Information processing device, method and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device in which proper control is executed when an error occurs in an apparatus.SOLUTION: An information processing device is configured to, when an operation for canceling an error in an apparatus includes an operation for turning off the apparatus, refrain from executing a notification that corresponds to a situation where communication between the information processing device and the apparatus is disabled even when communication between the information processing device and the apparatus is disabled after a screen concerning the error is displayed, and to, when an operation for canceling an error does not include an operation for turning off the apparatus, execute a notification that corresponds to a situation where communication between the information processing device and the apparatus is disabled, in accordance with the situation where communication between the information processing device and the apparatus is disabled after a screen about the error is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, method, and program. [Background technology]

[0002] When installing a device for the first time (initial installation) or when using the device after initial installation, if the necessary operations for the device are missing or an error occurs in the device, the user may not be able to use the device. For example, if the device is a printing device (printer), printing may not be possible. If the device does not have a sufficiently large display device and the work procedures cannot be displayed properly on the display device, an information processing device such as a PC with a sufficiently large display device may be connected to the device, and the work procedures appropriate to the device's status may be displayed on the information processing device.

[0003] Incidentally, some errors that occur in devices require the user to turn off the device's power in order to resolve the error. For example, if a paper jam error occurs in a printer when installation software or a printer driver running on a PC instructs the printer to execute printing, the user may need to turn the printer's power off and then on again to resolve the error. Patent Document 1 describes an information processing device that performs a predetermined process on a print job after recognizing that a process related to turning off the printer has been executed in the printer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-222423 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a user turns off the power to resolve an error that has occurred in a device, the connection between the device and the information processing device is severed, which may result in the information processing device being unable to execute appropriate control.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to execute appropriate control in an information processing device when an error occurs in the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device capable of communicating with an external device, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring device information related to the device from the device; a display control means for, if the device information acquired by the acquisition means includes error information, displaying a screen related to an error that has occurred in the device on a display unit of the information processing device; and, if an operation for clearing the error includes an operation to turn off the power of the device, not issuing a notification corresponding to the inability to communicate between the information processing device and the device even if communication between the information processing device and the device becomes impossible after the screen related to the error is displayed; and, if the operation for clearing the error does not include an operation to turn off the power of the device, issuing a notification corresponding to the inability to communicate between the information processing device and the device based on the fact that communication between the information processing device and the device becomes impossible after the screen related to the error is displayed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when an error occurs in a device, an information processing device can execute appropriate control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic external configuration of a recording apparatus. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a cooperative setup process. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of a setup application. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by a setup application. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a printer status confirmation process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a printer driver. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by a printer driver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 shows an example of a system configuration including an information processing device 101 and a recording device 151 capable of communicating with the information processing device 101. The information processing device 101 included in the system of this embodiment may be, for example, a PC or a smartphone serving as a mobile terminal. However, the functions are not limited to those shown in the figure, as long as they are applicable to devices capable of communicating with the recording device 151. Furthermore, a printer may be used as the recording device 151. However, the present invention is not limited to printers, and various devices may be applicable as long as they are applicable to devices capable of communicating with the information processing device 101. For example, the present invention may be applied to printers such as inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, and monochrome printers. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied not only to printers, but also to copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to multifunction peripherals having multiple functions, such as copying, faxing, and printing.

[0012] The information processing device 101 has an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 109, a short-range wireless communication unit 110, and a USB interface 111. The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from a user, and is composed of a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, etc. Note that the output interface 107 described below and the input interface 102 may have the same configuration, and may be configured to output to the screen and receive operations from the user using the same configuration.

[0013] The CPU 103 is a system control unit that performs overall control of the information processing device 101. The ROM 104 is a storage unit that stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 103, and embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) programs. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0014] The RAM 105 is a storage unit configured with a static random access memory (SRAM) or the like that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 105 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the information processing device 101, management data for the information processing device 101, and the like. The RAM 105 may also be used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 103.

[0015] The external storage device 106 is a storage unit that stores a setup application program (setup application) for performing setup processing for the recording device 151, an application program (application) that provides a print execution function, and the like. The external storage device 106 is also a storage unit that stores a print information generation program that generates print information that can be interpreted by the recording device 151, and the like. These applications and programs may be downloaded and stored from an external server (not shown) that is different from the recording device 151. The external storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as an information transmission / reception control program, that are transmitted and received between the external storage device 106 and the recording device 151 connected via the communication unit 109, and various information used by these programs.

[0016] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the information processing device 101. The display unit 108 is composed of an LED (light-emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), etc., and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101. Note that a soft keyboard equipped with keys such as numeric input keys, a mode setting key, an enter key, a cancel key, and a power key may be provided on the display unit 108 to accept input from the user via the display unit 108. In this case, the display unit 108 plays the role of the input interface 102.

[0017] The communication unit 109 is configured to connect to the recording device 151 and perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 109 can connect to an access point (not shown) within the recording device 151. By connecting the communication unit 109 to the access point within the recording device 151, the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 can communicate with each other. Note that, between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, the communication unit 109 may communicate directly with the recording device 151 via wireless communication. Alternatively, communication may be performed via an external access point (access point 131) located outside the information processing device 101 or the recording device 151. Examples of wireless communication methods include Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), which are communication standards based on the IEEE 802.11 series. Examples of the access point 131 include devices such as a wireless LAN router. Note that a method in which the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 are directly connected without going through an external access point is called a direct connection method. Furthermore, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 are connected via the external access point 131 is called an infrastructure connection method.

[0018] The short-range wireless communication unit 110 is configured to perform data communication via a short-range wireless connection with the recording device 151, and performs communication using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 109. The short-range wireless communication unit 110 is connectable to a short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the recording device 151. In this embodiment, Bluetooth 5.1 is used as the communication method of the short-range wireless communication unit 110. Bluetooth 5.1 includes both Classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standards. For example, either Classic Bluetooth or BLE may be used as the communication method of the short-range wireless communication unit 110. The USB interface 111 is configured to perform data communication via, for example, a USB cable.

[0019] The recording device 151 includes a ROM 152 , a RAM 153 , a CPU 154 , a print engine 155 , a communication unit 156 , a short-range wireless communication unit 157 , a USB interface 158 , an input interface 159 , an output interface 160 , and a display unit 161 .

[0020] The communication unit 156 has an access point for connecting to the information processing device 101 as an access point inside the recording device 151. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 109 of the information processing device 101. The communication unit 156 may communicate with the information processing device 101 directly via wireless communication without going through the access point 131, or may communicate via the access point 131. For example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used as the communication method. For direct communication, the Wi-Fi Direct standard or the Legacy Wi-Fi standard may be used. The communication unit 156 may be provided with hardware that functions as an access point, or may operate as an access point using software that causes it to function as an access point.

[0021] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to establish a short-range wireless connection with the information processing device 101. In this embodiment, Bluetooth 5.1 is used as the communication method of the short-range wireless communication unit 157. For example, in this embodiment, BLE may be used as the communication method of the short-range wireless communication unit 157. The USB interface 158 is configured to perform data communication via, for example, a USB cable.

[0022] The RAM 153 is composed of an SRAM or the like that requires a backup power source. The RAM 153 maintains data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, allowing important data such as program control variables to be stored without volatilization. The RAM 153 also includes a memory area for storing setting information for the recording device 151 and management data for the recording device 151. The RAM 153 also serves as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 154, functioning as a receive buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the information processing device 101 and the like, and storing various types of information. The ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 154. In this embodiment, the control programs stored in the ROM 152 perform software execution control, such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing, under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 152.

[0023] CPU 154 is a system control unit that performs overall control of the recording device 151. Based on information stored in print engine 155 and RAM 153 and print jobs received from the information processing device 101, etc., an image is formed on a recording medium such as paper using a recording agent such as ink, and the print result is output. At this time, the print job sent from the information processing device 101, etc., requires high-speed communication due to the large amount of data to be transmitted, and is therefore received via communication unit 156, which is capable of communication at higher speeds than short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0024] The recording device 151 may be equipped with an optional memory such as an external HDD or SD card, and information stored in the recording device 151 may be stored in the memory. The recording device 151 has a connection mode set by a connection setup process, and communicates with the information processing device 101 using a connection configuration based on the set connection mode. When communicating via an infrastructure connection (connection via the access point 131), the recording device 151 sets the connection mode to infrastructure connection mode. When communicating via a direct connection (connection not via the access point 131), the recording device 151 sets the connection mode to direct connection mode. In this embodiment, the setup application can also set the network environment of the recording device 151 as part of the setup process. Here, the network environment setting refers to, for example, setting up a wireless network for the recording device 151, such as establishing a connection via an access point or a USB cable in the recording device 151, as described in FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, when the recording device 151 is turned on before the main unit installation operation is completed, the recording device 151 starts operating in a state called setup mode. Setup mode is a process for enabling an access point inside the recording device 151 that is enabled only in setup mode. The information processing device 101 then uses a setup application to search for a recording device 151 operating in setup mode and establishes a direct Wi-Fi connection with the recording device 151 via the access point that the discovered recording device 151 has enabled. The information processing device 101 then uses the setup application to transmit setting information for configuring the network environment of the recording device 151 via the Wi-Fi connection. Specific examples of the setting information include information for connecting to the access point 131 and information for operating the recording device 151 in direct connection mode. If information for connecting to the access point 131 is transmitted as setting information, the recording device 151 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the access point 131 and operates in infrastructure connection mode.Note that at this time, for example, the access point 131 is the access point to which the information processing device 101 was connected before connecting to the recording device 151 operating in setup mode. After transmitting the setting information to the recording device 151, the information processing device 101 reconnects to the access point 131 via Wi-Fi. This establishes an infrastructure connection between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151. On the other hand, if information for operating the recording device 151 in direct connection mode has been transmitted as setting information, the information processing device 101 receives connection information for directly connecting to the recording device 151 from the recording device 151 using a setup application. The recording device 151 then begins operating in direct connection mode. The information processing device 101 then connects to the recording device 151 via Wi-Fi using the connection information using the setup application. This establishes a direct connection between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151. Although the communication between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 operating in the setup mode is performed via Wi-Fi in the above description, the communication is not limited to this. The communication between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 operating in the setup mode may be performed via a connection using a communication method other than Wi-Fi. An example of a communication method other than Wi-Fi is Bluetooth (Classic Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0025] The input interface 159 is an interface for receiving data input and operational instructions from the user, and is composed of a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, etc. Note that the output interface 160 and the input interface 159 may have the same configuration, and may output data on the screen and receive operations from the user using the same configuration. The output interface 160 is an interface that controls the display unit 161 to display data and notify the status of the recording device 151. The display unit 161 is composed of a panel or the like, and displays data and notifies the status of the recording device 151. Note that a soft keyboard equipped with keys such as numeric input keys, a mode setting key, a confirmation key, a cancel key, and a power key may be provided on the display unit 161, allowing input from the user to be received via the display unit 161. In this case, the display unit 161 plays the role of the input interface 159.

[0026] A communication method other than the above-described communication methods may be used between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151. For example, communication methods such as Ethernet, Centronics, and IrDA (Infrared Data Association) may be used. Also, in FIG. 1, a connection between one information processing device 101 and one recording device 151 is shown. However, by using the communication interface configuration of each device or a network device such as a USB hub, the information processing device 101 may be connected to multiple recording devices 151, and the recording device 151 may be connected to multiple information processing devices 101.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration of the recording device 151. FIG. 2(a) shows the external appearance of the recording device 151. The recording device 151 includes a power button 201, a start button 202, a paper feed tray 203, a paper output tray 204, an access cover 205, and an opening 206. FIG. 2(b) shows a schematic internal configuration of the opening 206 in FIG. 2(a). The opening 206 in FIG. 2(b) is configured to appear when the access cover 205 is opened. The ink holder 210 holds an ink tank (ink cartridge) (not shown) and is configured to be able to move back and forth from side to side in the figure along a shaft 211. The ink tank stores ink of each color, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The ink of each color is ejected onto recording paper from nozzles of a recording head (not shown) in which the ink tank is mounted. The recording paper is fed by a paper feed roller 212. The fixing member 221 of the ink holder 210 is a member that fixes the ink holder 210 to prevent it from moving left and right on the shaft 211 and damaging it during transportation of the recording device 151. Figure 2(c) shows the recording device 151 after being removed from the packaging box. The packaging tape 220 is attached to prevent the access cover 205 from opening and being damaged during transportation of the recording device 151.

[0028] The following describes the setup process of the recording device 151 in this embodiment. To enable a user to use the recording device 151, after unpacking it from the packaging box, the user must perform setup operations, such as removing the packing tape 220, removing the fixing members 221, and installing ink tanks. While the setup operations are being performed, communication links are established between the recording device 151 and an application program (setup application) for performing the setup process of the recording device 151, which is running on an information processing device 101, such as a PC or smartphone. For example, the information processing device 101 acquires status information indicating the status of the recording device 151, such as whether ink tanks have been installed, as the setup operation proceeds. The setup application then displays an explanation of the setup operation using at least one of text, images, and video, depending on the status of the recording device 151 identified by the acquired status information. Hereinafter, the setup process, which is executed by the setup application when the user installs the recording device 151 and is based on the status of the recording device 151, will be referred to as an "interlocking setup process."

[0029] In this embodiment, a process will be described in which the setup application notifies the user of how to resolve an error when initially setting up the recording device 151.

[0030] 3 is a sequence diagram of the collaborative setup process. The collaborative setup process includes printer installation work performed by the user, initial installation processing performed by the recording device 151, and printer status confirmation processing performed by the setup application of the information processing device 101. The flow of processing by the user, the recording device 151, and the setup application of the information processing device 101 will be described using FIG. 3.

[0031] In S301, when the user starts the printer installation process, they first remove the ink holder fixing member 221 and packing tape 220 according to the procedure. The procedure here refers to the procedure provided by the manufacturer to complete the initial installation of the recording device 151, and is described in the manual, etc. The installation process for the recording device 151 will be explained below in accordance with the procedure. In S302, the user presses the power button 201 of the recording device 151 to turn it on. The user opens the access cover 205 of the recording device 151 in S303, installs ink cartridges in S304, and closes the access cover 205 in S305. The user then loads paper into the paper feed tray 203 in S306 to prepare for print head position adjustment, and presses the start button 202 in S307. Once print head position adjustment is complete, the user's printer installation process is complete.

[0032] Next, the printer initial installation process will be described. In response to the user pressing the power button 201 of the recording device 151 in S302, the recording device 151 starts the initial installation process. When the initial installation process starts, in S311, the recording device 151 turns on an initial installation process in progress flag secured in a storage area such as the RAM 153. The initial installation process in progress flag is a flag indicating that the initial installation process is being executed in the recording device 151. In S312, the recording device 151 prepares to connect to the information processing device 101. In S312, for example, the recording device 151 is placed in a state where it can be discovered from the information processing device 101. As a result of the processing of S312, the information processing device 101 is then placed in a state where it can be connected to the recording device 151.

[0033] In S313, the recording device 151 performs initialization processing to drive the ink holder 210 and paper feed roller 212 and move them to their fixed positions. If the information processing device 101 is already connected to the recording device 151 and the printer status check processing of the setup application is being executed on the information processing device 101, various errors and various power status information of the recording device 151 are displayed on the display unit 108.

[0034] Thereafter, the setup application on the information processing device 101 obtains information about the recording device 151 (also called device information) from the recording device 151. The information about the recording device 101 includes the following various types of error information and notification information. The information about the recording device 101 is obtained in response to a request from the setup application to the recording device 151.

[0035] In S313, if the ink holder fixing member 221 has not been removed, the ink holder 210 cannot be driven, and therefore the recording device 151 sends an ink holder fixing member not removed error to the information processing device 101. In this case, the setup application on the information processing device 101 displays an ink holder fixing member not removed error on the display unit 108 in S321. Furthermore, if the access cover 205 is left open, there is a risk that the user's hand may be caught, and therefore the recording device 151 cannot drive mechanisms such as the ink holder 210 and paper feed roller 212, and therefore cannot execute the initialization process in S313. Therefore, in this case, the recording device 151 sends a cover open error to the information processing device 101, and the setup application on the information processing device 101 displays the cover open error on the display unit 108 in S322.

[0036] After the initialization process in S313 is complete, in S314 the recording device 151 performs a printhead cleaning process. At this time, if the access cover 205 of the recording device 151 is open or if ink cartridges are not installed, the recording device 151 cannot perform the printhead cleaning process. Therefore, if the recording device 151 is in one of these states, it sends a cover open error or an ink cartridge not installed error to the information processing device 101. The setup application on the information processing device 101 then displays a cover open error in S323 and an ink cartridge not installed error on the display unit 108 in S324. The printhead cleaning process performed by the recording device 151 continues for several minutes. During this time, the recording device 151 sends information to the information processing device 101 indicating that printhead cleaning is being performed. The setup application on the information processing device 101 then displays information indicating that printhead cleaning is being performed on the display unit 108 in S325.

[0037] In order for the recording device 151 to start the print head position adjustment process in S315, the user must load paper into the paper feed slot 203 in S306 and press the start button 202 on the recording device 151 in S307. If the user does not perform the operations in S306 and S307 after S314, the recording device 151 transmits information indicating that it is waiting for print head position adjustment to start and an out-of-paper error to the information processing device 101. The setup application on the information processing device 101 displays information indicating that it is waiting for print head position adjustment to start on the display unit 108 in S328 and an out-of-paper error on the display unit 108 in S329. Furthermore, if the access cover 205 is open or an ink cartridge is removed after S314, the recording device 151 transmits information indicating these conditions to the information processing device 101. The setup application on the information processing device 101 then displays a cover open error on the display unit 108 in S326 and an ink cartridge not installed error on the display unit 108 in S327. Furthermore, if a paper jam occurs in the recording device 151 in S315, the recording device 151 sends information indicating the status to the information processing device 101, and the setup application on the information processing device 101 displays a paper jam error on the display unit 108 in S330. If there is no error information or notification information, the printer status confirmation process of the setup application on the information processing device 101 ends. Meanwhile, after S315, the recording device 151 turns the initial setup processing in progress flag OFF in S316, and ends the initial setup process.

[0038] Next, the processing of the setup application on the information processing device 101 and screen transitions will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the setup application. The processing of Figure 4 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading the setup application stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executing it.

[0039] When the setup application is started by the user, in S401 the CPU 103 performs connection processing with the recording device 151. In S401, the CPU 103 checks whether a USB-connected printer has been discovered or whether a printer has been discovered through a network search, and displays a screen for prompting the user to confirm whether to set the discovered recording device 151 so that it can be used with the information processing device 101. Fig. 5(a) shows an example of a screen 500 displayed in S401.

[0040] When the user presses the Next button 501 on the screen 500, in S402 the CPU 103 checks the status of the recording device 151. The printer status check process in S402 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0041] After S402, in S403, the CPU 103 performs an installation process for a printer driver (not shown). During the installation process for the printer driver, the CPU 103 displays a screen 560 in Fig. 5(g) on ​​the display unit 108. The screen 560 includes a progress bar 561 that indicates the progress of the installation process.

[0042] After S403, in S404, the CPU 103 displays a screen 570 shown in FIG. 5(h) on the display unit 108. The screen 570 includes a test print button 571 and an end button 572. When the user presses the button 571, the CPU 103 sends a test print execution instruction to the recording device 151, and the recording device 151 performs the test print. When the user presses the end button 572, the processing in FIG. 4 ends.

[0043] Next, the printer status confirmation process of S402 will be described with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the printer status confirmation process of the setup application. When the process of Figure 6 starts, areas for storing "previous printer power status information" (hereinafter simply referred to as power status information) and "previous error information" (hereinafter simply referred to as error information) are secured in a storage area such as RAM 105.

[0044] The power state information is power state information about the recording device 151 discovered in S401, and includes information indicating the power-on state and information indicating the transition to the power-off state. The power-on state is a state in which power is supplied to the entire recording device 151 and consumes more power than the power-off state. Specifically, for example, the power-on state is a state in which power is supplied to the CPU 154, print engine 155, communication unit 156, and display unit 161. In other words, the power-on state is a state in which communication between the recording device 151 and the information processing device 101 is possible. The power-off state is a state in which power is not supplied to at least some components of the recording device 151 and consumes less power than the power-on state. Specifically, for example, the power-off state is a state in which power is supplied to the CPU 154 but not to the print engine 155, communication unit 156, or display unit 161. In other words, the power-off state is a state in which communication between the recording device 151 and the information processing device 101 is impossible. The state of transitioning to the power-off state indicates that the power button 201 has been pressed and the power is being turned off. The state of transitioning to the power-off state is a state in which the supply of power to each component of the recording device 151 is sequentially stopped in order to transition to the power-off state. This state consumes less power than the power-on state but more power than the power-off state. In this embodiment, however, the state of transitioning to the power-off state is a state in which the supply of power to the communication unit 156 is not stopped and communication between the recording device 151 and the information processing device 101 is possible. Power state information is acquired from the recording device 151 in the process of FIG. 6 and stored in the power state information area of ​​the RAM 105. As will be described later, in the process of FIG. 6, there are cases in which the power state information cannot be acquired from the recording device 151 because the recording device 151 has transitioned to the power-off state. In such cases, the power state information previously stored in the power state information area is referenced.

[0045] The error information is information about an error that occurred in the recording device 151 and was discovered in S401, and includes various types of error information as described in Fig. 3. The error information is obtained from the recording device 151 in the processing of Fig. 6 and stored in the error information area of ​​RAM 105. As will be described later, in the processing of Fig. 6, there are cases where the error information cannot be obtained from the recording device 151 because the recording device 151 has transitioned to a power-off state. In such cases, the error information previously stored in the error information area is referenced.

[0046] When the printer status check process starts, in S601, the CPU 103 saves "ON" as the initial value of the power status information in the power status information area. In S602, the CPU 103 saves information indicating "no error" as the initial value of the error information in the error information area. In S603, the CPU 103 acquires information about the recording device 151 from the recording device 151. The information about the recording device 151 acquired in S603 includes error information, power status information, and information about initial setup incompletion. The information about initial setup incompletion is represented by the initial setup processing flag described in FIG. 3 and indicates that initial setup is incomplete. In other words, an initial setup processing flag that is ON corresponds to information about initial setup incompletion, and the setup application can recognize that initial setup is incomplete because the initial setup processing flag is ON. Note that error information and information about initial setup incompletion may not be included in the information about the recording device 151. The error information includes, in addition to error information such as the packing material not being removed error described with reference to FIG. 3, notification information such as a print head cleaning notification.

[0047] In S604, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the acquisition of the information about the recording device 151 was successful. For example, if there is no response despite a request for information about the recording device 151 being made to the recording device 151, it is determined that the acquisition of the information about the recording device 151 was unsuccessful. A case in which the acquisition of the information about the recording device 151 was unsuccessful corresponds, for example, to a case in which the recording device 151 is offline. A case in which the recording device 151 is offline corresponds, for example, to a case in which the recording device 151 does not belong to the network to which the information processing device 101 belongs, and communication between the recording device 151 and the information processing device 101 is not possible. If it is determined that the acquisition of the information about the recording device 151 was successful, in S605 the CPU 103 determines whether or not the information acquired from the recording device 151 includes error information and information about incomplete initial installation. A case in which the acquisition of the information about the recording device 151 was successful corresponds, for example, to a case in which the recording device 151 is online. Furthermore, the case where the recording device 151 is online corresponds to the case where the recording device 151 belongs to the network to which the information processing device 101 belongs and communication between the recording device 151 and the information processing device 101 is possible. If it is determined that there is no error information or incomplete initial setup information, no error has occurred in the recording device 151 and the initial setup is complete, so the processing of FIG. 6 ends. After the processing of FIG. 6 ends, the processing proceeds to S403 of FIG. 4. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is error information or incomplete initial setup information, in S607, the CPU 103 stores the error information acquired in S603 in an error information area. Note that this determination need only be a process for determining whether the recording device 151 is online or offline, and the details of the determination are not limited. For example, if the power is off and communication is possible but the recording device 151 cannot confirm its own detailed status, the information about the recording device 151 may be successfully acquired even in the power-off state. Furthermore, information indicating the power-off state may be acquired as the information about the recording device 151. In such a case, this determination may be made as to whether the recording device 151 is online or offline by determining whether the acquired information about the recording device 151 indicates a power-off state.

[0048] In S608, the CPU 103 determines the type of power state information using the information acquired from the recording device 151. That is, it is determined whether the power state information indicates a power-on state or a state in transition to a power-off state.

[0049] If it is determined in S608 that the power status information indicates the power-on state, in S609, the CPU 103 displays a screen based on the acquired error information on the display unit 108. Here, the screen based on the acquired error information is a screen related to an error that has occurred in the recording device 151, which corresponds to the acquired error information. The screen related to the error is, specifically, a screen showing an operation for resolving (clearing) the error, or a screen indicating that the error has occurred in the recording device 151. For example, the screen includes a button for displaying, in a web browser or the like, a screen showing an operation for resolving (clearing) the error. FIG. 5B shows an example of the display screen displayed in S609 when a paper jam error occurs in the recording device 151. Screen 510 displays a support code indicating the type of error and a method for dealing with the error (a method for resolving (clearing) the error). If a paper jam occurs inside the recording device 151 and the user is unable to remove the paper, the user may need to power cycle the recording device 151 to remove the paper. Therefore, the screen 510 also displays instructions for turning off the power to the recording device 151. It is assumed that there are multiple methods for clearing a paper jam error, and instructions for each method are displayed. Furthermore, the operations to be performed when none of the other methods can clear the paper jam include turning off the power to the recording device 151. In other words, turning off the power to the recording device 151 does not necessarily have to be performed as an operation to clear a paper jam error. Furthermore, if the error based on the acquired error information is a different error from a paper jam error and does not include a power-off operation as a clearing operation, a screen is displayed that shows operations to resolve the error, without including a guide for turning off the power to the recording device 151. Examples of errors that do not include a power-off operation as a clearing operation include a packaging material not-removed error, a cover open error, an ink not-installed error, and an out-of-paper error. Then, in S610, the CPU 103 updates the power status information in the power status information area to "ON." After S610, the process returns to S603 to acquire information about the recording device 151 again.

[0050] If it is determined in S608 that the power state information indicates a state in which the recording device 151 is transitioning to a power-off state, in S611 the CPU 103 displays on the display unit 108 a screen indicating that the recording device 151 is transitioning to a power-off state. FIG. 5C shows an example of the screen displayed in S611. Screen 520 in FIG. 5C is displayed, for example, when the user presses the power button 201 of the recording device 151 in accordance with the instructions on screen 510, causing the recording device 151 to transition from a power-on state to a power-off state. Then, in S612, the CPU 103 updates the power state information in the power state information area to "transitioning to OFF." After S612, the process returns to S603 to again acquire information about the recording device 151. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the transition to a power-off state is not taken into consideration, and S608, S611, and S612 are not included. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which the process always proceeds to S609 after S607.

[0051] In this way, in this embodiment, the error information and power status information obtained from the recording device 151 are saved in a storage area, and can be referenced from the storage area if the information cannot be obtained from the recording device 151 in the subsequent processing of Fig. 6. With this configuration, it is possible to determine that the reason the information cannot be obtained from the recording device 151 is because the user pressed the power button 201 to clear the error.

[0052] If it is determined in S604 that acquisition of the information about the recording device 151 failed, then in S620 the CPU 103 determines whether error information is stored in the error information area. If it is determined that error information is stored in the error information area, then in S621 the CPU 103 determines, based on the stored error information, whether the error resolution operation includes a power-off operation for the recording device 151. Here, whether the error resolution operation includes a power-off operation may be determined by having the setup application itself store in advance information that associates each piece of error information with information about whether the power-off operation is included. Alternatively, such information may be stored in advance in the recording device 151, and information about whether the resolution of the error occurring in the recording device 151 includes a power-off operation may be transmitted to the information processing device 101. For example, in S603 the CPU 103 may acquire this information from the recording device 151.

[0053] If it is determined in S621 that the error clearing operation includes a power-off operation, the CPU 103 determines in S622 the type of power status information in the power status information area. That is, it is determined whether the power status information is "ON" or "transitioning to OFF."

[0054] If it is determined in S622 that the power state information indicates that the recording device 151 is in the process of transitioning to a power-off state, it is determined that the recording device 151 has completed its transition to a power-off state and that information about the recording device 151 cannot be acquired. Then, in S623, the CPU 103 displays a screen on the display unit 108 to notify the user of what to do after the power is turned off. Even though the recording device 151 is in the power-off state and communication between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 is not possible, the CPU 103 does not display an offline notification screen, as would be executed in S624 (described later). Figures 5(d) and 5(e) show examples of screens displayed in S623. For example, if the recording device 151 transitions from the power-off state to the power-off state after the screen 520 in Figure 5(c) is displayed, it is determined in S604 that acquisition of information about the recording device 151 failed, and the screen 530 in Figure 5(d) is displayed in S623. Screen 530 in FIG. 5(d) displays operational guidance for opening access cover 205 and pulling out paper as a necessary action to take immediately after the user turns off the power to recording device 151. Screen 530 includes a Next button 531. When button 531 is pressed by the user, screen 540 in FIG. 5(e) is displayed. Screen 540 in FIG. 5(e) displays operational guidance for closing access cover 205, reloading paper, and turning on the power to recording device 151 as a necessary action to take after the user has pulled out the paper. After S623, the process returns to S603 to obtain information about recording device 151 again. Note that after S623, the process may be configured to wait for a certain period of time to elapse using a timer before returning to S603, or the process of S603 may be retried a predetermined number of times.

[0055] In the above, in S623, the configuration in which the measures to be taken after the power is turned off are displayed across two screens has been described, but the measures to be taken after the power is turned off may be displayed together on one screen. Also, if the configuration is to display web content, it may be configured to launch browsing software (a browser) and separately display the web content containing the measures to be taken.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, if information about the recording device 151 cannot be obtained after the recording device 151 has transitioned to a power-off state, the system determines whether the error in the saved error information is an error in which error resolution involves a power-off operation. If it is determined that the error is an error in which error resolution involves a power-off operation, the system determines whether the saved power status information is "transitioning to OFF." If it is determined that the information about the recording device 151 is "transitioning to OFF," the system determines that the reason the information about the recording device 151 could not be obtained is that the power button 201 of the recording device 151 was pressed to resolve the error, and displays a screen notifying the user of the corrective action to be taken after the power is turned off. This display control configuration makes it possible to notify the user of the corrective action required after the power is turned off.

[0057] If it is determined in S622 that the power state information is "ON," it is determined that the reason the information about the recording device 151 could not be obtained is not because the recording device 151 has completely transitioned to a power-off state, but because the connection path between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 has been disconnected. Therefore, in S624, the CPU 103 displays an offline notification screen on the display unit 108. The offline notification screen is a screen for notifying an error that communication between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 is not possible. For example, after screen 510 in FIG. 5B is displayed in S609, suppose the user accidentally unplugs the USB cable used to connect the information processing device 101 to the recording device 151, or the Wi-Fi network connection becomes unstable due to radio interference or the like. If the information about the recording device 151 could not be obtained in S603 due to such a reason, it is highly likely that the power of the recording device 151 is in a power-on state. In this way, if the connection path between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 is disconnected, notifying the user of how to deal with the problem after the power is turned off would prevent the user from properly clearing the error, so in S624, an offline notification screen is displayed. FIG. 5(f) shows an example of the screen displayed in S624. Displaying screen 550 of FIG. 5(f) allows the user to check the connection between the recording device 151 and the information processing device 101. Screen 550 of FIG. 5(f) includes a manual button 551. When the user presses button 551, the CPU 103 launches a browser and displays web content (not shown) describing how to restore the connection path between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151. After S623, the process returns to S603 to again acquire information about the recording device 151. Note that after S624, the process may be configured to wait for a certain period of time to elapse using a timer before returning to S603, or the process of S603 may be retried a predetermined number of times.

[0058] If it is determined in S620 that no error information is stored in the error information area, an offline notification screen is displayed in S624. For example, this applies to a case where the connection path between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 is disconnected immediately after the connection process with the recording device 151 is completed in S401, and therefore the error information is not saved in S607, and the determination in S604 is No, so the process proceeds to S620.

[0059] If it is determined in S621 that the error information does not include a power-off operation, an offline notification screen is displayed in S624. For example, this applies to a case where an error such as an out-of-paper error, whose error resolution operation does not include a power-off operation, has occurred in the recording device 151, and after notification of the error information has been sent in S609, the connection path between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 is disconnected. In this case, the determination is No in S604, and the process proceeds to S621, where it is determined that the error information does not include a power-off operation, and an offline notification screen is displayed in S624.

[0060] As described above, according to this embodiment, if the recording device 151 is powered off after detecting an error that requires power-off operation to resolve the error, the user is notified of the necessary measures to be taken after the power is turned off. This configuration allows the user to complete the entire error resolution procedure up to the point where the power is turned off. Furthermore, in this case, the offline notification screen is not displayed, which prevents the user from being confused by the offline notification screen appearing after following the instructions.

[0061] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the initial setup of the recording device 151 is performed using a setup application. In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which, if an error occurs when printing using a printer driver, the user is notified of the error resolution procedure.

[0062] 7 is a flowchart showing the process of the printer driver 100. The process of FIG. 7 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executing it.

[0063] When the user issues a print instruction from an application on the information processing device 101 and processing by the printer driver is started, the CPU 103 performs processing to generate a print job based on the data passed from the application. Then, in S702, the CPU 103 transmits the generated print job to the recording device 151. Next, in S703, the CPU 103 acquires the status of the recording device 151. After S703, the processing in FIG. 7 ends.

[0064] Next, the process of acquiring the status of the recording device 151 in S703 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 8. Here, an example will be described in which the user starts printing using the printer driver when an ink cartridge is not completely installed in the ink holder 210 of the recording device 151. In S703, the process of Figure 6 is executed. In the first embodiment, the process of Figure 6 was described as being executed by the setup application, but in this embodiment, it is executed by the printer driver.

[0065] When a user starts printing using the printer driver, in step S702 a print job is sent to the recording device 151, which then starts the print process. The following describes a case in which the recording device 151 detects an abnormality when attempting to drive the ink holder 210 during the print process, causing an ink holder error.

[0066] In the information processing device 101, the printer driver starts the process of FIG. 6 as S703 in FIG. 7. In S601, the CPU 103 saves "ON" as the initial value of the power status information in the power status information area. In S602, the CPU 103 saves "no error" as the initial value of the error information in the error information area. In S603, the CPU 103 acquires information about the recording device 151. Then, in S604, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the acquisition of the information about the recording device 151 was successful.

[0067] If it is determined in S604 that the information from the recording device 151 has been successfully acquired, then in S605 the CPU 151 determines whether the information acquired from the recording device 151 includes error information.

[0068] In the first embodiment, it was described that in S605 it was determined whether initial installation incomplete information was included in addition to error information, but in this embodiment, no determination is made regarding initial installation incomplete information. If it is determined that ink holder error information is present, in S607 the CPU 103 stores the ink holder error information in the error information area. Then, in S608 the CPU 103 determines the type of power status information using information acquired from the recording device 151. As in the first embodiment, it is determined whether the power status information indicates a power-on state or whether the power is transitioning to a power-off state.

[0069] If it is determined in S608 that the power status information indicates the power ON state, in S609 the CPU 103 displays the acquired ink holder error information on the display unit 108. FIG. 8A shows an example of a screen displayed in S609. Screen 800 in FIG. 8A is an example of a printer driver display screen when an ink holder error occurs in the recording device 151, and displays a support code indicating the type of error and a method for dealing with the error. When an ink holder error occurs, the user must power cycle the recording device 151 to resolve the error. For this reason, screen 800 displays instructions for powering off the recording device 151. Screen 800 also includes a print cancel button 801. When the user presses button 801, the printer driver causes the recording device 151 to cancel execution of the print job sent in S702. Then, in S610, the CPU 103 updates the power status information in the power status information area to "ON." After S610, the process returns to S603 to obtain information about the recording device 151 again.

[0070] Following the instructions for powering off the recording device 151 displayed on screen 800, the user presses the power button 201 of the recording device 151, resulting in the recording device 151 transitioning from a power-on state to a power-off state. In this case, the process proceeds to S603, S604, S605, S607, and S608, and a determination is made in S608 as "transitioning to OFF." Then, in S611, the CPU 103 displays on the display unit 108 a screen notifying the user that the recording device 151 is transitioning to a power-off state. FIG. 8B shows an example of the screen displayed in S611. Screen 810 in FIG. 8B is displayed, for example, when the user presses the power button 201 of the recording device 151 following the instructions on screen 800, causing the recording device 151 to transition from a power-on state to a power-off state. Then, in S612, the CPU 103 updates the power state information in the power state information area to "transitioning to OFF." After S612, the process returns to S603 to obtain information about the recording device 151 again.

[0071] The recording device 151 transitions from a power-off state to a power-off state. In this case, the process proceeds from S603 to S604, where it is determined that acquisition of information about the recording device 151 has failed. Then, because an ink holder error was saved in S607, the CPU 103 determines in S620 that error information has been saved in the error information area, and the process proceeds to S621.

[0072] In S621, the CPU 103 determines, based on the stored error information, whether the error resolution operation includes a power-off operation for the recording device 151. Here, whether the error resolution operation includes a power-off operation may be determined by having the printer driver itself store in advance information associating each error information with information on whether the power-off operation is included. Alternatively, such information may be stored in advance in the recording device 151, and information on whether the power-off operation is included in the resolution of the error currently occurring in the recording device 151 may be transmitted to the information processing device 101. For example, in S603, the CPU 103 may obtain this information from the recording device 151. Here, the CPU 103 determines that the ink holder error resolution operation includes a power-off operation for the recording device 151, and proceeds to S622.

[0073] In S622, the CPU 103 determines the type of power state information in the power state information area. That is, it determines whether the power state information is "ON" or "transitioning to OFF." In this case, it is determined to be "transitioning to OFF," and the process proceeds to S623.

[0074] In S623, the CPU 103 determines that it is no longer possible to obtain information about the recording device 151 because the recording device 151 has been turned off, and displays a screen on the display unit 108 to notify the user of what to do after the power is turned off. The CPU 103 does not display an offline notification screen, as would be done in S624, even though the recording device 151 is in a power-off state and communication between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 is not possible.

[0075] Figure 8(c) shows an example of the screen displayed in S623. Screen 820 in Figure 8(c) includes a manual button 821. When the user presses button 821, CPU 103 launches a browser and displays web content that describes detailed steps to take after powering off. After S623, the process returns to S603 to obtain information about recording device 151 again.

[0076] When the user performs the post-power-off troubleshooting method while referring to the Web content, the recording device 151 is powered on. Then, the process proceeds to S603, S604, and S605, and in S605, the CPU 103 determines that the information acquired from the recording device 151 does not include error information, and the process of FIG. 6 ends.

[0077] In this embodiment, when printing is performed by the printer driver, if an error occurs in the recording device 151 that requires the power to be turned off to resolve the error, the printer driver executes the process shown in Figure 6. As a result, if the recording device 151 is turned off after detecting an error that requires the power to be turned off to resolve the error, the necessary measures to be taken after the power is turned off are notified. This configuration allows the user to complete a series of error resolution procedures up to and including the power being turned off.

[0078] Next, a case will be described in which the user starts printing using the printer driver while the connection path between the information processing device 101 and the recording device 151 is disconnected. In this case, even if the process of S702 is executed, printing will not start on the recording device 151 because the connection path is disconnected.

[0079] In the printer driver, the process of FIG. 6 begins at S703. After S601, S602, and S603, at S604, the CPU 103 determines that acquisition of information about the recording device 151 has failed, and the process proceeds to S620. In this case, since error information is not saved at S607, at S620 the CPU 103 determines that no error information is saved in the error information area, and the process proceeds to S624. At S624, the CPU 103 displays an offline notification screen on the display unit 108. FIG. 8D shows an example of the screen displayed at S624. Screen 830 in FIG. 8D includes a print cancel button 831. When the user presses button 831, the printer driver deletes the print job generated at S701. After S624, the process returns to S603 to again acquire information about the recording device 151.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment, if the recording device 151 is powered off after detecting an error that requires power-off operation to resolve the error, the printer driver notifies the user of the necessary measures to be taken after the power is turned off. This configuration allows the user to complete the entire error resolution procedure up to the point where the power is turned off. Furthermore, in this case, the offline notification screen is not displayed, which prevents the user from being confused by the offline notification screen appearing after following the instructions.

[0081] [Third embodiment] The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which one user prints from a printer driver was described. However, even when multiple users print from the printer drivers of their own information processing devices 101, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be achieved. Initial installation of the recording device 151 is often performed by one user, but when printing after the initial installation, multiple users may take turns sharing the recording device 151. In this embodiment, a case in which multiple users take turns printing from the printer driver in the configuration of the second embodiment will be described. Note that in this embodiment, a printer driver for the recording device 151 is installed in the information processing devices 101 of each of the multiple users, and the processes of FIGS. 6 and 7 are executed by each printer driver.

[0082] Assume that user A executes printing using the printer driver on the recording device 151 and an ink holder error occurs. Then, in a state where user A turns off the power to the recording device 151 without clearing the error, user B executes a print instruction from an application on his or her own information processing device 101. This section explains the process.

[0083] When user B issues a print instruction from an application and processing by the printer driver is started, the CPU 103 performs a print job generation process in S701 of Fig. 7. Then, in S702, the CPU 103 transmits the generated print job to the recording device 151, and in S703, the CPU 103 acquires the status of the recording device 151.

[0084] In the information processing device 101 of user B, the printer driver starts the process of Fig. 6 as S703 of Fig. 7. After S601 to S603, in S604, the CPU 103 determines whether or not it was successful in obtaining information about the recording device 151. In this case, since user A has turned off the power to the recording device 151, it is determined in S604 that it failed to obtain information about the recording device 151.

[0085] Then, in S620, CPU 103 determines whether or not error information is stored in the error information area. Here, in this case, since error information was not stored in S607, it is determined that error information is not stored in the error information area, and the process proceeds to S624. In S624, CPU 103 displays an offline notification screen on display unit 108.

[0086] User B, having seen the guidance on screen 830 of Figure 8(d) displayed in S624, turns on the power to the recording device 151. After S624, in S603, CPU 103 again acquires information about the recording device 151. In this case, since the recording device 151 is in a power-on state, in S604 it is determined that acquisition of the information about the recording device 151 was successful. At this time, the error has not yet been cleared in the recording device 151, so the information about the recording device 151 includes error information, in this case, ink holder error information.

[0087] Then, in S605, CPU 103 determines whether or not there is error information in the information acquired from recording device 151. In this case, the information from recording device 151 includes ink holder error information, so it is determined that there is error information. Then, in S607, CPU 103 saves the ink holder error information acquired in S603 in the error information area.

[0088] Since the recording device 151 is in the power-on state, in S608 it is determined that the power status information indicates the power-on state, and in S609 the CPU 103 displays the acquired ink holder error information, for example, screen 800 in Fig. 8(a), on the display unit 108. Then, in S610, the CPU 103 updates the power status information in the power status information area to "ON."

[0089] User B, seeing the guidance on screen 800 of FIG. 8(a) displayed in S609, performs an operation to power off the recording device 151. After S610, CPU 103 again acquires information about the recording device 151 in S603. At this time, the power status information included in the information about the recording device 151 indicates that the recording device 151 is transitioning to a power-off state. Therefore, after S605 and S607, in S608 it is determined that the power status information indicates that the recording device 151 is transitioning to a power-off state, and in S611 CPU 103 displays a screen on display unit 108 indicating that the recording device 151 is transitioning to a power-off state. Then, in S612 CPU 103 updates the power status information in the power status information area to "transitioning to OFF." After S612, the process returns to S603 to acquire information about the recording device 151 again.

[0090] Here, since the recording device 151 is in a power-off state, it is determined in S604 that acquisition of information about the recording device 151 failed. Also, since an ink holder error was saved in S607, it is determined in S620 that error information is saved in the error information area. Then, in S621, it is determined that the error resolution operation includes an operation to power off the recording device 151, and in S622, it is determined that the power status information indicates that the power is being turned off. Then, in S623, the CPU 103 determines that acquisition of information about the recording device 151 is no longer possible because the transition to power-off of the recording device 151 has been completed, and displays a screen 820 on the display unit 108 to notify the user of what to do after power-off. As a result, user B can resolve the ink holder error in the recording device 151 by following the guidance on what to do after power-off displayed on the screen 820.

[0091] As described above, according to this embodiment, even when multiple users take turns printing from the printer driver and share the recording device 151, the necessary troubleshooting steps are displayed after the power is turned off. As a result, user B can complete the series of error resolution procedures up to and including the time when the power is turned off. Also, even in this case, the offline notification screen is not displayed to user B, so it is possible to prevent user B from being confused by the offline notification screen being displayed after following the instructions.

[0092] In the above description, a first screen is displayed in S609 before the recording device 151 is turned off, and a second screen is displayed in S623 after the recording device 151 is turned off, as separate guides for how to resolve the error, including turning off the power of the recording device 151. However, this is not limiting. For example, the contents of the first screen and the second screen may be displayed together before the recording device 151 is turned off. In this case, in S623, the display on the screen for notifying the user of the corrective action is not changed, and only control is executed to not display the offline notification screen.

[0093] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0094] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 101 information processing device: 103, 154 CPU: 108, 161 display unit: 151 recording device

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of communicating with an external device, an acquisition means for acquiring device information relating to the device from the device; a display control means for causing a display unit of the information processing device to display a screen relating to an error that has occurred in the device when the device information acquired by the acquisition means includes error information; a notification means for not issuing a notification corresponding to the inability to communicate between the information processing device and the device, even if communication between the information processing device and the device becomes impossible after the screen relating to the error is displayed, when the operation for clearing the error includes an operation for turning off the power of the device, and for issuing a notification corresponding to the inability to communicate between the information processing device and the device, based on the fact that communication between the information processing device and the device becomes impossible after the screen relating to the error is displayed, when the operation for clearing the error does not include an operation for turning off the power of the device; An information processing device comprising:

2. When the operation to resolve the error includes an operation to turn off the power of the device, the display control means causes the display unit to display a first screen prompting the user to turn off the power of the device as a screen related to the error.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. the display control means, based on the fact that the power supply of the device is turned off after the display of the first screen, causes the display unit to display a second screen indicating operations to be performed after the power supply of the device is turned off.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:

4. the acquiring means acquires the device information from the device after the first screen is displayed and before the second screen is displayed; the display control means causes the display unit to display a third screen different from the first screen and the second screen based on the device information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

5. the device information acquired by the acquisition means before displaying the first screen includes information indicating that the power is on; the device information acquired by the acquisition means after the first screen is displayed includes information indicating that the power is being turned off; 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,

6. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the third screen is a screen indicating that the power of the device is being turned off.

7. The device information acquisition unit may further include a storage unit configured to store the device information acquired by the acquisition unit in a storage unit.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the storage means stores the device information acquired by the acquisition means in the storage unit after the third screen is displayed.

8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the notification means does not execute the notification even if the acquisition by the acquisition means fails if the operation to resolve the error includes an operation to turn off the power of the device.

9. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, when the operation to resolve the error does not include an operation to turn off the power of the device, the notification means executes the notification based on the fact that acquisition by the acquisition means has failed and that the operation to resolve the error does not include an operation to turn off the power of the device.

10. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, when the operation to resolve the error includes an operation to turn off the power of the device, the notification means executes the notification based on the fact that acquisition by the acquisition means has failed and that the device information acquired last time includes information indicating that the power of the device is on.

11. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not the operation for clearing the error includes an operation for turning off the power supply of the device.

12. the device information includes information as to whether the operation for clearing the error includes an operation for turning off the power of the device; The determination by the determination means is made based on the device information.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11,

13. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device is a printer.

14. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition by said acquisition means, the display control by said display control means, and the notification by said notification means are executed by a printer driver.

15. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition by said acquisition means, the display control by said display control means, and the notification by said notification means are executed by a setup application program of said device.

16. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the error that can be cleared by an operation including an operation to turn off the power of the apparatus is at least one of a paper jam error and an ink holder error in the apparatus.

17. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the error that can be cleared by an operation that does not include turning off the power of the device is at least one of a paper jam / packaging material not removed error, a cover open error, an ink not installed error, and an out of paper error in the device.

18. A method executed in an information processing device capable of communicating with an external device, an acquisition step of acquiring device information related to the device from the device; a display control step of displaying a screen relating to an error that has occurred in the device on a display unit of the information processing device when the device information acquired in the acquisition step includes error information; a notification step of not issuing a notification corresponding to the inability to execute communication between the information processing device and the device when the operation for clearing the error includes an operation for turning off the power of the device, even if communication between the information processing device and the device becomes impossible after the screen related to the error is displayed, and issuing a notification corresponding to the inability to execute communication between the information processing device and the device based on the fact that communication between the information processing device and the device becomes impossible after the screen related to the error is displayed when the operation for clearing the error does not include an operation for turning off the power of the device; A method comprising:

19. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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