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

Abstract

When an error occurs, a configuration is required that determines the appropriate means for notifying the error for each error type and notifies the user using the appropriate means. SOLUTION: The availability information of each notification means is determined for each error type, and an error notification is performed using a means that has a high priority and is available for notification.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, control program, and recording medium Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] When an error occurs while using an image forming device, it is necessary to properly notify the user of the error and how to deal with it. The most common method for this is to display the error on the image forming device's monitor. However, the size of the monitor and the amount of information that can be displayed vary depending on the model.

[0003] For example, large multifunction devices tend to have large monitors and can display a lot of information. On the other hand, small multifunction devices and inkjet printers tend to have small monitors. In such cases, displaying a message of just one or two sentences can fill up the screen.

[0004] In the case of the latter type of image forming device, even if an error is notified by a monitor display, there is a possibility that sufficient information may not be conveyed to the user. If the error is minor and can be explained in one sentence, there is no problem, but if you want to notify the user of the detailed location of the error and how to deal with it, the monitor display alone is insufficient for some models.

[0005] The general solution to such cases is to display only the error title and error code on the monitor. The user must rely on the displayed error code and title to find the relevant section in the manual, contact a service technician, or take other measures to resolve the issue. However, this is inconvenient as it places a burden on the user and takes time to confirm the problem.

[0006] Another solution is to notify the error by a different means, such as by email. Patent Document 1 also discloses a configuration in which the chapter of the manual corresponding to the error that occurred is printed out.

[0007] While this method of dealing with complex errors can provide sufficient information to users, notifying all errors by a specific method can cause problems. For example, notifying users by email of an error such as "The scanner is temporarily busy" that can be resolved by simply operating the image forming device again is roundabout and unhelpful.

[0008] Furthermore, a "network error" cannot be notified by email via the network, and a "printing unit error" cannot be notified by printed output. In light of these factors, a process for switching notifications according to the error situation is required. As an example, Patent Document 2 shows a configuration for notifying an error using a notification means according to the level (urgency) of the error. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 06-048000 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2010-147810 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Patent Document 2 simply switches the error notification means depending on the level (urgency) of the error.

[0011] Therefore, for example, if the notification capability of the error notification means (such as the amount of information that can be notified, the monitor display size and display color) is low for the error content, the error cannot be properly notified. Also, when notifying that the error notification means has broken, if this broken error notification means is selected as the notification means, the error cannot be notified in the first place. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention provides Image forming device having a display unit and an image forming unit Device And , The first image generated in the image forming apparatus error information on a second error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus, the second error having occurred after the first error has occurred; of acquisition do acquisition Means and without displaying detailed information about the error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus on the display unit, The error but occurrence That was done of Display on the display unit do a first notification that notifies the user that the error has occurred by Means and a second notification unit that notifies the user of the occurrence of the error by printing the detailed information of the error that has occurred in the image forming device and a notice that the error has occurred on a printing sheet by the image forming unit; a setting unit that sets a priority of notification units that are used to notify the user of the occurrence of the error in association with errors that may occur in the image forming device; Error information and the set priority Based on The first error The fact that Notification method to notify , to either the first notification means or the second notification means Decide First Decision means a second determination means for determining whether a notification means for notifying that the second error has occurred is the first notification means or the second notification means, based on the acquired second error information, the set priority, and the first error; With The second decision means decides to notify the occurrence of the second error by the second notification means when the setting means has set that the first notification means notify the occurrence of the second error and when the first notification means cannot notify the occurrence of the second error due to the first error that has occurred. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, when an error occurs in an image forming apparatus, notification can be made by appropriately switching between notification means depending on the type of error. The switching is made based on whether or not each notification means can be used for each error type. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] Overall configuration for carrying out the present invention [Figure 2] Hardware configuration diagram of image forming device [Figure 3] Block diagram of an image forming apparatus [Figure 4] Flowchart of error notification determination processing in the first embodiment [Figure 5] Example of an error notification screen displayed on the monitor and printed on the error printout [Figure 6] Flowchart of error notification determination processing in the second embodiment [Figure 7] Example of the error notification order editing screen [Figure 8] Flowchart of error notification determination process in the fourth embodiment [Figure 9] Flowchart of error notification determination process in the fifth embodiment [Figure 10] Example of an error notification screen via email notification [Figure 11] Flowchart of error notification determination process in the sixth embodiment [Figure 12] Example of an error screen on a client device [Figure 13] Example of error notification order [Figure 14] Example of error notification availability information [Figure 15] Example of error notification blocking information [Figure 16] Example of error notification order editing information [Figure 17] Example of error notification order after editing [Figure 18] Example of error notification deprecation information [Figure 19] Example of error notification order [Figure 20] Example of error notification availability information [Figure 21] Example of error notification order [Figure 22] Job information example [Figure 23] Example of error notification information DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The information processing system of this embodiment is applied to an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is assumed to be a small machine with a small monitor, so that displaying a message of one or two sentences would fill up the screen.

[0016] 1 shows an example of the overall configuration for carrying out the present invention. 101 is an image forming apparatus. 102 is a client terminal, which is capable of sending print jobs to the image forming apparatus and receiving scan results executed on the image forming apparatus. The client terminal 102 is also capable of sending and receiving emails. The image forming apparatus 101 and the client terminal 102 are connected to each other via a network 100.

[0017] In the first to fourth embodiments, the image forming apparatus 101 shown in Fig. 1 can be used alone. In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the entire configuration shown in Fig. 1, i.e., the image forming apparatus 101 and the client terminal 102 are connected via the network 100, can be used. [Example]

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

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

[0020] The network interface 203 connects to a network and communicates with network devices such as other computers and image forming devices. The communication method may be either wired or wireless. A mobile network interface may also be included. The input / output interface 205 inputs and outputs information and signals using a touch panel, buttons, LED lights, etc. Devices that do not have this hardware can also be connected and operated from other computers using a remote interface, etc.

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

[0022] Each unit is connected via a system bus 204. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the system bus 204 transmits control commands from the CPU 200 to each piece of hardware connected to the system bus 204.

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

[0024] Reference numeral 300 denotes an error detection means that detects errors that occur on the image forming apparatus and determines the type of error. Reference numeral 301 denotes an error notification information storage function that stores notification information such as error messages. Reference numeral 303 denotes an error notification order storage function that stores the order of error notification means. An example of the error notification order is shown in FIG. 13.

[0025] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus attempts to notify the user by displaying a message on the monitor as a first priority, and then attempts to notify the user by printing an error message as a second priority. While an actual system is expected to switch between more than two notification methods, this embodiment uses only two methods for the sake of simplicity.

[0026] An error notification availability information storage function 302 stores error notification availability information for each error type. An example of error notification availability information for each error type is shown in FIG.

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

[0028] The scanner busy error indicates that the scanner is currently processing a job and is temporarily unable to accept scans. It is sufficient for the image forming device to display a message to the user saying "The scanner is busy. Please retry." This can be notified on the monitor display. It is also possible to notify the user by printing an error message.

[0029] An internal part error (ADF) indicates that an error has occurred in an internal part of the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder). In this case, the image forming device would like to display information such as what specifically happened in which part, how to deal with the problem, and whether manufacturer support is required. For this reason, the image forming device is unable to notify the error on the monitor display. However, the image forming device is able to notify the error because it can present the above information in an error printout.

[0030] Reference numeral 304 denotes an error notification management means. The error notification management means 304 determines a specific error notification means from among a plurality of error notification means based on the content of the error detected by the error detection means 300. Specifically, the error notification management means 304 determines whether to notify the error detected by the error detection means 300 using the error notification priority and the error notification availability information. The error notification determination process of the error notification management means 304 is shown in detail in FIG. 4.

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

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

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

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

[0035] 4 is a flowchart of the error notification determination process in the first embodiment, which is executed by the error notification management means 304. The error notification management means 304 starts the error notification determination process when an error is detected by the error detection means 300. The error notification management means 304 acquires error notification information linked to the detected error type from the error notification information storage function 301 (S400). The error notification management means 304 acquires error notification availability information linked to the detected error type from the error notification availability information storage function 302 (S401).

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

[0037] 13 and 14 are used to show examples of cases in which the error detection means 300 detects an error.

[0038] In Fig. 13, the highest priority error notification means is monitor display. If the error detection means 300 detects a scanner busy error, the error notification management means 304 determines from Fig. 14 that error notification via monitor display is possible (S403). If the error detection means 300 detects an internal part error (ADF), the error notification management means 304 determines from Fig. 14 that error notification via monitor display is impossible (S403).

[0039] If it is determined that notification is possible using the error notification means with the highest priority (Yes in S403), the error notification management means 304 notifies the error using the error notification means with the highest priority (S404). In Fig. 13, the error notification management means 304 notifies the error by displaying it on the monitor.

[0040] If it is determined that notification is not possible using the highest priority error notification means (No in S403), the error notification management means 304 notifies the error using an alternative error notification means (error notification means with next priority) (S405). In Fig. 13, the error notification management means 304 notifies the error using an error print.

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

[0042] In the second embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0043] This embodiment shows an example of a configuration in which an error notification method is selected taking into consideration the impact of errors that have already occurred on the image forming apparatus. In addition to the detected error, a list of existing errors that have already occurred is acquired. After that, it is determined whether notification is possible based on the error type and whether the notification is prevented by existing errors, and if notification is possible, an error notification is performed.

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

[0045] 6 is a flowchart of the error notification determination process in the second embodiment, which is executed by the error notification management means 304. Following the process equivalent to S402 in FIG. 4, the error notification management means 304 acquires a list of existing errors from the existing error detection means 320 (S600). If it is determined that notification is possible using the highest-priority error notification means (Yes in S403), the error notification management means 304 acquires error notification inhibition information for the highest-priority error notification means from the error notification inhibition information storage function 321 (S601). The error notification management means 304 determines whether the error notification inhibition information includes any errors that have already occurred in the existing error list (S602).

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

[0047] From Fig. 14, the error notification management means 304 determines that an error notification on the monitor display is possible (S403). The error notification management means 304 acquires the error notification inhibition information on the monitor display (second line in Fig. 15) from the error notification inhibition information storage function 321 (S601). The error notification management means 304 determines whether the error notification inhibition information (second line in Fig. 15) includes an error that has already occurred in the list of existing errors (S602). As a result, an error that inhibits the monitor display notification, a data cable error (monitor), exists (No in S602).

[0048] If there is no error that has already occurred in the list of existing errors in the error notification inhibition information (Yes in S602), the error notification management means 304 notifies the error using the error notification means with the highest priority (S404). In Fig. 13, the error notification management means 304 notifies the error on the monitor display.

[0049] If the error notification inhibition information includes an error that has already occurred in the list of existing errors (No in S602), the error notification management means 304 notifies the error using an alternative error notification means (error notification means with next priority) (S405). In Fig. 13, the error notification management means 304 notifies the error using an error print. [Example]

[0050] In the third embodiment, only the differences from the first and second embodiments will be described.

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

[0052] So far, we have described a configuration that switches notification methods depending on detected errors or errors that have already occurred. However, it is thought that error priority will differ depending on the user's environment and situation. For example, a user with poor eyesight may prioritize printouts over small print displayed on a monitor.

[0053] In addition, a user who often works at a desk away from the image forming apparatus may prioritize notifications to a client terminal. Taking such cases into consideration, the following describes a configuration and process that allows a user to edit the error notification priority.

[0054] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. 330 is an error notification order editing function. The error notification order editing function 330 can edit the error notification order stored in the error notification order storage function 303 based on error notification order editing information input via the input / output interface input / output management function 309. An example of the error notification order editing information is shown below. Note that, again, for simplicity, two types of error notification means are shown as examples in Figure 16.

[0055] FIG. 17 shows the error notification order after editing using the error notification order editing information of FIG.

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

[0057] Reference numeral 704 denotes an OK button, which the user can press to send the information in the error notification order display 701 as error notification order edit information. When the user presses the OK button, the error notification order edit information is passed from the input / output interface input / output management function 309 to the error notification order edit function 330 via the input / output interface 205. The error notification order edit function 330 uses the error notification order edit information to edit the error notification order held by the error notification order holding function 303. [Example]

[0058] In the fourth embodiment, only the differences from the first to third embodiments will be described.

[0059] In Examples 1 to 3, the notification method was switched depending on the error type, based on whether each error notification method was available. However, even if a specific notification method was available, it is considered that there may be errors for which it is not appropriate to use that notification method. An example is a "warning notifying that the remaining amount of consumables is low." Although the content of the warning is a warning, it is assumed that this warning is treated as a type of error to be notified in the system.

[0060] Although the remaining amount of a consumable is low, printing is still possible, so the image forming device can notify the user by printing an error. However, it is considered that the user does not want to print just to be notified that the remaining amount of a consumable is low, and therefore does not want to further reduce the consumables. In this case, it is desirable for the image forming device to use a notification method that avoids printing an error.

[0061] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. 340 is an error notification non-recommended information storage function that stores error notification non-recommended information. The error notification non-recommended information manages, for a certain error notification means, a list of error types for which notification by that notification means is not recommended. An example of the error notification non-recommended information is shown in Figure 18.

[0062] 19 shows an example of the error notification order stored in the error notification order storing function 303 in the fourth embodiment. For convenience of explanation, a different notification order from that in the first embodiment is set for the error notification order.

[0063] FIG. 20 shows an example of error notification availability information stored in the error notification availability information storage function 302 in the fourth embodiment.

[0064] 8 is a flowchart of the error notification determination process in the fourth embodiment, which is executed by the error notification management means 304. When it is determined that notification is possible using the highest priority error notification means (Yes in S403), the error notification management means 304 acquires the error notification non-recommended information of the highest priority error notification means from the error notification non-recommended information storage function 340 (S800). The error notification management means 304 determines whether the detected error type is included in the error notification non-recommended information (S801).

[0065] Specific examples using Figures 18 to 20 are shown below. In Figure 19, the error notification means with the highest priority is error printing. It is assumed that the error detection means 300 detects an error indicating that the remaining toner is low.

[0066] From Fig. 20, the error notification management means 304 determines that an error notification is possible with an error print (S403). The error notification management means 304 acquires the error notification non-recommended information with an error print (third line in Fig. 18) from the error notification non-recommended information storage function 340 (S800). The error notification management means 304 determines whether the detected low toner error is present in the error notification non-recommended information (third line in Fig. 18) (S801). As a result, a low toner error, which is a non-recommended error with an error print notification, is present (No in S801).

[0067] If the detected error type is not included in the error notification non-recommended information (Yes in S801), the error notification management unit 304 notifies the error using the highest priority error notification unit (S404). In Fig. 19, the error notification management unit 304 notifies the error by an error print.

[0068] If the detected error type is included in the error notification non-recommended information (No in S801), the error notification management means 304 notifies the error using an alternative error notification means (error notification means with next priority) (S405). In Fig. 19, the error notification management means 304 notifies the error on a monitor display. [Example]

[0069] In the fifth embodiment, only the differences from the first to fourth embodiments will be described.

[0070] In the first to fourth embodiments, the error notification means have been limited to two types for the sake of simplicity. In the fifth embodiment, a more practical configuration will be described in which the image forming apparatus switches between three or more types of notification. Specifically, in addition to the "monitor display" and "error print" in the first to fourth embodiments, the image forming apparatus switches between the notification means of "email notification (notification by email sending means)" and "LED lighting (light emission) / buzzer warning (sound generation)."

[0071] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. 350 is an LED lighting function that can light up an LED on the image forming apparatus. 351 is an alarm sound generation function that can emit an alarm sound from the image forming apparatus. 353 is an email address storage function that stores email addresses and manages notification destinations.

[0072] The email address storage function 353 can store email addresses input via the input / output interface input / output management function 309 and the network interface input / output management function 310. An email notification management function 352 can acquire email addresses and notification destination settings from the email address storage function 353 and send email notifications via the network interface input / output management function 310.

[0073] The LED lighting function 350 is called by the error notification management means 304 and can notify the occurrence of an error by lighting up an LED. The warning sound emitting function 351 is called by the error notification management means 304 and can notify the occurrence of an error by emitting a warning sound. The email notification management function 352 is also called by the error notification management means 304 and can notify error notification information by email.

[0074] In the fifth embodiment, an example of the error notification order stored in the error notification order storing function 303 is shown in FIG.

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

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

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

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

[0079] If it is determined that notification is not possible using the third-priority error notification means (No in S902), the error notification management means 304 notifies the error using an alternative error notification means (fourth-priority error notification means) (S405). In Fig. 21, the error notification management means 304 notifies the error by lighting up an LED and sounding a buzzer.

[0080] 10 shows an example of an error notification screen by email notification. 1000 is an example of an error notification by email notification. [Example]

[0081] In the sixth embodiment, only the differences from the first to fifth embodiments will be described.

[0082] In the first to fifth embodiments, a configuration was described in which notification is switched when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus. In this case, the process content that caused the error in the image forming apparatus was not used in the judgment. However, when an error occurs in a job sent from a client terminal, it is considered that the error content can be conveyed to the user in the most appropriate way by notifying the error in the form of a reply to the client terminal.

[0083] In the sixth embodiment, when an error is detected, the job being executed is acquired. If the job being executed was sent from a client terminal, error information is sent to the client terminal as an error notification.

[0084] 11 is a flowchart of the error notification determination process in the sixth embodiment, which is executed by the error notification management means 304. After acquiring error notification information (S400), the error notification management means 304 acquires the currently running job from the job management function 308 (S1100). The error notification management means 304 determines whether there is a currently running job (S1101). If there is no currently running job (No in S1101), the error notification management means 304 proceeds to the process of S401.

[0085] If there is a job currently being executed (Yes in S1101), the error notification management unit 304 determines whether the job currently being executed is a job originating from the client terminal (S1102). If the job currently being executed is not originating from the client terminal (No in S1102), the error notification management unit 304 proceeds to the processing of S401.

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

[0087] If the job being executed originates from the client terminal (Yes in S1102), the error notification management unit 304 notifies the client terminal 102 of the error via the job management function 308 and the network interface input / output management function 310 (S1103). An example of the error notification information sent by the job management function 308 is shown in FIG. 23 below.

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

[0089] (Other Examples) In the above embodiment, priorities are assigned when determining the error notification means from among a plurality of error notification means.

[0090] There are various ways to set priorities. For example, priorities may be determined based on the user's environment and usage.

[0091] For example, the monitor mounted on the information processing device is given first priority, the mail sending means is given second priority, and the printing means is given third priority.

[0092] When an error occurs in a printer, such as a paper jam, the user must directly access the printer, so it is convenient to display the error on the printer's monitor. Therefore, the monitor display means is given first priority. Also, to reduce consumption of consumables such as printing paper, toner, and ink, the printing means is given third priority, and the email sending means is given second priority.

[0093] Also, in consideration of quiet working environments such as offices, it is desirable to lower the priority of notification methods such as sound and light (for example, to give them the fourth priority).

[0094] Conversely, if the device is installed in a crowded place such as a factory, an error notification may be given by sound or light.

[0095] Furthermore, in order to meet the needs of various users, it is preferable that the user himself / herself be able to edit the priority of the error notification means.

[0096] Furthermore, in a printer device, if an error occurs in the printing means, such as a paper jam, the error cannot be notified if the printing means is set as the error notification means. Therefore, it is better to determine the error notification means depending on the content (type) of the error and notify the error. At least, in the case of an error in the notification means, it is better to perform error notification control so that an error notification means other than the notification means in which the error occurred is determined.

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

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

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having a display unit and an image forming unit, an acquisition unit that acquires information about a first error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus and information about a second error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus after the first error has occurred; a first notification means for notifying a user that an error has occurred by displaying on the display unit a message indicating that the error has occurred without displaying detailed information about the error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus; and a second notification means for notifying the user of the occurrence of the error by printing the detailed information of the error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus and a message that the error has occurred on a printing sheet by the image forming unit; a setting unit that sets a priority of a notification unit used to notify the user of an occurrence of an error in association with the error that may occur in the image forming apparatus; a first determination means for determining whether a notification means for notifying that the first error has occurred is the first notification means or the second notification means, based on the acquired information about the first error and the set priority; and a second determination means for determining whether a notification means for notifying that the second error has occurred is the first notification means or the second notification means, based on the acquired second error information, the set priority, and the first error; The second decision means decides to notify the occurrence of the second error by the second notification means when the setting means has set that the first notification means notify the occurrence of the second error and when the first notification means cannot notify the occurrence of the second error due to the first error that has occurred. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The image forming device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the setting means accepts priority settings from the user, and sets the priority of the notification means used to notify the user that an error has occurred, corresponding to an error that may occur in the image forming device.

3. a receiving means for receiving a job from a client terminal; a transmitting means for transmitting to the client terminal a notification that a third error has occurred in the image forming apparatus, The transmission means transmits to the client terminal a notification that the third error caused by the job received from the client terminal has occurred.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. A third notification means for notifying the user that the error has occurred by illuminating an LED to indicate that the error has occurred; a fourth notifying means for notifying the user of the occurrence of the error by generating a sound to indicate that the error has occurred; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. An image forming device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the printed printing paper is printed with information that the error occurred in the image forming device, the location where the error occurred, how to resolve the error, and contact information for resolving the error.

6. A control method for an image forming apparatus having a display unit and an image forming unit, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring information on a first error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus and information on a second error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus and that has occurred after the first error has occurred; a first notification step of notifying a user that an error has occurred by displaying on the display unit a message indicating that the error has occurred without displaying detailed information about the error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus; a second notification step of notifying the user of the occurrence of the error by printing the detailed information of the error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus and a message that the error has occurred on a printing sheet by the image forming unit; a setting step of setting a priority of a notification step used to notify the user of an occurrence of an error in association with the error that may occur in the image forming apparatus; a first determination step of determining whether a notification step for notifying that the first error has occurred is the first notification step or the second notification step, based on the acquired information about the first error and the set priority order; a second determination step of determining whether a notification step for notifying that the second error has occurred is the first notification step or the second notification step, based on the acquired second error information, the set priority level, and the first error; In the second determining step, if it is set in the setting step that notification is to be made by the first notifying step in response to the second error, and if it is not possible to notify the occurrence of the second error by the first notifying step due to the first error that has occurred, it is determined that the occurrence of the second error is to be notified by the second notifying step.

2. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

7. A control program for an image forming apparatus having a display unit and an image forming unit, an acquiring step of acquiring information on a first error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus and information on a second error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus and that has occurred after the first error has occurred; a first notification step of notifying a user that an error has occurred by displaying on the display unit a message indicating that the error has occurred without displaying detailed information about the error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus; a second notification step of notifying the user of the occurrence of the error by printing the detailed information of the error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus and a message that the error has occurred on a printing sheet by the image forming unit; a setting step of setting a priority of a notification step used to notify the user of an occurrence of an error in association with the error that may occur in the image forming apparatus; a first determination step of determining whether a notification step for notifying that the first error has occurred is the first notification step or the second notification step, based on the acquired information about the first error and the set priority order; a second determination step of determining whether a notification step for notifying that the second error has occurred is the first notification step or the second notification step, based on the acquired second error information, the set priority level, and the first error; In the second determining step, if it is set in the setting step that notification is to be made by the first notifying step in response to the second error, and if it is not possible to notify the occurrence of the second error by the first notifying step due to the first error that has occurred, it is determined that the occurrence of the second error is to be notified by the second notifying step.

10. A control program for an image forming apparatus comprising:

8. A recording medium storing the control program according to claim 7.

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