JP7358948B2 - Information processing device, information processing system, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

In the information processing system that controls the print processing by the image forming device, the information processing device connected to the image forming device via a network has a diagnostic tool that identifies the cause of the print processing error when printing fails. It is being

For example, there is a known print processing diagnostic system that diagnoses which process in the printing process caused the problem with respect to print data that has caused a problem in the printing process after the printing process has started, and notifies the user of the diagnosis result. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

However, with conventional technology, when printing cannot be performed normally, it is often necessary to check the information and status of the image forming device and information processing device in order to identify the cause of the error. Information and status were collected by traveling back and forth between the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus.

An embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and allows a user to go back and forth between an information processing device and an image forming device to exchange information and status when printing fails. To provide an information processing system capable of identifying the cause of an error in printing processing without collecting data.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that controls printing processing, and after instructing an image forming apparatus to execute the printing processing, transmits a message from a mobile terminal. an information receiving unit that receives identification information of the image forming apparatus that is to be used; and an information receiving unit that receives identification information of the image forming apparatus that is configured to perform the printing process; A diagnostic unit that executes a diagnostic process to identify a cause, a diagnostic result transmitting unit that transmits a diagnosis result of the diagnostic process to the mobile terminal, and providing the mobile terminal with connection information for communicating with the information processing device. and a connection information providing unit .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when printing fails, the user does not have to go back and forth between the information processing device and the image forming device to collect information and status, and the cause of the error in the printing process can be detected. It is possible to provide an information processing system that can identify.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of diagnostic information according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image of an example of diagnostic information according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing of the information processing system according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. The information processing system 100 allows an information processing device 101, one or more image forming devices 102a, 102b, . . . , and a mobile terminal 104 to communicate via the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network) 103, for example. It is connected. In the following description, "image forming apparatus 102" is used to refer to any image forming apparatus among one or more image forming apparatuses 102a, 102b, . . . .

The information processing device 101 is, for example, an information terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer). The information processing apparatus 101 controls printing processing by the image forming apparatus 102, for example, by executing a printer driver, which is a program that controls printing. For example, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 102 via the network 103 and instructs the image forming apparatus 102 to execute print processing.

The image forming apparatus 102 is, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) in which a scanning function, a copying function, a printing function, a facsimile function, etc. are mounted in one housing, or an electronic device having a printing function such as a printer. The image forming apparatus 102 executes, for example, a print process of printing print data received from the information processing apparatus 101 under control from the information processing apparatus 101.

The mobile terminal 104 is an information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal owned by the user 105, and has an application program (hereinafter referred to as an application) corresponding to the information processing system 100 installed therein.

In the above configuration, by performing a print operation on the information processing apparatus 101, the user 105 can perform print processing on any image forming apparatus 102 among one or more image forming apparatuses 102a, 102b, . can be executed.

However, if printing cannot be performed normally for some reason, it may be necessary to check the information and status of the image forming apparatus 102a and the information and status of the information processing apparatus 101 in order to identify the cause of the error. many. Therefore, in the conventional technology, the user 105 goes to the image forming apparatus 102a to pick up the printed matter, and if the printed matter is not printed properly, the user 105 goes back and forth between the image forming apparatus 102a and the information processing apparatus 101 to collect the necessary information. was acquired and entered into diagnostic tools, etc.

The present embodiment has been developed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and when printing fails, the user 105 travels back and forth between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 to exchange information and status. To identify the cause of an error in print processing without collecting data.

Specifically, the information processing apparatus 101 is equipped with a diagnostic tool for identifying the cause when printing cannot be performed normally, and receives identification information of the image forming apparatus 102 necessary for diagnosis from the mobile terminal 104. , transmits information such as diagnosis results to the mobile terminal 104.

For example, when the user 105 goes to pick up printed matter from the image forming apparatus 102a and finds that it is not printed correctly, the user 105 immediately sends identification information of the image forming apparatus 102 necessary for diagnosis (for example, IP address) to the mobile terminal 104. etc.). In response, the mobile terminal 104 transmits the input identification information of the image forming apparatus 102 to the information processing apparatus 101, and displays information such as the diagnosis result transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101. As a result, the user 105 can refer to the diagnosis results obtained by the diagnostic tool on the mobile terminal 104 without having to go back and forth between the image forming apparatus 102a and the information processing apparatus 101.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when printing fails, the user does not have to go back and forth between the information processing device and the image forming device to collect information and status, and the cause of the printing process error can be detected. An identifiable information processing system can be provided.

<Hardware configuration>
Next, the hardware configurations of the information processing device 101 and the mobile terminal 104 will be explained.

(Hardware configuration of information processing device)
The information processing device 101 has, for example, a computer hardware configuration as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. The computer 200 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, an HD (Hard Disk) 204, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 205, a display 206, an external It includes a device connection I/F (Interface) 207, a network I/F 208, a keyboard 209, a pointing device 210, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 212, a media I/F 214, a bus line 215, and the like.

Among these, the CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the computer 200. The ROM 202 stores a program used to start the computer 200, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201 and the like. The HD 204 stores programs, various data, and the like. The HDD controller 205 controls reading and writing of various data to the HD 204 under the control of the CPU 201.

The display 206 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, characters, or images. The external device connection I/F 207 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external device in this case includes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Network I/F 208 is an interface for data communication using network 103.

The keyboard 209 is a type of input means that includes a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, and the like. The pointing device 210 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like. The DVD-RW drive 212 controls reading and writing of various data to the DVD-RW 211, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that the DVD-RW 211 is not limited to a DVD-RW, but may be another recording medium such as a DVD-R. The media I/F 214 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to the media 213 such as a flash memory. The bus line 215 includes an address bus, a data bus, various control signals, etc. for electrically connecting each of the above components.

(Hardware configuration of mobile terminal)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. The mobile terminal 104 includes, for example, a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a storage device 304, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 305, an image sensor I/F 306, a sensor 307, a media I/F 309, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 310. etc.

Among these, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 104 by executing a predetermined program. The ROM 302 stores, for example, a program used to drive the CPU 301 such as IPL. RAM 303 is used as a work area for CPU 301. The storage device 304 is a large-capacity storage device that is realized by, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash ROM, or the like, and stores an OS (Operating System), programs such as applications, and various data.

The CMOS sensor 305 is a type of built-in imaging means that images a subject (mainly a self-portrait) and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 301 . Note that the mobile terminal 104 may include an imaging means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor instead of the CMOS sensor 305. The image sensor I/F 306 is a circuit that controls driving of the CMOS sensor 305. The sensor 307 is a variety of sensors such as an electronic magnetic compass, a gyro compass, and an acceleration sensor that detect geomagnetism. A media I/F 309 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 308 such as a flash memory. GPS receiving section 310 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

The mobile terminal 104 also includes a long-distance communication circuit 311, an antenna 311a of the long-distance communication circuit 311, a CMOS sensor 312, an image sensor I/F 313, a microphone 314, a speaker 315, a sound input/output I/F 316, a display 317, and an external device. It includes a connection I/F 318, a short-range communication circuit 319, an antenna 319a of the short-range communication circuit 319, and a touch panel 320.

Among these, the long distance communication circuit 311 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via the network 103, for example. The CMOS sensor 312 is a type of built-in imaging means that images a subject and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 301. The image sensor I/F 313 is a circuit that controls driving of the CMOS sensor 312. Microphone 314 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into electrical signals. The speaker 315 is a built-in circuit that converts electrical signals into physical vibrations to produce sounds such as music and voice. The sound input/output I/F 316 is a circuit that processes input/output of sound wave signals between the microphone 314 and the speaker 315 under the control of the CPU 301 .

The display 317 is a type of display means such as a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) that displays images of the subject, various icons, and the like. External device connection I/F 318 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-range communication circuit 319 communicates with other devices using, for example, near-field communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The touch panel 320 is a type of input means by which the user operates the mobile terminal 104 by pressing the display 317.

Furthermore, the mobile terminal 104 includes a bus line 321. The bus line 321 includes an address bus, a data bus, various control signals, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 3.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment.

(Functional configuration of information processing device)
For example, the information processing apparatus 101 executes a predetermined program on the CPU 201 in FIG. 406, a storage unit 407, etc. Note that at least some of the above functional configurations may be realized by hardware.

The communication unit 401 connects the information processing device 101 to the network 103 using, for example, the network I/F 208, and communicates with other devices such as the image forming device 102 and the mobile terminal 104.

The print control unit 402 is realized by, for example, a printer driver executed by the CPU 201, and controls print processing executed by the image forming apparatus 102. For example, the print control unit 402 converts data to be printed into print data that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 102 in response to a print operation by the user 105, and sends the data to the image forming apparatus 102. instructs to execute print processing. Note that the printer driver is a program that controls printing by the image forming apparatus 102, and is provided, for example, by a vendor that provides the image forming apparatus 102.

Preferably, after instructing the image forming apparatus 102 to execute print processing, the print control unit 402 specifies logical printer information (for example, a printer icon name) corresponding to the print processing, and starts a diagnostic tool to be described later. do.

Here, the logical printer is a virtual printer displayed as a printer icon in, for example, a printer folder of the OS, and is also called a printer icon. For example, the user 105 can create multiple logical printers (printer icons) with different setting information (for example, paper size, orientation, print quality, etc.) for one image forming apparatus 102.

The information receiving unit 403 is realized by, for example, a diagnostic tool executed by the CPU 201, and the information receiving unit 403 receives information from the image forming apparatus transmitted from the mobile terminal 104 after the print control unit 402 instructs the image forming apparatus 102 to execute print processing. 102 identification information is received. Note that the diagnostic tool is a program that executes diagnostic processing to identify the cause of an error in printing processing, and is provided, for example, by a vendor that provides the image forming apparatus 102.

The diagnostic unit 404 is realized by, for example, a diagnostic tool executed by the CPU 201. The diagnosis unit 404 determines the cause of the error in the print process based on information about the image forming apparatus 102 to which the print control unit 402 has instructed execution of the print process and identification information of the image forming apparatus 102 sent from the mobile terminal 104. Perform diagnostic processing to identify.

Note that the information on the image forming apparatus 102 includes, for example, information on a logical printer specified by the print control unit 402 when starting the diagnostic tool. Further, the identification information of the image forming apparatus 102 includes address information (for example, an IP address) for communicating with the image forming apparatus 102. Furthermore, the diagnostic processing executed by the diagnostic unit 404 includes processing for comparing the IP address of the port used by the logical printer and the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of diagnostic information according to an embodiment. The diagnostic unit 404 may execute the diagnostic process using diagnostic information 500 as shown in FIG. 5, for example. In the example of FIG. 5, the diagnostic information 500 includes information such as "comparison result of IP addresses of logical printer and image forming apparatus", "communication availability", and "diagnosis result" as items.

“Result of comparison of IP addresses of logical printer and image forming device” shows the result of comparing the IP address of the port used by the logical printer and the IP address of the image forming device 102. “Communication availability” indicates the result of checking whether the information processing apparatus 101 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 102. “Diagnosis result” indicates a diagnosis result corresponding to “comparison result of IP addresses of logical printer and image forming device” and “communication availability”.

For example, if the IP address of the port used by the logical printer is "10.60.100.101" and the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102 is "10.60.100.101", then the The "comparison result" is "match." Further, in this state, if communication with the image forming apparatus 102 is not possible, the "Communication Possibility" becomes "Not Possible" and the "Diagnosis Result" becomes "Network connection from the PC to the printer is not possible."

Preferably, the "diagnosis result" includes a solution corresponding to the diagnosis result. For example, the diagnosis result ``The network connection from the PC to the printer is not established.'' includes the solution ``Please check whether the LAN cable of the printer is disconnected.'' Note that in FIG. 5, “PC” is an example of the information processing device 101, and “printer” is an example of the image forming device 102.

For example, if the IP address of the port used by the logical printer is "10.60.100.101" and the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102 is "10.60.100.102", "IP address of the logical printer, image forming apparatus The address comparison result is ``no match.'' In this case, the "diagnosis result" is "There is an error in the logical printer port settings." Preferably, this "diagnosis result" includes a solution: "Please check the port settings of the printer icon."

Note that, instead of the diagnostic information 500 as shown in FIG. It may be possible to input information such as "appropriate or not" and output a diagnosis result.

Here, machine learning is a technology that allows computers to acquire human-like learning abilities, and computers autonomously generate algorithms necessary for decisions such as data identification from learning data that has been captured in advance. A technology that applies this to new data to make predictions. The learning method for machine learning may be supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, or deep learning, or it may be a learning method that combines these learning methods. It doesn't matter what learning method you use.

The diagnostic result transmitting unit 405 is realized by, for example, a diagnostic tool executed by the CPU 201, and transmits the diagnostic result by the diagnostic unit 404 to the mobile terminal 104 via the communication unit 401.

The connection information providing unit 406 is realized by, for example, a diagnostic tool executed by the CPU 201, and provides the mobile terminal 104 with connection information for communicating with the information processing apparatus 101. As an example, the connection information providing unit 406 transmits a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) representing connection information for communicating with the information processing apparatus 101 to the display 206 in FIG. etc. to be displayed. This connection information includes, for example, the IP address of the information processing device 101 and the like. Furthermore, this connection information may include information other than the IP address, such as authentication information (a personal identification number, passcode, etc.) for communicating with the information processing device 101, for example.

The storage unit 407 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG. 2, the HD 204, the HDD controller 205, the RAM 203, and the like. The storage unit 407 stores various information such as the aforementioned diagnostic tools, programs such as printer drivers, and diagnostic information 500, for example.

(Functional configuration of mobile terminal)
For example, the mobile terminal 104 executes a predetermined program (app) on the CPU 301 in FIG. A storage unit 416 and the like are implemented. Note that at least some of the above functional configurations may be realized by hardware.

The communication unit 401 connects the mobile terminal 104 to the network 103 using, for example, the long distance communication circuit 311 in FIG. 3, and communicates with other devices such as the information processing device 101.

The connection information acquisition unit 412 is realized by, for example, an application executed by the CPU 301 in FIG. 3, and acquires connection information provided by the connection information provision unit 406 of the information processing apparatus 101. For example, the connection information acquisition unit 412 uses the CMOS sensor 312, image sensor I/F 313, etc. in FIG. 3 to photograph the two-dimensional code displayed by the connection information provision unit 406, and analyzes the photographed two-dimensional code. , obtains the connection information of the information processing device 101.

The receiving unit 413 is realized by, for example, an application executed by the CPU 301 in FIG. 3, and receives input of identification information of the image forming apparatus 102. For example, the reception unit 413 displays an input screen for inputting the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102 on the display 317 or the like in FIG. 3, and receives the IP address input by the user using the touch panel 320 or the like.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reception unit 413 uses the short-range communication circuit 319 of FIG. The identification information of the image forming apparatus 102 may be acquired from a tag or the like.

The information transmitting unit 414 is realized by, for example, an application executed by the CPU 301 in FIG. The information is transmitted to the device 101.

The diagnosis result display unit 415 is realized by, for example, an application executed by the CPU 301 in FIG. 3, and displays the diagnosis result display screen on the display 317 in FIG. Display on the display.

The storage unit 416 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 301 in FIG. 3, the storage device 304, the RAM 303, etc., and stores programs such as applications and various information.

The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 may be the same as that of a conventional image forming apparatus, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

<Processing flow>
Next, the flow of processing of the information processing method executed by the information processing system 100 will be described.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. This process is an example of a process executed by the information processing system 100 when the user 105 performs a print operation on the information processing apparatus 101 and the print process by the image forming apparatus 102 fails.

If the connection information for communicating with the information processing apparatus 101 is not registered in the mobile terminal 104, the user 105 executes the connection information registration process 600 shown in steps S601 to S605, and then executes the process in step S611. Execute. On the other hand, if the connection information for communicating with the information processing apparatus 101 has been registered in the mobile terminal 104, the user 105, for example, skips the connection information registration process 600 and executes the process of step S611.

In step S601, the user 105 performs an operation on the information processing apparatus 101 to display connection information.

In step S602, upon receiving the connection information display operation, the connection information providing unit 406 of the information processing apparatus 101 displays a connection information providing screen 710 as shown in FIG. to be displayed.

FIG. 7A shows an example of a connection information provision screen 710 displayed by the connection information provision unit 406. In the example of FIG. 7A, a two-dimensional code 711 that encodes connection information for communicating with the information processing apparatus 101 is displayed on the connection information provision screen 710. Note that the connection information includes, for example, the IP address of the information processing device 101, as described above. Further, the connection information may include information other than the IP address, such as authentication information (PIN number, passcode, etc.) for communicating with the information processing device 101, for example.

In step S603, the user 105 performs an operation on the mobile terminal 104 to obtain connection information.

In step S604, upon receiving the connection information acquisition operation, the connection information acquisition unit 412 of the mobile terminal 104 displays a connection information acquisition screen 720 as shown in FIG. 7B on a display unit such as the display 317, for example. indicate.

FIG. 7B shows an example of a connection information acquisition screen 720 displayed by the connection information acquisition unit 412. In the example of FIG. 7B, the connection information acquisition screen 720 displays a photographed image 721 taken using the CMOS sensor 312, the image sensor I/F 313, etc., and a message 722 prompting the user to read the two-dimensional code 711. has been done. For example, when the user 105 adjusts the position of the mobile terminal 104 so that the two-dimensional code 711 appears in the photographed image 721, the process of step S605 is executed.

In step S605, the connection information acquisition unit 412 analyzes the two-dimensional code 711 included in the photographed image 721 and acquires connection information for communicating with the information processing device 101.

In step S606, the connection information acquisition unit 412 displays, for example, a registration result display screen 730 as shown in FIG. 7C on a display unit such as the display 317.

Note that the connection information registration process 600 shown in steps S601 to S606 is an example. For example, in the connection information registration process, the user 105 may input a character string such as an IP address displayed by the information processing device 101 into the mobile terminal 104, or the mobile terminal 104 may input a character string such as an IP address displayed by the information processing device 101 into the mobile terminal 104. The connection information may be obtained by short-range wireless communication.

In step S611, it is assumed that the user 105 performs a printing operation on the information processing apparatus 101. For example, the user 105 specifies the image forming apparatus 102 from an application program such as office software and performs printing.

In step S612, the print control unit 402 of the information processing apparatus 101 instructs the image forming apparatus 102 to execute print processing. For example, the print control unit 402 converts print target data output from an application program into print data in response to a print operation by the user 105. Furthermore, the print control unit 402 transmits the converted print data to the image forming apparatus 102 and instructs the image forming apparatus 102 to execute print processing.

In step S613, the user 105 moves to the location where the image forming apparatus 102 is installed and checks the print result. Here, if it is confirmed that printing is not performed normally (printing failure), the processes from step S614 onwards are executed.

In step S614, the user 105 performs an operation on the mobile terminal 104 to display a setting screen for setting an IP address.

In step S615, upon receiving the setting screen display operation from the user 105, the information transmitting unit 414 of the mobile terminal 104 displays, for example, a setting screen 810 as shown in FIG. 8(A) on a display unit such as the display 317. do.

FIG. 8A shows an example of a setting screen 810 displayed by the information transmitting unit 414 of the mobile terminal 104. In the example of FIG. 8A, the settings screen 810 displays a settings field 811 for setting the IP address of the information processing apparatus 101 and a settings field 812 for setting the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102. Note that in the IP address setting screen 810, "PC" corresponds to the information processing apparatus 101, and "printer" corresponds to the image forming apparatus 102.

As a preferable example, the setting column 811 for setting the IP address of the information processing device 101 may display a pull-down menu in which the IP address of the information processing device 101 already registered in the mobile terminal 104 can be selected. Similarly, the setting column 812 for setting the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102 may selectably display the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102 registered in the mobile terminal 104.

In step S616, the user 105 performs an IP address setting operation on a setting screen 810 as shown in FIG. 8(A), for example. For example, the user 105 sets an IP address in a setting field 811 for setting the IP address of the information processing apparatus 101 and a setting field 812 for setting the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102, and selects the diagnosis button 813.

In step S<b>617 , upon receiving the IP address setting operation, the information transmitting unit 414 of the mobile terminal 104 transmits the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102 to the information processing apparatus 101 .

Note that in steps S614 to S617, the information transmitting unit 414 of the mobile terminal 104 may further acquire information other than the IP address (for example, model information of the image forming apparatus, etc.) and transmit it to the information processing apparatus 101. .

In step S618, the diagnosis unit 404 of the information processing apparatus 101 performs diagnosis processing based on the information of the logical printer corresponding to the print processing and the IP address (identification information) of the image forming apparatus 102 received from the mobile terminal 104. Execute.

As an example, the diagnostic unit 404 uses the IP address of the port used by the logical printer, the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102, and diagnostic information 500 as shown in FIG. 5 to identify the cause of the error in the printing process. Obtain diagnostic results. For example, assume that the IP address of the port used by the logical printer is "10.60.100.101", the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102 is "10.60.100.101", and communication with the image forming apparatus 102 is not possible. In this case, the diagnostic unit 404 acquires the diagnostic result "The network connection from the PC to the printer is not established. Please check whether the printer's LAN cable is disconnected." from the diagnostic information 500 as shown in FIG. do.

In step S619, the diagnosis result transmitting unit 405 of the information processing device 101 transmits the diagnosis result by the diagnosis unit 404 to the mobile terminal 104.

In step S620, the diagnosis result display unit 415 of the mobile terminal 104 displays the diagnosis result received from the information processing device 101. For example, the diagnosis result display unit 415 displays a diagnosis result display screen 820 as shown in FIG. 8(B) on a display unit such as the display 317.

FIG. 8B shows an example of a diagnosis result display screen 820 displayed by the diagnosis result display section 415. In the example of FIG. 8B, the diagnosis result display screen 820 displays an error cause 821 and a solution 822 corresponding to the error cause 821 as an example of the diagnosis result by the diagnosis unit 404. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the diagnosis result display screen 820 may include at least one of an error cause 821 and a solution 822 corresponding to the error cause 821.

With the above processing, when printing fails, the user 105 can identify the cause of the print processing error 821 without having to go back and forth between the information processing device 101 and the image forming device 102 to collect information and status. Be able to identify. Furthermore, the information processing system 100 can provide the user 105 with a solution 822 corresponding to the print processing error cause 821, so the user 105 can resolve the problem by referring to the solution 822. It becomes like this.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, for example, in steps S619 and S620 in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 140 displays the diagnosis result transmitted from the information processing device 101. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mobile terminal 140 may create at least a portion of the information displayed on the diagnosis result display screen 820.

FIG. 9A shows an image of an example of diagnostic information 910 managed by the information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 9A, the diagnostic information 910 includes an "error code" instead of the "diagnosis result" included in the diagnostic information 500 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Note that the "error code" is another example of the diagnosis result by the diagnosis unit 404.

FIG. 9B shows an image of an example of diagnostic information 920 managed by the mobile terminal 104 according to the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 9(B), the diagnostic information 920 stores character strings indicating the cause of the error and a solution corresponding to the cause of the error as a "diagnosis result" corresponding to each "error code". There is. Thereby, the mobile terminal 104 can create, for example, a diagnosis result display screen 820 as shown in FIG. 8(B) based on the error code transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101.

<Processing flow>
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. Note that among the processes shown in FIG. 10, the processes in steps S611 to S615 are similar to the processes of the information processing system according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 6, so the differences from the first embodiment will be explained here. I will mainly explain the points.

In step S<b>1001 , the diagnosis unit 404 of the information processing apparatus 101 performs diagnosis processing based on the information of the logical printer corresponding to the print processing and the IP address (identification information) of the image forming apparatus 102 received from the mobile terminal 104 . Execute. Here, the diagnostic unit 404 uses the IP address of the port used by the logical printer, the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102, and diagnostic information 910 as shown in FIG. 9(A) to determine the cause of the error in the printing process. Get the error code corresponding to. Note that the error code is an example of identification information that identifies, for example, the cause of an error in printing processing.

In step S<b>1002 , the diagnosis result transmitting unit 405 of the information processing apparatus 101 transmits an error code, which is an example of the diagnosis result by the diagnosis unit 404 , to the mobile terminal 104 .

In step S1003, the diagnosis result display unit 415 of the mobile terminal 104 creates a diagnosis result display screen 820 as shown in FIG. 8B, for example, based on the error code sent from the information processing device 101. For example, the diagnosis result display unit 415 acquires a character string indicating the diagnosis result corresponding to the error code from the diagnosis information 920 as shown in FIG. 9(B), and displays the diagnosis result including the acquired character string. Create screen 820.

In step S1004, the diagnosis result display unit 415 displays the created diagnosis result display screen 820 on a display unit such as the display 317.

In this way, the diagnosis result display unit 415 of the mobile terminal 104 may create the diagnosis result display screen 820 based on the error code (another example of the diagnosis result) transmitted from the information processing device 101. .

As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, when printing fails, the user does not have to go back and forth between the information processing device and the image forming device to collect information and status. An information processing system that can identify the cause of an error can be provided.

<Supplement>
Each function of each embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" as used herein refers to a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function explained above. This includes devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules.

Additionally, the devices described in the examples are merely illustrative of one of multiple computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, information processing apparatus 101 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The plurality of computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network, shared memory, etc., to perform the processes disclosed herein. Similarly, mobile terminal 104 may include multiple computing devices configured to communicate with each other.

Furthermore, the information processing device 101 and the mobile terminal 104 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps, for example, the processing shown in FIG. 6, in various combinations. For example, processes executed by each functional configuration included in the information processing apparatus 101 may be executed by the mobile terminal 104. Similarly, processes executed by each functional configuration included in the mobile terminal 104 can be executed by the information processing apparatus 101. Further, each functional configuration of the information processing device 101 may be combined into one server device, or may be divided into multiple devices.

100 Information Processing System 101 Information Processing Device 102 Image Forming Device 104 Mobile Terminal 403 Information Receiving Unit 404 Diagnosis Unit 405 Diagnosis Results Transmission Unit 406 Connection Information Providing Unit 412 Connection Information Acquisition Unit 413 Reception Unit 414 Information Transmission Unit 415 Diagnosis Results Display Unit

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-157876

Claims (10)

An information processing device that controls print processing,
an information receiving unit that receives identification information of the image forming apparatus transmitted from a mobile terminal after instructing the image forming apparatus to execute the printing process;
a diagnostic unit that executes a diagnostic process to identify a cause of an error in the print process based on identification information of the image forming apparatus and information of the image forming apparatus that has instructed execution of the print process;
a diagnosis result transmitter that transmits the diagnosis result of the diagnosis process to the mobile terminal;
a connection information providing unit that provides the mobile terminal with connection information for communicating with the information processing device;
An information processing device having: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information of the image forming apparatus includes address information for communicating with the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information on the image forming apparatus includes information on a logical printer corresponding to the printing process. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the diagnostic process includes a process of comparing address information for communicating with the image forming apparatus and address information set in the logical printer. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
a mobile terminal capable of communicating with the information processing device;
An information processing system comprising:
The mobile terminal is
a reception unit that receives input of identification information of the image forming apparatus;
an information transmitter that transmits identification information of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus;
a diagnosis result display unit that displays a diagnosis result display screen based on the diagnosis result transmitted from the information processing device;
An information processing system with The information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein the diagnosis result display screen displays at least one of a cause of the error in the printing process and a solution corresponding to the cause of the error. The information processing system according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the mobile terminal includes a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information for communicating with the information processing device from the information processing device. An information processing device that controls print processing,
an information receiving unit that receives identification information of the image forming apparatus transmitted from a mobile terminal after instructing the image forming apparatus to execute the printing process;
a diagnostic unit that executes a diagnostic process to identify a cause of an error in the print process based on identification information of the image forming apparatus and information of the image forming apparatus that has instructed execution of the print process;
a diagnosis result transmitter that transmits the diagnosis result of the diagnosis process to the mobile terminal;
has
The identification information of the image forming apparatus includes address information for communicating with the image forming apparatus,
The information on the image forming apparatus includes information on a logical printer corresponding to the print process.
Information processing system. An information processing system including an information processing device that controls print processing and a mobile terminal that can communicate with the information processing device,
The information processing device includes:
an information receiving unit that receives identification information of the image forming apparatus transmitted from a mobile terminal after instructing the image forming apparatus to execute the printing process;
a diagnostic unit that executes a diagnostic process to identify a cause of an error in the print process based on identification information of the image forming apparatus and information of the image forming apparatus that has instructed execution of the print process;
a diagnosis result transmitter that transmits the diagnosis result of the diagnosis process to the mobile terminal;
a connection information providing unit that provides the mobile terminal with connection information for communicating with the information processing device;
has
The mobile terminal is
an information transmitter that transmits identification information of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus;
a diagnosis result display unit that displays a diagnosis result display screen based on the diagnosis result transmitted from the information processing device;
has,
Information processing system. In the information processing device that controls the printing process,
after instructing the image forming apparatus to execute the printing process, receiving identification information of the image forming apparatus transmitted from a mobile terminal;
Diagnosis processing that identifies a cause of an error in the printing process based on identification information of the image forming apparatus and information of the image forming apparatus that has instructed execution of the printing process;
a process of transmitting the diagnosis result of the diagnosis process to the mobile terminal;
a process of providing the mobile terminal with connection information for communicating with the information processing device;
A program to run.

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