Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, control program, recording medium

Abstract

When an error occurs, the system needs to determine the appropriate means of notifying the user of the error based on its type and then notify the user using the appropriate means. [Solution] The system determines the availability of each notification method for each type of error and uses the method with the highest priority and that is available to send an error notification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a system, and an information processing method, and particularly to error notification control of an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] When an error occurs during use of an image forming apparatus, it is required to appropriately notify the user of the details and countermeasure information. The most common method at this time is to display it on the monitor of the image forming apparatus. However, the size of the monitor and the amount of information that can be displayed vary depending on the model.

[0003] For example, in the case of a large multifunction machine, the monitor is large and the amount of information that can be displayed tends to be large. On the other hand, in the case of a small multifunction machine or an inkjet printer, the mounted monitor tends to be small. In that case, if a message of about one or two sentences is displayed, the screen may be filled.

[0004] In the case of an image forming apparatus like the latter, even if the occurred error is notified by monitor display, there is a possibility that sufficient information cannot be conveyed to the user. There is no problem with minor errors that can be conveyed in one sentence, but when it is desired to notify the detailed occurrence location and countermeasure method as well, monitor display alone is insufficient for some models.

[0005] A general countermeasure in such cases is to display only the error title and error code on the monitor. The user relies on the displayed error code or title and takes measures such as searching for the corresponding part in the manual or inquiring a service technician. However, this also places a burden on the user and is inconvenient because it takes time to confirm the phenomenon.

[0006] As another countermeasure, there is one that notifies an error by different means. An example is email notification. Also, in Patent Document 1, a configuration for printing out a chapter of a manual corresponding to the occurred error is shown.

[0007] While these methods allow us to provide users with sufficient information even for complex errors, problems can arise if we notify users of every error through a specific means. For example, sending an email notification for an error that can be resolved by simply re-operating the image forming machine, such as "the scanner is temporarily busy," is roundabout and ultimately unhelpful.

[0008] Furthermore, it is not possible to notify of "network errors" via email over the network, nor to notify of "printer errors" through print output. Therefore, a notification switching process is required depending on the error situation. As an example, Patent Document 2 shows a configuration in which errors are notified using notification means corresponding to the error level (urgency). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 06-048000 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-147810 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Patent Document 2 only describes switching the error notification means according to the error grade (urgency).

[0011] Therefore, for example, if the notification capabilities of the error notification method (such as the amount of information that can be notified, the display size and color of the monitor) are insufficient for the nature of the error, the error notification may not be able to be properly delivered. Also, if the notification is to indicate that an error notification method is broken, and this broken error notification method is selected as the notification method, then the error notification cannot be delivered at all. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In the present invention, in an information processing device, An error detection means for detecting the occurrence of an error, A plurality of error notification means for notifying the occurrence of the error; Error notification management means for determining, based on the content of the error, an error notification means for notifying the error from the plurality of error notification means; Characterized by the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, when an error occurs in an image forming apparatus, it is possible to appropriately switch means for notification according to the error type. The switching is a switching from the viewpoint of whether each notification means can be used for the error type.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] Overall configuration for implementing the present invention [Figure 2] Hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus [Figure 3] Block diagram of the image forming apparatus [Figure 4] Flowchart of error notification determination processing in Example 1 [Figure 5] Example of error notification screen in monitor display and error printing [Figure 6] Flowchart of error notification determination processing in Example 2 [Figure 7] Example of error notification order editing screen [Figure 8] Flowchart of error notification determination processing in Example 4 [Figure 9] Flowchart of error notification determination processing in Example 5 [Figure 10] Example of error notification screen in mail notification [Figure 11] Flowchart of error notification determination processing in Example 6 [Figure 12] Example of error screen on the client terminal [Figure 13] Example of error notification order [Figure 14] Example of error notification availability information [Figure 15] Examples of error notification inhibition information [Figure 16] Examples of error notification ranking editing information [Figure 17] Examples of error notification ranking after editing [Figure 18] Examples of error notification non-recommended information [Figure 19] Examples of error notification ranking [Figure 20] Examples of error notification availability information [Figure 21] Examples of error notification ranking [Figure 22] Examples of job information [Figure 23] Examples of error notification information

Embodiments of the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The information processing system of this embodiment is applied to an image forming apparatus. Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus is a small-sized machine with a small monitor mounted thereon, and the screen will be filled when displaying one or two sentences as a message.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration for executing the present invention. Reference numeral 101 denotes an image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 102 denotes a client terminal, which can transmit a job such as printing to the image forming apparatus and receive the result of scanning or the like executed on the image forming apparatus. The client terminal 102 can also send and receive emails. The image forming apparatus 101 and the client terminal 102 are each connected via a network 100.

[0017] In Examples 1 to 4, as shown in FIG. 1, it can be applied in the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 alone. In Examples 5 and 6, it can be applied in the overall configuration shown in FIG. 1, that is, the configuration in which the image forming apparatus 101 and the client terminal 102 are connected via the network 100.

Examples

[0018] This embodiment describes the configuration and processing of an information processing system executed on an image forming apparatus. When an error occurs on the image forming apparatus, notification eligibility information associated with the error type is referenced. Notification eligibility is determined according to a separately managed error notification priority, and error notification is made by an available means.

[0019] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 101. The hardware configuration includes the following: CPU 200, temporary memory area RAM 201, storage 202, network interface 203, system bus 204, input / output interface 205, secondary storage device 206, device controller 207, printer 208, and scanner 209. The storage device 202 stores the embedded program and data.

[0020] The network interface 203 connects to the network and communicates with other computers, image forming machines, and other network devices. The communication method can be either wired or wireless. It may also have a mobile network interface. The input / output interface 205 performs input and output of information and signals via touch panels, buttons, LED lights, etc. Devices without these hardware components can be connected to and operated from other computers via a remote interface, etc.

[0021] The secondary storage device 206 is a secondary storage device such as an HDD or flash memory. The CPU 200 executes programs read from RAM 201, storage 202, and secondary storage device 206. The printer 208 and scanner 209 execute print and scan jobs, respectively. The device controller 207 receives control commands from the CPU 200 and controls the printer 208 and scanner 209.

[0022] Each component is connected via the system bus 204. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the system bus 204 propagates control commands from the CPU 200 to the hardware connected to the system bus 204.

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus program is read from RAM 201, storage 202, secondary storage device 206, etc., and executed by the CPU 200. Input and output via monitor and buttons is performed via input / output interface 205. External access via network is performed via network interface 203.

[0024] 300 is an error detection means that detects errors occurring on the image forming apparatus and determines the type of error. 301 is an error notification information retention function that retains notification information such as error messages. 303 is an error notification order retention function that retains the order of error notification means. An example of the error notification order is shown in Figure 13.

[0025] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus attempts to notify via monitor display as its highest priority, and then attempts to notify via error printing as a second-priority alternative. While an actual system is expected to switch between more than two notification methods, this embodiment represents it as two methods for the sake of simplicity.

[0026] 302 is a function for holding error notification eligibility information, and it holds error notification eligibility information for each error type. An example of error notification eligibility information for each error type is shown in Figure 14.

[0027] Figure 14 shows the error notification status for scanner busy and internal part error (ADF). For each error notification method, True indicates notification is possible, and False indicates notification is not possible.

[0028] Scanner busy is an error indicating that the scanner is currently processing a job and is temporarily unable to accept scans. The imaging device only needs to display the message "Scanner busy, please retry." to the user, and this can be done via a monitor display. Error printouts can also be used for notification.

[0029] An internal parts error (ADF) indicates an error in the internal parts of the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder). In this case, the image forming machine wants to provide information such as which part is malfunctioning, what the problem is, how to deal with it, and whether manufacturer support is required. For this reason, the image forming machine cannot notify the error via the monitor display. On the other hand, since the above information can be provided in the error print, the image forming machine can notify the error.

[0030] 304 is an error notification management means. Based on the content of the error detected by the error detection means 300, the error notification management means 304 determines a specific error notification means from among multiple error notification means. Specifically, the error notification management means 304 uses the error notification ranking and the error notification feasibility information to make a notification decision for the error detected by the error detection means 300. The detailed error notification decision process of the error notification management means 304 is shown in Figure 4.

[0031] 305 is the copy function of the image forming apparatus. 306 is the scan function of the image forming apparatus. 307 is the print function of the image forming apparatus. 308 is the job management function of the image forming apparatus. 309 is the input / output interface input / output management function that manages the input and output of input / output interface 205. 310 is the network interface input / output management function that manages the input and output of network interface 203.

[0032] The job management function 308 manages jobs entered via the input / output interface input / output management function 309 and the network interface input / output management function 310. An example of a job entered via the input / output interface input / output management function 309 is a scan job entered through monitor operation.

[0033] An example of a job input via the network interface input / output management function 310 is a print job sent from client terminal 102. The job management function 308 also manages the execution of jobs by the copy function 305, scan function 306, and print function 307.

[0034] 307-1 is an error printing function included in the print function 307. The error printing function 307-1 can be called from the error notification management means 304 and can print error notification information. The input / output interface input / output management function 309 can also be called from the error notification management means 304 and can monitor and display error notification information.

[0035] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the error notification determination process in Embodiment 1, which is executed by the error notification management means 304. The error notification management means 304 starts the error notification determination process when an error is detected by the error detection means 300. The error notification management means 304 obtains error notification information associated with the detected error type from the error notification information holding function 301 (S400). The error notification management means 304 obtains error notification feasibility information associated with the detected error type from the error notification feasibility information holding function 302 (S401).

[0036] The error notification management means 304 obtains the error notification rank from the error notification rank 303 (S402). Based on the error notification feasibility information, the error notification management means 304 determines whether the detected error type can be notified by the error notification means with the highest priority in the error notification rank (S403).

[0037] Figures 13 and 14 are used to illustrate an example of a case in which the error detection means 300 detects an error.

[0038] In Figure 13, the highest priority error notification method is the monitor display. If the error detection means 300 detects a scanner busy error, then, from Figure 14, the error notification management means 304 determines that error notification is possible via the monitor display (S403). If the error detection means 300 detects an internal parts error (ADF) error, then, from Figure 14, the error notification management means 304 determines that error notification is not possible via the monitor display (S403).

[0039] If it is determined that notification is possible using the highest priority error notification means (Yes in S403), the error notification management means 304 will send an error notification using the highest priority error notification means (S404). In Figure 13, the error notification management means 304 will send an error notification via a monitor display.

[0040] If the highest priority error notification means determines that notification is not possible (No in S403), the error notification management means 304 will send an error notification using an alternative error notification means (the next highest priority error notification means) (S405). In Figure 13, the error notification management means 304 sends an error notification by printing an error.

[0041] Figure 5 shows an example of an error notification screen. 500 is an example of an error notification displayed on the monitor when the scanner is busy. 501 is an example of an error notification in an error print when an internal parts error (ADF) occurs. [Examples]

[0042] Example 2 will only describe the parts that differ from Example 1.

[0043] This embodiment shows an example of a configuration in which error notification means are selected considering the impact of errors that have already occurred on the image forming apparatus. In addition to the newly detected error, a list of existing errors that have already occurred is obtained. Then, it is determined whether notification is possible based on the type of error, and whether the notification will be hindered by existing errors, and if notification is possible, an error notification is sent.

[0044] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. 320 is an existing error detection means that acquires a list of errors that have already occurred on the image forming apparatus. 321 is an error notification inhibition information holding function that holds a list of error types that are factors that hinder the use of each error notification means. An example of the error notification inhibition information is shown in Figure 15.

[0045] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the error notification determination process in Embodiment 2, which is executed by the error notification management means 304. Following the process equivalent to S402 in Figure 4, the error notification management means 304 obtains an existing error list from the existing error detection means 320 (S600). If it is determined that notification is possible by the highest priority error notification means (Yes in S403), the error notification management means 304 obtains the error notification inhibition information of the highest priority error notification means from the error notification inhibition information retention function 321 (S601). The error notification management means 304 determines whether there are any errors that have already occurred in the existing error list among the error notification inhibition information (S602).

[0046] The following are specific examples using Figures 13 to 15. In Figure 13, the highest priority error notification means is the monitor display. Assume that the error detection means 300 detects a scanner busy error, and the existing error detection means 320 detects a data cable error (monitor) (S600).

[0047] From Figure 14, the error notification management means 304 determines that error notification is possible on the monitor display (S403). The error notification management means 304 obtains error notification inhibition information on the monitor display (second row of Figure 15) from the error notification inhibition information retention function 321 (S601). The error notification management means 304 determines whether there is an error that has already occurred in the existing error list among the error notification inhibition information (second row of Figure 15) (S602). As a result, there is an error that inhibits monitor display notification, called a data cable error (monitor) (No in S602).

[0048] If there are no errors that have already occurred in the existing error list among the error notification inhibition information (Yes in S602), the error notification management means 304 will issue an error notification using the highest priority error notification means (S404). In Figure 13, the error notification management means 304 will issue an error notification via monitor display.

[0049] If the error notification inhibition information contains an error that has already occurred in the existing error list (No in S602), the error notification management means 304 will issue an error notification using an alternative error notification means (the next highest priority error notification means) (S405). In Figure 13, the error notification management means 304 issues an error notification by printing an error. [Examples]

[0050] Example 3 will only describe the parts that differ from Examples 1 and 2.

[0051] This embodiment shows an example of a configuration in which the user can specify the error notification order, as shown in Figure 13.

[0052] Up to this point, we have described a configuration that switches notification methods depending on the error detected or the error that has already occurred. However, the priority of errors may differ depending on the user's environment and circumstances. For example, a user with poor eyesight may prioritize print output over small-print monitor display.

[0053] Furthermore, users who frequently work at their desks away from the image forming machine may prioritize notifications to their client terminals. Based on these cases, we present a configuration and process that allows users to edit the priority of error notifications.

[0054] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. 330 is an error notification order editing function. The error notification order editing function 330 can edit the error notification order held by the error notification order retention function 303 based on the error notification order editing information input via the input / output interface input / output management function 309. An example of the error notification order editing information is shown below. For simplification, two types of error notification means are illustrated in Figure 16.

[0055] Figure 17 shows the error notification ranking after editing using the error notification ranking editing information in Figure 16.

[0056] Figure 7 shows an example of the error notification ranking editing screen displayed on the monitor of the image forming apparatus 101. 700 is the error notification ranking editing screen. 701 is the error notification ranking display. 702 is the error notification ranking operation button, which the user can press to edit the error notification ranking display 701. 703 is the cancel button, which the user can press to discard the information in the error notification ranking display 701 and return to the previous screen.

[0057] 704 is the OK button, which, when pressed by the user, allows the information from the error notification ranking display 701 to be sent as error notification ranking editing information. When the user presses the OK button, the error notification ranking editing information is passed from the input / output interface input / output management function 309 to the error notification ranking editing function 330 via the input / output interface 205. The error notification ranking editing function 330 uses the error notification ranking editing information to edit the error notification ranking held by the error notification ranking retention function 303. [Examples]

[0058] Example 4 will only describe the parts that differ from Examples 1-3.

[0059] In Examples 1-3, the notification method was switched based on the availability of each error notification method for each error type. However, even if a particular notification method is available, there may be errors for which using that notification method is inappropriate. An example is a "warning indicating that the remaining amount of consumables is low." Although the content is a warning, this warning is intended to be treated as a type of error that is notified by the system.

[0060] Although the remaining amount of consumables is low, printing is still possible, so the image forming apparatus can notify the user with an error print. However, it is unlikely that the user would want to print just to be notified that the consumables are low, thereby further depleting the consumables. In this case, a notification method that avoids error printing is desirable for the image forming apparatus.

[0061] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. 340 is an error notification discouragement information retention function, which retains error notification discouragement information. The error notification discouragement information manages a list of error types for which notification by a given error notification means is discouraged. An example of error notification discouragement information is shown in Figure 18.

[0062] In Example 4, Figure 19 shows an example of the error notification order maintained by the error notification order retention function 303. For the sake of explanation, a different notification order is set for the error notification order than in Example 1.

[0063] In the following example of Embodiment 4, Figure 20 shows an example of the error notification eligibility information held by the error notification eligibility information holding function 302.

[0064] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the error notification determination process in Embodiment 4, which is performed by the error notification management means 304. If it is determined that notification is possible by the highest priority error notification means (Yes in S403), the error notification management means 304 obtains the error notification discouragement information of the highest priority error notification means from the error notification discouragement information retention function 340 (S800). The error notification management means 304 determines whether the detected error type is included in the error notification discouragement information (S801).

[0065] The following shows a specific example using Figures 18 to 20. In Figure 19, the highest priority error notification method is error printing. Assume that the error detection means 300 has detected a low toner level error.

[0066] From Figure 20, the error notification management means 304 determines that error notification is possible with error printing (S403). The error notification management means 304 obtains the error notification discouragement information for error printing (third line of Figure 18) from the error notification discouragement information retention function 340 (S800). The error notification management means 304 determines whether the detected low toner error exists in the error notification discouragement information (third line of Figure 18) (S801). As a result, the error "low toner" is found to be an error for which error printing notification is discouraged (No in S801).

[0067] If the detected error type is not found in the aforementioned error notification discouragement information (Yes in S801), the error notification management means 304 issues an error notification using the highest priority error notification means (S404). In Figure 19, the error notification management means 304 issues an error notification by printing an error.

[0068] If the detected error type is included in the aforementioned error notification discouragement information (No in S801), the error notification management means 304 will issue an error notification using an alternative error notification means (the next highest priority error notification means) (S405). In Figure 19, the error notification management means 304 will issue an error notification via a monitor display. [Examples]

[0069] Example 5 will only describe the parts that differ from Examples 1 to 4.

[0070] In Examples 1-4, for the sake of simplicity, we have limited the explanation to two types of error notification methods. In Example 5, we will describe a more practical configuration in which the image forming apparatus switches between three or more types of notifications. Specifically, in addition to the "monitor display" and "error print" methods of Examples 1-4, the image forming apparatus switches between "email notification (notification via email transmission)" and "LED illumination (lighting) / buzzer warning (sound generation)" as notification methods.

[0071] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. 350 is an LED lighting function, which can light up the LEDs of the image forming apparatus. 351 is a warning sound emission function, which can emit a warning sound from the image forming apparatus. 353 is an email address retention function, which retains email addresses and manages notification recipients.

[0072] The email address retention function 353 can retain email addresses entered via the input / output interface input / output management function 309 or the network interface input / output management function 310. 352 is an email notification management function that can obtain email addresses and notification destination settings from the email address retention function 353 and send email notifications via the network interface input / output management function 310.

[0073] The LED illumination function 350 can be called by the error notification management means 304 to notify the occurrence of an error by illuminating the LED. The warning sound emission function 351 can be called by the error notification management means 304 to notify the occurrence of an error by emitting a warning sound. The email notification management function 352 can also be called by the error notification management means 304 to notify error notification information via email.

[0074] In the following example of Example 5, Figure 21 shows an example of the error notification order maintained by the error notification order retention function 303.

[0075] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the error notification determination process in Embodiment 5, which is performed by the error notification management means 304. If it is determined that notification is not possible by the highest priority error notification means (No in S403), the following process is performed. That is, the error notification management means 304 determines, based on the error notification feasibility information obtained in S401, whether the detected error type can be notified by the second priority error notification means in the error notification order (S900).

[0076] In Figure 21, if it is determined that notification via the highest priority monitor display is not possible, the error notification management means 304 determines whether the error can be notified via the second priority error print notification. If it is determined that notification is possible with the second priority error notification means (Yes in S900), the error notification management means 304 sends a notification via the second priority error notification means (S900).

[0077] If it is determined that notification is not possible by the second-priority error notification means (No in S900), the error notification management means 304 determines, based on the error notification feasibility information, whether the detected error type can be notified by the third-priority error notification means in the error notification priority order (S902).

[0078] In Figure 21, if it is determined that notification by the second-priority error print is not possible, the error notification management means 304 determines whether the error can be notified by the third-priority email notification. If it is determined that notification is possible by the third-priority error notification means (Yes in S902), the error notification management means 304 sends a notification by the third-priority error notification means (S903).

[0079] If the third-priority error notification means determines that notification is not possible (No in S902), the error notification management means 304 will provide error notification using an alternative error notification means (fourth-priority error notification means) (S405). In Figure 21, the error notification management means 304 provides error notification by lighting an LED and sounding a buzzer warning.

[0080] Figure 10 shows an example of an error notification screen via email. 1000 is an example of an error notification via email. [Examples]

[0081] Example 6 will only describe the parts that differ from Examples 1 to 5.

[0082] Examples 1 to 5 describe a configuration for switching notifications when an error occurs in an image forming apparatus. In this case, the processing details that caused the error in the image forming apparatus were not used in the decision. However, if an error occurs in a job sent from a client terminal, it is considered that the error notification should be sent back to the client terminal to most appropriately convey the error details to the user.

[0083] In Example 6, when an error is detected, the currently running job is retrieved. If the running job was sent from a client terminal, the error information is sent to the client terminal to notify it of the error.

[0084] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the error notification determination process in Embodiment 6, which is executed by the error notification management means 304. After obtaining error notification information (S400), the error notification management means 304 obtains running jobs from the job management function 308 (S1100). The error notification management means 304 determines whether there are any running jobs (S1101). If there are no running jobs (No in S1101), the error notification management means 304 proceeds to the process in S401.

[0085] If there are jobs running (Yes in S1101), the error notification management means 304 determines whether the jobs running are caused by the client terminal (S1102). If the jobs running are not caused by the client terminal (No in S1102), the error notification management means 304 proceeds to processing S401.

[0086] Figure 22 shows an example of job information managed by the job management function 308. The following example represents a network print job originating from a client terminal. In the following example, the error notification management means 304 determines that this job was sent from client terminal 102 because the SentBy attribute is present.

[0087] If the running job is caused by a client terminal (Yes in S1102), the error notification management means 304 sends an error notification to the client terminal 102 via the job management function 308 and the network interface input / output management function 310 (S1103). An example of the error notification information sent by the job management function 308 is shown in Figure 23.

[0088] Figure 12 shows an example of an error screen displayed on the screen of client terminal 102. 1200 is an example of an error screen displayed on client terminal 102. 1201 is an error window displayed on client terminal 102.

[0089] (Other examples) In the above embodiment, when determining the error notification means from among multiple error notification means, a priority was given to each.

[0090] There are various ways to prioritize. For example, you can determine priorities by considering the user's environment and how they use the product.

[0091] For example, the monitor installed in the information processing device is given first priority, the email sending method is given second priority, and the printing method is given third priority.

[0092] If an error occurs in the printer, such as a paper jam, the user needs to access the printer directly, so it is convenient to display the error on the monitor built into the device. Therefore, the monitor display method will be given first priority. Furthermore, in order to reduce the consumption of consumables such as printing paper, toner, and ink, the printing method will be given third priority, and the email sending method will be given second priority.

[0093] Furthermore, considering quiet work environments such as offices, it is desirable to lower the priority of notification methods such as sound and light (for example, setting them to fourth priority).

[0094] Conversely, when installing equipment in crowded places such as factories, it is acceptable to use sound or light to notify users of errors.

[0095] Furthermore, to meet the diverse needs of users, it would be beneficial to allow users to edit the priority of their error notification methods themselves.

[0096] Furthermore, in a printer device, if the printing method is set as the error notification method in the event of a paper jam or other printing error, the error cannot be notified. Therefore, it is best to determine the error notification method based on the type of error and then notify the user accordingly. At the very least, in the case of an error in the notification method, it is best to implement error notification control that excludes the notification method where the error occurred and determines the appropriate error notification method.

[0097] The present invention may be a control program to be executed by a computer that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments, or it may be a recording medium that stores this control program.

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible based on the spirit of the invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the invention. That is, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modified forms are included in the present invention.

Claims

1. In an information processing device, An error detection means for detecting the occurrence of an error, Multiple error notification means for notifying the occurrence of the aforementioned error, The system includes an error notification management means that determines which of the multiple error notification means will notify the error based on the content of the error. An information processing device characterized by the following features.

2. The error notification management means determines which of the plurality of error notification means to notify the error based on the priority order of the error notification means that provide the error notification. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. It has a function to edit the priority order of the error notification means that provide the aforementioned error notifications. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that

4. The error notification management means determines, from among the plurality of error notification means, which will notify the error, based on information indicating whether or not notification is possible, which is determined by the content of the error. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. A function to manage jobs received from client terminals, A means for determining whether the job is caused by the client terminal, The system has a function to send error notifications to the client terminal that sent the job. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

6. It has a monitor display means and a printing means, The priority of notifications by the error notification means is set such that error notifications by the monitor display means have a higher priority than error notifications by the printing means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that

7. It has a monitor display means and an email sending means, The priority of notifications by the error notification means is set such that error notifications by the monitor display means have a higher priority than error notifications by the email sending means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that

8. It has a printing mechanism and an email sending mechanism, The priority of notifications by the error notification means is set such that error notifications by the email sending means have a higher priority than error notifications by the printing means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that

9. It has monitor display means, email sending means, and printing means, The priority of notifications by the error notification means shall be as follows: error notifications by the monitor display means shall be given first priority, error notifications by the email sending means shall be given second priority, and error notifications by the printing means shall be given third priority. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, comprising a light-emitting means or a sound-generating means, The priority of notifications by the error notification means shall be such that error notifications by the light-emitting means or error notifications by the voice-generating means have fourth priority. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that

11. A method for controlling an information processing device, An error detection process that detects the occurrence of an error, Multiple error notification steps for notifying the occurrence of the aforementioned error, The system includes an error notification management step that determines, based on the content of the error, which of the multiple error notification steps will notify the error. A control method for an information processing device, characterized by the features described herein.

12. A control program for an information processing device, An error detection step that detects the occurrence of an error, Multiple error notification steps for notifying the occurrence of the aforementioned error, The system includes an error notification management step that determines, based on the content of the error, which of the plurality of error notification steps to notify of the error. A control program for an information processing device, characterized by the following features.

13. A recording medium for storing the program described in claim 12.

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