JP2015087901A - Information processor, image formation system, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor in which usability of status information display showing operation states and the like of a plurality of image formation devices is improved.SOLUTION: A status information acquisition part 200 acquires respective pieces of status information 100 of a plurality of image formation devices 1. A user selection equipment information registration part 210 registers the image formation device 1 selected by a user so that its status information is preferentially displayed among the acquired pieces of status information 100 of the plurality of image formation devices 1 with user selection equipment information 400. A status information display control part 220, for the status information 100 of the image formation device 1 registered with the user selection equipment information 400, makes a display part 23 perform such display that the display preference order is made high as the registered order is later, the information is distinguished with a display column for each image formation device 1 and arranged on one screen.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, and an information processing method, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, and an information processing method capable of displaying status information of the image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, there are image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) capable of printing documents and images.
Some of these image forming apparatuses can display status information indicating an operation state or the like.

  With reference to Patent Document 1, on the screen for selecting an image forming apparatus on the network, the toner levels of each color of CMYK are displayed in the row direction in association with each image forming apparatus, and the icons of each color of CMYK are displayed for all images. The forming apparatus is displayed in one column in the column direction, and the space between the selected line clicked and the adjacent line below is opened by the accordion method, and the performance information of the image forming apparatus in the selected line is displayed in the space. The technology of the information processing apparatus is described.

JP 2010-79575 A

  However, although the technique of Patent Document 1 can display a list of CMYK toner levels as the status information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, if there are many image forming apparatuses on the network, the information on the image forming apparatus that actually wants to know the status information. There was a problem that it took time and effort to find out.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus that solves the above-described problems.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a status information acquisition unit configured to acquire status information of a plurality of the image forming apparatuses in an information processing apparatus capable of displaying status information indicating an operation state of the image forming apparatus, and the status information. User-selected device information registration means for registering, as user-selected device information, the image forming device selected to display status information preferentially by the user among the status information of the plurality of image forming devices acquired by the acquiring unit. For the status information of the image forming device registered in the user selected device information by the user selected device information registering unit, the display priority is set higher as the registered order is slower, Status information display control means for distinguishing between display fields and displaying them side by side on a single screen Characterized in that it comprises a.
In the information processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the status information display control unit acquires information on a size of a screen for displaying a user instruction or status information, and displays a display field for displaying status information for each of the image forming apparatuses. The size and the type of status information to be displayed are changed and displayed.
The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a function selection display unit that displays a display column for calling a function of the selected image forming apparatus on the same screen on which each status information is displayed. .
An image forming system according to the present invention includes the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus.
The information processing method according to the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus capable of displaying status information indicating an operation state or the like of an image forming apparatus, and acquires and acquires status information of a plurality of the image forming apparatuses, respectively. Among the plurality of status information of the image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus selected to display status information with priority by the user is registered as user-selected apparatus information, and registered in the user-selected apparatus information. The status information of the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the display priority is higher as the registered order is slower, and the image forming apparatuses are displayed in a single screen by distinguishing them in a display column for each image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus selected to display the status information with priority by the user is registered, and the lower the registered order, the higher the display priority is, and the display column distinguishes one screen. By displaying them side by side, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily search for information on an image forming apparatus for which status information is desired.

1 is a system configuration diagram according to an embodiment of an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the status display process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 3 is a screen example of status information drawing shown in FIG. 2. It is an example of a screen which shows the detail of the display column shown in FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system including the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

<Embodiment>
[Overall Configuration of Image Forming System X]
With reference to FIG. 5, the overall configuration of the image forming system X according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The image forming apparatus 1 is an image forming apparatus such as an MFP that can transmit various status information 100 (FIG. 1) indicating an operation state or the like to the information processing apparatus 2. One or more image forming apparatuses 1 are provided.
The information processing apparatus 2 is a PC such as a PC / AT compatible machine that can acquire and display the status information 100 from the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The information processing apparatus 2 can also transmit print data 320 (FIG. 1) created by the user to the image forming apparatus 1. One or more information processing apparatuses 2 are also provided.
The image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 are connected to a network 5 such as a LAN, a wireless LAN, a WAN, or a mobile phone network.

(Entire configuration of the image forming apparatus 1)
Referring to FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10 (control unit), an image processing unit 11 (image processing unit), a document reading unit 12 (document reading unit, scanning unit), a document feeding unit 13, and a conveyance unit. (Feeding roller 42b, transport roller pair 44, discharge roller pair 45), network transmission / reception unit 15, operation panel unit 16, image forming unit 17 (image forming unit), FAX transmission / reception unit 18 (FAX transmission / reception unit), and storage unit 19 etc. are connected by various buses. The operation of each unit is controlled by the control unit 10.

The control unit 10 includes a general purpose processor (GPP), a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific processor (ASIC). Information processing means such as a processor for a specific application).
The control unit 10 reads out a control program stored in the ROM or HDD of the storage unit 19, develops the control program in the RAM, and executes it to operate as each unit of a functional block described later. The control unit 10 controls the entire apparatus corresponding to predetermined instruction information input from the operation panel unit 16, the input unit 22 of the information processing apparatus 2, or the like.

The image processing unit 11 is control arithmetic means such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The image processing unit 11 is a unit that performs predetermined image processing on image data, and performs various types of image processing such as enlargement / reduction, density adjustment, gradation adjustment, and image improvement.
The image processing unit 11 stores the image read by the document reading unit 12 as print data 320 in the storage unit 19. At this time, the image processing unit 11 can also convert the print data 320 into file units of a format such as PDF or TIFF.

The document reading unit 12 is a (scan) unit that reads a set document.
The document feeding unit 13 is a unit that transports a document read by the document reading unit 12.
The image forming unit 17 is a unit that performs image formation on recording paper from data stored in the storage unit 19 and read by the document reading unit 12 or acquired from the information processing apparatus 2 according to a user output instruction. .
The transport unit transports the recording paper from the paper feed cassette 42a (FIG. 7), causes the image forming unit 17 to form an image, and then transports the recording paper to the stack tray 50.
The operations of the document reading unit 12, the document feeding unit 13, the transport unit, and the image forming unit 17 will be described later.

The network transmission / reception unit 15 is a network connection unit including a LAN board for connecting to the network 5 and a wireless transceiver.
The network transmission / reception unit 15 transmits / receives data on a data communication line and transmits / receives voice signals on a voice telephone line.
The network transmission / reception unit 15 is connected to the information processing apparatus 2 via the network 5 and calls the status information 100 (FIG. 1), the print data 320 (FIG. 1), the user ID and password at login, and various functions. These commands can be sent and received.

The operation panel unit 16 acquires instructions for various jobs of the image forming apparatus 1 by the user. Further, information on each user is input and changed in accordance with user instructions acquired from the operation panel unit 16.
The operation panel unit 16 includes an input unit and a display unit. The input unit is a keypad, start, cancel, operation mode switching buttons such as copy, FAX transmission, and scanner, and instructions for executing jobs related to printing, transmission, storage, and recording of the selected document. Buttons and touch panels. The display unit is a display unit such as an LCD or an organic EL panel.
The operation panel unit 16 can also display or set the status information 100 (FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus 1 on the display unit 23 according to a user instruction from the input unit. Further, a preview of the file stored in the print data 320 or the document box may be displayed on the display unit of the operation panel unit 16.

The FAX transmission / reception unit 18 is a part that performs facsimile transmission / reception, and is connected to a normal telephone line, ISDN line, or the like.
Further, the FAX transmission / reception unit 18 stores the received facsimile image in the storage unit 19 as print data 320 (FIG. 1).

The storage unit 19 is a storage unit that uses a semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).
Even if the RAM of the storage unit 19 is in a power saving state, the stored contents are held by a function such as self-refresh.
A control program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the ROM and HDD of the storage unit 19. The storage unit 19 may include a storage folder area for each user.

In the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 10 and the image processing unit 11 may be integrally formed, such as a CPU with a built-in GPU or a chip-on-module package.
The control unit 10 and the image processing unit 11 may include a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, and the like.

(Overall configuration of information processing apparatus 2)
7, the information processing apparatus 2 includes a control unit 20, an I / O unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a network transmission / reception unit 25, and a storage unit 29 (location information storage unit). The operation of each unit is controlled by the control unit 20.

  The control unit 20 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Processor), or the like. It is a control means having a certain calculation / control capability. The control unit 20 executes each program stored in the storage unit 29 using hardware resources.

  The I / O unit 21 is an interface unit that provides interfaces such as DVI, analog RGB, HDMI (registered trademark), USB, IEEE 1394, serial, parallel, infrared, and wireless for connection to various peripheral devices (peripherals). It is. The I / O unit 21 is connected to the input unit 22 and the display unit 23.

  The input unit 22 is an input unit such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or a touch pad for inputting information such as various settings and user authentication.

  The display unit 23 is a display unit such as an LCD display or an organic EL display. The display unit 23 can display a screen for drawing an application and setting security.

The network transmitting / receiving unit 25 is a standard LAN interface such as 1000BASE-T / 100BASE-TX, a wireless LAN interface, a portable radio wave transmitting / receiving device, or the like for connecting to the network 5. The information processing apparatus 2 acquires status information 100 (FIG. 1) from the image forming apparatus 1 via the network transmission / reception unit 25. Further, the information processing apparatus 2 can transmit and receive print data 320 (FIG. 1), a user ID and a password at the time of login, and the like with the image forming apparatus 1.
The network transmitting / receiving unit 25 may be connected to an external hub, router, or the like and connected to the network 5.

The storage unit 29 is a storage unit such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory disk such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a magnetic tape device, or an optical disk device. The storage unit 29 causes the information processing apparatus 2 to function as a terminal that acquires the status information 100 (FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus 1 and transmits the print data 300 (FIG. 1) to the selected image forming apparatus 1. Control programs and data including device drivers are stored.
The storage unit 29 includes an OS (Operating System) equipped with a GUI (Graphical User Interface), a word processor, spreadsheet software, drawing software, a WWW browser, an electronic mailer, and other application software (hereinafter referred to as “application”). In addition, other programs and data are also stored.
These programs and data can be read and executed or written by the control unit 20.

[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 1]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The document reading unit 12 is arranged on the upper part of the main body unit 14, and the document feeding unit 13 is arranged on the upper side of the document reading unit 12. The stack tray 50 is disposed on the recording paper discharge port 41 side formed in the main body unit 14, and the operation panel unit 16 is disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1.

The document reading unit 12 includes a scanner 12a, a platen glass 12b, and a document reading slit 12c. The scanner 12 a includes an exposure lamp, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging sensor, and the like, and is configured to be movable in the document transport direction by the document feeder 13.
The platen glass 12b is an original table made of a transparent member such as glass. The document reading slit 12 c has a slit formed in a direction orthogonal to the document transport direction by the document feeding unit 13.

When reading a document placed on the platen glass 12b, the scanner 12a is moved to a position facing the platen glass 12b, and reads the document while scanning the document placed on the platen glass 12b to obtain image data. The acquired image data is output to the control unit 10 (FIG. 6) provided in the main body unit 14.
When reading the document conveyed by the document feeding unit 13, the scanner 12a is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 12c, and the document feeding unit 13 conveys the document through the document reading slit 12c. The document is read in synchronization with the operation to acquire image data, and the acquired image data is output to the control unit 10 provided in the main body unit 14.

The document feeding unit 13 includes a document placement unit 13a, a document discharge unit 13b, and a document transport mechanism 13c. The originals placed on the original placement unit 13a are sequentially fed out one by one by the original conveyance mechanism 13c, conveyed to a position facing the original reading slit 12c, and then discharged to the original discharge unit 13b.
The document feeding unit 13 is configured to be retractable, and the upper surface of the platen glass 12b can be opened by lifting the document feeding unit 13 upward.

The main body unit 14 includes the image forming unit 17, and includes a paper feeding unit 42, a paper conveyance path 43, a conveyance roller pair 44, and a discharge roller pair 45. The paper feed unit 42 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 42 a that store recording papers of different sizes or orientations, and a paper feed roller 42 b that feeds the recording papers one by one from the paper feed cassette 42 a to the paper transport path 43. Yes. The paper feed roller 42b, the transport roller pair 44, and the discharge roller pair 45 function as a transport unit. The recording paper is conveyed by this conveyance unit. The transport unit also includes a sensor that detects the amount of recording paper in each paper feed cassette 42a.
The recording paper fed to the paper transport path 43 by the paper feed roller 42 b is transported to the image forming unit 17 by the transport roller pair 44. Then, the recording paper on which recording is performed by the image forming unit 17 is discharged to the stack tray 50 by the discharge roller pair 45.

  The image forming unit 17 includes a photosensitive drum 17a, an exposure unit 17b, a developing unit 17c, a transfer unit 17d, and a fixing unit 17e. The exposure unit 17b is an optical unit including a laser device, a mirror, a lens, an LED array, and the like. The exposure unit 17b outputs light or the like based on image data to expose the photosensitive drum 17a, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 17a is statically exposed. An electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing unit 17c is a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 17a using toner, and forms a toner image based on the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 17a. The transfer unit 17d transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 17a by the developing unit 17c to a recording sheet. The fixing unit 17e heats the recording paper on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 17d to fix the toner image on the recording paper.

[System Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1 and Information Processing Apparatus 2]
Here, the detailed system configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 included in the image forming system X will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 stores status information 100 in the storage unit 19 (FIG. 6).

  The status information 100 is data indicating each operation state (status) of the image forming apparatus 1. The status information 100 includes, for example, a printable state, an error state such as a failure or a paper jam or out of recording paper, a power saving mode, a network connection, a remaining amount of each color toner, a remaining amount of paper in each sheet feeding cassette 42a, and a sheet. Information on various types of operation states of the paper cassette 42a and the like used for printing is included. The status information 100 includes various types such as a color or monochrome output type, an IP address of the transmission source of the image forming apparatus 1 or the print data 320, a file name of the print data 320, a file type, preview data, and a created user ID. Information may also be included.

  The information processing apparatus 2 includes a status information acquisition unit 200 (status information acquisition unit), a user-selected device information registration unit 210 (user-selected device information registration unit), and a status information display control unit 220 (status information display control). Means) and a function selection display section 230 (function selection display means).

The status information acquisition unit 200 acquires the status information 100 of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1. The status information acquisition unit 200 acquires the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the user account setting 310 setting.
Further, the status information acquisition unit 200 performs user authentication by acquiring the user ID (Identification) and password of the user acquired from the input unit 22 or stored in the storage unit 29.

The user-selected device information registration unit 210 acquires a user instruction, and is selected to display status information preferentially among the status information 100 of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 acquired by the status information acquisition unit 200. The image forming apparatus 1 is registered as “Favorite” (Recent and Favorite) by being set in the user-selected device information 400 and stored in the storage unit 29.
Also, the user-selected device information registration unit 210 acquires the user instruction, transmits the print data 320, and selects the “currently selected” (Current) image forming apparatus 1 selected to call the various functions. The information is registered in the information 400 and stored in the storage unit 29.

The status information display control unit 220 increases the display priority of the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 registered in the user selection device information 400 by the user selection device information registration unit 210 as the registration order is later. Then, the image forming apparatuses 1 are distinguished in the display column and arranged on one screen to be displayed on the display unit 23. At this time, for example, the status information display control unit 220 displays each operation status of the status information 100 of the “currently selected” image forming apparatus 1 selected as the transmission destination of the print data 320 on the right side of the scrollable screen or It is drawn and displayed collectively as a display field of a state such as a rectangular window at the left end. Further, the status information display control unit 220 similarly draws and displays the “favorite” status information 100 registered in the user-selected device information 400 as a display field in accordance with a user instruction. At this time, the status information display control unit 220 draws and displays them in the order (priority order) closest to the status information 100 of the “currently selected” image forming apparatus 1 in the order most recently registered in “favorites”. Let These display fields can be browsed by scrolling with a swipe or the like, and pressed with a touch or the like to display detailed information or give instructions for setting.
Further, the status information display control unit 220 acquires a user instruction or acquires information on the size of a screen on which the status information 100 is displayed. Based on these pieces of information, the status information display control unit 220 changes the size of the display column for displaying the status information 100, the type of operation state of the status information 100 to be displayed, and the like for each image forming apparatus 1.

  The function selection display unit 230 draws and displays a display field for calling the function of the selected image forming apparatus 1 on the same screen of the display unit 23 as that on which each status information 100 is displayed. The functions of the image forming apparatus 1 called from the display column can be controlled between the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 such as scanning, image acquisition by an external camera, document box operation, editing of a template image to be printed, etc. Features are included.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 2 stores the operation state information 300, the account setting 310, and the print data 320 in the storage unit 29.

The operation state information 300 is data indicating the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation state information 300 includes the status information 100 of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 acquired by the status information acquisition unit 200.
The operation status information 300 stores information such as the user ID of the logged-in user for displaying the status, the IP address of the image forming apparatus 1 that acquired the status, the device unique ID, the display time, and the status display history. Also good.

The account setting 310 is a database including various types of information including settings for user status display. The account setting 310 includes, for each user account, a user ID, a password, etc., user-selected device information 400, status display settings 410 of each image forming apparatus 1, device driver setting information, authority information, address information, It consists of information such as billing information.
The user ID is information such as a user ID (Identification) and a user name. The password or the like is a password at the time of user authentication, and is used for a password for changing various settings, an authentication code, a password, or the like. The user selected device information 400 and the status display setting 410 will be described later. The device driver setting information of the image forming apparatus 1 includes the type of the image forming apparatus 1 that can obtain the status information 100, the information on the screen size of the display unit 23 that can be used when displaying the device driver, the type of information processing apparatus, Information on various settings at the time of execution of the device driver, such as OS information, scrolling method, presence / absence of a touch panel, locale (language information), and the like is included. The authority information is information related to the authority of an administrator, a general user, a guest user, or the like. The address information includes the user's e-mail address, IP address, address book, telephone number, FAX number, document box address, and the like. The charging information is information for charging for each page of monochrome printing and color printing. The billing information may include information such as billing at a store and information such as network printing in addition to page billing.

  The print data 320 is data of a document created by an application of the information processing apparatus 2 and converted into PDL (Page Description Language) by a device driver for the image forming apparatus 1, and an image or document acquired from the image forming apparatus 1. Data, etc. The image data of the print data 320 and / or the document data is acquired from image data such as a bitmap read by the document reading unit 12 or the FAX transmission / reception unit 18, an external server (not shown), a recording medium, or the like. It may be document data such as PDF (Portable Document Format), image data in a format such as jpg, GIF, or TIFF. The print data 320 may include data such as the creator's user ID and password, the created information processing apparatus 2 device, application type, IP address, and the like.

The user-selected device information 400 is data indicating the image forming apparatus 1 selected to display status information with priority by the user. In the present embodiment, the user-selected device information 400 is set by the user-selected device information registration unit 210 for each logged-in user.
The user-selected device information 400 includes device information that is identification information such as the device name, model name, and device unique ID of a predetermined number of image forming apparatuses 1 selected by the user. The device information registered in the user-selected device information 400 becomes the “favorite” image forming apparatus 1 that preferentially displays the status information 100. In addition to the “favorite”, the user-selected device information 400 includes device information of the “currently selected” image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the device information of the user-selected device information 400 is registered such that the newer device has a higher priority when selected by the user. When the number of “favorite” image forming apparatuses 1 exceeds a predetermined number, the device information may be deleted from the oldest user-selected device information 400 (in order of priority).
The data structure may be such that the device information with the highest priority in the user-selected device information 400 is the “currently selected” image forming apparatus 1.

The status display setting 410 is setting data for the display method of the status information 100. The status display setting 410 includes device information, online or offline status information, and information on the type of operation status when acquired, for each image forming apparatus 1 that has acquired the status information 100 even once. In the status display setting 410, which operation state is to be displayed for each of the “standard mode” in which the size of the display column is standard and the “compact mode” in which the size of the display column is smaller than the “standard mode”. Further, it may include data such as a layout for display and display priority setting. The status display setting 410 may also include information on whether or not the corresponding image forming apparatus 1 is “currently selected” or “favorite”. The status display setting 410 includes a default paper cassette 42a setting, a default paper type setting for each paper cassette 42a, and a default type related to whether to perform color or monochrome output. Settings, billing settings, etc. may also be included.
Each setting of the status display setting 410 can be added, deleted, changed, or the like by the administrator user or the like on the input unit 22 or the operation panel unit 16 (FIG. 6) of the image forming apparatus 1.

Here, the control unit 20 of the information processing apparatus 2 executes a control program such as a device driver stored in the storage unit 29 to thereby obtain a status information acquisition unit 200, a user-selected device information registration unit 210, and a status information display. It functions as the control unit 220.
Each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 or the information processing apparatus 2 described above becomes a hardware resource for executing the image forming method of the present invention.

[Status Display Processing by Image Forming Apparatus 1]
Next, status display processing by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the status display process of the present embodiment, first, status information 100 of a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 is acquired. Further, in accordance with a user instruction, the user selects and registers the “favorite” image forming apparatus 1. On this screen, status information 100 “currently selected” and “favorite” set as print destinations by the user is also displayed. At this time, the “favorite” image forming apparatus 1 displays them side by side on a single screen in a newly registered order, with distinction in the display column. Further, the selected image forming apparatus 1 may be compactly displayed. Further, when the user selects, various functions can be called for the image forming apparatus 1.
In the status display process of the present embodiment, the control unit 20 of the information processing apparatus 2 and the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 are stored in the storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the storage unit 29 of the information processing apparatus 2. Are executed using hardware resources in cooperation with each unit.
Hereinafter, the details of the status display process will be described step by step with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S100)
First, the control unit 20 performs status information acquisition processing by the status information acquisition unit 200.
The control unit 20 performs broadcasting or the like via the network 5 and transmits status information to the image forming apparatus 1. Receiving this, each image forming apparatus 1 transmits status information 100.
The control unit 20 acquires the status information 100 and stores it in the operation state information 300 of the storage unit 19. In addition, the control unit 20 refers to the status display setting 410 of the account setting 310, and if the status information 100 cannot be acquired this time from the image forming apparatus 1 that has previously acquired the status information 100, The status display setting 410 of the image forming apparatus 1 is set to offline.

(Step S101)
Next, the control unit 20 performs login processing by the status information acquisition unit 200.
The control unit 20 causes the user to input a user ID and a password from the input unit 22 and obtains them. The control unit 20 refers to the account setting 310 from the acquired user ID and password, and performs user authentication.
When the control unit 20 receives the result of the user authentication, the control unit 20 stores the result in the storage unit 19.
Note that the control unit 20 may perform user authentication using the input unit of the operation panel unit 16 of any of the image forming apparatuses 1. In this case, the control unit 20 transmits the input user ID and password from the image forming apparatus 1 to the information processing apparatus 2.

(Step S102)
Next, the control unit 20 uses the status information acquisition unit 200 to determine whether or not the login is successful. The control unit 20 determines Yes when the user authentication is successful. In other cases, the control unit 20 determines No when the user ID is not logged in or user authentication has failed.
In the case of Yes, the control part 20 advances a process to step S103.
In No, the control part 20 complete | finishes a status display process.

(Step S103)
Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the status information acquisition unit 200 has instructed status display. The control unit 20 determines Yes when there is an instruction by a user for a status display on the basic screen when the device driver or the like of the input unit 22 is executed. In other cases, the control unit 20 determines No.
In the case of Yes, the control part 20 advances a process to step S104.
In No, the control part 20 advances a process to step S110.

(Step S104)
When there is an instruction for status display by the user, the control unit 20 performs status information drawing processing by the status information display control unit 220 and the function selection display unit 230.
The control unit 20 reads the operation state information 300 and the account setting 310, draws the acquired status information 100 on the display unit 23 based on the user-selected device information 400 and the status display setting 410, and displays it on one screen. .
For example, the screen example 500 of FIG. 3A shows an example in which the acquired status information 100 is displayed as a list on the display unit 23 on a single screen by a predetermined operation of the device driver.
In the screen example 500, the control unit 20 draws a display column of the status information 100 of the “currently selected” image forming apparatus 1 in a tile shape at the location of the “Current” group 601 on the left end. Further, the control unit 20 draws a display field of the status information 100 of the “favorite” image forming apparatus 1 at a location of the “Recent and Favorites” group 602 adjacent to “Current”. Further, the control unit 20 displays the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 to be displayed corresponding to the status display setting 410 other than “currently selected” and “favorite” at the location of the “Other” group 603.

In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the control unit 20 draws a gray title bar at the top of the display column that displays the status information 100 of each image forming apparatus 1. Further, the control unit 20 draws the online or offline state and device information of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the lower left of the title bar. In addition, the control unit 20 indicates, as an asterisk, that it has been registered in “favorites” at the lower right of the title bar. In addition, the control unit 20 displays device information, toner amount, the number of remaining sheets of each paper feed cassette 42a, and the like according to the status display setting 410.
More specifically, the control unit 20 displays “Current Device”, “Last Used Device”, “Favorite”, “Network Device”, etc. in the title bar of each display column, respectively, Information indicating the type and status such as “used device”, “favorite”, and “(other) devices on the network” is displayed. Further, the control unit 20 displays the value of the previously acquired status information 100 for the offline image forming apparatus 1 for which the status information 100 could not be acquired in this display field, and a caution mark or the like in the lower left of the title bar. To indicate to the user that they are offline.

  In addition, a screen example 510 in FIG. 3B shows an example in which the status information 100 is displayed on the basic screen of the device driver. In FIG. 3B, the control unit 20 displays the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the display column for the “currently selected” group 611 and the “favorite” group 612. In addition to this, the screen example 510 displays a group 614 of a display column for calling a function of the “currently selected” image forming apparatus 1.

(Step S105)
Next, the control unit 20 performs status display device selection processing by the user-selected device information registration unit 210.
When the control unit 20 detects that the user has selected on the screen a display field in which the status information 100 of each image forming apparatus 1 is displayed, the control unit 20 performs further detailed display and various settings and reflects them in the status display settings 410. .
In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the control unit 20 detects that the display field of the status information 100 of each image forming apparatus 1 has been pressed with the touch panel, the pointing device, or the like of the input unit 22. To do. When this pressing is detected, the control unit 20 acquires a detailed setting instruction by the user depending on the location in the display field.
The control unit 20 may further draw a screen or the like (not shown) for detailed settings. The control unit 20 performs various display settings on the detailed setting screen and reflects them in the status display setting 410.

(Step S106)
Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the user-selected device information registration unit 210 has instructed the user to register “favorites” that display status information preferentially for the image forming apparatus 1 selected by the user. judge.
In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the control unit 20 presses the upper right part of the display field of the status information 100 of each image forming apparatus 1 with the touch panel or the pointing device of the input unit 22. Detect that. When such an instruction is detected, the control unit 20 determines Yes. In other cases, the control unit 20 determines No.
In the case of Yes, the control part 20 advances a process to step S107.
In No, the control part 20 advances a process to step S108.

(Step S107)
When registration to “favorite” is instructed, the control unit 20 causes the user-selected device information registration unit 210 to perform user-selected device information registration processing.
The control unit 20 performs registration by setting the device information of the image forming apparatus 1 selected by the user in the user selected device information 400.
At the time of registration, the control unit 20 sets the priority order of the selected image forming apparatus 1 to the top. Further, when the number of favorite registrations of the user-selected device information 400 exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit 20 may delete the device information of the image forming apparatus 1 registered the oldest.

(Step S108)
Here, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the status information display control unit 220 displays the display field of the status information 100 of each image forming apparatus 1 in the compact mode.
The control unit 20 determines Yes when an instruction to display the image forming apparatus 1 selected by the user in the compact mode is acquired. Further, the control unit 20 acquires information on the size of the screen on which the status information is displayed, and also determines Yes when the size of the screen or the like is smaller than a predetermined threshold. In other cases, the control unit 20 determines No.
In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the control unit 20 instructs the user to display the depression of the title bar in the display column of the status information 100 of each image forming apparatus 1 in the compact mode. It acquires and determines with Yes. In addition, when the size of the display unit 23 is small, such as a smartphone, and the number of characters that can be displayed in each display field is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the control unit 20 determines Yes because it is smaller than a predetermined threshold.
In the case of Yes, the control part 20 advances a process to step S109.
In No, the control part 20 complete | finishes a status display process.

(Step S109)
When displaying in the compact mode, the control unit 20 causes the status information display control unit 220 to perform display column compaction processing.
The control unit 20 sets the size of the display field for displaying the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 instructed by the user and the type of operation state of the status information 100 to be displayed in the status display setting 410 in the compact mode. Change to match.
Further, when the screen size or the like is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 20 changes all the display fields of the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the compact mode.
In the example of FIG. 3B, the display column of the “currently selected” group 611 is displayed in the standard mode, and the display columns of the “favorite” group 612 are displayed in the compact mode.
FIG. 4 shows examples of display columns displayed in the standard mode and the compact mode. 4A is an example of a display field of status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the standard mode, and FIG. 4B is an example of a display field of status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 changed to the compact mode. It is. In these examples, in the standard mode, in addition to the remaining amount of paper in each paper feed cassette 42a, the type and size of paper are displayed vertically. In contrast, in the compact mode, only the remaining amount of paper in each paper feed cassette 42a is displayed side by side. However, in the standard mode and the compact mode, the device information, the remaining amount of each color toner, and the like are displayed in the same way. In this way, by changing not only the size of the display field but also the type of operation status to be displayed, information that the user wants to know more, such as the amount of remaining toner, is less important while maintaining visibility. Can be reduced and displayed, and visibility can be improved. In the standard mode or the compact mode, the control unit 20 may further draw a display column for displaying more detailed information by pressing a location of each operation status.
Thereafter, the control unit 20 ends the status display process.

(Step S110)
If the status display is not instructed to the user, the control unit 20 determines whether the function selection display unit 230 has instructed various functions to be called.
In the example of FIG. 3B, the control unit 20 detects as an instruction that each display field of the group 614 has been pressed. The control part 20 determines with Yes, when pressing of either of these each display column is detected. In other cases, the control unit 20 determines No.
In the case of Yes, the control part 20 advances a process to step S111.
In No, the control part 20 complete | finishes a status display process.

(Step S111)
When an instruction for calling various functions is given, the control unit 20 performs various function calling processes by the function selection display unit 230.
In the example of FIG. 3B, the control unit 20 sends commands that cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute various functions corresponding to the pressed display field to the “currently selected” image forming apparatus 1 via the network 5. Send. Thereby, various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 can be called on the same screen as the status display, and the convenience for the user is enhanced. In FIG. 3B, scanning and camera imaging are performed using the “Scan” display field, a recently saved document is obtained from the “Recently Saved” display field, and a fixed form is created and printed using “Create”. Can be called.
Thus, the status display process according to the embodiment of the present invention is completed. Thereafter, the control unit 20 waits until there is a further instruction from the user.

With the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.
Conventionally, the technique of Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to search for status information of an image forming apparatus that the user wants to know actually and the status information display is not easy to use.
In contrast, the information processing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a status information acquisition unit 200 that acquires the status information 100 of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 and a plurality of status information acquisition units 200 that acquire the status information. A user-selected device information registration unit 210 for registering, as user-selected device information 400, the image forming device 1 selected to display status information with priority by the user from among the status information 100 of the image forming device 1; For the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 registered in the user-selected apparatus information 400 by the apparatus information registration unit 210, the display priority is set higher as the registered order is slower, and the display information is displayed for each image forming apparatus 1. A status information display control unit 220 that is displayed on the display unit 23 side by side on one screen. Characterized in that it comprises.
With this configuration, the user can easily select the status information of the image forming apparatus 1 that wants to view the status information and display it with a good list.
As a result, the usability of the status information display can be improved, the operating rate of each image forming apparatus 1 can be increased, and the maintenance of service personnel and the like can be facilitated. Therefore, cost can be reduced.

Further, in the information processing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the status information display control unit 220 acquires information on the size of the screen on which the user's instruction or the status information 100 is displayed, and the information is displayed for each image forming apparatus 1. The size of the display field for displaying the status information 100 and the type of the status information 100 to be displayed are changed and displayed.
With this configuration, the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 that the user particularly wants to know the situation is drawn greatly in the standard mode, and the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 that is less important to know the situation is the compact mode. Can be displayed small. Thereby, the number of the image forming apparatuses 1 that can view the status information 100 on one screen can be increased, and the listability can be improved. Further, the status information of the image forming apparatus 1 that needs to be viewed in detail is displayed in large size in the standard mode, so that the viewability is improved. In addition, the necessary status information 100 can be displayed with good readability even on a smartphone or a tablet terminal. As a result, user convenience is improved, maintenance is facilitated, and costs can be reduced.
Further, it is possible to display and confirm the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 that requires attention at the time of browsing and information that the user does not need to browse so much on one screen.

Further, the information processing apparatus 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention selects a function for displaying a display column for calling a function of the selected image forming apparatus 1 on the same screen as that on which each status information 100 is displayed. A display unit 230 is provided.
With this configuration, the function can be called up while viewing the status information 100 for the image forming apparatus 1 displaying the status information 100. For example, in the image forming apparatus 1 with a small amount of toner, it is possible to stop the printing of the template image and select another image forming apparatus 1 for printing, thereby reducing the cost.

Further, the image forming system X according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2.
With this configuration, it is possible to easily browse the status information 100 and change settings between each image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2. In addition, processing such as logging in from the image forming apparatus 1 and displaying the status on the information processing apparatus 2 can be performed, maintenance can be performed quickly, and service costs can be reduced.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the user-selected device information 400 is described as being stored in the information processing apparatus 2. However, the account setting 310 may be stored in the storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 1, and the user setting device information 400 for each user ID may be included in the account setting 310. In this case, user authentication may be performed by the image forming apparatus 1.
With this configuration, even when the information processing apparatus 2 is not provided, the status information 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 can be displayed.

The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment may include a magnetic card reader or an IC card reader that performs user authentication wirelessly or by wire, and may perform user authentication using the magnetic card reader or the IC card reader.
In this case, the user-selected device information 400 and the status display setting 410 may be stored in a magnetic card or IC card that is a recording medium read by the magnetic card reader or the IC card reader.
Even with such a configuration, even if the information processing device 2 is not provided, the status display of the other image forming devices 1 connected to the network 5 can be performed only by the image forming device 1. Further, since the user-selected device information 400 is stored in the magnetic card or IC card, the service person can easily display the necessary status information 100 at the maintenance destination.

In the above-described embodiment, the status information 100 is displayed on the display unit 23 of the information processing apparatus 2. However, the status display may be performed on the image forming apparatus 1 or a display unit of a server (not shown).
As a result, the status information 100 can be easily confirmed even by an external device.

In the above-described embodiment, the user-selected device information 400 is changed after drawing the status display. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the user-selected device information 400 may be set and displayed from another menu. The selection information may be set and displayed on the image forming apparatus 1 or a terminal (not shown).
As a result, the user-selected device information 400 can be easily set by a device other than the image forming apparatus 1, and usability can be improved.
In FIGS. 3 and 4 of the above-described embodiment, the description is made such that all the stars are displayed when registered as “favorites”, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the “previous device” may be configured to be displayed together with a configuration similar to “favorite” without displaying the star mark when registered in “favorite”.

  The present invention can also be applied to an information processing apparatus other than the image forming apparatus. That is, a configuration using a network scanner, a server in which the scanner is separately connected by a USB, or the like may be used.

  Further, the configuration and operation of the above-described embodiment are examples, and it goes without saying that they can be appropriately modified and executed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Information processing apparatus 5 Network 10, 20 Control part 11 Image processing part 12 Document reading part 12a Scanner 12b Platen glass 12c Document reading slit 13 Document feeding part 13a Document placing part 13b Document discharge part 13c Document conveyance mechanism 14 Main body section 15, 25 Network transmission / reception section 16 Operation panel section 17 Image forming section 17 a Photosensitive drum 17 b Exposure section 17 c Development section 17 d Transfer section 17 e Fixing section 18 FAX transmission / reception sections 19, 29 Storage section 21 I / O section 22 Input section 23 Display unit 41 Discharge port 42 Paper feed unit 42a Paper cassette 42b Paper feed roller 43 Paper transport path 44 Transport roller pair 45 Discharge roller pair 50 Stack tray 100 Status information 200 Status information acquisition unit 210 User-selected device information registration unit 220 Status Information display control 230 function selection display unit 300 operating status information 310 account settings 320 print data 400 the user selects the device information 410 Status display setting 500, 510 screen example 601,602,603,611,612,614 group X imaging system

Claims (5)

In an information processing apparatus capable of displaying status information indicating the operation status of the image forming apparatus,
Status information acquisition means for acquiring status information of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
A user-selected device that registers, as user-selected device information, the image forming device selected to display status information preferentially by the user among the status information of the plurality of image forming devices acquired by the status information acquisition unit Information registration means;
For the status information of the image forming apparatus registered in the user selected device information by the user selected device information registering unit, the display priority is set higher as the registered order is slower, and the display field is displayed for each image forming device. An information processing apparatus comprising: status information display control means configured to distinguish and display on a single screen. The status information display control means includes
Acquiring information on the size of the screen for displaying user instructions or status information, and changing the size of the display field for displaying status information and the type of status information to be displayed for each image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The function selection display means for displaying a display column for calling a function of the selected image forming apparatus on the same screen on which each status information is displayed is provided. Information processing device. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An image forming system comprising the image forming apparatus. In an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus capable of displaying status information indicating an operation status or the like of an image forming apparatus,
Obtaining status information of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses,
Of the acquired status information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, register the image forming apparatus selected to display the status information with priority by the user as user-selected device information,
Regarding the status information of the image forming apparatus registered in the user-selected device information, the lower the order of registration, the higher the priority of display, and the image forming apparatuses are displayed in a single screen, distinguished in the display column. An information processing method characterized by:

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