Program and information processor

Abstract

To provide a technique for making a device as a control object execute an appropriate job, in a program capable of making the device execute a job related to image processing.SOLUTION: An information processor 2 has a new status monitor capable of being executed by a CPU 21. The new status monitor makes the CPU 21 execute setting processing of setting identification information on a device 1 set as a monitoring object of an old status monitor to the monitoring object. The new status monitor makes the CPU 21 execute validation processing of acquiring information on a job execution function from the device 1 when capable of communicating the device 1, and validating the job execution function taking the device 1 as a control object, on the basis of the acquired information on the job execution function, on the other hand, makes the CPU 21 execute invalidation processing of invalidating the job execution function taking the device 1 as a control object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a program and an information processing device that can cause an image processing device to execute a job related to image processing. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known programs that can cause an image processing device to execute jobs related to image processing such as printing and scanning. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a program that can create a workflow including printing and scanning and cause an image processing device to execute image processing in accordance with the workflow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-187613 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a program capable of causing an image processing apparatus to execute a job related to image processing, it is desirable to cause the image processing apparatus to execute an appropriate job. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first program is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and is executable by a computer of an information processing device having a communication unit, The first program causes the computer to a monitoring function that communicates with an image processing device set as a monitoring target via the communication unit and causes the information processing device to acquire a status of the image processing device; a job execution function that causes the image processing device set as the control target to execute a job related to image processing; It is a program to achieve The first program further causes the computer to causing the computer to execute a setting process for setting identification information relating to a first image processing device, which is set as a monitoring target in a second program capable of realizing the monitoring function, to a monitoring target of the first program; The first program further includes, after the identification information related to the first image processing device is set as a monitoring target in the setting process, causing the computer to: When communication with the first image processing device is possible, information regarding the job execution function is acquired from the first image processing device, and an activation process is executed to activate the job execution function to be controlled by the first image processing device based on the acquired information regarding the job execution function; When communication with the first image processing apparatus is impossible, a deactivation process is executed in which the job execution function that is to be controlled by the first image processing apparatus is not activated.

[0006] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, identification information regarding a first image processing device that is set as a monitoring target in a second program is set as a monitoring target for the first program. In other words, after the first program takes over the monitoring target from the second program, if communication with the first image processing device that has been taken over as a monitoring target is possible, information regarding the job execution function can be obtained from the first image processing device, and based on that information, the job execution function can be enabled to execute a job suitable for the first image processing device. However, if communication is not possible, the details of the processing available on the first image processing device are unknown, and it is desirable not to enable the job execution function that controls the first image processing device.

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

[0008] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, a program capable of causing an image processing apparatus to execute a job related to image processing can be used to cause an image processing apparatus to execute an appropriate job. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an 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] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for displaying status information and offering information, which is realized by a device monitoring program of an information processing apparatus. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for displaying a second home screen, which is realized by a device monitoring program and a device control program of the information processing device. [Figure 6] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display in which a box and a start-up box are displayed as a pop-up. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display showing a second home screen displayed by the device control program. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an information processing apparatus when a device monitoring program and a device control program that configure a new status monitor are installed using an installer program. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for installing a device monitoring program and a device control program. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a device table. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for updating capability information realized by a device monitoring program and a device control program that constitute the new status monitor of the information processing apparatus. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display showing a second home screen displayed by the device control program. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display in a state where a setting screen is displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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] The storage unit 15 of the printing device 1A also stores a program for an embedded web server (hereinafter referred to as "EWS" (Embedded Web Server)) 16. The storage unit 15 also has a data storage area 17, which stores, for example, 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 set in the printing device 1A, remaining amount information of consumables of the printing device 1A, information on the number of pages printed by the printing device 1A, and information related to support for consumables. 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 cartridges.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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, the input / output device 25, an interface 26, and a network interface 27. 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), or a flash memory, and stores various programs and data.

[0023] The CPU 21 executes various processes in accordance with the programs loaded from the ROM 22 to the nonvolatile memory 24 .

[0024] 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.

[0025] The network interface 27 is hardware for communicating with each device 1. The network interface is an example of a communication unit.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 34 and a device control program 35 that constitute a new status monitor 33, and a monitoring program 36 that serves as an old status monitor. The nonvolatile memory 24 also includes a data storage unit 38.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The application 32 is, for example, an image editing program that has a function of receiving user instructions via the input / output device 25, a function of displaying images on the display 42, and a function of editing and saving images. The application 32 may also be a document editing program, a spreadsheet program, or the like.

[0033] The device monitoring program 34 constituting the new status monitor 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 status information and the like from each device 1. The device monitoring program 34 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.

[0034] A resident program is 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.

[0035] Specifically, the device monitoring program 34 obtains, via the network interface 27, from the printing device 1A, information on the capabilities of the printing device 1A, connection information for connecting to the printing device 1A, status information on the printing device 1A, various setting information to be set in the printing device 1A, information on the remaining amount of consumables in the printing device 1A, information on the number of pages printed in 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 38.

[0036] In addition, the device monitoring program 34 acquires, 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 38.

[0037] The device monitoring program 34 also acquires offering information about the device 1 provided by the manufacturer or distributor of the device 1 via the network interface 27, and stores the information in the data storage unit 38. 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.

[0038] The device monitoring program 34 can read out the status information, offering information, etc. of the device 1 stored in the data storage unit 38 and display it as a pop-up on the display 42.

[0039] The device control program 35 constituting the new status monitor 33 has a job execution function for printing images, etc. edited or saved by the application 32 on the printing device 1A set in the control model name display field 73 described below.

[0040] That is, the device control program 35 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. The device control program 35 can also read status information of the selected printing device 1A, information on the remaining amount of consumables, etc. from the data storage unit 38 and display it on the display 42. The device control program 35 is a non-resident program that is started, for example, when started by a user.

[0041] The device control program 35 also has a job execution function of instructing the selected image reading device 1B to perform reading, and of receiving image information read by the selected image reading device 1B and storing it in the data storage unit 38. It is also capable of reading information relating to the progress of reading by the selected image reading device 1B from the data storage unit 38 and displaying it on the display 42. The device control program is an example of a first program.

[0042] The monitoring program 36 is an old status monitor that was installed in the information processing device 200 before the device monitoring program 34 and the device control program 35 were installed in the information processing device 200. The monitoring program 36 has a function of controlling the network interface 27 and periodically communicating with the devices to be monitored, for example, each device 1, to acquire status information from the other devices.

[0043] Specifically, the monitoring program acquires status information about the printer 1A, information about the progress of printing, and the like from the printer 1A via the network interface 27, and stores the information in the data storage unit .

[0044] Furthermore, the monitoring program acquires status information of the image reading device 1B, information on the progress of reading, and the like from the image reading device 1B via the network interface 27, and stores the information in the data storage unit .

[0045] Furthermore, the monitoring program 36 can read out the status information, offering information, etc. of the device 1 stored in the data storage unit 38 and display it as a pop-up on the display 42.

[0046] The data storage unit 38 also stores the model names, model numbers, IP addresses, etc. of all devices 1 that are monitored by the device monitoring program 34 and the monitoring program 36.

[0047] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display state of the display 42 in a state where a first status information screen 50 is popped up by the device monitoring program 34. 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 35 is displayed on the left side of the display 42, and a task bar 44 is displayed below.

[0048] A box display button 45 is displayed on the right side of the task bar 44. The icon 43 for the device control program 35 does not necessarily have to be displayed on the first home screen 42A, and the device control program 35 may be started by operating a menu screen (not shown) of the information processing device 200.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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. Note that the IP address is an example of identification information.

[0052] 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 34. The second status information screen 51 is composed of a model display field 51A that displays the model name of the device 1, and a second character string display field 51B that displays, for example, a character string such as "No paper" as status information. The character string "No paper" is displayed in the second character string display field 51B when the information processing device 200 receives status information from the printing device 1A indicating that there is no paper.

[0053] 3B, 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 34. 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.

[0054] 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 34. The offering information screen 53 is configured with an offering information display field 53A for displaying offering information, a notification list button display field 53B for displaying a notification list button for displaying a notification list screen, and the like.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] (Display status and offering information) FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for displaying status information and offering information, which is realized by the device monitoring program 34 of the information processing device 200 and includes the operations of the device 1 and the server 5.

[0058] 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 34 of the information processing device 200. The processing by the CPU 21 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, the operation of each program will be explained without a detailed description of the OS. 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.

[0059] 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 transmits status information indicating the error content to information processing device 200 (step 11 (hereinafter referred to as T11)). Accordingly, information processing device 200 that receives the status information stores the received status information in data storage unit 38 (T12).

[0060] Furthermore, the information processing device 200 queries each device 1 connected to the information processing device 200, i.e., each device 1 monitored by the device monitoring program 34, i.e., the device 1 with the model name stored in the data storage unit 38, for status information. That is, the information processing device 200, i.e., the device monitoring program 34 queries each device 1 at regular intervals, and polling is performed (T13). 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. The polling interval may also be set by the user on a setting screen (not shown).

[0061] 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 34 that has received the status information stores the received status information in the data storage unit 38 (T15). The processes of T11 to T14 are an example of a monitoring function. Furthermore, this monitoring function is executed based on the IP address stored in the IP address 83 of the device table 80, which will be described later. Furthermore, as will be described later, the IP address stored in the IP address 83 of the device table 80 is an IP address inherited from the monitoring program 36.

[0062] In this embodiment, even for a device 1 for which capability information is not stored in capability information 86 of a device table 80 (described later), i.e., for which the job execution function of the device control program 35 is not enabled, it is possible to monitor the device 1 based on the IP address stored in IP address 83. Therefore, the user can monitor the device 1 using the latest device monitoring program 34, improving convenience.

[0063] If the status information is stored in the data storage unit 38 at T12 or T15, the device monitoring program 34 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 device monitoring program 34 determines that the status information is related to a consumable item, as shown in FIG. 2, the device monitoring program 34 pops up a first status information screen 50 on the first home screen 42A based on the content of the status information (T16).

[0064] The device monitoring program 34 also searches for offering information stored in the data storage unit 38 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.

[0065] Next, the device monitoring program 34 determines whether the status information stored in the data storage unit 38 is status information related to a consumable item provided by the manufacturer or sales company of the device 1, such as ink, and if the device monitoring program 34 determines that the status information is not related to a consumable item provided by the manufacturer or sales company of the device 1, such as out of printing paper, the device monitoring program 34 pops up a second status information screen 51 as shown in Figure 3(A) or a third status information screen 52 as shown in Figure 3(B) on the first home screen 42A based on the content of the status information (T17).

[0066] In addition, if the information processing device 200 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.

[0067] Furthermore, the device monitoring program 34 queries the server 5 connected to the information processing device 200 for offering information, i.e., the device monitoring program 34 polls the server 5 (T22). The query is accompanied by information indicating the time of the previous query. When the server 5 receives the query and finds that there is offering information that has not yet been sent to the information processing device 200, that is, if 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 (T23). Therefore, the device monitoring program 34 that has received the offering information stores the received offering information in the data storage unit 38 (T24).

[0068] 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 for the device 1 may be different from that for the server 5. For example, the polling interval for the server 5 may be set to be longer than the polling interval for the device 1. The polling interval for the server 5 may also be changed depending on the situation, such as the season or whether or not an event is taking place. The polling interval may also be set by the user using a setting screen (not shown).

[0069] Next, the device monitoring program 34 searches for offering information stored in the data storage unit 38, and if new offering information is present, pops up an offering information screen 53 as shown in Fig. 3(C) on the first home screen 42A based on the new offering information (T25). 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.

[0070] (Displays the second home screen) Next, FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for displaying the second home screen, which is realized by the device monitoring program 34 and the device control program 35 of the information processing device 200. Below, the displaying process for the second home screen will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

[0071] 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 34 of the information processing device 200. The processing by the CPU 21 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, the operation of each program will be explained without a detailed description of the OS. 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.

[0072] That is, as shown in FIG. 6, 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 information processing device 200 pops up a box 60 on the display 42, and also displays a first icon 61 and a first badge 62 of the device monitoring program 34, which is a resident program, within the box 60 (T42).

[0073] The device monitoring program 34 changes the display method of the first badge 62 depending on the type of information obtained from the monitored device, such as the device 1 or the server 5, via the network interface 27, but details of the display method of the first badge 62 will not be explained here.

[0074] Next, when the user clicks the first icon 61 with the mouse 41 to instruct the display of the activation box 63 (T43), the device monitoring program 34 pops up the activation box 63 on the display 42 (T44).

[0075] Here, when the user clicks with the mouse 41 on the text portion of the startup box 63 that reads "Start control program" to instruct the startup of the device control program 35 (T45), the information processing device 200 starts the device control program 35 (T46).

[0076] The user can also start the device control program 35 by clicking the icon 43 displayed on the first home screen 42A with the mouse 41. A shortcut icon for starting the device control program 35 may be provided on the task bar 44.

[0077] Here, when the device control program 35 is started, the second home screen 70 of the device control program 35 is displayed on the display 42 (T47).

[0078] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display 42 in a state where a second home screen 70 of the device control program 35 is displayed by the device control program 35. As shown in FIG.

[0079] 7, the second home screen 70 displays a print icon 71, a scan icon 72, a settings button 78, etc. The second home screen 70 also has a control model name display field 73, a status information display field 74, and a remaining ink level display field 75. The second home screen 70 also displays an icon 76 corresponding to the selected device 1 above the control model name display field 73.

[0080] 7 displays "offline," indicating that communication with device 1 designated as the control target is not possible. Depending on the status of device 1, status information display field 74 displays "ready (normal)," "ink empty," "paper jam," etc.

[0081] The print icon 71 is used when causing the controlled device 1 to perform printing. Specifically, when the print icon 71 is clicked, the device control program 35 displays a data selection screen for selecting data to be printed, and when the device control program 35 receives a selection operation of data to be printed on the data selection screen, it displays a print preview screen and / or a print setting screen. A print button is located on the print preview screen, and when the print button is clicked, the device control program 35 sends a print instruction to the controlled device 1.

[0082] Furthermore, the scan icon 72 is used when causing the controlled device 1 to read an image from a document. When the scan icon 72 is clicked, the device control program 35 displays a scan setting screen on which a scan button is arranged. When the scan button is clicked, the device control program 35 sends a scan instruction (image reading instruction) to the controlled device 1.

[0083] The control model name display field 73 displays the name of the device 1 to be controlled by the device control program 35, specifically the model name and IP address of the device 1. The control model name display field 73 is configured as a pull-down menu, and when the user clicks on the list button 73A with the mouse 41, a list menu 73B (see FIG. 12) is displayed below the control model name display field 73. The control model name display field 73 and list menu 73B shown in FIG. 7 display the model name and IP address corresponding to the device table.

[0084] The list menu 73B also displays the model names of all devices 1 monitored by the device monitoring program 34, i.e., the model names and IP addresses stored in the data storage unit 38. The print icon 71 and scan icon 72 are displayed based on the capabilities of the device 1 selected to be controlled. That is, if the device 1 displayed in the control model name display field 73 has a printing function, the print icon 71 is displayed as operable, whereas if the device 1 does not have a printing function, the print icon 71 is not displayed as operable. Furthermore, if the device displayed in the control model name display field 73 has an image reading function, the scan icon 72 is displayed as operable, whereas if the device does not have an image reading function, the scan icon 72 is not displayed as operable.

[0085] If the user clicks on any of the model names displayed in the list menu with the mouse 41, the new model name and IP address of the clicked model will be displayed in the control model name display field 73, and the device 1 to be controlled by the device control program 35 will be changed.

[0086] In this case, even if the user changes the model name displayed in the control model name display field 73 and changes the device 1 that the device control program 35 controls, the model name displayed in the model name display field 50C will not be changed while the first status information screen 50 is displayed as a pop-up.

[0087] Additionally, the status information display field 74 displays the status information of the device 1 displayed in the control model name display field 73. Additionally, if the device 1 displayed in the control model name display field 73 is the printing device 1A, the remaining ink amount display field 75 displays the remaining ink amount of the printing device 1A.

[0088] (Installation process of device monitoring program and device control program) Next, an installation process for installing the device monitoring program 34 and device control program 35 that constitute the new status monitor 33 into the information processing device 200 using the installer program 37 will be described below. The device monitoring program 34 and device control program 35 are the new status monitor 33 that has a status monitoring function and a job execution function and is newly installed into the information processing device 200.

[0089] 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 installer program 37 of the information processing device 200. Processing by the CPU 21 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, the operation of each program will be explained without a detailed description of the OS. 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.

[0090] 8 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the information processing device 200 when the device monitoring program 34 and device control program 35 that constitute the new status monitor 33 are installed using the installer program 37. First, the configuration of the information processing device 200 will be generally described with reference to FIG.

[0091] That is, the installer program 37 is a program used when the user installs the device monitoring program 34 and the device control program 35 that constitute the new status monitor 33 into the information processing device 200 .

[0092] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for installing the device monitoring program 34 and the device control program 35. The installation process for the device monitoring program 34 and the device control program 35 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0093] 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 34 of the information processing device 200. The processing by the CPU 21 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, the operation of each program will be explained without a detailed description of the OS. 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.

[0094] That is, when the user starts the installer program 37 provided by the manufacturer or sales company of the device 1 and performs a predetermined operation (T51), the installer program 37 newly stores the device monitoring program 34 and the device control program 35 in the non-volatile memory 24, i.e., installs them (T52).

[0095] When the installation is complete, the installer program 37 instructs the installed device monitoring program 34 to start up (T53), and the device monitoring program 34 starts up (T54).

[0096] When the device monitoring program 34 is started, it acquires the discrimination information of the device 1 that is the monitoring target of the monitoring program 36 stored in the data storage unit 38, and then the device monitoring program 34 stores the discrimination information of the device 1 that is the monitoring target of the device monitoring program 34 in the data storage unit 38 (T55).

[0097] Next, the device monitoring program 34 displays a message screen on the display 42 asking whether or not the identification information of the device 1 monitored by the monitoring program 36 should be handed over to the newly installed device monitoring program 34 (T57).

[0098] Therefore, when the user, for example, clicks with the mouse 41 on the word "YES" (not shown) displayed on the display 42 to indicate the transfer of the discrimination information (T58), the device monitoring program 34 determines that the discrimination information of the device 1 monitored by the monitoring program 36 will be transferred (T59), and the device monitoring program 34 queries each device 1 for capability information based on the device information of the device 1 monitored by the monitoring program 36, specifically, based on the IP address (T60).

[0099] Then, each device 1 that has received the inquiry for capability information transmits the capability information stored in, for example, the data storage area 17 to the information processing device 200 (T61).

[0100] Next, the device monitoring program 34 that has received the capability information stores the received information in the device table 80 of the data storage unit 38 for each device 1 (T62). The device monitoring program 34 also stores the device information of the device 1 that is the monitoring target of the monitoring program 36, received in the processing of T56, that is, the device name 81, model name 82, and IP address 83 of the device 1, which will be described later, in the device table 80 (T62). Note that this processing is an example of setting processing.

[0101] In this embodiment, the device information of the device 1 monitored by the monitoring program 36 is automatically transferred to the device monitoring program 34, which reduces the user's work of transferring data when installing the device monitoring program 34 and the device control program 35, improving convenience.

[0102] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the device table 80. That is, the device table 80 is composed of items such as a device name 81, a model name 82, an IP address 83, a state 84, status information 85, and capability information 86.

[0103] The device name 81 field stores the name of the device 1 that is the monitoring target of the device monitoring program 34, among the devices 1 connected to the information processing device 200. The device table 80 stores, in correspondence with each device 1 stored in the device name 81 field, the model name, IP address, state, status information, capability information, etc. of that device 1.

[0104] Here, each piece of information stored in the device table 80, such as the device name 81, model name 82, and IP address 83, is stored based on the device information of the device 1 that is the monitoring target of the monitoring program 36. That is, the device information of the monitoring program 36 is passed on to the device monitoring program 34 and the device control program 35. Also, each piece of information stored in the state 84, status information 85, capability information 86, and the like is stored based on the information received from each device in the processing of T56.

[0105] In addition, the information stored in the status 84 of the device table 80 is "on" when the information processing device 200 is in a state where it can communicate with device 1, and "off" when the information processing device 200 is in a state where it cannot communicate with device 1 due to reasons such as device 1 being powered off.

[0106] The information stored in the status information 85 of the device table 80 includes status information such as error, warning, and ready for the device 1.

[0107] The information stored in the capability information 86 includes basic functions such as printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, printing formats such as inkjet, laser, and thermal, resolution, subscription setting information, optional unit addition information, and secure function lock setting information. For convenience, in FIG. 10, the capability information 86 indicates that information is stored with a "○" mark, and that information is not stored with an "×" mark. In reality, the capability information 86 contains capability information acquired from the device, or information Information indicating that is not stored is stored.

[0108] Returning again to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 9, the device monitoring program 34 then instructs the monitoring program 36 to stop monitoring (T63), and the monitoring program 36, which has been instructed to stop monitoring, excludes the device 1 for which monitoring has been instructed to stop from being monitored (T64).

[0109] At this time, the device monitoring program 34 may be configured to instruct the monitoring program 36 to stop monitoring all devices 1. In this case, the monitoring program 36 may be configured not to be started the next time the information processing device 200 is started.

[0110] In this case, the device monitoring program 34 may be configured to instruct the device 1 whose capability information is stored in the capability information 86 of the device table 80 to stop monitoring. In this case, the device 1 whose capability information is not stored in the capability information 86 of the device table 80 remains under the monitoring of the monitoring program 36.

[0111] Next, the device monitoring program 34 ends the installation process (T65).

[0112] Furthermore, if the user, for example, clicks with the mouse 41 on the word "NO" (not shown) displayed on the display 42 to indicate that the device information will not be carried over (T58), the device monitoring program 34 determines that the device information of the device 1 that is the monitoring target of the monitoring program 36 will not be carried over (T66), and the device monitoring program 34 terminates the installation process without storing the various types of information in the data storage unit 38 (T67).

[0113] Then, the installer program 37 also ends the installation process (T68).

[0114] In this embodiment, the device monitoring program 34 is configured to follow the user's instructions as to whether or not to take over the device information of the device 1 that is the monitoring target of the monitoring program 36, but the device monitoring program 34 may also be configured to forcibly take over the device information of the device 1 that is the monitoring target of the monitoring program 36.

[0115] (Capability information update process) 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for updating capability information implemented by the device monitoring program 34 and the device control program 35 that constitute the new status monitor 33 of the information processing device 200. The capability information updating process will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0116] Note that each processing step in this embodiment represents processing by the CPU 21 in accordance with instructions written in programs such as the device monitoring program 34 and the device control program 35 of the information processing device 200. The processing by the CPU 21 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, the operation of each program will be explained without a detailed description of the OS. 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.

[0117] (Capability information update process executed when powering on the information processing device) This capability information update process is executed when the information processing device 200 is powered on and the resident device monitoring program 34 is started. After that, for example, the process may be configured to be executed when the device monitoring program 34 queries each device 1 at regular intervals. Alternatively, the process may be configured to be executed when the user operates, for example, a takeover button.

[0118] That is, when the user turns on the power of the information processing device 200, the device monitoring program 34, which is a resident program, is started. Then, the device monitoring program 34 queries the offline device 1 for status information (T13A). Whether the device 1 is offline or online is determined by the device monitoring program 34 based on the information of the status 84 in the device table 80.

[0119] In this case, even if the information in the status 84 of the device table 80 is "off," if capability information is stored in the capability information 86 of the device table 80, it is acceptable to configure the device so that the T13A inquiry process is not executed.

[0120] The device 1 that has received the inquiry from the information processing device 200 transmits status information to the information processing device 200 (T14A). That is, when the device 1 is powered on or the network is recovered and the state of the device 1 changes from offline to online, the device 1 becomes able to receive an inquiry from the information processing device 200. Therefore, the device 1 that has received the inquiry from the information processing device 200 transmits status information to the information processing device 200 (T14A).

[0121] The device monitoring program 34 that has received the status information stores the received status information in the status information 85 of the device table 80, and also changes the information in the status 84 to "ON" since the status information has been received (T15A).

[0122] Next, if the device monitoring program 34 receives status information from the device 1, it determines that the device 1 has changed from an offline state to an online state (T71), and then the device monitoring program 34 queries the device 1 for capability information (T72).

[0123] The device 1 that has received the inquiry from the information processing device 200 transmits its capability information to the information processing device 200 (T73). Then, the device monitoring program 34 that has received the capability information stores the received capability information in the capability information 86 of the device table 80 (T74).

[0124] If status information cannot be received from device 1, the device monitoring program 34 will not change the status 84 in the device table 80 from "off," so the offline status will be maintained, and the capability information will not be stored in the capability information 86 in the device table 80.

[0125] In this embodiment, when the user turns on the information processing device 200 and starts the device monitoring program 34, the capability information 86 in the device table 80 is updated. This means that the job execution function activation process is always performed based on the latest information, improving user convenience.

[0126] (Capability information update process executed when selecting a device, etc.) For example, when the device control program 35 displays the second home screen 70 shown in FIG. 7 on the display 42, if the user clicks on the list button 73A with the mouse 41, the device control program 35 displays a list menu 73B below the control model name display field 73.

[0127] In this state, if the user selects a new device 1 by clicking with the mouse 41 on the model name portion of the device 1 displayed in the list menu 73B (T75), the device control program 35 executes a process for accepting the selection of the new device 1, and then searches the device table 80 for the device 1 newly selected by the user (T76). If the device control program 35 determines as a result that capability information is stored in the capability information 86 of the newly selected device 1 (T77), it displays, for example, the second home screen 70 shown in FIG. 7 on the display 42. The process of T76 is an example of a selection process.

[0128] In this state, the device control program 35 displays the model name and IP address of the device 1 newly selected by the user in the control model name display field 73. The device control program 35 also displays a print icon 71 and a scan icon 72 on the second home screen 70 based on the capabilities of the device 1 displayed in the control model name display field 73 (T78).

[0129] Therefore, the user can use the print function or image reading function of the device 1 by clicking the print icon 71 or the scan icon 72 with the mouse 41. This process is an example of an activation process.

[0130] In this embodiment, if the capability information 86 of a newly selected device 1 stores the capability information of that device 1, the details of the available job execution functions are known, and the job execution functions are enabled, thereby improving user convenience.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the device 1 newly selected by the user is in the "offline" state in the process of T77, if the capability information of that device 1 is stored, the details of the available job execution functions are known, and the job execution functions are enabled, thereby improving user convenience.

[0132] Furthermore, if the device control program 35 determines that the capability information 86 does not store capability information for the device 1 newly selected by the user (T79), the device control program 35 queries the device monitoring program 34 for capability information for the device 1 newly selected by the user (T80). This processing is an example of monitoring setting processing.

[0133] In this embodiment, even if a device 1 for which the job execution function is not enabled is selected, it is possible to monitor that device 1, and by accepting settings related to the monitoring function, the flexibility of the monitoring function is increased.

[0134] The device monitoring program 34 then queries the device 1 newly selected by the user for its capabilities information based on the IP address stored in the IP address field 83 of the device table 80 (T81).

[0135] Upon receiving the inquiry from the information processing device 200, the device 1 transmits capability information to the information processing device 200 (T82). Furthermore, if the device 1 is offline when the inquiry is received from the information processing device 200, the device 1 does not transmit capability information to the information processing device 200.

[0136] Next, if the device monitoring program 34 determines that it has received capability information from device 1 (T83), it stores the received capability information in capability information 86 of the device table 80 as capability information for device 1 newly selected by the user (T84). This processing is an example of storage processing.

[0137] Next, the device monitoring program 34 notifies the device control program 35 of "online" (T85). In response, the device control program 35 displays, for example, the second home screen 70 shown in FIG.

[0138] In this state, the device control program 35 displays the model name and IP address of the device 1 newly selected by the user in the control model name display field 73. The device control program 35 also displays a print icon 71 and a scan icon 72 on the second home screen 70 based on the capabilities of the device 1 displayed in the control model name display field 73 (T78).

[0139] Therefore, the user can use the print function or image reading function of the device 1 by clicking the print icon 71 or the scan icon 72 with the mouse 41. The processes of T83 to T86 are an example of the activation process and the monitoring activation process.

[0140] In this embodiment, when a device 1 for which the job execution function is not enabled is selected as the device 1 to be controlled, communication with the device 1 is retried, and if communication is possible, capability information regarding the job execution function is obtained from the device 1, and the job execution function for the device 1 to be controlled is enabled based on the capability information, thereby improving user convenience.

[0141] Furthermore, if the device monitoring program 34 is unable to receive capability information from the device 1, it determines that the device 1 newly selected by the user is “offline” (T87), and the device monitoring program 34 passes this “offline” status to the device control program 35 (T88). In response, the device control program 35, having received the “offline” status notification, displays, for example, the second home screen 70 shown in FIG. 12 on the display 42 (T89).

[0142] On the second home screen 70 shown in Fig. 12, the device control program 35 displays the model name and IP address corresponding to the device table in the control model name display field 73 and list menu 73B shown in Fig. 12. That is, the control model name display field 73 and list menu 73B display the device 1 that the device monitoring program 34 has taken over from the monitoring program 36. The control model name display field 73 also displays the model name and IP address of the selected device 1. Note that the diagonal lines in the control model name display field 73 shown in Fig. 12 indicate that the model name and IP address in the control model name display field 73 are displayed in gray. Note that instead of displaying the model name and IP address fields in gray, they may be hidden.

[0143] Furthermore, the device control program 35 does not display the print icon 71 and the scan icon 72 on the second home screen 70. Instead of not displaying the print icon 71 and the scan icon 72, the print icon 71 and the scan icon 72 may be displayed in a grayed-out state so that they cannot be operated. Furthermore, a message indicating that "the print function and / or the scan function cannot be selected because communication with the device is not possible" may be further displayed on the second home screen 70.

[0144] Also, the icon 76 has a "?" mark attached to it, indicating that there is no available device 1.

[0145] Therefore, the user cannot use the printing function or image reading function of the device 1. The processes of T87 to T89 are an example of deactivation processing.

[0146] In this embodiment, when communication is not possible, the print icon 71 and scan icon 72 for selecting the job execution function are not displayed, making it easier for the user to understand that the job execution function is not enabled.

[0147] Furthermore, when providing new status monitors, such as device monitoring program 34 and device control program 35, the monitoring function can be migrated to the new status monitor without performing any setting operations for the monitored object by inheriting the settings for the monitored object from the monitoring program 36 that has been used until now. This setting for the monitored object stores only the information necessary for monitoring, such as model name 82 and IP address 83, and does not store capability information 86 related to the job execution function of the monitored object.

[0148] The model name 82 of the monitored device can provide some understanding of the device's capabilities, but the model name 82 alone cannot provide information on capabilities that are enabled by paying for a subscription, capabilities that are enabled by adding an optional unit, or capabilities that are restricted by secure function lock. Capability information 86 related to the job execution function can be obtained from the device 1, but cannot be obtained if communication is not possible. Meanwhile, the device monitoring program 34 and device control program 35, which are new status monitors, also have job execution functions that the conventional monitoring program 36 does not have, and it is therefore necessary to understand the capabilities related to the job execution function of the device 1 to be controlled. Therefore, by not enabling the job execution function until the details of the capability information 86 related to the job execution function are known, the risk of submitting a job outside the device's capabilities can be reduced.

[0149] When the second home screen 70 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, if the user clicks the settings button 78 with the mouse 41 to instruct the display of the settings screen, the device control program 35 displays the settings screen 90 on the display 42, showing the notification settings screen 90A, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0150] The setting screen 90 displays a startup timing setting field 91 for setting the startup timing of the device monitoring program 34, an offering information setting field 92 for setting the type of offering information to be provided to the user, etc. The startup timing setting field 91 also displays a first radio button 91A for setting the device monitoring program 34 to always be started when the information processing device 200 is started, i.e., for setting the device monitoring program 34 to be a resident program, and a second radio button 91B for setting the device monitoring program 34 to be started when the device control program 35 is started, i.e., for setting the device monitoring program 34 to be a non-resident program.

[0151] A third radio button 92A for agreeing to receive offering information and a fourth radio button 92B for not receiving offering information are displayed in the offering information setting field 92 on the setting screen 90. Also, below the third radio button 92A, a first check box 92C and a second check box 92D for selecting the type of offering information to receive are displayed.

[0152] When the user clicks any of the first radio button 91A, second radio button 91B, third radio button 92A, or fourth radio button 92B with the mouse 41, the device control program 35 executes a process for accepting the setting change. The device control program 35 then passes a setting change notification to the device monitoring program 34. Upon receiving the setting change notification, the device monitoring program 34 executes settings such as the startup timing and the type of offering information to be provided to the user in accordance with the setting change notification.

[0153] In this embodiment, even if a device 1 that is "offline" and does not have the job execution function enabled is selected, it is possible to monitor that device 1, and settings related to the monitoring function, etc. are accepted, thereby increasing the flexibility of the monitoring function, etc.

[0154] As described above in detail, the model name 82 and IP address 83 of device 1, which is set as a monitoring target in monitoring program 36, are set as monitoring targets of the new status monitors, device monitoring program 34 and device control program 35. In other words, after the new status monitor takes over the monitoring target from monitoring program 36, if it is able to communicate with device 1, which it has taken over as a monitoring target, it can obtain capability information about the job execution function from device 1 and, based on that information, enable the job execution function to execute a job suitable for device 1. On the other hand, if communication is not possible, the details of the processes available on device 1 are unknown, and it is therefore preferable not to enable the job execution function that controls device 1, thereby improving user convenience.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] Furthermore, for example, if the processing at T13 shown in FIG. 4 is configured to query capability information in addition to the status information, and the processing at T15 is configured to store the capability information in addition to the received status information in the data storage unit 38, the capability information in addition to the status information will always be updated to the latest status, improving user convenience.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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]

[0160] 1 device 2. Information processing equipment 5 Server 42 Display 33 New Status Monitor 34 Device Monitoring Program 35 Device Control Program 36 Monitoring program as old status monitor 38 Data storage unit 50 First Status Information Screen 51 Second status information screen 52 Third Status Information Screen 53 Offering Information Screen 42A First home screen 70 Second home screen 80 Device Table

Claims

1. A first program executable by a computer of an information processing device having a communication unit, The first program causes the computer to a monitoring function that communicates with an image processing device set as a monitoring target via the communication unit and causes the information processing device to acquire a status of the image processing device; a job execution function that causes the image processing device set as the control target to execute a job related to image processing; It is a program to achieve The first program further causes the computer to causing the computer to execute a setting process for setting identification information relating to a first image processing device, which is set as a monitoring target in a second program capable of realizing the monitoring function, to a monitoring target of the first program; The first program further includes causing the computer to execute the following program after the identification information relating to the first image processing device is set as a monitoring target in the setting process: When communication with the first image processing device is possible, information regarding the job execution function is acquired from the first image processing device, and an activation process is executed to activate the job execution function to be controlled by the first image processing device based on the acquired information regarding the job execution function; If communication with the first image processing apparatus is not possible, a deactivation process is executed in which the job execution function to be controlled by the first image processing apparatus is not activated. The first program is configured as follows.

2. 2. A first program according to claim 1, In the activation process, When communication with the first image processing device is possible, a selection object for selecting the job execution function is displayed in an operable manner, thereby enabling the job execution function that is to be controlled by the first image processing device; In the deactivation process, When communication with the first image processing device is not possible, the selected object is not displayed or is displayed in an inoperable state, thereby not enabling the job execution function that controls the first image processing device. The first program is configured as follows.

3. 2. A first program according to claim 1, The first program causes the computer to Execute a selection process for accepting a selection of an image processing device to be controlled; The first program further causes the computer to execute the following after the execution of the validation process: When the first image processing device in which the job execution function is not enabled is selected by the selection process, the first image processing device attempts to communicate with the first image processing device, and when there is a response from the first image processing device that communication is possible, information regarding the job execution function is acquired from the first image processing device, and an on-selection activation process is executed to activate the job execution function that controls the first image processing device based on the acquired information regarding the job execution function. The first program is configured as follows.

4. 2. A first program according to claim 1, The first program causes the computer to a selection process for accepting a selection of an image processing device to be controlled; a monitoring setting process for receiving settings related to the monitoring function; Execute enabling the monitoring setting process to be executed even when the first image processing device in which the job execution function is not enabled is selected in the selection process; The first program is configured as follows.

5. 2. A first program according to claim 1, After the activation process is executed, the first program causes the computer to When a response indicating that communication is possible is received from the first image processing device that is a monitoring target and in which the job execution function is not enabled, a monitoring-time enabling process is executed to enable the job execution function of the first image processing device as a control target. The first program is configured as follows.

6. 2. A first program according to claim 1, The first program causes the computer to When the first image processing device in which the job execution function is not enabled becomes communicable, a storage process is executed to acquire information about the job execution function from the first image processing device and store the information in a memory of the information processing device; When the information on the job execution function corresponding to the first image processing device is stored in the memory, even if communication with the first image processing device is impossible, a stored activation process is executed to activate the job execution function that is to be controlled by the first image processing device, based on the stored information on the job execution function. The first program is configured as follows.

7. 2. A first program according to claim 1, The first program causes the computer to When the first program is started for the first time, the setting process is executed; After the setting process is performed, If communication with the first image processing device is possible, the activation process is executed; When communication with the first image processing device is impossible, the deactivation process is executed. The first program is configured as follows.

8. 2. A first program according to claim 1, the first program includes a resident program and a non-resident program; The non-resident program is installed on the computer. executes a transmission process of transmitting, via the communication unit, an execution instruction to cause the image processing device, in which the job execution function is enabled, to execute a job related to image processing; The resident program is installed on the computer. communicating with the image processing device to be monitored via the communication unit, acquiring status information from the image processing device to be monitored, and executing a notification process to notify notification information based on the acquired information; The first program is configured as follows.

9. 9. An information processing device comprising a memory in which the first program according to claim 1 is stored.

Images