Control program, information processing device

Abstract

Without compromising the user-friendliness of the information processing device, the image processing device Display the status on the screen. [Solution] The CPU 12 determines that none of the functions of the printer 31 have been selected. If present, the displayable status of printer 31 will be shown on display 13. It will be displayed there. On the other hand, if it is determined that one of the functions of printer 31 is selected, If so, the status of printer 31 corresponding to the selected function will be displayed. It displays the status of unselected functions, but does not display it on display 13.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for causing an information processing apparatus to display the status of an image processing apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral that acquires status information of the image processing apparatus via communication. The information processing apparatus uses, for example, status information acquired from the printer to display, during print processing , a screen for setting printing conditions on a display. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-117293 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] When an information processing apparatus displays the status of an image processing apparatus on a display using status information acquired from the image processing apparatus, the displayed status may include content that is unrelated to the function of the image processing apparatus currently selected by a user. For example , since different status information exists for each function in a multifunction peripheral, there is a high possibility that a status unrelated to the function selected by the user will be displayed on the display. In such a case, there is a concern that usability of the information processing apparatus for the user is degraded.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and reduces degradation of user usability with respect to an information processing apparatus The objective is to display the status of the image processing device on the display without having to shut it down. do. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention comprises a display, an operating unit, and a communication unit. The computer of the information processing device that can communicate with the image processing device through the aforementioned communication unit can read the information. Regarding control programs. The control program communicates to the computer via a communication unit. Information acquisition process to obtain status information indicating the status of the image processing device, and the image processing device A selection decision process that determines which of the functions is selected, and selection decision If the image processing device determines that none of its functions have been selected, then acquire Based on the status information, the status of the image processing device that can be displayed A first display process that displays on the display, and one of the functions of the image processing device If it is determined that it is selected, then from the status information obtained, the selected The status of the image processing device is determined based on status information related to the first function, which is a function that is currently in use. Status information related to the second function, which is a function that is not selected and is displayed on the screen. A second display process that restricts the display of the status of the image processing device on the display, Make it run.

[0007] In the above configuration, if none of the functions of the image processing device are selected by the user: Based on the acquired status information, the available statuses are displayed. If the user has selected any of the functions of the image processing device, then select A status related to a first function, which is a selected function, is displayed on a display, and for a status related to a second function, which is an unselected function, display on the display is restricted. This allows a user to operate the information processing apparatus while primarily viewing status related to the currently selected function of the image processing apparatus, thereby suppressing a decrease in usability of the information processing apparatus.

[0008] The present invention can be implemented in various forms, and can be implemented not only as an invention of an apparatus such as an image processing apparatus, but also as an invention of a control method for controlling this image processing apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] A decrease in usability of the information processing apparatus can be suppressed. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] A configuration diagram of a printing system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing a top screen. [Figure 3] A diagram showing a function execution screen in print processing. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a function execution screen in scan processing. [Figure 5] A diagram showing a status screen. [Figure 6] A diagram explaining a badge image. [Figure 7] A flowchart explaining a procedure of processing executed by a CPU according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart explaining a procedure of filter processing executed in step S15 of Fig. 7. [Figure 9] A flowchart explaining a procedure of print filter processing executed in step S26 of Fig. 8. [Figure 10]A flowchart illustrating the procedure for the UI display process performed in step S16 of Figure 7. [Figure 11] A diagram explaining the status displayed on the top screen. [Figure 12] A diagram explaining the status displayed on the function execution screen. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating the scan filter processing procedure performed in step S28 of Figure 8. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for the copy filtering process performed in step S30 of Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <First Embodiment> The printing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The printing system 100 shown in Figure 1 consists of an information processing device 10 and an image processing device, which is an example of a printable image processing device. It is equipped with printers 30 and 31. The information processing device 10 and the printers 30 and 31 are connected via a network. It is connected to workpiece 200. In this embodiment, network 200 is the internet It could be a local area network (LAN), or LAN It may also be combined with the internet. Furthermore, network 200 is wired Alternatively, it can be wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless. Specifically, The information processing device 10 and printers 30 and 31 constitute part of the network (not shown). It is connected wirelessly to the other party.

[0013] Printers 30 and 31, as part of their function, eject ink onto the paper, which is the printing medium. The printer 31 has a print process that prints images by doing so. In addition to scanning, this is a multifunction device that also has scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. Printing is an example of an output function that outputs an image. Scanning is set in the ADF. This is an example of an input function that reads a scanned document. The copying process is performed by inputting data through the scanning process. This function outputs the processed image through a printing process and is an example of an input / output function. The printer model of printer 30 is referred to as "Printer A," and the printer model of printer 31 is It is referred to as "Printer B".

[0014] Information processing device 10 is a PC, smartphone, or tablet device. 0 consists of bus 11, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12, and display 13. It is equipped with a touch panel 14, a network interface 15, memory 16, and an NFC interface 17. These components are capable of communicating with each other via bus 11.

[0015] The display 13 has a display surface for displaying the screen. The touch panel 14 has a touch sensor. It has a sensor and is positioned to cover the display surface of the display 13. Touch panel 14 The system detects the approach and contact of the user's finger, stylus, etc., to the touch panel 14, and responds accordingly. It outputs an electrical signal. Below, the operation of the touch panel 14 by the user is referred to as user operation. It is also called. In this embodiment, the touch panel 14 corresponds to the operation unit. The information processing device 10 is The device may have physically provided operating keys as its operating section.

[0016] Network IF15 is, for example, based on the IEEE 802.11 standard and equivalents. Based on the standard, it is possible to perform wireless communication using the Wi-Fi(R)(registered trademark) method. NFCIF17 is based on the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard and is free It is possible to perform line communication. Therefore, the information processing device 10 is connected to network I Wireless communication can be performed between the printers 30 and 31 via F15 or NFCIF17. Yes, it is possible. Note that the network interface 15 connects to printers 30 and 31 via Bluetooth. It may also be a short-range wireless communication device such as h(registered trademark). In this embodiment, Twerk IF15 and NFCIF are examples of communication units.

[0017] Memory 16 includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). ), and flash memory are combined to form the memory 16. It may be a storage medium that the computer can read. Storage media include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs.

[0018] Memory 16 contains the client-side OS (Operating System) (not shown), as well as control applications. Application 20 and label application 21 are stored. CPU 12 is the client Under the execution of the Ant-side OS, the control application (hereinafter referred to as control AP20) By executing this, communication with printers 30 and 31 can be established. Data in memory 16 The memory area stores various data that the CPU 12 refers to when executing control AP20. In this embodiment, control AP20 is an example of a control program. The CPU12 running AP20 is sometimes simply referred to by its program name. Example For example, the statement "control AP20" means "CPU12 that executes control AP20". It can sometimes mean that.

[0019] Control AP20 is an example of an external program, label application 21 (hereinafter referred to as "La"). This process, referred to as Bell AP, creates a label image to be used for printing. This is possible. Specifically, when the control AP20 has selected the function to create a label image, Next, launch Label AP21. For example, the label image can be a CD-ROM or DVD-R. This is an image that will be printed on recording media such as OM. Label AP21 prints the created label image. When printing, the created label image is passed to control AP20, and printer 3 is sent to control AP20. Perform a print operation on 0 and 31.

[0020] In this embodiment, the CPU 12 primarily processes according to instructions written in the program. This indicates the following terms: "judgment," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," and "decision." Processes such as "Set", "Identify", "Acquire", "Receive", and "Control" represent the processes of CPU12. Yes, it is. Processing by CPU12 also includes hardware control via the client-side OS. Note that "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not necessarily require a request. In other words, CPU12 requests The process of receiving data without any prior knowledge is also related to the concept of "CPU12 acquiring data". It is included. Also, "data" as used herein refers to a computer-readable bit string. And, data with the same substantive meaning but different formats are considered the same data. It shall be treated as a "T" (a type of data). The same applies to "information" as used in this specification.

[0021] The control AP20 obtains status information from printers 30 and 31. Status information This includes the status of printers 30 and 31, the settings of printers 30 and 31, and the identification of printers 30 and 31. This information shows the network settings and other related information. In this embodiment, each function of the printer 31 In relation to this, the following status information exists. Specifically, the status information related to the print process Status information (hereinafter referred to as first status information) includes "No paper error", "In "Insufficient paper supply error", "Paper size error", "Paper jam error", "Cover open error" , and "Print Busy". Status information related to the scanning process (hereinafter, 2 Status information includes "Manuscript not set error," "Cover open error," There are "Continuous Scan Mode" and "Scan Busy" modes. The status information (hereinafter referred to as the third status information) is "Insufficient remaining memory capacity for receiving". There are "Number of received calls" and "Telephone line connection error". First status information and second status information. The report also includes status information related to the copy function. (1st, 2nd, 3rd status information) The report may contain common status information.

[0022] A communication connection between the information processing device 10 and the printer has not been established, or communication is not possible. In this state, the status of printers 30 and 31 will be offline. Also, printer 30, If 31 is a printer capable of printing on discs such as CDs, then the "No Disc Error" will occur. , included in the first status information. Printers 30, 31 are powered by batteries such as storage batteries. When used in this way, "battery error" is included in the first to third status information.

[0023] Next, as an example, if the information processing device 10 has established a communication connection with the printer 31, The screens displayed in Play 13 are explained using Figures 2 to 5. Control AP20 is the top screen. On the screen, displayable information from the printer 31's status is shown. Control AP20 In the function execution screen that appears when each function is selected by the user, The badge image displays the status information corresponding to the function being used, showing the information that can be displayed. .

[0024] Specifically, the control AP20 displays the top screen 40 shown in Figure 2 on the display 13. In this embodiment, the top screen 40 is an example of a function selection screen, and the print icon 41, scan icon 42, copy icon 43, fax icon 44, and It includes a print icon 45 and a printer display area 47. The print icon 41 is This is the icon that the user operates when selecting the print process as a function of printer 31. Yes. The scan icon 42 indicates that the user has selected the scan process as a function of the printer 31. This is the icon that is operated when the user is using the printer 31. The copy icon 43 is used when the user is using the printer 31. This is the icon used when selecting the copy function. (FAX icon 44) This is the icon that is operated when the user selects fax processing as a function of printer 31. The status icon 45 is a status icon that allows the user to display the status of the printer 31. This is the icon used when selecting the display of the task screen. More details will be provided later, but AP20 has received status information indicating warnings or errors from printer 31. Then, a badge image 46 indicating a warning or error is displayed near the status icon 45. The printer display area 47 shows the printer model of the printer connected to the information processing device 10. It is displayed. In Figure 2, printer B, which is the printer model of printer 31, is displayed. The control AP20 selects the printer in response to user operations on the printer display area 47. A selection process can be performed. In the selection process, for example, information can be obtained via the network 200. The system searches for printers that can communicate with the information processing unit 10 and selects one of the found printers. The printer is selected according to the user's chosen operation.

[0025] When the print icon 41 is selected by the user on the top screen 40, control A P20 transitions the screen displayed on display 13 to a screen related to the print process. Figure 3 shows an example of a screen related to the print process, specifically the first function execution screen 50 for print processing. The first function execution screen 50 includes a display area 51, a device icon 52, and a print function. It includes row buttons 53 and a badge image 55.

[0026] Display area 51 shows the objects to be printed. In Figure 3, As an example, the display area 51 shows two objects 54 that are to be printed. The print execution button 53 initiates a print process on the printer 31 via user operation. This is a button that accepts execution instructions. Device icon 52 is related to the print process. This is an icon that graphically displays printer 31. Note that printer 31 may send warnings or errors. In response to obtaining status information indicating -, a warning or An error badge image 55 is displayed. Details about badge image 55 will be described later.

[0027] When the user selects the print execution button 53, the control AP20 will execute the printer 3 1. Send a print command to print object 54. Specifically, control AP20 Among the objects displayed in display area 51, the object selected by user operation Generate a print job corresponding to the object and send it to printer 31. Also, execute the first function. With screen 50 displayed on display 13, control AP20 responds to user input. It is possible to perform a setting process to change the print processing settings. Control AP20 performs the setting process. This allows you to change color settings, paper size, and other parameters during the printing process.

[0028] Furthermore, if the scan icon 42 is operated by the user on the top screen 40 The control AP20 then switches the screen displayed on the display 13 to the screen related to the scanning process. Move it. Figure 4 is an example of a screen related to the scanning process, specifically the execution of the second function for scanning. This is screen 60. The second function execution screen 60 contains settings for checking and changing the scan process settings. It includes area 61, device icon 62, read execution button 63, and badge image 64. The setting area 61 shown in Figure 4 includes, as an example of the settings for the scanning process, the document size. The fields for setting the configurable settings, the fields for setting the color settings of the scanned image (color or monochrome), and the original document. It includes a field where you can set whether or not to perform a double-sided scan, which scans both sides of the document. Control A P20 is a setting that changes the scan processing settings in response to user operations on the setting area 61. Processing can be performed. The read execution button 63 is operated by the user to the printer 31. This is a button that accepts the instruction to execute the scan process. Badge image 64 is for the scan process. A simplified status display of the relevant printer 31 is shown. Details of the badge image 64 will be provided later. To state.

[0029] If the user selects the read execution button 63, the control AP20 will execute the printer 3 1. A read command is sent to initiate the scan process. Specifically, control AP20 sets A read job is generated, including the scan processing settings displayed in the fixed area 61, and sent to the printer 31. Send.

[0030] If the status icon 45 is manipulated by the user on the top screen 40, Alternatively, the device icon 52 on the first function execution screen 50 or the device on the second function execution screen 60 When the chair icon 62 is operated, the control AP20 will display the screen on the display 13. This transitions to the status screen. The status screen displays the status of printer 31, This screen displays what can be displayed. The status screen 70 shown in Figure 5 displays errors. Column 71, ink level display area 72, IP address display area 73, and serial number display. It includes area 74, firmware information display area 75, and memory remaining capacity display area 76.

[0031] Error display area 71 is a field that displays if there is an abnormality or warning in the status of printer 31. For example, among the first to third status information, the control AP20 will have abnormal or warning status information. If status information is obtained, an error will be displayed in the error display field 71 based on that status information. It displays warning text. In the example in Figure 5, paper is loaded into the paper tray of printer 31. An error message is displayed indicating that it has not been done.

[0032] The ink level display area 72 displays the remaining ink levels of each color ink cartridge in the printer 31. This is the area. The control AP20, based on the "ink level" among the first status information, The display mode of the ink level display area 72 is changed. In this embodiment, the printer 31 Cartridges in four colors: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (BK) Because it has a ledge, the ink level display area 72 shows the remaining capacity of each color: C, M, Y, BK. It is displayed.

[0033] The IP address display area 73 is the area that displays the IP address of the printer 31. Real number display area 74 is the area that displays the serial number of the printer 31. The information display area 75 is an area that displays the firmware version of the printer 31. The remaining memory capacity display area 76 is where the received data is stored by the printer 3 during fax processing. This is the area that shows the remaining capacity of memory 1. Control AP20 is the third status information, "Receive The display mode of the remaining memory capacity display area 76 is changed based on the "remaining memory capacity".

[0034] In addition to what is shown in Figure 5, the status screen 70 also displays information regarding the reception of faxes. It includes a display area showing the number of received items. Control AP20 is one of the third status information items. The display method of the received count display area is changed based on the "number of received items".

[0035] Next, using Figure 6, we will explain the badge images displayed on the top screen and each function execution screen. In Figure 6, the top screen 40 and the first and second function execution screens 50 and 60 show the print. This shows the badge images for each status (normal, error, offline). - The badge image on the function execution screen during processing and fax processing is the same as on the first and second function execution screens. The badge image is the same as in versions 50 and 60, so the explanation is omitted.

[0036] First, we will explain how the badge image 46 is displayed on the top screen 40. Printer Functions If the status is normal, control AP20 will display a badge image on top screen 40. Hide 46. If the status of each function of the printer is in an error state, control AP 20 indicates that an error state is present near the status icon 45 on the top screen 40. A badge image 46 is displayed indicating that the information processing device 10 and the printer are offline. In this case, control AP20 is turned OFF near the status icon 45 on the top screen 40. A badge image 46 is displayed to indicate that it is a line. For example, control AP20 is a printer If the status information obtained is "No paper error", then the status icon An exclamation mark badge image 46 is displayed near 45 (Figure 2).

[0037] Next, we will explain the display method of the badge image shown on the function execution screen. Control AP20 is, The device that appears when any of the icons 41-44 on the top screen 40 is operated. On the execution screen, badges appear depending on the status related to the function of the selected printer. The image will be changed. Specifically, control AP20 is displaying the first function execution screen 50. And if the status related to the print process is normal, the device icon 52 is near A badge image 55 indicating that the print process status is normal will be displayed nearby. Your AP20 is displaying the first function execution screen 50, and the screen is related to the print process. If the status is in an error state, the print processing status will appear near device icon 52. A badge image 55 is displayed indicating that the system is abnormal. For example, control AP20 is p If the printer is receiving "No Paper Error" as status information, then Device Eye An exclamation mark badge image 55 is displayed near the control 52 (Figure 3). The control AP20 is the first unit The execution screen 50 is displayed, and the information processing device 10 and the printer are offline. If so, a badge image 55 indicating that the device is offline will be displayed near the device icon 52. To have them demonstrate.

[0038] Control AP20 displays the second function execution screen 60 and is related to the scan process. If the status is normal, the status of the scan process will appear near device icon 62. The control AP20 displays a badge image 64 indicating that the system is functioning correctly. Screen 60 is displayed, and the status related to the scan process is in an error state. In this case, the status of the scan process will be indicated as abnormal near the device icon 62. Display badge image 64. For example, control AP20 receives status information from the printer and If you are getting a "no paper error," the "no paper error" is unrelated to the scanning process. No. Therefore, a checkmark indicating that the status is normal will appear near device icon 62. The checkmark badge image 64 is displayed (Figure 4). Control AP20 is the second function execution screen. If 60 is displayed and the information processing device 10 and the print are offline, A badge image 64 indicating that the user is offline is displayed near the vice icon 62.

[0039] In this embodiment, the top screen 40 and the first and second function execution screens 50 and 60, each The badge images indicating a function error state are the same in form, and the badge image indicating offline status is also the same. They are the same form.

[0040] Next, using Figure 7, we will describe the procedure for displaying the status of the printer 31 on the display 13. Let me explain. The process shown in Figure 7 occurs when a printer to be connected to the information processing device 10 is selected. This process is executed automatically. Furthermore, if a printer has already been selected, this process is performed by control AP20. This process may be executed when the system is started. Note that this process is performed by CPU12 (control AP20) Since this process is executed by [a specific entity], the entity responsible is omitted.

[0041] In step S11, the printer connected to the information processing device 10 obtains its status. Determine whether it is a compatible model. Specifically, from the connected printer to the printer... The printer model information is acquired, and the acquired printer information is stored in the compatible model information of the control AP20. Determine whether the printer model information is included. If the printer is not a compatible model, see Figure 7. The process is terminated for now. In this embodiment, the printer 31 is a compatible model from which the status can be obtained. Assuming this is the case, proceed to step S12.

[0042] In step S12, the printer 31 performs printing, scanning, copying, and Determine whether or not each function of the fax processing is currently being executed. Specifically, determine whether or not print instructions or scan instructions are being executed. Sending to printer 31, or scanning data from printer 31 that performed the scanning process. When sending and receiving information about each function, such as receiving data, while each function is running... It is determined that there is. If printer 31 is performing any of its functions, proceed to step S13. Then, wait until the currently running function finishes. Then, proceed to step S14. Meanwhile, If step S12 determines that the printer 31 is not currently performing any of its functions, the process proceeds to step S14. nothing.

[0043] In step S14, status information is obtained from the printer 31 via communication. The status information obtained by S14 includes all status information obtainable from printer 31. It is information.

[0044] In step S15, the status information obtained in step S14 is selected as follows: A filter process is performed to extract status information related to the function being used. For example, memory 16 This includes printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, as well as status information. It stores a table that defines the correspondence between the states, and by referring to this table, the states This extracts status information from S15. Details of the filtering process will be described later.

[0045] In step S16, the status information extracted in step S15 is used to print printer 3 This process displays the status of item 1 in the UI. Details of the UI display process will be described later. .

[0046] In step S17, check whether the status screen 70 is currently being displayed on display 13. Determine whether or not. If the status screen 70 is displayed on the display 13, then step S Proceed to step 18. In step S18, wait for only the first period Tw1, then return to step S14. Then, the status information is retrieved again. Meanwhile, the status screen 70 is displayed on display 13. If not, proceed to step S19. In step S19, the first period Tw1 is longer After waiting for the second period Tw2, which is a long time, return to step S14 and check the status information. Reacquire. This will ensure that the status screen 70 is displayed on display 13. The acquisition cycle (Tw1) of the status information is displayed on the status screen 70 on the display 13. This is shorter than the status information acquisition cycle (Tw2) when not specified. The status screen 70 is a screen that shows the status of the printer 31 in detail, therefore it is displayed. This is to minimize the time lag in information.

[0047] Next, Figure 8 will be used to explain the details of the filtering process in step S15. In the processing, among the status information obtained in step S14, currently, printer 31 Status information related to the selected function is extracted.

[0048] In step S21, it is determined whether the printer 31 is offline or not. For example, If a communication connection with the linter 31 has not been established, step S21 is determined to be positive, and step Proceed to S22. In step S22, return the printer 31's status to Offline. On the other hand, if step S21 is deemed negative, proceed to step S23.

[0049] Step S23 determines whether the display of status screen 70 is currently selected. If it is determined that the display of status screen 70 is selected, proceed to step S24. Hmm. In step S24, all the status information obtained in step S14 is returned. If step S23 is deemed negative, proceed to step S25.

[0050] In step S25, is the print operation currently selected as the function of printer 31? Determine whether or not. If printing is selected, proceed to step S26, and then to step S A pre-program that extracts the first status information from all the status information obtained in step 14. A filter process is performed. On the other hand, if step S25 is determined to be negative, the process proceeds to step S27. nothing.

[0051] In step S27, is the scan process currently selected as the function of printer 31? Determine whether or not. If scanning is selected, proceed to step S28, and then to step S A skill that extracts secondary status information from all the status information obtained in step 14. A filter process is performed. On the other hand, if step S27 is determined to be negative, the process proceeds to step S29. nothing.

[0052] Step S29 determines whether the copy operation is currently selected as the function of printer 31. Determine whether to proceed. If copy processing is selected, proceed to step S30, then to step S14. From all the status information obtained, select the first status information and the second status information. A copy filter process is performed to extract the information and respectively. On the other hand, step S29 is judged as negative. Then, proceed to step S31.

[0053] Step S31 determines whether fax processing is currently selected as the function of printer 31. Determine if fax processing is selected. Proceed to step S32. Step S32 So, from all the status information obtained in step S14, the third status information Extract the information. On the other hand, if step S31 is determined to be negative, proceed to step S24, and step Returns all status information obtained in step S14. Steps S22, 24, 26, 2 Executing steps 8, 30, and 32 will terminate the filtering process.

[0054] Next, using Figure 9, we will explain the print filter process performed in step S26 of Figure 8. In step S40, by executing label AP21, is it selected to print labels? Determine whether or not. As mentioned above, label AP21 controls the created label image AP2 It has the function to pass to 0. When a label image is received from label AP21, step It is determined that label printing is selected in S40. If label printing is selected, step Proceed to S41 and check if the status information includes a "No Disk Error". Determine if the disk set is missing. The status information includes a "No Disk Error" and the disk set is missing. If it is determined that it has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S42, and the status of printer 31 is as follows: It returns a disk not found error. This occurs when it is determined that label printing was not selected in step S40. In addition, step S41 does not contain a "No Disk Error" and the disk is set. If it is determined that there is a need, or after step S42, proceed to step S43.

[0055] In step S43, the status information is used to determine whether the paper settings match. Specifically, the "Paper Size" in the status information and the settings in the control AP20 configuration process are used. If it is determined that the paper size does not match, the process proceeds to step S44, and printer 3 It returns a paper mismatch error with status 1. On the other hand, in step S43, If it is determined that the settings match, or after step S44, proceed to step S45.

[0056] In step S45, the status information includes "Ink level low error". Furthermore, the color that is showing an "insufficient ink level error" is set in the control AP20's setting process. Determines whether the current color setting (color, monochrome) matches. If the color that is showing a "missing color error" matches the color setting you have set in your color settings, In other words, the color that is showing the "insufficient ink level error" is one of the C, M, or Y colors. If the setting color is color, proceed to step S46 and set the status of printer 31 as It returns an ink level low error. On the other hand, in step S45, it returns an ink level low error. If it is determined that the color shown does not match the color setting, or in step S46 After that, proceed to step S47.

[0057] In step S47, the status information includes steps S42, S44, S46, S4 Are there any other statuses related to the current print settings besides the status returned by one of the 8 options? Determine whether it is a "no paper error", "paper jam error", or "cover error". Get status information for at least one of the following: "Open Error" and "Print Busy". If this is the case, a positive judgment is made in step S47, and no status information has been obtained. If not, it is judged as negative. If step S47 is judged as negative, proceed to step S48, and The status of Linta 31 is confirmed as normal. On the other hand, if step S47 is judged positively, Proceed to step S49 and confirm that the status of printer 31 is abnormal.

[0058] Next, we will explain how to display the badge image. Figure 10 shows the process performed in step S16 of Figure 7. This is a flowchart detailing the steps involved in the UI display process.

[0059] In step S51, it is determined whether or not to display the top screen 40. If displayed on display 13, proceed to step S52, and the offline returned in S22 Alternatively, the form of the badge image 46 is determined based on all status information returned in S24. Based on the determined form, a badge image is displayed. Specifically, if offline is returned in S22 If offline status is returned, a badge image 46 indicating offline status is determined. If not, all status information returned by S24 will indicate a warning or error. If TAS information is obtained, an exclamation mark is determined as the badge image 46, while warnings and errors are displayed. If you do not have the status indicated by -, then decide to hide badge image 46. do.

[0060] If step S51 is rejected, proceed to step S53 and display the status screen 70. Decide whether or not to do so. If it is decided to display the status screen 70, proceed to step S54. Proceed, and return offline in step S22, or all status information returned in step S24. The status screen 70 (Figure 5) is displayed using this method. As shown in Figure 5, the status screen 70 can display the control AP20 using status information obtained from printer 31. All statuses will be displayed. Note that if offline is returned in S22, A message indicating that the user is offline is displayed in the display area 71, and areas 72-76 are hidden. Or it will be grayed out.

[0061] If it is not decided in step S53 to display the status screen 70, then If you want to display the function execution screen, proceed to step S55. In step S55, S2 The offline status returned in 2, or the function of the currently selected printer 31, The status of printer 31 is displayed using the status information after processing. Step S In step 55, if the status is normal, the badge image displayed on the function execution screen is This will take the form of a checkmark or other mark indicating a normal status. On the other hand, if the status is abnormal... In this case, the badge image will take the form of an exclamation mark or other symbol indicating an abnormal status. Also, as mentioned above... Furthermore, if the color setting is monochrome, and the remaining capacity of the C, M, and Y inks is insufficient... Also, as a status, there is a badge image that indicates an abnormal status due to insufficient ink capacity. Do not display.

[0062] CPU12, when operated by the user, the device icon displayed on the function execution screen If the operation is performed, step S53 is judged positively (step S53: YES), step In S54, the status screen 70 (Figure 5) is displayed on the display 13. This provides information While suppressing a decrease in the usability of the processing unit 10, the user can confirm the details of the printer status. It can also accommodate requests for confirmation.

[0063] Figure 11 shows the top screen 40 displayed in step S52. Example shown in Figure 11 Therefore, since the information processing device 10 and the printer are offline, the status icon 45 Nearby, a badge image 46 indicating offline status is displayed. (Note: FAX icon) Number 44 displays "99," indicating the number of faxes received.

[0064] Figure 12 shows the first function execution screen 50 displayed in step S55 as an example. In section 2, the badge image 55 is the form when the status related to the print process is normal. This is the first function execution screen 50, where the status related to fax processing is displayed. Even if that were the case, the badge image indicating an error would not be displayed. In other words, the selected machine The display of status information is limited because the Noh status is not shown.

[0065] In Figure 11, the status icon 45 is operated, or in Figure 12, the device A When icon 52 is operated, CPU 12 displays a status screen (Figure 5).

[0066] In this embodiment, step S14 is an example of an information acquisition process and an information acquisition unit. Steps S23, S25, S27, S29, and S31 are examples of selection decision processing and selection decision units. Step S52 is an example of the first display processing and the first display unit. Step S55 is This is an example of a second display processing and a second display unit.

[0067] <About scan filtering> Next, the procedure for the scan filter processing performed in step S28 of Figure 8 is shown using Figure 13. I will explain.

[0068] In step S61, the acquired status information includes "Continuous Scan Mode". Based on whether or not this is the case, it is determined whether the scan process is in continuous scan mode. If it is determined that continuous scanning mode is in place, the process proceeds to step S62, and the printer 31 stays open. The scan mode error is returned as a task. In step S61, the continuous scan mode If it is determined otherwise, proceed to step S63.

[0069] In step S63, the acquired status information includes "Scan Busy". Based on whether or not this occurs, it is determined whether or not the printer 31 is in a scan busy state. If it is determined that it is not a scan, the process proceeds to step S65. Meanwhile, printer 31 scans If it is determined that the printer is in a busy state, the process proceeds to step S64, and the status of printer 31 is checked. It returns a busy error.

[0070] In step S65, the acquired status information includes "Document not set error". Based on whether or not it is present, it is determined whether or not a document is set in the ADF. If it is determined that the document is set, proceed to step S67. Meanwhile, if the document is in the ADF If it is determined that it is not set, proceed to step S68 and check the status of printer 31. It returns an error indicating that the manuscript has not been set.

[0071] In step S67, the status information includes steps S62, S64, S66, S6 Are there any settings related to the current scan process other than the status returned by one of the 8 options? Determine whether or not. If step S67 is determined to be negative, proceed to step S68 and scan process. The status is determined to be normal. On the other hand, if step S67 is judged to be positive, step Proceed to S69 and confirm that the scan process status is abnormal.

[0072] Based on the decisions made in steps S68 and S69, in steps S52 and S55 of Figure 10, The badge image format on the 2-function execution screen 60 will be changed.

[0073] <About copy filtering> Next, the procedure for the copy filter processing performed in step S30 of Figure 8 is shown using Figure 14. Let me explain. In the copy filter process, the first status information related to the print process and Each of these is filtered, along with the second status information related to the scan process.

[0074] In step S26, the print filter process is performed on the data obtained in step S14. The first status information is extracted from the status information. In step S71, step S2 Using the first status information extracted in step 6, determine whether the print process status is normal or not. Determine whether or not. If step S71 is determined to be positive, proceed to step S28. On the other hand, step If step S71 is rejected, the process proceeds to step S72, and the print process of the copy process is... The status is confirmed to be abnormal.

[0075] In step S28, the scan filter processing is performed on the data acquired in step S14. The second status information is extracted from the status information. In step S73, step S2 Using the second status information extracted in step 8, determine whether the scan process status is normal or not. Determine whether... If step S73 is determined to be true, proceed to step S75. On the other hand... If step S73 is rejected, the process proceeds to step S74, and the scanning process of the copy process... The status is confirmed to be abnormal.

[0076] Step S75 determines the status of the entire copy process. Specifically, The abnormal status of the copy process in step S72 and the scan process in step S74 If at least one of the following is confirmed: status abnormality, copy processing status It is confirmed that the system is abnormal. Furthermore, the status of both the print and copy processes is... If the system is deemed normal, the copy process status will be set to normal. Figure 1 The process in step 4 is temporarily terminated.

[0077] The first embodiment described above can achieve the following effects. Information processing device 10 The CPU12, among the multiple functions that the printer has, can perform any of the functions on the top screen 40. If it is determined that none of the functions have been selected, then all of the acquired status information will be processed. Based on the status information related to the printer, the printer status is displayed as a badge image at the top. It is displayed on screen 40. Meanwhile, CPU 12 is one of the multiple functions that the printer has. If it is determined that the function is selected, then the selected status information will be selected from the acquired status information. A badge indicating the printer's status based on status information related to the functions being used. The image is displayed on display 13, and based on the status information related to the unselected function... Therefore, the status will not be displayed as a badge image. This will allow the user to see the printer's status. When no function is selected, you can check the status of all printer functions, however, When a function is selected, the information processing system will display a badge image related to the selected function. Since the device 10 can be operated, a decrease in the usability of the information processing device 10 is suppressed. It is possible.

[0078] • CPU12, when copy processing is selected as the printer function, retrieves the data Among the status information, the second status information related to the scanning process, and the print process Based on the relevant first status information, the form of the badge image is determined, and this badge image It is displayed on display 13. This allows the user to perform scanning and printing operations. When a function that combines these elements is selected, the status information related to each function is selected. Then, the badge image is displayed on display 13.

[0079] The CPU 12, based on the operation received by the touch panel 14, performs the selected function. The CPU 12 performs a configuration process to set the display according to the settings in the configuration process. Changes the appearance of the badge image displayed on Ray 13. This changes the appearance of the badge image depending on the selected function. Therefore, the printer status can be displayed more appropriately, so the information processing device 10 This further helps to mitigate the decline in usability.

[0080] When CPU12 starts control AP20 in accordance with the instructions of label AP21, The Bell AP21 displays the status of the selected function via a badge image. As a result, the printer's functions are selected by the execution of a program other than the control AP20. Even if this occurs, the status related to the function selected by another program will be displayed. This can be achieved. As a result, the user experience of the information processing device 10 will not deteriorate. It can be suppressed.

[0081] • CPU12 displays the status related to all functions as a badge image on the top screen 40. This will display the status of all printer functions. After that, you can decide which functions to select. Then, the user can choose the printer's functions. If selected, only the status related to the selected function will be displayed on the function execution screen. This is displayed using a badge image. This allows you to see only the status of the selected function. After doing so, you can decide whether or not to press the execute button for the selected function.

[0082] • CPU12 displays the status of all printers that can be selected on the top screen 40. Displayed as a badge image, the status corresponding to the function selected on the function execution screen is displayed as a badge. Displayed as an image. CPU12 is controlled by user actions when the device icon is manipulated. In this case, the status screen 70 is displayed on the display 13. While minimizing the decline in usability, users can check the detailed status of their printer. It can also handle different situations.

[0083] The CPU 12 changes the acquisition cycle, which is the interval at which it acquires status information from the printer 31. Furthermore, when displaying status screen 70, the acquisition cycle of status information Tw Status information when displaying screen 40 (top screen) or function execution screens 50 and 60. The acquisition cycle will be made shorter than Tw2. This will allow the user to choose the printer's status. If you choose to display the status information, the interval for acquiring status information will be shortened, so the details of the status information will be... This can suppress the decrease in status accuracy caused by time lags for detailed information. .

[0084] <Modified form of the first embodiment> Even if the information processing device 10 does not store the label application 21 in the memory 16, Good. In this case, in the print filter process shown in Figure 9 (step S26) Therefore, you just need to delete the processes in steps S40 to S42.

[0085] <Other Embodiments> • The control AP20, based on the status information that was not extracted by the filtering process, The display method of the badge image shown on the execution screen may be changed. For example, control AP20 If printing is selected, the status information related to scanning will be displayed. If there is an abnormality in the scanner processing status, the display of the badge image related to the print processing will change. Change the appearance. In this case, control AP20 changes the color of the badge image, or the badge image. This may involve changing the shape of the image. This will affect functions that have not been selected. This allows the user to be aware that there is an abnormality in the status.

[0086] The image processing device communicates with the information processing device to receive a predetermined image processing from the information processing device. Any device that accepts execution instructions will suffice, and is not limited to printers or multifunction devices.

[0087] • The control AP20 displays the printer status using icons such as badge images. Instead, the status can be displayed using text, or by combining icons and text. You can also display it on Ray.

[0088] The instruction reception screen displayed by the information processing device 10 is a screen that accepts instructions from the user. That's fine, and it doesn't have to be the function execution screen. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10... Information processing device, 12... CPU, 13... Display, 14... Touch panel, 20 ...control applications, 30, 31...printers.

Claims

1. It comprises a display, an operating unit, and a communication unit, and communicates with an image processing device through the communication unit. A control program that can be read by the computer of a possible information processing device, To the aforementioned computer, Status information indicating the status of the image processing device is acquired through the aforementioned communication unit. Information acquisition process, Selection to determine which of the functions of the image processing device is selected. Decision processing and, The selection process determines that none of the functions of the image processing device have been selected. If so, the status of the image processing device based on the acquired status information will be changed. The first display process to be displayed on the display, If it is determined that one of the functions of the aforementioned image processing device has been selected , of the acquired status information, the first function which is the selected function is The status of the image processing device based on the status information is displayed on the display. Image processing based on the status information related to the second function, which is an unselected function. A second display process that restricts the display of the status of the control device on the display, A control program that executes the command.

2. The image processing device has the following functions: an input function for inputting images and an output function for outputting images. The function and the input / output function that outputs the image input by the input function by the output function can be, In the second display process, when the input / output function is the first function, the acquired S Of the status information, the status information related to the input function and the status information related to the output function Select the status information relating to the selection, and based on the selected status information, the drawing The control program according to claim 1, which displays the status of the image processing device.

3. Based on the operation received by the operation unit, the computer sets the first function The setting process is executed to determine the settings. In the first display process, the display is shown according to the settings in the setting process. The control program according to claim 1 or 2, which changes the content of the status of the image processing device. Ram.

4. The information processing device causes the computer to execute an external function which is a predetermined function. Equipped with memory to store programs, The computer starts the control program while the external program is running. It is possible, In the second display process, the computer, in accordance with the instructions of the external program, When you start your program, the function selected by the external program will be... Any one of claims 1 to 3, the first function is to display the status of the image processing device. The control program described above.

5. In the first display process, each function of the image processing device is selected through the operation unit. A function selection screen that accepts selection operations is displayed on the display, and on the function selection screen The status of the image processing device is then displayed on the display. In the second display process, each function of the image processing device displayed on the function selection screen Then, an instruction reception screen that receives instructions for the selected first function is displayed on the display. The status of the image processing device related to the first function is displayed on the instruction reception screen. The control program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is to be displayed on the aforementioned display.

6. In the first display process, the images relating to all functions selectable on the function selection screen are used. The status of the processing unit is displayed as an icon. In the second display process, the image processing device related to the first function is displayed on the instruction reception screen. Display the status of the placement as an icon. Based on the operation received by the operation unit, the computer displays the function selection screen or When an icon is operated on the instruction reception screen, the status of the image processing device is displayed. Claim 5: To execute a detailed display process that displays a detailed display screen on the display. The control program described above.

7. In the second display process, the image processing device related to the second function is displayed on the instruction reception screen. The control program according to claim 6, which hides the status of the placement.

8. In the second display process, based on the status information related to the second function that was acquired, Claim 6, which changes the display manner of the icon displayed on the instruction reception screen. The control program installed on the device.

9. In the information acquisition process, the interval at which the status information is acquired from the image processing device is The acquisition cycle can be changed. The status information when the detailed display screen is displayed in the detailed display process described above. The acquisition cycle is determined when the function selection screen is displayed in the first display process. The acquisition cycle of status information, and the display of the instruction reception screen in the second display process. The method described in any one of claims 6 to 8, which is shorter than the acquisition cycle of the status information in the case of The control program installed on the device.

10. In the information acquisition process, is it possible to obtain the status information from the image processing device? The system determines whether or not, and if it determines that the status information can be obtained, the image processing system A control program according to any one of claims 1 to 9 that obtains the status information from the location Hmm.

11. In the information acquisition process, the image processing device and the first function are communicated via the communication unit. The claim that the status information is not obtained from the image processing device while the communication is in progress. A control program as described in any one of items 1 to 10.

12. It comprises a display, an operating unit, and a communication unit, and communicates with an image processing device through the communication unit. A possible information processing device, Status information indicating the status of the image processing device is acquired through the aforementioned communication unit. Information acquisition unit, Selection to determine which of the functions of the image processing device is selected. The judgment unit, The selection determination unit determines that none of the functions of the image processing device have been selected. If present, the status of the image processing device based on the acquired status information is A first display unit that displays on the screen, If it is determined that one of the functions of the aforementioned image processing device has been selected , of the acquired status information, the first function which is the selected function is The status of the image processing device based on the status information is displayed on the display. Image processing based on the status information related to the second function, which is an unselected function. A second display unit that restricts the display of the status of the processing device on the aforementioned display, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

Images