Computer program for administrator terminal, communication system, and method executed by the communication system

Abstract

To provide a new technique for notifying that there is such a possibility that a malfunction occurs in an image formation device.SOLUTION: A manager terminal comprises: a determination unit which determines whether or not a first image formation device identified by first device identification information included in first execution information matches a second image formation device closest to a first user terminal identified by first terminal identification information included in the first execution information when the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image formation device; and a first output unit which outputs first notification information indicating that there is such a possibility that a malfunction occurs in the second image formation device when it is determined that the first image formation device does not match the second image formation device, and does not output the first notification information when it is determined that the first image formation device matches the second image formation device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to the notification of the occurrence of malfunctions in an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a malfunction estimation device. In this malfunction estimation device, when the number of cases where a print job of the same content is executed on another image forming apparatus after a print job is executed on one image forming apparatus exceeds a reference number of cases, it is estimated that a malfunction has occurred in the one image forming apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a novel technology for notifying that there may be a malfunction in an image forming apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for an administrator terminal. The administrator terminal may include a memory that stores a plurality of terminal identification information for identifying a plurality of user terminals, a plurality of device identification information for identifying a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and for each of the plurality of user terminals, identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus closest to the user terminal, and a computer. The computer program comprises the following parts: an execution information receiving unit that receives execution information indicating that the communication of the image forming instruction has been executed from a user terminal or an image forming apparatus when an image forming instruction is transmitted from any of the plurality of user terminals to any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein the execution information includes terminal identification information for identifying the user terminal and device identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus; and when first execution information is received from a first user terminal or a first image forming apparatus, the first image forming apparatus identified by the first device identification information included in the first execution information uses the information in the memory to identify the first image forming apparatus The system may also function as a determination unit that determines whether the location and the second image forming apparatus closest to the first user terminal, which is identified by the first terminal identification information included in the first execution information, match; and a first output unit that, when the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, outputs first notification information indicating that a malfunction may have occurred in the second image forming apparatus, and does not output the first notification information when the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus match.

[0006] The user of the first user terminal usually has the second image forming machine, which is closest to the first user terminal, perform image forming. However, if the second image forming machine malfunctions, the user may have the image forming machine perform image forming. In light of this situation, the administrator terminal implemented by the above computer program outputs first notification information indicating that there may be a malfunction in the second image forming machine when it determines that the first and second image forming machines do not match. As a result, the administrator can learn that there may be a malfunction in the second image forming machine by viewing the first notification information.

[0007] The computer-readable recording medium for storing the above computer program, the administrator terminal itself implemented by the above computer program, and the method executed by the administrator terminal are all novel and useful. Furthermore, the communication system comprising the above administrator terminal, multiple user terminals, and an image forming apparatus is also novel and useful. Additionally, the method executed by the above communication system is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This shows the configuration of the communication system. [Figure 2] The control configuration for each device is shown. [Figure 3] This shows a flowchart of the processes performed by the administrator terminal. [Figure 4] The sequence diagram for Case A is shown. [Figure 5] The sequence diagram following Figure 4 is shown. [Figure 6] The sequence diagram for Case B is shown. [Figure 7] The sequence diagram for Case C is shown below. [Figure 8] The sequence diagram for Case D is shown. [Figure 9] The sequence diagram for Case E is shown. [Figure 10] The sequence diagram for Case F is shown. [Figure 11] The flowchart shows the process performed by the administrator terminal in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] The flowchart shows the process performed by the administrator terminal in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises an administrator terminal 10 used by the administrator of the communication system 2, two printers 100A and 100B, and four user terminals 200A1, 200A2, 200B1, and 200B2 used by individual users. Printers 100A and 100B are assigned printer IDs "PA" and "PB," respectively. User terminals 200A1, 200A2, 200B1, and 200B2 are assigned terminal IDs "TA1," "TA2," "TB1," and "TB2," respectively. In the following text, when printers 100A and 100B are not specifically distinguished, they may be referred to as "printer 100." Similarly, when user terminals 200A1, 200A2, 200B1, and 200B2 are not specifically distinguished, they may be referred to as "user terminal 200." Each device 10, 100, and 200 is installed in the office and is configured to communicate with each other via a LAN (Local Area Network, not shown in the diagram). Printer 100A and user terminals 200A1 and 200A2 belong to group GA. Printer 100B and user terminals 200B1 and 200B2 belong to group GB. The devices belonging to each group GA and GB are predetermined by the user of administrator terminal 10 (i.e., the administrator of communication system 2).

[0010] In this embodiment, devices belonging to the same group are close together, while devices belonging to different groups are far apart. That is, the printer closest to each user terminal 200A1, 200A2 is printer 100A, not printer 100B. Similarly, the printer closest to each user terminal 200B1, 200B2 is printer 100B, not printer 100A. Therefore, normally, users of each user terminal 200A1, 200A2 will have printer 100A perform printing, and users of each user terminal 200B1, 200B2 will have printer 100B perform printing. However, for example, if printer 100A is malfunctioning, users of each user terminal 200A1, 200A2 may have printer 100B perform printing. In this embodiment, the administrator terminal 10 detects such user behavior and notifies the administrator that there may be a malfunction in the printer. In this specification, "malfunction" in a printer means that while printing itself is possible with the printer, at least a part of the resulting print medium may have defects (e.g., blurring of the printed image).

[0011] (Control configuration of each device; Figure 2) (Configuration of administrator terminal 10) The administrator terminal 10 is a terminal device such as a stationary PC, notebook PC, tablet PC, smartphone, or PDA. The administrator terminal 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a communication interface 16, and a control unit 30. Each unit 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line (symbol omitted). Hereafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F".

[0012] The operation unit 12 is an interface for inputting various instructions to the administrator terminal 10, such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. The administrator can input various instructions to the administrator terminal 10 via the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. If the display unit 14 is a touch panel, the display unit 14 also functions as the operation unit 12. The communication interface 16 is connected to the LAN.

[0013] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to a program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 34 further stores a terminal table 38, a printer table 40, and a job table 42.

[0014] The terminal table 38 is a table for managing a plurality of user terminals to be managed (in this embodiment, four user terminals 200A1, etc.). The terminal table 38 stores the terminal ID and the affiliated group information in association with each other. The terminal ID is information for identifying the user terminal. The affiliated group information indicates the group (either of the two groups GA and GB in this embodiment) to which the user terminal belongs. Each piece of information included in the terminal table 38 is registered by the administrator.

[0015] The printer table 40 is a table for managing a plurality of printers to be managed (in this embodiment, two printers 100A and 100B). The printer table 40 stores the printer ID, the device state, and the affiliated group information in association with each other. The printer ID is information for identifying the printer. The device state is information indicating the current state of the printer (for example, standby, printing, error, etc.). The affiliated group information indicates the group to which the printer belongs. The printer ID and the affiliated group information included in the printer table 40 are registered by the administrator. Also, each of the printers 100A and 100B is configured to transmit, via the LAN, device state information indicating the changed device state every time its state changes to the administrator terminal 10. Every time the administrator terminal 10 receives the device state information from each of the printers 100A and 100B, it updates the device state associated with the printer in the printer table 40.

[0016] The job table 42 is a table for managing print jobs. As will be described in detail later, when each printer 100A, 100B receives a print execution instruction from a user terminal 200A1 or the like, it generates a job ID for identifying the print job and transmits execution information including the job ID to the administrator terminal 10. When the administrator terminal 10 receives the execution information, it updates the job table 42. The job table 42 stores by associating a job ID, a file name, a source ID, a destination ID, a reception time, and a job state. The file name is information for identifying the image to be printed. The source ID is a terminal ID for identifying the user terminal that is the source of the print execution instruction. The destination ID is a printer ID for identifying the printer that is the destination of the print execution instruction. The reception time indicates the time when the administrator terminal 10 receives the execution information. The job state indicates the state of the print process corresponding to the print job (for example, waiting, executing, executed, canceled, etc.). Each printer 100A, 100B transmits job state information indicating the changed job state to the administrator terminal 10 every time the job state corresponding to the print job changes (for example, printing starts, printing is completed, etc.). When the administrator terminal 10 receives the job state information from each printer 100A, 100B, it updates the job state in the job table 42.

[0017] (Configuration of Printer 100) The printer 100 is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function (for example, a peripheral device of the user terminal 200). In a modified example, the printer 100 may be a multifunction device capable of executing a scan function, a facsimile function, etc. in addition to the printing function. The printer 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication I / F 116, a print execution unit 118, and a control unit 130. Each unit 112 to 130 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted).

[0018] The control unit 112 is equipped with multiple keys. By operating the control unit 112, the user can input various instructions to the printer 100. The display unit 114 is a display for displaying various information. If the display unit 114 is a touch panel, the display unit 114 also functions as the control unit 112. The communication interface 116 is connected to a LAN. The print execution unit 118 is equipped with a printing mechanism such as an inkjet or laser printer.

[0019] The control unit 130 comprises a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 performs various processes according to a program 136 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc.

[0020] (Configuration of user terminal 200) The user terminal 200 is a terminal device such as a stationary PC, notebook PC, tablet PC, smartphone, or PDA. The user terminal 200 comprises an operation unit 212, a display unit 214, a communication interface 216, and a control unit 230. Each unit 212 to 230 is connected to a bus line (symbol omitted).

[0021] The operation unit 212 is an interface for inputting various instructions to the user terminal 200, such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. The user of the user terminal 200 can input various instructions to the user terminal 200 via the operation unit 212. The display unit 214 is a display for displaying various information. If the display unit 214 is a touch panel, the display unit 214 also functions as the operation unit 212. The communication interface 216 is connected to a LAN.

[0022] The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The CPU 232 executes various processes according to the program 236 (e.g., OS program, application program) stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc.

[0023] (Processing by administrator terminal 10; Figure 3) Next, referring to Figure 3, the process executed by the CPU 32 of the administrator terminal 10 will be explained. The process in Figure 3 is triggered when the power of the administrator terminal 10 is turned ON and is executed repeatedly while the power is ON.

[0024] In S10, CPU32 monitors for the reception of execution information from the printer (e.g., printer 100A). When a print execution command is sent from the user terminal to the printer, CPU32 determines YES in S10 and proceeds to S12 if it receives execution information from the printer. Hereafter, the print execution command and the execution information will be referred to as "target print execution command" and "target execution information," respectively, and the user terminal that sends the target print execution command and the printer to which the target print execution command is sent will be referred to as "target user terminal" and "target printer," respectively. The target execution information includes the job ID, the file name, the source ID which is the terminal ID of the target user terminal, and the destination ID which is the printer ID of the target printer (see Figure 4 below). The file name is the file name of the image to be printed included in the target print execution command.

[0025] In S12, CPU32 updates the job table 42. Specifically, CPU32 associates each piece of information contained in the received target execution information (i.e., job ID, file name, source ID, destination ID), the time the target execution information was received, and the job status, and stores them in the job table 42. At this stage, the job status indicates "waiting". Hereafter, the print job corresponding to the target execution information (i.e., the print job identified by the job ID stored in S12) will be referred to as the "target job".

[0026] In S14, the CPU 32 determines whether the target printer is the closest printer to the target user terminal. Specifically, first, the CPU 32 identifies the group information associated with the terminal ID of the target user terminal from the terminal table 38. Next, the CPU 32 identifies the printer ID associated with the same group information from the printer table 40. In other words, the CPU 32 identifies the printer ID of the printer closest to the target user terminal. Then, the CPU 32 determines whether the printer ID of the target printer matches the identified printer ID. If the printer ID of the target printer matches the identified printer ID, the CPU 32 determines YES in S14 and skips the processing from S16 onwards. On the other hand, if the printer ID of the target printer does not match the identified printer ID, the CPU 32 determines NO in S14 and proceeds to S16. In this way, the CPU 32 can appropriately determine whether the target printer is the closest printer to the target user terminal based on the group information.

[0027] In S16, the CPU 32 determines whether or not an error has occurred in the printer closest to the target user terminal (i.e., the target printer). Specifically, the CPU 32 identifies the device status associated with the printer ID identified in S14 from the printer table 40. If the identified device status indicates "error", the CPU 32 determines YES in S16 and skips the processing from S18 onwards. On the other hand, if the identified device status does not indicate "error" (for example, if it is "waiting"), the CPU 32 determines NO in S16 and proceeds to S18. In this specification, "error" in a printer means an error that makes printing impossible on that printer.

[0028] In S18, the CPU 32 determines whether or not printing is currently in progress on the printer closest to the target user terminal. Specifically, the CPU 32 identifies the device status associated with the printer ID identified in S14 from the printer table 40. If the identified device status indicates "printing," the CPU 32 determines YES in S18 and skips the processing from S20 onward. On the other hand, if the identified device status does not indicate "printing" (for example, if it is "waiting"), the CPU 32 determines NO in S18 and proceeds to S20.

[0029] In S20, CPU32 determines whether or not an identical job exists in the job table 42. Here, "identical job" means a print job that has the same combination of file name and sender ID as the target job. First, CPU32 identifies one print job from among the multiple print jobs contained in the job table 42. Next, CPU32 determines whether or not the combination of file name and sender ID of the target job matches the combination of file name and sender ID of the identified print job. If the former and the latter match, CPU32 determines that an identical job exists (YES in S20) and proceeds to S22. CPU32 performs the above process for each print job stored in the job table 42. As a result, CPU32 may determine that one or more identical jobs exist. If CPU32 determines that no identical jobs exist (NO in S20), it skips the processing from S22 onward.

[0030] In S22, CPU32 determines the job status of the same job. Specifically, CPU32 identifies the job status of one of the one or more identical jobs from the job table 42. If the identified job status indicates "executed," the process proceeds to S24. If the identified job status indicates "waiting" or "running," the process proceeds to S26. If the identified job status indicates "canceled," the process proceeds to S30.

[0031] In S24, CPU32 determines whether the difference between the reception time of the target job and the reception time of the identified identical job is less than a predetermined time (for example, less than 5 minutes). Here, "reception time of the target job" and "reception time of the identical job" are the reception times associated with the target job and the identified identical job, respectively, in the job table 42. If the above difference is less than the predetermined value, CPU32 determines YES in S24 and proceeds to S30; if the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, CPU32 determines NO in S24 and proceeds to S26.

[0032] In S26, CPU32 determines whether the process in S22 has been executed for all of the one or more identical jobs identified in S20. If the process in S22 has been executed for all of the identical jobs, CPU32 determines YES in S26 and does not execute the process in S30. On the other hand, if there are any of the one or more identical jobs identified in S20 that have not had the process in S22 executed, CPU32 determines NO in S26 and determines the job status of the other identical jobs in S22.

[0033] In S30, CPU32 displays notification screen SC1 on display unit 14. Notification screen SC1 includes the printer ID of the printer closest to the target user terminal and a message indicating that a malfunction may be occurring in the printer identified by that printer ID. When processing in S30 is completed, the process returns to monitoring in S10.

[0034] (Case A; Figures 4 and 5) Next, we will explain a specific case realized by the process shown in Figure 3. First, we will explain Case A with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In the following, for ease of understanding, the processes executed by the CPU (e.g., 32, 132, 232) will not be described primarily from the perspective of the CPU, but rather from the perspective of each device (e.g., administrator terminal 10, printer 100, user terminal 200). Also, all communication between each device described below will be performed via a communication interface (16, 116, 216, etc.). Therefore, in the following explanation, the phrase "via a communication interface" will be omitted when describing communication between each device.

[0035] User terminal 200A1 receives a print execution operation from the user of user terminal 200A1 at T100. The print execution operation includes specifying the printer ID "PA" of the printer 100A to be printed and specifying the file name F1 of the image to be printed. In this case, user terminal 200A1 sends a print execution instruction to printer 100A at T102. The print execution instruction includes the specified file name F1, the image to be printed, and the terminal ID "TA1" of user terminal 200A1. The image to be printed has a data format that printer 100A can interpret.

[0036] When printer 100A receives a print execution command from user terminal 200A1 at T102, it generates a job ID "JA1" at T103. At this point, printer 100A associates the job ID "JA1", file name F1, and the image to be printed and stores them in memory 134. Next, at T104, printer 100A sends execution information to administrator terminal 10. The execution information includes the generated job ID "JA1" and the file name F1 included in the print execution command. The execution information also includes the terminal ID "TA1" included in the print execution command as the source ID, and the printer ID "PA" of printer 100A as the destination ID "PA".

[0037] When the administrator terminal 10 receives execution information from printer 100A at T104 (YES at S10 in Figure 3), it updates the job table 42 at T106 (S12). As a result, the print job identified by job ID "JA1" is added to the job table 42. At this stage, the job status of the print job is "Waiting". Also, since the group information "GA" of printer 100A matches the group information "GA" of user terminal 200A1, that is, printer 100A is the closest printer to user terminal 200A1, the notification screen SC1 is not displayed (YES at S14).

[0038] Printer 100A starts printing the image to be printed associated with job ID "JA1" at T110. When printer 100A starts printing, it sends status information to administrator terminal 10 at T112. The status information includes device status information and job status information. The device status information includes printer ID "PA" and device status "Printing" indicating that printing is in progress. The job status information includes job ID "JA1" and job status "Running" indicating that printing is in progress.

[0039] When the administrator terminal 10 receives device status information and job status information from the printer 100A at T112, it updates the printer table 40 and the job table 42 at T114. Specifically, the administrator terminal 10 stores "Printing" in the printer table 40 instead of "Waiting" associated with printer ID "PA", and stores "Running" in the job table 42 instead of "Waiting" associated with job ID "JA1". Note that in Figure 4, the "Affiliated Group Information" is omitted from the printer table 40. The "Affiliated Group Information" will also be omitted when describing the printer table 40 hereafter.

[0040] Subsequently, printer 100A completes printing the image associated with job ID "JA1" (T120). In this case, printer 100A sends status information to administrator terminal 10 at T122. The status information includes device status information and job status information. The device status information includes printer ID "PA" and device status "Waiting" indicating that it is in standby mode. The job status information includes job ID "JA1" and job status "Executed" indicating that printing has been completed.

[0041] When the administrator terminal 10 receives job status information from the printer 100A at T122, it updates the printer table 40 and the job table 42 at T124. Specifically, the administrator terminal 10 stores "Waiting" in the printer table 40 instead of "Printing" associated with printer ID "PA", and stores "Completed" in the job table 42 instead of "Running" associated with job ID "JA1".

[0042] (Continuation of Figure 4; Figure 5) User terminal 200A1 receives a print execution operation again from the user of user terminal 200A1 at T130 in Figure 5. This print execution operation is the same as the print execution operation at T100 in Figure 4, except that it is specified by the printer ID "PB" of printer 100B. The process at T132 is the same as the process at T102 in Figure 4, except that the destination is printer 100B. The process at T133 is the same as the process at T103 in Figure 4, except that the generated job ID is "JB1". Furthermore, the process at T134 is the same as the process at T104 in Figure 4, except that the job ID and destination ID are "JB1" and "PB", respectively. The process at T136 is the same as the process at T106 in Figure 4, except that the print job identified by job ID "JB1" is added to the job table 42.

[0043] (Case A-1; Figure 5) First, we will explain Case A-1, in which the difference between the reception times T1 and T2 of the execution information corresponding to the print jobs identified by job IDs "JA1" and "JB1" is less than a predetermined time. Case A-1 assumes the following situation: At T120 in Figure 4, the user of user terminal 200A1 obtains a print medium printed by printer 100A. The user notices that at least a part of the print medium is defective (for example, blurred print image) and relatively quickly prints the same image to be printed on printer 100B, which is different from printer 100A (T130).

[0044] When administrator terminal 10 updates the job table 42 at T136 (S12 in Figure 3), it determines that the group information "GB" of printer 100B and the group information "GA" of user terminal 200A1 do not match, meaning that printer 100B is not the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S14). Also, at this time, there are no errors in printer 100A, which is the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S16), and printer 100A is not currently printing (NO in S18). Furthermore, from the job table 42, the print job identified by job ID "JA1" is identified as the same job (YES in S20), and the status of that print job is "completed" ("completed" in S22). Then, at T140, the administrator terminal 10 determines that the difference (T2-T1) between the reception time T2 associated with the print job identified by job ID "JB1" and the reception time T1 associated with the print job identified by job ID "JA1" is less than a predetermined time (YES at S24). In this case, the administrator terminal 10 displays notification screen SC1 on the display unit 14 (S30). Notification screen SC1 includes the printer ID "PA" of the printer 100A closest to the user terminal 200A1.

[0045] As described above, in Case A-1, the user of user terminal 200A1 notices a defect in the print media printed by printer 100A and then relatively quickly attempts to print to another printer 100B. Therefore, the administrator can learn that there may be a problem with printer 100A by looking at the notification screen SC1. As a result, the administrator can resolve the problem with printer 100A.

[0046] (Case A-2; Figure 5) Next, we will explain Case A-2. Case A-2 is a case where the difference between the reception times T1 and T2 of the execution information corresponding to the print jobs identified by job IDs "JA1" and "JB1" is greater than a predetermined time. Case A-2 assumes the following situation: At T120 in Figure 4, the user of user terminal 200A1 obtains a print medium printed by printer 100A. The user confirms that there are no defects in the print medium and, after a relatively long period of time has passed, prints the same print target image on printer 100B, which is different from printer 100A (T130). For example, if the user has an errand to run near printer 100B, they may print the same print target image on printer 100B.

[0047] When administrator terminal 10 updates the job table 42 at T136 (S12 in Figure 3), it determines that the group information "GB" of printer 100B and the group information "GA" of user terminal 200A1 do not match, meaning that printer 100B is not the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S14). Also, at this time, there are no errors in printer 100A, which is the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S16), and printer 100A is not currently printing (NO in S18). Furthermore, from the job table 42, the print job identified by job ID "JA1" is identified as the same job (YES in S20), and the status of that print job is "completed" ("completed" in S22). Then, the administrator terminal 10 determines at T150 that the difference (T2-T1) between the reception time T2 associated with the print job identified by job ID "JB1" and the reception time T1 associated with the print job identified by job ID "JA1" is greater than or equal to a predetermined time (NO in S24, YES in S26). In this case, the notification screen SC1 is not displayed.

[0048] As described above, in Case A-2, the user initiates printing on another printer, 100B, a relatively long time after printing is completed on printer 100A. In this situation, it is unlikely that a malfunction has occurred in printer 100A. In this case, the notification screen SC1 will not be displayed, thus preventing the display of unnecessary screens.

[0049] (Case B; Figure 6) Next, we will explain Case B with reference to Figure 6. Case B is a case in which printing on printer 100A, which is closest to user terminal 200A1, is canceled, and then the same image to be printed is to be printed on a different printer 100B. Case B assumes the following situation: The user of user terminal 200A1 notices that there is a defect in at least part of the printing medium during printing on printer 100A and cancels the print job. The user then prints the same image to be printed on printer 100B, which is different from printer 100A. In Case B, first, the same process as T100~T114 in Figure 4 is executed.

[0050] Printer 100A cancels printing according to the print job identified by job ID "JA1" in response to receiving a print cancellation operation from the user, for example, at T220. In this case, printer 100A sends status information to administrator terminal 10 at T222. The status information includes device status information and job status information. The device status information includes printer ID "PA" and device status "Waiting" indicating that it is in standby mode. The job status information includes job ID "JA1" and job status "Cancelled" indicating that printing has been canceled.

[0051] When the administrator terminal 10 receives status information from the printer 100A at T222, it updates the printer table 40 and the job table 42 at T224. Specifically, the administrator terminal 10 stores "Waiting" in the printer table 40 instead of "Printing" associated with printer ID "PA", and stores "Cancelled" in the job table 42 instead of "Waiting" associated with job ID "JA1". Specifically, the administrator terminal 10 stores "Cancelled" in the job status "Running" associated with job ID "JA1". The processing at T230 to T236 is the same as the processing at T130 to T136 in Figure 5.

[0052] When the administrator terminal 10 updates the job table 42 at T236 (S12 in Figure 3), it determines that the group information "GB" of printer 100B and the group information "GA" of user terminal 200A1 do not match, meaning that printer 100B is not the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO at S14). Also, at this time, there are no errors in printer 100A, which is closest to user terminal 200A1 (NO at S16), and printer 100A is not currently printing (NO at S18). Furthermore, the job table 42 identifies the print job identified by job ID "JA1" as the same job (YES at S20), and the status of that print job is "cancelled" ("cancelled" at S22). Therefore, at T242, the administrator terminal 10 displays the notification screen SC1 on the display unit 14 (S30).

[0053] As described above, in Case B, the user of user terminal 200A1 notices a problem with the printing medium being printed on printer 100A and cancels the print job. The user then prints to another printer, 100B. Therefore, by viewing the notification screen SC1, the administrator can learn that there may be a problem with printer 100A and resolve the issue with printer 100A.

[0054] (Case C; Figure 7) Next, we will explain Case C with reference to Figure 7. Case C is a case in which, while printer 100A, which is closest to user terminal 200A1, is waiting to print, the same image to be printed is also to be printed on another printer 100B. For example, if the user of user terminal 200A1 wants to print a large number of copies of the same image, they will distribute the printing across multiple printers 100A and 100B. In Case C, first, the same process as T100 to T106 in Figure 4 is executed.

[0055] The processing in T330-T336 is the same as the processing in T130-T136 in Figure 5. When the administrator terminal 10 updates the job table 42 in T336 (S12 in Figure 3), it determines that the group information "GB" of printer 100B and the group information "GA" of user terminal 200A1 do not match, that is, printer 100B is not the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S14). Also, at this time, there are no errors in printer 100A, which is closest to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S16), and printer 100A is not currently printing (NO in S18). Furthermore, the print job identified by job ID "JA1" is identified as the same job from the job table 42 (YES in S20), and the status of that print job is "Waiting" ("Waiting" in S22, YES in S26). In this case, the administrator terminal 10 does not display the notification screen SC1.

[0056] As described above, in Case C, printing is distributed and executed on both printer 100A and printer 100B. In this situation, the possibility of a malfunction occurring in printer 100A is low. In this case, the notification screen SC1 will not be displayed, thus preventing the display of unnecessary screens.

[0057] (Case D; Figure 8) Next, we will explain Case D with reference to Figure 8. Case D is a case in which the printer 100A closest to the user terminal 200A1 is ordered to print the image to be printed, and a different printer 100B is ordered to print a different image to be printed. For example, if the user of user terminal 200A1 wants the printing of the first and second images to be completed early, they will order printer 100A to print the first image to be printed and printer 100B to print the second image to be printed. The processing of T400 to T406 in Figure 8 is the same as the processing of T100 to T106 in Figure 4, except that the image to be printed, the file name, and the job ID are different. In this case, the notification screen SC1 is not displayed.

[0058] The processing in T430-T436 is the same as the processing in T130-T136 in Figure 5. When the administrator terminal 10 updates the job table 42 in T436 (S12 in Figure 3), it determines that the group information "GB" of printer 100B and the group information "GA" of user terminal 200A1 do not match, that is, printer 100B is not the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S14). Also, at this time, there are no errors in printer 100A, which is the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S16), and printer 100A is not currently printing (NO in S18). Furthermore, no identical job is identified from the job table 42 (NO in S20). In this case, the administrator terminal 10 does not display the notification screen SC1.

[0059] As described above, in Case D, different print targets are printed on printers 100A and 100B. In this situation, it is unlikely that a malfunction is occurring in printer 100A. In this case, the notification screen SC1 will not be displayed, thus preventing the display of unnecessary screens.

[0060] (Case E; Figure 9) Next, we will explain Case E with reference to Figure 9. Case E is a situation in which an error occurs in printer 100A, and printing is performed on a different printer 100B. In Case E, first, the same process as T100 to T114 in Figure 4 is executed.

[0061] In T500, a paper jam occurs in printer 100A. In this case, printer 100A sends device status information to administrator terminal 10 in T502. The device status information includes the printer ID "PA" of printer 100A and information indicating that a paper jam has occurred, "Paper Jam".

[0062] When administrator terminal 10 receives device status information from printer 100A at T502, it updates the printer table 40 at T504. Specifically, administrator terminal 10 stores "Error" instead of the device status "Printing" associated with printer ID "PA".

[0063] The administrator terminal 10 displays the notification screen SC2 on the display unit 14 in T506. The notification screen SC2 includes the printer ID "PA" of the printer 100A where the error occurred, and a message indicating that an error has occurred in that printer. By viewing the notification screen SC2, the administrator can learn that an error has occurred in printer 100A.

[0064] The user of user terminal 200A1 has an error with printer 100A, so they have printer 100B print the same image. The processing from T530 to T536 is the same as the processing from T130 to T136 in Figure 5. When administrator terminal 10 updates the job table 42 at T536 (S12 in Figure 3), it determines that the group information "GB" of printer 100B and the group information "GA" of user terminal 200A1 do not match, meaning that printer 100B is not the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S14). Also, at this point, printer 100A, which is the closest printer to user terminal 200A1, has an error (YES in S16). Therefore, administrator terminal 10 does not display the notification screen SC1.

[0065] Thus, in Case E, even if a user terminal 200A1 attempts to print to printer 100B, which is different from the closest printer 100A, when an error has occurred in printer 100A, notification screen SC1 will not be displayed. As described above, when an error has occurred in printer 100A, notification screen SC2 is displayed (T506), so the administrator can be aware that an error has occurred in printer 100A. Therefore, notification screen SC1, which indicates that there may be a problem with printer 100A, becomes an unnecessary screen. For this reason, the display of unnecessary screens is suppressed.

[0066] (Case F; Figure 10) Next, we will explain Case F with reference to Figure 10. Case F is a case in which, when printing is currently being performed on printer 100A, which is closest to user terminal 200A1, the user of user terminal 200A1 initiates printing on a different printer 100B. For example, when the user of user terminal 200A1 recognizes that printer 100A is currently printing, they initiate printing on a different printer 100B in order to obtain the print result earlier.

[0067] The processing of T600 to T606 in Figure 10 is the same as the processing of T100 to T106 in Figure 4, except that user terminal 200A2 is used, and the print target image, file name, and job ID are different. In this case, the notification screen SC1 is not displayed. Also, the processing of T610 to T614 is the same as the processing of T110 to T114 in Figure 4, except that printing is performed according to job ID "JA21".

[0068] Subsequently, the same process as shown in T130-T136 of Figure 5 is performed between user terminal 200A1, printer 100A, and administrator terminal 10. In this case, when administrator terminal 10 updates the job table 42 at T136 of Figure 5 (as referenced in Figure 10) (S12 in Figure 3), it determines that the group information "GB" of printer 100B and the group information "GA" of user terminal 200A1 do not match, meaning that printer 100B is not the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S14). Also, at this point, no errors have occurred with printer 100A, which is the closest printer to user terminal 200A1 (NO in S16), and printer 100A is currently printing (YES in S18). Therefore, administrator terminal 10 does not display the notification screen SC1.

[0069] As described above, if printing is currently in progress on printer 100A, the user on user terminal 200A1 will initiate printing on another printer, 100B. In this situation, it is unlikely that a malfunction is occurring on printer 100A. In this case, the notification screen SC1 will not be displayed, thus preventing the display of unnecessary screens.

[0070] (Effects of the first embodiment) The user of user terminal 200A1 usually prints to printer 100A, which is closest to user terminal 200A1. However, if printer 100A is malfunctioning, the user may print to another printer (printer 100B in this embodiment). In light of this situation, if administrator terminal 10 determines that printer 100B, identified by the destination ID (i.e., printer ID) "PB" included in the execution information (see T134 in Figure 5), does not match printer 100A, which is closest to user terminal 200A1, it outputs a notification screen SC1 indicating that there may be a malfunction in printer 100A (T142 in Figure 5). This allows administrators to know that there may be a malfunction in printer 100A by viewing the notification screen SC1.

[0071] (Correspondence) Administrator terminal 10 is an example of an "administrator terminal". The four user terminals 200A1 to 200B2 and the two printers 100A and 100B are examples of "multiple user terminals" and "multiple image forming devices," respectively. The four terminal IDs "TA1" to "TB2" and the two printer IDs "PA" and "PB" are examples of "multiple terminal identification information" and "multiple device identification information," respectively. User terminal 200A1 is an example of a "first user terminal". Printers 100A and 100B are examples of a "first image forming device". Printer 100A is an example of a "second image forming device". Printer ID "PA" and terminal ID "TA1" are examples of "first device identification information" and "first terminal identification information," respectively. The group affiliation information is an example of "specific information (and group affiliation information)". The file name is an example of "image identification information". The file name F1 is an example of "specific image identification information". The execution information for T132 in Figure 5 and the execution information for T104 in Figure 4 are examples of "first execution information" and "second execution information," respectively. Notification screen SC1 and notification screen SC2 are examples of "first notification information" and "second notification information," respectively. The print execution instruction (for example, T102 in Figure 4) is an example of an "image formation instruction."

[0072] The processes in S10, S14, and S30 in Figure 3 are examples of processes executed by the "execution information receiving unit," "determination unit," and "first output unit," respectively. The process in T506 in Figure 9 is an example of a process executed by the "second output unit."

[0073] (Second example) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the method for determining the printer closest to the target user terminal differs from that of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, in the second embodiment, location information is stored in both the terminal table 38 and the printer table 40 instead of the group information. The location information is information indicating the location (i.e., coordinates) within the office and is registered in advance by the administrator. In a modified example, the location information may be information identified by GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0074] (Processing by administrator terminal 10; Figure 11) Referring to Figure 11, the processing of the administrator terminal 10 in the second embodiment will be explained. In Figure 11, the same reference numbers are used for processes similar to those in Figure 3, and their detailed explanations are omitted. The differences from the processing in Figure 3 will be explained below.

[0075] In S113, the CPU 32 calculates the distance between the target user terminal and each printer indicated by each printer ID included in the printer table 40. Specifically, first, the CPU 32 identifies the location information (i.e., coordinates) associated with the terminal ID of the target user terminal from the terminal table 38. Next, the CPU 32 identifies one printer ID and the location information (i.e., coordinates) associated with that printer ID from the printer table 40. Then, using the two identified coordinates, the CPU 32 calculates the distance between the target user terminal and the printer and stores this distance in association with the printer ID. The CPU 32 performs the same process for other printer IDs included in the printer table 40.

[0076] In S114, CPU32 determines whether the target printer is the closest printer to the target user terminal. Specifically, CPU32 identifies the printer ID associated with the smallest distance among the distances calculated in S113. In other words, CPU32 identifies the printer ID of the printer closest to the target user terminal. Then, CPU32 determines whether the printer ID of the target printer matches the identified printer ID. If the printer ID of the target printer matches the identified printer ID, CPU32 determines YES in S114 and skips the processing from S16 onwards. On the other hand, if the printer ID of the target printer does not match the identified printer ID, CPU32 determines NO in S114 and proceeds to S16.

[0077] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the configuration of the second embodiment, the administrator terminal 10 calculates the distance between the target user terminal and each printer based on the location information (i.e., coordinates) of the target user terminal and each printer. Based on these distances, the administrator terminal 10 can appropriately determine whether or not the target printer is the closest printer to the target user terminal. Location information is an example of "identification information (and location information)". The processes in S113 and S114 in Figure 11 are examples of processes executed by the "calculation unit" and the "determination unit," respectively.

[0078] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the count table 44 is further utilized. As shown in Figure 2, the count table 44 is a table that stores the printer ID in association with the count. The count is the number of times it has been determined that there is a possibility of a printer malfunction. In the third embodiment, when the count in the count table 44 reaches a predetermined number, the notification screen SC1 is displayed.

[0079] (Processing by administrator terminal 10; Figure 12) Referring to Figure 11, the processing of the administrator terminal 10 in the third embodiment will be explained. In Figure 12, the same reference numbers are used for processes similar to those in Figure 3, and their detailed explanations are omitted. The differences from the processing in Figure 3 will be explained below.

[0080] In S226, CPU32 updates the count table 44. Specifically, CPU32 increments the count associated with the printer ID of the target printer by 1 in the count table 44.

[0081] In S228, CPU32 determines whether the number of times the target printer ID has been associated with a predetermined number of operations (for example, "3"). If CPU32 determines that the number has reached the predetermined number, it determines YES in S228 and proceeds to S30. On the other hand, if CPU32 determines that the number has not reached the predetermined number, it determines NO in S228 and does not execute the process in S30.

[0082] (Effects of the third embodiment) In the configuration of the third embodiment, the administrator terminal 10 displays the notification screen SC1 when the number of times associated with the count table 44 reaches a predetermined number of 2 or more (for example, "3 times"), that is, when the number of times it is determined that there is a possibility of a malfunction in the printer 100A reaches a predetermined number. In this way, the administrator terminal 10 can display the notification screen SC1 in situations where there is a high probability that there is a malfunction in the printer 100A.

[0083] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0084] (Modification 1) The administrator terminal 10 can omit the process in S16 of Figure 3. That is, in this modification, the administrator terminal 10 may display the notification screen SC1 if it determines that the target printer does not match the printer closest to the target user terminal, regardless of whether an error has occurred in the printer closest to the target user terminal.

[0085] (Modification 2) The administrator terminal 10 can omit the processing of T506 in Figure 9. Generally speaking, the "second output section" can be omitted.

[0086] (Modification 3) In the second embodiment, the administrator terminal 10 may pre-calculate the distance between each user terminal and each printer, and pre-store the calculated distances in the memory 34. In this modification, the process of S113 in Figure 11 can be omitted. Also, in this modification, the process of pre-calculating each distance is an example of a process performed by the "calculation unit".

[0087] (Modification 4) The administrator terminal 10 can omit the processing in S20 to S26 of Figure 3. That is, even if the same job does not exist in the job table 42, the administrator terminal 10 may display the notification screen SC1 if it is determined that the target printer does not match the printer closest to the target user terminal.

[0088] (Modification 5) The administrator terminal 10 can omit the process in S24 of Figure 3. That is, if the administrator terminal 10 determines that the target printer does not match the printer closest to the target user terminal, it may display the notification screen SC1 regardless of whether the difference between the reception time of the target job and the reception time of the same job is less than a predetermined time.

[0089] (Modification 6) The administrator terminal 10 can omit the processing in S22 to S26 of Figure 3. That is, if the administrator terminal 10 determines that the target printer does not match the printer closest to the target user terminal, and if the same job exists in the job table 42, it may display the notification screen SC1 regardless of the status of the job.

[0090] (Modification 7) The administrator terminal 10 can omit the process in S18 of Figure 3. That is, the administrator terminal 10 may display the notification screen SC1 if it determines that the target printer does not match the printer closest to the target user terminal, regardless of whether the printer closest to the target user terminal is currently printing or not.

[0091] (Modification 8) In the above embodiment, execution information was sent to the administrator terminal 10 by the printer (e.g., 100A) which received a print execution instruction from the user terminal (e.g., 200A1). In the modification, the execution information may be sent to the administrator terminal 10 by the user terminal that sent the print execution instruction. In particular, in this case, when the user terminal accepts a print execution from the user (see T100 in Figure 4), it may generate a job ID and send a print execution instruction including the job ID to the printer.

[0092] (Modification 9) In each of the above embodiments, the processes shown in Figures 3 to 12 were implemented by software (e.g., programs 36, 136, 236), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0093] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 2: Communication system, 10: Administrator terminal, 12, 112, 212: Operation unit, 14, 114, 214: Display unit, 16, 116, 216: Communication I / F, 30, 130, 230: Control unit, 32, 132, 232: CPU, 34, 134, 234: Memory, 36, 136, 236: Program, 40: Printer table, 42: Job table, 44: Count table, 100 (100A, 100B): Printer, 118: Print execution unit, 200 (200A1, 200A2, 200B1, 200B2): User terminal

Claims

1. A computer program for an administrator terminal, The aforementioned administrator terminal is A memory that stores multiple terminal identification information for identifying multiple user terminals, multiple device identification information for identifying multiple image forming apparatuses, and for each of the multiple user terminals, identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus closest to that user terminal. Computers and, Equipped with, The aforementioned computer program comprises the following components of the computer, namely: An execution information receiving unit receives execution information from the user terminal or the image forming apparatus when an image forming instruction is transmitted from one of the plurality of user terminals to one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein the execution information includes terminal identification information that identifies the user terminal and apparatus identification information that identifies the image forming apparatus. When first execution information is received from a first user terminal or a first image forming apparatus, a determination unit determines, using the information in the memory, whether the first image forming apparatus identified by the first apparatus identification information contained in the first execution information matches the second image forming apparatus closest to the first user terminal identified by the first terminal identification information contained in the first execution information. When the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, the first notification information indicating that a malfunction may have occurred in the second image forming apparatus is output. A first output unit that does not output the first notification information when the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus are the same, A computer program that functions as such.

2. The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, In any of the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses, if an error occurs that makes image forming impossible, the second output unit is configured to output a second notification information indicating that the error has occurred in the image forming apparatus. The first output unit is, When the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, and the error has not occurred in the second image forming apparatus, the first notification information is output. If the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and the error occurs in the second image forming apparatus, the first notification information is not output. The computer program according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned specific information is the group information associated with each of the multiple terminal identification pieces and the multiple device identification pieces, The unit that makes the determination said, If the group information associated with the first device identification information and the group information associated with the first terminal identification information do not match, it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match. If the group information associated with the first device identification information matches the group information associated with the first terminal identification information, it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus are the same. The computer program according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned specific information is location information associated with each of the plurality of terminal identification information and the plurality of device identification information, The aforementioned computer program further uses the computer, The first terminal identification information and the multiple location information associated with the multiple device identification information are used to function as a calculation unit that calculates the distance between the first user terminal and each of the multiple image forming devices. The unit that makes the determination said, If, among the calculated distances, the distance between the first user terminal and the first image forming apparatus is not the smallest, it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match. If the distance between the first user terminal and the first image forming apparatus is the smallest of the calculated distances, it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus are at the same location. The computer program according to claim 1.

5. Each of the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses is an image forming apparatus equipped with a printing function, The aforementioned image forming instruction is a print execution instruction, The execution information further includes image identification information that identifies the image to be printed, The first output unit is, When the print execution instruction is transmitted from the first user terminal to the second image forming apparatus, and after the second execution information including specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the second image forming apparatus, and the print execution instruction is transmitted from the first user terminal to the first image forming apparatus, and the first execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, the first notification information is output. If the first user terminal or the second image forming apparatus does not receive the second execution information including the specific image identification information, but the first execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, the first notification information is not output. The computer program according to claim 1.

6. The first output unit is, If, after the second execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the second image forming apparatus, the first execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, and the difference between the reception time of the first execution information and the reception time of the second execution information is less than a predetermined value, then the first notification information is output. If, after the second execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the second image forming apparatus, the first execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and the difference between the reception time of the first execution information and the reception time of the second execution information is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the first notification information is not output. The computer program according to claim 5.

7. The first output unit is, If, after the second execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the second image forming apparatus, the first execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, and the printing of the image identified by the specific image identification information is canceled in the second image forming apparatus, then the first notification information is output. If, after the second execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the second image forming apparatus, the first execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and the printing of the image is not canceled in the second image forming apparatus, the first notification information is not output. The computer program according to claim 5.

8. The first output unit is, If, after the second execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the second image forming apparatus, the first execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, and the printing of the image identified by the specific image identification information is completed in the second image forming apparatus, then the first notification information is output. If, after the second execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the second image forming apparatus, the first execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and the printing of the image has not been completed in the second image forming apparatus, the first notification information is not output. The computer program according to claim 5.

9. The first output unit is, After the second execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the second image forming apparatus, if the first execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, and the printing of the image identified by the specific image identification information is not in standby or in progress in the second image forming apparatus, the first notification information is output. If, after the second execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the second image forming apparatus, the first execution information including the specific image identification information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and the printing of the image is waiting or in progress in the second image forming apparatus, the first notification information is not output. The computer program according to claim 5.

10. The first output unit is, When the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, and the second image forming apparatus is not currently performing image forming, the first notification information is output. When the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and image forming is being performed in the second image forming apparatus, the first notification information is not output. The computer program according to claim 1.

11. The first output unit is, When the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and the number of times it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match reaches two or more predetermined times, the first notification information is output. If the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and the number of times it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match does not reach the predetermined number of times, the first notification information is not output. The computer program according to claim 1.

12. Administrator terminal and Multiple user terminals, Multiple image forming apparatuses, A communication system comprising, The aforementioned administrator terminal is A memory that stores multiple terminal identification information for identifying the multiple user terminals, multiple device identification information for identifying the multiple image forming apparatuses, and for each of the multiple user terminals, identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus closest to that user terminal. An execution information receiving unit receives execution information from the user terminal or the image forming apparatus when an image forming instruction is transmitted from one of the plurality of user terminals to one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein the execution information includes terminal identification information that identifies the user terminal and apparatus identification information that identifies the image forming apparatus. When first execution information is received from a first user terminal or a first image forming apparatus, a determination unit determines, using the information in the memory, whether the first image forming apparatus identified by the first apparatus identification information contained in the first execution information matches the second image forming apparatus closest to the first user terminal identified by the first terminal identification information contained in the first execution information. When the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, the first notification information indicating that a malfunction may have occurred in the second image forming apparatus is output. A first output unit that does not output the first notification information when the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus are the same, A communication system equipped with these features.

13. A method performed by a communication system, The aforementioned communication system Administrator terminal and Multiple user terminals, Multiple image forming apparatuses, Equipped with, The administrator terminal is equipped with a memory that stores multiple terminal identification information for identifying the multiple user terminals, multiple device identification information for identifying the multiple image forming apparatuses, and for each of the multiple user terminals, identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus closest to that user terminal. The aforementioned method, An execution information receiving step, in which an image forming instruction is transmitted from one of the plurality of user terminals to one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the execution information receiving step receives execution information from the user terminal or the image forming apparatus indicating that the communication of the image forming instruction has been performed, wherein the execution information includes terminal identification information that identifies the user terminal and apparatus identification information that identifies the image forming apparatus. When first execution information is received from a first user terminal or a first image forming apparatus, a determination step is made using the information in the memory to determine whether the first image forming apparatus identified by the first apparatus identification information contained in the first execution information matches the second image forming apparatus closest to the first user terminal identified by the first terminal identification information contained in the first execution information. When the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus do not match, the first notification information indicating that a malfunction may have occurred in the second image forming apparatus is output. A first output step in which, when the first execution information is received from the first user terminal or the first image forming apparatus and it is determined that the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus are the same, the first notification information is not output. A method that includes [a certain feature].

Images