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

Abstract

To provide information about manually instructed printing interruption.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises a printer and a display device. When printing interruption is instructed to the printer by an operator (step S4; YES), the information processing system stores a printing interruption event indicating the printing interruption into a storage unit as a log (steps S6, S9, and S11). The information processing system causes the operator to input printing interruption contents for the printing interruption event (steps S7 to S9). The information processing system causes the display device to display the inputted printing interruption contents and a printing interruption duration in the printing interruption event.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When producing printed materials using a printing press, printing may be interrupted for some reason. For example, a technology has been disclosed that acquires a log containing information about print interruptions from an image forming device (printing press), aggregates the information about the interruptions by cause of the interruption, and outputs the information about the interruptions aggregated by cause of the interruption (see Patent Document 1). This image forming device detects malfunctions within the image forming device and records information about the detected malfunctions. Malfunctions detected by the image forming device include out of paper, paper jams, full trays, out of toner, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-155923 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 records information regarding the interruption of printing when a malfunction is detected by the image forming device (printing press) itself. Printing is interrupted not only when the printing press detects a malfunction, but also when the operator of the printing press manually instructs the printing press to interrupt printing. For example, the operator visually checks the printed material and instructs the printing press to interrupt printing if he or she finds an abnormality in image quality (an image error). When printing is interrupted by an operator's instruction, no log of the malfunction detection is kept on the printing press. In this case, the circumstances under which printing was interrupted on the printing press are unknown, which poses a problem: it is not possible to analyze or take measures to address the interruption of printing.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and has an object to provide information regarding a manually instructed print interruption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an information processing system comprising a printing machine and a display device, and comprising: a storage control means for, when an operator instructs the printing machine to interrupt printing, storing a print interruption event indicating the interruption in a memory unit as a log; an input control means for having the operator input details of the print interruption in response to the print interruption event; and a display control means for displaying the input details of the print interruption and the print interruption time for the print interruption event on the display device.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the input control means further causes the operator to input the cause of the printing interruption.

[0008] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the input control means further causes the operator to input a response to the printing interruption content.

[0009] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the input control means allows the operator to input the details of the printing interruption from an operation panel of the printing press.

[0010] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the input control means allows the operator to input the details of the printing interruption from the display device.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is an information processing system described in claim 5, wherein the input control means extracts print interruption events from the print interruption events stored in the memory unit for which the print interruption content has not been entered, displays the extracted print interruption events on the display device, and has the operator input the print interruption content for the displayed print interruption events.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the information processing system described in claim 6, wherein the memory control means further includes an identification means for storing identification information of the operator who instructed the printing interruption in the memory unit in association with the printing interruption event and acquiring identification information of the operator operating the display device, and the input control means extracts, from the printing interruption events stored in the memory unit, printing interruption events that are associated with the identification information acquired by the identification means and for which the printing interruption content has not been input, and displays the extracted printing interruption events on the display device.

[0013] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the storage control means stores the time when the operator instructs the printing suspension in the storage unit as a printing suspension start time.

[0014] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the eighth aspect, the storage control means stores the time when the operator instructs the restart of printing as the printing interruption recovery time in the storage unit.

[0015] The invention described in claim 10 is the information processing system described in claim 1, wherein the printing interruption is instructed by the operator when an error occurs regarding the image printed by the printing press.

[0016] The invention described in claim 11 is an information processing method in an information processing system equipped with a printing machine and a display device, and includes a storage control step of, when an operator instructs the printing machine to interrupt printing, storing a print interruption event indicating the interruption in a storage unit as a log; an input control step of having the operator input details of the print interruption in response to the print interruption event; and a display control step of displaying the input details of the print interruption and the print interruption time for the print interruption event on the display device.

[0017] The invention described in claim 12 is an information processing device comprising a log acquisition means for acquiring from the printing machine a print interruption event indicating a print interruption instructed by an operator to the printing machine as a log, an input control means for having the operator input print interruption details for the print interruption event from a display device, and a display control means for displaying the input print interruption details and the print interruption time for the print interruption event on the display device.

[0018] The invention described in claim 13 is a program for causing a computer to function as a log acquisition means for acquiring from the printing press a print interruption event indicating a print interruption instructed by an operator to the printing press as a log, an input control means for having the operator input the details of the print interruption in response to the print interruption event from a display device, and a display control means for displaying the input details of the print interruption and the print interruption time for the print interruption event on the display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, when a printing interruption is manually instructed, information about the printing interruption can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a printing machine. [Figure 3] 10 is a data configuration example of a log management table of a printing press. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a log management table of an information processing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the display device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a first manual interruption recording process executed in a printing press. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a screen for inputting details of printing interruption displayed on the display unit of a printing machine. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a first print interruption information management process executed in the information processing apparatus. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a first printing interruption information viewing process executed on the display device. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a manual interruption log display screen displayed on a display unit of a display device. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of the data configuration of a log management table of a printing press according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a second manual interruption recording process executed in the printing press. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a second print interruption information management process executed in the information processing apparatus. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a second print interruption information viewing process executed on the display device. [Figure 16] 10 is an example of a manual interruption log display screen displayed on a display unit of a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Advantages and features provided by the embodiments will be understood from the following detailed description and drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below or the examples shown in the drawings.

[0022] [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows the system configuration of an information processing system 100 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 100 includes printing presses 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, etc., an information processing device 20, and a display device 30. Each of the printing presses 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, etc. and the information processing device 20 are connected via a communication network N1 to enable data communication. The information processing device 20 and the display device 30 are connected via a communication network N2 to enable data communication. The communication networks N1 and N2 include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the printing presses 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, etc., they will be referred to as "printing press 10." The number of printing presses 10 and display devices 30 is not limited.

[0023] The printing machine 10 has a printing function for printing an image on a print medium. The printing machine 10 may be an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), a production printer, a home printer, or the like. Examples of print media include paper, film, and fabric. Here, an example will be described in which paper is used as the print medium. The printing machine 10 saves a log of print interruptions based on an operator's operational instructions.

[0024] The information processing device 20 periodically accesses each printing press 10 and acquires logs related to printing interruptions based on operator instructions from each printing press 10. The information processing device 20 analyzes the acquired logs and calculates the printing interruption time for each printing interruption event. The information processing device 20 may be a cloud server built in a cloud environment.

[0025] The display device 30 is a viewing device used by a user (operator). The display device 30 accesses the information processing device 20 via a web browser. The display device 30 acquires information related to printing interruptions provided by the information processing device 20 and displays the acquired information on the screen.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printing machine 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the printing machine 10 includes a control unit 11, a printing unit 12, a document reading unit 13, an operation panel 14, a communication unit 15, a timing unit 16, and a memory unit 17. The units constituting the printing machine 10 are connected by a bus.

[0027] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the printing machine 10. Specifically, the CPU reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 17 and loads the read programs into the RAM. The CPU performs various processes in cooperation with the programs.

[0028] The printing unit 12 prints an image on paper based on image data received from an external device or image data obtained by reading an image from a document. The printing unit 12 is, for example, an electrophotographic color printing unit. In this case, the printing unit 12 includes photosensitive drums, charging units, exposure units, and development units corresponding to the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The printing unit 12 also includes a transfer belt and a fixing unit. The charging units corresponding to each color charge the photosensitive drums corresponding to each color. The exposure units corresponding to each color expose and scan the surfaces of the photosensitive drums corresponding to each color based on the image data corresponding to each color. The development units corresponding to each color deposit toner on the photosensitive drums corresponding to each color to form toner images. The toner images formed on the photosensitive drums corresponding to each color are sequentially transferred onto a transfer belt (primary transfer). The color toner images on the transfer belt are transferred onto paper (secondary transfer). The fixing unit fixes the color toner images on the paper.

[0029] The document reading unit 13 reads an image of a document and outputs the obtained image data to the control unit 11. The document reading unit 13 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), a scanner, and the like.

[0030] The operation panel 14 includes a display unit 141 and an operation unit 142 . The display unit 141 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) etc. The display unit 141 displays various screens according to instructions of a display signal input from the control unit 11. The operation unit 142 accepts operation inputs from the user. The operation unit 142 outputs operation signals based on the user's operations to the control unit 11. The operation unit 142 has hard keys and a touch screen. The hard keys are arranged around the screen of the display unit 141. The touch screen is configured integrally with the screen of the display unit 141.

[0031] The communication unit 15 includes a network interface, etc. The communication unit 15 transmits and receives data to and from external devices connected via the communication network N1.

[0032] The timekeeping unit 16 has a timekeeping circuit (RTC: Real Time Clock). The timekeeping unit 16 keeps track of the current date and time using this timekeeping circuit, and outputs the current date and time to the control unit 11.

[0033] The storage unit 17 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 17 stores various programs, various data necessary for executing the programs, etc. For example, the storage unit 17 stores a manual interruption recording program 171, a user management table 172, a log management table 173, etc.

[0034] The manual interruption recording program 171 is a program for recording a log relating to printing interruptions based on operation instructions from the operator in the printing press 10.

[0035] The user management table 172 is a table for managing users who use the information processing system 100. In the user management table 172, a user ID, a password, etc. are associated with each user. Note that it is sufficient that the user management table 172 contains only the users who use the device (printing machine 10) itself.

[0036] The log management table 173 is a table for managing logs of print interruptions based on manual operation instructions that occur within the printing press 10. Fig. 3 shows an example of the data configuration of the log management table 173. In the log management table 173, each print interruption event is associated with a job ID, start time, resolution time, print interruption content, cause, action, user ID, and machine ID. The job ID is identification information of the job that was being executed by the printing press 10 when the printing interruption command was issued. The start time is the time (date and time) when the printing interruption started. The resolution time is the time (date and time) when the print interruption was resolved. The print interruption details are the details of the image error (image-related error) that led to the print interruption instructed by the operator. The print interruption details may also be the type of defect that appears on the image. For example, print interruption details include "streaks," "dots," "misalignment between front and back," "unevenness in the print," "toner spillage," and "paper curl." If the print interruption details are related to color (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), the print interruption details may be managed by color. The cause is the reason for the image error indicated by the print interruption details. Causes of print interruption details include "contaminated charging electrode," "contaminated roller," "scratches on the drum," "poor transfer," "deteriorated developer," "high humidity," and "dryness." If the print interruption details are related to color, the causes may be managed by color. The countermeasure is a countermeasure (removal means) taken by the operator in response to the image error indicated by the print interruption content. Measures for print interruption content include "charging electrode replacement," "drum replacement," "transfer belt replacement," "developer replacement," "roller cleaning," etc. If the print interruption content is color-related, the countermeasures may be managed by color. The user ID is the user ID of the operator who instructed the printing to be suspended. The machine ID is identification information of the printing press 10 to which the printing interruption instruction has been issued. The storage unit 17 stores the machine ID of its own device (printing press 10).

[0037] When an operator instructs the printing press 10 to interrupt printing, the control unit 11 (storage control means) stores a print interruption event indicating the interruption of printing as a log in the storage unit 17. Specifically, the control unit 11 associates the job ID, start time, resolution time, user ID, machine ID, etc., and stores them in the log management table 173. A print interruption is indicated by an operator when an error occurs with the image printed by the printing press 10 .

[0038] The control unit 11 (input control means) has the operator input details of the print interruption in response to a print interruption event. The control unit 11 has the operator input the details of the print interruption from the operation panel 14 of the printing machine 10. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays an input screen for the print interruption details on the display unit 141 of the operation panel 14, and prompts the operator to input the details of the print interruption. The control unit 11 accepts the input of the print interruption details by the operator via the operation unit 142 of the operation panel 14. The control unit 11 associates the print interruption details input from the operation unit 142 with the corresponding print interruption event and stores them in the log management table 173. In other words, the control unit 11 adds the print interruption details to the record in the log management table 173 that is identified by the job ID, start time, etc.

[0039] In response to a print interruption event, the control unit 11 prompts the operator to input the cause of the print interruption. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays an input screen for the cause of the print interruption on the display unit 141 of the operation panel 14, and prompts the operator to input the cause of the print interruption. The control unit 11 accepts the input of the cause of the print interruption by the operator via the operation unit 142 of the operation panel 14. The control unit 11 associates the cause of the print interruption input from the operation unit 142 with the corresponding print interruption event and stores it in the log management table 173.

[0040] In response to a print interruption event, the control unit 11 prompts the operator to input a response to the print interruption content. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays an input screen for the response to the print interruption content on the display unit 141 of the operation panel 14, and prompts the operator to input a response to the print interruption content. The control unit 11 accepts the input of the response to the print interruption content by the operator via the operation unit 142 of the operation panel 14. The control unit 11 associates the response to the print interruption content input from the operation unit 142 with the corresponding print interruption event and stores it in the log management table 173.

[0041] When an operator instructs the printing press 10 to interrupt printing, the control unit 11 stores the identification information (user ID) of the operator who instructed the printing interruption in association with the print interruption event in the storage unit 17. The control unit 11 stores the operator's user ID in the corresponding record in the log management table 173.

[0042] The control unit 11 stores the time when the operator instructs printing to be suspended as the printing suspension start time in the storage unit 17. Specifically, when the operator instructs printing to be suspended, the control unit 11 acquires the current time from the clock unit 16. The control unit 11 stores this current time (print suspension start time) in the corresponding record in the log management table 173.

[0043] The control unit 11 stores the time when the operator instructs the printer to resume printing as the print interruption recovery time in the storage unit 17. Specifically, when the operator instructs the printer to resume printing, the control unit 11 acquires the current time from the clock unit 16. The control unit 11 stores this current time (print interruption recovery time) in the corresponding record in the log management table 173.

[0044] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the information processing device 20 includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, a timing unit 23, a storage unit 24, etc. The units constituting the information processing device 20 are connected via a bus.

[0045] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a RAM, etc. The control unit 21 comprehensively controls the operations of each unit of the information processing device 20. Specifically, the CPU reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 24 and loads the read programs into the RAM. The CPU performs various processes in cooperation with the programs.

[0046] The communication unit 22 includes a network interface, etc. The communication unit 22 transmits and receives data to and from external devices connected via the communication networks N1 and N2.

[0047] The timekeeping unit 23 has a timekeeping circuit. The timekeeping unit 23 measures the current date and time using this timekeeping circuit and outputs the time to the control unit 21.

[0048] The storage unit 24 is configured with an HDD, an SSD, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 24 stores various programs, various data necessary for executing the programs, etc. For example, the storage unit 24 stores a web application program 241, a user management table 242, a log management table 243, etc.

[0049] The web application program 241 is a program for collecting log data from each printing press 10 and analyzing the collected log data. The web application program 241 is a program for providing various screens to the display device 30 via a web browser.

[0050] The user management table 242 is a table for managing users who use the information processing system 100. In the user management table 242, a user ID, a password, etc. are associated with each user. The user management table 242 includes users who use each printing press 10.

[0051] The log management table 243 is a table for managing logs of print interruptions based on manual operation instructions collected from each printing press 10. Fig. 5 shows an example of the data configuration of the log management table 243. In the log management table 243, for each print interruption event, the job ID, start time, resolution time, print interruption duration, print interruption content, cause, action, user ID, and machine ID are associated. The job ID, start time, resolution time, print interruption details, cause, action, user ID, and machine ID are the same as those in the log management table 173 (see FIG. 3), and therefore will not be described here. The print interruption time is the time during which printing is interrupted, that is, the time from when printing starts to be interrupted until the interruption is resolved.

[0052] The control unit 21 stores the log data acquired from each printing press 10 in the storage unit 24. Specifically, the control unit 21 associates the job ID, start time, resolution time, print interruption content, cause, action, user ID, and machine ID for each print interruption event and stores them in the log management table 243. That is, the control unit 21 stores the log data acquired from each printing press 10 in the log management table 243 while maintaining the correspondence between them. Therefore, when an operator instructs each printing press 10 to interrupt printing, the control unit 11 of each printing press 10 and the control unit 21 (storage control means) of the information processing device 20 store the print interruption event indicating the print interruption as a log in the storage unit 24.

[0053] The control unit 21 (display control means) causes the display device 30 to display the print interruption details input in the printing press 10 and the print interruption time in the print interruption event.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of display device 30. As shown in Fig. 6, display device 30 includes a control unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a storage unit 35. The units constituting display device 30 are connected via a bus.

[0055] The control unit 31 includes a CPU, RAM, etc. The control unit 31 comprehensively controls the operations of each unit of the display device 30. Specifically, the CPU reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 35 and loads the read programs into the RAM. The CPU performs various processes in cooperation with the programs.

[0056] The display unit 32 is configured by an LCD etc. The display unit 32 displays various screens according to instructions of a display signal input from the control unit 31.

[0057] The operation unit 33 receives operation inputs from the user and outputs operation signals based on the user's operations to the control unit 31. The operation unit 33 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, and the like.

[0058] The communication unit 34 includes a network interface, etc. The communication unit 34 transmits and receives data to and from external devices connected via the communication network N2.

[0059] The storage unit 35 is configured with an HDD, an SSD, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 35 stores various programs, various data necessary for executing the programs, etc. For example, the storage unit 35 stores a web browser program 351, etc. The web browser program 351 is a program for implementing a web browser.

[0060] Next, the operation of the information processing system 100 will be described. 7 is a flowchart showing the first manual interruption recording process executed in the printing press 10. The first manual interruption recording process is realized by software processing in cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 11 and the manual interruption recording program 171 stored in the storage unit 17.

[0061] First, the control unit 11 acquires the user ID of the operator who will operate the printing press 10 (step S1). For example, the control unit 11 displays a login screen on the display unit 141. The control unit 11 accepts input of a user ID and password through operation from the operation unit 142. If a record matching this combination of user ID and password exists in the user management table 172, the control unit 11 permits login to the printing press 10. Furthermore, if the printing press 10 is equipped with an IC card reader, the control unit 11 may acquire the operator's user ID stored on the IC card from the IC card held by the operator via the card reader.

[0062] Next, the control unit 11 detects that the operator has pressed the print button through the operation unit 142 (step S2). The print button may be a hard key or a soft key. When the print button is pressed, the control unit 11 controls the printing unit 12 and the like to start printing (step S3).

[0063] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the operator has pressed the pause button through the operation unit 142 (step S4). The pause button may be a hard key or a soft key. Pressing the pause button corresponds to an instruction to pause printing. If the interrupt button is pressed (step S4; YES), the control unit 11 controls the printing unit 12 and the like to interrupt printing (step S5). The control unit 11 acquires the time when the operator instructed to interrupt printing from the clock unit 16. The control unit 11 stores the acquired time in the memory unit 17 as the print interruption start time (step S6). Specifically, the control unit 11 associates the job ID, start time, user ID, and machine ID, and stores them in the log management table 173 as a new record of a print interruption event. Here, the job ID is the job ID of the job that was being executed when the operator instructed to interrupt printing. The user ID is the user ID acquired in step S1. The machine ID is the machine ID of the device itself (printing machine 10) stored in the memory unit 17.

[0064] Next, the control unit 11 causes the operation panel 14 (display unit 141) to display a print interruption content input screen (step S7). 8 shows an example of the print interruption content input screen 40 displayed on the display unit 141. The print interruption content input screen 40 includes a print interruption content input area 41, a cause input area 42, a solution input area 43, a print resume button 44, etc. The print interruption content input area 41 is an area where the operator can input the print interruption content. The cause input area 42 is an area where the operator can input the cause of the print interruption. The countermeasure input area 43 is an area where the operator can input a countermeasure for the printing interruption. The print resume button 44 is a button that allows the operator to instruct the restart of printing.

[0065] The control unit 11 accepts input of the details of the print interruption, the cause, and countermeasures by the operator via the operation unit 142 of the operation panel 14. The operator may be able to freely input the details of the print interruption, the cause, and countermeasures in text (sentences). Alternatively, the operator may select the details of the print interruption, the cause, and countermeasures from multiple candidates prepared in advance.

[0066] Here, the control unit 11 determines whether the operator has completed inputting the details of the print interruption, the cause, and the countermeasures (step S8). If the operator has not completed inputting the details of the print interruption, the cause, and the countermeasures (step S8; NO), the process returns to step S8.

[0067] In step S8, when the operator has completed inputting the print interruption details, cause, and countermeasures (step S8; YES), the control unit 11 stores the inputted details in the storage unit 17 (step S9). Specifically, the control unit 11 associates the inputted print interruption details, cause, and countermeasures with the corresponding print interruption event and stores them in the log management table 173. That is, the control unit 11 adds the print interruption details, cause, and countermeasures to the new record added to the log management table 173 in step S6.

[0068] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the operator has pressed the resume printing button 44 through the operation unit 142 (step S10). Pressing the resume printing button 44 corresponds to an instruction to resume printing. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the resume printing button 44 is a soft key. Alternatively, a hard key "print button" may also function as the resume printing button. If the print resume button is pressed (step S10; YES), the control unit 11 acquires the time when the operator instructed to resume printing from the clock unit 16. The control unit 11 stores the acquired time in the memory unit 17 as the print interruption resolution time (step S11). Specifically, the control unit 11 associates the resolution time with the corresponding print interruption event and stores it in the log management table 173. That is, the control unit 11 adds the resolution time to the new record added to the log management table 173 in step S6.

[0069] After step S11, if the interrupt button is not pressed in step S4 (step S4; NO), or if the resume printing button is not pressed in step S10 (step S10; NO), the first manual interruption recording process ends.

[0070] After the operator issues a command to suspend printing, the printer 10 may be turned off. When the printer 10 is turned on again, if the details of the printing suspension, the cause, and the countermeasures have not been entered in the log management table 173, the control unit 11 will resume processing from step S7.

[0071] 9 is a flowchart showing the first print interruption information management process executed in the information processing device 20. The first print interruption information management process is realized by software processing in cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 21 and the web application program 241 stored in the storage unit 24.

[0072] First, the control unit 21 acquires the current date and time from the clock unit 23. The control unit 21 determines whether the current date and time is the timing for collecting log data that has been set in advance (step S21). For example, the information processing device 20 is set to collect data from each printing press 10 at the same time every day. If the current date and time is not the timing for collecting log data (step S21; NO), the process returns to step S21.

[0073] In step S21, if the current date and time is the timing for collecting log data (step S21; YES), the control unit 21 connects to each printing press 10 via the communication unit 22 (step S22). The control unit 21 acquires log data from each printing press 10 via the communication unit 22 (step S23). Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires the job ID, start time, resolution time, print interruption content, cause, countermeasure, user ID, and machine ID for each print interruption event from each printing press 10. The control unit 21 only needs to acquire data that has been accumulated in each printing press 10 since the previous log data acquisition up to the present. The control unit 21 stores the log data acquired from each printing press 10 in the log management table 243 of the memory unit 24.

[0074] Next, the control unit 21 analyzes the acquired data (step S24). Based on the analyzed data, the control unit 21 calculates the print interruption time for each print interruption event for each printing press 10 (step S25). Specifically, the control unit 21 calculates the print interruption time for each print interruption event added to the log management table 243 from the start time and resolution time.

[0075] Next, the control unit 21 stores the calculated print interruption time in the storage unit 24 (step S26). Specifically, the control unit 21 stores the print interruption time in the log management table 243 in association with the corresponding print interruption event.

[0076] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there has been access from the display device 30 (step S27). For example, the control unit 21 acquires a user ID and password entered on the display device 30 via the communication unit 22. If a record matching the combination of this user ID and password exists in the user management table 242, the control unit 21 permits login on the display device 30.

[0077] If there is access from the display device 30 (step S27; YES), the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the control unit 21 generates a display screen based on the data stored in the storage unit 24 (log management table 243). The control unit 21 causes the display unit 32 of the display device 30 to display a screen related to manual interruption based on the data of the generated display screen.

[0078] After step S28, or in step S27, if there is no access from the display device 30 (step S27; NO), the first print interruption information management process ends.

[0079] 10 is a flowchart showing the first print interruption information viewing process executed on the display device 30. The first print interruption information viewing process is realized by software processing in cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 31 and the web browser program 351 stored in the storage unit 35.

[0080] First, the control unit 31 determines whether or not login to the information processing device 20 has been performed from the web browser (step S31). In the display device 30, an operator operating the display device 30 inputs the operator's user ID and password from the operation unit 33. If login to the information processing device 20 has not been performed (step S31; NO), the process returns to step S31.

[0081] In step S31, if login to the information processing device 20 has been performed (step S31; YES), the control unit 31 connects to the information processing device 20 via the communication unit 34 (step S32).

[0082] Next, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 32 to display a screen relating to manual interruption based on the display screen data provided by the information processing device 20 (step S33). This completes the first print interruption information viewing process.

[0083] 11 shows an example of a manual interruption log display screen 50 displayed on the display unit 32 of the display device 30. The manual interruption log display screen 50 includes a log data display area 51. The log data display area 51 has a job ID column 51A, a start time column 51B, a resolution time column 51C, a print interruption time column 51D, a print interruption content column 51E, a cause column 51F, a countermeasure column 51G, a user ID column 51H, and a machine ID column 51I. Each column 51A to 51I in the log data display area 51 displays data stored in the log management table 243 for each print interruption event.

[0084] The operator of the display device 30 may be able to specify the period, printing machine (machine ID), operator (user ID), etc. to be displayed by operating the operation unit 33. In this case, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 narrows down the log data to be displayed on the display unit 32 of the display device 30 according to the specified conditions such as the period, printing machine, operator, etc.

[0085] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when an operator instructs the printing press 10 to interrupt printing, the control unit 11 of the printing press 10 stores a print interruption event indicating the interruption as a log in the memory unit 17. The control unit 11 prompts the operator to input details of the print interruption in response to the print interruption event. The control unit 11 of the printing press 10 and the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 can record the details of the print interruption. The control unit 21 displays the details of the print interruption entered in the printing press 10 and the duration of the print interruption in the print interruption event on the display device 30. Therefore, the control unit 21 can provide information about a manually instructed print interruption. The user can use the details of the print interruption and the duration of the print interruption to analyze or take measures against the print interruption.

[0086] In response to a print interruption event, the control unit 11 of the printing press 10 prompts the operator to input the cause of the print interruption. This allows the control unit 11 of the printing press 10 and the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 to keep a record of the cause of the print interruption.

[0087] In response to a print interruption event, the control unit 11 of the printing press 10 prompts the operator to input a response to the print interruption content. This allows the control unit 11 of the printing press 10 and the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 to record the response to the print interruption content.

[0088] The control unit 11 of the printing press 10 causes the operator to input the details of the printing interruption from the operation panel 14 of the printing press 10. Therefore, the control unit 11 can immediately request the operator who instructed the printing interruption to input the details of the printing interruption.

[0089] The control unit 11 of the printing press 10 can store the time when the operator instructs printing to be suspended in the storage unit 17 as the printing suspension start time. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the printing press 10 can store the time when the operator instructs the restart of printing in the storage unit 17 as the time when printing is resumed.

[0090] The operator visually checks the image printed by the printing press 10, and if an error is found in the image, instructs the printing press 10 to suspend printing. The control unit 11 of the printing press 10 and the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 can record the image error.

[0091] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In the information processing system of the second embodiment, components similar to those of the information processing system 100 shown in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The following describes the configuration and processing characteristic of the second embodiment.

[0092] In the second embodiment, when an operator instructs each printing press 10 to suspend printing, the start time and resolution time are recorded by each printing press 10. On the other hand, the details of the printing suspension, its cause, and the measures taken are not recorded by each printing press 10, but are input later into the display device 30.

[0093] In place of the log management table 173 (see FIG. 3), a log management table 173A shown in FIG. 12 is stored in the storage unit 17 of the printing press 10. The log management table 173A is a table for managing logs of print interruptions based on manual operation instructions that occur within the printing press 10. In the log management table 173A, each print interruption event is associated with a job ID, start time, resolution time, user ID, and machine ID.

[0094] When an operator instructs the printing press 10 to interrupt printing, the control unit 11 (storage control means) of the printing press 10 stores a print interruption event indicating the interruption of printing as a log in the storage unit 17. Specifically, the control unit 11 associates the job ID, start time, resolution time, user ID, machine ID, etc., and stores them in the log management table 173A.

[0095] When an operator instructs the printing press 10 to interrupt printing, the control unit 11 stores the identification information (user ID) of the operator who instructed the printing interruption in association with the print interruption event in the storage unit 17. The control unit 11 stores the operator's user ID in the corresponding record in the log management table 173A.

[0096] The control unit 21 (log acquisition means) of the information processing device 20 acquires from the printing press 10, as a log, a print interruption event indicating a print interruption instructed by an operator to the printing press 10.

[0097] The control unit 21 stores the log data acquired from each printing press 10 in the storage unit 24. Specifically, the control unit 21 associates the job ID, start time, resolution time, user ID, and machine ID for each print interruption event and stores them in the log management table 243 (see FIG. 5). That is, the control unit 21 stores the log data acquired from each printing press 10 in the log management table 243 while maintaining the correspondence between them. Therefore, when an operator instructs each printing press 10 to interrupt printing, the control unit 11 of each printing press 10 and the control unit 21 (storage control means) of the information processing device 20 store the print interruption event indicating the print interruption as a log in the storage unit 24.

[0098] The control unit 21 (input control means) has the operator input the details of the print interruption in response to a print interruption event. The control unit 21 has the operator input the details of the print interruption from the display device 30. Specifically, the control unit 21 displays an input screen for the details of the print interruption on the display unit 32 of the display device 30, and prompts the operator to input the details of the print interruption. The control unit 21 accepts the input of the details of the print interruption by the operator via the operation unit 33 of the display device 30. The control unit 21 associates the details of the print interruption input from the operation unit 33 with the corresponding print interruption event and stores them in the log management table 243.

[0099] More specifically, the control unit 21 extracts print interruption events for which no print interruption details have been entered from among the print interruption events stored in the storage unit 24. The control unit 21 displays the extracted print interruption events on the display device 30. The control unit 21 prompts the operator to enter print interruption details for the displayed print interruption events.

[0100] Furthermore, the control unit 21 (identification means) acquires the identification information (user ID) of the operator who operates the display device 30. The control unit 21 extracts print interruption events that are associated with the user ID of the operator operating the display device 30 and for which no print interruption details have been entered, from among the print interruption events stored in the storage unit 24. The control unit 21 causes the display device 30 to display the extracted print interruption events.

[0101] In response to a print interruption event, the control unit 21 prompts the operator to input the cause of the print interruption. Specifically, the control unit 21 displays an input screen for the cause of the print interruption on the display unit 32 of the display device 30, and prompts the operator to input the cause of the print interruption. The control unit 21 accepts the input of the cause of the print interruption by the operator via the operation unit 33 of the display device 30. The control unit 21 associates the cause of the print interruption input from the operation unit 33 with the corresponding print interruption event and stores it in the log management table 243.

[0102] In response to a print interruption event, the control unit 21 prompts the operator to input a response to the print interruption content. Specifically, the control unit 21 displays an input screen for the response to the print interruption content on the display unit 32 of the display device 30, and prompts the operator to input a response to the print interruption content. The control unit 21 accepts the input of the response to the print interruption content by the operator via the operation unit 33 of the display device 30. The control unit 21 associates the response to the print interruption content input from the operation unit 33 with the corresponding print interruption event and stores it in the log management table 243.

[0103] The control unit 21 (display control means) causes the display device 30 to display the input print interruption details and the print interruption time in the print interruption event.

[0104] Next, the operation of the information processing system of the second embodiment will be described. 13 is a flowchart showing the second manual interruption recording process executed in the printing press 10. The second manual interruption recording process is realized by software processing in cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 11 and the manual interruption recording program 171 stored in the storage unit 17.

[0105] The processing of steps S41 to S46 is the same as the processing of steps S1 to S6 in the first manual interrupt recording processing (see FIG. 7), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The processing in steps S47 and S48 is similar to the processing in steps S10 and S11 in the first manual interrupt recording processing (see FIG. 7), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In steps S46 and S48, the control unit 11 associates the job ID, start time, resolution time, user ID, and machine ID, and stores them in the log management table 173A as a new record of the print interruption event.

[0106] After step S48, if the interrupt button is not pressed in step S44 (step S44; NO), or if the resume printing button is not pressed in step S47 (step S47; NO), the second manual interruption recording process ends.

[0107] 14 is a flowchart showing the second print interruption information management process executed in the information processing device 20. The second print interruption information management process is realized by software processing in cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 21 and the web application program 241 stored in the storage unit 24.

[0108] The processing of steps S51 to S57 is the same as the processing of steps S21 to S27 of the first print interruption information management processing (see FIG. 9), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. However, in step S53, the control unit 21 acquires the job ID, start time, resolution time, user ID, and machine ID for each print interruption event from each printing press 10. The control unit 21 stores the log data acquired from each printing press 10 in the log management table 243 of the storage unit 24. At the stage of step S53, in the log management table 243, the print interruption time, print interruption content, cause, and countermeasures for the log data acquired from each printing press 10 are blank.

[0109] In step S57, if there is access from the display device 30 (step S57; YES), the process proceeds to step S58. In step S58, the control unit 21 extracts data from the data stored in the log management table 243 that is associated with the user ID of the operator operating the display device 30 and that does not contain any input of print interruption details. The control unit 21 generates a display screen based on the extracted data. The control unit 21 causes the display unit 32 of the display device 30 to display a screen related to manual interruption based on the data for the generated display screen.

[0110] The control unit 21 receives input from the operator via the operation unit 33 of the display device 30 about the details of the printing interruption, the cause, and how to deal with it. Here, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the operator has completed inputting the details of the print interruption, the cause, and the countermeasures on the display device 30 (step S59). If the operator has not completed inputting the details of the print interruption, the cause, and the countermeasures (step S59; NO), the process returns to step S59.

[0111] In step S59, when the operator has completed inputting the print interruption details, cause, and countermeasures (step S59; YES), the control unit 21 stores the inputted details in the storage unit 24 (step S60). Specifically, the control unit 21 associates the inputted print interruption details, cause, and countermeasures with the corresponding print interruption event and stores them in the log management table 243.

[0112] After step S60, or in step S57, if there is no access from the display device 30 (step S57; NO), the second print interruption information management process ends.

[0113] 15 is a flowchart showing the second print interruption information viewing process executed on the display device 30. The second print interruption information viewing process is realized by software processing in cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 31 and the web browser program 351 stored in the storage unit 35.

[0114] The processing of steps S61 to S63 is the same as the processing of steps S31 to S33 of the first print interruption information viewing processing (see FIG. 10), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. However, the screen displayed in step S63 displays print interruption events in which printing was interrupted by instructions from the operator operating the display device 30, and for which no print interruption details have been entered.

[0115] FIG. 16 shows an example of a manual interruption log display screen 60 displayed on the display unit 32 of the display device 30. The manual interruption log display screen 60 includes a log data display area 61. The log data display area 61 includes a job ID column 61A, a start time column 61B, a resolution time column 61C, a print interruption duration column 61D, a print interruption content column 61E, a cause column 61F, a countermeasure column 61G, a user ID column 61H, and a machine ID column 61I. The log data display area 61 displays print interruption events for which the operator of the display device 30 has instructed the printing press 10 to interrupt printing, but for which no print interruption content has been entered. The print interruption content column 61E, the cause column 61F, and the countermeasure column 61G remain blank until the operator inputs the print interruption content, cause, and countermeasure via the display device 30. The manual interruption log display screen 60 also functions as an input screen for the print interruption content, cause, and countermeasure.

[0116] After step S63, the control unit 31 receives input from the operator regarding the details of the print interruption, the cause, and how to deal with the interruption (step S64).

[0117] The operator of the display device 30 operates the operation unit 33 to select input items for the print interruption event (print interruption content, cause, and countermeasure) in the log data display area 61 of the manual interruption log display screen 60 displayed on the display unit 32. For example, when the operator clicks on the print interruption content input area 62E, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 causes the display unit 32 of the display device 30 to display multiple options as a pull-down menu 63. When the operator selects one of the print interruption content options from the multiple options, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires information about the selected print interruption content. From this point on, the print interruption content selected by the operator is displayed in the print interruption content input area 62E on the manual interruption log display screen 60. That is, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 causes the display device 30 to display the print interruption content and the print interruption time for the print interruption event that were input on the display device 30. The same applies to the cause input area 62F and the countermeasure input area 62G. This completes the second print interruption information viewing process.

[0118] In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a list of print interruption events for which printing interruption was manually instructed may be displayed regardless of who the operator of the display device 30 is (see FIG. 11).

[0119] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when an operator instructs the printing press 10 to interrupt printing, the control unit 11 of the printing press 10 stores a print interruption event indicating the interruption as a log in the storage unit 17. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires a print interruption event indicating the interruption of printing instructed by the operator from the printing press 10 as a log. The control unit 21 has the operator input details of the print interruption in response to the print interruption event. The control unit 21 can record the details of the print interruption. The control unit 21 displays the input details of the print interruption and the duration of the print interruption in the print interruption event on the display device 30. Therefore, the control unit 21 can provide information regarding a manually instructed print interruption.

[0120] In response to a print interruption event, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 prompts the operator to input the cause of the print interruption, thereby enabling the control unit 21 to record the cause of the print interruption.

[0121] In response to a print interruption event, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 prompts the operator to input a response to the print interruption content, thereby enabling the control unit 21 to record the response to the print interruption content.

[0122] The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 causes the operator to input the details of the interrupted printing via the display device 30. Therefore, the control unit 21 can request the operator to input the details of the interrupted printing after the printing is interrupted.

[0123] For example, for a print interruption event for which no print interruption details have been entered, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 prompts the operator to enter the print interruption details on the display device 30. This allows the control unit 21 to prompt the operator to enter the print interruption details only for print interruption events for which no print interruption details have been entered.

[0124] Furthermore, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 narrows down the events to print interruption events in which the operator operating the display device 30 instructed the operator to interrupt printing, and prompts the operator to input the details of the print interruption. This allows the control unit 21 to request the operator who instructed the operator to interrupt printing to input the details of the print interruption.

[0125] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the information processing system, information processing method, information processing device, and program according to the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the system may also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0126] For example, in the above embodiments, the operator is required to input the details of the print interruption, the cause of the print interruption, and the countermeasures for the print interruption. Alternatively, the operator may be required to input at least the details of the print interruption, and the input of the cause of the print interruption and the countermeasures for the print interruption may be optional.

[0127] In the above embodiments, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 calculates the print interruption duration for each print interruption event. Alternatively, the control unit 11 of the printing press 10 may calculate the print interruption duration for each print interruption event from the start time of the print interruption and the time when the print interruption is resolved. In this case, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires log data including the print interruption duration from the printing press 10 via the communication unit 22. The control unit 11 of the printing press 10 may also store the start time of the print interruption and the print interruption duration (duration of the print interruption) for each print interruption event in the memory unit 17. In this case, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires log data including the start time of the print interruption and the print interruption duration from the printing press 10 via the communication unit 22.

[0128] Furthermore, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 may automatically determine the cause of the print interruption based on the print interruption details input by the operator. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 may analyze the print interruption details input by the operator and divide each print interruption event into a plurality of groups. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 may tally up the print interruption time within a predetermined period for each cause of print interruption. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 may tally up the number of times printing is interrupted within a predetermined period for each cause of printing interruption.

[0129] In the above embodiments, a case has been described in which an operator visually checks an image printed by the printing press 10, and if an error is found in the image, instructs the printing press 10 to suspend printing. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the operator may instruct the printing press 10 to suspend printing if an abnormal noise occurs in the printing press 10, if the temperature of the printing press 10 exceeds the normal range, or the like.

[0130] The computer-readable medium for storing the program for executing each process is not limited to the above examples. A carrier wave may also be used as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

[0131] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail above, the disclosed embodiments are for purposes of illustration and example only, and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the terms of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 10(10A,10B,10C,10D,...) Printing machine 11 Control section 12 Printing Department 14 Operation panel 141 Display section 142 Operation section 15 Communications Department 16 Timing section 17 Memory section 20 Information processing equipment 21 Control Unit 22 Communications Department 23 Timing section 24 Memory section 30 Display device 31 Control Unit 32 Display section 33 Operation section 34 Communications Department 35 Storage section 100 Information Processing Systems N1, N2 communication network

Claims

1. An information processing system including a printing machine and a display device, a storage control means for storing a print interruption event indicating the print interruption as a log in a storage unit when an operator instructs the printing press to interrupt the print; an input control means for allowing the operator to input details of the print interruption in response to the print interruption event; a display control means for displaying the input print interruption details and the print interruption time of the print interruption event on the display device; An information processing system comprising:

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the input control means further causes the operator to input the cause of the printing interruption.

3. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the input control means further causes the operator to input a response to the printing interruption.

4. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the input control means allows the operator to input the details of the printing interruption from an operation panel of the printing machine.

5. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the input control means allows the operator to input the details of the printing interruption from the display device.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the input control means extracts print interruption events from the print interruption events stored in the memory unit for which the print interruption details have not been entered, displays the extracted print interruption events on the display device, and has the operator input the print interruption details for the displayed print interruption events.

7. The storage control means further stores identification information of the operator who instructed the printing interruption in the storage unit in association with the printing interruption event, an identification means for acquiring identification information of an operator who operates the display device; The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the input control means extracts, from the print interruption events stored in the memory unit, print interruption events that are associated with identification information acquired by the identification means and for which the print interruption content has not been input, and displays the extracted print interruption events on the display device.

8. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the storage control means stores the time when the operator instructs the printing to be suspended in the storage unit as a printing suspension start time.

9. 9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the storage control means stores the time when the operator instructs the restart of printing as the printing interruption recovery time in the storage unit.

10. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing is interrupted in response to an instruction from the operator when an error occurs in the image printed by the printing machine.

11. An information processing method in an information processing system including a printing machine and a display device, a storage control step of storing a print interruption event indicating the print interruption as a log in a storage unit when an operator instructs the printing press to interrupt the print; an input control step of having the operator input details of the print interruption in response to the print interruption event; a display control step of displaying the input print interruption details and the print interruption time of the print interruption event on the display device; An information processing method including:

12. a log acquisition means for acquiring, from the printing machine, a print interruption event indicating a print interruption instructed by an operator to the printing machine as a log; an input control means for allowing the operator to input details of the print interruption in response to the print interruption event from a display device; a display control means for displaying the input print interruption details and the print interruption time of the print interruption event on the display device; An information processing device comprising:

13. Computer, a log acquisition means for acquiring, from the printing press, a print interruption event indicating a print interruption instructed by an operator to the printing press as a log; an input control means for allowing the operator to input details of the print interruption in response to the print interruption event from a display device; a display control means for displaying the input print interruption details and the print interruption time in the print interruption event on the display device; A program to function as a

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