Program, Information Processing Apparatus

Abstract

To provide an information processing system that allows users to start maintenance from a schedule of a task related to maintenance of an apparatus.SOLUTION: An information processing system 100 has an apparatus 103 and an information processing device 102 that accepts registration of a task related to maintenance of the apparatus. The system includes storage means 20 for storing schedule information in which the task related to the maintenance is registered, screen display means 12 for displaying the schedule information associated with a screen related to the execution of the task, and input acquisition means 11 for accepting an input related to the task for the screen displayed by the screen display means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and equipment.

Background Art

[0002] In equipment such as an image forming apparatus, motors, clutches, etc. perform mechanical operations to perform printing with a coloring material, so various maintenance such as cleaning and component replacement may be required. For example, in the case of a large image forming apparatus (such as a commercial printer), various maintenance operations are performed. As maintenance operations, some are performed manually by a user or the like on the image forming apparatus, and some are performed by an administrator to change the setting values of the image forming apparatus from a terminal device or the like.

[0003] A mechanism has been devised in which an administrator operates a web browser displayed on a PC (Personal Computer) to set the image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The administrator can change the settings without directly operating the image forming apparatus.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, there has been a problem that a user cannot start maintenance from the schedule of tasks related to equipment maintenance. For example, when setting maintenance, the administrator displays a setting screen on a PC, but it has been a work load to check which of the many setting screens should be opened and operated for each maintenance. In addition, when the administrator performs various maintenance, it has been necessary to manage which maintenance is performed when.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system that allows a user to start maintenance from the schedule of tasks related to equipment maintenance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention is an information processing system having a device and an information processing apparatus that accepts registration of tasks related to maintenance of the device, the information processing system including storage means for storing schedule information in which tasks related to maintenance are registered, screen display means for displaying the schedule information associated with a screen related to execution of the task, and input acquisition means for accepting an input related to the task with respect to the screen displayed by the screen display means.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] An information processing system that enables a user to start maintenance from a schedule of tasks related to maintenance of a device can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, as an example of a mode for carrying out the present invention, an information processing system and an information processing method performed by the information processing system will be described.

[0010] <Overview> In the present embodiment, various maintenance operations can be registered in the schedule by the administrator as "tasks". The tasks also include maintenance of setting changes, and the administrator can register a task for changing the settings of the image forming apparatus from the screen for registering the task schedule.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a task. As described above, in this embodiment, the administrator registers tasks corresponding to various maintenance operations in a DFE (Digital Front End) which will be described later. In an image forming apparatus, various maintenance operations occur, and the maintenance operation in FIG. 1 is "Head Cap Cleaning". One maintenance operation is treated as one task 51 at a manageable granularity. Therefore, one maintenance operation performed manually by a user may be divided into a plurality of tasks.

[0012] Also, the task 51 has one or more task components 52. The task component 52 is a finer maintenance operation that is subdivided to realize the task. The task 51 of "Head Cap Cleaning" has the following task components 52. 1. Move to maintenance Md retreat position (30 seconds) 2. Remove the maintenance dome exterior cover (3 minutes) 3. Pull out the head array (2 minutes) 4. Clean the cap (30 seconds × 22 pieces) 5. Push back the head array 6. Remount the maintenance dome exterior cover (3 minutes) 7. Move to maintenance Md retreat position (30 seconds) 8. Cleaning competed The number of task components included in one task is arbitrary. The administrator registers such a task in the schedule.

[0013] Figure 2 is an example of the schedule of tasks displayed by the information processing system of the present embodiment. In Figure 2, the horizontal axis represents the date 53 and the vertical axis represents the time 54. The administrator can register a task like the one in Figure 1 in the schedule by specifying the date and start time.

[0014] When the DFE executes the task registered by the administrator, it displays the task on the terminal device based on the current time. For example, the DFE displays the registered tasks according to the display format such as month, week, day, etc. The display format in Figure 2 is weekly display. A general user who executes the task (the administrator may also execute the task) selects the task from the schedule and displays the task components included in the task. Since the task components display the screens necessary for the maintenance corresponding to this task component (including screens for setting changes, etc.), the general user does not need to select and display the screens necessary for maintenance.

[0015] In this way, the administrator can register the task in the schedule. Also, since the DFE opens the screens necessary for the tasks registered at the current time, the general user can proceed with the maintenance without searching for the screens related to the maintenance.

[0016] <Regarding terms> Maintenance refers to the maintenance, management, and upkeep of machines or structures, or the work required for them.

[0017] A task means a mission or work. In the present embodiment, various types of maintenance registered in the information processing apparatus are referred to as tasks.

[0018] The screen related to the execution of a task is, for example, the right side of the task execution screen in Figure 18 or the screen of the task component in Figure 19, but any screen on which the user can execute the task is acceptable. The execution of a task means that the device performs the processing corresponding to the task.

[0019] The screen associated with the execution of a task and the schedule information mean that the user can display a screen on which the task can be executed from the task schedule. The task schedule and the screen on which the task can be executed may be displayed simultaneously. For example, when a task is selected, a screen on which the task can be executed is displayed accordingly.

[0020] The input related to a task is information or an operation input by the user when the task is executed. For example, the user inputs a set value or an operation to start the execution of the task. In addition, the user may input an operation indicating that the work related to the task has been completed, or input a memo related to the work.

[0021] The information related to maintenance may be any information that the DFE sends to the image forming apparatus for maintenance. For example, there are various set values such as set values for improving image quality, set values for energy saving, or set values for communication settings. In addition, requests (commands, signals, instructions, etc.) for operating the image forming apparatus are also information related to maintenance.

[0022] The processing according to the information related to maintenance is to update the set value if it is a set value, and to perform the operation if it is a request for an operation.

[0023] <System configuration example> FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a system configuration example of the information processing system 100 of the present embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a terminal device 101, a DFE 102, and an image forming apparatus 103. The server device 104 will be described later.

[0024] The terminal device 101 and the DFE 102 can communicate via the network N. The network includes, for example, a LAN within the facility where the image forming apparatus 103 is installed, and further includes the Internet if the DFE 102 is installed on the Internet. The DFE 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 may be connected one-to-one by a dedicated line or may be connected via the network. Also, the DFE 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 may be integrated or detachable.

[0025] A web browser is operating on the terminal device 101. The web browser accesses the server provided in the DFE 102 to display input operation screens for task creation, schedule registration, and task execution respectively. The terminal device 101 receives operations such as task creation, schedule registration, and task execution on the input screen from the administrator and requests these to the DFE 102.

[0026] In addition, for the administrator to log in to the DFE 102, a user ID and password are input to the terminal device 101. Since the terminal device 101 transmits the user ID and password to the DFE 102, when the authentication by the DFE 102 is successful, whether the user is a general user or an administrator is specified. The screens to be displayed and the items that can be input may differ depending on whether the user is a general user or an administrator. Note that the authentication of the administrator may be performed by an authentication server.

[0027] When the authentication is successful and the administrator logs in, access rights to task creation, schedule registration, and task execution are granted, and in the case of a general user, access rights to task execution are granted.

[0028] The terminal device 101 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a wearable PC (such as a sunglass type or a wristwatch type), etc. However, it suffices if it has a communication function and a web browser or dedicated application software operates on the DFE 102. For example, a car navigation device, a game machine, a television receiver, etc. can also be the terminal device 101.

[0029] When the web browser also operates in the image forming apparatus 103, the administrator can operate the image forming apparatus to request the DFE 102 to create a task, register a schedule, and execute a task.

[0030] In addition, the DFE 102 can display an input operation screen on its own display and accept processing for task creation, schedule registration, and task execution from the keyboard. In this case, the terminal device 101 becomes unnecessary for the information processing system 100.

[0031] The DFE 102 is originally a control device that accepts print jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 103, performs image processing (RIP: Raster Image Processer), manages the progress during execution, monitors for abnormalities, etc. In this embodiment, the DFE 102 further accepts processing related to maintenance and requests the image forming apparatus 103. The DFE 102 accepts processing for task creation, schedule registration, and task execution from the terminal device 101. That is, the DFE 102 provides the administrator with a user interface (input operation screen) for operating the image forming apparatus 103. The DFE 102 has one or more information processing devices.

[0032] The DFE 102 generates screen information for the screen displayed by the web browser. The screen information is a program described in HTML, XML, a scripting language, CSS (cascading style sheet), etc. Mainly, the structure of the web page is specified by HTML, the operation of the web page is defined by the scripting language, and the style of the web page is specified by CSS. Also, an application realized by the cooperation of the client-side screen information and the server-side application and database is called a web application. In this embodiment as well, the terminal device 101 and the DFE 102 cooperate to execute a web application.

[0033] In response to a request from the terminal device 101 or the image forming apparatus 103, the DFE 102 performs registration processing of tasks and task schedules in a database, and task execution processing for the image forming apparatus (such as changing device settings and requesting operations).

[0034] In response to a request received from the DFE 102, the image forming apparatus 103 executes a print job. Also, in this embodiment, maintenance is received, and for example, the device settings of the apparatus itself are changed according to a task, or a specified operation is executed.

[0035] The image forming apparatus 103 has a function of printing an image on paper. Examples of methods for forming an image include a laser printer or an inkjet printer. Further, the image forming apparatus 103 may have functions of a multifunction machine (multifunction printer) or an MFP (Multi-function Peripheral / Product / Printer). The image forming apparatus 103 may be referred to as a printer, a printing apparatus, or the like.

[0036] Also, the image forming apparatus 103 of this embodiment may be a so-called commercial printer. A commercial printer is not a device for printing materials used internally by employees or the like, but a device for commercial printing where printed materials are products. In commercial printing, printed materials used in the business activities of general companies and organizations are output. For example, flyers, brochures, posters, catalogs, company brochures, manuals, etc. may be output. Office image forming apparatuses and commercial image forming apparatuses mainly differ in printing speed, image quality, types and sizes of corresponding papers, etc.

[0037] Also, this embodiment can be applied to devices other than the image forming apparatus 103. For example, it may be a PJ (Projector), an electronic blackboard, a video conferencing terminal, a digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, an industrial machine, an imaging device, a sound collection device, a medical device, a network home appliance, a game machine, a wearable PC, or a desktop PC, etc.

[0038] In the description of FIG. 3, it was described that the DFE 102 is in charge of maintenance-related processing (Web application). However, the maintenance-related processing can be taken charge of by the server device 104. For example, the independent server device 104 shown in FIG. 3(d) may perform the maintenance-related processing. In the case of FIG. 3(d), the server device 104 communicates with the image forming apparatus 103 to change settings according to tasks or execute specified operations.

[0039] Also, the image forming apparatus 103 may perform the maintenance-related processing. In this case, the image forming apparatus 103 has the functions of the server device 104.

[0040] <Hardware Configuration> < <dfe>> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the DFE 102. The DFE 102 has a configuration similar to that of a computer. The DFE 102 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an HDD / SSD 204, an I / F 205, and an operation unit 206.

[0041] The CPU 201 uses the RAM 203 as a work area and executes the programs stored in the ROM 202.

[0042] The HDD / SSD 204 is used as a storage unit and stores information on tasks and schedules. The information stored in the HDD / SSD 204 may be used by the CPU 201 when reading and executing programs.

[0043] The I / F 205 is an interface that enables communication with the image forming apparatus 103 and the terminal device 101.

[0044] The operation unit 206 has a touch panel and displays the state of the image forming apparatus, task schedules, task details, etc. on the screen. It also accepts inputs from users (administrators, general users) who execute tasks and administrators who create tasks and register schedules.

[0045] <<Image Forming Apparatus>> FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 in the present embodiment. The present image forming apparatus 103 is, for example, an inkjet type image forming apparatus, and mainly includes a paper feeding unit 401, an image forming unit 306, a drying unit 402, a paper discharging unit 403, and a control device 423. In the image forming apparatus 103, an image is formed on a sheet P, which is a recording material as a sheet material fed from the paper feeding unit 401, with ink, which is a liquid for image formation, by the image forming unit 306. Then, after drying the ink adhering to the sheet in the drying unit 402, the sheet is discharged from the paper discharging unit 403.

[0046] The paper feeding unit 401 mainly includes a paper feed tray 411 on which a plurality of sheets of paper P are stacked, a paper feeding device 412 that separates and feeds out the sheets of paper from the paper feed tray 411 one by one, and a registration roller pair 413 that feeds the paper into the image forming unit 306. For the paper feeding device 412, any paper feeding device such as a device using rollers or cylinders or a device using air suction can be used. The paper fed out from the paper feed tray 411 by the paper feeding device 412 is fed into the image forming unit 306 when the registration roller pair 413 is driven at a predetermined timing after the leading edge of the paper reaches the registration roller pair 413. Note that in this embodiment, the paper feeding unit 401 is not limited in its configuration as long as it can feed out the sheet of paper P to the image forming unit 306.

[0047] The image forming unit 306 mainly includes a receiving cylinder 361 that receives the fed sheet of paper P, a paper carrying drum 362 that carries and conveys the sheet of paper P conveyed by the receiving cylinder 361 on its outer peripheral surface, an ink ejection unit 364 that ejects ink toward the sheet of paper P carried on the paper carrying drum 362, and a delivery cylinder 365 that delivers the sheet of paper P conveyed by the paper carrying drum 362 to the drying unit 402. The sheet of paper P conveyed from the paper feeding unit 401 to the image forming unit 306 has its leading edge gripped by a paper gripper provided on the surface of the receiving cylinder 361 and is conveyed along with the surface movement of the receiving cylinder 361. The paper conveyed by the receiving cylinder 361 is delivered to the paper carrying drum 362 at the opposing position to the paper carrying drum 362.

[0048] Paper grippers are also provided on the surface of the paper carrying drum 362, and the leading edge of the paper is gripped by the paper grippers. Further, a plurality of suction holes are dispersedly formed on the surface of the paper carrying drum 362, and a suction airflow directed toward the inside of the paper carrying drum 362 is generated in each suction hole by a suction device 363. The sheet of paper P delivered from the receiving cylinder 361 to the paper carrying drum 362 has its leading edge gripped by the paper grippers and is adsorbed on the surface of the paper carrying drum 362 by the suction airflow and is conveyed along with the surface movement of the paper carrying drum 362.

[0049] The ink ejection unit 364 of this embodiment ejects four colors of ink, namely C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), to form an image, and is equipped with individual liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K for each ink. The liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K are not limited in their configuration as long as they can eject liquid, and any configuration can be adopted. If necessary, a liquid ejection head for ejecting special inks such as white, gold, and silver can be provided, or a liquid ejection head for ejecting liquids that do not constitute an image, such as a surface coating liquid, can be provided.

[0050] The ejection operations of the liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K of the ink ejection unit 364 are respectively controlled by drive signals according to the image information. When the paper P carried on the paper carrying drum 362 passes through the area facing the ink ejection unit 364, inks of each color are ejected from the liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K, and an image corresponding to the image information is formed. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 306 is not limited in its configuration as long as it can form an image by attaching liquid onto the paper P.

[0051] The drying unit 402 mainly includes a drying mechanism 421 for drying the ink attached to the paper P by the image forming unit 306, and a conveying mechanism 422 for conveying the paper P conveyed from the image forming unit 306. The paper P conveyed from the image forming unit 306 is received by the conveying mechanism 422, then conveyed so as to pass through the drying mechanism 421, and delivered to the paper discharge unit 403. When passing through the drying mechanism 421, the ink on the paper P is subjected to a drying process, whereby the liquid components such as moisture in the ink evaporate, the ink adheres firmly to the paper P, and the curling of the paper P is suppressed.

[0052] The paper discharge unit 403 mainly includes a paper discharge tray 431 on which a plurality of papers P are stacked. The papers P conveyed from the drying unit 402 are sequentially stacked and held on the paper discharge tray 431. In this embodiment, the paper discharge unit 403 is not limited in its configuration as long as it can discharge the paper P.

[0053] The control device 423 is an information processing device that controls the image forming apparatus. For example, it has a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an SSD (HDD), a communication device, and the like. The control device 423 communicates with the DFE 102 and receives setting values and operation requests according to the execution of tasks.

[0054] <Regarding functions> FIG. 6 shows the functions related to task creation among the functions of the DFE 102. Each means in FIG. 6 is a function of a Web application realized by the cooperation of the server function in the DFE 102 and the Web browser of the terminal device 101. First, functions that are generally used regardless of task creation, schedule registration, and task execution will be described. Also, it is assumed that the Web browser operates on the terminal device 101. Whether the Web browser operates on the DFE 102 or the administrator directly operates the DFE 102, the processing of the DFE 102 may be the same.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, the DFE 102 has an input acquisition means 11, a screen display means 12, an information update means 13, an information acquisition means 14, and a task / task component / schedule information storage means 20. These functions of the DFE 102 are functions or means realized by the CPU 201 executing instructions included in one or more programs installed in the DFE 102.

[0056] The input acquisition means 11 acquires information input on the screen displayed by the Web browser of the terminal device 101 from the terminal device 101, for example.

[0057] The screen display means 12 generates screen information according to the operation acquired by the input acquisition means 11. The screen display means 12 is realized by HTML included in the screen information, JavaScript (registered trademark), and the server program on the DFE 102 side, and updates the display of the screen according to the input to the Web browser.

[0058] The information update means 13 stores the input results and processing results to the web browser in the task-task part-schedule information storage means 20. The information acquisition means 14 acquires the information of the requested object input to the web browser from the task-task part-schedule information storage means 20.

[0059] <<Function related to task creation>> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the task creation function in the present embodiment will be described.

[0060] The input acquisition means 11 acquires (receives) the input information input by the administrator to the terminal device 101. When the administrator is operating the web browser displayed by the DFE 102, the input acquisition means 11 acquires the input information input by the administrator to the operation unit 206.

[0061] The task-task part-schedule information storage means 20 stores · Task information (task name, task part and execution order, estimated task required time), and · Task part information (task part name, estimated task part execution required time), and · Schedule information (task to be executed, estimated task start time, estimated task end time). The task-task part-schedule information storage means 20 further has information associated with these. Details will be described later.

[0062] The task estimated required time calculation means 15 included in the screen display means 12 calculates an estimated value of the required time for task execution by summing up the estimated task part execution required time of the task parts added to the task acquired by the input acquisition means 11.

[0063] The information update means 13 updates the task information, schedule information, etc. stored in the task-task part-schedule information storage means 20.

[0064] The information acquisition means 14 acquires task information, task part information, schedule information, etc. stored in the task-task part-schedule information storage means 20 and outputs it to the screen display means 12.

[0065] The screen display means 12 updates the screen displayed by the terminal device 101 by generating screen information. For example, it updates the estimated value of the time required for task execution.

[0066] Next, the functions of the terminal device 101 will be described. The terminal device 101 has a display control means 31, an operation reception means 32, and a communication means 33. These functions of the terminal device 101 are functions or means realized by a Web browser executing JavaScript (registered trademark) included in the screen information and cooperating with the screen display means 12 of the DFE 102.

[0067] The display control means 31 analyzes the screen information and displays on the display a task creation screen, a schedule screen, and a task execution screen, which will be described later.

[0068] The operation reception means 32 receives operations and inputs from an administrator or a general user with respect to the task creation screen, the schedule screen, and the task execution screen.

[0069] The communication means 33 mainly communicates with the DFE 102 and transmits information input by the administrator to the DFE 102 on the task creation screen, the schedule screen, and the task execution screen.

[0070] When an administrator or a general user operates the DFE 102, the DFE 102 has the functions of the terminal device 101, and when operating the image forming apparatus 103, the image forming apparatus 103 has the functions of the terminal device 101.

[0071] <<Functions related to the schedule registration function>> Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the functions related to the schedule registration function will be described. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram related to the schedule registration function among the functions of DFE102. In the description of FIG. 7, the differences from FIG. 6 will mainly be described.

[0072] The screen display means 12 in FIG. 7 has a task end scheduled time calculation means 16, a user-by-user average required time display means 17, a schedule display update means 18, and a task display update means 19.

[0073] The task end scheduled time calculation means 16 calculates the end scheduled time from the estimated required time of the task in the task information and the start scheduled time in the schedule information.

[0074] The user-by-user average required time display means 17 displays the average required time for each user in the task information. The average required time for each user is displayed when the administrator selects the user who executes the task.

[0075] The schedule display update means 18 determines the display format of the schedule according to the schedule display setting (day, week, month), and displays the task in the schedule. When the schedule is changed, the schedule display update means 18 updates the displayed schedule.

[0076] The task display update means 19 displays the task information. For example, it displays a list of tasks or the task components that the task has. Also, when the task information is updated, the task display update means 19 updates the displayed task.

[0077] <<Functions related to the task execution function>> Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the functions related to the task execution function will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the functions related to the task execution function among the functions of DFE102. In the description of FIG. 8, the differences from FIG. 6 will mainly be described.

[0078] First, the input acquisition means 11 has a current time acquisition means 21. The current time acquisition means 21 acquires the current time from an RTC (Real Time Clock) or a time server.

[0079] The information update means 13 has a task execution result registration means 22. The task execution result registration means 22 registers the start time of the task, the end time of the task, and the task execution user in the schedule information.

[0080] The screen display means 12 has a schedule display update means 18 and a task display update means 19. The schedule display update means 18 updates the schedule display according to the current time and the schedule display settings. The task display update means 19 updates the task display according to the execution status of the task and the current time.

[0081] <<Function of the device>> Subsequently, the functions of the image forming apparatus 103 will be described. The image forming apparatus 103 has a device setting acquisition / updating means 24, a communication means 25, a device operation means 26, and a device setting value information storage means 27. These functions of the image forming apparatus 103 are functions or means realized by the control device 423 executing instructions included in one or more programs installed in the image forming apparatus 103.

[0082] The communication means 25 communicates with the communication means 23 on the DFE 102 side. The communication means 25 is realized by, for example, a network card, a communication interface that communicates via TCP / IP, or a communication program that controls communication with a USB cable.

[0083] The device setting value information storage means 27 stores the setting values of the image forming apparatus 103. The device setting acquisition / updating means 24 acquires or updates the setting values of the image forming apparatus 103 from the device setting value information storage means 27. The setting values of the image forming apparatus 103 cover a variety of types, for example, setting values for adjusting the solenoid valve ON timing.

[0084] The machine operation means 26 performs the operations instructed from the DFE 102 on the image forming apparatus 103 according to the tasks. The contents of the operations vary, for example, there is printing for detecting defective nozzles and the like.

[0085] <Information stored in the task - task part - schedule information storage means> With reference to FIG. 9, the information stored in the task - task part - schedule information storage means 20 will be described. FIG. 9(a) shows an example of task part information. The task part information indicates what kind of information the task part has. In the task part information, a task part ID, a task part name, the work content of the task part, and the estimated required time for task part execution are associated. · Task part ID... It is the identification information of the task part. It is assigned in advance. · Task part name... It is the name of the task part (easy for administrators and general users to understand the content). It is assigned in advance. · Work content... It is the specific work content of the task part. The work content includes operations of the image forming apparatus 103, API (Application Interface) information for setting, and UI information such as buttons at the time of setting. It is assigned in advance. · Estimated required time for task part execution... It is the estimated required time for executing the task part. It is assigned in advance.

[0086] Note that ID is an abbreviation of Identification and means an identifier or identification information. An ID is a name, symbol, character string, numerical value, or a combination of one or more of these used to uniquely distinguish a specific object from a plurality of objects.

[0087] FIG. 9(b) shows an example of average required time information. The average required time information is the average required time for each user to execute the task. · Task ID... It is the identification information of the task. It is numbered at the time of task creation. · User ID… The average time required for each task associated with the identification information of a general user. It is an actual measurement value. Tasks that have not been performed by a general user will be left blank.

[0088] Figure 9(c) shows an example of task information. Task information is the task components and the like that each task has. In the task information, a task ID, a task name, each task component ID, the order of task component execution, and the estimated time required for the task are associated. · Task ID… Identification information of the task. · Task name… The name of the task. It can be arbitrarily assigned by the administrator. · Each task component ID… Identification information of the task component. · Order of task component execution… The order in which the task components of the task are executed. It can be set by the administrator. · Estimated time required for the task… The value obtained by summing up the estimated time required for the execution of each task component for each task component. It is calculated by the task estimated time calculation means 15.

[0089] Figure 9(d) shows an example of schedule information. The schedule information has tasks registered in the schedule. In the schedule information, a schedule ID, the task ID to be executed, the task execution date, the scheduled start time, the scheduled end time, the user scheduled to execute the task, the start time, the end time, the user who executed the task, and the repetition period are associated. · Schedule ID… Identification information of the schedule. One schedule corresponds to one task. It is numbered during the registration of the schedule. · Task ID to be executed… Identification information of the task registered in the schedule and to be executed. · Task execution date… The date on which the task is scheduled to be executed. It is registered by the administrator. · Scheduled start time… The time at which the task is scheduled to start. It is registered by the administrator. · Scheduled end time… The time at which the execution of the task is scheduled to end. Scheduled end time = Scheduled start time + Estimated time required for the task, or Scheduled end time = Scheduled start time + Average time required for each user. · Scheduled Task User... This is the name of the user (or user ID) who is scheduled to perform the task. It is registered by the administrator. · Start Time... This is the time when the task actually starts. · End Time... This is the time when the task actually ends. · Task Performing User... This is the name of the general user who actually performs the task. The user identified by login is registered. · Repetition Period... This is the period at which the task repeats. Many tasks are repeated. It is registered by the administrator.

[0090] Figure 9(e) shows an example of the execution status information. The execution status information records the execution status of the task for each task component. In the execution status information, the schedule ID is associated with the execution status of the task component ID of the task in the schedule information. That is, which task components of the task have been executed and registered. · Schedule ID... This is the identification information of the schedule. · "Completed or Not" associated with each task component ID... Initially it is "Not", and when the completed button described later on the task execution screen is pressed, it becomes "Completed".

[0091] Figure 9(f) is an example of user information. The user information is information about the user. In the user information, the user ID and the user name are associated. · User ID... This is the identification information of the user. It is registered in advance. · User Name... This is the name of the user, etc. It is registered in advance. In addition to these, the user information may include a password, affiliation, etc.

[0092] <Operation Procedure> Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, the flow of processing or operations performed by the information processing system 100 will be described.

[0093] First, the creation of a task will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart diagram for explaining the procedure or operation in which the DFE 102 creates a task in response to an operation from the administrator. The terminal device 101 communicates with the DFE 102, the image forming apparatus 103 communicates with the DFE 102, or the administrator directly operates the DFE 102.

[0094] The input acquisition means 11 acquires that the administrator has input to start task creation (S11).

[0095] The information acquisition means 14 acquires task part information from the task-task part-schedule information storage means 20 (S12).

[0096] The screen display means 12 creates screen information of the task creation screen using the task part information (S13). An example of the task creation screen is shown in FIG. 13.

[0097] Next, it is acquired that the administrator has input to add a task part to the task or input to save the task (S14).

[0098] If it is an input to add to the task (No in S15), step S14 is repeatedly executed. If it is an input to save the task (Yes in S15), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0099] The task estimated required time calculation means 15 calculates the task estimated required time by summing up the task part implementation estimated required times of the task parts added to the task (S16).

[0100] The information update means 13 registers the task part and the calculated task estimated required time in the task information (S17).

[0101] In this way, the administrator can register a task by combining task parts.

[0102] Next, the registration of the schedule will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is an example of a flowchart diagram for explaining the procedure or operation in which the DFE 102 registers a task in response to an operation by the administrator. The terminal device 101 communicates with the DFE 102, the image forming apparatus 103 communicates with the DFE 102, or the administrator directly operates the DFE 102.

[0103] The input acquisition means 11 acquires that the administrator has input the start of schedule registration (S21). The input acquisition means 11 receives, for example, the selection of a task from the task list in FIG. 16 described later.

[0104] Thereby, the information acquisition means 14 acquires task information, schedule information, and average required time information from the task - task component - schedule information storage means 20 (S22).

[0105] First, the schedule display update means 18 displays a frame of date and time according to the display setting (day, week, month) (S23), and the task display update means 19 associates and displays the created tasks using the task information with the frame of date and time (S23). Accordingly, the schedule of the task is displayed. An example of the schedule screen is shown in FIG. 17. If the display setting is day, the tasks to be executed today are displayed. If the display setting is week, the tasks to be executed in one week including today are displayed. If the display setting is month, the tasks to be executed in one month including today are displayed.

[0106] The input acquisition means 11 acquires the task selected by the administrator as the task to be registered in the schedule (S25). For example, it is the task selected from the task list in FIG. 16.

[0107] Next, the user - specific average required time display means 17 uses the average required time information to display the user - specific average required time of the selected task (S26). The user - specific average required time display means 17 associates and displays the average required time of the user ID associated with the task ID and the user name of the user information. Thereby, the administrator can select an appropriate user scheduled to perform the task.

[0108] The input acquisition means 11 acquires the scheduled start time, repetition condition, and scheduled execution user of the task input by the administrator from the terminal device 101 (S27).

[0109] The task scheduled end time calculation means 16 calculates the scheduled end time of the task by adding the average required time of the task of the scheduled execution user to the scheduled start time of the task (S28).

[0110] Step S29 is repeatedly executed according to the repetition condition.

[0111] The information update means 13 registers the scheduled start time, scheduled end time, and scheduled execution user in the schedule information for the number of repetitions (S29). The schedules may be registered with duplicates in the same time zone. This is because there are cases where multiple general users can execute different tasks in parallel. Alternatively, when schedules are registered with duplicates in the same time zone, the information update means 13 may display an error and request confirmation from the administrator.

[0112] The schedule display update means 18 updates the schedule display using the schedule information (S30).

[0113] Through the above processing, the administrator can register tasks in the schedule information.

[0114] Next, the execution of the task will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the procedure or operation in which the DFE 102 causes the image forming apparatus 103 to execute a task according to the operation of the general user.

[0115] The input acquisition means 11 acquires an input indicating that the general user has opened the task execution screen (S31).

[0116] Thereby, the current time acquisition means 21 acquires the current time from the RTC or the time server (S32).

[0117] The information acquisition means 14 acquires schedule information, task information registered in the schedule, and task part information associated with the tasks registered in the schedule from the task-task part-schedule information storage means 20 according to the current time (S33). "According to the current time" means one day, one week, one month, etc. including the current time. The displayed range among one day, one week, or one month differs depending on the display setting (day, week, month) of the terminal device 101.

[0118] The schedule display update means 18 displays a frame of date and time according to the current time and the schedule display setting (day, week, month), and displays tasks in association with the date and time (S34). The left side of the task execution screen in FIG. 18 is displayed.

[0119] In addition, the task display update means 19 displays task information scheduled to be executed currently from the current time and the schedule information (S35). The task scheduled to be executed currently is the task closest to the current time. If the start time is not within a certain time even for the closest task, the task may not be displayed. The right side of the task execution screen in FIG. 18 is displayed. In this way, since tasks with a high possibility of being executed can be automatically displayed with respect to the current time, the need for the general user to select a task is reduced. Also, "displaying task information" may mean displaying the task or displaying the task parts that the task has.

[0120] The input acquisition means 11 acquires that the general user has input task start (S36).

[0121] The current time acquisition means 21 acquires the current time (S37).

[0122] The task execution result registration means 22 registers the current time in the schedule information as the start time of the task (S38).

[0123] The task display update means 19 changes the display of the started task component to the in-execution task display (S39). The display of the task component is the state of the button indicating the implementation status provided for each task component, as will be described later (button 653). The implementation status of the task component is registered in the implementation status information in Fig. 9(e). The in-execution task display indicates that the task component is in execution.

[0124] The input acquisition means 11 acquires that the general user has input a setting change of the image forming apparatus 103 or an operation execution of the image forming apparatus 103 based on the task component information registered in the task information (S40). The task component displays setting items and operation items corresponding to maintenance. Therefore, the general user can perform maintenance-related settings and operations without selecting or displaying a maintenance-related screen.

[0125] When the task component for changing the settings of the image forming apparatus 103 is executed (Yes in S41), the device setting acquisition / update means 24 updates the setting value of the image forming apparatus 103 (S42).

[0126] On the other hand, when an operation other than the task component for changing the settings of the image forming apparatus 103 is executed (No in S41), the device operation means 26 operates the image forming apparatus 103 to perform a specified operation (S43).

[0127] Next, the input acquisition means 11 acquires that the general user has input a completion check (S44). The completion check means that the execution of the task component is completed. The general user presses a button, for example. The operation reception means 32 of the terminal device 101 receives the operation of the general user.

[0128] Until all the task components registered in the task are completed (No in S45), the process returns to step S40.

[0129] When all the task components registered in the task are completed (Yes in S45), the current time acquisition means 21 acquires the current time (S46).

[0130] The task execution result registration means 22 registers the user information who has completed the task and the end time (current time) of the task in the schedule information (S47).

[0131] The task display update means 19 updates the display of the completed task to the end task display (S48).

[0132] In this way, since the DFE 102 executes the setting change of the image forming apparatus 103 as one of the tasks, the user does not need to search for the setting change screen.

[0133] <Example screen> FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the task creation screen 600. Hereinafter, the items included in the task creation screen 600 will be described. · Task name 601... This is a field for inputting the name of the task that can be arbitrarily set by the administrator. · Category by purpose 602... The tasks are grouped, and this is a pull-down menu that displays a list of those groups (categories). For example, there are categories related to failures, categories related to cleaning, and the like. · Add to work... This is an item for the administrator to select the items (task components) to be added to the task.

[0134] The SP item 603 displays a list of task components related to maintenance that has conventionally been performed by service engineers. Note that FIG. 14 shows an example of the screen when the SP item is pressed. The special item 604 displays a link to items that are not directly related to the image forming apparatus 103 but are used as task components. For example, there are authentication, mail transmission, log acquisition, etc. (see FIG. 15). The existing task 605 is an item for the administrator to register an already created task as a task component. Therefore, the task is reusable. The free description item 606 is a task component for the user to write notes on the task component. This task component is not an execution target (used as a memo) and is treated as having been completed before the task starts (or, a button (button 653) indicating the execution status) is not displayed.

[0135] · The Task View 607... is a column for displaying the content of Task 51. In FIG. 13, one Task 51 has four operations. This one operation is one Task Component 52. Operations 1 and 2 are tasks of the SP item 603. Operation 3 is the existing task 605, and the existing task is registered as a task component. Further detailed operations (Tasks 001 and 002) of the task component were those that were existing tasks but were task components. Operation 4 is a task component of the free-form item 606, and the general administrator can set comments and images (such as photos of parts) related to the operation.

[0136] Each task component has a reorder button 608. The administrator can press the reorder button 608 to swap the execution order of the task components 52.

[0137] When the administrator presses the OK button 609, the task components 52 in the Task View 607 are registered in the task information.

[0138] FIG. 14 shows an example of the SP item screen 610 displayed when the SP item 603 is pressed. An SP item list 611 is displayed on the left side of the SP item screen 610. When the administrator selects one of the SP item lists 611, task components 612 corresponding to the selected SP item list 611 are displayed on the right side. A checkbox 613 is associated with each task component 612, and the administrator can check any checkbox 613. When the administrator presses the OK button 614, the checked task components are displayed in the Task View 607 of FIG. 13.

[0139] FIG. 15 is an example of a special item list screen 620 that is displayed when the special item 604 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 15, there are general settings, authentication settings, mail sending settings, account management, printer management, backup, restore, firmware update, log acquisition, date and time settings, device information output, power management, limitless paper ejection, timer start, paper information, defective nozzle diagnosis & correction, and head cleaning. Each of these can be a task (task component).

[0140] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a task list screen 630. Task names are displayed on the task list screen 630 for each category. This task is a task registered by the administrator (there are also pre-prepared tasks). The administrator can select a task to be registered in the schedule from among these. Depending on the selection, the schedule screen 640 may be displayed, or the user may display the task list screen 630 on the schedule screen 640 and select a task to be registered.

[0141] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule screen 640. Hereinafter, the items included in the schedule screen 640 will be described. · Task name 641... This is the task name of the task selected by the administrator on the task list screen 630. The administrator may be able to select a task using a pull-down menu. · Required time 642... This is the estimated required time of the task registered in the task information. When a user scheduled to execute the task is set in the user field 646 and the average required time of the task for this user is registered in the average required time information, the average required time of the task for the user is displayed. · Execution plan date 643... This is an item for the administrator to set the date on which the task is to be executed from a calendar or the like. · Start time 644... This is an item for the administrator to set the time at which the execution of the task is to start. · Repetition period 645... In the case of a task that is repeatedly executed, this is an item for the administrator to set the period for repeated execution. Since there are many tasks that are repeatedly executed, having such a setting can reduce the work load of the administrator. · User column 646… A list of users registered in the user information is displayed in a pull-down menu or the like. The user names are displayed in a list in association with the average required time for the task, and the administrator can select from among them. The selected user scheduled to execute the task is displayed. · Schedule column 647… This is a column in which the tasks registered in the execution plan date 643 and the start time 644 are displayed on the schedule. The task end scheduled time calculation means 16 calculates the end scheduled time of the task from the required time 642 and the start time 644. The task display update means 19 displays one task in the schedule column 647 from the start time 644 to the task end scheduled time according to the task end scheduled time.

[0142] When the administrator presses the OK button 648, a schedule similar to the schedule column 647 is displayed, and the newly registered tasks in this schedule are displayed. Note that the execution plan date 643 and the start time 644 may be reflected in the schedule column 647 in real time.

[0143] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the task execution screen 650. Hereinafter, the items included in the task execution screen 650 will be described.

[0144] · Schedule column 651… This is a column in which the tasks registered in the schedule information are displayed. The general user can display the schedule of the task in any of month, week, and day. The screen display means 12 (schedule display update means 18) displays the tasks according to the display setting (month, week, day) and the current time. For example, it displays the tasks for one month, one week, one day, etc. including the current time. In FIG. 18, it is a daily display. When the general user switches the display setting, the schedule display update means 18 acquires the tasks included in the display range in the display setting (day, week, month) from the schedule information, acquires the task information of this task, and updates the schedule display. The tasks displayed in the schedule column 651 are associated with the screen related to the execution of the task. An example of this is the screen displayed in the task column 652.

[0145] · Task bar 652... The most recent task is displayed for the current time. In Fig. 18, when the task execution screen 650 is displayed, the task components of the most recent task are automatically displayed. The tasks before and after this most recent task are displayed in the order of execution. In Fig. 18, there are tasks such as "Web cleaner replacement", "Channel plate cleaning", and "Head cap cleaning", and among them, the content of "Head cap cleaning" (the most recent task) is displayed.

[0146] Note that the unexecuted task 59 ("Paper feeding belt cleaning") is displayed at the topmost position.

[0147] Also, the tasks for the selected day in the schedule column 651 may be displayed in the task column 652.

[0148] Each task component has a button 653. When the administrator presses the button 653 (by input according to the execution status on the task execution screen 650), the state of the button 653 changes as follows. For example, it may change as Execute → Executing task display → Completed task display. Note that by the input operation of pressing the button 653, individual task components or tasks may reach the completed state. Also, for the state change of the button 653, for example, when the user presses the button 653 while the button 653 displays "Execute", a task details screen like Fig. 19 described later is displayed. Further, when input such as setting and execution and a completion operation are performed on the details screen and returning to Fig. 18, the button 653 may change to display "Complete". Note that the task (task execution screen 650) may be created with only task components that do not include the button 653.

[0149] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of a task part related to setting change. FIG. 19 is an example of a task bar 652 (a screen corresponding to the task part) of the task execution screen 650. In FIG. 19, a general user can set a set value in an item 654 of "Change Value", and by pressing a button 653, the terminal device 101 can transmit the set value to the image forming apparatus 103 via the DFE 102. The device setting acquisition / updating means 24 of the image forming apparatus 103 stores the set value in the device setting value information storage means 27. In this way, the set value can be changed from the task registered in the schedule. Note that FIG. 19 may be a task detail screen displayed when the button 653 in FIG. 18 is pressed.

[0150] The task part can display the current value currently set in the image forming apparatus 103 in an item 655 of "Current Value".

[0151] A task part that does not change the set value can also be executed by a general user from the schedule. For example, in the "defective nozzle diagnosis & correction" of the special item, a request for an operation required for "defective nozzle diagnosis & correction" is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 103 via the DFE 102 by pressing the execution button. The device operation means 26 of the image forming apparatus 103 performs a test print for detecting a defective nozzle, reads the print result with a scanner, and determines the presence or absence of a defective nozzle. If there is a defective nozzle, correction processing such as cleaning the nozzle or excluding it from the ejection target is performed. In this way, the image forming apparatus 103 can be operated from the task registered in the schedule. Note that in the task bar 652 of FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, there may be means such as buttons and check boxes that allow input indicating that the work for each task part or the entire task has been completed, and other means that allow input of a memo such as matters to be conveyed by the operator who performed the task. Such input that does not involve communication from the DFE 102 (information processing apparatus) to the image forming apparatus 103 (device), such as input indicating completion and text entry, may also be an example of input related to the task.

[0152] <Main effects> As described above, in the information processing system 100 of the present embodiment, an administrator can register tasks related to maintenance in a schedule. Further, since the information processing system 100 opens a screen necessary for the tasks registered at the current time, a general user can proceed with maintenance without searching for a screen related to maintenance.

[0153] <Other application examples> As described above, the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described using examples. However, the present invention is not limited to such examples, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0154] For example, in the present embodiment, the terminal device uses a general-purpose web browser, but a dedicated app may be used for the DFE102.

[0155] Also, the configuration examples in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, etc. are divided according to the main functions in order to facilitate the understanding of the processing by the terminal device 101, the DFE102, and the image forming apparatus 103. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing units or the names. The processing of the terminal device 101, the DFE102, and the image forming apparatus 103 can be further divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Also, one processing unit can be divided so as to include more processing.

[0156] Also, the device group described in the examples only shows one of a plurality of computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed in this specification. In one embodiment, the DFE102 includes a plurality of computing devices such as a server cluster. The plurality of computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via an arbitrary type of communication link including a network, a shared memory, etc., and implement the processing disclosed in this specification.

[0157] Furthermore, the DFE 102 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps, for example, the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 12, in various combinations. For example, the process executed by a predetermined unit can be executed by a plurality of information processing devices included in the DFE 102. Also, the DFE 102 may be integrated into one server device or may be divided into a plurality of devices.

[0158] Each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software like a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) designed to execute each function described above, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and devices such as conventional circuit modules.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0159] 101 Terminal device 102 DFE 103 Image forming apparatus 104 Server device

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0160]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, an acquisition unit that acquires task information, an input acquisition unit that receives a user input related to the start or end of a task corresponding to the information, a registration unit that registers the start time or end time of the task based on the user input, A program that functions as.

2. An information processing apparatus, an acquisition unit that acquires task information, a registration unit that registers the task and a user who executes the task in association with each other in schedule information, A program that functions as.

3. The task includes a plurality of task components, The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The information processing apparatus is further caused to function as a reception unit that receives an input for adding the plurality of task components to the task, The program according to claim 3.

5. The information processing apparatus is further caused to function as a task component registration unit that registers one of the plurality of task components, The reception unit receives an input for adding the one task component to the task, The program according to claim 4.

6. The information processing apparatus is further caused to function as a calculation unit that calculates the required time of the task by summing the required times of the plurality of task components, The program according to claim 3.

7. The information processing apparatus is further caused to function as a current time acquisition means that acquires the current time, The registration unit registers the start time or end time of the task based on the current time, The program according to claim 1.

8. The information processing apparatus is further caused to function as a screen information generation unit that generates screen information of a screen including schedule information and the task associated with the schedule information based on the task information, The program according to claim 1.

9. When the screen information generation unit receives a selection for the task on the screen, the screen information generation unit generates screen information of a screen related to the execution of the task, The screen related to the execution of the task includes a screen that receives a user input related to the start or end of the task, The program according to claim 8.

10. The information processing apparatus is further caused to function as a first reception unit that receives a selection of one task from the registered task information, and a second reception unit that receives a selection of one user from the registered user information, Function as, The registration unit registers by associating the one task with the one user in the schedule information. The program according to claim 2.

11. The information processing apparatus further includes a third reception unit that receives a scheduled start time of the task, and a second calculation unit that calculates a scheduled end time of the task based on the scheduled start time and the required time of the task. Function as The program according to claim 6.

12. The information processing apparatus further includes an authentication unit that authenticates a user, and a registration unit that registers, when the task is completed, the user specified by the authentication unit in association with the task. Function as The program according to claim 1.

13. The task is a task related to equipment maintenance. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The information processing apparatus further functions as a reception unit that receives an input of a repetition period that is the frequency of repeating the task. The program according to claim 2.

15. An information processing apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires task information; an input acquisition unit that receives a user input related to the start or end of the task corresponding to the information; and a registration unit that registers a start time or an end time of the task based on the user input.

16. An information processing apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires task information; and a registration unit that registers by associating the task with a user who executes the task in schedule information. ​

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