Information processing system and program

Abstract

To enable a user to know an event that may occur while a job is waiting in an information processing device and that may hinder the execution of the job before the job is executed.SOLUTION: In a control unit 11 of an image processing device 10, when a first user changes the settings of the image processing device 10, an identification unit 103 identifies the content of the change and the content of a job of the image processing device 10 that has been reserved by a second user prior to the change, and the transmission control unit 106 provides a notification according to whether the change is to have an effect on the execution of the job before the job is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology for connecting multiple remote terminals to an information processing device such as a multifunction peripheral that enables printing and reading of documents, and for enabling remote operation of the information processing device from each remote terminal (for example, Patent Document 1). Such a technology enables the execution and reservation of jobs by remote operation from multiple remote terminals connected to the information processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-216547 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while a reserved job is waiting, an event may occur that prevents the job from being executed. Because such an event is detected as an error when the job is to be executed, it is difficult for the user to notice the existence of the event and deal with it before the job is to be executed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable a user to know, before the job is actually executed, of an event that may occur while a job is waiting in an information processing apparatus and that may hinder the execution of the job. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing system comprising one or more processors, wherein when a first user changes the settings of an information processing device, the one or more processors identify the content of the change and the content of a job that was reserved on the information processing device by a second user prior to the change, and provide a notification depending on whether or not the change will have an effect on the execution of the job before the job is executed. The invention described in claim 2 is the information processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the one or more processors identify the content of the change and the content of the job of the information processing device that was scheduled by remote operation from the remote terminal of the second user, and display, as the notification, information regarding the impact of the change on the execution of the job on the remote terminal of the second user. The invention described in claim 3 is the information processing system described in claim 2, characterized in that, if the impact is one that may hinder the execution of the job, the one or more processors further display, as the notification, countermeasure information for resolving the impact on the remote terminal of the second user. The invention described in claim 4 is the information processing system described in claim 3, characterized in that the one or more processors further identify the content of a subsequent job reserved by remote operation from a remote terminal of a third user, and determine the content of the handling information depending on whether or not the elimination of the impact based on the handling information displayed on the remote terminal of the second user will have an impact on the execution of the subsequent job. The invention described in claim 5 is the information processing system described in claim 4, characterized in that, when the resolution of the impact based on the handling information may hinder the execution of the subsequent job, the one or more processors display the handling information taking into account the impact on the execution of the subsequent job on the remote terminal of the second user. The invention described in claim 6 is the information processing system described in claim 2, characterized in that the one or more processors cause the information processing device to display, as the notification, information regarding the impact of the change on the execution of the job. The invention described in claim 7 is the information processing system described in claim 6, characterized in that, if the impact is one that may hinder the execution of the job, the one or more processors display on the information processing device prevention information for preventing the impact as information regarding the impact of the change on the execution of the job. The invention described in claim 8 is the information processing system described in claim 3, characterized in that the information processing device is an image processing device, the setting is a setting of the type of paper to be set in each of one or more trays of the image processing device, the job is a printing process that forms an image on the paper, and the handling information is support information for assisting in setting the paper to be set in each of the one or more trays. The invention described in claim 9 is a program that enables a computer to implement the following functions: when a first user changes the settings of an information processing device, identify the content of the change and the content of a job that was reserved on the information processing device by a second user prior to the change; and provide a notification before the job is executed, indicating whether or not the change will have an effect on the execution of the job. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention of claim 1, when a first user changes the settings of an information processing device, the contents of the change and the contents of a job reserved by a second user before the change are identified. Then, a notification according to whether or not the change will affect the execution of the job is given before the job is executed. This allows the user to know whether or not there is an event that may occur while the job is waiting and that will prevent the job from being executed before the job is executed. According to the present invention of claim 2, the contents of the reserved job are specified by remote operation from the remote terminal of the second user, and information regarding the effect of changing the settings of the information processing device on the execution of the job in the air is displayed on the remote terminal. This allows the second user to know whether there is an event that may occur while the job is waiting and that may hinder the execution of the job before the job is to be executed. According to the present invention of claim 3, when a change in the settings of the information processing device while a job is waiting may prevent the job from being executed, countermeasure information is displayed on the remote terminal of the second user. This allows the second user to know the countermeasure information before the job is executed. As a result, it becomes possible to take prompt countermeasures. According to the present invention of claim 4, when the content of the handling information to be displayed on the remote terminal of the second user is determined, the presence or absence of an effect on the execution of the subsequent job reserved by the remote operation from the remote terminal of the third user is taken into consideration. This makes it possible to suppress the effect of handling based on the handling information on the execution of the subsequent job. According to the present invention of claim 5, when the action based on the handling information may hinder the execution of the subsequent job, handling information that takes this into consideration is displayed on the remote terminal of the second user. This makes it possible to prevent the action based on the handling information from hindering the execution of the subsequent job, even if the second user takes action based on the handling information. According to the present invention of claim 6, information regarding the effect of changing the settings of the information processing device on the execution of a job is displayed on the information processing device, so that a first user who is about to change the settings of the information processing device can know whether or not there is an event that will prevent the execution of a waiting job before changing the settings of the information processing device. According to the present invention of claim 7, when a change in the settings of the information processing device may prevent the execution of a waiting job, the prevention information is displayed on the information processing device. This allows the first user to take preventive measures based on the prevention information to prevent the change in the settings of the information processing device from preventing the execution of a waiting job. According to the present invention of claim 8, when a change in the settings of the image processing device by a first user while a print job is waiting may prevent the execution of a print job reserved by a second user's remote operation, support information for supporting the setting of paper to be set in each of one or more trays of the image processing device is displayed on the remote terminal of the second user. This allows the second user to know the support information before the print job is executed. As a result, it becomes possible to take prompt action. According to the present invention of claim 9, when a first user changes the settings of an information processing device, the contents of the change and the contents of a job reserved by a second user before the change are identified. Then, a notification according to whether or not the change will affect the execution of the job is given before the job is executed. This allows the user to know whether or not there is an event that may occur while the job is waiting and that will prevent the job from being executed before the job is executed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an information processing system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a control unit of the image processing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a control unit of a user terminal. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing a process flow up to displaying handling information on the user terminal of a second user, among the processes performed by the image processing device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing up to displaying prevention information, among processing performed by the image processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing when there are two users remotely operating one image processing apparatus. [Figure 8]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing when there are three users remotely operating one image processing apparatus. [Figure 9] 1A is a diagram showing a specific example of a process for determining the contents of handling information when the number of free trays in the image processing device is greater than the number of different sizes of paper required to execute a job, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a specific example of a process for determining the contents of handling information when the number of free trays in the image processing device is less than the number of different sizes of paper required to execute a job. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing different from that shown in FIG. 8 when three users remotely operate one image processing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Configuration of information processing system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. The information processing system 1 is configured by connecting an image processing device 10 and user terminals 30-1 to 30-n (n is an integer value equal to or greater than 1) via a network 90. ​​The network 90 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or the Internet. Hereinafter, when there is no need to explain each of the user terminals 30-1 to 30-n individually, they will be collectively referred to as "user terminal 30."

[0010] (Image Processing Device) The image processing device 10 is an information processing device that performs various processes in response to input operations by a user who uses the information processing system 1. For example, the image processing device 10 performs a process of forming an image on a medium such as paper, a process of outputting the recording medium on which the image has been formed, a process of reading the image formed on paper, etc. Examples of the image processing device 10 include a so-called electrophotographic multifunction machine that forms a toner image on the printing surface of paper, a so-called inkjet printer that ejects ink onto the printing surface of paper, etc.

[0011] The image processing device 10 displays a user interface, accepts an input operation on the user interface, and acquires the input information. The input operation on the user interface is divided into direct operation and remote operation. A direct operation is a direct input operation on the user interface displayed on the image processing device 10 by a user facing the image processing device 10. A remote operation is an indirect input operation on the user interface of the image processing device 10 shared and displayed on the user terminal 30 by a user operating a user terminal 30 remotely connected to the image processing device 10.

[0012] Furthermore, the image processing device 10 acquires various types of information transmitted from the user terminal 30 and performs various processes. Furthermore, the image processing device 10 transmits various types of information to the user terminal 30. For example, the image processing device 10 accepts a job execution request from a user via remote operation and acquires the input information. A "job" is a unit indicating a predetermined process executed by the image processing device 10 (for example, a printing process for forming an image on paper, a reading process for reading an image formed on a document, etc.).

[0013] When a certain user (hereinafter referred to as a "first user") changes the settings of the image processing device 10, the image processing device 10 identifies the contents of the setting change and the contents of a job reserved by another user (hereinafter referred to as a "second user") before the setting change. Then, the image processing device 10 performs a notification according to whether or not the setting change will have an effect on the execution of the job reserved by the second user before the job is executed.

[0014] Here, "change in settings" refers to, for example, a change in the type of paper fed to a tray of the image processing device 10. Also, "notification according to whether or not it will have an effect on the execution of a reserved job" refers to displaying information on the effect of a change in settings made by a first user on the execution of a job reserved by a second user on the user terminal 30 of the second user. In this case, for example, a message is displayed on the user terminal 30 of the second user indicating that the change in settings made by the first user will have an effect on the execution of a job reserved by the second user, or that the change will not have an effect on the execution of a job reserved by the second user.

[0015] When a change in settings made by a first user affects the execution of a job reserved by a second user and the effect is likely to hinder the execution of the job, the image processing device 10 displays information for eliminating the effect (hereinafter referred to as "handling information") on the user terminal 30 of the second user. Examples of the handling information include support information for supporting the setting of paper to be set in a tray of the image processing device 10.

[0016] The handling information displayed on the user terminal 30 of the second user is intended to eliminate the effect that the change in settings made by the first user has on the execution of the job reserved by the second user, but the contents of the handling information may take into consideration the effect on subsequent jobs reserved by a user other than the first and second users (hereinafter referred to as a "third user"). For example, handling information that takes into consideration whether the execution of subsequent jobs reserved by the third user will be hindered may be displayed on the user terminal 30 of the second user.

[0017] Furthermore, the image processing device 10 displays information on the effect of the change in settings by the first user on the execution of the job reserved by the second user on its own device as a "notification according to the presence or absence of an effect on the execution of the reserved job". In this case, the image processing device 10 displays, for example, a message that the change in settings by the first user will affect the execution of the job reserved by the second user, or a message that the change will not affect the execution of the job reserved by the second user.

[0018] When a change in settings made by a first user affects the execution of a job reserved by a second user and the effect is likely to hinder the execution of the job, the image processing device 10 displays information for preventing the effect (hereinafter referred to as "preventive information") on the image processing device 10 itself or causes the image processing device 10 to display the information on the user terminal 30. The configuration and processing of the image processing device 10 will be described in detail later.

[0019] (User terminal) The user terminal 30 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer operated by a user who uses the information processing system 1. Application software that enables remote operation of the image processing device 10 is installed in the user terminal 30.

[0020] The user terminal 30 acquires various types of information transmitted from the image processing device 10 and performs various processes. Furthermore, the user terminal 30 transmits various types of information to the image processing device 10. For example, the user terminal 30 displays a user interface of the remotely connected image processing device 10 in a shared manner. Furthermore, the user terminal 30 accepts an input operation on the shared and displayed user interface and acquires the input information.

[0021] For example, when an input operation for causing the image processing device 10 to execute a job is performed as an input operation on the shared and displayed user interface, the user terminal 30 accepts the input operation as a job reservation and acquires the input information. Then, the user terminal 30 transmits the acquired input information related to the job reservation to the image processing device 10.

[0022] Furthermore, the user terminal 30 of the second user who has reserved a job by remote operation displays information regarding the effect of the setting change by the first user on the execution of the reserved job by the second user, as a notification according to the presence or absence of an effect on the execution of the reserved job, when the information is transmitted. The configuration and processing of the user terminal 30 will be described in detail later.

[0023] The configuration of the information processing system 1 described above is an example, and the information processing system 1 as a whole may have the function of realizing the above-mentioned processing. Therefore, some or all of the functions of the above-mentioned processing may be shared or cooperated within the information processing system 1. That is, some or all of the functions of the user terminal 30 may be functions of the image processing device 10, and some or all of the functions of the image processing device 10 may be functions of the user terminal 30. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the user terminal 30 and the image processing device 10 constituting the information processing system 1 may be transferred to another server (not shown) or the like. This promotes processing in the information processing system 1 as a whole, and also makes it possible for the processes to be complemented.

[0024] <Hardware configuration of image processing device> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing device 10. As shown in FIG. The image processing device 10 has a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, a reading unit 17, and an image forming unit 18. These units are connected to each other via a data bus, an address bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, etc.

[0025] The control unit 11 is a processor that controls the functions of the user terminal 30 through the execution of various software such as an OS (operating system) and application software. The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 12 is a storage area that stores various software and data used for executing the software, and is used as a working area for calculations. The memory 12 is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0026] The storage unit 13 is a storage area for storing input data for various software programs and output data from various software programs. The storage unit 13 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a semiconductor memory, etc., used for storing programs and various setting data. The storage unit 13 is provided with databases for storing various information, such as a device DB 131 in which information on the setting status of the image processing device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "setting information") is stored, and a job DB 132 in which information on reserved jobs (hereinafter referred to as "job information") is stored.

[0027] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data between the user terminal 30 and the outside via the network 90. ​​The operation unit 15 is composed of, for example, a software keyboard, mechanical buttons, switches, etc., and accepts input operations. The operation unit 15 also includes a touch sensor that configures a touch panel integrally with the display unit 16. The display unit 16 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display used to display information, and displays images, text data, etc.

[0028] The reading unit 17 reads an image recorded on a medium such as paper (e.g., a paper document) as a recording medium. The reading unit 17 is composed of, for example, a CCD type scanner that reduces the reflected light of light irradiated from a light source onto an original document using a lens and receives the light with a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices), or a CIS type scanner that receives the reflected light of light irradiated sequentially from an LED light source onto an original document using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). The image forming unit 18 forms an image to be printed on the printing surface of paper as a recording medium, for example, by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. These units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI bus, etc.

[0029] <Hardware configuration of user terminal> The hardware configuration of the user terminal 30 is similar to the hardware configuration of the image processing device 10 shown in Fig. 2 except for the reading unit 17 and the image forming unit 18. That is, the user terminal 30 is equipped with a control unit, a memory, a storage unit, a communication unit, an operation unit, and a display unit that have the same functions as the control unit 11, the memory 12, the storage unit 13, the communication unit 14, the operation unit 15, and the display unit 16 shown in Fig. 2, respectively, and illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] <Functional configuration of the control unit of the image processing device> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the image processing device 10. As shown in FIG. In the control unit 11 of the image processing device 10, an information management unit 101, an acquisition unit 102, a specification unit 103, a determination unit 104, a decision unit 105, a transmission control unit 106, and a display control unit 107 function.

[0031] The information management unit 101 stores and manages various types of information in a database in the storage unit 13 (see FIG. 2). For example, the information management unit 101 stores and manages device information in the job DB 132. The device information managed by the information management unit 101 includes identification information (e.g., a device ID) capable of uniquely identifying the image processing device 10, information indicating the type of paper fed to each tray, and the like. Furthermore, the job information managed by the information management unit 101 includes identification information (e.g., a job ID) capable of uniquely identifying a job, whether or not the job is reserved, the processing content, and the like.

[0032] The acquisition unit 102 acquires various kinds of information. For example, the acquisition unit 102 acquires various kinds of information transmitted from the user terminal 30. Examples of the information transmitted from the user terminal 30 include input information related to job reservation. When a first user changes the settings of the image processing device 10, the identifying unit 103 identifies the contents of the change in settings and the contents of the job reserved by the second user before the change in settings. The determination unit 104 determines whether or not the settings of the image processing device 10 have been changed. If the settings of the image processing device 10 have been changed, the determination unit 104 determines whether or not the change in settings affects the execution of a job reserved by a second user.

[0033] The determination unit 105 determines the content of the handling information to be displayed on the user terminal 30. For example, the determination unit 105 determines the content of the handling information so that the handling information displayed on the user terminal 30 is such that a change in settings by a first user does not prevent the execution of a job reserved by a second user. The determination unit 105 also determines the content of the handling information so that the handling information displayed on the user terminal 30 does not prevent the execution of a subsequent job reserved by a third user. A specific example of a method for determining the content of the handling information will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0034] The transmission control unit 106 performs control for transmitting various types of information via the communication unit 14 (see FIG. 2). For example, the transmission control unit 106 performs control for transmitting various types of information toward the user terminal 30. Examples of information transmitted toward the user terminal 30 include control information for displaying various types of information on the display unit of the user terminal 30.

[0035] Examples of such control information transmitted to the user terminal 30 include control information for shared display of the user interface displayed on the display unit 16 of the image processing device 10 on the display unit of the user terminal 30, control information for displaying information on the effect that a change in settings made by a first user has on the execution of a job reserved by a second user on the display unit of the user terminal 30, and control information for displaying handling information on the display unit of the user terminal 30.

[0036] The display control unit 107 performs control for displaying various types of information on the display unit 16 (see FIG. 2). For example, the display control unit 107 performs control for displaying a user interface on the display unit 16. The display control unit 107 also performs control for displaying prevention information on the display unit 16.

[0037] The display control unit 107 also performs control to display various kinds of information on the display unit of the user terminal 30. For example, the display control unit 107 performs control to display the user interface displayed on the display unit 16 in a shared manner on the display unit of the user terminal 30. The display control unit 107 also performs control to display information on the effect that a change in settings by a first user has on the execution of a job reserved by a second user on the display unit of the user terminal 30. The display control unit 107 also performs control to display handling information on the display unit of the user terminal 30.

[0038] (Functional configuration of the control unit of the user terminal) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control unit of the user terminal 30. As shown in FIG. In the control section of the user terminal 30, an acquisition section 301, a transmission control section 302, and a display control section 303 function.

[0039] The acquisition unit 301 acquires various kinds of information. For example, the acquisition unit 301 acquires input information that is accepted by an operation unit of the own device. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 301 acquires various kinds of information transmitted from the image processing device 10. For example, the information transmitted from the image processing device 10 includes control information for displaying various kinds of information on the display unit of the user terminal 30.

[0040] The transmission control unit 302 performs control to transmit various types of information via the communication unit. For example, the transmission control unit 302 performs control to transmit various types of information toward the image processing device 10. For example, information to be transmitted toward the image processing device 10 includes input information acquired by the acquisition unit 301. For example, input information acquired by the acquisition unit 301 and transmitted toward the image processing device 10 includes input information related to job reservation.

[0041] The display control unit 303 performs control to display various kinds of information on the display unit. For example, the display control unit 303 performs control to display a user interface displayed on the display unit 16 (see FIG. 2) of the image processing device 10 on the display unit of the user terminal 30 in a shared manner. The display control unit 303 also performs control to display information on the effect that a change in settings by a first user has on the execution of a job reserved by a second user on the display unit. The display control unit 303 also performs control to display handling information on the display unit. Specifically, the display control unit 303 displays this information on the display unit based on the control information acquired by the acquisition unit 301.

[0042] <Processing flow> (Processing flow of image processing device) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the image processing device 10 up to the point where handling information is displayed on the user terminal 30 of the second user. The image processing device 10 stores and manages device information and job information in a database (step 501). Specifically, the image processing device 10 stores and manages device information in a device DB 131 of the storage unit 13 (see FIG. 2) and stores and manages job information in a job DB 132.

[0043] If the settings of the image processing device 10 have been changed by the first user (YES in step 502), the image processing device 10 proceeds to the determination process of step 503. On the other hand, if the settings of the image processing device 10 have not been changed by the first user (NO in step 502), the image processing device 10 repeats the determination process of step 502.

[0044] If there is a job reserved by the second user before the setting change (YES in step 503), the image processing device 10 identifies the content of the change and the content of the job reserved before the change (step 504), and proceeds to the decision process of step 505. On the other hand, if there is no job reserved by the second user before the setting change (NO in step 503), the image processing device 10 ends the process (END).

[0045] If the change in the settings of the image processing device 10 made by the first user affects a job reserved by a second user before the change (YES in step 505), the image processing device 10 displays a message on the user terminal 30 of the second user to the effect (step 506) and proceeds to the decision process of step 508. On the other hand, if the change in the settings of the image processing device 10 made by the first user does not affect a job reserved by the second user before the change (NO in step 505), the image processing device 10 displays a message on the user terminal 30 of the second user to the effect (step 507) and ends the process (END).

[0046] If the effect on the job reserved by the second user before the setting change is such that execution of the job may be hindered (YES in step 508), the image processing device 10 proceeds to the judgment process of step 510. On the other hand, if the effect on the job reserved by the second user before the setting change is not such that execution of the job may be hindered (NO in step 508), the image processing device 10 displays on the user terminal 30 of the second user a message that the effect will not hinder execution of the job (step 509), and ends the process (END).

[0047] If there is a subsequent job reserved by the third user (YES in step 510), the image processing device 10 identifies the content of the subsequent job (step 511), causes the user terminal 30 of the second user to display handling information taking the subsequent job into consideration (step 512), and ends the process (END). On the other hand, if there is no subsequent job reserved by the third user (NO in step 510), the image processing device 10 causes the user terminal 30 of the second user to display normal handling information not taking the subsequent job into consideration (step 513), and ends the process (END).

[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing up to displaying prevention information, among the processing of the image processing device 10. 6, the process flow from steps 601 to 604 is similar to the process flow from steps 501 to 504 of the image processing device 10 in the example of FIG. 5 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. If the change in the settings of the image processing device 10 made by the first user affects the execution of a job reserved by the second user before the change (YES in step 605), the image processing device 10 displays on the image processing device a message indicating that the change will have an effect (step 606) and proceeds to the decision process of step 608. On the other hand, if the change in the settings of the image processing device 10 made by the first user does not affect the execution of a job reserved by the second user before the change (NO in step 605), the image processing device 10 displays on the image processing device a message indicating that the change will not have an effect (step 607) and ends the process (END).

[0049] If the effect on the job reserved by the second user before the setting change is such that execution of the job may be hindered (YES in step 608), the image processing device 10 displays the prevention information on its own device (step 609) and ends the process (END). On the other hand, if the effect on the job reserved by the second user before the setting change is not such that execution of the job may be hindered (NO in step 608), the image processing device 10 displays a message on its own device indicating that execution of the job will not be hindered (step 610) and ends the process (END).

[0050] <Example> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing when there are two users remotely operating one image processing device 10. In FIG. In the example shown in Fig. 7, it is assumed that a first user 21 remotely operates the image processing device 10 using a user terminal 30-1, and a second user 22 remotely operates the image processing device 10 using a user terminal 30-2. Also, it is assumed that the only tray installed in the image processing device 10 is "Tray 1," and time flows from top to bottom in Fig. 7.

[0051] First, "output size: A3" is specified as a print job request from the first user 21, and then "tray 1: A4" is specified as a print job reservation from the second user 22 who has checked the information regarding the paper fed in each tray of the image processing device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "tray information") (step 701).

[0052] In this case, A4 size paper has been fed into tray 1 of the image processing device 10, and the A3 size paper specified by the first user 21 has not been fed, so an error occurs when the first user 21 attempts to execute a print job. To deal with the error, the first user 21 changes the settings by replacing the A4 size paper that had been fed into tray 1 of the image processing device 10 with A3 size paper, and executes the job. At this time, the job reserved by the second user 22 is placed on hold because the job of the first user 21 is being executed (step 702).

[0053] The image processing device 10 checks whether there are any waiting jobs that will be affected at the time the error is dealt with by the first user 21. If a job reserved by the second user 22 will be affected, the image processing device 10 sends an error notification to that effect to the user terminal 30-2 (step 703). Upon receiving the error notification, the second user 22 either reconfigures the reserved job (for example, specifying "Tray 1: A3") to deal with the error, or prepares to feed A4-sized paper into Tray 1 (step 704).

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing when three users remotely operate one image processing device 10. In FIG. In the example shown in Fig. 8, it is assumed that a first user 21 remotely operates the image processing device 10 using a user terminal 30-1, a second user 22 remotely operates the image processing device 10 using a user terminal 30-2, and a third user 23 remotely operates the image processing device 10 using a user terminal 30-3. As shown in "machine status", the trays installed in the image processing device 10 are "tray 1" to "tray 3", A4 size paper is fed to "tray 1", A3 size paper is fed to "tray 2", and "tray 3" is in an "empty tray" state where no paper is fed. It is assumed that time flows from top to bottom in Fig. 8.

[0055] First, assume that "output size: A5" is specified as a print job request from a first user 21, then "tray 1: A4" is specified as a print job reservation from a second user 22, and furthermore, "tray 2: A3" is specified as a print job reservation from a third user 23 (step 801).

[0056] In this case, since the A5 size paper specified by the first user 21 has not been fed to any tray, an error occurs when the first user 21 attempts to execute a print job. To deal with the error, the first user 21 changes the settings by replacing the A4 size paper fed to tray 1 of the image processing device 10 with A5 size paper, and executes the job. At this time, the jobs reserved by the second user 22 and the third user 23 are placed on hold because the job of the first user 21 is being executed (step 802).

[0057] The image processing device 10 checks whether there are any waiting jobs that will be affected at the time the error is dealt with by the first user 21. If a job reserved by the second user 22 is affected, the image processing device 10 sends an error notification indicating this to the user terminal 30-2, along with handling information that will not affect the job reserved by the third user 23. Here, it is assumed that the handling information recommends feeding A4 size paper into tray 3, which is in an empty tray state (step 803).

[0058] The second user 22, who has received the error notification and the handling information, supplies A4 size paper to tray 3 as a handling of the error. In this case, the A3 size paper supplied to tray 2 remains in the same state, so the job reserved by the third user 23 is not affected (step 804).

[0059] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a specific example of processing for determining the contents of handling information. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a specific example of processing when the number of free trays in the image processing device 10 is greater than the number of different sizes of paper required to execute a job. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a specific example of processing when the number of free trays in the image processing device 10 is less than the number of different sizes of paper required to execute a job. When deciding the contents of the handling information, the image processing device 10 checks the tray information whose settings have been changed and the information on the paper size specified for each reserved waiting job (hereinafter referred to as "waiting job information"), and determines the contents of the handling information by identifying the type of paper size required to execute the job. The waiting job information is information included in the job information stored in the job DB 132.

[0060] For example, when the number of free trays in the image processing device 10 is greater than the number of different sizes of paper required to execute a job, the countermeasure information recommends feeding paper to an empty tray. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9(A), assume that the contents of the changed tray information in the image processing device 10 equipped with trays 1 to 3 indicate that A3 size paper and B5 size paper are fed to tray 1 and tray 2, respectively, that tray 3 is an empty tray, and that the "number of empty trays" is "1" (tray 3).

[0061] Also, assume that the waiting job information indicates that the paper sizes specified in each of jobs 1 to 3 are A4, B5, and A3, respectively, and that the number of paper sizes (number of required paper types) required to execute the jobs is "1" (A4 size). In this case, the image processing device 10 recommends, as the countermeasure information (recommended countermeasure), that A4 size paper be fed into tray 3, which is an empty tray.

[0062] Also, for example, if the number of free trays in the image processing device 10 is less than the number of different sizes of paper required to execute a job, the countermeasure information may recommend replacing unnecessary paper or recommend feeding paper to the manual feed tray. Specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 9(B), assume that the contents of the changed tray information in the image processing device 10 equipped with trays 1 and 2 indicate that A3 size paper and B5 size paper are fed to tray 1 and tray 2, respectively, and that the "number of free trays" is "0."

[0063] Also, assume that the waiting job information indicates that the paper sizes specified in each of jobs 1 to 3 are A4, B5, and A4, respectively, and that the number of paper size types (required paper type number) required to execute the job is "1" (A4 size). In this case, the image processing device 10 recommends replacing unnecessary paper as the countermeasure information (recommended countermeasure). Specifically, it recommends replacing the A3 size paper fed in tray 1 with A4 size paper. In other words, if there are unnecessary paper size types in the tray, it recommends replacing the unnecessary paper as the countermeasure information.

[0064] Also, assume that the waiting job information indicates that the paper sizes specified in each of jobs 1 to 3 are A4, B5, and A3, respectively, and that the number of paper sizes (number of required paper types) required to execute the job is "1" (A4 size). In this case, the image processing device 10 recommends feeding A4 size paper to the manual feed tray as the handling information. In other words, if there is no unnecessary paper in the tray, the handling information recommends feeding paper to the manual feed tray.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing different from that shown in FIG. 8, among processing performed when three users remotely operate one image processing device 10. In FIG. In the example shown in Fig. 10, it is assumed that a first user 21 remotely operates the image processing device 10 using a user terminal 30-1, a second user 22 remotely operates the image processing device 10 using a user terminal 30-2, and a third user 23 remotely operates the image processing device 10 using a user terminal 30-3. As shown in "machine status", the trays installed in the image processing device 10 are "tray 1" to "tray 3", A4 size paper is fed to "tray 1", A3 size paper is fed to "tray 2", and "tray 3" is in an "empty tray" state where no paper is fed. It is assumed that time flows from top to bottom in Fig. 10.

[0066] First, assume that "output size: A5" is specified as a print job request from a first user 21, then "tray 1: A4" is specified as a print job reservation from a second user 22, and furthermore, "tray 2: A3" is specified as a print job reservation from a third user 23 (step 901).

[0067] In this case, since the A5 size paper specified by the first user 21 has not been fed to any tray, an error occurs when the first user 21 attempts to execute a print job. At this time, the jobs reserved by the second user 22 and the third user 23 are placed on hold because the job of the first user 21 is being executed (step 902).

[0068] Here, if there is a concern that the error handling by the first user 21 may affect waiting jobs, the image processing device 10 displays preventive information for preventing the effect on the user terminal 30-1 together with the error notification, or displays it on the image processing device 10. Here, it is assumed that the preventive information recommends feeding A5 size paper into the tray 3, which is in an empty tray state (step 903).

[0069] The first user 21 refers to the preventive information and, as a measure to deal with the error, feeds A5 size paper into tray 3, which is in an empty tray state, and executes a job. In this case, since the A4 size paper and the A3 size paper fed into trays 1 and 2, respectively, remain in their respective states, neither the job reserved by the second user 22 nor the job reserved by the third user 23 is affected (step 904).

[0070] <Other embodiments> Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Moreover, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the hardware configuration of the image processing device 10 shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited. Moreover, the functional configuration of the image processing device 10 shown in FIG. 3 and the functional configuration of the user terminal 30 shown in FIG. 4 are also merely examples, and are not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1 has a function capable of executing the above-mentioned processing as a whole, and the functional configuration used to realize this function is not limited to the examples of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0071] In addition, the order of the steps of the processing of the image processing device 10 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. The processing is not limited to the chronological processing according to the illustrated order of steps, but may be performed in parallel or individually without necessarily being chronological. In addition, the specific examples shown in Figures 7 to 10 are merely examples and are not particularly limited.

[0072] 7 to 10 show examples in which the number of users is two or three, but the number of users is not particularly limited as long as it is more than one, and may be four or more. In this case, as in the above example, an error notification, handling information, and prevention information are displayed on the user terminal 30 of each of the target users.

[0073] (Additional Note) (((1))) one or more processors; The one or more processors: When a first user changes a setting of the information processing device, the content of the change and the content of a job reserved by a second user for the information processing device prior to the change are identified; a notification according to whether or not the change will have an effect on the execution of the job is given before the job is executed. Information processing system. (((2))) The one or more processors: Identifying the content of the change and the content of the job of the information processing device that was reserved by a remote operation from a remote terminal of the second user; As the notification, information regarding an effect of the change on execution of the job is displayed on a remote terminal of the second user. An information processing system according to (((1))). (((3))) When the effect is one that may hinder the execution of the job, the one or more processors further display, as the notification, on a remote terminal of the second user, information on how to resolve the effect. The information processing system according to (((2))). (((4))) The one or more processors: Further identifying the content of the subsequent job reserved by a remote operation from a remote terminal of a third user; determining content of the handling information depending on whether or not the elimination of the effect based on the handling information displayed on the remote terminal of the second user has an effect on the execution of the subsequent job; The information processing system according to (((3))). (((5))) the one or more processors, when the resolution of the effect based on the handling information may hinder the execution of the subsequent job, display the handling information taking into consideration the effect on the execution of the subsequent job on the remote terminal of the second user. The information processing system according to (((4))). (((6))) the one or more processors cause the information processing device to display, as the notification, information regarding an effect of the change on the execution of the job. 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((3))) to (((5))). (((7))) and when the effect is likely to hinder execution of the job, the one or more processors cause the information processing device to display, as information regarding the effect of the change on the execution of the job, prevention information for preventing the effect. An information processing system according to (((6))). (((8))) the information processing device is an image processing device, the setting is a setting of a type of paper to be set in each of one or more trays of the image processing device, the job is a print process for forming an image on the paper, and the handling information is support information for supporting the setting of the paper to be set in each of the one or more trays, 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((3))) to (((7))). (((9))) On the computer, a function of, when a first user changes a setting of the information processing device, identifying the content of the change and the content of a job reserved by a second user on the information processing device prior to the change; a function of notifying the user before the job is executed whether the change will have an effect on the execution of the job; A program to achieve this.

[0074] According to the present invention (((1))), when a first user changes the settings of an information processing device, the contents of the change and the contents of a job reserved by a second user prior to the change are identified. Then, a notification according to whether or not the change will have an effect on the execution of the job is provided before the job is executed. This allows the user to know whether or not there is an event that may occur while the job is waiting and that will prevent the job from being executed, prior to the timing of the job being executed. According to the present invention (((2))), the contents of the reserved job are identified by remote operation from the remote terminal of the second user, and information regarding the effect of a change in the settings of the information processing device on the execution of the job in the air is displayed on the remote terminal. This allows the second user to know whether or not there is an event that may occur while the job is waiting and that may prevent the job from being executed before the job is actually executed. According to the present invention (((3))), when a change in the settings of the information processing device while a job is on hold may prevent the job from being executed, countermeasure information is displayed on the remote terminal of the second user. This allows the second user to know the countermeasure information before the job is executed. As a result, it becomes possible to take prompt countermeasures. According to the present invention (((4))), when the content of the handling information to be displayed on the remote terminal of the second user is determined, the presence or absence of an effect on the execution of a subsequent job reserved by a remote operation from the remote terminal of the third user is taken into consideration. This makes it possible to suppress the effect of handling based on the handling information on the execution of the subsequent job. According to the present invention (((5))), if the action based on the handling information may hinder the execution of the subsequent job, handling information that takes this into consideration is displayed on the remote terminal of the second user. This makes it possible to prevent the second user from hindering the execution of the subsequent job even if the second user takes action based on the handling information. According to the present invention (((6))), information regarding the effect that a change in the settings of the information processing device will have on the execution of a job is displayed on the information processing device. This allows a first user who is about to change the settings of the information processing device to know whether or not there is an event that will prevent the execution of a waiting job before changing the settings of the information processing device. According to the present invention (((7))), when a change in the settings of the information processing device may prevent the execution of a waiting job, the prevention information is displayed on the information processing device. This allows the first user to take preventive measures based on the prevention information to prevent the change in the settings of the information processing device from preventing the execution of a waiting job. According to the present invention (((8))), when a change in the settings of the image processing device by a first user while a print job is waiting may prevent the execution of a print job reserved by a second user's remote operation, assistance information for assisting the second user in setting the paper to be set in each of one or more trays of the image processing device is displayed on the second user's remote terminal. This allows the second user to know the assistance information before the print job is executed. As a result, a prompt response is possible. According to the present invention (((9))), when a first user changes the settings of an information processing device, the contents of the change and the contents of a job reserved by a second user prior to the change are identified. Then, a notification according to whether or not the change will have an effect on the execution of the job is provided before the job is executed. This allows the user to know whether or not there is an event that may occur while the job is waiting and that will prevent the job from being executed, prior to the timing of the job being executed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...information processing system, 10...image processing device, 11...control unit, 30...user terminal, 90...network, 101...information management unit, 102...acquisition unit, 103...identification unit, 104...determination unit, 105...decision unit, 106...transmission control unit, 107...display control unit, 301...acquisition unit, 302...transmission control unit, 303...display control unit

Claims

1. One or more processors; The one or more processors: When a first user changes a setting of the information processing device, the content of the change and the content of a job reserved by a second user for the information processing device prior to the change are identified; a notification according to whether or not the change will have an effect on the execution of the job is given before the job is executed. Information processing system.

2. The one or more processors: Identifying the content of the change and the content of the job of the information processing device that was reserved by a remote operation from a remote terminal of the second user; As the notification, information regarding an effect of the change on execution of the job is displayed on a remote terminal of the second user. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. When the effect is one that may hinder the execution of the job, the one or more processors further display, as the notification, on a remote terminal of the second user, information on how to resolve the effect. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The one or more processors: Further specifying the content of the subsequent job reserved by a remote operation from a remote terminal of a third user; determining content of the handling information depending on whether or not the resolution of the effect based on the handling information displayed on the remote terminal of the second user has an effect on the execution of the subsequent job; The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. the one or more processors, when the resolution of the effect based on the handling information may hinder the execution of the subsequent job, display the handling information taking into consideration the effect on the execution of the subsequent job on the remote terminal of the second user.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4.

6. the one or more processors cause the information processing device to display, as the notification, information regarding an effect of the change on the execution of the job. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

7. and when the effect is likely to hinder execution of the job, the one or more processors cause the information processing device to display, as information regarding the effect of the change on the execution of the job, prevention information for preventing the effect.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. The information processing device is an image processing device, the setting is a setting of a type of paper to be set in each of one or more trays of the image processing device, the job is a print process for forming an image on the paper, and the handling information is support information for supporting the setting of the paper to be set in each of the one or more trays. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

9. On the computer, a function of, when a first user changes a setting of the information processing device, identifying the content of the change and the content of a job reserved by a second user for the information processing device prior to the change; a function of notifying the user before the job is executed whether the change will have an effect on the execution of the job; A program to achieve this.

Images