Image processing device, control method for image processing device, and program

Abstract

To ensure that when an error occurs in the image processing device and an error notification is received at the recipient, the recipient can reliably recognize that it is an error notification. [Solution] An image processing device 100 configured to communicate with a client terminal device 110 includes an error notification control unit 402 that sets a client terminal device 110 to send an error notification when an error occurs in the image processing device 100, and a communication control unit 401 that sends an error test notification including the content of the error notification to the client terminal device 110 set by the error notification control unit 402 before an error occurs in the image processing device 100.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In an image processing apparatus, when an error such as no paper or toner low occurs, a function of detecting the occurrence of the error and sending an error notification by email or the like to a predetermined notification destination is known. By this error notification function, for example, when a toner low error occurs, the user is notified, and there is an advantage that the stagnation of the business flow is eliminated by the user quickly replacing the toner.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique of sending a notification of error occurrence by email to a notification destination determined by extracting from an error notification destination table pre-stored in a printing apparatus, which is an example of an image processing apparatus, when an error occurs in the printing apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 sends an error notification to the determined notification destination when an error actually occurs in the image processing apparatus. However, at the notification destination, it is not known what error notifications will be made until an error actually occurs in the image processing apparatus. Therefore, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when an error notification is received at the notification destination of the error notification, there is a possibility that it may not be recognized as an error notification at the notification destination because it may be skipped or treated as a nuisance email.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to ensure that when an error occurs in an image processing device and an error notification is received at the recipient, the recipient can reliably recognize that it is an error notification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus configured to communicate with a client terminal device, comprising: setting means for setting a client terminal device that will send an error notification when an error occurs in the image processing apparatus; and transmission means for sending an error test notification, including the content of the error notification, to the client terminal device set by the setting means before the error occurs in the image processing apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when an error occurs in the image processing device and an error notification is received at the recipient, the recipient can reliably recognize that it is an error notification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a client terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the software configuration of an image processing device and a client terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows a first embodiment and is an example of an error notification setting screen generated by an image processing device and displayed on the display of a client terminal device. [Figure 6]This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure for displaying and disabling the error test start button on the error notification settings screen shown in Figure 5, in a client terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for starting an error test in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, in response to the operation of the error test start button on the error notification setting screen shown in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the first embodiment, specifically an error test notification email sent in step S703 and an error screen displayed in step S704 of Figure 7. [Figure 9] This figure shows a first embodiment and is an example of a test dialog displayed on the client terminal device's display. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for terminating an error test in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, in response to the operation of the OK button in the test dialog shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for starting an error test in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, in response to the operation of the error test start button on the error notification setting screen shown in Figure 5. [Figure 12] This figure shows a second embodiment and is an example of a notification destination selection dialog displayed on the client terminal device's display. [Figure 13] This figure shows a third embodiment, an example of an error notification setting screen generated by an image processing device and displayed on the display of a client terminal device. [Figure 14] This figure shows a third embodiment, specifically an example of an error test notification email sent in step S703 of Figure 7. [Figure 15] This figure shows a fourth embodiment, specifically an example of an error test notification email sent in step S703 of Figure 7. [Figure 16]FIG. 0 shows a fourth embodiment and is a diagram showing an example of a dialog during a test displayed on a display of a client terminal device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below does not limit the present invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in each embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention.

[0011] (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes an image processing apparatus 100, client terminal devices 110 (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4,...), and a network 120. In the following description, regarding matters common to the plurality of client terminal devices 110 (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4,...), they will be simply described as "client terminal device 110". The image processing apparatus 100 and the client terminal device 110 are configured to be communicable with each other via the network 120.

[0013] The image processing apparatus 100 is a processing apparatus having a function of displaying an error screen including error information on a display unit of the apparatus itself when an error occurs in the apparatus itself, and transmitting an error notification to a preset registered client terminal device 110. Further, the image processing apparatus 100 has a function of accepting a change in error notification settings and an execution of an error test from the client terminal device 110.

[0014] The client terminal device 110 is a terminal device that uses a built-in browser or the like to communicate with the image processing device 100 and has a function of operating the error notification setting of the image processing device 100. In the present embodiment, the client terminal device 110 is assumed to be a personal computer (PC), a mobile terminal device, or the like, but in the present invention, it is not limited to this form.

[0015] The network 120 is a communication network that connects the image processing device 100 and the client terminal device 110 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 120 is, for example, a LAN, WAN, such as the Internet, a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, or the like, or a communication network realized by a combination of these.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the client terminal device 110 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the client terminal device 110 has a hardware configuration including a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, an HDD 204, a NIC 205, a keyboard 206, a display 207, an interface 208, and a bus 209.

[0018] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is a processor that controls the entire client terminal device 110 and performs various processes. The CPU 201, for example, executes programs and an OS stored in the HDD 204, and performs controls such as temporarily storing information necessary for program execution in the RAM 202.

[0019] The RAM (Random Access Memory) 202 is a temporary storage means and functions as the main memory and work area of the CPU 201.

[0020] The ROM (Read Only Memory) 203 is a storage device that stores various types of information (including data), such as basic I / O programs.

[0021] The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204 is one of the external storage means and functions as a large-capacity memory, storing programs and various information (including data) necessary for the CPU 201 to control the client terminal device 110 as a whole and perform various processes. Examples of programs stored in the HDD 204 include application programs such as web browsers, service server group programs, the OS, and related programs. In this embodiment, programs necessary for the CPU 201 to control the client terminal device 110 as a whole and perform various processes may also be stored in the ROM 203. The HDD 204 also stores various information (including data) obtained by the CPU 201 as a result of controlling the client terminal device 110 as a whole and performing various processes.

[0022] The NIC (Network Interface Card) 205 is a transmission and reception means that transmits and receives various types of information (including data) to and from an external device (for example, an image processing device 100) via the network 120.

[0023] Keyboard 206 is an instruction input means that inputs information such as commands to CPU 201.

[0024] The display 207 is a display means that displays various information (including data) based on the control of the CPU 201.

[0025] Interface 208 is an external device interface for connecting printers, USB devices, peripherals, etc.

[0026] Bus 209 is a bus that connects the CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 203, HDD 204, NIC 205, keyboard 206, display 207, and interface 208 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0027] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 3, components similar to those shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0028] The image processing device 100 can be, for example, a digital multifunction printer, a facsimile machine, a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, or a scanner. As shown in Figure 3, the image processing device 100 has a hardware configuration of a CPU 301, RAM 302, ROM 303, storage unit 304, network interface 305, device control unit 306, printing unit 307, input / output interface 308, input / output unit 309, and bus 310.

[0029] The CPU 301 is a processor that controls the entire image processing device 100 and performs various processing tasks. For example, the CPU 301 executes programs stored in the memory unit 304 (which may be a ROM 303) and controls the temporary storage of information necessary for program execution in the RAM 302.

[0030] RAM302 is a temporary storage means and functions as memory or a work area for the CPU301.

[0031] ROM 303 is a storage means that stores various information (including data) necessary for the CPU 301 to control the image processing device 100 as a whole and perform various processes. ROM 303 also stores destination information, which indicates the region to which the image processing device 100 will be shipped. The language of the information (including data) displayed by the input / output unit 309 in the image processing device 100 is determined according to this destination information.

[0032] The memory unit 304 functions as an external storage device and stores programs and various information (including data) necessary for the CPU 301 to control the image processing device 100 as a whole and perform various processes. In this embodiment, the programs necessary for the CPU 301 to control the image processing device 100 as a whole and perform various processes may be stored in the ROM 303. The memory unit 304 also stores various information (including data such as image data) obtained by the CPU 301 as a result of controlling the image processing device 100 as a whole and performing various processes.

[0033] The network interface 305 is a transmission and reception means that transmits and receives various types of information (including data) to and from an external device (for example, a client terminal device 110) via the network 120.

[0034] The device control unit 306 controls the operation of the printing unit 307 based on the control of the CPU 301.

[0035] The printing unit 307 is a printing means that includes various equipment necessary for printing, such as a fuser and a transfer belt.

[0036] The input / output interface 308 is an interface that manages communication between the input / output unit 309 and the components of the CPU 301, RAM 302, ROM 303, storage unit 304, network interface 305, and device control unit 306 via the bus 310.

[0037] The input / output unit 309 is an input / output means that includes multiple configurations responsible for inputting and outputting various types of information (including data such as image data) in the image processing device 100. Specifically, the input / output unit 309 receives input from the user (such as button input) and transmits the signal corresponding to the input to the above-mentioned configuration units (301 to 306) via the input / output interface 308. The input / output unit 309 also includes a display unit (such as a touch panel) for providing necessary information to the user and accepting user operations. Furthermore, the input / output unit 309 may include a scanning device for reading documents and receiving electronic data as input.

[0038] Figure 4 shows an example of the software configuration of the image processing device 100 and client terminal device 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the image processing device 100 has a software configuration comprising a communication control unit 401, an error notification control unit 402, and a screen control unit 403. For example, the CPU 301 of the image processing device 100 shown in Figure 3 executes a program stored in the storage unit 304 (or ROM 303) shown in Figure 3, thereby configuring the communication control unit 401, error notification control unit 402, and screen control unit 403 shown in Figure 4.

[0040] The communication control unit 401 communicates with the client terminal device 110 via the network I / F 305 shown in Figure 3 and returns the information from the error notification settings screen to the client terminal device 110. The communication control unit 401 also accepts setting changes from the client terminal device 110 via the information from the error notification settings screen and requests the setting change to the error notification control unit 402. Furthermore, the communication control unit 401 also accepts error tests via the information from the error notification settings screen. In addition, the communication control unit 401 controls the sending of error notification emails and error test notification emails to the configured notification destination client terminal device 110.

[0041] The error notification control unit 402 detects errors in the image processing device 100, such as no paper or toner low, and generates error notification emails and error test notification emails according to the error notification settings. The error notification emails and error test notification emails generated by the error notification control unit 402 are sent to the client terminal device 110 via the communication control unit 401. The error notification control unit 402 also performs error notification settings and changes, and error tests, in response to requests from the communication control unit 401.

[0042] The screen control unit 403 controls the input / output unit 309 shown in Figure 3 to display an error screen containing error information related to an error that occurred in the image processing device 100 on the input / output unit 309.

[0043] The client terminal device 110 has a software configuration for the browser 411. For example, the CPU 201 of the client terminal device 110 shown in Figure 2 executes a program stored in the HDD 204 (or ROM 203) shown in Figure 2, thereby configuring the browser 411 shown in Figure 4.

[0044] The browser 411 communicates with the image processing device 100, displays information from the error notification settings screen obtained from the image processing device 100, and accepts requests for setting changes, etc.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an example of an error notification setting screen 500 generated by the image processing device 100 and displayed on the display 207 of the client terminal device 110, illustrating the first embodiment. Specifically, the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5 is an error notification setting screen displayed on the display 207 of the client terminal device 110 when the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110 communicates with the communication control unit 401 of the image processing device 100.

[0046] The error notification settings screen 500 shown in Figure 5 is a settings screen for sending error notifications to addresses specified for each error type. Furthermore, the error notification settings screen 500 shown in Figure 5 is a settings screen that has a function for performing error tests.

[0047] The error notification settings screen 500 shown in Figure 5 includes, as an example of setting areas for each error type, a no-paper error setting area 510, a toner low error setting area 520, and a paper jam error setting area 530. The error notification settings screen 500 also includes a cancel button 540 and an OK button 550.

[0048] The paperless error setting area 510 is provided with an error notification setting unit 511 that has a checkbox to enable or disable paperless error notifications. When the checkbox in the error notification setting unit 511 is ON (checked), the recipient will be notified of the paperless error. On the other hand, when the checkbox in the error notification setting unit 511 is OFF (not checked), no paperless error notifications will be sent. The paperless error setting area 510 is also provided with an address setting unit 512 for setting the (email) address to which the paperless error notification will be sent. The address setting unit 512 has checkboxes that correspond to multiple recipients, making it possible to send paperless error notifications to multiple recipients. For example, "user1" to "user2" in addresses 1 to 2 of the address setting unit 512 correspond to client terminal devices 110-1 to 110-2 shown in Figure 1. In the address setting unit 512, as with the error notification setting unit 511, if the checkbox is ON, a paperless error notification will be sent to that recipient, and if the checkbox is OFF, a paperless error notification will not be sent to that recipient. Furthermore, the no-paper error setting area 510 is provided with an error test start button 513 for starting an error notification test by issuing an error test notification containing the content of the error notification before a no-paper error actually occurs in the image processing device 100.

[0049] The toner low error setting area 520 is equipped with an error notification setting unit 521 that has a checkbox to enable or disable toner low error notifications. When the checkbox in the error notification setting unit 521 is ON, the device is designated to receive toner low error notifications, and when the checkbox in the error notification setting unit 521 is OFF, no toner low error notifications are sent. The toner low error setting area 520 is also equipped with an address setting unit 522 for setting the (email) address to which toner low error notifications will be sent. The address setting unit 522 has checkboxes corresponding to multiple destinations, making it possible to send toner low error notifications to multiple destinations. For example, "user1" in address 1 of the address setting unit 522 corresponds to the client terminal device 110-1 shown in Figure 1. In the address setting unit 522, as with the error notification setting unit 521, when the checkbox is ON, a toner low error notification is sent to that destination, and when the checkbox is OFF, a toner low error notification is not sent to that destination. Furthermore, the toner low error setting area 520 is provided with an error test start button 523 for issuing an error test notification containing the content of the error notification and starting the error notification test before a toner low error actually occurs in the image processing device 100.

[0050] The paper jam error setting area 530 is equipped with an error notification setting unit 531 that has a checkbox to enable or disable paper jam error notifications. When the checkbox in the error notification setting unit 531 is ON, the recipient will be notified of paper jam errors, and when the checkbox in the error notification setting unit 531 is OFF, no paper jam error notifications will be sent. The paper jam error setting area 530 is also equipped with an address setting unit 532 for setting the (email) addresses to which paper jam error notifications will be sent. The address setting unit 532 has checkboxes that correspond to multiple recipients, making it possible to send paper jam error notifications to multiple recipients. For example, "user3" to "user4" in addresses 1 to 2 of the address setting unit 532 correspond to client terminal devices 110-3 to 110-4 shown in Figure 1. In the address setting unit 532, as with the error notification setting unit 531, when the checkbox is ON, a paper jam error notification is sent to the recipient, and when the checkbox is OFF, no paper jam error notification is sent to the recipient. Furthermore, the paper jam error setting area 530 is provided with an error test start button 533 for initiating an error test by issuing an error test notification containing the content of the error notification before a paper jam error actually occurs in the image processing device 100.

[0051] In the example of the error notification settings screen 500 shown in Figure 5, black indicates an active setting, and gray indicates an inactive setting. Specifically, in the example of the error notification settings screen 500 shown in Figure 5, the no-paper error setting area 510 and the paper jam error setting area 530 are active, while the toner low error setting area 520 is inactive.

[0052] Furthermore, in the address setting unit 512 of the paperless error setting area 510 shown in Figure 5, addresses 1 and 2 indicate a valid setting state, while address 3 indicates an invalid setting state. In the example of the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5, if a paperless error occurs in the image processing device 100, a paperless error notification is sent to address 1 "user1@xxx.yyy" and address 2 "user2@xxx.yyy" in the address setting unit 512.

[0053] Furthermore, in the example of the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5, if a paper jam error occurs in the image processing device 100, a paper jam error notification is sent to address 1 "user3@xxx.yyy" in the address setting unit 532. On the other hand, in the example of the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5, if a paper jam error occurs in the image processing device 100, a paper jam error notification is not sent to address 2 "user4@xxx.yyy", which is in an invalid setting state in the address setting unit 532.

[0054] Furthermore, in the example of the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5, if a toner low error occurs in the image processing device 100, the error notification setting unit 521 in the toner low error setting area 520 is in an invalid setting state, so no toner low error notification is sent anywhere.

[0055] The cancel button 540 shown in Figure 5 is a button that the user operates to cancel the entered settings.

[0056] The OK button 550 shown in Figure 5 is a button operated by the user to confirm the entered settings and store those settings in the image processing device 100. When the OK button 550 shown in Figure 5 is operated, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 sets up a client terminal device 110 to send an error notification for each error type shown in Figure 5.

[0057] In the example of the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5, there are three error types: no paper error, toner low error, and paper jam error. However, in this embodiment, the number and types of error types are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 5. Similarly, the number of configurable addresses for the address setting units 512 to 532 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, in the example of the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5, there are different address setting units 512 to 532 for each error type. However, there may also be a configuration where the same address setting units 512 to 532 are provided for all error types. In addition, the settings displayed on the error notification setting screen 500, and their enabled or disabled states, are not limited to the content of the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5.

[0058] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display processing procedure for enabling or disabling the error test start buttons 513 to 533 on the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5, in the client terminal device 110 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display processing of the error test start buttons 513 to 533 in the information of the error notification setting screen 500 obtained by the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110 from the communication control unit 401 of the image processing device 100. Furthermore, the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 6 is realized by the CPU 201 of the client terminal device 110 executing a program stored in the HDD 204 (or ROM 203). In addition, the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 6 is executed for the error test start buttons 513 to 533 for each error type when displaying the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5.

[0059] First, in step S601 of Figure 6, the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110 determines whether or not notification for the target error type is enabled. Here, notification being enabled means that the checkboxes in the error notification setting units 511 to 531 are in the ON state for each error type.

[0060] In step S601 of Figure 6, if the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110 determines that notification of the target error type is valid (S601 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S602. When the process proceeds to step S602 in Figure 6, the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110 activates the error test start buttons 513 to 533 for the target error type.

[0061] Furthermore, in step S601 of Figure 6, if the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110 determines that notification of the target error type is not valid (invalid) (S601 / No), the process proceeds to step S603. When the process proceeds to step S603 in Figure 6, the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110 disables the error test start buttons 513 to 533 for the target error type.

[0062] When the process in step S602 in Figure 6 is completed, or when the process in step S603 in Figure 6 is completed, the process in the flowchart shown in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0063] In the flowchart example shown in Figure 6, the error test start buttons 513-533 for the target error type are configured to be enabled only when notification for that target error type is enabled. However, this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the error test start buttons 513-533 for the target error type may be configured to be always enabled.

[0064] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for starting an error test in the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment, in response to the operation of the error test start buttons 513 to 533 on the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5. Specifically, Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process in which the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 starts an error test in response to the operation of the error test start buttons 513 to 533 on the error notification setting screen 500 via the communication control unit 401. Furthermore, the processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 7 is realized by the CPU 301 of the image processing device 100 executing a program stored in the storage unit 304 (or ROM 303).

[0065] First, in step S701 in Figure 7, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 determines whether or not it has received an error test start instruction from the client terminal device 110 via the error test start button on the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5.

[0066] In step S701 of Figure 7, if the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 determines that it has received an error test start instruction from the client terminal device 110 (S701 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S702. When the process proceeds to step S702 in Figure 7, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 generates the content of the email notification to be sent to the notification recipient for error testing, based on the selected error type, and the content of the error screen to be displayed on the input / output unit 309 of the image processing device 100.

[0067] Next, in step S703 of Figure 7, the communication control unit 401 of the image processing device 100 sends the error test notification email generated in S702 to the address of the configured notification destination client terminal device 110, based on the control of the error notification control unit 402.

[0068] Next, in step S704 of Figure 7, the screen control unit 403 of the image processing device 100 displays the error screen generated in S702 on the input / output unit 309 based on the control of the error notification control unit 402.

[0069] Figure 8 shows a first embodiment and illustrates an example of an error test notification email 810 sent in step S703 of Figure 7 and an error screen 820 displayed in step S704.

[0070] Figure 8(a) shows an example of an error test notification email 810 sent in step S703 of Figure 7. Specifically, Figure 8(a) shows an error test notification email 810 in the case of a no-paper error. The error test notification email 810 shown in Figure 8(a) includes information 811 indicating that it is an error test notification email. The error test notification email 810 shown in Figure 8(a) also includes information 812 indicating the type of error that occurred (specifically, a no-paper error), information 813 indicating how to deal with the error, and information 814 for identifying the image processing device 100 where the error occurred. Furthermore, the information 814 for identifying the image processing device 100 where the error occurred includes information indicating the model name of the image processing device 100 where the error occurred and information indicating the serial number of the image processing device 100 where the error occurred. Note that if a no-paper error actually occurs in the image processing device 100, for example, an error notification email will be sent that excludes the information 811 indicating that it is an error test notification email from the information shown in Figure 8(a). In other words, in this embodiment, the error test notification email 810 shown in Figure 8(a) includes the content of an error notification email that is sent when an error actually occurs in the image processing device 100.

[0071] Figure 8(b) shows an example of an error screen 820 displayed on the input / output unit 309, which is the display unit of the image processing device 100, in step S704 of Figure 7. The error screen 820 shown in Figure 8(b) displays information corresponding to the information 812 indicating the type of error that occurred (specifically, a no-paper error) and the information 813 indicating how to deal with the error, as shown in Figure 8(a). Furthermore, the error screen 820 shown in Figure 8(b) displays information 821 indicating that this display is an error test, and an OK button 822.

[0072] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. Once the process in step S704 in Figure 7 is completed, the process proceeds to step S705. When the process proceeds to step S705 in Figure 7, the communication control unit 401 of the image processing device 100 returns the information of the test dialog to the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110, based on the control of the error notification control unit 402.

[0073] If the process in step S705 in Figure 7 is completed, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 7 is terminated. Also, in step S701 in Figure 7, if the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 determines that it has not received an error test start instruction from the client terminal device 110 (S701 / No), the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 7 is terminated.

[0074] Figure 9 shows a first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of a test dialog 900 displayed on the display 207 of the client terminal device 110. In Figure 9, components similar to those shown in Figure 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0075] The "Testing" dialog 900 shown in Figure 9 is returned from the image processing device 100 in step S705 of Figure 7 and is displayed as a modal window of the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5. The "Testing" dialog 900 shown in Figure 9 is equipped with an OK button 910, and when this OK button 910 is pressed, the "Testing" dialog 900 is closed and the error test is terminated.

[0076] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for terminating an error test in the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment, upon receiving an operation on the OK button 910 of the test dialog 900 shown in Figure 9. Specifically, Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process in which the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 terminates an error test upon receiving an operation on the OK button 910 of the test dialog 900 via the communication control unit 401. Furthermore, the processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 10 is realized by the CPU 301 of the image processing device 100 executing a program stored in the storage unit 304 (or ROM 303).

[0077] First, in step S1001 of Figure 10, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 determines whether or not it has received an error test completion instruction from the client terminal device 110 via the OK button 910 of the test dialog 900 shown in Figure 9.

[0078] In step S1001 of Figure 10, if the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 determines that it has received an error test completion instruction from the client terminal device 110 (S1001 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S1002. When the process proceeds to step S1002 in Figure 10, the screen control unit 403 of the image processing device 100 terminates the display of the error screen 820 currently displayed on the input / output unit 309, based on the control of the error notification control unit 402.

[0079] If the process in step S1002 of Figure 10 is completed, the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 10 is terminated. Also, in step S1001 of Figure 10, if the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 determines that it has not received an error test completion instruction from the client terminal device 110 (S1001 / No), the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 10 is terminated.

[0080] As described above, the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment is an image processing device configured to communicate with a client terminal device 110. The error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 sets up a client terminal device 110 that will send an error notification when an error occurs in the image processing device 100 (for example, 512 to 532 in Figure 5). The error notification control unit 402 that performs the process of setting up this client terminal device 110 that will send an error notification constitutes a "setting means". The communication control unit 401 of the image processing device 100 sends an error test notification containing the content of the error notification to the client terminal device 110 set up by the error notification control unit 402 before an error occurs in the image processing device 100 (for example, S703 in Figure 7). The communication control unit 401 that performs the process of sending this error test notification containing the content of the error notification constitutes a "transmission means". With this configuration, the client terminal device 110 that issues error notifications can receive an error test notification containing the content of the error notification before an error occurs in the image processing device 100. This allows the client terminal device 110 to verify in advance the circumstances under which an error occurred in the image processing device 100 and prepare for the error in the image processing device 100. In other words, according to the first embodiment, when an error actually occurs in the image processing device 100 and the error notification is received by the receiving client terminal device 110, the receiving client terminal device 110 can reliably recognize that it is an error notification. This prevents the receiving client terminal device 110 from discarding the error notification or treating it as spam.

[0081] Furthermore, the error notification control unit 402 (setting means) sets up client terminal devices 110 that will send error notifications for each type of error in the image processing device 100 of its own device (for example, 511-531 and 512-532 in Figure 5).

[0082] Furthermore, the communication control unit 401 (transmission means) transmits an error test notification, which includes at least one of the following pieces of information as the content of the error notification: information 812 indicating the type of error, information 813 indicating how to deal with the error, and information 814 for identifying the image processing device 100. With this configuration, when an error occurs in the image processing device 100, it becomes possible to identify the type of error, determine how to deal with it, and identify which image processing device 100 the error occurred in.

[0083] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment below, matters common to the first embodiment described above will be omitted, and matters that differ from the first embodiment described above will be explained.

[0084] The schematic configuration of the information processing system according to the second embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. The hardware configuration of the client terminal device 110 according to the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the client terminal device 110 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. The hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3. The software configuration of the image processing device 100 and client terminal device 110 according to the second embodiment is the same as the software configuration of the image processing device 100 and client terminal device 110 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the error notification setting screen displayed on the display 207 of the client terminal device 110 according to the second embodiment is the same as the error notification setting screen 500 displayed on the display 207 of the client terminal device 110 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0085] In the first embodiment described above, when the error test start buttons 513 to 533 on the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5 were pressed, an error test notification email was always sent to all pre-configured recipients according to the settings on the error notification setting screen 500. However, once an error test notification email has been received by a recipient, it may not be necessary to send subsequent error test notification emails. Therefore, the second embodiment describes an embodiment in which a client terminal device that sends error test notifications is configured each time a test that sends error test notification emails is performed.

[0086] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for starting an error test in the image processing device 100 according to the second embodiment, in response to the operation of the error test start buttons 513 to 533 on the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5. Specifically, Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the process in which the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 starts an error test in response to the operation of the error test start buttons 513 to 533 on the error notification setting screen 500 via the communication control unit 401. Furthermore, the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 11 is realized by the CPU 301 of the image processing device 100 executing a program stored in the storage unit 304 (or ROM 303). Note that in the processing steps of the flowchart shown in Figure 11, the same step numbers are used for processing steps that are the same as those in the flowchart shown in Figure 7, and their detailed explanation is omitted.

[0087] First, in step S701 of Figure 11, similar to step S701 of Figure 7, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 determines whether or not it has received an error test start instruction from the client terminal device 110.

[0088] In step S701 of Figure 11, if the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 determines that it has received an error test start instruction from the client terminal device 110 (S701 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S1101. When the process proceeds to step S1101 in Figure 11, the communication control unit 401 of the image processing device 100 returns the notification destination selection dialog to the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110, based on the control of the error notification control unit 402.

[0089] Figure 12 shows a second embodiment, illustrating an example of a notification destination selection dialog 1200 displayed on the display 207 of the client terminal device 110. In Figure 12, components similar to those shown in Figure 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0090] The notification recipient selection dialog 1200 shown in Figure 12 is returned from the image processing device 100 in step S1101 of Figure 11, and is displayed as a modal window of the error notification settings screen 500 shown in Figure 5. The notification recipient selection dialog 1200 shown in Figure 12 includes a recipient selection unit 1210 for selecting the client terminal device 110 to which the error test notification email will be sent during the error test, and an OK button 1220.

[0091] In the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5, address 1 and address 2 are set by the address setting unit 512 as recipients for the no-paper error. Therefore, in the notification recipient selection dialog 1200 shown in Figure 12, address 1 and address 2 are selectable by the recipient selection unit 1210. Here, in the notification recipient selection dialog 1200 shown in Figure 12, only address 1 is selected by the recipient selection unit 1210, and an error test notification email is sent only to address 1. The setting by the recipient selection unit 1210 in the notification recipient selection dialog 1200 shown in Figure 12 is confirmed when the OK button 1220 is pressed, and the notification recipient selection dialog 1200 is closed. Then, the information of the setting by the recipient selection unit 1210 in the notification recipient selection dialog 1200 shown in Figure 12 is transmitted to the error notification control unit 402 via the communication control unit 401 of the image processing device 100.

[0092] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 11. Once the process in step S1101 in Figure 11 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1102. When the process proceeds to step S1102 in Figure 11, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 determines whether or not it has received a notification destination selection instruction from the client terminal device 110 via the notification destination selection dialog 1200. If, in step S1102 of Figure 11, the error notification control unit 402 determines that it has not received a notification destination selection instruction from the client terminal device 110 via the notification destination selection dialog 1200 (S1102 / No), it waits in step S1102.

[0093] Furthermore, in step S1102 of Figure 11, if the error notification control unit 402 determines that it has received a notification destination selection instruction from the client terminal device 110 via the notification destination selection dialog 1200 (S1102 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S702. When proceeding to step S702 of Figure 11, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 sets the client terminal device 110 that will send the error test notification for each error type shown in Figure 5.

[0094] When the process proceeds to step S702 in Figure 11, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 generates the content of an email notification to send an error test notification to the notification recipient selected in the notification recipient selection dialog 1200, based on the selected error type. Furthermore, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 generates the display content of the error screen to be displayed on the input / output unit 309 of the image processing device 100. Subsequently, in the flowchart shown in Figure 11, the processes from step S703 onwards in Figure 7 are carried out.

[0095] In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the error notification control unit 402 performs the following processing. Specifically, the error notification control unit 402 (setting means) sets a client terminal device 110 that will send an error test notification from among the client terminal devices 110 that will send error notifications set in Figure 5, each time a test to send an error test notification is performed (for example, Figure 12). According to the second embodiment, in the error notification function of the image processing device 100, instead of always sending error test notifications to all destinations each time a test is performed to send an error test notification, it is possible to send error test notifications only to the necessary destinations.

[0096] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the description of the third embodiment below, matters common to the first and second embodiments described above will be omitted, and matters that differ from the first and second embodiments described above will be explained.

[0097] The schematic configuration of the information processing system according to the third embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the client terminal device 110 according to the third embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the client terminal device 110 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. Also, the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 according to the third embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the software configuration of the image processing device 100 and client terminal device 110 according to the third embodiment is the same as the software configuration of the image processing device 100 and client terminal device 110 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 4. Also, the processing procedure for initiating an error test in the image processing device 100 according to the third embodiment is the same as the processing procedure for initiating an error test in the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0098] In the first embodiment described above, the model name and serial number of the image processing device 100 were used as information 814 for identifying the image processing device 100 that had an error in the error test notification email 810 shown in Figure 8(a). However, for some users, it may be difficult to identify the image processing device 100 that had an error using only the model name and serial number. Therefore, the third embodiment describes an error test notification that includes additional information about the image processing device 100 in addition to the information described in the error test notification email 810 (information different from the information described in the error test notification email 810).

[0099] Figure 13 shows a third embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of an error notification setting screen 1300 generated by the image processing device 100 and displayed on the display 207 of the client terminal device 110. Specifically, the error notification setting screen 1300 shown in Figure 13 is an error notification setting screen displayed on the display 207 of the client terminal device 110 when the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110 communicates with the communication control unit 401 of the image processing device 100. In Figure 13, components similar to those shown in Figure 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed explanation is omitted.

[0100] The error notification settings screen 1300 shown in Figure 13 includes an additional information input section 1310, which is a user-inputable component, in addition to the components (510-550) displayed on the error notification settings screen 1300 shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the error notification settings screen 1300 shown in Figure 13 shows an example where the additional information "Installation location: Xth floor" is entered into the additional information input section 1310. This information entered into the additional information input section 1310 is added as additional information to the error notification email and the error test notification email.

[0101] In this embodiment, at S702 in Figure 7, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 includes the additional information from the additional information input unit 1310, which was obtained via the communication control unit 401, in the content of the email when generating an error test notification email to send to the notification recipient.

[0102] In Figure 13, an example is shown where the "installation location" of the image processing device 100 is used as additional information in the additional information input unit 1310. However, this embodiment is not limited to this example. For instance, additional information about the image processing device 100 that is suitable for the user can be applied, such as characteristic information about the color and shape of the image processing device 100, or a list of users who are using the image processing device 100.

[0103] Figure 14 shows a third embodiment and is a diagram showing an example of an error test notification email 1400 sent in step S703 of Figure 7. Specifically, Figure 14 shows an error test notification email 1400 in the case of a no-paper error. In Figure 14, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those shown in Figure 8(a), and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0104] The error test notification email 1400 shown in Figure 14 includes additional information 1410, which corresponds to the additional information entered in the additional information input section 1310 of the error notification setting screen 1300 shown in Figure 13, in addition to the information described in the error test notification email 810 shown in Figure 8(a). In this embodiment, since the additional information "Installation location: Xth floor" is set in the additional information input section 1310 shown in Figure 13, the same information is also set in the additional information 1410 of the error test notification email 1400 shown in Figure 14.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification (email) address may be set in conjunction with the additional information input unit 1310 shown in Figure 13. In this case, for example, the image processing device 100 has in advance stored the notification address associated with the installation location information, which is the additional information. Then, when the installation location information is input to the additional information input unit 1310 shown in Figure 13, the notification address associated with the installation location information is set in the address setting units 512 to 532 shown in Figure 13 in conjunction with that input.

[0106] In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, the communication control unit 401 performs the following processing. Specifically, the communication control unit 401 (transmission means) sends an error test notification that includes, as the content of the error notification, the information described in the error test notification email 810 shown in Figure 8(a), as well as additional information 1410 concerning the image processing apparatus 100 of the apparatus. According to the third embodiment, in the error notification function of the image processing device 100, additional information about the image processing device 100 is added to the error test notification email to be sent, making it easier to identify the image processing device 100 that has experienced an error.

[0107] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the description of the fourth embodiment below, matters common to the first to third embodiments described above will be omitted, and matters that differ from the first to third embodiments described above will be explained.

[0108] The schematic configuration of the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the client terminal device 110 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the client terminal device 110 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. Also, the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the software configuration of the image processing device 100 and client terminal device 110 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the software configuration of the image processing device 100 and client terminal device 110 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 4. Also, the processing procedure for initiating an error test in the image processing device 100 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the processing procedure for initiating an error test in the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0109] In the first embodiment described above, the image processing device 100 displayed the error screen 820 shown in Figure 8(b) on the input / output unit 309 during an error test. However, during an error test, the user (recipient) of the client terminal device 110 that receives the error test notification email and the user (operator) who operates the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5 may not be near the image processing device 100. In that case, it is difficult for the recipient and the operator to check the error screen 820 of the image processing device 100 during the error test, making it difficult to verify the circumstances under which an error occurred in advance. Therefore, the fourth embodiment describes an embodiment that allows the recipient of the error test notification email and the operator of the error notification setting screen 500 to check the error screen 820 of the image processing device 100 during an error test, even when they are located away from the image processing device 100.

[0110] In this embodiment, at S702 in Figure 7, the error notification control unit 402 of the image processing device 100 generates an error test notification email to be sent to the recipient based on the selected error type, and includes a copy image of the error screen 820 shown in Figure 8(b) in the email content.

[0111] Figure 15 shows a fourth embodiment and is a diagram showing an example of an error test notification email 1500 sent in step S703 of Figure 7. Specifically, Figure 15 shows an error test notification email 1500 in the case of a no-paper error. In Figure 15, components similar to those shown in Figure 8(a) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0112] The error test notification email 1500 shown in Figure 15 includes, in addition to the information described in the error test notification email 810 shown in Figure 8(a), a copy image 1510 of the error screen 820 shown in Figure 8(b).

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at S705 in Figure 7, when the communication control unit 401 of the image processing device 100 returns the information of the test dialog to the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110, it also returns a copy image of the error screen 820.

[0114] Figure 16 shows a fourth embodiment and illustrates an example of a test dialog 1600 displayed on the display 207 of the client terminal device 110. In Figure 16, components similar to those shown in Figures 5 and 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0115] The "Testing" dialog 1600 shown in Figure 16 is returned from the image processing device 100 in step S705 of Figure 7 and is displayed as a modal window of the error notification setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5. The "Testing" dialog 1600 shown in Figure 16 includes the OK button 910 shown in Figure 9, as well as a copy image 1610 of the error screen 820 shown in Figure 8(b).

[0116] In the image processing device 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the communication control unit 401 performs the following processing. Specifically, the communication control unit 401 (transmission means) sends an error test notification that, in addition to the information described in the error test notification email 810 in Figure 8(a), further includes a copy image of the error screen 820 displayed on the display unit of the image processing device 100 as the content of the error notification. Furthermore, when the communication control unit 401 (transmission means) returns the information of the test dialog to the browser 411 of the client terminal device 110, it also returns a copy image 1610 of the error screen 820. According to the fourth embodiment, even if the recipient of the error test notification email 1500 and the operator of the error notification setting screen 500 are located away from the image processing device 100, they can still view the error screen 820 during the error test. This allows the recipient and operator to know in advance what will be displayed on the display unit of the image processing device 100 when an error actually occurs in the image processing device 100.

[0117] In this embodiment, both the error test notification email 1500 and the test dialog 1600 are configured to include a copy of the error screen 820, but it is also possible to configure only one of them to include a copy of the error screen 820.

[0118] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing said program are included in the present invention.

[0119] The embodiments of the present invention described above are merely examples of how the invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0120] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. [Configuration 1] An image processing device configured to communicate with a client terminal device, A setting means for configuring the client terminal device that will send an error notification when an error occurs in the image processing device, A transmission means that transmits an error test notification, including the content of the error notification, to the client terminal device set by the setting means before the error occurs in the image processing device, An image processing apparatus characterized by having [Configuration 2] The setting means sets the client terminal device that will provide error notifications for each type of error in the image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that... [Configuration 3] The transmitting means transmits the error test notification, which includes, as the content of the error notification, at least one of the following pieces of information: information indicating the type of error, information indicating how to deal with the error, and information for identifying the image processing device. An image processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above. [Structure 4] The transmitting means transmits the error test notification, which, as the content of the error notification, further includes, in addition to the at least one piece of information, additional information different from the at least one piece of information and relating to the image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 3, characterized in that [Composition 5] The transmitting means transmits the error test notification, which, as the content of the error notification, further includes, in addition to the at least one piece of information, an image of the error screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device when an error occurs in the image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 3 or 4, characterized by the above. [Composition 6] The setting means sets the client terminal device that sends the error test notification from among the set client terminal devices that send the error test notification each time the transmission means performs a test to send the error test notification. An image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. [Method 1] A control method for an image processing device configured to communicate with a client terminal device, A setting step to configure the client terminal device that will send an error notification when an error occurs in the image processing device, A transmission step which includes sending an error test notification containing the content of the error notification to the client terminal device set in the setting step before the error occurs in the image processing device, A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by having the following features. [Program 1] A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 10: Information processing system, 100: Image processing device, 110: Client terminal device, 120: Network, 201: CPU, 202: RAM, 203: ROM, 204: HDD, 205: NIC, 206: Keyboard, 207: Display, 208: Interface, 209: Bus, 301: CPU, 302: RAM, 303: ROM, 304: Storage unit, 305: Network I / F, 306: Device control unit, 307: Printing unit, 308: Input / Output I / F, 309: Input / Output unit, 310: Bus, 401: Communication control unit, 402: Error notification control unit, 403: Screen control unit, 411: Browser

Claims

1. An image processing device configured to communicate with a client terminal device, A setting means for configuring the client terminal device that will send an error notification when an error occurs in the image processing device, A transmission means that transmits an error test notification, including the content of the error notification, to the client terminal device set by the setting means before the error occurs in the image processing device, An image processing apparatus characterized by having

2. The setting means sets the client terminal device that will provide error notifications for each type of error in the image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The transmitting means transmits the error test notification, which includes, as the content of the error notification, at least one of the following pieces of information: information indicating the type of error, information indicating how to deal with the error, and information for identifying the image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The transmitting means transmits the error test notification, which, as the content of the error notification, further includes, in addition to the at least one piece of information, additional information different from the at least one piece of information and relating to the image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The transmitting means transmits the error test notification, which, as the content of the error notification, further includes, in addition to the at least one piece of information, an image of the error screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device when an error occurs in the image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The setting means sets the client terminal device that sends the error test notification from among the set client terminal devices that send the error test notification each time the transmission means performs a test to send the error test notification. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

7. A control method for an image processing device configured to communicate with a client terminal device, A setting step to configure the client terminal device that will send an error notification when an error occurs in the image processing device, A transmission step which includes sending an error test notification containing the content of the error notification to the client terminal device set in the setting step before the error occurs in the image processing device, A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

8. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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