Image processing apparatus and image processing system

An image processing system comprising an information processing apparatus for transmitting a processing request and an image processing apparatus for executing the processing request,

• wherein the image processing apparatus comprises:
• an acceptance unit that accepts the processing request transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
• a storage unit that stores the processing request accepted by the acceptance unit;
• an execution unit that executes the processing request stored in the storage unit;
• a setting unit that is configured to:
• set the processing request stored in the storage unit as a queued processing request if another processing request is executed using the execution unit when the processing request is accepted by the acceptance unit;
• and
• set the processing request stored in the storage unit as a permitted processing request if no processing request is executed using the execution unit;
• and
• a notification unit that notifies the information processing apparatus that transmits the permitted processing request set in the setting unit that there exists a queued processing request set in the setting unit,
• wherein the information processing apparatus comprises:
• a second reception unit that receives the notification from the notification unit;
• a second display unit that displays the notification received by the second reception unit;
• an instruction unit that instructs whether or not to permit execution of the queued processing request based on the notification displayed on the second display unit;
• and
• a transmission unit that transmits information indicating existence of the queued processing request instructed by the instruction unit to the image processing apparatus, and
• wherein the image processing apparatus further comprises:
• a first reception unit that receives the information of existence of the instructed queued processing request transmitted by the transmission unit;
• and
• an interrupt control unit which, when the first reception unit receives the information of existence of the instructed queued processing request, controls the execution unit to interrupt the execution of the permitted processing request and execute the instructed queued processing request.

A multi-function device comprising:

• an image forming unit that forms an image;
• a scanner unit that reads the image;
• a facsimile transmission unit that transmits/receives facsimile data;
• a remote communication unit that is connected to a network;
• an input unit that receives input;
• a display unit;
• a control unit, which is connected to the image forming unit, the scanner unit, the facsimile transmission unit, a remote communication unit, the input unit and the display unit, and which processes a job,
• wherein, when the control unit receives a second job through the remote communication unit while the control unit is processing a first job by using one of the image forming unit, the scanner unit and the facsimile unit, the control unit is configured to:
• control the display unit to display information indicating receipt of the second job;
• and
• if the input unit receives input, in accordance with the input, execute either one of:
• (a) continuing processing the first job while holding processing the second job;
• or
• (b) suspending processing the first job and processing the second job;
• and
• if the input unit does not receive the input, process the first job and the second job in accordance with a received order.

A method for controlling a multi-function device, the multi-function device comprising:

• an image forming unit that forms an image;
• a scanner unit that reads the image;
• a facsimile transmission unit that transmits/receives facsimile data;
• a remote communication unit that is connected to a network;
• an input unit that receives input;
• a display unit;
• a control unit, which is connected to the image forming unit, the scanner unit, the facsimile transmission unit, a remote communication unit, the input unit and the display unit, and which processes a job,
• wherein the method comprises:
• control the display unit to display information indicating receipt of the second job;
• and
• if the input unit receives input, in accordance with the input, execute either one of:
• (a) continuing processing the first job while holding processing the second job;
• or
• (b) suspending processing the first job and processing the second job;
• and
• if the input unit does not receive the input, process the first job and the second job in accordance with a received order.