Program, Control Method for Information Processing Apparatus, and Information Processing Apparatus

Abstract

To easily grasp sheets of sheet storage parts of a plurality of image formation devices.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: acquisition means for acquiring first sheet information registered in a first sheet storage part of a first image formation device, and second sheet information registered in a second sheet storage part of a second image formation device; and display means for performing display so as to discriminate that the first sheet information acquired by the acquisition means is sheet information registered in the first sheet storage part, and that the second sheet information acquired by the acquisition means is sheet information registered in the second sheet storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a program, and a method for controlling an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image forming devices equipped with multiple paper feed trays (paper feed cassettes, manual feed trays, inserters, etc.) have been used. An operator can set paper information for the paper feed trays of the image forming device using the operation panel of the image forming device, and print on the desired paper by setting paper that matches the paper information in the paper feed tray.

[0003] In particular, for image forming apparatuses that can set a variety of paper types in multiple paper feed trays, paper management applications exist for the purpose of managing and setting paper types, and mechanisms for improving user operability have been devised.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a system that allows a user to easily set paper settings for a desired paper feed tray from a paper list in a paper management application for one image forming apparatus connected via the paper management application. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-86766 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In an environment where multiple image forming devices are installed and an operator manages the multiple devices, if the operator can easily know what paper is stored in each paper feed tray of the multiple image forming devices, further improvement in operability for the user is expected.

[0007] However, Patent Document 1 is a configuration for managing paper information for one image forming device, and does not mention paper management for multiple devices. In order to manage paper for multiple image forming devices, it is necessary to share paper list information and paper feed tray setting information that are stored as unique information in each image forming device, and the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot meet this requirement.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it easier to grasp the paper in the paper storage units of a plurality of image forming devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention is an information processing device characterized by having an acquisition means for acquiring first paper information registered in a first paper storage unit of a first image forming device and second paper information registered in a second paper storage unit of a second image forming device, and a display means for displaying so as to enable identification that the first paper information acquired by the acquisition means is paper information registered in the first paper storage unit and that the second paper information acquired by the acquisition means is paper information registered in the second paper storage unit. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp the paper in the paper storage units of a plurality of image forming devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a print management system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a client computer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a top screen of a paper management application according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a connection destination input screen of a paper management application according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process for starting up a paper management application and a process for adding an image forming apparatus to be connected according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of a response process of an image forming apparatus in a startup process of a paper management application according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of a paper feed tray setting process of a paper management application according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing a flow of a paper feed tray setting determination process of a paper management application according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process for updating paper feed tray setting information of a paper management application according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of paper feed tray setting information and paper list information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a paper copy setting screen when updating paper information according to the second embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a print management system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a paper management system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] The paper management system 100 is composed of a client computer (PC) 102 that is communicably connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses (image forming apparatus 101A and image forming apparatus 101B). The client computer 102 is an example of an information processing apparatus. In addition, since the client computer 102 is an apparatus connected to the outside of the image forming apparatuses, it is also an example of an external apparatus.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 101 and the client computer 102 are communicably connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 105 by an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable or the like.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 101 is a multifunction device having various functions. The image forming apparatus 101 can execute printing based on data received from a client computer 102. The image forming apparatus 101 can also copy image data generated by reading an original document. The image forming apparatus 101 can also transmit image data generated by reading an original document to a shared folder. The image forming apparatus 101 also accepts instructions from a paper management application running on the client computer 102 and executes the necessary processing.

[0017] In this embodiment, two image forming apparatuses 101A and 101B are connected to LAN 105, but three or more image forming apparatuses may be connected.

[0018] The client computer 102 operates the paper management system 100 by starting an application in response to an operator's operation, and issues print instructions from a printer driver.

[0019] The reference numerals 110 to 115 will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0020] The reference numerals 120 to 124 will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101A shown in Fig. 1. Note that the image forming apparatus 101B has almost the same configuration except for the type of finisher 103, so the configurations of the image forming apparatus 101A and the image forming apparatus 101B will be collectively described as the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 101 includes an operation unit 111, a print engine 110, a scanner 112, a finisher 113, a paper feed tray 114, and a controller 115.

[0023] The operation unit 111 is a panel that displays information to a user and accepts operations by the user. The operation unit 111 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal screen, and an input unit such as a touch sensor or hard keys.

[0024] The print engine 110 is an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet (paper). The print engine 110 forms an image using, for example, an electrophotographic method, and performs printing by thermally fixing the toner image on the sheet. The print engine 110 may be an engine having another printing mechanism, such as an inkjet type.

[0025] The scanner 112 is a reading device that reads an original document. The original document is read using a pressure platen or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder).

[0026] The finisher 113 is a post-processing device that performs post-processing on sheets. The finisher 113 of the image forming apparatus 101A performs, for example, sorting, punching, stapling, etc. on the sheets conveyed from the print engine 110 and ejects the sheets to a predetermined location. The finisher 113 of the image forming apparatus 101B performs bulk stacking processing on the sheets conveyed from the print engine 110.

[0027] The paper feed tray 114 is a paper storage unit (also called a paper storage unit or a sheet storage unit) that stores sheets used in image formation. A number is assigned to each paper feed tray, and information on the stored paper is managed using the operation unit 111 or a paper management application. In this embodiment, for example, the image forming apparatus 101A has five paper feed trays, which are assigned in order here as 114-1A to 114-5A.

[0028] The controller 115 is a control unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 101. The controller 115 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a non-volatile memory 206, an operation unit interface (I / F) 211, a print interface 210, a reading interface 212, a finisher interface 213, a paper feed unit interface 214, an external storage interface 207, and a LAN controller 205.

[0029] The CPU 201 performs overall control of access to various devices connected to a system bus 204 based on a control program stored in a ROM 203 or an external storage device 208. The RAM 202 is mainly the main memory of the CPU 201, and functions as a work area for the CPU 201. The interfaces 207, 211, 210, 212, 213, and 214 enable input and output of data between the CPU 201 and the connected devices.

[0030] The external storage device 208 is a storage unit that stores data, and may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The external storage device 208 is used to store application programs, font data, form data, and the like. The external storage device 208 is used as a job storage area for temporarily spooling print jobs and controlling the spooled jobs from the outside. The external storage device 208 stores image data read from the scanner 112 and image data of print jobs as reserved print data. The external storage device 208 stores various logs such as a job log and an image log. The non-volatile memory 206 stores various setting information. The LAN controller 205 (LAN interface) communicates with the client computer 102 and an external system via the cable 105, and transmits and receives control commands, print data, and the like.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the client computer 102 in FIG.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the client computer 102 includes a display device 120, a keyboard 121, a mouse 122, and a controller 123.

[0033] The display device 120 is a display unit that displays information, and is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor. The display device 120 may be a device having a function of accepting input operations from a user, such as a touch panel type device.

[0034] The keyboard 121 and the mouse 122 are input units that accept input operations by the user.

[0035] The controller 123 is a control unit that performs overall control of the client computer 102. The controller 123 includes a CPU 301, a RAM 302, a ROM 303, an input / output interface 311, an external storage interface 307, and a LAN controller 305.

[0036] CPU 301 performs overall control of access to various devices connected to system bus 304 based on a control program stored in ROM 303 or external storage device 308. RAM 302 mainly functions as a main memory, work area, etc. for CPU 301. Interfaces 307 and 311 enable input and output of data between connected devices and CPU 301. Note that, although interface 311 is configured here to be connected to a plurality of devices, the interfaces may be arranged separately according to the number of devices to be connected.

[0037] The external storage device 308 is a storage unit that stores data, and may be, for example, an HDD or SSD. The external storage device 308 is used to store application programs, font data, form data, etc. The LAN controller 305 (LAN interface) communicates with the image forming apparatus 101 and an external system via the cable 105, and transmits and receives control commands, print data, etc.

[0038] The paper management application is application software that enables an operator to check the attributes of paper set in each paper feed tray 114 of the image forming apparatus 101 and to set paper attribute information for each paper feed tray. This application is executed by the controller 123 on the client computer 102. This application is executed by the CPU 301 in the controller 123 by loading a program stored in the external storage device 308 into the RAM 302.

[0039] 4 to 7, the process from the start of the paper management application according to the present embodiment to the connection of the image forming apparatus to be operated and examples of screens will be described in detail.

[0040] 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams showing an example of a top screen of the paper management application according to this embodiment. A top screen 401 is created as drawing data in the RAM 302 according to instructions from the CPU 301. The CPU 301 causes the display device 120 to display a screen based on the drawing data.

[0041] A detailed explanation will be given in the explanation of the flow chart below.

[0042] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a connection destination input screen for specifying an image forming apparatus to be used in one paper management application according to this embodiment. A connection destination input screen 501 is created as drawing data in RAM 302 in accordance with an instruction from CPU 301. CPU 301 causes display device 120 to display a screen based on the drawing data.

[0043] A detailed explanation will be given in the explanation of the flow chart below.

[0044] 6A and 6B are flow charts showing the flow of processing for starting one paper management application and processing for specifying and connecting to an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The processing shown in these flow charts is realized by the CPU 301 loading a program stored in the external storage device 308 into the RAM 302 and executing it.

[0045] The flow of the paper management application startup process will be described first. This flow starts when startup of one paper management application is detected by a user on client computer 102. Detecting startup means that startup of one paper management application is instructed by some means, such as the user pressing an application icon (not shown) displayed on display device 120 via an input device.

[0046] When the startup starts, the controller 123 creates the top screen 401(a) of the paper management application and displays it on the display device 120 in S601.

[0047] Top screen 401(a) has an add button 402 for adding an image forming device operated by the application, a delete button 403 for deleting an image forming device, and a system setting button 404 for setting the system of the application. 405 is an area for displaying a paper list, and area 406 is an information display area for displaying information about the image forming device, but since no image forming device has been connected immediately after startup, no information is displayed here.

[0048] When the display of the top screen 401(a) is completed, the CPU 301 proceeds to processing for adding the next image forming apparatus to be connected (S602).

[0049] FIG. 6B is a flow chart illustrating the detailed process flow of the process S602 for adding an image forming apparatus to be connected.

[0050] When this flow starts, in S611, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the Add button 402 has been pressed. If it is determined that the Add button 402 has been pressed (YES in S611), the process proceeds to the next step S612. If it is not detected (NO in S611), the process waits in this state until it is detected.

[0051] When pressing of the Add button 402 is detected in S611, the CPU 301 generates a connection destination input screen 501 for connecting to an image forming apparatus operated by an application and displays it on the display device 120 in S612.

[0052] The connection destination input screen 501 has an address input field 502, an OK button 503, and a cancel button 504. The address input field 502 is a field for inputting the IP address or host name of the image forming device to which the connection is to be made. The CPU 301 accepts input operations from the user and displays the information here. The OK button 503 is a button for connecting the paper management application to the image forming device 101 in accordance with the settings in the address input field 502. The cancel button 504 is a button for terminating the paper management application without connecting to the image forming device 101.

[0053] In S613, when an address is entered in the address input field 502 on the connection destination input screen 501 and the OK button 503 is pressed, the CPU 301 accepts the information entered in the address input field 502.

[0054] In the next step S614, the CPU 301 determines whether the connection destination information input on the connection destination input screen 501 is valid.

[0055] Controller 123 attempts to connect to the connection destination specified by the input address. If the connection destination is a valid image forming apparatus 101 (YES in S614), CPU 301 notifies image forming apparatus 101 of the IP address of client computer 102, causes image forming apparatus 101 to register the IP address, and proceeds to the next process. If no response is returned from the specified connection destination (NO in S614), it is determined that the connection destination information was not valid, and CPU 301 waits for input again. At this time, CPU 301 may control display device 120 to, for example, display a message (not shown) on connection destination screen 501 indicating that the connection is invalid, to notify the user.

[0056] Once connection with the specified image forming device 101 is complete, CPU 301 then determines the model of image forming device 101 in S615. CPU 301 communicates with image forming device 101 and acquires model information. Then, based on model identification information previously stored in the paper management application, the model of image forming device 101 is identified and basic configuration information is acquired. The acquired information is used when generating a system display screen, which will be described later. Once model identification is complete in S615, the process proceeds to S616.

[0057] In S616, the CPU 301 determines the hardware options connected to the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 301 communicates with the image forming apparatus 101 and acquires information on hardware connected to the print engine 110, such as the scanner 112 and finisher 113. The acquired information is used when generating a system display screen, which will be described later. When the option determination is completed in S616, the process proceeds to S617.

[0058] In S617, CPU 301 determines a list of paper feed trays connected to image forming apparatus 101 that is the target of paper management. CPU 301 communicates with image forming apparatus 101 and acquires the number of connected paper feed trays and paper feed tray setting information. The information acquired here is, for example, information regarding the names of the paper feed trays and the sizes and basis weights that can be set in the paper feed trays. The acquired information is used when generating a system display screen, which will be described later, and when determining whether paper can be set in the paper feed trays. Once the paper feed tray determination is completed in S617, the process proceeds to S618.

[0059] 11A shows an example of paper feed tray setting information according to this embodiment. This information is stored in the external storage device 208 of the image forming apparatus 101, and is read by the CPU 201 into the RAM 202 for use. Here, in response to a request from the CPU 301, the CPU 201 transmits the setting information related to the paper feed tray that it has read into the RAM 202. The controller 123 acquires the information and uses it to identify the paper feed tray.

[0060] This information describes the paper specifications that can be set for each paper tray. For example, you can see that paper with a paper type of thick paper and a paper size of A3 can be set for Tray 1 but not for Tray 3.

[0061] In S618, the CPU 301 acquires paper list information of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 301 communicates with the image forming apparatus 101 to acquire the paper list information. The paper list information acquired here includes, for example, a parameter group including attribute information required for printing, such as the paper ID and name. The acquired information is used when generating a system display screen, which will be described later. When acquisition of the paper list information is complete, the process proceeds to S619.

[0062] 11B is an example of paper list information according to this embodiment. This information is stored in the external storage device 208 of the image forming apparatus 101, and is read into the RAM 202 by the CPU 201 for use. Here, in response to a request from the controller 123, the controller 115 transmits the paper list information that has been read out to the RAM 202. The controller 123 acquires the information.

[0063] In S619, the CPU 301 acquires the paper information currently set in the paper feed tray list of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 301 communicates with the image forming apparatus 101 and acquires the paper information set for each of the paper feed trays identified in S617. The acquired information is used when generating a system display screen, which will be described later. When acquisition of the paper feed tray list information is complete, the process proceeds to S620.

[0064] 11C shows an example of paper feed tray information according to this embodiment. This information is stored in the external storage device 208 of the image forming apparatus 101, and is read into the RAM 202 by the CPU 201 for use. Here, in response to a request from the controller 123, the controller 115 transmits paper setting information relating to the paper feed tray list that has been read into the RAM 202. The CPU 301 acquires this information.

[0065] This information describes the paper information currently set for each paper feed tray.

[0066] In S620, the CPU 301 generates the top screen 401(b) of the paper management application in FIG.

[0067] A top screen 401(b) is an example of a screen displayed after the connection to the first image forming apparatus 101A is completed. The differences from 401(a) are as follows.

[0068] The controller 123 displays in the paper list display area 405 the paper list information of the image forming apparatus 101A acquired in S618.

[0069] Furthermore, CPU 301 draws the shape (appearance) of the image forming apparatus and the information on the paper feed tray list in information display area 406 of the image forming apparatus based on the information on image forming apparatus 101A acquired in S615 to S617 and S619. The shape of the image forming apparatus may be determined by storing a plurality of image patterns corresponding to the model and options of the image forming apparatus and the information on the paper feed tray list in advance in external storage device 308, and selecting an image according to the information on image forming apparatus 101A acquired by CPU 301. Alternatively, each image may be stored in external storage device 208 on the image forming apparatus 101 side, and may be received from image forming apparatus 101 when an inquiry is made to image forming apparatus 101 for identifying the model and hardware options in steps S615 and after.

[0070] The paper feed tray 411 is information on the paper feed tray list to which the image forming apparatus 101A is connected. The image forming apparatus 101A has five paper feed trays 114-1A to 114-5A, and the CPU 301 generates and draws images of 411-1A to 114-5A based on the information on the paper feed tray list acquired in S617 and S619. By looking at this screen, the user can easily identify which paper is currently set in which paper feed tray. In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which only the name of the paper information set in the paper feed tray is displayed on the paper feed tray, but multiple pieces of information such as the name, type, and size may be displayed. In addition, the user may be able to set which type of information is displayed superimposed on the paper feed tray among the types of information shown in each of the multiple columns in FIG. 11(c). In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the name is displayed superimposed on the paper feed tray, but the name may be displayed near the paper feed tray together with an arrow or a speech bubble pointing to the paper feed tray.

[0071] When the creation and display of the system display screen in S620 is completed, the controller 123 completes the detailed flow of the process S602 for adding an image forming apparatus to be connected.

[0072] Next, the CPU 301 completes the flow of the paper management application startup process. After the application startup, the CPU 301 waits for an input operation from the user on the application screen.

[0073] The response process accompanying the paper management application startup process performed by the image forming apparatus 101, which corresponds to the above-described process flow of the client computer 102, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of response processing of the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 expanding a program stored in the external storage device 208 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0075] In S701, the CPU 201 acquires its own model information from the external storage device 208, and stores it in the RAM 202 in a data format that can be transferred to other devices.

[0076] In S702, the CPU 201 acquires information on the hardware options connected to itself from the print engine 110 via the print interface 210. Then, the CPU 201 stores the information in the RAM 202 in a data format that can be transferred to other devices.

[0077] In S703, the CPU 201 acquires its own paper list information from the external storage device 208, and stores it in the RAM 202 in a data format that can be transferred to another device.

[0078] In S704, the CPU 201 acquires its own paper feed tray list information from the print engine 110 via the print interface 210. Then, the CPU 201 stores the information in the RAM 202 in a data format that can be transferred to other devices.

[0079] In S705, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an inquiry about model information has been received from the client computer 102. If an inquiry about model information has been received, the process proceeds to S706, where the model information created in S701 is returned, and the process proceeds to S707. If an inquiry about model information has not been received in S705, the process proceeds directly to S707.

[0080] In S707, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a hardware option information inquiry has been received from the client computer 102. If a hardware option information inquiry has been received, the process proceeds to S708, in which the hardware option information created in S702 is returned, and the process proceeds to S709. If a hardware option information inquiry has not been received in S707, the process proceeds directly to S709.

[0081] In S709, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an inquiry about paper list information has been received from the client computer 102. If an inquiry about paper list information has been received, the process proceeds to S710, where the paper list information created in S703 is returned, and the process proceeds to S711. If an inquiry about paper list information has not been received in S709, the process proceeds directly to S711.

[0082] In S711, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an inquiry about the paper feed tray list information has been received from the client computer 102. If an inquiry about the paper feed tray list information has been received, the process proceeds to S1010, where the paper feed tray list information created in S704 is returned, and the process proceeds to S713. If an inquiry about the paper feed tray information has not been received in S711, the process proceeds directly to S713.

[0083] In S713, the CPU 201 determines whether all inquiries have been completed. If the inquiries have not been completed, the process returns to S705. If all inquiries have been completed, the response process flow ends.

[0084] The above describes the processes in both the client computer 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 regarding the start-up of the paper management application and the connection of the first image forming apparatus.

[0085] Next, the connection to the second image forming apparatus 101B will be described.

[0086] One of the features of the paper management system 100 in this embodiment is that the paper management application is configured to enable simultaneous connection to a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0087] When the first image forming device 101A is connected and system screen 401(b) is displayed, and then Add button 402 is pressed, CPU 301 executes the flow of the process for adding the image forming device to be connected, as described in FIG. 6.

[0088] CPU 401 executes the processes of S601 and S602 in Fig. 6(a) for second image forming apparatus 101B. In S602, CPU 301 executes the processes of S611 to S619 in Fig. 6(b). Then, in S620, CPU 301 generates top screen 401(c) of the paper management application based on the information acquired in S615 to S619, and displays it on display device 120.

[0089] A top screen 401(c) is an example of a screen displayed after the connection to the second image forming apparatus 101B is completed. The differences from the top screen 401(b) are as follows.

[0090] CPU 301 displays the paper list information of image forming apparatus 101A and image forming apparatus 101B acquired in S618 in paper list display area 405. Here, the screen is configured to switch between the paper lists acquired from each image forming apparatus using tabs. For example, currently, paper list information of image forming apparatus 101A is displayed in area 405, but when CPU 301 detects that the tab button for image forming apparatus 101B has been pressed on the screen, it switches to the paper list information acquired from image forming apparatus 101B and displays it in area 405. The paper list information displayed here does not necessarily have to be configured as described above. For example, it may be configured to add up multiple pieces of paper list information acquired from multiple connected image forming apparatuses and display it all at once as a single piece of paper list information.

[0091] Furthermore, the CPU 301 draws information on the two image forming apparatuses, image forming apparatus 101A and image forming apparatus 101B, and the paper feed tray list in the information display area 406 of the image forming apparatus. In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which only the name of the paper information set in the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus 101B is displayed on the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus 101B, but a plurality of pieces of information, such as the name, type, and size, may be displayed. In addition, the user may set which type of information is displayed superimposed on the paper feed tray among the types of information shown in each of the plurality of columns in FIG. 11(c). In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the name is displayed superimposed on the paper feed tray, but the name may be displayed near the paper feed tray together with an arrow or a speech bubble pointing to the paper feed tray. The drawing procedure is the same as the method described in the top screen 401(b), so a description thereof will be omitted. Controller 123 displays the two image forming apparatuses side by side on the same screen, allowing the user to simultaneously distinguish between paper feed trays 411-1A to 411-5A of image forming apparatus 101A and paper feed trays 411-2A to 411-8B of image forming apparatus 101B.

[0092] Although the method of connecting two image forming devices and displaying them on the same screen has been described above, the number of image forming devices to be connected is not limited to two. Three or more image forming devices may be connected. CPU 301 may display all of the multiple connected image forming devices in information display area 406 of the image forming device, or may switch the information of the image forming device to be displayed on the screen using, for example, a tab function.

[0093] Next, a process for setting paper to a paper feed tray, which is a feature of the paper management application in the paper management system 100 according to this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0094] One of the functions of the paper management application is setting paper to a paper feed tray by user operation. In the above-mentioned prior art 1, in the configuration of top screen 401(b) to which one image forming device is connected, a user selects and detects one paper from the paper list displayed in area 405. Next, the user selects one paper feed tray from the image forming devices displayed in image forming device information display area 406. This is a technique in which CPU 301 sets the selected paper information to the selected paper feed tray by detecting this series of operations.

[0095] In this embodiment, in the configuration of top screen 401(c) where two image forming apparatuses are connected, there is provided a means for setting paper information set in a paper feed tray of one image forming apparatus to a paper feed tray of another image forming apparatus. Paper settings are copied from a paper feed tray (e.g., 411-1A) of a first image forming apparatus (e.g., image forming apparatus 101A) to a paper feed tray (e.g., 411-8B) of a second image forming apparatus (e.g., image forming apparatus 101B) by a simple user operation.

[0096] 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the paper feed tray setting process of the paper management application according to the present embodiment. The processes shown in these flowcharts are realized by the CPU 301 loading a program stored in the external storage device 308 into the RAM 302 and executing it.

[0097] This flow starts after the client computer 102 has completed the application startup process and the process of connecting the two image forming apparatuses, and waits for a predetermined user operation to be detected on the top screen 401(c).

[0098] When top screen 401(c) is displayed, CPU 301 detects in S801 that the first paper feed tray is selected by a user operation. Here, as an example, the first paper feed tray is paper feed tray 411-1A of image forming apparatus 101A. Detection of selection by user operation means, for example, CPU 301 detecting that the area of ​​paper feed tray 411-1A in information display area 406 of the image forming apparatus drawn on top screen 401(c) has been pressed by the user using mouse 122. The state detected by CPU 301 may be, in addition to a click operation using the mouse, pressing the enter key on keyboard 121 with paper feed tray 411-1A selected.

[0099] In the next step S802, the CPU 301 acquires the first paper information currently set in the first paper feed tray 411-1A selected in step S801. The CPU 301 identifies the first paper information set in the first paper feed tray 411-1A from the paper list information acquired in step S618 of the additional processing of the connected image forming apparatus and the paper feed tray information acquired in step S619.

[0100] In S803, CPU 301 detects that the second paper feed tray is selected by a user operation. Here, as an example, the second paper feed tray is paper feed tray 411-8B of image forming apparatus 101B. Moreover, detection of selection by a user operation means, for example, detection by CPU 301 of a user pressing an area of ​​paper feed tray 411-8B in information display area 406 of the image forming apparatus depicted on top screen 401(c) by an operation using mouse 122. The state detected by controller 123 may be a click operation using mouse 122, or the pressing of the enter key on keyboard 121 when paper feed tray 411-8B is selected.

[0101] Furthermore, the detection operations of S801 and S803 may be a series of consecutive operations such as drag-and-drop, touch-and-release, etc. Specifically, the user operates the mouse 122 to press the mouse on the first paper feed tray 411-1A (S801), and then moves the mouse to the second paper feed tray 411-8B while keeping the mouse pressed down (S803), whereupon the controller 123 detects the two paper feed trays to be processed.

[0102] In the next step S804, the CPU 301 acquires the paper feed tray information of the second paper feed tray 411-8B selected in step S803. The controller 123 acquires the restriction information of the paper that can be set in the second paper feed tray 411-8B from the information on the paper feed tray setting acquired in step S617 of the additional processing of the connected image forming apparatus.

[0103] When the first paper information and the second paper feed tray information are acquired, the CPU 301 proceeds to step S805 and executes a paper feed tray setting determination process.

[0104] The determination process executed here will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0105] 9 is a flowchart showing the process flow for determining the paper feed tray setting of the paper management application according to the present embodiment. The process shown in these flowcharts is realized by the CPU 301 loading a program stored in the external storage device 308 into the RAM 302 and executing it.

[0106] In S901, CPU 301 compares the size of the first paper with that of the second paper feed tray. Paper size is one of the basic attribute information of paper, and is information that indicates the length and width of the paper. Specifically, it is determined whether the size of the first paper is within the range of sizes that can be fed by the second paper feed tray. If it is within the range of sizes that can be fed (OK), the process proceeds to S902. If it is outside the range of sizes that can be fed (NOT OK), the process proceeds to S905.

[0107] In the next step S902, the CPU 301 compares the basis weight of the first sheet with that of the second paper feed tray. Basis weight is one of the basic attribute information of paper, and is information that indicates the weight and thickness of the paper. Specifically, it is determined whether the basis weight of the first sheet is within the basis weight range that the second paper feed tray can feed. If it is within the basis weight range (OK), the process proceeds to S903. If it is outside the basis weight range (NOT OK), the process proceeds to S905.

[0108] In the next step S903, the CPU 301 compares the surface properties of the first paper sheet and the second paper feed tray. Surface properties are one of the basic attribute information of paper, and are information related to the paper material and surface coating. Specifically, it is determined whether the surface properties of the first paper sheet are included in the surfaces that can be fed by the second paper feed tray. If the surface properties are included in the surfaces that can be fed (OK), the process proceeds to S904. If the surface properties are not included in the surfaces that can be fed (NOT OK), the process proceeds to S905.

[0109] If it is determined that the first paper can be set in the second paper feed tray under all conditions, the process proceeds to S904, where the CPU 301 determines that the first paper can be set in the second paper feed tray, and ends this flow.

[0110] In the determination processes of S901 to S903, if there is even one item that cannot be set, the process proceeds to S905, where the CPU 301 determines that the first paper cannot be set in the second paper feed tray, and this flow ends.

[0111] 9 is completed, the flow returns to the flow in FIG. 8, and in the following S806, the CPU 301 checks the result of the determination process in S805. If it is determined that the first paper can be set in the second paper feed tray, the flow proceeds to S807. If it is not determined that the first paper can be set in the second paper feed tray, the flow proceeds to S808.

[0112] When the process proceeds to step S807, the CPU 301 executes a process for updating the setting information of the second paper feed tray.

[0113] The update process executed here will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0114] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for updating paper feed tray setting information of the paper management application according to the present embodiment. The processing shown in these flowcharts is executed by the CPU 301 in the controller 123 by loading a program stored in the external storage device 308 into the RAM 302.

[0115] In S1001, CPU 301 judges whether the first paper feed tray in which the first paper is set and the second paper feed tray are the same image forming apparatus. The same image forming apparatus means that the image forming apparatuses to which the first paper feed tray and the second paper feed tray selected in S801 and S803 belong are the same connected image forming apparatuses. Here, the image forming apparatus to which the first paper feed tray belongs is called the first image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus to which the second paper feed tray belongs is called the second image forming apparatus. If the first image forming apparatus to which the first paper feed tray detected in S801 belongs and the second image forming apparatus to which the second paper feed tray detected in S803 belongs are the same image forming apparatus, the process proceeds to S1002. For example, this condition is met when the first paper feed tray is paper feed tray 411-1A of image forming apparatus 101A and the second paper feed tray is paper feed tray 411-5A of image forming apparatus 101A. If not, the process proceeds to S1004. For example, when the first paper feed tray is paper feed tray 411-1A of image forming apparatus 101A and the second paper feed tray is paper feed tray 411-8B of image forming apparatus 101B, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0116] If the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus are the same image forming apparatus (YES in S1001), in S1002, CPU 301 sends an instruction to the first image forming apparatus to change the setting information of the second paper feed tray to the first paper information.

[0117] Here, in the first image forming apparatus 101A, when the CPU 201 receives the setting information of the second paper feed tray 411-5A, it updates the paper feed tray information stored in the RAM 202. Then, it transmits the updated paper feed tray information to the client computer 102. The response process of the image forming apparatus 101 is the same as that of S712, and therefore the figure and description will be omitted here.

[0118] In the next step S1003, the CPU 201 acquires the updated paper feed tray information from the first image forming apparatus 101A. When the acquisition is completed, the process proceeds to step S1009.

[0119] If it is determined in S1001 that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus are different image forming apparatuses (NO in S1001), CPU 201 determines in S1004 whether the first paper information exists in the paper list information of second image forming apparatus 101B. If it is determined that the first paper information exists, the process proceeds to S1007. If not, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0120] If the first paper information does not exist in the paper list information of the second image forming apparatus 101B, in S1005, the CPU 301 transmits the first paper information to the second image forming apparatus 101B.

[0121] Here, in the second image forming apparatus 101B, when the CPU 201 receives the first paper information, it adds the first paper information to the paper list information stored in the RAM 202. Then, it transmits the updated paper list information to the client computer 102. The response process of the image forming apparatus 101 is the same as S710, so the figure and description will be omitted here.

[0122] In the next step S1006, the CPU 301 acquires the updated paper list information from the second image forming apparatus 101B. When the acquisition is completed, the process proceeds to step S1007.

[0123] When the first paper information to be added is added to the paper list information of the second image forming device 101B, the CPU 301 sends an instruction to the second image forming device in the subsequent step S1007 to change the setting information of the second paper feed tray to the first paper information.

[0124] Here, in the second image forming apparatus 101B, when the CPU 201 receives the setting information of the second paper feed tray 411-8B, it updates the setting information of the second paper feed tray 411-8B stored in the RAM 202 to the first paper information. Then, it transmits the updated paper feed tray information to the client computer 102. The response process of the image forming apparatus 101 is the same as that of S712, and therefore the figure and description will be omitted here.

[0125] In the next step S1008, the CPU 301 acquires the updated paper feed tray information from the second image forming apparatus 101B. When the acquisition is completed, the process proceeds to step S1009.

[0126] When the process of S1003 or S1008 ends, in S1009, CPU 301 updates system display screen 401(c) and displays it on display device 120. Specifically, the paper information set for second paper feed tray 411-8B is updated and becomes the same as that for first paper feed tray 411-1A. When the display screen is updated, CPU 301 ends this flow.

[0127] Returning to step S807, when the update process of the setting information of the second paper feed tray is completed, the CPU 301 ends this flow.

[0128] In S806, if it is determined that the first paper cannot be set to the second paper feed tray (NO in S806), CPU 301 notifies the user to that effect. For example, a message screen (not shown) indicating that the setting is impossible is created and displayed on display device 120.

[0129] Through the above processing, the paper management system 100 realizes copying of paper settings from one paper feed tray to another paper feed tray desired by the user with a simple operation.

[0130] As described above, according to this embodiment, the paper management application can connect to multiple image forming devices and display the information set in the paper feed trays of each image forming device on the screen. This allows the user to check the paper setting information of the paper feed trays of multiple image forming devices at once, making management easier. Furthermore, the ease of use is improved by allowing paper setting to the paper feed trays between multiple image forming devices to be performed with a simple operation.

[0131] <Embodiment 2> In the first embodiment, a method for realizing copying of paper settings from one paper feed tray to another paper feed tray desired by a user between different image forming apparatuses with a simple operation has been described.

[0132] In this embodiment, a method for enabling selection of paper information to be copied for each parameter will be described with the aim of further improving operability.

[0133] Here, the characteristics of the parameters possessed by the paper information will be described. The parameters possessed by the paper information are roughly classified into two categories. One is parameters called basic attributes, which are unique and immutable information possessed by the paper. For example, the name, type, size, basis weight, and surface quality of the paper correspond to the basic attributes. Parameters that have variable information other than the basic attributes are classified as "others." For example, adjustment parameters for image position and transfer voltage correspond to other attributes. These parameters are variable parameters that are updated when adjustment is performed depending on the image quality state of the image forming device, and can be parameters that are valid only in the image forming device that performed the adjustment.

[0134] Therefore, in this embodiment, when copying paper to a different image forming device, a function is provided to select whether to copy only basic attributes, copy all attributes, or select and copy parameters individually, thereby enabling the user to copy paper using the means desired.

[0135] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a paper information copy setting screen according to the present embodiment. A paper copy setting screen 1201 is created as drawing data in the RAM 302 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 301. The CPU 301 outputs the drawing data to the display device 120 to display it.

[0136] When CPU 301 determines in S1004 that the first paper information does not exist in the second image forming apparatus (NO in S1004), it creates this screen and displays it on display device 120.

[0137] A paper copy setting screen 1201 has three selection items 1202 to 1204, and the user can select one of them. 1202 is a method of setting only basic attributes as parameters to be copied. 1203 is a method of setting all attribute information as parameters to be copied. 1204 is a method of having the user select parameters to be copied. When an OK button 1205 is pressed with one of 1202 to 1204 selected, the CPU 301 determines the paper information to be sent to the second image forming apparatus in S1005 based on the specified method.

[0138] When a method 1202 for copying only basic attributes is selected on a paper copy setting screen 1201, the CPU 301 sets other attribute parameters that are not copied to default values ​​preset by the image forming apparatus.

[0139] When a detailed selection method 1204 is selected on the paper copy setting screen 1201, the CPU 301 creates a detailed selection screen 1211 and displays it on the display device 120. Parameters owned by the paper information are displayed in a list in 1213, and when any parameter is selected by a user operation, a check mark is added in 1212 to indicate that it has been selected. When an OK button 1214 is pressed, the CPU 301 closes the detailed selection screen 1211 with only the checked parameters as parameters to be copied, and returns to the paper copy setting screen 1201. For parameters that are not checked, the default values ​​preset by the image forming apparatus are used as the parameter values ​​for those parameters.

[0140] Here, an example of a screen configuration has been described that allows the user to select three methods, including detailed selection of parameters, for making paper copies, but the screen may also be configured to allow the user to select from two methods, 1202 for basic attributes only and 1203 for all attributes.

[0141] As described above, according to this embodiment, when copying paper to a different image forming device, by providing a means for the user to select the parameters to be copied from the parameters contained in the paper information, the necessary processing can be performed with simple operations.

[0142] <Embodiment 3> The paper management systems in the first and second embodiments have been described based on a configuration in which each image forming apparatus individually owns and manages paper information.

[0143] In this embodiment, a configuration in which paper list information is commonly managed will be described as a different configuration of the paper management system.

[0144] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the overall system configuration of the paper management system according to this embodiment.

[0145] The paper management system 100 is composed of an image forming device (printer) 101, a client computer 102 connected for communication via the Internet 130, and a cloud server 140 further connected for communication via the Internet 130.

[0146] Cloud server 140 has a storage device 141 that stores common paper list information. Cloud server 140 transmits paper list information when it receives an information notification request from image forming apparatus 101 and client computer 102. Cloud server 140 also has a function of updating the common paper list information when it receives update information for adding or deleting paper information from image forming apparatus 101.

[0147] The basic operations of the image forming apparatus 101 and the client computer 102 regarding paper management are the same as those described in the first and second embodiments, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0148] 1. The difference is that in S618 of the process flow for adding an image forming apparatus to be connected, the destination of the inquiry made by CPU 301 of client computer 102 to acquire paper list information for the image forming apparatus is cloud server 140, not image forming apparatus 101. Also, paper list information creation S703 of the response process flow for the image forming apparatus is not executed, and the processes of receiving the inquiry for paper list information (S709) and returning the paper list information (S710) are executed by cloud server 140, not image forming apparatus 101.

[0149] As described above, according to this embodiment, even in a system configuration in which paper list information common to multiple image forming devices is centrally managed by a cloud server, it is possible for the user to change the paper tray settings of the paper management application with simple operations.

[0150] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 101 Image forming device 102 client computers 201 CPU 301 CPU

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method of an information processing apparatus, the control method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring first paper information registered in a first paper storage unit of a first image forming apparatus and second paper information registered in a second paper storage unit of a second image forming apparatus; a display step of causing a display unit to display a screen including an image showing the appearance of the first image forming apparatus and an image showing the appearance of the second image forming apparatus; In the display step, the first paper information is displayed superimposed on the first paper storage unit of the first image forming apparatus, and the second paper information is displayed superimposed on the second paper storage unit of the image forming apparatus. A program characterized by that.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the display step, an image showing the appearance of the first image forming apparatus and an image showing the appearance of the second image forming apparatus are displayed side by side on the screen.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the acquisition step, the first paper information is acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and the second paper information is acquired from the second image forming apparatus.

4. The information processing apparatus can communicate with the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus via a network. The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the acquisition step, the first paper information is acquired via the network, and the second paper information is acquired from the second image forming apparatus via the network.

5. The control method further includes a selection step of selecting an image forming apparatus from a plurality of image forming apparatuses including the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus according to a user's instruction. When the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus are selected in the selection step, in the display step, the first paper information is displayed superimposed on the first paper storage unit of the first image forming apparatus, and the second paper information is displayed superimposed on the second paper storage unit of the image forming apparatus. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is displayed.

6. By executing one application program, in the display step, the first paper information is displayed superimposed on the first paper storage unit of the first image forming apparatus, and the second paper information is displayed superimposed on the second paper storage unit of the image forming apparatus. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

7. The control method includes a specifying step of specifying a paper storage unit from a plurality of paper storage units including the first paper storage unit and the second paper storage unit, A receiving step of receiving an instruction to change the paper information registered in the second paper storage unit to the first paper information registered in the first paper storage unit specified in the specifying step, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a changing step of changing the paper information registered in the second paper storage unit to the first paper information registered in the first paper storage unit specified in the specifying step when the instruction is received in the receiving step.

8. The program according to claim 7, characterized in that the instruction is received by drag and drop in the receiving step.

9. The program according to claim 7, characterized in that the instruction is received by touch and release in the receiving step.

10. A control method for an information processing apparatus, An acquisition step of acquiring first paper information registered in a first paper storage unit of a first image forming apparatus and second paper information registered in a second paper storage unit of a second image forming apparatus, A display step of causing a display unit to display a screen including an image showing the appearance of the first image forming apparatus and an image showing the appearance of the second image forming apparatus, In the display step, the first paper information is displayed superimposed on the first paper storage unit of the first image forming apparatus, and the second paper information is displayed superimposed on the second paper storage unit of the image forming apparatus. A control method characterized by that.

11. An acquisition means for acquiring first paper information registered in a first paper storage unit of a first image forming apparatus and second paper information registered in a second paper storage unit of a second image forming apparatus, A display means for causing a display unit to display a screen including an image showing the appearance of the first image forming apparatus and an image showing the appearance of the second image forming apparatus, The display means is an information processing apparatus characterized by overlapping and displaying the first sheet information on the first sheet storage unit of the first image forming apparatus, and overlapping and displaying the second sheet information on the second sheet storage unit of the image forming apparatus.

Images