JP2019016985A - Information processor, control method and program, and system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processor capable of reducing events in which log information is not transmitted to a server.SOLUTION: The information processor is configured to transmit log information stored in a storage unit according to generation of an event to a server for managing the log information through a first communication path and to delete the log information transmitted to the server from the storage unit, and is further configured to, when it cannot communicate with the server depending on a state of connecting to the first communication path, transmit log information to an external apparatus connectable with the information processor through a second communication path and connectable with the server through the first communication path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, a program, and a system that generate log information according to an event.

  In recent years, multifunction devices (hereinafter referred to as MFPs) equipped with printers, scans, card slots, faxes, and network functions have become widespread. One of the functions of the MFP is a function for a user to send log information using the MFP to a server via a network. This function is performed, for example, for collecting information for providing a better MFP service to the user by the server grasping the usage status of the user. On the other hand, the MFP may be used by being connected to only a personal computer (hereinafter, PC) without being connected to a network. Therefore, a technique for collecting log information from MFPs not connected to the network is desired.

JP 2010-61562 A

  In Patent Document 1, in a configuration in which a plurality of devices are connected to a network, the storage capacity can be expanded without limiting the temporary storage area of the operation history of the MFP to the storage area in the MFP. However, for example, home MFPs are not always connected to the network. For this reason, it is conceivable that a large amount of log information is accumulated in a home MFP when it is used without being connected to a network for a long period of time. In such a case, there is a possibility that it cannot be transmitted to the server.

  An object of the present invention is to solve such conventional problems. In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a control method, a program, and a system that reduce cases in which log information is not transmitted to a server.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus, which stores log information in a storage unit according to the occurrence of an event, and the log stored in the storage unit Transmitting means for transmitting information to a server that manages the log information via a first communication path; deleting means for deleting the log information transmitted to the server by the transmitting means; If communication with the server is not possible due to the connection status of the information processing apparatus to the first communication path, the information processing apparatus can be connected to the information processing apparatus via the second communication path and via the first communication path. Transmission control means for controlling the transmission means to transmit the log information to an external device connectable to the server.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the case where log information is not transmitted to a server can be reduced.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an MFP. It is a figure which shows the block structure of PC. It is a figure which shows the block configuration of a log collection server. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating processing for transmitting log information from an MFP to a log collection server. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating processing for transmitting log information from the MFP to the PC. It is a figure which shows the process of log information transmission to a log collection server from PC. It is a figure which shows the process of log information deletion. It is a figure which shows the log information containing identification information.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the present invention. . The same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an information processing system in the present embodiment. The information processing system 10 includes an MFP 100, a PC 200 and a log collection server 300 connected to a communication network 400 configured from the Internet, an intranet, or the like. The MFP 100 is an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions such as printing and scanning, and stores an operation history as log information when a print job is executed or an ink tank is replaced. The stored log information is transmitted to the log collection server 300 at a predetermined timing, for example.

  In FIG. 1, the MFP 100 is connected only to the PC 200 via the dedicated communication path 500, but can be used without being connected to the communication network 400, or can be used while connected to the communication network 400. . The PC 200 is a control device that controls the MFP 100 in which a printer driver is installed, for example. In addition, the log collection server 300 is a server for collecting log information of the MFP 100 currently arranged in each location in order for the manufacturer of the MFP 100 to provide a better service of the MFP 100, for example.

  In the present embodiment, when MFP 100 is connected only to PC 200 and not connected to communication network 400, MFP 100 transmits untransmitted log information to PC 200 during communication with PC 200. In that case, the PC 200 transmits the log information received from the MFP 100 to the log collection server 300 via the communication network 400. Communication between the PC 200 and the log collection server 300 is performed according to a protocol such as HTTP or XMPP.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a block configuration of MFP 100. In MFP 100, CPU 101 is a system control unit and controls the overall operation of MFP 100. The ROM 102 stores a control program executed by the CPU 101, a data table, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 102 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 102.

  Further, when an event occurs in the MFP 100, the CPU 101 generates log information based on the execution information of the event and stores it in a storage unit such as the ROM 102. The event is, for example, information that can be executed by the MFP 100, for example, execution information of a print or scan job. Information at the time of replacement of consumable members such as ink tanks is also stored as event log information. The CPU 101 transmits such log information to the log collection server 300 at a predetermined timing, for example, when the MFP 100 is in a predetermined state. Further, when generating the log information, the CPU 101 gives identification information to the log information as shown in FIG. The identification information is given as unique information to the log information. In the present embodiment, log information that has already been transmitted to the log collection server 300 is duplicated due to such identification information, or the log collection server 300 receives the same log information in duplicate. Can be prevented.

  The RAM 103 is constituted by an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) that requires a backup power source, and data is held by a primary battery for data backup (not shown). The RAM 103 stores, for example, program control variables. The RAM 103 is provided with a memory area for storing log information when log information cannot be transmitted to the log collection server 300, such as when not connected to the Internet. The image memory 104 is configured by a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores image data. Also, a part of the area is secured as a work area for executing software processing.

  The data conversion unit 105 performs conversion of image data such as analysis of a page description language (PDL) and the like, and CG (Computer Graphics) development of character data. The reading control unit 106 uses the CIS image sensor to optically read a document and converts the image signal converted into electrical image data into a binarization process or the like via an image processing control unit (not shown). Various image processing such as halftone processing is executed, and image data is output. Note that the reading control unit 106 and the reading unit 107 may be configured by any of the following two reading control methods. The first method is a sheet reading control method in which reading is performed by a fixed CIS image sensor while conveying a document. The second method is a book reading control method in which a document fixed on a document table is scanned with a moving CIS image sensor.

  The operation display unit 108 includes minimum necessary keys such as a numeric input key, a mode setting key, an enter key, and a cancel key, and an LED (light emitting diode) or 7 segment (seg) display unit. It is possible to accept instructions and setting operations for various functions. As for the LCD, when the job is not being executed and there is no operation by the user for a certain time, the backlight is turned off to reduce power consumption.

  The communication control unit 109 is connected to the communication network 400 to connect to an Internet provider and communicate data and image information with the log collection server 300. Further, the communication control unit 109 can determine whether the MFP 100 is connected to the communication network 400 or only connected to a dedicated communication path with the PC 200 such as a LAN. The connection to the communication network 400 is performed according to a protocol such as HTTP or XMPP.

  The resolution conversion processing unit 110 performs resolution conversion control such as mutual conversion between millimeter image data and inch image data, for example. Note that the resolution conversion unit 110 can perform enlargement / reduction processing of image data. The encoding / decoding processing unit 111 executes encoding / decoding processing and enlargement / reduction processing on image data (non-compressed, MH, MR, MMR, JBIG, JPEG, etc.) handled by the MFP 100. The recording control unit 112 performs various image processing, such as smoothing processing, recording density correction processing, and color correction, on the image data to be printed via an image processing control unit (not shown), thereby obtaining a high-definition image. The data is converted and output to the recording unit 113. In addition, the recording control unit 112 acquires the state information of the recording unit 113 periodically by controlling the USB host control unit 115. The recording unit 113 is a recording unit including a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, or the like, and prints color image data or monochrome image data generated by the recording control unit 112 on a recording medium such as a sheet.

  The USB function control unit 114 performs communication control of the USB interface, and performs protocol control according to the USB communication standard. Data from the USB function control task executed by the CPU 101 is converted into a packet and USB packet transmission is performed to the PC 200, or a USB packet transmitted from the PC 200 is converted into data and transmitted to the CPU 101. In the present embodiment, log data is transmitted and received on the dedicated communication path 500 between the MFP 100 and the PC 200 by such data communication. The USB host control unit 115 is a control unit for performing communication using a protocol defined by the USB communication standard. The USB communication standard is a standard for performing bidirectional data communication at high speed, and a plurality of hubs or functions (slaves) can be connected to one host (master). The USB host control unit 115 has a host function in USB communication. Each component other than the reading unit 107 in FIG. 2 is connected to each other via a CPU bus 121 managed by the CPU 101.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of the PC 200. The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the PC 200 according to a program read from the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the internal storage device 204, and the external storage medium 206 via the external storage device interface (IF) 205. The ROM 202 stores a control program for the CPU 201 and the like. The RAM 203 temporarily stores programs and image data, and functions as a work memory for operating the PC 200 at high speed. The RAM 203 is also used for storing log information received from the MFP 100. The internal storage device 204 stores an operating system, a driver for the MFP 100, various application programs, image data, and the like.

  Normally, these application softwares receive data from other computer-readable media in which they are stored via an external storage disk 206 (such as CD / DVD media) and are installed by the external storage device IF 205. The operation unit 207 controls a keyboard and a pointing device (not shown) configured to accept an instruction from the operator. The display unit 208 displays various user interface screens for the operator (user). The communication unit 209 is connected to the communication network 400 to connect to an Internet provider and communicate data and the like with the log collection server 300. Connection to the communication network 400 is performed according to a protocol such as HTTP or XMPP. The USB host control unit 210 is a control unit for performing communication using a protocol defined by the USB communication standard, and is used for connection with the MFP 100 to transmit and receive log information.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of the log collection server 300. The CPU 301 comprehensively controls the operation of the entire log collection server 300 according to a program read from the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the internal storage device 304, and the external storage medium 306 via the external storage device IF 305. The ROM 302 stores a control program for the CPU 301 and the like. The RAM 303 temporarily stores programs and image data, and functions as a work memory for operating the log collection server 300 at high speed. The internal storage device 304 stores an operating system, various application programs, image data, and the like.

  Normally, these application softwares receive data from other computer-readable media in which they are stored via an external storage disk 306 (such as CD / DVD media) and are installed by the external storage device IF 305. The operation unit 307 controls a keyboard and a pointing device (not shown) that can receive an instruction from the operator. The display unit 308 displays various user interface screens for the operator (user). The communication unit 309 is connected to the communication network 400 to connect to an Internet provider and communicate data and the like with the MFP 100 and the PC 200. Connection to the communication network 400 is performed according to a protocol such as HTTP or XMPP. Components other than the external storage medium 306 in FIG. 4 are connected to each other via a CPU bus 310 managed by the CPU 301.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing for transmitting log information from MFP 100 to log collection server 300 when MFP 100 is connected to communication network 400. In FIG. 5, the processing of the MFP 100 is realized, for example, when the CPU 101 reads out a program stored in the ROM 102 to the RAM 103 and executes it. Further, the processing of the log collection server 300 is realized, for example, when the CPU 301 reads out a program stored in the ROM 302 to the RAM 303 and executes it.

  In step S <b> 501, the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 confirms that the current MFP 100 is in an idle state, not in a printing operation or operation. If not in the idle state, the subsequent processing is not executed and the processing of S501 is repeated. In step S <b> 502, the CPU 101 determines whether there is untransmitted log information in the RAM 103 that has not yet been transmitted to the log collection server 300. Here, the log information that has not been transmitted does not include log information that is transmitted to the PC 200 described later and is waiting for notification of the result. If it is determined in S502 that there is no unsent log, the subsequent processing is not executed and the processing from S501 is repeated. If it is determined that there is untransmitted log information, the process proceeds to S503.

  In step S <b> 503, the CPU 101 confirms the network connection state using the communication control unit 109, and determines whether the MFP 100 is connected to the communication network 400. If it is determined that the MFP 100 is connected to the communication network 400, the process advances to step S504. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication network 400 is not connected, the process proceeds to S512. The process of S512 corresponds to the process after S604 in FIG. 6 and will be described later.

  In step S <b> 504, the CPU 101 confirms connection with the log collection server 300. The connection confirmation may be performed by confirming a response to transmission of a connection confirmation command such as a Ping command. If the connection with the log collection server 300 cannot be confirmed, the subsequent processing is not executed and the processing from S501 is repeated. When the connection with the log collection server 300 can be confirmed, the CPU 101 transmits untransmitted log information to the log collection server 300 in S505. In step S <b> 506, the CPU 101 waits for a response from the log collection server 300.

  On the other hand, after transmitting unsent log information to the log collection server 300 in S505, in S507, the CPU 301 of the log collection server 300 determines whether or not the log information received from the MFP 100 has been received in duplicate in FIG. Confirm using unique information as shown. FIG. 9 will be described later. In step S <b> 508, the CPU 301 notifies the MFP 100 of the log information reception result.

  In step S <b> 509, the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 determines whether a log information reception success notification has been received from the log collection server 300. If it is determined that the notification of success has been received, the CPU 101 deletes the transmitted log information from the RAM 103 in S510, and transitions the MFP 100 to the idle state in S511. On the other hand, if it is determined in S509 that the success notification has not been received, the log information is not deleted from the RAM 103, the process proceeds to S511, and the MFP 100 is changed to the idle state. Here, when the success notification is not received, for example, when the communication between the MFP 100 and the log collection server 300 is not completed within a predetermined time depending on the network environment or the status of the server, or when the log information transmission fails. Cases apply.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing for transmitting log information from MFP 100 to PC 200. In FIG. 6, the processing of the MFP 100 is realized, for example, when the CPU 101 reads out a program stored in the ROM 102 to the RAM 103 and executes it. Further, the processing of the PC 200 is realized, for example, when the CPU 201 reads a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executes it.

  In step S <b> 601, the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 confirms that the current MFP 100 is in an idle state, not in a printing operation or operation. If not in the idle state, the subsequent processing is not executed and the processing of S601 is repeated. In step S <b> 602, the CPU 101 determines whether there is untransmitted log information on the RAM 103 that has not yet been transmitted to the log collection server 300. Here, the log information that has not been transmitted does not include log information that is transmitted to the PC 200 described later and is waiting for notification of the result. If it is determined that unsent log information does not exist on the RAM 103, the subsequent processing is not executed and the processing of S601 is repeated. If it is determined that unsent log information exists on the RAM 103, the process proceeds to S603.

  In step S <b> 603, the CPU 101 confirms the network connection state using the communication control unit 109 and determines whether the MFP 100 is connected to the communication network 400. If it is determined that the communication network 400 is not connected, the process proceeds to S604. If it is determined that the communication network 400 is connected, the process proceeds to S609.

  If it is determined that the communication network 400 is connected, the CPU 101 determines in step S609 whether communication with the log collection server 300 is possible. If it is determined that communication with the log collection server 300 is possible, the CPU 101 transmits log information to the log collection server 300 in S610. After S610, the processes after S505 in FIG. 5 are performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that communication with the log collection server 300 is not possible, the processing of S601 is repeated. That is, when the communication is not connected to the communication network 400 and communication with the log collection server 300 is impossible, transmission of log information to the log collection server 300 is suspended.

  If it is determined in step S603 that the MFP 100 is not connected to the communication network 400, in step S604, the CPU 101 confirms communication with the PC 200 and determines whether communication with the PC 200 is possible. If it is determined that communication with the PC 200 is not possible, the process of S601 is repeated. If it is determined that communication with the PC 200 is possible, the process proceeds to S605.

  In step S <b> 605, the CPU 101 transmits log information, the URL of the log collection server 300, and information for identifying the MFP 100 to the PC 200. The information for identifying MFP 100 is, for example, a serial number at the time of manufacture that can identify an individual. In step S <b> 606, the CPU 101 adds a flag indicating that transmission is in progress to the log information being transmitted to the PC 200. Thereafter, in S <b> 607, the CPU 101 waits for a response from the PC 200. On the other hand, after transmitting each of the above information to the PC 200 in S605, the CPU 201 of the PC 200 stores each information received from the MFP 100 in the RAM 203 in S608.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, transmission control of log information is performed according to the connection status of the MFP 100 to the communication network 400. As the transmission control, when the MFP 100 is connected to the communication network 400 as described above, log information is transmitted to the log collection server 300. On the other hand, when the MFP 100 is not connected to the communication network 400, log information is transmitted to the log collection server 300 via the PC 200. With such a configuration, even when the MFP 100 is not connected to the communication network 400, the possibility that the log information is transmitted to the PC 200 is ensured by transmitting the log information to the PC 200. As a result, it is possible to prevent log information from staying in the MFP 100 and deleting the log information due to a capacity overage.

  Next, processing for transmitting log information from the PC 200 to the log collection server 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing for transmitting log information from the PC 200 to the log collection server 300. In FIG. 7, the processing of the PC 200 is realized, for example, when the CPU 201 reads out a program stored in the ROM 202 to the RAM 203 and executes it. Further, the processing of the log collection server 300 is realized, for example, when the CPU 301 reads out a program stored in the ROM 302 to the RAM 303 and executes it. The process in FIG. 7 is started when log information is received from the MFP 100 in, for example, S605 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 701, the CPU 201 of the PC 200 confirms connection with the log collection server 300. If the connection can be confirmed, the CPU 201 transmits unsent log information to the log collection server 300 in step S702. In step S <b> 703, the CPU 201 waits for a response from the log collection server 300.

  On the other hand, after transmitting unsent log information to the log collection server 300 in S702, in S704, the CPU 301 of the log collection server 300 determines whether or not the log information received from the PC 200 is received in duplicate in FIG. Confirmation is performed using the specific information shown. In step S <b> 705, the CPU 301 notifies the PC 200 of the result of log information reception.

  In step S <b> 706, the CPU 201 of the PC 200 transmits a notification of the result received from the log collection server 300 to the MFP 100. If the connection with the log collection server 300 cannot be confirmed in S701, the CPU 201 transmits to the MFP 100 as a transmission failure notification in S706. Although not shown, the CPU 201 also transmits to the MFP 100 as a transmission failure notification even when the communication with the log collection server 300 in S702 is not completed within a predetermined time due to the network environment and server conditions. . After S706, in S707, the CPU 201 deletes the log information received from the MFP 100.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating log information deletion processing between the MFP 100, the PC 200, and the log collection server 300. In FIG. 8, the processing of the MFP 100 is realized, for example, when the CPU 101 reads a program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executes it. Further, the processing of the PC 200 is realized, for example, when the CPU 201 reads a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executes it. Further, the processing of the log collection server 300 is realized, for example, when the CPU 301 reads out a program stored in the ROM 302 to the RAM 303 and executes it.

  When the PC 200 transmits the log information received from the MFP 100 to the log collection server 300, the CPU 301 of the log collection server 300 transmits the communication result to the PC 200 in S801. In step S <b> 802, the CPU 201 of the PC 200 receives a communication result from the log collection server 300. Here, for example, when there is no response from the log collection server 300 for a predetermined time, the CPU 201 determines that the transmission has failed. In step S <b> 803, the CPU 201 transmits the communication result received in step S <b> 802 to the MFP 100. In step S <b> 804, the CPU 201 deletes log information from the RAM 203.

  In step S805, the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 determines whether or not a log information transmission success notification has been received. If it is determined that the log information transmission success notification has been received, in step S806, the CPU 101 deletes the log information to which the transmission flag is added. In step S807, the CPU 101 changes the MFP 100 to the idle state. On the other hand, if the log information transmission success notification has not been received, the log information is not deleted, the log information transmission flag is removed, and the MFP 100 is shifted to the idle state in S807. Here, also in the case where there is no response from the PC 200 for a predetermined time in S805, the CPU 101 determines that the transmission of log information has failed, does not delete the log information, and sets the MFP 100 to the idle state in S807. Transition.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of log information including identification information generated by the MFP 100. In the present embodiment, there are two routes for transmitting log information from the MFP 100 to the log collection server 300: a direct route from the MFP 100 to the log collection server 300 and a route from the MFP 100 to the log collection server 300. There is one. When the system of the MFP 100 or the PC 200 is in some abnormal state, there is a possibility that the same log is duplicated and transmitted to the log collection server 300. For example, the PC 200 cannot transmit a log information transmission success notification to the MFP 100 for some reason in S803, and the MFP 100 does not add a transmission flag to the log information in S606. In such a case, the MFP 100 may determine that there is untransmitted log information in S502 and S602, and may perform transmission processing.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, unique identification information is added to the log information. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, identification information “12345” is given to a set of information on the number of sheets, the type of paper, and the amount of ink used. When the log collection server 300 receives log information from the MFP 100 or the PC 200, the log collection server 300 holds the identification information. In S507 and S704, the CPU 301 of the log collection server 300 determines whether the identification information of the received log information matches the identification information of the previously received log information. If it is determined that they match, the CPU 301 determines that the log information has been received redundantly, discards the log information received in S507 and S704, and in S508 and S705, indicates that the information is discarded. Notify In this case, each of MFP 100 and PC 200 deletes the log information stored in the own apparatus, as in the case where the log information has been successfully transmitted. On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match, the processing of S508 and S705 is performed as described above. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the log collection server 300 from collecting duplicate log information.

  Further, the MFP 100 may be configured not to prevent the log collection server 300 from receiving duplicate log information but to prevent the MFP 100 from transmitting duplicate log information. For example, the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 holds the identification information of the log information that has already been transmitted to the log collection server 300. In S502 and S602, when determining whether there is untransmitted log information, the CPU 101 determines whether it matches the identification information of the already transmitted log information. If it is determined that they match, the CPU 101 determines that overlapping log information is transmitted, and does not transmit the log information. On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match, the processing of S503 and S603 is performed as described above. With such a configuration, for example, even when the log information transmitted from the MFP 100 to the log collection server 300 cannot be deleted for some reason, it is possible to prevent redundant transmission.

  Further, the PC 200 may be configured to prevent transmission of duplicate log information. For example, the CPU 201 of the PC 200 holds the identification information of the log information that has already been transmitted to the log collection server 300. In step S <b> 702, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the log information matches the identification information of the already transmitted log information before transmitting the log information to the log collection server 300. If it is determined that they match, the CPU 201 determines that overlapping log information is transmitted and does not transmit the log information. In that case, the CPU 201 notifies the MFP 100 to that effect, and the MFP 100 deletes the log information stored in the self apparatus, as in the case where the log information has been successfully transmitted. On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match, the processes of S703 and S704 are performed as described above. With such a configuration, for example, even when the log information transmitted from the PC 200 to the log collection server 300 cannot be deleted for some reason, it is possible to prevent redundant transmission.

  Any of the configurations of the log collection server 300, the MFP 100, and the PC 200 may be configured, or may be configured in combination.

  In this embodiment, the USB communication standard is used for the connection between the MFP 100 and the PC 200. However, a connection based on communication according to another communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) connected in the local area may be used. Further, the connection may be such that the MFP 100 writes to an external storage device, for example, a USB flash memory or an SD card, and copies from the storage medium to the PC 200.

  The log information may be transmitted from the MFP 100 to the PC 200 for each log information stored in the MFP 100 or may be transmitted simultaneously for a plurality of log information.

  Further, although the serial number is used as the identification information of MFP 100 transmitted from MFP 100 to PC 200, other information may be used. For example, account information created in advance in the log collection server 300 by the user and registered in the MFP 100 may be used as identification information.

  In the present embodiment, the PC 200 has been described as an apparatus that transmits log information to the log collection server 300 instead of the MFP 100. However, as long as the information processing apparatus can be connected to the communication network 400, the PC 200 may be in another form. May be. For example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone may be used instead of the PC 200.

  Further, although the operation of storing log information by the MFP 100 has been described as printing by the recording unit 113 or replacement of an ink tank, the operation is not limited to this. For example, the scanning function or the FAX function performed by the reading unit 107 may be an event for storing log information.

  In addition to the identification information, FIG. 9 shows the number of sheets, the sheet type, and the amount of ink used as information included in one log information. However, other information may be included. For example, the paper size may be included. In addition, the name of an executed function such as printing or FAX may be stored, or a flag indicating that log information has been transmitted to the PC 200 may be stored. In addition, as the identification information for identifying the log information, other information may be used as long as the information does not overlap. For example, the number of log generations may be used as identification information.

  Further, it has been described that when the MFP 100 transmits log information to the PC 200, a log transmission flag is added to the log information in S606, and the log information is deleted when a transmission success notification is received from the PC 200 in S805 of FIG. However, the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 may delete the log information from the MFP 100 when transmitting the log information to the PC 200. With such a configuration, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the log information stays in the MFP 100 and the log information is deleted due to the capacity exceeding.

(Other examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  100 MFP: 200 PC: 300 Log collection server: 101, 201, 301 CPU: 102, 202, 302 ROM: 103, 203, 303 RAM

Claims (17)

An information processing apparatus,
Storage means for storing log information in the storage unit in response to the occurrence of an event;
Transmitting means for transmitting the log information stored in the storage unit to a server that manages the log information via a first communication path;
Deleting means for deleting the log information transmitted to the server by the transmitting means from the storage unit;
If communication with the server is not possible due to the connection status of the information processing apparatus to the first communication path, the information processing apparatus can be connected to the information processing apparatus via a second communication path and via the first communication path. Transmission control means for controlling the transmission means to transmit the log information to an external device connectable to the server,
An information processing apparatus comprising: Receiving means for receiving a notification that the log information has been sent to the server;
The deleting unit deletes the log information from the storage unit when the notification is received by the receiving unit.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the log information is transmitted to the external apparatus, the storage unit stores the log information in the storage unit as information being transmitted. .   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the log information is transmitted to the external apparatus, the deletion unit deletes the log information from the storage unit. First determination means for determining a connection status of the information processing apparatus to the first communication path;
When the first determination unit determines that the information processing apparatus is not connected to the first communication path, the transmission control unit transmits the log information to the server via the external apparatus. Controlling the transmitting means to
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. Second determination means for determining whether or not communication with the server is possible when the first determination means determines that the information processing apparatus is connected to the first communication path; Prepared,
If it is determined by the second determination means that communication with the server is not possible, the transmission control means suspends transmission of the log information to the server.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5. Third determination means for determining whether or not communication with the external device is possible when it is determined by the first determination means that the information processing apparatus is not connected to the first communication path; Further comprising
When it is determined by the third determination means that communication with the external device is possible, the transmission control means controls the transmission means to transmit the log information to the server via the external device. To
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6. Generating means for generating the log information in response to the occurrence of an event;
The log information generated by the generating unit includes identification information for identifying the log information.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. Based on the identification information, further comprising fourth determination means for determining whether the log information to be transmitted by the transmission means is log information already transmitted to the server;
When it is determined by the fourth determination means that the log information is not already transmitted to the server, the transmission control means controls the transmission means to transmit the log information to the server.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first communication path is a communication network.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second communication path is a dedicated communication path between the information processing apparatus and the external apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the event includes execution of a function of the information processing apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the external apparatus is a control apparatus that controls the image forming apparatus. A control method executed in an information processing apparatus,
A storage step of storing log information in a storage unit according to the occurrence of an event;
A transmitting step of transmitting the log information stored in the storage unit to a server that manages the log information via a first communication path;
A deletion step of deleting the log information transmitted to the server in the transmission step from the storage unit;
If communication with the server is not possible due to the connection status of the information processing apparatus to the first communication path, the information processing apparatus can be connected to the information processing apparatus via a second communication path and via the first communication path. A transmission control step for controlling the transmission step to transmit the log information to an external device connectable to the server;
A control method characterized by comprising:   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the information processing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14. A system that includes an information processing device and a control device that controls the information processing device,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing log information in the storage unit in response to the occurrence of an event;
First transmission means for transmitting the log information stored in the storage unit to a server that manages the log information via a first communication path;
Deleting means for deleting the log information transmitted to the server by the first transmitting means from the storage unit;
If communication with the server is not possible due to the connection status of the information processing apparatus to the first communication path, the information processing apparatus can be connected to the information processing apparatus via a second communication path and via the first communication path. Transmission control means for controlling the first transmission means to transmit to the control device connectable to the server,
The control device includes:
Receiving means for receiving the log information from the information processing apparatus;
A second transmission unit configured to transmit the log information received by the reception unit to the server via the first communication path;
A system characterized by that.

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