Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

To allow a user who has instructed to execute a job to grasp a change in the state of the job.SOLUTION: An information processing system 80 comprises at least one processor, and when a predetermined state change occurs during execution of a job in an apparatus (image forming device 20) that has been instructed to execute the job, the processor causes a portable terminal 40 linked to ID information of a user who has instructed to execute the job to notify a warning according to the details of the state change.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes an information processing device that provides an image forming device that controls the sound to be generated depending on the positional relationship with an external device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-162004 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The image forming device as an information processing device disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 identifies the positional relationship between the image forming device and a remote control terminal, and controls the volume of the sound generating means based on the identified positional relationship between the image forming device and the remote control terminal. As a result, when a user is near the image forming device, operation sounds and audio guidance are reproduced from the image forming device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to allow a user to understand the contents of the status change of a job that has been instructed to be executed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing system of the first aspect includes at least one processor, and when a predetermined state change occurs during execution of a job on an apparatus to which the job has been instructed to be executed, the processor causes a mobile terminal linked to the ID information of the user who instructed the job to issue a warning corresponding to the content of the state change.

[0007] The information processing system of the second aspect is the information processing system of the first aspect, further comprising a sound generating unit, and the processor causes the sound generating unit to issue a warning if the state change can be resolved by a user other than the user.

[0008] In a third aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, if the status change cannot be resolved by a user other than the user, the processor causes the mobile terminal to emit a warning sound that is louder than when the status change can be resolved by a user other than the user.

[0009] An information processing system of a fourth aspect is the information processing system of the first aspect, wherein the processor causes the mobile terminal to issue a warning according to the distance between the mobile terminal and the device.

[0010] The information processing system of a fifth aspect is the information processing system of the fourth aspect, further comprising a sound generating unit, and the processor causes the sound generating unit to issue a warning according to the distance between the mobile terminal and the device.

[0011] In a sixth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the fifth aspect, when the distance between the mobile terminal and the device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the processor causes the mobile terminal to generate a warning sound that is louder than when the distance is less than the predetermined value, and does not generate a warning sound from the sound generating unit.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the sixth aspect, wherein when the distance between the mobile terminal and the device is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the processor causes the mobile terminal to generate a vibration of higher intensity than when the distance is less than the predetermined value.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the first aspect, wherein the processor is capable of acquiring the ID information through input operations by the user via an input unit, by reading an ID card owned by the user, and together with a job instructed by the user via a network.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the first aspect, wherein the processor transmits the content of the status change and the ID information to a network, and the mobile terminal issues the warning in response to comparing the ID information on the network with its own ID information.

[0015] An information processing system of a tenth aspect is the information processing system of the first aspect, and is further provided with a display unit, and when the processor obtains information from the mobile terminal that an input operation has been performed on the mobile terminal after the warning is issued, the processor causes the display unit to display predetermined information.

[0016] An information processing system of an eleventh aspect includes a portable terminal having at least one processor, and when the ID information of the user who instructed the job to be executed and the content of the state change, which are obtained from an image forming device in which a predetermined state change has occurred during the execution of a job, match the ID information of the owner of the portable terminal, the processor issues a warning according to the content of the state change.

[0017] The information processing program of the twelfth aspect causes a computer to execute the following: when a predetermined status change occurs during execution of a job on an apparatus to which the job has been instructed to be executed, the program causes a mobile terminal linked to the ID information of the user who instructed the job to issue a warning according to the content of the status change.

[0018] In a thirteenth aspect of the information processing method, when a predetermined status change occurs during execution of a job on an apparatus to which the job has been instructed to be executed, a warning corresponding to the content of the status change is issued to a mobile terminal linked to the ID information of the user who instructed the job to be executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, the information processing system of the eleventh aspect, the information processing program of the twelfth aspect, and the information processing method of the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to allow a user to grasp changes in the status of a job that has been instructed to be executed.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, users other than the user who instructed the job to be executed can more easily notice the change in state than when no warning is issued from the sound generating unit.

[0021] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, compared to when a loud warning sound is not emitted, the user can more easily notice a state change that cannot be resolved by a user other than the user who instructed the job to be executed.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, even if the content of the state change is the same, different warnings can be given depending on the distance.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, a warning according to distance can be issued not only from the mobile terminal but also from the image forming apparatus.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, it is easier for the user to recognize that a state change has occurred, compared to when no loud warning sound is generated.

[0025] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, it is easier for the user to recognize that a state change has occurred, compared to when vibrations of the same intensity are always generated.

[0026] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, it is possible to increase the number of mobile terminals that can issue a warning compared to cases where the information can only be obtained by input operation via the user's input unit, by reading an ID card owned by the user, or by obtaining the information together with a job instructed by the user via a network.

[0027] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, it is not necessary to continue transmitting information until the mobile terminal acquires the information.

[0028] According to the information processing system of the tenth aspect, information regarding the user's awareness of the warning can be displayed on the display unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a table showing examples of predetermined state changes and corresponding state levels in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an information group uploaded by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an information group uploaded by a mobile terminal. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of an information group uploaded by a mobile terminal. [Figure 5A] 10 is a table showing an example of a warning to be notified by the mobile terminal. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a mobile terminal. [Figure 6] 10 is a table showing an example of a warning to be issued by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a warning notification process performed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a warning notification process performed by a mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in the various drawings are the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and multiple components may exist.

[0031] Furthermore, descriptions of overlapping configurations and symbols in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be implemented by making appropriate modifications, such as omitting configurations, replacing them with different configurations, or combining one embodiment with various modified examples, within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0032] <Information Processing System> 1 is a system built in an image forming apparatus 20. In this disclosure, the term "system" includes a system built with a single apparatus, a system built with multiple apparatuses, and a system built within a higher-level apparatus or system.

[0033] That is, the information processing system of the present disclosure may be constructed across a plurality of devices other than the image forming device 20. For example, the information processing system 80 of the present embodiment may be constructed including the mobile terminal 40 described later.

[0034] In addition, the various processes executed by the information processing system 80 can also be executed on the cloud, an on-premise server, an edge server, an end point, or the like.

[0035] Although the details will be described later, the information processing system 80 is a system that notifies the user of the content of the status change when a status change occurs in a job that the user has instructed to be executed on the image forming apparatus 20, allowing the user to understand the content of the status change. The information processing system 80 changes the content of the notification depending on the content of the status change and the distance between the user and the image forming apparatus.

[0036] <Image forming device> The image forming apparatus 20 according to this embodiment accepts a job input by a user and executes the specified job. One example of a job executed by the image forming apparatus 20 is a print job for forming an original image generated from a scanned original or the like on a recording medium such as paper.

[0037] The document to be read into the image forming apparatus 20 may be a document set in the image reading unit 30 described later, or a document obtained from an external network via the communication interface (I / F) unit 18 described later.

[0038] The image forming device 20 is formed with a main body section 22, an input section 24, a sound generating section 26, a duplex automatic document feeder 28, an image reading section 30, a paper transporting device 32, and an output section 34. The image forming device 20 also has a control device 10.

[0039] (Main body) The main body 22 is a housing that houses an image forming unit 22A, a cartridge 22B, and the like.

[0040] The image forming unit 22A forms an original image generated by the image reading unit 30 (described later) on a recording medium such as paper using, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet recording method.

[0041] When an electrophotographic system is adopted as the image forming unit 22A, the cartridge 22B is a toner cartridge containing toner as an example of a color material. When an inkjet recording system is adopted as the image forming unit 22A, the cartridge 22B is an ink cartridge containing ink as an example of a color material.

[0042] (Input section) The input unit 24 is an interface that allows a user to input a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus 20, and includes a display unit 24A and an operation unit 24B.

[0043] The display unit 24A is configured by combining, for example, a touch panel with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc. Images, etc. are displayed on the display unit 24A in response to touch operations by the user and processing of the image forming device 20, etc. The operation unit 24B is an operation key, operation button, power button, etc. provided on the image forming device 20.

[0044] The user can specify job contents or input instructions to execute a job to the image forming apparatus 20 by performing a touch operation on the display unit 24A or pressing an operation button on the operation unit 24B. Note that the user's input operation may be performed via the operation unit 24B.

[0045] (Sound generating section) The sound generating unit 26 is a device provided in the main body 22, and electronically generates an operation sound or the like indicating that an operation has been performed in response to an input operation by the user via the input unit 24. The sound generating unit 26 can also issue a warning, which will be described later, by a buzzer sound, voice, or the like.

[0046] (Automatic duplex document feeder) The duplexing automatic document feeder 28 (DADF) is a transport device that transports documents using transport rollers (not shown). The duplexing automatic document feeder 28 is installed at the upper end of the main body 22, covers the image reading unit (platen glass) 30 (described later), and also serves as an openable and closable platen cover.

[0047] A paper tray is provided in the automatic double-sided document feeder 28. The paper tray is a tray on which one or more documents to be read by the image reading unit 30 can be set.

[0048] The image forming apparatus 20 is also provided with a manual paper tray on the side of the main body 22, where paper for forming an original image in the image forming section 22A can be set.

[0049] (Image reading unit) The image reading unit 30 is a platen on the upper end surface of the main body 22 that is equipped with a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor and the like that reads the document set on the paper tray of the automatic double-sided document feeder 28 and generates a document image.

[0050] A double-sided automatic document feeder 28 serving as a platen cover can be opened to set one document to be read by the image reading unit 30 .

[0051] (Paper transport device) The paper transport device 32 transports, along a paper transport path, paper supplied from a paper tray provided near the lower end of the main body 22. Paper for forming an original image in the image forming unit 22A can be set in the paper tray.

[0052] (output section) The output unit 34 is configured to include a paper output tray provided on the side of the main body unit 22. An output object on which an original image has been formed in the image forming unit 22A is output to the paper output tray. The output unit 34 may be provided with only one paper output tray or multiple paper output trays.

[0053] (Control device) The control device 10 accepts a job input by a user to the image forming device 20 and controls the image forming device 20 to execute the specified job. When a status change occurs in the job of the image forming device 20 that the user has instructed to execute, the control device 10 notifies the user of the content of the status change.

[0054] (Electrical configuration of the control device) The control device 10 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12 serving as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage unit 13, a medium read / write device (R / W) 16, a communication I / F unit 18, and an external I / F unit 19. The CPU 11, the memory 12, the storage unit 13, the medium read / write device 16, the communication I / F unit 18, and the external I / F unit 19 are connected to one another via a bus B1. The medium read / write device 16 reads information written to a recording medium 17 and writes information to the recording medium 17. The communication I / F unit 18 is an interface for communicatively connecting the control device 10 to, for example, a server provided outside the control device 10 or various terminals used by users. The communication I / F unit 18 uses a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LAN (Local Area Network).

[0055] (Storage part) The storage unit 13 is realized by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like. An information processing program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 as a storage medium. The information processing program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 by setting a recording medium 17 on which the information processing program 13A is written in the medium reading and writing device 16 and having the medium reading and writing device 16 read the information processing program 13A from the recording medium 17. The CPU 11 reads the information processing program 13A from the storage unit 13, expands it in the memory 12, and sequentially executes the processes of the information processing program 13A. A job information database 13B, which will be described later, is stored in the storage unit 13.

[0056] (Functional configuration of the control device) Next, the functional configuration of the control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11A, a determination unit 11B, a notification unit 11C, and a control unit 11D. The CPU 11 of the control device 10 executes an information processing program 13A to function as the acquisition unit 11A, the determination unit 11B, the notification unit 11C, and the control unit 11D.

[0057] (Acquisition Department) Obtaining status changes When a predetermined state change occurs during execution of a job in the image forming apparatus 20, the acquiring unit 11A acquires information indicating that the state change has occurred (hereinafter referred to as "state change information").

[0058] The "predetermined status changes" are stored in the job information database 13B, and examples thereof include the cases shown in Fig. 3. Note that status changes other than these cases may also be stored in the storage unit 13 as predetermined status changes.

[0059] <Case 1> When the job instructed to be executed is completed normally, the acquisition unit 11A acquires the information (normal completion information) as the status change information. The normal completion information is acquired from the paper transport device 32 or the like.

[0060] <Case 2> When the job that has been instructed to be executed ends abnormally, the acquisition unit 11A acquires the information (abnormal end information) as the status change information. The abnormal end information is acquired from the paper transport device 32 or the like.

[0061] <Case 3> When a document jam occurs in the automatic double-sided document feeder 28 and the job is interrupted, the acquisition unit 11A acquires the information (document jam information) as status change information. The document jam information is acquired from the automatic double-sided document feeder 28.

[0062] <Case 4> When a job is interrupted due to a paper jam in paper transport device 32, acquiring unit 11A acquires the information (paper jam information) as status change information. The paper jam information is acquired from paper transport device 32.

[0063] <Case 5> When the paper tray of paper transport device 32 runs out of paper and the job is interrupted, acquisition unit 11A acquires the information (out-of-paper information) as status change information. The out-of-paper information is acquired from paper transport device 32.

[0064] <Case 6> When the toner in cartridge 22B runs out and the job is interrupted, acquisition unit 11A acquires the information (out-of-toner information) as status change information. The out-of-toner information is acquired from an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like, which serves as a mechanism for monitoring the remaining toner amount.

[0065] <Case 7> When the execution fee of a job instructed to be executed is insufficient and the job is interrupted, the acquisition unit 11A acquires the information (insufficient fee information) as status change information. The insufficient fee information is acquired from the deposit device 50 provided adjacent to the image forming apparatus 20.

[0066] Note that "insufficient fee for the executed job" refers to a situation where, for example, a print job of 10 sheets is instructed to be executed, but only the fee for 5 sheets has been deposited into the deposit device, and when the print job of 5 sheets is completed, there is insufficient fee to execute the remaining 5 print jobs.

[0067] <Case 8> Furthermore, when the number of jobs assigned to a user who has issued a job execution instruction reaches an upper limit (count upper limit) and the job is interrupted, the acquiring unit 11A acquires the information (count upper limit reaching information) as status change information. The count upper limit is, for example, the number of printable sheets, and is stored in the storage unit 13 for each user.

[0068] A status level is set for each of cases 1 to 8. The status level for cases 1 and 2 is level 1, the status level for cases 3, 4, 5 and 6 is level 2, and the status level for cases 7 and 8 is level 3.

[0069] Level 1 indicates a state in which no user intervention is required. Level 2 indicates a state in which user intervention is required, but only the user who instructed the job to be executed can take action. Level 3 indicates a state in which user intervention is required, but only the user who instructed the job to be executed can take action.

[0070] The job status changes corresponding to the status levels shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples, and can be set appropriately by the administrator of the information processing system 80.

[0071] · Acquisition of ID information The acquisition unit 11A acquires ID information of a user. For example, the acquisition unit 11A can acquire the ID information by the user inputting a password or the like via an input unit.

[0072] The acquisition unit 11A can also acquire the ID information by reading an ID card owned by the user. The ID information recorded on the ID card is also linked to the mobile terminal 40 owned by the user.

[0073] Furthermore, when a job is instructed to be executed via a network, the acquisition unit 11A can acquire ID information of the user who instructed to execute the job together with the job. When ID information needs to be authenticated in the image forming device 20 to execute the job, the job information instructed to be executed and the ID information are linked and stored in the storage unit 13 as "execution waiting information."

[0074] (Information transmission and reception and warning notification) Here, an overview of transmission and reception of various information and warning notification when a predetermined status change occurs during job execution will be described. In the following description, the image forming apparatus 20 in which the status change occurs will be referred to as image forming apparatus 20A, and the other image forming apparatus 20 will be referred to as image forming apparatus 20B.

[0075] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 40 associated with the ID information of the user who issued the instruction to execute the job whose status has changed may be referred to as mobile terminal 40A, and the other mobile terminal may be referred to as mobile terminal 40B.

[0076] <Uploading information from an image forming device> When a predetermined status change occurs, a notification unit 11C (described later) of the image forming apparatus 20 uploads an information group 60A shown in Fig. 4A onto the network via broadband. This information group 60A includes a device identifier, an authenticated user ID, job parameters, a job status, a status level, and a control instruction.

[0077] The device identifier is an ID assigned to each image forming apparatus 20, and is a serial number or the like for identifying the image forming apparatus 20A that uploaded the information group 60A.

[0078] The authenticated user ID is ID information of the user who instructed the execution of a job whose status has changed, and is linked to the mobile terminal 40. A user who uses the image forming device 20 obtains ID information by registering for use of the image forming device 20 in advance. A job of the image forming device 20 can be instructed to be executed by a user who possesses authenticated ID information.

[0079] The job parameters are various parameters for the job whose status has changed, and include various information such as the type of job (copy or print, etc.), the number of sheets, and the layout (1-up or 2-up, etc.).

[0080] 5A, the control instruction is instruction information for controlling the mobile terminal 40A in accordance with the "status level" and the "distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming apparatus 20." The control instruction will be described in detail later.

[0081] <Acquisition of information via mobile devices> As shown in FIG. 4A, information group 60A uploaded onto the network is acquired by portable terminal 40 owned by a user who has registered to use image forming apparatus 20.

[0082] The mobile terminal 40 has a processor (CPU), and the CPU collates the authenticated user ID included in the acquired information group 60A with the ID information linked to the mobile terminal 40.

[0083] The CPU of mobile terminal 40A determines that the authenticated user ID included in acquired information group 60A belongs to the user who owns mobile terminal 40A. On the other hand, the CPU of mobile terminal 40B determines that the authenticated user ID included in acquired information group 60A does not belong to the user who owns mobile terminal 40B.

[0084] The CPU of the portable terminal 40A, which has acquired the information group 60A and verified the ID information, calculates the distance between the portable terminal 40A and the image forming device 20A. The portable terminal 40A stores location information of the image forming device 20A in advance. Meanwhile, the location of the portable terminal 40 is identified using GPS information or the like. This allows the distance between the portable terminal 40A and the image forming device 20A to be calculated. Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may also be used to calculate the distance between the portable terminal 40A and the image forming device 20A.

[0085] <Mobile device warning notification> If the ID information included in the information group 60A acquired from the image forming apparatus 20A matches the ID information of the owner of the mobile terminal 40A, the CPU of the mobile terminal 40A issues a warning according to the content of the state change.

[0086] Specifically, the CPU of the mobile terminal 40A calculates the distance between the mobile terminal 40A and the image forming device 20A, and controls the mobile terminal 40A in accordance with the control instructions contained in the information group 60A, the status level, and the calculated distance, and issues a warning in accordance with the status level and the distance.

[0087] For example, if the status level is "Level 3" and the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming device 20 is "long distance," the CPU of the mobile terminal 40A issues a control instruction to the sound generating device of the mobile terminal 40A to generate a warning sound at a "loud" volume.

[0088] Furthermore, the CPU of the mobile terminal 40A issues a control instruction to cause a vibration generator of the mobile terminal 40A to generate a vibration with a "high" intensity. Furthermore, the CPU of the mobile terminal 40A issues a control instruction to cause a warning message to be displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal 40A.

[0089] An administrator of information processing system 80 sets a threshold in advance to determine whether the distance between portable terminal 40 and image forming device 20 is a "long distance" or a "short distance." The CPU of portable terminal 40A determines that a calculated distance equal to or greater than the threshold is a long distance, and that a calculated distance less than the threshold is a short distance.

[0090] Furthermore, the user of mobile terminal 40A can set in advance the respective volume levels indicated by "large," "medium," and "small." Similarly, the user of mobile terminal 40A can set in advance the respective vibration intensities indicated by "large," "medium," and "low." Furthermore, the user of mobile terminal 40A can set in advance whether or not to display a warning message as a pop-up on the display screen.

[0091] 5A, the control instruction contents according to the status level and the calculated distance between portable terminal 40A and image forming apparatus 20A are based on the control instruction uploaded from image forming apparatus 20A. In other words, the warning notification of portable terminal 40A is executed based on the instruction from image forming apparatus 20A.

[0092] However, each control instruction content may be set in advance by the user of the mobile terminal 40. In such a case, the user can set the control instruction content by inputting the content via the display screen of the mobile terminal 40, as shown in Fig. 5B.

[0093] For example, when the status level is "Level 1" and the distance between mobile terminal 40 and image forming device 20 is "long distance," the sound generating device of mobile terminal 40A can be set not to emit a warning sound. When a control instruction content is set by the user, the set content is executed with priority over the control instruction content shown in Fig. 5A.

[0094] The warning notification from the mobile terminal 40A may be executed by an SMS notification using a telephone number assigned to the mobile terminal 40 or an email notification using an email address.

[0095] <Uploading information via mobile device> After calculating the distance between the mobile terminal 40A and the image forming device 20A, the CPU of the mobile terminal 40A uploads information group 60B shown in Fig. 4B onto the network via broadband. This information group 60B includes a device identifier, an authenticated user ID, job parameters, and the distance between the mobile terminal 40A and the image forming device 20A.

[0096] If the distance between portable terminal 40A and image forming apparatus 20A cannot be measured, the CPU of portable terminal 40A uploads, for example, "-1" as the distance.

[0097] In addition, when the warning sound generated by the sound generating device of mobile terminal 40A and the vibration generated by the vibration generating device are stopped by the user's input operation, the CPU of mobile terminal 40A can upload information group 60C shown in Figure 4C onto the network via broadband.

[0098] This information group 60C includes a device identifier, an authenticated user ID, job parameters, and a confirmation notification. The "confirmation notification" is notification information indicating that an input operation has been performed on the mobile terminal, and is notification information indicating that the user has confirmed the warning issued by mobile terminal 40A.

[0099] <Acquisition of information by image forming device> The information groups 60B and 60C uploaded onto the network are acquired by the acquisition unit 11A of the image forming apparatus 20.

[0100] A determination unit 11B of the image forming apparatus 20, which will be described later, compares the device identifier included in the acquired information groups 60B and 60C with the device identifier of the image forming apparatus 20 itself.

[0101] The determination unit 11B of the image forming apparatus 20A determines that the device identifier included in the acquired information groups 60B and 60C is the device identifier of the image forming apparatus 20A. The determination unit 11B of the image forming apparatus 20B determines that the device identifier included in the acquired information groups 60B and 60C is not the device identifier of the image forming apparatus 20A.

[0102] <Warning notification of image forming device> The notification unit 11C of the image forming device 20, which will be described later, controls the image forming device 20 as shown in Figure 6 according to the status level of the job and the distance included in the information group 60B, and issues a warning according to the status level and distance.

[0103] For example, when the status level is "Level 3" and the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming device 20 is "short distance", the notification unit 11C causes the sound generation unit 26 to generate a "loud" warning sound.

[0104] Furthermore, in response to the determination by the determination unit 11B that the device identifier included in the acquired information group 60C is the device identifier of the own machine, the notification unit 11C causes the display unit 24A to display a message indicating that the user who instructed the job to be executed has acknowledged the warning notification (for example, a message stating "The user has acknowledged the situation").

[0105] In addition, the notification unit 11C may display on the display unit 24A a message indicating that the user has not acknowledged the warning notification (for example, a message saying "The user is being called") before displaying a message indicating that the user who instructed the job to be executed has acknowledged the warning notification.

[0106] (Judgment Department) When the acquisition unit 11A acquires status change information, the determination unit 11B determines whether or not a user response is required for the status change (in other words, determines whether or not the status level is level 1).

[0107] Furthermore, if a user response is required, the determining unit 11B further determines whether or not the status change can be resolved by a user other than the user (in other words, determines whether or not the status level is level 2).

[0108] That is, when the acquisition unit 11A acquires status change information, the determination unit 11B determines whether the status change corresponds to level 1, 2, or 3.

[0109] Furthermore, the determination unit 11B determines whether the ID information acquired by the acquisition unit 11A is an ID that has been pre-authenticated through user registration. If the user ID acquired by the acquisition unit 11A is not an ID that has been pre-authenticated through user registration, the user cannot execute a job.

[0110] Furthermore, when the storage unit 13 stores "execution waiting information" of a job instructed to be executed via the network, the determination unit 11B determines whether the ID information acquired by the acquisition unit 11A is included in the ID information stored in the execution waiting information. If the ID information acquired by the acquisition unit 11A matches the ID information stored in the execution waiting information, the job associated with the ID information is executed.

[0111] As described above, the determination unit 11B determines whether the device identifiers included in the information groups 60B and 60C uploaded from the mobile terminal 40A are those of the mobile terminal itself.

[0112] (Notification Department) When the acquisition unit 11A acquires the status change information, if the status change that has occurred can be resolved by a user other than the user (level 2), the notification unit 11C causes the sound generation unit 26 to issue a warning, as shown in Figure 6.

[0113] The notification unit 11C may cause the display unit 24A to display a warning message in addition to causing the sound generation unit 26 to issue a warning. Furthermore, the notification unit 11C may cause the display unit 24A to display a warning message instead of causing the sound generation unit 26 to issue a warning.

[0114] In addition, when the acquisition unit 11A acquires the status change information, the notification unit 11C, as shown in Figure 5A, issues a warning according to the content of the status change to the mobile terminal 40 linked to the ID information of the user who instructed the execution of the job whose status has changed.

[0115] For example, the notification unit 11C causes the mobile terminal 40 to generate an alarm sound when the state change that has occurred can be resolved by a user other than the user (in the case of level 2).

[0116] In addition, when the status change that has occurred is "impossible" to be resolved by a user other than the user (level 3), the notification unit 11C may cause the mobile terminal 40 to emit a warning sound that is louder than when the status change can be resolved by a user other than the user (level 2).

[0117] Furthermore, the notification unit 11C causes the mobile terminal 40 associated with the ID information of the user who has instructed to execute the job whose status has changed to issue a warning according to the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming apparatus 20.

[0118] For example, when the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming device 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (long distance), the notification unit 11C can make the mobile terminal 40 emit a warning sound that is louder than when the distance is less than the predetermined value (short distance).

[0119] Furthermore, for example, when the distance between the portable terminal 40 and the image forming device 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification unit 11C can generate a vibration in the portable terminal 40 with a greater intensity than when the distance is less than the predetermined value.

[0120] Furthermore, the notification unit 11C can cause the sound generation unit 26 to issue a warning according to the distance between the portable terminal 40 and the image forming apparatus 20, as shown in FIG.

[0121] For example, the alarm unit 11C can prevent the sound generating unit 26 from generating a warning sound when the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming device 20 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (in the case of a long distance), and can cause the sound generating unit 26 to generate a warning sound when the distance is less than the predetermined value (in the case of a short distance).

[0122] (Control unit) Control unit 11D controls various functions of image forming device 20, including image forming unit 22A, display unit 24A, sound generating unit 26, automatic double-sided document feeder 28, image reading unit 30, paper transport device 32, and others. Various controls by notification unit 11C may be performed via control unit 11D.

[0123] <Warning Notification Processing of Image Forming Apparatus> In response to the instruction to execute the job, the CPU 11 of the control device 10 executes the information processing program 13A, thereby executing, as an example, a warning notification process shown in FIG.

[0124] When the warning notification process is executed, in step S102, the CPU 11 waits for a predetermined change in status to be acquired. When the CPU 11 acquires the predetermined change in information, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0125] In step S104, the CPU 11 uploads the information group 60A shown in Fig. 4A. After step S104, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0126] In step S106, the CPU 11 waits for acquisition of the information group 60B shown in Fig. 4B. When the CPU 11 acquires the information group 60B, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0127] In step S108, the CPU 11 determines whether the device identifier included in the information group 60B is that of the own device. If the determination in step S108 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the determination in step S108 is negative, the process returns to step S106.

[0128] In step S110, the CPU 11 causes the sound generating unit 26 and the display unit 24A to issue a warning according to the status level and the distance. After step S110, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0129] In step S112, the CPU 11 waits for acquisition of the information group 60C shown in Fig. 4C. When the CPU 11 acquires the information group 60C, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0130] In step S114, the CPU 11 determines whether the device identifier included in the information group 60C is that of the own device. If the determination in step S114 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, if the determination in step S114 is negative, the process returns to step S112.

[0131] In step S116, the CPU 11 displays a message on the display unit 24A indicating that the user who instructed the job to be executed has acknowledged the warning notification, and in response to this display, the warning notification process ends.

[0132] <Warning notification processing for mobile devices> When the power supply of the mobile terminal 40 is turned on, the CPU of the mobile terminal 40 executes the warning notification process shown in FIG.

[0133] When the warning notification process is executed, in step S202, the CPU of the mobile terminal 40 (hereinafter simply referred to as the CPU) waits for acquisition of the information group 60A shown in Fig. 4A. When the CPU acquires the information group 60A, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0134] In step S204, the CPU determines whether the authenticated user ID included in the information group 60A matches the ID information associated with the device itself. If the determination in step S204 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the determination in step S204 is negative, the process returns to step S202.

[0135] In step S206, the CPU calculates the distance between the image forming apparatus 20 that uploaded the information group 60A and the mobile terminal 40 (i.e., the mobile terminal itself). After step S206, the process proceeds to step S208.

[0136] In step S208, the CPU causes the sound generator, vibration generator, and display screen of the mobile terminal 40 to issue a warning according to the status level and distance. The CPU also uploads the information group 60B shown in Fig. 4B. After step S208, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0137] In step S210, the CPU waits for an input operation by the user, and when the CPU receives the input operation, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0138] In step S212, the CPU uploads information group 60C shown in Fig. 4C. Following this upload, the warning notification process of mobile terminal 40 ends.

[0139] <Action and effect> In the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, when a predetermined state change occurs during execution of a job in the image forming apparatus 20 to which the job execution instruction has been given, a warning according to the content of the state change is issued to the mobile terminal 40 linked to the ID information of the user who has given the job execution instruction. This allows the user to understand the state change of the job that has been given the execution instruction.

[0140] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, if the state change can be resolved by a user other than the user who instructed the job to be executed, the sound generating unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 20 can be made to issue a warning.

[0141] This makes it easier for users other than the user who instructed the job to execute to notice the state change and to resolve the state change, compared to when no warning is issued from sound generating unit 26.

[0142] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, if the status change cannot be resolved by a user other than the user who instructed the job to be executed, a warning sound that is louder than when the status change can be resolved by a user other than the user who instructed the job to be executed can be generated on the mobile terminal 40 of the user who instructed the job to be executed.

[0143] This makes it easier for the user who instructed the job to execute to notice a state change that cannot be resolved by a user other than the user who instructed the job to execute, compared to when no loud warning sound is generated.

[0144] Furthermore, the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure can issue a warning to the portable terminal 40 of the user who has instructed to execute a job, depending on the distance between the portable terminal 40 and the image forming apparatus 20. This allows different warnings to be used depending on the distance, even if the content of the status change is the same.

[0145] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, the sound generating unit 26 of the image forming device 20 can be made to issue a warning according to the distance between the portable terminal 40 and the image forming device 20. This allows a warning according to the distance to be issued from the image forming device 20 in addition to the portable terminal 40.

[0146] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, when the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming device 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (long distance), the mobile terminal 40 can emit a warning sound that is louder than when the distance is less than the predetermined value (short distance). This makes it easier for the user to recognize that a state change has occurred, compared to when a warning sound with a loud volume is not emitted.

[0147] At this time, it is also possible not to generate a warning sound from the sound generating unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 20. This prevents the sound generating unit 26 from generating a warning sound that is highly likely to be inaudible to the user who has instructed to execute the job, thereby reducing power consumption compared to when a warning sound is generated.

[0148] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, when the distance between the portable terminal 40 and the image forming device 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (long distance), a vibration with a higher intensity can be generated in the portable terminal 40 compared to when the distance is less than the predetermined value (short distance). This makes it easier for the user to recognize that a state change has occurred compared to when a vibration with a high intensity is not generated.

[0149] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, the user's ID information can be acquired by the user's input operation via the input unit 24, and can also be acquired by reading an ID card owned by the user. Compared to a case where the ID information can only be acquired by the user's input operation via the input unit 24 or by reading an ID card owned by the user, it is possible to increase the number of mobile terminals 40 that can issue a warning.

[0150] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, an information group 60A including the details of the job status change and ID information is transmitted to the network. Then, when the portable terminal 40 of the user who instructed to execute the job compares the ID information on the network (in other words, included in the information group 60A) with its own ID information, the portable terminal 40 issues a warning. This eliminates the need to continue transmitting information until the portable terminal 40 acquires the information group 60A.

[0151] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, after a warning is issued to the mobile terminal 40, if information that an input operation has been performed on the mobile terminal 40 is acquired from the mobile terminal 40, predetermined information is displayed on the display unit 24A. This allows information regarding the user's awareness of the warning to be displayed on the display unit 24A.

[0152] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, if the status change can be resolved by a user other than the user who instructed the job to be executed, the sound generating unit 26 of the image forming device 20 can be made to issue a warning, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0153] For example, it is not always necessary to issue a warning from sound generating unit 26 of image forming apparatus 20. Also, even if the state change can be resolved only by the user who instructed to execute the job, sound generating unit 26 of image forming apparatus 20 may be caused to issue a warning.

[0154] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the status change cannot be resolved by a user other than the user who instructed the job to be executed, a warning sound that is louder than when the status change can be resolved by a user other than the user who instructed the job to be executed can be generated on the mobile terminal 40 of the user who instructed the job to be executed, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0155] Similarly, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, when the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming device 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the mobile terminal 40 can emit a warning sound that is louder than when the distance is less than the predetermined value, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0156] The volume of the warning sound in the mobile terminal 40 can be changed by the user of the mobile terminal 40 as desired.

[0157] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, when the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming device 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the mobile terminal 40 can generate vibrations of a higher intensity than when the distance is less than the predetermined value, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0158] The vibration intensity of the mobile terminal 40 can be changed by the user of the mobile terminal 40 as desired.

[0159] In addition, in the above embodiment, it is possible to issue a warning to the mobile terminal 40 of the user who instructed the job to be executed, depending on the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming device 20, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0160] Similarly, in the above embodiment, the sound generating unit 26 of the image forming device 20 can be made to issue a warning according to the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming device 20, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0161] For example, it is not necessary to differentiate between warnings depending on the distance.

[0162] In the above embodiment, information group 60A including the job status change details and ID information is uploaded to the network via broadband, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, information group 60A may be directly transmitted via the network to mobile terminal 40 of the user who instructed to execute the job.

[0163] Similarly, in the above embodiment, the information group 60B including the distance between the mobile terminal 40 and the image forming apparatus 20 and the device identifier is uploaded to the network via broadband, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the information group 60B may be sent directly to the image forming apparatus 20 that executed the job via the network.

[0164] Even in these various modified examples, the user can be made aware of the change in status of the job that he or she has instructed to be executed by having the mobile terminal 40 linked to the ID information of the user who has instructed to execute the job issue a warning according to the content of the change in status.

[0165] In the above embodiment, a print job is used as an example of a job for which a warning is issued according to the content of a status change. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to various jobs that may cause waiting times for users other than the user who instructed the job to be executed. Such jobs may include, for example, heating in a microwave oven, washing and drying at a laundromat, etc.

[0166] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes the processes of the acquisition unit 11A, the determination unit 11B, the notification unit 11C, and the control unit 11D. As described above, the various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as a processing unit, as well as dedicated electrical circuits that are processors having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processes, such as a programmable logic device (PLD) that is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0167] The processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). The processing unit may also be configured with a single processor. Some or all of these processors may be configured on the cloud. At least each of the processes described in the above embodiments may be executed by a processor on the cloud.

[0168] Examples of configuring a processing unit with a single processor include, first, a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as the processing unit, as typified by computers such as client and server. Second, a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system, including the processing unit, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs). In this way, the processing unit is configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0169] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors may be, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. As such, the present disclosure may be implemented in various ways.

[0170] <Additional Notes> (((1))) at least one processor; The processor: When a predetermined state change occurs during execution of a job in a device to which a job execution instruction has been issued, a mobile terminal linked to ID information of the user who instructed to execute the job is notified of a warning according to the content of the state change; Information processing system.

[0171] (((2))) A sound generating unit is provided, The processor: If the state change can be resolved by a user other than the user, causing the sound generating unit to issue a warning; The information processing system according to (((1))).

[0172] (((3))) The processor: If the change in status cannot be resolved by a user other than the user, generating a warning sound on the mobile terminal that is louder than when the state change can be resolved by a user other than the user; The information processing system according to (((1))) or (((2))).

[0173] (((4))) The processor: causing the mobile terminal to issue a warning according to the distance between the mobile terminal and the device; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0174] (((5))) A sound generating unit is provided, The processor: causing the sound generating unit to issue a warning according to the distance between the mobile terminal and the device; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))).

[0175] (((6))) The processor: If the distance between the mobile terminal and the device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, causing the mobile terminal to generate a warning sound that is louder than when the distance is less than a predetermined value; No warning sound is generated from the sound generating unit. The information processing system according to (((5))).

[0176] (((7))) The processor: If the distance between the mobile terminal and the device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, generating a vibration in the mobile terminal with a higher intensity than when the distance is less than a predetermined value; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))).

[0177] (((8))) The processor: The ID information, The information can be acquired by an input operation by the user via the input unit, The information can be obtained by reading an ID card owned by the user, It is possible to obtain it together with the job instructed by the user via the network. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))).

[0178] (((9))) The processor: Transmitting the content of the state change and the ID information to a network; the mobile terminal issues the warning in response to matching the ID information on the network with its own ID information; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))).

[0179] (((10))) A display unit is provided, The processor: After the warning is given, When information indicating that an input operation on the mobile terminal has been executed is acquired from the mobile terminal, causing the display unit to display predetermined information; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))).

[0180] (((11))) a mobile terminal having at least one processor; The processor: Among ID information of the user who instructed to execute the job and details of the state change acquired from an image forming device in which a predetermined state change occurred during execution of the job, if the ID information matches ID information of the owner of the mobile terminal, issuing a warning according to the content of the state change; Information processing system.

[0181] (((12))) When a predetermined state change occurs during execution of a job in a device to which a job execution instruction has been issued, a mobile terminal linked to ID information of the user who instructed to execute the job is notified of a warning according to the content of the state change; An information processing program that causes a computer to perform certain tasks.

[0182] (((13))) When a predetermined state change occurs during execution of a job in a device to which a job execution instruction has been issued, a mobile terminal linked to ID information of the user who instructed to execute the job is notified of a warning according to the content of the state change; Information processing methods.

[0183] According to the information processing system (((1))), the information processing system (((11))), the information processing program (((12))), and the information processing method (((13))), it is possible for a user to be aware of changes in the status of a job that has been instructed to be executed.

[0184] According to the information processing system (((2))), users other than the user who instructed the job to be executed can more easily notice the change in status than when no warning is issued from the sound generating unit.

[0185] According to the information processing system (((3))), compared to when no loud warning sound is generated, the user can easily notice a state change that cannot be resolved by a user other than the user who instructed the job to be executed.

[0186] According to the information processing system (((4))), even if the content of the state change is the same, different warnings can be given depending on the distance.

[0187] According to the information processing system of (((5))), a warning according to distance can be issued not only from the mobile terminal but also from the image forming apparatus.

[0188] According to the information processing system (((6))), it is easier for the user to recognize that a state change has occurred, compared to when no loud warning sound is generated.

[0189] According to the information processing system of (((7))), it is easier for the user to recognize that a state change has occurred, compared to when vibrations of the same intensity are always generated.

[0190] According to the information processing system of (((8))), it is possible to increase the number of mobile terminals that can issue a warning compared to when the information can only be obtained by input operation via the user's input unit, by reading an ID card owned by the user, or together with a job instructed by the user via a network.

[0191] According to the information processing system (((9))), it is not necessary to continue transmitting information until the mobile terminal acquires it.

[0192] According to the information processing system of (((10))), information about the user's awareness of the warning can be displayed on the display unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 11 CPU (processor) 13A Information Processing Program 20 Image forming device (equipment) 20A Image forming device (equipment) 20B Image forming device (equipment) 24 Input section 24A Display unit (input unit) 24B Operation section (input section) 26 Sound generating unit 40 Mobile Devices 40A Mobile Terminal 40B Mobile terminal 80 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. at least one processor; The processor: When a predetermined state change occurs during execution of a job in a device to which a job execution instruction has been issued, a mobile terminal linked to ID information of the user who instructed to execute the job is notified of a warning according to the content of the change in status; Information processing system.

2. A sound generating unit is provided, The processor: If the state change can be resolved by a user other than the user, causing the sound generating unit to issue a warning; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: If the change in status cannot be resolved by a user other than the user, generating a warning sound on the mobile terminal that is louder than when the state change can be resolved by a user other than the user; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The processor: causing the mobile terminal to issue a warning according to the distance between the mobile terminal and the device; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. A sound generating unit is provided, The processor: causing the sound generating unit to issue a warning according to the distance between the mobile terminal and the device; The information processing system according to claim 4 .

6. The processor: If the distance between the mobile terminal and the device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, causing the mobile terminal to generate a warning sound that is louder than when the distance is less than a predetermined value; No warning sound is generated from the sound generating unit. The information processing system according to claim 5 .

7. The processor: If the distance between the mobile terminal and the device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, generating a vibration in the mobile terminal with a higher intensity than when the distance is less than a predetermined value; The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. The processor: The ID information The information can be acquired by an input operation by the user via the input unit, The information can be obtained by reading an ID card owned by the user, It is possible to obtain it together with the job instructed by the user via the network. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

9. The processor: Transmitting the content of the state change and the ID information to a network; the mobile terminal issues the warning in response to matching the ID information on the network with its own ID information; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

10. A display unit is provided, The processor: After the warning is given, When information indicating that an input operation on the mobile terminal has been executed is acquired from the mobile terminal, causing the display unit to display predetermined information; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

11. a mobile terminal having at least one processor; The processor: When the ID information of the user who instructed the job to be executed and the content of the state change, which are acquired from the image forming device in which a predetermined state change has occurred during the execution of the job, match the ID information of the owner of the mobile terminal, issuing a warning according to the content of the state change; Information processing system.

12. When a predetermined state change occurs during execution of a job in a device to which a job execution instruction has been issued, a mobile terminal linked to ID information of the user who instructed to execute the job is notified of a warning according to the content of the change in status; An information processing program that causes a computer to perform certain tasks.

13. When a predetermined state change occurs during execution of a job in a device to which a job execution instruction has been issued, a mobile terminal linked to ID information of the user who instructed to execute the job is notified of a warning according to the content of the change in status; Information processing methods.

Images