JP2020170984A - Information processing device, image processing device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To properly check an operation of an updated application using a customer environment without installing a plurality of test modules.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes an update processing unit 51 that updates an application program 21 to a new version, a test data acquisition unit 52 that acquires test data 57 generated on the basis of a set value recorded in history information 22, and an operation check unit 55 that starts a second application 42 corresponding to the application program 21 updated when the application program 21 is updated by the update processing unit 51, enters the test data 57 to the second application 42, and verifies whether each of the second application 57 and an application cooperation unit 32 operates normally under predetermined conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an image processing device, and a program, and more particularly to a technique for confirming operation with an update of an application.

Image processing devices such as MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals) can install various applications. For example, if you access a server on the cloud and display a list of documents stored on the server, and the user selects the desired document from the document list, the document will be downloaded from the server and the print function will be activated. There are applications that have been downloaded. This type of application will be upgraded sequentially as the user experience is improved and new functions are added.

In the past, when the version of the application installed in the image processing device was updated, it was common for the customer engineer to visit the customer and manually update the application to the latest version. However, in recent years, due to the development of cloud technology, when an application is updated to a new version on a server on the cloud, the image processing device can detect it and automatically update the application to the latest version. ..

Newer versions of applications are usually pre-tested by the provider before they are released to ensure a certain level of quality. However, if a new version of the application is installed on the image processing device installed in the customer environment, the new version may be used depending on the customer's conditions such as the firmware version of the image processing device and the setting status specific to the customer environment such as network settings. Application may not work properly. Therefore, even if the image processor automatically updates the application version, if the new application does not work properly, the user must manually revert to the old version of the application.

On the other hand, conventionally, the first software (for example, firmware) that the image processing apparatus targets for update management and the second software (for example, an application provided by a third party) that is not subject to update management are installed in the image processing apparatus. In this case, when the first software is updated, it is proposed to start the test module and perform an operation check test of the second software (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-250911

However, in the case of the prior art as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to prepare a test module corresponding to the second software in advance in order to appropriately perform the operation confirmation test of the second software. As described above, various applications can be installed in the image processing device. Therefore, it is inefficient to create test modules individually for each application, which causes an increase in development cost. Further, when a plurality of applications are installed in the image processing device, a plurality of test modules corresponding to each of the plurality of applications must be installed in the image processing device in advance, and the recording of the image processing device is performed. The occupancy rate of the test module in the area becomes high, which causes a decrease in performance during job execution.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and information processing is made so that it is not necessary to install a plurality of test modules and the operation of the updated application can be confirmed by using the customer environment. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, an image processing apparatus and a program.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus, wherein a storage means for storing an application program and the application program stored in the storage means are executed. When the application launching means for launching the application and the first application being launched by the application launching means, the setting values specified by the first application are reflected and predetermined conditions are applied. In the application cooperation means that executes the process specified by the first application while reflecting the set value, and the setting value is recorded as history information as the process is executed by the application cooperation means. When the application program is updated by the history recording means, the update means for updating the application program by acquiring the update program for the application program, and executing the update program, and the update means for updating the application program. The test data acquisition means for acquiring the test data generated based on the set value recorded in the history information, and the application program in the application start means when the application program is updated by the update means. Is executed to start the second application, the test data is input to the second application, and whether or not each of the second application and the application cooperation means operates normally under the above conditions. The configuration is characterized by including an operation confirmation means for verification.

According to the invention of claim 2, in the information processing apparatus of claim 1, the test data acquisition means transmits the history information to a predetermined server when the application program is updated by the update means. The configuration is characterized in that the generation of test data is requested and the test data is acquired from the server.

According to the invention of claim 3, in the information processing apparatus of claim 1, the test data acquisition means is provided by a set value extracting means for extracting the set value recorded in the history information and the set value extracting means. The configuration is characterized by including a test data generation means for generating the test data based on the extracted set value.

The invention according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set value extraction means has a usage history of a predetermined number of times or more among the plurality of set values recorded in the history information. It is a configuration characterized by extracting a value.

The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set value extracting means is the set value recorded within a predetermined period among a plurality of the set values recorded in the history information. It is a configuration characterized by extracting.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus of the third aspect, when the history recording means records the set value in the history information, the user who has instructed the set value to the first application. The setting value extracting means is configured to extract the setting value instructed by a specific user from a plurality of the setting values recorded in the history information. ..

The invention according to claim 7 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the test data generation means is the second application when the update program is acquired by the update means. Information on the tested set value used in the test performed in advance is acquired, and the difference between the set value extracted by the set value extracting means and the tested set value is taken and used as the difference. The configuration is characterized in that the test data is generated based on the above.

The invention according to claim 8 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the test data generating means is for the set value extracted by the set value extracting means to access a specific server. When the user account information is included, the access destination server is rewritten from the specific server to the test server, and the user account information is rewritten to the test account information.

The invention according to claim 9 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the test data generating means is an image data in which the set value extracted by the set value extracting means is transmitted to an external device. When the designation is included, the configuration is characterized in that the test data specifies that dummy data equivalent to the data amount of the image data is to be transmitted.

According to the invention of claim 10, in any of the information processing devices of claims 3 to 9, the test data generation means manages test item information in which application functions and test items are associated in advance. , The test item corresponding to the function of the second application is specified based on the test item information, and the test item corresponding to the specified test item is specified from among the plurality of the set values extracted by the set value extracting means. The configuration is characterized in that the test data is generated based on the set value.

The invention according to claim 11 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the operation confirmation means inputs the test data into the second application and cooperates with the second application and the application. When each of the means operates normally under the above conditions, the configuration is characterized in that it notifies other information processing devices connected via the network that it is not necessary to check the operation.

The invention according to claim 12 is the case where it is confirmed by the operation confirmation means that the application cooperation means does not normally operate under the above conditions in the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. , The configuration is characterized in that the application program is returned to the state before the update.

The invention according to claim 13 states that in the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the operation confirmation means does not normally operate under the above conditions, respectively, of the second application and the application cooperation means. When confirmed, the configuration is characterized in that a notification prompting the user to change the above conditions is given.

The invention according to claim 14 is an image processing apparatus including the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a printing means that prints out based on print data designated by the application cooperation means. In the operation confirmation means, when the second application has a function of causing the printing means to print out via the application cooperation means, the second application is provided with the test data. The configuration is characterized in that input is input and the printing means is made to perform test printing via the application cooperation means.

According to the invention of claim 15, in the image processing apparatus of claim 14, the operation checking means notifies a specific user that the test printing is performed after the printing means is made to perform the test printing. The configuration is characterized in that it is determined whether or not each of the second application and the application cooperation means is operating normally based on an instruction from the user.

The invention according to claim 16 further includes, in the image processing apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, a billing means that performs billing processing when print output is performed by the printing means, and the operation checking means is the printing. When the means is made to perform test printing, the billing means is not made to perform the billing process.

The invention according to claim 17 states that in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, the operation confirmation means performs test printing at a predetermined position on a sheet when the printing means performs test printing. The configuration is characterized in that the indicated information is printed.

The invention according to claim 18 is an image processing apparatus including the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a printing means that prints out based on print data designated by the application cooperation means. When the operation checking means has a function of causing the printing means to print out via the application linking means, the operation checking means sends the test data to the second application. When the application cooperation means is operated by inputting, the printing means does not perform test printing, the application cooperation means generates an output image image, and the output image image is output to a predetermined output destination. It is a configuration.

The invention according to claim 19 further includes a display means for displaying an image and an operation input means for receiving an operation of a user in the image processing device according to claim 18, and the operation confirmation means is the application cooperation means. The output image image is displayed by the display means, and it is determined whether or not each of the second application and the application cooperation means is operating normally based on the information input to the operation input means. It is a configuration characterized by.

The invention according to claim 20 is the image processing device according to claim 18, wherein the operation confirmation means causes the application cooperation means to output the output image image to a predetermined external device, and information received from the external device. The configuration is characterized in that it is determined whether or not each of the second application and the application cooperation means is operating normally based on the above.

The invention according to claim 21 further includes an image analysis means for analyzing an image in the image processing apparatus according to claim 18, and the operation confirmation means transfers the output image image to the application cooperation means and the output image image to the image analysis means. The configuration is characterized in that it is output and it is determined whether or not each of the second application and the application cooperation means is operating normally based on the analysis result of the image analysis means.

The invention according to claim 22 is based on a storage means for storing an application program, an application starting means for starting a first application by executing the application program stored in the storage means, and the application starting means. When the first application is running, the set value specified by the first application is reflected, and the set value is reflected under predetermined conditions. It is executed in an information processing apparatus including an application cooperation means for executing a process specified by an application and a history recording means for recording the set value as history information as the process is executed by the application cooperation means. An update step of acquiring an update program of the application program in the information processing apparatus and executing the update program to update the application program, and an update step of the application program. A test data acquisition step for acquiring test data generated based on the set value recorded in the history information when updated, and the application when the application program is updated by the update step. The second application is started by causing the starting means to execute the application program, the test data is input to the second application, and each of the second application and the application cooperation means is normal under the above conditions. It is a configuration characterized by executing an operation confirmation step for verifying whether or not it operates.

According to the present invention, it is not necessary to install a plurality of test modules, and it is possible to efficiently check the operation of the updated application by using the customer environment.

It is a figure which shows the structural concept of an image processing system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware composition of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of a control part. It is a figure which shows an example of the cooperation operation of an application and an application cooperation part. It is a figure which shows an example of history information. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the detailed functional structure of an update control part. It is a figure which shows the concept of operation of the setting value extraction part and the test data generation part. This is information showing an example of test item information. It is a figure which shows the concept of operation confirmation by an operation confirmation part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the update control unit. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed processing procedure of the test data generation processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed processing procedure of the setting value extraction processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st processing procedure of operation confirmation processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the printed matter output by a test print. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd processing procedure of the operation confirmation processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd processing procedure of the operation confirmation processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th processing procedure of operation confirmation processing. It is a figure which shows the outline of the operation confirmation about the browser function.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, the elements common to each other are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration concept of an image processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system 1 includes a plurality of image processing devices 3, an information device 5 composed of a personal computer (PC) and the like, a network 6 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and a plurality of servers 7 and 8. It is a configuration to prepare. The plurality of image processing devices 3, the information device 5, and the network 6 are installed in the local environment 2a of the customer. That is, the plurality of image processing devices 3 and the information device 5 can communicate with each other via the network 6 in the local environment 2a. The network 6 is connected to a cloud 2b such as the Internet via a network connection device such as a router (not shown). A plurality of servers 7 and 8 are installed in the cloud 2b. Therefore, the plurality of image processing devices 3 installed in the local environment 2a can communicate with each of the plurality of servers 7 and 8 installed in the cloud 2b via the network 6. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where three image processing devices 3 are installed in the local environment 2a, the number of image processing devices 3 installed in the local environment 2a is not limited to three. However, it may be one unit or two or more units. Further, the number of information devices 5 installed in the local environment 2a is not limited to one.

The image processing device 3 installed in the local environment 2a is composed of, for example, an MFP and has a plurality of functions such as a scanning function, a printing function, a copying function, and a FAX function, and executes a job specified by the user. be able to. For example, when the image processing device 3 receives a print job transmitted from the information device 5, it can perform print output based on the print job. The image processing device 3 has a function as an information processing device 4. The information processing device 4 performs various types of information processing in the image processing device 3.

Various applications can be installed in such an image processing device 3. Such applications include, for example, an application that imparts a browser function for browsing a Web page to the image processing device 3, an application that executes a job in cooperation with a server provided in the cloud 2b, and an application that is displayed on an operation panel. There are applications that customize the operation screen to provide an operation screen that is easy for the user to operate. By providing a user interface that is easy for the user to use, these applications can improve the operability and convenience of the image processing device 3. The application installed in the image processing device 3 may be provided by the manufacturer of the image processing device 3 or may be provided by a third party.

The server 7 provided in the cloud 2b is, for example, a server that provides an application installed in the image processing device 3. The server 7 stores an application program for starting an application in the image processing device 3. Therefore, when the application is installed, the image processing device 3 accesses the server 7 via the network 6, downloads the application program from the server 7, and installs the application program. As a result, the application can be started in the image processing device 3. A large number of servers 7 of this type exist on the cloud 2b, and provide various applications to the image processing device 3.

The application programs stored in the server 7 are sequentially upgraded as the user's operability is improved and new functions are added. The image processing device 3 downloads and executes an update program for updating the application program as the application program stored in the server is upgraded, and installs a new version of the application program. As a result, the version of the application started in the image processing device 3 is updated.

There are several methods for the image processing device 3 to detect the version upgrade of the application. For example, the image processing device 3 periodically accesses the server 7 to check the version of the application stored in the server 7. In addition to this, for example, when the version of the application stored in the server 7 is updated, the server 7 may send a version upgrade notification to the image processing device 3.

Further, the server 8 provided in the cloud 2b is, for example, a server provided by the manufacturer of the image processing device 3, and is configured to check the operation of the application in cooperation with the image processing device 3 in the local environment 2a. ..

In the image processing system 1 configured as described above, when the application installed in the image processing device 3 is updated to a new version, the image processing device 3 determines whether or not the new application operates normally. Check the operation to verify. At this time, the image processing device 3 automatically acquires the test data for operating the new version application based on the history information when the old version application was used, and transfers the test data to the new version application. Put it in and operate it. That is, the image processing device 3 automatically starts the operation check when the application is updated to the new version. Since such operation confirmation is executed in the image processing device 3 set in the local environment 2a, it is possible to appropriately confirm whether or not the new version of the application operates normally under the conditions of the customer. .. Hereinafter, such an image processing apparatus 3 will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 3. The image processing device 3 has a control unit 10, a communication interface 16, an operation panel 17, a storage unit 20, a scanner unit 25, a printer unit 26, a fax unit 27, and an image analysis unit as its hardware configuration. 28 and a billing processing unit 29 are provided, and these are configured to be able to input and output data to and from each other via the internal bus 24. The control unit 10, the communication interface 16, the operation panel 17, and the storage unit 20 are information processing units 4a that function as information processing devices 4 in the image processing device 3.

The control unit 10 includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12, and a ROM 13, and controls the operation of each unit in an integrated manner. The RAM 12 is a volatile memory for storing various data. The ROM 13 is a rewritable non-volatile memory that stores the firmware 14, setting information 15, and the like.

The firmware 14 is software for operating the various hardware described above of the image processing device 3. When the power is turned on to the image processing device 3, the CPU 11 reads out the firmware 14 stored in the ROM 13 and executes the firmware 14 to start the firmware 14 in the control unit 10. Further, the version of the firmware 14 stored in the ROM 13 may be updated as appropriate.

The setting information 15 is information in which basic operating conditions of the image processing device 3 and the like are defined in advance. For example, network settings suitable for the local environment 2a and operating conditions when operating various functions of the image processing device 3 This is information including the settings that define the above and the administrator settings that are set by the administrator. The image processing device 3 operates various functions under the conditions predetermined in the setting information 15, and executes a job specified by the user.

The communication interface 16 is for connecting the image processing device 3 to the network 6 and communicating with external devices such as the information device 5 and the servers 7 and 8.

The operation panel 17 serves as a user interface when the user uses the image processing device 3. The operation panel 17 includes a display unit 18 for displaying various images and an operation input unit 19 for detecting a user's operation. For example, the display unit 18 is composed of a color liquid crystal display, and the operation input unit 19 is composed of a touch panel sensor arranged on the screen of the display unit 18.

The storage unit 20 is a non-volatile large-capacity storage device composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the application program 21 pre-installed in the image processing device 3 is stored in the storage unit 20. The application program 21 is a program executed by the CPU 11 of the control unit 10. The version of this application program 21 may be updated as appropriate. Further, the history information 22 is stored in the storage unit 20. The history information 22 is information for recording, for example, the setting value of each setting item set by the user. Further, the update control program 23 is pre-installed in the storage unit 20. This update control program 23 is also a program executed by the CPU 11 of the control unit 10.

The scanner unit 25 optically reads a document set by the user to generate image data. For example, when a scan job, a copy job, or a fax transmission job is executed in the image processing device 3, the scanner unit 25 reads the original and generates image data.

The printer unit 26 prints an image based on the designated image data on a sheet such as printing paper and outputs the image. For example, when a print job, a copy job, or a fax reception job is executed in the image processing device 3, the printer unit 26 outputs a print based on the input image data.

The FAX unit 27 transmits and receives FAX data via a public telephone network (not shown).

The image analysis unit 28 performs image analysis based on the input image data and outputs the analysis result. For example, the image analysis unit 28 can detect breakage or rubbing of a ruled line when the input image contains a ruled line.

The billing processing unit 29 is a processing unit that performs billing processing as the job is executed. For example, the billing processing unit 29 performs billing processing according to the print job for the user or the department to which the user belongs as the print job designated by the user is executed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 10 functions as an application activation unit 31, an application cooperation unit 32, and a history recording unit 34 when the CPU 11 executes the firmware 14.

The application activation unit 31 is a processing unit that activates the application in the control unit 10 by reading the application program 21 stored in the predetermined storage area 20a of the storage unit 20 and causing the CPU 11 to execute the application program 21. In the example of FIG. 3, the state in which the first application 41 is started in the control unit 10 is shown.

When the first application 41 is started in the control unit 10, the first application 41 generates, for example, an operation screen that can be operated by the user. At this time, the first application 41 generates an operation screen corresponding to a specific function used by the first application 41 among the plurality of functions mounted on the image processing device 3. For example, the operation screen has a screen configuration in which a user can input desired setting values for various setting items when operating a specific function. Then, the first application 41 displays the operation screen on the display unit 18 of the operation panel 17 and accepts the user's operation performed on the operation input unit 19. When the first application 41 receives an operation by the user, the first application 41 outputs operation information indicating the operation content performed by the user to the application cooperation unit 32.

The application cooperation unit 32 is a processing unit that performs various processes in cooperation with the application started by the control unit 10. The application cooperation unit 32 includes a job control unit 33. The job control unit 33 controls the setting and execution of a job in cooperation with the application started by the control unit 10. As shown in FIG. 3, when the first application 41 is started in the control unit 10, the application cooperation unit 32 sets the job based on the operation information output from the first application 41.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the cooperation operation between the first application 41 and the application cooperation unit 32. In order to use the specific function of the image processing device 3, the first application 41 accepts user operations for a plurality of setting items A, B, and C that can be set in the application cooperation unit 32. When the setting value a1 is specified for the setting item A by the user, the setting value b1 is specified for the setting item B, and the setting value c1 is specified for the setting item C, the first application 41 , The setting values a1, b1, and c1 of the setting items A, B, and C are output to the application cooperation unit 32. Therefore, the application cooperation unit 32 sets the setting values a1, b1, and c1 for each of the setting items A, B, and C via the first application 41.

Then, when the application cooperation unit 32 is instructed to start executing the job by the first application 41, the scanner unit 25, in a state of reflecting the set values a1, b1, c1 specified by the first application 41, By driving each of the printer unit 26 and the fax unit 27, the execution of the job specified by the user is controlled. That is, the application cooperation unit 32 reflects the set values specified by the first application 41, and reflects those set values under the conditions predetermined in the setting information 15 of the image processing device 3 and the like. The process specified by the first application 41 is executed in the state. Further, the application cooperation unit 32 operates each of the image analysis unit 28 and the billing processing unit 29 as necessary when the job execution is started.

The history recording unit 34 is a processing unit that records and saves the execution history of the job in the history information 22 when the job is executed by the application cooperation unit 32. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of history information 22. For example, in the history information 22, the user name of executing the job, the application used at the time of executing the job, the setting value set in each setting item by the application, and the operation date and time are recorded. The history recording unit 34 records the user name, the application, the setting value of each setting item, and the operation date and time in the history information 22 each time the job is executed in the image processing device 3. By referring to such history information 22, it is possible to specify the setting value of each setting item set by the user via the application (for example, the first application 41) started in the image processing device 3.

Returning to FIG. 3, the control unit 10 functions as the update control unit 50 by the CPU 11 reading and executing the update control program 23 stored in the storage unit 20. For example, the CPU 11 automatically reads and executes the update control program 23 after starting the firmware 14 when the power of the image processing device 3 is turned on. Therefore, the update control unit 50 is started in a state of being resident in the control unit 10. The update control unit 50 is a processing unit that updates the application program 21 installed in the image processing device 3 to a new version and confirms whether or not the new version of the application normally operates in the image processing device 3. is there.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a detailed functional configuration of the update control unit 50. The update control unit 50 includes an update processing unit 51, a test data acquisition unit 52, and an operation confirmation unit 55.

The update processing unit 51 is a processing unit that updates the application program 21 stored in the storage unit 20. The update processing unit 51 detects whether or not the application program 21 stored in the server 7 has been upgraded by the method described above. When it detects that the version of the application program 21 stored in the server 7 has been updated, the update processing unit 51 downloads the update program including the new version of the application program 21b and executes the update program. By doing so, the new version of the application program 21b is installed in the image processing device 3. At this time, the update processing unit 51 moves the old version application program 21a installed in the predetermined storage area 20a of the storage unit 20 from the predetermined storage area 20a to another storage area 20b. Then, after making the predetermined storage area 20a a free area, the update processing unit 51 saves the new version of the application program 21b in the predetermined storage area 20a. The predetermined storage area 20a is a storage area in which a path to be read by the CPU 11 is preset. Therefore, when the new version of the application program 21b is stored in the predetermined storage area 20a, the application program 21 to be executed by the CPU 11 is changed from the old version of the application program 21a to the new version of the application program 21b.

The test data acquisition unit 52 and the operation confirmation unit 55 function when a new version of the application program 21b is downloaded by the update processing unit 51 and stored in a predetermined storage area 20a. Then, the test data acquisition unit 52 and the operation confirmation unit 55 verify whether or not the new version of the application program 21b operates normally in the image processing device 3.

The test data acquisition unit 52 is a processing unit that acquires test data for confirming the operation. The test data acquisition unit 52 shown in FIG. 6 includes a set value extraction unit 53 and a test data generation unit 54. The setting value extraction unit 53 is a processing unit that reads out the history information 22 and extracts the setting value of each setting item recorded in the history information 22. For example, the setting value extraction unit 53 extracts only the setting values of the setting items set in the first application 41 corresponding to the old version application program 21a from the various setting items recorded in the history information 22. You may try to do it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting value extraction unit 53 may extract all the setting values of various setting items recorded in the history information 22.

Further, the setting value extraction unit 53 may extract a setting value having a usage history of a predetermined number of times or more from a plurality of setting values recorded in the history information 22. For example, when there is a history in which a plurality of types of setting values are used for the same setting item, the setting value extraction unit 53 preferentially extracts the setting value having a usage history of a predetermined number of times or more for the setting item. You may. In this case, since the test data can be generated by using the setting value that is frequently used by the user, there is an advantage that the operation can be confirmed according to the usage situation of the user.

Further, the set value extraction unit 53 may extract the set value recorded within a predetermined period from the plurality of set values recorded in the history information 22. For example, when there is a history of using a plurality of types of setting values for the same setting item, the setting value extracting unit 53 preferentially extracts the setting values having a usage history within a predetermined period such as the latest one month. You may try to do it. In this case, since the test data can be generated using the setting value recently used by the user, there is an advantage that the operation can be confirmed suitable for the user's recent usage situation.

Further, the setting value extraction unit 53 may extract the setting value set by a specific user from the plurality of setting values recorded in the history information 22. For example, when there is a history in which a plurality of types of setting values are used for the same setting item, the setting value extraction unit 53 preferentially gives priority to the setting values set by a specific user such as an administrator or a department representative. You may try to extract. In this case, since the test data can be generated using only the setting values used by a specific user instead of all users, there is an advantage that the operation check can be performed efficiently.

Then, the test data generation unit 54 generates test data for operation check based on the set value extracted by the set value extraction unit 53.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a concept of operation of the set value extraction unit 53 and the test data generation unit 54. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the test data generation unit 54 holds the test item information 54a. The test item information 54a is information in which test items are predetermined for each function used by the application. Therefore, the test data generation unit 54 can specify the test item based on the function of the application. Then, when the setting value extraction unit 53 extracts the setting values of a plurality of setting items from the history information 22, the test data generation unit 54 sets the setting values of the setting items that match the test items from the plurality of setting items. Based on this, test data 57 is generated.

FIG. 8 is information showing an example of the test item information 54a. As shown in FIG. 8, the test item information 54a is information in which test items for checking operation are defined according to application functions (for example, print function, scan function, fax function, communication function, browser function, etc.). is there. By referring to such test item information 54a, the test data generation unit 54 identifies a test item according to the function of the application started by the new version of the application program 21b, and corresponds to the specified test item. Test data 57 is generated based on the set value. As a result, the test data 57 is generated as data including the setting value reflected in the job when the job was executed by the user in the past.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the test data generation unit 54 may acquire the test information 60 from the server 7 and generate the test data 57 based on the test information 60. The server 7 may store tested information 60 about tests performed before the release of a new version of application program 21b. Such tested information 60 includes a tested setting value 61 indicating a tested setting value and a firmware information 62 indicating a firmware version when a new version of the application program 21b is started. Therefore, if the version of the firmware 14 started by the control unit 10 and the version of the firmware at the time of the test performed before the release match, the test data generation unit 54 has the same setting as the tested setting value 61. It may be determined that it is not necessary to test the value, and the same setting item as the tested setting value 61 may be excluded from the test items to generate the test data 57. That is, the test data generation unit 54 may take a difference between the set value extracted by the set value extraction unit 53 and the tested set value 61, and generate the test data 57 based on the difference.

Further, when the setting value extracted by the setting value extraction unit 53 includes the user account information for accessing the specific server, the test data generation unit 54 sets the access destination server from the specific server to the test server 8 In addition to rewriting to, the user account information may be rewritten to the test account information. For example, when a specific server performs billing processing according to access from a user, if the image processing device 3 automatically accesses the specific server for operation check, the user does not intend to perform billing processing. There is a possibility that it will be damaged. In order to prevent such a situation, the test data generation unit 54 rewrites the access destination for operation check to the test server 8 and rewrites the user account information to the test account information. As a result, the server accessed by the image processing device 3 at the time of operation confirmation can be switched to the test server 8.

Further, when the set value extracted by the set value extraction unit 53 includes the designation of the image data to be transmitted to the external device (including the information device 5 and the servers 7 and 8), the test data generation unit 54 may perform the test data generation unit 54. When the test data 57 is generated, dummy data equivalent to the amount of the specified image data is generated, and the dummy data is rewritten to the specified set value as the data to be transmitted to the external device. As a result, for example, even when the image data contains confidential information, it is possible to prevent the image data including the confidential information from being transmitted to the external device at the time of operation check. Further, even if the actual image data is not transmitted to the external device, by transmitting the dummy data having the same amount of data as the image data to the external device, it is the same as the case where the actual image data is transmitted at the time of operation check. You will be able to perform a communication load test.

The test data acquisition unit 52 acquires the test data 57 generated by the test data generation unit 54 as described above. Then, the test data acquisition unit 52 outputs the test data 57 to the operation confirmation unit 55. The test data acquisition unit 52 is not limited to the one that generates the test data 57 by itself as described above. For example, the test data acquisition unit 52 requests the generation of test data 57 by reading the history information 22 from the storage unit 20 and transmitting the history information 22 to the server 7 or the server 8, and the test data acquisition unit 52 generates the test data 57. The test data 57 to be performed may be acquired.

The operation check unit 55 starts the new version of the application program 21b, and uses the test data 57 acquired by the test data acquisition unit 52 to check the operation of whether or not the new version of the application program 21b operates normally. .. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the concept of operation confirmation by the operation confirmation unit 55. First, the operation confirmation unit 55 causes the CPU 11 of the control unit 10 to execute the new version of the application program 21b stored in the predetermined storage area 20a. As a result, the new version of the application 42 is started in the control unit 10. When the second application 42 is started in the control unit 10, the operation confirmation unit 55 inputs the test data 57 into the second application 42 and determines whether or not the second application 42 normally operates in the image processing device 3. Verify.

For example, the operation check unit 55 causes the setting value included in the test data 57 to be set for each setting item that can be set in the second application 42, and the setting value is set from the second application 42 to the application cooperation unit 32. On the other hand, verify whether it is set normally. When the version of the firmware in which the second application 42 can operate is different from the version of the firmware 14 installed in the image processing device 3, the application cooperation unit 32 sets the setting value output from the second application 42. It cannot be reflected normally, and an error may occur in the second application 42 or the application cooperation unit 32. Further, when the second application 42 communicates with the external device via the network 6, if the communication is performed in a form that does not match the network setting of the image processing device 3, the communication cannot be performed normally, and the second application 42 cannot communicate normally. An error occurs in the application 42 or the application cooperation unit 32 of the above. The operation confirmation unit 55 verifies whether or not an error occurs in the second application 42 or the application cooperation unit 32 as the test data 57 is input to the second application 42.

Further, when the second application 42 has a function of causing the image processing device 3 to execute a job, the operation confirmation unit 55 inputs the test data 57 into the second application 42 and via the application cooperation unit 32. To execute the job. At this time, the operation confirmation unit 55 may allow the application cooperation unit 32 to actually operate the scanner unit 25, the printer unit 26, or the fax unit 27 so that the job is actually performed. If the second application 42 tries to execute the job under conditions that do not match the operating conditions of the image processing device 3, an error may occur. Therefore, the operation confirmation unit 55 verifies whether or not an error occurs when the job is executed via the second application 42.

Further, when the second application 42 has a function of causing the printer unit 26 to print out via the application cooperation unit 32, the operation confirmation unit 55 inputs the test data 57 to the second application 42. , The printer unit 26 may be made to perform test printing via the application cooperation unit 32. If print output is performed during operation check, no error will occur in the second application 42 and application linkage unit 32, and even if the job execution ends normally, image defects will occur in the output printed matter. There is. Therefore, if the printer unit 26 performs a test print during the operation check, the operation check unit 55 notifies a specific user such as an administrator that the test print has been performed. This notification is made, for example, by sending an email to the email address of a particular user. By such a notification, the specific user grasps that the test printing has been performed in the image processing device 3, moves to the installation location of the image processing device 3, and confirms the printed matter output by the test printing. Then, when no image defect has occurred in the printed matter, the specific user inputs that the normal printed matter has been output via the operation panel 17. Further, when an image defect occurs in the printed matter, a specific user inputs that the normal printed matter is not output via the operation panel 17. The operation confirmation unit 55 determines whether or not each of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 operates normally based on the instruction of such a specific user.

Further, the operation confirmation unit 55 controls the application cooperation unit 32 to print information indicating that the test printing is performed at a predetermined position on the sheet when the test printing is performed. The predetermined position may be the back surface of the sheet or the corner of the front surface of the sheet. By printing the information indicating that it is a test print, even if a user different from the specific user acquires the printed matter output from the image processing device 3, it is possible to grasp that the printed matter is a test print. Will be able to.

Further, the operation confirmation unit 55 prevents the charge processing unit 29 from performing the charge processing when the test print is performed. That is, since the test print is a print output performed for confirming the operation of the second application 42, the test print does not charge a specific user or a specific department.

Further, even when the second application 42 has a function of causing the printer unit 26 to print out via the application cooperation unit 32, the operation confirmation unit 55 causes the second application 42 to perform test data. When 57 is input to operate the application cooperation unit 32, the printer unit 26 does not perform test printing, the application cooperation unit 32 generates an output image image, and the output image image is output to a predetermined output destination. You may let it. By designating, for example, the display unit 18 of the operation panel 17 as the output destination of the output image image, the user can confirm the output image image without causing the image processing device 3 to perform print output. .. In this case, the operation confirmation unit 55 determines whether or not each of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 is operating normally based on the user input information performed on the operation input unit 19 of the operation panel 17. Can be judged.

Further, as the output destination of the output image image, an information device 5 used by a specific user such as an administrator may be specified in advance. In this case, the operation confirmation unit 55 can make a specific user confirm the output image image without causing the image processing device 3 to perform print output. Then, the operation confirmation unit 55 can determine whether or not each of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 is operating normally based on the information received from the information device 5.

Further, the image analysis unit 28 may be designated in advance as the output destination of the output image image. In this case, the operation confirmation unit 55 instructs the application cooperation unit 32 to output the output image image to the image analysis unit 28, and requests the image analysis unit 28 to analyze the output image image. Along with this, the image analysis unit 28 analyzes the output image image acquired from the application cooperation unit 32, and performs a process of detecting a break or rubbing of the ruled line when the output image image contains a ruled line. Then, the image analysis unit 28 outputs the analysis result to the operation confirmation unit 55. The operation confirmation unit 55 can determine whether or not each of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 is operating normally based on the analysis result acquired from the image analysis unit 28. In such an analysis by the image analysis unit 28, for example, when the second application 42 synthesizes one or a plurality of images with a predetermined template image and outputs a print, it is possible to automatically detect a synthesis defect. It is especially effective in that it can be done.

The operation confirmation unit 55 operates the second application 42 using the test data 57 as described above, so that each of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 can use the setting information 15 of the image processing device 3 and the like. It is determined whether or not it operates normally under predetermined conditions. As a result, when each of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 operates normally, the operation confirmation unit 55 determines that the second application 42 can be used in the image processing device 3.

When the operation confirmation unit 55 determines that the second application 42 can be used in the image processing device 3, the operation check unit 55 deletes the old version application program 21a stored in another storage area 20b. That is, the operation check unit 55 deletes the old version application program 21a because it is not necessary to return the new version application 42 to the old version application 41.

Further, when the operation check unit 55 determines that the second application 42 can be used in the image processing device 3, it is not necessary to check the operation with respect to the other image processing device 3 connected via the network 6. You may want to notify that there is. As a result, when the new version of the application program 21b is installed in the other image processing device 3, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to check the operation in the other image processing device 3.

On the other hand, when it is confirmed that at least one of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 does not operate normally during the operation check, the operation check unit 55 cannot use the second application for the update processing unit 51. Notify. Upon receiving this notification, the update processing unit 51 returns the application program 21 of the storage unit 20 to the state before the update. That is, the update processing unit 51 deletes the new version application program 21b from the predetermined storage area 20a, and returns the old version application program 21a stored in another storage area 20b to the predetermined storage area 20a. is there. As a result, the image processing device 3 returns to the state in which the first application 41 is started in the control unit 10. Therefore, the user can continuously set and execute the job by using the first application 41.

Further, when the operation check unit 55 confirms that at least one of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 does not operate normally during the operation check, the setting information 15 or the like is sent to a specific user such as an administrator. A notification prompting a change in the operating conditions of the defined image processing device 3 may be given. For example, this notification may be performed by sending an e-mail to a specific user's e-mail address, or a predetermined notification screen may be displayed on the display unit 18 of the operation panel 17. It may be done by. Then, if the setting information 15 is changed by a specific user, the operating conditions of the image processing device 3 change, so that the second application 42 can be used.

Next, the first processing procedure performed by the update control unit 50 will be described. 10 to 13 are flowcharts showing a first processing procedure performed by the update control unit 50. In this first processing procedure, a procedure for performing test printing at the time of operation check is illustrated. When the update control unit 50 starts this process, it determines whether or not the version of the application program 21 held in the server 7 has been updated, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S10). For example, when the version of the application program 21 held in the server 7 is updated, the server 7 stores an update program for downloading and installing the new version of the application program 21b. The update control unit 50 determines whether or not a new version of the application program 21b is provided by confirming whether or not such an update program exists.

When the update program is stored in the server 7 (YES in step S10), the update control unit 50 downloads the update program from the server 7 (step S11). Then, the update control unit 50 saves the old version of the application program 21a from the predetermined storage area 20a to another storage area 20b (step S12), starts executing the update program (step S13), and releases the new version. The application program 21b is stored in the predetermined storage area 20a (step S14).

Subsequently, the update control unit 50 determines whether or not the operation confirmation unnecessary notification regarding the new version of the application program 21b has been received from the other image processing device 3 (step S15). When the operation confirmation unnecessary notification is received from the other image processing device 3 (YES in step S15), it has already been verified in the other image processing device 3 that the new version of the application program 21b operates normally. Become. Therefore, the update control unit 50 determines that it is not necessary to check the operation on its own machine. In this case, the update control unit 50 deletes the old version of the application program 21a saved in another storage area 20b (step S16), and ends the process.

On the other hand, when the operation confirmation unnecessary notification is not received (NO in step S15), the update control unit 50 starts the processing after step S17 in order to confirm the operation of the new version of the application program 21b. When the update control unit 50 starts the process for checking the operation, the update control unit 50 first executes the test data generation process (step S17).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the test data generation process (step S17). When the update control unit 50 starts this process, the update control unit 50 reads out the history information 22 (step S30) and performs a set value extraction process for extracting the set value of each setting item recorded in the history information 22 (step). S31).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the set value extraction process (step S31). When the update control unit 50 starts the set value extraction process, it determines whether or not only a specific user is the target user for extracting the set value (step S50). When only a specific user is targeted (YES in step S50), the update control unit 50 extracts the history information (set value) of the specific user from the history information 22 (step S51). Further, when only a specific user is not targeted (NO in step S50), the update control unit 50 extracts the history information (set value) of all users from the history information 22 (step S52).

Next, the update control unit 50 determines whether or not a set value having a usage history of a predetermined number of times or more is an extraction target (step S53). When a set value having a usage history of a predetermined number of times or more is an extraction target (YES in step S53), the update control unit 50 has a usage history of a predetermined number of times or more from the set values extracted in steps S51 or S52. A certain set value is extracted as a candidate for test data 57 (step S54). Further, when the set value having the usage history of the predetermined number of times or more is not the extraction target (NO in step S53), the update control unit 50 determines whether or not the set value recorded within the predetermined period is the extraction target. (Step S55). When the set value recorded within the predetermined period is the extraction target (YES in step S55), the update control unit 50 sets the set value used within the predetermined period from the set values extracted in step S51 or S52. The value is extracted as a candidate for the test data 57 (step S56). On the other hand, when the set value recorded within the predetermined period is not the extraction target (NO in step S55), the update control unit 50 uses all the set values extracted in step S51 or S52 as candidates for the test data 57. Extract (step S57).

Next, the update control unit 50 determines whether or not the tested information 60 is stored in the server 7 (step S58). When the tested information 60 is stored in the server 7 (YES in step S58), the update control unit 50 acquires the tested information 60 from the server 7 (step S59) and extracts it as a candidate for the test data 57. A difference between the set value and the tested set value 61 included in the tested information 60 is taken, and the set value included in the difference is extracted as a candidate for the test data 57 (step S60). If the tested information 60 is not stored in the server 7 (NO in step S58), the processes of steps S59 and S60 are skipped. Further, even if the firmware version recorded in the firmware information 62 of the tested information 60 and the version of the firmware 14 of the control unit 10 do not match, the processes of steps S59 and S60 are skipped. From the set values recorded in the history information 22 as described above, the set values that are candidates for the test data 57 are extracted.

Returning to FIG. 11, when the update control unit 50 finishes the set value extraction process (step S31), the update control unit 50 identifies the function of the second application 42 to be started by the new version of the application program 21b (step S32). Refer to the test item information 54a (step S33). Then, the update control unit 50 specifies a test item for checking the operation based on the function of the second application 42 and the test item information 54a (step S34). Further, the update control unit 50 extracts the set value of the setting item that matches the test item from the set value extracted in the set value extraction process (step S31), and generates the test data 57 (step S35).

Next, the update control unit 50 determines whether or not the set value of the test data 57 includes the user account information for accessing the specific server (step S36). When the user account information for accessing the specific server is included (YES in step S36), the update control unit 50 rewrites the access destination from the specific server to the test server 8 (step S37), and further, the user account. Rewrite the information with the test account information (step S38). If the set value of the test data 57 does not include the user account information (NO in step S36), the processes of steps S37 and S38 are skipped.

Next, the update control unit 50 determines whether or not the set value of the test data 57 includes the designation of the image data to be transmitted to the external device (step S39). When the designation of the image data is included (YES in step S39), the update control unit 50 generates dummy data equivalent to the data amount of the designated image data (step S40) and transmits the dummy data to the external device. The data is replaced with dummy data (step S41). If the set value of the test data 57 does not include the designation of the image data (NO in step S39), the processes of steps S40 and S41 are skipped. This completes the test data generation process (step S17).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 10, when the update control unit 50 finishes the test data generation process (step S17), the CPU 11 of the control unit 10 executes the new version of the application program 21b and starts the second application 42 (). Step S18). Then, the update control unit 50 starts the operation confirmation process (step S19).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the operation confirmation process (step S19). When the update control unit 50 starts the operation check process, the update control unit 50 adds test print information to the data to be test printed (step S70). Then, the update control unit 50 sets the charge prohibition setting for the charge processing unit 29 in order to prevent the charge processing associated with the test printing from being performed (step S71). Then, the update control unit 50 inputs the test data 57 to the second application 42 (step S72), and starts the operation check by operating the second application 42 based on the test data 57 (step S73). ).

When the operation check is started, the update control unit 50 determines whether or not the print output for test printing is completed (step S74). When the print output is not completed (NO in step S74), the update control unit 50 determines whether or not an operation failure such as an error has been detected (step S75). When the update control unit 50 detects an operation failure such as an error during the operation check (YES in step S75), the update control unit 50 ends the operation check process. Further, when the print output is completed without detecting the malfunction (YES in step S74), the update control unit 50 notifies a specific user such as an administrator that the test print is completed (step). S76). After that, the update control unit 50 waits until there is an instruction from a specific user (step S77), and when it detects an instruction from the specific user, the operation confirmation process ends.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the printed matter D1 output by the test print. A message M1 corresponding to the test print information is added to the printed matter D1 at a predetermined position on the sheet. Therefore, a specific user can identify the printed matter D1 output by the test printing even when a plurality of printed matter is output by the image processing device 3, and is the test printing performed normally? It is possible to determine whether or not. The printed matter D1 is not limited to the one in which the message M1 is printed on the front surface of the sheet, and may be the one printed on the back surface of the sheet. Further, the message M1 can inform a specific user that the message should be destroyed immediately after the confirmation by including a message indicating that the message should be destroyed after the confirmation.

Returning to FIG. 10, when the operation confirmation process (step S19) is completed, the update control unit 50 determines whether or not each of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 operates normally during the operation confirmation (step S19). Step S20). For example, when the test print is completed during the operation check, the update control unit 50 determines whether or not the normal print output has been performed based on the instruction input by the specific user. When each of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 operates normally (YES in step S20), the update control unit 50 deletes the old version application program 21a saved in another storage area 20b (step). S21), an operation confirmation unnecessary notification is transmitted to the other image processing device 3 (step S22).

On the other hand, when it is determined that either the second application 42 or the application cooperation unit 32 is not operating normally (NO in step S20), the update control unit 50 restores the old version of the application program 21a. Perform the process (step S23). That is, the update control unit 50 deletes the new version application program 21b stored in the predetermined storage area 20a, and returns the old version application program 21a stored in another storage area 20b to the predetermined storage area 20a. As a result, the old version of the first application 41 is returned to a state in which it can be started. Then, the update control unit 50 notifies a specific user such as an administrator to change the operating conditions of the image processing device 3 defined such as the setting information 15 (step S24). This completes the first processing procedure.

Next, a second processing procedure performed by the update control unit 50 will be described. In this second processing procedure, a procedure of generating an output image image and having a specific user check the output image image is illustrated without performing test printing. The difference between the second processing procedure and the first processing procedure is the detailed processing procedure of the operation confirmation process (step S19). Therefore, in the following, the details of the operation confirmation process (step S19) will be described.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the operation confirmation processing (step S19) in the second processing procedure. When the update control unit 50 starts this operation confirmation process, the update control unit 50 instructs the application cooperation unit 32 to generate an output image image (step S80). As a result, the application cooperation unit 32 will generate an output image image based on the print target data input from the second application 42. Then, the update control unit 50 inputs the test data 57 to the second application 42 (step S81), and starts the operation check by operating the second application 42 based on the test data 57 (step S82). ).

When the operation check is started, the update control unit 50 determines whether or not the output image image generation process is completed by the application cooperation unit 32 (step S83). When the generation of the output image image is not completed (NO in step S83), the update control unit 50 determines whether or not an operation failure such as an error has been detected (step S84). When the update control unit 50 detects an operation failure such as an error during the operation check (YES in step S84), the update control unit 50 ends the operation check process. Further, when the generation of the output image image is completed without detecting the malfunction (YES in step S83), the update control unit 50 transmits the output image image to a specific user such as an administrator (step). S85). As a result, the administrator can check the output image on his / her own information device 5. After that, the update control unit 50 waits until there is an instruction from a specific user (step S86), and when it detects an instruction from the specific user, the operation confirmation process ends. In this way, the update control unit 50 can prevent the sheet such as printing paper from being consumed during the operation check by transmitting the output image image to a specific user without performing test printing. There is an advantage that it can be done.

Next, a third processing procedure performed by the update control unit 50 will be described. In this third processing procedure, a procedure of generating an output image image and outputting it to the image analysis unit 28 without performing test printing is illustrated. The difference between the third processing procedure and the first processing procedure is the detailed processing procedure of the operation confirmation process (step S19). Therefore, in the following, the details of the operation confirmation process (step S19) will be described.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the operation confirmation processing (step S19) in the third processing procedure. When the update control unit 50 starts this operation confirmation process, the update control unit 50 instructs the application cooperation unit 32 to generate an output image image (step S90). As a result, the application cooperation unit 32 will generate an output image image based on the print target data input from the second application 42. Then, the update control unit 50 inputs the test data 57 to the second application 42 (step S91), and starts the operation check by operating the second application 42 based on the test data 57 (step S92). ).

When the operation check is started, the update control unit 50 determines whether or not the output image image generation process is completed by the application cooperation unit 32 (step S93). When the generation of the output image image is not completed (NO in step S93), the update control unit 50 determines whether or not an operation failure such as an error has been detected (step S94). When the update control unit 50 detects an operation failure such as an error during the operation check (YES in step S94), the update control unit 50 ends the operation check process. Further, when the generation of the output image image is completed without detecting the malfunction (YES in step S93), the update control unit 50 outputs the output image image generated by the application cooperation unit 32 to the image analysis unit 28. Then, the image analysis unit 28 is requested to perform image analysis (step S95). As a result, the image analysis unit 28 analyzes whether or not the ruled lines included in the output image image are interrupted or rubbed, and if the ruled lines are interrupted or rubbed, it is determined that the image is defective. Then, the image analysis unit 28 outputs the analysis result of the output image image to the update control unit 50. After requesting the image analysis unit 28 for image analysis, the update control unit 50 waits until the analysis result is acquired from the image analysis unit 28 (step S96), and when the analysis result is acquired (YES in step S96), End the operation check process. In this way, the update control unit 50 causes the image analysis unit 28 to analyze the output image image without performing test printing, thereby preventing the sheet such as printing paper from being consumed during the operation check. At the same time, there is an advantage that the operation can be confirmed without bothering a specific user.

Next, a fourth processing procedure performed by the update control unit 50 will be described. In this fourth processing procedure, a procedure for confirming the operation of the browser function of the second application 42 is illustrated. The difference between this fourth processing procedure and the first processing procedure is the detailed processing procedure of the operation confirmation process (step S19). Therefore, in the following, the details of the operation confirmation process (step S19) will be described.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the operation confirmation processing (step S19) in the fourth processing procedure. When the update control unit 50 starts this operation confirmation process, the test data 57 is input to the second application 42 (step S100), and the second application 42 is operated based on the test data 57. The operation check of the application 42 of 2 is started (step S101). As a result, the second application 42 accesses the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) defined in the test data 57, acquires the Web page, and starts the process of displaying it on the display unit 18 of the operation panel 17. When the update control unit 50 starts the operation check, it determines whether or not the browser display by the second application 42 is completed (step S102). When the browser display is not completed (NO in step S102), the update control unit 50 determines whether or not an operation failure such as a communication failure has been detected (step S103). When the update control unit 50 detects an operation failure such as a communication failure during the operation check (YES in step S103), the update control unit 50 ends the operation check process. Further, when the browser display by the second application 42 is completed without detecting the malfunction (YES in step S102), the update control unit 50 stores the display state of the Web page in the display unit 18 (step S104). ).

Next, the update control unit 50 causes the CPU 11 of the control unit 10 to execute the application program 21a stored in another storage area 20b, and causes the control unit 10 to start the first application 41 (step S105). Then, the update control unit 50 inputs the test data 57 to the first application 41 (step S106), and operates the first application 41 based on the test data 57 to confirm the operation of the first application 41. Is started (step S107). As a result, the first application 41 accesses the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) defined in the test data 57, acquires the Web page, and starts the process of displaying it on the display unit 18 of the operation panel 17. When the update control unit 50 starts the operation check, it waits until the browser display by the first application 41 is completed (step S108), and when the browser display is completed (YES in step S108), the Web page on the display unit 18 is displayed. The display state is stored (step S109).

Next, the update control unit 50 compares the display state of the Web page by the second application 42 with the display state of the same Web page by the first application 41 (step S111), and is displayed by the first application 41. It is determined whether or not there is an image that is not displayed by the second application 42 among the images that are displayed (step S112). As a result, when the existence of an image that is not displayed in the second application 42 is detected (YES in step S112), the update control unit 50 determines that the second application 42 is malfunctioning (step S113). On the other hand, when there is no image that is not displayed in the second application 42 (NO in step S112), the update control unit 50 determines that the second application 42 is operating normally (step S114). This completes the operation check process.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an outline of operation confirmation regarding the browser function. FIG. 18 (a) illustrates a browser screen displayed on the display unit 18 by the browser function of the first application 41, and FIG. 18 (b) shows the display unit 18 by the browser function of the second application 42. The browser screen displayed in is illustrated. For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, the first application 41, which is an old version, can normally display an image included in the content display area R1 of the Web page. On the other hand, the new version of the second application 42 has not been able to normally display the image included in the content display area R1 of the same Web page. In such a case, when the two display states are compared, the image displayed by the first application 41 is not normally displayed on the browser screen displayed by the second application 42. Therefore, in this case, the update control unit 50 determines that the second application 42 is malfunctioning. When the update control unit 50 determines that the second application 42 is malfunctioning, the application started in the image processing device 3 returns to the first application 41 of the old version, so that the user can use the old version of the first application 41. The Web page can be browsed as before by using the application 41 of 1.

As described above, the image processing device 3 of the present embodiment is an application that starts the first application 41 by executing the storage unit 20 that stores the application program 21 and the application program 21 stored in the storage unit 20. The set value specified by the first application 41 is reflected in the state where the first application 41 is started by the start unit 31 and the application start unit 31, and the set value is reflected under predetermined conditions. The application cooperation unit 32 that executes the process specified by the first application 41 in the state of being set, and the history recording unit 34 that records the set value as the history information 22 as the process is executed by the application cooperation unit 32. And the update processing unit 51 that acquires the update program of the application program 21 and updates the application program 21 by executing the update program, and the history when the application program 21 is updated by the update processing unit 51. When the application program 21 is updated by the test data acquisition unit 52 that acquires the test data 57 generated based on the set value recorded in the information 22 and the update processing unit 51, the application program is sent to the application start unit 31. By executing 21, the second application 42 is started, the test data 57 is input to the second application 42, and each of the second application 42 and the application cooperation unit 32 operates normally under predetermined conditions. The configuration includes an operation confirmation unit 55 for verifying whether or not to perform the operation.

According to such a configuration, the image processing device 3 does not need to install a plurality of test modules in advance as in the conventional case, can suppress an increase in the cost required for developing the test modules, and has a storage unit. It is also possible to suppress an increase in the occupancy rate of the test module at 20. That is, the image processing device 3 of the present embodiment may store only one update control program 23 as a program for updating the application and checking the operation.

Further, according to the above configuration, it is possible to automatically create test data 57 using the setting values used in the past by the user and automatically check the operation of the second application 42, and the image processing device. There is also an advantage that it is possible to quickly confirm whether or not the second application 42 operates normally by using the customer environment in which the third is installed as it is.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be applied.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the operation check is automatically performed when the application is updated in the image processing device 3 has been described. However, the device to which the above-mentioned operation confirmation technique can be applied is not limited to the image processing device 3. For example, the above-mentioned operation confirmation technique can be applied even when an application is updated in an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or a tablet terminal. Therefore, the present invention may have a configuration that functions as the above-mentioned information processing device 4.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the update control program 23 for making the control unit 10 function as the update control unit 50 is installed in the storage unit 20 in advance is illustrated. However, the update control program 23 may be installed in the storage unit 20 via, for example, the communication interface 16. In this case, the update control program 23 is provided in a form that can be downloaded via the Internet or the like. Further, the update control program 23 is not limited to this, and may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a USB memory.

3 Image processing device 4 Information processing device 10 Control unit 17 Operation panel 18 Display unit (display means)
19 Operation input unit (operation input means)
20 Storage unit (storage means)
26 Printer section (printing means)
28 Image analysis unit (image analysis means)
29 Billing processing unit (billing means)
31 Application launcher (application launcher)
32 Application cooperation department (application cooperation means)
34 History recording unit (history recording means)
50 Update control unit 51 Update processing unit (update means)
52 Test data acquisition unit (test data acquisition means)
53 Setting value extraction unit (setting value extraction means)
54 Test data generation unit (test data generation means)
55 Operation check unit (operation check means)

Claims (22)

A storage means for storing application programs
An application launching means for launching a first application by executing the application program stored in the storage means, and
When the first application is started by the application starting means, the set value specified by the first application is reflected and the set value is reflected under predetermined conditions. With the application cooperation means for executing the process specified by the first application in
A history recording means that records the set value as history information as the process is executed by the application cooperation means, and
An update means for updating the application program by acquiring the update program of the application program and executing the update program.
When the application program is updated by the update means, the test data acquisition means for acquiring the test data generated based on the set value recorded in the history information, and the test data acquisition means.
When the application program is updated by the update means, the second application is started by causing the application start means to execute the application program, and the test data is input to the second application to perform the first. An operation confirmation means for verifying whether or not each of the two applications and the application cooperation means operates normally under the above conditions, and an operation confirmation means.
An information processing device characterized by being equipped with. When the application program is updated by the update means, the test data acquisition means transmits the history information to a predetermined server, requests the generation of the test data, and acquires the test data from the server. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is characterized by the above. The test data acquisition means
A setting value extracting means for extracting the setting value recorded in the history information, and
A test data generating means that generates the test data based on the set value extracted by the set value extracting means, and
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising. The information processing according to claim 3, wherein the set value extracting means extracts the set value having a usage history of a predetermined number of times or more from the plurality of set values recorded in the history information. apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set value extracting means extracts the set value recorded within a predetermined period from the plurality of set values recorded in the history information. .. When the history recording means records the set value in the history information, the history recording means adds information about the user who has instructed the set value to the first application.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set value extracting means extracts the set value instructed by a specific user from a plurality of the set values recorded in the history information. .. The test data generation means acquires information on the tested setting values used in the test performed in advance for the second application as the update program is acquired by the update means. The present invention according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein a difference between the set value extracted by the set value extracting means and the tested set value is taken, and the test data is generated based on the difference. The information processing device described. When the setting value extracted by the setting value extracting means includes user account information for accessing a specific server, the test data generating means rewrites the access destination server from the specific server to a test server. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the user account information is rewritten into test account information. When the set value extracted by the set value extracting means includes a designation of image data to be transmitted to an external device, the test data generating means transmits dummy data equivalent to the amount of the image data in the test data. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the information processing apparatus is specified. The test data generation means manages test item information in which application functions and test items are associated in advance, and identifies test items corresponding to the second application function based on the test item information. 3 to 9, wherein the test data is generated based on the set value corresponding to the specified test item from the plurality of set values extracted by the set value extracting means. The information processing device according to any one. The operation confirmation means is connected via a network when the test data is input to the second application and each of the second application and the application cooperation means normally operates under the above conditions. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the information processing device of the above is notified that the operation check is unnecessary. The update means according to claim 1 to 11, wherein when the operation confirmation means confirms that the application cooperation means does not operate normally under the conditions, the update means returns the application program to the state before the update. The information processing device according to any one. The operation confirmation means is characterized in that when it is confirmed that each of the second application and the application cooperation means does not operate normally under the above conditions, the user is notified to urge the user to change the conditions. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
A printing means that outputs prints based on the print data specified by the application cooperation means, and
An image processing device equipped with
When the second application has a function of causing the printing means to perform print output via the application cooperation means, the operation checking means inputs the test data to the second application and said the above. An image processing apparatus characterized in that the printing means performs test printing via an application cooperation means. The operation checking means causes the printing means to perform test printing, then notifies a specific user that the test printing has been performed, and based on the instruction from the user, the second application and the application. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising determining whether or not each of the cooperation means is operating normally. A billing means that performs billing processing when print output is performed by the printing means,
With more
The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the operation checking means does not cause the charging means to perform a charging process when the printing means performs test printing. The image according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the operation checking means prints information indicating that the test printing is performed at a predetermined position on the sheet when the printing means performs test printing. Processing equipment. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
A printing means that outputs prints based on the print data specified by the application cooperation means, and
An image processing device equipped with
When the second application has a function of causing the printing means to perform print output via the application cooperation means, the operation checking means inputs the test data to the second application and said the above. When operating the application cooperation means, the image processing is characterized in that the printing means does not perform test printing, the application cooperation means generates an output image image, and the output image image is output to a predetermined output destination. apparatus. Display means for displaying images and
Operation input means that accepts user operations and
With more
In the operation confirmation means, the output image image is displayed by the display means on the application cooperation means, and each of the second application and the application cooperation means is based on the information input to the operation input means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein it is determined whether or not the image processing device is operating normally. The operation confirmation means causes the application cooperation means to output the output image image to a predetermined external device, and each of the second application and the application cooperation means is normal based on the information received from the external device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein it is determined whether or not the image processing apparatus is operating. Further equipped with image analysis means for analyzing images
The operation confirmation means causes the application cooperation means to output the output image image to the image analysis means, and each of the second application and the application cooperation means normally operates based on the analysis result in the image analysis means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein it is determined whether or not the image processing device is used. A storage means for storing application programs
An application launching means for launching a first application by executing the application program stored in the storage means, and
When the first application is started by the application starting means, the set value specified by the first application is reflected and the set value is reflected under predetermined conditions. With the application cooperation means for executing the process specified by the first application in
A history recording means that records the set value as history information as the process is executed by the application cooperation means, and
A program executed in an information processing device including the information processing device.
An update step of acquiring the update program of the application program and updating the application program by executing the update program, and
When the application program is updated by the update step, a test data acquisition step for acquiring test data generated based on the set value recorded in the history information, and a test data acquisition step.
When the application program is updated by the update step, the second application is started by causing the application starting means to execute the application program, and the test data is input to the second application to perform the second application. An operation confirmation step for verifying whether or not each of the two applications and the application cooperation means operates normally under the above conditions, and an operation confirmation step.
A program characterized by executing.

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