Information processing device, computer readable medium, and program product

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an image forming device, and a computer-readable medium. The information processing device includes a processor, and when an error is detected in a printing device, which is a destination of print data, the processor switches to a state of waiting for receiving image data for determining a page from which printing is to be resumed, and when the image data associated with the printing device is received, the processor identifies an image of the received image data, determines a page from which printing is to be resumed, and resends print data corresponding to the determined page and subsequent pages to the printing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a computer-readable medium. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-168103 states that when an error such as a paper jam occurs during printing, the image of the page to be recovered is restored to the hard disk device in the printing device, and when the error is eliminated, printing is restarted from the image of the page restored to the hard disk device. Summary of the invention

[0003] Regarding printing devices installed in shared offices or public places, from the perspective of security, it is required to operate them in a manner that print data is not retained in the hard disk device in the printing device. In fact, among printing devices installed in shared offices or public places, printing devices that do not have storage devices such as hard disks are also used. In a printing device that is not provided with a storage device, when restarting printing that has been interrupted due to an error or the like, there is no print data in the printing device, so printing must be performed from the starting page. In the event that multiple errors occur again, printing must be restarted from the starting page each time. Therefore, paper is wasted. In addition, in the case of a printing device that charges fees based on the amount of data, since the user also needs to print the pages that have already been printed, he or she needs to pay fees that he or she does not need to pay.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to prevent a page from being missed or duplicated after printing is resumed, compared with a case where a user designates a page number for resuming printing.

[0005] According to the first scheme of the present invention, an information processing device is provided, wherein the information processing device has a processor, and when an error is detected in a printing device, which is the destination of sending print data, the processor shifts to a state of waiting to receive the following image data, and the image data is used to determine the page where printing is to be restarted. When the image data associated with the printing device is received, the processor identifies the image of the received image data and determines the page where printing is to be restarted. The processor resends the print data corresponding to the determined page and subsequent pages to the printing device.

[0006] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the processor determines a page next to a page corresponding to the received image data as a page at which printing is to be resumed.

[0007] According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the image of the received image data includes all pages specified based on the image data, the processor specifies the page next to the page corresponding to the image data as the page to resume printing.

[0008] According to the fourth scheme of the present invention, when the printing mode is a printing mode of allocating multiple pages to a single side of a sheet of paper and the image of the received image data includes all of the determined pages, the processor starts sending the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination in which the next page of the determined page is allocated to the same sheet of paper.

[0009] According to the fifth scheme of the present invention, when the printing mode is a printing mode of allocating pages to both sides of a sheet of paper and the image of the received image data includes all of the determined pages, the processor starts sending the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination in which the next page of the determined page is allocated to the same sheet of paper.

[0010] According to the sixth scheme of the present invention, when the printing mode is a printing mode of assigning multiple pages to both sides of a sheet of paper respectively and the image of the received image data includes all of the determined pages, the processor starts sending the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination in which the next page of the determined page is assigned to the same sheet of paper.

[0011] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the processor determines a page corresponding to the received image data as a page for resuming printing.

[0012] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the image of the received image data includes a part but not all of the page specified based on the image data, the processor specifies the page corresponding to the image data as the page for resuming printing.

[0013] According to the 9th scheme of the present invention, when the printing mode is a printing mode of allocating multiple pages to a single side of a sheet of paper and the image of the received image data includes a part of the determined page but not all of it, the processor starts sending the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination of pages allocated to the same sheet of paper as the determined pages.

[0014] According to the 10th scheme of the present invention, when the printing mode is a printing mode of allocating pages to both sides of a sheet of paper and the image of the received image data includes a part of the determined page but not all of it, the processor starts sending the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination of pages allocated to the same sheet of paper as the determined pages.

[0015] According to the 11th scheme of the present invention, when the printing mode is a printing mode of assigning multiple pages to both sides of a sheet of paper respectively and the image of the received image data includes a part of the determined pages but not all of them, the processor starts sending the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination of the determined pages assigned to the same sheet of paper.

[0016] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the processor transmits information requesting a user to obtain and transmit the image data to the printing device having detected the occurrence of the error.

[0017] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the processor transmits information for requesting the user to obtain and transmit the image data in response to access from a terminal operated by a user who interrupted printing due to an error.

[0018] According to the 14th scheme of the present invention, there is provided an image forming device which receives print data from a server connected via a network and performs printing, wherein the image forming device has a processor, and when an error occurs during the printing process, the processor notifies the server of the error, and the processor displays information on a display screen requesting the user to send the following image data, wherein the image data is used to determine the page where printing is restarted after recovery from the error.

[0019] According to the 15th scheme of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute processing, wherein the processing has the following steps: when an error is detected in a printing device, which is the destination of sending print data, transferring to a state of waiting for reception of image data, the image data being used to determine a page from which printing is to be restarted; when the image data associated with the printing device is received, identifying an image of the received image data and determining a page from which printing is to be restarted; and sending print data corresponding to the determined page and subsequent pages to the printing device again.

[0020] (Effect)

[0021] According to the first aspect, compared with the case where the user designates the number of the page at which printing is to be resumed, it is possible to prevent a page from being missed or duplicated after printing is resumed.

[0022] According to the second aspect, printing can be restarted without duplication or omission.

[0023] According to the third aspect, even if the user may send a wrong page, printing can be restarted without duplication or omission.

[0024] According to the fourth aspect, when an error occurs during execution of the print mode in which a plurality of pages are allocated to one sheet of paper, printing can be restarted with the original layout.

[0025] According to the fifth aspect, when an error occurs during double-sided printing, printing can be restarted with the original layout.

[0026] According to the sixth aspect, when an error occurs during execution of the print mode in which a plurality of pages are assigned to both sides of a sheet of paper, printing can be restarted with the original layout.

[0027] According to the seventh aspect, printing can be restarted without duplication or omission.

[0028] According to the eighth aspect, even if the user may send a wrong page, printing can be restarted without duplication or omission.

[0029] According to the ninth aspect, when an error occurs during execution of the print mode in which a plurality of pages are allocated to one sheet of paper, printing can be restarted with the original layout.

[0030] According to the tenth aspect, when an error occurs during double-sided printing, printing can be restarted with the original layout.

[0031] According to the eleventh aspect, when an error occurs during execution of the print mode in which a plurality of pages are assigned to both sides of a sheet of paper, printing can be restarted with the original layout.

[0032] According to the twelfth aspect, even when the printing apparatus is not provided with a function for restarting guidance upon recovery from an error, printing can be resumed without duplication or omission.

[0033] According to the thirteenth aspect, even when the scanner is not connected to the printing device, printing can be restarted without duplication or omission.

[0034] According to the fourteenth aspect, compared with a case where the user designates the number of the page at which printing is to be resumed, it is possible to prevent a page from being missed or duplicated after printing is resumed.

[0035] According to the fifteenth aspect, compared with a case where the user designates the number of the page at which printing is to be resumed, it is possible to prevent a page from being missed or duplicated after printing is resumed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system used in Embodiment 1.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a printing device used in Embodiment 1.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the print server used in Embodiment 1.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the print server used in the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 The figures show examples of screens that are displayed to the user when an error occurs. (A) shows an example of a screen that is displayed when the image of the last page of the pages that have been printed is used as the page from which printing is restarted, and (B) shows an example of a screen that is displayed when the image of the page where the error occurred is used as the page from which printing is restarted.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed when a print mode for allocating one page to one side of one sheet of paper is selected.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed when a print mode for allocating a plurality of pages to one side of a sheet of paper and a print mode for allocating one page or a plurality of pages to both sides of a sheet of paper are selected.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining a process flow in which, when an error occurs during printing in a print mode in which one page is assigned to one side of one sheet of paper, an image of the page in which the error occurred is transmitted to a print server.

[0044] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing in the case where an error occurs during printing in a print mode in which one page is assigned to one side of one sheet, and an image of the last page of pages that have been printed is transmitted to a print server.

[0045] Fig.10 The present invention is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing when an error occurs during printing in a printing mode in which one page is assigned to each side of a sheet of paper, and an image of the page where the error occurred is sent to a print server. (A) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the first page of a document, (B) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the second page of a document, and (C) shows a case where printing is restarted from the first page of the document.

[0046] Fig.11The figures are diagrams for explaining the flow of other processing when an error occurs during printing in a printing mode in which one page is assigned to each of both sides of a sheet of paper, and an image of the page where the error occurred is sent to a print server. (A) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the fourth page of the original document, and (B) shows a case where printing is restarted from the third page assigned to the same sheet of paper as the third page where the error occurred, or where printing is restarted from the third page and thereafter assigned to the same sheet of paper as the third page, which is the next page of the second page, which is the last page among the pages that have been printed.

[0047] Fig.12 The figures are diagrams for explaining the flow of other processing when an error occurs during printing in a printing mode in which one page is assigned to each of both sides of a sheet of paper, and an image of the page where the error occurred is sent to a print server. (A) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the third page of a manuscript, and (B) shows a case where the third page and subsequent pages assigned to the same sheet of paper as the third page where the error occurred are printed again, or a case where the third page, which is the next page of the second page, which is the last page among the pages that have been printed, is assigned to the same sheet of paper as the third page and subsequent pages are printed again.

[0048] Fig.13 The present invention is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing when an error occurs during printing in a single-sided printing mode in which two pages are assigned to one sheet of paper, and an image of the page where the error occurred is sent to a print server. (A) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the first page of the original, (B) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the second page of the original, and (C) shows a case where printing is restarted from the first page of the original.

[0049] Fig.14 The present invention is a diagram for explaining the flow of other processing when an error occurs during printing in a single-sided printing mode in which two pages are assigned to one sheet of paper, in which an image of the page where the error occurred is sent to a print server. (A) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the third page of the original, and (B) shows a case where printing is restarted from the first page of the second sheet of paper.

[0050] Fig.15The present invention is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing when an error occurs during printing in a printing mode in which two pages are respectively assigned to both sides of a sheet of paper, and an image of the page where the error occurred is sent to a print server. (A) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the first page of the original, (B) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the second page of the original, (C) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the third page of the original, (D) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the fourth page of the original, and (E) shows a case where an error occurs during printing of the fifth page of the original.

[0051] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system used in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0053] <Implementation Method 1>

[0054] <System Structure>

[0055] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 1 used in the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 1 The information processing system 1 shown has a printing device 10 having a printing function, a print server 20 that manages printing of the printing device 10, and an information terminal 30 that sends image data to the print server 20. These devices are connected to a network 40. The network 40 is, for example, the Internet. However, a part of the network 40 may be a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0057] The printing device 10 in this embodiment is installed in a shared office or a public place, etc., and is used by an unspecified user.

[0058] The printing device 10 used in the present embodiment has a copying function for generating a copy of a manuscript, a printing function for printing a document or an image on paper, a scanning function for optically reading an image of a manuscript, a function for acquiring information required for user authentication, etc. In the case of the printing device 10 in the present embodiment, the printing function and the scanning function are essential functions.

[0059] All printing devices 10 constituting the information processing system 1 do not need to have the same functions and capabilities. However, from the perspective of ensuring security, at least one printing device 10 must not have a hard disk device storing print data and can immediately delete print data that has been printed.

[0060] The printing device 10 in this embodiment is an example of an image forming device.

[0061] The print server 20 in this embodiment manages the acceptance of print data and the output of print data separately. Before receiving a request to output the print data, the print server 20 stores the print data received from the information terminal 30 in a database (not shown). When receiving a request to output the print data, the print server 20 sends the print data to the printing device 10 as the request source.

[0062] The print server 20 in this embodiment is an example of an information processing device.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the information terminal 30 is, for example, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone, and is used to upload print data to the print server 20 .

[0064] <Structure of Printing Device>

[0065] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the printing device 10 used in the first embodiment.

[0066] Figure 2 The printing device 10 shown includes: a system control unit 101, which controls the operation of the entire system; a scanner 102, which optically reads the image of an original document; a print engine 103, which forms an image on the surface of a paper as an example of a recording medium; an image processing unit 104, which applies color correction or grayscale correction and other processing to the print data; a volatile memory 105, which stores print data, etc.; an operation display unit 106, which is used for accepting user instructions and displaying information; a communication unit 107, which is used for communicating with the outside; and a bus 108 and signal lines not shown in the figure, which connect these components.

[0067] The system control unit 101 includes a CPU (=Central Processing Unit), a ROM (=Read Only Memory) storing firmware or BIOS (=Basic Input Output System), and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) used as a work area. The system control unit 101 is a so-called computer that provides various functions by executing programs. The CPU is an example of a processor.

[0068] The scanner 102 is a device that optically reads the image of the original document and is an example of an image reading unit. The scanner 102 of this embodiment is also equipped with a mechanism that feeds the original document sheet by sheet to the reading position. Such a mechanism is called ADF (=Auto Document Feeder). The scanner 102 of this embodiment is used to obtain the following image, which is used to determine the position of an error that occurred during printing. The image obtained by the scanner 102 is sent to the print server 20 as image data.

[0069] The print engine 103 is a device that prints an image on the surface of a paper by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Paper is an example of a recording medium. A mechanism for conveying paper one by one is also installed in the print engine 103. The print engine 103 is an example of an image forming unit.

[0070] The image processing unit 104 is constituted by a dedicated processor or a processing circuit or the like for processing print data into data suitable for printing or the like.

[0071] The volatile memory 105 is a storage medium for recording the print data downloaded from the print server 20 and other data. For example, DRAM (=Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (=Static RAM) is used as the volatile memory 105. The volatile memory 105 can retain data only while power is supplied. The print data stored in the volatile memory 105 is deleted from the volatile memory 105 after printing is executed. When an error such as a power failure occurs during printing, the print data is deleted from the volatile memory 105 even if printing is not completed.

[0072] The operation display unit 106 is a device for presenting information to the user and for the user to input instructions. The operation display unit 106 is composed of, for example, a touch panel.

[0073] The communication unit 107 is composed of modules based on various communication standards. The communication unit 107 is connected to the network 40 through a mobile communication system abbreviated as LAN, 4G, or 5G, for example.

[0074] <Print Server Structure>

[0075] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the print server 20 used in the first embodiment.

[0076] Figure 3The print server 20 shown includes a computing unit 201, a hard disk drive 202 storing print data uploaded from the information terminal 30, and a communication unit 203 for communicating with the outside. The computing unit 201 and each component are connected via a bus 204 or a signal line (not shown).

[0077] The calculation unit 201 in this embodiment includes a processor 201A, a ROM (not shown) storing BIOS, etc., and a RAM (not shown) used as a work area. The calculation unit 201 functions as a so-called computer. The functions of the print server 20 described below are realized by the processor 201A executing a program.

[0078] The hard disk drive device 202 stores print data and the like in a magnetic disk. The magnetic disk is a nonvolatile storage medium. The hard disk drive device 202 stores basic software or application programs.

[0079] The communication unit 203 is composed of modules based on various communication standards and is connected to the network 40 via a mobile communication system abbreviated as LAN, 4G, or 5G.

[0080] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the print server 20 used in the first embodiment.

[0081] Figure 4 The print server 20 shown has a function of a job receiving unit 211, and the job receiving unit 211 receives a print job from the information terminal 30. The print job includes a print instruction from a user and corresponding print data.

[0082] In addition, the print server 20 has a function of a job storage unit 212, which stores the print data received by the job receiving unit 211 and information related to the print data and other data in a database 213. The database 213 is a component of the hard disk drive device 202 (see Figure 3 ) The information related to the print data includes, for example, the job name, the date and time when the print data was received, and the user name.

[0083] The database 213 also stores information related to the print server 20 , information on the printers 10 to be managed, and information for managing the operating status of the printers 10 .

[0084] The print server 20 has a function of a request receiving unit 214, which receives a request to start printing from the printing device 10. The request to start printing includes information for specifying a print target. In addition, the information required to specify a print target is provided from the print server 20 to the printing device 10 and displayed on the operation display unit 106 (see FIG. 10 ) of the printing device 10. Figure 2 For example, a list of print data stored in the print server 20 by a user authenticated using the authentication function of the printing device 10 is displayed on the operation display unit 106. The list is transmitted to the printing device 10 via the data transmission unit 215.

[0085] The print server 20 has a function of a data transmission unit 215 that transmits print data determined in accordance with a request received by the request receiving unit 214 to the printing device 10. When the print data is transmitted to the printing device 10 for the first time in response to a request from a user, the corresponding print data is transmitted sequentially from the start page. On the other hand, when the print data is transmitted again after an error, the data transmission unit 215 transmits the print data generated by the image generating unit 218 to the printing device 10.

[0086] The print server 20 has a function of an image receiving unit 216. When an error occurs during printing by the printing device 10, the image receiving unit 216 receives from the printing device 10 image data corresponding to an image used to determine a page from which printing is to be restarted. The image here is an image of the last page among the pages that have been printed, or an image of a page on which an error occurred during printing, in the printout output from the printing device 10. The image receiving unit 216 receives from the printing device 10 image data corresponding to an image of the last page among the pages that have been printed, or an image of a page on which an error occurred during printing. Image data corresponding to an image used to determine a page from which printing is to be restarted is output from the scanner 102. In addition, the user reads an image using the scanner 102. As described later, on the operation display unit 106 (see Figure 2 ) displays information requesting the user to read and send the corresponding page through the scanner 102.

[0087] The print server 20 has a function of an image analyzing unit 217 that analyzes the image received by the image receiving unit 216 to determine which page of the print data the received image is an image of.

[0088] The print server 20 has a function of an image generation unit 218 that generates print data to be re-sent corresponding to the page determined based on the analysis result of the image analysis unit 217. The method of determining the print data to be re-sent differs depending on the print mode selected by the user. The print modes here include a print mode in which one page is assigned to one side of a sheet of paper, a print mode in which multiple pages are assigned to one side of a sheet of paper, a print mode in which one page is assigned to the front and back sides of a sheet of paper, and a print mode in which multiple pages are assigned to the front and back sides of a sheet of paper.

[0089] The print server 20 also understands the operating status of the printing device 10 it manages by communicating with the printing device 10. When an error is detected, the print server 20 transitions to a state in which it waits for an image for specifying a page for resuming printing.

[0090] <Example of the screen that prompts the user when an error occurs>

[0091] Figure 5 The figures show examples of screens that are displayed to the user when an error occurs. (A) shows an example of screen 110 that is displayed when the image of the last page of the pages that have been printed is used as the page to be printed again, and (B) shows an example of screen 120 that is displayed when the image of the page where the error occurred is used as the page to be printed again.

[0092] Screens 110 and 120 are displayed on the printing device 10 (see Figure 2 ) operation display unit 106 (refer to Figure 2 )superior.

[0093] The screens 110 and 120 can be viewed from the print server 20 (see Figure 1 ) to the printing device 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) can also be sent as a function of the printing device 10 that detects the occurrence of an error and is displayed on the operation display unit 106.

[0094] Figure 5 The screen 110 shown has an explanation text 111 requesting the user to perform an operation, a button 112 for instructing to start scanning, and a button 113 for instructing to send an image captured by scanning. Figure 5 In the case of "An error occurred during printing. Please scan the last page of the printed pages and send it to the print server." is recorded in the description text 111.

[0095] Figure 5The screen 120 shown has an explanation text 121 requesting the user to perform an operation, a button 122 for instructing to start scanning, and a button 123 for instructing to send an image captured by scanning. Figure 5 In the case of , the description text 121 states "An error occurred during printing. Please scan the page where the error occurred and send it to the print server.".

[0096] In practice, either screen 110 or 120 is displayed on operation display unit 106 of printing device 10. Which screen is displayed may be determined by initial settings of printing device 10 or print server 20 or may be set by an administrator. Alternatively, the screen to be displayed may be set individually by the user.

[0097] However, if the user knows the details of the operation to be performed when an error occurs, the display may not be displayed. If the user invalidates the display, neither the display screens 110 nor 120 is displayed.

[0098] <Content of processing>

[0099] The following describes the content of the processing executed when an error occurs during the execution of printing requested by the user. The processor 201A of the print server 20 (see Figure 3 ) When a notification of a message that an error has occurred during printing is received from the printing device 10, the device enters a state of waiting to receive an image for determining a page for restarting printing from the corresponding printing device 10.

[0100] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed when a print mode for allocating one page to one side of one sheet of paper is selected.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed when a printing mode for allocating multiple pages to one side of a sheet of paper and a printing mode for allocating one or more pages to both sides of a sheet of paper are selected.

[0102] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The processing actions shown are realized by the processor 201A of the print server 20 executing the application program.

[0103] The processor 201A executes processing to confirm the print mode selected in the print job until image data is received from the printing device 10 where the error occurred. Specifically, the processor 201A determines whether the print mode is a single-sided print mode that allocates one page to one sheet of paper (step 1).

[0104] When the print mode of the corresponding print job is a print mode in which one page is assigned to one side of one sheet of paper, the processor 201A obtains an affirmative result in step 1 .

[0105] When a positive result is obtained in step 1, processor 201A specifies a page corresponding to the received image (step 2).

[0106] At this time, the content of the image received by the print server 20 from the printing device 10 is different when the page where the error occurred is the first page and when the page where the error occurred is the second page or later.

[0107] For example, if a paper jam or power failure occurs during printing of the first page, there is no page that has been printed correctly in its entirety. In this case, the print server 20 receives the image of the first page that has been printed in the middle from the printing device 10, for example.

[0108] On the other hand, when an error occurs in printing the second page and thereafter, there are pages that are accurately printed and pages that are incompletely printed. In this case, the print server 20 receives an image of a page scanned by the user according to the screen 110 or 120 .

[0109] The processor 201A compares the features included in the received image with the features of each page of the print data stored for the corresponding print job, and identifies the page corresponding to the image received from the printing device 10. The image recognition technology is used for this identification. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the page where the error occurs also includes information that can identify the page number.

[0110] When the page corresponding to the image received from the printing device 10 is identified, the processor 201A determines whether the received image includes all images of the identified page (step 3).

[0111] When the received image includes all images of the determined page, the processor 201A obtains a positive result in step 3. This means that the image of the last page of the pages to be printed has been received.

[0112] In this case, the processor 201A sets the print data of the next page and subsequent pages of the identified page as targets for retransmission (step 4).

[0113] On the other hand, when the received image does not include all the images of the specified page, the processor 201A obtains a negative result in step 3. This means that the image of the page in which an error occurred during printing has been received.

[0114] In this case, the processor 201A sets the print data of the identified page and subsequent pages as retransmission targets (step 5).

[0115] After executing step 4 or after executing step 5, the processor 201A sends the print data to be resent to the specific printing device 10 that is the source of the resent request (step 6). The printing device 10 that has received the print data restarts printing based on the received print data. In this case, the print data received by the printing device 10 is the print data of the page that failed to print and the subsequent pages, so a plurality of printed pages will not be generated as in the case where printing is restarted from the first page each time. In addition, in the case of charging according to the number of sheets output from the printing device 10, duplicate output pages will not be generated, so no wasteful fees will be generated.

[0116] Next, a description will be given of a case where a negative result is obtained in step 1. A negative result is obtained when the print mode designated in the print job in which an error has occurred is not a print mode in which one page is assigned to one side of one sheet of paper. Figure 7 The operation in this case is shown.

[0117] When a negative result is obtained in step 1, processor 201A specifies a page corresponding to the received image (step 11).

[0118] For example, when printing a page on both sides of a sheet of paper, regardless of whether the corresponding page is printed on the front side or the back side, the page corresponding to the received image is determined. In the present embodiment, the side on which the image is first printed on the sheet of paper is called the front side, and the side on the opposite side is called the back side. The page is determined by comparing the features included in the image with the features of each page of the print data stored for the corresponding print job.

[0119] In addition, when printing multiple pages on one side of a sheet of paper, the page determined from the received image may be one page or multiple pages, depending on the layout on the paper and the printing direction. In this case, the pages included in the image must also be determined.

[0120] Furthermore, when a plurality of pages are printed on both sides of a sheet of paper, whether the corresponding page is printed on the front side or the back side is temporarily ignored, and the page included in the image is identified.

[0121] When the page corresponding to the image received from the printing device 10 is determined, the processor 201A determines whether the received image includes all images of the determined page (step 12). In addition, when the received image includes information of multiple pages, it is determined whether all images are included for each page.

[0122] If there is at least one page containing all the images, the processor 201A obtains an affirmative result in step 12 .

[0123] In this case, the processor 201A sets the print data of the combination allocated to the same paper as the next page of the identified page and subsequent print data as the target of retransmission (step 13).

[0124] For example, when all images of the last page of the pages assigned to a sheet are included in the image received from the printing device 10, the print data of the multiple pages assigned to the next sheet are set as the objects to be resent.

[0125] In contrast, even if all images corresponding to a certain page are included in the image received from the printing device 10, if the page is not the last page among the pages assigned to a sheet of paper, the print data for multiple pages assigned to the same sheet of paper will still be set to be sent again.

[0126] On the other hand, when no page including all the images exists, the processor 201A obtains a negative result in step 12 .

[0127] In this case, the processor 201A sets the print data of the combination in which the determined pages are allocated on the same paper and thereafter as targets for retransmission (step 14 ).

[0128] After executing step 13 or after executing step 14, the processor 201A transmits the print data to be retransmitted to the specific printing device 10 that is the source of the retransmission request (step 15).

[0129] In this case, since printing is restarted with the pages allocated to the same paper as the page where the error occurred during printing, the layout is not destroyed and the same printing as the paper on which printing has already been completed is not repeated.

[0130] <Specific example>

[0131] The following specifically describes the differences between the printing modes and the processing for the page where an error has occurred.

[0132] <Example 1>

[0133] Figure 8 This is to explain that when an error occurs in printing in a printing mode in which one page is assigned to one side of a sheet of paper, an image of the page in which the error occurs is sent to the print server 20 (see Figure 1 ) is a diagram of the processing flow in the case of.

[0134] First, the user sends print data from the information terminal 30 to the print server 20 (time T1). The print data is stored in the print server 20 by the user before the printing is requested from the printing device 10.

[0135] Next, the user operates the printing device 10 installed in a shared office or the like to access the print server 20, and selects a print job to be printed from a list of print jobs related to the user stored in the print server 20. That is, the user instructs execution of printing (timing T2).

[0136] The print server 20 that has received the instruction transmits the corresponding print data to the printing device 10 that is the request source (time T3). The printing device 10 that has received the print data starts printing using the received print data.

[0137] exist Figure 8 In the example of , although the printing of the first page is completed, an error occurs during the printing of the second page (time T4). In the case of this embodiment, the printing is completed halfway to the second page. The cause of the error may be, for example, a paper jam or a power failure.

[0138] When the printing device 10 used in this embodiment is used, the print data is stored in the volatile memory 105 (see Figure 2 ), even if printing is interrupted, the print data is not retained. Therefore, the printing device 10 needs to obtain the print data from the print server 20 again.

[0139] In this example, the user uses the scanner 102 (see Figure 2 ) obtains the image corresponding to the second sheet of paper and sends it to the print server 20 (time T5).

[0140] The print server 20 that has received the image from the printing device 10 determines that the page of the received image is page 2 and that printing is not completed.

[0141] Then, when the print server 20 receives an instruction to print again from the printing device 10 that has resolved the error, it sends the print data of the second page and thereafter to the printing device 10 (time T6). Figure 6 The processing of step 5 of is corresponded to. The print data corresponding to the first page which has been printed is no longer sent.

[0142] Then, in the printing device 10, printing is restarted from the second page (time T7), and as a result, the print results of all pages are obtained (time T8). The first page of the print result is output at time T4.

[0143] <Example 2>

[0144] Fig. 9 This is to explain that when an error occurs in printing in a single-sided printing mode in which one page is assigned to one side of a sheet of paper, an image of the last page among the pages that have been printed is sent to the print server 20 (see Figure 1 ) is a diagram of the processing flow in the case of.

[0145] exist Fig. 9 In the middle, mark and Figure 8 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding numbers and shown.

[0146] The processing flow from time T1 to T4 is Figure 8 The same, therefore, the description is omitted.

[0147] In this example, the image requested to be sent to the print server 20 is the last page of the pages that have been printed. Figure 2 ) obtains the image corresponding to the first sheet of paper and sends it to the print server 20 (time T5).

[0148] Next, at time T6 , the print server 20 that has received the image from the printing device 10 determines that the page of the received image is page 1 and that printing is completed.

[0149] In this example, the page corresponding to the received image is Figure 8 The example shown is different from the example shown in FIG. 1 , but the page determined to be required to be resent is the second page and the subsequent pages. Figure 8 The examples shown are the same.

[0150] Therefore, when the print server 20 receives an instruction to print again from the printing device 10 that has resolved the error, it sends the print data of the second page and thereafter to the printing device 10. Figure 6 The processing corresponds to step 4.

[0151] Then, in the printing device 10, printing is restarted from the second page (time T7), and as a result, the print results of all pages are obtained (time T8). The first page of the print result is output at time T4.

[0152] <Example 3>

[0153] Fig.10This is to explain that when an error occurs in printing in a printing mode in which one page is assigned to each side of a sheet of paper, an image of the page in which the error occurs is sent to the print server 20 (see Figure 1 ). (A) indicates a case where an error occurs during printing of the first page of the manuscript, (B) indicates a case where an error occurs during printing of the second page of the manuscript, and (C) indicates a case where printing is restarted from the first page of the manuscript. × indicates a page where an error occurred during printing.

[0154] like Fig.10 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , when an error occurs in printing the first page of the original assigned to the front side of a sheet of paper, the user sends the image of the first page of the original to the print server 20. In this case, the print server 20 determines the received image as the first page of the original. This process is similar to Figure 7 The processing corresponds to step 14.

[0155] In contrast, Fig.10 As shown in (B) of FIG. 1 , if an error occurs in printing the second page assigned to the back side of a sheet of paper, it is assumed that the image of the first page is sent to the print server 20, and the image of the second page is sent to the print server 20. In this case, the print server 20 determines that the received image is the second page of the original. This process is also similar to Figure 7 The processing corresponds to step 14.

[0156] Basically, the page of the image sent to the print server 20 is specified on the screen 110 or 120. The user may read the wrong page, but even in this case, the print server 20 in this embodiment determines whether all the pages corresponding to the received image are included, so it is possible to accurately determine the page to be resent.

[0157] In this example, regardless of whether an error occurs in printing on the front side or on the back side, the print data corresponding to the page assigned to the same paper is sent again to the printing device 10. Fig.10 As shown in (C), reprinting of the paper with the first page of the original assigned to the front side and the second page assigned to the back side is realized.

[0158] Fig.11 This is to explain that when an error occurs in printing in a printing mode in which one page is assigned to each side of a sheet of paper, an image of the page in which the error occurs is sent to the print server 20 (see Figure 1). (A) indicates a case where an error occurs in printing the 4th page of the original document (in this case, an image of the 4th page where the error occurs or an image of the third page, which is the last page of the printed pages, is sent), and (B) indicates a case where printing is restarted from the 3rd page assigned to the same paper as the 4th page where the error occurs, or printing is restarted from the 3rd page and later pages assigned to the same paper as the 4th page, which is the next page of the 3rd page, which is the last page of the printed pages. × indicates a page where an error occurs during printing.

[0159] When the user sends an image of the 4th page containing an error, the print server 20 executes the processing of step 14 and resends the combination including not only the 4th page of the original corresponding to the received image but also the 3rd page of the original assigned to the same paper and subsequent print data as the sending object.

[0160] On the other hand, when the user sends an image of the third page, which is the last page of the pages that have been printed, the print server 20 executes the processing of step 13 and starts to send again the combination including the third page of the original assigned to the same paper as the fourth page, which is the next page of the page of the received image, and subsequent print data as the sending object.

[0161] Fig.12 This is to explain that when an error occurs in printing in a printing mode in which one page is assigned to each side of a sheet of paper, an image of the page in which the error occurs is sent to the print server 20 (see Figure 1 ). (A) shows a situation where an error occurs in printing the third page of the original (in this case, an image of the third page of the second sheet of paper containing the error or an image of the second page of the first sheet of paper, which is the last page of the printed pages, is sent), and (B) shows a situation where the third page and subsequent pages assigned to the same sheet of paper as the third page where the error occurred are printed again, or a situation where the third page, which is the next page of the second page, which is the last page of the printed pages, is assigned to the same sheet of paper as the third page and subsequent pages are printed again. × indicates a page where an error occurred during printing.

[0162] In the case where the user sends an image of page 3 containing an error, the print server 20 executes the processing of step 14 and starts to resend the combination including not only page 3 of the original corresponding to the received image but also page 4 of the original assigned to the same paper and subsequent print data as the sending objects.

[0163] On the other hand, when the user sends an image of the second page which is the last page among the pages that have been printed, the print server 20 executes the processing of step 13 and starts to send again the combination including the fourth page of the original assigned to the same paper as the third page which is the next page of the page of the received image and the print data thereafter as the sending object.

[0164] <Example 4>

[0165] Fig.13 This is to explain how, when an error occurs in printing in a print mode in which two pages are allocated to one side of a sheet of paper, an image of the page in which the error occurs is sent to the print server 20 (see Figure 1 (A) indicates a case where an error occurs in printing the first page of the document (in this case, the image of the first sheet of paper is sent), (B) indicates a case where an error occurs in printing the second page of the document (in this case, the image of the first sheet of paper is sent), and (C) indicates a case where printing is restarted from the first page of the document. × indicates a page where an error occurred during printing.

[0166] like Fig.13 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , when an error occurs in printing the first page of the original document, the user sends the image of the first sheet of paper to the print server 20. In this case, the print server 20 identifies the first page of the original document based on the features of the received image. This process is similar to Figure 7 The processing corresponds to step 14.

[0167] In contrast, Fig.13 As shown in (B) of FIG. 2 , when an error occurs in printing the second page of the document, the user also sends the image of the first sheet to the print server 20 .

[0168] In this case, the print server 20 determines that the received image includes all images of the first page of the document and does not include all images of the second page of the document. In this example, the first page of the document is determined to be the last page of the pages that have been printed.

[0169] Even when a certain page is determined, the pages assigned to the same paper are a combination of the first and second pages of the original. Fig.13 As shown in (C), printing is restarted with the print data of the first page and subsequent pages of the original as the printing object.

[0170] Fig.14 This is to explain how, when an error occurs in printing in a print mode in which two pages are allocated to one side of a sheet of paper, an image of the page in which the error occurs is sent to the print server 20 (see Figure 1). (A) shows a case where an error occurs in printing the third page of the original (in this case, the image of the first sheet of paper or the image of the second sheet of paper is sent), and (B) shows a case where printing is restarted from the first page of the second sheet of paper. × indicates a page where an error occurred during printing.

[0171] like Fig.14 As shown in (A), when an error occurs in printing the third page of the document, the user sends an image of the first sheet of paper including the last page of the printed pages or an image of the second sheet of paper including the page where the error occurred to the print server 20.

[0172] For example, when receiving the image of the first sheet of paper, the print server 20 determines the second page of the document as the last page of the pages that have been printed, and starts printing again with the combination of the third page of the document that is the next page of the determined page and the fourth page assigned to the same sheet of paper as the printing target. This process is similar to Figure 7 corresponds to step 13.

[0173] On the other hand, when receiving the image of the second sheet of paper, the print server 20 identifies the third page of the document where the error occurred. Since the received image does not include the entire image of the third page of the document, the print server 20 starts printing again with the combination of the third page of the document, which is the identified page, and the fourth page assigned to the same sheet of paper as the print target. This process is similar to Figure 7 corresponds to step 14.

[0174] <Example 5>

[0175] Fig.15 This is to explain that when an error occurs in printing in a printing mode in which two pages are allocated to both sides of a sheet of paper, an image of the page in which the error occurs is sent to the print server 20 (see Figure 1 ) are diagrams showing the flow of processing in the case of (A) an error occurs in printing the first page of the original (in this case, the image of the front side of the first sheet of paper is sent), (B) an error occurs in printing the second page of the original (in this case, the image of the front side of the first sheet of paper is sent), (C) an error occurs in printing the third page of the original (in this case, the image of the front or back side of the first sheet of paper is sent), (D) an error occurs in printing the fourth page of the original (in this case, the image of the front or back side of the first sheet of paper is sent), (E) an error occurs in printing the fifth page of the original (in this case, the image of the back side of the first sheet of paper or the front side of the second sheet of paper is sent). × indicates a page where an error occurred during printing.

[0176] like Fig.15 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , when an error occurs in printing the first page of the original assigned to the front side of the first sheet of paper, the user sends the image of the front side of the first sheet of paper to the print server 20. In this case, the print server 20 identifies the first page of the original based on the features of the received image. This process is similar to Figure 7 The processing corresponds to step 14.

[0177] like Fig.15 As shown in (B), when an error occurs in printing the second page of the original assigned to the front side of the first sheet of paper, the user sends the image of the front side of the first sheet of paper to the print server 20. In this case, the print server 20 determines that the last page of the pages that have been printed is the first page of the original, or determines that the page where the error occurs is the second page of the original, based on the features of the received image.

[0178] If the identified page is the first page of the document, the print server 20 executes Figure 7 In this case, the print data allocated to the same paper as the second page of the manuscript as the next page, that is, the print data after the first page of the manuscript allocated to the first paper, is set as the target of restarting printing.

[0179] On the other hand, if the identified page is the second page of the document, the print server 20 executes Figure 7 In this case, the print data allocated to the same paper as the second page of the original, that is, the print data after the first page of the original allocated to the first sheet of paper, is set as the target for restarting printing.

[0180] like Fig.15 As shown in (C), when an error occurs in printing the third page of the original assigned to the back side of the first sheet of paper, the user also sends the image of the back side of the first sheet of paper to the print server 20. In this case, the print server 20 determines that the page where the error occurred is the third page of the original based on the features of the received image.

[0181] If the identified page is the third page of the document, the print server 20 executes Figure 7 In this case, the print server 20 sets the print data allocated to the same paper as the third page of the document, that is, the print data after the first page of the document allocated to the first sheet of paper, as the target for restarting printing.

[0182] In addition, when the image of the front side of the first sheet of paper including the second page of the manuscript which is the last page of the printed pages is transmitted to the print server 20, the print server 20 executes Figure 7In this case, the print server 20 also sets the print data of the first page and subsequent pages of the document allocated to the first sheet as the target for restarting printing.

[0183] like Fig.15 As shown in (D), when an error occurs in printing the 4th page of the original assigned to the back side of the first sheet of paper, the user also sends the image of the back side of the first sheet of paper to the print server 20. In this case, the print server 20 determines that the page where the error occurs is the 4th page of the original based on the features of the received image.

[0184] If the identified page is the fourth page of the document, the print server 20 executes Figure 7 In this case, the print data allocated to the same paper as the fourth page of the original, that is, the print data after the first page of the original allocated to the first sheet of paper, is set as the target for restarting printing.

[0185] In addition, based on the image on the back side of the first sheet of paper, the third page of the original document, which is the last page of the pages that have been printed, is also determined. In this case, the print server 20 executes the printing with the third page of the original document as the determined page. Figure 7 In this case, the print data after the first page of the document allocated to the first sheet is also set as the target of restarting printing.

[0186] like Fig.15 As shown in (E) of FIG. 1 , when an error occurs in printing the fifth page of the original assigned to the front side of the second sheet of paper, the user also sends the image of the front side of the second sheet of paper to the print server 20. In this case, the print server 20 determines that the page where the error occurred is the fifth page of the original based on the characteristics of the received image. When the page determined is the fifth page of the original, the print server 20 executes Figure 7 In this case, the print data allocated to the same paper as the fifth page of the original, that is, the print data of the pages after the fifth page of the original allocated to the second sheet of paper, is set as the target of restarting printing.

[0187] In addition, when the image of the back side of the first sheet of paper including the fourth page of the manuscript which is the last page of the printed pages is transmitted to the print server 20, the print server 20 executes Figure 7 In this case, the print server 20 sets the print data of the page assigned to the same paper as the fifth page, which is the next page of the fourth page, as the target of restarting printing. That is, the print server 20 resends the print data of the fifth page and later of the original.

[0188] <Implementation Method 2>

[0189] Fig.16 1A is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 1A used in Embodiment 2. Fig.16 In the middle, mark and Figure 1 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding numbers and shown.

[0190] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the image of the original document is optically read by the scanner 102 (see Figure 2 ) of the information processing system 1 (refer to Figure 1 ), however, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the information processing system 1A is composed of a printing device 10A that does not have a scanner 102 that optically reads an image of an original document.

[0191] In the case of the present embodiment, the image of a page where an error occurred during printing or the last page among the pages that have been printed is read by the smartphone 50 and transmitted to the print server 20 .

[0192] A tablet computer or a digital camera may be used instead of the smartphone 50. If the digital camera does not have a function of communicating with the network 40, image data captured by the digital camera is transmitted to the print server 20 via the smartphone 50 or the printing device 10A.

[0193] In the case where the printing apparatus 10A is not provided with a display unit or the size of the display unit is larger than the screen 110 or 120 (see Figure 5 ) is small, the screen 110 may be displayed on a display unit of a smartphone 50 or the like (see Figure 5 ) or screen 120 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0194] The other operations in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0195] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0196] The embodiments of the present invention are described above, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. According to the description of the claims, various changes or improvements made to the above embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0197] The processor in each of the above-mentioned embodiments refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes not only general-purpose processors (such as CPU (=Central Processing Unit)), but also special-purpose processors (such as GPU, ASIC (=Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0198] In addition, the actions of the processor in each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be executed by a single processor alone, but can also be executed collaboratively by multiple processors located in physically separated positions. In addition, the execution order of each action in the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, but can also be changed individually.

Claims

1. An information processing device, wherein: The information processing device has a processor. When an error is detected in the printing device, which is the destination of the print data, the processor switches to a state of waiting for receiving image data of the last page that has been printed for determining a page to be printed again, Upon receiving the image data associated with the printing device sent by a user, the processor identifies an image of the received image data, When the image data received includes all of the pages determined based on the image data, the processor determines the next page of the page corresponding to the image data as the page to start printing again. When the image data received does not include all of the pages determined based on the image data, the processor determines the page corresponding to the image data as the page to be printed again. The processor retransmits the print data corresponding to the determined page and subsequent pages to the printing device.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: When the printing mode is a printing mode of allocating multiple pages to a single side of a sheet of paper and the image of the received image data includes all of the determined pages, the processor sends the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination in which the next page of the determined page is allocated to the same sheet of paper.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: When the printing mode is a printing mode of allocating pages to both sides of a sheet of paper and the image of the received image data contains all of the determined pages, the processor sends the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination in which the next page of the determined page is allocated to the same sheet of paper.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: When the printing mode is a printing mode in which multiple pages are respectively assigned to both sides of a sheet of paper and the image of the received image data includes all of the determined pages, the processor sends the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination in which the next page of the determined page is assigned to the same sheet of paper.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor determines a page corresponding to the received image data as a page to start printing again.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein: When the image of the received image data includes a part of the page determined based on the image data but does not include the whole of the page, the processor determines the page corresponding to the image data as the page to restart printing.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein: When the printing mode is a printing mode of allocating multiple pages to a single side of a sheet of paper and the image of the received image data includes a part of the determined page but not all of it, the processor sends the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination in which the determined page is allocated to the same sheet of paper.

8. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein: When the printing mode is a printing mode of allocating pages to both sides of a sheet of paper and the image of the received image data includes a part of the determined page but not all of it, the processor sends the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination in which the determined page is allocated to the same sheet of paper.

9. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein: When the printing mode is a printing mode in which multiple pages are respectively assigned to both sides of a sheet of paper and the image of the received image data includes a part of the determined pages but not all of them, the processor sends the printing data again starting from the following printing data, which corresponds to a combination in which the determined pages are assigned to the same sheet of paper.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor transmits information requesting a user to obtain and transmit the image data to the printing device that has detected the occurrence of the error.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor transmits information for requesting the user to obtain and transmit the image data in response to an access from a terminal operated by a user whose printing is interrupted due to an error.

12. A computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a process, wherein: The process has the following steps: When an error is detected in the printing device, which is the destination of the print data, the state is shifted to a state of waiting for receiving image data of the last page that has been printed for determining a page to be printed again; When the image data associated with the printing device sent by the user is received, an image of the received image data is identified, and when the image of the received image data includes all of the page determined based on the image data, a page next to the page corresponding to the image data is determined as a page to be printed again, and when the image of the received image data does not include all of the page determined based on the image data, a page corresponding to the image data is determined as a page to be printed again; as well as The print data corresponding to the identified page and subsequent pages are sent again to the printing device.

13. A program product comprising a program causing a computer to execute a process, wherein: The process has the following steps: When an error is detected in the printing device, which is the destination of the print data, the state is shifted to a state of waiting for receiving image data of the last page that has been printed for determining a page to be printed again; When the image data associated with the printing device sent by the user is received, an image of the received image data is identified, and when the image of the received image data includes all of the page determined based on the image data, a page next to the page corresponding to the image data is determined as a page to be printed again, and when the image of the received image data does not include all of the page determined based on the image data, a page corresponding to the image data is determined as a page to be printed again; as well as The print data corresponding to the identified page and subsequent pages are sent again to the printing device.

Images