Information processing device, image forming device, information processing system, information processing method and program

Abstract

To improve work efficiency of a device.SOLUTION: An image forming device 3 according to the present invention is provided with: a setting part 21 that receives settings by a user with respect to an error in which restart of the image forming device 3 is automatically made with respect to an error that occurs in the image forming device 3; a memorizing part 30 that memorizes the set error, as the error in which the restart is automatically made; a determining part 22 that when an error occurs, determines whether the occurring error is memorized, as the error in which the restart is automatically made, in the memorizing part 30 or not; and a control part 23 that controls the restart of the image forming device 3, on the basis of the determination by the determining part 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, there has been active development of technology related to troubleshooting in image forming devices, and related inventions are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that records errors that occur in an error log. According to the invention of Patent Document 1, it is determined whether a service call is required for the error that occurred and whether the error that occurred has been recorded in the error log. Furthermore, if the error that occurred requires a service call and has been recorded in the error log, the printing device is automatically restarted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-162815 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, according to the invention of Patent Document 1, the condition for automatically restarting the printing device when an error occurs depends on whether or not the error is recorded in a log, so the user cannot set in advance whether to restart the device automatically or manually when an error occurs, which poses a problem of not being able to improve the work efficiency of the device. When an error that can be recovered by power cycling occurs in an information processing device such as an image forming device, even if an error notification screen is displayed, the error will remain in that state unless the operator notices it. Furthermore, once the operator notices the error notification screen, they will need to manually power cycle the device to reboot, which means the operator will have to wait a while until the reboot occurs. This can reduce the work efficiency of the device.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to improve the working efficiency of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A setting unit that receives a user's setting regarding an error that automatically restarts the information processing device in response to an error that occurs in the information processing device; a storage unit that stores the set error as an error that automatically causes the restart; a determination unit that determines, when the error occurs, whether or not the error that occurred is stored in the storage unit as an error that automatically causes the restart; a control unit that controls restart of the information processing device based on the determination by the determination unit.

[0007] (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the setting unit sets the number of times the information processing device is to be automatically restarted.

[0008] (3) A surrounding situation detection unit that detects surrounding information indicating the surrounding situation of the information processing device is further provided, The information processing device according to (1), wherein the control unit determines whether to automatically perform the restart based on surrounding information detected by the surrounding situation detection unit.

[0009] (4) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the control unit controls the restart based on operation information indicating an operation status of the information processing device.

[0010] (5): The information processing device according to (1), wherein the setting unit accepts an error setting for automatically restarting the device at a predetermined timing.

[0011] (6): The information processing device according to (1), wherein the storage unit stores a log before the restart is completed.

[0012] (7) The information processing device according to (1), further comprising a display unit that displays that the restart has been automatically performed.

[0013] (8): At least one of an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium and a detection unit that detects the characteristics of the recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising: the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), which controls the image forming unit.

[0014] (9): The image forming apparatus described in (8), wherein the control unit determines whether to automatically perform the restart based on information about the job when an error occurs that is set to cause the restart to be performed automatically.

[0015] (10): The image forming apparatus according to (8), wherein the control unit does not restart if an error that is set to cause the restart to be performed automatically occurs during the setting up of the information processing apparatus.

[0016] (11): The image forming apparatus according to (8), wherein the setting unit sets an error for which the restart is to be performed automatically, and sets the number of times the restart is to be performed automatically in the event of the error.

[0017] (12): In the case where the detection unit is provided, The image forming apparatus according to (8), wherein the control unit automatically restarts the image forming apparatus if an error occurs when the detection unit detects the characteristics of the recording medium.

[0018] (13): In the case where the image forming unit is provided, The image forming apparatus according to (8), wherein the control unit automatically restarts the image forming unit when an error occurs during image formation by the image forming unit.

[0019] (14): In the case where the image forming unit is provided, an inspection unit that inspects the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit; The image forming apparatus according to (8), wherein the control unit automatically restarts the apparatus when an error occurs during inspection of the recording medium after image formation by the inspection unit.

[0020] (15): The image forming apparatus according to (12), wherein the control unit controls the detection unit to resume detecting the characteristics of the recording medium after automatically restarting the image forming apparatus.

[0021] (16): The image forming apparatus according to (13), wherein the control unit controls the image forming unit to resume image formation after the automatic restart.

[0022] (17) The image forming apparatus according to (14), wherein the control unit controls the inspection unit to resume inspection of the recording medium after the automatic restart.

[0023] (18): A recording medium feeding device, an information processing device, an inspection device, and a paper discharge device, The information processing device includes: a setting unit that receives a user setting for automatically restarting the information processing device in response to an error that occurs in the information processing device; a storage unit that stores the set error as an error that automatically causes the restart; a determination unit that determines, when the error occurs, whether or not the error that occurred is stored in the storage unit as an error that automatically causes the restart; a control unit that controls restart of the information processing device based on the determination by the determination unit.

[0024] (19): An information processing device, a setting step of accepting a user's setting regarding an error that automatically restarts the information processing device in response to an error that occurs in the information processing device; a storage step of storing the set error as an error for which the restart is to be automatically performed; a determining step, when the error occurs, of determining whether or not the error that occurred has been stored in the storing step as an error that automatically causes the restart; a control step of controlling a restart of the information processing device based on the determination made in the determination step.

[0025] (20): A procedure for accepting a user's setting regarding an error that automatically restarts the information processing device in response to an error that occurs in the information processing device; a step of storing the set error as an error that automatically causes the restart; a step of determining, when the error occurs, whether or not the error that occurred is stored as an error that automatically causes the restart; a step of controlling a restart of the information processing device when it is determined that an error that causes the automatic restart has occurred; A program that causes a computer to execute the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, the working efficiency of the device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] 10 is an example of a restart setting screen. [Figure 4] 10 is an example of an automatic reboot report screen. [Figure 5A] 10 is an example of an error notification screen. [Figure 5B] 10 is an example of an error notification screen. [Figure 5C] 10 is an example of an error notification screen. [Figure 5D] 10 is an example of an error notification screen. [Figure 5E] 10 is an example of an error notification screen. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functions or configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0029] [composition] FIG. 1 is an example of an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system according to this embodiment. Image forming system 100 is a system that forms an image on a recording medium. The recording medium is, for example, paper. However, the recording medium is not limited to paper. For example, the recording medium may be a standard long sheet, an OHP (Overhead Projector) sheet, or cloth. Furthermore, when the recording medium is paper, it is not limited to white paper, but may also be colored paper or embossed paper. Furthermore, in this embodiment, image forming system 100 uses an electrophotographic image forming method, but this is not limiting and any other method, such as an inkjet method, may be used.

[0030] 1, the image forming system 100 includes a paper feeder 1, a conveying device 2, an image forming device 3, a conveying device 4, an inspection device 5, and a paper discharge device 6. The paper feeder 1, the conveying device 2, the image forming device 3, the conveying device 4, the inspection device 5, and the paper discharge device 6 are connected to each other, forming a paper transport path. The paper feeder 1 side of the transport path is on the upstream side, and the paper discharge device 6 is on the downstream side.

[0031] The paper feeder 1 supplies paper. The paper feeder 1 has one or more (e.g., three) storage sections for storing paper. The paper feeder 1 can store large quantities of different types of paper in each storage section. The paper feeder 1 can send the paper stored in the storage sections to a transport path. The paper feeder 1 also has a media sensor 7. The media sensor 7 is a sensor that detects the characteristics of the paper used for printing. Examples of paper characteristics include, but are not limited to, basis weight and type. For example, a user can insert paper to be used for printing into the insertion slot of the media sensor 7 and have the media sensor 7 detect the paper characteristics, thereby providing the user with job conditions suitable for the paper characteristics. The job conditions are, for example, information related to image formation, and specifically include, but are not limited to, the link destination of the image data for image formation, the number of copies to be printed, the paper size, and the paper type. By the user selecting the job conditions, printing with significantly reduced defects can be achieved.

[0032] The conveying device 2 conveys the paper supplied from the paper feeding device 1 to the image forming device 3. The image forming device 3 is a device that forms an image on paper. The image forming device 3 is equipped with an operation panel 8, which is a display unit. The operation panel 8 is, for example, a touch panel display in which a touch panel is superimposed on a liquid crystal display. The operation panel 8 is an input / output interface that accepts input from a user and displays predetermined information to the user. The conveying device 4 conveys the paper on which the image has been formed, which has been supplied from the image forming device 3, to the inspection device 5. The conveying device 4 is provided with a paper output tray 9. The paper output tray 9 outputs paper on which there is an abnormality in the image formation (e.g., stains, missing images, fireflies, streaks).

[0033] The inspection device 5 inspects the paper on which an image has been formed. For example, the inspection device 5 monitors the color tone and front-to-back register of the paper on which an image has been formed in real time and performs automatic correction. The inspection device 5 can reflect the correction value obtained by automatic correction on the subsequent paper. As a result, the inspection device 5 can minimize color variations and misregistration during printing. It can also suppress waste caused by color and register.

[0034] The paper discharge device 6 discharges the paper that has been inspected. The paper discharge device 6 is equipped with paper discharge trays 10 and 11. The paper discharge tray 10 discharges the paper that has been inspected normally. The paper discharge tray 11 discharges the paper that has been inspected abnormally. The paper discharge device 6 also has an internal stacker device (not shown). The stacker device stores a large amount of paper that has been inspected normally.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system 100, a remote service server 200, and a tablet terminal 300 are communicably connected via a network (for example, the Internet). The remote service server 200 remotely diagnoses the image forming system 100 and functions as an automatic meter reading system. For example, the image forming apparatus 3 of the image forming system 100 can notify the remote service server 200 of various information related to the image forming system 100. The various information related to the image forming system 100 includes, but is not limited to, errors that have occurred in the image forming system 100 and operation information indicating the operation status of the image forming system 100. The remote service server 200 can also provide a service call service for the image forming system 100. The tablet terminal 300 is a console of the remote service server 200. The tablet terminal 300 is used by a service technician.

[0036] 2 is an example of a functional configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 3 includes a setting unit 21, a determination unit 22, a control unit 23, a display control unit 24, a human presence sensor 25, an image forming unit 26, and a storage unit 30. The image forming apparatus 3 is connected to a media sensor 7, a paper feeder 1, conveying devices 2 and 4, an inspection device 5, and a paper discharge device 6.

[0037] The setting unit 21 accepts user settings regarding errors that cause the image forming device 3 to automatically restart when an error occurs in the image forming device 3. The setting unit 21 sets the upper limit number of times that the image forming device 3 is to be automatically restarted. The setting unit 21 sets the number of times that the image forming device 3 is to be automatically restarted when each error occurs in the image forming device 3. When an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 3, the determining unit 22 determines whether the error that occurred is stored in the storage unit 30 as an error that requires automatic restart.

[0038] Control unit 23 controls whether or not to restart image forming device 3 based on the determination by determination unit 22. Even if an error set to automatically restart occurs, control unit 23 will not restart if the job progress rate is below a predetermined value. Even if an error set to automatically restart occurs, control unit 23 will not restart if the error occurred during the setting of image forming device 3, such as setting job conditions.

[0039] The control unit 23 also controls various processes performed in the image forming system 100. For example, the control unit 23 can notify the remote service server 200 of an error that occurs in the image forming device 3. The control unit 23 can also restart the image forming device 3 when a specific error occurs in the image forming device 3. There are two types of restarts: manual restart and automatic restart. A manual restart is a restart caused by a user turning the power off and on for the image forming device 3. An automatic restart is a restart caused by the image forming device 3 itself.

[0040] This control unit 23 uses the inspection device 5 to inspect the paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 26. In other words, the inspection device 5 is an inspection unit that inspects the paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 26. When the inspection device 5 detects an error during inspection of the paper after image formation, the control unit 23 automatically restarts this image forming apparatus 3. After the automatic restart, the control unit 23 controls the inspection device 5 to resume inspection of the paper after image formation.

[0041] The display control unit 24 controls the display content of the operation panel 8. After the image forming apparatus 3 has automatically restarted, the display control unit 24 displays on the operation panel 8 a message indicating that the restart has been automatically executed.

[0042] The human presence sensor 25 is a surrounding situation detection unit that detects whether or not a person is present around the image forming apparatus 3. In other words, the human presence sensor 25 detects surrounding information that indicates the surrounding situation of the image forming apparatus 3. If the human presence sensor 25 detects that a person is present around the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 23 does not automatically restart the image forming apparatus 3 even if a predetermined error occurs. If the human presence sensor 25 does not detect that a person is present around the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 23 automatically restarts the image forming apparatus 3 when a predetermined error occurs.

[0043] Image forming unit 26 forms an image on the paper transported by transport device 2. When control unit 23 detects an error that occurs during image formation by image forming unit 26, image forming unit 26 automatically restarts. After the automatic restart, control unit 23 controls image forming unit 26 to resume image formation.

[0044] The media sensor 7 is a detection unit that detects the characteristics of paper. When the media sensor 7 detects an error that occurred while detecting the characteristics of paper, the control unit 23 automatically restarts the image forming device 3. After the image forming device 3 automatically restarts, the control unit 23 controls the media sensor 7 to resume detecting the characteristics of paper.

[0045] The storage unit 30 stores various types of information related to the image forming system 100. The storage unit 30 stores a restart database 31, a job database 32, a log database 33, peripheral information 34, and operation information 35.

[0046] The restart database 31 stores restart setting information that indicates settings related to restarting the image forming device 3. The restart setting information can be prepared for each user who uses the image forming device 3. The restart database 31 can store user information that registers users of the image forming device 3. The restart database 31 can be a relational database that associates user information with restart setting information. The job database 32 is a database that stores the history of jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 3. The log database 33 is a database that stores a log history relating to the image forming apparatus 3. The log database 33 of the storage unit 30 stores logs from the start of automatic restart to the completion thereof.

[0047] The surrounding information 34 is information that indicates the surrounding conditions of the image forming apparatus 3. For example, the surrounding information 34 is information that indicates whether or not a user is present performing operations for printing around the image forming apparatus 3. The presence of a user can be determined, for example, from detection information of a human presence sensor 25 installed near the operation panel 8. Furthermore, the surrounding conditions detection unit that determines the surrounding information 34 may be a network camera (not shown) installed in the room where the image forming apparatus 3 is installed. The camera may be an infrared camera.

[0048] The operation information 35 is information indicating the operation status of the image forming apparatus 3. For example, the operation information 35 includes the progress of a job executed by the image forming apparatus 3. Furthermore, for example, the operation information 35 includes the operation history of the user on the operation panel 8.

[0049] (Restart setting information details) The restart setting information is information that associates the type of error that occurred in the image forming apparatus 3, whether the restart is automatic or manual, and the number of restarts. The number of restarts is the upper limit of the number of times an automatic restart is performed. The number of restarts is not set for manual restarts. The setting unit 21 can set the restart setting information for each user. For example, a service technician operates the tablet terminal 300 to determine the content of the restart setting information for each user. The tablet terminal 300 notifies the control unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 3 of the determined content of the restart setting information. Based on an instruction from the control unit 23, the setting unit 21 stores the restart setting information in the restart database 31 in accordance with the notified content. This completes the setting of the restart setting information.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows the restart setting screen 40. Fig. 3 shows the restart setting screen 40 displayed on the tablet terminal 300. The restart setting screen 40 displayed on the tablet terminal 300 has an "Error Name" column, an "Automatic Restart" column, and a "Number of Restarts" column. In the "Error Name" column, types of errors that can occur in the image forming system 100 are listed. In the "Automatic Restart" column, toggle buttons 41a and 41b are displayed for each type of error. To set automatic restart when a memory error occurs, turn on the toggle button 41a, and to set manual restart, turn off the toggle button 41a. To set automatic restart when a photosensitive drum wear error occurs, turn on the toggle button 41b, and to set manual restart, turn off the toggle button 41b.

[0051] The "Number of Restarts" column displays spin controls 42a and 42b for each type of error. When the toggle button 41b in the "Automatic Restart" column is turned on, the spin control 42b in the "Number of Restarts" column becomes active, allowing you to select a number. The number you select is the upper limit for the number of times automatic restarts will be performed after an error occurs. On the other hand, when the toggle button 41b in the "Automatic Restart" column is turned off, the spin control 42b in the "Number of Restarts" column becomes inactive, making it impossible to select a number.

[0052] For example, consider a case where an automatic restart occurs due to a memory error, which is a malfunction caused by excessive memory usage in software. A service technician operates the tablet terminal 300 to turn on the toggle button 41a for the memory error and set the spin control 42a to 10. In response to the notification from the tablet terminal 300, the setting unit 21 stores the restart setting information in the restart database 31. As a result, if a memory error occurs in the image forming system 100, the system will automatically restart. If the memory error is not resolved, the system will restart up to 10 times. If the memory error is still not resolved, a service call will be made, for example.

[0053] The following describes a case where an automatic restart occurs due to photoconductor wear, a hardware defect that may cause image quality degradation. The service technician operates the tablet terminal 300 to turn off the toggle button 41b for photoconductor wear. This causes the spin control 42b to display inactive. The setting unit 21 stores restart setting information in the restart database 31 in response to a notification from the tablet terminal 300. If photoconductor wear occurs in the image forming system 100, for example, the display control unit 24 prompts the user to perform a manual restart via the operation panel 8 using the error notification screen 82 shown in FIG. 5B. If the photoconductor wear does not resolve the issue after the manual restart, for example, a service call is made.

[0054] According to the setting of the restart setting information by the setting unit 21, if an error that requires automatic restart occurs in the image forming apparatus 3, the image forming apparatus 3 is automatically restarted. After the restart, the control unit 23 automatically resumes the job. Therefore, even if a job being executed is temporarily interrupted due to an error, control unit 23 automatically restarts, resolves the error, and then resumes the job that was being executed at the time of interruption, allowing the job to be completed. For example, even if an error occurs after a user who has requested printing of a large number of sheets (e.g., several thousand sheets) via operation panel 8 leaves image forming apparatus 3, the image forming apparatus automatically restarts, resolves the error, and then resumes printing, ultimately allowing the printing of a large number of sheets to be completed. In other words, even if an error occurs during time-consuming printing, image forming apparatus 3 can significantly reduce downtime, thereby improving the work efficiency of image forming apparatus 3. In addition, as in the memory error example above, an upper limit is set on the number of times automatic restarts can be performed after an error occurs. This ensures that the system can be freed from a loop in which restarts are not possible even after automatic restarts.

[0055] (Example when automatic restart is not required) Even if an error that requires automatic restart occurs in the image forming apparatus 3, there are conditions under which automatic restart will not be performed. For example, a user must be present near the image forming apparatus 3 when the error occurs. If a user is present near the image forming apparatus 3, it is preferable to notify the user of the error and allow the user to take appropriate measures depending on the situation. The human presence sensor 25 detects whether a user is present near the image forming apparatus 3. This detection information is included in the surrounding information 34. The surrounding information 34 includes information indicating the presence of a user near the image forming apparatus 3. Even if an error that requires automatic restart occurs, if the human presence sensor 25 detects a person near the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 23 will not perform automatic restart and will instead display an error notification screen such as those shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E. If an error requiring manual restart occurs, the display control unit 24 may, for example, display a message via the operation panel 8 instructing the user to decide whether or not to restart the image forming apparatus 3.

[0056] For example, even if an error that requires automatic restart occurs in the image forming apparatus 3, if the progress of the job that has just started execution is within a predetermined value (e.g., 1%), the control unit 23 may not automatically restart the image forming apparatus 3 but may instead display an error notification screen as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E. If an error occurs during execution of a job that has just started execution and is expected to take a significant amount of time to complete, it may be preferable to interrupt the job rather than restarting the image forming apparatus 3 and resuming the job. The operation information 35 includes information indicating that the progress of the job that has started execution is within a predetermined value. Even if an error that requires automatic restart occurs, if the progress of the job is within the predetermined value, the control unit 23 may not automatically restart the image forming apparatus 3 but may instead display an error notification screen as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E. If an error that requires manual restart occurs, for example, the display control unit 24 may display, via the operation panel 8, a message instructing the user to decide whether or not to restart the image forming apparatus 3.

[0057] Furthermore, even if an error that is set to cause an automatic restart occurs in the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 23 may not perform the automatic restart and instead display the error notification screens shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E if the user is operating the operation panel 8 or if a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has passed since the user's last operation on the operation panel 8. This is based on the idea that if an error occurs during job execution, it is preferable not to execute the job. The operation information 35 includes information indicating that the user is operating the operation panel 8 or that a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has passed since the user's last operation on the operation panel 8. Even if an error that is set to cause an automatic restart occurs, the control unit 23 may not perform the automatic restart and instead display the error notification screens shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E. Note that, if an error that requires a manual restart occurs, for example, the display control unit 24 may display, via the operation panel 8, a message informing the user whether or not to restart the image forming apparatus 3.

[0058] (Example of how to set reboot settings information) The setting unit 21 can set the restart setting information appropriately at a predetermined timing. For example, the timing for setting the restart setting information can be when the image forming apparatus 3 is installed. When installing the image forming apparatus 3, a service technician operates the tablet terminal 300 to determine the content of the restart setting information and notifies the control unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 3 immediately after installation. Based on an instruction from the control unit 23, the setting unit 21 stores the restart setting information in the restart database 31 in accordance with the notified content. Furthermore, for example, the timing for setting the restart setting information can be set when requested by a customer. Upon receiving the request, a service technician operates tablet terminal 300 to determine the content of the restart setting information and notifies control unit 23 of image forming apparatus 3. Based on an instruction from control unit 23, setting unit 21 stores the restart setting information in restart database 31 in accordance with the notified content.

[0059] The setting unit 21 can set the restart setting information according to the job being executed. For example, the setting unit 21 can set the restart to be performed automatically when a specific error occurs and the number of sheets to be printed in one job is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (large amount). Even if a specific error occurs, if the number of sheets to be printed in one job is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 23 will not perform the automatic restart. In this case, for example, the restart setting screen 40 shown in FIG. 3 may have a numerical input field for the number of sheets to be printed in one job for automatic restart.

[0060] (Example of an error that causes an automatic restart) The setting unit 21 can set various errors that occur during various printing processes as errors that cause automatic restart. If an error that is set to cause automatic restart occurs when the user inputs job conditions via the operation panel 8, automatic restart will not be performed. Suppose an error occurs when inputting job conditions. The determination unit 22 refers to the restart database 31 to determine whether the error is an error that requires automatic restart. If the error requires automatic restart, the control unit 23 performs automatic restart.

[0061] The setting unit 21 may set the number of times the image forming apparatus 3 is to be automatically restarted based on job conditions. In this case, for example, an input field for the job conditions can be provided in the "Number of Restarts" field on the restart setting screen 40 shown in Fig. 3. This allows the upper limit of the number of times automatic restarts are to be performed after an error occurs to be set for each job condition.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, an error that occurs when detecting paper characteristics can be treated as an error that causes an automatic restart. For example, suppose an error occurs when the media sensor 7 detects the characteristics of paper prepared by the user. In this case, the determination unit 22 refers to the restart database 31 to determine whether the error that occurred is an error that causes an automatic restart. If it is an error that causes an automatic restart, the control unit 23 performs an automatic restart.

[0063] Also, for example, an error that occurs when the paper feeder 1 supplies paper can be treated as an error that causes an automatic restart. Also, for example, an error that occurs during image formation by the image forming apparatus 3 can be treated as an error that causes an automatic restart. Also, for example, an error that occurs when the inspection device 5 inspects paper after image formation can be treated as an error that causes an automatic restart. Also, for example, an error that occurs when the paper discharge device 6 discharges paper can be treated as an error that causes an automatic restart. Also, for example, an error that occurs when the conveying devices 2 and 4 convey paper can be treated as an error that causes an automatic restart. The determination unit 22 determines whether or not the error that occurred above is an error that requires automatic restart, by referring to the restart database 31. If the error requires automatic restart, the control unit 23 performs an automatic restart.

[0064] (Example of restarting after automatic restart) After the automatic restart, the control unit 23 resumes the process that was interrupted due to the error in the image forming system 100. For example, in response to an error that occurs when the user sets job conditions via the operation panel 8, the display control unit 24 can cause the operation panel 8 to redisplay the job condition input screen. Furthermore, for example, after an automatic restart in response to an error that occurs when detecting paper characteristics, the control unit 23 can restore the media sensor 7 to a standby state. When the user inserts paper into the insertion slot of the media sensor 7, the media sensor 7 can resume detecting paper characteristics.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, after an automatic restart is performed in response to an error that occurs when the paper feeder 1 is feeding paper, the control unit 23 can cause the paper feeder 1 to resume feeding paper. Furthermore, for example, after automatically restarting the image forming apparatus 3 in response to an error that occurs during image formation by the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 23 can cause the image forming apparatus 3 to resume image formation. For example, after an error occurs when the inspection device 5 inspects paper after image formation, the control unit 23 can cause the inspection device 5 to automatically restart and resume inspection of the paper after image formation. Furthermore, for example, after automatically restarting the paper discharge device 6 in response to an error that occurs when the paper discharge device 6 discharges paper, the control unit 23 can cause the paper discharge device 6 to resume discharging paper. Furthermore, for example, after an automatic restart is performed in response to an error that occurs when the conveying devices 2 and 4 convey paper, the control unit 23 can cause the conveying devices 2 and 4 to resume conveying paper.

[0066] (Log handling for reboots) Examples of logs stored in the log database 33 include, but are not limited to, machine status logs, job execution status logs, machine setting logs, and error logs. The machine status log is a log that records the state (status) of a machine such as the image forming apparatus 3 on a time axis (tick). The job execution status log is a log that indicates what kind of job has been executed by a machine such as the image forming device 3. The job execution status log is also a log that indicates details of the results of the job executed by a machine such as the image forming device 3 (e.g., whether or not the job was completed successfully, or whether or not it was canceled). The machine setting log is a log that indicates the setting information and change history of a machine such as the image forming apparatus 3. The error log is a log that indicates errors that occur in a machine such as the image forming apparatus 3.

[0067] In the image forming system 100, the control unit 23 can continue acquiring logs while the power is on. The storage unit 30 stores the acquired logs in the log database 33. In particular, the storage unit 30 can store in the log database 33 the logs acquired by the control unit 23 from the time an error occurs until the automatic restart is started. The storage unit 30 can also store in the log database 33 the logs acquired by the control unit 23 from the time the automatic restart is started until the automatic restart is completed. The storage unit 30 can also store in the log database 33 the logs acquired by the control unit 23 from the time the automatic restart is completed until the resumed job is completed.

[0068] The storage unit 30 can store in the log database 33 the logs acquired by the control unit 23 from the time an error occurs until manual restart is started. The storage unit 30 can also store in the log database 33 the logs acquired by the control unit 23 from the time manual restart is started until manual restart is completed. The storage unit 30 can also store in the log database 33 the logs acquired by the control unit 23 from the time manual restart is completed until the resumed job is completed.

[0069] (Automatic restart report) When an error that requires automatic restart occurs and the control unit 23 performs automatic restart, the display control unit 24 can display via the operation panel 8 that automatic restart has been performed. FIG. 4 is an example of an automatic restart report screen 80. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 8 can display, on the automatic restart report screen 80, information indicating that an automatic restart has been performed, such as the date and time the error occurred, the type of error that occurred, and the number of times the automatic restart has been performed, but the display content is not limited to these. Most users who have requested a large volume of printing from the image forming device 3 will visit the image forming device 3 at the estimated time when printing is to be completed. Users can view the automatic restart report screen 80 shown in FIG. 4 by looking at the operation panel 8.

[0070] 5A to 5E are examples of error notification screens. 5A is a screen that is displayed on the operation panel 8 when a memory error occurs and certain conditions are met. A text area 811 states, "A memory error has occurred C-0001. Restarting the device may resolve the issue." A service call pane 812 lists a telephone number and a fax number.

[0071] The predetermined conditions are, for example, when the human presence sensor 25 detects a person near the image forming apparatus 3, when the operation panel 8 is being operated, when a predetermined time has passed since the last operation on the operation panel 8, and when the image forming apparatus 3 is being adjusted. In these cases, the user can immediately check the error notification screen 81 to confirm that a memory error has occurred, and can choose to either call a service technician or manually restart the apparatus to resolve the error.

[0072] The error notification screen 82 shown in FIG. 5B is a screen that is displayed on the operation panel 8 when a photoconductor wear error occurs and certain conditions are met. The text area 821 reads, "Photoconductor has worn out. C-0002. Restarting the machine may resolve the issue." The service call pane 822 lists a telephone number and a fax number. The user can immediately check the error notification screen 82 to check the photoconductor wear status and choose whether to call a service technician or manually restart the machine to resolve the photoconductor wear error.

[0073] The error notification screen 83 shown in FIG. 5C is a screen that is displayed on the operation panel 8 when an error occurs when the media sensor 7 detects paper characteristics and certain conditions are met. The text area 831 reads, "A paper characteristics detection error has occurred C-0003. This may be resolved by restarting the printer." The service call pane 832 lists a telephone number and a fax number. The user can immediately check the error notification screen 83 to check the wear status of the photoconductor and then choose to call a service technician or manually restart the printer to resolve the media sensor 7 error.

[0074] The error notification screen 84 shown in FIG. 5D is a screen that is displayed on the operation panel 8 when an error occurs while the image forming unit 26 is forming an image on paper and when predetermined conditions are met. The text area 841 states, "An image formation error has occurred C-0004. Restarting the unit may resolve the issue." The service call pane 842 states a telephone number and a fax number. The user can immediately check the error notification screen 84 to confirm the status of the malfunction in the image forming unit 26 and choose whether to call a service technician or manually restart the image forming unit 26 to resolve the error.

[0075] The error notification screen 85 shown in FIG. 5E is a screen that is displayed on the operation panel 8 when an error occurs while the inspection device 5 is inspecting printed paper and a predetermined condition is met. The text area 851 states, "An error occurred during inspection C-0005. Restarting may resolve the issue." The service call pane 852 lists a telephone number and a fax number. The user can immediately check the error notification screen 85 to confirm the malfunction status of the image forming unit 26 and choose to either call a service technician or manually restart the inspection device to resolve the error.

[0076] [process] The image processing method of this embodiment will now be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 6. It is assumed that the image forming apparatus 3 is in operation. First, the control unit 23 performs a restart setting process (step S1). Specifically, the control unit 23 acquires restart setting information determined by the service technician's tablet terminal 300. Then, under the control of the control unit 23, the setting unit 21 refers to the acquired restart setting information and accepts a user setting for automatically restarting the image forming apparatus 3 in response to an error that occurs in the image forming apparatus 3. Then, under the control of the control unit 23, the storage unit 30 stores the acquired restart setting information in the restart database 31.

[0077] Next, the control unit 23 detects an error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 3 (step S2). At this time, the control unit 23 sets the number of automatic restarts to 0. Next, the determination unit 22 determines whether the detected error is stored in the storage unit 30 as an error that requires automatic restart (step S3). If the detected error is not stored (No in step S3), the control unit 23 makes a service call (step S10). In this case, the detected error is either an error that can be resolved by manual restart, or an error that cannot be resolved by either automatic restart or manual restart. If the error can be resolved by manual restart, for example, the display control unit 24 displays a message via the operation panel 8 prompting the user to perform a manual restart, and the processing in FIG. 6 ends. Note that the user can follow the message and restart the image forming apparatus 3 by powering it off and on. If the error cannot be resolved by either automatic restart or manual restart, for example, the control unit 23 notifies the remote service server 200 of the occurrence of the error, and the processing in FIG. 6 ends. The service technician who receives the notification via the tablet terminal 300 identifies the cause of the error and resolves the error as appropriate.

[0078] On the other hand, if the error detected in step S2 is stored in memory unit 30 as an error for which automatic restart is set (Yes in step S3), control unit 23 determines whether a predetermined condition is met (step S31). The predetermined condition may be, for example, when human presence sensor 25 detects a person near image forming apparatus 3, when operation panel 8 is being operated, when a predetermined time has passed since the last operation on operation panel 8, or when image forming apparatus 3 is being adjusted. If the predetermined condition is met in step S31 (Yes), an error notification screen such as those shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E is displayed (step S11), and the processing in FIG. 6 ends. If the predetermined condition is not met (No), the processing proceeds to step S4.

[0079] In step S4, the control unit 23 performs an automatic restart. After the automatic restart, the control unit 23 increments the number of automatic restarts (step S5). Next, the control unit 23 determines whether the error detected in step S2 has been resolved by the automatic restart (step S6). If the error has not been resolved (No in step S6), the control unit 23 determines whether the number of restarts has exceeded the upper limit indicated in the restart setting information (step S9). If the upper limit indicated in the restart setting information has not been exceeded (No in step S9), the control unit 23 repeats the automatic restart (step S4). On the other hand, if the upper limit indicated in the restart setting information has been exceeded (Yes in step S9), the control unit 23 makes a service call (step S10). This allows the system to escape from the repeated automatic restart loop. For example, when the control unit 23 notifies the remote service server 200 of the occurrence of an error and makes a service call, the processing of FIG. 6 ends. A service technician who receives the notification via the tablet terminal 300 identifies the cause of the error and resolves the error appropriately. The service call may simply display the contact information of the service center and an error call on the operation panel 8, and is not limited to this.

[0080] On the other hand, if the error detected in step S2 is resolved by the automatic restart (Yes in step S6), the control unit 23 resets the number of automatic restarts to 0 (step S7). Next, the control unit 23 performs a restart process (step S8). Specifically, the control unit 23 restarts the job that was interrupted due to the error from the point of interruption, and the process in FIG. 6 ends.

[0081] 6, the storage unit 30 can appropriately store logs from the start to the completion of the automatic restart in the log database 33. Also, in the process of FIG. 6, the operation panel 8 can display a message that the automatic restart (step S4) has been performed. Also, the process of FIG. 6 is not limited to errors that occur in the image forming apparatus 3, but can also be applied to errors that occur in the paper feeder 1, the conveying devices 2 and 4, the inspection device 5, and the paper discharge device 6.

[0082] [effect] According to this embodiment, the work efficiency of each device in the image forming system 100 can be improved. More specifically, even if an error requiring restart occurs while the image forming device 3 is executing a job, the control unit 23 automatically restarts the device and resumes the job after the restart. Therefore, even if the job being executed is temporarily interrupted due to an error, the control unit 23 resumes the job after the automatic restart. Therefore, the job can be completed without operator intervention. Furthermore, because automatic restart or manual restart can be set for each user, user requests can be reliably met. For example, a user may want to set automatic restart when someone is away from the image forming apparatus 3 at night, and set manual restart when someone is near the image forming apparatus 3 during the day. In other words, it is possible to switch settings according to the time of day. Also, for example, manual restart can be set for an administrative user (a person on-site) who wants to know what has happened, and automatic restart can be set for a public user who wants to prioritize job completion. The invention of Patent Document 1 had a problem in that the user could not set in advance whether to perform an automatic or manual restart in response to an error that occurred. In contrast, the present invention allows each user to set whether to perform an automatic or manual restart even for the same system error, making it possible to use different methods for each user. 3, there is an upper limit on the number of times automatic restarts can be performed after an error occurs in the image forming device 3. This ensures that the image forming device 3 can be prevented from resuming a job due to an error that has not been resolved even after automatic restarts, resulting in further restarts. Furthermore, even if an error occurs that is set to cause an automatic restart, the peripheral information 34 and operation information 35 can be used to prevent the automatic restart. This allows for priority to be given to identifying the cause of the error. Since print processing can be started with the probability of an error being extremely reduced, job execution performance can be improved in the long run. Furthermore, the setting unit 21 can set the restart setting information at an appropriate timing, which can improve customer satisfaction. Furthermore, since the setting unit 21 can set the restart setting information according to the job to be executed, the restart setting information can be further optimized, which can further improve the work efficiency of each device in the image forming system 100. Furthermore, the setting unit 21 can set various errors that occur during various printing processes as errors that cause automatic restart, thereby optimizing the restart setting information, thereby further improving the work efficiency of each device in the image forming system 100. Furthermore, in the image forming system 100 after the automatic restart, the control unit 23 resumes the processing that was interrupted due to the error, so that the processing can be completed reliably. Furthermore, the storage unit 30 can store a log from the start of the automatic restart to the completion thereof, which can be useful in identifying the cause of an error. Furthermore, since the operation panel 8 reports the automatic restart, even a user who has left the image forming apparatus 3 can know the process up to the completion of printing.

[0083] [Hardware configuration] Fig. 7 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device. An information processing device such as the image forming device 3 described above is realized by, for example, a computer 1000 having a hardware configuration as shown in Fig. 7. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1001, a RAM 1002, a ROM 1003, an SSD (Solid State Drive) 1004, a communication interface 1005, an input / output interface 1006, and a media interface 1007. The image forming device 3 includes the computer 1000, an image forming unit 26, and a human presence sensor 25.

[0084] The CPU 1001 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 1003 or the SSD 1004, and controls each unit (the setting unit 21, the determination unit 22, the control unit 23, the display control unit 24, and the storage unit 30). The ROM 1003 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1001 when the computer 1000 is started up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0085] The SSD 1004 stores programs executed by the CPU 1001, data used by such programs, etc. The communication interface 1005 receives data from other devices via the communication network 1009 and sends it to the CPU 1001, and transmits data generated by the CPU 1001 to other devices via the communication network 1009.

[0086] The CPU 1001 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input / output interface 1006. The CPU 1001 acquires data from the input devices via the input / output interface 1006. The CPU 1001 also outputs generated data to the output devices via the input / output interface 1006.

[0087] Media interface 1007 reads a program or data stored in storage medium 1008 and provides it to CPU 1001 via RAM 1002. CPU 1001 loads the program or data from storage medium 1008 onto RAM 1002 via media interface 1007 and executes the loaded program. Storage medium 1008 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0088] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as an information processing device, the CPU 1001 of the computer 1000 executes programs loaded onto the RAM 1002 to realize the functions of each unit. When the programs are executed, data stored in the SSD 1004 is used. The CPU 1001 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the storage medium 1008, but as another example, the CPU 1001 may obtain these programs from another device via the communication network 1009.

[0089] [Variations] (a): The apparatuses to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to image forming apparatuses. For example, the present invention can also be applied to other types of apparatuses included in an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus. These other types of apparatuses include, but are not limited to, the sheet feeder, conveyor, inspection device, and sheet discharge device already described, as well as a humidifying and decurling device, a trimmer, a saddle stitcher, a case binder, a cutting device, and a multi-folder. The present invention can also be applied to information processing devices including image forming devices, such as, but not limited to, cloud servers, kiosk terminals, vending machines, and unmanned cash registers. (b) The restart setting information may be configured to allow switching between automatic and manual restart depending on the time period. For example, for a specific error, it may be configured to allow manual restart between 7:00 and 19:00, and automatic restart between 19:00 and 7:00 the next day. (c) When the image forming device is undergoing adjustment (e.g., color tone adjustment, density adjustment) or is in an adjustment mode, a service call may be made even if an error that causes an automatic restart occurs. (d): When an error requiring automatic restart occurs, not only the device in which the error occurred but also other components may be automatically restarted. Examples of other components include, but are not limited to, the component that caused the error and the component that can resolve the error by automatically restarting. Specifically, each component may be provided with a sub-CPU, and the sub-CPU of the component that caused the error may be automatically restarted. Alternatively, the sub-CPU of the component that can resolve the error by automatically restarting may be automatically restarted. Note that the above also applies when an error requiring manual restart occurs, rather than when an error requiring automatic restart occurs. (e) When an error occurs during detection of recording medium characteristics by the media sensor 7, the paper feeder 1 may purge the recording medium for which detection was interrupted and perform detection again. (f): When an error occurs during inspection by the inspection device 5, the inspection device 5 may purge the recording medium on which the inspection was interrupted and perform the inspection again. (g): In this embodiment, the setting unit 21 sets the upper limit of the number of times the image forming apparatus 3 is automatically restarted. However, for example, the setting unit 21 may set the lower limit of the number of times the image forming apparatus 3 is automatically restarted. More generally, the setting unit 21 may set the number of times the image forming apparatus 3 is automatically restarted.

[0090] (h): It is also possible to realize a technology that appropriately combines the various technologies described in this embodiment. (i) The software described in this embodiment can be realized as hardware, and vice versa. (j) In addition, the constituent elements of the present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 100 Image forming system (information processing system) 200 Remote Service Server 300 tablet devices 1 Paper feeder 2. Conveyor equipment 3. Image forming device (information processing device) 4. Conveyor equipment 5. Inspection equipment 6 Paper ejection device 7 Media Sensor 8 Operation panel (display) 9~11 Output tray 21 Setting section 22 Judgment section 23 Control Unit 24 Display control unit 30 Storage section 31 Restart Database 32 Job Database 33 Log Database 34 Nearby Information 35 Operational Information

Claims

1. a setting unit that receives a user setting for automatically restarting the information processing device in response to an error that occurs in the information processing device; a storage unit that stores the set error as an error that automatically causes the restart; a determination unit that determines, when the error occurs, whether or not the error that occurred is stored in the storage unit as an error that automatically causes the restart; a control unit that controls restart of the information processing device based on the determination by the determination unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the setting unit sets the number of times the information processing device is to be automatically restarted.

3. a surrounding situation detection unit that detects surrounding information indicating a surrounding situation of the information processing device; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines whether to automatically perform the reboot based on surrounding information detected by the surrounding situation detection unit.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the restart based on operation information indicating an operation status of the information processing device.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the setting unit accepts an error setting for automatically restarting the information processing apparatus at a predetermined timing.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the storage unit stores a log before the restart is completed.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit that displays a message that the restart has been automatically performed.

8. At least one of an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium and a detection unit that detects characteristics of the recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising: the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , which controls the image forming unit.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit determines whether to automatically restart the image forming apparatus based on information about a job when an error occurs for which the restart is set to be performed automatically.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit does not restart the information processing apparatus if an error that is set to cause the automatic restart occurs during the setting of the information processing apparatus.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the setting unit sets an error for which the restart is to be automatically performed, and sets the number of times the restart is to be performed automatically in the event of the error.

12. In the case where the detection unit is provided, The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit automatically restarts the apparatus when an error occurs during detection of the characteristics of the recording medium by the detection unit.

13. In the case where the image forming unit is provided, The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit automatically restarts the image forming unit when an error occurs during image formation by the image forming unit.

14. In the case where the image forming unit is provided, an inspection unit that inspects the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit automatically restarts the apparatus when an error occurs during inspection of the recording medium after image formation by the inspection unit.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the control unit controls the detection unit to resume detection of the characteristics of the recording medium after the automatic restart.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the control unit controls the image forming unit to resume image formation after the automatic restart.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the control unit controls the inspection unit to resume inspection of the recording medium after the automatic restart.

18. The apparatus includes a recording medium feeding device, an information processing device, an inspection device, and a paper discharge device, The information processing device includes: a setting unit that receives a user setting for automatically restarting the information processing device in response to an error that occurs in the information processing device; a storage unit that stores the set error as an error that automatically causes the restart; a determination unit that determines, when the error occurs, whether or not the error that occurred is stored in the storage unit as an error that automatically causes the restart; a control unit that controls restart of the information processing device based on the determination by the determination unit.

19. The information processing device a setting step of accepting a user's setting regarding an error that automatically restarts the information processing device in response to an error that occurs in the information processing device; a storage step of storing the set error as an error for which the restart is to be automatically performed; a determining step, when the error occurs, of determining whether or not the error that occurred has been stored in the storing step as an error that automatically causes the restart; a control step of controlling a restart of the information processing device based on the determination made in the determination step.

20. a step of accepting a user's setting regarding an error that automatically restarts the information processing device in response to an error that occurs in the information processing device; a step of storing the set error as an error that automatically causes the restart; a step of determining, when the error occurs, whether or not the error that occurred is stored as an error that automatically causes the restart; a step of controlling a restart of the information processing device when it is determined that an error that causes the automatic restart has occurred; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

Images