JP2003167715A - Method for displaying communication history among processes, program for making computer execute the same, image formation device, and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately and easily perform debug work by displaying communication information among processes in the environment of operation of many processes. <P>SOLUTION: A method for displaying communication history among processes is provided with an extraction condition input part 103 for inputting extraction conditions of a communication log file 111 in which communication information of communication among processes by application or control service operating in an image formation device and time information are recorded, an analysis part 101 for sorting communication information based on time information according to the order of time series, an extraction part 102 for extracting communication information to be displayed based on the extraction conditions and generating a log display file 119 including the extracted communication information, and a display part 105 for displaying the generated log display file 119 in a display device 202. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process for displaying, for debugging, communication information relating to inter-process communication performed by an image forming apparatus which provides a user service related to image forming processing such as copying, printer, scanner and facsimile. The present invention relates to an inter-communication history display method, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of executing such an inter-process communication history display method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a "multifunction machine") in which the functions of various devices such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile, and a scanner are housed in a single housing is generally known. This multi-function peripheral is provided with a display unit, a printing unit, an image pickup unit, and the like in one housing, and is provided with three types of software corresponding to a printer, a copier, and a facsimile device, respectively. It is operated as a copying machine, a scanner, or a facsimile machine.

In such a multifunction machine, since an application program that operates as a process in each functional unit such as a printer, copy, facsimile, and scanner is being developed, the process in each functional unit operates normally in the multifunction machine. I was doing debugging work to investigate whether or not there is a process unit.

In such a conventional multifunctional machine, processes are executed in large functional units such as copy, printer, scanner, and facsimile, so that data transmission / reception between processes does not occur so much. It was possible to easily detect the cause of failure by debugging work performed for each process. For example, if a failure occurs in the copy operation, whether the process of the copy program that realizes the copy function is operating normally can be verified separately from the process that realizes other functions such as the printer program. I was able to easily understand the cause of the failure.

[0005]

In such a conventional multi-function machine, software corresponding to the printer, the copier, the scanner, and the facsimile machine is separately provided, so that it takes a lot of time to develop each software. Therefore, the applicant has hardware resources used for image forming processing such as a display unit, a printing unit, and an imaging unit, and has an application that performs processing unique to each user service such as a printer, copy, or facsimile. When a plurality of the applications are installed and the user services are provided by intervening between these applications and the hardware resources, management of hardware resources commonly required by at least two of the applications, execution control, and image forming processing Invented an image forming apparatus (multi-function peripheral) having a platform composed of various control services for performing the above. According to this multifunction device, management of hardware resources commonly required by at least two applications,
With the configuration including the platform for performing the execution control and the image forming process, the efficiency of software development can be improved and the productivity of the entire apparatus can be improved.

In such a new multifunction machine, not only a plurality of application processes exist for each function,
There is a control service process that provides services commonly required by at least two of the applications, and within the multi-function device, a very large number of processes perform parallel communication while performing inter-process communication with each other. It is running. In addition, a plurality of threads are activated inside each process, and while performing parallel execution at the thread level, communication between other processes is performed and the function of user service is realized. Moreover,
In such a multi-function peripheral, the control service process is positioned to provide a service commonly required by a plurality of applications, and therefore each control service transmits / receives data to / from a plurality of application processes. In addition, data is transmitted and received not only between the processes of the application but also between the processes of the control services.

As described above, the novel multi-function machine invented by the applicant is a user service related to image forming processing such as copying, printing, scanning, and facsimileing, in which a large number of processes and threads are complicatedly intertwined and cooperate with each other. It has a characteristic structure of providing. For this reason,
There is a problem that the debugging work becomes difficult because the data transmitted and received by the inter-process communication cannot be accurately grasped by only performing the debugging work for each process like the conventional multi-function peripheral.

Particularly, in the development of the multi-function peripheral, unlike the software development operating on a normal computer, when the copy operation, the printer operation, the scanner operation, or the facsimile transmission operation is not normal, the cause of the failure is the scanner engine or the printer. It is necessary to determine at the initial stage of failure investigation whether it is in the hardware that is the engine part such as the engine or in the software that controls such an engine part. In the novel multifunctional machine invented by the applicant, the control of the engine part is performed by the process of the control service, which is positioned in the lower layer of the application. For this reason, it is necessary to accurately and easily determine whether communication between multiple Control Service processes or between Control Service and application processes is operating normally in order to isolate hardware and software failures. There is a problem peculiar to the new multi-function peripheral.

In addition, since the application and the control service are separately provided in this multifunction peripheral, a user or a third party third party can develop a new application and install it in the multifunction peripheral after the multifunction peripheral is shipped. It has become a structure. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately and easily determine whether or not the newly developed application process is normally performing interprocess communication with the existing control service process or another existing application process. There are new issues that have not been a problem in the conventional development of multifunction devices.

The present invention has been made in view of the above,
An inter-process communication history display method capable of displaying inter-process communication information in an environment in which a large number of processes operate and performing debugging work accurately and easily, a program causing a computer to execute the method, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus Aim to get the system.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 performs processing unique to a hardware resource used in an image forming process and a user service related to the image forming process. An acquisition process, management, and execution of the hardware resources that are commonly required by at least two of the applications when providing the user service by interposing between the process of the application and the application and the hardware resources. An inter-process communication history display method for displaying communication history information of inter-process communication performed in an image forming apparatus including a control service process for performing control and image forming processing, wherein the process is performed by the application or the control service. Communication that records communication information and time information A communication history input step of inputting history information, an extraction condition input step of inputting an extraction condition of the communication history information, an analysis step of sorting the communication information in chronological order based on the time information, and the analysis step. An extraction step of extracting communication information to be displayed based on the extraction condition from the sorted communication information and generating communication history display information including the extracted communication information, and communication history display information generated by the extracting step. Is displayed on the display device, and a display step is included.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the communication history information recording step records the communication history information recording the communication information of the interprocess communication by the application or the control service and the time information, and performs the communication in the extraction condition input step. Enter the extraction condition of history information,
The analysis step sorts the communication information in chronological order based on the time information, extracts the communication information to be displayed based on the extraction condition from the communication information sorted in the extraction step, and displays the communication history including the extracted communication information. Features that generate information and display the communication history display information on the display device in the display step to perform inter-process communication by intricately interlocking many processes such as between applications and control services, between applications, and between control services The inter-process communication information necessary for the image forming apparatus having a simple structure can be easily extracted and acquired according to the extraction condition, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently than the conventional image forming apparatus having a small number of processes. You can Moreover, the quality of the image forming apparatus can be improved as a result of the efficiency of the debugging work.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the extraction step makes it possible to easily obtain the communication information relating to the required interprocess communication and efficiently perform the debugging work. Alternatively, the development of a new application by a third party such as a third vendor can be promoted.

The communication information in the invention of claim 1 is
Information about inter-process communication may be used, and in addition to messages such as events and notifications, information for inter-process communication such as function calls, process identification information and information about process creation or disappearance may be included in the communication information.

The invention according to claim 2 is the same as claim 1.
In the inter-process communication history display method described in (4), the communication history information includes process correspondence information in which process identification information of the application or the control service is associated with a process name, and the extracting step includes the process correspondence information. The process name of the transmission source of the communication information is acquired based on the above, and the communication history display information is generated by associating the acquired process name with the extracted communication information.

According to the invention of claim 2, in the extraction step, based on the process correspondence information in which the process identification information of the application or the control service in the communication history information is associated with the process name,
By acquiring the process name of the sender of the communication information and creating the communication history display information by associating the acquired process name with the extracted communication information, the process of the application or control service recorded in the communication information can be displayed. ,
It is possible to judge by each process name, and debug work can be performed more efficiently.

The invention according to claim 3 is the same as claim 1
Alternatively, in the inter-process communication history display method described in 2, the extracting step associates the message identification information with the message name, and based on the message definition information in which the function identification information and the function name are associated with each other, the communication is performed. The message name of the message included in the information and the function name of the function included in the communication information are acquired, and the message identification information and the function identification information included in the extracted communication information are acquired, the acquired message name and the acquired function name. It is characterized in that the communication history display information converted into is generated.

According to the invention of claim 3, in the extracting step, the message identification information and the message name are associated with each other, and the communication information is based on the message definition information in which the function identification information and the function name are associated with each other. The message name of the message included in the message and the function name of the function included in the communication information are acquired, and the message identification information and the function identification information included in the extracted communication information are converted into the acquired message name and the acquired function name. By generating the communication history display information described above, the message and the function recorded in the communication information can be determined by the message name and the function name, respectively, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

The invention according to claim 4 relates to claim 1
In the inter-process communication history display method according to any one of 3 to 3, the extraction step includes structure definition information describing a structure in which the extracted communication information is associated with detailed information of a message or a function. Based on, the detailed information of the message or function included in the extracted communication information is associated with the structure to generate the communication history display information.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the extraction is performed based on the structure definition information describing the structure in which the extracted communication information is associated with the detailed information of the message or function in the extraction step. By generating the communication history display information by associating the detailed information of the message or function included in the communicated communication information with the structure, it is possible to grasp the detailed information of the message and the function recorded in the communication information. , Debugging can be done more efficiently.

The invention according to claim 5 is the same as claim 1.
In the inter-process communication history display method according to any one of 1 to 4, the extraction condition input step inputs an extraction condition specifying a specific message or a specific function,
In the extracting step, from the sorted communication information,
The communication information including a specific message or a specific function specified by the extraction condition is extracted, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the extraction condition input step, the extraction condition specifying the specific message or the specific function is input, and in the extraction step, the extraction condition is specified from the sorted communication information. By extracting the communication information including the specified message or the specified function and generating the extracted communication information as the communication history display information, only the communication history of the inter-process communication by the specific message or the specific function is extracted. Can be displayed. Therefore, in the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to concentrate and verify only the interprocess communication by the message transmission or the function call which is expected to have a failure, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently. it can.

The invention according to claim 6 is the same as claim 1.
In the inter-process communication history display method according to any one of 1 to 5, the extraction condition input step inputs an extraction condition designating a single process in the control service or the application, and the extraction step includes The communication information transmitted / received in the specific process designated by the extraction condition is extracted from the sorted communication information, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information.

According to the invention of claim 6, in the extraction condition input step, the extraction condition designating a single process in the control service or application is input, and in the extraction step, extraction is performed from the sorted communication information. By extracting the communication information transmitted / received in the specific process specified by the condition and generating the extracted communication information as the communication history display information, only the communication history of the inter-process communication performed in the specific process is extracted. Can be displayed. Therefore, in the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, only the inter-process communication in the process in which the failure is expected to occur can be concentrated and verified, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

The invention according to claim 7 is the same as claim 1.
In the inter-process communication history display method according to any one of 1 to 5, the extraction condition input step inputs an extraction condition specifying a plurality of processes in the control service or the application, and the extraction step includes From the sorted communication information, communication information of inter-process communication between a plurality of processes specified by the extraction condition is extracted, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information. .

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the extraction condition inputting step inputs the extraction condition designating a plurality of processes in the control service or application, and the extraction step extracts the sorted communication information. Communication of inter-process communication performed between specific multiple processes by extracting communication information of inter-process communication between multiple processes specified by conditions and generating the extracted communication information as communication history display information Only the history can be extracted and displayed. For this reason,
In the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to concentrate and verify only the inter-process communication between a plurality of processes in which a failure is expected, so that the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

The invention according to claim 8 relates to claim 1.
In the inter-process communication history display method according to any one of 1 to 5, the extraction condition input step inputs an extraction condition specifying one or more user services from among the user services related to the image forming processing. The extracting step extracts, from the sorted communication information, communication information relating to all inter-process communication of the application and the control service executed when providing the specified user service, and the extracted communication information is extracted. It is characterized in that communication information is generated as the communication history display information.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the extraction condition input step inputs the extraction condition designating one or more user services from among the user services related to the image forming processing, and the extraction step sorts. Extracting communication information related to all inter-process communication of applications and control services executed when providing a specified user service from the extracted communication information, and generating the extracted communication information as communication history display information. Then, when verifying only the function of a specific user service, all processes that are automatically required if only the user service is specified as an extraction condition without knowing the application or control service related to the function. The communication history of can be displayed. Therefore, the extraction condition setting work in the debugging work is facilitated, and the debugging work can be easily performed even by a user who is not familiar with the component structure of the image forming apparatus. In addition, it is possible to perform more reliable debugging work by eliminating omission of specification of the application to be debugged and the control service.

The "user service" in the invention according to claim 8 is a service relating to image forming processing such as copying, printer, scanner, and facsimile.
For example, when a new service can be provided by adding an application, such a new user service is also included.

The invention according to claim 9 relates to claim 1
In the inter-process communication history display method according to any one of 1 to 8, the extracting step extracts a key event message recording key press information on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus from the sorted communication information, The communication history display information is obtained by converting the key identification information included in the extracted key event message into the key name based on the key definition information in which the key name and the key identification information in the operation panel are associated with each other. Is generated.

According to the invention of claim 9, in the extracting step, the key event message recording the key press information on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus is extracted from the sorted communication information, and the key name on the operation panel is set as the key name message. Based on the key definition information associated with the key identification information, the key identification information included in the extracted key event message is converted into a key name to generate communication history display information, which is recorded in the communication information. The key identification information of the key event message can be determined by the key name, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

The invention according to claim 10 is the interprocess communication history display method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the analyzing step generates a process from the process information of the communication history information. And generating process progress information indicating the disappearance process, and the extracting step generates the communication history display information using the process progress information as the communication information.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the analysis step generates the process progress information indicating the process generation and disappearance process from the process information of the communication history information, and the extraction step converts the process progress information into the communication information. By generating the communication history display information described above, it is possible to proceed with the debugging work after grasping the progress of generation and disappearance of the process, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

Further, the invention according to claim 11 is the method for displaying communication history between processes according to claim 1, wherein the extracting step extracts the communication information from the sorted communication information based on the extraction condition. Header information including a data type and process identification information is extracted, and the communication history display information including the extracted header information as communication information is generated.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, in the extracting step, the header information including the data type of the communication information and the process identification information is extracted from the sorted communication information based on the extraction condition, and the extracted header is extracted. By generating the communication history display information including information as communication information, only the header information can be acquired when only simple verification is desired in the debugging work of the image forming apparatus. Resources such as a memory and a hard disk used at the time of display can be saved as compared with the case of displaying.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the inter-process communication history display method according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the communication history input step connects the communication history information to a network. It is characterized in that the data is directly input from the recording device of the image forming apparatus.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, in the communication history input step, the communication history information is generated by the image forming apparatus by directly inputting the communication history information from the recording apparatus of the image forming apparatus connected to the network. It is possible to avoid the trouble of a user who performs the debugging work transferring the communication history information to a computer for debugging, and to efficiently perform the preparation for the debugging work.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the interprocess communication history display method according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the communication history display information is connected to a network to form a plurality of image formations. It further comprises a transmitting step of transmitting to a management device managing the device.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the communication history display information is generated for display by transmitting the communication history display information to the management apparatus that is connected to the network and manages the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The management device side can perform processing such as referencing or totalizing the communication history display information, and the management device can appropriately manage the image forming apparatus based on the communication history display information.

The management apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention includes not only a management server that manages the image forming apparatus but also a remote centralized management apparatus that collects and collectively manages operation information and failure information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses. included.

Since the invention according to claim 14 is a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Any one of the operations can be executed by a computer.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the hardware resources used in the image forming process, an application for performing a process unique to the user service related to the image forming process, the application and the hardware resource are provided. , A request for management of the hardware resources required by at least two of the applications in common when providing the user service,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control service that performs execution control and image forming processing, wherein the application and the control service each operate as a process, and provide the user service by performing inter-process communication. A storage unit storing communication history information recording communication information and time information of inter-process communication by the control service, and a communication history display application mounted as the application and displaying the communication history information on an operation panel. The communication history display application includes an extraction condition input means for inputting an extraction condition of the communication history information from an operation panel, an analysis means for sorting the communication information in chronological order based on the time information, and the analysis means. Extraction means for extracting communication information to be displayed based on the extraction condition from the displayed communication information, and generating communication history display information including the extracted communication information; and communication history display generated by the extracting means. Display means for displaying information on the operation panel.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the communication history display application is installed in the application layer, and the communication history information is displayed on the operation panel by the communication history display application to debug the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus itself can perform the debugging without using a debugging computer, and the debugging work can be efficiently performed.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication history display application, the extraction condition inputting means inputs the extraction condition of the communication history information from the operation panel, and the analyzing means converts the communication information into the time information. Based on the extraction conditions, the communication information to be displayed is extracted from the communication information sorted by the extraction means, the communication history display information including the extracted communication information is generated, and the communication history is displayed by the display means. Necessary for an image forming apparatus having a characteristic configuration in which a large number of processes such as applications and control services, applications, and control services are complicatedly entangled to perform inter-process communication by displaying the display information on the operation panel. Interprocess communication information easily according to extraction conditions Put out can be obtained, as compared with the number of processes is small conventional image forming apparatus, it is possible to perform debugging efficiently. Moreover, the quality of the image forming apparatus can be improved as a result of the efficiency of the debugging work.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the communication history display application extracting means can easily obtain the necessary communication information regarding the interprocess communication, and the debugging work can be performed efficiently. Not only the development of control services but also the development of new applications by third parties such as third vendors can be promoted.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the communication history display application stores an operation panel control service library in which a drawing function requesting drawing on the operation panel is registered. The display means is characterized by calling the drawing function when displaying the communication history display information.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the communication history display application has an operation panel control service library in which a drawing function for requesting drawing on the operation panel is registered, and the communication history display information is displayed by the display means. At this time, by calling a drawing function, communication history display information useful for debugging can be easily drawn on the operation panel by a simple interprocess communication called a function call.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the extraction condition input means, the analysis means, the extraction means,
The display means is a thread generated inside the process of the communication history display application.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the extraction condition input means, the analysis means, the extraction means, and the display means are threads generated inside the process of the communication history display application. Input processing, analysis processing, extraction processing and display processing can be executed in parallel with short task switching, and communication history display processing based on different extraction conditions can be executed simultaneously, making debugging work more efficient. Can be done on a regular basis.

The invention according to claim 18 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the communication history information is process identification information and a process name of the application or the control service. And extracting the process name of the transmission source of the communication information based on the process correspondence information, and correlating the acquired process name with the extracted communication information. In addition, the communication history display information is generated.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the extraction means extracts the communication information based on the process correspondence information in which the process identification information of the application or the control service in the communication history information is associated with the process name. By acquiring the process name of the sender and correlating the acquired process name with the extracted communication information to generate communication history display information, the process of the application or control service recorded in the communication information It can be judged by the name, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifteenth to the eighteenth aspects, the extracting means associates the message identification information with the message name and identifies the function. The message name of the message included in the communication information and the function name of the function included in the communication information are acquired based on the message definition information in which the information and the function name are associated with each other, and the function name is included in the extracted communication information. The communication history display information is generated by converting the message identification information and the function identification information into the acquired message name and the acquired function name.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the extraction means correlates the message identification information with the message name, and the communication information is obtained based on the message definition information in which the function identification information and the function name are associated with each other. The message name of the message included in the message and the function name of the function included in the communication information are acquired, and the message identification information and the function identification information included in the extracted communication information are converted into the acquired message name and the acquired function name. By generating the communication history display information described above, the message and the function recorded in the communication information can be determined by the message name and the function name, respectively, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifteenth to nineteenth aspects, the extracting means uses the extracted communication information as detailed message or function information. Generating detailed communication history display information by associating detailed information of a message or function included in the extracted communication information with the structure based on structure definition information describing a structure associated with Characterize.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the extraction is performed based on the structure definition information describing the structure in which the extracted communication information is associated with the detailed information of the message or function. By generating the communication history display information by associating the detailed information of the message or function included in the communicated communication information with the structure, it is possible to grasp the detailed information of the message and the function recorded in the communication information. , Debugging can be done more efficiently.

The invention according to claim 21 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the extraction condition input means is an extraction condition in which a specific message or a specific function is designated. The extraction means extracts communication information including a specific message or a specific function specified by the extraction condition from the sorted communication information, and the extracted communication information is the communication history display information. It is characterized by generating as.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the extraction condition inputting means inputs the extraction condition specifying the specific message or the specific function, and the extracting means specifies the extraction condition from the sorted communication information. By extracting the communication information including the specified message or the specified function and generating the extracted communication information as the communication history display information, only the communication history of the inter-process communication by the specific message or the specific function is extracted. Can be displayed. Therefore, in the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to concentrate and verify only the interprocess communication by the message transmission or the function call which is expected to have a failure, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently. it can.

The invention according to claim 22 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the extraction condition input means is a single process in the control service or the application. By inputting the extraction condition that specifies, from the sorted communication information, the communication information transmitted and received in the specific process specified by the extraction condition is extracted,
The extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information.

According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the extraction condition inputting means inputs the extraction condition designating a single process in the control service or the application, and the extracting means extracts from the sorted communication information. By extracting the communication information transmitted / received in the specific process specified by the condition and generating the extracted communication information as the communication history display information, only the communication history of the inter-process communication performed in the specific process is extracted. Can be displayed. Therefore, in the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, only the inter-process communication in the process in which the failure is expected to occur can be concentrated and verified, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

The invention according to claim 23 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the extraction condition input means is a plurality of processes in the control service or the application. Inputting extraction condition, the extracting means extracts communication information of inter-process communication between a plurality of processes specified by the extraction condition from the sorted communication information, and extracts the extracted communication information. It is characterized in that it is generated as the communication history display information.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the extraction condition inputting means inputs the extraction condition designating a plurality of processes in the control service or the application, and the extracting means extracts from the sorted communication information. Communication of inter-process communication performed between specific multiple processes by extracting communication information of inter-process communication between multiple processes specified by conditions and generating the extracted communication information as communication history display information Only the history can be extracted and displayed. Therefore, in the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to concentrate and verify only the inter-process communication between a plurality of processes in which a failure is expected, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifteenth to twenty-first aspects, the extraction condition input means is one of user services related to the image forming processing. Or, by inputting an extraction condition designating a plurality of user services, the extraction means selects all of the application and the control service executed when providing the specified user service from the sorted communication information. It is characterized in that communication information regarding inter-process communication is extracted, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the extraction condition input means inputs the extraction conditions designating one or more user services from among the user services related to the image forming processing, and the extraction means sorts. Extracting communication information related to all inter-process communication of applications and control services executed when providing a specified user service from the extracted communication information, and generating the extracted communication information as communication history display information. Then, when verifying only the function of a specific user service, all processes that are automatically required if only the user service is specified as an extraction condition without knowing the application or control service related to the function. The communication history of can be displayed. Therefore, the extraction condition setting work in the debugging work is facilitated, and the debugging work can be easily performed even by a user who is not familiar with the component structure of the image forming apparatus. Also, the application to be debugged,
It is possible to perform more reliable debugging work by eliminating the omission of the specification of the control service.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifteenth to twenty-fourth aspects, the extracting means is a key recording key press information on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. An event message is extracted from the sorted communication information, and the key identification information contained in the extracted key event message is extracted based on the key definition information in which the key name and the key identification information in the operation panel are associated with each other. , And converting the key name into the communication history display information.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the extracting means extracts the key event message in which the key press information on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus is recorded from the sorted communication information to obtain the key name on the operation panel. Based on the key definition information associated with the key identification information, the key identification information included in the extracted key event message is converted into a key name to generate communication history display information, which is recorded in the communication information. The key identification information of the key event message can be determined by the key name, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

The invention according to claim 26 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 25, wherein the analyzing means uses the process information of the communication history information to generate and disappear processes. Is generated, and the extraction means generates the communication history display information in which the process progress information is the communication information.

According to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the analyzing means generates the process progress information indicating the progress and disappearance process of the process from the process information of the communication history information, and the extracting means generates the process progress information from the communication information. By generating the communication history display information described above, it is possible to proceed with the debugging work after grasping the progress of generation and disappearance of the process, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

Further, in the invention according to claim 27, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, the extraction means extracts the communication information data from the sorted communication information based on the extraction condition. Header information including a type and process identification information is extracted, and the communication history display information including the extracted header information as communication information is generated.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the extraction means extracts the header information including the data type of the communication information and the process identification information from the sorted communication information based on the extraction condition, and the extracted header. By generating the communication history display information including information as communication information, only the header information can be acquired when only simple verification is desired in the debugging work of the image forming apparatus. Compared to displaying
Resources such as a memory and a hard disk used for displaying can be saved.

The invention according to claim 28 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 27, wherein the extracting means further includes the communication history display information.
It is characterized in that the data is transmitted to a management device which is connected to a network and manages a plurality of image forming devices.

According to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the communication history display information is generated for display by transmitting the communication history display information to the management apparatus that is connected to the network and manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The management device can refer to the communication history display information and perform processing such as totaling, and the management device can appropriately manage the image forming apparatus based on the communication history display information.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the hardware resources used in the image forming process, an application for performing a process unique to the user service related to the image forming process, the application and the hardware resource are provided. And a control service for performing acquisition request, management, execution control, and image forming processing of the hardware resources commonly required by at least two of the applications when providing the user service. However, the application and the control service operate as a process, and an image forming apparatus that provides the user service by performing inter-process communication, is connected to the image forming apparatus by a network, and manages the image forming apparatus. Image forming system equipped with a server The image forming apparatus includes a communication history generating unit that generates communication history information recording communication information and time information of inter-process communication by the application or the control service, and the management server is A communication unit that receives the communication history information from an image forming apparatus; an extraction condition input unit that inputs an extraction condition of the communication history information; and an analysis unit that sorts the communication information in chronological order based on the time information. Extraction means for extracting communication information to be displayed based on the extraction condition from the communication information sorted by the analyzing means, and generating communication history display information including the extracted communication information; Display means for displaying the communication history display information on the display device.

According to the twenty-ninth aspect of the invention, the communication history information is generated by the communication history generating means of the image forming apparatus, and the communication history information is received by the communication means on the side of the management server, and the extraction condition input means is used. By inputting the extraction condition of the communication history information, the communication means sorts the communication information in chronological order based on the time information, and extracts the communication information to be displayed based on the extraction condition from the communication information sorted by the extracting means. Then, the communication history display information including the extracted communication information is generated, and the communication history display information is displayed on the display device by the display unit, so that the communication history information of the inter-process communication information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses on the management server side. Can be collectively managed and displayed, and the communication status of a plurality of image forming apparatuses can be easily grasped at one place.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the twenty-ninth aspect, the extracting means of the management server further stores the communication history display information,
It is characterized in that the data is transmitted to a remote centralized management device which is connected to a network and manages the operating conditions of a plurality of image forming devices.

According to the thirtieth aspect of the present invention, the extraction means of the management server transmits the communication history display information to the remote centralized management device which is connected to the network and manages the operating conditions of the plurality of image forming devices. Then, the remote centralized management apparatus can grasp the details of the failure information of the image forming apparatus based on the communication history display information, and can appropriately deal with the failure of the image forming apparatus by the remote centralized management apparatus.

[0076]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an interprocess communication history display method, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, an image forming apparatus and an image forming system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The details will be described.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an interprocess communication history display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the inter-process communication history display device 100 includes a control device 203 such as a CPU and a RAM (Random Acces).
s Memory) 205 and hard disk (HD)
110, a display device 202 such as a display device,
It is equipped with an input device 201 such as a keyboard and a mouse and a communication device 204 such as a LAN board and a modem, and has a normal configuration using a computer. The inter-process communication history display device 100 is connected to an image forming device (hereinafter, referred to as “multi-function peripheral”) 300 by a network such as a LAN 206. That is, the inter-process communication history display device 100 debugs the multifunction peripheral 300 on the network.

Further, the interprocess communication history display device 100
The communication device 204 is connected to a public line network 207, and a management server 120 that manages the multi-function peripheral 300 on the public line network 207 and a remote centralized control that collects and collectively manages operation information and failure information of the multi-function peripheral. The management device 210 is connected. In addition, the management server 120 and the remote centralized management device 21
0 is in a state of being connected by a network such as the LAN 208. Here, the management server 120 and the remote centralized management device 210 constitute the management device in the present invention.

The management server 120 is composed of a plurality of multifunction machines 300.
The log display files described below are collected from
8 to the remote centralized management unit 210, and is connected to the public line network 207 by the multi-channel communication control unit (CCU) 209.

The remote centralized management device 210 is the management server 1
The log display files of the plurality of multifunction peripherals 300 collected by the server 20 are received from the management server 120 via the LAN 208 and are collectively managed. Further, the remote centralized management device 210 also performs a process of collecting failure information and the like from a plurality of multifunction peripherals 300 connected to the public line network 207. The remote centralized management device 210 executes the control of the entire system and is connected to a computer 211 having an external storage device such as a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, a flexible disk (FD), an IC card, and a public line network 207. Multi-channel type multi-channel communication control unit (CCU)
209 and 209.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of the interprocess communication history display device according to the first embodiment. The inter-process communication history display device 100 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, is an analysis unit 101, an extraction unit 102, an extraction condition input unit 103, and a communication unit 104.
And a display unit 105. In addition, the inter-process communication history display device 100 uses the LAN for the multifunction device 3
00 and is connected to H110 of HD110 and multifunction device 300.
D303 and NFS (Network File System) are constructed. Therefore, the interprocess communication history display device 100
Can access files in the HD 303 of the multi-function peripheral 300.

The communication log file 111 is stored in the HD 110.
, API sort data file 112, PID / process name correspondence data file 113, process generation /
Extinction data file 114, structure definition data file 115, key conversion data file 116, message conversion data file 117, condition setting file 1
18 and a log display file 119 are stored.

Here, the communication log file 111 stores the communication history information in the present invention in the structure definition data file 1
Reference numeral 15 is structure definition information in the present invention, process creation / destruction data file 114 is process progress information in the present invention, key conversion data file 116 is key definition information in the present invention, and message conversion data file 117 is in the present invention. The message definition information and the log display file 119 respectively constitute the communication history display information in the present invention.

The files existing from the beginning in the HD 110 are the structure definition data file 115, the key conversion data file 116, and the message conversion data file 1.
17, the communication log file 111 is copied from the HD 303 of the multifunction machine 300 by the analysis unit 101 and the communication unit 104 at the start of execution of the inter-process communication history display processing. In addition, the API sort data file 112, PI
D-process name correspondence data file 113, process creation / destruction data file 114, condition setting file 11
8 and the log display file 119 are generated when the interprocess communication history display processing is executed. A detailed description of each file will be given later.

The analysis unit 101 copies the communication log file 305 of the multifunction machine 300 to the HD 110 via the communication unit 104. The analysis unit 101 also analyzes the communication log file 111 copied to the HD 110 and sorts the communication information in time series in the API sort data file 11
2, a PID / process name correspondence data file 113 that is a correspondence table of process IDs and process names, and a process generation / destruction data file 114 that records generation and depletion of processes, and each file is stored in the HD 11
Store in 0.

The extraction condition input section 103 includes a display device 202.
On the other hand, the extraction condition setting screen for setting the extraction condition of the communication log file is displayed, and the condition setting file 118 recording the extraction condition input by the user through the screen is generated and stored in the HD 110.

The extraction unit 102 extracts communication information from the communication log file 111 based on each setting content (extraction condition) of the condition setting file 118 of the HD 110, and generates a log display file 119 from the extracted communication information. HD1
Store in 10.

The display unit 105 reads the log display file 119 generated in the HD 110 and issues a drawing system call or the like to generate the log display file 11
9 is displayed on the display device 202.

At the start of the interprocess communication history display processing, the communication unit 104 receives an NF request from the analysis unit 101.
The HD 303 of the multifunction peripheral 300 is accessed by S.
The communication unit 104 also performs a process of transferring the log display file 119 generated by the extraction unit 102 to the management server 120 using a file transfer protocol such as ftp.

The analysis unit 101, the extraction unit 102, the extraction condition input unit 103, the communication unit 104, and the display unit 105, when the interprocess communication history display program is executed,
It is generated in the RAM 205 and executed. This interprocess communication history display program is a software development kit (SDK: Software Development).
A part of or an entire development tool kit such as Kit) is provided as a file in a form executable or installable in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or FD. Further, such an executable file or installable file may be provided by a method that can be acquired via a network.

Next, the multi-function peripheral 300 which generates the communication log file 305 will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates a multifunction machine 300.
3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the multi-function device 300 includes a monochrome line printer (B & W LP) 3
01, a color line printer (Color LP) 302,
A hard disk (HD) 303, hardware resources 304 such as a scanner, a facsimile, a memory, and a network interface are provided, and a software group 310 including a platform 320 and an application 330 and a communication history generation unit 317 are provided. .

The platform 320 manages a control service that interprets a processing request from the application 330 to generate a hardware resource acquisition request and one or more hardware resources, and arbitrates the acquisition request from the control service. It includes a system resource manager (SRM) 323 and a general-purpose OS 321.

The control service is composed of a plurality of service modules, and includes an SCS (system control service) 322, an ECS (engine control service) 324, an MCS (memory control service) 325, and an OCS (operation panel control service) 326. And FCS (fax control service) 327 and NCS (network control service) 328. The platform 320 has an application program interface (API) capable of receiving a processing request from the application 330 by using a predefined function.

The general-purpose OS 321 is UNIX (registered trademark).
Is a general-purpose operating system, and executes each software of the platform 320 and the application 330 as a process in parallel.

The process of SRM 323 is SCS322.
It also controls the system and manages resources. The process of the SRM 323 includes an engine such as a scanner unit and a printer unit, a memory, an HDD file, a host I / O (Centro I / F, a network I / F, an I / F).
(EEE1394 I / F, RS232C I / F, etc.)
It arbitrates and controls execution according to the request from the upper layer that uses the hardware resource of.

Specifically, the SRM 323 judges whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource is available. Tell upper layers that resources are available. Further, the SRM 323 performs hardware resource utilization scheduling in response to a request from the upper layer, and directly implements the request content (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory reservation, file generation, etc.). .

The process of SCS322 is application management,
It controls the operation unit, system screen display, LED display, resource management, interrupt application control, etc.

The ECS 324 process includes a monochrome line printer (B & W LP) 301 and a color line printer (Colo).
r LP) 302, hard disk (HD) 303, scanner, facsimile, and other hardware resources 3
04 engine control.

The MCS 325 process acquires and releases the image memory, uses the hard disk device (HDD), and compresses and decompresses the image data.

The FCS327 process includes facsimile transmission / reception using the PSTN / ISDN network from each application layer of the system controller, and BKM (backup SRA).
Registration of various facsimile data managed in M) /
Quotation, fax reading, fax reception printing,
Provides an API for performing fusion transmission / reception.

The NCS 328 process is a process for providing a service that can be used in common to applications that require network I / O. Data received by each protocol from the network side is distributed to each application, It mediates when data is sent from the application to the network side. Specifically, ftpd, httpd, lpd, snmpd, telnetd,
It has a server daemon such as smtpd and a client function of the same protocol.

The OCS 326 controls an operation panel (operation panel) which is a means for transmitting information between the operator (user) and the main body control. The OCS 326 acquires the key press as a key event from the operation panel, and the SCS acquires the key event function corresponding to the acquired key.
A part of the OCS process to be transmitted to 322, and a part of the OCS library in which a drawing function for drawing and outputting various screens to the operation panel in response to a request from the application 330 or the control service and other functions for controlling the operation panel are registered in advance. Composed of. This OCS library is implemented by being linked to each module of the application 330 and the control service. In addition, OCS
All 326 may be configured to operate as processes, or all OCS 326 may be configured as OCS libraries.

The application 330 is a page description language (PDL), PCL and Postscript (PS).
A printer application 311, which is a printer application, a copy application 312, which is a copy application, a fax application 313, which is a facsimile application, a scanner application 314, which is a scanner application, and a network file application, which is a network file application. It has a file application 315 and a process inspection application 316 which is a process inspection application. Each of these applications 330 is generated and operated as a process by an initialization unit (not shown) when the multifunction peripheral 300 is activated.

Each process of the application 330 and each process of the control service perform copy, printer, scanner, while performing inter-process communication by function call, return value transmission and message transmission / reception.
It provides user services for image forming processing such as facsimile.

As described above, the multifunction machine 300 that generates the communication log file 305 displayed by the interprocess communication history display device 100 according to the first embodiment has a plurality of applications 330 and a plurality of control services. Is also running as a process. And
Inside each of these processes, one or more threads are generated and parallel execution is performed in thread units. Then, the control service is the application 330.
For this reason, many of these processes operate in parallel and threads in parallel to perform inter-process communication with each other and cooperate with each other, while copier, printer, scanner, and facsimile. It provides a user service for image forming processing such as.

Further, in the multifunction machine 300, a third party such as a third vendor can develop and mount a new application in the application layer above the control service layer.

Communication information such as messages and function calls by inter-process communication between each application 330 and each control service is sequentially shared by a process that receives the message or function call (not shown).
Written in.

The communication history generation unit 317 operates as a process in the control service layer, and the application 3
The communication log file 305 in which communication information written in a shared memory (not shown) by each process of the control service 30 and the control service is read out at regular time intervals and the communication information is recorded as an API data packet is stored in the HD 30.
Generate to 3. In addition, the communication history generation unit 317 investigates the process that is currently operating at regular time intervals, associates the process ID of the process that is operating with the process name, and records them together with the elapsed time from the start of acquisition of communication information. The process ID / process name correspondence data packet is written in the communication log file 305. Furthermore, the communication history generation unit 3
Reference numeral 17 examines the process that is operating at regular time intervals, and writes a process progress data packet in which the generation status and disappearance status of the process are recorded together with the elapsed time in the communication log file 305.

The multifunction machine 300 according to the first embodiment
In the above, a plurality of processes of the application 330 and a plurality of processes of the control service are operating, but it is also possible that the application 330 and the process of the control service each have a single configuration. In addition, the application 330 does not exist at all, only the control service process, the general-purpose OS 321, and the hardware resources are provided, and
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a new application can be installed via the network via the network connected by the CS 328. In addition, each application 330
Can be added or removed for each application.

HD of the interprocess communication history display device 100
The communication log file 111 in the 110 stores one or more API data packets, process IDs, and the like, which are generated by the communication history generation unit 317 of the multifunction machine 300 as described above.
It is history data composed of a process name correspondence data packet and a process progress data packet, and is copied by the communication unit 104 from the HD 303 of the multi-function peripheral 300 to the HD 110 of the interprocess communication history display device 100 using NFS.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of each packet forming the communication log file 111. Figure 4
4A is a data structure diagram of an API data packet, FIG. 4B is a data structure diagram of a process ID / process name correspondence data packet, and FIG. 4C is a data structure diagram of a process progress data packet. Is. Here, the process ID / process name correspondence data packet constitutes the process correspondence information in the present invention, and the process progress data packet constitutes the process information in the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the head field of each packet is an identifier field indicating the type of packet, and the API data packet has an identifier field of "API" and a process ID. The identifier of the data packet corresponding to the process name is "INFO", the identifier field of the process progress data packet indicating the generation of the process is "NEW", and the identifier field of the process progress data packet indicating the disappearance of the process is "DE".
L ”.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the API data packet has an ID field followed by a reception process ID.
Has a field. In this reception process ID field, the process ID of the process that received the message or function call is set.

In the time field, the elapsed time from the start of the process of acquiring the interprocess communication information in the multifunction machine 300 is recorded. The time field of the API data packet records the elapsed time when each process receives a message or function call.

The API data packet further has fields of data type, data length, transmission process ID and unique data. Here, the fields of data type, data length, and transmission process ID serve as header information. In the data type field, a message ID that is message identification information or a function ID that is function identification information is stored. In the sending process ID field,
Process ID of the process that originated the message or function
Is stored. Specific message data or function data is stored in the unique data field. The API data packet uses the data from the time field to the unique data field as API data of one message or function, and the data delimiter (0xf
It has a packet configuration in which a plurality of communication data are linked by being separated by e). Since one receiving process ID is assigned to the entire packet, the API data packet is composed of API data received by one process. Note that 0xff is a packet delimiter indicating a packet delimiter, and is the same in FIGS. 4B and 4C. The API data constitutes the communication information in the present invention.

The API data also includes a key event message as a message. In the case of a key event message, the unique code stores a key code and numerical data corresponding to ON and OFF indicating a key pressing condition described later.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the process ID
The process name correspondence data packet has fields of time, process ID and process name following the identifier field. The elapsed time when the communication history generation unit 317 of the multifunction peripheral 300 acquires each data from the shared memory is recorded in the time field. The process ID field stores a process ID that is process identification information of a process running in the multi-function peripheral 300, and the process name field stores a process name corresponding to the process ID.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the process progress data packet has an identifier field, a time field, and a process ID field in which the process ID of the created or deleted process is stored. Also in this time field, the communication history generation unit 31 of the multifunction peripheral 300
The above elapsed time when 7 acquires each data from the shared memory is recorded.

Next, the communication history display processing by the interprocess communication history display device 100 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an analysis process of the communication log file 111 by the analysis unit 101 of the interprocess communication history display device 100.

First, the analysis unit 101 determines the H of the multifunction machine 300.
The communication log file 305 stored in D303 is copied to the HD 110 via the communication unit 104 (step S501). Then, all the API data packets that make up the communication log file 111 are read, all the API data included in each API data packet are extracted, and the API data is sorted in chronological order based on the contents of the time field. Is generated in the HD 110 as the API sort data file 112 (step S
502).

Next, the analysis unit 101 reads all the process ID / process name correspondence data packets forming the communication log file 111, and extracts the process ID / process name pairs contained in each packet together with the contents of the time field. Then, the PID / process name correspondence data file 113 in the table format is generated in the HD 110 (step S503). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the PID / process name correspondence data file 113 generated by the analysis unit 101. As shown in FIG. 6, each process ID is associated with a process name of an application or a control service and recorded in a table format.

Next, the analysis unit 101 reads all process progress data packets forming the communication log file 111, and for each identifier of "NEW" and "DEL", the process ID included in each packet is stored in the time field. Extracted with, created (“NEW”), disappeared (“D
EL]), the process creation / destruction data file 114 in which the process ID and time are classified is created in the HD 110 (step S504). FIG. 7 shows the process creation / destruction data file 114 created by the analysis unit 101.
It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of. In FIG. 7, each process ID is classified and recorded as “generation” and “disappearance”. The process ID classified as “generated” is the multifunction device 3
00 indicates a process generated, and a process ID classified as “disappeared” indicates a process that has disappeared in the multifunction machine 300.

In this way, the analysis processing of the communication log file 111 by the analysis unit 101 causes the HD 110 to
An API sort data file 112, a PID / process name correspondence data file 113, and a process creation / destruction data file 114 are created.

Next, the extraction condition input processing of the communication log file 111 by the extraction condition input unit 103 will be described. From the communication log file 111, API data of messages and functions responsible for interprocess communication, process generation /
The disappearance data and the key operation data can be extracted. When extracting API data, the API data for inter-process communication centering on one process is extracted and displayed, and when multiple processes are designated and API data for communication between designated processes is extracted. May be displayed.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a condition setting screen for API data centering on one process, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a condition setting screen for API data between a plurality of processes. The extraction condition input unit 103 displays the condition setting screen shown in FIG. 8 on the display device 202 through the display unit 105 and waits for the user's input. Here, when "1 process center" is specified in "Display type", as shown in FIG. 8, in addition to "Target process" in "Process selection", "Send process" and "Receive process" are selected. Is possible.

For the “target process”, only one can be selected from the process names listed in the list, and a plurality of selections can be made for the “sending process” and the “receiving process”. Centering on the process selected in "Target process", messages and function calls sent from the target process to the process specified in "Send process" and from the process specified in "Send process" to "Target process" The message sent and the function call will be extracted.

The "display format" is for selecting whether to display the log display in a "flow" type in which an arrow and a message or a function are combined, or in a "list" type of selected data. "Message / function extraction"
Check box specifies whether to extract a particular message or function. When the check box of “message / function extraction” is specified, a specific message or a specific function is extracted. In this case, the message name to be extracted in the lower column of the check box,
Specify the function name. If nothing is specified, all messages and functions are extracted.

"Header only" in "Extraction type"
When is specified, only the header information in the API data is extracted and displayed, and when "all" is specified, all fields of the API data are displayed.

When "plurality of processes" is designated in "display type", as shown in FIG.
And "Reception process" cannot be selected. In this case, a plurality of processes can be selected as the “target process”, and messages and functions between the selected processes will be extracted.

When "between multiple processes" is designated as the "display type", "function designation" can be selected as shown in FIG. This function selection designates one or a plurality of services from the user services related to the image forming process, and as shown in FIG. 9, "copy", "printer", "scanner", "fax transmission", "fax transmission", You can select from "PC FAX" and "Fax reception". If you select a function,
The "target process" cannot be specified, and the extraction condition input unit 103 selects a process to be executed when providing the specified user service.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a condition setting screen for designating a key operation display. When the “key operation” tab is selected on the screen of FIG. 8 or 9, the extraction condition input unit 103 displays the key operation display condition setting screen shown in FIG. 10 on the display device 202. In the condition setting screen of the key operation display shown in FIG.
If "N" is specified, the ON state by pressing the key is
If "OFF" is specified, press the key to turn it off.
When "ON / OFF" is designated as the state, both the ON state and the OFF state by pressing the key are extracted.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a condition setting screen for designating process generation / destruction display. When the “process” tab is selected on the screen of FIG. 8, FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, the extraction condition input unit 103 displays the process creation / disappearance display condition setting screen shown in FIG.
Display on 2. When the "OK" button is pressed on the process creation / destruction display condition setting screen shown in FIG. 11, the process generation / destruction process is extracted.

The extraction condition input unit 103 is configured as shown in FIG.
To the condition setting screen shown in FIG. 11 to enter the extraction condition specified by the user, and the XML (eXtensibl)
The condition setting file 118 in the eMarkup Language format is written and stored in the HD 110.

FIG. 12A shows the condition setting file 118.
It is explanatory drawing which shows an example. In FIG. 12A, <
The setting content of the disp_type of the condition> tag indicates the designation content of the “display type” on the condition setting screens of FIGS. 8 and 9 (“disp_type”).
= “Msg_one” ”,“ 1 process center ”
When “disp_type =“ msg_some ””, “between multiple processes”). Also, <condition
The setting content of the format of the> tag indicates the designated content of the “display format” (“flow” when “format =“ flow ””, “list” when “format =“ list ””).

In addition, <t in the <msg_one> tag
The process described in the target_name> tag is
The target process designated by the display type of "1 process center" in the condition setting screen of FIG. 8 is shown. Also,
If the process described in the <rx name> tag is the process specified in the “reception process”, <tx name
> The process described by the tag indicates the process specified by the “sending process”.

On the other hand, <in the <msg_some> tag
The process designated by the "target_name>" tag indicates the process designated by the display type "between multiple processes" on the condition setting screen of FIG.

Further, when "function designation" and user service are designated on the condition setting screen of FIG. 9, the extraction condition input unit 103 causes the application 330 and the application executed to provide the designated user service. Select the control service process by referring to the user service execution process table and <target
_Name> tag.

FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the user service execution process table. This user service execution process table is stored in the extraction condition input unit 103.
However, it may be stored in the HD 110 in a file format.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the user service execution process table includes copy, printer, scanner, fax transmission, fax reception, and PC FAX.
The process names of the application 330 and the control service executed when the service is provided are set for each of the user services. Therefore, for example, when “copy” is selected as the user service on the condition setting screen of FIG. 9, the extraction condition input unit 103 refers to the user service execution process table and needs the copy function. Copy application 312, ECS324, MCS
325, SRM323 process name, <target
Condition setting file 118 set in t_name> tag
Will be generated.

In addition, <select_msg chec
The description in the k> tag indicates whether “message / function extraction” is valid (ON) or invalid (OFF) in the condition setting screen of FIG. 8 or 9. The message name / function name described in the <msg name> tag indicates the message name and message ID or the function name and function ID specified in “Message / function extraction” on the condition setting screens of FIGS. 8 and 9. ing. The description in the <key> tag indicates the pressing condition of the key operation display on the condition setting screen of FIG. 10, and “ON”, “OFF”, “ON / OFF” is set according to the setting on the condition setting screen of FIG. Described. Furthermore, the description in the <header_only> tag is as follows in the condition setting screen of FIG. 8 or 9.
"Extraction type" is header only (on) or all (off)
Is showing.

Next, after inputting the extraction conditions, the extraction unit 102
The API data extraction process and the display process by the display unit 105 will be described. 13 and 14 show
6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of API data extraction processing by the extraction unit 102 and display processing by the display unit 105.

First, the extraction unit 102 refers to the PID / process name correspondence data file 113 generated in the HD 110 by the analysis unit 101 to refer to the condition setting file 11
Converts all target process names specified in the <target name> tag of 8, the send process name specified in the <tx name> tag, and the receive process name specified in the <rx name> tag into process IDs Yes (step S1301).

Next, the extraction unit 102 uses the <condition> tag disp_ty of the condition setting file 118.
Refer to pe and display type is "1 process centered"
(Msg_one) or "between multiple processes" (msg_s
ome) is checked (step S1302).

When "1 process center" is designated as the display type, the process I of the target process is read from the AIP sort data file 112 generated in the HD 110.
All API data of the API data packet having D as the receiving process ID is extracted (step S130).
3). Then, it is determined whether or not the transmission process and the reception process are designated in the condition setting file 118 by <tx.
The determination is made by referring to the setting contents of the <name> tag and the <rx name> tag (step S1304).

When the transmission process is specified,
<From the API data extracted in step S1303
The API data having the process ID of the process designated by the tx name> tag as the transmission process ID is extracted (step S1305). If the receiving process is specified, it has the process ID of the process specified by the <rx name> tag as the receiving process ID from all the API sort data, and <ta
The API data having the process ID of the target process specified by the rget name> tag as the transmission process ID is extracted (step S1306). Then, the extraction process of steps S1305 and S1306 is repeated for all the transmission processes and reception processes specified in the condition setting file 118 (step S1307).

In step S1302, if "between multiple processes" is designated as the display type,
<Target from the API sort data file 112
All the API data of the API data packet having the process ID of the target process set in the _name> tag as the receiving process ID is extracted (step S13).
08). Then, the extraction process of step S1308 is performed for all processes designated as the target process (step S1309). Note that, even when “function specification” is selected on the condition setting screen of FIG. 9, as described above, the process name corresponding to the user service specified by the extraction condition input unit 103 is selected and the condition setting file 118 is selected. <Target_nam
Since e> tag is set as the target process,
The same processing is performed as in the case of "between multiple processes" and the target process is specified.

Next, the extraction unit 102 determines whether or not "message / function extraction" is specified by checking the setting (ON / OFF) of the <select_msg check> tag of the condition setting file 118. Yes (step S1310). And, "Message ·
When "function extraction" is designated (when ON), <msg_n is further added from the API data extracted by the processing of step S1306 or S1308.
API data having the message ID or function ID set in the ame> tag is extracted (step S1).
311). Then, the extraction processing of step S1311 is performed for all <msg of the condition setting file 118.
Repeatedly for the message ID or function ID set in the _name> tag (step S131).
2).

Next, the extraction unit 102 checks whether the designation of "extraction type" is "header only" or "all" by determining the setting of the <header_only> tag of the condition setting file 118 (step S131).
3). And in the case of "header only"(<header
If _only = “on”>), step S13
For each API data extracted by the processing up to 12, only the fields of the data type, the data length and the transmission process ID which are the header information are extracted (step S
1316). Therefore, the message ID / function ID is displayed without being converted into the message name / function name and the process ID into the process name.

On the other hand, when the “extraction type” is “all” (when <header_only = “off”>), all extracted files are referred to by referring to the message conversion data file 117 stored in the HD 110. Of A
Convert message ID of PI data to message name,
Further, the function ID is converted into a function name (step S131).
4).

The message conversion data file 117 is
It is an XML file in which a message ID and a message name are associated with a function ID and a function name, respectively, and is created in the HD 110 in advance. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the message conversion data file.
In FIG. 15, a <server> tag describes a process name that provides a message transmission or a function. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, for each block of the <server> tag, the message ID and the message name, and the function ID and the function I are displayed by the <message> tag.
The association with D is described. That is, <mes
The message ID or function ID is specified in the "type" of the page> tag, and the "type" is specified in the "string".
A message name or function name corresponding to the message ID or function ID specified by is specified.

The extraction unit 102 further includes a PID / process name correspondence data file 11 stored in the HD 110.
3, the process ID included in all API data is converted into a process name (step S131).
5).

Then, the API data extracted so far is sorted (step S1317). Here, the sorting process is performed by <condition of the condition setting file 118.
Check the format in the n> tag to check "form
When at = “list” ”, the extracted API data are arranged in the list format as they are. On the other hand, "for
When mat = “flow” ”, the extracted API
Arrange the data in a flow format with each process arranged in a separate column.

Then, the log display file 1 is stored in the HD 110.
19 is generated and all the sorted API data are written in the log display file 119 (step S131).
8). Then, the display unit 105 displays the contents of the log display file 119 on the display device 202 (step S1).
319), and the communication unit 104 further displays the log display file 11
9 is transmitted to the management server 120 through the public line (step S1320). This completes the display process of the API data.

FIG. 16 shows the AP in the case where the display type is "1 process-centric" and the display format is "flow".
It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of I data display. As shown in FIG. 16, in this display example, the API data are arranged in the order of “elapsed time”, “sending process”, “target process” (copy application in the example of FIG. 16), and “sending process”. Process names are displayed for "process" and "target process". For example, the second line in FIG.
This indicates that the SYS_PARAM message is transmitted from the SCS 322 process to the copy application 312 process after 027 msec.

FIG. 17 shows the AP when the display type is "1 process-centric" and the display format is "list".
It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of I data display. As shown in FIG. 17, in this display example, API data is arranged in the order of “elapsed time”, “sending process”, “reception process”, and “message / function”, and the “sending process” and “target process” are The process name is displayed. For example, in FIG.
The second line of 7 is SCS322 after 0.1027 msec.
To the copy application 312 process from
_PARAM message has been sent, as shown in FIG.
The contents are the same as the second line of the list format of No. 6.

FIG. 18 shows an AP when the display type is "between multiple processes" and the display format is "flow".
It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of I data display. As shown in FIG. 18, in this display example, API data are arranged in the order of “elapsed time” and “process”, and a plurality of designated process names are displayed in parallel in “process”. The example of FIG. 18 displays a log of inter-process communication when a copy operation is performed.

Next, after inputting the extraction conditions, the extraction unit 102
The extraction processing of the detailed data of the message and the function and the display processing by the display unit 105 will be described. As a result of extracting and displaying API data as described above, the display screen of FIG.
If the user right-clicks on the message or function for which details are to be displayed with the mouse on these screens, the extraction condition input unit 10
3, the detailed data frame screen shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 19, this detailed data frame screen is for selecting "detailed data display" or "detailed member selection".

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a procedure of detailed extraction and display processing of API data when a user specifies on the detailed data frame screen. If there is a response from the user as a result of the display of the detailed data frame screen by the extraction condition input unit 103, the extraction unit 10
2 determines whether the user response is "detailed data display" or "detailed member display" (step S2001). And
If "Detailed data display" is selected, HD1
Structure definition data file 115 stored in 10
The message structure of the specified message or the function structure of the specified function is read from (step S20).
02), the currently extracted API data, that is, the designated AP recorded in the log display file 119.
The unique data of the I data is associated with the read structure (step S2003).

Here, the structure definition data file 115
Will be described. Structure definition data file 115
Is a file that defines the structure of the structure of the message and the function, and the structure of each structure corresponds to the unique data of the message or function to which the structure corresponds. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the structure definition data file 115.

In FIG. 21, the setting contents of "Name" in the <structure> tag indicate the structure name, and "ms"
The setting content of "g" indicates the message name or the function name. In addition, one or more <member> tags describe the members of the structure (the setting contents of "Name" is the member name, the setting contents of "Type" is the data type, etc.) in the block of the <structure> tag. is doing.

Returning to FIG. 20, next, the display unit 105 displays the specific data of the designated API data on the display device 202 together with the associated message structure or function structure (step S2004). FIG. 22 shows
It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of detailed data display. In FIG. 22, the setting content of each member of the structure “SYS_KEY_EVENT_t” is displayed.

In step S2001, when the user response is "detailed member selection", the extraction unit 102
Reads the message structure of the specified message or the function structure of the specified function from the structure definition data file 115 (step S2005), and the display unit 1
The structure read in step 05 is displayed on the display device 202 as a detailed member selection frame screen (step S2).
006). FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the detailed member selection frame screen. As shown in FIG. 23, the structure “SYS_KEY_EVENT_” of the selected message is displayed.
A list of “t” members is displayed, and members can be selected by checking the check box.

When the user selects one or a plurality of members on the detailed member selection frame screen, the selection condition input unit 103 receives the selection instruction. Then, the extraction unit 102 refers to the structure definition data file 115, extracts the data of the designated member from the API data currently recorded in the log display file 119, and extracts the member data extracted in the log display file 119. The data is aligned and additionally written in the log display file 119 (step S2007). Then, such step S200
The extraction and writing process of 7 is repeated for all the designated members (step S2008). Then, finally, the display unit 105 displays the data of the member who additionally writes the log display file 119 on the display device 202 (step S2009). And
Further, the communication unit 104 transmits the log display file 119 to the management server 120 via the public line (step S2).
010).

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing an example of the display in the case of selecting detailed members. In FIG. 24, the structure “SYS
Members "type" and "pi" in "_KEY_t"
d "," KeyType "," KeyCode "," K "
eyPress ”The setting contents of each member are displayed along with the elapsed time.

Next, the extraction process of the key operation by the extraction unit 102 and the display process by the display unit 105 will be described. First, the key conversion data file 116 used in key operation extraction and display processing will be described. The key conversion data file 116 is a file for converting detailed data of a key event into a character string. FIG. 26
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the key conversion data file 116.

In FIG. 26, <key_press>
The tag defines the character string of the key press condition, and "Val
When ue = 1 "," Description = "ON"
ON state with, and when "Value = 0", "Descr"
The OFF state is indicated by option = “OFF”.

In the <Key_type> tag, the key type code and the character string are associated with each other. The key type is a HARD key (a key existing as hardware in the multifunction peripheral) or a TOUCH key (a key drawn as a touch panel key on the display unit of the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral 300). According to the <Key_type> tag of FIG. 26, when “Value = 1”, “Descript
the HARD key with "tion =" HARD "," Value
When e = 0 "," Description = "TOUC
H ”indicates the TOUCH key.

In the <Key_button> tag, the key code of the button and the character string of the key name are associated with each other.
In the example of FIG. 26, as the HARD key button, the key code 0 is associated with the button with the key name “0”, and the TO
As the UCH key button, the key code 101 is associated with the button having the key name “OK”.

FIG. 25 shows the extraction unit 1 for displaying the key operation.
02 key event extraction processing and display unit 105
5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a display process according to. The key event is A as a key event message.
Included in PI data.

First, the extraction unit 102 extracts a key event message from the API sort data file 112 (step S2501). The key event message is extracted based on the message ID. Then, the key press condition designated on the condition setting screen shown in FIG. 10 is set to “ty” of the <key> tag of the condition setting file 118.
Judgment is made based on the setting contents of "pe" (step S250
2).

If the key pressing condition is "ON", only the key event message set to the "ON" state is further extracted from the key event messages extracted in step S2501 (step S2503). If the key pressing condition is “OFF”, step S250
From the key event messages extracted in step 1, select "OF
Only the key event message set to the “F” state is further extracted (step S2504). If the key pressing condition is “ON / OFF”, it means that all the key event messages in both the ON state and the OFF state, that is, all the key event messages are extracted, and therefore the key event message extracted in step S2501 is used as it is.

Then, referring to the key conversion data file 116 stored in the HD 110, the key code in the extracted key event message is converted into a key name and the key type code is converted into a key type name (step S25).
05), and writes it in the log display file 119 (step S2506). Then, the display unit 105 displays the log display file 119 on the display device 202 (step S2507). Then, the communication unit 104 further transmits the log display file 119 to the management server 120 via the public line (step S2508).

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the key operation display. As shown in FIG. 27, the key type, the ON / OFF state by pressing the key, and the key operation history of the key name are displayed together with the elapsed time.

Next, the process generation by the extraction unit 102
The disappearance data extraction processing and the display processing by the display unit 105 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process generation / disappearance information extraction processing by the extraction unit 102 and the display processing by the display unit 105. The extraction unit 102 determines whether or not the process creation / disappearance display is designated on the condition setting screen shown in FIG. 11 by acquiring the key event of the “OK” button (step S).
2801). When the process generation / destruction display is designated, the process generation / destruction data file 11
4 is read (step S2802).

Next, the extraction unit 102 refers to the PID / process name correspondence data file 113 and refers to the process ID recorded in the process creation / destruction data file 114.
To all corresponding process names (step S28
03), and writes it in the log display file 119 (step S2804). Then, the display unit 105 displays the log display file 119 on the display device 202 (step S2805). Then, the communication unit 104 sends the log display file 119 to the management server 120 via the public line.
(Step S2806).

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the process generation / destruction display. As shown in FIG. 29, the status of generation and disappearance of each process is the elapsed time and the process I.
It is displayed with D. Note that in FIG. 29,
“New” indicates the generation of the process, and “del” indicates the disappearance of the process.

As described above, in the interprocess communication history display device 100 according to the first embodiment, the extraction condition input unit 10 is used.
The extraction condition is input according to 3, and the analysis unit 101
The API data of the communication log file 111 is sorted in chronological order based on the elapsed time, the API data to be displayed is extracted from the API data sorted by the extraction unit 102 based on the extraction condition, and the log including the extracted API data is extracted. Since the display file 119 is generated and the log display file 119 is displayed on the display device 202 by the display unit 105, many processes such as between the application 330 and the control service, between the applications, and between the control services are complicatedly entangled. It is possible to easily extract and obtain the necessary interprocess communication information in the multi-function peripheral 300 that is performing interprocess communication,
Debugging work can be done efficiently. Further, since the debugging work can be efficiently performed in this way, the development of a new application by a third party such as a third vendor can be promoted.

(Second Embodiment) The inter-process communication history display device 100 according to the first embodiment displays the communication history as
Although the PC is connected to the multifunction machine 300 via a network, in the second embodiment, the communication history is displayed on the multifunction machine.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of the multifunction machine 3 according to the second embodiment.
It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of 000. The multi-function peripheral 3000 according to the second embodiment is different from the multi-function peripheral 300 according to the first embodiment in that a communication history display application 318 is installed in the application layer, and other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. It is the same as the multifunction machine 300.

The communication history display application 318 is a process operating in the application layer, and the communication history generation unit 3
Reference numeral 17 is for extracting communication information from the communication log file 305 generated in the HD 103 according to the extraction conditions and displaying it on the operation panel 3110.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the structure of the communication history display application 318 and the main structure of components related to the communication history display processing. Inside the process of the communication history display application 318, an analysis thread 3111,
An extraction thread 3112, a display thread 3115, and an extraction condition input thread 3113 are generated and are operating in parallel with each other. Further, the communication history display application 318 registers the drawing function for drawing a button, a character string, etc. on the display unit of the operation panel 3110, and the OCS library 311.
Linked with 4.

The analysis thread 3111 constitutes the analysis means in the present invention. The analysis thread 3111 analyzes the communication log file 305 generated in the HD 303 and sorts the API data in chronological order, and an API sort data file 3102. PID / process name correspondence data file 310, which is a correspondence table of process IDs and process names
3 and a process generation / destruction data file 3104 in which the generation and depletion of processes are recorded, and each file is stored in the HD 303.

The extraction condition input thread 3113 is displayed on the operation panel 3110 via the display thread 3115.
The extraction condition setting screen for setting the extraction condition of the communication log file is displayed on the display part of. Then, the key event of the extraction condition input by the user through the screen is acquired via the OCS 326 and the SCS 322,
The condition setting file 3108 in which the extraction conditions are recorded is stored in the HD3
To generate 03.

The extraction thread 3112 extracts communication information from the communication log file 305 based on each setting content (extraction condition) of the condition setting file 3108 of the HD 303 and generates a log display file 3109 from the extracted communication information. Store in HD 303. Also, the extraction thread 3
112, the generated log display file 3109 is NCS
Transfer to the management server 120 via 328.

The display thread 3115 reads the log display file 3109 generated in the HD 303, and executes the OC
The contents of the log display file 3109 are displayed on the operation panel 3110 by issuing the drawing function of the S library 3114.

The communication log file 305 is stored in the HD 303.
, API sort data file 3102, PID
Process name correspondence data file 3103, process creation / destruction data file 3104, structure definition data file 3105, and key conversion data file 3106
A message conversion data file 3107, a condition setting file 3108, and a log display file 3109 are stored. The files existing from the beginning in the HD 303 are the structure definition data file 3105, the key conversion data file 3106, and the message conversion data file 3107, and the communication log file 305 is generated by the communication history generation unit 317. Further, the API sort data file 3102, the PID / process name correspondence data file 3103, the process creation / disappearance data file 3104, the condition setting file 3108, and the log display file 3109 are created when the interprocess communication history display process is executed. The structure of each file is HD11 of the interprocess communication history display device 100 of the first embodiment.
It is similar to each file stored in 0.

The process of OCS 326 is the same as in the first embodiment.
Similar to the multi-function peripheral 300, the operation panel (operation panel) 3110 that serves as an information transmission means between the operator (user) and the main body control is controlled. Further, the second embodiment
In the multi function peripheral 3000, the OCS 326 acquires a key press from the extraction condition setting screen displayed on the operation panel 3110 as a key event, and sends the key event function corresponding to the acquired key to the process of the SCS 322.

The process of SCS322 is the same as in the first embodiment.
Similar to the multi-function peripheral 300, it performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, interrupt application control, and the like. Multifunction device 3 according to the second embodiment
At 000, the process of the SCS 322 further receives the key event function from the OCS 326 and sends it to the communication history display application 318 as a key event message.

The process of NCS 328 is the same as in the first embodiment.
Similar to the multi-function peripheral 300, the service that can be commonly used is provided to applications that require network I / O. Furthermore, the multifunction machine 3 according to the second embodiment
000, the NCS 328 is the communication history display application 31
In response to a request from the extraction thread 3112 of No. 8, the log display file 3109 is changed to ftpd, httpd, lpd, snmpd, telne.
Use server daemons such as td and smtpd and client functions of the same protocol to send to the management server connected to the public line.

The inter-process communication history display processing by the multi-function peripheral 3000 according to the second embodiment thus configured is performed in the same procedure as the processing by the inter-process communication history display device 100 according to the first embodiment. However, the condition setting screen for extraction conditions is displayed on the operation panel 3
The display unit 110 is operated, and the extraction condition is input from the operation unit of the operation panel 3110.

As described above, the multifunction machine 3 according to the second embodiment
000, the communication history display application 318 is installed in the application layer, and the log display file 310 is displayed on the operation panel 3110 by the communication history display application 318.
By displaying 9, the multi-function peripheral 3000 can be debugged by itself without using a debugging PC or the like, and the debug work can be efficiently performed.

Further, the multifunction machine 300 according to the second embodiment
In 0, the extraction condition input thread 3113 of the communication history display application 318 inputs the extraction condition, the analysis thread 3111 sorts the API data of the communication log file 305 in chronological order based on the elapsed time, and the extraction thread 3112 sorts them. API data to be displayed is extracted from the created API data based on the extraction condition,
Log display file 3109 including the extracted API data
Since the log display file 3109 is generated by the display thread 3115 and displayed on the operation panel 3110 by the display thread 3115, a large number of processes such as the application 330 and the control service, the application, and the control service are intricately entangled with each other to perform inter-process communication. It is possible to easily extract and acquire the necessary interprocess communication information in the multi-function peripheral 3000 which is performing the debugging, and it is possible to efficiently perform the debugging work. Also,
Since the debugging work can be efficiently performed in this manner, the development of a new application by a third party such as a third vendor can be promoted.

Furthermore, the multifunction machine 30 according to the second embodiment
In 00, the extraction condition input process, the analysis process, the extraction process, and the display process are all realized by different threads inside the process of the communication history display application 318. Therefore, the communication history display processes based on different extraction conditions are performed in parallel. It is possible to perform the debugging work more efficiently.

In the multifunction machine 3000 of the second embodiment, the process for displaying the interprocess communication history is
Although the communication history display application 318 is installed in the application layer, it may be installed in the control service layer as a communication history display service.

(Third Embodiment) In the inter-process communication history display device 100 according to the first embodiment, the PC side generates the log display file 119 and sends it to the management server 120. In the forming system, the management server side generates and displays a log display file.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing the structure of the image forming system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 32, the image forming system according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which a management server 3200 and a plurality of sets of multifunction peripherals 300 are connected by a public line network 207. Further, the management server 3200 is connected to the remote centralized management device 210 by a network such as the LAN 208.

The multi-function peripheral 300 has the same configuration as that of the multi-function peripheral 300 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and is provided with a communication history generation unit 317 for generating the communication log file 305 and storing it in the HD 303. In addition, the remote central control device 210
The configuration is the same as that of the remote centralized management device 210 in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

A public line network 207 is connected to each multi-channel communication control device 209 of the management server 3200, and a plurality of sets of key card devices 3221 and multifunction peripherals 300 are connected via a communication adapter 3220. Further, a PC 3222 as a printer client is connected to the multifunction machine 300 via a network such as a LAN 260.

Further, the key card device 3221 is connected to each copying machine 300 arranged at the customer's side, and the multifunction machine 30
The communication log file 305 generated in 0 and stored in the HD 303, the usage information, the failure information, and the like are stored in the communication adapter 322.
It is configured to output to 0. The communication adapter 3220 is arranged in the vicinity of the customer's key card device 3221 and the multifunction peripheral 300. Further, the communication adapter 3220 is connected to a facsimile machine or a general telephone set of a customer, and when the facsimile machine or the general telephone set is not used (line is idle), the multi-channel communication control device 209 and the communication adapter 3220 are connected. Data communication (off-talk communication system) is possible between the two via the public line network 207.

As shown in FIG. 32, the management server 3200 has an HD 3210, an input device 3211 and a display device 3.
212, a control device (not shown), a RAM (not shown) as a hardware configuration is a normal computer configuration such as a workstation or a PC.
The management server 3200 also includes an analysis unit 3201, an extraction unit 3202, an extraction condition input unit 3203, and a communication unit 32.
04 and a display unit 3205 are provided as a software configuration.

In the HD 3210, the communication log file 111, the API sort data file 112, and the P are stored in the HD 3210, as in the interprocess communication history display device 100 of the first embodiment.
ID / process name correspondence data file 113, process creation / destruction data file 114, structure definition data file 115, and key conversion data file 116
A message conversion data file 117, a condition setting file 118, and a log display file 119 are stored. The structure of each file is the same as the file stored in the interprocess communication history display device 100 of the first embodiment.

The analysis unit 3201 transfers the communication log file 305 of the multifunction machine 300 to the HD 321 via the communication unit 3204.
Copy to 0. In addition, the analysis unit 3201 uses the HD 321
The communication log file copied to 0 is analyzed to sort the communication information in chronological order, an API sort data file, a PID / process name correspondence data file that is a correspondence table of process IDs and process names, and process generation And a process generation / destruction data file in which the disappearance is recorded, and each file is stored in the HD 3210.

The extraction condition input section 3203 is provided on the display device 32.
The extraction condition setting screen for setting the extraction condition of the communication log file 305 is displayed for 12, and the condition setting file recording the extraction condition input by the user through the screen is generated and stored in the HD 3210.

The extraction unit 3202 extracts communication information from the communication log file based on each setting content (extraction condition) of the condition setting file of the HD 3210, generates a log display file from the extracted communication information, and stores it in the HD 3210. To do.

The display unit 3205 displays the contents of the log display file on the display device 3212 by reading the log display file generated in the HD 3210 and issuing a drawing system call or the like.

The communication section 3204 includes a multi-function peripheral 300, a communication adapter 3220 and a multi-channel communication control unit 209.
The communication log file is received via. The communication unit 3204 also performs a process of transferring the log display file generated by the extraction unit 3202 to the remote centralized management device 210 using a file transfer protocol such as ftp.

The inter-process communication history display processing by the management server 3200 according to the third embodiment thus configured is performed in the same procedure as the processing by the inter-process communication history display device 100 according to the first embodiment.

As described above, in the image forming system according to the third embodiment, the communication log file generated by the communication history generating unit 317 of the multi-function peripheral 300 is stored in the management server 320.
0, the log display file is generated based on the extraction condition and is displayed on the display device 3212. Therefore, the management server 3200 side can collectively manage the communication logs of the inter-process communication of the multiple multifunction peripherals 300. It is possible to easily grasp the communication status of the plurality of multifunction peripherals 300 at one place.

In the inter-process communication history display device 100 of the first embodiment, the multi-function peripheral 3000 of the second embodiment and the management server 3200 of the third embodiment, the structure definition file, the key conversion data file, the message conversion data Pre-store files in HD 110, 303, 3210
The source file for debugging is prepared in advance in the HD 110, 303, 3210, etc., and the source file is analyzed by the structure definition file and the key when the interprocess communication history display processing is started. The conversion data file and the message conversion data file may be automatically generated.

In the inter-process communication history display device 100 of the first embodiment, the multi-function peripheral 3000 of the second embodiment, and the management server 3200 of the third embodiment, the structure definition file, the key conversion data file, and the message conversion data. Although both the file and the condition setting file are XML format files, they may be composed of any format file such as a file described in another markup language such as HTML format or a table format data file.

[0211]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the inter-process communication information necessary for the image forming apparatus having a characteristic structure in which a large number of processes are intertwined intricately to perform inter-process communication is provided. It is possible to easily extract and acquire according to the extraction condition, and it is possible to efficiently perform the debugging work. Further, the efficiency of the debugging work can be improved, and as a result, the quality of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

According to the invention of claim 1, not only the development of the application and the control service but also the development of a new application by a third party such as a third vendor can be promoted.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the process of the application or control service recorded in the communication information can be determined by each process name, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently. Has the effect.

According to the invention of claim 3, the message and the function recorded in the communication information can be judged by the message name and the function name, respectively, and the debugging work can be carried out more efficiently. Has the effect.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to grasp the detailed information of the message and the function recorded in the communication information, and it is possible to perform the debugging work more efficiently.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to intensively verify only the interprocess communication by the message transmission or the function call which is expected to have a failure. Therefore, there is an effect that the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to concentrate and verify only the interprocess communication in the process in which a failure is expected to occur. There is an effect that can be performed more efficiently.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, in the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to concentrate and verify only the inter-process communication between a plurality of processes in which a failure is expected. This has the effect of enabling more efficient debugging work.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the setting work of the extraction condition in the debugging work becomes easy, and the debugging work can be carried out easily even by a user who is not familiar with the component structure of the image forming apparatus. It has the effect of being able to. According to the invention of claim 8, there is an effect that it is possible to perform more reliable debugging work by eliminating omission of the specification of the application to be debugged and the control service.

Further, according to the invention of claim 9, the key identification information of the key event message recorded in the communication information can be judged by the key name, and the debugging work can be carried out more efficiently. Produce an effect.

According to the invention of claim 10,
This makes it possible to proceed with the debugging work after grasping the progress of the generation and disappearance of the process, and it is possible to perform the debugging work more efficiently.

Further, according to the invention of claim 11,
In the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to obtain only the header information when only simple verification is desired, and it is possible to save the resources such as the memory and the hard disk used for the display. Play.

[0223] According to the invention of claim 12,
This makes it possible to avoid the complexity of a user who performs the debug work transferring the communication history information generated by the image forming apparatus to a debugging computer or the like, and to effectively prepare for the debug work.

Further, according to the invention of claim 13,
There is an effect that the management apparatus can appropriately manage the image forming apparatus based on the communication history display information.

[0225] According to the invention of claim 14,
There is an effect that the operation according to any one of claims 1 to 13 can be executed by a computer.

According to the invention of claim 15,
The debugging work of the image forming apparatus can be performed by the image forming apparatus itself without using a debugging computer, and the debugging work can be efficiently performed. According to the invention of claim 15, the inter-process communication information required in the image forming apparatus having a characteristic configuration in which a large number of processes are intertwined intricately to perform inter-process communication is easily extracted and acquired according to the extraction condition. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform the debugging work. Further, the efficiency of the debugging work can be improved, and as a result, the quality of the image forming apparatus can be improved. Further, according to the invention of claim 15, not only the development of the application and the control service but also the development of a new application by a third party such as a third vendor can be promoted.

Further, according to the invention of claim 16,
With the simple inter-process communication of function call, the communication history display information useful for debugging can be easily drawn on the operation panel, and the development effort of the communication history display application can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 17,
The display processing of the communication history based on different extraction conditions can be executed at the same time, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

[0229] According to the invention of claim 18,
The process of the application or the control service recorded in the communication information can be determined by each process name, and the effect that the debugging work can be performed more efficiently is achieved.

[0230] According to the invention of claim 19,
The message and function recorded in the communication information can be judged by the message name and function name,
This has the effect of enabling more efficient debugging work.

Further, according to the invention of claim 20,
It is possible to grasp the detailed information of the message and the function recorded in the communication information, and it is possible to perform the debugging work more efficiently.

[0232] According to the invention of claim 21,
In debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to concentrate and verify only interprocess communication by sending a message or calling a function which is expected to have a failure.
This has the effect of enabling more efficient debugging work.

[0233] According to the invention of claim 22,
In the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to concentrate and verify only the inter-process communication in the process in which a failure is expected, and it is possible to perform the debugging work more efficiently.

Further, according to the invention of claim 23,
In the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to concentrate and verify only the inter-process communication between a plurality of processes expected to have a failure, and it is possible to perform the debugging work more efficiently. .

According to the invention of claim 24,
This makes it easy to set extraction conditions in the debugging work, and also enables a user who is not familiar with the component structure of the image forming apparatus to easily perform the debugging work. Further, according to the invention of claim 24, there is an effect that it is possible to perform more reliable debugging work by eliminating omission of the specification of the application to be debugged and the control service.

According to the invention of claim 25,
The key identification information of the key event message recorded in the communication information can be determined by the key name, and the debugging work can be performed more efficiently.

According to the invention of claim 26,
This makes it possible to proceed with the debugging work after grasping the progress of the generation and disappearance of the process, and it is possible to perform the debugging work more efficiently.

According to the invention of claim 27,
In the debugging work of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to obtain only the header information when only simple verification is desired, and it is possible to save the resources such as the memory and the hard disk used for the display. Play.

According to the invention of claim 28,
There is an effect that the management apparatus can appropriately manage the image forming apparatus based on the communication history display information.

According to the invention of claim 29,
The management server side can collectively manage and display the communication history information of the inter-process communication information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and easily grasp the communication status of a plurality of image forming apparatuses at one place. There is an effect that can be.

Further, according to the invention of claim 30,
The remote centralized management apparatus can grasp the details of the failure information of the image forming apparatus based on the communication history display information, and has an effect that the remote centralized management apparatus can appropriately deal with the failure of the image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an interprocess communication history display device according to a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an interprocess communication history display device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a multifunction machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 (a) is a diagram showing a A constituting a communication log file.
FIG. 4B is a data structure diagram of a PI data packet, and FIG.
4 is a data structure diagram of a data packet corresponding to a process ID / process name that constitutes a communication log file, and FIG.
(C) is a data structure diagram of the process progress data packet which comprises a communication log file.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of communication log file analysis processing by the analysis unit of the interprocess communication history display device according to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of contents of a PID / process name correspondence data file.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a process creation / destruction data file.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a condition setting screen for API data centering on one process.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a condition setting screen for API data between a plurality of processes.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a condition setting screen for designating a key operation display.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a condition setting screen for designating process generation / destruction display.

12A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a condition setting file, and FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user service execution process table.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of API data extraction processing by the extraction unit and display processing by the display unit of the inter-process communication history display device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of API data extraction processing by the extraction unit and display processing by the display unit of the inter-process communication history display device according to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message conversion data file.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of API data display when the display type is “1 process-centric” and the display format is “flow”.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of API data display when the display type is “1 process-centric” and the display format is “list”.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of API data display when the display type is “between multiple processes” and the display format is “flow”.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a detailed data frame screen.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure of detailed extraction and display processing of API data in the case where a user specifies on a detailed data frame screen in the inter-process communication history display device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a structure definition data file.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of detailed data display.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detailed member selection frame screen.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display in the case of selecting detailed members.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a procedure of key event extraction processing by the extraction unit and display processing by the display unit of the interprocess communication history display device according to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a key conversion data file.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a key operation display.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a procedure of process generation / disappearance information extraction processing by the extraction unit and the display processing by the display unit of the interprocess communication history display device according to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a process creation / disappearance display.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a multifunction machine according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication history display application of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment and a main configuration of components related to communication history display processing.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming system according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 inter-process communication history display device 101, 3201 analysis unit 102, 3202 extraction unit 103, 3203 extraction condition input unit 104, 3204 communication unit 105, 3205 display unit 111, 305 communication log file 112, 3102 API sort data file 113, 3103 PID / process name correspondence data file 114, 3104 Process creation / destruction data file 115, 3105 Structure definition data file 116, 3106 Key conversion data file 117, 3107 Message conversion data file 118, 3108 Condition setting file 119, 3109 Log display file 120, 3200 Management server 201, 3211 Input device 202, 3212 Display device 203 Control device 204 Communication device 205 RAM 206, 208 LAN 207 Public Public line network 209 Multi-channel communication control device 210 Remote centralized management device 211 Computers 300, 3000 Multifunction device 301 Monochrome line printer 302 Color line printers 303, 110 Hard disk (HD) 304 Hardware resources 310 Software group 311 Printer application 312 Copy application 313 Fax application 314 Scanner application 315 Net file application 316 Process inspection application 317 Communication history generation unit 318 Communication history display application 320 Platform 321 General-purpose OS 322 SCS 323 SRM 324 ECS 325 MCS 326 OCS 327 FCS 328 NCS 330 Application 3110 Operation panel 3111 Analysis thread 3112 extraction thread 3113 extraction condition input thread 31 14 library 3115 display thread 3220 communication adapter 3221 key card device 3222 PC

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Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A hardware resource used in an image forming process, a process of an application that performs a process unique to a user service related to the image forming process, and an intervening process between the application and the hardware resource. An image forming apparatus including a process of a control service that performs acquisition request, management, execution control, and image forming processing of the hardware resources commonly required by at least two applications when providing the user service. An inter-process communication history display method for displaying communication history information of inter-process communication performed, wherein the communication history is input with communication history information recording communication information and time information of inter-process communication by the application or the control service. The input step and the extraction of the communication history information. An extraction condition input step of inputting a condition, an analysis step of sorting the communication information in chronological order based on the time information, a communication to be displayed based on the extraction condition from the communication information sorted by the analysis step An extraction step of extracting information and generating communication history display information including the extracted communication information; and a display step of displaying the communication history display information generated by the extraction step on a display device. Interprocess communication history display method. 2. The communication history information includes process correspondence information in which process identification information of the application or the control service is associated with a process name, and the extracting step includes the communication information based on the process correspondence information. The inter-process communication history display according to claim 1, wherein the process name of the transmission source of the process is acquired, and the acquired process name is associated with the extracted communication information to generate the communication history display information. Method. 3. The extraction step correlates message identification information with a message name, and based on message definition information in which the function identification information and the function name are associated with each other, the message name of the message included in the communication information. And obtain the function name of the function included in the communication information,
3. The communication history display information is generated by converting the message identification information and the function identification information included in the extracted communication information into the acquired message name and the acquired function name. Interprocess communication history display method. 4. The extracting step includes, in the extracted communication information, the extracted communication information based on structure definition information describing a structure in which detailed information of a message or a function is associated. The interprocess communication history display method according to claim 1, wherein the communication history display information is generated by associating detailed information of a message or a function with the structure. 5. The extraction condition input step inputs an extraction condition designating a specific message or a specific function, and the extraction step uses the sorted communication information,
5. The communication information including a specific message or a specific function specified by the extraction condition is extracted, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information. Inter-process communication history display method described in section 3. 6. The extraction condition input step inputs an extraction condition designating a single process in the control service or the application, and the extraction step uses the sorted communication information,
6. The communication information transmitted / received in the specific process specified by the extraction condition is extracted, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information. Inter-process communication history display method described in. 7. The extraction condition input step inputs an extraction condition designating a plurality of processes in the control service or the application, and the extraction step comprises:
6. The communication information of inter-process communication between a plurality of processes designated by the extraction condition is extracted, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information. Inter-process communication history display method described in section 3. 8. The extraction condition inputting step inputs the extraction condition designating one or more user services from among the user services related to the image forming processing, and the extracting step inputs from the sorted communication information. ,
Communication information regarding all inter-process communication of the application and the control service executed when providing the specified user service is extracted, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information. The inter-process communication history display method according to claim 1. 9. The extracting step extracts a key event message recording key press information on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus from the sorted communication information, and associates a key name and key identification information on the operation panel. Based on the attached key definition information,
9. The process according to claim 1, wherein the key identification information included in the extracted key event message is converted into the key name to generate the communication history display information. Inter-communication history display method. 10. The analyzing step generates process progress information indicating a process creation and disappearance process from the process information of the communication history information, and the extracting step uses the process progress information as the communication information. The interprocess communication history display method according to claim 1, wherein history display information is generated. 11. The extracting step extracts header information including a data type of communication information and process identification information from the sorted communication information based on the extraction condition, and extracts the extracted header information from the communication information. The interprocess communication history display method according to claim 1, wherein the communication history display information including the above is generated. 12. The communication history inputting step directly inputs the communication history information from a recording device of the image forming apparatus connected to a network. Inter-process communication history display method described. 13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitting step of transmitting the communication history display information to a management device that is connected to a network and manages a plurality of image forming devices. Inter-process communication history display method described in section 3. 14. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13. 15. A hardware resource used in an image forming process, an application for performing a process unique to a user service related to the image forming process, and the user interposed between the application and the hardware resource. At the time of providing a service, a control service that performs acquisition request, management, execution control, and image forming processing of the hardware resources commonly required by at least two applications is provided, and the application and the control service are respectively provided. An image forming apparatus that operates as a process and provides the user service by performing inter-process communication, storing communication history information recording inter-process communication information and time information by the application or the control service. Shi A storage unit and a communication history display application which is installed as the application and displays the communication history information on an operation panel, wherein the communication history display application inputs an extraction condition of the communication history information from the operation panel Condition input means, analysis means for sorting the communication information in time series based on the time information, and from the communication information sorted by the analysis means, extract communication information to be displayed based on the extraction condition, An image forming apparatus, comprising: an extracting unit that generates communication history display information including the extracted communication information; and a display unit that displays the communication history display information generated by the extracting unit on the operation panel. . 16. The communication history display application has an operation panel control service library in which a drawing function requesting drawing on the operation panel is registered, and the display means displays the communication history display information. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the drawing function is called. 17. The extraction condition input means, the analysis means, the extraction means, and the display means are threads generated inside a process of the communication history display application. Or the image forming apparatus according to item 16. 18. The communication history information includes process correspondence information in which process identification information of the application or the control service and a process name are associated with each other, and the extraction means includes the communication information based on the process correspondence information. 16. The communication history display information is generated by acquiring the process name of the transmission source of, and associating the acquired process name with the extracted communication information.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 17. 19. The extraction means associates message identification information with a message name, and based on message definition information in which the function identification information is associated with the function name, the message name of the message included in the communication information. And obtain the function name of the function included in the communication information,
19. The communication history display information in which the message identification information and the function identification information included in the extracted communication information are converted into the acquired message name and the acquired function name to generate the communication history display information. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. 20. The extraction means includes the extracted communication information in the extracted communication information based on structure definition information describing a structure in which detailed information of a message or a function is associated. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the communication history display information is generated by associating detailed information of a message or a function with the structure. 21. The extraction condition input means inputs an extraction condition designating a specific message or a specific function, and the extraction means selects from the sorted communication information the specific condition designated by the extraction condition. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein communication information including a message or a specific function is extracted, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information. 22. The extraction condition input means inputs an extraction condition designating a single process in the control service or the application, and the extraction means selects the extraction condition from the sorted communication information. 22. The image according to claim 15, wherein communication information transmitted / received in the specified specific process is extracted, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information. Forming equipment. 23. The extraction condition input means inputs an extraction condition specifying a plurality of processes in the control service or the application, and the extraction means selects the extraction condition from the sorted communication information. 22. The communication information of inter-process communication between a plurality of designated processes is extracted, and the extracted communication information is generated as the communication history display information. Image forming apparatus. 24. The extraction condition input means inputs an extraction condition designating one or a plurality of user services from among the user services related to the image forming process, and the extraction means uses the sorted communication information. Extracting communication information regarding all inter-process communication of the application and the control service executed when providing the specified user service, and generating the extracted communication information as the communication history display information. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 21, which is characterized in that. 25. The extracting means extracts a key event message recording key press information on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus from the sorted communication information, and associates a key name with key identification information on the operation panel. 25. The communication history display information is generated by converting the key identification information included in the extracted key event message into the key name based on the attached key definition information. The image forming apparatus described in any one of 1. 26. The analysis unit generates process progress information indicating a process generation and disappearance process from the process information of the communication history information, and the extraction unit uses the process progress information as the communication information. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 25, wherein history display information is generated. 27. The extracting means extracts header information including a data type of the communication information and process identification information from the sorted communication information based on the extraction condition, and extracts the extracted header information from the communication information. 16. The communication history display information included as is generated.
Or the image forming apparatus according to item 16. 28. The extracting unit further transmits the communication history display information to a management apparatus that is connected to a network and manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The image forming apparatus described in 1. 29. A hardware resource used in an image forming process, an application for performing a process unique to a user service related to the image forming process, and the user intervening between the application and the hardware resource. And a control service for performing acquisition request, management, execution control, and image forming processing of the hardware resources commonly required by at least two of the applications when providing a service, and the application and the control service. Is an image forming system that operates as a process and includes an image forming apparatus that provides the user service by performing inter-process communication, and a management server that is connected to the image forming apparatus by a network and manages the image forming apparatus. And the image formation The apparatus includes a communication history generating unit that generates communication history information that records communication information and time information of interprocess communication by the application or the control service, and the management server includes the communication history information from the image forming apparatus. Communication means for receiving the communication history information, extraction condition input means for inputting the extraction condition of the communication history information, analysis means for sorting the communication information in chronological order based on the time information, and communication sorted by the analysis means. From the information, the communication information to be displayed based on the extraction condition is extracted, and the extraction unit that generates the communication history display information including the extracted communication information; and the communication history display information generated by the extraction unit on the display device. An image forming system comprising: a display unit for displaying. 30. The extracting means of the management server further transmits the communication history display information to a remote centralized management device that is connected to a network and manages the operating conditions of a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The image forming system according to claim 29.