Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and control program

Abstract

To reduce waiting time for a subsequent job in an image forming apparatus having a diagnostic function.SOLUTION: There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: receiving means that receives a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus; execution means that executes the job received by the receiving means; and diagnosis means that conducts diagnosis for diagnosing the state of the image forming apparatus, wherein when the receiving means receives the job during the diagnosis conducted by the diagnosis means, the diagnosis during the diagnosis is interrupted, and the execution means executes the job, or a method for controlling the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to diagnosing the cause of a problem in an image forming apparatus according to the problem symptoms. [Background technology]

[0002] When using a multifunction device as an image forming device to print, send images, or send a fax, errors may occur, or even if a job is performed normally, the quality of the output may not be as expected. When such a problem occurs, the user can resolve it by checking the product manual or contacting a call center. If the problem persists, the manufacturer may dispatch a service technician to the user's location to resolve the issue.

[0003] Resolving a problem by contacting a call center or dispatching a service technician as described above can be a burden for users. For example, contacting a call center can be time-consuming for users, and dispatching a service technician can be a burden for users, as it means the user cannot operate the multifunction device until the service technician arrives. Therefore, there is currently a demand for a function that allows users to resolve problems themselves. As such a function, it has been proposed to provide an image forming device with a diagnostic function that can identify the cause of a problem when a problem occurs in the image forming device.

[0004] Patent Document 1 (JP 2021-136583 A) discloses the configuration of an image forming device with a diagnostic function. Because the diagnostic function can take time depending on the content of the diagnosis, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which the diagnosis is interrupted when an operation is received from the operation unit even if the diagnosis is in progress. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-136583 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When an image forming device is shared by multiple users, multiple processes, such as diagnostic processes and print jobs, may be sent to the image forming device at the same time. As mentioned above, the diagnostic function can take time to process depending on the diagnostic content. In such a situation, if a print job is sent to the image forming device, a waiting time occurs until the diagnosis is completed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to reduce the waiting time for a subsequent job in an image forming apparatus having a diagnostic function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In view of the above problems, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and is characterized by comprising: a receiving means that receives a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus; an execution means that executes the job accepted by the receiving means; a diagnostic means that performs a diagnosis to diagnose the state of the image forming apparatus; and when the receiving means accepts the job while the diagnostic means is diagnosing the job, the diagnosis in progress is interrupted and the execution means executes the job.

[0009] Furthermore, the control method for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is a control method for an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and is characterized by comprising: a receiving means that receives a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus; an execution means that executes the job accepted by the receiving means; a diagnostic means that performs a diagnosis to diagnose the state of the image forming apparatus; and when the receiving means accepts the job while the diagnostic means is diagnosing the job, the diagnosis in progress is interrupted and the execution means executes the job.

[0010] Furthermore, the program of the present invention is a program for causing the image forming device to function as an image forming device that forms an image on a recording material, and is characterized by comprising: a receiving means for receiving a job to be executed by the image forming device; an execution means for executing the job accepted by the receiving means; a diagnostic means for performing a diagnosis to diagnose the state of the image forming device; and when the receiving means accepts the job while the diagnostic means is diagnosing the job, the diagnosis in progress is interrupted and the execution means executes the job. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for the subsequent job. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] Overall hardware configuration diagram [Figure 2] Overall software configuration diagram [Figure 3] 1. Example of configuration of external devices connected to the image forming apparatus of this embodiment via a network [Figure 4] 1 is an example of a menu screen for the stable operation monitor in this embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is an example of a result screen of the diagnostic process in this embodiment. [Figure 6] Control example at the time of accepting processing using the fax function in this embodiment [Figure 7] Example of a flowchart for accepting a job in this embodiment [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a diagnostic process acceptance process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a display screen when the diagnostic process in this embodiment is interrupted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a hardware block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1000. The image forming apparatus 1000 is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording material using toner, ink, etc. In Fig. 1, the configuration for controlling the image forming apparatus 1000 includes the following:

[0015] The CPU 111 loads a control program for the main controller 110 stored in the ROM 112 into the RAM 113 and executes it. The ROM 112 is a read-only memory that stores the main controller 110's boot program, operating system, and various other programs. The ROM 112 also stores executable programs related to scan, print, and fax operations, as well as license information for enabling functions of the image forming apparatus 1000 and security-related control programs. The RAM 113 is a random access memory that is used to store programs and temporary data when the CPU 111 controls the main controller 110. The HDD 114 is a hard disk drive that stores some applications, various data, and print data received from the PC 2000 via the network I / F 119. Some types of image forming apparatuses are configured with a solid-state drive (SSD) connected as a storage device instead of the HDD 114, and the SSD's hardware role is equivalent to that of the HDD 114. Some types of image forming apparatuses do not include the HDD 114.

[0016] A print processing program is included in the programs read from ROM 112 and executed by CPU 111. This print processing program converts print data stored in HDD 114 into image data that can be printed by printer unit 140, and the image data is also stored in HDD 114.

[0017] The programs read from the ROM 112 and executed by the CPU 111 include a scan processing program. This scan processing program causes the scanner unit 150 to read image data, and the read image data is transferred to the HDD 114. The read image data is then stored in the HDD 114.

[0018] The operation unit I / F 115 is an I / F for transmitting instructions input by a user of the image forming apparatus 1000 via the operation unit 130 to the CPU 111. The operation unit I / F 115 also receives processing content for switching the content displayed on the operation unit 130 from the CPU 111 and transmits it to the operation unit 130. The operation unit 130 is equipped with a liquid crystal display unit with a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like, and displays the status of the image forming apparatus 1000 and an operation menu, and receives instructions from the user.

[0019] The printer I / F 116 is an interface for connecting the main controller 110 and the printer unit 140. Here, the printer unit 140 prints on a recording medium based on image data transferred from the HDD 114 via the printer I / F 116.

[0020] The scanner I / F 117 is an interface for connecting the main controller 110 and the scanner unit 150. Here, the scanner unit 150 (an input means for inputting image data) reads an image on a document as image data using a line sensor configured with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like. The scanner unit 150 then transfers the read image data to the HDD 114 via the scanner I / F 117. The image data transferred to and stored in the HDD 114 can be printed by the printer unit 140 described above. By printing the image data read by the scanner unit 150 using the printer unit 140, a copying process becomes possible.

[0021] The MODEM 118 demodulates modulated signals received from the telephone network 160, and conversely, modulates signals from the image forming apparatus 1000 and sends them to the telephone network 160. The NCU 119 is the interface between the telephone network 160 and the MODEM 118, and performs line control such as detecting signals coming from the telephone network 160 and transmitting them to the MODEM 118, and switching the telephone network 160 to a FAX or telephone set 170. The MODEM 118 and NCU 119 store image data received by fax from the telephone network 160 in the HDD 114, or send a fax based on image data transferred from the HDD 114.

[0022] The network I / F 120 connects the main controller 110 to the LAN 100 and communicates with the PC 2000 and management server 4000 on the LAN. The PC 2000 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1000 via the LAN 100 and is capable of sending and receiving print data to and from the image forming apparatus 1000, operating the device via a web browser, and transferring firmware files. The image forming apparatus 1000 can immediately print received print data from the printer unit 140, but for functions such as reservation printing, secure printing, and authentication printing, the converted image data is stored in the HDD 114 for a certain period of time.

[0023] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1000 is connected to a mobile terminal 3000 via a wireless communication I / F 121. The mobile terminal 3000 transmits and receives print data to and from the image forming apparatus 100, and requests and receives various processes. Depending on the installation environment of the image forming apparatus 1000, it may not be connected to a PC 2000 or a mobile terminal 3000. As described above, the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus 1000 has a reception unit that can receive job instructions from the operation unit 130 and from the PC 2000, which is an external device. The CPU 111 also has an execution unit that executes jobs received by the reception unit. The execution unit includes a SEND function that prints from the printer unit 140, sends and receives faxes, and sends image information. Of course, the reception unit can receive job instructions such as those described above.

[0024] Next, the configuration of software executed by the CPU 111 of the main controller 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. It is assumed that the program shown in Fig. 2 is stored in the ROM 112 of Fig. 1.

[0025] The main system 210 stores programs for implementing various functions of the image forming apparatus 1000 in this embodiment.

[0026] The operation unit control unit 211 is a program for controlling the display on the operation unit 130 and the reception of input via the operation unit I / F 115 .

[0027] Similarly, the printer control unit 212 is a program for controlling the printer unit 140 via the printer I / F 116, and the scanner control unit 213 is a program for controlling the scanner unit 150 via the scanner I / F 117. Similarly, the fax control unit 214 is a program for controlling fax transmission and reception with the telephone network 160 via the NCU 119.

[0028] The network control unit 215 is a program for controlling a plurality of communication protocols supported by the image forming apparatus 10000 via the network I / F 120 and for communicating with external devices.

[0029] The diagnostic processing unit 216 is a program that executes diagnostic processing (diagnostic means) for errors and problems in the image forming apparatus 1000. For example, if fax transmission or reception cannot be performed correctly, the diagnostic means can diagnose the line status and settings to identify the cause of the problem. It also includes diagnostic processing such as checking the network settings, checking whether the cable is loose, and checking the destination status when a function for transmitting an image scanned by the scanner unit 150 to an external device via the network I / F 120 does not operate correctly. In addition, if an image printed by the printer unit 140 is abnormal, the diagnostic processing unit 216 also controls diagnostic processing such as scanning and analyzing the image and prompting the user to change settings or perform adjustment operations.

[0030] The diagnostic means of the diagnostic processing unit 216 in this embodiment does not handle image data, but is a process aimed at diagnosing the device status and acquiring information for guiding the user to a solution to be displayed on the operation unit 130, a URL for an FQA, or a QR code (registered trademark). Examples of diagnostic processing include checking the fax line type, cable status, device settings, network status, and image adjustment values.

[0031] In contrast to the "diagnostic process," a "job" executed by the image forming apparatus is a process that controls image data sent from the scanner unit 150 or the PC 2000, and aims to print the image data, send it to an external device, or save it in the HDD 114 or process the image. Examples of jobs include fax transmission jobs, SEND (send image information) jobs, and print jobs, as well as processes that temporarily save images in the HDD 114, such as reservation printing, secure printing, and authentication printing.

[0032] The determination unit 217, which determines the type of job, determines the type of job accepted by the image forming apparatus 1000 and the type of job to be diagnosed by the diagnostic processing being executed by the diagnostic processing unit 216. The type determination unit 217 checks whether the type of the diagnostic processing or job being executed is the same as the type of the accepted diagnostic processing or job.

[0033] The execution determination unit 218 determines whether a job accepted during the execution of a diagnostic process or job can be executed. This determination is made by storing a management table indicating whether parallel processing is possible for each diagnostic process and job type in advance, and determining whether parallel processing is possible based on the type of process being executed and the accepted process. For example, the diagnostic process type and job type may be managed by ID and checked against the management table. Alternatively, a flag indicating that exclusive processing is required may be set for a job that cannot be processed in a conflict. An example of the management table will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0034] The priority determination unit 219 determines the priority of diagnostic processing and job processing and the processing that should be executed first, and here, like the execution determination unit 218, it determines the priority of processing based on the type of processing currently being executed and the type of processing that has been accepted, according to a management table stored in advance. Alternatively, it may be possible to use a means of linking information indicating the priority of each processing and comparing the numerical values, or it may be possible to set in advance the type of processing to be executed with the highest priority and determine the processing order accordingly.

[0035] The interruption unit 220 interrupts ongoing processing and interrupts accepted processing. The job control unit 221 is a program that controls job standby and execution when multiple jobs are accepted, interrupts jobs, and controls image data.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the network configuration of this embodiment.

[0037] The image forming apparatus 1000 can transmit and receive print data, scanned image data, device management information, and the like to and from other information processing apparatuses via an internal network (LAN) 100. The image forming apparatus 1000 can also communicate with a management server 4000 via the internal network 100 and an external network 200. The internal network 100 in this embodiment is assumed to be an in-house network protected by a firewall and gateway within the office where the image forming apparatus 1000 is installed. The external network 200 is assumed to be a network directly accessible from the Internet. However, there are no particular limitations on the internal network or external network. The PC 2000 can perform user authentication and access / operate the image forming apparatus 1000 via the internal network 100.

[0038] The management server 4000 and cloud storage 5000 can communicate with cloud storage, file servers, and the like via an external network 200. The image forming apparatus 1001 and image forming apparatus 1002 are multifunction peripherals directly connected to the external network. The image forming apparatus 1001 is assumed to be installed in a shared space such as a coworking space, and the image forming apparatus 1002 is assumed to be installed in a home for telecommuting, but this is not particularly limited. The PC 2001 is capable of user authentication and access / operation via the external network 200.

[0039] The diagnostic processing for errors and problems in this embodiment includes processing that is executed in response to an instruction from a user via the operation unit 130 or an error or problem occurring in the image forming apparatus 1000 itself. The diagnostic processing also includes processing that is executed in response to an instruction from a management server or external device connected to an external network, i.e., remote diagnostic processing. The diagnostic processing is performed by the main controller 110 having a diagnosis receiving means for receiving a diagnosis.

[0040] Note that Figure 3 shows only the number of image forming devices, management servers, cloud storage, PCs, and mobile terminals shown as an example, but a configuration in which there are multiple devices of each is also possible, and the type and number of information processing devices are not limited.

[0041] <Example of the top screen for diagnostic operations> 4 is an example of a top screen displayed on the operation unit 130 to instruct diagnostic operations. Area 400 is a menu display area for diagnostic menus prepared for each function and symptom. Areas 401 to 406 are areas for displaying examples of each menu. The menus shown in the figure are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0042] <Example of diagnostic result display screen> 5 shows a screen in which the diagnosis results are displayed, using the fax diagnosis result as an example. The screen in FIG. 5 displays a diagnosis result display area 500 and a back button 501 for returning to the previous screen display.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows an example in which, as a diagnostic result when fax transmission cannot be performed normally, an incorrect line type setting is detected, and a message urging the user to change the setting to 10 PPS pulses is displayed in the diagnostic result display area 500.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a table of a control method for accepting a job and diagnostic processing, taking the fax function in this embodiment as an example.

[0045] First, 601 shows the diagnostic process and job type currently being executed, using a fax as an example. One of the types is a troubleshooting menu display, which displays a menu screen equivalent to that shown in FIG. 4 on the operation unit 130. While the menu is displayed, control is exercised so that other diagnostic processes are not executed until a user instructs it to do so. Regarding diagnostic processes other than display, fax line diagnostic process, fax transmission error diagnosis, fax reception error diagnosis, and line insertion / removal check are listed as options. Furthermore, regarding jobs currently being executed, fax transmission jobs and fax reception jobs are listed as options. Similarly, 602 shows the accepted diagnostic process and job type, listing the same options as 601.

[0046] The diagnostic process for a fax machine is carried out by determining whether the fax machine has a board failure, checking whether the fax line is plugged in or unplugged, determining the type of line, and so on.

[0047] In particular, the line type determination diagnoses the line type (tone / pulse 10 PPS / pulse 20 PPS) used when dialing. The line type is data stored in the HDD 114, and the dialed number will not be correctly recognized by the telephone network 160 unless a line type compatible with that network is used. Therefore, if the line type setting is incorrect, fax transmission will not be successful. When the line cable is properly connected between the image forming apparatus 1000 and the telephone network 160, a certain voltage is applied to the NCU 119. The voltage value applied to the NCU 119 can be obtained via the MODEM 118, and this voltage value is checked. Note that when an incoming call signal is received from the telephone network 160, a sine wave centered on the voltage applied during standby is sent to the NCU 119. Therefore, if a single determination is made at a specific moment, the voltage value may be read as 0V. This is because the fax line diagnostic process checks the line type multiple times at regular intervals. The diagnostic process may take several seconds to several tens of seconds.

[0048] As mentioned above, there are cases where diagnostic processing takes time. If a job such as a fax is accepted by the accepting unit during a time-consuming diagnosis, the job will wait for the diagnosis before being executed by the executing unit. This creates a problem in that the job must wait for the diagnosis, resulting in a waiting time. This problem is solved by the configuration described below.

[0049] The matrix display area 603 in the table of FIG. 6 describes the expected behavior when a diagnostic process or job is accepted while a specific type of diagnostic process or job is being executed.

[0050] "O" (604) indicates that the currently running process and the accepted job can be executed simultaneously. In this case, the currently running process continues and the accepted process also starts execution. For example, if a fax reception job is accepted while a fax transmission error is being diagnosed, the processes are executed simultaneously.

[0051] "△" (605) indicates that the currently running process and the accepted job cannot be executed simultaneously, and the accepted process waits for the currently running process to finish before it can be executed. For example, if a fax transmission job is accepted during fax line diagnosis, the fax transmission job will wait until the fax line diagnosis finishes before it can be executed.

[0052] "X" (606) indicates that the currently running process and the accepted job cannot be executed simultaneously, and the accepted process will be canceled. For example, even if a request to execute a fax line diagnostic process is accepted while the troubleshooting menu is displayed, the fax line diagnostic will be canceled.

[0053] In "Job Priority," accepted jobs are given priority and executed, and the diagnostic process currently in progress is terminated (interrupted) with an error. For example, if a fax reception job is accepted while a fax line diagnostic process is in progress, the fax line diagnostic process is temporarily interrupted, and the fax line diagnostic process is restarted after waiting for the fax reception job to finish.

[0054] "Reception priority" is used when another job is received while a job is being executed. In the case of a fax, if a transmission and reception are accepted at the same time, the transmission job is put on hold and the reception job is executed.

[0055] In this embodiment, the flow when a job is accepted during the execution of processing will be described with reference to FIG. 7, and the flow when a diagnostic processing is accepted during the execution of processing will be described with reference to FIG.

[0056] Control when accepting a job in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. A program for realizing the operations described in this flowchart is stored in the ROM 112 and executed by the CPU 111.

[0057] First, in step S701, the image forming apparatus accepts a job. The job here can be of any type, such as a scan, print, or fax transmission in response to a user instruction via the operation unit 130, or a print job received from the PC 2000 or the like via the network I / F, or a fax received from the telephone network 160.

[0058] Next, in S702, it is determined whether or not error diagnosis processing is being executed by the diagnostic processing unit 216. If diagnostic processing is being executed, the process proceeds to S703. If no diagnostic processing is being executed in S702, the process proceeds directly to S713, where the accepted job is executed.

[0059] In S703, the type determination unit 217 determines the job type (job type) of the received job. Next, in S704, it is determined whether the function to be diagnosed in the diagnosis process (diagnosis job type) and the job type of the received job correspond to each other. If the job type of the diagnosis being executed and the job type of the received job correspond to each other, the process proceeds to S705.

[0060] For example, if a fax transmission / reception job is accepted during diagnostic processing of the fax function, there may be cases where there are processes that cannot be executed simultaneously, so the process proceeds to S705 and the following determination is made. If the job type being diagnosed differs from the job type of the accepted job, it is determined that the accepted job can be executed, and the process proceeds to S713 and the accepted job is executed. By proceeding to S713, the job is executed with priority even if it is accepted during diagnostic processing. By executing the job with priority, it is possible to reduce or eliminate waiting time.

[0061] An example of a case where the job type of the diagnosis being performed differs from the job type of the accepted job is when the job type of the diagnosis is fax and the job type of the accepted job is a job related to SEND (sending image information). If the job type of the diagnosis and the job type of the accepted job differ, the job may be executed normally even if the diagnosis results are not reflected, so the job may be executed with priority.

[0062] Next, in S705, the execution determination unit 218 determines whether the accepted job can be executed simultaneously with the currently running diagnostic process. If it is determined that the job can be executed simultaneously, this is the combination corresponding to "◯" (604) in Fig. 6, in which case the process proceeds to S713 and the accepted job is executed. If it is determined in S705 that the job cannot be executed simultaneously, the process proceeds to S706.

[0063] In S706, the priority determination unit 219 determines whether the accepted job has a higher processing priority than the diagnostic process currently being executed.

[0064] If it is determined in S706 that the accepted job has a higher processing priority than the diagnostic process currently being executed, this is a combination corresponding to "job priority" (608) in Fig. 6. In this case, the process proceeds to S707, where the interruption unit 220 interrupts the diagnostic process currently being executed, and the process proceeds to S708. In S708, it is determined whether there is any other diagnostic process currently being executed in another image forming apparatus 1000. If there is any other diagnostic process currently being executed, the process returns to S704, and the determinations of S704 to S707 are repeated. If there is no diagnostic process currently being executed in S708, the process proceeds to S713, where the accepted job is executed.

[0065] Although FIG. 7 shows an example in which the interruption unit 220 interrupts the ongoing diagnostic process in S707, the diagnostic process may be forcibly terminated.

[0066] If the priority determination unit 219 determines in S706 that the diagnostic process being executed has a higher priority than the accepted job, the process proceeds to S709, where the job control unit 221 puts the accepted job on hold. Thereafter, in S710, it is determined whether the diagnostic process being executed has ended, and the job continues to wait. When the execution diagnostic process has ended, the process proceeds to S711.

[0067] By putting the job on hold, it can be executed after the diagnosis is completed, and the job can then be executed with the results of the diagnosis reflected.

[0068] In S711, it is determined whether the accepted job is an executable job as a result of the diagnostic processing by the diagnostic processing unit 216. If it is determined in S711 that the job is executable, this corresponds to the combination of "△" (605) in FIG. 6, and in this case, the process proceeds to S713 and the accepted job is executed. If it is determined in S711 that the accepted job is not executable as a result of the diagnostic processing by the diagnostic processing unit 216, the job cannot be executed due to an error or trouble, so the process proceeds to S712, the job is canceled and notified, and the process ends. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the job is canceled in S712, but depending on the type of job and the state of the image forming apparatus 1000, the job control unit 221 may be configured to put the job on hold until the error or trouble is resolved. Furthermore, it may be configured to control the job to be stored in a storage area such as the HDD 114.

[0069] On the other hand, after the diagnosis is completed in S711, a notification may be sent to the operation unit 130 or the like as to whether or not to execute the job being accepted. This is because, depending on the result of the diagnosis, it may be possible for the job itself to be executed.

[0070] Next, the control when accepting diagnostic processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. A program for realizing the operations described in this flowchart is stored in the ROM 112 and executed by the CPU 111.

[0071] First, in step S801, the image forming apparatus accepts diagnostic processing. The diagnostic processing is triggered by an instruction from a user via the operation unit 130 or the occurrence of an error or trouble in the image forming apparatus 1000 itself. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1000 can accept processing remotely in response to an instruction from a management server or an external device (such as a PC 2000) connected to an external network.

[0072] Next, in S802, it is determined whether or not there is a job being executed in the image forming apparatus 1000. If a job is being executed, the process proceeds to S803. If there is no job being executed in S802, the process proceeds directly to S810.

[0073] If a job is currently being executed, in S803 the diagnostic processing unit 216 determines the function to be diagnosed of the received diagnostic process, and then in S804 determines whether the type of job currently being executed matches the function to be diagnosed of the received diagnostic process. If the type of job currently being executed matches the function to be diagnosed of the diagnostic process, for example, if diagnostic processing of the fax function is received while a fax sending or receiving job is being executed, there may be cases where processes cannot be executed simultaneously, so the process proceeds to S805 and makes the next determination. If the type of job currently being executed does not match the function to be diagnosed of the diagnostic process in S804, this is a combination corresponding to "◯" (604) in Figure 6, and it is determined that the received diagnostic process can be executed, and the process proceeds to S809.

[0074] In S805, the execution determination unit 218 determines whether the received diagnostic process can be executed simultaneously with the currently running job. If it is determined that the diagnostic process can be executed simultaneously, it corresponds to the combination of "◯" (604) in Fig. 6, and it is determined that the received diagnostic process can be executed, and the process proceeds to S809. If it is determined in S805 that the job cannot be executed simultaneously, the process proceeds to S806.

[0075] In S806, the priority determination unit 219 determines whether the accepted diagnostic process has a higher processing priority than the job currently being executed.

[0076] If it is determined in S806 that the accepted diagnostic process has a higher priority than the job being executed, the process proceeds to S807, where the job control unit 221 terminates the job being executed with an error and suspends it, and the process proceeds to S809. While the matrix 603 in Fig. 6 does not provide a specific example of the job suspension process in S807, this flow applies when an urgent diagnostic process is executed. Furthermore, although S807 shows an example of suspending the job with an error, the job being executed may be controlled to wait until the accepted diagnostic process is completed.

[0077] If the priority determination unit 219 determines in S806 that the job being executed has a higher priority than the accepted diagnostic process, the process proceeds to S808, where the accepted diagnostic process is put on hold, and after the job being executed is completed, the process proceeds to S809.

[0078] In S809, it is determined whether there are any other jobs or diagnostic processes in progress, and if there are other processes in progress, the process returns to S802 and the next determination is made. If there are no other processes in progress in S809, the process proceeds to S815 and the accepted diagnosis is executed.

[0079] If there is no job being executed in S802 and the process proceeds to S810, it is determined in S810 whether another diagnostic process is being executed. If there is no diagnostic process being executed in S810, the process proceeds to S816 and the accepted diagnostic process is executed. If another diagnostic process is being executed in S810, the process proceeds to S811 and the next determination is made.

[0080] In S811, the execution determination unit 218 determines whether the received diagnostic process can be executed simultaneously with the diagnostic process currently being executed. If it is determined that the diagnostic process can be executed simultaneously, it is a combination equivalent to the fax transmission error diagnosis and line insertion / removal check process among the "◯" (604) in Fig. 6, and it is determined that the received diagnostic process is executable, and the process proceeds to S815, where the process is executed. If it is determined in S811 that the diagnostic process cannot be executed simultaneously, the process proceeds to S812.

[0081] In S812, it is determined whether the accepted diagnostic process is subject to cancellation. If it is determined to be subject to cancellation, the combination corresponds to "x" (607) in Figure 6. In this case, the diagnostic process being executed continues, and the flow proceeds to S817, where the accepted diagnostic process is canceled and the flow ends.

[0082] If it is determined in S812 that the accepted diagnostic process is not subject to cancellation, the process proceeds to S813 to determine whether or not the process can be put on hold.

[0083] In S813, the priority determination unit 219 determines whether the accepted diagnostic process has a higher processing priority than the diagnostic process currently being executed.

[0084] If it is determined in S813 that the accepted diagnostic process has a higher priority than the diagnostic process currently being executed, the process proceeds to S814, where the interruption unit 220 terminates the currently executing diagnostic process with an error and interrupts it, and the process proceeds to S816, where the accepted diagnostic process is executed. While the matrix 603 in Fig. 6 does not provide a specific example of the diagnostic process being interrupted in S814, this flow applies when a diagnostic process that requires more urgency is executed when a diagnostic process conflict occurs. Furthermore, although an example is shown in S814 where the currently executing diagnostic process is terminated with an error and interrupted, the currently executing diagnostic process may be controlled to wait until the accepted diagnostic process is completed.

[0085] If the priority determination unit 219 determines in S813 that the diagnostic process being executed has a higher priority than the accepted diagnostic process, the process proceeds to S815. This is a combination corresponding to the case where a line insertion / removal check process is accepted during execution of a fax line diagnosis, among the "◯" (604) in Fig. 6, and the accepted diagnostic process is put on hold, and after the ongoing diagnostic process is completed, the process proceeds to S816, where the accepted diagnostic process is executed.

[0086] 6 and the flow of Fig. 8 show an example in which the priority is determined according to the type of diagnostic process, but the determination of the processing priority by the priority determination unit 219 in S813 may also be determined according to the type of diagnostic process execution trigger. For example, if a diagnostic process triggered by the occurrence of an error or trouble or a diagnostic process from an external network is received during a diagnosis executed in response to an instruction from a user via the operation unit 130, the ongoing diagnosis will be continued.

[0087] On the other hand, if a user issues a diagnostic instruction via the operation unit 130 during a diagnosis triggered by the occurrence of an error or trouble, the ongoing diagnosis is interrupted and the diagnosis is executed via the operation unit 130. Similarly, if a user issues a diagnostic instruction via the operation unit 130 during a diagnosis received from an external network, the ongoing diagnosis is interrupted and the diagnosis is executed via the operation unit 130.

[0088] <Example of the screen when processing is interrupted> Fig. 9 is an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 130 when the ongoing diagnostic process is interrupted in the process of S707 in the flow of Fig. 7. The screen of Fig. 9 displays a diagnostic result display area 900 and a back button 901 for returning to the screen display.

[0089] Fig. 9 shows an example in which a fax job is received, and the diagnostic process being executed and the accepted job cannot be executed simultaneously according to the processing flow explained in Fig. 7, and the diagnostic process has been suspended because the job has a high processing priority. The screen display shown in Fig. 9 may also be displayed when canceling the diagnostic process accepted in S817 of Fig. 8. Furthermore, a similar screen may be displayed when the accepted process is suspended, and the wording is not limited to this.

[0090] As described above, according to this embodiment, in an image forming apparatus capable of diagnosing errors and problems, when a job is accepted while an ongoing job and a diagnostic process are being executed, or when multiple diagnostic processes are accepted, the apparatus can determine whether simultaneous execution is possible and the processing priority, and then execute the processes. This embodiment has been described using a fax diagnostic process and job as an example, but control similar to the flows in Figures 7 and 8 may also be executed for a scan job, a print job, an image transmission job, and their associated diagnostic processes, based on a matrix such as that in Figure 6.

[0091] The above control prevents a diagnostic process from interrupting a job that can be executed in parallel without causing a problem. Furthermore, when multiple diagnostic processes are accepted, the diagnostic process with the highest priority can be executed first, or the diagnostic process with the highest urgency, such as a diagnostic process executed by the user on the main body or a diagnostic process that is important for operation, can be executed first.

[0092] <Other embodiments> It may be a control program that can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or it may be a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device execute the program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 110 Main Controller 111 CPU 112 ROM 113 RAM 130 Operation section 211 Operation unit control unit 212 Printer control unit 213 Scanner control unit 214 Fax control section 215 Network Control Unit 216 Diagnostic control unit 217 Type control section 218 Execution Control Unit 219 Priority Control Unit 220 Interruption 221 Job Control Unit 1000 (1001, 1002) Image forming device 2000 PC

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a reception unit for receiving a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus; an execution unit that executes the job accepted by the acceptance unit; a diagnostic unit for diagnosing the state of the image forming apparatus; If the accepting means accepts the job during a diagnosis by the diagnosing means, the diagnosis in progress is interrupted, and the executing means executes the job. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The image forming apparatus is capable of communicating with an external device via a network, an operation unit for a user to operate the image forming apparatus; a diagnosis receiving means for receiving an instruction for the diagnosis to be performed by the diagnosis means, the diagnosis receiving means receives a diagnosis instruction from the external device via the network and a diagnosis instruction via the operation unit; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. When the receiving means receives the job during a diagnosis by the diagnosing means, the diagnosis is interrupted and the executing means executes the job; After the job is completed, the interrupted diagnosis is performed.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. When the job reception unit receives the job during the diagnosis by the diagnosis unit, and the type of the job being diagnosed during the diagnosis differs from the type of the job received by the reception unit, the diagnosis being performed is interrupted, and the execution means executes the job.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. When the job reception unit receives the job during the diagnosis by the diagnosis unit, and the type of the job being diagnosed corresponds to the type of the job received by the reception unit, The diagnosis is continued during the diagnosis.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. When the job reception unit receives the job during the diagnosis by the diagnosis unit, and the type of the job being diagnosed corresponds to the type of the job received by the reception unit, The diagnosis is continued during the diagnosis; After the diagnosis is completed, the job is executed.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. When the job reception unit receives the job during the diagnosis by the diagnosis unit, and the type of the job being diagnosed corresponds to the type of the job received by the reception unit, The diagnosis is continued during the diagnosis; After the diagnosis is completed, if the job is executable, the job is executed.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. When the job reception unit receives the job during the diagnosis by the diagnosis unit, and the type of the job being diagnosed corresponds to the type of the job received by the reception unit, The diagnosis is continued during the diagnosis; If the job is not executable after the diagnosis is completed, the job is canceled.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

9. When the job reception unit receives the job during the diagnosis by the diagnosis unit, and the type of the job being diagnosed corresponds to the type of the job received by the reception unit, The diagnosis is continued during the diagnosis; After the diagnosis is completed, a notification is given as to whether or not to execute the job.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

10. When the reception unit receives the job during the diagnosis by the diagnosis unit, and the diagnosis being performed and the job received by the reception unit can be executed simultaneously, the diagnosis in progress and the job accepted by the accepting unit are executed in parallel.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

11. When the diagnosis receiving means receives an instruction for the diagnosis from the operation unit during execution of the diagnosis performed in response to the instruction for the diagnosis from the external device, the diagnosis being performed is interrupted, and the diagnosis instructed from the operation unit is performed; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

12. The diagnostic job type includes a fax-related diagnosis; The types of jobs accepted by the accepting unit include jobs related to fax.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

13. The type of the diagnostic job includes a diagnosis regarding a function for transmitting image information to an external device, The types of jobs accepted by the accepting unit include jobs relating to a function of transmitting image information to an external device.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

14. The job includes sending and receiving a fax.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

15. The diagnosis includes a diagnosis of a fax function.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

16. A control program that can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed by a computer, The image forming apparatus a reception unit for receiving a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus; an execution unit that executes the job accepted by the acceptance unit; functioning as an image forming apparatus having a diagnostic unit for diagnosing the state of the image forming apparatus; a job execution unit that executes the job while the job is being diagnosed by the diagnostic unit; a job acceptance unit that accepts the job while the diagnostic unit is diagnosing the job;

17. A control program storable in a computer-readable storage medium, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus; an execution step of executing the job accepted by the accepting means; a diagnostic step of diagnosing the state of the image forming apparatus, a job execution unit that executes the job while the job is being diagnosed by the diagnostic unit; a job acceptance unit that accepts the job while the diagnostic unit is diagnosing the job;

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