JP2017022592A - Image forming apparatus, operation control program and operation control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an executable service by preventing mutual destruction in which both a server function and an MFP function become unavailable, when implementing maintenance on one of the functions.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of simultaneously executing the MFP function and the server function while sharing hardware resources of a main controller. Each of the functions is executed by a plurality of types of processing and the plurality of type of processing include specific processing that can be executed by both the functions. The main controller comprises: a maintenance processing part which implements maintenance on each of the functions; and an alternation processing part which alternates the specific processing being executed by one function with the other function in the case where the maintenance is being implemented on the one function. While the maintenance is being implemented on the one function, the maintenance processing does not implement maintenance on the other function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an operation control program, and an operation control method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a server function, an operation control program for controlling an operation during maintenance of the image forming apparatus, and an operation control method.

  Image forming apparatuses such as MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals) have supported not only basic functions (hereinafter referred to as MFP functions), such as print, copy, scan, and fax, but also various functions linked to external servers. Yes. In the future, it is conceivable that an apparatus having an integrated configuration in which the MFP has the server function itself will come out.

  The integrated configuration does not include an independent computer that operates the server function in the MFP housing, but shares the hardware resources of the MFP, so that the MFP function and the server function can be simultaneously performed on one main controller. Refers to a working configuration. For example, the main controller includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, etc., and an operation panel, scanner, engine, HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Therefore, it is not necessary to install separate hardware for the MFP function and the server function, and both functions can be realized at a low cost.

  In the integrated configuration, the MFP function and the server function operate on the same hardware, so that a stronger cooperation function can be realized. For example, in a Web preview function in which a user accesses a server using a Web browser and confirms a print preview, an image generated by the actual MFP function is passed to the server function for preview display, so that the actual MFP output itself can be displayed. Can be confirmed. If there is no problem in the preview result, a print request is made from the server function to the MFP function, so that the image generated in the preview can be used as it is, and printing can be performed at high speed.

  Further, in the integrated configuration, the cooperation between the file server function and the MFP scan function can be enhanced. For example, conventionally, scanned data is stored in a file server or the like via a network. However, by having a file server function, the scanned data can be stored in its own file server without going through the network. Therefore, security can be improved. Also, the user can easily access the scan data to the file server in the same manner as other files.

  Further, in the integrated configuration, cooperation between the in-house core system server function and the MFP user management function can be strengthened. For example, users can be added by performing user management using the MFP user management function in conjunction with employee information managed by the core system server, which is the core of in-house time management, approval workflow, groupware, etc. , Change, delete, etc. can be performed at once, and management becomes easy.

  Here, maintenance of the MFP function and the server function is performed when a software update is notified, or when hardware replacement is necessary due to a component failure or a shortage of consumables. As a technique related to this software update, for example, Patent Document 1 below includes a plurality of modules that operate independently of each other, and module storage means that is provided in each of the modules and stores software that operates on the modules. An information processing apparatus that selectively uses the plurality of modules to execute a job, and updates the software stored in the module storage unit; When the job is received when the update is performed, a determination unit that determines whether a module used in the job is being updated, and a module used in the job by the determination unit If it is determined that the software is being updated, Until the new ends, configuration and control means for waiting the execution of the job is disclosed.

JP2013-097515A

  As described above, an integrated configuration such as an MFP having a server function has an advantage in cost and cooperation functions, but the MFP function and server function share hardware resources, so If maintenance is carried out, the other function will not be performed properly. To solve this problem, when the maintenance of one function is performed using the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is possible to wait for the execution of the other function. Since the service is provided to an unspecified number of users, the convenience of the user is greatly impaired due to a long downtime.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its main purpose is to prevent a collapsing phenomenon that both functions cannot be used when performing maintenance on one of the server function and the MFP function. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an operation control program, and an operation control method capable of preventing and providing an executable service.

  One aspect of the present invention includes a network I / F unit and a storage, and shares a hardware resource of the main controller, and a first function related to image processing and a second function related to data input / output via the network Each function is executed by a plurality of processes, and the main controller includes a specific process that can be executed by any of the functions. A maintenance processing unit that performs maintenance for each function, and when maintenance is performed for one function, the specific process performed by the one function is replaced with the other function. An alternative processing unit that allows the maintenance processing unit to switch to the other function when maintenance is performed on the one function. Characterized in that it does not perform maintenance for.

  One aspect of the present invention includes a network I / F unit and a storage, and shares a hardware resource of the main controller, and a first function related to image processing and a second function related to data input / output via the network Is an operation control program that operates on the main controller in the image forming apparatus that can execute the above simultaneously, and each function is executed by a plurality of processes, and any of the plurality of processes can be executed. Including specific processing, the main controller determines whether maintenance is performed for one function, and if maintenance is performed for the one function, performs maintenance for the other function Maintenance processing that does not allow the maintenance of the one function, Alternative process for replacing the specific processing capacity was executing the other functions, characterized in that for the execution.

  One aspect of the present invention includes a network I / F unit and a storage, and shares a hardware resource of the main controller, and a first function related to image processing and a second function related to data input / output via the network And an operation control method in a network system including an image forming apparatus capable of simultaneously executing each function, wherein each function is executed by a plurality of processes, and among the plurality of processes, a specific function that can be executed by any function Including a process, the main controller determines whether maintenance is performed for one function, and if maintenance is performed for the one function, the maintenance for the other function is not performed. And the specific function executed by the one function is replaced with the other function. To.

  According to the image forming apparatus, the operation control program, and the operation control method of the present invention, when maintenance is performed on one of the server function and the MFP function, it is possible to prevent and execute the collapsing phenomenon that both functions cannot be used. Services can be provided.

  The reason is that when one of the first function related to image processing (MFP function) and the second function related to data input / output via the network (server function) is being maintained, the other function This is because the control is performed so that the maintenance is not performed, and the specific function of the one function that is performing the maintenance using the other function is substituted.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the network system which concerns on one Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the data flow in the network system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data flow (when a server function is under maintenance) in the network system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data flow (When MFP function is under maintenance) in the network system which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation (server function maintenance process) of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation (MFP function maintenance process) of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation (job processing) of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the background art, an integrated configuration in which an MFP has a server function has an advantage in cost and linkage functions, but the MFP function and server function share hardware resources. When maintenance is performed on a function, there is a complication that the other function cannot be executed properly. In response to this problem, when maintenance is performed on one function, execution of the other function can be waited, but both the MFP function and the server function provide services to an unspecified number of users. Therefore, the convenience of the user is greatly impaired due to the longer downtime.

  Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, when one of the first function (MFP function) related to image processing and the second function (server function) related to data input / output via the network is under maintenance, any function is available. It is possible to provide an executable service by substituting a specific process that can be handled with an active function. Also, when one function is under maintenance, maintenance is not performed even if maintenance is requested for the other function (for example, the maintenance of the other function is made to wait until the maintenance of one function is completed). ) And by always operating one of the functions, avoid the collapsing of both functions going down.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, an image forming apparatus, an operation control program, and an operation control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system according to the present exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. 3 to 5 are diagrams for explaining the data flow in the network system, and FIGS. 6 to 8 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the network system according to the present embodiment includes a client device 100 that uses a service provided by the system, an image forming apparatus (MFP) 200 having a server function, a cloud server 300, and the like. Are connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) defined by standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface).

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a main controller (control unit) 210, an image reading unit 220, an image processing unit 230, an image forming unit 240, an operation display unit 250, The storage 260 is configured.

  The main controller 210 includes a CPU 211, memories such as a ROM 212, a RAM 213, and a flash memory 214, and a network I / F unit 215. The ROM 212 is a control program (an MFP module that provides an MFP function that is a function related to image processing, a server module that provides a server function that is a function related to data input / output via a network, an operation during maintenance of the server function and the MFP function) Including an operation control program for controlling The flash memory stores a flag (MFP state management flag and server state management flag) indicating the state of the MFP function and the server function (whether maintenance is in progress) or the like. The network I / F unit 215 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, and establishes a connection with the client device 100, the cloud server 300, a fax device (not shown), and the like. The CPU 211 reads out a control program from the ROM 212, develops it in the RAM 213, and executes it, thereby receiving a service request from the client device 100 and a user operation from the operation display unit 250, and receiving the image reading unit 220, image processing, and the like. The MFP 230 and the server function are provided by controlling the unit 230, the image forming unit 240, the storage 260, and the like.

  The MFP function and the server function are each executed by a plurality of processes. The MFP function is a function related to image processing. The MFP module controls the image reading unit 220, the image processing unit 230, the image forming unit 240, and the network I / F unit 215 and the storage 260 as necessary. Executed by. The server function is a function that performs predetermined processing in response to a request from an external device and provides a processing result to the external device (that is, a function related to data input / output via a network). This is executed by controlling the network I / F unit 215 and the storage 260 by the module. The functions provided by the image forming apparatus 200 include a function in which the MFP function and the server function provide a service independently of each other (referred to as a single function) and a function in which the service is provided in cooperation with each other (a cooperation function). Called).

  As a single function of the MFP function, there are a copy function, a scan function, a print function, a fax function, and the like. The copy function causes the image processing unit 230 to perform image processing on the image data read by the image reading unit 220 and causes the image forming unit 240 to perform image formation. The scan function causes the image processing unit 230 to execute image processing on the image data read by the image reading unit 220 and store the image data in the storage 260 or the like. The print function causes the image processing unit 230 to execute RIP processing and image processing based on the print job, and causes the image forming unit 240 to perform image formation. The fax function causes the image processing unit 230 to perform image processing on the image data read by the image reading unit 220 via the network I / F unit 215 and transmit the image data to an external fax device. The image processing unit 230 receives image data from an external fax machine, causes the image processing unit 230 to perform image processing, and causes the image forming unit 240 to perform image formation.

  As a single function of the server function, there are a file server function, a mail server function, a printer server function, a cloud access server function, a Web server function, a groupware server function, a backbone system server function, and the like. The file server function controls access to the storage 260 from devices on the network and enables data input / output. The mail server function is a function as a POP (Post Office Protocol) server or SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server, and transfers outgoing mail and incoming mail to a specified address. The printer server function manages the print job received from the client apparatus 100 and distributes it to a predetermined image forming apparatus 200. The cloud access server function controls access to the cloud server 300 from devices on the network and enables data input / output. The Web server function displays a Web browser page on the client apparatus 100 that operates as a Web client, and enables control of the image forming apparatus 100. The groupware server function manages a plurality of client devices 100 in a group and controls connection between the client devices 100 in the group. The core system server function manages the client device 100 in the company and controls employee attendance management, approval workflow, and the like.

  Further, as a linkage function in which the MFP function and the server function are linked, there are a Web preview function, a scan data file server upload function, a user management function for employee information, and the like. The Web preview function controls access to the storage 260 from the client device 100, and enables a print preview that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 230 to be viewed on a Web browser. The scan data file server upload function stores the image data read by the image reading unit 220 in the storage 260 so as to be viewable from the client device 100. The employee information user management function enables the employee information managed by the core system server function to be managed by the user management function included in the MFP function.

  In the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment, since the server function is in charge of network connection processing and storage 260 access processing, a print function that uses a print job received from the client device 100 via the network, The scan function for storing the image data read by the image reading unit 220 in the storage 260 may be a linkage function.

  The image reading unit (scanner) 220 is a part that optically reads image data from a document on a document table, and a light source that scans the document and a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) that converts light reflected by the document into an electrical signal. ) And the like, and an A / D converter for A / D converting the electric signal.

  The image processing unit 230 analyzes the print job, rasterizes each page of the print job to generate image data for each page, or obtains scan data from the image reading unit 220, and performs image processing (color processing) as necessary. After adjustment, density adjustment, size adjustment, etc.) and screening, the image forming unit 240 converts the image data into printable image data.

  The image forming unit (engine) 240 includes constituent elements necessary for image formation using an image forming process such as an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method, and the image data generated from the print job or the image reading unit 220 reads the image data. The image based on the scan data is printed on the designated paper. Specifically, the photosensitive drum charged by the charging device is irradiated with light corresponding to the image from the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image, and the toner charged by the developing device is attached and developed. The image is primarily transferred to the transfer belt, secondarily transferred from the transfer belt to the paper, and a fixing device fixes the toner image on the paper.

  The operation display unit (operation panel) 250 includes a touch panel provided with a pressure-sensitive operation unit in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a lattice pattern on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device, and operates the image forming apparatus 200. A screen for setting image forming conditions, a screen for setting image forming conditions, and the like, and enabling various settings and instructions.

  The storage 260 is configured by an HDD, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, and stores data used by the client device 100, scan data read by the image reading unit 220, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the main controller 210 functions as a maintenance processing unit 210a, an alternative processing unit 210b, a cooperation processing unit 210c, and the like.

  The maintenance processing unit 210a controls execution of maintenance for the MFP function and the server function. Specifically, maintenance (software update and / or hardware replacement, etc.) for the MFP function (print function, copy function, scan function, fax function, etc.) is performed. Also, maintenance (software update, etc.) is performed for server functions (file server function, mail server function, printer server function, cloud access server function, Web server function, groupware server function, backbone system server function, etc.). The maintenance processing unit 210a determines the maintenance status of each function by checking the MFP status management flag and the server status management flag. And when maintenance is being performed for one function, even if there is a maintenance request for the other function, the maintenance of the other function is put on standby until the maintenance for the other function is completed. In response, the client device 100 (user) is notified that maintenance is being performed for one function.

  The substitution processing unit 210b can execute a part of the function for which maintenance is being performed (either the MFP function or the server function can be executed) when maintenance is performed for one of the MFP function and the server function. A process that is a specific process and in charge of a function for which maintenance is performed is replaced with a function for which maintenance is not performed. For example, when maintenance is being performed on the server function, the MFP function is caused to execute network connection processing and storage access processing so that the file server function can be executed. When maintenance is performed on one function, the other function is caused to acquire maintenance information on the one function and notify the client apparatus 100 (user).

  The cooperation processing unit 210c analyzes the job, and determines whether a cooperation function that requires both the MFP function and the server function is instructed by the job. When the cooperation function is instructed and maintenance is not performed for any function, both functions are operated in cooperation. In addition, when maintenance is performed for one function, the cooperation processing unit 210c waits for execution of the one function until the maintenance of the one function is completed, and the other function is performed as necessary. In addition, the maintenance information of one function is acquired and notified to the client device 100 (user).

  1 and 2 are examples of the network system and the image forming apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, and the configuration thereof can be changed as appropriate. For example, in FIG. 1, the cloud server 300 is provided in the network system, but the cloud server 300 may be omitted. In FIG. 2, the image reading unit 220 and the image forming unit 240 are provided in the image forming apparatus 200 of the present embodiment. However, for example, a single function printer without the image reading unit 220 may be used, or a telephone line connection may be used. A facsimile machine having a function may be used. In FIG. 2, the network I / F unit 215 is included in the main controller 210, but the network I / F unit 215 may be provided outside the main controller 210.

  Next, a data flow when using the MFP function and server function of the image forming apparatus 200 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a copy function is illustrated as an independent function of the MFP function, a file server function and a Web service function are illustrated as an independent function of the server function, and a scan function, a print function, and a Web preview are linked functions of the MFP function and the server function. The function is illustrated. Further, as main hardware related to these functions, a main controller 210, an image reading unit 220, an image forming unit 240, and a storage 260 are illustrated.

  For example, when the copy function is used as a single function of the MFP function, as shown by a thick solid line, when the MFP function acquires image data from the image reading unit 220, the image processing unit 230 is used for the image data. Image processing is performed, and the image data after the image processing is output to the image forming unit 240 to execute image formation.

  Further, when the file server function is used as a single function of the server function, as shown by a thin solid line in the figure, when the server function receives an access request to the file server from the client device 100, the server function is stored in the storage 260. Control file I / O. When the Web service function is used, as shown by a thin broken line in the figure, when the server function receives a Web service use request from the client apparatus 100, the server function sends the Web page stored in the storage 260 to the client apparatus 100. Provide and enable browsing with a web browser.

  When the scan function is used as a linkage function of the MFP function and the server function, as shown by a thick broken line in the figure, the MFP function acquires image data from the image reading unit 220 and performs image processing on the image data. The image processing is performed using the unit 230, and the image data after the image processing is passed to the server function. The server function stores the image data after the image processing in the storage 260. When the print function is used, as indicated by a thick dashed line in the figure, when the server function receives a print job from the client device 100, the server function passes the print job to the MFP function, and the MFP function analyzes the print job. Then, RIP processing and image processing are performed using the image processing unit 230, and the image data after the image processing is output to the image forming unit 240 to execute image formation. When the Web preview function is used, as indicated by a thin dashed line in the figure, when the server function receives a preview acquisition request from the client device 100, the server function instructs the MFP function to create a preview. A preview image is generated using the image processing unit 230 and returned to the server function, and the server function provides the preview image to the client device 100 so that the preview image can be viewed on the Web browser.

  Here, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when maintenance is performed on one of the server function and the MFP function, the server function and the MFP function share hardware resources, and therefore the other function is also included. It becomes impossible to provide services. On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, when maintenance is performed for one function, control that replaces part of the processing with the other function is performed. Can continue to be provided.

  FIG. 4 is a data flow when maintenance is performed on the server function. When maintenance was performed for the server function, the function that the server function provided the service (file server function) or the server function mediated by replacing the network connection processing and storage access processing with the MFP function Maintain functions (scan function, print function). Also, for functions that require server functions (Web service functions, Web preview functions), the MFP function returns proxy server function maintenance information (maintenance status, period, etc.) to the client device 100, so that the user can obtain the server functions. Notify the state appropriately. In addition, maintenance of the MFP function is not performed until the maintenance of the server function is completed, and one of the functions is always operated, thereby avoiding a collapsing fall of both functions. Note that the copy function is a single function of the MFP function and is not affected by the maintenance of the server function, and is not shown.

  FIG. 5 is a data flow when maintenance is performed on the MFP function. Even if maintenance is performed on the MFP function, the single function of the server function (file server function, Web service function) is not affected, so the provision of the service is maintained. In addition, for functions that require the MFP function (Web preview function), the server function returns the MFP function maintenance information (maintenance status, period, etc.) to the client device 100 on behalf of the server function, so that the user can appropriately set the MFP function status. Notice. Further, a function that requires the MFP function (scan function) is not allowed to be executed until the maintenance of the MFP function is completed. In addition, a function (print function) that requires the MFP function waits for the process until the maintenance of the MFP function is completed, and resumes the function after the maintenance is completed. In addition, the maintenance of the server function is not performed until the maintenance of the MFP function is completed, and one of the functions is always operated to avoid the collapsing of both functions. Note that the copy function is a single function of the MFP function and cannot be performed during maintenance of the MFP function, and is not shown.

  In this way, when performing maintenance on one function, an executable service can be provided by substituting a part of the processing of one function with the other function. Further, when maintenance is performed on one function, control is performed so that maintenance on the other function is not performed, so that it is possible to prevent collapsing that both functions cannot be used.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 of this embodiment will be described. The CPU 211 executes the processing of each step shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 8 by developing and executing the operation control program stored in the ROM 212 on the RAM 213.

[Server function maintenance processing]
First, the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) checks the MFP status management flag (S101), and determines whether the MFP function is under maintenance (S102). When the MFP function is under maintenance, the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) maintains the server function so that both the MFP function and the server function cannot be used. Control is performed so that maintenance is not performed) (S109).

  On the other hand, if the MFP function is not under maintenance, the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) has a maintenance request for the server function (for example, has received a server module update notification from the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 200). If there is no maintenance request for the server function, the process returns to S101 and the same processing is repeated.

  When there is a maintenance request for the server function, the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) sets “under maintenance” in the server status management flag (S104), and performs the maintenance for the server function (S105). When the maintenance for the server function is completed (Yes in S106), the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) operates the server function to return the image forming apparatus 200 to the normal operation (S107). Thereafter, the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) sets the server state management flag to “normal operation”, returns to S101, and repeats the same processing.

  As described above, when maintenance is performed on the MFP function, maintenance on the server function is not performed, so that it is possible to prevent collapsing that both functions cannot be used.

[Maintenance processing of MFP function]
First, the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) checks the server status management flag (S201), and determines whether the server function is under maintenance (S202). When the server function is under maintenance, the control unit 210 (substitution processing unit 210b) substitutes the MFP function for the network connection processing and storage access processing of the server function (S209). Then, the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) checks the server status management flag (S210), and when the maintenance for the server function is completed (No in S211), the control unit 210 (substitution processing unit 210b) The network connection process and the storage access process that have been replaced by the server are returned to the server function (S212), and the process returns to S201 and the same process is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the server function is not under maintenance in S202, the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) receives a maintenance request for the MFP function (for example, receives an MFP module update notification from the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 200). (S203), and if there is no maintenance request for the MFP function, return to S201 and repeat the same processing.

  When there is a maintenance request for the MFP function, the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) sets “in maintenance” in the MFP status management flag (S204), and performs maintenance for the MFP function (S205). When the maintenance for the MFP function is completed (Yes in S206), the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) operates the MFP function to return the image forming apparatus 200 to the normal operation (S207). Thereafter, the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) sets the MFP state management flag to “normal operation”, returns to S201, and repeats the same processing.

  As described above, when maintenance is performed on the server function, maintenance on the MFP function is not performed, so that it is possible to prevent collapsing that both functions cannot be used. In addition, when maintenance is performed on the server function, an executable service can be provided by substituting a part of the server function processing (network connection processing and storage access processing) with the MFP function. it can.

[Job processing]
When the control unit 210 receives a job from the client device 100 (S301), the control unit 210 determines whether the job instructs the cooperation function of the MFP function and the server function (S302). If the job does not instruct the linkage function (No in S303), the job is processed as a single function (S304).

  When the job instructs the cooperation function (Yes in S303), the control unit 210 (maintenance processing unit 210a) checks the status management flag of both functions (S305), and one function is under maintenance. Is determined (S306). If both functions are not under maintenance (No in S306), the control unit 210 (cooperation processing unit 210c) processes the job as a cooperating function (S307). If one function is under maintenance in S306, it is determined whether the function instructed by the job is a function (for example, a print function) that waits until the maintenance of one function is completed (S308), and waits. If it is a function, the process returns to S305, and if it is not a standby function, the control unit 210 (substitution processing unit 210b) causes the other function to execute the substitution process (S309).

  In this way, when the linkage function is instructed in a job, if the job is a function that waits for the completion of maintenance, the job waits for the completion of maintenance. Can handle the job properly.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, The structure and control can be changed suitably, unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the MFP function exemplifies a copy function, a scan function, a print function, and a fax function, and the server function includes a file server function, a mail server function, a printer server function, a cloud access server function, and a web server function. The groupware server function and the core system server function are exemplified, and the web preview function, the scan data file server upload function, and the employee information user management function are exemplified as the linkage functions of the MFP function and the server function. It is not limited to.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus having a server function, an operation control program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus during maintenance, a recording medium on which the operation control program is recorded, and an operation control method.

100 Client Device 200 Image Forming Device 210 Main Controller (Control Unit)
210a Maintenance processing unit 210b Alternative processing unit 210c Cooperation processing unit 211 CPU
212 ROM
213 RAM
214 Flash memory 215 Network I / F unit 220 Image reading unit 230 Image processing unit 240 Image forming unit 250 Operation display unit 260 Storage 300 Cloud server

Claims (19)

It has a network I / F unit and storage, and can share the hardware resources of the main controller and simultaneously execute the first function related to image processing and the second function related to data input / output via the network. An image forming apparatus,
Each function is executed by a plurality of processes, and includes a specific process that can be executed by any function among the plurality of processes.
The main controller is
A maintenance processing unit for performing maintenance for each function;
When maintenance is performed for one function, an alternative processing unit that replaces the specific process performed by the one function with the other function,
The maintenance processing unit does not perform maintenance on the other function when maintenance is performed on the one function.
An image forming apparatus. The substitution processing unit, when maintenance is performed on the one function, causes the other function to acquire maintenance information of the one function and notifies the user of the maintenance function.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The specific process is a process of connecting to a network by the network I / F unit and / or a process of accessing the storage.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The main controller is
The job further includes a linkage processing unit that determines whether a linkage function that requires both functions is instructed by the job,
When the cooperation function is instructed and maintenance is not performed for any function, the cooperation processing unit operates both functions in cooperation, and maintenance is performed for one function. If the maintenance of the one function is completed, the execution of the one function is waited for.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. When the maintenance is performed on the one function, the cooperation processing unit causes the other function to acquire maintenance information on the one function and notify the user of the maintenance function.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The linkage function is at least one function selected from a Web preview function, a scan data file server upload function, and a user management function for managing employee information registered in a core system server by the image forming apparatus. ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The second function is at least one function selected from a file server function, a mail server function, a printer server function, a cloud access server function, a Web server function, a groupware server function, and a core system server function.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The first function is at least one function selected from a print function, a copy function, a scan function, and a fax function.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The maintenance is program update and / or hardware replacement.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. It has a network I / F unit and storage, and can share the hardware resources of the main controller and simultaneously execute the first function related to image processing and the second function related to data input / output via the network. An operation control program that operates on the main controller in the image forming apparatus,
Each function is executed by a plurality of processes, and includes a specific process that can be executed by any function among the plurality of processes.
In the main controller,
It is determined whether maintenance is performed for one function, and when maintenance is performed for the one function, maintenance processing for not performing maintenance for the other function,
When maintenance is performed for the one function, an alternative process for substituting the other function for the specific process performed by the one function is executed.
An operation control program characterized by that. In the alternative process, when maintenance is performed on the one function, the maintenance function of the one function is acquired by the other function and notified to the user.
The operation control program according to claim 10. The specific process is a process of connecting to a network by the network I / F unit and / or a process of accessing the storage.
The operation control program according to claim 10 or 11, wherein In addition to the main controller,
Execute the cooperation process to determine whether the cooperation function that requires both functions is instructed by the job,
In the cooperation process, when the cooperation function is instructed and maintenance is not performed for any function, both functions are operated in cooperation, and maintenance is performed for one function. In the case, the execution of the one function is waited until the maintenance of the one function is completed.
The operation control program according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein In the cooperation process, when maintenance is performed on the one function, the maintenance function of the one function is acquired by the other function and notified to the user.
The operation control program according to claim 13. The linkage function is at least one function selected from a Web preview function, a scan data file server upload function, and a user management function for managing employee information registered in a core system server by the image forming apparatus. ,
The operation control program according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The second function is at least one function selected from a file server function, a mail server function, a printer server function, a cloud access server function, a Web server function, a groupware server function, and a core system server function.
The operation control program according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein The first function is at least one function selected from a print function, a copy function, a scan function, and a fax function.
The operation control program according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein The maintenance is program update and / or hardware replacement.
The operation control program according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein It has a network I / F unit and storage, and can share the hardware resources of the main controller and simultaneously execute the first function related to image processing and the second function related to data input / output via the network. An operation control method in a network system including an image forming apparatus,
Each function is executed by a plurality of processes, and includes a specific process that can be executed by any function among the plurality of processes.
The main controller is
Determine if maintenance is being performed for one function,
When maintenance is performed on the one function, the maintenance on the other function is not performed, and the specific process performed by the one function is replaced with the other function. ,
An operation control method characterized by the above.

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