JP7735797B2 - Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

In equipment such as image forming devices, motors, clutches, and other components operate mechanically to print with color materials, and various types of maintenance such as cleaning and part replacement may be necessary. For example, in the case of large image forming devices (such as commercial printers), various maintenance tasks are performed. Some maintenance tasks are performed manually by users on the image forming device, while others involve administrators changing the settings of the image forming device from a terminal device, etc.

A system has been devised in which an administrator operates a web browser displayed on a PC (Personal Computer) to configure an image forming device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The administrator can change the settings of the image forming device without having to directly operate it.

However, conventional technologies have the problem that if a user does not perform a task as scheduled, the user must manually reschedule the task. If the user does not manually reschedule the task, there is a risk that the user will forget to perform the task.

In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an information processing system that reschedules tasks that a user has not performed.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an information processing system having a device and an information processing device that accepts the registration of tasks related to the device and the execution of the tasks , the information processing system comprising: a schedule information storage means that stores schedule information in which the tasks are registered; a current time acquisition means that acquires a current time; a rescheduling means that, if there is an unexecuted task that has not yet been executed based on the current time acquired by the current time acquisition means, rescheduling the unexecuted task; and an image display means that, in the schedule information storage means, a notice that the rescheduled task has been rescheduled is registered for the rescheduled task, and that displays the rescheduled task in a manner different from a task that has not been rescheduled.
When it is determined that the date has changed based on the current time acquired by the current time acquisition means, the rescheduling means reschedules the unperformed task that is to be performed before the date change to the earliest available free time that is longer than the estimated required time of the unperformed task, the task being work related to adjustment or maintenance of the equipment, and the image display means displays an execution button for performing an operation on the equipment for each task registered in the schedule information, and the task is executed when the execution button is pressed .

It is possible to provide an information processing system that reschedules tasks that a user did not perform.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a task. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a task schedule displayed by the information processing system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating task rescheduling. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a DFE. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a general configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a function that is used generally among the functions of the DFE. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a function related to rescheduling among the functions of the DFE. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of working time information stored in a working time storage means. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a work end time setting screen displayed on the terminal device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of task information stored in a task information storage means; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of schedule information stored in a schedule information storage means. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure or operation of a DFE registering working hours information in response to an operation from a user. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure or operation of a DFE to reschedule unexecuted tasks in response to a change in the date. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure or operation of a DFE to reschedule unexecuted tasks as work hours end. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for rescheduling to the earliest available free time among free times that are longer than the estimated required time of an unexecuted task. FIG. 10 illustrates a method for rescheduling to the earliest available free time without considering the order of the unexecuted tasks when there are a number of unexecuted tasks. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for rescheduling a task to the earliest available free time, taking into consideration the order of the unexecuted tasks, when there are multiple unexecuted tasks. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for rescheduling a plurality of unperformed tasks together at the beginning of the next day after the start of work when there are a plurality of unperformed tasks. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for rescheduling a plurality of unexecuted tasks together to a free time on the next day when there are multiple unexecuted tasks. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schedule setting screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schedule display screen.

Below, an information processing system and an information processing method performed by the information processing system will be described as an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

<Summary>
In this embodiment, the administrator can register various maintenance operations as "tasks" in the schedule. Tasks include maintenance for changing settings, and the administrator can register a task for changing the settings of the image forming apparatus from the screen for registering the task schedule.

Figure 1 shows an example of a task. As described above, in this embodiment, an administrator registers tasks corresponding to various maintenance tasks in the DFE (Digital Front End), which will be described later. Various maintenance tasks occur on an image forming device, but the maintenance task in Figure 1 is "Head Cap Cleaning." At an easily manageable granularity, one maintenance task is treated as one task 51. Therefore, one maintenance task performed manually by a user may be divided into multiple tasks.

Furthermore, the task 51 has one or more task components 52. The task components 52 are smaller maintenance tasks that are broken down to achieve the task. The task 51 called "Head Cap Cleaning" has the following task components 52.
1. Move to maintenance Md retreat position (30 seconds)
2. Remove the maintenance dome exterior cover(3 minutes)
3. Pull out the head array(2 minutes)
4. Clean the cap(30 seconds × 22 pieces)
5. Push back the head array
6. Remount the maintenance dome exterior cover(3 minutes)
7. Move to maintenance Md retreat position(30 seconds)
8. Cleaning Competitive
A single task can contain any number of task components, and such tasks are registered in the schedule by the administrator.

Figure 2 is an example of a task schedule displayed by the information processing system of this embodiment. In Figure 2, the horizontal axis represents date 53 and the vertical axis represents time 54. An administrator can register a task like the one in Figure 1 in the schedule by specifying the date and start time.

When an administrator executes a registered task, the DFE displays the task on the terminal device based on the current time. For example, the DFE displays registered tasks according to a display format such as month, week, or day. The display format in Figure 2 is a weekly display. A general user who executes a task (an administrator may also execute a task) selects the task from the schedule and displays the task components that the task has. The task components display the screens required for maintenance corresponding to these task components (including screens for changing settings, etc.), so the general user does not need to select and display the screens required for maintenance.

However, there are cases where users do not perform maintenance according to the schedule. In this case, there is a risk that maintenance will be forgotten unless the user manually re-registers the maintenance schedule.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system of this embodiment reschedules any unperformed tasks based on the current time if they have not yet been performed. For example, when the date changes or work hours end, the information processing system automatically reschedules the unperformed tasks into free time. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating task rescheduling. In FIG. 3(a), three tasks 701 to 703 are registered on July 3rd, but the date changes or work hours end without the third task 703 being performed. Therefore, the information processing system reschedules the unperformed tasks. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the information processing system determines free time 704 in which the unperformed tasks can be performed based on the estimated required time of task 703, and reschedules the unperformed tasks into this free time 704.

In this way, the information processing system of this embodiment automatically reschedules unperformed tasks into the next available time slot when the date changes or working hours end, preventing users from forgetting to perform maintenance.

<Terminology>
Maintenance is the upkeep, management, and upkeep of machines and structures, or the work required for them.

A task refers to a mission or job. In this embodiment, various adjustments and maintenance tasks registered in an information processing device are referred to as tasks.

Schedule means "plan" or "date," and schedule information refers to information in which a schedule is set according to date and time. Schedule information is usually registered in association with a date and time on a calendar.

"Not implemented" means that it has not yet been implemented. The timing of determining whether something has been implemented or not can be discretionary.

Rescheduling refers to partially correcting the results of a previous scheduling.

<System configuration example>
Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a terminal device 101 shown in Fig. 4(a), a DFE 102 shown in Fig. 4(b), and an image forming device 103 shown in Fig. 4(c). The server device 104 will be described later.

The terminal device 101 and DFE 102 can communicate via a network N. The network includes, for example, a LAN within the facility where the image forming device 103 is located, and also includes the Internet if the DFE 102 is located on the Internet. The DFE 102 and image forming device 103 may be connected one-to-one via a dedicated line, or may be connected via a network. Furthermore, the DFE 102 and image forming device 103 may be integrated or detachable.

A web browser is running on the terminal device 101. The web browser accesses a server provided by the DFE 102 and displays input operation screens for task creation, schedule registration, and task execution. The terminal device 101 accepts operations such as task creation, schedule registration, and task execution from the administrator on the input screen, and requests these operations from the DFE 102.

To log in to DFE 102, the administrator enters a user ID and password into the terminal device 101. The terminal device 101 transmits the user ID and password to DFE 102, and if authentication by DFE 102 is successful, the user is identified as either a general user or an administrator. The screen displayed and the items that can be entered may differ depending on whether the user is a general user or an administrator. The authentication of the administrator may also be performed by an authentication server.

If authentication is successful and the administrator logs in, they will be granted access to create tasks, schedule them, and execute tasks; general users will be granted access to execute tasks.

The terminal device 101 may be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, tablet terminal, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or wearable PC (sunglasses-type, wristwatch-type, etc.). However, it is sufficient that the device has communication functionality and is capable of running dedicated application software on a web browser or DFE 102. For example, a car navigation system, a game console, or a television set can also be a terminal device 101.

If a web browser also runs on the image forming device 103, the administrator can operate the image forming device to request task creation, schedule registration, and task execution from the DFE 102.

The DFE 102 can also display an input operation screen on its own display and accept task creation, schedule registration, and task execution processing from the keyboard. In this case, the information processing system 100 does not require a terminal device 101.

The DFE 102 is an information processing device that originally accepts print jobs to be executed by the image forming device 103, performs image processing (RIP: Raster Image Processor), progress management during execution, and abnormality monitoring. In this embodiment, the DFE 102 also accepts maintenance-related processing and requests it from the image forming device 103. The DFE 102 accepts task creation, schedule registration, and task execution processing from the terminal device 101. In other words, the DFE 102 provides the administrator with a user interface (input operation screen) for operating the image forming device 103. The DFE 102 has one or more information processing devices.

DFE 102 generates screen information for the screen displayed by the web browser. The screen information is a program written in HTML, XML, a scripting language, CSS (cascading style sheet), etc., with the structure of the web page primarily specified by HTML, the behavior of the web page specified by the scripting language, and the style of the web page specified by CSS. Furthermore, an application realized by linking client-side screen information with a server-side application or database is called a web application. In this embodiment, the terminal device 101 and DFE 102 also work together to execute the web application.

In response to requests from the terminal device 101 or image forming device 103, the DFE 102 registers tasks and task schedules in a database and executes tasks on the image forming device (changing device settings, requesting operations, etc.).

The image forming device 103 executes a print job in response to a request received from the DFE 102. In addition, in this embodiment, the image forming device 103 receives maintenance work and, for example, changes its own device settings or executes specified operations in accordance with the task.

The image forming device 103 has the function of printing images on paper. Methods for forming images include a laser printer or an inkjet printer. The image forming device 103 may also have the functionality of a multifunction printer or MFP (Multi-function Peripheral/Product/Printer). The image forming device 103 may also be called a printer, printing device, etc.

The image forming device 103 of this embodiment may also be a so-called commercial printer. A commercial printer is not a device that prints printed materials for internal use by employees, but rather a device for commercial printing where the printed materials are commercial products. In commercial printing, the image forming device 103 outputs printed materials used in the business activities of general companies and organizations. For example, it may output flyers, pamphlets, posters, catalogs, company brochures, manuals, etc. Office image forming devices and commercial image forming devices differ mainly in print speed, image quality, and supported paper types and sizes.

This embodiment can also be applied to devices other than the image forming device 103. The image forming device 103 may be, for example, a PJ (Projector), an electronic whiteboard, a video conference terminal, a digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, industrial machinery, an imaging device, a sound collection device, a medical device, a network home appliance, a game console, a wearable PC, or a desktop PC.

In the explanation of Figure 4, it was explained that the DFE 102 is responsible for maintenance-related processing (web applications). However, maintenance-related processing can be handled by any server device 104; for example, the maintenance-related processing may be performed by an independent server device 104 shown in Figure 4(d). In the case of Figure 4(d), the server device 104 communicates with the image forming device 103 to change settings according to the task and execute specified operations.

The image forming device 103 may also perform maintenance-related processing. In this case, the image forming device 103 has the functionality of the server device 104.

<Hardware configuration>
<<DFE>>
5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the DFE 102. The DFE 102 has a configuration similar to that of a computer, including a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an HDD/SSD 204, an I/F 205, and an operation unit 206.

The CPU 201 uses the RAM 203 as a working area and executes programs stored in the ROM 202.

The HDD/SSD 204 is used as a storage unit and stores task and schedule information. The information stored in the HDD/SSD 204 may be read by the CPU 201 and used when executing a program.

I/F 205 is an interface that enables communication with the image forming device 103 and the terminal device 101.

The operation unit 206 has a touch panel and displays the status of the image forming device, task schedules, task contents, etc. on the screen. The operation unit 206 also accepts input from users (administrators and general users) who execute tasks, and from administrators who create tasks and register schedules.

<<Image forming apparatus>>
6 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 103 is, for example, an inkjet image forming apparatus, and mainly includes a paper feed unit 401, an image forming unit 306, a drying unit 402, a paper discharge unit 403, and a control device 423. The image forming apparatus 103 forms an image on paper P, which is a recording material as a sheet material fed from the paper feed unit 401, using ink, which is a liquid for image formation, in the image forming unit 306. The image forming apparatus 103 then dries the ink adhering to the paper in the drying unit 402, and then discharges the paper from the paper discharge unit 403.

The paper feed unit 401 is mainly composed of a paper feed tray 411 on which multiple sheets of paper P are stacked, a feed device 412 that separates and sends out sheets of paper one by one from the paper feed tray 411, and a pair of registration rollers 413 that sends the sheets of paper to the image forming unit 306. The feed device 412 can be any type of feed device, such as a device using rollers or a device that uses air suction. After the leading edge of the paper sent out from the paper feed tray 411 by the feed device 412 reaches the pair of registration rollers 413, the pair of registration rollers 413 is driven at a predetermined timing to feed the paper to the image forming unit 306. Note that in this embodiment, there are no limitations on the configuration of the paper feed unit 401, as long as it sends out sheets of paper P to the image forming unit 306.

The image forming unit 306 is mainly composed of a receiving drum 361 that receives fed paper P, a paper carrying drum 362 that carries and transports paper P transported by the receiving drum 361 on its outer surface, an ink ejection unit 364 that ejects ink toward paper P carried on the paper carrying drum 362, and a transfer drum 365 that transfers paper P transported by the paper carrying drum 362 to the drying unit 402. Paper P transported from the paper feeding unit 401 to the image forming unit 306 has its leading edge gripped by a paper gripper provided on the surface of the receiving drum 361 and is transported as the surface of the receiving drum 361 moves. The paper transported by the receiving drum 361 is transferred to the paper carrying drum 362 at a position opposite the paper carrying drum 362.

A paper gripper is also provided on the surface of the paper carrying drum 362, and the leading edge of the paper is gripped by the paper gripper. Furthermore, multiple suction holes are formed in a distributed pattern on the surface of the paper carrying drum 362, and a suction device 363 generates a suction airflow at each suction hole that flows toward the inside of the paper carrying drum 362. The leading edge of the paper P transferred from the receiving cylinder 361 to the paper carrying drum 362 is gripped by the paper gripper, and the paper is adsorbed to the surface of the paper carrying drum 362 by the suction airflow, and is transported as the surface of the paper carrying drum 362 moves.

In this embodiment, the ink ejection unit 364 ejects four colors of ink: C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) to form an image, and is equipped with individual liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K for each ink. There are no restrictions on the configuration of the liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K, as long as they eject liquid. The ink ejection unit 364 may be equipped with liquid ejection heads that eject special inks such as white, gold, or silver, or liquid ejection heads that eject liquids that do not form images, such as surface coating liquid, as needed.

The ejection operation of liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K of ink ejection unit 364 is controlled by drive signals corresponding to image information. When paper P carried on paper carrying drum 362 passes through an area facing ink ejection unit 364, each color of ink is ejected from liquid ejection heads 364C, 364M, 364Y, and 364K, forming an image corresponding to the image information. Note that in this embodiment, there are no limitations on the configuration of image forming unit 306, as long as it deposits liquid on paper P to form an image.

The drying unit 402 is mainly composed of a drying mechanism 421 for drying the ink deposited on the paper P in the image forming unit 306, and a transport mechanism 422 for transporting the paper P transported from the image forming unit 306. After being received by the transport mechanism 422, the paper P transported from the image forming unit 306 is transported to pass through the drying mechanism 421 and delivered to the paper discharge unit 403. As the paper P passes through the drying mechanism 421, a drying process is performed on the ink on the paper P, which evaporates the water and other liquid components in the ink, solidifying the ink on the paper P and preventing the paper P from curling.

The paper discharge unit 403 is mainly composed of a paper discharge tray 431 on which multiple sheets of paper P are stacked. The sheets of paper P transported from the drying unit 402 are stacked and held on the paper discharge tray 431 in order. Note that in this embodiment, there are no limitations on the configuration of the paper discharge unit 403, as long as it can discharge the sheets of paper P.

The control device 423 is an information processing device that controls the image forming device. The control device 423 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, SSD (HDD), and communication device. The control device 423 communicates with the DFE 102 to receive setting values and operation requests according to the execution of tasks.

<About the function>
7 is a functional block diagram that explains the functions of the DFE 102 by dividing them into blocks. Each unit in FIG. 7 is a web application function realized by the server function in the DFE 102 and the web browser of the terminal device 101 working together. First, a general-purpose function that is used regardless of rescheduling will be explained. Also, it is assumed that the web browser is running on the terminal device 101. The processing of the DFE 102 can be the same whether the web browser is running on the DFE 102 or the administrator directly operates the DFE 102.

As shown in FIG. 7, the DFE 102 has an input acquisition means 11, an image display means 12, an information update means 13, an information acquisition means 14, and a storage means 20. These functions of the DFE 102 are functions or means realized by the CPU 201 executing instructions contained in one or more programs installed in the DFE 102.

The input acquisition means 11 acquires, from the terminal device 101, information entered on a screen displayed by the web browser of the terminal device 101, for example.

The image display means 12 generates screen information in response to operations acquired by the input acquisition means 11. The image display means 12 is realized by HTML included in the screen information, JavaScript (registered trademark), and a server program on the DFE 102 side, and updates the screen display in response to input to the web browser.

The information update means 13 stores input results and processing results into the web browser in the storage means 20. The information acquisition means 14 acquires requested information entered into the web browser from the storage means 20.

<<Rescheduling functions>>
Next, the task rescheduling function of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that components in Fig. 8 with the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 7 perform similar functions, so in some cases only the main components of this embodiment will be mainly described.

The input acquisition means 11 acquires information regarding the end of work hours entered by the user from the terminal device 101. The information update means 13 stores the end of work hours registered by the user in the work hours storage means 21.

The current time acquisition means 15 acquires the current time from an RTC (Real Time Clock) or a time management server on the network. The current time acquisition means 15 transmits the current time to the rescheduling means 16.

The rescheduling means 16 obtains the unexecuted schedule for the current day and the schedule for tomorrow and beyond from the schedule information storage means 22, and obtains the estimated required times for the tasks registered in each schedule from the task information storage means 23. The rescheduling means 16 reschedules the unexecuted tasks by adding the unexecuted schedule for the current day to the available time in tomorrow's schedule.

The information acquisition means 14 acquires the rescheduled schedule information from the schedule information storage means 22 and transmits it to the image display means. The image display means generates screen information that displays the schedule information transmitted from the information acquisition means 14 and transmits it to the terminal device 101.

The storage means 20 also includes a working time storage means 21, a schedule information storage means 22, and a task information storage means 23.

Figure 9 shows an example of work time information stored in the work time storage means 21. As shown in Figure 9, the work time storage means 21 stores the end time of work. The user can register the end time of work in the DFE 102.

Figure 10 shows an example of a work end time setting screen 790 displayed by the terminal device 101. The work end time setting screen 790 is accessed from the schedule display screen, which will be described later. The work end time setting screen 790 has a display start time field 791, a display end time field 792, and an update timing field 793. The display start time field 791 and display end time field 792 specify the display range of the schedule on the schedule display screen (the start and end times of the schedule to be displayed). The update timing field 793 sets the work end time. In other words, the update timing field 793 sets the time at which the schedule of an unperformed task will be updated. The display start time field 791, display end time field 792, and update timing field 793 are all pull-down menus, allowing the user to select a time.

Figure 11 shows the task information stored in the task information storage means 23. The task information associates the task ID of the created task, the task name, the task implementation details, and the estimated task required time. The task implementation details include further categorized task components 52 (see Figure 1) and the implementation order.

Figure 12 shows the schedule information stored in the schedule information storage means 22. Schedule information is a timetable (timetable) on which tasks are to be performed. Schedule information includes the following fields: schedule ID, task ID to be performed, task execution date when the task is scheduled to be performed, scheduled start time, scheduled end time, start time, end time, execution status, and rescheduled.

- The schedule ID is identification information for the schedule. One schedule corresponds to one task. The schedule ID is assigned when the schedule is registered.

- The task ID to be performed is the identification information for the task registered in the schedule and to be performed.

- The task execution date is the date the task is scheduled to be executed. It is registered by the administrator.

- The scheduled start time is the time the task is scheduled to start. It is registered by the administrator.

- The scheduled end date is the scheduled time when the task will finish. Since the time required for the task components 52 that a task has is fixed, this may be set automatically or by an administrator. Alternatively, since the start time and end time are recorded, the scheduled end time may be set using the average of these times. Furthermore, the scheduled end time may be set using the average for each user who is scheduled to carry out the task.

- The start time is the time when the task actually began.

- The end time is the time when the task actually finished.

- The implementation status indicates whether the task has been completed or not. The implementation status is either "completed" or "not yet completed." The default value is "not yet completed," and it changes to "completed" when the user presses the "completed" button.

Rescheduled indicates "Yes" if the task has been rescheduled, and "No" if not. This indicates that the task has been rescheduled.
<Operation procedure>
Next, the flow of processing or operations performed by the information processing system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the registration of work end times will be explained with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the procedure or operation by which the DFE 102 registers work end times in response to operations from the administrator. The administrator sets the work end time in the DFE 102 by the terminal device 101 communicating with the DFE 102, the image forming device 103 communicating with the DFE 102, or the administrator directly operating the DFE 102. Figure 13 explains the case where the administrator operates the terminal device 101.

The administrator operates the terminal device 101 to connect the terminal device 101 to the DFE 102. The terminal device 101 displays the work end time setting screen 790 shown in Figure 10. The administrator enters the work end time on the work end time setting screen 790 (S1).

The operation reception means 32 of the terminal device 101 receives the input, and the communication means 33 transmits the end time of work to the DFE 102 (S2).

The input acquisition means 11 of the DFE 102 receives the work end time, and the information update means 13 updates the work end time in the work hours storage means 21 with the work end time acquired by the input acquisition means 11 (S3).

The information acquisition means 14 acquires the end time of work from the work hours storage means 21 and passes it to the image display means 12 (S4).

The image display means 12 generates screen information that displays the end-of-work time passed from the information acquisition means 14 and sends it to the terminal device 101 (S5). The terminal device 101 displays the updated end-of-work time, allowing the manager to confirm the entered end-of-work time.

<<Rescheduling process part 1>>
Next, task rescheduling will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure or operation in which the DFE 102 reschedules an unexecuted task in response to a change in the date.

The user starts up the DFE 102 (S11). "Starting up" refers to returning from a sleep state, turning on the power from a shutdown state, etc. The DFE 102 may start up automatically instead of being started by the user.

The current time acquisition means 15 repeatedly notifies the rescheduling means 16 of the current time (S12).

The rescheduling means 16 determines whether the date has changed based on the current time (S13). A date change means that 23:59:59 of the current day becomes 00:00:00 of the next day. The time at which the date changes may be set. The rescheduling means 16 waits until the date changes.

If the current time and the end of work time match (Yes in S13), the rescheduling means 16 retrieves the unperformed tasks for that day from the schedule information storage means 22 (S14).

In addition, the rescheduling means 16 obtains the next day's schedule information from the schedule information storage means 22 (S15).

Next, the rescheduling means 16 obtains the estimated required times for tasks that have not yet been performed that day from the task information storage means 23 (S16).

The rescheduling means 16 identifies free time in tomorrow's schedule that is longer than the estimated required time of the unperformed task, and creates tomorrow's schedule information by setting the unperformed task in this free time (S17). There are several variations in how unperformed tasks can be rescheduled into free time, and details will be explained in Figures 16 to 20. As an example, the rescheduling means 16 gives priority to older unperformed tasks and assigns them to free time in tomorrow's schedule. If there is no free time in tomorrow's schedule, the same process is performed on the schedule for the day after tomorrow.

The information update means 13 receives the rescheduled schedule information for tomorrow from the rescheduling means 16 and registers it in the schedule information storage means 22 (S18).

The information acquisition means 14 acquires the updated schedule information from the schedule information storage means 22 and passes it to the image display means 12 (S19).

The image display means 12 generates screen information using the rescheduled schedule information and transmits it to the terminal device 101 (S20).

<<Rescheduling process part 2>>
Next, rescheduling of tasks when work hours end will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the procedure or operation of the DFE 102 when rescheduling unexecuted tasks when work hours end. The explanation of Fig. 15 will mainly focus on the differences from Fig. 14. In the processing of Fig. 15, step S101 is added, and S13-2 is different from Fig. 14.

When the DFE 102 starts up, the rescheduling means 16 obtains the work end time from the work time storage means 21 to determine whether work for the day has ended (S101).

The current time acquisition means 15 repeatedly notifies the rescheduling means 16 of the current time (S12-2). The rescheduling means 16 may acquire the current time from the current time acquisition means 15.

The rescheduling means 16 determines whether the current time matches the work end time (S13-2). The rescheduling means 16 waits until the current time matches the work end time. A perfect match is not required; it is sufficient if the current time passes the work end time. The processing after the current time passes the work end time can be the same as in Figure 14.

<Variations of rescheduling>
Variations in rescheduling will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 16 shows a method for rescheduling an unperformed task to the earliest available free time among the available free times that are longer than the estimated required time of the unperformed task. In Figure 16, there are two available free times 712 and 713 on the next day that are longer than the estimated required time of the unperformed task 711 for that day, and the rescheduling means 16 reschedules the unperformed task 711 for that day to the earliest available free time 712.

Figure 17 shows a method for rescheduling to the earliest available free time when there are multiple unperformed tasks, without considering the order of the unperformed tasks. There are two unperformed tasks 721, 722 on the current day. There are two available times 723, 724 on the next day. The rescheduling means 16 prioritizes rescheduling the unperformed task with the earliest scheduled start time among the multiple unperformed tasks 721, 722.

The rescheduling means 16 reschedules task 721 to the earliest available free time 724 that is longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task 721 with the earliest scheduled start time. Similarly, the rescheduling means 16 reschedules task 722 to the earliest available free time 723 that is longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task 722 with the next earliest scheduled start time. Therefore, in this case, the execution order of unexecuted tasks 721 and 722 may be reversed, as shown in FIG. 17.

Figure 18 shows a method for rescheduling to the earliest available free time when there are multiple unperformed tasks, taking into account the order of the unperformed tasks. There are two unperformed tasks 731 and 732 on the current day. There are two available times 733 and 734 on the next day. Of the multiple unperformed tasks 731 and 732, the rescheduling means 16 prioritizes rescheduling the unperformed task 731, which has the earliest scheduled start time.

The rescheduling means 16 reschedules the unexecuted task 731 with the earliest scheduled start time to the earliest available free time 734 that is longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task 731. On the other hand, the rescheduling means 16 reschedules the unexecuted task 732 of the day to the available free time 734 that is longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task 732 with the next earliest scheduled start time, and that arrives after the rescheduled task 731. Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 18, the execution order of the unexecuted tasks 731 and 732 is not reversed.

Figure 19 shows a method for rescheduling multiple unperformed tasks together at the beginning of the next day after the start of work. As shown in Figure 19(a), there are two unperformed tasks 741 and 742 on the current day. There are two free periods 743 and 744 on the next day. However, free period 743 is shorter than the total estimated required time for the two unperformed tasks 741 and 742.

The rescheduling means 16 reschedules all unperformed tasks 741, 742 to the beginning of the next day after the start of working hours. Then, as shown in FIG. 19(b), if a task 745 is registered whose estimated required time overlaps with that of all the rescheduled unperformed tasks, the overlapping task 745 is registered after all the rescheduled unperformed tasks 741, 742.

This allows you to prioritize uncompleted tasks and ensures that the order of uncompleted tasks is not changed.

Figure 20 shows a method for rescheduling multiple unperformed tasks together to free time on the next day. There are two unperformed tasks 751 and 752 on the current day. There are two free times 753 and 754 on the next day. However, free time 753 is shorter than the total estimated required time for the two unperformed tasks 751 and 752.

The rescheduling means 16 reschedules all unexecuted tasks to the earliest available free time 754 that is longer than the total estimated required time of all unexecuted tasks 751, 752.

This way, existing tasks will not be rescheduled and the order of uncompleted tasks will not be changed.

<Schedule information display example>
21 is a diagram showing an example of the schedule setting screen 640. The items included in the schedule setting screen 640 will be described below.
The task name 641 is the name of the task. The administrator may be able to select the task using a pull-down menu.
The required time 642 is the estimated required time for the task registered in the task information storage means 23. If a user who is scheduled to perform the task is set in the user column 646 and the average required time for the task for this user is registered in the average required time information, the average required time for the task for the user is displayed.
The execution plan date 643 is an item in which the administrator sets the date on which the task will be executed from a calendar or the like.
The start time 644 is an item in which the administrator sets the scheduled time for starting execution of the task.
The repetition period 645 is an item in which, if the task is a task that is executed repeatedly, the administrator sets the period during which the task is repeatedly executed. Since many tasks are executed repeatedly, such a setting can reduce the workload of the administrator.
The user column 646 displays a list of users who have been registered in the user information in a pull-down menu or the like.
The schedule column 647 is a column where registered tasks are displayed on a calendar.

When the administrator presses the OK button 648, a schedule similar to the schedule field 647 is displayed, and the newly registered task is displayed in this schedule. The implementation plan date 643 and start time 644 may be reflected in real time in the schedule field 647.

Figure 22 shows an example of the schedule display screen 650. The schedule display screen 650 can also accept task execution, and can be considered a task execution screen. The items on the schedule display screen 650 are described below.

The schedule column 651 is a column that displays tasks registered in the schedule information. The user can display the task schedule by month, week, or day. The image display means 12 displays tasks according to the display setting (month, week, day) and the current time. For example, the schedule column 651 displays tasks for one month, one week, one day, etc. including the current time. In Figure 22, the schedule column 651 is in a day display. When a general user switches the display setting, the image display means 12 obtains tasks included in the display range of the display setting (day, week, month) from the schedule information, obtains task information for these tasks, and updates the schedule display. The tasks displayed in the schedule column 651 are associated with a screen related to the execution of the task. One of the tasks displayed in the schedule column 651 is displayed in the task column 652.

Two tasks 761 and 762 are displayed in the schedule column 651, with the first task 761 being a rescheduled task. The rescheduled task 761 is displayed in a different manner from tasks that have already been performed, such as in red.

- The task column 652 displays the most recent task relative to the current time. In the task column 652, task 59 ("Paper feeding belt cleaning"), which has not yet been performed, is displayed at the top. In other words, tasks that have been rescheduled from the previous day are displayed at the top. Task 59 is also displayed in a different style from tasks that have already been performed, such as in red.

In Figure 22, in addition to the unperformed task 59, there are three tasks scheduled to be performed on the date selected in the schedule field 651: "Web cleaner replacement," "Channel plate cleaning," and "Head cap cleaning." Figure 22 shows the details of "Head cap cleaning."

Each task component has a button 653, and when the administrator presses the button 653, the state of the button 653 changes as follows. For example, the button 653 may change from "Execute" → "Display running task" → "Display completed task." When the button 653 is pressed in the "Execute" state, it accepts the execution of the task as an execution button and performs an adjustment operation on the image forming device 103. The button 653 may be displayed as "Start adjustment" instead of "Execute." Examples of adjustments and maintenance that the DFE 102 can perform include automatic cleaning of the transfer belt, alignment of the print position, and nozzle cleaning. After the "Execute" or "Start adjustment" button is pressed, a word such as "Complete" is displayed next to the button 653.

<Major Effects>
As described above, the information processing system of this embodiment can prevent users from forgetting to perform maintenance by automatically rescheduling unperformed tasks into free time when the date changes or working hours end.

<Other application examples>
The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in this embodiment, the terminal device 101 uses a general-purpose web browser, but the DFE 102 may use a dedicated app.

Furthermore, the configuration examples in Figures 7 and 8 are divided according to main functions to make it easier to understand the processing by the terminal device 101, DFE 102, and image forming device 103. The method of dividing the processing units or the names of the processing units does not limit the present invention. The processing by the terminal device 101, DFE 102, and image forming device 103 can also be divided into even more processing units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, it is also possible to divide one processing unit so that it includes even more processing.

Furthermore, the devices described in the examples represent only one of several computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the DFE 102 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network, shared memory, etc., and to perform the processing disclosed herein.

Furthermore, DFE 102 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps, such as the flowcharts of Figures 13 to 15, in various combinations. For example, the process executed by a specific unit can be executed by multiple information processing devices included in DFE 102. Furthermore, DFE 102 may be integrated into a single server device, or may be divided into multiple devices.

The functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. In this specification, the term "processing circuit" includes processors programmed to perform each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the functions described above.

101 Terminal device 102 DFE
103 Image forming device 104 Server device

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-225531

Claims (13)

An information processing system having a device and an information processing device that accepts registration of a task related to the device and execution of the task ,
a schedule information storage means for storing schedule information in which the tasks are registered;
a current time acquisition means for acquiring the current time;
a rescheduling means for rescheduling an unexecuted task when there is an unexecuted task based on the current time acquired by the current time acquisition means;
an image display means for displaying a rescheduled task in a manner different from that of a non-rescheduled task, the image display means registering that the rescheduled task has been rescheduled in the schedule information storage means;
and
when it is determined that the date has changed based on the current time acquired by the current time acquisition means, the rescheduling means reschedules the unexecuted task that should be executed before the date change to the earliest available free time among available times that are longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task,
the task is an operation related to adjustment or maintenance of the device,
the image display means displays an execution button for executing an operation on the device for each of the tasks registered in the schedule information;
Executing the task by pressing the execution button;
An information processing system characterized by: A working time storage means for storing a working end time is provided,
2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, when the current time passes the end of work time, the rescheduling means reschedules an unexecuted task that is stored in the schedule information storage means and that is to be executed before the current time passes the end of work time. The information processing system described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when there are multiple unexecuted tasks, the rescheduling means prioritizes the unexecuted tasks in order of their earliest scheduled start times and reschedules the unexecuted task to the earliest available free time among available times longer than the required time of the unexecuted task. When there are a plurality of unexecuted tasks, the rescheduling means prioritizes the unexecuted tasks in order of earliest scheduled start time,
3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the execution order of the unperformed tasks is maintained, and the unperformed tasks are rescheduled to the earliest available free time among available times longer than the required time of the unperformed tasks. the rescheduling means reschedules all of the unexecuted tasks to the first time after the start of work on the next day;
3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, when a task that overlaps with the rescheduled unexecuted task is registered, the overlapping task is registered after all of the rescheduled unexecuted tasks. The information processing system described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rescheduling means reschedules all of the unperformed tasks to the earliest available free time among available times longer than the total estimated required times of all of the unperformed tasks. An information processing device for a task that accepts registration of a task related to a device and execution of the task ,
a schedule information storage means for storing schedule information in which the tasks are registered;
a current time acquisition means for acquiring the current time;
a rescheduling means for rescheduling an unexecuted task when there is an unexecuted task based on the current time acquired by the current time acquisition means;
an image display means for displaying a rescheduled task in a manner different from that of a non-rescheduled task, the image display means registering that the rescheduled task has been rescheduled in the schedule information storage means;
and
when it is determined that the date has changed based on the current time acquired by the current time acquisition means, the rescheduling means reschedules the unexecuted task that should be executed before the date change to the earliest available free time among available times that are longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task,
the task is an operation related to adjustment or maintenance of the device,
the image display means displays an execution button for executing an operation on the device for each of the tasks registered in the schedule information;
Executing the task by pressing the execution button;
An information processing device characterized by: 1. An information processing method performed by an information processing system having a device and an information processing device that accepts registration of a task related to the device and execution of the task ,
acquiring schedule information from a schedule information storage means in which the task is registered;
A step in which current time acquisition means acquires the current time;
a step in which, when there is an unexecuted task that has not yet been executed based on the current time acquired by the current time acquisition means, a rescheduling means reschedules the unexecuted task;
a step in which the schedule information storage means registers that the rescheduled task has been rescheduled, and an image display means displays the rescheduled task in a manner different from that of a task that has not been rescheduled;
and
when it is determined that the date has changed based on the current time acquired by the current time acquisition means, the rescheduling means reschedules the unexecuted task that should be executed before the date change to the earliest available free time among available times that are longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task,
the task is work related to adjustment or maintenance of the device,
the image display means displays an execution button for executing an operation on the device for each of the tasks registered in the schedule information;
Executing the task by pressing the execution button;
An information processing method comprising: An information processing device that accepts registration of a task related to a device and execution of the task ,
acquiring schedule information from a schedule information storage means in which the task is registered;
A step in which current time acquisition means acquires the current time;
a step in which, when there is an unexecuted task that has not yet been executed based on the current time acquired by the current time acquisition means, a rescheduling means reschedules the unexecuted task;
a step in which the schedule information storage means registers that the rescheduled task has been rescheduled, and an image display means displays the rescheduled task in a manner different from that of a task that has not been rescheduled;
Execute
when it is determined that the date has changed based on the current time acquired by the current time acquisition means, the rescheduling means reschedules the unexecuted task that should be executed before the date change to the earliest available free time among available times that are longer than the estimated required time of the unexecuted task,
the task is work related to adjustment or maintenance of the device,
the image display means displays an execution button for executing an operation on the device for each of the tasks registered in the schedule information;
Executing the task by pressing the execution button;
A program characterized by. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The operation is an adjustment operation.
An information processing system comprising: 8. The information processing device according to claim 7,
The operation is an adjustment operation.
1. An information processing device comprising: 9. The information processing method according to claim 8,
The operation is an adjustment operation.
An information processing method comprising: 10. The program according to claim 9,
The operation is an adjustment operation.
A program characterized by: