Information processing system, image processing system, and information processing method

Abstract

To prevent the sending of execution instructions for jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system. [Solution] The information processing system 100 comprises an acquisition unit 104 and a display control unit 105. The acquisition unit 104 acquires functional information indicating the functions of the image processing system 200 by communicating with the image processing system 200, which is capable of performing an image formation process to form an image on a sheet based on image data. Based on the functional information, the display control unit 105 displays a setting screen on the display unit 11 that includes a first setting item related to jobs that can be executed by the image processing system 200, and restricts the display of a second setting item related to jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system 200.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an image processing system, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] As a related technique, an information processing apparatus that discriminates a recipient of a print setting request performed by a printing apparatus is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). When a predetermined application is discriminated as the recipient of the request, this information processing apparatus performs display control of a print setting screen based on setting information indicating conditions of print functions that can be set according to the recipient.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, an image processing system including an image forming apparatus may be electrically connected to an information processing system such as a smartphone or a personal computer. And the image processing system may have a function of receiving an execution instruction of a job such as a print process from the information processing system and executing the job. In this case, a setting screen for setting the content of the job is displayed on the display unit of the information processing system. The user makes an input for setting the content of the job while viewing the setting screen, and makes an input for transmitting an execution instruction of the set job to the image processing system. Thereby, the image processing system executes the job according to the received execution instruction of the job.

[0005] The settings screen described above may sometimes use a general-purpose screen to accommodate multiple types of image processing systems. When using such a general-purpose screen, users can configure settings related to jobs that cannot be performed by the image processing system. For example, even if the image processing system does not have a post-processing device capable of performing post-processing such as folding, users can still configure settings related to post-processing.

[0006] However, if a user configures settings related to a job that cannot be executed by the image processing system, the system will not be able to execute that job even if an execution command is sent to the system. As a result, the user only becomes aware that the job cannot be executed by the system after sending the execution command. Therefore, the user has to reconfigure the system to include jobs that can be executed, which creates unnecessary hassle.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an image processing system, and an information processing method that can prevent the transmission of execution instructions for jobs that cannot be executed by an image processing system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires functional information indicating the functions of an image processing system by communicating with an image processing system capable of performing an image forming process to form an image on a sheet based on image data. The display control unit displays a setting screen on a display unit that includes a first setting item relating to jobs that can be executed by the image processing system, and restricts the display of a second setting item relating to jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system, based on the functional information.

[0009] An image processing system according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a reception processing unit and a transmission processing unit. The reception processing unit receives a request from the information processing system to transmit the function information by communicating with the information processing system. The transmission processing unit transmits the function information to the information processing system.

[0010] An information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by one or more processors, and includes an acquisition step and a display control step. In the acquisition step, functional information indicating the functions of an image processing system is acquired by communicating with an image processing system capable of performing an image forming process to form an image on a sheet based on image data. In the display control step, a setting screen is displayed on a display unit based on the functional information, which includes a first setting item relating to jobs that can be executed by the image processing system, and restricts the display of a second setting item relating to jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing system, an image processing system, and an information processing method that can prevent the transmission of execution instructions for jobs that cannot be executed by an image processing system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of the image processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus and a relay transport apparatus in an image processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the post-processing device in the image processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows an example of a settings screen in the first display control process of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows another example of a settings screen in the first display control process of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the first display control process of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a settings screen in the second display control process of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows another example of a settings screen in the second display control process of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the second display control process of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are examples that embody the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0014] [Configuration of Image Processing System 200] First, with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the image processing system 200 electrically connected to the information processing system 100 (see Figure 5) according to this embodiment will be described. Here, the information processing system 100 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. By being electrically connected to the image processing system 200, the information processing system 100 can send execution instructions for jobs to be performed by the image processing system 200, such as printing.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image processing system 200 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 20, an image reading apparatus 30, a relay conveyance apparatus 40, a post-processing apparatus 50, and the like. The image processing system 200 according to the present embodiment is a multi-function machine system having a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copier, a scanner, and a facsimile apparatus.

[0016] For example, in the image processing system 200, image data is read by the image reading apparatus 30, and copy processing or the like in which an image is formed on the sheet Sh1 based on the image data is executed by the image forming apparatus 20. The sheet Sh1 after image formation is conveyed to the post-processing apparatus 50 via the relay conveyance apparatus 40. In the post-processing apparatus 50, post-processing such as binding processing or folding processing is performed on the sheet Sh1, and the sheet Sh1 is discharged to the discharge tray 51 or the discharge tray 52 of the post-processing apparatus 50.

[0017] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 20] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a sheet storage unit 21, a sheet conveyance unit 22, an image forming unit 23, an operation display unit 24, a control unit 25, and the like.

[0018] The sheet storage unit 21 can store a plurality of sheets Sh1. The sheets Sh1 stored in the sheet storage unit 21 are supplied to the sheet conveyance unit 22 by a paper feed unit 211 provided in each of the sheet storage units 21. The sheet Sh1 is a sheet-like image forming medium such as paper or a resin film.

[0019] The sheet transport unit 22 is equipped with multiple transport rollers 221, and each of the transport rollers 221 transports the sheets Sh1 supplied from the sheet storage unit 21 toward the discharge unit 20a inside the cylinder. Specifically, the sheet transport unit 22 has transport paths 221a and transport paths 222a to 222c, etc., through which the sheets Sh1 are transported. The sheet transport unit 22 is also provided with switching units 223a, 223b, etc., which switch the destination of the sheets Sh1 transported by the transport path 221a. Both switching units 223a and 223b are driven by a drive source (not shown), such as a solenoid. This drive source is controlled by the control unit 25.

[0020] In the transport path 221a, the sheet Sh1 supplied from the sheet storage section 21 is transported toward the image forming section 23. In the transport path 222a, the sheet Sh1 after image formation by the image forming section 23 is transported toward the discharge roller 224a, and the sheet Sh1 is discharged into the cylinder discharge section 20a by the discharge roller 224a. In the transport path 222b, the sheet Sh1 after image formation by the image forming section 23 is transported toward the discharge roller 224b, and the sheet Sh1 is discharged into the cylinder discharge section 20a by the discharge roller 224b. The transport path 222c is used to transport the sheet Sh1, which has had an image formed on one side by the image forming section 23 and has been transported to the discharge roller 224b, back to the image forming section 23. Note that the sheet Sh1 transported back to the image forming section 23 in the transport path 222c has its front and back sides reversed compared to when the sheet Sh1 was first transported to the image forming section 23 and an image was formed on one side. This allows the image forming unit 23 to form an image on the other side of the sheet Sh1 that has been transported back to the image forming unit 23 via the transport path 222c.

[0021] The image forming unit 23 performs a printing process to form an image on the sheet Sh1, which is transported by the sheet transport unit 22, based on the image data to be printed. Specifically, the image forming unit 23 includes a photosensitive drum, charging rollers, a light scanning device, a developing device, a transfer roller, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms the image using an electrophotographic method. For example, in the printing process, the image forming unit 23 forms an image on the sheet Sh1 based on image data read by the image reading device 30 or image data received from an external computer or the like. The image forming unit 23 may also be configured to form images using other methods such as an inkjet method.

[0022] The operation display unit 24 is the user interface for the image processing system 200. The operation display unit 24 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 25, and an operation unit such as operation keys and a touch panel that input various information to the control unit 25 in response to user operations.

[0023] The control unit 25 is a computer that comprehensively controls the image processing system 200, which includes the image forming apparatus 20 and the post-processing device 50. Therefore, in the image processing system 200, the image reading device 30, the relay transport device 40, and the post-processing device 50, which are connected to the image forming apparatus 20, are electrically connected to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 then controls the operation of the image reading device 30, the relay transport device 40, and the post-processing device 50.

[0024] The control unit 25 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 251, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 252, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 253, and a secondary storage device 254. The CPU 251 has one or more processors that execute various arithmetic processes. The ROM 252 is a non-volatile storage device in which information such as control programs for causing the CPU 251 to execute various processes is pre-stored. The RAM 253 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device used as temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU 251. The secondary storage device 254 pre-stores information such as control programs for causing the CPU 251 to execute various processes. The secondary storage device 254 is a computer-readable non-volatile storage device such as flash memory or a hard disk drive. The control unit 25 can also record various data in the secondary storage device 254 and update control programs, etc.

[0025] Furthermore, the control unit 25 includes various processing units such as a reception processing unit 255 and a transmission processing unit 256. In other words, the image processing system 200 comprises a reception processing unit 255 and a transmission processing unit 256. Specifically, the secondary storage device 254 of the control unit 25 has control programs pre-stored in it that cause the CPU 251 to function as each of the above-mentioned processing units. The CPU 251 then functions as each of the above-mentioned processing units by executing the control programs stored in the secondary storage device 254. Note that each of the above-mentioned processing units may be composed of electronic circuits.

[0026] The reception processing unit 255 receives a request from the information processing system 100 to transmit functional information (described later) by communicating with the information processing system 100. Specifically, the reception processing unit 255 receives the above-mentioned transmission request by communicating with the information processing system 100, for example, via a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or wireless LAN.

[0027] The transmission processing unit 256 transmits functional information to the information processing system 100. Specifically, when the receiving processing unit 255 receives the above transmission request, the transmission processing unit 256 reads the functional information that has been pre-stored in the ROM 252 or secondary storage device 254. Then, the transmission processing unit 256 transmits the read functional information to the information processing system 100 via a wired LAN or wireless LAN, etc.

[0028] [Configuration of the image reading device 30] As shown in Figure 3, the image reading device 30 includes an automatic document transport unit 31 and a contact glass 32, etc. The image reading device 30 also includes a reading unit, a mirror, an optical lens, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), etc. The image reading device 30 is controlled by the control unit 25 to perform an image reading process that reads image data from a document set in the automatic document transport unit 31 or a document placed on the contact glass 32. The automatic document transport unit 31 can be opened and closed relative to the contact glass 32 of the image reading device 30. In the automatic document transport unit 31, each of the transport rollers (not shown) rotates by receiving rotational driving force supplied from a drive motor (not shown). As a result, the document set in the automatic document transport unit 31 is transported along the document transport path inside the automatic document transport unit 31, passing through the reading position on the contact glass 32.

[0029] [Configuration of the relay transport device 40] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the relay transport device 40 is mounted on the internal discharge section 20a of the image forming apparatus 20. The relay transport device 40 is controlled by the control unit 25 to perform a relay transport operation that relays the transport of the sheet Sh1 between the image forming apparatus 20 and the post-processing device 50. Specifically, the relay transport device 40 is equipped with a plurality of transport rollers 41 that transport the image-formed sheet Sh1 discharged from the transport path 222b by the discharge roller 224b of the image forming apparatus 20 toward the post-processing device 50. The upper surface 42 of the relay transport device 40 is used as a discharge tray on which the image-formed sheet Sh1 discharged from the transport path 222a to the internal discharge section 20a by the discharge roller 224a of the image forming apparatus 20 is placed. In another embodiment, the image processing system 200 may not be equipped with the relay transport device 40, and the sheet Sh1 may be directly transported from the image forming apparatus 20 to the post-processing device 50.

[0030] [Configuration of the post-processing device 50] The post-processing device 50 performs post-processing, such as stapling or folding, on the sheets Sh1 supplied from the image forming apparatus 20 via the relay transport device 40, according to user operation. In particular, as shown in Figure 4, the post-processing device 50 includes a stapling device 53 that performs stapling to bind multiple sheets Sh1 together, and a sheet folding device 54 that performs folding to create one or more folds in each of the one or more sheets Sh1. The post-processing device 50 may also be configured to perform perforation to form holes in the sheets Sh1. In addition, the post-processing device 50 may be configured to perform other post-processing, such as sorting to selectively discharge the sheets Sh1 into multiple discharge trays.

[0031] The post-processing device 50 is equipped with a plurality of transport rollers 55 for transporting the sheet Sh1 supplied to the post-processing device 50, transport paths 56a to 56c on which the sheet Sh1 is transported, and a switching unit 57 for switching the destination of the sheet Sh1 transported by each transport roller 55. The post-processing device 50 is controlled by the control unit 25 to perform binding or folding processing on the sheet Sh1, and then discharges the sheet Sh1 to the discharge tray 51 or discharge tray 52.

[0032] Specifically, in the post-processing device 50, the switching unit 57 is controlled so that transport paths 56a and 56b are connected, causing the sheet Sh1 to be discharged to the discharge tray 51 via transport paths 56a and 56b. Furthermore, in the post-processing device 50, the switching unit 57 is controlled so that transport paths 56a and 56c are connected, causing the sheet Sh1 to be transported via transport paths 56a and 56c towards the stapling device 53 or the sheet folding device 54. The stapling device 53 then staples the sheet Sh1, and the sheet folding device 54 folds the sheet Sh1. The sheet folding device 54 can fold a single sheet Sh1 that has not been stapled by the stapling device 53, but it can also fold a bundle of sheets Sh1 that have been stapled by the stapling device 53. Afterward, the sheet Sh1 that has undergone post-processing by the stapling device 53 or the sheet folding device 54 is discharged to the discharge tray 52. Furthermore, the stapling device 53 and sheet folding device 54, etc., provided in the post-processing device 50 are well-known technologies disclosed in publications such as Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-73356, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0033] Incidentally, image processing systems, including image forming apparatuses, may be electrically connected to information processing systems such as smartphones or personal computers. Furthermore, image processing systems may have a function to receive and execute job execution instructions, such as printing, from the information processing system. In this case, the display unit of the information processing system will show a settings screen for configuring the job details. The user will input the job details while viewing this settings screen and send the configured job execution instructions to the image processing system. The image processing system will then execute the job according to the received job execution instructions.

[0034] The settings screen described above may sometimes use a general-purpose screen to accommodate multiple types of image processing systems. When using such a general-purpose screen, users can configure settings related to jobs that cannot be performed by the image processing system. For example, even if the image processing system does not have a post-processing device capable of performing post-processing such as folding, users can still configure settings related to post-processing.

[0035] However, if a user configures settings related to a job that cannot be executed by the image processing system, the system will not be able to execute that job even if an execution command is sent to the system. As a result, the user only becomes aware that the job cannot be executed by the system after sending the execution command. Therefore, the user has to reconfigure the system to include jobs that can be executed, which creates unnecessary hassle.

[0036] In contrast, in this embodiment, the information processing system 100, as described below, performs processes that prevent the image processing system 200 from sending execution instructions for jobs that it cannot execute. This enables the realization of an information processing system 100 and an information processing method.

[0037] [Configuration of Information Processing System 100] As shown in Figure 5, the information processing system 100 comprises a control unit 10 and a display unit 11. The control unit 10 is a computer that comprehensively controls the information processing system 100 and comprises a CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103. The CPU 101 has one or more processors that execute various arithmetic processes. The ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory device in which information such as control programs for causing the CPU 101 to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM 103 is a volatile or non-volatile memory device used as a temporary memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU 101. The control unit 10 may further include a computer-readable non-volatile secondary memory device, such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive.

[0038] The display unit 11 is the user interface of the information processing system 100. The display unit 11 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display that displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 10. If the information processing system 100 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, the display unit 11 may further include operation keys or a touch panel for inputting various information to the control unit 10 in response to user operations. The operation keys may also be separate from the display unit 11.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit 10 includes various processing units such as the acquisition unit 104 and the display control unit 105. In other words, the information processing system 100 comprises the acquisition unit 104 and the display control unit 105. Specifically, the ROM 102 of the control unit 10 stores in advance control programs that cause the CPU 101 to function as each of the above-mentioned processing units. The CPU 101 then functions as each of the above-mentioned processing units by executing the control programs stored in the ROM 102. Note that each of the above-mentioned processing units may be composed of electronic circuits.

[0040] The acquisition unit 104 acquires functional information indicating the functions of the image processing system 200 by communicating with the image processing system 200, which is capable of performing image formation processing to form an image on sheet Sh1 based on image data. Specifically, the acquisition unit 104 requests the transmission of functional information by communicating with the image processing system 200, for example, via a wired LAN or wireless LAN. When the image processing system 200 receives the above request, it reads the functional information that has been pre-stored in the ROM 252 or secondary storage device 254 and transmits the read functional information to the information processing system 100. As a result, the acquisition unit 104 can acquire functional information from the image processing system 200.

[0041] Here, the functional information may include, for example, information indicating whether only monochrome printing is possible or whether both monochrome and color printing are possible, and information indicating whether or not an automatic document transport unit 31 (feeder) is provided. The functional information may also include, for example, information indicating whether only single-sided printing is possible or whether both single-sided and double-sided printing are possible, information indicating whether or not a post-processing device 50 is provided, or information indicating the number of output trays 51, 52. The functional information may also include, for example, the range of resolution (dot density) that can be printed on sheet Sh1, or the size or type of sheet Sh1 that can be handled. The type of sheet Sh1 referred to here includes, for example, the type of sheet Sh1 when it is paper, such as plain paper, inkjet paper, or glossy paper, as well as the type of sheet Sh1 when it is not paper, such as fabric or cloth.

[0042] In this embodiment, functional information is provided to the information processing system 100 as an XSD (XML Schema Definition) file. An XSD file is a framework document that defines rules or constraints for an XML (Extensible Markup Language) document, and formally describes the elements within the XML document. Note that the functional information is not limited to an XSD file; it may be provided to the information processing system 100 as a file that can be parsed by the information processing system 100.

[0043] The display control unit 105 displays the setting screen P1 (see Figure 7, etc.) on the display unit 11 based on the function information acquired by the acquisition unit 104. Here, the setting screen P1 is a screen for the user to set jobs to be executed by the image processing system 200. The setting screen P1 includes setting items for various settings such as sheet size, color / monochrome, enlargement / reduction, double-sided printing, page consolidation, or post-processing. In this embodiment, the setting screen P1 includes first setting items related to jobs that can be executed by the image processing system 200. Furthermore, the display of second setting items related to jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system 200 is restricted on the setting screen P1. In other words, the display control unit 105 executes a display control process to display the setting screen P1, which includes the first setting items and restricts the display of the second setting items, on the display unit 11. Hereinafter, this display control process will be referred to as the "first display control process".

[0044] The following describes a specific example of the first display control process using Figure 6. The image processing system 200 shown in <Pattern 1> of Figure 6 is equipped with a post-processing device 50. Therefore, the image processing system 200 transmits functional information to the information processing system 100 indicating that it is equipped with a post-processing device 50. On the other hand, the image processing system 200 shown in <Pattern 2> of Figure 6 is not equipped with a post-processing device 50. Therefore, the image processing system 200 transmits functional information to the information processing system 100 indicating that it is not equipped with a post-processing device 50. Here, it is assumed that the image processing system 200 shown in <Pattern 1> and the image processing system 200 shown in <Pattern 2> have the same functions except for the presence or absence of a post-processing device 50.

[0045] In Pattern 1 of Figure 6, the display control unit 105 displays a setting screen P1 on the display unit 11, including the "post-processing" operation key K3, based on the functional information acquired by the acquisition unit 104. Specifically, the setting screen P1 displays the "paper feed destination" operation key K1 for accepting the setting of the paper feed destination for sheet Sh1, and the "paper output destination" operation key K2 for accepting the setting of the paper output destination for sheet Sh1 after image formation. The setting screen P1 also displays the "post-processing" operation key K3 for accepting settings such as the type of post-processing to be performed on sheet Sh1 after image formation, and the "paper size" operation key K4 for accepting the setting of the size of sheet Sh1. Furthermore, the setting screen P1 displays the "job submission" operation key K5 for accepting instructions to execute a job under the conditions set by each operation key. Here, the job is a print process that forms an image on sheet Sh1 based on image data stored in a storage unit such as a secondary storage device 154.

[0046] In Pattern 1 of Figure 6, "Paper feed destination," "Paper output destination," "Post-processing," and "Paper size" are all settings related to jobs that can be executed by the image processing system 200, and therefore correspond to the first setting items. In other words, in Pattern 1 of Figure 6, the display control unit 105 does not display the setting screen P1, which restricts the display of the second setting items, on the display unit 11.

[0047] On the other hand, in Pattern 2 of Figure 6, the display control unit 105 displays a setting screen P1 on the display unit 11 that restricts the display of the "post-processing" operation key K3 based on the function information acquired by the acquisition unit 104. Specifically, the setting screen P1 displays the "paper feed destination" operation key K1, the "paper output destination" operation key K2, the "paper size" operation key K4, and the "job submission" operation key K5, but does not display the "post-processing" operation key K3.

[0048] In Pattern 2 of Figure 6, "Paper feed destination," "Paper output destination," and "Paper size" are all settings related to jobs that can be executed by the image processing system 200, and therefore correspond to the first setting items. On the other hand, "Post-processing" corresponds to a post-processing device 50 that is not provided by the image processing system 200, and is a setting item related to jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system 200, and therefore corresponds to the second setting item. In other words, in Pattern 2 of Figure 6, the display control unit 105 displays a setting screen P1 on the display unit 11 that restricts the display of the second setting items.

[0049] Next, another specific example of the first display control example will be explained using Figure 7. The image processing system 200 shown in <Pattern 3> of Figure 7 is equipped with three output trays 51. Therefore, the image processing system 200 transmits functional information to the information processing system 100 indicating that it is equipped with three output trays 51. On the other hand, the image processing system 200 shown in <Pattern 4> of Figure 7 is equipped with two output trays 51. Therefore, the image processing system 200 transmits functional information to the information processing system 100 indicating that it is equipped with two output trays 51. Here, it is assumed that the image processing system 200 shown in <Pattern 3> and the image processing system 200 shown in <Pattern 4> have the same functionality except for the number of output trays 51.

[0050] In Pattern 3 of Figure 7, the display control unit 105 displays a setting screen P1 on the display unit 11 that includes "Outlet Destination A," "Outlet Destination B," and "Outlet Destination C" as the "Outlet Destination" options K21, based on the functional information acquired by the acquisition unit 104. Here, "Outlet Destination A," "Outlet Destination B," and "Outlet Destination C" correspond to three output trays 51, respectively. In Pattern 3 of Figure 7, "Outlet Destination A," "Outlet Destination B," and "Outlet Destination C" in the "Outlet Destination" options K21 are all setting items related to jobs that can be executed by the image processing system 200, and therefore correspond to the first setting items. In other words, in Pattern 3 of Figure 7, the display control unit 105 does not display the setting screen P1 on the display unit 11, which restricts the display of the second setting items.

[0051] On the other hand, in Pattern 4 of Figure 7, the display control unit 105 displays a setting screen P1 on the display unit 11 that restricts the display of the "output destination" option K21 based on the functional information acquired by the acquisition unit 104. Specifically, in the setting screen P1, "output destination A" and "output destination B" are displayed in the "output destination" option K21, but "output destination C" is not displayed. In Pattern 4 of Figure 7, "output destination A" and "output destination B" in the "output destination" option K21 are both setting items related to jobs that can be executed by the image processing system 200, and therefore correspond to the first setting item. On the other hand, "output destination C" in the "output destination" option K21 corresponds to an output tray 51 that the image processing system 200 does not have, and is a setting item related to jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system 200, and therefore corresponds to the second setting item. In other words, in Pattern 2 of Figure 6, the display control unit 105 displays the setting screen P1, which restricts the display of the second setting item, on the display unit 11.

[0052] In the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the display control unit 105 restricts the display of the second setting item (here, "post-processing" or "output destination C") by not displaying it on the setting screen P1, but it is not limited to this. For example, the display control unit 105 may restrict the display of the second setting item by displaying it on the setting screen P1 in a grayed-out state. In this case, the user can recognize the existence of the second setting item, but cannot set it, and therefore cannot have the image processing system 200 execute a job that uses the second setting item. Thus, it is sufficient that the display of the second setting item is restricted on the setting screen P1 in a manner that prevents the user from setting the second setting item.

[0053] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 8, an example of the information processing method of this embodiment will be described along with an example of the procedure for the first display control processing executed by the information processing system 100. Here, steps S101, S102, ... represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the information processing system 100 and the image processing system 200. This processing is started, for example, when a user inputs an instruction to display a preview image by operating the operation key K6 on the setting screen P1. This processing is executed, for example, when the information processing system 100 is electrically connected to the image processing system 200.

[0054] <Step S101> First, the control unit 10 of the information processing system 100 transmits connection request information to the image processing system 200 to which it is to connect, requesting an electrical connection. The connection request information includes, for example, information specifying the IP (Internet Protocol) address and hostname of the image processing system 200 to which it is to connect.

[0055] <Step S102> The control unit 25 of the image processing system 200 receives connection request information from the information processing system 100. The control unit 25 then determines whether the connection request information is valid, that is, whether the IP address and hostname are correct. In this case, the control unit 25 determines that the information is valid and executes step S103. If the control unit 25 determines that the information is invalid, it sends information to the information processing system 100 indicating that there is a communication error.

[0056] <Step S103> The control unit 25 of the image processing system 200 generates connection information necessary for connecting with the image processing system 200 and sends it to the information processing system 100, which is the source of the connection request signal. The connection information includes a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the storage location of the functional information (in this case, an XSD file).

[0057] <Step S104> The control unit 10 of the information processing system 100 receives connection information from the image processing system 200.

[0058] <Step S105> The control unit 10 of the information processing system 100 accesses the URL included in the received connection information. This causes the control unit 10 to request the image processing system 200 to send functional information.

[0059] <Step S106> When the control unit 25 of the image processing system 200 receives a transmission request from the information processing system 100, it reads the function information pre-stored in the ROM 252 or secondary storage device 254 and transmits the read function information to the information processing system 100.

[0060] <Step S107> The control unit 10 of the information processing system 100 receives functional information from the image processing system 200. As a result, the acquisition unit 104 of the control unit 10 acquires the functional information.

[0061] <Step S108> The control unit 10 of the information processing system 100 parses the acquired functional information (in this case, an XSD file) and dynamically changes the contents of the setting screen P1 based on the parsing results. In other words, the display control unit 105 of the control unit 10 displays the setting screen P1 on the display unit 11, which includes the first setting item and restricts the display of the second setting item, based on the acquired functional information.

[0062] As described above, in the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment, a setting screen P1 is displayed on the display unit 11 that restricts the display of second setting items related to jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system 200. Therefore, when a user sets up a job in the image processing system 200 while looking at the setting screen P1, the user cannot set the second setting items. For example, in the example shown in <Pattern 2> of Figure 6, the second setting item "post-processing" is not displayed on the setting screen P1, so the user cannot set "post-processing". Therefore, the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment has the advantage of preventing the transmission of execution instructions for jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system 200. As a result, since unexecutable jobs are not sent to the image processing system 200, the user does not have to go through the trouble of setting up jobs that can be executed by the image processing system 200 again, and user convenience is improved.

[0063] In this embodiment, the display control unit 105 can perform a second display control process, as described below, in addition to the first display control process described above. Unlike the first display control process, the second display control process assumes that there are multiple first setting items related to jobs that can be executed by the image processing system 200. Furthermore, in the second display control process, the display control unit 105 determines, based on the functional information acquired by the acquisition unit 104, whether a specific combination of setting values ​​that cannot be executed by the image processing system 200 has been input from among the setting values ​​of the multiple first setting items. If the display control unit 105 determines that such a specific combination of setting values ​​has been input, it notifies that the job cannot be executed with that specific combination of setting values.

[0064] In other words, if the setting value of the first setting item is set individually, the image processing system 200 can execute the job. However, depending on the combination of setting values ​​for two or more first setting items, the image processing system 200 may not be able to execute the job. In the second display control process, in such cases, the user is notified that the job cannot be executed with the above combination.

[0065] For example, depending on the combination of the paper size setting for sheet Sh1 and the setting for the output destination of sheet Sh1 after image formation, the image processing system 200 may not be able to execute the job. In other words, depending on the size of the output tray 51 specified as the output destination, sheet Sh1 after image formation may not fit into the output tray even after being transported.

[0066] Furthermore, depending on the combination of the post-processing type setting and the sheet size setting for sheet Sh1, the image processing system 200 may not be able to execute the job. That is, if the post-processing type is folding and the sheet size of sheet Sh1 exceeds the range that can be folded, the folding process may not be able to be performed on sheet Sh1. Also, depending on the combination of the post-processing type setting and the sheet type setting for sheet Sh1, the image processing system 200 may not be able to execute the job. That is, if the post-processing type is folding and the sheet Sh1 is a relatively thick paper, the folding process may not be able to be performed on sheet Sh1. In addition, if the post-processing type is binding or perforation, there may be combinations that prevent the image processing system 200 from executing the job, similar to those described above.

[0067] The specific combination of setting values ​​described above is included in the function information. In this embodiment, the specific combination of setting values ​​is described in the XSD file. The display control unit 105 then determines whether the specific combination of setting values ​​has been entered by referring to the function information each time the user changes the setting value of any of the first setting items on the setting screen P1. If the display control unit 105 determines that the specific combination of setting values ​​has been entered, it notifies the user that the job cannot be executed with that specific combination of setting values.

[0068] The following will explain a specific example of the second display control process using Figure 9. In the example shown in Figure 9, as shown in the upper part of Figure 9, the setting screen P1 displays the operation key K2 for the first setting item, "Output Destination," the operation key K4 for the first setting item, "Paper Size," and the operation key K5 for "Job Submission." In addition, "Output Destination A," "Output Destination B," and "Output Destination C" are displayed as the "Output Destination" options K21, and "SRA3" is displayed as the "Paper Size" option K41. This represents a situation where the user has already set the "Paper Size" to "SRA3" and is now trying to set the "Output Destination" to "Output Destination C."

[0069] The display control unit 105 then determines whether the combination of the "output destination" setting value, "output destination C," and the "paper size" setting value, "SRA3," is included in the functional information acquired by the acquisition unit 104. Here, we assume that the above combination of setting values ​​is included in the functional information. The display control unit 105 then displays a notification image P11, which represents an exclamation mark, next to "output destination" and next to "paper size," as shown in the lower part of Figure 9. In this way, the display control unit 105 notifies that the image processing system 200 cannot execute a job with the above combination of setting values.

[0070] According to the second display control process described above, the user can understand that the image processing system 200 cannot execute a job with the above combination of settings, which has the advantage of making it easier to prevent the sending of execution instructions for jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system 200. As a result, since no jobs that cannot be executed are sent to the image processing system 200, the user does not have to go through the trouble of setting up jobs that can be executed by the image processing system 200 again, thus improving user convenience.

[0071] Furthermore, notification image P11 does not necessarily have to be displayed near each of the one or more target first setting items (in this case, "output destination" and "paper size"), but may be displayed near any one of the first setting items. Also, notification image P11 is not limited to an exclamation mark, and any form that can alert the user that the job cannot be executed is acceptable.

[0072] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9, the display control unit 105 displays the notification image P11 on the display unit 11, as shown in the lower part of Figure 9, and hides the "Job Submission" operation key K5. In other words, when the display control unit 105 determines that a specific combination of setting values ​​has been entered, it displays a setting screen P1 on the display unit 11 in which the display of the item that instructs the execution of a job (in this case, "Job Submission") is restricted. This has the advantage that the user cannot send a job execution instruction, thus more reliably preventing the image processing system 200 from sending an instruction to execute a job that it cannot execute.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 9, the display control unit 105 restricts the display of an item that instructs the execution of a job (in this case, "Send Job") by not displaying it on the settings screen P1, but this is not the only way. For example, the display control unit 105 may restrict the display of the item by displaying it on the settings screen P1 in a grayed-out state. In this way, it is sufficient that the display of the item is restricted on the settings screen P1 in a manner that prevents the user from inputting information into that item.

[0074] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9, the display control unit 105 displays the notification image P11 on the display unit 11, as shown in the lower part of Figure 9, and also displays the message M1, "Please change the output destination to something other than 'Output Destination C'." In other words, the display control unit 105 issues a notification prompting the user to change one or more of the setting values ​​(in this case, the setting value for "Output Destination") from a specific combination of setting values. This makes it easier for the user to change from a specific combination of setting values ​​to a combination of setting values ​​that allows the image processing system 200 to execute a job, thereby improving user convenience.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 9, the display control unit 105 notifies the user that the job cannot be executed with the specified combination of setting values ​​when it determines that the specified combination of setting values ​​has been entered, but it is not limited to this. For example, the display control unit 105 may, based on functional information, display a setting screen P1 on the display unit 11 in which the display of the specified combination of setting values ​​that cannot be executed by the image processing system 200 from among the setting values ​​of multiple first setting items is restricted. In other words, the display control unit 105 restricts the display of the specified combination of setting values ​​on the setting screen P1 in order to prevent the user from entering the specified combination of setting values ​​from the beginning.

[0076] The following example illustrates how to restrict the display of specific setting combinations using Figure 10. In the example shown in Figure 10, similar to the example shown in Figure 9, the operation key K2 for the first setting item, "Output Destination," the operation key K4 for the first setting item, "Paper Size," and the operation key K5 for "Job Submission" are displayed on the settings screen P1. This shows a situation where the user has set "Paper Size" to "SRA3."

[0077] When the display control unit 105 is set to "SRA3" for "Paper Size," it determines whether a specific combination including "SRA3" exists. In this case, the combination of "SRA3" for "Paper Size" and "Output Destination C" for "Output Destination" corresponds to a specific combination of settings. If so, the display control unit 105 restricts the display of this specific combination of settings by hiding the display of "Output Destination C" in the "Output Destination" selection K21.

[0078] The above process has the advantage of more reliably preventing the image processing system 200 from sending execution instructions for jobs that cannot be executed, since the user cannot input specific combinations of settings.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 10, the display control unit 105 restricts the display of a specific combination of setting values ​​by not displaying that combination on the setting screen P1, but it is not limited to this. For example, the display control unit 105 may restrict the display of the combination by displaying it on the setting screen P1 in a grayed-out state. In this way, it is sufficient that the display of the combination is restricted on the setting screen P1 in a manner that prevents the user from inputting that combination.

[0080] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 11, an example of the information processing method of this embodiment will be described along with an example of the procedure for the second display control processing executed by the information processing system 100. Here, steps S201, S202, ... represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the information processing system 100. This processing is executed, for example, when the user enters a setting value in any of the first setting items on the setting screen P1.

[0081] <Step S201> First, the display control unit 105 of the information processing system 100 determines whether a specific combination of setting values ​​has been entered by referring to the function information acquired by the acquisition unit 104. Specifically, the display control unit 105 determines whether a specific combination of setting values, which includes the setting value of the first setting item that was entered, exists among all the specific combinations of setting values ​​described in the function information.

[0082] <Step S202> If it is determined that a specific combination of setting values ​​has been entered (step S202: Yes), the display control unit 105 executes step S203. On the other hand, if it is determined that a specific combination of setting values ​​has not been entered (step S202: No), the display control unit 105 does not execute step S203.

[0083] <Step S203> The display control unit 105 notifies the user that a job cannot be executed by the image processing system 200 for a specific combination of setting values, including the input setting value. Here, the display control unit 105 makes the notification by displaying a notification image P11 near one or more first setting items included in the above combination on the setting screen P1. The display control unit 105 may also display a message M1 prompting the user to change the setting value, or it may restrict the display of items that instruct the execution of a job.

[0084] [Differentiation] In this embodiment, the display control unit 105 issues a notification in the second display control process prompting the user to change one or more of the setting values ​​from a specific combination of setting values, but this notification is not required. Also, in this embodiment, the display control unit 105 executes a process in the second display control process to restrict the display of items that instruct the execution of a job, but this process is not required.

[0085] In this embodiment, the display control unit 105 can execute both the first display control process and the second display control process, but it may also be capable of executing only the first display control process.

[0086] In this embodiment, the information processing system 100 includes a control unit 10 and a display unit 11, but is not limited to this. The information processing system 100 only needs to include at least an acquisition unit 104 and a display control unit 105 of the control unit 10.

[0087] In this embodiment, the information processing system 100 is configured such that its components, such as the acquisition unit 104 and the display control unit 105, are housed in a single housing, but it may also be configured so that the components are housed in multiple separate housings.

[0088] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0089] <Note 1> An acquisition unit that communicates with an image processing system capable of performing image formation processing to form an image on a sheet based on image data, thereby acquiring functional information indicating the functions of the image processing system, The system includes a display control unit that displays a settings screen on a display unit which includes a first setting item for jobs that can be executed by the image processing system based on the aforementioned functional information, and which restricts the display of a second setting item for jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system. Information processing system.

[0090] <Note 2> The aforementioned first setting item includes multiple first setting items, The display control unit determines, based on the function information, whether a specific combination of setting values ​​from the plurality of first setting items that cannot be executed by the image processing system has been input, and if it determines that such a specific combination of setting values ​​has been input, it notifies that the job cannot be executed with that specific combination of setting values. The information processing system described in Appendix 1.

[0091] <Note 3> When the display control unit determines that a specific combination of setting values ​​has been entered, it displays the setting screen on the display unit in which the display of items instructing the execution of the job is restricted. The information processing system described in Appendix 2.

[0092] <Note 4> The display control unit provides a notification prompting the user to change one or more of the specified combinations of setting values. The information processing system described in Appendix 2 or 3.

[0093] <Note 5> The aforementioned first setting item includes multiple first setting items, Based on the function information, the display control unit displays the setting screen on the display unit in which the display of a specific combination of setting values ​​among the plurality of first setting items that cannot be executed by the image processing system is restricted. The information processing system described in Appendix 1.

[0094] <Note 6> A receiving processing unit that receives a request to transmit the function information from the information processing system by communicating with the information processing system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, The system includes a transmission processing unit that transmits the functional information to the aforementioned information processing system. Image processing system.

[0095] <Note 7> An information processing method performed by one or more processors, An acquisition step involves communicating with an image processing system capable of performing an image formation process to form an image on a sheet based on image data, thereby acquiring functional information indicating the functions of the image processing system. A display control step includes displaying a settings screen on a display unit that includes a first setting item for jobs that can be executed by the image processing system based on the aforementioned functional information, and restricts the display of a second setting item for jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system. Information processing methods. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 100 Information Processing Systems 104 Acquisition Department 105 Display Control Unit 11 Display section 200 Image Processing Systems 255 Reception Processing Unit 256 Transmission Processing Unit P1 Settings Screen Sh1 Seat

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that communicates with an image processing system capable of performing image formation processing to form an image on a sheet based on image data, thereby acquiring functional information indicating the functions of the image processing system, The system includes a display control unit that displays a settings screen on a display unit which includes a first setting item relating to jobs that can be executed by the image processing system based on the aforementioned functional information, and which restricts the display of a second setting item relating to jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system. Information processing system.

2. The first setting item includes multiple first setting items, The display control unit determines, based on the function information, whether a specific combination of setting values ​​from the plurality of first setting items that cannot be executed by the image processing system has been input, and if it determines that such a specific combination of setting values ​​has been input, it notifies that the job cannot be executed with that specific combination of setting values. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. When the display control unit determines that a specific combination of setting values ​​has been entered, it displays the setting screen on the display unit in which the display of items instructing the execution of the job is restricted. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The display control unit provides a notification prompting the user to change one or more of the specified combinations of setting values. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The first setting item includes multiple first setting items, Based on the function information, the display control unit displays the setting screen on the display unit in which the display of a specific combination of setting values ​​from the plurality of first setting items that cannot be executed by the image processing system is restricted. The information processing system according to claim 1.

6. A receiving processing unit that receives a request to transmit the functional information from the information processing system by communicating with the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, The system includes a transmission processing unit that transmits the functional information to the aforementioned information processing system. Image processing system.

7. An information processing method performed by one or more processors, An acquisition step involves communicating with an image processing system capable of performing an image formation process to form an image on a sheet based on image data, thereby acquiring functional information indicating the functions of the image processing system. A display control step includes displaying a settings screen on a display unit that includes a first setting item for jobs that can be executed by the image processing system based on the aforementioned functional information, and restricts the display of a second setting item for jobs that cannot be executed by the image processing system. Information processing methods.

Images