Information processing system and program

Abstract

To reduce the number of times of contact with a service provider from a user, compared with a case where all events occurring in an information appliance are displayed on a display unit.SOLUTION: A server 50 instructs an image forming apparatus 12 to execute a restriction mode for restricting display on a display 22A related to a preset specific event, of events occurring in the image forming apparatus 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to an alert notification system that remotely monitors equipment such as elevators installed at a customer's site and manages maintenance work. In this prior art, the control system has a work target object identification unit that identifies identification information of a facility from location information of a maintenance terminal and facility location information, a work setting unit that generates and registers a record in which identification information of the facility, identification information of a maintenance worker, information on the work end time, and information of each device constituting the facility are associated when information indicating the start of work is received from the maintenance terminal, a work time control unit that cancels the record when end information is received from the maintenance terminal, a maintenance status determination unit that determines whether the work is delayed from location information of the maintenance terminal and facility location information if end information is not received by the work end time, and an alert control unit that determines whether to suppress notification of the alert when an alert is received from information included in the alert and information in the record. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-35160 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an event occurs in an information device, the event is displayed on a display such as an LCD screen. If necessary, the user can contact a service provider to request a response to the displayed event, and the service provider will dispatch a worker to respond.

[0005] When an event occurs in a large number of information devices and the number of calls from users to the service provider exceeds the number of workers available to respond, workers cannot be dispatched immediately.

[0006] The present invention aims to reduce the number of contacts from users to service providers, as compared to a case in which all events occurring in an information device are displayed on a display unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect is an information processing system to which a plurality of information devices are connected, the information processing system having one or more processors, the processor instructing the information devices to execute a restriction mode that restricts the display on a display unit of the information devices of specific, pre-set events that occur on the information devices.

[0008] A second aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor instructs the information devices to enter the restricted mode when the number of the information devices in which the event occurred simultaneously exceeds a threshold value.

[0009] A third aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein the processor instructs the information devices to release the restriction mode when the number of the information devices in which the event occurred simultaneously falls below a threshold value.

[0010] A fourth aspect is the information processing system described in the second aspect, wherein the thresholds have a first threshold and a second threshold greater than the first threshold, and the processor instructs execution of a first restriction mode in which, when the first threshold is exceeded, display related to the specific event on the top screen before operating the display unit is stopped, and when the second threshold is exceeded, instructs execution of a second restriction mode in which display related to the specific event on the top screen and on the operation screen after operating the display unit is stopped.

[0011] A fifth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor instructs a preset information device to execute the restricted mode.

[0012] A sixth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the restriction mode stops a display related to the specific event on a top screen before the display unit is operated.

[0013] A seventh aspect is the information processing system described in the first aspect, wherein the restriction mode stops displaying information about the specific event on a top screen before operating the display unit, and stops displaying information about the specific event on an operation screen after operating the display unit.

[0014] An eighth aspect is an information processing system as described in the seventh aspect, wherein the specific event is classified into a first level and a second level which causes less functional degradation than the first level, and the processor stops displaying information related to the specific event on the top screen and the operation screen when the specific event is at the second level.

[0015] A ninth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor accepts execution of the restriction mode together with a release condition.

[0016] A tenth aspect is an information processing system according to the first aspect, in which the restriction mode restricts the display of the specific event when a display related to the specific event is displayed on the display unit and a specified condition is satisfied.

[0017] An eleventh aspect is the information processing system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the condition is that there is no user operation after the specific event is displayed on the display unit.

[0018] A twelfth aspect is an information processing system described in the tenth aspect, in which the condition is that after the specific event is displayed on the display unit, no user is detected by a human presence sensor provided on the information device.

[0019] A thirteenth aspect is the information processing system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the restriction mode displays a contact suppression message on the display unit when the condition is not satisfied.

[0020] A fourteenth aspect of the invention is a program for an information processing system to which a plurality of information devices are connected, the program being for executing a process of instructing the information devices to restrict the display of predetermined specific events, among events occurring on the information devices, on a display unit of the information devices. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case in which all events that occur in the information device are displayed on the display unit.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, it is possible to proceed with responding to specific events while reducing the number of contacts from users to the service provider, compared to a case in which display of specific events on the display unit is always restricted.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, it is possible to proceed with responding to specific events while reducing the number of contacts from users to the service provider, compared to the case where the display of specific events on the display unit is continued to be restricted.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, it is possible to proceed with the response to the specific event while reducing the number of contacts from users to the service provider, compared to the case where all displays related to the specific event are stopped.

[0025] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, it is possible to proceed with responding to specific events while reducing the number of contacts from users to service providers, compared to a case in which the display of specific matters on the display units of all information devices is restricted.

[0026] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to proceed with the response to the specific event while reducing the number of contacts from users to the service provider, compared to the case where all displays related to the specific event are stopped.

[0027] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, it is possible to proceed with the response to the specific event while reducing the number of contacts from users to the service provider, compared to the case where all displays related to the specific event are stopped.

[0028] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, it is possible to proceed with the response to a specific event while reducing the number of contacts from users to the service provider, compared to a case in which all displays related to the specific event are always stopped.

[0029] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, it is possible to proceed with responding to specific events while reducing the number of contacts made to the service provider by users, compared to a case in which the restriction on displaying specific events on the display unit is continued until an instruction to lift the restriction is given.

[0030] According to the information processing system of the tenth aspect, when a display relating to a specific event is always being displayed on the display unit, the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case where the display is not restricted.

[0031] According to the information processing system of the eleventh aspect, when a display relating to a specific event is always being displayed on the display unit, the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case where the display is not restricted.

[0032] According to the information processing system of the twelfth aspect, when a display relating to a specific event is always being displayed on the display unit, the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case where the display is not restricted.

[0033] According to the information processing system of the thirteenth aspect, the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case where only display related to a specific event is performed on the display unit.

[0034] According to the program of the fourteenth aspect, the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case where all events occurring in the information device are displayed on the display unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a PC. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an alert banner displayed on a top screen of a display of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of content displayed on a confirmation screen of a display of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an additional banner displayed on a top screen of a display of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the first case of the restricted mode in the server. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in a restriction mode in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the second case of the restricted mode in the server. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of a management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Hereinafter, an example of a mode for implementing the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components and processes that perform the same operation, action, and function are given the same reference numerals throughout all the drawings, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Each drawing is merely shown in a schematic manner to allow a sufficient understanding of the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to only the illustrated examples. In addition, in this embodiment, descriptions of configurations that are not directly related to the present invention and well-known configurations may be omitted or simplified.

[0037] <Management system> First, the schematic configuration of the management system will be described.

[0038] 1, the management system 10 of this embodiment is configured to include a plurality of image forming apparatuses 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D as an example of information devices (four in this embodiment), a server 50 as an example of an information processing system, and a personal computer 90 (hereinafter, referred to as PC 90) as an example of an information processing terminal. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the four image forming apparatuses 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, A, B, C, and D will be omitted.

[0039] Image forming devices 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are installed and used by different companies PA, PB, PC, and PD, respectively. PC 90 is installed at a sales dealer DA, which is an example of a service provider. The sales dealer DA has contracts with the companies PA, PB, PC, and PD in which the image forming devices 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are installed, and has workers perform maintenance and inspection work and troubleshooting work on the image forming devices 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D. Server 50 is installed in a data center FA or the like managed by the manufacturer that produced image forming device 12.

[0040] As described later, the image forming apparatuses 12A, 12B, 12C, 15D, the server 50, and the PC 90 are connected to each other via a communication line 15 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, an intranet, etc. Thus, the image forming apparatuses 12A, 12B, 12C, the server 50, and the PC 90 are capable of transmitting and receiving various data and the like to each other via the communication line 15.

[0041] In the management system 10 of this embodiment, when various events occur in the image forming apparatus 12, the image forming apparatus 12 displays the contents of the event that occurred on a display 22A described below, and sends information related to the event to the server 50. The server 50 sends the information related to the event to the PC 90, which displays the information on a display 92F described below. The specific contents of the "event" will be explained later.

[0042] In addition, the management system 10 of the present embodiment includes four image forming apparatuses 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, but is not limited to this. The management system 10 may include one or more image forming apparatuses.

[0043] For ease of understanding, the sales dealer DA has contracts with four companies, PA, PB, PC, and PD, and one image forming device 12 is installed and used in each of the companies PA, PB, PC, and PD, but this is not limited to the above. The sales dealer DA may have contracts with three or fewer companies, or may have contracts with five or more companies. Each company may have multiple image forming devices installed.

[0044] Although only the management system 10 of the sales dealer DA is shown in the figure, in reality, a plurality of sales dealers each have a similar management system and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 12 are managed by the server 50 .

[0045] <Image forming device> Next, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described. As described above, the image forming apparatuses 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D have the same configuration, so they will not be distinguished from one another in the description.

[0046] The image forming apparatus 12 shown in FIG. 2 is a so-called multifunction machine having a print function for receiving various data etc. via a communication line 15 (see FIG. 1) such as a network and performing image formation processing based on the received data etc., a read function for reading an original document and obtaining image information representing the original document, a copy function for copying an image recorded on the original document onto a recording medium such as paper, and a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving various data via a telephone line not shown.

[0047] The image forming device 12 is provided with an original reading unit 42 as an example of a reading unit that reads an original at the top of the device, and the print unit 24 is disposed below the original reading unit 42. The original reading unit 42 sequentially pulls in the originals placed on the paper feed unit 52A, transports them onto a platen glass (not shown), reads the original images recorded on the originals, and then discharges them onto the original discharge unit 54B.

[0048] The image forming apparatus 12 is provided with a user interface 22 that accepts various instruction operations by a user. In this embodiment, the user interface 22 is provided in the document reading unit 42, but is not limited to this. The user interface 22 realizes the acceptance of instruction operations by a software program and is provided with a display 22A as an example of a touch panel type display unit that displays various information, hardware keys 22B such as a numeric keypad, a card reader 22C for a non-contact type IC card, and the like.

[0049] The printing unit 24 includes a paper feed storage unit 48 that stores paper as an example of a recording medium for image formation. The printing unit 24 takes out the paper stored in the paper feed storage unit 48 one by one, forms an image on the paper based on image data by an image forming method such as an inkjet method or an electrophotographic process method, and then discharges the paper onto the paper discharge unit 29.

[0050] Further, the image forming apparatus 12 of the present embodiment is provided with a human presence sensor 11. Although only one human presence sensor 11 is illustrated in Fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 12 may be provided with a plurality of human presence sensors 11.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of an electrical system of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 3, the image forming apparatus 12 is equipped with a control unit 20 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C. The CPU 20A controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 12. The RAM 20C is used as a work area when the CPU 20A executes various programs. The ROM 20B stores various control programs, various parameters, and the like in advance. In the image forming apparatus 12, each part of the control unit 20 is electrically connected to each other via a system bus 41.

[0053] The image forming apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment includes a HDD (hard disk drive) 26 for storing various data and application programs. The image forming apparatus 12 includes a display control unit 28 connected to the user interface 22 and controlling the display of various operation screens and the like on the display 22A of the user interface 22. The image forming apparatus 12 includes an operation input detection unit 30 connected to the user interface 22 and detecting an operation instruction input via the user interface 22. In the image forming apparatus 12, the HDD 26, the display control unit 28, and the operation input detection unit 30 are electrically connected to a system bus 41. In the image forming apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment, the HDD 26 is used as a storage unit, but this is not limiting, and other non-volatile storage units such as flash memory may be used.

[0054] The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a reading control unit 32 that controls the optical image reading operation by the document reading unit 42 and the document feeding operation by the document transport unit, and an image forming control unit 34 that controls the image forming process by the print unit 24 and the transport of paper to the print unit 24 by the transport unit 25. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a communication line interface (communication line I / F) unit 36 ​​that is connected to a communication line 15 (see also FIG. 1) and transmits and receives communication data to and from other external devices such as a server 50 connected to the communication line 15, and an image processing unit 44 that performs various image processing. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a facsimile interface (facsimile I / F) unit 38 that is connected to a telephone line (not shown) and transmits and receives facsimile data to and from a facsimile device connected to the telephone line. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a transmission / reception control unit 40 that controls the transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile interface unit 38. In the image forming device 12, the transmission / reception control unit 40, the reading control unit 32, the image forming control unit 34, the communication line interface unit 36, the facsimile interface unit 38, the human presence sensor 11 and the image processing unit 44 are electrically connected to a system bus 41.

[0055] With the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 12 executes access to the RAM 20C, the ROM 20B, and the HDD 26 by the CPU 20A. The image forming apparatus 12 also executes control of display of information such as an operation screen and various messages on the display 22A of the user interface 22 via the display control unit 28 by the CPU 20A. The image forming apparatus 12 also executes control of operation of the document reading unit 42 and the document transport unit via the reading control unit 32 by the CPU 20A. The image forming apparatus 12 also executes control of operation of the print unit 24 and the transport unit 25 via the image formation control unit 34, and control of transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line interface unit 36 ​​by the CPU 20A. The image forming apparatus 12 also executes control of transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile interface unit 38 by the transmission and reception control unit 40 by the CPU 20A. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 12, the CPU 20A grasps the operation content in the user interface 22 based on the operation information detected by the operation input detection unit 30, and executes various controls based on the operation content.

[0056] <Server> Next, the server 50 of this embodiment will be described.

[0057] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main electrical system of the server 50 according to this embodiment. The server 50 basically has the same configuration as a general computer.

[0058] The server 50 includes a CPU 52A, a ROM 52B, a RAM 52C, a HDD 52D, a keyboard 52E, a display 52F, and a communication line I / F (interface) unit 52G, etc. Note that the keyboard 52E and the display 52F are omitted from FIG.

[0059] The CPU 52A controls the overall operation of the server 50. The ROM 52B stores various control programs and various parameters in advance. The RAM 52C is used as a work area when the CPU 52A executes various programs. The HDD 52D stores various data and application programs. The keyboard 52E is used to input various information. The display 52F is used to display various information. The communication line I / F unit 52G is connected to the communication line 15 and transmits and receives various data to and from the image forming apparatuses 12A, 12B, and 12C and other devices such as the PC 90 connected to the communication line 15.

[0060] The components of the server 50 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 52H. Note that, in the server 50 according to the present embodiment, the HDD 52D is used as a storage unit, but this is not limiting, and other non-volatile storage units such as flash memory may be used.

[0061] With the above configuration, the server 50 uses the CPU 52A to access the ROM 52B, the RAM 52C, and the HDD 52D, to obtain various data via the keyboard 52E, and to display various information on the display 52F. The server 50 also uses the CPU 52A to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 52G.

[0062] <pc> Next, the PC 90 of this embodiment will be described.

[0063] 5 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the electrical system of the PC 90 according to this embodiment. The PC 90 basically has the same configuration as a typical notebook computer.

[0064] The PC 90 includes a CPU 92A, a ROM 92B, a RAM 92C, a HDD 92D, a keyboard 92E (see FIG. 1), a display 92F (see FIG. 1), a communication line I / F (interface) unit 92G, and a touch pad 92J (see FIG. 1).

[0065] The CPU 92A controls the overall operation of the PC 90. The ROM 92B stores various control programs and various parameters in advance. The RAM 92C is used as a work area when the CPU 92A executes various programs. The HDD 92D stores various data and application programs. The keyboard 92E and touchpad 92J are used to input various information. The display 92F is used to display various information. The communication line I / F unit 92G is connected to the communication line 15 and transmits and receives various data to and from other devices such as the server 50 connected to the communication line 15.

[0066] The components of the PC 90 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 92H. Note that, in the PC 90 according to this embodiment, the HDD 92D is used as a storage unit, but this is not limiting, and other non-volatile storage units such as flash memory may also be used.

[0067] With the above configuration, the PC 90 uses the CPU 92A to access the ROM 92B, RAM 92C, and HDD 92D, to obtain various data via the keyboard 92E and touch pad 92J, and to display various information on the display 92F. The PC 90 also uses the CPU 92A to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 92G.

[0068] <Functional configuration> Next, the functional configuration of the management system 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0069] 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management system 10. The management system 10 has an event transmission unit 500, an execution unit 502, an event reception unit 510, and an instruction unit 512. The event transmission unit 500 and the execution unit 502 are provided in each image forming apparatus 12, and the event reception unit 510 and the instruction unit 512 are provided in the server 50.

[0070] The event transmission unit 500 transmits information about an event, described later, that occurs in the image forming apparatus 12 to the server 50. The execution unit 502 executes and releases a restriction mode, described later, instructed by the server 50. These functional configurations are realized by the CPU 20A reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 20B, the RAM 20C, and the HDD 26 (see FIG. 3).

[0071] The event receiving unit 510 receives information about an event sent from the image forming apparatus 12. The instruction unit 512 instructs the image forming apparatus 12 to execute or release a restriction mode, which will be described later. In the case of a first case, which will be described later, the instruction unit 512 also has a function of instructing execution of the restriction mode depending on the number of image forming apparatuses 12 in which an event has occurred. These functional configurations are realized by the CPU 52A reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 52B, the RAM 52C, and the HDD 52D (see FIG. 4).

[0072] <Restricted mode> As described above, in the management system 10 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 1, when an event occurs in the image forming apparatus 12, the image forming apparatus 12 displays the contents of the event on the display 22A (see Fig. 2) and sends information related to the event to the server 50. The server 50 also sends the received information related to the event to the PC 90. The PC 90 also displays the information related to the event on the display 92F.

[0073] The content of the event is displayed on the display 22A (see FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus 12, and when the user confirms it, the user contacts the sales dealer DA by telephone or the like to request a response. Upon receiving the call, the sales dealer DA dispatches a worker to respond to the event.

[0074] However, if an event occurs simultaneously in many image forming apparatuses 12, many users will contact the sales dealer DA by telephone or other means at the same time to request a response. If the number of calls to the sales dealer DA exceeds the number of workers available to respond, workers cannot be dispatched immediately. Alternatively, time that should be used to respond to the event is spent responding to phone calls from users, and the event response may take a long time.

[0075] Therefore, when or before such a state occurs, the sales dealer DA operates the PC 90 to instruct the server 50 to execute a restriction mode that restricts the display of events on the display 22A of the image forming device 12 and reduces the number of contacts the sales dealer DA receives. The sales dealer DA determines whether to execute the restriction mode based on the information displayed on the display 92F of the PC 90 and the status of contacts from users.

[0076] (Restricted mode not enabled) First, a display example of the display 22A of the image forming apparatus 12 when the restriction mode is not implemented will be described.

[0077] As described above, when an event that requires a response by a worker of the sales dealer DA, such as a fault as an example of an event, occurs in the image forming apparatus 12 shown in Fig. 1, the content of the event is displayed on the display 22A (see Fig. 2) of the image forming apparatus 12, and information related to the event is sent to the server 50. When an event occurs in the image forming apparatus 12, the CPU 20A (see Fig. 3) displays an alert banner 302 describing the event on the top screen 300 of the display 22A as shown in Fig. 6.

[0078] The top screen 300 is a screen that is displayed without any operation by the user. Note that "without any operation by the user" does not include an operation to restore the display 22A from a state in which the display 22A has been turned off. In other words, the top screen 300 is the screen that is displayed first.

[0079] Furthermore, the CPU 20A (see FIG. 3) displays a content display 312 showing the content of the event when the user operates the confirmation screen 310 for confirming the details of each event as shown in FIG. 7. The confirmation screen 310 is an example of an operation screen after the operation.

[0080] When the event that occurred is resolved, the alert banner 302 and the content display 312 disappear automatically.

[0081] Each image forming apparatus 12 notifies the server 50 not only when an event occurs, but also when the event is resolved. Furthermore, each image forming apparatus 12 periodically notifies the server 50 of whether an event has occurred. Here, "periodically" refers to every preset time (e.g., every 4 hours) and at preset times (e.g., 8:00, 14:00, and 18:00). This enables the server 50 to grasp the number of image forming apparatuses 12 in which an event is occurring in approximately real time.

[0082] (Restricted mode) Next, the restricted mode will be specifically described.

[0083] When the image forming apparatus 12 is set to the restricted mode in response to an instruction from the server 50, the image forming apparatus 12 stops displaying information about a specific event on the display 22A even if the specific event described below occurs.

[0084] In this embodiment, the restriction mode has two modes, a first restriction mode and a second restriction mode. The first restriction mode is a mode in which only the display of the alert banner 302 (see FIG. 6) displayed on the top screen 300 of the display 22A (see FIG. 2) is stopped. The second restriction mode is a mode in which both the display of the alert banner 302 and the content display 312 (see FIG. 7) of the confirmation screen 310 are stopped.

[0085] Even when the second restriction mode is being executed, the content display 312 of the confirmation screen 310 can be displayed when a user with special authority or a worker of the sales dealer DA logs in. The user with special authority is the administrator of the image forming apparatus 12, etc.

[0086] In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first restriction mode and the second restriction mode, or when both the first restriction mode and the second restriction mode are meant, the term "restriction mode" may be used.

[0087] Each event is assigned an identification number. Events are classified into a plurality of levels. In this embodiment, events are classified into four levels: a first level, a second level, a third level, and a fourth level. The first level is the largest, followed by the second level, the third level, and the fourth level, in that order, and the impact on the degradation of the functionality of the image forming apparatus 12 is greatest.

[0088] Specifically, a first level event is an event that does not affect the execution of jobs such as copying, printing, and document reading, such as a communication failure between the image forming apparatus 12 and the server 50. A second level event is an event that does not affect the execution of jobs such as copying and printing, such as the end of the life of consumables such as a photosensitive drum and wear of other parts, but may reduce image quality. A third level event is an event in which some functions cannot be used, such as a failure of the image reading unit that makes it impossible to use image reading and copying, but allows printing and faxing. A fourth level event is an event in which the image forming apparatus 12 is almost unusable, such as an inability to operate the UI.

[0089] In the first restriction mode and the second restriction mode, events that are restricted from being displayed on the display 22A (see FIG. 2) are specified. The events that are restricted from being displayed are referred to as specific events. The specific events are set in advance by the selling dealer DA from the PC 90 to the server 50. Specifically, one or more events determined by the selling dealer DA are set with an identification number. Alternatively, a first level, a second level, a third level, and a fourth level are set. For example, when the first level is set, all events at the first level become specific events. In principle, there are no restrictions on display for the third and fourth levels.

[0090] In this embodiment, when the sales dealer DA instructs the restricted mode, the sales dealer DA inputs a specific event for restricting display to the server 50. When the server 50 instructs the image forming device 12 to execute the restricted mode, the server 50 instructs the specific event for restricting display. The sales dealer DA instructs the execution of the restricted mode by selecting either a first case or a second case described later.

[0091] In the first case, when the number of devices on which an event has occurred exceeds a first threshold, each image forming device 12 is instructed to execute a first restriction mode. When the number of devices on which an event has occurred exceeds a second threshold, each image forming device 12 is instructed to execute a second restriction mode.

[0092] In the second case, the dealer DA instructs the execution of the limit mode regardless of the number of vehicles in which the event has occurred. In this second case, the dealer DA instructs the execution of the limit mode to be performed, and also instructs whether the first limit mode or the second limit mode is to be performed.

[0093] When the execution of the restricted mode becomes unnecessary, the sales dealer DA instructs the server 50 from the PC 90 to release the restricted mode.

[0094] Here, if the restriction mode is instructed when an alert banner 302 (see FIG. 6) relating to a specific event is already displayed on the top screen 300 shown in FIG. 6, there is a risk that if the alert banner 302 disappears, it may be mistakenly believed that the specific event has been resolved. Therefore, if the alert banner 302 relating to a specific event is already displayed on the top screen 300, as shown in FIG. 8, an additional banner 304 such as "preparing for response" is newly displayed without erasing the alert banner 302. The additional banner 304 is an example of a contact suppression message.

[0095] However, when the restricted mode is instructed and the user is not aware of the alert banner 302 regarding the specific event, the display of the alert banner 302 regarding the specific event is stopped on the top screen 300. "When the user is not aware of the alert banner 302 regarding the specific event" refers to a case where no screen operation is performed even after the alert banner 302 is displayed, and a case where the human sensor 11 (see FIG. 2) does not detect the user even after the alert banner 302 is displayed.

[0096] As described above, when the specific event is resolved, the alert banner 302 automatically disappears. When the alert banner 302 disappears, the additional banner 304 such as "Preparing for response" also disappears.

[0097] (First case) Next, an example of specific control in the first case will be described. As described above, in the first case, when the number of devices on which an event has occurred exceeds a first threshold, for example, when the number exceeds two devices, each image forming device 12 is instructed to execute the first restriction mode. When the number of devices on which an event has occurred exceeds a second threshold, for example, when the number exceeds three devices, each image forming device 12 is instructed to execute the second restriction mode. Furthermore, when instructing the image forming device 12 to execute the restriction mode, a specific event for which display is restricted is instructed.

[0098] In this example, the number of devices in which an event has occurred is the total number of image forming devices 12 in which an event has occurred, but is not limited to this. For example, image forming devices 12 in which a predetermined period, for example, one week or more, has passed since displaying the alert banner 302 may be excluded from the number of devices. Alternatively, only image forming devices 12 in which a predetermined period, for example, one hour or more, has passed since displaying the alert banner 302 may be counted.

[0099] An example of the control of the server 50 in the first case will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. Note that the CPU 52A of the server 50 reads a program from the ROM 52B or HDD 52D, expands it in the RAM 52C, and executes it.

[0100] In step S100, the CPU 52A (see FIG. 4) of the server 50 (see FIG. 1) receives an instruction to execute the restricted mode from the PC 90 (see FIG. 1). Also, in step S100, a specific event for which display is to be suppressed is received. In step S102, the CPU 52A obtains the number of image forming devices 12 (see FIG. 1) in which an event has occurred. In step S104, the CPU 52A determines whether the number of devices in which the event has occurred exceeds a first threshold value.

[0101] If it exceeds the second threshold (Yes), the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the CPU 52A determines whether or not the number of devices in which the event has occurred exceeds the second threshold. If it exceeds the second threshold (Yes), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0102] In step S108, the CPU 52A determines whether or not execution of the second restriction mode is currently instructed. If execution of the second restriction mode is instructed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S120. If execution of the second restriction mode is not instructed (No), the process proceeds to step S110. Note that if execution of the second restriction mode is not instructed, this includes the case where execution of the first restriction mode is currently instructed.

[0103] In step S110, the CPU 52A instructs each image forming apparatus 12 to execute the second mode, and proceeds to step S120. In addition, in step S110, a specific event is also instructed. Note that, if the first restriction mode is currently being executed in the image forming apparatus 12, it switches to execution of the second restriction mode.

[0104] If the number of devices on which the event has occurred does not exceed the second threshold value (No) in step S106 described above, the CPU 52A proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the CPU 52A determines whether or not execution of the first restriction mode is currently instructed. If execution of the first restriction mode is instructed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S120. If execution of the first restriction mode is not instructed (No), the process proceeds to step S114. Note that cases in which execution of the first restriction mode is not instructed include cases in which the second execution mode is being executed.

[0105] In step S114, the CPU 52A instructs each image forming apparatus 12 to execute the first mode, and proceeds to step S120. In addition, in step S114, a specific event is also instructed. Note that, if the image forming apparatus 12 is currently executing the second restriction mode, it switches to executing the first restriction mode.

[0106] If the number of vehicles does not exceed the first threshold value in step S104 (No), the process proceeds to step S116. In step S116, the CPU 52A determines whether or not execution of the first or second restriction mode is currently instructed. If execution of neither the first or second restriction mode is instructed in step S116 (No), the process proceeds to step S120.

[0107] If execution of the first restriction mode or the second restriction mode is instructed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S118. In step S118, the CPU 2A instructs each image forming apparatus 12 to release the restriction mode, and the process proceeds to step S120.

[0108] In step S120, the CPU 52A determines whether a preset time, for example, 12 hours, has elapsed since the CPU 52A received an instruction to execute the restricted mode from the PC 90. If the time has not elapsed (No), the process returns to step S102. If the time has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S122.

[0109] In step S122, the CPU 52A determines whether or not an instruction to release the restriction mode (step S118) has been given. If an instruction to release the restriction mode has been given (Yes), the process ends. If an instruction to release the restriction mode has not been given (No), the process proceeds to step S124. In step S124, the CPU 52A instructs each image forming apparatus 12 to release the restriction mode, and ends the process.

[0110] The set time in step S120 may be input in advance from the PC 90 to the server 50 by the selling dealer DA, or may be input when instructing execution of the limit mode. Also, the selling dealer DA may instruct the server 50 to release the limit mode from the PC 90 before the set time.

[0111] Next, an example of control when the restricted mode is executed in each image forming apparatus 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 10. Note that the CPU 20A of the image forming apparatus 12 reads a program from the ROM 22B or the HDD 22D, expands it in the RAM 22C, and executes it.

[0112] In step S200, the CPU 20A (see FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus 12 accepts a restriction mode, i.e., execution of the first restriction mode or the second restriction mode, from the PC 90 (see FIG. 1). Note that in step S200, a specific event that suppresses display is also accepted. In step S202, the CPU 20A executes the accepted first restriction mode or the second restriction mode.

[0113] In step S204, CPU 20A checks whether or not alert banner 302 (see FIG. 6) relating to a specific event is displayed on top screen 300. If alert banner 302 is not displayed in step S204 (No), execution of the restricted mode continues.

[0114] As described above, if an instruction to execute the second restriction mode is received when the first restriction mode is already being executed, the mode is switched from the first restriction mode to the second restriction mode. Similarly, if an instruction to execute the first restriction mode is received when the second restriction mode is already being executed, the mode is switched from the second restriction mode to the first restriction mode.

[0115] If alert banner 302 is displayed in step S204, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, CPU 20A determines whether or not the user is aware of alert banner 302. If the user is not aware of alert banner 302 (No), the process continues with the execution of the restricted mode.

[0116] As mentioned above, "when the user is not aware of the alert banner 302 regarding a specific event" refers to a case where no screen operation is performed even after the alert banner 302 is displayed, and a case where the human presence sensor 11 (see Figure 2) does not detect the user even after the alert banner 302 is displayed.

[0117] In step S206, if the user is aware of the alert banner 302 (Yes), the CPU 20A proceeds to step S208. In step S208, the PU 20A adds and displays an additional banner 304 (see FIG. 8) such as "Preparing for response" next to the alert banner 302 without stopping the display of the alert banner 302 related to the specific event, that is, without erasing the alert banner 302 that is already being displayed.

[0118] When each image forming apparatus 12 receives an instruction from the CPU 52A of the server 50 (see FIG. 4) to release the restriction mode, the CPU 20A of the image forming apparatus 12 releases the restriction mode.

[0119] If a new specific event occurs during the restriction mode, the restriction mode is released and an alert banner 302 (see FIG. 6) is displayed on the top screen 300. The alert banner 302 and additional banner 304 (see FIG. 8) that were already displayed will continue to be displayed even after the restriction mode is released.

[0120] (Setting value) Next, an example of a method for setting the first threshold value and the second threshold value will be described.

[0121] The first and second thresholds are input in advance to the server 50 by each sales dealer when registering the system, etc. Furthermore, whenever the number of image forming apparatuses 12 and the number of workers under management change, the sales dealer inputs them each time.

[0122] In the case of a sales dealer who has not input the first and second thresholds to the server 50, the CPU 52A of the server 50 automatically sets the first and second thresholds with reference to the first and second thresholds of other sales dealers that have been input. The method by which the CPU 52A of the server 50 sets the first and second thresholds may be any method. For example, the first and second thresholds are set to the average values ​​of the first and second thresholds of other sales dealers that have been input.

[0123] (Second case) Next, an example of specific control in the second case will be described. As described above, in the second case, an instruction is given to each image forming apparatus 12 to execute the restriction mode regardless of the number of apparatuses in which an event has occurred. In this case, when instructing to execute the restriction mode, an instruction is also given as to whether to execute the first restriction mode or the second restriction mode.

[0124] Next, an example of control of the server 50 in the second case will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 11. Note that the CPU 52A of the server 50 reads a program from the ROM 52B or HDD 52D, expands it in the RAM 52C, and executes it, thereby implementing the control.

[0125] In step S300, the CPU 52A (see FIG. 4) of the server 50 (see FIG. 1) receives an instruction to execute the restriction mode from the PC 90 (see FIG. 1). Also, in step S300, a specific event is received. In step S302, the CPU 52A instructs each image forming apparatus 12 (see FIG. 1) to execute the restriction mode, that is, the first restriction mode or the second restriction mode.

[0126] In step S304, the CPU 52A determines whether a preset time, for example, 12 hours, has elapsed since the instruction to execute the restricted mode. If not (No), the process returns to step S304. If the time has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S306.

[0127] In step S306, the CPU 52A instructs each image forming apparatus 12 to release the restriction mode, and ends the process.

[0128] As in the first case, the set time in step S304 may be input in advance from the PC 90 to the server 50 by the selling dealer DA, or may be input when issuing an instruction to execute the limit mode. Also, the selling dealer DA may instruct the server 50 from the PC 90 to release the limit mode before the set time.

[0129] When each image forming apparatus 12 receives an instruction to enter the restriction mode or an instruction to release the restriction mode, the process is the same as the first case, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0130] <Modification> Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0131] (First Modification) First, the first modified example will be described.

[0132] In the above embodiment, in both the first and second cases, the restricted mode is executed for all image forming apparatuses 12 managed by the sales dealer DA.

[0133] In contrast to this, in the first variant, when the sales dealer DA instructs the server 50 to execute the restricted mode, the dealer DA instructs the server 50 to execute the restricted mode only on a specific image forming device 12 or only on image forming devices 12 owned by a specific company.

[0134] For example, in the example of FIG. 1, only the image forming apparatuses 12A and 12B are instructed to execute the restricted mode, and the image forming apparatuses 12C and 12D are not instructed to execute the restricted mode.

[0135] (Second Modification) Next, a second modified example will be described.

[0136] In the first case of the above embodiment, the first mode and the second mode are switched depending on the number of image forming apparatuses 12 in which an event occurred, and in the second case, the sales dealer DA instructs whether to execute the first mode or the second mode.

[0137] In contrast, in the second modified example, the first mode and the second mode are switched between depending on the level of the specific event. The "level" refers to the level of functional degradation. As described above, in the above embodiment, the levels are divided into four: the first level, the second level, the third level, and the fourth level. The influence on the functional degradation of the image forming apparatus 12 increases in the order of the first level, the second level, the third level, and the fourth level.

[0138] In the second variant, when a first level specific event occurs while the image forming device 12 is executing the restriction mode, the image forming device 12 executes the second restriction mode, and when a second level specific event occurs, the image forming device 12 executes the first restriction mode.

[0139] <effect> Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0140] When an event occurs in the image forming apparatus 12, the image forming apparatus 12 displays the details of the event on the display 22A and sends information about the event to the server 50. However, when the server 50 receives an instruction to execute the restricted mode and a specific event from the PC 90, it restricts the display of the specific event on the display 22A. Specifically, it restricts the display of the alert banner 302 on the top screen 300. Therefore, compared to when all events are displayed on the display 22A, the number of contacts from users to the sales dealer DA is reduced.

[0141] In the first case of the restriction mode, when the number of image forming apparatuses 12 in which an event occurred at the same time exceeds a first threshold, execution of the restriction mode is instructed. Therefore, when the number is equal to or less than the first threshold, the sales dealer DA can receive contact from the user and proceed with the response to the specific event. Therefore, compared to the case where the display of the alert banner 302 or the like regarding the specific event on the display 22A is always restricted regardless of the number of apparatuses, it is possible to proceed with the response to the specific event while reducing the number of contacts from users to the sales dealer DA.

[0142] Furthermore, when the number of image forming apparatuses 12 in which an event has occurred simultaneously falls below the first threshold, an instruction to release the restriction mode is issued. Therefore, compared to a case in which the display of the alert banner 302 or the like regarding a specific event on the display 22A continues to be suspended until an instruction to release the restriction mode is issued, it is possible to proceed with the response to the specific event while reducing the number of contacts from users to the sales dealer DA.

[0143] Furthermore, when the first threshold is exceeded, a first restriction mode is instructed to be executed, which stops the display of the alert banner 302 on the top screen 300 of the display 22A, and when the second threshold is exceeded, a second restriction mode is instructed to be executed, which stops the display of the alert banner 302 on the top screen 300 and the display of the content display 312 on the confirmation screen 310 after operation. Therefore, compared to a case in which all display related to specific matters on the display 22A is always stopped regardless of the number of vehicles, for example, a case in which both the display of the alert banner 302 on the top screen 300 and the display of the content display 312 on the confirmation screen 310 are stopped even if the number is equal to or less than the second threshold, it is possible to proceed with the response to specific events while reducing the number of contacts made by users to the sales dealer DA.

[0144] In addition, the limit mode is automatically released when a preset time has elapsed since the instruction to execute the limit mode has been given. Therefore, compared to when the limit mode is not released until the dealer DA gives an instruction, it is possible to reduce the number of contacts from users to the dealer DA and proceed with the response to specific events. In addition, the limit mode is automatically released even if the dealer DA does not give an instruction to release the limit mode or if the dealer DA gives a delayed instruction due to forgetting or other reasons.

[0145] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 12 receives an instruction to execute the restriction mode and the alert banner 302 related to a specific event is already displayed on the top screen 300, the image forming apparatus 12 stops and disappears the already displayed alert banner 302 only when the user does not recognize the alert banner 302. In other words, the image forming apparatus 12 stops and disappears the already displayed alert banner 302 only when there is no user operation after the alert banner 302 is displayed or when the human sensor does not detect the user. Therefore, the number of contacts from users to the sales dealer DA is reduced compared to a case where the alert banner 302 is not stopped at all times when the alert banner 302 is displayed on the top screen 300. Alternatively, the risk of the user misunderstanding that the specific event has been resolved is reduced compared to a case where the alert banner 302 is always stopped at all times when the alert banner 302 is displayed on the top screen 300.

[0146] In addition, when an alert banner 302 related to a specific event is already displayed on the top screen 300, an additional banner 304 such as "preparing for response" is newly displayed. Therefore, the user understands that the sales dealer DA is aware of the occurrence of a specific event. Therefore, compared to when only the alert banner 302 is displayed, the number of contacts from users to the sales dealer DA decreases.

[0147] Furthermore, as in the first variant example, when the restricted mode is executed only for a specific image forming device 12 or only for image forming devices 12 owned by a specific company, it is possible to proceed with responding to the specific event while reducing the number of contacts made by users to the sales dealer DA, compared to when the display of the specific event is stopped on the display 22A of all image forming devices 12.

[0148] Also, as in the second modified example, the image forming device 12 switches between the first mode and the second mode depending on the level of the specific event. For example, compared to a case where both the display of the alert banner 302 on the top screen 300 and the display of the content display 312 on the confirmation screen 310 are stopped for all specific events, it is possible to proceed with the response to the specific event while reducing the number of contacts from users to the sales dealer DA.

[0149] <Other> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0150] For example, in the above embodiment, it is assumed that the user is not aware of the alert banner 302 if there is no user operation after the alert banner 302 is displayed or if the human sensor does not detect the user, but this is not limited to the above. For example, it may be determined that the user is not aware of the alert banner 302 on the date and time when the alert banner 302 is displayed. For example, this may be the case when the alert banner 302 is displayed after all employees (users) of the department in which the image forming device 12 is installed have left work, and the instruction to switch to the restricted mode is received before the employees arrive at work. Or, this may be the case when the alert banner 302 is displayed on a holiday for the department in which the image forming device 12 is installed, and the instruction to switch to the restricted mode is received on the holiday.

[0151] In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, the additional banner 304 is shown as "preparing for response" as an example, but other additional banners may be displayed as the additional banner 304. The additional banner 304 may be a message that is effective in suppressing contact from users, for example, "Sales dealer is already known."

[0152] Furthermore, for example, the configurations of the image forming device 12, the server 50, and the PC 90 described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and may be changed according to circumstances without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the information device is the image forming device 12 which is a multifunction device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information device may be a printer, a scanner, a facsimile, or the like.

[0154] Furthermore, the processing flow of the program described in the above embodiment is just an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0155] In addition, the operations of the processor in the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the process according to the embodiment is realized by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program, but the present invention is not limited to this. The embodiment may be realized by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

[0157] Furthermore, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. A plurality of embodiments and modifications can be implemented in appropriate combination.

[0158] [Note]

[0159] (((1))) An information processing system to which a plurality of information devices are connected, one or more processors; The processor, instructing the information device to execute a restriction mode that restricts display of a preset specific event on a display unit of the information device among events occurring in the information device; Information processing system.

[0160] (((2))) The processor, instructing the information devices to enter the restricted mode when the number of the information devices in which the event occurred at the same time exceeds a threshold value; An information processing system according to (((1))).

[0161] (((3))) The processor, when the number of the information devices in which the event occurred simultaneously falls below a threshold, an instruction is given to the information devices to release the restriction mode; The information processing system according to (((2))).

[0162] (((4))) The threshold value includes a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, The processor, instructing execution of a first restriction mode in which a display on a top screen before operating the display unit is stopped when the first threshold is exceeded; instructing execution of a second restriction mode in which, when the second threshold is exceeded, display on the top screen and on an operation screen after operating the display unit is stopped; The information processing system according to (((2))).

[0163] (((5))) The processor, instructing the information device that has been preset to execute the restricted mode; 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((4))).

[0164] (((6))) The restricted mode is Stopping the display on the top screen before operating the display unit; 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((5))).

[0165] (((7))) The restricted mode is Displaying on a top screen before operating the display unit; Displaying on an operation screen after operating the display unit; Stop 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((6))).

[0166] (((8))) the specific event is classified into a first level and a second level which causes a smaller degradation in functionality than the first level, and the processor stops displaying the specific event on the top screen and the operation screen when the specific event is at the second level; An information processing system according to (((7))).

[0167] (((9))) The processor, Accepting the execution of the restricted mode together with a release condition; 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((8))).

[0168] (((10))) The restricted mode is If it is displayed on the display unit, Restricting display when certain conditions are met, 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((9))).

[0169] (((11))) The condition is There is no user operation after the specific event is displayed on the display unit. The information processing system according to (((10))).

[0170] (((12))) The condition is a case where, after the specific event is displayed on the display unit, no user is detected by a human presence sensor provided in the information device; The information processing system according to (((10))).

[0171] (((13))) The restricted mode is If the condition is not satisfied, a contact suppression message is displayed on the display unit. 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((10))) to (((12))).

[0172] (((14))) A program for an information processing system to which a plurality of information devices are connected, instructing the information device to limit display on a display unit of the information device of a specific event set in advance among events occurring in the information device; A program for executing a process.

[0173] According to the information processing system (((1))), the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case where all events that occur on an information device are displayed on a display unit.

[0174] According to the information processing system (((2))), it is possible to proceed with responding to specific events while reducing the number of contacts made to the service provider by users, compared to a case in which the display of specific events on the display unit is always restricted.

[0175] According to the information processing system of (((3))), it is possible to proceed with responding to specific events while reducing the number of contacts made to the service provider by users, compared to a case in which the display of specific events on the display unit is continuously restricted.

[0176] According to the information processing system of (((4))), it is possible to proceed with responding to a specific event while reducing the number of contacts made to the service provider by users, compared to a case in which all displays relating to the specific event are stopped.

[0177] According to the information processing system of (((5))), it is possible to proceed with responding to specific events while reducing the number of contacts made by users to the service provider, compared to a case in which the display of specific matters on the display units of all information devices is restricted.

[0178] According to the information processing system of (((6))), it is possible to proceed with responding to a specific event while reducing the number of contacts made to the service provider by users, compared to a case in which all displays relating to the specific event are stopped.

[0179] According to the information processing system of (((7))), it is possible to proceed with responding to a specific event while reducing the number of contacts made to the service provider by users, compared to a case in which all displays relating to the specific event are stopped.

[0180] According to the information processing system of (((8))), it is possible to proceed with responding to a specific event while reducing the number of contacts made to the service provider by users, compared to a case in which all displays relating to the specific event are always suspended.

[0181] According to the information processing system of (((9))), it is possible to proceed with responding to specific events while reducing the number of contacts made to the service provider by users, compared to a case in which the restriction on displaying information about specific events on the display unit is continued until a command to lift the restriction is given.

[0182] According to the information processing system of (((10))), when a display relating to a specific event is always displayed on the display unit, the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case where the display is not restricted.

[0183] According to the information processing system of (((11))), when a display relating to a specific event is always displayed on the display unit, the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case where the display is not restricted.

[0184] According to the information processing system of (((12))), when a display relating to a specific event is always displayed on the display unit, the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case where the display is not restricted.

[0185] According to the information processing system of (((13))), the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to a case where only information related to a specific event is displayed on the display unit.

[0186] According to the program (((14))), the number of contacts from users to the service provider is reduced, compared to when all events that occur on the information device are displayed on the display unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 10 Management Systems 12 Image forming equipment (an example of information equipment) 22A Display (Example of a display unit) 50 Server (an example of an information processing system) 300 Top screen 302 Alert Banner 304 Additional banner (example of a suppression message) 310 Confirmation Screen 312 Content display< / pc>

Claims

1. An information processing system to which a plurality of information devices are connected, one or more processors; The processor, instructing the information device to execute a restriction mode that restricts display of a preset specific event, among events occurring in the information device, on a display unit of the information device; Information processing system.

2. The processor, instructing the information devices to enter the restricted mode when the number of the information devices in which the event occurred at the same time exceeds a threshold value; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, when the number of the information devices in which the event occurred simultaneously falls below a threshold, an instruction is given to the information devices to release the restriction mode; The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The threshold value includes a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, The processor, instructing execution of a first restriction mode in which, when the first threshold is exceeded, a display related to the specific event on a top screen before operating the display unit is stopped; instructing execution of a second restriction mode in which, when the second threshold is exceeded, display related to the specific event on the top screen and on an operation screen after operating the display unit is stopped; The information processing system according to claim 2 .

5. The processor, instructing the information device that has been preset to execute the restricted mode; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The restricted mode is Stopping the display of the specific event on the top screen before operating the display unit; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. The restricted mode is A display regarding the specific event on a top screen before the display unit is operated; and A display related to the specific event on an operation screen after the display unit is operated; and Stop The information processing system according to claim 1 .

8. The specific event is classified into a first level and a second level in which functional impairment is less than that of the first level; The processor, When the second level is reached, display of the specific event on the top screen and the operation screen is stopped. The information processing system according to claim 7.

9. The processor, Accepting the execution of the restricted mode together with a release condition; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

10. The restricted mode is When the display unit displays information related to the specific event, restricting the display of the specific event when a defined condition is satisfied; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

11. The condition is A case where there is no user operation after the specific event is displayed on the display unit. The information processing system according to claim 10.

12. The condition is a case where a human presence sensor provided in the information device does not detect a user after the specific event is displayed on the display unit; The information processing system according to claim 10.

13. The restricted mode is If the condition is not satisfied, a contact suppression message is displayed on the display unit. The information processing system according to claim 10.

14. A program for an information processing system to which a plurality of information devices are connected, instructing the information device to limit display on a display unit of the information device of a specific event set in advance among events occurring in the information device; A program for executing a process.

Images