.
[0024]
For convenience of explanation, FIG. 1 shows an example in which each device such as the image forming apparatus 10 and the host server 50 is installed one by one. However, other external devices such as a user terminal are connected. The number of installed units is not particularly limited.
[0025]
The image forming apparatus 10 transmits and receives mail with the host server 50 via the mail server M1. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is connected to the print controller 40 via an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F: InterFace), and at the time of mail transmission / reception, the mail server M1 is directly accessed to check arrival of new mail. Mail can be transmitted, and the mail server M1 can be accessed indirectly via the print controller 40.
[0026]
When the image forming apparatus 10 is used as a network printer, the print controller 40 manages and controls print jobs input to the image forming apparatus 10 from an external device such as a user terminal (not shown) connected to the LAN 1. Specifically, output data to be printed is received from the user terminal, and the output data is allocated as a print job according to the operation state of the image forming apparatus 10.
[0027]
The mail server M1 manages transmission / reception of electronic mail of each device connected to the LAN 1. The firewall FW is installed between the LAN 1 and the router R, monitors data flowing at the boundary between the LAN 1 and the outside thereof, monitors a communication request from the Internet N, and blocks unauthorized communication. The router R interconnects the LAN 1 and the Internet N, and relays data to a destination network according to a routing table in which a communication path is described.
[0028]
The host server 50 is a terminal device for performing maintenance of the image forming apparatus. The host server 50 receives various types of maintenance information such as failure information, notification of toner replenishment, and image quality abnormality notification from the image forming apparatus 10 and performs remote diagnosis.
[0029]
Further, the host server 50 transmits an instruction mail describing a command for instructing execution of processing related to various maintenances to the image forming apparatus 10 via the mail server M2, and performs remote maintenance. The processes related to various maintenances include, for example, a process for upgrading a control program in the image forming apparatus 10 and various setting information in the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, operation screen setting information customized by the user, color correction, density correction). Correction information, machine adjustment values, print history information, etc.) to the host server 50, rewriting processing of the above various setting information, and the like. It is assumed that the instruction mail includes an instruction command indicating the processing content and an attribute code indicating the mail attribute indicating which processing is instructed.
[0030]
The mail server M2 manages transmission / reception of electronic mail of each device connected to the LAN2. The firewall FW is installed between the LAN 2 and the router R, and monitors data flowing on the boundary between the LAN 2 and the outside thereof, monitors a communication request from the Internet N, and blocks unauthorized communication. The router R interconnects the LAN 2 and the Internet N, and relays data to a destination network according to a routing table in which a communication path is described.
[0031]
Next, the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 and the print controller 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body unit 11, an image reading unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a power supply unit 15, and a print output unit 16. It is connected to the print controller 40 via F28. The print controller 40 is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via the I / F 41 and includes a controller control unit 42, an image memory 43, and a communication unit 44.
[0032]
First, each component of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.
The main body unit 11 includes a main body control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an image memory 25, a power supply control unit 26, a timer unit 27, and an I / F 28.
[0033]
The main body control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 according to a program related to print output stored in the storage unit 22 and executes print output processing. To do. For example, the copy mode, printer mode, and scanner mode are switched in accordance with an operation signal input from the operation unit 14, and a processing program corresponding to each mode stored in the storage unit 22 is read to copy, print, and read data. Various processing such as saving is executed.
[0034]
In addition, the main body control unit 21 cooperates with the incoming call confirmation processing program (see FIG. 5) and the received mail processing program (see FIG. 7) according to the present invention to receive incoming mail, process received mail, etc. Centrally controls the processing operations.
[0035]
Specifically, in the incoming call confirmation process, when control information notifying that the arrival check time of new mail has been reached is input from the power supply control unit 26, an inquiry about new mail is sent to the mail server M1 via the communication unit 23. Send information and check incoming new mail. When the arrival of a new mail is confirmed and a new mail is received via the communication unit 23, the received mail process is executed.
[0036]
In the received mail processing, the mail attribute of the newly received mail is determined with reference to the mail attribute table 222 stored in the storage unit 22, and if the new mail is an instruction mail from the host server 50, an image is displayed. It is determined from the operation state of the forming apparatus 10 and the mail attribute of the instruction mail whether or not the process instructed by the instruction mail can be executed immediately. If it can be executed immediately, the processing of the instruction mail is executed immediately. If it cannot be executed immediately, a response mail notifying that the immediate processing is impossible is generated and output to the communication unit 23. .
[0037]
The storage unit 22 is composed of a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and stores an incoming call confirmation processing program, a received mail processing program, data processed by the various programs, in addition to various programs related to print output. .
[0038]
In addition, the storage unit 22 stores therein an incoming time table 221 in which time information related to incoming arrival confirmation of new mail is set. In the incoming time table 221, as shown in FIG. 3, information on the incoming confirmation interval of new mail set by the user (for example, incoming confirmation is performed every “30 (minutes)”), and the previous incoming confirmation. The information of the last confirmation time (for example, “17:00”), which is the time when the operation is performed, is stored in an updatable manner.
[0039]
Further, the storage unit 22 stores a mail attribute table 222 that defines attributes of received mail. In the mail attribute table 222, as shown in FIG. 4, the mail attribute code is associated with the contents of the mail attribute corresponding to the attribute code. For example, a received mail having a mail attribute code “1001” is a response mail to a mail (for example, a mail notifying that an abnormality has occurred) sent from the image forming apparatus 10 to the host server 50, and the mail attribute code is “ The received mail “1002” indicates an instruction mail for instructing execution of program upgrade processing.
[0040]
Further, the received mail with the mail attribute code “1003” is sent to the host server as various setting information set in the image forming apparatus 10, for example, operation screen information customized by the user, print member adjustment values, print history information, and the like. The received mail having the mail attribute code “1004” is an instruction mail instructed to rewrite the various setting information. Note that the mail attributes shown in FIG. 4 are just an example, and other mail attributes may be set.
[0041]
The storage unit 22 also has a storage area for storing received mail including instruction mail received from the host server 50.
[0042]
The communication unit 23 includes a communication control unit 23a, a network interface card (hereinafter referred to as NIC: Network Interface Card) 23b, and other communication interfaces such as a modem. The communication control unit 23a controls the NIC 23b according to an instruction from the main body control unit 21, and transmits various data such as mail and image data to an external device on the LAN 1.
[0043]
The communication unit 23 receives a new mail from the mail server M1 when the main body control unit 21 confirms that a new mail has arrived during the incoming confirmation process. When the process instructed by the instruction mail from the host server is finished and a response mail notifying that the execution of the process instructed by the main body control unit 21 is finished, the response mail is sent to the host server 50. Send.
[0044]
When a response mail notifying that the processing instructed by the instruction mail cannot be immediately executed is input from the main body control unit 21 during the received mail processing, the response mail is transmitted to the host server 50.
[0045]
The image memory 25 stores print output data received from a user terminal (not shown) on the LAN 1, print output data input from the print controller 40, or image data read from a document by the image reading unit 12. And a compression memory 251 and a page memory 252.
[0046]
The compression memory 251 is a memory for storing the data subjected to the compression process when the user instructs to store the data in the image forming apparatus 10. On the other hand, the page memory 252 is a memory for temporarily storing data to be printed out before it is output to the print output unit 16.
[0047]
The power supply control unit 26 controls the power supply unit 15 to manage power transmission from the power supply unit 15 to each part of the image forming apparatus 10 and switches the image forming apparatus 10 between ON and OFF states.
[0048]
The time measuring unit 27 includes a storage element that stores a time for confirming arrival of new mail and a logic element that performs time measurement. When the arrival confirmation time is reached, an alarm for notifying that the arrival confirmation time has been reached. A signal is generated and output to the power supply control unit 26.
[0049]
The I / F 28 is an interface for connecting to the print controller 40, and adjusts the data transfer speed and transfer timing between the image forming apparatus 10 and the print controller 40.
[0050]
The image reading unit 12 includes a document conveyance mechanism and a scanner (not shown), reads image data from the document surface placed on the document table, and outputs the read image data to the main body unit 21.
[0051]
The display unit 13 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various information such as an operation screen for setting print conditions and a processing result by the main body control unit 21.
[0052]
The operation unit 14 includes a key group such as numeric keys and various function keys, a touch panel configured integrally with the display unit 13, and the user presses a key or icon displayed on each key group or touch panel. Then, the pressing signal is output to the main body 11.
[0053]
The power supply unit 15 supplies power to each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 according to control from the power supply control unit 26.
[0054]
The print output unit 16 includes, for example, an LD (Laser Diode), a photosensitive drum, a developing unit, a paper feed unit, a paper discharge unit, and the like, and drives and controls the LD based on image data input from the main body unit 11. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum. Then, toner is adhered to the surface of the photosensitive drum by the developing unit, and the toner is transferred and fixed on the printing paper conveyed from the paper feeding unit, and then discharged from the paper discharging unit. In this embodiment, the electrophotographic method will be described. However, any printing method such as an ink jet method or a thermal transfer method can be applied, and the printing method is not particularly limited.
[0055]
Next, each component of the print controller 40 will be described.
The I / F 41 is an interface for connecting to the image forming apparatus 10, and adjusts the data transfer speed and transfer timing between the image forming apparatus 10 and the print controller 40.
[0056]
The controller control unit 42 performs print job distribution control in accordance with the operation state of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, output data to be printed input from an external device on the LAN 1 via the communication unit 44 is temporarily stored in the image memory 43, and if the image forming apparatus 10 is ready for printing, the output is performed. Data is output to the image forming apparatus 10 via the I / F 41.
[0057]
The image memory 43 is a memory that temporarily stores output data to be printed.
[0058]
The communication unit 44 includes a communication control unit 44a, a NIC 44b, and other communication interfaces such as a modem. At the time of communication, the communication control unit 44a controls the NIC 44b according to an instruction from the controller control unit 42, and transmits / receives various information to / from an external device on the LAN 1. For example, it receives output data to be printed and a mail addressed to the image forming apparatus 10 transmitted from the host server 50.
[0059]
Next, the operation in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an incoming call confirmation process executed by the image forming apparatus 10. This incoming call confirmation process is a process of automatically starting every predetermined time set by the user even when the power is turned off to check incoming new mail.
[0060]
As a pre-process of the incoming call confirmation process, as shown in FIG. 6, a setting screen 131 for setting a time interval for confirming the arrival of new mail is displayed on the display unit 13, and an arbitrary time interval is set by the user. I will do it. As shown in FIG. 6, the setting screen 131 is provided with an input area a <b> 1 for inputting a time interval for confirming arrival of new mail, and the user operates the input unit 14 to enter the input area a <b> 1. Enter the desired interval time. When the interval time is input and the OK key a2 is pressed, the input interval time is stored in the incoming time table 221 and an incoming call confirmation interval is set.
[0061]
The incoming call confirmation process will be described below assuming that the incoming call confirmation interval is set by the user. It is assumed that the next incoming confirmation time is calculated in advance by the power supply control unit 26 based on the incoming time table 221, and is set in the time measuring unit 27. The timer 27 measures the time, and when the next incoming call confirmation time set by the power controller 26 is reached, an alarm signal is output to the power controller 26.
[0062]
In the incoming call confirmation process shown in FIG. 5, first, the power supply control unit 26 determines whether or not the arrival confirmation time of a new mail has been reached based on the alarm signal input from the time measuring unit 27 (step S1).
[0063]
When an alarm signal is input from the time measuring unit 27 and it is determined that the arrival confirmation time of a new mail has been reached (step S1; Y), the power control unit 26 currently sets the image forming apparatus to the power ON or power OFF state. It is determined which state is (step S2).
[0064]
When the power is off (step S2; OFF), power supply by the power unit 15 is started under the control of the power controller 26, and the state of the image forming apparatus is switched from the power OFF to the power ON (step S3). ). When switched to the power ON state, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus is in the power-on state (step S2: ON), the process proceeds to step S4 without performing step S3.
[0065]
In step S4, the power control unit 26 outputs a control signal notifying the main body control unit 21 that the arrival confirmation time for new mail has been reached, and the main body control unit 21 performs incoming mail confirmation control. Specifically, the main body control unit 21 generates new mail inquiry information in the mail server M 1, and the inquiry information is transmitted to the mail server M 1 on the LAN 1 via the communication unit 23.
[0066]
When the mail server M1 receives new mail inquiry information from the image forming apparatus 10, the mail server M1 confirms whether there is a new mail for the image forming apparatus 10. If there is a new mail, the new mail is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10. If there is no new mail, response information notifying that there is no new mail is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10.
[0067]
In the image forming apparatus 10, the main body control unit 21 determines whether there is a new mail (step S5). If a new mail is received from the mail server M1 and it is determined that there is a new mail (step S5; Y), the process proceeds to the received mail processing in step S6, and a response notifying that there is no new mail from the mail server M1. When the information is received and it is determined that there is no new mail (step S5; N), the process proceeds to step S7.
[0068]
First, the received mail process in step S6 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the received mail processing shown in FIG. 7, first, the mail attribute of a new mail (hereinafter referred to as “received mail”) received by the main body control unit 21 is determined (step S61). The mail attribute is determined by collating the mail attribute code described in the received mail with the mail attribute code set in the mail attribute table 222 of the storage unit 22. For example, if the attribute code described in the received mail is “1004”, it is determined that the mail attribute is a setting information rewrite instruction mail transmitted from the host server 50.
[0069]
When the mail attribute of the received mail is determined, it is determined whether or not the received mail is an instruction mail from the host server 50 (step S62). If the received mail is not an instruction mail, for example, a response mail from the host server 50 or a mail from the user terminal (step S62; N), the received mail process is terminated and the process proceeds to the process of step S7 in FIG. To do. On the other hand, when the received mail is an instruction mail from the host server 50 (Step S62; Y), the main body control unit 21 determines the current operation state of the image forming apparatus 10, and the current operation state and the mail attribute of the instruction mail. Thus, it is determined whether or not the process instructed by the instruction mail can be executed immediately (step S63).
[0070]
The operation state of the image forming apparatus 10 includes the following four states.
(1) Idle state: The power is on, but the operation is stopped due to waiting for a print job.
(2) During print processing: The power is on, but a print job is being executed or various correction processes (for example, density adjustment) relating to print output are being executed.
{Circle around (3)} Setting mode: The power is on, but various setting operations are being performed by a user or a serviceman (maintenance manager).
▲ 4 ▼ Power OFF state
[0071]
In the main body control unit 21, the image forming apparatus 10 is in a printing process or in a setting mode, and the mail attribute of the instruction mail from the host server 50 is a program version upgrade process execution or various setting information rewrite process execution. If it is, it is determined that the process instructed by the instruction mail cannot be executed immediately. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the idle state or in the power-off state, it is determined that it can be executed immediately regardless of the mail attribute of the instruction mail.
[0072]
When the main body control unit 21 determines that the processing instructed by the instruction mail can be immediately executed from the operation state of the image forming apparatus 10 and the mail attribute of the instruction mail (step S63; Y), the instruction mail Is immediately executed (step S64), and when the process is completed, a response mail is generated to notify that the process instructed by the main body control unit 21 has been completed, and is sent to the host server 50 by the communication unit 23. It is transmitted (step S65). When the response mail is transmitted, the received mail process is terminated and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.
[0073]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the process instructed by the instruction mail cannot be immediately executed (step S63; N), the instruction mail is stored in the storage unit until the image forming apparatus 10 is ready to execute the process. 22 is temporarily stored (step S66). Next, the main body control unit 21 generates a response mail notifying that the processing instructed by the instruction mail cannot be executed immediately, and transmits the response mail to the host server 50 (step S67). When the response mail is transmitted, the received mail process is terminated and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.
[0074]
In step S7 shown in FIG. 5, the final confirmation time set in the incoming time table 221 by the main body control unit 21 is updated to the current time. When the update is performed, control information notifying that the confirmation of new mail has been completed is output from the main body control unit 21 to the power supply control unit 26, and the power supply control unit 26 receives the incoming call confirmation stored in the incoming time table 221. Based on the information on the interval and the updated final confirmation time, the next incoming confirmation time is calculated and set in the time measuring unit 27 (step S8).
[0075]
Next, it is determined whether the power supply state of the image forming apparatus 10 before the arrival confirmation of the incoming mail is ON or OFF (step S9). When the power supply state before the incoming call confirmation is ON (step S9; ON), the incoming call confirmation process is terminated. When the power supply state is OFF (step S9; Y), the power supply is controlled by the power supply control unit 26. The power supply by the unit 15 is stopped, the state of the image forming apparatus is switched from the power supply ON to the power supply OFF state (step S10), and the incoming call confirmation process ends.
[0076]
After the incoming confirmation process, the operation state of the image forming apparatus is switched, and when it is determined that immediate execution is impossible and the instruction mail temporarily stored in the storage unit 22 can be executed, the instruction mail When the instructed process is executed and the process ends, a response mail notifying that the instructed process has ended is transmitted to the host server 50. For example, when the setting information rewriting instruction mail is received, it is determined that the operation state of the image forming apparatus 10 is in the printing process or the setting mode, and the process cannot be executed immediately. Is stored in the storage unit 22, but when the image forming apparatus 10 is turned off or in an idle state and the setting information can be rewritten, the setting information is rewritten, and the rewriting process is performed. A response mail notifying the end is sent to the host server 50.
[0077]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the image forming apparatus 10 is in a power-off state, it is automatically activated every time set by the user, and incoming mail confirmation is performed. If the new mail is an instruction mail from the host server 50, a response mail notifying that the processing according to the instruction is immediately executed and the processing is completed is returned to the host server 50. , Unnecessary retransmission emails can be suppressed, and processing delays in response to instructions from the host server 50 can be prevented.
[0078]
Further, when a new mail is received, the mail attribute of the new mail is determined, and when the new mail is an instruction mail from the host server 50, the instruction is determined from the mail attribute of the instruction mail and the operation state of the image forming apparatus 10. It is determined whether or not the process instructed by the mail can be executed immediately. If it is determined that the process instructed by the host server 50 cannot be executed immediately, the fact that the process cannot be executed immediately is notified. Since the response mail is returned to the host server 50, useless retransmission mail from the host server 50 can be suppressed.
[0079]
In addition, the instruction mail that could not be executed immediately is temporarily stored, and when the image forming apparatus 10 is ready to execute processing, processing according to the stored instruction mail is executed, and processing is executed after the processing ends. Since the response mail notifying that the processing has been completed is transmitted to the host server 50 again, it is possible to prevent a delay in processing execution according to an instruction from the host server 50.
[0080]
Note that the description in the present embodiment is a preferred example of the image forming apparatus 10 to which the present invention is applied, and the present invention is not limited to this.
[0081]
For example, when the process instructed by the instruction mail cannot be executed immediately, a response mail notifying that the immediate process is impossible and notifying the current operation state of the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the host server 50. Also good. Accordingly, the host server 50 can grasp the operation state of the image forming apparatus. For example, when it is notified that the image forming apparatus is in a print processing state, the maintenance manager on the host server 50 side can estimate that the instructed process is somewhat delayed.
[0082]
In addition, regarding the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, a manuscript can be appropriately prepared without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention, even when the image forming apparatus is powered off, it is activated at predetermined time intervals to check for new mail, so regardless of the power state of the image forming apparatus, New mail can be received in the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a reply mail from being returned to the host server from being delayed in the image forming apparatus, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary retransmission mail from the host server.
[0084]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the instruction mail is received from the host server, the processing instructed in the image forming apparatus is immediately executed and the response mail is returned. It is possible to prevent a delay in processing instructed by the user.
[0085]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a new mail is confirmed while the power is turned off, it is activated only while the new mail is confirmed, so that energy saving can be achieved.
[0086]
According to the invention described in claim 4, the user can set a time interval for confirming new mail.
[0087]
According to the fifth and eighth aspects of the present invention, it is determined from the mail attribute of the instruction mail received from the host server and the operation state of the image forming apparatus that the process instructed by the instruction mail cannot be executed immediately. In such a case, a reply mail notifying that is sent back, so that unnecessary retransmission mail from the host server can be prevented.
[0088]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the instruction mail that could not be executed immediately is temporarily stored, and the instruction mail stored when the operation state of the image forming apparatus is ready to be processed is processed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a delay in processing execution instructed by the host server.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a maintenance system 100 including an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. FIG.
3 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of an incoming time table 221 stored in a storage unit 22. FIG.
4 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a mail attribute table 222 stored in a storage unit 22. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining incoming call confirmation processing executed by the image forming apparatus 10;
6 is a diagram showing a screen example of a setting screen 131 displayed on the display unit 13 when setting a new mail arrival confirmation interval. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating received mail processing executed by the image forming apparatus 10;
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Maintenance system
10 Image forming apparatus
11 Body
21 Control unit
22 Memory unit
23 Communication Department
23a Communication control unit
23b NIC
25 Image memory
26 Power supply control unit
27 Timekeeping Department
28 I / F
12 Image reader
13 Display section
14 Operation unit
15 Power supply unit
16 Print output section
40 Print controller
41 I / F
42 Controller controller
43 Image memory
44 Communication Department
44a Communication control unit
44b NIC
50 Host server
M1, M2 mail server

Claims (8)

In an image forming apparatus including a host server that transmits an instruction mail describing various instruction commands to the image forming apparatus and performs remote maintenance of the image forming apparatus, and a communication unit that transmits and receives mail via the mail server.
A storage unit for storing a time interval for confirming arrival of new mail;
A power control unit that activates the image forming apparatus at each stored time interval when the image forming apparatus is powered off;
A main body control unit that transmits inquiry information of new mail to the mail server via the communication unit for each stored time interval, and confirms arrival of new mail, and
The communication unit receives the new mail from the mail server when the main body control unit confirms that the new mail has arrived. When the received new mail is an instruction mail from the host server, the main body control unit immediately executes the process instructed by the instruction mail, and after the process is completed, the instructed process is completed. Generate a response email to notify you,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits the generated response mail to a host server. The power supply control unit turns off the power supply state of the image forming apparatus after the response mail is transmitted to the host server by the communication unit when the power supply state of the image forming apparatus before the arrival confirmation of new mail is OFF. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. An operation unit for inputting setting information of a time interval for confirming arrival of the new mail;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores a time interval of the input incoming call confirmation. In an image forming apparatus including a host server that transmits an instruction mail describing various instruction commands to the image forming apparatus and performs remote maintenance of the image forming apparatus, and a communication unit that transmits and receives mail via the mail server.
When the instruction mail is received from the host server via the communication unit, whether or not the process instructed by the instruction mail can be immediately executed from the mail attribute of the received instruction mail and the operation state of the image forming apparatus. A main body control unit that generates a response mail notifying that the instructed process cannot be executed immediately when it is determined that the instructed process cannot be executed immediately;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the communication unit transmits the generated response mail to a host server. When the main body control unit determines that the process instructed by the instruction mail cannot be immediately executed, the main body control unit includes a storage unit that stores the instruction mail;
When the operation state of the image forming apparatus becomes an operation state in which the instruction mail stored in the storage unit can be processed, the main body control unit executes the process instructed by the instruction mail, Generate a response email notifying you that the process is complete,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the communication unit transmits the generated response mail to a host server. Incoming mail in an image forming apparatus having a host server that transmits an instruction mail describing various instruction commands to the image forming apparatus to perform remote maintenance of the image forming apparatus and a communication unit that transmits and receives mail via the mail server Check method,
Storing a time interval for confirming arrival of new mail in the storage unit;
A step of activating the image forming apparatus by the power control unit at each stored time interval when the image forming apparatus is powered off;
Sending inquiry information of new mail to the mail server via the communication unit at each stored time interval, and confirming the arrival of new mail;
When it is confirmed that a new mail has been received, a step of receiving a new mail from the mail server by the communication unit;
An incoming mail confirmation method comprising: Incoming mail in an image forming apparatus including a host server that transmits an instruction mail describing various instruction commands to the image forming apparatus and performs remote maintenance of the image forming apparatus, and a communication unit that transmits and receives mail via the mail server A processing method,
When the instruction mail is received from the host server via the communication unit, whether or not the process instructed by the instruction mail can be immediately executed from the mail attribute of the received instruction mail and the operation state of the image forming apparatus. A process of determining whether or not
A step of generating a response mail notifying that the instructed process cannot be executed immediately when it is determined that the instructed process cannot be executed immediately;
Transmitting the generated response mail to a host server by the communication unit;
A received mail processing method.

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