Abstract:
An image processor includes: a notification control unit configured, when apparatus condition information which requires an alert is received, to notify alert information corresponding to the alert using a notification unit; a storage unit configured to store first information related to alert information previously notified using the notification unit and second information related to current apparatus condition received which requires an alert; and a judgment unit configured to judge whether the first information and the second information match. The notification control unit is configured to not notify an alert information related to the current apparatus condition which requires an alert using the notification unit when an elapsed time from the notification of the previous alert information to the reception of the current apparatus condition information is equal to or less than a predetermined time period and the first information and the second information match.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority based on 35 USC 119 from prior Japanese Patent Application No. P2008-253350 filed on Sep. 30, 2008, entitled “Image Processor”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an image processor configured to monitor condition of an image forming apparatus and notify the condition using a display or a voice message when the monitored result is an error. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventionally, there has been a system in which an image processor connected to and communicating with an image forming apparatus monitors condition of the image forming apparatus and notifies the condition when an error is detected. In such a system, an “error condition” of the image forming apparatus is notified to a user by displaying a dialog box on the image processor or sending a voice message via a speaker (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-293344). 
         [0006]    In this system, the image forming apparatus sends its condition information to the image processor every time a print job is sent from the information processor to the image forming apparatus, and the image processor notifies the user of the state of the “error condition” by, for example, displaying a dialog box whenever the received condition is not a “normal condition” but an “error condition.” Thus, as long as the image forming apparatus remains in the same “error condition,” a dialog box indicating the same “error condition” is displayed on the display of the image processor or the same “error condition” is announced through the speaker every time a print job is sent. In the image processor, every time the dialog box is displayed, the user is required to end the dialog box display by inputting a confirmation of the error condition or the user&#39;s operation is interrupted by each announcement so that there had been insufficient usability of the image processor. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    An aspect of the present invention is an image processor operable to be connected with an image forming apparatus. The image processor includes: an apparatus condition information acquisition unit configured to receive apparatus condition information from the image forming apparatus when the image processor instructs the image forming apparatus to print; a notification control unit configured, when the apparatus condition information acquisition unit receives apparatus condition information which requires an alert, to notify alert information corresponding to the alert using a notification unit; a time period storage unit storing a time period; a storage unit configured to store first information related to alert information previously notified using the notification unit and second information related to current apparatus condition received which requires an alert; and a judgment unit configured to judge whether the first information and the second information match. The notification control unit is configured to not notify alert information related to the current apparatus condition which requires an alert using the notification unit when an elapsed time from the notification of the previous alert information to the reception of the current apparatus condition information which requires an alert is equal to or less than the time period stored in the time period storage unit and the first information and the second information match. 
         [0008]    Another aspect of the present invention is an image processor operable to be connected with an image forming apparatus. The image processor includes: an apparatus condition information acquisition unit configured to receive apparatus condition information from the image forming apparatus when the image processor instructs the image forming apparatus to print; a notification control unit configured, when the apparatus condition information acquisition unit receives apparatus condition information which requires an alert, to notify alert information corresponding to the alert using a notification unit; a time period storage unit storing a time period; a storage unit configured to store first information related to alert information previously notified using the notification unit and second information related to current apparatus condition received which requires an alert; and a judgment unit configured to judge whether the first information and the second information match. The notification control unit is configured to notify alert information related to the current apparatus condition which requires an alert using the notification unit when an elapsed time from the notification of the previous alert information to the reception of the current apparatus condition information which requires an alert is greater than the time period stored in the time period storage unit or when the first information and the second information do not match. 
         [0009]    According to the aspects of the present invention, an alert notification is executed only when a predetermined period of time is elapsed and when a different “error condition” is detected. Therefore, the frequency of alert notifications is reduced and this improves usability of the image processor. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a print monitor of a computer according to a first embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a print processing system to which the present invention can be applied. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a timing chart ( 1 ) of an outline operation according to the first embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a timing chart ( 2 ) of the outline operation according to the first embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a diagram explaining printer condition codes stored by a printer and to be stored in a storage unit, wherein each printer condition code corresponds to each printer condition. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a correspondence table between printer condition codes stored in a printer condition type storage unit and condition type information. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a correspondence table between printer condition codes stored in a notification character string storage unit and alert information notification character strings to notify an alert on a display of the computer; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of an example of a dialog box notifying a notification character string. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an operation of notifying a printer condition according to the first embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a timing chart of an outline operation according to a second embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a functional block diagram of a print monitor of a computer according to the second embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart of an operation of notifying a printer condition according to the second embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart of an operation of notifying a printer condition according to a third embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    Descriptions are provided hereinbelow for embodiments based on the drawings. In the respective drawings referenced herein, the same constituents are designated by the same reference numerals and duplicate explanation concerning the same constituents is basically omitted. All of the drawings are provided to illustrate the respective examples only. No dimensional proportions in the drawings shall impose a restriction on the embodiments. For this reason, specific dimensions and the like should be interpreted with the following descriptions taken into consideration. In addition, the drawings include parts whose dimensional relationship and ratios are different from one drawing to another. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a print processing system to which the present invention can be applied. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the print processing system has a configuration in which computer  100  serving as an image processor for executing various programs and printer  101  serving as an image forming apparatus are connected via bidirectional cable  102 . 
         [0026]    Bidirectional cable  102  connecting computer  100  and printer  101  is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) for example. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0027]    According to a first embodiment, once computer  100  acquires “error condition” information from the printer  101  and sends an alert to a user, computer  100  does not send another alert during a predetermined time period even when “error condition” information is acquired again if content of the condition is the same. This configuration solves the problem that “error condition” is repeatedly notified and the usability of computer  100  is insufficient. An outline of the invention will be described prior to the structure of the first embodiment. 
         [0028]    First a case where the same “error condition” information is repeatedly acquired will be described.  FIG. 3  is a timing chart ( 1 ) of an outline operation of the first embodiment.  FIG. 3  shows the time elapsed after computer  100  is turned on and the printer conditions at respective times. In this assumption, as an example, it is assumed that power is applied to computer  100  at Time T 0  and print job processes start at Times T 1   s,  T 2   s  and T 3   s.  In this structure, computer  100  ( FIG. 3 ) operates as follows. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , power is applied to computer  100  at Time T 0 , computer  100  acquires first “error condition” information of prior (preceding) print job process start timing at Time T 1   s.  After a short time period, an alert notification is executed at Time T 1   d.  The prior print job ends at Time T 1   e.  Then, a process of subsequent (following) print job  1  starts at Time T 2   s.  When the “error condition” remains at this time, computer  100  acquires “error condition” information. 
         [0030]    According to the first embodiment, elapsed time Tx from the execution of the alert notification T 1   d  to the present time (Time T 2   s ) is calculated. When calculated elapsed time Tx does not exceed predetermined time period Ts for re-notification, the alert notification is not executed. According to  FIG. 3 , since Time T 2   s  for starting the processing of subsequent print job  1  is before the end of predetermined time period Ts for the re-notification, the alert notification is not executed and print job  1  ends at Time T 2   e.    
         [0031]    Then, processing of subsequent print job  2  starts at Time T 3   s.  When the “error condition” remains at this time, computer  100  acquires “error condition” information. Since the time (Time T 3   s ) is after the end of predetermined time period Ts, an alert notification is executed at Time T 3   d  and the processing of print job  2  ends at Time T 3   e.  As a result, a notification of the “error condition” is not executed during the processing of print job  1 . 
         [0032]    Secondly, a case where different “error condition” information is acquired will be explained.  FIG. 4  is a timing chart ( 2 ) showing an outline operation of the first embodiment.  FIG. 4  shows the time elapsed after power is applied to computer  100  and printer conditions at respective times. In this case, as an example, it is assumed that computer  100  is turned on at Time T 0  and print job processes start at Times T 1   s,  T 2   s  and T 3   s.  In this assumption, computer  100  ( FIG. 4 ) operates as follows. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , power is applied to computer  100  at Time T 0  and computer  100  acquires first “error condition” information at Time T 1   s  of prior print job processing start time. After a short time period, an alert notification is executed at Time T 1   d.  The processing of the prior print job ends at Time T 1   e.  Then, processing of a subsequent print job  1  starts at Time T 2   s.  At this time, if printer  101  is in an “error condition” different from the condition of the prior print job start time, computer  100  acquires “error condition” information different from that of the prior print job start time from printer  101 . 
         [0034]    According to the first embodiment, elapsed time Tx from alert notification execution time T 1   d  to the present time (Time T 2   s ) is first calculated. When calculated elapsed time Tx does not exceed predetermined time period Ts for re-notification, the alert notification is not executed; however, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the “error condition” information (second information) acquired at the subsequent print job  1  process start time is different from the “error condition” information (first information) acquired at the prior print job process start time Time T 1   s,  so a different alert notification is executed at Time T 2   d  after a short period of time. The processing of subsequent print job  1  ends at Time T 2   e.    
         [0035]    Then, processing of subsequent print job  2  starts at Time T 3   s.  At this time, when the “error condition” the same as the “error condition” acquired during subsequent print job  1  remains, computer  100  receives the “error condition” information. Since the time (Time T 3   s ) is before the end of the predetermined time period Ts which starts at Time T 2   d,  the alert notification is not executed and the processing of print job  2  ends at Time T 3   e.  As a result, the “error condition” is not notified during the processing of print job  2 . 
         [0036]    As described the above, the number of “error condition” notifications are controlled and this reduces the number of user confirmation input operations and the usability of computer  100  improves. 
       Description of Configuration of First Embodiment 
       [0037]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a printing system according to the first embodiment. According to the present embodiment, a notification method will be explained as a display on a screen display, not as a voice message from a speaker. As shown in  FIG. 5 , computer  100  as an image processor includes application  200 , printer driver  201 , spooler  202 , print monitor  203  and display  204 . 
         [0038]    Application  200  has a function for inputting text data, graphic data and the like and combining those data to create document information, image information and the like. 
         [0039]    Printer driver  201  has a function for converting the document information and/or image information created by application  200  into print data applicable to printer  101 . 
         [0040]    Spooler  202  has a function for managing the print data output from printer driver  201  as a print job. In other words, spooler  202  adds a print job to a print queue and sends a print job start notification, print data and a print job end notification to print monitor  203  according to queue priorities. 
         [0041]    Print monitor  203  judges an alert level of the printer condition, the latest notified printer condition and time of the latest notified printer condition and notifies character string information corresponding to the printer condition to display  204  of computer  100 . 
         [0042]    The respective components will be described in detail.  FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of print monitor  203  of computer  100  according to the first embodiment. 
         [0043]    Print data transmission unit  300  is a unit to receive print data from spooler  202  and output the print data to printer  101  and stops outputting the data when receiving a print job end notification. 
         [0044]    Upon receiving a print job start notification from spooler  202 , printer condition information acquisition unit  301  sends a command for acquiring a printer condition to printer  101 , acquires printer condition information generated by printer  101  in response to the command, and transfers the acquired printer condition information to printer condition information extraction unit  302 . Here, the printer condition information represents information as a broader concept including operation condition information and consumable supply information regarding the printer. 
         [0045]    Printer condition information extraction unit  302  extracts a code indicating a condition of printer  101  from the transferred printer condition information and stores the code to storage unit  309  as second information. 
         [0046]    Storage unit  309  stores the second information of the code indicating the condition of printer  101  and outputs the code in response to a request from determination unit  310 . Storage unit  309  stores a code for a display character string of the latest alert displayed on display  204  as first information and outputs the code in response to a request form determination unit  310 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  is a table showing printer condition contents indicated by the codes stored by printer  101  and to be stored in storage unit  309  as second information. The 5-digit code “10001” indicates “standby” condition, “10002” indicates “toner low” condition and “10003” indicates “paper-out” condition. 
         [0048]    Printer condition type storage unit  304  stores condition type information associated with the respective codes and outputs the condition type information to determination unit  310  in response to a request of determination unit  310 .  FIG. 7  shows condition type information stored in printer condition type storage unit  304 . The 5-digit code “10001” is associated with “normal,” “10002” is associated with “alert” and “10003” is associated with “error” as condition type information. 
         [0049]    Notification character string storage unit  305  stores alert information notification character strings that are notification character strings which are to be displayed on display  204  of computer  100  according to the 5-digit code associated with the printer condition and outputs the alert information notification character string to determination unit  310  in response to a request from determination unit  310 .  FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a correspondence relation between the codes stored in notification character string storage unit  305  and the notification character strings to alert on display  204  of computer  100 . Code of “10002” is associated with “Toner level is low,” “10003” is associated with “Add paper.” 
         [0050]    Notification time storage unit  306  stores the time when an “alert” notification character string was displayed on display  204  of computer  100 . 
         [0051]    Determination unit  310  has various determination functions and mainly includes memory control unit  311 , judgment unit  312 , time period setting unit  313 , time comparison unit  314  and notification control unit  315 . 
         [0052]    Memory control unit  311  has a function for storing, in storage unit  309 , the code of the alert display character string displayed on display  204  as first information. 
         [0053]    Judgment unit  312  refers to the printer condition codes ( FIG. 6 ) stored in storage unit  309  and acquires printer condition type information ( FIG. 7 ) corresponding to the code of printer condition type storage unit  304  as second information. Judgment unit  312  judges the condition type among “normal,” “error” and “alert.” In a case of “alert,” judgment unit  312  checks the alert code of the previous notification stored in storage unit  309  as first information to judge whether the alert content matches with the previous alert content. 
         [0054]    Time period setting unit  313  has a function for registering predetermined time period Ts, which is input by a user using an input unit, to time period storage unit  317 . 
         [0055]    Time comparison unit  314  calculates elapsed time Tx, which is a difference between the time stored in notification time storage unit  306  and the present time acquired from timer  316  and compares elapsed time Tx and predetermined time period Ts stored in time period storage unit  317 . 
         [0056]    According to instructions of judgment unit  312  and time comparison unit  314 , notification control unit  315  acquires a notification character string ( FIG. 8 ) corresponding to the alert code indicating alert condition of printer  101  from notification character string storage unit  305  and outputs the alert display character string to display it on display  204  of computer  100 . After displaying the alert display character string, notification control unit  315  receives a time signal from timer  316 , determines the ending of displaying after an alert notification period (for example 10 seconds; see  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  11 ) and ends the “alert” display without waiting for a user&#39;s click on a button to close the dialog box display. With this configuration, the user is not required to take an input operation to close the dialog box display. 
         [0057]    Timer  316  keeps measuring the present time and supplies the present time to time comparison unit  314  and notification control unit  315 . 
         [0058]    Time period storage unit  317  stores predetermined time period Ts from the time of the previous “alert” notification to the time of a next “alert” notification. Predetermined time period Ts is a value previously input by the user using the input unit (not shown) and set by time period setting unit  313 . 
         [0059]    Application  200 , printer driver  201 , spooler  202  and print monitor  203  are functional units which are activated or generated when a CPU (not shown) executes a predetermined control program previously stored in a ROM or a hard disk (not shown) in computer  100 . 
       Explanation of Operation of First Embodiment 
       [0060]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an operation to notify a printer condition, which represents a broader concept including a consumable supply condition and operation condition of the printer. 
         [0061]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of a dialog box to display a notification character string.  FIG. 9  is used in the explanation of the flowchart. The flow of print data will be described from step S 600  to step S 620  in order with reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  10 . 
       Step S 600 : 
       [0062]    When application  200  requests printing, printer driver  201  sends print data to spooler  202 . 
       Step S 601 : 
       [0063]    Spooler  202  sends a print job start notification to printer condition information acquisition unit  301  in print monitor  203 . 
       Step S 602 : 
       [0064]    Spooler  202  sends the print data to print data transmission unit  300  in print monitor  203 . 
       Step S 603 : 
       [0065]    Upon receiving the print job start notification, printer condition information acquisition unit  301  of print monitor  203  sends a command for acquiring printer condition information to printer  101 . 
       Step S 604 : 
       [0066]    Printer condition information acquisition unit  301  serving as an apparatus condition information acquisition of the monitor  203  acquires printer condition information serving as an apparatus condition information acquisition ( FIG. 6 ) from printer  101 . 
       Step S 605 : 
       [0067]    Printer condition information acquisition unit  301  transfers the printer condition information to printer condition information extraction unit  302 . 
       Step S 606 : 
       [0068]    Printer condition information extraction unit  302  extracts a code ( FIG. 6 ) of the printer condition information and stores the code to storage unit  309  as second information. 
         [0069]    Judgment unit  312  in determination unit  310  acquires the code as the second information from storage unit  309 . 
         [0070]    Judgment unit  312  acquires printer condition type information ( FIG. 7 ) corresponding to the acquired code from printer condition type storage unit  304 . 
       Step S 607 : 
       [0071]    When the printer condition is “10001” for example, judgment unit  312  does not notify the printer condition and the process proceeds to step S 613  since the printer condition type information corresponding to the printer condition is “normal.” When the corresponding printer condition type information is “alert,” the process proceeds to step S 608 . When the corresponding printer condition type information is “error,” the operation stops until paper is added. 
       Step S 608 : 
       [0072]    Time comparison unit  314  acquires a previous notification time from notification time storage unit  306  and the present time from timer  316 . 
       Step S 609 : 
       [0073]    Time comparison unit  314  calculates elapsed time Tx based on a difference between the previous notification time and the present time and compares elapsed time Tx with predetermined time period Ts stored in time period storage unit  317 . Here, as an example, a case where predetermined time period Ts is set as 60 seconds will be described. When the difference between the previous notification time stored in notification time storage unit  306  and the present time excesses 60 seconds, time comparison unit  314  determines that predetermined time period Ts has passed and process proceeds to step S 612 . When elapsed time Tx is less than 60 seconds, time comparison unit  314  determines that predetermined time period Ts has not passed and the process proceeds to step S 610 . 
       Step S 610 : 
       [0074]    Upon receiving a notification from time comparison unit  314  which notifies that elapsed time Tx has not reached predetermined time period Ts, judgment unit  312  acquires an alert code (first information) of the previous notification from storage unit  309 . 
       Step S 611 : 
       [0075]    Judgment unit  312  checks the acquired previous alert code (first information) with the current alert code (second information) also acquired from storage unit  309 . When the codes are different, judgment unit  312  judges that the “alert” condition has changed and the process proceeds to step S 612  to instruct notification control unit  315  to notify the alert. When the codes are the same, judgment unit  312  judges that the same “alert” condition remains and the process proceeds to step S 613  without notifying the alert information of the printer condition. 
       Step S 612 : 
       [0076]    Time comparison unit  314  or judgment unit  312  instructs notification control unit  315  to notify the alert according to the alert code (second information) stored in storage unit  309 . Upon receiving the instruction, it proceeds to step S 615  and notification control unit  315  activates a separate asynchronous routine. Memory control unit  311  stores the alert code (second information) instructed by notification control unit  315  to storage unit  309  as first information. The detail of step S 612  will be described in the following steps S 615  to S 620 . 
       Step S 615 : 
       [0077]    Notification control unit  315  acquires a notification character string ( FIG. 8 ) corresponding to the alert code (second information) from notification character string storage unit  305 . 
         [0078]    When the alert code, which is acquired in judgment unit  312 , is “10002” for example, notification control unit  315  acquires the notification character string of “Toner level is low.” 
       Step S 616 : 
       [0079]    Notification control unit  315  displays the notification character string shown in  FIG. 9  on display  204  independently from other process operations such as a print data transmission implemented by determination unit  310 . 
       Step S 617 : 
       [0080]    When notification control unit  315  performs the alert notification on display  204 , determination unit  310  reads the present time from timer  316  and stores the present time to notification time storage unit  306 . 
       Step S 618 : 
       [0081]    Notification control unit  315  checks whether OK button  400  or close button  401  on a dialog box is clicked and, if one of them is pressed, the process proceeds to step S 620 . If none of them is pressed, the process proceeds to step S 619 . 
       Step S 619 : 
       [0082]    Notification control unit  315  monitors notification time. When a predetermined time passes without a user&#39;s click of the one of the buttons, notification control unit  315  ends the display of the dialog box on display  204  and the process proceeds to step S 620 . When the predetermined time does not pass, the process proceeds to step S 618 . 
       Step S 620 : 
       [0083]    Notification control unit  315  ends the alert notification process of the dialog box. 
       Step S 613 : 
       [0084]    Print data transmission unit  300  outputs the print data to printer  101 . 
       Step S 614 : 
       [0085]    Upon receiving a print job end notification from spooler  202 , print data transmission unit  300  stops the output operation. 
         [0086]    According to the present embodiment, in order to reduce the frequency of alert notifications, it is judged whether elapsed time Tx from a previous notification time reaches predetermined time period Ts and, when it is not reached, it is checked whether the alert condition is the same as the previous notification content. However, it may first be checked whether the alert condition is the same as the previous condition and then the elapsed time may be judged when it is determined that the conditions are the same. 
       Effect of First Embodiment 
       [0087]    Predetermined time period Ts to not execute re-notification of printer alert information is previously set and, when elapsed time Tx that is a time difference between a time of notifying alert during a prior print job and a time of acquiring an error condition information during a subsequent print job does not reach predetermined time period Ts and the printer conditions is the same, the alert information is not notified. With the printer having such a configuration, the number of alert notifications can be reduced. Further, according to the first embodiment, since the “alert” notification ends after an alert notification time without user&#39;s click of a button to close the notification of a dialog box, user&#39;s troublesome input operations can be reduced. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0088]    A characteristic of a second embodiment is that, once an alert notification is performed during processing of a series of print jobs, computer  500  as an image processor does not perform the same alert notification during the processing of the series of print jobs regardless of whether passing predetermined time period Ts so as to reduce the frequency of alert notifications. 
         [0089]    A case where the same “error condition” information is acquired during a processing of a series of print jobs will be described with reference to a timing chart. 
         [0090]      FIG. 11  is a timing chart of an outline operation of the second embodiment.  FIG. 11  shows an example in which computer  500  is turned on at Time T 0 , a series of print jobs is processed, and first “error condition” information is acquired during processing of “m”th print job. 
         [0091]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , computer  500  is turned on at Time T 0  and computer  500  acquires first “error condition” information at Time Tms of beginning of the “m”th print job. 
         [0092]    In this case, an alert notification is performed at Time Tmd. 
         [0093]    The “m”th print job ends at Time Tme. At the same time, an “n”th print job starts at Time Tns. When the “error condition” remains at this time, computer  500  acquires “error condition” information. 
         [0094]    When the “error condition” information is acquired at Time Tme, computer  500  determines whether the print job is a single print job or serial print job. In case of a serial print job, an alert notification is not executed. 
         [0095]    During the serial print job, when the same “error condition” is acquired repeatedly, an alert notification is executed only once (regardless of passing predetermined time period Ts) and the alert notification is not executed more than once and the process of the serial print job ends at Time Tpe. 
         [0096]    Then, processing of a subsequent print job starts at Time T 2   s.  When the same “error condition” still remains at this timing, computer  500  acquires “error condition” information and executes the alert notification since the subsequent print job is a single print job (including a lead print job of a serial print job). 
         [0097]    As described above, the frequency of “error condition” notifications is reduced, the frequency of user&#39;s confirmation input operations is reduced and the usability of computer  500  improves. 
       Differences from Configuration of First Embodiment 
       [0098]      FIG. 12  is a functional block diagram of print monitor  503  of computer  500  according to the second embodiment. Difference between the configuration of the second embodiment and that of the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 12 . 
         [0099]    Here, a serial print job will be defined. At the time when a print job is sent from spooler  202  via print data transmission unit  300  of print monitor  203  to printer  101 , if a subsequent print job exists in spooler  202 , the prior (preceding) print job and subsequent (following) print job are defined as a serial print job. 
         [0100]    Thus, by counting the number of print jobs in spooler  202  when a printer condition code is saved in storage unit  309  (Step S 602 ), judgment unit  312  and/or time comparison unit  514  of determination unit  510  can determine whether the printer condition code corresponds to a printer condition at a time of processing the last print job of the serial print job or not at the time of processing the last print job. In other words, if the number of print jobs in spooler  202  is one or more, there is a subsequent print job continuously following the print job that is currently executed. If the number of print jobs in spooler  202  is zero, there is no subsequent print job continuously following the print job that is currently executed. However, in such a method, judgment unit  312  and/or time comparison unit  514  cannot determine whether the printer condition code indicates a printer condition at a time of processing a subsequent print job of a serial print job or at a time of processing a single print job (including a lead print job of a serial print job). 
         [0101]    In this point of view, according to the present embodiment, print job judgment unit  515  and print job number storage unit  700  are further provided in print monitor  503 . As a means of determining whether the subsequent print job is of a serial print job, print job judgment unit  515  is provided. Print job judgment unit  515  acquires the number of print jobs in spooler  202  just before step S 613  of the first embodiment and registers the acquired value in print job number storage unit  700  and checks the stored value when a following print job is executed. Print job judgment unit  515  determines when the value is zero, the print job is a single print job (including a lead print job of a serial print job) and when the value is one or greater, the print job is of a serial print job (“1” means the last print job of a serial print job). 
         [0102]    In print monitor  503  of the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , print job number storage unit  700  is further provided in print monitor  203  of the first embodiment and print job judgment unit  515  is further provided in determination unit  310 , compared to the first embodiment. Print job number storage unit  700  stores the number of print jobs existing in spooler  202 . 
       Explanation of Operation of Second Embodiment 
       [0103]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart of an operation of notifying a printer condition according to the second embodiment. Only the operations different from those of the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 13 . 
       Step S 800 : 
       [0104]    After judgment unit  312  determines that the printer type information is “alert,” print job judgment unit  515  of determination unit  510  acquires the number of print jobs stored in print job number storage unit  700 . 
       Step S 801 : 
       [0105]    Print job judgment unit  515  checks the number of print jobs stored in print job number storage unit  700 . When the number of the print jobs is one or more, the print job that is currently processed is determined as a subsequent print job of a serial print job (the second or later print job of a serial print job) and the process proceeds to step S 610 . When the number is zero, the job is determined as a single print job (including a lead print job of a serial print job) and the process proceeds to step S 612 . 
       Step S 802 : 
       [0106]    After activating a dialog box notification routine starting from step S 615 , determination unit  510  acquires the number of following print jobs stored in spooler  202  and stores the number to print job number storage unit  700 . Then the process proceeds to step S 613 . 
         [0107]    In step S 611 , when the printer condition code is matched with the previous printer condition code, the process does not proceed to step S 612  but to step S 802  and judgment unit  312  acquires the number of print jobs stored in spooler  202  and stores the number to print job number storage unit  700 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 613 . 
         [0108]    With the above operation, an alert information notification regarding the printer condition is executed for the lead print job of a series of serial print job at a time when the printer is in an “error condition” and the same alert information notification is not executed for the second or later print job of the serial print job. 
         [0109]    As described above (the Preferred Embodiment), the print job judgment unit  515  of determination unit  510  determines if the serial print job is being processed based on the number of print jobs existing in spooler  202  serving as a component of computer  500 . After executing one alert notification during a series of serial print job, the same “alert condition” is not notified during the serial print job process regardless of predetermined time period Ts for re-notification. This improves the usability of computer  500   s.    
       Effect of Second Embodiment 
       [0110]    In a case where print jobs are continuously sequentially requested, during the series of serial print jobs, printer alert information is notified only for a first print job in the “error condition” and the printer alert information is not notified for other jobs unless the printer condition changes. This reduces the number of printer alert notifications. After the alert notification, the “alert” notification is ended after a predetermined time even if the user does not click the button to close the dialog box. This reduces a part of troublesome operations of the user and provides an effect the same as that of the first embodiment. With such a structure, since frequent printer alert notifications are not executed and the alert notification end operation is executed by itself, the usability of computer  500  improves. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0111]    According to a third embodiment, in computer  500  serving as an image processor, time comparison unit  514  has a function to compare predetermined time period Ts stored in time period storage unit  317  with elapsed time Tx, which is a time difference between the time acquired from notification time storage unit  306  and the time acquired from timer  316 , determine whether elapsed time Tx is greater than predetermined time period Ts and whether the print job is a single print job (including a lead print job of a serial print job) or a subsequent print of a serial print job (which is a second or later print job of a serial print job) according to the number of print jobs existing in the spooler, and instruct the notification control unit to notify the alert information in a case where the print job is determined as a single print job. 
       Explanation of Configuration of Third Embodiment 
       [0112]    Since components of the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment, those explanations will be omitted here. 
       Explanation of Operation of Third Embodiment 
       [0113]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart of an operation for notifying a printer condition according to the third embodiment. Since operation of the third embodiment is a combination of operations of the first and second embodiments, the details are covered by the above embodiments and omitted in the third embodiment. 
       Effect of Third Embodiment 
       [0114]    According to the third embodiment, predetermined time period Ts indicating a time period to re-notify the above alert information can be set to be changed and, in addition, in a case of serial print job, the alert notification is executed only once during the processing of the series of serial print job, and the same alert condition is not repeatedly notified during the serial print job. This configuration is more effective to reduce the number of alert notifications by setting relatively long predetermined time periods Ts between single print jobs and between a serial print job and a single print job in a state where single print jobs and serial print jobs are randomly lined. According to the third embodiment, after the alert notification, computer  500  itself ends the “alert” display after a predetermined time without waiting for a user&#39;s click on a button to close the dialog box display. This reduces a part of user&#39;s troublesome operations, as with the first and second embodiments. Thus, since frequent printer alert notifications are not executed and an alert notification ending process is executed by computer  500  itself, the usability of computer  500  improves. 
         [0115]    Predetermined time period Ts can be defined as a period of time from the time when a previous alert information dialog box is displayed to the time when a subsequent alert information dialog box is displayed. Predetermined time period Ts can be defined as a period of time from the beginning of a (prior) print job during which the previous alert information dialog box is displayed to the beginning of a (subsequent) print job during which the next alert information dialog box is displayed. Further, predetermined time period Ts can be defined as a period of time starting at the time when the previous alert information display is ended. Predetermined time period Ts can be applicable to any other arbitrary processing times corresponding to two print jobs. 
         [0116]    According to the above-described embodiments, although a printer has been explained as an image forming apparatus, it is applicable to a facsimile, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral device), a copier and the like, as an image forming apparatus. Apparatus conditions of an image forming apparatus include conditions of the apparatus itself and conditions of consumable supplies, namely a loosened belt condition, toner level, lifetime of a fixing heater, remaining paper quantity, a paper jam condition and the like; however those conditions may be categorized more specifically.