JP4381839B2 - Electronic device, remote management system thereof, log management method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote management system including an electronic apparatus such as an image forming apparatus, a management apparatus that remotely manages the electronic apparatus via a network, a log management method in the electronic apparatus, and the electronic apparatus. The present invention relates to a program for realizing a function necessary for a computer for controlling the function (function related to the present invention).

  Conventionally, image processing devices such as printers, facsimile (FAX) devices, digital copiers, scanner devices, digital multifunction peripherals with communication functions, network home appliances, vending machines, medical equipment, power supply devices, air conditioning systems, An electronic device (communication device) that has a communication function (communication means) in a metering system for gas, water, electricity, etc. is a managed device, and the management device of the service center (management center) is a network such as a public line or the Internet. A remote management system for remotely managing these managed devices via the network has been proposed.

Alternatively, if the managed device does not have a communication function, or if the managed device does not have a function for communicating with the management device even if it has a communication function, the managed device communicates with the management device. There has also been proposed a remote management system in which an intermediary device having a possible communication function is connected via a network, and the management device remotely manages the managed device via the network and the intermediary device.
Here, for example, the managed apparatus is an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus will be briefly described.
An image forming apparatus generally includes a printer engine that forms an image on plain paper using a known photoreceptor electrostatic process. From the printer engine of a mechanism that performs such a photoreceptor electrostatic process. Has a high rate of trouble (abnormality), and has a maintenance management service system because of the need for periodic overhaul to maintain performance.

  For the purpose of enhancing the maintenance management, as a remote management system for the image forming apparatus, a communication means is provided inside or outside the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus and the management apparatus installed in the service center are connected to a public line (telephone line). ), And when a predetermined event such as a self-diagnostic error or warning (thing that requires preventive maintenance such as reaching the sensor standard level) occurs in the printer engine of the image forming apparatus Has already been developed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1), in which event information and the like are detected by an event detection unit including a sensor and the like, and event information that informs the occurrence of the event is transmitted to a management device (external device) by a communication unit. It is commercially available. As the transmission of event information to the management device, there are a service man call that is a report of self-diagnosis abnormality information due to the occurrence of a self-diagnosis abnormality, and an alarm call (for example, a supply call) that is a report of warning information due to the occurrence of a warning.

Incidentally, in such an electronic apparatus such as an image forming apparatus, generally, a storage means (recording medium such as a hard disk) is recorded as a log (history information) such as a program execution status and processing contents (for example, contents related to FAX transmission / reception). ) In a predetermined storage area set in advance (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
In the remote management system for an image forming apparatus as described above, whether a device user (for example, a user who uses the image forming apparatus) has taken out confidential information in the image forming apparatus by a device manager such as a serviceman. The image forming apparatus is provided with a log storage function so that the apparatus administrator can confirm the above or analyze the operation of the image forming apparatus.
JP 2002-6669 A JP 2001-45204 A

  However, the image forming apparatus used in the image forming apparatus remote management system as described above includes a plurality of processing execution units, and among them, from any of the plurality of processing execution units that require log management. Each time there is a predetermined notification (notification of occurrence of a predetermined event such as abnormality or notification of processing result), a log related to each notification is sequentially created (generated), and each log is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage means. Writes sequentially and overwrites the oldest log when the specified storage area is full (log write control). Are overwritten one after another, and logs related to important notifications disappear before being confirmed by the device user or device administrator There was a problem.

In addition, when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, the device user performs work for eliminating the abnormality as necessary, and refers to the past log at that time.
For example, even if an abnormality occurs, the image forming apparatus can resolve the abnormality depending on the type of abnormality, so that information (abnormality information) that informs the occurrence of the abnormality is reported to the management device of the service center ( Do not send). However, as a result of referring to the past log, the device user can confirm that the abnormality that has occurred this time has occurred many times in the past. It is conceivable to contact a “center operator”. Whether or not this communication is necessary is determined based on a result of referring to a past log, and therefore a log relating to abnormality needs to be stored in the storage unit.

On the other hand, when the abnormality information is received from the image forming apparatus on the device user side, the service center management device displays the abnormality information on the display unit to notify the center operator.
If the center operator can confirm that an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus as the report source by looking at the content of the abnormality information, the center operator can call the corresponding device user to instruct how to resolve the abnormality, or Contact the station and arrange for a service person. At this time, which work is to be performed is determined, for example, by calling the corresponding device user and confirming the abnormality occurrence status and past logs. Therefore, a log relating to abnormality needs to be stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus.

Here, operations including log storage processing by the image forming apparatus in the above-described image forming apparatus remote management system will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 are diagrams showing different examples of communication sequences during operation including log storage processing by the image forming apparatus in the conventional image forming apparatus remote management system. Note that FIG. 34 shows an example when a line adapter (mediation device) is used, and FIG. 35 shows an example when no line adapter is used.
First, processing including log storage processing by the image forming apparatus when a line adapter is used will be described with reference to FIG.

The image forming apparatus includes various hardware resources including a plotter engine and an operation panel, and a plurality of CPUs (processing execution means) that realize predetermined functions by operating the hardware resources, for example, a plotter engine. The controlling CPU monitors the state of the plotter engine using a sensor, and when a toner near end occurs as a warning (when the amount of toner in the toner bottle as a toner supply falls below a predetermined amount), the toner near end is It detects and notifies the CPU (processing execution means) in the controller that the toner near end has occurred.
When the CPU in the controller receives notification from the plotter engine that the toner near end has occurred, the CPU determines that the toner near end has occurred in the plotter engine, and notifies the toner supply call (toner near end occurrence, that is, the order of the toner bottle). A message for automatic notification of toner supply call information) is transmitted (sent) to the line adapter.

When the line adapter receives a toner supply call message from the controller, the line adapter makes a toner supply call to the management device of the service center via the public line. In other words, the toner supply call information (warning information) for notifying the order of the toner bottle is automatically notified to the service center management apparatus via the public line.
The service center management device receives the toner supply call information notified from the line adapter installed on the device user side, and when the reception ends normally, that fact (the processing for the toner supply call is successful). ) Is sent to the call source line adapter via the public line.

Further, the received toner supply call information is stored in a queue (for example, a database in the hard disk device), and is queued (held) until a corresponding process is performed by the center operator, that is, a toner bottle order receiving operation is performed.
Further, the received toner supply call information is displayed on the display unit to notify the center operator.
When the center operator sees the display content of the display unit of the management apparatus and recognizes that a toner near end has occurred in the plotter engine of the image forming apparatus connected to the reporting source line adapter and the toner bottle has been ordered, For example, a service person is arranged to deliver the toner bottle to the place where the reporting line adapter is installed.

As a result of the toner supply call to the management device in the service center (transmission result of toner supply call information), the call source line adapter indicates that the call OK (toner supply call information reception has been normally completed) from the management device. When the transmission result is received, the call OK is notified to the controller of the image forming apparatus.
When the CPU in the controller of the image forming apparatus receives a call OK notification from the line adapter, the CPU determines that the toner supply call to the management apparatus has been normally completed (successful) and relates to the notification that the toner near-end has occurred. As a log, a toner supply call end log (including current time information) indicating that the toner supply call has ended normally is created and stored in a predetermined storage area of storage means (a recording medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk). Write to a log storage area. At this time, if there is no space in the log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.

If the call source line adapter fails to receive the call OK from the management device even after a predetermined time has elapsed as a result of the toner supply call to the management device of the service center, the call NG is issued. Notify the controller of the image forming apparatus.
When the CPU of the controller of the image forming apparatus receives a call NG from the line adapter, it determines that the toner supply call to the management apparatus has ended abnormally (failed), and as a log related to notification that a toner near end has occurred, A toner supply call end log (including current time information) indicating that the toner supply call has ended abnormally is created and written in the log storage area of the storage means. At this time, if there is no space in the log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.

When SC_B occurs as an abnormality, the CPU that controls any hardware resource (other than the controller) detects SC_B by a sensor and notifies the controller that SC_B has occurred (abnormality).
“SC” means a service man call, and there are a plurality of types. Here, the SC of type A is SC_A (SC (A)), and the SC of type B is SC_B (SC (B)). The call type will be described in the embodiment.
When the CPU of the controller receives a notification that SC_B has occurred from any hardware resource, it determines that SC_B has occurred in the corresponding hardware resource, and the SC_B call that is a log related to the notification that SC_B has occurred A log (including current time information) is created and written in the log storage area of the storage means. At this time, if there is no space in the log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.
Similarly, when a notification that SC_A has occurred is received from any of the hardware resources, it is determined that SC_A has occurred in the corresponding hardware resource, and processing similar to that for SC_B is performed thereafter.

Next, processing including log storage processing by the image forming apparatus when the line adapter is not used will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus of this example has a function as a line adapter.
When the CPU in the controller of the image forming apparatus receives a notification from the plotter engine that a toner near end has occurred, the CPU determines that a toner near end has occurred in the plotter engine, and notifies the service center management device via the public line. Make a toner supply call. In other words, the toner supply call information (warning information) for notifying the order of the toner bottle is automatically notified (automatically transmitted) to the management device of the service center via the public line.

The management device of the service center receives the toner supply call information notified from the image forming apparatus installed on the device user side. When the reception ends normally, the call result OK is sent via the public line. It is transmitted to the image forming apparatus that is the reporting source.
The reporting image forming apparatus, after making a toner supply call to the service center management apparatus, as a log related to a notification that a toner near end has occurred, shows a center indicating that the toner supply call has been made to the service center. Create a notification log (including current time information) and write it to the log storage area of the storage means. At this time, if there is no space in the log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.

  Further, when a call OK is received from the management device as a result of the toner supply call to the management device of the service center, it is determined that the toner supply call to the management device is successful, and a log relating to a notification that a toner near-end has occurred As a result, a toner supply call end log (including current time information) indicating that the toner supply call has ended normally is created and written in the log storage area of the storage means. At this time, if there is no space in the log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.

  If the image forming apparatus as a report source fails to receive the call OK from the management apparatus even after a predetermined time has passed as a result of the toner supply call to the management apparatus of the service center, Toner supply call end log (including current time information) indicating that the toner supply call has ended abnormally as a log regarding notification that the toner supply call to the management apparatus has failed and toner near-end has occurred Is written in the log storage area of the storage means. At this time, if there is no space in the log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.

On the other hand, the CPU in the controller of the image forming apparatus performs time management using a timer (not shown), and periodically sends inquiry information (polling information) on the presence / absence of a transmission request via a public line. Automatically report to. This is called polling.
After this polling, a polling log (including current time information) indicating that the service center has been polled is created as a log relating to the polling, and is written in the log storage area of the storage means. At this time, if there is no space in the log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.
Thereafter, upon receiving a notification that SC_A or SC_B has occurred from any hardware resource, the same processing as described above is performed.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of log storage processing by the image forming apparatus in the conventional image forming apparatus remote management system.
FIG. 37 is a memory map diagram for explaining log storage processing by the image forming apparatus in the conventional image forming apparatus remote management system.
The CPU in the controller of the image forming apparatus starts the processing of FIG. 36 upon notification from any hardware resource or the like, and first refers to the content (value) of the log storage area designation information set in advance in step S101. Then, the log storage area in the storage unit is determined by acquiring the start address of the log storage area in the storage unit, and the log storage area number n is preset in step S102 (according to the program stored in the ROM or the like). ) Compare with the log storable number (maximum value) and determine whether or not the log storable area number n has reached the log storable number.

If the log storage area number n has not reached the log storable number, the log storage area number n is incremented (n = n + 1) in step S103, and the log related to the notification is created and stored in step S104. Write and save in the designated area by area number n.
When the log storage area number n reaches the number of logs that can be stored, that is, when the log storage area is full, the log storage area number n is initialized (n = 1) in step S105, and the above-described operation is performed in step S104. A log related to the notification is created and written and saved in a designated area by log storage area number n. At this time, since the log storage area number n is “1” and the oldest log is stored in the designated area by the log storage area number “1”, the latest log related to the notification is overwritten on the log. It will be.

  In this way, according to the log storage processing described with reference to FIGS. 34 to 36, each time there is a predetermined notification from any of the CPUs (processing execution means) of a plurality of hardware resources that require log management, For example, as shown in FIG. 37, logs related to notification are sequentially written in the log storage area (predetermined storage area) of the storage means, and when the log storage area is full, the oldest log is overwritten (log) As a result of notifications that occur due to frequent processing such as polling, logs in the log storage area are overwritten one after another, and logs related to important notifications are stored in the device user or device administrator. There was a problem of disappearing before being confirmed by.

Next, an operation for log acquisition and log acquisition processing by the image forming apparatus in the above-described image forming apparatus remote management system will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
38 and 39 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an operation procedure for log acquisition by an operation panel of a conventional image forming apparatus.
When the log display key 2001 on the touch panel of the operation panel is touched (pressed), for example, the CPU of the image forming apparatus can store a plurality of logs (in this example, the latest 10 logs) stored in the log storage area. ), “1” key 2002a, “2” key 2002b, “3” key 2002c,..., “10” key 2002j are displayed on the touch panel.

Thereafter, for example, when the “1” key 2002a is touched, the log corresponding to the “1” key 2002a is read from the log storage area of the storage means on the log display area 2003, and the log is displayed as shown in FIG. It is displayed in area 2003.
When the “2” key 2002a is touched, the log corresponding to the “2” key 2002a is read from the log storage area of the storage means on the log display area 2003, and the log is displayed in the log display area as shown in FIG. 2003 is displayed.
In this case, as described above, if there is no space in the log storage area of the storage means, the newly generated latest log (newest log) is overwritten with the oldest log (oldest log). If the old log is an important log, it cannot be confirmed. Even if important logs are not erased by overwriting the latest log, various logs are mixed and stored in the log storage area, so the device user or device administrator can read out important logs immediately. It is difficult to confirm.

40 and 41 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an operation procedure for log acquisition by an external apparatus that can communicate with a conventional image forming apparatus.
The CPU of the image forming apparatus may be a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “personal computer”) or a workstation such as a workstation that can communicate via a network such as the Internet using a web browser. 40, the log acquisition key 2010 on the display unit shown in FIG. 40 is selected by a keyboard or a pointing device (such as a mouse), so that there is a log acquisition request from the web device. Logs stored in the area (the latest two logs in this example) are read from the log storage area of the storage means, and the logs are displayed on the display unit as shown in FIG.

  In this case, if there is no space in the log storage area of the storage means, the newest newly generated log is overwritten on the oldest log, so if the oldest log is important, check it It is not possible. Even when important logs are not erased by overwriting the latest log, various logs are mixed and stored in the log storage area, so the device user or device administrator can read out the important logs immediately. It is difficult to confirm.

Therefore, it is conceivable to transmit all the logs stored in the log storage area to the management device of the service center. However, since the number of installed image forming apparatuses or intermediary apparatuses (line adapters) that perform the transmission is quite large, Preserving all frequently sent logs is very difficult from a technical and cost standpoint.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a device user or device administrator does not increase the cost of a log related to an important notification generated (created) by an electronic device such as an image forming device. The purpose is to enable easy and reliable confirmation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an electronic device, a remote management system thereof, a log management method for the electronic device, and a program for realizing functions necessary for a computer that controls the electronic device. To do.

In the electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is a notification that one of a plurality of types of abnormalities has occurred from any of a storage unit that stores and saves information and a plurality of processing execution units that require log management. If any of the cases, or among a plurality of types of events including abnormal and warnings there was a notification to the effect that occurs, a log generation means for generating respectively a log relating to the notification is generated by said means An electronic apparatus having a log writing control unit that writes a log to a predetermined storage area of the storage unit and overwrites the oldest log when the predetermined storage area is full, and is generated by the log generation unit that the predetermined storage area as a log can be saved grouped in a plurality has management information for managing a plurality of divided regions, the on the basis of the management information x A region managing means for specifying a write destination of the divided region of the log (selection) generated by the generating means, when there is a log acquisition request is stored in the divided region of the logging destination instructed by the log acquisition request Log acquisition means for acquiring a log that is stored, and log output means for outputting the log acquired by the means to the output destination specified by the log acquisition request, and generating the management information by the log generation means The log write control means includes the log of the divided area designated by the area management means, and includes the log storable number that is the number that can be saved in the plurality of divided areas. It has a judging means for judging whether or not the number of saved logs has reached the corresponding log storable number. If the log storage count of the divided area does not reach the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation means is written to the divided area, and the log of the divided area designated by the area management means is written. When the log storage number reaches the corresponding log storable number, the oldest log stored in the divided area is overwritten with the log generated by the log generation unit .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the area management unit is configured to cause the log generation unit to include the log based on the management information when the log generation unit generates the log for the first time . Means for determining the plurality of divided areas for storing the generated logs by grouping , and designating a divided area to which the log generated by the log generating means is written according to a determination result by the means It is a means to do.
An electronic device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the output destination is an operating means having a display unit for displaying information.
An electronic device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the output destination is a printing means for printing information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device according to the first or second aspect, further comprising communication means for communicating with an external device, wherein the log output means has an output destination designated by the log acquisition request as the external device. In this case, the log acquired by the log acquisition unit is transmitted by the communication unit to the external device.
An electronic device according to a sixth aspect of the invention is the electronic device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the communication means includes means for converting a log to be transmitted to the external device into a structured language format.

A remote management system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a remote management system in which a plurality of electronic devices are remotely managed by a management device via a network, and each of the plurality of electronic devices communicates with the management device. , When there is a notification that any of a plurality of types of abnormality has occurred from any of a storage unit for storing and storing information and a plurality of processing execution units that require log management , or includes an abnormality and a warning If any of the plurality of types of events there is a notification to the effect that occurs, a log generation means for generating respective logs of the notification, the logs generated by the unit in a predetermined storage area of the memory means Log write control means for overwriting the oldest log when the predetermined storage area is full, and a log generated by the log generation means The predetermined memory area to be able to store loops divided in a plurality has management information for managing a plurality of divided regions, write the log generated by the log generation means based on said management information An area management unit for designating a divided area, a log acquisition unit for acquiring a log stored in a log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request when there is a log acquisition request, and the log Log transmission means for adding the identification information to the log acquired by the log acquisition means and transmitting to the management apparatus by the communication means when the output destination instructed by the acquisition request is the external device; Log storage that is the number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by dividing the log generated by the log generation means into the group. The log writing control means has a judging means for judging whether or not the log storage number of the divided area designated by the area management means has reached a corresponding log storable number, As a result of the determination by the determination means, if the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management means does not reach the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation means in the divided area When the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management means reaches the corresponding log storable number, the oldest log stored in the divided area is generated by the log generation means. This is a means of overwriting the log .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote management system according to the seventh aspect, wherein in the remote management system according to the seventh aspect , each of the plurality of electronic devices is provided with an operation unit having an operation switch for log acquisition request. When there is a log acquisition request from the means, the log is stored in the log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request.
A remote management system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the remote management system according to the seventh aspect, wherein when the log acquisition request is issued from the management device, the log acquisition unit is instructed by the log acquisition request. This is a means for obtaining a log stored in the divided area.

A remote management system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a remote management system in which a plurality of electronic devices are remotely managed by a management device via a network and a plurality of intermediary devices, and information is stored and stored in each of the plurality of electronic devices. Storage means and a plurality of processing execution means that require log management to notify that any of a plurality of types of abnormalities has occurred, or a plurality of types of events including abnormalities and warnings If any of the out there was a notification of the occurrence, the write and the log generating means for generating respective logs of the notification, the logs generated by the unit in a predetermined storage area of the memory means, the predetermined storage Log write control means that overwrites the oldest log when there is no more space in the area and the log generated by the log generation means are grouped The predetermined memory area to be able to store Te is divided into a plurality has management information for managing the plurality of divided regions, the divided region of write destination of logs generated by the log generation means based on said management information The area management means for specifying the log, the log acquisition means for acquiring the log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request when there is a log acquisition request, and the log acquisition request When the instructed log output destination is the management apparatus, log sending means for adding the identification information to the log acquired by the log acquisition means and sending the log to the mediation apparatus connected to the log is provided. Each of the plurality of intermediary devices adds communication information for communicating with the management device and the log sent from the electronic device connected to the plurality of mediation devices, and adds the identification information to It provided a log transmission means for transmitting to said management apparatus by means log store the management information, the number that can be stored respectively to the plurality of divided regions of logs generated by the grouping by the log generating means The log writing control means has a judging means for judging whether or not the log storage number of the divided area designated by the area management means has reached the corresponding log storage possible number, As a result of the determination by the determination means, if the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management means does not reach the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation means in the divided area When the number of log saves in the divided area designated by the area management means reaches the corresponding log storable number, the log is saved in the divided area. The oldest log is a means for overwriting the log generated by the log generation means .

The remote management system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the remote management system according to the tenth aspect , wherein each of the plurality of electronic devices is provided with operation means having an operation switch for log acquisition request, and the log acquisition means When there is a log acquisition request from the means, the log is stored in the log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request.
A remote management system according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is the remote management system according to the tenth aspect, wherein when the log acquisition request is received from the management device via a mediation device connected to itself, This is means for acquiring a log stored in a log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request.

In the log management method according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a notification that any one of a plurality of types of abnormalities has occurred from any one of a storage unit that stores and saves information and a plurality of processing execution units that require log management. If the case there, or any of a plurality of types of events including abnormal and warnings had notification of the occurrence, the log management in an electronic device having a log generation means for generating respective logs of the notification A method of dividing the predetermined storage area into a plurality of divisions and managing the plurality of divided areas respectively so that the logs generated by the log generation means can be grouped and saved. has a management information including the number log storable number is possible, specify the divided region of write destination of logs generated by the log generation means based on said management information , The number stored in the log divided regions the specified to determine whether it has reached the log storable number corresponding, if it does not reach the corresponding log storable number of the logs to the divided regions specified above When the log generated by the generation unit is written and the corresponding log storable number is reached, the oldest log stored in the specified divided area is overwritten with the log generated by the log generation unit. When there is a log acquisition request, after acquiring the log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request, the log is output to the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request To do.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a log management method comprising: an operation switch for log acquisition request; an operation unit having a display unit for displaying information; a storage unit for storing and storing information; and a plurality of process execution units that require log management When there is a notification that one of multiple types of abnormalities has occurred from any of the above, or when there is a notification that one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred , a log management method in an electronic device having a log generation means for generating respective logs of the notification, the predetermined storage area as a log can be saved by grouping the plurality generated by the log generating means divided and has a management information including a log can be saved numbers respectively number that can be stored in the plurality of divided regions for managing a plurality of divided regions, to the management information Specifies the divided region of write destination of logs generated by the log generation means Zui, the number stored in the log divided regions the specified to determine whether it has reached the log storable number corresponding the corresponding If the number of logs that can be saved has not been reached, the log generated by the log generation means is written to the specified divided area, and if the corresponding number of logs that can be saved is reached, the log is saved in the specified divided area. When the log generated by the log generation unit is overwritten on the oldest log that has been generated , and there is a log acquisition request from the operation display unit, and the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the operation display unit After acquiring the log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request, the log is output to the operation means and displayed on the display unit. It is intended.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a log management method comprising: an operation unit having an operation switch for log acquisition request; a print unit for printing information; a storage unit for storing and storing information; and executing a plurality of processes requiring log management When there is a notification that one of multiple types of abnormalities has occurred from any of the means , or when there is a notification that one of multiple types of events including abnormalities or warnings has occurred a plurality a log management method in an electronic device, the predetermined storage area can be saved by grouping log generated by the log generating means and a log generation means for generating respective logs of the notification split has a management information including a log storable number respectively number that can be stored in the plurality of divided regions for managing a plurality of divided regions, to the management information Specifies the divided region of write destination of logs generated by the log generation means Zui, the number stored in the log divided regions the specified to determine whether it has reached the log storable number corresponding the corresponding If the number of logs that can be saved has not been reached, the log generated by the log generation means is written to the specified divided area, and if the corresponding number of logs that can be saved is reached, the log is saved in the specified divided area. The log generated by the log generating unit is overwritten on the oldest log that has been recorded, and there is a log acquisition request from the operation unit, and the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the printing unit. After acquiring the log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request, the log is output to the printing means and printed on paper.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a log management method comprising: an operation unit having an operation switch for log acquisition request; a communication unit that communicates with an external device; a storage unit that stores and saves information; and a plurality of processes that require log management When there is a notification from one of the execution means that one of multiple types of abnormalities has occurred, or there is a notification that one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred when, a log management method in an electronic device having a log generation means for generating respective logs of the notification, the predetermined storage area can be saved by grouping log generated by the log generating means is divided into a plurality has a management information including a log can be saved numbers respectively number that can be stored in the plurality of divided regions for managing a plurality of divided regions, the management information It is determined whether the designated divided region of write destination of logs generated by the log generation means, whether the number stored in the log divided regions the designated reaches the log storable number corresponding based on the corresponding If the number of logs that can be saved has not been reached, the log generated by the log generation means is written to the specified divided area, and if the corresponding number of logs that can be saved is reached, the specified divided area is written. Overwrite the log generated by the log generation unit to the oldest stored log, and there is a log acquisition request from the operation unit, and the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the external device, After acquiring the log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request, the log is transmitted to the external device by the communication means. It is.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a log management method comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an external device; a storage unit that stores and saves information; and a plurality of processing execution units that require log management . Log generation that generates a log for each notification when there is a notification that one of them has occurred or when there is a notification that one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred A log management method in an electronic apparatus comprising: means for managing the plurality of divided areas by dividing the predetermined storage area into a plurality of groups so that the logs generated by the log generation means can be grouped and stored has a management information to the plurality of divided regions, including a log storable number is the number that can be stored, respectively, b generated by the log generation means based on said management information Of specifying the write destination of the divided regions, the number stored in the log divided regions the specified to determine whether it has reached the log storable number corresponding, if it does not reach the corresponding log storable number The log generation means writes the log generated by the log generation means in the designated divided area, and when the corresponding log storable number is reached, the log generation means is added to the oldest log saved in the designated divided area. When the log acquisition request is received from the external device and the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the external device, the log acquisition destination of the log acquisition destination instructed by the log acquisition request is overwritten. After acquiring the log stored in the divided area, the log is transmitted to the external device by the communication means.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling an electronic apparatus having a storage unit for storing and storing information, from any one of a plurality of processing execution functions requiring log management to any one of a plurality of types of abnormalities. If the case was a notification of the occurrence, or any of a plurality of types of events including abnormal and warnings had notification of the occurrence, the log generation function of generating respective logs of the notification, The log generation means has management information for managing the plurality of divided areas by dividing the predetermined storage area so that the logs generated by the function can be grouped and stored, and based on the management information generating a space management feature that specifies the writing destination of the divided region of logs generated by the log generation function in the specified split region by the function by Log write control function that overwrites the oldest log when there is no space in the divided area, and the log acquisition destination that is instructed by the log acquisition request when there is a log acquisition request A program for realizing a log acquisition function for acquiring a log stored in an area and a log output function for outputting a log acquired by the function to an output destination designated by the log acquisition request , The management information includes a log storable number that is a number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by dividing the log generated by the log generating function into the group, and the log writing control function is A determination function for determining whether or not the log storage count of the divided area designated by the management function has reached the corresponding log storage count; As a result of the disconnection, if the log storage count of the divided area specified by the area management function has not reached the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation function is written in the divided area, When the number of logs saved in the divided area specified by the area management function reaches the number of logs that can be saved, the oldest log saved in the divided area is overwritten with the log generated by the log generation function. It is a function to do .

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for managing a log in a computer that controls an electronic device having an operation switch for log acquisition request, an operation unit having a display unit for displaying information, and a storage unit for storing and storing information. When there is a notification that one of multiple types of abnormalities has occurred from one of the required multiple process execution functions , or that one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred of when notice there is a log generation function of generating respective logs of the notification, dividing said dividing a predetermined storage area into a plurality of multiple so that it can store grouped logs generated by the function has a management information for managing the area, territory specifying the divided region of write destination of logs generated by the log generation means based on said management information A management function, a log writing control function for writing the log generated by the log generation function in the divided area specified by the function, and overwriting the oldest log when the divided area is full, and the operation When there is a log acquisition request from the means, a log acquisition function for acquiring a log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request, and a log output destination instructed by the log acquisition request Is a program for realizing a log output function for outputting the log acquired by the log acquisition function to the operation means and displaying the log on the display unit when the operation display means is used. The log generated by the log generation function is grouped and includes the number of logs that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas. The log writing control function has a determination function for determining whether or not the log storage count of the divided area specified by the area management function has reached a corresponding log storage count, and the determination function As a result of the determination by (2), if the log storage count of the divided area specified by the area management function has not reached the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation function is written in the divided area, When the number of logs saved in the divided area specified by the area management function reaches the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation function is added to the oldest log stored in the divided area. This is an overwriting function .

A program according to a twentieth aspect of the invention provides a log management program for a computer that controls an electronic device having an operation means having an operation switch for log acquisition request, a printing means for printing information, and a storage means for storing and storing information. When there is a notification that one of multiple types of abnormalities has occurred from one of multiple processing execution functions that require the error, or one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred when there is effect that the notification, the log generation function of generating respective logs of the notification, the plurality of dividing the predetermined storage area to be able to store grouped the logs generated plurality by the function has a management information for managing the divided regions, Ryo specifying a divided area of the write destination of logs generated by the log generation means based on said management information A management function, a log writing control function for writing the log generated by the log generation function in the divided area specified by the function, and overwriting the oldest log when the divided area is full, and the operation When there is a log acquisition request from the display means, a log acquisition function for acquiring a log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request, and an output destination instructed by the log acquisition request Is a program for realizing a log output function for outputting the log acquired by the log acquisition function to the printing means and printing it on paper when the printing means is the printing means, and generating the management information as the log generation Logs generated by the function are grouped into the above groups and include log storable numbers that are the numbers that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas, respectively. The log writing control function has a determination function for determining whether or not the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management function has reached the corresponding log storage count. As a result, when the number of logs stored in the divided area specified by the area management function has not reached the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation function is written in the divided area, and the area management is performed. A function to overwrite the log generated by the log generation function to the oldest log stored in the divided area when the number of log saves of the divided area specified by the function reaches the corresponding log storable number It is what .

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program stored in a computer for controlling an electronic apparatus having an operation unit having an operation switch for log acquisition request, a communication unit communicating with an external device, and a storage unit storing and storing information. When there is a notification that one of multiple types of abnormalities has occurred from one of multiple processing execution functions that require management , or one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred when there is the effect that notification, multiple by dividing the log relating to the notification and log generation function of generating respectively a plurality of the predetermined memory area can be saved by grouping the logs generated by the function has a management information for managing the divided areas, specify the divided region of write destination of logs generated by the log generation means based on said management information An area management function, a log writing control function for writing the log generated by the log generation function in the divided area specified by the function, and overwriting the oldest log when there is no more space in the divided area; When there is a log acquisition request from the operation means, a log acquisition function for acquiring a log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request, and an output destination instructed by the log acquisition request Is a program for realizing a log output function for transmitting the log acquired by the log acquisition function to the external apparatus by the communication means when the external apparatus is the external apparatus , and the management information is stored in the log generation function. Including the log storable number, which is the number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by dividing the log generated by The log writing control function has a determination function for determining whether or not the log storage count of the divided area specified by the area management function has reached the corresponding log storage capacity, As a result of the determination, when the log storage count of the divided area specified by the area management function has not reached the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation function is written in the divided area, and When the number of logs saved in the divided area specified by the area management function reaches the number of logs that can be saved, the oldest log saved in the divided area is overwritten with the log generated by the log generation function. It is a function to do.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program according to any one of a plurality of processing execution functions that require log management to a computer that controls an electronic device having a communication unit that communicates with an external device and a storage unit that stores and saves information. When there is a notification that one of multiple types of abnormalities has occurred, or when there is a notification that one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred , has a management information for managing a log generation function of generating respective logs, the predetermined storage area can be saved by grouping log generated by the function is divided into a plurality of plurality of divided areas, and space management function of specifying the divided region of write destination of logs generated by the log generation means based on said management information, divided territory specified by the function Log writing control function for overwriting the oldest log when there is no space in the divided area, and when there is a log acquisition request from the external device, When the log acquisition function that acquires the log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area specified by the log acquisition request and the output destination specified by the log acquisition request is the external device, the log acquisition function A log output function for transmitting the acquired log to the external device by the communication means , the management information, the log generated by the log generation function is grouped into the group The log storage control number is included in the area management function. Having a determination function for determining whether or not the log storage count of the specified divided area has reached a corresponding log storable number, and as a result of determination by the determination function, the division specified by the area management function If the number of logs saved in the area does not reach the corresponding number of logs that can be saved, the log generated by the log generation function is written to the divided area, and the number of logs saved in the divided area specified by the area management function Is the function of overwriting the log generated by the log generation function to the oldest log stored in the divided area .

  According to the present invention, it is possible for a device user or a device administrator to easily and surely check a log related to an important notification generated by a communication device such as an image forming device without increasing the cost.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
First, a configuration example of a remote management system in which a communication device according to the present invention is a managed device will be described.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the remote management system. Here, for convenience of explanation, an electronic device (communication device) having a communication function and managed by the management device is referred to as a “managed device”.

  This remote management system includes image processing devices such as printers, fax machines, digital copiers, digital multifunction devices, and scanners, network home appliances, vending machines, medical equipment, power supplies, air conditioning systems, This is a management system in which an electronic device (communication device) having a communication function in a metering system such as water and electricity is a managed device 10 (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f). As an external device connected to the managed device 10 (as viewed from the managed device side), an intermediary device that is a remote management mediation device connected to the managed device 10 via a network such as a LAN (local area network). 101 (101a, 101b, 101c), and a management device 102 that functions as a server device connected to the mediation device 101 via the Internet 103 (may be another network such as a public line). Each managed device 10 can be intensively managed remotely via the mediation device 101. The managed device 10 and the intermediary device 101 are installed in an office on the device user (user) side, and the management device 102 is installed in a service center (management center).

Here, in order to realize a service (NRS) remotely managed by the management apparatus 102 using a new method, an intermediary apparatus 101 in which software corresponding to NRS is installed in a network such as a LAN on the device user side, and a target device. A management device 10 is connected. The intermediary device 101 and the managed device 10 are also equipped with software corresponding to CSS in order to realize a service (CSS) that is managed remotely by the management device 102 using a conventional method. In order to realize the NRS, the mediation device 101 and the managed device 10 may be initially installed as in the case of realizing the CSS.
The public line (or dedicated line) includes an analog line, an ADSL line, a digital line (ISDN line), a fixed telephone line such as a fiber optic line, and a mobile telephone line such as a mobile phone line and a PHS line.
The connection between the mediation apparatus 101 and the managed apparatus 10 is not limited to the network, but is performed by serial connection conforming to the RS-485 standard, parallel connection conforming to the SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) standard, or the like. Also good. For example, in the case of the RS-485 standard, up to five managed devices 10 can be connected to the intermediary device 101 in series.

The intermediary device 101 and the managed device 10 have various hierarchical structures depending on the usage environment.
For example, in the installation environment A shown in FIG. 1, the intermediary device 101a capable of establishing a direct connection with the management device 102 by HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) has a simple hierarchical structure in which the managed devices 10a and 10b follow. However, since the four managed devices 10 are installed in the installation environment B shown in the figure, the load increases only by installing one intermediary device 101. Therefore, the intermediary device 101b that can establish a direct connection with the management device 102 by HTTP follows not only the managed devices 10c and 10d but also another intermediary device 101c, and the intermediary device 101c uses the managed devices 10e and 10f. Furthermore, a hierarchical structure is formed in which it can be followed. In this case, the information issued from the management device 102 for remotely managing the managed devices 10e and 10f is managed by the managed device 10e or 10f via the mediation device 101b and the mediation device 101c which is a lower node. Will be reached.

Further, as in the installation environment C, managed devices with mediation functions (hereinafter also simply referred to as “managed devices”) 11 a and 11 b in which the managed device 10 has the functions of the mediation device 101 are separately provided as mediation devices 101. You may make it connect to the management apparatus 102 by the internet 103 without going through.
Although not shown, the managed device 10 can be further connected to the lower level of the managed device 11 with a mediation function.
In each of the installation environments A, B, and C, a firewall 104 (104a, 104b, 104c) is installed in consideration of security. The firewall 104 is configured by a proxy server.
Further, an external device (such as a web device such as a personal computer) can be connected to each managed device 10 or 11 via a network.

In such a remote management system, the intermediary device 101 has an application program for control management of the managed device 10 connected thereto.
The management apparatus 102 is mounted with an application program for performing control management of each intermediary apparatus 101 and further performing control management of the managed apparatus 10 via the intermediary apparatus 101. Then, each of these nodes in this remote management system including the managed device 10 transmits a “request” which is a request for processing for a method of the application program to be implemented by RPC (remote procedure call). The “response” that is the result of the processed processing can be acquired.

That is, the intermediary device 101 or the managed device 10 connected thereto can generate a request to the management device 102 and pass it to the management device 102 to obtain a response to this request, while the management device 102 A request to the mediating apparatus 101 is generated and delivered to the mediating apparatus 101, and a response to the request can be acquired. This request includes causing the mediation device 101 to transmit various requests to the managed device 10 and obtaining a response from the managed device 10 via the mediation device 101.
In order to realize RPC, known protocols (communication standards) such as SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), HTTP, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), COM (Component Object Model), CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture), etc. , Technology, specifications, etc. can be used.

The transmission / reception data transmission / reception model is shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG.
(A) is a case where a request to the management apparatus 102 has occurred in the managed apparatus 10. In this case, the managed device 10 generates a managed device-side request “a”, and the management device 102 that has received this request via the mediation device 101 returns a response “a” to this request. A case where there are a plurality of mediation apparatuses 101 shown in the figure can also be assumed (installation environment B shown in FIG. 1). Note that (A) shows a case in which not only the response a but also a response delay notification a ′ is returned. When the management apparatus 102 receives a managed apparatus side request via the intermediary apparatus 101 and determines that the response to the request cannot be returned immediately, it notifies the response delay notification and temporarily disconnects the connection state. This is because the response to the request is delivered again at the time of the next connection.

  (B) is a case where a request for the managed device 10 has occurred in the management device 102. In this case, the management apparatus 102 generates a management apparatus side request b, and the managed apparatus 10 that has received the request via the mediation apparatus 101 returns a response b to the request. Even in the case of (B), the response delay notification b ′ is returned in the same manner as in the case of (A) when the response cannot be returned immediately.

Next, the physical configuration of the management device 102 shown in FIG. 1 will be briefly described. The management device 102 includes a control device including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, a database, a modem, a proxy server, and the like. Has been. The configuration will be described later in detail.
Further, the physical configuration of the mediation apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 1 will be briefly described. The mediation apparatus 101 is configured by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a nonvolatile memory, a network interface (NIC), and the like.
In addition, for the managed device 11 with an intermediary function, these units may be simply added to the managed device 10 in order to realize the function of the intermediary device 101, but the CPU, ROM, and RAM provided in the managed device 10 The functions of the intermediary device 101 can be realized by causing the CPU to execute appropriate applications and program modules using hardware resources such as the above.

Hereinafter, as a more specific example of the remote management system shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus remote management system which is a remote management system using an image forming apparatus which is an electronic apparatus according to the present invention as a managed apparatus will be described.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus remote management system. The managed apparatus 10 is an image forming apparatus 100, the managed function-equipped managed apparatus 11 is an image forming apparatus with a mediating function (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus). Since only the point changed to 110 (also simply referred to as “image forming apparatus”) is different from FIG. 1, description of the overall configuration of the system is omitted.
The image forming apparatus 100 is a digital multi-function peripheral having functions such as a copy, a printer, a facsimile, and a scanner, and a function for communicating with an external device, and an application program for providing a service related to these functions is installed. It is what. The image forming apparatus with a mediation function 110 is obtained by adding the functions of the mediation apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 100.

The physical configuration of such an image forming apparatus 100 (or 110) will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a physical configuration in the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller board 200, an HDD (hard disk drive) 201, an NV-RAM (nonvolatile RAM) 202, a PI (personal interface) board 203, a PHY (physical media interface) 204, An operation panel 205, a plotter / scanner engine board 206, a power supply unit 207, a finisher 208, an ADF (automatic document feeder) 209, a paper feed bank 210, and other peripheral devices 211 are provided. Each of these units is a hardware resource in the image forming apparatus 100.

  Here, the controller board 200 corresponds to a control unit, includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls each function via a PCI-BUS (Peripheral Components Interconnect-Bus) 212. The HDD 201 is a storage unit (recording medium) that stores and saves information regardless of the power supply from the power supply unit 207. The NV-RAM 202 is a nonvolatile storage means, and a nonvolatile RAM in which a backup circuit using RAM and a battery is integrated, or a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory can be used. The RAM in the controller board 200 is a volatile storage unit that stores and saves information only during power supply from the power supply unit 207.

  The PI board 203 and the PHY 204 correspond to communication means and perform communication with the outside. For example, a communication board or the like corresponds to the PI board 203 and the PHY 204. The PI board 203 has an interface conforming to the RS485 standard, and is connected to a public line via a line adapter. As described above, it is also possible to connect the image forming apparatus 100 and the mediation apparatus 101 using the PI board 203. The PHY 204 is an interface for communicating with an external device via a network such as a LAN.

  The operation panel 205 includes an operation unit (operation unit) having various operation keys (also referred to as operation switches or operation buttons) and a display unit including an LCD or CRT character display (display unit) with a touch panel. It is an operating means provided. The touch panel can display operation keys for log acquisition requests. Alternatively, an operation key for log acquisition request may be provided in the operation unit. Alternatively, the touch panel may be omitted, and various operation keys including operation keys for requesting log acquisition may be displayed on the display unit, and the key operations may be performed by operating the operation keys on the operation unit. .

  Here, ENGRDY in the figure notifies the controller board 200 that various initial settings on the engine unit (plotter engine, scanner engine) side have been completed and preparation for transmission / reception of commands with the controller board 200 is completed. Signal line. PWRCTL is a signal line for controlling power supply to the engine unit from the controller board 200 side. The operation of these signal lines will be described later.

Next, the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 (or 110) will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.
The software configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 includes an application module layer, a service module layer, and a general-purpose OS layer. The programs constituting these software are stored in the HDD 201 and the RAM on the controller board 200, read as necessary, and executed by the CPU (controller CPU) on the controller board 200. Then, the CPU executes these programs as necessary and controls the apparatus, thereby enabling each function according to the present invention (processing execution means, log generation means, log writing control means, area management means, log (Acquisition means, log output means, log transmission means, function as log transmission means) can be realized.

  The application module layer software is configured by a program for causing the controller CPU to function as a plurality of application control units that operate hardware resources to realize predetermined functions, and the service module layer software includes the controller CPU, A service that intervenes between hardware resources and each application control means, and accepts operation requests for hardware resources from a plurality of application control means, arbitrates the operation requests, and controls the execution of operations based on the operation requests. It is comprised by the program for functioning as a control means (process execution means).

Of the functions of the controller CPU, a method for realizing a function related to communication with the management apparatus 102 (function as a communication unit) differs between the image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 110. That is, since the image forming apparatus 110 has the function of the mediation apparatus 101, the function related to communication with the management apparatus 102 can be realized by executing the corresponding program by the controller CPU. In the case of the image forming apparatus 100, a function related to communication with the management apparatus 102 can be realized by executing a program corresponding to the controller CPU and using the mediation apparatus 101.
Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an event detection unit (event detection means) including a sensor for detecting a predetermined event such as an abnormality in an engine unit including a scanner engine and a plotter engine.
The intermediary device 101 has functions as communication means and log transmission means according to the present invention.

  The service module layer includes an operation control service (OCS) 300, an engine control service (ECS) 301, a memory control service (MCS) 302, a network control service (NCS) 303, a fax control service (FCS) 304, a system control service ( SCS) 306, system resource manager (SRM) 307, image memory handler (IMH) 308, delivery control service (DCS) 316, and user control service (UCS) 317 are implemented. The application module layer includes an NRS application (hereinafter simply referred to as “NRS”) 305, a CSS application (hereinafter simply referred to as “CSS”) 315, a copy application 309, a fax application 310, a printer application 311, a scanner application 312, and a net file. An application 313 and a web application 314 are installed. Furthermore, a general-purpose OS 320 is mounted on the general-purpose OS layer.

These will be described in further detail.
The OCS 300 is a module that controls the operation panel 205.
The ECS 301 is a module that controls engine units such as hardware resources.
The MCS 302 is a module that performs memory control. For example, the MCS 302 acquires and releases an image memory, uses the HDD 201, and the like.
The NCS 303 is a module that performs mediation between the network and each application program in the application module layer.
The FCS 304 is a module that performs facsimile transmission / reception, facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and the like.

The SCS 306 is a module that performs start management and end management of each application program in the application module layer according to the content of the command. The SCS 306 divides the log storage area (predetermined storage area) of the HDD 201 into a plurality of parts so that sequentially generated logs can be stored in groups, and management information (logs) for managing the plurality of divided areas (partition areas) Storage area designation information and log type storage number determination table).
The SRM 307 is a module that controls the system and manages resources.
The IMH 308 is a module that manages a memory for temporarily storing image data.
The DCS 316 is a module for transmitting / receiving an image file or the like stored in a memory on the HDD 201 or the controller board 200 using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
The UCS 317 is a module that manages user information such as destination information and address information registered by a user (device user).

Each of the NRS 305 and the CSS 315 is a module that summarizes functions related to remote management (functions related to communication with the management apparatus 102) using different methods.
The copy application 309 is an application program for realizing a copy service.
The fax application 310 is an application program for realizing a fax service.
The printer application 311 is an application program for realizing a printer service.
The scanner application 312 is an application program for realizing a scanner service.

The net file application 313 is an application program for realizing a net file service.
The web application 314 is an application program for realizing a web service.
The general-purpose OS 320 can use an operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), or Windows (registered trademark). The operating system manages the processing for executing the service module layer and application module layer programs. Here, if UNIX or Linux is used, the safety due to open source is ensured, and there are advantages such as easy source code acquisition.

Here, the operation of the above-described ENGRDY signal and PWRCTL signal will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6A shows an example of the operation of the ENGRDY signal and the PWRCTL signal when the device starts up. When the main power switch (AC-POWER-SW) is turned ON, power is supplied from the AC-POWER (AC100V) power supply unit to the power supply unit (main power supply) 207 (the AC power supply is turned ON). Then, power supply (power supply) from the power supply unit 207 to the entire apparatus including the controller board 200 is started, and at the same time, the ENGRDY signal becomes High. In this state, communication with the engine unit is not possible. This is because the initial setting on the engine unit side is not completed. Then, when the initial setting on the engine unit side is completed after a certain period of time and the ENGRDY signal becomes Low, communication with the engine unit side becomes possible.

  Next, FIG. 5B shows an example of the operation of the ENGRDY signal and the PWRCTL signal when the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode. When the power supply unit 207 is in an ON state (during power supply from the power supply unit 207 to the entire apparatus), for example, an operation of a soft power key (not shown) on the operation panel 205 is instructed to stop power supply to the engine unit that is a hard unit. Then, the PWRCTL signal is turned OFF by the controller board 200 in order to shift to the energy saving mode. At the same time, power supply from the power supply unit 207 to the engine unit is stopped. Along with this, the ENGRDY signal becomes High and shifts to the energy saving mode. Next, the case of returning from the energy saving mode is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3C shows an example of the operation of the ENGRDY signal and the PWRCTL signal when returning from the energy saving mode. When returning from the energy saving mode (B), for example, an operation to release power supply to the engine unit is instructed by operating a soft power key, and the controller board 200 turns on the PWRCTL signal. At the same time, the power supply stop from the power supply unit 207 to the engine unit is released. However, as shown in (A) above, until the initial setting on the engine unit side is completed, the ENGRDY signal is in a high state, and when the initial setting is completed, communication with the engine unit side becomes possible. Become.

Next, the internal configuration of the NRS 305 included in the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 described above will be further described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the NRS 305. As shown in the figure, the NRS 305 performs processing between the SCS 306 and the NCS 303. The web server function unit 500 performs response processing related to a request received from the outside. The request here may be a SOAP request by SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) described in XML (Extensible Markup Language) format which is a structured language, for example. The web client function unit 501 performs processing for issuing an external request. The libsoap 502 is a library that processes SOAP, and the libxml 503 is a library that processes data described in the XML format. Also, libwwww 504 is a library that processes HTTP, and libgw_ncs 505 is a library that performs processing with the NCS 303.

Next, the physical configuration of the management apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a physical configuration of the management apparatus 102.
The management device 102 includes a modem 601, a communication terminal 602, a proxy server 603, an operator terminal 604, a database 605, a control device 606, and the like.
The modem 601 manages communication with the mediating apparatus 101 or the image forming apparatus 110 on the device user side (for example, a user destination using the image forming apparatus) via a public line (not shown), and modulates and demodulates data to be transmitted and received To do. The modem 601 and a communication terminal 602, which will be described later, serve as communication means.
The communication terminal 602 controls communication by the modem 601.

The proxy server 603 performs communication (data transmission / reception) and security management with the mediation apparatus 101 or the image forming apparatus 110 on the user (device user) side via the Internet 103. The proxy server 603 also functions as a communication unit.
The operator terminal 604 is a terminal operated by a center operator who is an administrator of the service center. The operator terminal 604 accepts input of various data by an operation on an input unit such as a keyboard or a pointing device (mouse, etc.) by the center operator. Information to be notified to the operator is displayed on the display unit. The input data includes, for example, customer information such as an IP address and a telephone number (calling destination telephone number) used when the mediating apparatus 101 or the image forming apparatus 110 on each user side communicates with the management apparatus 102. .

The database 605 exists in a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk device) of a server (not shown), and the IP addresses and telephone numbers of the mediation device 101 and the image forming device 110 on each user side, and data (information) received from these devices. Various data such as data input from the operator terminal 604, a model database, a customer database, and a program according to the present invention are stored.
The control device 606 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like (not shown), and controls the entire management device 102 in an integrated manner. The CPU operates in accordance with the program (executes the program as necessary), and selectively uses the modem 601, the communication terminal 602, the proxy server 603, the operator terminal 604, or the database 605 as necessary. By doing so, various processes including log management according to the present invention can be performed.

Based on the above-described configuration, an example of a communication sequence for data transmission / reception performed in the image forming apparatus remote management system of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the processing by the SCS 306 and NRS 305 described below is actually executed by the CPU (controller CPU) of the image forming apparatus 100 operating according to those programs. However, for convenience of explanation, these programs execute the processing. It shall be. Thereafter, the same applies to the case where the program is described as performing some processing.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence for data transmission / reception performed between the management apparatus 102, the intermediary apparatus 101, and the image forming apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG.

  In this example, first, the mediation apparatus 101 polls the management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103 (inquiry whether there is a transmission request) (S601). That is, it generates a polling SOAP message with an identifier that is its own identification information (converts the polling information to the XML format that is a structured language format), and generates an HTTP message that includes it based on the SOAP message Then, it is transmitted to the management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103. As shown in FIG. 3, since the firewall 104 is provided between the mediation device 101 and the management device 102, a communication session cannot be established from the management device 102 to the mediation device 101. Even if it is desired to send a request from the mediating apparatus 101 (or the image forming apparatus 100 via the mediating apparatus 101), it is necessary to wait for polling (inquiry about whether there is a transmission request) from the mediating apparatus 101 in this way. is there. If there is no firewall 104 or if the setting is to allow communication from the outside, polling is not necessary.

  When the management apparatus 102 receives the HTTP message (HTTP request) from the mediation apparatus 101, the management apparatus 102 generates an HTTP message (HTTP response) including a SOAP message of information indicating a charging counter (counter information) acquisition request, and transmits it to the Internet 103. It is transmitted as a response to polling to the corresponding mediation apparatus 101 (source of the received SOAP message) via S (S602). At this time, the corresponding intermediary device 101 is recognized based on the identifier added to the SOAP message in the received HTTP message. In this way, if it is a response (HTTP response) to communication (HTTP request) from the inside of the firewall 104, data can be transmitted from the outside of the firewall 104 to the inside.

When the mediation device 101 receives the HTTP message from the management device 102, the mediation device 101 generates a SOAP message of information indicating a charging counter acquisition request on the packet based on the HTTP message, and is connected to itself via the network. To the NRS 305 of the existing image forming apparatus 100 (S603).
The NRS 305 notifies the SCS 306 of a charging counter acquisition request described in the SOAP message received from the mediation apparatus 101 (S604).
Upon receiving a charge counter acquisition request notification from the NRS 305, the SCS 306 reads the charge counter data stored in the NV-RAM 202 (or HDD 201) (S605). Then, the read accounting counter data (response data) is delivered to the NRS 305 (S606).

When the NRS 305 receives (acquires) billing counter data (counter information indicating the counter value) from the SCS 306, the NRS 305 generates a SOAP message of the data (converts the received data into an XML format that is a structured language format). Then, it is transmitted to the mediation apparatus 101 via the network (S607).
When the mediation device 101 receives the SOAP message of the billing counter data from the NRS 305, the mediation device 101 generates an HTTP message including the SOAP message based on the SOAP message, and transmits it to the management device 102 via the Internet 103 (S608).
Thus, data transmission / reception is performed by the communication sequence.

Next, unlike FIG. 9, an example of a communication sequence when data is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 to the management apparatus 102 via the mediation apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence when data is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 to the management apparatus 102.
In this example, the OCS 300 first notifies the SCS 306 that a user call key (not shown) on the operation panel 205 has been pressed (S701).
Upon receiving notification from the OCS 300 that the user call key has been pressed, the SCS 306 notifies the NRS 305 of a user call request (S702).

Upon receiving the user call request notification from the SCS 306, the NRS 305 generates a user call SOAP message that is user call information notifying the user call, and transmits it to the mediation apparatus 101 via the network (S703).
Upon receiving the user call SOAP message from the NRS 305, the intermediary device 101 adds an identifier, which is its own identification information, to the SOAP message, and further generates an HTTP message including it based on the SOAP message. A user call is made to the management apparatus 102 via That is, an HTTP message including a user call SOAP message with its own identifier added is reported to the management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103 (S704). In this case, since the transmission is from the inside to the outside of the firewall 104, the mediation apparatus 101 can transmit data by creating a session toward the management apparatus 102 itself.
Here, the pattern after the process of step S704 will be described separately in the following (A) to (C).

First, in (A), the management apparatus 102 receives an HTTP message including a SOAP message for a user call from the mediation apparatus 101 of the user destination, and if the reception ends normally, that fact (user call is If the call result indicating success) does not end normally (abnormally ends), an HTTP message including a SOAP message indicating the call result indicating that the user call has failed is generated. It is transmitted as a response to the intermediary device 101 as the reporting source via the Internet 103 (S705).
When the mediation apparatus 101 receives an HTTP message including a SOAP message indicating a call result from the management apparatus 102, the mediation apparatus 101 generates a SOAP message indicating the call result on the packet based on the HTTP message, and transmits it to the user call via the network. The image is transmitted to the NRS 305 of the image forming apparatus 100 whose key is pressed (S706).

When the NRS 305 receives the SOAP message indicating the call result from the mediation apparatus 101, the NRS 305 interprets (determines) the call result indicated by the SOAP message and notifies the SCS 306 of the interpretation (determination).
When the SCS 306 receives the call result, it delivers it to the OCS 300.
When the OCS 300 receives the call result from the SCS 306, the OCS 300 displays a message indicating the content, that is, whether the user call is successful or unsuccessful, on the character display on the operation panel 205 (S708).

Next, in (B), when the intermediary device 101 determines that there is no response from the management device 102 after a predetermined time (a predetermined time set in advance), a call result indicating that the user call has failed is displayed. The SOAP message shown is generated and transmitted to the NRS 305 (S709).
When the NRS 305 receives a SOAP message indicating a call result indicating failure, the NRS 305 interprets the call result indicating failure described in the SOAP message and notifies the SCS 306 of the result (S710).
When the SCS 306 receives the call result from the NRS 305, the SCS 306 delivers it to the OCS 300.

When the OCS 300 receives the call result from the SCS 306, the OCS 300 displays the content, that is, a message indicating that the user call has failed on the character display on the operation panel 205 (S711).
Next, in (C), when the NRS 305 determines that there is no response from the mediation apparatus 101 even after the specified time has elapsed, the NRS 305 notifies the SCS 306 of a call result indicating that the user call has failed (S712).
When the SCS 306 receives the call result from the NRS 305, the SCS 306 delivers it to the OCS 300.
When the OCS 300 receives the call result from the SCS 306, the OCS 300 displays the content, that is, a message indicating that the user call has failed on the character display on the operation panel 205 (S713).

  Here, in order to transmit data from the management apparatus 102 to the mediation apparatus 101 (or the image forming apparatus 100 via the mediation apparatus 101) over the firewall 104, the data is transmitted in the form of a response to the HTTP request from the mediation apparatus 101. However, the means for going beyond the firewall 104 is not limited to this example. For example, using the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), the management apparatus 102 sends a mail describing or attaching data to be transmitted. Transmission to the mediation apparatus 101 is also conceivable. However, HTTP is superior in terms of reliability.

  Here, in the image forming apparatus 100, a CPU (controller CPU) that controls each hardware resource such as the plotter engine and the operation panel 205 monitors the state of each hardware resource, and any hardware resource is abnormal. When a predetermined event occurs, the event is detected, and different processing is performed depending on the type of the event. Therefore, information serving as a reference for determining the type of event is necessary, and the example of FIG. 11 illustrates a data structure of a table indicating an example of information serving as a reference for determining the type of event. Here, “SC (Service Man Call)” corresponds to “abnormal”. As shown in the figure, the type is determined based on the detected SC. Therefore, each type will be described.

  “Type A” SCs are SCs that cannot be used (cannot be used) by displaying an SC on the operation panel 205 and cannot be canceled by the user (device user). This type A SC cannot perform “SC reset” from the management apparatus 102. For example, a fixing SC. “Type A” is restored by turning off / on the main power by turning off / on the main switch (main power switch) on the image forming apparatus 100 (device) side or by stopping / releasing the power supply to the engine unit by operating the soft power key. Can not.

“Type B” is an SC that cannot use only a specific function in which an abnormality is detected (detected). The SC display is not displayed on the operation panel 205 during normal use, but the SC display is performed on the operation panel 205 only when a function in which an abnormality is detected is selected. For example, this corresponds to the case where the duplex mode is selected when the duplex unit (duplex tray) is abnormal.
“Type C” does not display the SC on the operation panel 205 even when an abnormality occurs, and internally only logs the occurrence of the SC. For example, the case where communication becomes impossible corresponds.

“Type D” displays an SC on the operation panel 205 to prohibit the use, but the engine unit is turned off / on by turning off / on the main switch on the image forming apparatus 100 side or operating the soft power key. SC that can be canceled by stopping / releasing the power supply to. However, after the main power supply is turned on (power is turned on) or after the power supply to the engine unit is stopped / released, an abnormality may be detected again and it may not be apparently released. For example, a motor abnormality corresponds to this.
The reference information for the determination may be stored in a predetermined storage area of the NV-RAM 202 (or HDD 201) described above. It should be noted that events such as scanner engine SC and plotter engine SC are also handled as different types of events.

Next, an embodiment of the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus remote management system described above, that is, an operation (operation including log storage processing by the image forming apparatus) that is a feature of the present invention and a configuration for realizing the operation will be described. To do.
As described above, the image forming apparatus is provided with both a communication unit corresponding to a public line and a communication unit corresponding to Internet communication.

  The image forming apparatus 100 communicates with the management apparatus 102 via the mediation apparatus 101 and the Internet 103, and remote management (remote service: RS) by the CSS method that communicates with the management apparatus 102 via the mediation apparatus 101 and the public line. It is configured to be a target of remote management by the NRS method. Since the image forming apparatus 110 has the function of the mediation apparatus 101, the CSS management remote management that communicates with the management apparatus via the public line and the NRS remote management that communicates with the management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103. It is configured to be a target of.

Here, the image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 110 transmit information indicating the state of their own engine unit, or when an event that causes a notification occurs in hardware resources such as their own engine unit. As a program for notifying the management apparatus 102 of event information for notifying an event, a CSS 315 corresponding to the CSS method and an NRS 305 corresponding to the NRS method are provided.
Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an operation according to the present invention when the image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 110 use the NRS 305 will be described. The operation according to the present invention can also be performed when the image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 110 use the CSS 315.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence during operation including log storage processing according to the present invention by the image forming apparatus 100 in the image forming apparatus remote management system. Note that the processing by each application (application), SCS 306, and NRS 305 shown below is actually executed by the CPU operating according to those programs, but for the convenience of explanation, those programs execute the processing. And

In the image forming apparatus 100, when a predetermined event such as an abnormality occurs in a corresponding hardware resource or a program such as an application that requires log management is desired to be notified of the processing result, the event has occurred. The SCS 306 is notified of the fact or the processing result.
In this example, the application that controls the plotter engine first monitors the state of the plotter engine, and when a toner near-end of the toner bottle occurs in the plotter engine (the amount of toner in the toner bottle as a toner supply is below a predetermined amount) ), The toner bottle event is detected using a sensor, and the SCS 306 is notified that a toner near end has occurred.

When the SCS 306 receives a notification that a toner near end has occurred from an application that controls the plotter engine, the SCS 306 determines that a toner near end has occurred in the plotter engine, and notifies the NRS 305 of a toner supply call request. At this time, machine number information which is identification information of the image forming apparatus 100 is added to the toner supply call request.
When the NRS 305 receives the notification of the toner supply call request, the toner supply call SOAP message (the model number information added to the toner supply call request), which is toner supply call information notifying the order of the toner bottle (occurrence of toner near end), is received. Are generated) and transmitted to the intermediary device 101.

  When the mediation device 101 receives the SOAP message for the toner supply call from the NRS 305, the mediation device identifier is added to the SOAP message as its identification information, and an HTTP message is generated based on the SOAP message. Via this, a toner supply call is made to the management device 102 of the service center. In other words, an HTTP message including a SOAP message for toner supply call added with its own mediating device identifier is automatically notified (automatically transmitted) to the management device 102 of the service center via the Internet 103.

  The service center management apparatus 102 receives an HTTP message including a SOAP message for toner supply call notified from the mediating apparatus 101 on the side of any device user, and when the reception ends normally, receives the HTTP message. A call that is a call result indicating that the reception of the HTTP message has been normally completed (the processing for the toner supply call has been successful) based on the machine number information and the mediation device identifier added to the SOAP message in the received HTTP message An HTTP message including a SOAP message indicating OK is generated, and the HTTP message is transmitted via the Internet 103 to the mediating apparatus 101 that is the notification source (the mediating apparatus 101 that has transmitted the HTTP message including the SOAP message for toner supply call).

In addition, the SOAP message (toner supply call information) in the received HTTP message is stored in a queue (database 605), and is queued (held) until a corresponding process is performed by the center operator, that is, a toner bottle order receiving operation or the like is performed. .
Further, the content of the SOAP message in the received HTTP message is displayed on the display unit of the operator terminal 604 to notify the center operator.
The center operator sees the display content of the display unit of the operator terminal 604 and has confirmed that a toner near end has occurred in the plotter engine of the image forming apparatus 100 connected to the reporting intermediary apparatus 101 and the toner bottle has been ordered. Is recognized, a toner bottle ordering operation or the like is performed. For example, a service person is arranged to deliver the toner bottle to the location where the intermediary device 101 of the notification source is installed.

As a result of the toner supply call (automatic notification of an HTTP message including a SOAP message for toner supply call) to the service center management apparatus 102, the intermediary apparatus 101 receives a call OK (reception of the HTTP message is received from the management apparatus 102). When an HTTP message including a SOAP message indicating a successful call result) is received, a SOAP message indicating a call OK is generated based on the HTTP message, and image formation corresponding to the generated SOAP message (a toner near end has occurred) is generated. Transmit to the NRS 305 of the device 100.
When the NRS 305 receives the SOAP message indicating the call OK from the mediation apparatus 101, the NRS 305 notifies the SCS 306 of the call OK (the toner supply call has been normally completed).

  When the SCS 306 receives a call OK notification from the NRS 305, the SCS 306 determines that the toner supply call to the management apparatus 102 has been normally completed (successful), and the toner supply call is a log regarding the notification that the toner near-end has occurred. A toner supply call end log indicating the normal end is created and written in a supply log storage area of a log storage area which is a predetermined storage area of the HDD 201 (or other storage means such as NV-RAM 202). At this time, if there is no space in the supply log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.

Here, description contents of a log created (generated) by the SCS 306 will be described.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a log created by the SCS 306.
As can be seen from this figure, the log has its creation date and time (occurrence date and time), an abnormality (failure) or application name and source name in which communication has occurred, an error (ERROR) that occurred during log creation, a warning (WARNING), It is composed of log level such as operation (OPERATION) or information (INFORMATION), number of error lines, error code, and log function details.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the contents of a log created by the SCS 306.
As can be seen from this figure, the log in this example shows that a toner near-end has occurred (the amount of toner in the toner bottle, which is a toner supply, falls below a predetermined amount), and a toner supply call (toner notifying the order of a toner bottle) This is a log (a log related to a notification that a toner near end has occurred) created when an automatic notification of supply call information is performed. In this example, the log level is information (INFORMATION), but it may be a warning (WARNING). As logs, each type of SC (SC_A which is SC of type A, SC_B which is SC of type B, SC_C which is SC of type C, SC of type D) from programs such as applications that require log management is used. There is also a log (a log related to each notification) created when there is a notification of the occurrence of another event such as (SC_D) or a processing result.

  As a result of the toner supply call (automatic notification of an HTTP message including a SOAP message for toner supply call) to the service center management apparatus 102, the mediating apparatus 101 that is the reporting source sends a call OK (above described) from the management apparatus 102. If the HTTP message including the SOAP message indicating that the reception of the HTTP message has been successfully completed is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the call NG is indicated based on the HTTP message. A SOAP message is generated and transmitted to the NRS 305 of the corresponding image forming apparatus 100.

  Alternatively, when the intermediary device 101 as the reporting source receives an HTTP message including a SOAP message indicating a call result (call NG) indicating that the reception of the HTTP message has not ended normally, a SOAP message indicating a call NG Is transmitted to the NRS 305 of the corresponding image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the service center management apparatus 102 has received an HTTP message including a SOAP message for toner supply call notified from one of the device user side mediation apparatuses 101, and the reception has not ended normally. In this case, based on the machine number information and the mediation device identifier added to the SOAP message in the received HTTP message, the fact that the reception of the HTTP message has not been completed normally (the processing for the toner supply call has failed) The HTTP message including the SOAP message indicating the call NG that is the call result of) is generated and transmitted to the mediating apparatus 101 that is the notification source via the Internet 103.

When the NRS 305 of the corresponding image forming apparatus 100 receives the SOAP message indicating the call NG from the mediation apparatus 101, the NRS 305 notifies the SCS 306 of the call NG (that the toner supply call has not ended normally).
When the SCS 306 receives the call NG notification from the NRS 305, the SCS 306 determines that the toner supply call to the management apparatus 102 has ended abnormally (failed), and uses the toner supply call as a log regarding the notification that the toner near-end has occurred. Creates a toner supply call end log (including current time information) indicating that the process ended abnormally, and writes it in the supply log storage area of the HDD 201 log storage area. At this time, if there is no space in the supply log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.
When an SC_A (or SC_B or other SC) occurs in the corresponding hardware resource, each application that controls each hardware resource including the plotter engine detects the SC_A and notifies the SCS 306 that the SC_A has occurred. To do.

When the SCS 306 receives notification that SC_A has occurred from any of the applications that control each hardware resource, the SCS 306 determines that SC_A has occurred in that application (or hardware resource), and sends the SC_A call request. Notify NRS 305.
Upon receiving the notification of the SC_A call request, the NRS 305 generates a SOAP message for SC_A call (including the machine number information added to the SC_A call request), which is SC_A call information notifying the occurrence of SC_A, although not shown. Then, it is transmitted to the mediation apparatus 101 to make an SC_A call. Since each SC call such as the SC_A call has substantially the same processing contents as the above-described toner supply call except for the type of call, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  When the SCS 306 receives a call OK notification from the NRS 305 in response to the SC_A call request to the NRS 305, the SCS 306 determines that the SC_A call to the management apparatus 102 has ended normally, and as a log related to the notification that the SC_A has occurred, An SC_A call end log (including current time information) indicating that the SC_A call has ended normally is created and written to the corresponding SC_A storage area of the HDD 201 log storage area. At this time, if there is no space in the SC_A storage area, the oldest log is overwritten. When a call NG notification is received from the NRS 305, it is determined that the SC_A call to the management apparatus 102 has ended abnormally, and indicates that the SC_A call has ended abnormally as a log related to the notification that SC_A has occurred. An SC_A call end log is created and written into the corresponding SC_A storage area of the log storage area of the HDD 201.

  Regarding the processing performed by the SCS 306, NRS 305, and the intermediary device 101 when notification that another SC has occurred, such as SC_B, from any of the applications that control each hardware resource, the fact that SC_A has occurred is described. Since the processing contents are substantially the same except that the notification is made and the type of SC is different, detailed description thereof is omitted.

The NRS 305 uses a timer (not shown) to perform time management. Although not shown, the NRS 305 periodically shows periodic information such as a total counter value (total number of images formed) and may be used for polling. The SOAP message is generated and transmitted to the mediation apparatus 101.
Upon receiving the periodic notification SOAP message from the NRS 305, the mediation device 101 adds the mediation device identifier, which is its own identification information, to the SOAP message, and further generates an HTTP message based on the SOAP message, via the Internet 103. Then, a periodic notification is sent to the management device 102 of the service center. That is, an HTTP message including a periodic notification SOAP message with its own intermediary device identifier added is automatically transmitted to the service center management device 102 via the Internet 103.

When the periodic notification to the service center management apparatus 102 is completed, a SOAP message indicating that fact is generated and transmitted to the NRS 305 of the corresponding image forming apparatus 100.
When the NRS 305 receives a SOAP message indicating that the periodic notification has ended from the mediation apparatus 101, the NRS 305 notifies the SCS 306 that the periodic notification has ended.
When the SCS 306 receives notification from the NRS 305 that the regular notification has ended, the SCS 306 creates a regular notification log (including current time information) indicating that the regular notification has been made to the service center as a log related to the regular notification. Then, it is written in the communication log storage area of the log storage area of the HDD 201. At this time, if there is no space in the communication log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.

  Of the divided areas (divided areas) including the supply log saving area, the SC_A log saving area, the SC_B log saving area, and the communication log saving area, the log saving area designation information and the log type saving number determination table as management information are displayed. Based on this, it is possible to specify a log writing destination divided area, which will be described later.

15 and 16 are flowcharts illustrating an example of log storage processing by the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 100.
The SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 100 has notified that a predetermined event such as an abnormality has occurred or a processing result (for example, periodic notification has ended) from any of the programs including applications that require log management. In this case, the process of FIG. 15 is started, and it is first determined in step S1 whether or not the log storage area has been determined. If the log storage area has been determined, the process proceeds directly to step S3, but the log storage area has been determined. Otherwise, in step S2, log storage area determination processing is performed based on the log storage area designation information, which is management information, and the log type storage number determination table, and then the process proceeds to step S3.

Here, the log storage area determination process will be described in detail.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the log storage area determination process of FIG.
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a memory according to the present invention on the RAM of the controller board 200. As can be seen from this figure, an SC_A log storage area designation memory, an SC_B log storage area designation memory, a supply log storage area designation memory, a communication log are stored on the RAM (which may be the HDD 201 or the NV-RAM 202) of the controller board 200. An area to be used as each log storage area designation memory including the storage area designation memory is secured in advance.

  In the SC_A log storage area designation memory, the SC_A log storage area is designated as log storage area designation information for designating (selecting) the SC_A log storage area in which the SC_A call log (the log relating to the notification that SC_A has occurred) is stored. A log (SC_A log storage area number) n1 indicating the start address (start write position) of the log is used to specify the SC_B log storage area in which the SC_B call log (log related to the notification that SC_B has occurred) is stored As a storage area designation information, a number (SC_B log storage area number) n2 indicating the start address of the SC_B log storage area stores a supply log in which a log (toner supply call end log) related to a notification that a toner near end has occurred is stored Specify the log storage area to specify the area Log storage area designation information for designating a communication log storage area in which a log (periodic notification log) related to periodic notification is stored as a number (supply log storage area number) n3 indicating the start address of the supply log storage area as information As shown, a number (communication log storage area number) n4 indicating the start address of the communication log storage area is stored.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a log type storage number determination table included in the SCS 306. In the log type storage number determination table, the log storable number for each log described above is stored.
FIG. 20 is a memory map diagram for explaining log storage processing by the SCS 306.
From FIG. 20, it can be seen that each log to be generated is written in the corresponding divided area, and the oldest log is overwritten when there is no space in the divided area.

  When the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 100 starts the log storage area determination processing subroutine of FIG. 17, the log storage area designation information (number) stored in each of the storage area designation memories on the RAM shown in FIG. By referring to the start write position (start address) of the log storage area in the HDD 201 and referring to the log storable number for each log in the log type storage number determination table shown in FIG. Each divided area of the storage area (including SC_A log storage area, SC_B log storage area, supply log storage area, and communication log storage area) is determined.

At this time, the number n corresponding to the first writing position of each storage area (divided area) stored in each storage area designation memory on the RAM is initialized to “1”. For example, SC_A log storage area number n1, SC_B log respectively stored in the SC_A log storage area designation memory, SC_B log storage area designation memory, supply storage area designation memory, and communication log storage area designation memory shown in FIG. The storage area number n2, the supply log storage area number n3, and the communication log storage area number n4 are each initialized to “1”.
Therefore, it is possible to specify the log writing destination division area according to the determination result.

Returning to FIG. 15, the processing after step S3 will be described.
In step S3, it is determined whether or not the log related to notification from any of the programs including applications that require log management is a communication log (log related to periodic notification). If the log is a communication log, the communication log is determined in step S4. With reference to the contents of the storage area designation memory (communication log storage area number n4), the communication log storage area number n4 is compared with the communication log storage count (maximum value) in step S5, and communication log storage area number n4 communicates. It is determined whether or not the log storable number has been reached (“20” in the example of FIG. 19).

If the communication log storage area number n4 has not reached the communication log storable number, the communication log storage area number n4 is incremented (n4 = n4 + 1) in step S6, and a log related to the notification is created in step S7. Then, it is written and stored in the designated area by the communication log storage area number n4 in the communication log storage area.
When the communication log storage area number n4 reaches the communication log storage capacity, that is, when the communication log storage area is full, the communication log storage area number n4 is initialized (n1 = 1) in step S8. In step S6, a log related to the notification is created, and is written and stored in the designated area by the communication log storage area number n4 in the communication log storage area. At this time, since the communication log storage area number n4 is “1” and the oldest log is stored in the designated area by the communication log storage area number n4, the communication log is overwritten on the log. .

If it is determined in step S3 that the log related to the notification from any of the programs including the application that requires log management is not a communication log, the process proceeds to A in FIG. 16, and the log related to the notification is transferred to SC_A in step S9. It is determined whether the log is a related log (SC_A log). If the log is an SC_A log, the contents of the SC_A log storage area designation memory (SC_A log storage area number n1) are referred to in step S10, and the SC_A log is stored in step S11. The area number n1 is compared with the SC_A log storable number (“10” in the example of FIG. 19) to determine whether the SC_A log storable area number n1 has reached the SC_A log storable number.
If the SC_A log storage area number n1 has not reached the SC_A log storage capacity, the SC_A log storage area number n1 is incremented (n1 = n1 + 1) in step S12, and a log related to the notification is created in step S13. Then, the data is written and stored in the designated area by the SC_A log storage area number n2 in the SC_A log storage area.

  When the SC_A log storage area number n1 reaches the SC_A log storage capacity, that is, when there is no more space in the SC_A log storage area, the SC_A log storage area number n1 is initialized (n1 = 1) in step S14. In step S13, a log related to the notification is created, and is written and stored in the designated area by the SC_A log storage area number n1 in the SC_A log storage area. At this time, since the SC_A log storage area number n1 is “1” and the oldest log is stored in the area designated by the SC_A log storage area number n1, the SC_A log is overwritten on the log. .

If it is determined in step S9 that the log related to the notification from any of the programs including the application that requires log management is not the SC_A log, the log related to the notification is a supply related log (supply log) in step S15. If it is a supply log, the contents of the supply log storage area designation memory (supply log storage area number n3) are referred to in step S16, and the supply log storage area number n3 and the supply log can be stored in step S17. The number ("5" in the example of FIG. 19) is compared to determine whether or not the supply log storage area number n3 has reached the supply log storable number.
If the supply log storage area number n3 has not reached the supply log storage count, the supply log storage area number n3 is incremented (n3 = n3 + 1) in step S18, and a log related to the notification is created in step S19. Then, it is written and saved in the designated area by the supply log saving area number n3 in the supply log saving area.

When the supply log storage area number n3 reaches the supply log storage capacity, that is, when the supply log storage area is full, the supply log storage area number n3 is initialized (n3 = 1) in step S20. In step S19, a log related to the notification is created, and is written and stored in the designated area by the supply log storage area number n3 in the supply log storage area. At this time, since the supply log storage area number n3 is “1” and the oldest log is stored in the designated area by the supply log storage area number n3, the supply log is overwritten on the log. .
If it is determined in step S15 that the log related to the notification from any of the programs including the application that requires log management is not a supply log, the log related to the notification is another log such as a log related to SC_B (SC_B log). It is determined whether or not it is a log, and processing for other logs is performed according to the determination result.

As described above, the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 100 sequentially creates a log regarding each notification every time there is a notification from each of the programs including the application that requires log management. For example, as shown in FIG. , Writes sequentially to the corresponding divided area of each divided area in the log storage area (predetermined storage area) of the HDD 201, and overwrites the oldest log when the divided area is full (log writing) control).
The SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 100 also causes the NRS 305 and the intermediary apparatus 101 to transmit the log stored in a preset divided area among the divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201 to the management apparatus 102.

That is, the NRS 305 is notified of a log transmission request for transmitting a log stored in a preset divided area. At this time, machine number information that is identification information of the image forming apparatus 100 is added to the log transmission request.
Upon receiving the notification of the log transmission request, the NRS 305 generates a log transmission SOAP message (including the machine number information added to the log transmission request) indicating the contents of the log, and transmits it to the mediation apparatus 101. .
When the mediation device 101 receives the SOAP message for log transmission from the NRS 305, the mediation device identifier adds the mediation device identifier, which is its own identification information, to the SOAP message, further generates an HTTP message based on the SOAP message, and generates the HTTP message. Is automatically transmitted to the service center management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103.

The SCS 306 further includes an operation panel 205 or an external device (such as a desktop or notebook personal computer capable of communicating via a network such as the Internet 103 using the management device 102 or a web browser, a web device such as a portable terminal or a cellular phone). A divided area in which logs to be transmitted can be stored can be designated by a request from.
Of the divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201, a log stored in a preset divided area can be transferred to the OCS 300 and displayed on a character display on the operation panel 205. In this case, a divided area in which a log to be displayed can be stored can be designated by a request from the operation panel 205 or an external device.

Alternatively, a log stored in a preset divided area among the divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201 can be transferred to the printer application 311 to perform printing (image formation) on paper. In this case, a divided area where a log to be printed can be stored can be designated by a request from the operation panel 205 or an external device.
Alternatively, a log stored in a preset divided area among the divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201 may be passed to the web application 314, transmitted to an external web device, and displayed on the display unit. it can. In this case, a divided area in which a log to be transmitted can be stored can be designated by a request from the operation panel 205 or the web device.

  In the first embodiment, the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 100 can divide the log storage area of the HDD 201 into a plurality of types and divide the log storage area into a plurality of types so that the sequentially created logs can be grouped and stored according to the types. Has management information (log storage area specification information and log type storage number determination table) for managing the split area, and specifies the log write destination split area based on the management information (however, there are no logs yet) When the log is to be stored in the HDD 201 that is not stored, that is, when the log is created for the first time, each divided area of each log storage area is determined based on the management information), but the following (a) to ( It may be as shown in c).

(A) Management information for managing a plurality of divided areas by dividing the log storage area of the HDD 201 into a plurality of importance levels so that logs to be sequentially generated can be grouped and stored according to the importance levels; Based on the management information, a log writing destination divided area is designated. For example, the SC_A log is a general SC log, the SC_B log is a critical SC log, the SC_A log storage area is a general SC log storage area, the SC_B log storage area is a critical SC log storage area, and the SC_A log is a general SC log storage area. The SC_B log is written and stored in the critical SC log storage area. Alternatively, a log not related to the maintenance fee (for example, communication log) is a general SC log, a log related to the maintenance fee (for example, supply log) is a critical SC log, and a log not related to the maintenance fee is maintained in the general SC log storage area. Logs related to charges are written and stored in the critical SC log storage area. In this case, a divided area in which a log to be transmitted, displayed, or printed can be specified by a request from the operation panel 205 or an external device.

(B) Management information for managing a plurality of divided areas by dividing the log storage area of the HDD 201 into a plurality of divisions according to the creation factors so that the logs to be sequentially created can be grouped and saved according to the creation factors, Based on the management information, a log writing destination divided area is designated.
(C) Management for managing a plurality of divided areas by dividing the log storage area of the HDD 201 into a plurality of programs for each program (processing execution means) so that the logs to be sequentially created can be stored in groups. It has information, and specifies the log write destination division area based on the management information.

According to the first embodiment, every time the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives a notification from any of the programs including an application that requires log management, the SCS 306 sequentially creates a log regarding each notification, and logs the HDD 201. When the log area in the storage area (predetermined storage area) is divided into log areas by severity, importance level, generation factor, or program, it is written to the corresponding divided area in sequence, and this is the most Even if logs in the corresponding divided area (communication log storage area) are overwritten one after another due to notifications generated by processing related to frequent communication such as periodic notifications and polling, etc., the old log is overwritten. Logs (important logs) on divided areas other than the area are not overwritten one after another.
Therefore, it becomes possible for the device user or the device manager to easily check important logs without increasing the cost.

Further, only when the log is generated for the first time, if each divided area of the log storage area of the HDD 201 is determined based on the management information, and processing for designating the divided area where the log is written is performed according to the determination result, Since it is not necessary to perform processing every time a log is generated, processing efficiency is improved.
Furthermore, the log to be managed by the management apparatus 102 by causing the NRS 305 and the mediation apparatus 101 to transmit a log stored in a preset division area among the respective divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201 to the management apparatus 102. As a result, the management efficiency is improved. If it is possible to specify a divided area in which logs to be transmitted are stored by a request from the operation panel 205 or an external device (such as the management device 102 or web device), the management device 102 can manage only the minimum necessary logs. This will lead to further improvement in management efficiency.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence during operation including log storage processing according to the present invention by the image forming apparatus 110 in this image forming apparatus remote management system. The image forming apparatus 110 is obtained by adding the function of the mediation apparatus 101 to the function of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the configuration (hardware configuration and software configuration) of the image forming apparatus 110 is obtained by adding the configuration of the mediation apparatus 101 to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the drawings such as FIGS. 4 and 5 are also used again. .

In the image forming apparatus 110, when a program such as an application that requires log management has caused a predetermined event such as an abnormality in the corresponding hardware resource or wants to notify a processing result or the like, the event has occurred. The SCS 306 is notified of the fact or the processing result.
In this example, an application that controls a plotter engine first monitors the state of the plotter engine, and when a toner bottle toner near-end occurs in the plotter engine, the toner bottle event is detected using a sensor, and the toner near-end is detected. Is notified to the SCS 306.

When the SCS 306 receives a notification that a toner near-end has occurred from an application that controls the plotter engine, the SCS 306 determines that a toner near-end has occurred in the plotter engine, as in the first embodiment, and sends a toner supply call request to the NRS 305. To notify.
When the NRS 305 receives the toner supply call request notification, the NRS 305 receives a toner bottle call order (occurrence of toner near-end) and toner supply call SOAP message (machine number information added to the toner supply call request). And an HTTP message based on the SOAP message, and then a toner supply call is made to the service center management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103. That is, an HTTP message including a SOAP message for a toner supply call is automatically notified to the service center management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103.

When the service center management apparatus 102 receives an HTTP message including a SOAP message for toner supply call notified from the image forming apparatus 110 on the device user side, the SOAP for toner supply call of the first embodiment is received. A process similar to the process at the time of reception of the HTTP message including the message is performed, and the HTTP message including the SOAP message indicating the call OK or the call NG is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 110 that is the report source.
The NRS 305 of the image forming apparatus 110 makes a toner supply call to the service center management apparatus 102 and then notifies the SCS 306 that the center notification has been completed.
Upon receiving notification from the NRS 305 that the center notification has ended, the SCS 306 creates a center notification log indicating that a toner supply call has been made to the service center as a log relating to the notification that the toner near end has occurred. It is written in the communication log storage area of the log storage area of the HDD 201 (or other storage means such as NV-RAM 202). At this time, if there is no space in the communication log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.

After the center notification log has been written (created), the SCS 306 notifies the NRS 305 that the creation of the center notification log has been completed.
After receiving notification that the creation of the center notification log has been completed from the SCS 306, the NRS 305 results in the toner supply call to the service center management apparatus 102 (automatic notification of an HTTP message including a SOAP message for toner supply call). When an HTTP message including a SOAP message indicating a call OK (call result indicating that the reception of the HTTP message has been normally completed) is received from the management apparatus 102, the call OK is sent to the SCS 306 based on the HTTP message. (Toner supply call has been completed normally).

When the SCS 306 receives the call OK notification from the NRS 305, the SCS 306 performs the same process as the call OK notification process of the first embodiment.
The NRS 305 periodically generates a SOAP message for periodic notification (or polling), adds an intermediary device identifier that is its own identification information to the SOAP message, and further generates an HTTP message based on the SOAP message. Then, a periodic notification is sent to the service center management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103. That is, an HTTP message including a periodic notification SOAP message with its own intermediary device identifier added is automatically transmitted to the service center management device 102 via the Internet 103.

When the regular notification to the service center management apparatus 102 is completed, the SCS 306 is notified of this.
Upon receiving notification from the NRS 305 that the periodic notification has ended, the SCS 306 creates a periodic notification log indicating that the periodic notification has been made to the service center as a log related to the periodic notification, and stores it in the log storage area of the HDD 201. Write to the communication log storage area. At this time, if there is no space in the communication log storage area, the oldest log is overwritten.
When the writing (creation) of the center notification log is completed, the NRS 305 is notified that the creation of the center notification log is completed.

When an SC_A (or SC_B or other SC) occurs in the corresponding hardware resource, each application that controls each hardware resource including the plotter engine detects the SC_A and notifies the SCS 306 that the SC_A has occurred. To do.
When the SCS 306 receives a notification that an SC_A has occurred from any of the applications that control each hardware resource, the SC_A has occurred in that application (or hardware resource) as in the first embodiment. Determine and notify the NRS 305 of the SC_A call request.

Upon receiving the notification of the SC_A call request, the NRS 305 generates a SOAP message for SC_A call (including the machine number information added to the SC_A call request), which is SC_A call information notifying the occurrence of SC_A, although not shown. Further, after generating an HTTP message based on the SOAP message, an SC_A call is made to the service center management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103, and then the SCS 306 is notified that the center notification is completed. Since each SC call such as the SC_A call has substantially the same processing contents as the above-described toner supply call except for the type of call, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In response to the SC_A call request to the NRS 305, when the SCS 306 receives notification from the NRS 305 that the center notification has ended, the SCS 306 indicates that the SC_A call has been made to the service center as a log related to the notification that the SC_A has occurred. A center notification log is created and written in the communication log storage area of the HDD 201 in the same manner as described above.

After the center notification log has been written, the SCS 306 notifies the NRS 305 that the center notification log has been created.
After receiving notification that the creation of the center notification log has been completed from the SCS 306, the NRS 305 receives an HTTP message including a SOAP message indicating the call OK from the management device 102 as a result of the SC_A call to the management device 102 of the service center. Is received, the call OK is notified to the SCS 306 based on the HTTP message (call that the SC_A call has been completed normally).

When the SCS 306 receives a call OK notification from the NRS 305, it performs the same processing as in the first embodiment.
Regarding the processing performed by the SCS 306, NRS 305, and the intermediary device 101 when notification that another SC has occurred, such as SC_B, from any of the applications that control each hardware resource, the fact that SC_A has occurred Since the processing contents are substantially the same except that the notification is made and the type of SC is different, detailed description thereof is omitted.
Further, the log storage processing by the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 110 is the same as the log storage processing described with reference to FIGS.

As described above, the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 110 sequentially creates a log regarding each notification whenever there is a notification from any of the programs including an application that requires log management. For example, as illustrated in FIG. In the log storage area of the HDD 201, data is sequentially written in the corresponding divided area among the divided areas according to log types, and the oldest log is overwritten when there is no more space in the divided area.
The SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 110 also causes the NRS 305 to transmit the log stored in a preset divided area among the divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201 to the management apparatus 102.

That is, the NRS 305 is notified of a log transmission request for transmitting a log stored in a preset divided area. At this time, machine number information that is identification information of the image forming apparatus 110 is added to the log transmission request.
Upon receiving the notification of the log transmission request, the NRS 305 generates a log transmission SOAP message (including the machine number information added to the log transmission request) indicating the contents of the log, and identifies itself in the SOAP message. And an HTTP message is generated based on the SOAP message, and the HTTP message is automatically transmitted to the service center management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103.

The SCS 306 can also specify a divided area in which a log to be transmitted is stored by a request from the operation panel 205 or an external device (such as the management device 102 or a web device).
Of the divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201, a log stored in a preset divided area can be transferred to the OCS 300 and displayed on a character display on the operation panel 205. In this case, a divided area in which a log to be displayed can be stored can be designated by a request from the operation panel 205 or an external device.

Alternatively, a log stored in a preset divided area among the divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201 can be transferred to the printer application 311 to perform printing (image formation) on paper. In this case, a divided area where a log to be printed can be stored can be designated by a request from the operation panel 205 or an external device.
Alternatively, among the divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201, a log stored in a preset divided area is passed to the NCS 303 via the web application 314 and transmitted to the web device as described above, and displayed. It can also be displayed on the section. In this case, a divided area in which logs to be transmitted can be stored can be designated by a request from the operation panel 205 or an external device.

In the second embodiment, the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 110 divides the log storage area of the HDD 201 into a plurality of types by dividing the logs to be sequentially created into groups according to the types. Has management information for managing the divided areas, and specifies the log writing destination divided area based on the management information (however, when creating the first log, each divided area of each log storage area based on the management information) However, you may make it show to said (a)-(c).
According to the second embodiment, the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatus 110 can obtain the same effects as the first embodiment without using the mediation apparatus 101.

[Third embodiment]
Hereinafter, specific examples of the log acquisition process will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, although each process by the following applications, OCS 300, NCS 303, NRS 305, and SCS 306 is actually executed by the CPU operating according to those programs, these programs execute the processes for convenience of explanation. It shall be. In addition, logs stored in the SC_A log storage area which is a divided area of the log storage area of the HDD 201 are SC_A logs, logs stored in the SC_B log storage area are SC_B logs, and logs stored in the supply log storage area. Is a supply log, and a log stored in a communication log storage area is called a communication log.

First, processing when a log display is requested from the operation panel 205 by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a communication sequence during log acquisition processing by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110.
23 and 24 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an operation procedure for displaying a log on the operation panel 205 of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110.

The image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 include various input / output I / Fs (interfaces) for communicating with an operation panel 205, peripheral devices including a plotter engine, and external devices (such as the management device 102 and a web device). Therefore, in addition to the log write control similar to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the following processing can be performed.
When the OCS 300 of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 is touched (pressed), a log display key (log acquisition key) 1001 that is an operation key for log acquisition request on a touch panel provided on the operation panel 205 is touched (pressed). As shown, various log keys including a communication log key 1002, an SC_A log key 1003, an SC_B log key 1004, and a supply log key 1005 are displayed on the touch panel of the character display.

  After that, when the supply log key 1005 is touched among the various log keys, the inside of the supply log storage area which is one of the divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201 (or other storage means such as NV-RAM 202) may be used. A plurality of supply log storage area number keys respectively corresponding to each area in which each supply log (for example, the latest five supply logs) is stored is displayed on the touch panel. In FIG. 23, the supply log storage area number key is not shown.

Subsequently, when one of the plurality of supply log storage area number keys is touched, a supply log display instruction (supply log acquisition request) is notified to the SCS 306 as shown in FIG. At this time, information on the log acquisition destination and log output destination corresponding to the touched supply log storage area number key is added to the supply log display instruction.
When there is a supply log display instruction from the OCS 300, the SCS 306 displays the log acquisition destination and the log output destination (in this example, the log acquisition source) added to the supply log display instruction (instructed by the supply log display instruction). A supply log stored (stored) in the determined log acquisition destination area is acquired from the areas where each supply log in the supply log storage area of the HDD 201 is stored.

Then, the acquired supply log (data) is transmitted to the log output destination OCS 300 previously determined. At this time, if the acquisition of the supply log has been completed normally, response information (OK) indicating that is also transmitted to the OCS 300. When the supply log acquisition is not normally completed, only response information (NG) indicating that is transmitted to the OCS 300.
When the OCS 300 receives the supply log and the response information (OK) indicating that the acquisition of the supply log has been normally completed from the SCS 306, the OCS 300 outputs the supply log to the operation panel 205 and puts it on the log display area 1006 of the touch panel. Display. At this time, a message indicating that the supply log acquisition has been completed normally may be output to the operation panel 205 and displayed on the log display area 1006 of the touch panel. When only the response information (NG) indicating that the supply log acquisition has not ended normally is received from the SCS 306, a message indicating that the supply log acquisition has not ended normally is output to the operation panel 205. May be displayed on the log display area 1006 of the touch panel.

  When the SC_A log key 1003 among the various log keys displayed on the touch panel of the operation panel 205 by touching the log display key is touched, the OCS 300 touches each SC_A in the SC_A log storage area of the HDD 201 as shown in FIG. A plurality of SC_A log storage area number keys 1003a, 1003b,..., 1003j respectively corresponding to the respective areas where the logs (the latest 10 SC_A logs in this example) are stored are displayed on the touch panel. In addition, the display of the touched (selected) key is reversed (shown with diagonal lines).

  Subsequently, when the SC_A log storage area number key 1003a or 1003b among the plurality of SC_A log storage area number keys 1003a, 1003b,..., 1003j on the touch panel of the operation panel 205 is touched, as shown in FIG. And notifies the SCS 306 of an SC_A log display instruction (SC_A log acquisition request). At this time, information on the log acquisition destination and log output destination corresponding to the touched SC_A log storage area number key 1003a or 1003b is added to the SC_A log display instruction. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 23 or FIG. 24, the display of the touched key is reversed in black and white.

When there is an SC_A log display instruction from the OCS 300, the SCS 306 determines the log acquisition destination and log output destination (instructed by the SC_A log display instruction) added to the SC_A log display instruction, and saves the SC_A log of the HDD 201 Of each area where each SC_A log in the area is stored, the SC_A log stored in the determined log acquisition destination area is acquired.
Then, the acquired SC_A log is transmitted to the OCS 300 which is the output destination determined earlier. At this time, if acquisition of the SC_A log has been completed normally, response information (OK) indicating that is also transmitted to the OCS 300. When acquisition of the SC_A log is not normally completed, only response information (NG) indicating that is transmitted to the OCS 300.

  When the OCS 300 receives the SC_A log and the response information (OK) indicating that the acquisition of the SC_A log has been normally completed from the SCS 306, the OCS 300 outputs the SC_A log to the operation panel 205 and displays it on the log display area 1006 of the touch panel. It is displayed (FIG. 23 or FIG. 24). At this time, a message indicating that the SC_A log acquisition has been completed normally may be output to the operation panel 205 and displayed on the log display area 1006 of the touch panel. When only the response information (NG) indicating that the SC_A log acquisition has not ended normally is received from the SCS 306, a message indicating that the SC_A log acquisition has not ended normally is output to the operation panel 205. You may display on the log display area 1006 of the touch panel.

  When the communication log key 1002 is touched among the various log keys displayed on the touch panel of the operation panel 205 by touching the log display key, the OCS 300 displays each communication log (for example, the latest 20 logs) in the supply log storage area of the HDD 201. A plurality of communication log storage area number keys respectively corresponding to the respective areas storing the communication logs) are displayed on the touch panel. In FIG. 23, the communication log storage area number key is not shown. Subsequently, when any one of the plurality of communication log storage area number keys is touched, a communication log display instruction (communication log acquisition request) is notified to the SCS 306 as shown in FIG. At this time, information on the log acquisition destination and log output destination corresponding to the touched communication log storage area number key is added to the communication log display instruction.

When there is a communication log display instruction from the OCS 300, the SCS 306 determines a log acquisition destination and a log output destination (instructed by the communication log display instruction) added to the communication log display instruction, and stores the communication log of the HDD 201 A communication log stored in the determined log acquisition destination area is acquired from each area in which each communication log in the area is stored.
Subsequent processing by the SCS 306 and processing by the OCS 300 are substantially the same as when the supply log key 1005 and the SC_A log key 1003 are touched, and thus description thereof is omitted.

Note that when any of various log keys including the SC_A log key 1003 is touched, a corresponding log display instruction may be immediately notified to the SCS 306. At this time, information on the log acquisition destination (or log type) and log output destination corresponding to the touched log key is added to the log display instruction.
When there is a corresponding log display instruction from the OCS 300, the SCS 306 determines the log acquisition destination and log output destination (instructed by the log display instruction) added to the log display instruction, and stores the corresponding log storage in the HDD 201 Acquire each log saved in the area (divided area).
Subsequent processing by the SCS 306 and processing by the OCS 300 are substantially the same as when the supply log key 1005 and the SC_A log key 1003 are touched, and thus description thereof is omitted.

Next, processing at the time of log print request from the operation panel 205 by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence during log acquisition processing by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110.
The OCS 300 of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 has a communication log key, even when a log print key (log acquisition key) (not shown) that is an operation key for log acquisition request on the touch panel provided on the operation panel 205 is touched. Various log keys including an SC_A log key, an SC_B log key, and a supply log key are displayed on the touch panel.

Thereafter, when the supply log key of the various log keys on the operation panel 205 is touched, a supply log print instruction (supply log acquisition request) is notified to the SCS 306. At this time, information on the log acquisition source, the log acquisition destination corresponding to the touched supply log key, and the log output destination is added to the supply log print instruction.
When there is a supply log print instruction from the OCS 300, the SCS 306 determines a log acquisition source, a log acquisition destination, and a log output destination (instructed by the supply log print instruction) added to the supply log print instruction. Each supply log stored in the supply log storage area of the determined log acquisition destination is acquired.
And the response information which shows the acquisition result of each supply log is transmitted to OCS300. That is, response information (OK) indicating that the acquisition of each supply log is normally completed, and response information (NG) indicating that when acquisition of each supply log is not normally completed. Are transmitted to the OCS 300 of the log acquisition source.
Thereafter, when the acquisition of each supply log is normally completed, the acquired supply log is transmitted to the printer application 311 that is the log output destination.

When the OCS 300 receives response information from the SCS 306, the OCS 300 outputs a message indicating the content of the response information to the operation panel 205 and displays it on the log display area of the touch panel. Only when response information (NG) indicating that acquisition of each supply log has not ended normally is received from the SCS 306, a message indicating that acquisition of each supply log has not ended normally is displayed on the operation panel 205. May be displayed on the log display area of the touch panel.
When the printer application 311 receives each supply log from the SCS 306, the printer application 311 outputs the supply log to the plotter engine and prints it on paper.

When the SC_A log key is touched among various log keys displayed on the touch panel of the operation panel 205 by touching the log print key, the OCS 300 notifies the SCS 306 of an SC_A log print instruction (SC_A log acquisition request). At this time, information on the log acquisition source, the log acquisition destination corresponding to the touched SC_A log key, and the log output destination is added to the SC_A log print instruction.
When there is an SC_A log print instruction from the OCS 300, the SCS 306 determines a log acquisition source, a log acquisition destination, and a log output destination (instructed by the SC_A log print instruction) added to the SC_A log print instruction. Each SC_A log stored in the determined log acquisition destination SC_A log storage area is acquired.
Subsequent processing by the SCS 306, processing by the OCS 300, and processing by the printer application 311 are substantially the same as when the supply log key is touched, and thus description thereof is omitted.

When the communication log key is touched among various log keys displayed on the touch panel of the operation panel 205 by touching the log print key, the OCS 300 notifies the SCS 306 of a communication log print instruction (communication log acquisition request). At this time, information on the log acquisition source, the log acquisition destination corresponding to the touched SC_A log key, and the log output destination are added to the communication log print instruction.
When there is a communication log print instruction from the OCS 300, the SCS 306 determines a log acquisition source, a log acquisition destination, and a log output destination (instructed by the communication log print instruction) added to the communication log print instruction. Each communication log stored in the communication log storage area of the determined log acquisition destination is acquired.
Subsequent processing by the SCS 306, processing by the OCS 300, and processing by the printer application 311 are substantially the same as when the supply log key is touched, and thus description thereof is omitted.

Next, processing when a log acquisition request is issued from the web device by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a communication sequence during log acquisition processing by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110.
27 and 28 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an operation procedure for displaying a log on the display unit of the Web device.
The web device is an information processing device (external device) such as a personal computer that can communicate via a network such as the Internet 103 using a web browser.
Each CPU of the web device can display a screen showing various operations on a display unit as shown in FIG. 27 by an input unit such as a keyboard or a pointing device.

  When the supply log acquisition key 1014 is selected by the input unit among various log keys that are operation keys for log acquisition requests on the display unit, as shown in FIG. 26, a supply log acquisition instruction (supply log acquisition request) ) Is transmitted to the NCS 303 of one of the image forming apparatuses via the network. At this time, an HTML message is generated by adding the log type (log acquisition destination) corresponding to the selected supply log acquisition key 1014 to the supply log acquisition instruction (converted to the HTML format), and the log is acquired in the HTML message. An HTTP message is generated by adding the identification information of the web device which is the original (command transmission source) information. In this case, the log acquisition source also serves as the log output destination, but information on the log output destination may be added separately.

When the NCS 303 of each of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 receives the HTTP message indicating the supply log acquisition instruction from the web device via the network, the NCS 303 notifies the SCS 306 of the supply log acquisition instruction. At this time, the log acquisition source (log output destination) in the received HTTP message (instructed by the supply log display instruction) is determined.
When there is a supply log acquisition instruction from the NCS 303, the SCS 306 determines the type of log (or log acquisition destination) added to the supply log acquisition instruction (instructed by the supply log acquisition instruction), and the determination Each supply log stored in the supply log storage area (or the supply log storage area of the log acquisition destination) corresponding to the log type is acquired.

The acquired supply logs are transmitted to the NCS 303. At this time, if acquisition of each supply log has been completed normally, response information (OK) indicating that is also transmitted to the NCS 303. If acquisition of each supply log is not normally completed, only response information (NG) indicating that is transmitted to the NCS 303.
The NCS 303 sends each supply log (log information) from the SCS 306 and response information (OK) indicating that acquisition of each supply log has ended normally or response information indicating that acquisition of each supply log has not ended normally. (NG) is received, an HTML message indicating the received information (data) is generated, machine number information which is identification information of the image forming apparatus is added to the HTML message, and an HTTP message is sent based on the HTML message. After the generation, the HTTP message is transmitted to the log acquisition source web device previously determined via the network.

  When the CPU of each web device receives an HTTP message indicating response log (OK) indicating that acquisition of each supply log and each supply log has been normally completed from one of the image forming apparatuses via the network, Each supply log in the HTTP message is displayed on the display unit. At this time, a message indicating that the acquisition of each supply log has been completed normally may be displayed on the display unit. When an HTTP message indicating response information (NG) indicating that acquisition of each supply log has not been normally completed via any network from any image forming apparatus, acquisition of each supply log is normally completed. You may display the message to the effect that it did not do on a display part.

  When the SC_A log acquisition key 1012 among the various log keys on the display unit is selected by the input unit, the CPU of each web device indicates an SC_A log acquisition instruction (SC_A log acquisition request) as shown in FIG. An HTTP message is transmitted to the NCS 303 of any image forming apparatus via the network. At this time, an HTML message is generated by adding the log type corresponding to the selected SC_A log acquisition key 1012 to the SC_A log acquisition instruction, and an HTTP message is generated by adding log acquisition source information to the HTML message. .

When the NCS 303 of each of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 receives the HTTP message indicating the SC_A log acquisition instruction from the web device via the network, the NCS 303 notifies the SCS 306 of the SC_A log acquisition instruction. At this time, the log acquisition source (instructed by the SC_A log display instruction) in the received HTTP message is determined.
When there is an SC_A log acquisition instruction from the NCS 303, the SCS 306 determines the type of log added to the SC_A log acquisition instruction (instructed by the SC_A log acquisition instruction), and corresponds to the determined log type Each SC_A log stored in the SC_A log storage area is acquired.
Subsequent processing by the SCS 306, processing by the OCS 300, and processing by the web device are substantially the same as when the supply log acquisition key 1014 is selected, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  When the communication log acquisition key 1011 among the various log keys on the display unit is selected by the input unit, the CPU of each web device indicates a communication log acquisition instruction (communication log acquisition request) as shown in FIG. An HTTP message is transmitted to the NCS 303 of any image forming apparatus via the network. At this time, an HTML message is generated by adding the type of log corresponding to the selected communication log acquisition key 1011 to the communication log acquisition instruction, and an HTTP message is generated by adding log acquisition source information to the HTML message. .

When the NCS 303 of each of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 receives an HTTP message indicating a communication log acquisition instruction from the web device via the network, the NCS 303 notifies the SCS 306 of the communication log acquisition instruction. At this time, the log acquisition source (instructed by the communication log display instruction) in the received HTTP message is determined.
When there is a communication log acquisition instruction from the NCS 303, the SCS 306 determines the type of log added to the communication log acquisition instruction (instructed by the communication log acquisition instruction), and corresponds to the determined log type. Get each communication log stored in the communication log storage area.

Subsequent processing by the SCS 306 and processing by the OCS 300 are substantially the same as the case where the supply log acquisition key 1014 and the SC_A log acquisition key 1012 are selected, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
When the CPU of each web device receives an HTTP message indicating each communication log and response information (OK) indicating that acquisition of each communication log has been normally completed from any of the image forming apparatuses via the network, FIG. As shown in 28, each communication log in the HTTP message is displayed on the display unit. 28 shows an example in which two communication logs are displayed, the number of logs to be displayed is not limited to two. For example, it can be matched with the log type storage number determination table shown in FIG.

Next, processing when the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 perform a log acquisition request from the management apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a communication sequence during log acquisition processing by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110.
The control device 606 of the service center management device 102 can display a screen showing various operation keys on the display unit by the input unit of the operator terminal 604.

  When a supply log acquisition key is selected by the input unit among various log keys that are operation keys for log acquisition requests on the display unit, as shown in FIG. 29, a supply log acquisition instruction (supply log acquisition request) Is transmitted to the NRS 305 of any one of the image forming apparatuses 110 via the Internet 103. At this time, a SOAP message is generated by adding the log type (log acquisition destination) corresponding to the selected supply log acquisition key to the supply log acquisition instruction (converted to XML format which is a structured language format), and An HTTP message is generated by adding log acquisition source (command transmission source) information to the SOAP message. In this case, the log acquisition source also serves as the log output destination, but information on the log output destination may be added separately.

Here, a format example of the SOAP message in the HTTP message will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 30 and FIG.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a format example of a SOAP message in the HTTP message, and FIG.
As can be seen from these figures, the SOAP message of the HTTP message indicating a log acquisition instruction (acquisition request) such as a supply log or an SC_A log includes the name of the log acquisition instruction (information acquisition instruction name) and the log to be acquired. It has type (acquired information type) information. Information of the log acquisition source (command transmission source) is located in the header part of the HTTP message.

When the NRS 305 of each image forming apparatus 110 receives an HTTP message indicating a supply log acquisition instruction from the service center management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103 as shown in FIG. 29, the NRS 305 notifies the SCS 306 of the supply log acquisition instruction. At this time, the log acquisition source (instructed by the supply log display instruction) in the received HTTP message is determined.
When there is a supply log acquisition instruction from the NRS 305, the SCS 306 determines the type of log (or log acquisition destination) added to the supply log acquisition instruction (instructed by the supply log acquisition instruction), and the determination Each supply log stored in the supply log storage area (or the supply log storage area of the log acquisition destination) corresponding to the log type is acquired.

The acquired supply logs are transmitted to the NRS 305. At this time, if acquisition of each supply log has been completed normally, response information (OK) indicating that is also transmitted to the NRS 305. If acquisition of each supply log is not normally completed, only response information (NG) indicating that is transmitted to the NRS 305.
The NRS 305 receives each supply log from the SCS 306 and response information (OK) indicating that acquisition of each supply log has ended normally or response information (NG) indicating that acquisition of each supply log has not ended normally. Upon receipt, a SOAP message indicating the received information is generated, machine number information which is identification information of the image forming apparatus is added to the SOAP message, an HTTP message is generated based on the SOAP message, and then the HTTP message is generated. Is transmitted to the management apparatus 102 of the log acquisition source determined earlier via the Internet 103.

  The control device 606 of the service center management apparatus 102 sends HTTP indicating response information (OK) indicating that acquisition of each supply log and each supply log from one of the image forming apparatuses 110 via the Internet 103 has ended normally. When the message is received, each supply log in the HTTP message is displayed on the display unit of the operator terminal 604. At this time, a message indicating that the acquisition of each supply log has been completed normally may be displayed on the display unit. When an HTTP message indicating response information (NG) indicating that acquisition of each supply log has not been normally completed from any of the image forming apparatuses 110 via the Internet 103, acquisition of each supply log is normal. A message indicating that the process has not been completed may be displayed on the display unit.

  When the SC_A log acquisition key is selected by the input unit among the various log keys on the display unit of the operator terminal 604, the control device 606 of the service center management apparatus 102 indicates an SC_A log acquisition instruction (log acquisition request). An HTTP message is transmitted to the NRS 305 of any image forming apparatus via the network. At this time, an HTML message is generated by adding a log type corresponding to the selected SC_A log acquisition key to the SC_A log acquisition instruction, and an HTTP message is generated by adding log acquisition source information to the HTML message.

When the NRS 305 of each image forming apparatus 110 receives an HTTP message indicating an SC_A log acquisition instruction from the service center management apparatus 102 via the Internet 103, the NRS 305 notifies the SCS 306 of the SC_A log acquisition instruction. At this time, the log acquisition source (instructed by the SC_A log display instruction) in the received HTTP message is determined.
When there is an SC_A log acquisition instruction from the NRS 305, the SCS 306 determines the type of log added to the SC_A log acquisition instruction (instructed by the SC_A log acquisition instruction), and corresponds to the determined log type Each SC_A log stored in the SC_A log storage area is acquired.
Subsequent processing by the SCS 306, processing by the NRS 305, and processing by the management apparatus 102 are substantially the same as when the supply log acquisition key is selected, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The processing of the management apparatus 102, the mediation apparatus 101, and the image forming apparatus 100 when the management apparatus 102 acquires a log from the image forming apparatus 100 via the mediation apparatus 101 will be briefly described.
When the control unit 606 of the service center management apparatus 102 selects, for example, a supply log acquisition key from among various log keys on the display unit of the operator terminal 604 by the input unit, a supply log acquisition instruction (supply log acquisition request) Is transmitted to any of the intermediary apparatuses 101 via the Internet 103. At this time, a SOAP message is generated by adding a log type corresponding to the supply log acquisition key selected in the supply log acquisition instruction, and an HTTP message is generated by adding log acquisition source information to the SOAP message. In this case, the log acquisition source also serves as the log output destination, but information on the log output destination may be added separately.

When each intermediary device 101 receives an HTTP message indicating a supply log acquisition instruction from the management device 102 of the service center via the Internet 103, it generates a SOAP message based on the HTTP message, and forms an image corresponding to the SOAP message. Transmit (transmit) to the NRS 305 of the apparatus 100. At this time, the log acquisition source (instructed by the supply log display instruction) in the received HTTP message is determined.
When the NRS 305 of each image forming apparatus 100 receives a SOAP message indicating a supply log acquisition instruction from the mediation apparatus 101, the NRS 305 notifies the SCS 306 of a supply log acquisition instruction.
When there is a supply log acquisition instruction from the NRS 305, the SCS 306 determines the type of log (or log acquisition destination) added to the supply log acquisition instruction (instructed by the supply log acquisition instruction), and the determination Each supply log stored in the supply log storage area (or the supply log storage area of the log acquisition destination) corresponding to the log type is acquired.

The acquired supply logs are transmitted to the NRS 305. At this time, if acquisition of each supply log has been completed normally, response information (OK) indicating that is also transmitted to the NRS 305. If acquisition of each supply log is not normally completed, only response information (NG) indicating that is transmitted to the NRS 305.
The NRS 305 receives each supply log from the SCS 306 and response information (OK) indicating that acquisition of each supply log has ended normally or response information (NG) indicating that acquisition of each supply log has not ended normally. Upon receipt, a SOAP message indicating the received information is generated, and the SOAP message is sent to the mediation apparatus 101.
When the mediation device 101 receives the SOAP message from the NRS 305, it adds a mediation device identifier, which is its own identification information, to the SOAP message, generates an HTTP message based on the SOAP message, and sends the HTTP message via the Internet 103. It transmits to the management apparatus 102 of the log acquisition origin discriminate | determined previously.

  The control device 606 of the service center management device 102 sends an HTTP message indicating response logs (OK) indicating that the acquisition of each supply log and each supply log from one of the intermediary devices 101 via the Internet 103 has been completed normally. Is received, each supply log in the HTTP message is displayed on the display unit of the operator terminal 604. At this time, a message indicating that the acquisition of each supply log has been completed normally may be displayed on the display unit. When an HTTP message indicating response information (NG) indicating that acquisition of each supply log has not been normally completed from any of the intermediary devices 101 via the Internet 103, acquisition of each supply log is normally performed. A message indicating that the process has not been completed may be displayed on the display unit.

Next, log acquisition processing by the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 will be described in a little more detail with reference to FIG. However, details of log transmission are omitted.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic example of log acquisition processing by the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110.
The SCS 306 of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 is used when there is a log acquisition request from any of the applications including the operation panel 205, the web device, and the management apparatus 102 and each program including the OCS 300, NCS 303, and NRS 305. 32 is started, and the log acquisition destination (or log type) instructed by the log acquisition request is determined.

That is, first, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the log acquisition destination specified by the log acquisition request is a communication log storage area (or a log specified by the log acquisition request is a communication log). In step S32, the log acquisition area (log acquisition destination) is set as a communication log storage area.
Next, the number of logs defined in the log type storage number determination table (see FIG. 19) is acquired from the communication log storage area of the HDD 201 in step S33, and the acquired logs are transmitted in step S34.

If it is determined in step S31 that the log acquisition destination indicated by the log acquisition request is not the communication log storage area (or the log specified by the log acquisition request is a communication log), the log acquisition destination is the SC_A log in step S35. It is determined whether or not it is a storage area (or the log instructed by the log acquisition request is an SC_A log). If it is an SC_A log storage area, the log acquisition area is set as an SC_A log storage area in step S36.
Next, the number of logs defined in the log type storage number determination table is acquired from the SC_A log storage area of the HDD 201 in step S33, and the acquired logs are transmitted in step S34.

If it is determined in step S35 that the log acquisition destination specified by the log acquisition request is not the communication log storage area (or the log specified by the log acquisition request is a communication log), the log acquisition destination is the supply log in step S37. It is determined whether or not it is a storage area (or the log instructed by the log acquisition request is a supply log). If it is a supply log storage area, the log acquisition area is set as a supply log storage area in step S38.
Next, the number of logs defined in the log type storage number determination table is acquired from the supply log storage area of the HDD 201 in step S33, and the acquired logs are transmitted in step S34.

If it is determined in step S37 that the log acquisition destination specified by the log acquisition request is not the supply log storage area (or the log specified by the log acquisition request is the supply log), the log acquisition destination is the SC_B log storage area or the like. It is determined whether or not another divided area (or another log such as the SC_B log is specified by the log acquisition request), and other divided areas (or other logs) are determined according to the determination result. The process is performed in the same manner as the process for the communication log storage area described above.
However, when the log acquisition destination corresponding to the communication log storage area number key, the SC_A log storage area number key, the supply log storage area number key, etc. is determined in step S31, step S35, step S37, etc., the log acquisition area is changed. Only one log stored in the log acquisition destination area is acquired, and the acquired log is transmitted.

As described above, when there is a log acquisition request from the OCS 300 (operation panel 205), NCS 303 (web device), or NRS 305 (management apparatus 102), the acquired log is transmitted to other than the log acquisition request source. can do.
For example, when there is a log acquisition request from the OCS 300, the acquired log is transmitted to the NCS 303 or the NRS 305. Alternatively, when there is a log acquisition request from the NCS 303 or the NRS 305, the acquired log is transmitted to the OCS 300 or the printer application 311.
Further, in the third embodiment, the log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request among the divided areas determined for each log type is acquired. Of the divided areas determined by importance level, creation factor, or program, logs stored in the log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request may be acquired.

According to the third embodiment, the following operation can be achieved in addition to the same operation as the first embodiment or the second embodiment.
That is, when the CPUs of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 receive a log acquisition request from the operation panel 205 or an external apparatus (such as the management apparatus 102 or web device), respectively, the log acquisition destination (indicated by the log acquisition request ( Log type) and log output destination, and among the divided areas of the log storage area of the HDD 201, the log is stored in the determined log acquisition destination divided area (or the divided area corresponding to the log type). Acquire the log and send the acquired log to the log output destination.
Therefore, the important log can be easily and reliably confirmed by the device user or the device manager without increasing the cost.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 110 having the communication function (mediation function) and the image forming apparatus 100 to which the mediation apparatus 101 performing the communication function is connected have been described as examples of the electronic apparatus (communication apparatus). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Connect to network home appliances, vending machines, medical equipment, power supplies, air-conditioning systems, gas / water / electric metering systems, etc. that have communication functions or that connect communication devices that perform communication functions The present invention can be applied to various electronic devices having a communication function, including possible computers. Further, when these devices are managed devices, the remote management system can be operated in the same manner as described above. Further, with regard to the remote management system of the communication device, the configuration of the communication device, the remote management mediating device, and the management device and their connection types are not limited to the above embodiments.

  For example, in the remote management system shown in FIG. 1, it is conceivable that the above-described various electronic devices are used as managed devices to form a remote management system as shown in FIG. In FIG. 33, network appliances such as a television receiver 12a and a refrigerator 12b, a medical device 12c, a vending machine 12d, a weighing system 12e, and an air conditioning system 12f are given as examples of managed devices in which the intermediary device 101 is separately provided. ing. As an example of a managed device that also has the function of the intermediary device 101, an automobile 13a and an aircraft 13b are cited. In addition, it is preferable that an apparatus that moves over a wide range, such as an automobile 13a or an aircraft 13b, also has a firewall (FW) 104 function.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention allows a computer that controls a communication apparatus such as the above-described image forming apparatus provided with a communication unit to communicate with an external apparatus to each function according to the present invention, that is, a process execution unit, a log generation unit, This is a program for realizing functions as functions of write control means, area management means, log acquisition means, log output means, log transmission means, log transmission means, and by causing a computer to execute such a program. The effects as described above can be obtained.

Such a program may be stored in a storage means such as a ROM or HDD provided in the computer from the beginning, but a non-volatile recording such as a CD-ROM or flexible disk, SRAM, EEPROM, memory card or the like as a recording medium. It can also be recorded on a medium (memory) and provided. Each procedure described above can be executed by installing a program recorded in the memory in a computer and causing the CPU to execute the program, or causing the CPU to read and execute the program from the memory.
Furthermore, it is also possible to download and execute an external device that is connected to a network and includes a recording medium that records the program, or an external device that stores the program in the storage unit.

  Various electronic devices having communication functions, including network home appliances, vending machines, medical devices, power supply devices, air conditioning systems, gas / water / electricity measuring systems, computers that can be connected to a network, etc. The present invention can be applied to a remote management system including (managed device, mediation device), an electronic device, and a management device that manages the electronic device.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structural example of the remote management system which uses the electronic device by this invention as a to-be-managed device. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the data transmission / reception model in the remote management system. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus remote management system in which an electronic apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100 in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an ENGRDY signal and a PWRCTL signal in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the NRS 305 in FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a management apparatus 102 in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence for data transmission / reception performed in the image forming apparatus remote management system shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence when data is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 3 to a management apparatus 102.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table of the information used as the reference | standard for determining the kind of abnormality. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication sequence at the time of operation | movement including the log preservation | save process concerning this invention by the image forming apparatus 100 in the image forming apparatus remote management system shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the log produced by SCS306 of FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the contents of a log created by the SCS 306 in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of log storage processing by the SCS 306 in FIG. 5.

It is a flowchart which shows the continuation. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of log storage area determination processing in FIG. 15. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a memory according to the present invention on a RAM of a controller board 200 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a log type storage number determination table included in the SCS 306 of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a memory map diagram for explaining log storage processing by the SCS 306 in FIG. 5.

It is a figure which shows an example of the communication sequence at the time of operation | movement including the log preservation | save process concerning this invention by the image forming apparatus 110 in the image forming apparatus remote management system shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a communication sequence during log acquisition processing by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 in the image forming apparatus remote management system illustrated in FIG. 3. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation procedure for displaying a log on operation panel 205 of image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 in the same manner. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the continuation. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence during log acquisition processing by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 in the image forming apparatus remote management system illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a communication sequence during log acquisition processing by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 in the image forming apparatus remote management system shown in FIG. 3. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation procedure for displaying a log on the display part of a web device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the continuation. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a communication sequence during log acquisition processing by the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 in the image forming apparatus remote management system illustrated in FIG. 3. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a format of the SOAP message in an HTTP message.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the principal part of the HTTP message. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a schematic example of log acquisition processing by the SCS 306 of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 110 in the image forming apparatus remote management system shown in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows another structural example of the remote management system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication sequence at the time of operation | movement including the log preservation | save process by the image forming apparatus in the conventional image forming apparatus remote management system. It is a figure which shows the other example of the communication sequence at the time of operation | movement similarly including a log preservation | save process.

It is a flowchart which shows an example of the log | save preservation | save process by the image forming apparatus in the conventional image forming apparatus remote management system. It is a memory map figure for demonstrating log storage processing similarly. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation procedure for the log acquisition by the operation panel of the conventional image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the continuation. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation procedure for the log acquisition by the external device which can communicate with the conventional image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the continuation.

Explanation of symbols

10: Managed device 11: Managed device with mediation function 100: Image forming device 101: Mediation device 102: Management device 103: Internet 104: Firewall 110: Image forming device with mediation function 200: Controller board 201: HDD 202: NV -RAM 203: PI board 204: PHY 205: Operation panel 206: Plotter / scanner engine board 207: Power supply unit 212: PCI-BUS 300: OCS 301: ECS 302: MCS 303: NCS 304: FCS 305: NRS 306: SCS 307: SRM 308: IMH 309: Copy application 310: Fax application 311: Printer application 312: Scanner application 313: Network File application 314: web app 601: Modem 602: communication terminal 603: the proxy server 604: the operator terminal 605: Database 606: controller

Claims (22)

When there is a notification that one of a plurality of types of abnormality has occurred from any of a storage unit that stores and saves information and a plurality of processing execution units that require log management , or a plurality that includes an abnormality and a warning If any of the types of events there is a notification to the effect that occurs, write the log generating means for generating respective logs of the notification, the logs generated by the unit in a predetermined storage area of the storage means An electronic device having log writing control means for overwriting the oldest log when the predetermined storage area is full,
The log generation unit has management information for managing the plurality of divided areas by dividing the predetermined storage area so that the logs generated by the log generation unit can be grouped and stored, and the log based on the management information Area management means for designating a divided area of a log writing destination generated by the generation means;
Log acquisition means for acquiring a log stored in a log acquisition destination divided area designated by the log acquisition request when there is a log acquisition request;
Log output means for outputting the log acquired by the means to the output destination specified by the log acquisition request ;
The management information includes a log storable number that is a number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by grouping the logs generated by the log generation unit,
The log writing control means has a judging means for judging whether or not the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management means has reached the corresponding log storable number, and the judgment by the judgment means As a result, if the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management means does not reach the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation means is written to the divided area, and the area management Means for overwriting the log generated by the log generating means over the oldest log stored in the divided area when the number of logs stored in the divided area designated by the means reaches the corresponding log storable number electronic device characterized in that it. The electronic device according to claim 1.
The plurality of divisions for storing the log generated by the log generation unit including the log based on the management information in the group when the area management unit generates the log for the first time by the log generation unit An electronic apparatus comprising: means for determining an area; and a means for designating a divided area to which a log generated by the log generation means is written according to a determination result by the means. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The electronic device is characterized in that the output destination is an operation unit having a display unit for displaying information. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The electronic apparatus is characterized in that the output destination is a printing means for printing information. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
A communication means for communicating with an external device is provided,
The log output unit is a unit that causes the communication unit to transmit the log acquired by the log acquisition unit to the external device when the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the external device. An electronic device. The electronic device according to claim 5.
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication means includes means for converting a log to be transmitted to the external device into a structured language format. A remote management system for remotely managing a plurality of electronic devices via a network by a management device,
Any of a plurality of types of abnormality from any one of a communication unit that communicates with the management device, a storage unit that stores and saves information, and a plurality of process execution units that require log management, respectively, in the plurality of electronic devices If but there is notification that either has occurred among the plurality of types of events including when there is notification of the occurrence, or abnormal and warning, and log generation means for generating respective logs of the notification Log writing control means for writing the log generated by the means to a predetermined storage area of the storage means and overwriting the oldest log when the predetermined storage area is full, and the log generation means Management information for managing a plurality of divided areas by dividing the predetermined storage area so that the logs can be stored in groups, and based on the management information Wherein the area management means for specifying a divided area of the write destination of logs generated by the log generation unit, when a log acquisition request, is stored in the divided region of the logging destination instructed by the log acquisition request Log acquisition means for acquiring a log, and when the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the external device, the communication means adds self identification information to the log acquired by the log acquisition means. Log transmission means for transmitting to the management device ;
The management information includes a log storable number that is a number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by grouping the logs generated by the log generation unit.
The log writing control means has a judging means for judging whether or not the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management means has reached the corresponding log storable number, and the judgment by the judgment means As a result, if the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management means does not reach the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation means is written to the divided area, and the area management Means for overwriting the log generated by the log generating means over the oldest log stored in the divided area when the number of logs stored in the divided area designated by the means reaches the corresponding log storable number remote management system, characterized in that it. The remote management system according to claim 7, wherein
Each of the plurality of electronic devices is provided with operation means having an operation switch for log acquisition request,
The log acquisition unit is a unit for acquiring a log stored in a log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request when a log acquisition request is received from the operation unit. Remote management system. The remote management system according to claim 7, wherein
The log acquisition means is means for acquiring a log stored in a log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request when there is a log acquisition request from the management apparatus. Remote management system. A remote management system for remotely managing a plurality of electronic devices via a network and a plurality of mediation devices by a management device,
When there is a notification that any of a plurality of types of abnormalities has occurred from any one of a storage unit that stores and saves information in each of the plurality of electronic devices and a plurality of processing execution units that require log management or if any of the plurality of types of events including abnormal and warnings had notification of the occurrence, the a log generation means for generating respective logs of the notification, the logs generated by the means Log writing control means for writing to a predetermined storage area of the storage means and overwriting the oldest log when the predetermined storage area is full, and logs generated by the log generation means can be stored in groups wherein the predetermined memory area is divided into a plurality has management information for managing the plurality of divided regions, generated by the log generation means on the basis of the management information to the A region managing means for specifying a divided area of the write destination of the log, when a log acquisition request, a log obtaining means for obtaining a log stored in the divided region of the logging destination instructed by the log acquisition request When the log output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the management apparatus, the identification information is added to the log acquired by the log acquisition unit, and the log is sent to the intermediary apparatus connected to the log Log sending means,
The management information includes a log storable number that is a number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by grouping the logs generated by the log generation unit.
The log writing control means has a judging means for judging whether or not the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management means has reached the corresponding log storable number, and the judgment by the judgment means As a result, if the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management means does not reach the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation means is written to the divided area, and the area management Means for overwriting the log generated by the log generating means over the oldest log stored in the divided area when the number of logs stored in the divided area designated by the means reaches the corresponding log storable number And
Each of the plurality of mediation devices communicates with the management device, and adds its own identification information to a log sent from the electronic device connected to the mediation device, and transmits the log to the management device by the communication device. A remote management system comprising log sending means for enabling the remote management system. The remote management system according to claim 10, wherein
Each of the plurality of electronic devices is provided with operation means having an operation switch for log acquisition request,
The log acquisition unit is a unit for acquiring a log stored in a log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request when a log acquisition request is received from the operation unit. Remote management system. The remote management system according to claim 10, wherein
The log acquisition means, when there is a log acquisition request from the management device via the mediation device connected to itself, the log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request A remote management system, characterized in that it is a means for obtaining a password. When there is a notification that one of a plurality of types of abnormality has occurred from any of a storage unit that stores and saves information and a plurality of processing execution units that require log management , or a plurality that includes an abnormality and a warning A log management method in an electronic device having a log generation means for the notification when there is a notification that any of the types of events has occurred ,
The predetermined storage area is divided into a plurality of numbers so that the logs generated by the log generation means can be stored in groups, and the number can be stored in each of the plurality of divided areas for managing the plurality of divided areas. Log information having management information including the log storable number, designating a divided area to which a log generated by the log generation unit is written based on the management information, and corresponding log number of the designated divided area Judgment whether or not the possible number has been reached and if the corresponding log storable number has not been reached, the log generated by the log generation means can be written into the specified divided area and the corresponding log can be saved When the number reaches, the oldest log stored in the specified divided area is overwritten with the log generated by the log generation means ,
When there is a log acquisition request, after acquiring the log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request, the log is output to the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request A log management method. One of a plurality of types of abnormalities from any one of an operation unit for log acquisition request and an operation unit having a display unit for displaying information, a storage unit for storing and storing information, and a plurality of processing execution units requiring log management Log generation that generates a log for each notification when there is a notification that one of them has occurred or when there is a notification that one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred A log management method in an electronic device having means,
The predetermined storage area is divided into a plurality of numbers so that the logs generated by the log generation means can be stored in groups, and the number can be stored in each of the plurality of divided areas for managing the plurality of divided areas. Log information having management information including the log storable number, designating a divided area to which a log generated by the log generation unit is written based on the management information, and corresponding log number of the designated divided area Judgment whether or not the possible number has been reached and if the corresponding log storable number has not been reached, the log generated by the log generation means can be written into the specified divided area and the corresponding log can be saved When the number reaches, the oldest log stored in the specified divided area is overwritten with the log generated by the log generation means ,
When there is a log acquisition request from the operation display means, and the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the operation display means, the log stored in the divided area of the log acquisition destination instructed by the log acquisition request After the log is acquired, the log is output to the operation means and displayed on the display unit. Among a plurality of types of abnormalities from one of an operation means having an operation switch for log acquisition request, a printing means for printing information, a storage means for storing and storing information, and a plurality of processing execution means requiring log management If any of the plurality of types of events including if either there is a notification of the occurrence, or abnormal and warning there was a notification of the occurrence log to generate respective logs of the notification A log management method in an electronic device having a generation means,
The predetermined storage area is divided into a plurality of numbers so that the logs generated by the log generation means can be stored in groups, and the number can be stored in each of the plurality of divided areas for managing the plurality of divided areas. Log information having management information including the log storable number, designating a divided area to which a log generated by the log generation unit is written based on the management information, and corresponding log number of the designated divided area Judgment whether or not the possible number has been reached and if the corresponding log storable number has not been reached, the log generated by the log generation means can be written into the specified divided area and the corresponding log can be saved When the number reaches, the oldest log stored in the specified divided area is overwritten with the log generated by the log generation means ,
When there is a log acquisition request from the operation means and the output destination specified by the log acquisition request is the printing means, the log stored in the log acquisition destination divided area specified by the log acquisition request is acquired. And then outputting the log to the printing means and printing it on paper. The operation means having an operation switch for log acquisition request, the communication means for communicating with the external device, the storage means for storing and storing information, and a plurality of processing execution means requiring log management are used to detect a plurality of types of abnormalities. When there is a notification that one of them has occurred, or when there is a notification that one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred, a log is generated for each notification A log management method in an electronic device having log generation means,
The predetermined storage area is divided into a plurality of numbers so that the logs generated by the log generation means can be stored in groups, and the number can be stored in each of the plurality of divided areas for managing the plurality of divided areas. Log information having management information including the log storable number, designating a divided area to which a log generated by the log generation unit is written based on the management information, and corresponding log number of the designated divided area Judgment whether or not the possible number has been reached and if the corresponding log storable number has not been reached, the log generated by the log generation means can be written into the specified divided area and the corresponding log can be saved When the number reaches, the oldest log stored in the specified divided area is overwritten with the log generated by the log generation means ,
When there is a log acquisition request from the operation means and the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the external device, the log stored in the divided area of the log acquisition destination instructed by the log acquisition request is acquired And then transmitting the log to the external device by the communication means. There was a notification that one of a plurality of types of abnormalities occurred from any one of a communication unit that communicates with an external device, a storage unit that stores and saves information, and a plurality of processing execution units that require log management . If, or when one of the plurality of types of events including abnormal and warnings there is a notification to the effect that occurs, the log management method in an electronic device having a log generation means for generating respective logs of the notification There,
The predetermined storage area is divided into a plurality of numbers so that the logs generated by the log generation means can be stored in groups, and the number can be stored in each of the plurality of divided areas for managing the plurality of divided areas. Log information having management information including the log storable number, designating a divided area to which a log generated by the log generation unit is written based on the management information, and corresponding log number of the designated divided area Judgment whether or not the possible number has been reached and if the corresponding log storable number has not been reached, the log generated by the log generation means can be written into the specified divided area and the corresponding log can be saved When the number reaches, the oldest log stored in the specified divided area is overwritten with the log generated by the log generation means ,
When there is a log acquisition request from the external device and the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the external device, the log stored in the divided area of the log acquisition destination instructed by the log acquisition request is acquired And then transmitting the log to the external device by the communication means. When a computer that controls an electronic device having storage means for storing and storing information is notified that one of a plurality of types of abnormalities has occurred from one of a plurality of processing execution functions that require log management group when one of the plurality of types of events had notification of the occurrence, the log generation function of generating respective logs of the notification, the logs generated by the functions, including, or abnormal and warning It has management information for managing the plurality of divided areas by dividing the predetermined storage area into a plurality of parts so that it can be stored separately, and the log write destination of the log generated by the log generation function based on the management information An area management function for designating a divided area, and a log generated by the log generation function is written in the divided area designated by the function, and the divided area is empty. Log write control function that overwrites the oldest log when there is no more log, and when there is a log acquisition request, acquires the log stored in the log acquisition destination split area specified by the log acquisition request A program for realizing a log acquisition function and a log output function for outputting a log acquired by the function to an output destination instructed by the log acquisition request ;
The management information includes a log storable number that is a number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by grouping the logs generated by the log generation function,
The log writing control function has a determination function for determining whether or not the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management function has reached the corresponding log storage capacity, As a result, if the log storage count of the divided area specified by the area management function has not reached the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation function is written in the divided area, and the area management A function for overwriting the log generated by the log generation function with the oldest log stored in the divided area when the number of logs stored in the divided area specified by the function reaches the corresponding log storable number A program characterized by being. Any of a plurality of processing execution functions requiring log management in a computer that controls an electronic device having an operation switch for log acquisition request and an operation unit having a display unit for displaying information and a storage unit for storing and storing information When there is a notification that any of multiple types of abnormalities has occurred, or when there is a notification that any of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred , a log generation function of generating a log about the notification respectively, the management information for said predetermined storage area to be able to store grouped the logs generated by the function is divided into a plurality managing a plurality of divided regions have a space management feature that specifies the divided region of write destination of the log generated by the log generation function based on the management information, as specified by the function When there is a log acquisition control function that writes the log generated by the log generation function to a divided area and overwrites the oldest log when there is no space in the divided area, and a log acquisition request from the operation means A log acquisition function for acquiring a log stored in a log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request, and when the log output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the operation display unit, A log output function for outputting a log acquired by a log acquisition function to the operation unit and displaying the log on the display unit .
The management information includes a log storable number that is a number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by grouping the logs generated by the log generation function,
The log writing control function has a determination function for determining whether or not the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management function has reached the corresponding log storage capacity, As a result, if the log storage count of the divided area specified by the area management function has not reached the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation function is written in the divided area, and the area management A function for overwriting the log generated by the log generation function with the oldest log stored in the divided area when the number of logs stored in the divided area specified by the function reaches the corresponding log storable number A program characterized by being. A plurality of processing execution functions that require log management in a computer that controls an electronic device having an operation unit having an operation switch for log acquisition request, a printing unit that prints information, and a storage unit that stores and saves information. When there is a notification that one of multiple types of abnormalities has occurred from any one, or when there is a notification that one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred , management information for managing a log generation function of generating respective logs of the notification, by dividing the predetermined storage area to be able to store grouped the logs generated by the functions to a plurality of plurality of divided regions the have a space management feature that specifies the writing destination of the divided regions of a log generated by the log generation function based on the management information, as specified by the function When there is a log acquisition control function that writes the log generated by the log generation function to a divided area and overwrites the oldest log when there is no space in the divided area, and a log acquisition request from the operation display means A log acquisition function for acquiring a log stored in a log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request, and when the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the printing unit, the log A log output function for outputting a log acquired by an acquisition function to the printing unit and printing the paper on a sheet ;
The management information includes a log storable number that is a number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by grouping the logs generated by the log generation function,
The log writing control function has a determination function for determining whether or not the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management function has reached the corresponding log storage capacity, As a result, if the log storage count of the divided area specified by the area management function has not reached the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation function is written in the divided area, and the area management A function for overwriting the log generated by the log generation function with the oldest log stored in the divided area when the number of logs stored in the divided area specified by the function reaches the corresponding log storable number A program characterized by being. A plurality of processing execution functions that require log management in a computer that controls an electronic device having an operation unit having an operation switch for log acquisition request, a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and a storage unit that stores and saves information When there is a notification that one of multiple types of abnormalities has occurred from any of the above, or when there is a notification that one of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred a log generation function of generating respective logs of the notification, the management for the predetermined storage area to be able to store grouped the logs generated by the function is divided into a plurality managing a plurality of divided regions It holds information, and space management function of specifying the divided region of write destination of the log generated by the log generation function based on the management information, specified by the function There was a log acquisition control function that writes the log generated by the log generation function to the divided area and overwrites the oldest log when there is no space in the divided area, and a log acquisition request from the operation means A log acquisition function for acquiring a log stored in a log acquisition destination divided area instructed by the log acquisition request, and when the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the external device, A log output function for causing a log acquired by a log acquisition function to be transmitted to the external device by the communication means ;
The management information includes a log storable number that is a number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by grouping the logs generated by the log generation function,
The log writing control function has a determination function for determining whether or not the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management function has reached the corresponding log storage capacity, As a result, if the log storage count of the divided area specified by the area management function has not reached the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation function is written in the divided area, and the area management A function for overwriting the log generated by the log generation function with the oldest log stored in the divided area when the number of logs stored in the divided area specified by the function reaches the corresponding log storable number A program characterized by being. Any of a plurality of types of abnormalities from any of a plurality of processing execution functions that require log management in a computer that controls an electronic device having a communication unit that communicates with an external device and a storage unit that stores and saves information A log generation function that generates a log for each notification when there is a notification that an error has occurred, or when there is a notification that any of multiple types of events including abnormalities and warnings has occurred , Having management information for managing the plurality of divided areas by dividing the predetermined storage area so that the logs generated by the function can be grouped and stored, and generating the log based on the management information It is generated and the area management function that specifies the writing destination of the divided region of logs generated by the log generation function in the specified split region by the function by the function A log write control function for writing a log and overwriting the oldest log when there is no more space in the divided area, and log acquisition instructed by the log acquisition request when there is a log acquisition request from the external device A log acquisition function for acquiring a log stored in a previous divided area; and a log acquired by the log acquisition function when the output destination instructed by the log acquisition request is the external device by the communication unit A program for realizing a log output function to be transmitted to the external device ,
The management information includes a log storable number that is a number that can be stored in the plurality of divided areas by grouping the logs generated by the log generation function,
The log writing control function has a determination function for determining whether or not the log storage count of the divided area designated by the area management function has reached the corresponding log storage capacity, As a result, if the log storage count of the divided area specified by the area management function has not reached the corresponding log storable number, the log generated by the log generation function is written in the divided area, and the area management A function for overwriting the log generated by the log generation function with the oldest log stored in the divided area when the number of logs stored in the divided area specified by the function reaches the corresponding log storable number A program characterized by being.

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