Program and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a technology for effectively notifying various information about a resident type device monitoring program for communicating with a device.SOLUTION: A resident type device monitoring program 33 can be executed by a CPU 21 of an information processing device 200. The device monitoring program 33 makes the CPU 21 communicate with a device 1 to be a monitoring object to acquire a status of the device 1, and displays a first status information screen 50 based on the acquired status on a display 42. Also, the device monitoring program 33 makes the CPU 21 acquire offering information about a service that can be provided to the device 1 to be a monitoring object, and displays an offering information screen 53 about the acquired offering information on the display 42 by the same display format as the first status information screen 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a resident program that communicates with an image processing device and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known resident programs that function as resident processes that remain resident and continue processing after the information processing device is started, and that communicate with the image processing device to be monitored. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a status monitor, which is a resident program, periodically communicates with a printer, acquires the printer status, and notifies information indicating the status as necessary. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-176401 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A resident program communicates with the image processing device being monitored and notifies the user of information based on the status of the image processing device being monitored, but there is a variety of information about the image processing device other than information based on the status, and it is desirable to be able to effectively notify the user of a variety of information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been made with the aim of solving the above-mentioned problems, and is a program executable by a computer of an information processing device having a communication unit, the program being a resident program, and configured to cause the computer to execute the following: a first acquisition process that communicates with an image processing device to be monitored via the communication unit and acquires the status of the image processing device; a first display process that displays a first notification image based on the status acquired in the first acquisition process; a second acquisition process that acquires service-related information regarding services that can be provided to the image processing device to be monitored; and a second display process that displays a second notification image regarding the service-related information acquired in the second acquisition process in the same display format as the first notification image.

[0006] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, the program communicates with the image processing device being monitored to notify the user of status-based information, and also notifies the user of service-related information about the image processing device being monitored in the same display format as the status-based information, thereby effectively providing the user with various information about the image processing device being monitored.

[0007] An information processing device for realizing the functions of the above device is also novel and useful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The technology disclosed in this specification realizes a technology for effectively notifying various pieces of information about a resident program that communicates with an image processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the display of the operation display unit in a state where a first status information screen is displayed as a pop-up. FIG. [Figure 3](A) An explanatory diagram showing a second status information screen displayed as a pop-up on the display of the operation display unit, (B) An explanatory diagram showing a third status information screen displayed as a pop-up on the display of the operation display unit, and (C) An explanatory diagram showing an offering information screen displayed as a pop-up on the display of the operation display unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for displaying status information, offering information, and a notification list, which is realized by a device monitoring program of an information processing apparatus, including the operations of a device and a server. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification list screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for displaying status information and offering information, which is realized by a device monitoring program and a device control program of an information processing apparatus, including the operations of a device and a server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display in which a task box is displayed as a pop-up. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display method and priority of a first badge. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for badge display processing that is realized by a CPU of an information processing device sequentially processing according to instructions written in a device monitoring program. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display in which a start-up box is displayed as a pop-up; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display in which a second home screen is displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to an information processing system including a printing device and an information processing device that are capable of communicating with each other.

[0011] 1, the information processing system 100 of this embodiment has four devices 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D and an information processing device 200, which are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the devices 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, the subscripts A to D used to distinguish them will be omitted and they will be described as device 1. The devices are an example of image processing devices.

[0012] The devices 1 include a printing device 1A capable of printing on a medium to be printed, and an image reading device 1B capable of reading an image recorded on a medium to be read. In this embodiment, the printing device 1A is exemplified as an inkjet printer. Alternatively, the printing device 1A may be a laser printer, label printer, copier, or multifunction peripheral. The information processing device 200 generates and edits image data to be printed by the printing device 1A, sends print execution instructions and image data to the printing device 1A, and receives status information from the printing device 1A.

[0013] The information processing device 200 issues a reading instruction to the image reading device 1B, receives read data from the image reading device 1B, receives status information from the image reading device 1B, etc. The image reading device 1B may be a copy machine, a multifunction device, etc.

[0014] The information processing device 200 is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet computer. The number of information processing devices 200 constituting the information processing system 100 is not limited to one, and there may be a plurality of information processing devices 200.

[0015] 1, the printing device 1A has a controller 11, a printing unit 12, an operation panel 13, a network interface 14, and a storage unit 15. The controller 11 includes a CPU and memories such as flash ROM and RAM, and controls each component of the printing device 1A.

[0016] The controller 11 is a general term for hardware used to control the printing device 1A, such as a CPU, etc. Specifically, the controller 11 may also include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like.

[0017] The printing unit 12 is configured to print an image on a medium to be printed based on image data sent from the information processing device 200. In this embodiment, the printing unit 12 uses an inkjet printing method as its image formation method. The printing unit 12 has a print head that prints an image on the medium. The printing unit 12 can also be called a print engine. The image formation method of the printing unit 12 may be a thermal printing method or an electrophotographic method.

[0018] The operation panel 13 is, for example, a touch panel, and receives input from a user and displays information. The operation panel 13 may include various indicator lamps, buttons, and the like.

[0019] The network interface 14 is hardware for communicating with the information processing device 200 .

[0020] Furthermore, storage unit 15 of printing device 1A stores a program for an embedded web server (hereinafter referred to as "EWS" (short for Embedded Web Server)) 16. Storage unit 15 also has a data storage area 17, which stores, for example, capability information of printing device 1A, connection information for connecting to printing device 1A, status information of printing device 1A, various setting information to be set in printing device 1A, remaining amount information of consumables of printing device 1A, information on the number of pages printed by printing device 1A, information on support for consumables, etc.

[0021] For example, the information processing device 200 can access various information stored in the data storage area 17 via the EWS 16. The printing device 1A also manages the printing progress status for each job sender. In this embodiment, the consumables are ink cartridges that contain ink consumed in the printing process of the printing device, and the remaining amount information is information related to the remaining amount of ink contained in the ink cartridge.

[0022] The devices 1B to 1D also have an EWS and a storage unit (neither of which is shown) similar to the EWS 16 of the printing device 1A.

[0023] In this embodiment, the information processing device 200 includes a desktop personal computer (PC) 2 and an input / output device 25, as shown in FIG. 1. The desktop personal computer (PC) 2 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a nonvolatile memory 24, an input / output unit 25, an interface 26, a network interface 27, and the like. The ROM 22 stores various programs and the like for the information processing device 200. The RAM 23 is used as a working area when various processes are executed, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The nonvolatile memory 24 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, or the like, and stores various programs and data.

[0024] The CPU 21 executes various processes in accordance with the programs loaded from the ROM 22 to the nonvolatile memory 24 .

[0025] The input / output device 25 is connected to the interface 26 and has an input device and an output device. The input device includes a keyboard 40, a mouse 41, etc. The output device includes a display 42. The display 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The input / output device 25 may be a touch panel that can be operated by touch. The information processing device may be a notebook PC or a tablet PC.

[0026] The network interface 27 is hardware for communicating with each device 1. The network interface is an example of a communication unit.

[0027] In the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the information processing device 200 and each device 1 perform wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard via a common access point 3. That is, the network interfaces 14 and 27 are both wireless interfaces that enable wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Alternatively, the network interfaces 14 and 27 may be wired interfaces such as wired LAN (Local Area Network) interfaces.

[0028] The communication mode of the present embodiment is merely an example and is not limited to the above-described mode. For example, the information processing device 200 and each device 1 may communicate with each other by wireless communication through a direct connection without going through the access point 3, or by wired communication using an interface such as a USB.

[0029] The access point 3 is also connected via the Internet 4 to a server 5 provided by a manufacturer or sales company of the device 1. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can download the manual for the device 1 from the server 5 via the Internet 4. In addition to the manual, the information processing device 200 can also download offering information such as service information and bargain information related to consumables for the device 1 from the server 5.

[0030] Examples of services related to consumables include an automatic consumables shipping service and a subscription service. The automatic consumables shipping service is a service that automatically ships consumables to users of printing devices based on information about the remaining amount of the consumables. The subscription service is a service that charges a flat rate for up to a certain number of pages printed by the printing device and automatically ships consumables to users of printing devices based on information about the remaining amount of the consumables.

[0031] 1, the nonvolatile memory 24 of the information processing device 200 stores an operating system (OS) 31, an application program (app) 32, a device monitoring program 33, and a device control program 34. The nonvolatile memory 24 also includes a data storage unit 35.

[0032] The OS 31 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), or Android (registered trademark). In this embodiment, the OS 31 is Windows.

[0033] The application 32 is, for example, an image editing program that has a function of receiving user instructions via the input / output unit 25, a function of displaying an image on the display 42, and a function of editing and saving the image. The application 32 may also be a document editing program, a spreadsheet program, or the like.

[0034] The device monitoring program 33 is a resident program that periodically communicates with each device 1 via the network interface 27 and realizes the function of acquiring various types of information, such as status information, from each device 1. The device monitoring program 33 also periodically communicates with the server 5 via the network interface 27 and realizes the function of acquiring various types of information from the server 5.

[0035] A resident program is, for example, a program that is automatically started when the OS is started and performs predetermined processing in the background while the OS is running. A device monitoring program is an example of a first program.

[0036] Specifically, the device monitoring program 33 obtains, via the network interface 27, from the printing device 1A, the capability information of the printing device 1A, connection information for connecting to the printing device 1A, status information of the printing device 1A, various setting information to be set in the printing device 1A, information on the remaining amount of consumables of the printing device 1A, information on the number of pages printed by the printing device 1A, information on support for consumables, information on the progress of printing, etc., and stores this information in the data storage unit 35.

[0037] In addition, the device monitoring program 33 obtains, via the network interface 27, from the image reading device 1B, the capability information of the image reading device 1B, connection information for connecting to the image reading device 1B, status information of the image reading device 1B, various setting information to be set in the image reading device 1B, information on the progress of reading, etc., and stores the information in the data storage unit 35.

[0038] The device monitoring program 33 also acquires offering information about the device 1 provided by the manufacturer or sales company of the device 1 via the network interface 27, and stores the information in the data storage unit 35. The offering information includes service information about consumables, bargain information, maintenance information, campaign announcements, the latest models, and introductions to convenient functions. The offering information may also include link information to the server 5. The offering information is an example of service-related information.

[0039] The device monitoring program 33 can read out the status information, offering information, etc. of the device 1 stored in the data storage unit 35 and display it as a pop-up on the display 42.

[0040] The device control program 34 has a function for causing the printing device 1A, which is set in the model name display field 73 described below, to print images, etc., edited or saved by the application 32. That is, the device control program 34 accepts the selection of an image to be printed, and transmits print data based on the selected image to the printing device 1A, thereby causing the printing device 1A to print based on the print data. This function is an example of a transmission process. The device control program 34 can also read status information and remaining amount information of consumables of the selected printing device 1A from the data storage unit 35 and display them on the display 42. The device control program 34 is a non-resident program that is activated, for example, when activated by a user. The device control program is an example of a display program.

[0041] The device control program 34 also instructs the selected image reading device 1B to perform reading, and receives image information read by the selected image reading device 1B and stores it in the data storage unit 35. This function is an example of a transmission process. Information regarding the progress of reading by the selected image reading device 1B can also be read from the data storage unit 35 and then displayed on the display 42.

[0042] The data storage unit 35 also stores the model names, model numbers, etc. of all devices 1 that are monitored by the device monitoring program 33.

[0043] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display state of the display 42 in a state in which a first status information screen 50 by the device monitoring program 33 is popped up. That is, on the first home screen 42A of the information processing device 200, an icon 43 for the user to start the device control program 34 is displayed on the left side of the display 42, and a task bar 44 is displayed below. In addition, a box display button 45 is displayed on the right side of the task bar 44. Note that the icon 43 for the device control program 34 does not necessarily have to be displayed on the first home screen 42A, and the device control program 34 may be started by operating a menu screen (not shown) of the information processing device 200.

[0044] The first home screen 42A is displayed on the display 42 by the OS, and the OS also displays icons 43, a task bar 44, a box display button 45, and the like on the first home screen 42A.

[0045] Furthermore, a first status information screen 50 related to consumables, for example, the remaining ink level, is displayed as a pop-up on the first home screen 42A displayed on the display 42. The first status information screen 50 is configured with a first character string display field 50A in which a character string such as "Ink replacement soon" is displayed as status information, a second character string display field 50B in which a character string such as "Access the link containing support information" is displayed to which an access destination of the server 5 is linked, a model name display field 50C in which the model name of the device 1 is displayed, a remaining ink level display field 50D in which the remaining ink level is displayed, a remaining paper level display field 50E in which the remaining paper level is displayed, an offering information display field 50F in which offering information and the like related to the status information displayed in the first character string display field 50A are displayed, and a notification list button 50G in which a notification list button for displaying a notification list screen is displayed.

[0046] The model name display field 50C displays the model name and IP address of the corresponding device. Note that instead of the IP address, other identification information that can uniquely identify the device may be used. Examples of other identification information that can be used include a MAC address and a serial number.

[0047] 3A, a second status information screen 51 unrelated to consumables, such as ink, is popped up on the first home screen 42A by the device monitoring program 33. The second status information screen 51 is configured with a model display field 51A in which the model name of the device 1 is displayed, and a second character string display field 51B in which status information, such as "No paper," is displayed. The character string "No paper" is displayed in the second character string display field 51B when the information processing device 200 acquires status information from the printing device 1 indicating that paper is out. This process is the third display process.

[0048] 3(B), a third status information screen 52 not related to consumables, such as ink, is popped up on the first home screen 42A by the device monitoring program 33. The third status information screen 52 is configured with a model display field 52A that displays the model name of the device 1, and a progress display field 52B that displays status information, such as the progress of scanning by the image reading device 1B.

[0049] 3(C), an offering information screen 53 displaying offering information and the like is popped up on the first home screen 42A by the device monitoring program 33. The offering information screen 53 is configured with an offering information display field 53A for displaying offering information, a notification list button 53B for displaying a notification list button for displaying a notification list screen, and the like.

[0050] The information processing device 200 may be configured to pop up on the first home screen 42A a first status information screen 50 that displays status information related to consumables, a second status information screen 51 and a third status information screen 52 that display status information not related to consumables, and an offering information screen 53 that displays offering information so that they do not overlap with each other, or it may be configured so that these information screens 50 to 52 pop up and overlap with each other.

[0051] Furthermore, when multiple screens are configured to be displayed in a popup format overlapping each other, it is acceptable to configure the screen displaying new information to be displayed in a popup format in the foreground. In this case, since the screen displaying new information is displayed in a popup format in the foreground, the user can always keep an eye on the latest device status and information, obtain the status and information, and respond quickly.

[0052] (Display status and offering information) FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for displaying status information, offering information, and a notification list, which is realized by the device monitoring program 33 of the information processing device 200, including the operations of the device 1 and the server 5.

[0053] Note that each processing step in this embodiment represents processing by the CPU 21 in accordance with instructions written in a program such as the device monitoring program 33 of the information processing device 200. Processing by the CPU 21 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, detailed description of the OS will be omitted and the operation of each program will be explained. Also, for convenience, processing that is primarily performed by the CPU 21 may be described as being primarily performed by a program or device in this specification.

[0054] (Display status and offering information) 4, first, when an error occurs during operation, for example, when device 1 is printing device 1A and an error occurs such as when a consumable such as ink runs out or when a paper jam occurs during printing, device 1 sends status information indicating the error content to information processing device 200 (step 11 (hereinafter referred to as T11)). Accordingly, device monitoring program 33 receives the status information and stores the received status information in data storage unit 35 (T12). This procedure is an example of a first acquisition process and a fourth acquisition means.

[0055] Furthermore, the device monitoring program 33 inquires about status information from each device 1 connected to the information processing device 200, i.e., each device 1 monitored by the device monitoring program 33, i.e., the information processing device 200 inquires about each device 1 at regular intervals, i.e., so-called polling is performed (T13). Note that the polling interval for each device 1 may be constant, or may be varied based on, for example, the frequency of use of the device 1.

[0056] Each device 1 that has received an inquiry from the information processing device 200 transmits status information to the information processing device 200 (T14). Accordingly, the device monitoring program 33 that has received the status information stores the received status information in the data storage unit 35 (T15). Note that this procedure is an example of the first acquisition process, the third acquisition process, and the fourth acquisition process.

[0057] If the status information is stored in the data storage unit 35 at T12 or T15, the device monitoring program 33 determines whether the stored status information is status information related to a consumable item, such as ink, provided by the manufacturer or sales company of the device 1. If the information processing device 200 determines that the status information is related to a consumable item, the device monitoring program 33 pops up a first status information screen 50 on the first home screen 42A based on the content of the status information, as shown in FIG. 2 (T16). This processing is an example of a first display processing.

[0058] The device monitoring program 33 also searches for offering information stored in the data storage unit 35 based on the content of the status information and the model name of the device 1—specifically, for example, the warning information “Ink replacement soon” displayed in the first character string display field 50A and the model name “DCP-XXXDW” displayed in the model name display field 50C—and extracts the offering information stored in association with the warning information and the model name. The information processing device 200 then displays the extracted offering information in the offering information display field 50F of the first status information screen 50. This processing is an example of the second display processing.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first status information screen 50, which is based on the status information related to consumables sent from all devices 1 connected to the information processing device 200, i.e., from each device 1 monitored by the device monitoring program 33, also displays warning information and offering information related to the model name in the offering information display field 50F. This allows the user to recognize that there is a device 1 with a specific status or that there is offering information related to the status by looking at the contents of the pop-up display, improving user convenience. This can also be expected to improve the user's ability to deal with status information.

[0060] In this case, the offering information displayed in the offering information display field 50F may be configured to display only offering information that has not been read by the user, or may be configured to display all offering information related to the warning information and the model name, regardless of whether the offering information has been read or unread by the user. The offering information is stored in the data storage unit 35 in association with information indicating whether the offering information has been read or unread. Immediately after receiving the offering information from the server 5, the offering information is associated with information indicating that the offering information has been read, and when the offering information is displayed on the first status information screen 50 or the like, the information indicating that the offering information has been read is associated with the offering information instead of the information indicating that the offering information has been unread.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the offering information stored in the data storage unit 35 is configured to be displayed in the offering information display field 50F of the first status information screen 50, but it is also possible to configure the device monitoring program 33 to download offering information from the server 5 by inquiring about the offering information based on the content of the status information and the model name of the device 1, and then display the offering information downloaded from the server 5 in the offering information display field 50F of the first status information screen 50 based on the offering information.

[0062] Next, the device monitoring program 33 determines whether the status information stored in the data storage unit 35 is status information related to a consumable item, such as ink, provided by the manufacturer or distributor of the device 1. If the device monitoring program 33 determines that the status information is not related to a consumable item, such as an out-of-paper condition, the device monitoring program 33 pops up a second status information screen 51, such as that shown in FIG. 3A, or a third status information screen 52, such as that shown in FIG. 3B, on the first home screen 42A based on the content of the status information (T17). The second status information screen 51 indicates that the device is out of paper, and the third status information screen 52 indicates that a scan process is being performed by the device. This process is an example of a first display process and a third display process, and the second status information screen is an example of a third notification screen.

[0063] In this embodiment, if the status information is not related to consumables such as ink provided by the manufacturer or sales company of device 1, for example, on the second status information screen 51 that notifies the user that paper is out or the third status information screen 52 that displays the progress of scanning by image reading device 1B, no offering information is displayed, so unnecessary information is not provided to the user, improving visibility for the user.

[0064] In addition, if the device monitoring program 33 receives the same status information from device 1 while displaying a pop-up screen based on certain status information from device 1, the further pop-up display of the screen based on the received status information may be omitted.

[0065] Furthermore, the device monitoring program 33 inquires about offering information from the server 5 connected to the information processing device 200, i.e., the information processing device 200 performs so-called polling of the server 5 (T18). The inquiry is accompanied by information indicating the time of the previous inquiry. When the server 5 receives the inquiry and finds that there is offering information that has not yet been sent to the information processing device 200, i.e., that there is new offering information that has been registered since the time indicated in the accompanying information, the server 5 transmits the new offering information to the information processing device 200 (T19). Accordingly, the device monitoring program 33 that has received the offering information stores the received offering information in the data storage unit 35 that can be accessed by the device control program 34 (T20). Note that this procedure is an example of a second acquisition process.

[0066] The polling interval for the server 5 may be the same as the polling interval performed by the information processing device 200 for each device 1, or the polling interval may be different between the device 1 and the server 5. For example, the polling interval for the server 5 may be set longer than the polling interval for the device 1. Furthermore, the polling interval for the server 5 may be changed depending on the situation, such as the season or whether or not an event is taking place.

[0067] Next, the device monitoring program 33 searches for offering information stored in the data storage unit 35, and if new offering information is available, pops up an offering information screen 53 as shown in Fig. 3(C) based on the new offering information (T21). That is, the offering information screen 53 relating to the offering information is popped up in the same manner as the first status information screen 50 relating to the status information. This process is an example of a second display process, and the offering information screen is an example of a second notification image.

[0068] In this process, if there is no new offering information, the offering information screen 53 may be popped up on the first home screen 42A based on the latest offering information. Also, if there is no new offering information and the first status information screen 50 is displayed on the first home screen 42A, the offering information stored in the data storage unit 35 may be searched based on the model name displayed in the model name display field 50C of the first status information screen 50, and the offering information screen 53 may be popped up on the first home screen 42A based on the extracted offering information.

[0069] (Display notification list) Next, when the information processing device 200 is displaying the first status information screen 50 or the offering information screen 53, if the user clicks with the mouse 41 on the notification list button 50G on the first status information screen 50 or the notification list button 53B on the offering information screen 53 (T31), the device monitoring program 33 displays all notifications for the device 1 being monitored as a notification list screen 54 on the display 42 stored in the data storage unit 35 based on the notification information stored in the data storage unit 35 (T32).

[0070] Notification objects 54A to 54D are displayed on the notification list screen 54. Each of the notification objects 54A to 54D also displays the notification date, notification message, target model name, etc. When a click operation with the mouse 41 is received on any of the objects 54A to 54D, a detailed information screen or a reference information screen is displayed.

[0071] The device control program 34 references the offering information that the device monitoring program 33 stored in the data storage unit 35 at T24, and displays the notification list screen 54 based on the referenced offering information. The notification list screen 54 can also be displayed on the setting screen 80 by the user clicking the "notification list" tab 83A with the mouse 41.

[0072] In this embodiment, the device monitoring program 33 stores notification information for all devices 1 that it is monitoring in the data storage unit 35, and the device monitoring program 33 displays a notification list screen 54 on the display 42 based on the notification information stored in the data storage unit 35, so that the user can properly understand the offering information currently being provided to the device 1.

[0073] Furthermore, when the device monitoring program 33 is displaying the first status information screen 50 or the offering information screen 53, if the user clicks with the mouse 41 on the text or illustration portion of the display screen of the first status information screen 50 or the offering information screen 53 (T33), the device monitoring program 33 starts the device control program 34 and, as shown in FIG. 5, displays a detailed information screen or a reference information screen (not shown) on the display 42 for all notifications to the monitored device 1 based on the notification information stored in the data storage unit 35 (T34).

[0074] In this embodiment, the information processing device 200 is configured to display the notification list screen 54, detailed information screen, reference information screen, etc. on the display 42 based on the notification information stored in the data storage unit 35 in response to a display instruction (T31, T33), but the information processing device 200 may also be configured to access the server 5 and display the notification list screen 54, etc. on the display 42 based on the latest notification information downloaded (T32, T34) in response to a display instruction (T31, T33). In this configuration, the user can view the latest notification list screen 54, etc. related to the device 1, and erroneous operations based on outdated information can be prevented.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device monitoring program 33 is configured to display the notification list screen 54, the detailed information screen, and the reference information screen, but it is also possible to configure the device monitoring program 33 to start the device control program 34 and display the notification list screen 54, the detailed information screen, the reference information screen, etc.

[0076] In this manner, in this embodiment, the notification list screen 54, detailed information, and reference information are displayed on the display 42 based on the user's operation, so that the information the user wants can be provided in a timely manner, improving convenience. In addition, the detailed information and reference information are obtained from the server 5, so the user can always obtain the latest information, improving convenience.

[0077] The notification information displayed on the notification list screen 54 and the detailed information and reference information screen displayed on the display 42 may be configured to display only information that has not been read by the user on the display 42, or may be configured to display information on the display 42 with a limited acquisition period or issue period. Also, information related to campaigns and the like may be configured to be displayed with priority.

[0078] (Second embodiment) Next, Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for displaying status information and offering information, which is realized by the device monitoring program 33 and device control program 34 of the information processing device 200, including the operations of the device 1 and the server 5.

[0079] Note that each processing procedure in this embodiment indicates processing by the CPU 21 in accordance with instructions written in programs such as the device monitoring program 33 and the device control program 34 of the information processing device 200. Processing by the CPU 21 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, detailed description of the OS will be omitted and the operation of each program will be explained. Note that in this explanation, the same parts as in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals. Also, for convenience, in this specification, processing that is primarily performed by the CPU 21 may be described as being primarily performed by a program or device.

[0080] (Display status and offering information) That is, when the user clicks with the mouse 41 on the box display button 45 displayed in the notification area of ​​the task bar 44 displayed on the display 42 to instruct the display of a box (T41), the device monitoring program 33, via the OS 31, displays a box 60 on the display 42, as shown in Fig. 7, and also displays a first icon 61 of the device monitoring program 33, which is a resident program, in the box 60 (T42). A first badge 62 is displayed alongside the first icon 61. The box 60 is an area in which an icon of a resident program can be displayed, and can also be called an icon display area.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 7, the device monitoring program 33 changes the display method of the first badge 62 depending on the type of information acquired from the monitored device, such as the device 1 or the server 5, via the network interface 27.

[0082] Specifically, the device monitoring program 33 displays, for example, a red first badge 62A when status information acquired from each monitored device 1 includes status information related to an error. Furthermore, the device monitoring program 33 displays, for example, a yellow first badge 62B when status information acquired from each monitored device 1 does not include status information related to an error but includes status information related to a warning.

[0083] Furthermore, if the status information acquired from each monitored device 1 does not include status information related to errors or information related to warnings, and new offering information is acquired from the server 5, i.e., if unread offering information is stored in the data storage unit 35, the device monitoring program 33 displays, for example, a first badge 62C showing a white bell mark on a pink background.

[0084] Furthermore, the device monitoring program 33 displays, for example, a green first badge 62D when the status information acquired from each monitored device 1 does not include status information related to an error or warning, does not store unread offering information, and includes status information related to readiness. Furthermore, the information processing device 200 displays, for example, a gray first badge 62E when unread offering information is not stored and all monitored devices 1 are offline. Note that in the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first badges 62A to 62E, the suffixes A to E for distinguishing them will be omitted and they will be described as the first badge 62. The first badge is an example of an icon.

[0085] When displaying the first badges 62 within the box 60, the device monitoring program 33 determines priorities according to the type of status information and offering information, and displays one of the first badges 62A to 62E based on those priorities.

[0086] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the first badge 62 with the highest display priority is a red first badge 62A indicating that the status information is an error. The first badge 62 with the next highest display priority is a yellow first badge 62B indicating that the status information is a warning. The first badge 62 with the next highest display priority is a first badge 62C indicating that unread offering information is stored. The first badge 62 with the next highest display priority is a green first badge 62D indicating that the status information is ready. The first badge 62 with the next highest display priority is a gray first badge 62E indicating that the status information is offline.

[0087] In this embodiment, whether the notification is about status information or about offering information, the badge is displayed, so the user can understand what information is being notified by looking at the badge. Furthermore, the display priority of status information such as errors and warnings is set higher than that of other status information, so the user can respond to the error or warning promptly.

[0088] The red first badge 62A and the yellow first badge 62B are examples of the first mode, and the first badge 62C is an example of the second mode.

[0089] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of badge display processing that is realized by the CPU 21 of the information processing device 200 sequentially processing according to instructions written in the device monitoring program 33. Note that this badge display processing is periodically executed by the CPU 21 at regular intervals. It may also be executed every time status information or offering information is acquired.

[0090] First, the information processing device 200 reads the status information and offering information stored in the data storage unit 35 (step 51 (hereinafter referred to as S51)).

[0091] Next, the device monitoring program 33 determines whether new status information or unread offering information exists (S52). Here, "new status information" means that the status of the device 1 being monitored has changed. If the information processing device 200 determines that new status information or unread offering information does not exist (S52: NO), then the device monitoring program 33 maintains the current display of the first badge 62 (S53) and ends this processing.

[0092] Furthermore, if the device monitoring program 33 determines that new status information or unread offering information exists (S52: YES), then the device monitoring program 33 determines whether the first badge 62 is currently being displayed (S54). If the device monitoring program 33 determines that the first badge 62 is not currently being displayed (S54: NO), then the device monitoring program 33 displays the first badge 62 determined in accordance with the above-mentioned priority in accordance with the new status information or unread offering information (S55), and then terminates this processing.

[0093] Furthermore, if the device monitoring program 33 determines that the first badge 62 is currently being displayed (S54: YES), then the device monitoring program 33 determines (S56) whether the new status information or unread offering information has a higher priority than the currently displayed first badge 62. If the device monitoring program 33 determines that the new status information or unread offering information has a higher priority than the currently displayed first badge 62 (S56: YES), then the device monitoring program 33 proceeds to the processing of S55, displays the first badge 62 corresponding to the new status information or unread offering information, and then terminates this processing.

[0094] Furthermore, if it is determined that the new status information or unread offering information does not have a higher priority than the currently displayed first badge 62 (S56: NO), the information processing device 200 then proceeds to the processing of S53, maintains the display of the current first badge 62, and terminates this processing.

[0095] The priority is determined based on the priority shown in Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the display priority of the first badge 62C indicating that unread offering information has been acquired is set higher than the green first badge 62D indicating that the status information is ready and the gray first badge 62E indicating that the status information is offline, and lower than the red first badge 62A indicating that an error has occurred and the yellow first badge 62B indicating that the status information is a warning. However, the display priority of the first badge 62C is not limited to this. It is also possible to set the priority relative to the status information depending on the type of unread offering information.

[0096] Returning again to the sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for displaying status information and offering information shown in Figure 6, when the user clicks on the first icon 61 shown in Figure 7 with the mouse 41 to instruct the display of the launch box 63 (T43), the information processing device 200 displays the launch box 63 on the display 42 as shown in Figure 10 (T44).

[0097] In the start box 63, the words "Start control program" 63A and the words "Notification list" 63B are displayed.

[0098] Here, when the user clicks with the mouse 41 on the text 63A "Launch control program" in the launch box 63 to instruct the launch of the device control program 34 (T45), the device monitoring program 33 launches the device control program 34 (T46).

[0099] 2 with the mouse 41, the device control program 34 can also be started. Alternatively, a shortcut icon for starting the device control program 34 may be provided on the task bar 44. When the user clicks on the text 63B that reads "Notification List" with the mouse 41, the device monitoring program 33 instructs the device control program 34 to display the notification list 54.

[0100] Here, when the device control program 34 is started in the device monitoring program 33, the device control program 34 displays the second home screen 70 of the device control program 34 on the display 42 (T47).

[0101] 11, the second home screen 70 displays icons corresponding to functions available for the selected printer, such as a print icon 71 and a scan icon 72. The second home screen 70 also has a control model name display field 73 that shows the name of the selected printer, a status information display field 74 that shows the status of the selected printer, and a remaining ink amount display field 75 that shows the remaining amount of consumables for the selected printer.

[0102] That is, the print icon 71 is used to instruct the selected printer to print. The scan icon 72 is used to instruct the selected printer to read an image. In addition, one of the devices 1 monitored by the device monitoring program 33 is selected as the device to be controlled by the device control program 34 in the control model name display field 73, and the name of the selected device, specifically the model name of the device 1, is displayed. In addition, the status information display field 74 displays status information of the device 1 displayed in the control model name display field 73. In addition, in the case where the device 1 displayed in the control model name display field 73 is the printing device 1A, the remaining ink level display field 75 displays the remaining ink level of the printing device 1A.

[0103] Furthermore, when the device control program 34 is running, it displays a second icon 76 of the device control program 34 on the task bar 44 of the first home screen 42A (T48). A second badge 77 is displayed accompanying the second icon 76 as necessary. Specifically, the device control program 34 displays, in the second badge 77, the number of unread pieces of offering information among the pieces of offering information for all devices 1 monitored by the device monitoring program 33 that are stored in the data storage unit 35. That is, the second badge 77 shown in FIG. 11 indicates that there are 20 pieces of unread offering information for all devices 1 monitored by the device monitoring program 33. Note that, if there is zero unread offering information, the second badge 77 need not be displayed, or a second badge 77 indicating zero may be displayed.

[0104] As described above, in this embodiment, when the device control program 34 is launched, the second icon 76 and the second badge 77 are displayed on the task bar 44, and the second badge 77 allows the user to easily know the number of unread offering information items for all devices 1. This increases the user's opportunities to read offering information items, and as a result, increases the opportunities for receiving services.

[0105] In addition, when error status information or warning status information having a higher priority than unread offering information is acquired from device 1 of the model name displayed in the control model name display field 73, a red or yellow second badge 77 is displayed on the task bar 44 of the second home screen 70 in place of the number of unread offering information.

[0106] In this embodiment, when error status information or warning status information that has a higher priority than unread offering information is acquired, a red or yellow second badge 77 is displayed on the task bar 44 of the second home screen 70 in place of the number of unread offering information, allowing the user to respond to the error or warning promptly.

[0107] As described above in detail, according to the first and second embodiments disclosed in this specification, the device monitoring program 33 displays notifications regarding offering information for monitored devices in the same display format as status-based information, i.e., both notifications in a pop-up display format, thereby effectively providing the user with various information regarding the monitored devices. Furthermore, the monitoring program displays notifications regarding offering information for monitored devices in the same display format as status-based information, i.e., both notifications in an icon badge display format, thereby effectively providing the user with various information regarding the monitored devices. The icon badge display format is an example of a display format using icons.

[0108] It should be noted that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the printing device 1A does not need to be equipped with the operation panel 13.

[0109] It should be noted that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the printing device 1A does not need to include the operation panel 13. The information processing device 200 may include any type of large-capacity storage device, not limited to the nonvolatile memory 24.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, the difference in status is expressed by changing the display color of the first badge and the second badge depending on the type of status information, but the difference in status may also be expressed by whether or not the first badge and the second badge flash, or by changing the flashing interval.

[0111] Furthermore, in the processing of T12, if the information processing device 200 receives status information of a high urgency, such as a paper jam, the information processing device 200 may be configured to immediately display one of the first to third status information screens 50 to 52 on the display 42 based on the received status information to notify the user.

[0112] Furthermore, the communication method between the printing device 1A and the information processing device 200 is not limited to wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. For example, it may be wired communication using a USB cable, or wireless communication based on other standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). It may also be equipped with multiple communication functions.

[0113] The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by hardware such as a single CPU, multiple CPUs, or ASIC, or a combination thereof. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various ways, such as a recording medium on which a program for executing the processes is recorded, or a method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1 device 2. Information processing equipment 5 Server 42 Display 33 Device Monitoring Program 34 Device Control Program 50 First Status Information Screen 51 Second status information screen 52 Third Status Information Screen 53 Offering Information Screen 61 First Icon 62 1st Badge 76 Second Icon 77 Second Badge

Claims

1. A program executable by a computer of an information processing device having a communication unit, The program is a resident program, The program causes the computer to: a first acquisition process of communicating with an image processing device to be monitored via the communication unit and acquiring a status of the image processing device; a first display process for displaying a first notification image based on the status acquired in the first acquisition process; a second acquisition process for acquiring service-related information relating to services that can be provided to the image processing device to be monitored; a second display process for displaying a second notification image relating to the service-related information acquired in the second acquisition process in the same display format as the first notification image; Execute A program that is structured as follows.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, The computer, an icon corresponding to the program is displayed, and the first notification image and the second notification image are displayed in an icon-based display format; In the first display process, the icon in a first aspect corresponding to the status acquired in the first acquisition process is displayed as the first notification image; In the second display process, the icon in a second aspect indicating that the service-related information acquired in the second acquisition process exists is displayed as the second notification image. A program that is structured as follows.

3. 3. The program according to claim 2, The computer, When the status acquired in the first acquisition process indicates an error or a warning, the icon in the first aspect is displayed, and the display of the icon in the second aspect is restricted. A program that is structured as follows.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, When the status acquired in the first acquisition process does not indicate an error or a warning and the service-related information acquired in the second acquisition process includes unread information, the icon in the second aspect is displayed and the display of the icon in the first aspect is restricted. A program that is structured as follows.

5. 3. The program according to claim 2, The computer, a startup process can be executed to start a display program that is a non-resident program capable of displaying a list of the service-related information acquired in the second acquisition process, and when the display program is started, an icon corresponding to the display program is displayed, and the icon corresponding to the display program has a specific aspect indicating that there is unread service-related information; the second aspect of the icon corresponding to the program is different from the specific aspect of the icon corresponding to the display program; A program that is structured as follows.

6. 6. A program according to claim 5, The icon in the specific aspect indicates the number of pieces of unread service-related information; The icon of the second aspect does not indicate the number of unread pieces of service-related information. A program that is structured as follows.

7. 3. The program according to claim 2, The icon of the first aspect is an icon to which a badge of a different color is attached depending on the content of the status, The icon of the second aspect is an icon to which a badge of a color other than the colors of badges assigned according to the content of the status is assigned. A program that is structured as follows.

8. 2. The program according to claim 1, a display format of the first notification image and the second notification image is a pop-up display; In the first display process, the first notification image is displayed as a pop-up; In the second display process, the second notification image is displayed as a pop-up. A program that is structured as follows.

9. 9. The program according to claim 8, The program causes the computer to: a third acquisition process for acquiring progress information indicating progress of a job for causing the image processing device to perform image processing; a third notification image based on the progress information acquired in the third acquisition process in the same display format as the first notification image; a third display process for displaying the image; Execute A program that is structured as follows.

10. 10. The program according to claim 9, The program causes the computer to: executes a fourth acquisition process of communicating with the image processing device to be monitored via the communication unit and acquiring consumable item information indicating information on consumable items held by the image processing device; the first notification image includes the consumable product information acquired in the fourth acquisition process, The third notification image does not include the consumable product information. A program that is structured as follows.

11. 9. The program according to claim 8, the program is capable of monitoring a plurality of image processing devices; In the first display process, a selection of an image processing device to be displayed from among the plurality of image processing devices to be monitored is accepted, and the first notification image based on the status of the selected image processing device is displayed; In the second display process, the selection of the image processing device to be displayed is not accepted, and the second notification image is displayed. A program that is structured as follows.

12. 9. The program according to claim 8, The service-related information includes information associated with a type of error or warning; The program causes the computer to: executing an extraction process to extract, when the status acquired in the first acquisition process is an error or a warning, the service-related information associated with the type of error or warning indicated in the acquired status from the service-related information acquired in the second acquisition process; In the first display process, if the service-related information is extracted in the extraction process, the first notification image including the service-related information extracted in the extraction process is displayed. A program that is structured as follows.

13. 9. The program according to claim 8, In the second acquisition process, the acquired service-related information is stored in a memory of the information processing device; The program causes the computer to: receiving an instruction to display a list of the acquired service-related information while the second notification image is being displayed, and when the instruction is received, executing a list display process to display a list of the service-related information stored in the memory; A program that is structured as follows.

14. 2. The program according to claim 1, the second acquisition process communicates with a server that provides the service-related information via the communication unit, and acquires the service-related information related to the image processing device to be monitored. A program that is structured as follows.

15. An information processing apparatus having the program according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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