JP2017114121A - Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can prevent a user from opening a manual of a wrong part instead of an intended part or from changing a setting of a wrong part instead of an intended part.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: storage means for storing document data which includes link information to a setting tool for performing setting of an optional part that can be mounted to the image forming apparatus; and display control means for displaying in display means a selection screen for selecting a part of document data corresponding to the configuration information of the image forming apparatus from the document data stored in the storage means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control technique for electronic data related to maintenance of an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, operation manuals for information processing apparatuses have been digitized and can be viewed on a user interface screen of an information equipment apparatus, a personal computer, or the like. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for associating an operation manual of an information processing apparatus with an operation screen for setting the information processing apparatus is known.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying an operation screen for setting a function by selecting a description location regarding the necessary function when the user refers to an operation manual of the image forming apparatus. Has been.

JP2015-118437A

  However, when there are a plurality of types of optional parts that can be mounted on the information processing apparatus, if the manuals and operation screens for all the optional parts can be browsed, the following problems arise. That is, since there are part names having similar names among the optional parts, the user may display a manual and an operation screen of an optional part different from the target part. In addition, there is a case where the user does not notice that an operation screen for an erroneous optional component is opened and changes the setting of the optional component different from the target component.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an image forming apparatus, storing means for storing document data including link information to a setting tool for setting optional parts that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus, and the document stored in the storing means Display control means for causing the display means to display a selection screen for selecting the document data of a portion corresponding to the configuration information of the image forming apparatus among the data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display a manual and an operation screen according to optional components mounted on the information processing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from opening a manual of a part different from the target part or changing the setting of a part different from the target part.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a connection example between a printing apparatus and an optional apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example for generating and displaying an electronic document in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic document according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a Web browser according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a Web browser according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating communication initialization processing of the printing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating display control processing of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating error code recording of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing display control processing of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display folder list in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a table for managing the license activation status in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the setting screen of the electronic document 410 and the setting tool 316. FIG. The figure which shows the setting screen of the optional component which displays a manual on an electronic document.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the present invention can be applied to a single device or a printing system including a plurality of devices as long as the function according to the present invention is realized. Further, unless otherwise specified, the present invention can be applied to a printing system in which processing is performed through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). That is, the system configuration to which various terminals described in the following embodiments are connected is an example, and various configuration examples can be used according to the application and purpose.

<Embodiment 1>
In the present embodiment, a printing system in which an image processing controller called a digital front end (hereinafter referred to as DFE) is connected to a printing apparatus (image forming apparatus) will be described.

  A hardware configuration example of the printing system according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the host computer 100 and the DFE 101 are connected via the network 105. In this embodiment, the DFE 101 and the printing apparatus 102 are connected by a network 106 and a line 107.

  The networks 105 and 106 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). There are no particular restrictions on the type of network, the type of network, the communication protocol used for communication, and the like. Further, the number of devices (host computer 100, DFE 101, printing device 102, etc.) connected to the network 105 or the network 106 is not particularly limited.

  The line 107 is used for transmitting the image data generated by the DFE 101 to the printing apparatus 102. However, the image data generated by the DFE 101 without the line 107 may be transmitted from the DFE 101 to the printing apparatus 102 via the network 106.

  The host computer 100 inputs print information to the DFE 101 and the printing apparatus 102. The host computer 100 acquires print information from the input device 103. The input device 103 can be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like.

  The host computer 100 creates a print job to be transmitted to the DFE 101 based on the input print information, and transmits the print job to the DFE 101. The print job includes print information for causing the printing apparatus 102 to execute printing.

  The DFE 101 interprets print information included in a print job input from the host computer 100 and performs processing (hereinafter, RIP processing) for generating image data that can be printed by the printing apparatus 102. The DFE 101 outputs the image data generated by the RIP process to the printing apparatus 102. The configuration of the DFE 101 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The communication controller 111 performs control for the DFE 101 to communicate with the host computer 100 via the network 105. The communication controller 111 performs processing for receiving a print job from the host computer 100.

  The image processing unit 118 executes the above RIP processing. For example, the image processing unit 118 interprets print information described using a predetermined print processing language, and generates image data. The processing performed by the image processing unit 118 may be realized by software executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 113 described later.

  The transfer unit 116 transfers the image data generated by the image processing unit 118 to the printing apparatus 102 via the line 107. The communication controller 112 performs communication processing with the printing apparatus 102 via the network 106.

  In the present embodiment, since the image generated by the RIP process has a large data size, it is transferred via a dedicated line (line 107) having a large transfer band. However, the image data generated by the RIP process may be transferred to the printing apparatus 102 via the network 106.

  The CPU 113 develops a program stored in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 114 or the like on a RAM (Random Access Memory) 115 and executes the program. The CPU 113 comprehensively controls each component in the DFE 101. The program may be stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown).

  The HDD 114 temporarily or long-term stores image data and various setting data generated by the RIP process. The image data generated by the image processing unit 118 is once recorded in the HDD 114. The RAM 115 functions as a work memory when executing various programs.

  The operation unit 117 inputs an operation instruction for the DFE 101. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 117 includes a display as a display device. The operation unit 117 can be, for example, a touch panel display. Alternatively, the operation unit 117 may include an operation button used for operating the DFE 101. In the example of FIG. 1, the example in which the operation unit 117 is provided inside the DFE 101 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The operation unit 117 may be provided outside the DFE 101 and connected to the DFE 101.

  Each component of the DFE 101 is connected via the bus 120.

  Next, the configuration of the printing apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the printing apparatus 102 is a multifunction peripheral that has a scanning function as well as a printing function. The controller board 130 controls the scanner 151 and the printer engine 152. Hereinafter, each component included in the controller board 130 will be described.

  The communication controller 131 performs communication control with the DFE 101 via the network 106. The communication controller 131 performs control to receive information indicating a print job input to the DFE 101 from the DFE 101. The communication controller 131 performs communication control for transmitting the electronic document 410 stored in the HDD 135 and used for maintenance related to the printing apparatus 102 to the DFE 101 via the network 106. Details of the electronic document 410 will be described later with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, an electronic document may be referred to as a manual.

  The receiving unit 136 receives the image data transferred from the DFE 101 via the line 107. The reception data received by the reception unit 136 is image data generated by RIP processing in the DFE 101. The image data transferred from the DFE 101 is compressed, temporarily stored in the RAM 133, and then stored in the HDD 135.

  The first connection port 137 is a connection port for connecting an optional device (optional component) located upstream of the printing device 102 in the paper conveyance of the printing device 102. That is, the first connection port 137 is a connection port for connecting a device that performs processing such as paper feeding to the paper before the printing apparatus 102 performs printing processing using the paper. The optional device connected to the first connection port 137 is, for example, a paper feeding device.

  The second connection port 138 is a connection port for connecting an optional device located on the downstream side of the printing apparatus 102 with respect to the sheet conveyance direction. That is, the second connection port 138 is a connection port for connecting a device that performs processing such as bookbinding to the paper after the printing apparatus 102 performs the printing process using the paper. The optional device connected to the second connection port 138 is, for example, a stacking device for stacking printed sheets, a processing device for performing punching, folding, bookbinding, or the like.

  The first connection port 137 and the second connection port 138 acquire identification information for identifying the type of option device connected to the printing apparatus 102 from the option device as configuration information. For example, the identification information is acquired when the printing apparatus 102 is activated. Details of the identification information acquisition process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The printing apparatus 102 can connect a plurality of optional devices in series (daisy chain connection). Connection with the optional device will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The non-volatile memory 132 is a non-volatile storage device, and stores a control program and the like used when the printing apparatus 102 is activated. The RAM 133 is used as a work area for the CPU 134 to execute the control program for the printing apparatus 102. The CPU 134 executes a control program read to the RAM 133 and controls the image signal and various devices in an integrated manner.

  The HDD 135 stores image data and various setting data temporarily or for a long period of time. Part or all of the control program may be stored in the HDD 135. The HDD 135 also stores an electronic document 410 that is used to perform maintenance related to the printing apparatus 102. In the present embodiment, the electronic document 410 is a Web document and can be browsed from a DFE connected to the printing apparatus 102 via the network 106 using a Web browser. Details of the electronic document 410 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The scanner 151 scans an original document using an optical sensor and generates scanned image data. The printer engine 152 prints image data on printing paper. The components of the printing apparatus 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 are connected to each other via a system bus 140.

  Next, an example of an optional device that can be attached to the printing apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example in which option devices 201 to 204 are connected to the printing apparatus 102. It is assumed that the paper conveyance direction of the printing apparatus 102 is from the left side to the right side in FIG.

  The option device 201 and the option device 202 are connected to the upstream side of the printing device 102. Optional devices connected to the upstream side of the printing device 102 include, for example, a paper feeding device that holds a large amount of paper, a paper feeding device that feeds special paper such as long paper, and a roll-like paper that is cut. A paper feeding device for feeding paper.

  The option device 203 and the option device 204 are option devices connected to the downstream side of the printing apparatus 102. Examples of the optional device connected to the downstream side of the printing apparatus 102 include a stacking apparatus that stacks printed sheets, and a processing apparatus that performs punching, folding, bookbinding, and the like. The option devices 201 to 204 have control controllers 211 to 214 for controlling their own devices, respectively. The control controllers 211 to 214 have connection ports 221 to 224 and connection ports 231 to 234 for connecting to optional devices or printing devices located on the upstream side and the downstream side of the own device, respectively.

  The option devices 201 to 204 and the printing device 102 are connected to adjacent devices by a communication cable 240, respectively. With this configuration, the printing apparatus 102 can communicate with all of the option apparatuses 201 to 204. Although an example in which two optional devices are connected to the upstream side and the downstream side of the printing device 102 is shown here, an optional device is further provided on the upstream side of the optional device 201 and the downstream side of the optional device 204. It is also possible to connect.

  Next, functions and data flow of the printing system in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, functions of the printing apparatus 102 will be described. The storage unit 301 stores the electronic document 410. The electronic document 410 includes information indicating an operation procedure of the printing apparatus 102 and link information to a setting tool used for setting and maintaining the printing apparatus 102 and optional components. For example, the setting tool is an application that can be executed when a service person enters a service mode for changing the setting of the printing apparatus 102. When the setting tool is instructed to open a specific setting screen of the setting tool from the link of the electronic document 410, the specified setting screen is displayed on the display unit of the DFE 101 or the host computer 100. For example, VNC (Virtual Network Computing) can be used to operate the displayed setting screen. The printing apparatus 102 includes a VNC server, and the DFE 101 or the host computer 100 includes a VNC client. In this way, the setting screen of the setting tool that operates inside the printing apparatus 102 can be displayed on the display unit of the DFE 101 or the host computer 100. The user can view the electronic document 410 and the setting tool setting screen from the display unit of the DFE 101 or the host computer 100, and perform operations on the GUI (Graphical User Interface) and the like.

  An example of the setting screen of the electronic document 410 and the setting tool 316 displayed on the display unit of the DFE 101 or the host computer 100 is shown in FIG.

  The web page 1300 is a partial page of the electronic document 410. A setting screen 1301 is a setting screen for the setting tool 316. For example, “ITEM-05” 1302 is an operation button, and a setting value related to “ITEM-05” can be input by pressing the button. Reference numeral 1303 denotes an OK button, which can be pressed to reflect all the settings set on the operation screen 1301 to the printing apparatus 102. Although a detailed description is omitted, a button for displaying the next screen and the previous screen is also displayed in the setting screen 1301 at the lower left of the screen. In addition, a plurality of buttons for directly calling each screen are also displayed on the upper part of the display unit of the setting screen 1301.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The storage unit 301 is realized by the HDD 135, for example. In the present embodiment, the electronic document 410 may be an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) document. Details of the configuration of the electronic document 410 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The printing apparatus 102 further includes a Web server 302. The Web server 302 provides a function that makes it possible to refer to the electronic document 410 stored in the storage unit 301 from the outside of the printing apparatus 102. The Web server 302 is realized by the CPU 134 executing a control program.

  The Web server 302 includes a Web service processing unit 310, a Web page generation unit 311, and a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) processing unit 312. CGI is a mechanism for starting a program held by a Web server in response to a request from a Web browser or the like.

  The web service processing unit 310 receives a request message from the web browser 303 of the DFE 101. Then, the Web application service provided to the DFE 101 is determined according to the request message.

  For example, the Web service processing unit 310 receives a URL and parameters as a request message. The web service processing unit 310 executes processing according to the received URL and parameters, and returns a web page to the web browser 303 as a response to the request message.

  The web page generation unit 311 functions when called from the web service processing unit 310. The web page generation unit 311 generates a web page screen corresponding to the request instructed from the web browser 303.

  For example, when there is an electronic document display request from the web browser 303, the web page generation unit 311 reads out the corresponding HTML document from the electronic document 410, forms a web page screen, and transmits it to the web browser 303.

  The CGI processing unit 312 functions when called from the Web service processing unit 310. The CGI processing unit 312 executes the corresponding CGI program based on the request from the Web browser 303, configures the result in HTML, and returns the result to the Web service processing unit 310. In the present embodiment, at least a display program 313 is provided as the CGI program. When the display program 313 is requested to display the electronic document 410 from the Web browser 303, the display program 313 determines a display range according to an optional component connected to the printing apparatus 102. The display program 313 performs control so that document data included in the determined range can be displayed on the Web browser 303.

  Next, the DFE 101 will be described. The web browser 303 provides a function for receiving provision of various web services from the web server 302. The web browser 303 transmits a request message to the web server 302. Then, a web page is received from the web server 302 as a response to the request, and the received web page is displayed on the operation unit 117 serving as a display unit. For example, the Web browser 303 displays a document stored in the storage unit 301 of the printing apparatus 102 on the operation unit 117. In the present embodiment, the Web browser 303 is realized by the CPU 113 executing a control program.

  Next, a configuration example of the electronic document 410 stored in the HDD 135 of the printing apparatus 102 will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. The electronic document 410 is composed of an HTML document group classified by a directory having a hierarchical structure (hereinafter referred to as a folder).

  The first folder hierarchy is divided into folders according to document types. Here, there are four types of documents: “service manual”, “installation procedure manual”, “part catalog”, and “circuit diagram”. For example, “service manual” is stored in the folder 401, “installation manual” is stored in the folder 402, “part catalog” is stored in the folder 403, and “circuit diagram” is stored in the folder 404.

  As described above, the electronic document 410 includes a plurality of document data of different types. The “service manual” is used for a service man (user) to confirm a procedure for performing maintenance on the printing apparatus 102. The “installation procedure manual” is used for the purpose of a serviceman confirming the installation procedure of the printing apparatus 102. The “parts catalog” is used for the purpose of a serviceman confirming information regarding parts of the printing apparatus 102. The “circuit diagram” is used for confirming a circuit included in the printing apparatus 102.

  The second folder hierarchy is divided into folders for each device. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, a service manual (HTML document group) corresponding to the printing apparatus 102 is stored in the folder 411 included in the folder 401. In addition, in the folders 412 to 415 included in the folder 401, service manuals (HTML document group) corresponding to the optional devices A to D are stored.

  Similar to the folder 401, the contents of the folder 402, the folder 403, and the folder 404 are also divided into folders for each device. An actual HTML document is stored in a folder in the second folder hierarchy (and the subsequent hierarchy).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of types of document data includes document data regarding the printing apparatus 102 and document data regarding an optional apparatus connectable to the printing apparatus 102.

  Next, the display mode of the electronic document 410 will be described using the example of FIG. The display shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on a display device connected to the DFE 101. Alternatively, it may be displayed on the display panel of the printing apparatus 102. In the present embodiment, the Web browser 303 accesses the electronic document 410 stored in the HDD 135 of the printing apparatus 102, and the display in FIG.

  A web page 500 represents an entire image displayed on the web browser 303 and is displayed on the operation unit 117 by the CPU 113. The example of FIG. 5 represents a state in which a menu of service documents related to the printing apparatus 102 is displayed. The web page 500 is displayed by accessing a predetermined address (for example, index.html placed at the highest hierarchy of the electronic document 410) from the web browser 303.

  Buttons 501 to 504 are buttons for selecting the type of document to be displayed on the Web browser 303. These buttons are links to folders storing the types of documents associated with the respective buttons, and when pressed, a screen for selecting the second folder hierarchy shown in FIG. 4 is displayed.

  For example, when a “circuit diagram” key 504 is pressed, a selection screen 505 is displayed on the Web browser 303. When a “Printer C” key 506 is pressed on the selection screen 505, a manual (HTML document) in which a part replacement procedure for Printer C is described is displayed on the Web browser 303.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a manual displayed on the Web browser 303 when the key 506 is pressed. The web page 601 includes a selection unit 602 and an illustration unit 603. The user can select an item with the selection unit 602 and display a desired figure on the illustration unit 603. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example, and may take a form in which a link is further followed from the illustrated part, or a form in which the screen of the illustrated part is divided into a plurality of parts or displayed in a moving image form.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. The processing shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is realized by the CPU 134 expanding and executing a program stored in the HDD 135 or a storage unit (not shown) according to the procedure shown in FIGS. Alternatively, a part or the whole of the processing shown in FIG. 8 may be performed by hardware.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows a flow of initialization processing of an optional device connected to the printing apparatus 102, which is performed when the printing apparatus 102 is activated.

  First, the CPU 134 transmits a communication start command to the option device connected to the printing apparatus 102 (S701). This communication command is a command that can be interpreted by each option device, and is transmitted to each option device via the communication cable 240. The option device that has received the communication start command sends a response signal to the printing device 102.

  Next, the CPU 134 receives a response signal from the option device with respect to the communication start command transmitted in step S701 (S702). The response signal is acquired by the printing apparatus 102 from the option apparatus via the first connection port 137 and the second connection port 138. The response signal includes ID information of the device that made the response. This device ID information is identification information for identifying the type of the optional device connected to the printing apparatus 102.

  Next, the CPU 134 specifies an optional device connected to the printing apparatus 102 from the device ID information included in the response signal (S703). In the present embodiment, the device ID information includes information indicating the type of option device and a serial number. The CPU 134 can identify which option device is connected to the printing apparatus 102 by referring to the device ID information. The CPU 134 stores the specified contents in the RAM 133 or the HDD 135 (S704).

  Next, the CPU 134 transmits a predetermined initial setting command to each option device connected to the printing apparatus 102, and ends a series of processing (S705). This initial setting command is a command for setting each option device so as to perform an operation adapted to the printing apparatus 102. For example, the setting value information set by the initial setting command includes setting value information regarding the sheet conveyance speed and the sheet passing timing. The optional device that has received the initial setting command sets the operation of the own device based on the received setting value.

  The process described with reference to FIG. 7 can be executed with the restart of the printing apparatus 102 that is executed when the configuration of the optional apparatus connected to the printing apparatus 102 changes, for example. 7 is not limited to the case where the processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed in the startup processing, but when the initialization instruction is given to the optional device to which the printing device 102 is connected after the printing device 102 is started, The processing shown in FIG. 7 may be executed. In this way, the display folder list can be updated according to the configuration change of the optional device.

  Next, a process of switching the contents of the electronic document 410 displayed on the Web browser 303 according to the connection state of the option device will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 134 of the printing apparatus 102 receives an instruction to display the electronic document 410 (S801). In the present embodiment, for example, a display instruction is issued from the operation unit 117 of the DFE 101 to the CPU 134 of the printing apparatus 102. However, there is no particular limitation on where the display instruction is issued. A display instruction may be given from the operation unit of the printing apparatus 102 or the host computer 100.

  Next, the CPU 134 acquires configuration information indicating an optional device connected to the printing apparatus 102 (S802). The configuration information can be acquired, for example, by reading the information stored in step S704 described with reference to FIG. The process of step S802 may be executed between S803 and S804 described later.

  Next, the CPU 134 determines whether to change the display of the electronic document according to the type of the optional device connected to the printing apparatus 102 (S803). The determination can be made according to user settings, for example. The user can set in advance whether or not to display only the document data related to the optional device connected to the printing apparatus 102 among the electronic documents stored in the HDD 135.

  If it is determined that document data related to an optional device connected to the printing apparatus 102 is to be displayed (that is, if document data related to an optional device that is not connected is determined not to be displayed), the process advances to step S804. In step S804, the CPU 134 determines document data to be displayed among the electronic documents 410 stored in the HDD 135 based on the configuration information acquired in step S802, and causes the web browser 303 to display the document data.

  For example, in step S804, the CPU 134 generates a display folder list as shown in FIG. Each of the display folder list 1100 and the display folder list 1101 represents a display folder list described in the XML format. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the relative path of the folder to be displayed is described after the path tag. A display folder list 1100 represents a display folder list when the optional device A, the optional device B, the optional device C, and the optional device D are connected to the printing apparatus 102. A display folder list 1101 represents a display folder list when the optional device A and the optional device D are connected to the printing apparatus 102.

  In response to the display instruction acquired in step S801, the CPU 134 performs control to display only document data accessible from the relative path of the created display folder list. That is, the CPU 134 performs display control for causing the Web browser 303 to display a link screen to document data related to the connected optional device based on the display folder list.

  In this way, the CPU 134 causes the Web browser 303 to display a selection screen for selecting document data of a part corresponding to the optional component mounted on the printing apparatus 102 among the electronic documents 410 stored in the HDD 135. .

  If it is determined in step S0803 that a link to the electronic document 410 is displayed regardless of the optional device configuration, the process advances to step S0805. In step S805, display control is performed so that the electronic document 410 stored in the HDD 135 can be displayed on the Web browser 303 regardless of the connection status of the optional device.

  When the process of step S804 or step S805 is performed, the CPU 134 advances the process to step S806. The CPU 134 determines whether the user has pressed the operation key for the electronic document 410. Here, when the user presses the operation key for the electronic document 410 displayed on the Web browser 303, the Web page stored in a folder in a lower hierarchy than the folder storing the currently displayed Web page. Can be displayed.

  4 and 5, the user presses the button of the service manual 501 on the Web page on which the service manual 501 of the first folder hierarchy, the installation procedure manual 502, the parts catalog 503, and the circuit diagram 404 are displayed. Then, among the pages stored in the folders 411 to 415 in the second folder hierarchy, the Web page (selection screen 505) corresponding to the setting can be displayed on the Web browser 303.

  When the operation key is pressed, the Web browser 303 notifies the Web service processing unit 310 that the CPU 134 is notified. If the operation key is not pressed, the process of step S806 is repeated. On the other hand, when the pressing of the operation key is notified, the CPU 134 performs the process of step S807.

  In step S807, the CPU 134 causes the web service processing unit 310 to refer the electronic document 410 to the web page generation unit 311 and proceeds to step S808.

  In step S <b> 808, the CPU 134 determines whether to change the display of the electronic document according to the type of the optional device mounted on the printing apparatus 102. The determination can be made in accordance with the user setting as in step S803.

  If it is determined in step S808 that document data related to the optional device connected to the printing apparatus 102 is to be displayed, the process advances to step S809. In other words, if it is determined that the document data regarding the optional device that is not connected is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S809.

  In step S809, the CPU 134 determines document data to be displayed among the electronic documents 410 stored in the HDD 135 based on the display folder list shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S808 that a link to the electronic document 410 is displayed regardless of the optional device configuration, the process advances to step S0805. In step S805, display control is performed so that the electronic document 410 stored in the HDD 135 can be displayed on the Web browser 303 regardless of the connection status of the optional device.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which only the link to the document data of the part corresponding to the optional device mounted on the printing apparatus 102 is displayed on the Web browser 303 in step S805 is not limited thereto.

  Of the optional devices that can be mounted on the printing apparatus 102, the user may be able to select in advance an optional apparatus that is to display document data even when the printing apparatus 102 is not mounted. The HDD 135 stores the option device selected by the user as setting information.

  In step S <b> 805, the CPU 134 causes the Web browser 303 to display a document data selection screen of the optional device indicated by the setting information stored in the HDD 135 among the document data corresponding to the optional device not mounted on the printing apparatus 102.

  In this way, the user can confirm the document data of the optional device desired by the user regardless of whether the optional device is installed.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the electronic document to be displayed is determined according to the configuration of the optional device mounted on the printing apparatus 102 has been described. However, in addition to the presence / absence of connection of an optional device, there are items that should be considered when determining the display target range. An example is a license function. The license function is a function that cannot be used in the initial state of the apparatus, but can be used when a user purchases and activates a license. Preventing users from opening manuals for parts that are different from the target part or changing settings for parts that are different from the target part by excluding documents for license functions that are not activated Can do.

  In this case, the license activation status for the printing apparatus 102 can be acquired instead of the process of acquiring the configuration information indicating the optional apparatus connected to the printing apparatus 102. In this case, the printing apparatus 102 stores a table as shown in FIG. In this table, the name of the license function, the license ID, and the activation status are associated and managed. The table is updated whenever the function license for the printing apparatus 102 is changed. By referring to this table, the CPU 134 of the printing apparatus 102 can acquire configuration information regarding the license activation status for the printing apparatus 102.

  Then, the printing apparatus 102 displays only the document data related to the function for which the license is enabled, instead of displaying the document data corresponding to the option apparatus connected to the printing apparatus 102 on the Web browser 303. be able to.

  Further, the CPU 134 may cause the Web browser 303 to display only document data relating to an optional device connected to the printing apparatus 102 and for which the license is valid for the printing apparatus 102. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the electronic document to be displayed is determined according to the configuration of the optional device or the activation status of the license function has been described. However, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. It is not limited to the device configuration. For example, it is easily conceivable to determine an electronic document to be displayed according to a device configuration such as a printing device model (printing speed, destination, etc.), installed firmware version, connected DFE type, and the like.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which only the data regarding the optional components mounted on the printing apparatus 102 in the electronic document 410 is displayed is described. However, even for optional components that are not connected to the printing apparatus 102, data about components desired by the user may be displayed. The user can set in advance items to be displayed on the printing apparatus 102 regardless of whether or not optional parts are mounted, among the data items of the electronic document 410. The printing apparatus 102 can display items specified by the user regardless of whether optional parts are mounted.

  Of the data items of the electronic document 410, a setting example for setting a manual as a display target regardless of whether or not an optional component is mounted will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numerals 1401, 1402, and 1406 are examples of display contents displayed on the Web browser 303. A screen 1406 displays a check box for selecting whether or not to display a link button to the manual on the electronic document 410 for each optional device that can be connected to the Printer A. Note that the screen 1406 is displayed by selecting the setting button 1405 displayed on the index screen 1401. The user can select whether or not to display a link to the manual of each optional device on the manual selection screen 1402 of the electronic document 410 via the check box 1407 of 1406. For example, in the example of FIG. 14, links to the electronic manuals “Stacker”, “Paper deck”, and “Inserter” are displayed on the screen 1402 of the electronic document 410. On the other hand, the links to the electronic manuals “Puncher” and “Trimmer” are not displayed on the screen 1402. As described above, the user selects an optional device for which an electronic manual is to be displayed from all the optional devices that can be connected to the currently selected printing apparatus via the screen 1406. Then, a “service manual” button is pressed on the index screen 1401 to display a screen 1402, and for example, an “Inserter” button 1404 is pressed to display an electronic electronic manual 410 of the inserter.

  According to the above procedure, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to display a manual and a link screen to the manual according to the configuration of the optional device mounted on the printing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from opening a manual of a part different from the target part or changing the setting of a part different from the target part.

<Embodiment 2>
In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a link to a manual necessary for restoring an error code is displayed based on a frequently occurring error code. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user from opening a manual of a part different from the target part or changing the setting of a part different from the target part.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described using a flowchart. In the present embodiment, only differences from the first embodiment are described, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

  First, a list of error codes stored in the HDD 135 or the RAM 133 by the printing apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is an error code list showing an error code history. The error code list 901 records the error code name of each error code, the number of occurrences within a certain period, and the most recent occurrence date. In the present embodiment, among the errors that have occurred in the printing apparatus 102 and the optional apparatus, the error code, the number of occurrences, and the most recent occurrence date of the type of error that satisfies a predetermined condition are recorded in the error code list 901. The

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, in the error code list 901, error codes E1, E5, and E2 are stored in descending order of occurrence. In addition, about the period which measures the frequency | count of occurrence, the length is not specifically limited. Further, in the present embodiment, the highest three error codes are stored in descending order of occurrence frequency, but the top three error codes are stored. However, the error code list 901 may be stored in the order of latest occurrence date. Alternatively, an error code of an error that has occurred a predetermined number of times or more may be stored. Further, the number of error codes stored in the error code list 901 is not limited.

  Next, processing executed by the printing apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The processing shown in FIG. 10 is realized by the CPU 134 developing and executing the procedure shown in FIG. 10 by expanding a program stored in the HDD 135 or a storage unit (not shown). Alternatively, a part or the whole of the processing illustrated in FIG. 10 may be performed by hardware.

  In S1000, the optional device is initialized with the activation of the printing apparatus 102 (S1000). Since the processing for initializing the optional device is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 7, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S <b> 1001, the CPU 134 detects an error in the printing apparatus 102 and an error in the installed optional apparatus. This error occurs, for example, in the connected optional device, and can be detected by the CPU 134 via the first connection port 137 or the second connection port 138.

  In step S <b> 801, the CPU 134 acquires a display instruction for the electronic document 410. The display instruction of the electronic document 410 may be the same instruction as the display instruction described in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the display instruction may be different from the display instruction described in the first embodiment.

  For example, it may be an instruction for displaying only document data necessary for performing maintenance for an error that has occurred in the printing apparatus 102. In this case, the user can give the printing apparatus 102 a first instruction to display only document data corresponding to the optional apparatus connected to the printing apparatus 102 as described in the first embodiment. In addition, a second instruction for displaying only document data necessary for performing maintenance for an error that has occurred in the printing apparatus 102 can be given to the printing apparatus 102. In this way, the first instruction and the second instruction may be distinguished from each other by the user.

  In step S <b> 1002, the CPU 134 refers to the error code list 0901 and notifies the generated error codes, that is, E <b> 1, E <b> 5, E <b> 2, to the web service processing unit 310. Here, the error code is information indicating the type of error.

  In step S1003, the WEB page generation unit 311 requests generation of a link screen to a manual related to the error codes E1, E5, and E2. In response to this request, the WEB page generation unit 311 refers to the manual related to the error codes E1, E5, and E2, and notifies the Web service processing unit 310 of it.

  Here, the manual related to the error code refers to, for example, replacement of a part causing an error in an optional part, or a description of a part where an error has occurred in the printing apparatus 102 such as a developing device, a fixing device, and a paper transport unit. Refers to what there is. The Web service processing unit 310 notifies the Web browser 303 of the reference result.

  In step S1003, the CPU 134 performs control to display a link to a manual related to the acquired error codes E1, E5, E2 on the Web browser 303.

  For example, only document data related to the acquired error code may be displayed on the Web browser 303. For example, when an error of a predetermined type has occurred for “Finisher” which is an optional device, only the “Finisher” button is selected from among a plurality of document data buttons shown on the selection screen 505 shown in FIG. It is displayed on the screen 505.

  Alternatively, document data other than the document data related to the acquired error code may be displayed, and the document data related to the acquired error code may be highlighted. For example, when an error of a predetermined type has occurred for “Finisher” which is an optional device, the “Finisher” button is highlighted among the plurality of document data buttons shown in the selection screen 505 shown in FIG. Is made. In this case, buttons other than “Finisher” are also displayed on the selection screen 505.

  The mode of highlighting is not particularly limited. For example, the color of the link display (for example, button display) to the document data related to the acquired error code, the font of the character, or the thickness of the character may be different from the display mode of other document data. Or it is good also as displaying the icon of a predetermined | prescribed mark with the link display to the document data relevant to the acquired error code. For example, in the example of the selection screen 505, a mark “!” Can be displayed superimposed on the “Finisher” button.

  Since S0806 and S0807 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In S1004, the CPU 134 displays a selection screen on the Web browser 303, and ends the flow.

  In the present embodiment, only manuals related to error codes that occur frequently or links to manuals are displayed. Regardless of the error code, whether to display all manuals or links to manuals may be selected in advance or by the user in the flow. In the present embodiment, the operation flow has been described on the assumption that the CPU 134 recovers when an error is detected. However, a format that allows manual display based on the occurrence frequency of an error code may be used even if no error is detected. According to the above procedure, according to the present embodiment, the user opens a manual for a part different from the target part or changes the setting of the part different from the target part based on the frequent error codes. It is possible to prevent.

(Other examples)
The processes of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above may be performed in combination. The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and is also realized by processing in which one or more processors in the computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. Is possible. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

101 Digital Front End 102 Printing Device 106 Network 107 Line 113 CPU
131 Communication controller 135 HDD
137 First connection port 138 Second connection port

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus,
Storage means for storing document data including link information to a setting tool for setting optional parts that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus;
Display control means for displaying on the display means a selection screen for selecting the document data of a portion corresponding to the configuration information of the image forming apparatus among the document data stored in the storage means. Image forming apparatus.   The display control means causes the display means to display a selection screen for selecting the document data of a part corresponding to an optional part mounted on the image forming apparatus in the document data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Storage means for storing setting information indicating an optional part selected by a user among optional parts that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus;
The display control unit further includes a portion of the document data corresponding to an optional component indicated by the setting information stored in the storage unit, of the document data corresponding to an optional component not mounted on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the selection screen is further displayed on the display unit. A detection unit that detects an error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus and an error that has occurred in the optional component; and a storage unit that stores a type of an error that satisfies a predetermined condition among the errors detected by the detection unit,
The display control means further displays, on the display means, a selection screen for selecting the document data of a part corresponding to the type of error stored in the storage means among the document data stored in the storage means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: An image forming apparatus control method comprising:
Corresponding to the configuration information of the image forming apparatus among the document data stored in the storage means for storing document data including link information to a setting tool for setting an optional part that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus And a display control step for displaying a selection screen for selecting the document data of the portion to be displayed on the display means. Of the document data stored in the storage unit for storing document data including link information to a setting tool for setting an optional component that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes: A program for executing a display control procedure for causing a display unit to display a selection screen for selecting the document data corresponding to the configuration information.

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