Image forming apparatus, error notification method, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

To improve convenience of each of a user who can directly operate an image forming apparatus and a user who cannot directly operate the image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes the job receiving portion 51 that receives the job from the outside, the job execution portion 53 that executes the job, the positional relationship determining portion 55 that determines the positional relationship between the user who has given the instruction to execute the job and the image forming apparatus, and the notification portion 57 that notifies the user of the execution-related information related to the execution of the job when the positional relationship is the predetermined specific relationship, and does not notify the user of the execution-related information when the positional relationship is not the specific relationship.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an error notification method, and an error notification program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of executing jobs received from the outside, an error notification method executed by the image forming apparatus, and an error notification program that causes a computer to execute the error notification method. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming device, typically an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), receives and executes jobs from an external device. The image forming device is connected to a network, and a user can operate a computer connected to the network to cause the image forming device to execute the job.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-169683 describes an image forming device that, when an error such as out of toner, paper jam, or paper is encountered, determines all jobs whose execution will be affected by the error depending on the type of error, determines the identification data of each device and user that has requested the execution of these jobs, creates a list of destinations to notify of error information, and transmits the error message and the list of destinations to notify of error information to each device via a network interface.

[0004] However, when it comes to how image forming devices are used, there are cases where a user who causes an image forming device to execute a job is located in a place where the image forming device can be directly operated, such as the workplace where the image forming device is located, and cases where the user is located in a place where the image forming device cannot be directly operated. A user who is located in a place where the image forming device cannot be directly operated cannot directly check the status of the image forming device. As a result, the user cannot know that the job was not executed due to an error after sending the job to the image forming device. Furthermore, if an error occurs due to a job instructed by another person via remote operation, a user who is located in a place where the image forming device can be directly operated must resolve the error for the other person and notify the other person of the job status, which is a cumbersome process. Furthermore, there are cases where the user is unable to determine whether it is appropriate to perform an operation to resolve the error, such as deleting a job instructed by another person via remote operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-169683 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for both users who can directly operate the apparatus and users who cannot directly operate the apparatus.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an error notification method that improves convenience for both users who can directly operate an image forming apparatus and users who cannot directly operate the image forming apparatus.

[0008] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an error notification program that improves convenience for both users who can directly operate an image forming apparatus and users who cannot directly operate the image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a job receiving unit that receives a job from an external device, a job executing unit that executes the job, a positional relationship determination unit that determines the positional relationship between the device and a user who instructed the execution of the job, and a notification unit that notifies the user of execution-related information related to the execution of the job when the positional relationship is a predetermined specific relationship, and does not notify the user of the execution-related information when the positional relationship is not a specific relationship.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, an error notification method causes an image forming device to perform the following steps: a receiving step of receiving a job from outside; a job execution step of executing the job; a specifying step of identifying the user who instructed the execution of the job; a positional relationship determination step of determining the positional relationship between the user and the device; and a notification step of notifying the user of execution-related information related to the execution of the job if the positional relationship is in a predetermined specific relationship, and not notifying the user of the execution-related information if the positional relationship is not in the specific relationship.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the error notification program causes a computer controlling an image forming device to execute the following steps: a receiving step of receiving a job from outside; a job execution step of executing the job; a position determination step of determining the positional relationship between the device and a user who instructed the execution of the job; and a notification step of notifying the user of execution-related information related to the execution of the job if the positional relationship is a predetermined specific relationship, and not notifying the user of the execution-related information if the positional relationship is not a specific relationship. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an MFP. [Figure 4]1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an outline of the hardware configuration of a PC according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an error notification process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0014] 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, image forming system 1 includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 and personal computers (PCs) 200 and 200A.

[0015] The MFP 100 and the PC 200A are each connected to a local area network (LAN) 3. The LAN 3 may be connected either wired or wirelessly. The LAN 3 may also be a network using a public switched telephone network or the like. The LAN 3 may also be a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. The PC 200A and the MFP 100 can communicate via the LAN 3.

[0016] Gateway (G / W) device 7 is connected to LAN 3 and also to the Internet 9. G / W 7 relays between LAN 3 and the Internet 9. PC 200 and server 300 are connected to the Internet 9. MFP 100 and PC 200A are each connected to the Internet 9 via LAN 3 and G / W 7. Therefore, PC 200 can communicate with MFP 100 via the Internet 9 and LAN 3. MFP 100 can communicate with server 300 via LAN 3 and the Internet 9. PC 200 can communicate with server 300 via the Internet 9.

[0017] MFP100 is an example of an image forming apparatus. PC200, 200A are general-purpose computers. An application program for remotely operating MFP100 is installed on each of PC200, 200A. The application program includes a driver program that generates jobs and sends them to MFP100. Jobs include print jobs that form an image of data on a recording medium, facsimile transmission jobs that send data by facsimile, scan jobs that send image data obtained by scanning an original, and image processing jobs that process image data. Image processing includes optical character recognition processing and image conversion processing.

[0018] Server 300 is a general-purpose computer. Its hardware configuration and functions are well known, so a detailed description will not be repeated here. Server 300 provides, for example, a user management service that manages the locations of multiple users. The user management service is realized, for example, by an access control system. For example, in an access control system, server 300 is connected to a reading device installed at the entrance to a building and multiple rooms within a company's premises. When a user enters or exits a building and one of the rooms within the building, the reading device reads the user ID stored on the user's IC card or smartphone. Server 300 manages the user's location at multiple points in time based on the location of the reading device and the user ID. Alternatively, the user management service may be a service that collects GPS (Global Positioning System) information from a smartphone or other device carried by the user and detects the user's location based on the GPS information.

[0019] Server 300 may also provide a data transmission / reception service. The data transmission / reception service includes a service for transmitting and receiving messages and a service for transmitting and receiving e-mails. Server 300 is located between a sender and a receiver, receives data from the sender, and transmits the received data to the receiver. Server 300 may temporarily store data transmitted by the sender until it is received by the receiver. For example, server 300 stores data received from the sender until it is downloaded by the receiver.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a front view of the MFP. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of the MFP. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, MFP 100 includes an automatic document feeder 120, a document reading unit 130, an image forming unit 140, and a paper feeding unit 150.

[0021] Original reading unit 130 optically reads an original. Automatic document feeder 120 transports the original to original reading unit 130. Original reading unit 130 exposes an image formed on an original set on original glass 11 or an original transported by automatic document feeder 120 with exposure lamp 13 attached to slider 12 that moves below the original. Light reflected from the original is guided to lens 16 by mirror 14 and two reflecting mirrors 15 and 15A, and forms an image on CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) sensor 18.

[0022] The reflected light that forms an image on the CCD sensor 18 is converted into image data as an electrical signal within the CCD sensor 18. The image data is converted into printing data in cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) and output to the image forming unit 140.

[0023] The image forming unit 140 forms an image on paper or the like based on image data output by the document reading unit 130 after reading the document. The image forming unit 140 includes image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Here, "Y," "M," "C," and "K" represent yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. An image is formed by operating at least one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. A full-color image is formed when all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are operating. Print data for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is input to the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, respectively. The image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K differ only in the color of the toner they handle. Therefore, the image forming unit 20Y for forming a yellow image will be described here.

[0024] The image forming unit 20Y includes a photosensitive drum 23Y as an image carrier, a charging roller 22Y, a toner bottle 40Y, a developing unit 24Y, a primary transfer roller 25Y, and a drum cleaning blade 27Y. The charging roller 22Y, the exposure device 21Y, the developing unit 24Y, the primary transfer roller 25Y, and the drum cleaning blade 27Y are arranged around the photosensitive drum 23Y in this order along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 23Y.

[0025] Charging roller 22Y uniformly charges the surface of photoreceptor drum 23Y. Yellow printing data is input to exposure device 21Y, which exposes photoreceptor drum 23Y in accordance with the printing data. Primary transfer roller 25Y transfers the toner image formed on photoreceptor drum 23Y onto intermediate transfer belt 30, which is an image carrier, by the action of electric field force. Drum cleaning blade 27Y removes residual toner from photoreceptor drum 23Y.

[0026] After being charged by the charging roller 22Y, the photoreceptor drum 23Y is irradiated with laser light emitted by the exposure device 21Y. The exposure device 21Y exposes the image-corresponding portion of the surface of the photoreceptor drum 23Y. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 23Y. Next, the developing device 24Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y with charged toner. Specifically, toner is placed on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y by the action of electric field force, thereby forming a toner image on the photoreceptor drum 23Y. The toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, which serves as an image carrier, by the action of electric field force using the primary transfer roller 25Y. Any toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 23Y that has not been transferred is removed from the photoreceptor drum 23Y by the drum cleaning blade 27Y.

[0027] Toner is supplied to the developing unit 24Y from a toner bottle 40Y. The toner bottle 40Y has a cylindrical shape that extends in one direction, and an opening that opens downward is formed at one end. The toner bottle 40Y has a spiral convex portion formed on its inner circumferential surface. The toner contained inside the toner bottle 40Y is transported in one direction as the toner bottle 40Y rotates, drops through the opening, and is supplied to the developing unit 24Y. The amount of toner supplied is adjusted by changing the rotation speed of the toner bottle 40Y.

[0028] Meanwhile, the intermediate transfer belt 30 is suspended tightly by a drive roller 33 and a driven roller 34. When the drive roller 33 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 3, the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates counterclockwise in the drawing at a predetermined speed. As the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates, the driven roller 34 rotates counterclockwise.

[0029] As a result, the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K sequentially transfer toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 30. The timing at which each of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K transfers a toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 is adjusted based on the detection of the reference marks on the intermediate transfer belt 30. As a result, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0030] The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 is transferred to paper by the action of electric field force by the secondary transfer roller 26, which is a transfer member. The paper is transported by timing roller 31 to the nip portion where the intermediate transfer belt 30 and secondary transfer roller 26 come into contact. The paper with the transferred toner image is transported to fixing roller 32, where it is heated and pressed. This melts the toner and fixes it to the paper. The paper is then ejected to paper output tray 39.

[0031] A belt cleaning blade 28 is provided upstream of the image forming unit 20Y on the intermediate transfer belt 30. The belt cleaning blade 28 removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 30 that has not been transferred to paper.

[0032] Paper feed unit 150 supplies paper to image forming unit 140. Paper feed unit 150 includes paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A. Paper of different sizes is set in paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively. The paper stored in paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A is supplied to a conveyance path by take-out rollers 36 and 36A attached to paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively, and sent to timing roller 31 by paper feed roller 37.

[0033] When forming a full-color image, the MFP 100 drives all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. When forming a monochrome image, the MFP 100 drives only one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. It is also possible to form an image by combining two or more of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Here, we will describe an example in which the MFP 100 employs a tandem system equipped with image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K that form four color toners on paper. However, the MFP 100 may also employ a four-cycle system in which four color toners are transferred sequentially to paper using a single photosensitive drum.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 4, MFP 100 includes a main circuit 110. MFP 100 is an example of an image forming apparatus. Main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) 115 as a large-capacity storage device, a facsimile unit 116, and an external storage device 117. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, paper feed unit 150, and operation panel 160, and controls the entire MFP 100.

[0035] ROM 113 stores programs executed by CPU 111 or data required to execute the programs. RAM 114 is used as a work area when CPU 111 executes the programs. Furthermore, RAM 114 temporarily stores image data continuously sent from document reading unit 130.

[0036] The communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting the MFP 100 to the LAN 3. The CPU 111 communicates with the PC 200A connected to the LAN 3 via the communication I / F unit 112, transmitting and receiving data. The communication I / F unit 112 can also communicate with the PC 200A connected to the Internet 9 via the LAN 3.

[0037] Facsimile unit 116 is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. Facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in EPROM 115 or outputs it to image forming unit 140. Image forming unit 140 prints the facsimile data received by facsimile unit 116 on paper. Facsimile unit 116 also converts the data stored in EPROM 115 into facsimile data and transmits it to a facsimile device connected to the PSTN.

[0038] Operation panel 160 is provided on the top surface of MFP 100 and includes display unit 161 and operation unit 163. Display unit 161 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, and displays an instruction menu for the user, information related to acquired image data, and the like. Operation unit 163 includes touch panel 165 and hard key unit 167. Touch panel 165 is provided on the top or bottom surface of display unit 161, superimposed on display unit 161. Hard key unit 167 includes a plurality of hard keys. The hard keys are, for example, contact switches. Touch panel 165 detects a position on the display surface of display unit 161 designated by the user.

[0039] The EEPROM 115 stores programs to be executed by the CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the programs. The CPU 111 loads the programs stored in the EEPROM 115 into the RAM 114 and executes them.

[0040] A CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) 118 is attached to the external storage device 117. The CPU 111 can access the CD-ROM 118 via the external storage device 117. The CPU 111 loads a program recorded on the CD-ROM 118 attached to the external storage device 117 into the RAM 114 and executes the program.

[0041] Furthermore, the program executed by CPU 111 is not limited to a program recorded on CD-ROM 118. Instead of CD-ROM 118, a flexible disk, a cassette tape, a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disk, an IC card, an optical card, a semiconductor memory, or other media may be used. Optical disks include magnetic optical discs (MOs), mini discs (MDs), and digital versatile discs (DVDs). Semiconductor memories include mask ROMs. Another computer connected to the network may rewrite a program stored in EPROM 115 of MFP 100. Another computer connected to the network may additionally write a new program to EPROM 115 of MFP 100. Furthermore, MFP 100 may download a program from another computer connected to LAN 3 or the Internet 9 and store the program in EPROM 115. The program referred to here includes not only a program directly executable by CPU 111, but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an outline of the hardware configuration of a PC according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 5, PC 200 includes CPU 201 for controlling the entire PC 200, ROM 202, RAM 203, hard disk drive (HDD) 204, communication unit 205, display unit 206, operation unit 207, and external storage device 209.

[0043] The ROM 202 stores programs to be executed by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The HDD 204 is a large-capacity storage device that stores data in a non-volatile manner. A solid-state drive (SSD) may be used instead of the HDD 204. The communication unit 205 connects the CPU 201 to the LAN 3. The operation unit 207 accepts operations input by the user. The display unit 206 is, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display device. Note that an organic electroluminescence (EL) display may be used instead of a liquid crystal display device.

[0044] A CD-ROM 209A is attached to the external storage device 209. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the CPU 201 executes a program stored in the ROM 202. However, the CPU 201 may control the external storage device 209 to read a program to be executed by the CPU 201 from the CD-ROM 209A, store the read program in the RAM 203, and execute the program.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP according to the present embodiment. The functions shown in Fig. 6 are realized by CPU 111 included in MFP 100 as CPU 111 executes an error notification program stored in ROM 113, EPROM 115, or CD-ROM 118.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, CPU 111 included in MFP 100 includes a job receiving unit 51, a job executing unit 53, a positional relationship determining unit 55, a notification unit 57, a confirmation unit 59, a release unit 61, and a display prohibition unit 65.

[0047] Job receiving unit 51 controls communication I / F unit 112 to receive a job from either PC 200 or 200A. Job receiving unit 51 outputs the received job to job executing unit 53 and outputs a network address assigned to the device that has sent the job to positional relationship determining unit 55. The network address is, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address.

[0048] The job execution unit 53 executes a job input from the job receiving unit 51. When multiple jobs are input from the job receiving unit 51, the job execution unit 53 executes the multiple jobs in the order in which they were input. The job execution unit 53 registers the jobs in a queue in the order in which they were input from the job receiving unit 51.

[0049] When job execution unit 53 detects an error that occurs before or during execution of a job, it outputs error information to notification unit 57. The error information includes an error code for identifying the error and error content information that indicates the content of the error.

[0050] Before executing a job, job execution unit 53 determines whether the job can be executed. For example, job execution unit 53 determines whether the user who instructed the execution of the job has the authority to execute the job. Furthermore, if the job is a print job, job execution unit 53 determines whether image forming unit 140 and paper feed unit 150 can form an image. For example, job execution unit 53 determines whether paper specified in the print job is stored in paper feed cassettes 35, 35A. If paper specified in the print job is not stored in paper feed cassettes 35, 35A, job execution unit 53 detects an error.

[0051] Furthermore, if the job is a facsimile transmission job, the job execution unit 53 determines whether the facsimile unit 116 is capable of facsimile transmission. For example, the job execution unit 53 determines whether the facsimile unit 116 is connected to the PSTN. If the facsimile unit 116 is not connected to the PSTN, the job execution unit 53 detects an error. Furthermore, if the job is a scan job, the job execution unit 53 determines whether the automatic document feeder 120 is operable. For example, if the automatic document feeder 120 is in an open state and the automatic document feeder 120 cannot operate, the job execution unit 53 detects an error. Furthermore, if the job is an image processing job, the job execution unit 53 determines whether the data included in the job can be image-processed. For example, the job execution unit 53 determines whether the format of the data included in the job is a format defined for image processing. If the format of the data included in the job differs from the format defined for image processing, the job execution unit 53 detects an error.

[0052] Job execution unit 53 detects an error while executing a job. For example, if the job is a print job, job execution unit 53 determines whether an error has occurred in image forming unit 140 or paper feed unit 150. If job execution unit 53 detects an error while executing a job, it interrupts the execution of the job and outputs error information to notification unit 57.

[0053] For example, job execution unit 53 detects a jam error in which paper being transported by paper feed unit 150 gets stuck midway through transport. Also, an error is detected when the remaining amount of toner used by image forming unit 140 falls below a threshold. Also, if the job is a facsimile transmission job, job execution unit 53 determines whether facsimile unit 116 is capable of facsimile transmission. For example, job execution unit 53 determines whether facsimile unit 116 is capable of communicating with the facsimile destination. Job execution unit 53 detects an error when facsimile unit 116 is unable to communicate with the facsimile destination even after making a predetermined number of facsimile calls.

[0054] Furthermore, if the job is a scan job, the job execution unit 53 determines whether the automatic document feeder 120 is operable. For example, if the job execution unit 53 detects an event in which a document is jammed in the automatic document feeder 120, it detects an error. Furthermore, if the job is an image processing job, the job execution unit 53 determines whether image processing of the data included in the job is possible. For example, the job execution unit 53 detects an error if there is insufficient capacity in the storage destination for the data after image processing.

[0055] Errors detected by the job execution unit 53 include affecting errors that affect the job execution unit 53's ability to execute the next job, and non-affecting errors that do not affect the execution of the next job. For example, if a paper or document jam error occurs, the next job cannot be executed unless the error is resolved, so this is an affecting error. Also, if there is an error related to user authority, the next job can be executed if the user who instructed the execution of the next job has the authority, so this is a non-affecting error.

[0056] The positional relationship determination unit 55 determines the positional relationship between the user who instructed the execution of a job and the device itself. The positional relationship determination unit 55 outputs the positional relationship between the user who instructed the execution of a job and the device itself to the notification unit 57. The positional relationship determination unit 55 determines the positional relationship based on the network address input from the job receiving unit 51. The network address includes information identifying the network to which the device to which it is assigned is connected. Specifically, a network address assigned to a device connected to LAN3 is different from a network address assigned to a device connected to a network other than LAN3. More specifically, a network address assigned to PC200A connected to LAN3 indicates that PC200A is a device connected to LAN3. A network address assigned to PC200 connected to the Internet 9 indicates that PC200A is a device assigned to a network other than LAN3. If the positional relationship determination unit 55 determines that the network address input from the job receiving unit 51 is a network address assigned to a device connected to a network other than LAN3, it determines that the positional relationship between the user and the device itself is specific. When positional relationship determination unit 55 determines that the network address input from job receiving unit 51 is a network address assigned to a device connected to LAN 3 to which MFP 100 is connected, it determines that the positional relationship between the user and its own device is not a specific relationship. In this embodiment, when a job is received from PC 200, positional relationship determination unit 55 determines that the positional relationship between the user who instructed execution of the job and its own device is a specific relationship. Also, when a job is received from PC 200A, positional relationship determination unit 55 determines that the positional relationship between the user who instructed execution of the job and its own device is not a specific relationship.

[0057] The positional relationship determination unit 55 may acquire the user's position by using a user management service provided by the server 300. The positional relationship determination unit 55 requests position information from the server 300. This request includes user identification information. The server 300 replies with position information indicating the position of the user identified by the user identification information included in the request. The position information indicates one of multiple rooms in a company building. The positional relationship determination unit 55 determines the user's position based on the position information received from the server 300. If the room in which the user is located is different from the room in which the MFP 100 is located, the positional relationship determination unit 55 determines that the positional relationship between the user who instructed the execution of the job and the MFP 100 itself is a specific relationship. If the room in which the user is located is the same as the room in which the MFP 100 is located, the positional relationship determination unit 55 determines that the positional relationship between the user who instructed the execution of the job and the MFP 100 itself is not a specific relationship. Therefore, even when a user instructs PC 200A to transmit a job, the user may be in a room different from the room in which the MFP 100 is located. In this case, positional relationship determination unit 55 determines that the user and MFP 100 are in a specific relationship.

[0058] Notification unit 57 receives error information from job execution unit 53 and the positional relationship from positional relationship determination unit 55. Notification unit 57 outputs the error information to display prohibition unit 65. If the positional relationship indicates a specific relationship, notification unit 57 notifies the user who instructed the execution of the job of execution of execution-related information. If error information is received from job execution unit 53, the execution-related information includes job identification information for identifying the job and error content information included in the error information. Furthermore, if error information is not received from job execution unit 53, the execution-related information includes job identification information for identifying the job and execution result information indicating the execution result that the job was executed normally.

[0059] The notification unit 57 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit the execution-related information to the device that transmitted the job. In this example, the job is received from the PC 200, so the notification unit 57 transmits the execution-related information to the PC 200. The notification unit 57 may transmit the execution-related information by using a data transmission / reception service provided by the server 300.

[0060] The data transmission / reception service includes a service for transmitting and receiving messages or a service for transmitting and receiving e-mails. A user table that associates users with data destinations is pre-stored in HDD 115. The data destinations are addresses assigned to users in the message transmission / reception service. Therefore, even if PC 200 is shut down after transmitting a job, the user can receive execution-related information using a computer other than PC 200, such as a smartphone.

[0061] In addition, the notification unit 57 may control the communication I / F unit 112 to send the execution-related information to the device that sent the job by using the data transmission / reception service provided by the server 300 when the execution-related information cannot be sent to the device that sent the job.

[0062] If the error identified by the error information is an impacting error, display prohibition unit 65 displays error content information on display unit 161, but prohibits the display of the error content information if the error is a non-impacting error. When prohibiting the display of the error content information, display prohibition unit 65 does not display the error content information on display unit 161. Since the error content information is displayed on display unit 161 when the error is an impacting error, the user operating operation panel 160 of MFP 100 can check the error content information and take action to resolve the error. If the error is a non-impacting error, the user operating operation panel 160 of MFP 100 can submit a job and does not need to check the error content information.

[0063] After the execution-related information is transmitted by the notification unit 57, the confirmation unit 59 confirms receipt of the execution-related information by the user. The confirmation unit 59 confirms receipt of the execution-related information based on information acquired from the data transmission / reception service provided by the server 300. Furthermore, if the user replies with a receipt confirmation message or email, the confirmation unit 59 confirms receipt of the execution-related information by receiving the receipt confirmation message or email from the data transmission / reception service provided by the server 300. When the confirmation unit 59 confirms receipt of the execution-related information by the user, it outputs a receipt confirmation signal to the release unit 61.

[0064] In response to receipt confirmation being input from confirmation unit 59, release unit 61 releases the state of the job from the state in which it is being executed by job execution unit 53. Specifically, release unit 61 executes either a first process or a second process. The first process is a process of deleting the job being executed by job execution unit 53. The second process is a process of changing the state of the job being executed by job execution unit 53 to an executable state on the condition that an execution instruction from the user is received. The execution instruction is an operation input by the user to operation unit 163. For example, the execution instruction is an operation in which the user logs in to MFP 100 or an operation in which the user instructs a job registered in a queue.

[0065] The release notification unit 63 notifies the user who instructed the execution of the job that the job status has been changed by the release unit 61. The release notification unit 63 transmits release information indicating that the job status has been changed to the device that sent the job, in this case, PC 200. The release notification unit 63 may also transmit the release notification information using a data transmission / reception service provided by server 300. This allows the user to know that the status of a job that was not executed by MFP 100 due to an error identified in the execution-related information has been changed. This allows the user who instructed the job to be executed to perform other tasks, such as submitting a new job.

[0066] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of error notification processing. The error notification processing is processing that is executed by CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 as CPU 111 executes an operation support program stored in ROM 113, EPROM 115, or CD-ROM 118.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 111 included in MFP 100 receives a job (step S01), and the process proceeds to step S02. CPU 111 receives a job from an external computer via communication I / F unit 112. Here, an example will be described in which CPU 111 receives a job from PC 200. In step S02, the user who instructed the execution of the job is identified as the execution instructing user, and the process proceeds to step S03. CPU 111 identifies the user identified by user identification information included in the job received by communication I / F unit 112 as the execution instructing user. In step S03, CPU 111 determines whether the job is executable before executing the job. If the job is executable, the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S04.

[0068] In step S04, the job is executed, and the process proceeds to step S05. In step S05, it is determined whether an error has occurred during the execution of the job. If an error has occurred during the execution of the job, the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S06. In step S06, execution result information is generated, and the process proceeds to step S07. The execution result information is information that indicates the execution result of the job being executed normally.

[0069] In step S07, it is determined whether the positional relationship between the user who instructed the execution of the job and the device itself is a specific relationship. If the network to which the device that sent the job is connected is different from LAN 3 to which MFP 100 is connected, the positional relationship between the user and the device itself is determined to be a specific relationship. In this case, the job is received from PC 200, and PC 200 is connected to Internet 9 rather than LAN 3. Therefore, it is determined that the positional relationship between the user who instructed the execution of the job and the device itself is a specific relationship. Note that when the job is received from PC 200A, PC 200A is connected to LAN 3, so it is determined that the positional relationship between the user who instructed the execution of the job and the device itself is not a specific relationship. If the positional relationship between the user who instructed the execution of the job and the device itself is a specific relationship, the process proceeds to step S08; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S09.

[0070] In step S08, the execution-related information is sent to the execution-instructing user, and the process proceeds to step S06. The execution-related information includes information about errors that occur before the job is executed, information about errors that occur while the job is being executed, and execution result information that is generated when the job is executed successfully. CPU 111 controls communication I / F unit 112 to send the execution-related information to the device that sent the job. In this case, since the job is received from PC 200, CPU 111 sends the execution-related information to PC 200. CPU 111 may send the execution-related information using a data transmission / reception service provided by server 300. Furthermore, if CPU 111 cannot send the execution-related information to the device that sent the job by controlling communication I / F unit 112, CPU 111 may send the execution-related information using a data transmission / reception service provided by server 300.

[0071] In step S09, it is determined whether an error has occurred. An error is determined to have occurred either when a pre-execution error is detected in step S03 or when an execution error is detected in step S05. If an error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S10; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0072] In step S10, it is determined whether the error that has occurred is an impact error. If it is an impact error, the process proceeds to step S11; if not, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S11, error content information is displayed on display unit 161, and the process proceeds to step S12. If the error that has occurred is an impact error, the error content information is displayed on display unit 161, allowing the user operating operation panel 160 of MFP100 to confirm the error content information and take action to resolve the error. If the error is not an impact error but a non-impact error, the user operating operation panel 160 of MFP100 can submit a job and does not need to confirm the error content information. Because error content information regarding a non-impact error is not shown to the user operating operation panel 160 of MFP100, unnecessary information is not provided to users who can operate MFP100. This improves convenience for users who can directly operate MFP100.

[0073] In step S12, it is determined whether receipt of the execution confirmation information has been confirmed. If receipt has been confirmed, the process proceeds to step S13; if not, the process ends. Receipt is confirmed when a receipt confirmation is received from the device that sent the job, or when a message or email is received from the user who instructed the job to be executed.

[0074] In step S13, the job status is released from the running status, and the process proceeds to step S14. The running job is deleted. Alternatively, the status of the running job is changed to an executable status on the condition that an execution instruction from the user is accepted. An execution instruction is an operation input by the user to operation unit 163. For example, an execution instruction is an operation in which the user logs in to MFP 100, or an operation in which a job registered in a queue is instructed.

[0075] In step S14, the release is notified and the process ends. Release notification information indicating that the job status has been released from the running status is sent to the device that sent the job. In addition, release notification information is sent to the user who instructed the job to be executed using the data transmission / reception service provided by server 300. This allows the user who instructed the job to be executed to perform other tasks, such as submitting a new job.

[0076] <Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 100 has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus, but the image forming apparatus may also be an inkjet printer that forms an image on a recording medium using ink.

[0077] Although the data transmission and reception service for transmitting execution-related information has been described as an example of a service for transmitting and receiving messages and e-mails, the present invention is not limited to this. Any service may be used as long as it temporarily stores transmission data sent from a sender and transmits the transmission data to a recipient.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, MFP 100 displays the error content on display unit 161 when an error that occurs as a result of executing a job is an influencing error, and does not display the error content on display unit 161 when the error is a non-influencing error. However, the error content may be displayed on display unit 161 when the error is a non-influencing error.

[0079] <Summary of implementation form> (Item 1) A reception unit that receives jobs from outside; a job receiving unit that receives a job from an external device; a job execution unit that executes the job; a positional relationship determination unit that determines a positional relationship between the user who instructed execution of the job and the device itself; an image forming apparatus comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user of execution-related information related to the execution of the job when the positional relationship is in a predetermined specific relationship, and that does not notify the user of the execution-related information when the positional relationship is not in the specific relationship.

[0080] According to this aspect, execution-related information relating to the execution of a job is notified to a user when the user who instructed the execution of the job has a specific relationship with the image forming device, but is not notified when the user who instructed the execution of the job has a specific relationship with the image forming device. When a user is located in a place where he or she cannot operate the image forming device, the execution-related information is notified to the user. Therefore, a user who cannot visually check the status of the image forming device can check the status of the image forming device by viewing the execution-related information. On the other hand, when a user is located in a place where he or she can operate the image forming device, the execution-related information is not notified to the user. The user can check the status of the image forming device by operating the image forming device. As a result, an image forming device can be provided that improves convenience for both users who can directly operate the image forming device and users who cannot directly operate the image forming device.

[0081] (Item 2) The image forming apparatus according to Item 1, wherein the positional relationship determination unit determines the positional relationship based on a network address assigned to the apparatus that transmitted the job.

[0082] According to this aspect, the positional relationship is determined based on the network address assigned to the device that sent the job. Using the network address, it is possible to identify the networks to which the device that sent the job and the device itself are connected. If the device operated by the user is connected to a network different from the network to which the device itself is connected, there is a high probability that the user operating the device that sent the job is in a location where they cannot directly operate the image forming device. This makes it easy to determine the positional relationship between the user and the device itself.

[0083] (Item 3) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the positional relationship determination unit acquires the user's position from a user management system that manages the user's position.

[0084] According to this aspect, the location of the user who has instructed the execution of the job is acquired from a user management system that manages the locations of users, so that the location of the user can be easily determined.

[0085] (Item 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit transmits the execution-related information by using a data transmission / reception service.

[0086] According to this aspect, the execution-related information is transmitted using the data transmission / reception service, so that the execution-related information can be transmitted to the user even if the device that transmitted the job is unable to receive the execution-related information.

[0087] (Item 5) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit transmits the execution-related information to an apparatus that transmitted the job.

[0088] According to this aspect, the execution-related information is sent to the device that sent the job, so that the execution-related information can be notified to the user who instructed the execution of the job.

[0089] (Item 6) The image forming apparatus according to Item 5, wherein the notification unit transmits the execution-related information to the user using a data transmission / reception service when communication with the apparatus that transmitted the job is not possible.

[0090] According to this aspect, the user who has instructed the execution of the job can be reliably notified of the execution-related information.

[0091] (Item 7) The execution-related information includes error content information regarding a non-impacting error other than an impacting error that affects the execution of the next job, a display unit that displays information; 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, further comprising: a display prohibition unit that, when the execution-related information is transmitted, does not display the error content information regarding the non-affecting error on the display unit.

[0092] According to this aspect, since error content information regarding non-affecting errors is not displayed, unnecessary information is not provided to users who are able to operate the image forming apparatus, thereby improving convenience for users who are able to operate the image forming apparatus.

[0093] (Item 8) A confirmation unit that confirms receipt of the execution-related information by the user after the execution-related information is transmitted by the notification unit; The image forming apparatus described in any one of items 1 to 7 further comprises a release unit that releases the job status from a status of being executed by the job execution unit in response to confirmation that the user has received the execution-related information.

[0094] According to this aspect, in response to confirmation that the user has received the execution-related information, the job status is released from the status of being executed by the job executing unit, and thus the job status that has been stopped due to an error or the like is released, making it possible to execute the subsequent job.

[0095] (Item 9) The image forming device described in Item 8, wherein the release unit executes either a first process of deleting the job or a second process of changing the state of the job to an executable state on the condition that a predetermined execution instruction from the user is received.

[0096] According to this aspect, the job that the user has instructed to be executed is deleted or changed to an executable state, so that the state in which the job is stopped or the like can be resolved.

[0097] (Item 10) The image forming apparatus according to item 8 or 9, further comprising a cancellation notification unit that notifies the user of the status of the job when the job status is cancelled from the running status.

[0098] According to this aspect, the user who has been notified of the execution-related information is notified of the job status, so that the user can decide how to process the job next, thereby improving user convenience.

[0099] (Item 11) a receiving step for receiving a job from an external device; a job execution step of executing the job; an identifying step of identifying a user who has instructed execution of the job; a positional relationship determination step of determining a positional relationship between the user and the device; and a notification step of notifying the user of execution-related information relating to the execution of the job when the positional relationship is in a predetermined specific relationship, and not notifying the user of the execution-related information when the positional relationship is not in the specific relationship.

[0100] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an error notification method that improves convenience for both users who can directly operate the image forming apparatus and users who cannot directly operate the image forming apparatus.

[0101] (Item 12) a receiving step for receiving a job from an external device; a job execution step of executing the job; a position determination step of determining a positional relationship between the user who instructed execution of the job and the device itself; and a notification step of notifying the user of execution-related information relating to the execution of the job when the positional relationship is in a predetermined specific relationship, and not notifying the user of the execution-related information when the positional relationship is not in the specific relationship.

[0102] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an error notification program that improves convenience for both users who can directly operate the image forming apparatus and users who cannot directly operate the image forming apparatus.

[0103] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 image forming system, 3 network, 7 G / W device, 9 Internet, 100 MFP, 200,200A PC, 300 server, 51 job receiving unit, 53 job execution unit, 55 positional relationship determination unit, 57 notification unit, 59 confirmation unit, 61 release unit, 63 release notification unit, 65 display prohibition unit, 111 CPU, 112 communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 HDD, 116 facsimile unit, 117 external storage device, 118 CD-ROM, 120 automatic document feeder, 130 document reading unit, 140 image forming unit, 150 paper feeding unit, 160 operation panel, 161 display unit, 163 operation unit, 165 touch panel, 167 hard key unit.

Claims

1. a job receiving unit that receives a job from an external device; a job execution unit that executes the job; a positional relationship determination unit that determines a positional relationship between the user who instructed execution of the job and the device itself; an image forming apparatus comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user of execution-related information related to the execution of the job when the positional relationship is in a predetermined specific relationship, and that does not notify the user of the execution-related information when the positional relationship is not in the specific relationship.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the positional relationship determination unit determines the positional relationship based on a network address assigned to the apparatus that transmitted the job.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the positional relationship determination unit acquires the user's position from a user management system that manages the user's position.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit transmits the execution-related information to the user by using a data transmission / reception service.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit transmits the execution-related information to an apparatus that transmitted the job.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the notification unit transmits the execution-related information to the user by using a data transmission / reception service when communication with the apparatus that transmitted the job is not possible.

7. the execution-related information includes error content information regarding a non-impacting error other than an impacting error that affects the execution of the next job; a display unit that displays information; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a display prohibition unit that, when the execution-related information is transmitted, does not display the error content information related to the non-influencing error on the display unit.

8. a confirmation unit that, after the execution-related information is transmitted by the notification unit, confirms receipt of the execution-related information by the user; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a canceling unit that cancels the state of the job from a state in which the job is being executed by the job executing unit in response to confirmation of receipt of the execution-related information by the user.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the canceling unit executes either a first process of deleting the job or a second process of changing the state of the job to an executable state on the condition that a predetermined execution instruction from the user is received.

10. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a cancellation notification unit that notifies the user of the status of the job when the job status is cancelled from the running status.

11. a receiving step of receiving a job from an external device; a job execution step of executing the job; an identifying step of identifying a user who has instructed execution of the job; a positional relationship determination step of determining a positional relationship between the user and the device; and a notification step of notifying the user of execution-related information relating to the execution of the job when the positional relationship is in a predetermined specific relationship, and not notifying the user of the execution-related information when the positional relationship is not in the specific relationship.

12. a receiving step of receiving a job from an external device; a job execution step of executing the job; a position determination step of determining a positional relationship between the user who instructed execution of the job and the device itself; and a notification step of notifying the user of execution-related information relating to the execution of the job when the positional relationship is in a predetermined specific relationship, and not notifying the user of the execution-related information when the positional relationship is not in the specific relationship.

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