JP5834531B2 - Information processing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

In the information processing apparatus, problems may occur due to unintended operations and continuous / repetitive use. For this reason, the information processing apparatus stores so-called history information such as the content of the executed process and the date and time thereof, and when a problem occurs, the cause of the problem may be analyzed based on the history information.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes that when a problem occurs in the process of the information processing apparatus, history information of the process in which the problem has occurred is transmitted to the external apparatus. Patent Document 2 discloses status information acquired from a device because a problem may be resolved by an operation such as turning the power off and on by a user after a problem occurs in the processing of the information processing apparatus. Is transmitted to the storage server, and history information based on the status information acquired again from the device after a predetermined time is transmitted to the storage server.

JP 06-059442 A JP 2003-316668 A

  An object of the present invention is to transmit history information of a process executed by an information processing apparatus to a storage device when there is a high possibility that a problem has occurred in the process executed by the information processing apparatus.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention includes: a process execution unit that executes a process; a recording unit that records history information of a process executed by the process execution unit in a storage unit; Whether the difference between the first date and time when the process for stopping the supply is executed and the second date and time when the process for starting the supply of power is executed for the first time after the supply of power is stopped at the first date and time is less than the threshold First judgment means for judging whether or not, and when the first judgment means judges that the difference is less than a threshold, the component parts of the device itself in a period before the first date and time, When it is determined by the fourth determination means that the component parts match in the period after the second date and time, the fourth determination means for determining whether or not the component parts match, Before the first date and time The history information processing management execution means executes reading from said storage means, and transmitting means for transmitting to the storage device for storing the history information.

  An information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when the first determination unit determines that the difference is less than a threshold value, the information processing apparatus is subsequent to the second date and time. A second determination for determining whether or not a process having an attribute that matches the attribute of the process executed by the process execution unit within a predetermined period has been executed by the process execution unit prior to the first date and time. And when the first determining unit determines that the difference is less than a threshold value and the second determining unit determines that the processing of the matching attribute has been executed. The history information read from the storage means is transmitted to the storage device.

  An information processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the first determination unit determines that the difference is less than a threshold value after the second date and time. It is determined whether or not a process with an attribute that matches any one of the predetermined number of processes executed by the process execution unit is executed by the process execution unit before the first date and time. A third determination unit, wherein the transmission unit is determined by the first determination unit that the difference is less than a threshold value, and the third determination unit determines that the processing of the matching attribute has been executed. In this case, the history information read from the storage means is transmitted to the storage device.

In the information processing apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , when the first determination unit determines that the difference is less than a threshold value, The apparatus further comprises selection means for selecting whether to transmit the history information read from the storage means to the storage device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program comprising: a process execution unit that executes a process; a recording unit that records history information of a process executed by the process execution unit in a storage unit; The difference between the first date and time when the process for stopping the supply of power is executed and the second date and time when the process for starting the supply of power is first executed after the supply of power is stopped at the first date and time is less than the threshold value And a first determination means for determining whether or not the difference is less than a threshold value by the first determination means, and an information process comprising the computer in a period before the first date and time A fourth determination unit that determines whether or not a component of the apparatus matches a component of the information processing apparatus including the computer in a period after the second date and time; and the fourth determination unit When the component is determined to match is read from the first of said storage means a history information processing said process execution means has executed before date, the storage device for storing the history information It is for functioning as a transmission means for transmission.

According to the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whether or not the component parts of the own device in the period before the first date and time match the component parts of the own device in the period after the second date and time. Compared to the case where the configuration is not determined, it is possible to transmit history information of a process having a high possibility of occurrence of a failure to the storage device.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect, the process of the attribute that matches the attribute of the process executed within a predetermined period after the second date and time is executed before the first date and time. It is possible to transmit history information of a process having a high possibility of occurrence of a defect to the storage device as compared with the case where the configuration of determining whether or not the problem has occurred is not provided.

  According to the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, the processing of the attribute that matches any one of the predetermined number of processes executed after the second date and time is performed more than the first date and time. Compared to the case where it is not configured to determine whether or not it has been executed before, it is possible to transmit history information of a process having a high possibility of occurrence of a failure to the storage device.

According to the information processing apparatus of the fourth aspect , it is possible to select whether or not to transmit history information of processing executed by the information processing apparatus to the storage device.

According to the program according to claim 5 , the components of the information processing apparatus provided with the computer in the period before the first date and time, and the configuration of the information processing apparatus provided with the computer in the period after the second date and time. Compared to a case where it is not configured to determine whether or not a part matches, it is possible to transmit history information of a process having a high possibility of occurrence of a failure to the storage device.

It is a figure showing composition of a remote maintenance system concerning an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the storage device which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the production | generation process of the historical information which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of history information concerning the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of a power-off process according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a power-on process according to the embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the log | history information which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen which concerns on a modification.

[Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote maintenance system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 that is an example of an information processing apparatus that executes various processes, and a storage device 20 that stores history information of the information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 10 and the storage apparatus 20 are connected to each other via a communication line N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. Note that the number of image forming apparatuses 10 connected to the storage device 20 is not limited to the illustrated number, and may be other numbers.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is a computer that executes various processes, and includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a communication unit 15, an image forming unit 16, and a power supply unit 17. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like, and the CPU is stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12. Each part of the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled by executing a program. For example, the control unit 11 measures the date and time (year / month / day / hour / minute / second), generates history information, stores the generated history information in the storage unit 12, and transmits the stored history information to the storage device 20. Or The history information includes, for example, information indicating the physical status of each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 10 and information stored in the RAM by executing a program. The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as an HD (Hard Disk) that continues to store without power supply, and stores various programs and data. The storage unit 12 includes a storage area for storing history information. The operation unit 13 includes a power switch and a plurality of keys. The operation unit 13 receives a user operation and supplies a signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 11. The display unit 14 includes a display, and displays a processing progress status, information for guiding an operation to the user, and the like based on a signal supplied from the control unit 11. The communication unit 15 includes a communication circuit and a communication interface, and communicates with the storage device 20 via the communication line N. The image forming unit 16 is a photosensitive drum that is an image holding member, a charging unit that charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, an exposure unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, and a toner that develops the electrostatic latent image The image forming apparatus includes a developing unit that forms an image, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image to a recording medium, and a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium to the recording medium. Form on the medium. The power supply unit 17 is connected to a commercial power source by a power cord (not shown), and supplies power supplied from the commercial power source to each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. The start and stop of power supply in the power supply unit 17 are controlled by the control unit 11.

  Next, the configuration of the storage device 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the storage device 20. The storage device 20 is a device that stores history information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 and is operated by an operator who performs maintenance work on the image forming apparatus 10. The operator checks the history information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 by operating the storage device 20 or remotely performs maintenance work on the image forming apparatus 10. The storage device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls each unit of the storage device 20 when the CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HD and stores various programs and data. The storage unit 22 includes a storage area for storing history information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10. The operation unit 23 includes a power switch and a plurality of keys. The operation unit 23 receives an operation by the operator and supplies a signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 21. The display unit 24 includes a display, and displays history information stored in the storage unit 22 based on information supplied from the control unit 21. The communication unit 25 includes a communication circuit and a communication interface, communicates with the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication line N, and receives, for example, history information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10.

[Operation]
Hereinafter, an operation example of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of history information generation processing. The control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not an operation instructing execution of processing is input from the user to the operation unit 13 (step S41). When it is determined that there is no instruction input (step S41; NO), the control unit 11 repeats this determination process. When the control unit 11 determines that there is an instruction input (step S41; YES), the control unit 11 executes processing according to the instruction. That is, the control unit 11 functions as an example of a process execution unit that executes a process. Here, an operation group executed by the image forming apparatus 10 in response to a user instruction is defined as “processing”, and among the operation groups constituting the “processing”, an operation of a minimum unit stored as history information is defined. Define as "task". For example, when the user instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to execute “image forming processing”, “image forming processing” corresponds to “processing”, and “charging” constituting “image forming processing”. , “Exposure”, “development”, “transfer”, “fixing”, and the like correspond to “tasks”. Accordingly, when the process “image forming process” is executed, history information corresponding to each task of “charging”, “exposure”, “development”, “transfer”, and “fixing” is generated. The control part 11 performs the task which comprises a process in the predetermined order (step S42). For example, the control unit 11 executes the tasks constituting the process A in the order of task A1, task A2, and task A3. The control unit 11 measures the date and time when each task is executed using the time measuring function, and acquires this (step S43). In addition, the control unit 11 stores information indicating the physical status of each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 10 and information stored in the RAM by executing a program in the RAM as history information corresponding to the executed task. Store (step S44). And the control part 11 judges whether all the tasks which comprise a process were performed (step S45). When it is determined that there is a task that has not been executed (step S45; NO), the control unit 11 repeats step S42 to step S44 to execute the subsequent task. When the control unit 11 determines that all tasks have been executed (step S45; YES), the control unit 11 returns to the process of step S41.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of history information. The history information includes a process ID for identifying the executed process, the contents of the executed process, the contents of the executed task, the result of the executed task, and the date and time when the task was executed. For example, in the history information with the process ID A001, the content of the process is process A, the task A1 is executed at the date T1, the task A2 is executed at the date T2, and the task A3 is executed at the date T3. Represents. In addition, the number attached | subjected to the end of each date shall increase with progress of time. The history information with the process ID A002 indicates that the content of the process is the process A, the task A1 is executed at the date and time T4, the task A2 is executed at the date and time T5, and the task A4 is executed at the date and time T6. Represents. Since the process A with the process ID A001 and the process A with the process ID A002 are the same process, the same task should be executed originally. However, in the process A with the process ID A002, a problem occurred during the execution of the task A2. Therefore, the task A4 was executed exceptionally where the task A3 should be executed after the task A2. The reason why the task different from the normal is executed is to prevent other processes in the image forming apparatus 10 from being affected by a problem that occurs during the execution of the task. In the following description, when a failure occurs in a task that was executed in advance, executing a task that is different from the case where no failure has occurred as a subsequent task is referred to as “exception processing”. . In order to perform such exception processing, it is necessary to foresee the occurrence of the defect, and further, a mechanism for detecting a defect occurring in the task being executed is necessary. Hereinafter, the defect in which this exception processing is performed is referred to as a known defect.

  On the other hand, when exception processing is not performed or when exception processing is not appropriate, the instructed processing may not be executed normally, and other processing in the image forming apparatus 10 may be affected. . Such a defect in which exception processing is not performed is referred to as an unknown defect. In FIG. 5, the history information when this unknown defect occurs corresponds to the history information with the process ID A003. The history information with the process ID A003 indicates that the content of the process is the process A, the task A1 is executed at the date and time T7, and the task A2 is executed at the date and time T8, but the task A3 or A4 following the task A2 Does not indicate that has been executed. This is considered to be because, for example, the execution of the process A2 was interrupted because an unknown problem occurred during the execution of the task A2. Note that even when all tasks are executed, as in the case of history information with process IDs A001 and A002, an unknown problem may occur.

  By the way, in general, an unknown defect often occurs due to a complex factor such as a combination of parts of the information processing apparatus or a combination of a plurality of input instructions, and often has a low relapse rate. Therefore, it is important for the storage device to store a large amount of history information of a process in which an unknown failure has occurred, and to analyze the stored history information to identify the cause of the occurrence. However, even if the techniques described in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 are used to transmit (accumulate) history information of a process in which a problem has occurred to the storage device, the detection of an unknown problem itself is not possible. Since it is not possible, history information is not transmitted to the storage device. That is, the storage device cannot store history information of a process in which an unknown failure has occurred. In addition, even if the user recognizes the occurrence of an unknown defect, the user does not always contact the worker who performs the maintenance work, and the operation of switching the power switch of the information processing apparatus from on to off and further from off to on is performed. Doing so may eliminate unknown problems. Even in this case, the storage device cannot store history information of a process in which an unknown failure has occurred.

  In the present embodiment, even when the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the information processing apparatus has not detected an unknown defect that has occurred in the process of the own apparatus, there is a possibility that an unknown defect has occurred in the own apparatus. In such a case, the history information of the process having such a possibility is transmitted to the storage device. Whether or not the process is likely to have a problem is determined based on the fact that the user has performed an operation of switching the power switch of the image forming apparatus 10 from on to off and further from off to on. .

  Here, returning to the description of the operation in the present embodiment, after the user instructed the process A with the process ID A003 in FIG. 5, for example, the intended process result could not be obtained. It is assumed that the occurrence has been recognized. Then, it is assumed that the user attempts to recover from the failure by performing an operation of switching the power switch from on to off and further switching from off to on. Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this case will be described.

  First, the operation of the control unit 11 when the user performs an operation of switching the power switch of the operation unit 13 from on to off will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power-off process. When the power switch of the operation unit 13 is switched from on to off, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 starts a power-off process, which is an example of a process of stopping power supply. The control unit 11 acquires the date and time counted when the power-off process is started as the power-off date and time (hereinafter referred to as the first power-off date and time) (step S62), and generates history information regarding the power-off process. And stored in the RAM (step S63). That is, the first power-off date / time is an example of the first date / time when the process of stopping the power supply is executed. Thereby, for example, history information with the process ID A004 in FIG. 5 is generated. The history information with the process ID A004 indicates that the power-off process has been executed at the date T9. Next, the control unit 11 reads all the history information stored in the RAM and records it in the storage unit 12 (step S64). That is, the control unit 11 functions as an example of a recording unit that records history information in the storage unit 12 that functions as an example of a storage unit. Here, the control unit 11 causes the storage unit 12 to store, for example, history information with process IDs A000 to A004 in FIG. 5 as all history information stored in the RAM. The history information with the process ID A000 in FIG. 5 indicates that the date and time when the power-on process occurred last time is T0. This power-on process will be described later. When the storage in the storage unit 12 is completed, the control unit 11 controls the power supply unit 17 to stop the supply of power to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S65).

  Next, the operation of the control unit 11 when the user performs an operation of switching the power switch of the operation unit 13 from OFF to ON will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power-on process. When the power switch of the operation unit 13 is switched from OFF to ON, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 starts a power-on process that is an example of a process for starting the supply of power. The control unit 11 acquires the date and time counted when the power-on process is started as the date and time of the power-on process (hereinafter referred to as the second power-on date and time) (step S72), and the history regarding the power-on process Information is generated and stored in the RAM (step S73). That is, the second power-on date and time is an example of the second date and time when the process of starting the supply of power stopped at the first date and time is executed. Thereby, for example, history information with the process ID A005 in FIG. 5 is generated. The history information with the process ID A005 represents that the power-on process was executed at the date T10. Note that the history information with process ID A000 in FIG. 5 is the power-on process in which the process of starting the supply of power stopped at the first power-off date / time (date / time T9) is executed before the first power-off date / time. The date and time (hereinafter referred to as the first power-on date and time) is T0.

  Next, the control unit 11 stores the first power-off date / time, which is the date / time of the power-off process executed at the closest time among the processes executed before the date / time acquired in the process of step S <b> 72. Is identified from the history information stored in (step S74). For example, the control unit 11 specifies that the first power-off date / time is T9 from the history information with the process ID A004 in FIG. Then, the control unit 11 calculates the absolute value of the difference between the second power-on date and time (here, T10) acquired in step S72 and the first power-off date and time (here, T9) (step S72). S75). Since this period is a period in which power supply to the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped and no operation is performed, the absolute value of the calculated difference is hereinafter referred to as a stop period of the image forming apparatus 10.

  Next, the control part 11 judges whether the stop period calculated by the process of step S75 is less than a threshold value (step S76). This threshold value is a value provided to determine whether the switching operation of the user's power switch is an attempt to recover from an unknown failure, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 12. Value. That is, the control unit 11 functions as an example of a first determination unit that determines whether or not the difference between the first power-off date and time and the second power-on date and time is less than a threshold value. When the stop period is not less than the threshold (step S76; NO), the control unit 11 determines that the switching operation of the user's power switch is not an attempt to recover from an unknown defect. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the stop period is less than the threshold (step S76; YES), the control unit 11 determines that the switching operation of the user's power switch is an attempt to recover from an unknown defect.

  The reason why the stop period and the threshold value are determined in this way is as follows. In general, a plurality of personal computers are connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication line, and input of processing instructions is often accepted at any time. In this case, since it is rare that the user switches the power switch every time the user uses the image forming apparatus 10, it is considered that the frequency of the operation of switching the power switch of the image forming apparatus 10 is not high. On the other hand, when a problem occurs in the image forming apparatus 10, the user should desire recovery as soon as possible because the processing instructed by the user is not performed. In this case, the user tries to recover from the malfunction by switching the power switch, but the suspension period in this case is considered to be short enough to be distinguished from other suspension periods. Therefore, the control unit 11 compares the stop period with a threshold value, and when the stop period is less than the threshold value, the control unit 11 determines that the switching operation of the user's power switch has attempted to recover from the malfunction.

  When it is determined that the stop period is less than the threshold (step S76; YES), the control unit 11 reads out history information of processing executed before T9 of the first power-off date / time from the storage unit 12, and accumulates the storage device. 20 (step S77). For example, the control unit 11 transmits history information with process IDs A001 to A003 in FIG. That is, the control unit 11 functions as an example of a transmission unit that transmits history information to the storage device. The control unit 21 of the storage device 20 stores the history information received via the communication line N in the storage unit 22. That is, the history information of the process in which an unknown defect has occurred is stored in the storage device 20. Then, the control unit 21 of the storage device 20 identifies the cause of the occurrence of an unknown defect by analyzing the history information stored in the storage unit 22.

  When the operation is performed as in the present embodiment, the first power-off date / time (first date / time) when the process of stopping the power supply is executed and the supply of power stopped at the first power-off date / time are started. Compared to the case where it is not configured to determine whether or not the difference from the second power-on date / time (second date / time) when the process to be executed is less than the threshold value, Among them, the history information of the process having a high possibility of occurrence of a failure is selected and transmitted to the storage device.

  Here, a functional configuration realized by the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 in the above-described embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration realized by the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. The control part 11 implement | achieves the function equivalent to the process execution part 111, the recording part 112, the 1st judgment part 113, and the transmission part 114 which are shown in FIG. 8 by running a program. The process execution unit 111 is an example of a process execution unit, and executes a process according to an instruction from the user. The recording unit 112 is an example of a recording unit, and records history information of processing executed by the processing execution unit 111 in the storage unit 12. The first determination unit 113 is an example of a first determination unit. The first power-off date / time (first date / time) when the process execution unit 111 executes the process of stopping the supply of power and the first power-off date / time. It is determined whether or not the difference from the second power-on date / time (second date / time) when the process of starting the power supply is executed for the first time after the power supply is stopped is less than a threshold value. The transmission unit 114 is an example of a transmission unit, and when the first determination unit 113 determines that the difference between the first power-off date and time and the second power-on date and time is less than a threshold, the first power-off date and time The history information of the process executed by the process execution unit 111 before is read from the storage unit 12 and transmitted to the storage device 20 that stores the history information.

[Modification]
The contents of the above-described embodiment may be modified as follows. Each modification shown below may be implemented in combination as necessary.
[Modification 1]
The contents included in the history information are not limited to those shown in FIG. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when a file such as image data is a processing target, the control unit 11 may include the file name in the history information as an example of a processing attribute. The processing attribute here is information arbitrarily specified by the control unit 11 that executes the process, such as a file name to be processed or information for identifying a user instructing the process. That is. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of history information according to the modification. In this case, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not transmission to the storage device 20 is possible based on the file name included in the history information, in addition to determining whether or not the stop period is less than the threshold.

  For example, even when the control unit 11 determines that the stop period is less than the threshold value, the control unit 11 does not transmit the history information to the storage device 20 and executes processing according to the user's instruction. Then, the control unit 11 includes, in the history information of the process executed before T9 of the first power-off date / time, a file that matches the target file name of the process executed after T10 of the second power-on date / time. It is judged whether it is included in. Here, it is assumed that the control unit 11 determines that the file name included in the history information with the process ID A007 matches the file name included in the history information with the process ID A003. As described above, when the control unit 11 determines that the file names match, it is assumed that the switching operation of the power switch is an attempt to recover from an unknown problem, and before T9 of the first power-off date and time. The history information of the processing executed at the same time is transmitted to the storage device 20. This determination is based on the following reason. For example, when the user cannot obtain the intended processing result in the instructed processing, the user recognizes the occurrence of a problem. Then, the user attempts to recover from the malfunction by switching the power switch from on to off and further performing an operation of switching from off to on. This is because at this point in time, the user has not obtained the intended processing result, so that it is considered that the user instructs the processing again (hereinafter referred to as reprocessing) in order to obtain the intended processing result.

  Further, in this modification, the control unit 11 may determine whether only a predetermined number of processes among the processes executed after the second power-on date and time are reprocessing. In this case, the control unit 11 functions as an example of a third determination unit. For example, when the number of targets for determining whether or not to perform reprocessing is “2”, the control unit 11 reprocesses only the process corresponding to the history information with the process ID A006 or A007 in FIG. It is an object to determine whether or not there is. That is, the control unit 11 includes a file that matches the file name included in the history information with the process ID A006 or A007 in the history information of the process executed before T9 of the first power-off date and time. Judge whether or not. Note that the minimum value of the number of targets for determining whether or not reprocessing is performed is “1”. Further, in this modification, the control unit 11 determines whether or not only the process executed in a predetermined period after the second power-on date / time is a reprocess, not the predetermined number of processes. It is good also as an object to judge. In this case, the control unit 11 functions as an example of a second determination unit. For example, when the period for determining whether or not reprocessing is performed is “10 minutes”, only the processing executed in that period is the target for determining whether or not reprocessing is performed. .

  As described above, the reason for limiting the processing to be determined as to whether or not the processing is reprocessing is based on the following reason. When a problem occurs in the image forming apparatus 10, the user should obtain the intended processing result as soon as possible. In this case, it is considered that there is little processing that is performed after the user tries to recover from the failure by switching the power switch and before the reprocessing is instructed, and the period is short. Therefore, the control unit 11 does not need to determine whether or not all the processes executed after the second power-on date / time T10 are reprocessing, but a predetermined number of processes or a predetermined number. It is considered that it is only necessary to determine whether or not the process is a reprocess only for the process executed in the period. Then, the control unit 11 only needs to transmit history information of processing executed before the first power-off date / time T9 to the storage device 20 only when it is determined to be reprocessing. When the operation is performed in this way, the processing of the attribute that matches the attribute of the processing executed after the second power-on date / time (second date / time) is before the first power-off date / time (first date / time). Compared with the case where the configuration of determining whether or not the process has been executed is not provided, the accuracy of selecting the history information of the process having a high possibility of occurrence of a failure is improved.

  In this modification, the control unit 11 compares the file name of the process executed immediately before the first power-off date and the file name of the process executed after the second power-on date. By doing so, it may be determined whether or not the processing executed after the second power-on date and time is reprocessing. For example, the control unit 11 includes the file name included in the history information whose process ID is A003, which is the process executed immediately before the first power-off date / time T9, and the target of the process executed after the second power-on date / time T10. File names (file A3, file A4...) Are compared. If the control unit 11 determines that the same file name exists, the control unit 11 transmits history information of processing executed before the first power-off date / time T9 to the storage device 20. As described above, the determination as to whether or not the history information is transmitted based on the file name to be processed immediately before the first power-off date and time T9 is based on the following reason. When a problem occurs in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 may not accept an operation. In such a case, since it is considered that an unknown problem has occurred in the process executed immediately before the first power-off date / time T9, the file name of the process executed immediately before the first power-off date / time T9 is used. Based on this, it may be determined whether or not it is reprocessing. When the operation is performed as described above, the history information of the processing that is highly likely to be defective among the history information of the processing executed by the control unit 11 is transmitted to the storage device.

  Further, in this modified example, the control unit 11 may transmit at least a part of the history information of the processes executed before the first power-off date / time T9 to the storage device 20. For example, the control unit 11 may transmit history information of processes executed after the first power-on date / time T0 and before the first power-off date / time T9 to the storage device 20. In addition, the control unit 11 includes only history information including the same file name as the target file name of the process determined to be reprocessed from the history information of the process executed before the first power-off time T9. It may be transmitted to the storage device 20. Further, for example, the control unit 11 includes history information including at least a history of processing executed at a time closest to the first power-off date / time T9 among history information of processing executed during the period up to the first power-off date / time T9. The data may be read from the storage unit 12 and transmitted to the storage device 20.

  In addition, in this modification, when the information for identifying the user instructing the process (hereinafter referred to as user identification information) can be acquired, the control unit 11 uses history information as an example of the attribute of the user identification information processing. May be included. In this case, the control unit 11 may determine whether transmission to the storage device 20 is possible based on the user identification information included in the history information, in addition to determining whether the stop period is less than the threshold. . The reason for this is the same as the case where it is determined whether reprocessing is performed based on the file name. In this case, the control unit 11 can determine whether or not transmission to the storage device 20 is possible based on the user identification information even when a file such as image data is not the target of processing. The user identification information includes, for example, a user ID for identifying the user himself / herself, an IP address of a personal computer or the like that is operated by the user and supplies a signal for instructing the image forming apparatus 10 to perform processing. But you can.

  Note that the control unit 11 may transmit history information of a process in which a known defect has occurred to the storage device 20 without determining whether or not the stop period is less than the threshold.

[Modification 2]
The image forming apparatus 10 may include, for example, a sensor that detects the attachment / detachment of each component (hereinafter, referred to as a component) constituting the image forming apparatus 10, and the control unit 11 is based on a signal supplied from the sensor. Changes such as attachment / detachment of components may be detected. Further, the control unit 11 may detect a change such as replacement of a component by reading out information for identifying the component of the own device from each. The component parts referred to here are parts constituting the image forming apparatus 10 such as consumable parts or optional devices. In this case, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the component parts of the own device in the period before the first power-off date and time match the component parts of the own device in the period after the second power-on date and time. The history information may not be transmitted to the storage device 20 when it is detected that the components of the own device are different. In this case, the control unit 11 functions as an example of a fourth determination unit. This determination is based on the following reason. In general, when the components of the image forming apparatus 10 are changed, it is considered that some maintenance work has been performed, for example, replacement of consumable parts, installation or removal of optional equipment, and the like. In addition, when the user attempts to recover from a malfunction by switching the power switch, the operation of changing the components of the image forming apparatus 10 is often not performed. Therefore, when the components of the own device are different, the control unit 11 does not attempt to recover from an unknown defect, but assumes that some maintenance work has been performed, and the history information is stored in the storage device 20. You do not have to send to. When the operation is performed in this way, the control unit 10 determines the component of the own device in the period before the first power-off date / time (first date / time) and the second power-on date / time (second date / time). To improve the accuracy of selecting history information of a process with a high possibility that a failure has occurred, as compared with a case where it does not have a configuration of determining whether or not a component of its own device matches in a later period. Become.

[Modification 3]
The control unit 11 may request the user to perform a power switch switching operation or forcibly execute a restart process in order to apply the setting / change of the own device. In this case, since it is clear that the process is not a process in which the user attempts to recover from an unknown defect, the control unit 11 stores the history information in the storage device 20 even if the stop period is determined to be less than the threshold. You do not have to send it.

[Modification 4]
In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 determines that the power switch of the operation unit 13 has been switched from on to off, and sets the date and time counted when the power-off process is started as the power-off date and time (step S61). . However, the power-off date and time is not limited to this, and the control unit 11 controls the power supply unit 17 to measure the date and time when the power supply to the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped, and the power-off process. The date and time when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start time may be set as the power-off date and time. In short, the control unit 11 determines the date and time at any time from the time when it is determined that the power switch of the operation unit 13 has been switched from on to off and before the time when power supply to the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped. The date and time at which the process of stopping the supply is executed may be set.

[Modification 5]
In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 determines that the power switch of the operation unit 13 has been switched from OFF to ON, and uses the date and time counted when starting the power-on process as the power-on date and time (step S71). . However, the power-on date / time is not limited to this, and the control unit 11 performs a predetermined process included in the power-on process, for example, a date / time counted when the setup process starts or ends, or a power-on process. The date and time when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start time may be set as the power-on date and time. In short, the control unit 11 determines the date and time at any time from the time when it is determined that the power switch of the operation unit 13 has been switched from OFF to ON, and before the time when the reception of the process execution instruction starts. The date and time when the process for starting the supply of data is executed may be set.

[Modification 6]
In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to transmit history information to the storage device 20 by comparing the stop period and the threshold value. However, the reference for determining whether the control unit 11 transmits history information to the storage device 20 is not limited to this. In the power-on process, when the control unit 11 determines to transmit history information to the storage device 20, the control unit 11 displays a selection screen on the display unit 14 that allows the user to select whether or not to actually transmit history information. You may let them. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen according to a modification. As shown in the figure, the selection screen G101 includes a message that there is a possibility that an unknown failure may have occurred, a radio button R101 for selecting whether or not to transmit history information, and a selection of the radio button R101. A selection button B101 to be selected later by an operation such as clicking is included. For example, the control unit 11 transmits history information from the communication unit 15 to the storage device 20 only when “send history information” is selected with the radio button R101 on the selection screen G101 and the selection button B101 is selected. To do. That is, the control unit 11 functions as an example of a selection unit that selects whether or not to transmit history information to the storage device 20 when it is determined that the stop period is less than the threshold. When the operation is performed in this way, it is selected whether or not to transmit history information of a process having a high possibility of occurrence of a failure to the storage device.

[Modification 7]
In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 stores the history information in the storage unit 12 triggered by detecting a switching operation of the operation unit 13 from the on state to the off state. This trigger is not limited to the operation of switching the power switch of the operation unit 13 from ON to OFF. For example, the operation of instructing the power supply from ON to OFF using the key of the operation unit 13 or the communication line N is used. In short, any operation that instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to turn on and off from the power source, such as a remote operation that instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to turn on and off from a terminal such as a personal computer. In addition, the control unit 11 is not limited to the timing of turning on and off the power, and the history information stored in the RAM of the own device is stored every predetermined period or when the number of executed processes exceeds the threshold. You may memorize | store in the memory | storage part 12. FIG.

  Further, the control unit 11 is configured to transmit history information to the storage device 20 triggered by detecting a switching operation of the power switch of the operation unit 13 from OFF to ON. This trigger is not limited to the operation of switching the power switch of the operation unit 13 from OFF to ON. For example, the operation of instructing the power supply from OFF to ON using the keys of the operation unit 13 or the communication line N is used. In short, it may be any operation that instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to turn on from power off, such as a remote operation that instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to turn on from a terminal such as a personal computer.

[Modification 8]
In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 may be performed by the cooperation of the control unit 11 and other hardware, or one or a plurality of processes may be performed instead of the control unit 11. Hardware may do. Moreover, the process performed by the control part 11 may be implement | achieved by the single program, and may be implement | achieved by the some program. Each program executed by the control unit 11 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk, an optical recording medium such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Can be provided in the state. The program can be downloaded to the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication line such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Remote maintenance system, 10 ... Image forming apparatus, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Memory | storage part, 13 ... Operation part, 14 ... Display part, 15 ... Communication part, 16 ... Image forming part, 17 ... Power supply part, G101 ... Selection screen, B101 ... Select button, R101 ... Radio button, 20 ... Storage device, 21 ... Control part, 22 ... Storage part, 23 ... Operation part, 24 ... Display part, 25 ... Communication part

Claims (5)

Processing execution means for executing processing;
Recording means for recording history information of processing executed by the processing execution means in storage means;
A first date and time when the process execution means executes a process of stopping the supply of power, and a second date and time when the process of starting the supply of power is executed only after the supply of power is stopped at the first date and time First determination means for determining whether or not the difference between and is less than a threshold value;
When it is determined by the first determination means that the difference is less than the threshold value, the component parts of the own device in a period before the first date and time and the own device in a period after the second date and time Fourth determination means for determining whether or not the component parts match,
If it is determined by the fourth determination means that the components match , the history information of the process executed by the process execution means before the first date and time is read from the storage means, and the history information An information processing apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the data to a storage device that stores the information. When the first determination means determines that the difference is less than the threshold, an attribute that matches the attribute of the process executed by the process execution means within a predetermined period after the second date and time A second determination unit that determines whether or not the process has been executed by the process execution unit prior to the first date and time;
When the first determining unit determines that the difference is less than the threshold value and the second determining unit determines that the processing of the matching attribute has been performed, the transmitting unit stores the storing unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the history information read from the information is transmitted to the storage device. When the difference is determined to be less than the threshold value by the first determination unit, the attribute matches any attribute of a predetermined number of processes executed by the process execution unit after the second date and time. A third determination unit that determines whether or not the attribute processing to be performed by the process execution unit before the first date and time;
When the first determining unit determines that the difference is less than a threshold value and the third determining unit determines that the processing of the matching attribute has been performed, the transmitting unit stores the storing unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the history information read from the information is transmitted to the storage device. Characterized in that the pre-Symbol first determination means when it is determined that the difference is less than the threshold value, a selection means for selecting whether to transmit the history information read from said storage means to said storage device The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The computer,
Processing execution means for executing processing;
Recording means for recording history information of processing executed by the processing execution means in storage means;
A first date and time when the process execution means executes a process of stopping the supply of power, and a second date and time when the process of starting the supply of power is executed only after the supply of power is stopped at the first date and time First determination means for determining whether or not the difference between and is less than a threshold value;
When the first determination unit determines that the difference is less than the threshold, the component of the information processing apparatus including the computer in the period before the first date and time, and the second date and time Fourth determination means for determining whether or not the component parts of the information processing apparatus including the computer in a later period match;
If it is determined by the fourth determination means that the components match , the history information of the process executed by the process execution means before the first date and time is read from the storage means, and the history information For functioning as a transmission means for transmitting data to a storage device for storing data.

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