JP2012029228A - Image forming device, image forming method and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent duplicate improvement work by plural users.SOLUTION: An MFP comprises: a job reception unit for receiving a print job from any of plural PCs; an EEPROM for associating the received job with device identification information to store them; an image forming unit for sequentially selecting one from among plural print jobs to form an image; an error notification unit (S23) for, if an error occurs in image formation by the image forming unit, notifying plural PCs identified with plural pieces of device identification information respectively associated with plural print jobs of the error; and a declaration notification unit (S30) for, in response to reception of a declaration of handing improvement work from any of the plural PCs notified of the error (YES in S25), notifying the devices other than the PC having transmitted the declaration out of the plural PCs notified of the error of the declaration of handing the improvement work by another user.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus having an error notification function, an image forming method, and an image forming program.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been known an image forming apparatus having a function of notifying a user who has instructed processing when an error occurs during processing. For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-45551, an image processing apparatus having a department management function in which a plurality of terminals for each department are connected via a network, when the department management function is enabled, print processing is performed. If an error occurred during printing or facsimile transmission processing or a printed matter or document is left, a notification is sent to the terminal of the user who issued the processing instruction, and a predetermined first time has elapsed. Image processing having a department management function, wherein when an error is left or a printed matter or an original is left unattended, a notification destination terminal registered in advance of the department to which the user belongs is also notified. An apparatus is described.

In a conventional image processing apparatus, when there are a plurality of users who have instructed processing, it may be possible to notify an error to all of the plurality of users. However, in the conventional image processing apparatus, each of the plurality of users who instructed the processing can know the occurrence of the error, but each of the plurality of users moves to the image processing apparatus in order to improve the error. There is a risk of it. There is a problem that even if a single user is sufficient for the work to improve the error, the labor to be spent due to the movement of a plurality of people is wasted.
JP-A-2005-45551

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents a plurality of users from duplicating improvement work. is there.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an error notification method that prevents a plurality of users from duplicating improvement work.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide an error notification program that prevents a plurality of users from duplicating improvement work.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes: a job receiving unit that receives a print job from any of a plurality of information processing apparatuses; A storage unit that stores information in association with device identification information for identifying a device that has transmitted a print job among the processing devices, and when a plurality of print jobs are stored in the storage unit, one of the plurality of print jobs is stored. Image forming means for forming an image based on the selected print job, and when an error occurs during image formation by the image forming means, each of the print jobs stored in the storage means An error notification means for notifying an error to a plurality of information processing devices specified by the associated plurality of device identification information, and the error notification In response to receiving a notification to be in charge of improvement work from any one of a number of information processing devices, a device other than the information processing device that has transmitted the notification among the plurality of information processing devices that have notified the error A notification notifying means for notifying that the user has been declared to be in charge of improvement work.

  According to this aspect, in response to receiving a notification that the error improvement work is in charge from any one of the plurality of information processing devices notified of the error, the notification of the plurality of information processing devices notified of the error is made. An apparatus other than the transmitted information processing apparatus is notified that another user has been declared to be in charge of improvement work. For this reason, it is possible to classify a plurality of users into users who are in charge of error improvement work and users who are not in charge of error improvement work, and notify users who are not in charge of improvement work that there is no need for improvement work. it can. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents a plurality of users from overlapping and performing improvement work.

  Preferably, the error notification means further includes a re-notification means for notifying an error again when image formation by the image forming means is not possible after receiving a notification of charge of improvement work.

  Preferably, a work start detecting means for detecting the start of the work is further provided, and the re-notification means does not detect the start of the work even if the first period has elapsed after the notification that the work to be improved is received. In some cases, a non-work notification means for notifying that the improvement work is not started is included.

  Preferably, when the error notifying unit notifies the error again, the order in which the image forming apparatus selects the print job associated with the apparatus identification information of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the notification that the improvement work is to be performed. A change means for changing last is further provided.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes work start detection means for detecting the start of the work, and the re-notification means receives a declaration that the work is in charge of improvement work and the second period has elapsed after the start of the work is detected. However, it includes a work impossibility notifying means for notifying that the sentencer cannot be improved when image formation by the image forming means is not possible.

  Preferably, the re-notification unit notifies the error again to devices other than the information processing device that has transmitted the notification that the improvement work is to be performed among the plurality of information processing devices that have notified the error.

  Preferably, when an image forming unit is capable of forming an image after receiving a notification to be in charge of improvement work from any of the plurality of information processing devices that have notified the error, the information processing device that has transmitted the notification The image forming apparatus further includes a changing unit that first changes the order in which the image forming apparatus selects the print job associated with the apparatus identification information.

  According to this aspect, if the user in charge of the error improvement work improves the error, an image is formed based on the print job instructed to be transmitted by the user. For this reason, the user who is in charge of the error improvement work can immediately obtain the paper on which the image is formed, so that the movement time can be shortened.

  Preferably, the difficulty level table in which the types of errors that occur during image formation by the image forming unit and the difficulty of the error improvement work are associated in advance, and the ability level that indicates the ability to correspond to the difficulty of the error improvement work for each user In accordance with the capability table associated with the image data, the extraction means for extracting candidate users based on the types of errors that occur during image formation by the image forming means, and a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage means, respectively. The apparatus further includes inquiry means for inquiring whether or not to declare the information processing apparatus specified by the apparatus identification information assigned to the candidate user extracted by the extraction means from among the plurality of apparatus identification information.

  According to this aspect, based on the type of error that occurs during image formation, a candidate user is extracted and asked whether or not to declare to the candidate user, so query the user who has the ability to improve the error that occurred, Since the user who does not have the ability to improve is not inquired, the error improvement work can be efficiently shared.

  Preferably, the inquiry unit notifies an error to a predetermined transmission destination when the candidate user is not extracted by the extraction unit.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an error notification method includes: a job receiving unit that receives a print job from any one of a plurality of information processing devices; and a job received from the plurality of information processing devices. A storage unit that stores information in association with device identification information for identifying a device that has transmitted, and when a plurality of print jobs are stored in the storage unit, select one of the plurality of print jobs in order, and select An error notification method executed by an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit configured to form an image based on a printed job, and when an error occurs during image formation by the image forming unit, An error notification is sent to a plurality of information processing devices specified by a plurality of device identification information respectively associated with a plurality of stored print jobs. And the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the notification among the plurality of information processing apparatuses notified of the error in response to receiving the notification that the improvement work is in charge from any of the plurality of information processing apparatuses that have notified the error And a step of notifying the apparatus excluding that the device is in charge of improvement work by another user.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an error notification method that prevents a plurality of users from duplicating and improving work.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an error notification program includes: job receiving means for receiving a print job from any one of a plurality of information processing devices; and a received job as a print job among the plurality of information processing devices. Storage means for storing in association with apparatus identification information for identifying the apparatus that has transmitted the message, and when a plurality of print jobs are stored in the storage means, one of the plurality of print jobs is selected in order, An error notification program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image based on a selected print job, and an error has occurred during image formation by the image forming unit The plurality of device identification information respectively associated with the plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit. A plurality of information processing apparatuses that have notified the error in response to receiving a step of notifying an error to a number of information processing apparatuses and a notification that the improvement work is in charge from any of the plurality of information processing apparatuses that have notified the error And a step of notifying an apparatus other than the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the declaration that the other user has been declared to be in charge of improvement work.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an error notification program that prevents a plurality of users from duplicating improvement work.

It is a figure which shows an example of the image processing system in one of the embodiment of this invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an outline of CPU functions provided in the MFP according to the first embodiment, together with data stored in an EEPROM. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification destination table in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the error notification screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a notification notification screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a non-work notification screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a work impossible notification screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an error cancellation notification screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of print job reception processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the error notification process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the error notification destination setting process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an administrator notification process. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of an outline of functions of a CPU provided in an MFP according to a second embodiment, together with data stored in an EEPROM. It is a figure which shows an example of a user table. It is a figure which shows an example of an error table. It is a figure which shows an example of a capability table. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification destination table in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of an inquiry screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the error notification process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an inquiry destination setting process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, image processing system 1 includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 100, PCs 200A to 200F, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) 301, and a mobile phone 303. MFP 100 and PCs 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> F are connected to a local area network (hereinafter referred to as “LAN”) 2.

  The MFP 100 is an example of an image processing apparatus, and includes a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. MFP 100 can communicate with PCs 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> F via LAN 2. The PCs 200A to 200F are general computers, and their hardware configurations and functions are well known, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Note that an example in which the MFP 100 and the PCs 200A to 200F are connected via the LAN 2 is shown. However, if communication is possible, the MFP 100 and the PCs 200A to 200F may be connected using a serial communication cable or a parallel communication cable. Further, the communication form is not limited to wired, but may be wireless.

  MFP 100 is connected to PDA 301 or mobile phone 303 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and can communicate with PDA 301 or mobile phone 303. Since the process executed by the MFP 100 communicating with the PCs 200A to 200F and the process executed by the MFP 100 communicating with the PDA 301 or the mobile phone 303 are the same, in the following description, the case where the MFP 100 communicates with the PCs 200A to 200F is taken as an example. explain.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes main circuit 101, ADF 10, document reading unit 20, image forming unit 30, paper feeding unit 40, post-processing unit 50, operation panel 13, and various error sensors. 51 and an open / close sensor 53.

  The ADF 10 automatically conveys a plurality of documents set on the document feed tray one by one to a predetermined document reading position set on the platen glass of the document reading unit 20, and the document reading unit 20 reads the document. The document whose image has been read is discharged onto a document discharge tray. The document reading unit 20 includes a light source that emits light to the document conveyed to the document reading position and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected from the document, and scans a document image corresponding to the size of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data, which is an electrical signal, and stores it in the HDD 116 included in the main circuit 101 or outputs it to the image forming unit 30.

  The image forming unit 30 forms an image by a known electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 30 performs various types of data processing such as shading correction on the image data input from the document reading unit 20, and the image data after the data processing is processed. Based on this, an image is formed on the sheet conveyed by the sheet feeding unit 40. The paper feed unit 40 conveys the paper stored in the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 30.

  The post-processing unit 50 discharges the paper on which the image is formed. The post-processing unit 50 includes a plurality of paper discharge trays and includes a sorting unit, a punch hole processing unit, and a staple processing unit. The sorting unit sorts and outputs a plurality of sheets on which images are formed to a plurality of paper discharge trays. The punch hole processing unit opens a punch hole in the paper. The staple processing unit performs staple processing to collect a plurality of sheets on which images are formed.

  The main circuit 101 includes a CPU 111, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 114, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 115, and a large capacity. A hard disk drive (HDD) 116 as a storage device, a facsimile unit 117, a network I / F 118, and an external storage device 119 to which a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 119A is mounted are included. CPU 111 is connected to ADF 10, document reading unit 20, image forming unit 30, paper feed unit 40, post-processing unit 50, operation panel 13, various error sensors 51, and open / close sensor 53, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 and data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program.

  Communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to another apparatus using a serial communication cable. The connection form may be wired or wireless.

  The facsimile unit 117 is connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. The facsimile unit 117 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 116 or outputs it to the image forming unit 30. The image forming unit 30 forms an image of facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 117 on a sheet. Further, the facsimile unit 117 converts the data stored in the HDD 116 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile apparatus connected to the PSTN.

  A network I / F 118 is an interface for connecting the MFP 100 to a network. The CPU 111 can communicate with each of the PCs 200A to 200F connected to the LAN 2 via the network I / F 118.

  The external storage device 119 is loaded with a CD-ROM 119A. The CPU 111 can access the CD-ROM 119A via the external storage device 119, and can load a program stored in the CD-ROM 119A into the RAM 114 and execute it. Note that the program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the program stored in the CD-ROM 119A, and may be a program stored in another storage medium, a program stored in the HDD 116, or a network I / O. It may be a program written in the HDD 116 by another computer connected to the network via the F118.

  The storage medium for storing the program is not limited to the CD-ROM 119A, but an optical disc (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC card, optical card, mask ROM, A semiconductor memory such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) may be used. In this case, the external storage device 119 may be a serial communication circuit that performs serial communication according to the USB (registered trademark) standard. In this case, specific examples of other recording media mounted on the external storage device 119 are a USB (registered trademark) memory incorporating the semiconductor memory and an external HDD device.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  Operation panel 13 is provided on the upper surface of MFP 100 and includes a display unit 103 and an operation unit 105. The display unit 103 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic ELD (Electroluminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for a user, information about acquired display data, and the like. The operation unit 105 receives a user operation and outputs the received operation to the CPU 111. The operation unit 105 includes a touch panel arranged so as to be superimposed on the display unit 103. The touch panel is made of a transparent member, and is arranged so as to be superimposed on the display unit 103. When the user touches the touch panel with a finger, the touch panel detects the touched position as an instruction position and outputs the detected position to the CPU 111.

  Various error sensors 51 output sensor signals to the CPU 111. The various error sensors 51 are installed in the image forming unit 30 and are stored in a paper cassette provided in the paper supply unit 40 and a toner remaining amount sensor that detects the remaining amount of toner, a waste toner amount sensor that detects the amount of waste toner, and the like. A paper remaining amount sensor that detects the remaining amount of paper to be detected, a jam sensor that is installed on the paper conveyance path of the paper supply unit 40 to detect paper jamming, and a punch hole processing unit that the post-processing unit 50 includes. And a scrap amount sensor for detecting the amount of punch scrap.

  The toner remaining amount sensor outputs an OFF sensor signal to the CPU 111 while the remaining amount of toner is greater than a predetermined amount, and outputs an ON sensor signal to the CPU 111 when the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. The waste toner amount sensor outputs an OFF sensor signal to the CPU 111 while the amount of waste toner is less than a predetermined amount, and outputs an ON sensor signal to the CPU 111 when the amount of waste toner is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. The remaining paper amount sensor outputs an OFF sensor signal to the CPU 111 when the number of sheets stored in the cassette is one or more, and outputs an ON sensor signal to the CPU 111 when the number of sheets stored in the cassette becomes zero. . The jam sensor outputs an OFF sensor signal to the CPU 111 if there is no sheet on the transport path, and outputs an ON sensor signal to the CPU 111 if a sheet exists on the transport path. The scrap amount sensor outputs an OFF sensor signal to the CPU 111 while the punch scrap amount is smaller than a predetermined amount, and outputs an ON sensor signal to the CPU 111 when the punch scrap amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount.

  Open / close sensor 53 is a proximity sensor that is disposed corresponding to each openable / closable cover provided on the front or side surface of MFP 100 and detects the opening / closing of the cover. Further, as long as the opening / closing of the cover can be detected, a pressure sensor that is turned on when the cover is closed may be used. The open / close sensor 53 detects opening / closing of the cover, and outputs an open signal indicating an open state or a close signal indicating a closed state to the CPU 111. A plurality of open / close sensors 53 are installed corresponding to the plurality of covers.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an outline of the functions of the CPU provided in the MFP according to the first embodiment, together with data stored in the EEPROM. The functions of the CPU 111 provided in the MFP 100 shown in FIG. 3 are formed in the CPU 111 when the CPU 111 executes an error notification program stored in the ROM 113, the EEPROM 115, the HDD 116, or the CD-ROM 119A. Referring to FIG. 3, CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 includes a job receiving unit 131 that receives a print job, an image formation control unit 133 that controls image forming unit 30, error detection unit 135 that detects an error, and work detection. Part 137 and arbitration part 139.

  The job receiving unit 131 receives a print job from any of the PCs 200A to 200F, and acquires apparatus identification information of the PC 200A to 200F that has transmitted the print job. Specifically, when the network I / F 118 receives a print job from any of the PCs 200A to 200F connected to the LAN 2, it acquires the print job from the network I / F 118 and transmits the print job from the PCs 200A to 200F. Get device identification information. The job receiving unit 131 stores a set of the received print job and device identification information in the EEPROM 115. When receiving a plurality of print jobs, the job receiving unit 131 sequentially stores the received print jobs in the EEPROM 115. The job receiving unit 131 stores a number indicating the order in which the print jobs are received.

  The error detection unit 135 detects an error based on sensor signals input from the various error sensors 51. Specifically, when an ON sensor signal is input from the remaining toner sensor, the error detection unit 135 generates an error code indicating that the toner is out. When an ON sensor signal is input from the waste toner amount sensor, the error detection unit 135 generates an error code indicating that the waste toner is full. When an ON sensor signal is input from the remaining sheet sensor, the error detection unit 135 generates an error code indicating that the sheet is out. When an ON sensor signal is input from the jam sensor, the error detection unit 135 generates an error code indicating a paper jam. When an ON sensor signal is input from the scrap amount sensor, the error detection unit 135 generates an error code indicating that the punch scrap is full. The error detection unit 135 outputs a normal signal to the arbitration unit 139 and the image formation control unit 133 while OFF sensor signals are input from all of the various error sensors 51, but from at least one of the various error sensors 51. While the ON sensor signal is input, the error code is output to the arbitration unit 139 and the image formation control unit 133. The error detection unit 135 outputs a plurality of error codes to the arbitration unit 139 and the image formation control unit 133 while ON sensor signals are input from a plurality of error sensors 51.

  The image formation control unit 133 receives a normal signal or an error code from the error detection unit 135 and receives an open signal or a close signal from the open / close sensor 53. While the normal signal is input from the error detection unit 135, the image formation control unit 133 selects the print jobs 181 from the EEPROM 115 in ascending order of numbers, and controls the image formation unit 30 to select the selected print job. An image of the included print data is formed. After the image formation, the image formation control unit 133 deletes the print job targeted for image formation from the EEPROM 115. When an error code is input from the error detection unit 135 while the print data image is being formed, the image formation control unit 133 interrupts the image formation. When a normal signal is input from the error detection unit 135 while the image formation is interrupted, the image formation control unit 133 resumes the image formation. However, the image formation control unit 133 resumes image formation on condition that a close signal is input from the open / close sensor 53. This is because, while the open signal is input from the open / close sensor 53, it is determined that the operation for canceling the error that has occurred in the MFP 100 is continued.

  The work detection unit 137 receives an open signal and a close signal from the open / close sensor 53, and monitors the open signal and the close signal input from the open / close sensor 53. When an open signal is input from the open / close sensor 53, the work detection unit 137 detects the start of the work and outputs a work start signal to the arbitration unit 139. When the close signal is input after the open signal is input from the open / close sensor 53, the work detection unit 137 detects the end of the work and outputs the work end signal to the arbitration unit 139.

  The arbitration unit 139 includes a setting unit 141, an error notification unit 143, a notification reception unit 145, a notification notification unit 147, a processing order change unit 149, and an error release notification unit 151. The error notification unit 143 includes an initial notification unit 153 and a re-notification unit 155.

  When an error code is input from the error detection unit 135, the initial notification unit 153 generates a notification destination table based on device identification information that is paired with each print job 181 stored in the EEPROM 115. The notification destination table is stored in the RAM 114.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification destination table according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the notification destination table includes a notification destination record for associating device identification information with the presence / absence of a declaration for each print job. The notification destination record includes a transmission source item and a declaration item. In the transmission source item, device identification information paired with the print job 181 stored in the EEPROM 115 is set. The item of declaration is set by a notification receiving unit 145 described later. At the stage where the notification destination table is generated by the initial notification unit 153, nothing is set in the item of declaration.

  Here, the device identification information of the PCs 200A to 200F is the names “PC1”, “PC2”, “PC3”, “PC4”, “PC5”, and “PC6” of the PCs 200A to 200F, respectively. The notification destination table includes four notification destination records, and print jobs 181 transmitted from the PCs 200A to 200D with the device identification information “PC1”, “PC2”, “PC3”, and “PC4” are stored in the EEPROM 115. It shows that.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the initial notification unit 153 transmits an error notification screen to the PC 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> F identified by the device identification information set in the transmission source item of all notification records included in the notification destination table. To do. Specifically, the device identification information and the error notification screen set in the transmission source items of all the notification destination records included in the notification destination table are output to the network I / F 118, via the network I / F 118. The error notification screen is transmitted to the PC 200A to 200F specified by the device identification information set in the transmission source item of all notification destination records included in the notification destination table. The error notification screen is a screen for notifying the occurrence of an error, and includes details of the error that has occurred and the installation location of the MFP 100. The initial notification unit 153 outputs a notification signal to the notification receiving unit 145 in response to transmission of the error notification screen. The notification signal output by the initial notification unit 153 includes device identification information of all devices that have transmitted the error notification screen.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error notification screen according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, an error notification screen 210 is a button 211 that displays a message indicating that an error has occurred, the content of the error that has occurred, the installation location of the MFP in which the error has occurred, and a character string “go”. And a button 213 in which a character string “do not go” is displayed. The error notification screen 210 is transmitted to the PCs 200A to 200D that have transmitted the print job among the PCs 200A to 200F. When receiving the error notification screen 210, the PCs 200A to 200D display the error notification screen 210 on the display. For this reason, the user who has instructed the transmission of the print job looks at the message included in the error notification screen 210 to know that an error has occurred in the MFP 100, the content of the error that has occurred, and the installation location of the MFP 100 in which the error has occurred. be able to. The user can determine whether the error can be improved from the error contents among the messages included in the error notification screen 210.

  For example, when the user of the PC 200 </ b> A displaying the error notification screen 210 presses the button 211, the PC 200 </ b> A transmits a notification indicating that the user repairs to the MFP 100 via the network 2. If the user of the PC 200A displaying the error notification screen 210 presses the button 213, the PC 200A ends the display of the error notification screen 210.

  The notification receiving unit 145 receives a notification signal from any one of the initial notification unit 153, a non-work notification unit 157 and a work impossible notification unit 159, which will be described later, and is specified by device identification information included in the notification signal among the PCs 200A to 200F. Receive a declaration from one of the devices Specifically, when the network I / F 118 receives a declaration from any of the PCs 200A to 200F, the notification receiving unit 145 acquires the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the declaration from the network I / F 118 to the PCs 200A to 200F. To do.

  When the notification receiving unit 145 acquires the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the notification among the PCs 200A to 200F, the notification receiving unit 145 updates the notification destination table. Specifically, the notification receiving unit 145 has a notification destination record in which the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the notification among the PCs 200A to 200F is set in the transmission source item from the notification destination table stored in the RAM 114. Is extracted, and a declaration mark “O” is set in the notification item of the extracted notification destination record. For example, when the network I / F 118 receives a declaration from the PC 200A, “O” is set in the notification item of the notification destination record in which the device identification information “PC1” of the PC 200A is set as the transmission source item.

  Moreover, when the notification receiving unit 145 acquires the device identification information of the devices that have transmitted the notification among the PCs 200A to 200F, the notification receiving unit 145 sends a notification signal including the acquired device identification information to the notification notification unit 147, the non-work notification unit 157, the work The information is output to the impossibility notification unit 159 and the processing order change unit 149.

  Further, the notification receiving unit 145 measures an elapsed time after the notification signal is input from any of the initial notification unit 153, the non-work notification unit 157, and the work impossible notification unit 159, and after the notification signal is input. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time T3 has elapsed. The notification receiving unit 145 outputs an administrator notification instruction to the administrator notification unit 161 when no notification is received from any of the PCs 200A to 200F within a predetermined time T3 after the notification signal is input.

  When a notification signal is input from the notification receiving unit 145, the notification notification unit 147 transmits a notification notification screen to a device that has transmitted a print job among the PCs 200A to 200F and has not transmitted the notification. To do. Specifically, the notification notifying unit 147 extracts and extracts notification destination records in which “○” is not set in the notification item from the notification destination records included in the notification destination table stored in the RAM 114. The notification notification screen is transmitted to the device specified by the device identification information set in the transmission source item of the notification destination record. The notification notifying unit 147 is a device that is set in the network I / F 118 as a transmission source item of a notification destination record in which “O” is not set in the notification item among the notification destination records included in the notification destination table. The identification information and the notification notification screen are output, and the notification notification screen is transmitted to the device that has transmitted the print job among the PCs 200A to 200F and has not transmitted the notification. For example, when the notification destination table shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the RAM 114, a notification notification screen is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification notification screen. Referring to FIG. 6, the notification notification screen 220 includes a message “Another user was in charge of improving the error”. The notification notification screen 220 is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D that have not transmitted the declaration among the PCs 200A to 200D that transmitted the print job.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the re-notification unit 155 includes a non-work notification unit 157 and a work impossible notification unit 159. The non-work notification unit 157 receives a notification signal from the notification reception unit 145 and a work start signal from the work detection unit 137. The notification signal is input from the notification receiving unit 145 and transmitted from the error notification screen 210 when the notification receiving unit 145 acquires the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the notification among the PCs 200A to 200F. Contains the device identification information of the device that sent the declaration. The non-work notification unit 157 measures an elapsed time after the notification signal is input from the notification receiving unit 145, and the operation start signal is input from the operation detection unit 137 after a predetermined time T1 after the notification signal is input from the notification receiving unit 145. It is determined whether or not the input is within. If the work start signal is not input within a predetermined time T1 after the notification signal is input from the notification receiving unit 145, the non-work notification unit 157 displays “O” in the notification item in the notification destination record included in the notification destination table. ”Is extracted. Then, the non-work notification unit 157 outputs the device identification information set in the transmission source item of the extracted notification destination record and the non-work notification screen to the network I / F 118, and is extracted from the PCs 200A to 200F. The non-work notification screen is transmitted to the device identified by the device identification information set in the transmission source item of the notification destination record.

  For example, when the notification destination table shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the RAM 114, the non-work notification screen is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D, and the non-work notification screen is not transmitted to the PC 200A. The reason why the non-work notification screen is not transmitted to the PC 200A is that there is no need to notify such a user because the user of the PC 200A has not made any work to improve the error in spite of the declaration.

  The non-work notification unit 157 outputs a notification signal to the notification receiving unit 145 after transmitting the non-work notification screen. The notification signal output by the non-work notification unit 157 includes device identification information of the device that has transmitted the non-work notification screen.

  The non-work notification unit 157 is a case where a work start signal is not input from the work detection unit 137 within a predetermined time T1 after the notification signal is input from the notification receiving unit 145, and the notification destination record included in the notification destination table When all the declaration items are set to “◯”, an administrator notification instruction is output to the administrator notification unit 161.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a non-work notification screen. FIG. 7 shows a non-work notification screen that is sent when the user of the PC 200A does not work to improve the error in spite of the declaration. Referring to FIG. 7, non-work notification screen 230 includes a message indicating that the error improvement work has not started, a message indicating the error content, the location of the MFP where the error has occurred, and “ It includes a button 231 in which a character string “Go” is represented and a button 233 in which a character string “Do not go” is represented. The non-work notification screen 230 shown in FIG. 7 is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D because the declaration is received from the PC 200A. Since the non-work notification screen 230 includes a message indicating that work for improving the error has not started, the user of each of the PCs 200B to 200D viewing the non-work notification screen 230 is notified that the error has not been improved yet. can do.

  For example, when the user of the PC 200B displaying the non-work notification screen 230 presses the button 231, the PC 200 B transmits a notification indicating that the user repairs to the MFP 100 via the network 2. If the user of the PC 200B displaying the non-work notification screen 230 presses the button 233, the PC 200B ends the display of the non-work notification screen 230.

  When the user of the PC 200A declares that no error improvement work has been performed, the non-work notification screen 230 is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D except the PC 200A among the PCs 200A to 200D that transmitted the error notification screen 210. After the notification notification screen 220 is received, the non-work notification screen 230 is received. For this reason, the notification notification screen 220 notifies that the user in charge of error correction has appeared, but the non-work notification screen 230 notifies that the error repair work has not yet started.

  The work impossible notification unit 159 receives a declaration signal from the notification reception unit 145, receives a work start signal from the work detection unit 137, and receives an error code or a normal signal from the error detection unit 135. The work impossible notification unit 159 measures an elapsed time after the work start signal is input from the work detection unit 137, and a normal signal is input from the error detection unit 135 within a predetermined time T2 after the work start signal is input. It is judged whether it was done. The work impossible notification unit 159 transmits a work impossible notification screen when the normal signal is not input from the error detection unit 135 within the predetermined time T2 after the work start signal is input. The transmission destination of the work impossible notification screen is set to the item of the transmission source of the notification destination record that is not set as “O” in the notification item among the notification destination records included in the notification destination table among the PCs 200A to 200F. The device specified by the device identification information.

  For example, when the notification destination table shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the RAM 114, the work impossible notification screen is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D, and the work impossible notification screen is not transmitted to the PC 200A. The reason why the operation impossible notification screen is not transmitted to the PC 200A is that it is determined that the user of the PC 200A cannot repair the error.

  The work impossible notification unit 159 outputs a notification signal to the notification receiving unit 145 after transmitting the work impossible notification screen. The work impossible notification unit 159 is a case where a normal signal is not input from the error detection unit 135 within a predetermined time T2 after the work start signal is input, and all notifications of the notification destination records included in the notification destination table are received. When “◯” is set in the item, an administrator notification instruction is output to the administrator notification unit 161.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work impossible notification screen. FIG. 8 shows a work impossible notification screen transmitted when the user of the PC 200A has started repairing and cannot improve the error. Referring to FIG. 8, work impossible notification screen 240 includes a message indicating that the error cannot be improved, and a message indicating the details of the error that has occurred and the installation location of the MFP in which the error has occurred. The work impossible notification screen 240 is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D that have not transmitted the declaration among the users of the PCs 200A to 200D that have transmitted the print job. When receiving the work impossible notification screen 240, the PCs 200B to 200D display the work impossible notification screen 240 on the display. For this reason, among the users who have instructed the transmission of the print job, those who have not declared repair see the message included in the work impossible notification screen 240 and know that the declared user cannot improve the error. be able to. In addition, since the work impossible notification screen 240 includes error contents, the user who views the work impossible notification screen 240 can determine whether the error can be improved by the user.

  For example, when the user of the PC 200B displaying the work impossible notification screen 240 presses the button 241, the PC 200B transmits a notification indicating that the user repairs to the MFP 100 via the network 2. If the user of the PC 200B displaying the work impossible notification screen 240 presses the button 243, the PC 200B ends the display of the work impossible notification screen 240.

  Setting unit 141 sets device identification information of a device operated by a user predetermined as an administrator who manages MFP 100. Specifically, when the administrator inputs device identification information of the device that is operated by the administrator to the operation unit 105, here, the device identification information of the PC 200F, the setting unit 141 receives the device identification information of the PC 200F from the operation unit 105, and receives the received PC 200F. The device identification information is stored in the EEPROM 115 as administrator information. As a result, the administrator information 183 is stored in the EEPROM 115.

  When an administrator notification instruction is input from the non-work notification unit 157, the work impossible notification unit 159, or the notification receiving unit 145, the administrator notification unit 161 transmits the error notification screen 210 illustrated in FIG. 5 to the administrator. . Specifically, the administrator notification unit 161 reads the administrator information 183 stored in the EEPROM 115, and outputs the read administrator information 183 and the error notification screen 210 to the network I / F 118. The error notification screen 210 is transmitted to the PC 200F specified in 183.

  The error cancellation notification unit 151 receives an error code or a normal signal from the error detection unit 135. When an error code is input from the error detection unit 135 and a normal signal is input, the error cancellation notification unit 151 sets the transmission source items of all notification records included in the notification destination table among the PCs 200A to 200F. The error release notification screen is transmitted to the one specified by the device identification information. For example, when the notification destination table illustrated in FIG. 4 is stored in the RAM 114, the error cancellation notification screen is transmitted to the PCs 200A to 200D via the network I / F 118. The error release notification screen is a screen for notifying that the error notified on the error notification screen 210 has been released. The error cancellation notification unit 151 deletes the notification destination table from the RAM 114 after transmitting the error cancellation notification screen.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the error cancellation notification screen. Referring to FIG. 9, error release notification screen 250 includes a message indicating that the error has been released, and a message indicating the error content and the installation location of the MFP. The error cancellation notification screen 250 is transmitted to the PCs 200A to 200D that transmitted the print job. When receiving the error cancellation notification screen 250, the PCs 200B to 200D display the error cancellation notification screen 250 on the display. Therefore, it is possible to notify all users who have instructed transmission of the print job that the error has been improved.

  The processing order changing unit 149 receives a notification signal from the notification receiving unit 145, receives a work start signal from the work detection unit 137, and receives an error code or a normal signal from the error detection unit 135. The processing order changing unit 149 measures the elapsed time after the notification signal is input from the notification receiving unit 145, and whether the operation start signal is input from the operation detection unit 137 within a predetermined time T1 after the input of the notification signal. Judge whether or not. When the work start signal is not input from the work detection unit 137 within the predetermined time T1 after the declaration signal is input, the print job 181 stored in the EEPROM 115 is associated with the device identification information included in the declaration signal. Change the order last. Further, the processing order changing unit 149 receives the notification signal from the notification receiving unit 145, and when the error detection unit 135 receives no error code and receives a normal signal, the processing order changing unit 149 stores the print job 181 stored in the EEPROM 115. First, the order of the print jobs associated with the device identification information included in the declaration signal is changed first.

  When resuming image formation, the image formation control unit 133 forms an image of print data included in the print job according to the changed order when the order is changed by the processing order change unit 149. If a print job associated with a number smaller than the number associated with the print job for which image formation has been interrupted is stored in the EEPROM 115, the image formation control unit 133 will precede the interrupted print job. In addition, an image of print data included in a print job associated with a smaller number is formed.

  Other users decide that the error is improved by the user who declared it, and it is not necessary to improve the error, but if the declared user does not start the error improvement work, other users who want to print early Execution of the user's print job is delayed. Therefore, by executing the print job of another user in preference to the print job of the declared user, the other user can obtain the output result quickly.

  If the declared user improves the error, the declared user is near the MFP 100. In addition, since the print job of the declared user is executed first after the error is improved, the declared user needs to return to the output result again if he / she waits near the MFP 100 until his / her printing is completed. Disappear. Thus, the number of times of going to MFP 100 to obtain the output result can be reduced.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print job reception processing. The print job reception process is a process executed by the CPU 111 when the CPU 111 executes an error notification program stored in the ROM 113, the EEPROM 115, the HDD 116, or the CD-ROM 119A. Referring to FIG. 10, CPU 111 determines whether a print job has been received (step S01). It is determined whether network I / F 118 has received a print job from one of PCs 200A to 200F. If a print job is received from any of PCs 200A to 200F, the process proceeds to step S02. If not, the process proceeds to step S04.

  In step S02, the apparatus identification information of the apparatus that has transmitted the print job received in step S01 out of PCs 200A to 200F is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S03. In step S03, the set of the print job received in step S01 and the device identification information acquired in step S02 is stored in EEPROM 115, and the process returns to step S01. The EEPROM 115 stores a set of a print job and device identification information in the order in which they are received. When a plurality of print jobs are received, the processes in steps S01 to S03 are repeatedly executed, and a set of the print job and the apparatus identification information is stored in the plurality of EEPROMs 115. A plurality of print jobs stored in the EEPROM 115 are executed in ascending order of the numbers assigned thereto.

  In step S04, it is determined whether a print job is being executed. The print job stored in the EEPROM 115 in step S03 is started in step S11 described later. If the print job started in step S11 is being executed, the process proceeds to step S05. If not, the process proceeds to step S07. In step S05, it is determined whether an error has been detected. If an error is detected, the process proceeds to step S06. If not, the process returns to step S01. If any of the various error sensors 51 is turned on, an error is detected. In step S06, an error notification process is executed, and the process returns to step S01. Details of the error notification processing will be described later.

  In step S07, it is determined whether the print job is completed. If the print job started in step S11 described later is completed, the process proceeds to step S08. If not, the process proceeds to step S09. In step S08, the print job completed in step S07 is deleted from EEPROM 115, and the process proceeds to step S09.

  In step S09, it is determined whether a print job exists. It is determined whether a print job is stored in the EEPROM 115. If a print job is stored in EEPROM 115, the process proceeds to step S10. If not, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S10, the print job having the smallest number is selected from the print jobs stored in the EEPROM 115 in step S03, and the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the print job selected in step S10 is started, and the process returns to step S01.

  On the other hand, in step S12, it is determined whether or not the power is turned off. If the power is turned off, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step S01.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of error notification processing according to the first embodiment. The error notification process is a process executed in step S06 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 11, CPU 111 stops the print job being executed in step S04 shown in FIG. 10 (step S21). In the next step S22, an error notification destination setting process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S23.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of an error notification destination setting process according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12, one set of a print job and apparatus identification information stored in EEPROM 115 is selected from those having a smaller number (step S51). In the next step S52, the device identification information of the set selected in step S51 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, a notification destination record including the device identification information acquired in step S52 is generated. Then, the generated notification destination record is stored in the RAM 114 (step S54).

  In step S55, it is determined whether or not a set of a print job to be selected next and device identification information is stored in the EEPROM 115. If a set of print jobs and device identification information not yet selected is stored in EEPROM 115, the process returns to step S51. If not, the process ends. By executing the error notification process, a notification destination table including a notification destination record whose example is shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 10, in step S23, the error notification destination is notified of the error. Specifically, the error notification setting process executed in step S22 is executed, and the device identification information set in all notification destination records included in the notification destination table stored in the RAM 114 is extracted. Then, the error notification screen 210 shown in FIG. 5 is transmitted to the device specified by the extracted device identification information via the network I / F 118. For example, when the notification destination table shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the RAM 114, the error notification screen 210 is transmitted to the PCs 200A to 200D. In the next step S24, a timer is started. The timer that is started at this stage measures the time elapsed since the error was notified.

  In step S25, it is determined whether or not there is a declaration. If network I / F 118 receives a declaration from any of PCs 200A to 200F, the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S26, the declaration source that has been declared in step S25 is specified. Among the PCs 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> F, the network I / F 118 acquires the device identification information of the device that received the declaration. In the next step S27, a notification destination record including the device identification information of the declaration source specified in step S26 is extracted from the notification destination records included in the notification destination table stored in the RAM 114. Then, a declaration mark is set in the declaration item of the extracted notification destination record (step S28). In the next step S29, the timer is reset. The timer keeps track of the time elapsed since receipt of the declaration.

  In step S30, a notification is sent to the error notification destination other than the notification source specified in step S26 among the error notification destinations set in S22, and the process proceeds to step S31. Specifically, a notification destination record in which the declared mark “◯” is not set in the item of the notification is extracted from the notification destination records included in the notification destination table stored in the RAM 114. Then, the notification notification screen 220 shown in FIG. 6 is transmitted via the network I / F 118 to the devices specified by the device identification information set in all the notification destination records extracted from the PCs 200A to 200F. For example, when the notification destination table shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the RAM 114, the notification notification screen 220 is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D.

  In step S31, it is determined whether an open state is detected. The open state is detected when any of the open / close sensors 53 outputs a signal indicating the open state. If an open state is detected, the process proceeds to step S36. If an open state is not detected, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not the timer value is equal to or longer than a predetermined time T1. If the timer value is equal to or greater than predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to step S33. If not, the process returns to step S31. In step S33, the order of the print job of the declaration source specified in step S26 is changed last. In the next step S34, non-work is notified to the error notification destinations other than the notification source specified in step S26 among the error notification destinations set in S22. Specifically, a notification destination record in which a declaration mark is not set in the notification item is extracted from the notification destination records included in the notification destination table stored in the RAM 114. Then, the non-work notification screen 230 shown in FIG. 7 is transmitted via the network I / F 118 to the devices specified by the device identification information set in all the notification destination records extracted from the PCs 200A to 200F. . For example, when the notification destination table illustrated in FIG. 4 is stored in the RAM 114, the non-work notification screen 230 is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D.

  In the next step S35, the timer is reset, and the process returns to step S25. The timer measures the elapsed time since the non-work notification screen 230 is transmitted. After the non-work notification screen 230 is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D in step S33, when the process returns to step S25, when a declaration is received from any of the PCs 200B to 200D that transmitted the non-work notification screen 230, step S25 is performed. The subsequent processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S36 when the open state is detected in step S31. In step S36, the timer is reset. The timer measures the elapsed time after the open state is detected. In the next step S37, it is determined whether or not a closed state is detected. When all the open / close sensors 53 output a signal indicating the closed state, the closed state is detected. If the closed state is detected, the process proceeds to step S41. If the closed state is not detected, the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, it is determined whether or not the timer value is equal to or longer than a predetermined time T2. If the timer value is greater than or equal to predetermined time T2, the process proceeds to step S39; otherwise, the process returns to step S37. The timer is reset in step S36, and the timer value indicates the elapsed time since the open state was detected. Therefore, when the timer value is equal to or longer than the predetermined time T2, it indicates the elapsed time since the operator opened the cover. If the closed state is not detected even after the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, it is determined that the operator cannot repair the error.

  In step S39, the error notification destinations set in step S22 are notified to the error notification destinations other than the notification source specified in step S26 that the work is impossible. Specifically, a notification destination record in which a declaration mark is not set in the notification item is extracted from the notification destination records included in the notification destination table stored in the RAM 114. Then, the work impossible notification screen 240 shown in FIG. 8 is transmitted via the network I / F 118 to the devices specified by the device identification information set in all the extracted notification destination records of the PCs 200A to 200F. To do. For example, when the notification destination table shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the RAM 114, the work impossible notification screen 240 is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D.

  In the next step S40, the timer is reset, and the process returns to step S25. The timer measures the elapsed time after the work impossible notification screen 240 is transmitted. When the process returns to step S25 after the non-work notification screen 230 is transmitted to the PCs 200B to 200D in step S39, the step is performed when a notification is received from any of the PCs 200B to 200D that transmitted the work impossible notification screen 240. The processes after S26 are repeated.

  On the other hand, in step S41, it is determined whether or not the error has been canceled. If all the various error sensors 51 are turned off, it is determined that the error has been released. If the error is released, the process proceeds to step S42; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S39. Since the processing after step S39 has been described above, description thereof will not be repeated here. If it is not detected that the error has been released even if the closed state is detected, it is determined that the operator cannot repair the error, and the processes after step S39 are executed.

  In step S42, the error notification destination set in step S22 is notified of error cancellation, and the process proceeds to step S43. Specifically, all notification destination records included in the notification destination table stored in the RAM 114 are extracted. Then, the error cancellation notification screen 250 shown in FIG. 9 is transmitted via the network I / F 118 to the devices specified by the device identification information set in all the notification destination records extracted from the PCs 200A to 200F. . For example, when the notification destination table illustrated in FIG. 4 is stored in the RAM 114, the error cancellation notification screen 250 is transmitted to the PCs 200A to 200D.

  In the next step S43, the order of the print job of the declaration source declared in step S25 is first changed, and the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the print job is resumed and the error notification process is terminated. Select and execute print jobs in order of increasing number. If the declared user improves the error, the declared user is near the MFP 100, so by executing the user's print job first, wait near the MFP 100 until the improved user's own print output is completed. In this case, there is no need to return the output result again. Thus, the number of times of going to MFP 100 to obtain the output result can be reduced.

  On the other hand, in step S45, it is determined whether or not the timer value is equal to or longer than a predetermined time T3. If the timer value is greater than or equal to predetermined time T3, the process proceeds to step S46. If not, the process returns to step S24. The timer value here is the value of the timer started in step S24, or the value of the timer reset in step S35 or step S40. In the case of the timer value started in step S24, it indicates the elapsed time since the error notification screen 210 was transmitted. In the case of the timer value reset in step S35, the non-work notification screen 230 is transmitted in step S34. In the case of the timer value reset in step S40, it is the elapsed time since the work impossible notification screen 240 was transmitted in step S39. In other words, when the notification is not received even after the predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the error notification screen 210, the non-work notification screen 230, or the work impossible notification screen 240 is transmitted, the process proceeds to step S46. This is because if there is no user in charge of repair among the users instructed to transmit the print job, the administrator is notified and the repair is requested. In step S46, an administrator notification process is executed, the error notification process is terminated, and the process returns to the print job reception process.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of administrator notification processing. The administrator notification process is a process executed in step S46 of the error notification process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 13, in step S61, manager information 183 is read from EEPROM 115. In the next step S62, an error is notified to the PC specified by the administrator information 183 read in step S61. Specifically, if the apparatus identification information of the PC 200F is set in the administrator information 183, the error notification screen 210 shown in FIG. 5 is transmitted to the PC 200F via the network I / F 118.

  In step S63, it is determined whether or not the error has been canceled. The process waits until the error is cleared (NO in step S63). If the error is cleared (YES in step S63), the process proceeds to step S64. In step S64, the print job is resumed, and the process returns to the error notification process.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, all users who have transmitted a print job are inquired whether or not to declare an error improvement regardless of the user's ability. In the second embodiment, a candidate user who inquires whether or not to declare an error improvement is selected from users who have transmitted print jobs based on the user's ability. In the following, portions different from MFP 100 in the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an outline of CPU functions provided in the MFP according to the second embodiment, together with data stored in the EEPROM. Referring to FIG. 14, the difference from the block diagram shown in FIG. 3 is that work disabling notification unit 159 has been deleted, extraction unit 171 has been added, and inquiry unit 173 has been added. Other functions are the same as the functions shown in FIG. 3, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The EEPROM 114 stores a user table, an error table, and a capability table in advance. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user table. Referring to FIG. 15, the user table includes six user records corresponding to PCs 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> F. The user record defines a user who uses each of the PCs 200A to 200F. The user record includes an item of device identification information and an item of user identification information. In the device identification information item, device identification information of each of the PCs 200A to 200F is set. In the user identification information item, user identification information for identifying a user who uses the device set in the device identification information item. Is set. Here, the user identification information “User A”, “User B”, “User C” corresponding to the device identification information “PC1”, “PC2”, “PC3”, “PC4”, “PC5”, “PC6”, respectively. ”,“ User D ”,“ User E ”, and“ User F ”are associated with each other.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error table. Referring to FIG. 16, the error table includes, for each error code, an error record that defines a capability level necessary for improving the error. The error record includes an error code field, an error content field, and an ability level field. An error code predetermined for the error is set in the error code item, the error content is set in the error content item, and the capability level is set in the capability level item. The error content is error information specified by the error code. The ability level indicates the degree of ability required to improve the error specified by the error code, and is divided into three levels 1 to 3 here. In addition, the level of ability is high, so that a number becomes large.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the capability table. Referring to FIG. 17, the capability table includes a capability record that defines a capability level for each user. The capability record includes an item of user identification information and an item of capability level. User identification information is set in the item of user identification information, and the capability level given to the user of the user identification information set in the item of user identification information is set in the item of capability level.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification destination table according to the second embodiment. The notification destination table is generated based on the print job 181 stored in the EEPROM 115 and the user table stored in the EEPROM 114 and stored in the RAM 114. Referring to FIG. 18, the notification destination record includes a transmission source item, a declaration item, and a candidate item. In the transmission source item, device identification information paired with the print job stored in the EEPROM 115 is set. In the item of declaration, whether or not the user of the device specified by the device identification information has declared is set. “○” mark is set when declared, and nothing is set when not declared. The item of declaration is set by the notification receiving unit 145. Accordingly, at the stage where the notification destination table is generated by the initial notification unit 153, nothing is set in the item of declaration of all notification destination records. In the candidate item, whether or not the user of the device specified by the device identification information is a candidate target is set. When it becomes a candidate target, “O” mark is set, and when it is not a candidate target, nothing is set. Candidate items are set by an inquiry unit 173 described later. Accordingly, in the stage where the notification destination table is generated by the initial notification unit 153, nothing is set in the item of candidate users of all notification destination records.

  Returning to FIG. 14, when the error code is input from the error detection unit 135, the inquiry unit 173 outputs a candidate user extraction instruction including the error code to the extraction unit 171. When the error code is input, the extraction unit 171 determines a capability level for the error that has occurred, and determines a candidate user as an inquiry destination based on the determined capability level. Specifically, the extraction unit 171 extracts an error record including an error code input from the error detection unit 135 from the error table stored in the EEPROM 114, and sets the extracted error record in the capability level item. Determine the ability level for the error that has occurred. Then, the extraction unit 171 refers to the capability table and extracts all capability records in which capability levels equal to or higher than the determined capability level are set in the capability level item. The extraction unit 171 determines the user identification information set in the user identification information item of each of all extracted capability records as a candidate user.

  Further, the extraction unit 171 updates the notification destination table. Specifically, the user record including the user identification information of the candidate user is extracted with reference to the user table, and the device identification information set in the item of the device identification information of the extracted user record is acquired. Furthermore, the extraction unit 171 refers to the notification destination table, extracts a notification destination record including the acquired device identification information, and sets a candidate mark “◯” in the candidate item of the extracted notification destination record. .

  For example, a case where the error code “1111” is input to the extraction unit 171 in the case where the error table illustrated in FIG. 16 and the capability table illustrated in FIG. 17 are stored will be described as an example. The extraction unit 171 refers to the error table and acquires the capability level “3” corresponding to the error code “1111”. Then, referring to the capability table, user identification information “user A”, “user B”, “user C”, and “user F” set in the user identification information item of the capability record of capability level “3” or higher Is obtained. Further, in the user table, device identification information “PC1” corresponding to “user A”, device identification information “PC2” corresponding to “user B”, device identification information “PC3” corresponding to “user C”, “user” The device identification information “PC6” corresponding to “F” is determined. Of the determined device identification information “PC1”, “PC2”, “PC3”, and “PC6”, the device identification information “PC1”, “PC2” is set in the item of device identification information of the notification destination record. And “PC3”. For this reason, the extraction unit 171 adds “candidate items” of the three notification destination records in which the device identification information “PC1”, “PC2”, and “PC3” are set as the items of the device identification information in the notification destination table. “Yes” is set.

  The initial notification unit 153 outputs an inquiry instruction to the inquiry unit 173 after transmitting the error notification screen, and the non-work notification unit 157 outputs the inquiry instruction to the inquiry unit 173 after transmitting the non-work notification screen. When an inquiry instruction is input from the initial notification unit 153, the inquiry unit 173 extracts a notification destination record in which “○” is set in the candidate item of the notification destination table, and the device of the extracted notification destination record The device identification information set in the identification information item and the inquiry screen are output to the network I / F 118. For example, when the notification destination table shown in FIG. 18 is stored, the inquiry screen is transmitted to the PCs 200A, 200B, and 200C of the device identification information “PC1”, “PC2”, and “PC3”.

  When an inquiry instruction is input from the non-work notification unit 157, the inquiry unit 173 is a notification destination record in which “O” is set in the candidate item of the notification destination table, and “O” is set in the notification item. Is extracted, and the device identification information and inquiry screen set in the device identification information item of the extracted notification destination record are output to the network I / F 118. For example, when the notification destination table shown in FIG. 18 is stored, the inquiry screen is transmitted to the PCs 200B and 200C of the device identification information “PC2” and “PC3”.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inquiry screen. Referring to FIG. 19, inquiry screen 260 includes a button 261 representing a character string “go” and a button 263 representing a character string “do not go”. For example, if the user of the PC 200 </ b> A having the device identification information “PC1” presses the button 261, the PC 200 </ b> A transmits a notification that the user is in charge of repair to the MFP 100 via the network 2. When the user of the PC 200A presses the button 263, the PC 200A ends the display of the inquiry screen 260.

  In the second embodiment, since the inquiry screen 260 is transmitted, the error notification unit 143 transmits an error notification screen in which the buttons 211 and 213 are deleted from the error notification screen 210 illustrated in FIG. The non-work notification unit 157 transmits a non-work notification screen in which the buttons 231 and 233 of the non-work notification screen 230 shown in FIG. 7 are deleted.

  As described above, based on the content of the error that has occurred and the user's ability, generate a query destination list to be inquired about whether to be in charge of repair, and user identification information included in the generated query destination list An inquiry is made as to whether or not the device specified by the device identification information associated with is in charge of repair. As a result, it is possible to urge a user who has the ability to improve errors to take charge of work for improving errors. Therefore, if a user with the ability to improve errors works to improve the error, it may take less time to improve the error than a user who does not have the ability to improve errors will work to improve the error. it can.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of error notification processing according to the second embodiment. The difference from the error notification processing shown in FIG. 11 is that steps S71 to S73 are added between steps S23 and S24, and steps S74 and S75 are added between steps S34 and S35. In other words, step S76 is added instead of step S39 and step S40. Since the other processing is the same as that shown in FIG. 11, different points will be mainly described here.

  Referring to FIG. 20, in step S71, an inquiry destination setting process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S75. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of inquiry destination setting processing. Referring to FIG. 21, CPU 111 acquires an error code (step S101). In the next step S102, the ability level is specified based on the acquired error code. Specifically, the error record including the error code acquired in step S101 is extracted from the error table stored in the EEPROM 114, and the capability level set in the capability level item of the extracted error record is generated. Specified as the ability level for the selected error.

  In the next step S103, referring to the capability table, all capability records in which the above capability levels for the generated error are set in the capability level items are extracted. Then, it is determined whether one or more ability records have been extracted (step S104). If one or more capability records are extracted, the process proceeds to step S105. If no capability record is extracted, the process returns to the error notification process.

  In step S105, one ability record is selected as a processing target from one or more extracted ability records. And the user of the user identification information set to the item of the user identification information of the selected capability record is determined as a candidate user (step S106). In the next step S107, the device identification information of the device used by the candidate user is specified. Specifically, referring to the user table stored in the EEPROM 114, a user record including the user identification information of the candidate user is extracted, and the device identification set in the device identification information item of the extracted user record Get information.

  In the next step S108, it is determined whether or not the notification destination table includes the notification destination record in which the device identification information specified in step S107 is set in the item of device identification information. If such a notification destination record exists, the notification destination record is specified and the process proceeds to step S109. If no such notification destination record exists in the notification destination table, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S109, the candidate user is set as an inquiry destination, and the process proceeds to step S110. Specifically, the mark “◯” is set in the candidate item of the notification destination record specified in step S108.

  In step S110, it is determined whether or not there is a capability record that is not selected as a processing target among the one or more capability records extracted in step S103. If there is an unprocessed capability record, the process returns to step S105; otherwise, the process returns to the error notification process.

  Returning to FIG. 20, in step S72, it is determined whether there is an inquiry destination. If there is an inquiry destination set in step S71, the process proceeds to step S73. If not, the process proceeds to step S46. This is because if there is no candidate user as an inquiry destination, an error is notified to the administrator and an error improvement is requested.

  In step S73, an inquiry is made to the inquiry destination set in step S71, and the process proceeds to step S24. Specifically, a notification destination record in which a mark “◯” is set as a candidate item is extracted from the notification destination records included in the notification destination table stored in the RAM 114. Then, the inquiry screen 260 shown in FIG. 19 is transmitted via the network I / F 118 to the devices specified by the device identification information set in all the notification destination records extracted from the PCs 200A to 200F. For example, when the notification destination table shown in FIG. 18 is stored in the RAM 114, the inquiry screen 260 is transmitted to the PCs 200A to 200C. In the next step S24, a timer is started. The timer measures the elapsed time since the inquiry screen 260 was transmitted.

  After the non-work notification screen is transmitted in step S34, it is determined in step S74 whether there is an inquiry destination other than the declaration source. It is determined whether there is an inquiry destination other than the notification source specified in step S26 among the inquiry destinations set in step S71. Specifically, in the notification destination record included in the notification destination table stored in the RAM 114, a candidate item is marked with a mark “O”, and a declaration item is set in the declaration item. Extract the notification destination records that have not been sent. If such a notification destination record is extracted, it is determined that there is an inquiry destination other than the declaration source. If there is an inquiry destination other than the declaration source, the process proceeds to step S75; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S76. In step S76, as in step S46, an administrator notification process is executed, and the process returns to the print job reception process.

  In step S75, an inquiry is made to inquiry destinations other than the declaration source specified in step S26 among the inquiry destinations set in step S71. The inquiry screen 260 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the device specified by the device identification information set in all the notification destination records extracted from the PCs 200A to 200F based on the notification destination record extracted in step S74. It transmits via network I / F118. For example, when the notification destination table shown in FIG. 18 is stored in the RAM 114, the inquiry screen 260 is transmitted to the PCs 200B and 200C. In the next step S35, the timer is reset, and the process returns to step S25. The timer measures the elapsed time since the inquiry screen 260 was transmitted.

  In step S45, it is determined whether or not the timer value is equal to or longer than a predetermined time T3. The timer value here is the value of the timer started in step S24 and the value of the timer reset in step S35. In the case of the timer value started in step S24, it indicates the elapsed time since the inquiry screen 260 was transmitted. In the case of the timer value reset in step S35, the time after the inquiry screen was transmitted in step S75. Elapsed time. In other words, if a declaration is not received even after a predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the inquiry screen was transmitted, the process proceeds to step S46. This is because if there is no user in charge of repair among the users who have instructed the transmission of the print job and have a capability level capable of coping with the error, the administrator is notified and the repair is requested. In step S46, an administrator notification process is executed, the error notification process is terminated, and the process returns to the print job reception process.

  As described above, MFP 100 according to the present embodiment receives print jobs from PCs 200A to 200D among PCs 200A to 200F, stores the received print jobs in EEPROM 115 in association with PCs 200A to 200D, and stores the plurality of print jobs. When an error occurs during image formation, an error notification screen 210 is transmitted to each of the PCs 200A to 200D that transmitted the print job. Then, in response to receiving a notification to the effect of the error improvement work from the PC 200A among the PCs 200A to 200D, the PCs 200B to 200D other than the PC 200A are notified that there has been a declaration by another user. As a result, it is possible to prevent a plurality of users from making duplicate improvements by not moving to the MFP 100 to improve the error without knowing that another user has gone to the MFP 100 to improve the error. can do.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points 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.

2 LAN, 10 ADF, 13 operation panel, 20 document reading unit, 30 image forming unit, 40 paper feeding unit, 50 post-processing unit, 51 various error sensors, 53 open / close sensor, 101 main circuit, 103 display unit, 105 operation unit , 100 MFP, 111 CPU, 112 Communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 EEPROM, 116 HDD, 117 Facsimile unit, 118 Network I / F unit, 119 External storage device, 119A CD-ROM, 131 Job reception , 133 Image formation control unit, 135 Error detection unit, 137 Work detection unit, 139 Arbitration unit, 141 Setting unit, 143 Error notification unit, 145 Notification reception unit, 147 Notification notification unit, 149 Processing order change unit, 151 Error release Notification unit, 153 Initial notification unit, 155 Re-notification unit, 157 Non-work notification Part, 159 work impossible notification part, 161 manager notification part, 171 extraction part, 173 inquiry part, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F PC.

Claims (11)

Job receiving means for receiving a print job from any of a plurality of information processing devices;
Storage means for storing the received job in association with device identification information for identifying a device that has transmitted the print job among the plurality of information processing devices;
When a plurality of print jobs are stored in the storage unit, an image forming unit that sequentially selects one of the plurality of print jobs and forms an image based on the selected print job;
If an error occurs during image formation by the image forming unit, an error is sent to a plurality of information processing devices specified by a plurality of device identification information respectively associated with a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit. An error notification means to notify;
In response to receiving a notification to be in charge of improvement work from any of the plurality of information processing devices notified of the error, an information processing device that has transmitted the notification among the plurality of information processing devices notified of the error An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification notifying unit for notifying that the user is in charge of improvement work by another user.   The error notification means further includes a re-notification means for notifying an error again when image formation by the image forming means is not possible after receiving a notification to be in charge of the improvement work. The image forming apparatus described. Work start detection means for detecting the start of work is further provided,
The re-notification means notifies that the improvement work is not started when the start of the work is not detected even after the first period has elapsed since the notification of the improvement work being received. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, comprising means.   When the error notification means notifies the error again, the order in which the image forming apparatus selects the print job associated with the apparatus identification information of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the notification that it is in charge of the improvement work. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a changing unit that changes last. Work start detection means for detecting the start of work is further provided,
The re-notification unit receives a declaration to be in charge of the improvement work, and when the start of the work is detected and the image forming unit cannot form an image even after a second period has elapsed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a work impossibility notifying means for notifying that the sentencer cannot be improved.   The said re-notification means notifies an error again to the apparatus except the information processing apparatus which has transmitted the notification to be in charge of the said improvement work among the plurality of information processing apparatuses notified of the error. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The information processing apparatus that has transmitted the notification when the image forming means can form an image after receiving the notification that it is in charge of the improvement work from any of the plurality of information processing apparatuses that have notified the error The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a changing unit that first changes an order in which the image forming apparatus selects a print job associated with the apparatus identification information. The difficulty level table in which the types of errors that occur during image formation by the image forming unit and the difficulty of the error improvement work are associated in advance, and the ability level that indicates the ability corresponding to the difficulty level of the error improvement work is associated for each user. Extracting means for extracting candidate users based on the types of errors that occur during image formation by the image forming means,
Declaration to the information processing apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information assigned to the candidate user extracted by the extraction means among the plurality of apparatus identification information respectively associated with the plurality of print jobs stored in the storage means The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising inquiry means for inquiring whether or not to do so.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the inquiry unit notifies an error to a predetermined destination when the candidate user is not extracted by the extraction unit. Job receiving means for receiving a print job from any of a plurality of information processing devices;
Storage means for storing the received job in association with device identification information for identifying a device that has transmitted the print job among the plurality of information processing devices;
An image forming unit that sequentially selects one of the plurality of print jobs and forms an image based on the selected print job when a plurality of print jobs are stored in the storage unit; An error notification method executed in an image forming apparatus,
If an error occurs during image formation by the image forming unit, an error is sent to a plurality of information processing devices specified by a plurality of device identification information respectively associated with a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit. A notification step;
In response to receiving a notification to be in charge of improvement work from any of the plurality of information processing devices notified of the error, an information processing device that has transmitted the notification among the plurality of information processing devices notified of the error An error notification method comprising: notifying a device other than the user that the user has been declared to be in charge of improvement work. Job receiving means for receiving a print job from any of a plurality of information processing devices;
Storage means for storing the received job in association with device identification information for identifying a device that has transmitted the print job among the plurality of information processing devices;
An image forming unit that sequentially selects one of the plurality of print jobs and forms an image based on the selected print job when a plurality of print jobs are stored in the storage unit; An error notification program executed by a computer that controls the image forming apparatus,
If an error occurs during image formation by the image forming unit, an error is sent to a plurality of information processing devices specified by a plurality of device identification information respectively associated with a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit. A notification step;
In response to receiving a notification to be in charge of improvement work from any of the plurality of information processing devices notified of the error, an information processing device that has transmitted the notification among the plurality of information processing devices notified of the error An error notification program for causing the computer to execute a step of notifying a device excluding that the user is in charge of improvement work by another user.

Images