JP7067108B2 - Information processing system, information processing device, and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing program , and in particular, includes an information processing server including a first control unit and a first storage unit, and a second control unit and a second storage unit. The present invention relates to an information processing system including an information processing device capable of communicating with the information processing server, an information processing device included in the information processing system , and an information processing program executed by the information processing device.

Conventionally, a method of managing log information of events such as functions executed and phenomena that have occurred in an information processing device such as an image forming device such as a multifunction device (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") or a copier. One of them is a method of managing detailed log information such that all event histories and the date and time are linked and saved. In such a method, the storage area for storing the log information in the information processing device, the communication volume for transmitting the log information from the information processing device to the server, and the log information of all the information processing devices in the server are stored. There is the problem of increasing any of the storage areas.

As another management method of log information, the number of occurrences of each event such as the number of executions of each of a plurality of pre-registered functions and the number of occurrences of each of a plurality of pre-registered phenomena is counted as a count value, and these counts are performed. There is a method of sending the value to the server and storing it in the server. According to this method, when an error or malfunction occurs in the information processing device, it is possible to analyze the count value, which is the log information stored in the server, to analyze or improve the cause of the error or malfunction. Become.

In the case of such a method, if the count value is 0 to 65535, the size of the log information is the number of items × 2 bytes, so that the log information can be saved as compared with the case of storing the detailed log information as described above. It is not necessary to consider that the storage area will increase significantly. However, since the information regarding the time when the count value has increased is not stored, it is difficult to grasp at what timing the count value has increased. In this case, such a problem can be solved by increasing the frequency of transmitting the count value to the server. However, another problem arises that the amount of communication between the information processing device and the server increases.

Further, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-232449 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1), it is determined whether or not the server side is in a busy state, and if it is in a busy state, data is transmitted at intervals of data transmission. Reduce the frequency of doing so.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-23249

However, when the method of Patent Document 1 is used, the amount of communication between all information processing devices and the server is increased in order to grasp the timing at which the count value of the number of occurrences of each event as log information increases. , There is a risk that the server side will always be busy. If the frequency of data transmission is reduced each time, there arises a problem that data such as a count value cannot be transmitted to the server side at an appropriate timing.

This disclosure was made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, and one of the purposes of this disclosure is that even when the number of occurrences of an event in the information processing apparatus is transmitted to the server at a predetermined opportunity, an abnormality occurs. Appropriately notify the administrator that it has occurred or is likely to occur.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to an aspect of this disclosure, the information processing system includes an information processing server including a first control unit and a first storage unit, and a second control unit and a second storage unit. Includes an information processing device capable of communicating with an information processing server. The second control unit can detect the occurrence of the first event in the information processing apparatus, counts the number of occurrences of the detected first event, stores it in the second storage unit, and stores it in the second storage unit. The number of occurrences is transmitted to the information processing server at each predetermined opportunity. The first control unit can specify the transmission time from the information processing device of the number of occurrences by receiving the number of occurrences from the information processing device, and associates the number of occurrences received with the specified transmission time. It is stored in the first storage unit.

The second control unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the information processing apparatus after it has occurred and whether or not a second event that has been previously found to be likely to have occurred has occurred, and the second event has occurred. If it is determined that it has occurred, the increase processing of the predetermined opportunity is executed. The first control unit has previously found that the mode of change in the number of occurrences stored in the first storage unit is likely to be an abnormality in the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the number of occurrences. It is possible to determine whether or not the information processing device has an abnormal mode, and if it is determined that the change in the number of occurrences of the information processing device is an abnormal mode, it is possible that an abnormality has occurred or has occurred in the information processing device. Notify the administrator that the information is high.

Preferably, the first control unit can transmit an instruction prohibiting the execution of the increase processing to the information processing apparatus. When the second control unit receives the prohibition instruction from the information processing server, the second control unit prohibits the execution of the increase processing.

Preferably, the first control unit can transmit an instruction permitting the execution of the increase processing to the information processing apparatus. When the second control unit receives the permission instruction from the information processing server, the second control unit permits the execution of the increase processing.

Preferably, the first control unit can transmit the content that changes the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is not executed. The second control unit changes the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is not executed to the content received from the information processing server.

Preferably, the first control unit can transmit the content that changes the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is executed. The second control unit changes the predetermined trigger corresponding to the execution of the increase process to the content received from the information processing server.

Preferably, the second control unit can specify the communication amount of the information processing apparatus. The second event is an event that the specified communication amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Preferably, the second control unit can count the number of times a plurality of predetermined functions are executed. The second event is an event in which the mode of increasing the number of executions of the plurality of predetermined functions counted is the predetermined mode.

Preferably, the second control unit can specify the communication retry frequency of the information processing apparatus. The second event is an event in which the specified retry frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Preferably, the second control unit includes a CPU. The second storage unit includes RAM. The second control unit can specify the usage rate of the CPU or RAM. The second event is an event in which the usage rate exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Preferably, the second control unit can specify the frequency of occurrence of the notification to the user. The second event is an event in which the specified frequency of occurrence exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Preferably, the second control unit determines whether or not a plurality of notifications of at least a predetermined combination have occurred among the notifications to the plurality of types of users. The second event is an event in which it is determined that a plurality of notifications of a predetermined combination have occurred.

Preferably, the second control unit can measure the ambient temperature or humidity. The second event is an event in which the measured temperature or humidity exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Preferably, the second control unit can specify the number of times or the period of use of the predetermined component of the information processing apparatus. The second event is an event in which the specified number of uses or the period of use exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Preferably, the information processing apparatus further comprises a printing unit. The second control unit can control the printing unit to execute printing, and can count the number of prints by the printing unit. The second event is an event that the counted number of prints exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

More preferably, the first control unit can transmit the changed predetermined threshold value. The second control unit changes to a predetermined threshold value received from the information processing server.

More preferably, the first control unit can transmit the modified predetermined mode. The second control unit changes to a predetermined mode received from the information processing server.

More preferably, the first control unit can transmit a predetermined combination after the change. The second control unit changes to a predetermined combination received from the information processing server.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus includes a control unit and a storage unit, and can communicate with the information processing server. The control unit can detect the occurrence of the first event in the information processing apparatus, counts the number of occurrences of the detected first event, stores it in the storage unit, and determines the number of occurrences stored in the storage unit. For each opportunity, the information processing server transmits the information processing server in order to store the number of occurrences and the transmission time in association with each other.

The control unit determines whether or not a second event that has occurred and is likely to have occurred in the information processing apparatus has occurred after the occurrence, and the second event has occurred. If it is determined that this has been done, the increase processing of the predetermined opportunity is executed. The mode of change in the number of occurrences stored by the information processing server is an abnormal mode in which an abnormality has occurred or is likely to occur in the information processing apparatus that transmitted the number of occurrences. If it is determined to be present, the administrator is notified that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to occur in the information processing apparatus.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the information processing program is executed by an information processing apparatus including a control unit and a storage unit and capable of communicating with an information processing server. The information processing program has a step of detecting the occurrence of the first event in the information processing apparatus, a step of counting the number of occurrences of the detected first event and storing it in the storage unit, and a step of storing the number of occurrences in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus is made to execute a step of transmitting to the information processing server in order to store the number of occurrences and the transmission time in association with each other at each predetermined opportunity.

The information processing program includes a step of determining whether or not a second event has occurred, which is preliminarily determined to have occurred and is likely to occur in the information processing apparatus after it has occurred, and a second. When it is determined that an event has occurred, the control unit is made to execute a step of executing an increase process of a predetermined opportunity. The mode of change in the number of occurrences stored by the information processing server is an abnormal mode in which an abnormality has occurred or is likely to occur in the information processing apparatus that transmitted the number of occurrences. If it is determined to be present, the administrator is notified that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to occur in the information processing apparatus.

According to this disclosure, even when the number of occurrences of an event in the information processing device is transmitted to the server at a predetermined trigger, the administrator is appropriately notified that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to have occurred. can do.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the information processing system in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the MFP in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the management server in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the flowchart and the counter table which show the flow of the count process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the counter log acquisition process and the counter log management process in this embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the example which an abnormality occurs in the MFP in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the counter log setting process in this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram related to a counter log in this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the predetermined event occurrence determination part in 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the predetermined event occurrence determination part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the predetermined event occurrence determination part in 4th Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the predetermined event occurrence determination part in 5th Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the predetermined event occurrence determination part in 6th Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the predetermined event occurrence determination part in 7th Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the predetermined event occurrence determination part in 8th Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the predetermined event occurrence determination part in 9th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the information processing system will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, these explanations will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an MFP 200 (in FIG. 1, MFPs 200A, 200B, 200C) and a management server 300. The management server 300 is not limited to a single server, but may be a group of servers. Further, the management server 300 may be configured by one computer.

The management server 300 is installed on the service provider side such as the manufacturer of the MFPs 200A to 200C. The MFPs 200A, 200B and the MFP200C are installed on the user side (user side). The MFPs 200A and 200B are connected to the same private network 900 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The MFPs 200A to 200C are connected to the server side such as the management server 300 via the Internet, a public line, a public network 700 such as a public wireless LAN, and the like.

The MFP 200 has a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, a fax function, and a communication function, and can read an image as image data from a reading target on which an image is represented, an image processing device such as another MFP, a computer, or the like. Receive image data from other devices via communication lines such as communication network lines and telephone lines, send image data to other devices via communication lines, and print images based on the image data. To do. Images are documents, line drawings, drawings, illustrations, paintings and photographs. The image data is a representation of an image as data, and is text data or document data, or image data in a vector format or a bitmap format.

The management server 300 manages a plurality of MFPs 200 including the MFPs 200A to 200C. For example, the management server 300 manages a log (history) of an event that has occurred in the MFP 200 (for example, execution of a predetermined function by the MFP 200, execution of a predetermined operation by the MFP 200, occurrence of a predetermined error in the MFP 200, etc.).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MFP 200 in this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 2, the MFP 200 has a control unit 210 for controlling the entire MFP 200, a storage unit 220 for storing predetermined information, an operation unit 230 for operating the MFP 200, and a predetermined MFP 200. A display unit 240 for displaying information, a communication unit 260 for communicating with an external device via a private network 900 or a public network 700, a scanner unit 270 for reading a predetermined image, and a predetermined image. Includes a printer unit 280 for printing.

The storage unit 220 has a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area required for the control unit 210 to execute a program, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the program to be executed by the control unit 210. And include. Further, a program and data for executing a predetermined process are read and stored in the RAM from the operation unit 230, the communication unit 260, or the scanner unit 270. Further, a hard disk drive or a memory card may be used as an auxiliary storage device for assisting the storage area of the RAM.

The operation unit 230 includes a plurality of operation buttons for causing the MFP 200 to execute a predetermined function, and a touch panel configured on the display of the display unit 240. The operation signal indicating the operation content input to the MFP 200 by operating the operation button and the touch panel of the operation unit 230 is passed to the control unit 210.

The display unit 240 includes a liquid crystal display device (hereinafter referred to as "LCD" (Liquid Crystal Display)) in which a touch panel is configured on the display. The LCD of the display unit 240 is an image received from the control unit 210 and displays an image showing the state of the MFP 200 and the operation buttons on the touch panel. The display unit 240 may include another FPD (Flat Panel Display) such as an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a plasma display, and an SED (Surface-conduction Electron-emitter Display) instead of the LCD.

The communication unit 260 transmits / receives data to / from an external device, for example, a management server 300, via a private network 900 or a public network 700, using a predetermined protocol. The communication unit 260 transmits the data received from the control unit 210 to the outside, and transfers the data received from the outside to the control unit 210.

The scanner unit 270 optically reads the visible information on the surface of the paper or other object, converts the read image into image data, and passes the image data to the control unit 210.

The printer unit 280 converts the image data received from the control unit 210 into an image, and prints the image on printing paper. Printing paper includes plain paper, photographic paper, OHP (Overhead projector) film, and the like.

The control unit 210 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and an auxiliary circuit thereof. The control unit 210 controls the storage unit 220, the operation unit 230, the display unit 240, the communication unit 260, the scanner unit 270, and the printer unit 280, and executes predetermined processing according to the programs and data stored in the storage unit 220. The data input from the operation unit 230, the communication unit 260 or the scanner unit 270 is processed, and the processed data is stored in the storage unit 220, displayed on the display unit 240, or output from the communication unit 260. , The printer unit 280 prints.

The copy function, printer function, scanner function, facsimile function and communication function of the MFP 200 are the MFP 200 of the control unit 210, the storage unit 220, the operation unit 230, the display unit 240, the communication unit 260, the scanner unit 270 and the printer unit 280, respectively. It is realized by the cooperation of each part.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 300 in this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 3, the management server 300 assists the control unit 310 for controlling the entire management server 300, the storage unit 320 for storing predetermined information, and the storage unit 320 for predetermined information. Includes an external storage device 350 for storing the device and a communication unit 360 for communicating with the external device via a public network 700 or the like.

Since the storage unit 320 and the communication unit 360 are the same as the storage unit 220 and the communication unit 260 of the MFP 200 described with reference to FIG. 2, the duplicate description will not be repeated.

The external storage device 350 is composed of a storage device such as a hard disk drive, a flexible disk drive, an MO (Magneto-Optical disk) drive, a CD (Compact Disc) drive, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive, or a memory card reader / writer. To. The external storage device 350 magnetically, optically, or electrically records the predetermined data or program received from the control unit 310 on the recording medium 351 or reads it from the recording medium 351 and delivers it to the control unit 310. .. The recording medium 351 includes a hard disk, a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable), a CD-RW (Compact Disk ReWritable), and a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile). Disk Read Only Memory), DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk Recordable), DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rerecordable Disc), DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disk Random Access Memory), DVD + R, DVD + RW (Digital Versatile Disk ReWritable), etc. There are optical disks, optical magnetic disks such as MO (Magneto-Optical disk), memory cards, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories.

The control unit 310 has the same configuration as the control unit 210 of the MFP 200 described with reference to FIG. The control unit 310 controls the storage unit 320, the external storage device 350, and the communication unit 360, executes predetermined processing according to the programs and data stored in the storage unit 320, and inputs from the external storage device 350 or the communication unit 360. The processed data is processed, and the processed data is stored in the recording medium 351 of the storage unit 320 or the external storage device 350, or is output from the communication unit 360.

In this embodiment, the management server 300 does not include the operation unit and the display unit, is operated by an operation from the operation unit of the external device, and outputs information to the display unit of the external device. However, the configuration of the operation unit and the display unit may be included. The operation unit includes a keyboard and a mouse, and an operation signal indicating an operation content input to the management server 300 by operating the keyboard and mouse of the operation unit is passed to the control unit 310. The display unit includes an LCD, and the LCD displays an image corresponding to the image data received from the control unit 310.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart and a counter table showing the flow of counting processing in this embodiment. FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing the flow of counting processing. With reference to FIG. 4A, the control unit 210 of the MFP 200 determines whether or not the counter addition condition is satisfied (step S201).

FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining a counter table. With reference to FIG. 4B, the counter addition conditions are a condition that a predetermined function is executed, a condition that a predetermined operation is executed, and a condition that a predetermined error occurs.

For example, the counter addition conditions include a condition that a print request has been made, a condition that monochrome printing has been executed, a condition that color printing has been executed, a condition that a copy operation has been performed, a condition that a scan operation has been performed, and paper. The condition that the fixing control of the toner transferred above to the paper was executed, the condition that the XX motor of the MFP200 was operated, the condition that the XX module of the control program of the MFP200 was executed, and the condition that the data to the MFP200 was executed. There is a condition that an error that the data has not arrived has occurred in the transmission, and a condition that an error that the server has not responded has occurred in the communication from the MFP 200 to the server.

Returning to FIG. 4A, when it is determined that the counter addition condition is satisfied (YES in step S201), the control unit 210 adds 1 to the number of counts corresponding to the satisfied condition (step S202). For example, when the counter addition condition that there is a print request is satisfied, the number of counters of the counter ID “0000” in FIG. 4B is incremented by 1.

When it is determined that the counter addition condition is not satisfied (NO in step S201), and after step S202, the control unit 210 returns the process to be executed to the caller of this count process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the counter log acquisition process and the counter log management process in this embodiment. In the counter log acquisition process executed by the MFP 200 with reference to FIG. 5, first, the control unit 210 of the MFP 200 determines whether or not the preset counter log acquisition cycle has been reached (step S211). The counter log acquisition cycle is a cycle in which the management server 300 acquires the counter log from the MFP 200. The counter log is a log of the number of counts for each count addition condition counted by the MFP 200.

When it is determined that the acquisition cycle of the counter log has come (YES in step S211), the control unit 210 acquires the difference value of the count number from the previous time (step S212). For example, when the counter ID "0000" shown in FIG. 4B is counted 57 times when the counter log was transmitted last time and the count number is 100 times this time, it is the same as the previous count number. The difference value is 100-57 = 43 times.

The control unit 210 creates a counter ID and a counter log capable of specifying the acquired difference value for each counter ID (step S213). For example, a counter log is created in which the difference value of the counter ID "0000" is 43 times and the difference value of another counter ID can be specified. The control unit 210 transmits the ID of the source MFP 200, the transmission time, and the created counter log to the management server 300 (step S214).

When it is determined that the counter log acquisition cycle has not been reached (NO in step S211), and after step S214, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the shortening prohibition flag is turned off (step S215). ). The shortening prohibition flag is a flag indicating whether or not shortening of the acquisition cycle of the counter log is prohibited.

When it is determined that the shortening prohibition flag is off (YES in step S215), that is, the shortening is not prohibited, the control unit 210 receives a predetermined event that triggers the shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle. It is determined whether or not it has occurred (step S216).

When it is determined that a predetermined event has occurred (YES in step S216), the control unit 210 shortens the acquisition cycle of the counter log to a preset shortened acquisition cycle (step S217).

When it is determined that the shortening prohibition flag is not in the off state (NO in step S215), when it is determined that a predetermined event has not occurred (NO in step S216), and after step S217, the control unit 210 controls the predetermined event. It is determined whether or not the problem has been resolved (step S218).

When it is determined that the predetermined event has been resolved (YES in step S218), the control unit 210 returns the counter log acquisition cycle to the original normal time acquisition cycle (step S219). When it is determined that the predetermined event has not been resolved (NO in step S218), and after step S219, the control unit 210 returns the process to be executed to the caller of this counter log acquisition process.

In the counter log management process executed by the management server 300, the control unit 310 of the management server 300 determines whether or not the counter log has been received from any of the MFPs 200 (step S311).

When it is determined that the counter log has been received (YES in step S311), the control unit 310 associates the information indicated in the counter log with the ID of the source MFP 200 and the transmission time, and associates the information with the storage unit 320 or the external unit. It is stored in the storage device 350 (step S312).

When it is determined that the counter log has not been received (NO in step S311), and after step S312, the control unit 310 uses the information indicated by the counter log stored in the storage unit 320 or the external storage device 350. Analyze (step S313). For example, the rate of increase in the number of counts for a counter addition condition is calculated from the difference between the difference value shown in the counter log for a certain counter addition condition and the transmission time between the transmission time of the difference value and the previous difference value. , Determine whether the calculated increase rate is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. This predetermined value is a value indicating that there is a high possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the MFP 200 or that an abnormality has occurred when the rate of increase in the number of counts of the counter addition condition exceeds this predetermined value. It is predetermined for each addition condition.

The control unit 310 determines whether or not the counter log is in an abnormal mode according to the result of the analysis in step S313 (step S314). If it is determined that the counter log is in the abnormal mode (YES in step S314), the administrator is notified of the MFP 200 that is the source of the counter log in the abnormal mode (step S315).

When it is determined that the counter log is not an abnormal mode (NO in step S314), and after step S315, the control unit 310 returns the process to be executed to the process of the caller of this counter log management process.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example in which an abnormality occurs in the MFP 200 in this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 6, normally, a counter log is created by the MFP 200 and transmitted to the management server 300 with a relatively long acquisition cycle. Here, as shown in step S217 of FIG. 5, the acquisition cycle of the counter log is shortened in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event that the amount of communication from the MFP 200 increases. After that, when the scanning operation is started in the MFP 200, a scanning error occurs because the communication amount is increasing.

In such a case, since the acquisition cycle is shortened from the time when the sign that an error occurs appears, the management server 300 analyzes the counter log whose acquisition cycle is shortened, so that the error occurs in the MFP 200. It can be useful for investigating the cause of the occurrence.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the counter log setting process in this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 7, in the MFP 200, first, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the change criterion of the predetermined event that triggers the shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle is received from the management server 300 (step S221). ). On the management server 300 side, when the acquisition cycle of the counter log is desired to be longer or shorter than the current state, the change standard is transmitted to the MFP 200 to be changed in order to change the standard of the predetermined event.

When it is determined that the change criterion has been received (YES in step S221), the control unit 210 changes the reference of the predetermined event to the received change criterion (step S222). For example, if the predetermined event is that the amount of communication from the MFP 200 has increased and the standard of the predetermined event is 50 Mbps or more, the change standard of 25 Mbps or more is received. If so, the standard of the predetermined event is changed to the standard of 25 Mbps or more.

When it is determined that the change criterion has not been received (NO in step S221), and after step S222, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the cycle shortening prohibition instruction has been received from the management server 300 (step). S223). The cycle shortening prohibition instruction is information instructing the MFP 200 to prohibit shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle in the MFP 200.

When it is determined that the cycle shortening prohibition instruction has been received (YES in step S223), the control unit 210 turns on the shortening prohibition flag shown in step S215 of FIG. 5 (step S224). As a result, shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle is prohibited in the MFP 200.

When it is determined that the cycle shortening prohibition instruction has not been received (NO in step S223), and after step S224, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the cycle shortening permission instruction has been received from the management server 300. (Step S225). The cycle shortening permission instruction is information instructing the MFP 200 to permit shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle in the MFP 200.

When it is determined that the cycle shortening permission instruction has been received (YES in step S225), the control unit 210 turns off the shortening prohibition flag shown in step S215 of FIG. 5 (step S226). As a result, in the MFP 200, it is possible to shorten the acquisition cycle of the counter log.

When it is determined that the cycle shortening prohibition instruction has not been received (NO in step S223), and after step S224, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the normal time acquisition cycle has been received from the management server 300. (Step S231).

If it is determined that the normal time acquisition cycle has been received (YES in step S231), the control unit 210 changes the normal time acquisition cycle to the received one (step S232).

When it is determined that the normal acquisition cycle has not been received (NO in step S231), and after step S232, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the shortened acquisition cycle has been received from the management server 300. (Step S233).

If it is determined that the shortened acquisition cycle has been received (YES in step S233), the control unit 210 changes the shortened acquisition cycle to the received one (step S234).

When it is determined that the shortened acquisition cycle has not been received (NO in step S233), and after step S234, the control unit 210 returns the process to be executed to the caller of this counter log setting process.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram related to the counter log in this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 8, the MFP 200 includes a specific event count unit 211, a count value storage unit 221, a predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212, a counter log acquisition cycle change unit 213, a counter log creation unit 214, and a counter log. A transmission unit 215 and a timing unit 216 are provided.

The management server 300 includes a counter log receiving unit 311, a counter log storage unit 321, a counter log abnormality determination unit 312, an abnormality notification unit 313, and a counter log acquisition setting unit 314.

The specific event counting unit 211 detects the occurrence of a specific event in the MFP 200 and counts the number of occurrences of the detected specific event.

The count value storage unit 221 is composed of a storage unit 220, and stores the number of occurrences counted by the specific event count unit 211.

The counter log acquisition setting unit 314 prohibits a predetermined event, a counter log acquisition cycle, and a shortening of the acquisition cycle, which are preliminarily found to be abnormal or likely to occur in the MFP 200 after the occurrence. / Permission is set for each MFP200.

The predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 determines whether or not the predetermined event set by the counter log acquisition setting unit 314 has occurred.

When the counter log acquisition cycle change unit 213 determines that a predetermined event has occurred by the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212, if the counter log acquisition setting unit 314 permits shortening of the acquisition cycle, the counter log acquisition setting unit 314 The acquisition cycle of the counter log set by is shortened to the acquisition cycle set by the counter log acquisition setting unit 314, or when it is determined that the predetermined event has been resolved, the acquisition cycle of the counter log is restored.

The counter log creation unit 214 creates a counter log from the count value stored in the count value storage unit 221.

The timekeeping unit 216 specifies the current time. The counter log transmission unit 215 transmits information including the counter log created by the counter log creation unit 214, the transmission time specified by the timing unit 216, and the ID of the source MFP 200 to the management server 300.

The counter log receiving unit 311 receives information including the counter log, the transmission time, and the transmission source ID from the MFP 200.

The counter log storage unit 321 is composed of a storage unit 320 and an external storage device 350, and stores the counter log, the transmission time, and the transmission source ID included in the information received by the counter log reception unit 311 in association with each other. ..

The counter log abnormality determination unit 312 analyzes the mode of change in the number of counts from the counter log and the transmission time stored in the counter log storage unit 321. As a method of analysis, for example, the method shown in step S313 of FIG. 5 can be considered.

The abnormality notification unit 313 manages that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to have occurred in the MFP 200 having an ID corresponding to the counter log determined to be an abnormal mode by the counter log abnormality determination unit 312. Notify the administrator of the server 300. As the notification, for example, the management server 300 may be provided with a display unit to display an abnormality on the display of the display unit, or the management server 300 may be provided with a voice output unit to indicate an abnormality. May be output from the speaker of the audio output unit.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 in the second embodiment. With reference to FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 of the first embodiment described above includes the communication amount specifying unit 212A and the communication amount determination unit 212B. In the second embodiment, the predetermined event that triggers the shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle is the event that the communication amount of the MFP 200 exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

The communication amount specifying unit 212A can specify the communication amount per unit time of the information transmitted / received by the communication unit 260 of the MFP 200.

The communication amount determination unit 212B determines whether or not the communication amount per unit time specified by the communication amount specifying unit 212A exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

When the communication amount determination unit 212B determines that the communication amount per unit time exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 determines that the predetermined event has occurred.

In an information processing device such as the MFP 200, a problem often occurs when a predetermined event such as an event that the monitored communication amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value occurs. In the second embodiment, when the communication amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the acquisition cycle of the counter log is shortened, and the counter log is frequently transmitted to the management server 300. As a result, when a problem occurs, the increasing tendency of the number of counts for each counter addition condition shown in the counter log can be used for analysis of the cause of the problem.

In an example in which a plurality of PCs (Personal Computers) are connected to a private network 900 to which an MFP 200 installed in an office is connected, for example, it is assumed that the following events occur.

(1) Documents stored in the MFP 200 are accessed from a plurality of PCs at the same time.

(2) A multicast packet is sent to each PC to confirm that there is no duplication of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses of multiple PCs.

(3) A plurality of PCs are connected to the private network 900 at the same time, and a device connected to the private network is searched.

When such an event occurs at the same time, the number of packets transmitted / received by the MFP 200 increases depending on the frequency of each event, and the communication amount per unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In the second embodiment, in such a case, the acquisition cycle of the counter log is shortened (for example, the cycle is shortened from once a day to once a minute). This makes it possible to monitor how often the above-mentioned events occur.

In such a state where the amount of communication is excessive, for example, when a user operating the MFP 200 transmits a scanned image to a PC connected to the private network 900, a transmission error may occur. .. In this case, by analyzing the mode of increasing the count number of the above-mentioned events, it is possible to use it for the analysis of the cause of the transmission error.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 in the third embodiment. With reference to FIG. 10, in the third embodiment, the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 of the first embodiment described above includes the counter increase amount specifying unit 212C and the counter increase amount determination unit 212D. In the third embodiment, the predetermined event that triggers the shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle is an event in which the mode of increasing the number of executions of a plurality of predetermined functions and predetermined operations and the number of occurrences of predetermined errors is a predetermined mode. be.

The counter increase amount specifying unit 212C can specify an mode of increasing the number of times a predetermined function executed by the MFP 200 and a predetermined operation are executed and the number of times a predetermined error occurs in the MFP 200.

The counter increase amount determination unit 212D determines whether or not the mode of increasing the predetermined function, the number of executions of the predetermined operation, and the number of occurrences of the predetermined error specified by the counter increase amount specifying unit 212C is the predetermined mode.

The predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 determines that a predetermined event has occurred when the counter increase amount determination unit 212D determines that the mode of increasing the predetermined number of executions of the predetermined function and the predetermined operation and the number of occurrences of the predetermined error is the predetermined mode. to decide.

In the MFP 200, in addition to the predetermined functions and operations according to the user's operation used in front of the MFP 200, the print processing, the scanning processing, the FAX processing, and the storage in the MFP 200 are executed from a PC or the like outside the MFP 200. Multiple functions and operations, such as browsing processing of existing files, are executed asynchronously.

It is difficult to comprehensively evaluate in advance the situation where multiple functions and operations occur at the same time, including timing. Therefore, if a problem occurs when a certain function or operation is executed at the same time at a certain timing, it is effective to analyze which function or operation was executed. ..

The mode of increasing the number of counts shown in FIG. 4 (B) is that the number of counts is a predetermined number (for example, 3) within a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) among the addition conditions of the counter as shown in FIG. 4 (B). When the increased addition condition is a predetermined number (for example, 3) or more, the acquisition cycle of the counter log is shortened (for example, from a cycle of once a day to a cycle of once a minute). Shorten). In this case, the same may be applied to a plurality of predetermined addition conditions (for example, three addition conditions of execution of the scan function, execution of the print function, and execution of the FAX function) among all the addition conditions.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 in the fourth embodiment. With reference to FIG. 11, in the fourth embodiment, the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 of the first embodiment described above includes the communication retry number specifying unit 212E and the communication retry number determination unit 212F. In the fourth embodiment, the predetermined event that triggers the shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle is the event that the communication retry frequency exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

The communication retry number specifying unit 212E can specify the communication retry frequency in the communication unit 260 of the MFP 200. The communication retry number determination unit 212F determines whether or not the retry frequency specified by the communication retry number identification unit 212E exceeds a predetermined frequency. The predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 determines that a predetermined event has occurred when the communication retry number determination unit 212F determines that the retry frequency exceeds the predetermined frequency.

When sending a fax, sending an e-mail, or sending scanned data from the MFP 200, the transmission may be retried depending on the response from the destination. In some cases, the transmission is completed normally by performing retries several times, and in some cases, after repeating the retries several times, the transmission time-out occurs and an error occurs.

In an example in which a plurality of PCs (Personal Computers) are connected to a private network 900 to which an MFP 200 installed in an office is connected, for example, it is assumed that the following events occur.

(1) Documents stored in the MFP 200 are accessed from a plurality of PCs at the same time.

(2) A multicast packet is sent to each PC to confirm that there is no duplication of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses of multiple PCs.

(3) A plurality of PCs are connected to the private network 900 at the same time, and a device connected to the private network is searched.

If these events occur at the same time, the communication quality of the network may deteriorate. In such a situation, for example, when transmitting scanned image data to a PC, transmission retries may occur. In this case, when the number of retries per unit time becomes a predetermined number or more, the acquisition cycle of the counter log is shortened (for example, the cycle is shortened from once a day to once a minute).

As a result, if a timeout error occurs before the transmission of all scanned image data is completed after shortening the counter log acquisition cycle, by analyzing the counter log, a retry timeout error will occur due to any event. It turns out if has occurred. As a result, it is possible to improve the user environment and take measures against problems of the MFP 200 by changing the MFP 200 to a model with high performance.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 in the fifth embodiment. With reference to FIG. 12, in the fifth embodiment, the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 of the first embodiment described above includes the resource usage amount specifying unit 212G and the resource usage amount determination unit 212H. In the fifth embodiment, the predetermined event that triggers the shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle is the usage rate of resources such as the MPU (also referred to as CPU) of the control unit 210, the RAM of the storage unit 220, and the auxiliary storage device. It is an event that the threshold value has been exceeded.

The resource usage amount specifying unit 212G can specify the resource usage rate. The resource usage determination unit 212H determines whether or not the usage rate specified by the resource usage identification unit 212G exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 determines that a predetermined event has occurred when the resource usage amount determination unit 212H determines that the usage rate exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

An information processing device such as the MFP 200 may have a function of monitoring the usage rate of the CPU, RAM, and external storage device. When their usage rate approaches 100%, the MFP 200 may be used in a state exceeding the expected usage. In such a case, there is a high possibility that a problem will occur in the MFP 200. By making this fifth embodiment possible, when such a defect occurs, the cause can be investigated and measures can be taken to prevent the occurrence of the defect in advance.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 in the sixth embodiment. With reference to FIG. 13, in the sixth embodiment, the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 of the first embodiment described above includes the user notification occurrence identification unit 212J and the user notification occurrence determination unit 212K. In the sixth embodiment, the predetermined event that triggers the shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle is the event that the frequency of occurrence of notification to the user exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

The user notification generation specifying unit 212J can specify the frequency of occurrence of notifications from the MFP 200 to the user. The user notification occurrence determination unit 212K determines whether or not the occurrence frequency specified by the user notification generation identification unit 212J exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 determines that the predetermined event has occurred when the user notification occurrence determination unit 212K determines that the occurrence frequency of the notification to the user exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

Further, the user notification generation specifying unit 212J may be able to specify the occurrence of a plurality of notifications of at least a predetermined combination among the notifications to a plurality of types of users. In this case, the user notification generation determination unit 212K determines whether or not it is specified that a plurality of notifications of a predetermined combination specified by the user notification generation identification unit 212J have occurred. The predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 determines that a predetermined event has occurred when it is determined by the user notification occurrence determination unit 212K that a plurality of notifications of a predetermined combination have occurred.

User notifications of the MFP 200 include notification of running out of paper for replenishing paper, notification of low ink and toner remaining amount for prompting replacement of ink and toner cartridges, and notification of full capacity of the waste toner tank. Such notifications are often executed when the currently running job, such as printing, is finished. Since such out-of-paper detection, low toner level detection, and other functions are executed asynchronously, problems may occur depending on the timing of each occurrence. Even in such a case, by shortening the acquisition cycle of the counter log, it is possible to efficiently analyze the cause of the problem.

For example, in the MFP 200, it is assumed that the following events occur in order.
(1) Start printing job of 100 pages.

(2) When the printing of 30 pages is completed, the low toner level is detected and the user is notified to that effect.

(3) Detects that the waste toner tank is full and notifies the user to that effect.
(4) The acquisition cycle of the counter log is shortened due to the occurrence of multiple user notifications.

(5) Detects out of paper and notifies the user to that effect.
(6) A communication error occurs due to the overlap of the above three notifications (2), (3), and (5).

In such a case, since the acquisition cycle of the counter log is shortened in (4), the cause of the error generated in (6) can be effectively analyzed.

In the above case, when it is determined by the user notification occurrence determination unit 212K that a plurality of notifications of a predetermined combination have occurred, it is determined that a predetermined event has occurred, but one notification or a small number ( For example, it is preferable not to determine that a predetermined event has occurred depending on the occurrence of only the two) notifications.

[7th Embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 in the seventh embodiment. With reference to FIG. 14, in the seventh embodiment, the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 of the first embodiment described above includes the temperature / humidity identification unit 212L and the temperature / humidity determination unit 212M. In the seventh embodiment, the predetermined event that triggers the shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle is the event that the measured ambient temperature / humidity exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

The temperature / humidity specifying unit 212L can measure the ambient temperature / humidity. The temperature / humidity determination unit 212M determines whether or not the temperature / humidity measured by the temperature / humidity identification unit 212L exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 determines that a predetermined event has occurred when the temperature / humidity determination unit 212M determines that the ambient temperature / humidity exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

In the MFP 200, the temperature of the inside of the MFP 200 or the parts of the MFP 200 may be controlled, and when the temperature exceeds a certain temperature, the number of printed sheets may be suppressed or the printing may be disabled. In such a case, the user notification may be executed, the cooling fan may be operated, or the printing interval may be lengthened. Further, when the humidity changes significantly, the paper transport accuracy may change or the frequency of paper jams may change.

By making it as in the seventh embodiment, it is possible to predict the occurrence of a defect, shorten the acquisition cycle of the counter log, and prepare for the occurrence of a problem.

[Eighth Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 in the eighth embodiment. With reference to FIG. 15, in the eighth embodiment, the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 of the first embodiment described above includes the component use period specifying unit 212P and the component use period determination unit 212Q. In the eighth embodiment, the predetermined event that triggers the shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle is an event that the number of times or the period of use of the predetermined component of the MFP 200 exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

The component use period specifying unit 212P can specify the number of times or the period of use of a predetermined component of the MFP 200. The component usage period determination unit 212Q determines whether or not the number of uses or the usage period specified by the component usage period specifying unit 212P exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 determines that a predetermined event has occurred when the component usage period determination unit 212Q determines that the number of uses or the usage period of the predetermined component exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

The MFP 200 is equipped with a large number of motors and parts such as a photoconductor for driving a cooling fan and a paper transfer roller. By monitoring each usage period, number of uses, and frequency of use, and predicting the occurrence of defects when a predetermined threshold is exceeded, and shortening the acquisition cycle of the counter log, failure prediction and replacement timing prediction are accurate. You can do it well.

[9th Embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 in the ninth embodiment. With reference to FIG. 16, in the ninth embodiment, the predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 of the first embodiment described above includes the print number specifying unit 212R and the print number determination unit 212S. In the ninth embodiment, the predetermined event that triggers the shortening of the counter log acquisition cycle is the number of prints by the printer unit 280 (the number of prints from the time of manufacture of the MFP 200, or the predetermined parts such as the photoconductor and the toner cartridge). It is an event that the number of prints from the exchange) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

The number of prints specifying unit 212R can count the number of prints printed by the printer unit 280. The print number determination unit 212S determines whether or not the number of prints counted by the print number identification unit 212R exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined event occurrence determination unit 212 determines that a predetermined event has occurred when the number of prints determination unit 212S determines that the number of prints exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

The MFP 200 may store the total number of printed sheets, and can be used to specify the amount to be charged for the total number of printed sheets and the time for replacing parts. If the total number of prints is large, the parts may be worn out or problems may occur. By using the ninth embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of failure prediction and to analyze the cause when a failure occurs.

[effect]
(1) As described above, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and 8, the information processing system 1 in this embodiment includes a management server 300 including a control unit 310 and a storage unit 320, and controls. It includes an MFP 200 having a unit 210 and a storage unit 220 and capable of communicating with the management server 300. The control unit 210 can detect the occurrence of the first event in the MFP 200, counts the number of occurrences of the detected first event, stores it in the storage unit 220, and stores the number of occurrences stored in the storage unit 220. It is transmitted to the management server 300 at each predetermined opportunity. The control unit 310 can specify the transmission time from the MFP 200 by receiving the number of occurrences from the MFP 200, and stores the received number of occurrences and the specified transmission time in the storage unit 320 in association with each other. Let me.

The control unit 210 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the MFP 200 after the occurrence and whether or not a second event that has been previously found to be likely to have occurred has occurred, and the second event has occurred. If it is determined, the increase processing of the predetermined opportunity is executed. The control unit 310 has previously found that the mode of change in the number of occurrences stored in the storage unit 320 is that an abnormality has occurred in the MFP 200 that has transmitted the number of occurrences and that there is a high possibility that the abnormality has occurred. It is possible to determine whether or not it is an aspect, and if it is determined that the change in the number of occurrences of the MFP200 is an abnormal aspect, the administrator is informed that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to occur in the MFP200. Notify.

As a result, even when the number of occurrences of an event in the MFP 200 is transmitted to the management server 300 at a predetermined trigger, the administrator is appropriately notified that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to have occurred. be able to. In response to this notification, the administrator can investigate the cause of the abnormality in the MFP 200 after the occurrence of the abnormality, or take measures to prevent the abnormality from occurring before the occurrence of the abnormality. , Appropriate measures can be taken for the MFP 200.

(2) As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 310 can transmit an instruction prohibiting the execution of the increase process to the MFP 200. As shown in FIG. 5, when the control unit 210 receives the prohibition instruction from the management server 300, the control unit 210 prohibits the execution of the increase processing. As a result, it is possible to disable the counter log increase processing for the MFP 200, which does not need to monitor the occurrence of an abnormality. This makes it possible to efficiently monitor abnormalities in other MFPs 200.

(3) As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 310 can transmit an instruction permitting the execution of the increase process to the MFP 200. As shown in FIG. 5, when the control unit 210 receives the permission instruction from the management server 300, the control unit 210 permits the execution of the increase process. As a result, it is possible to increase the count log for the MFP 200, which needs to monitor the occurrence of an abnormality. This makes it possible to monitor anomalies for a specific MFP 200.

(4) As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 310 can transmit the content of changing the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is not executed. The control unit 210 changes the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is not executed to the content received from the management server 300. As a result, the contents of the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is not executed can be managed from the management server 300 side.

(5) As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 310 can transmit the content of changing the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is executed. The control unit 210 changes the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is executed to the content received from the management server 300. As a result, the contents of the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is executed can be managed from the management server 300 side.

(6) As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 210 can specify the communication amount of the MFP 200. The second event is an event that the specified communication amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

(7) As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 210 can count the number of times a plurality of predetermined functions are executed. The second event is an event in which the mode of increasing the number of executions of the plurality of predetermined functions counted is the predetermined mode.

(8) As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 210 can specify the communication retry frequency of the information processing apparatus. The second event is an event in which the specified retry frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

(9) As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 210 includes a CPU. The storage unit 220 includes a RAM. The control unit 210 can specify the usage rate of the CPU or RAM. The second event is an event in which the usage rate exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

(10) As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 210 can specify the frequency of occurrence of notification to the user. The second event is an event in which the specified frequency of occurrence exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

(11) As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 210 determines whether or not a plurality of notifications of at least a predetermined combination have occurred among the notifications to the plurality of types of users. The second event is an event in which it is determined that a plurality of notifications of a predetermined combination have occurred.

(12) As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 210 can measure the ambient temperature or humidity. The second event is an event in which the measured temperature or humidity exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

(13) As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 210 can specify the number of times or the period of use of a predetermined component of the MFP 200. The second event is an event in which the specified number of uses or the period of use exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

(14) As shown in FIG. 16, the MFP 200 further includes a printer unit 280. The control unit 210 can control the printer unit 280 to execute printing, and can count the number of prints by the printer unit 280. The second event is an event that the counted number of prints exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

(15) As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 310 can transmit the changed predetermined threshold value. The control unit 210 changes to a predetermined threshold value received from the management server 300. As a result, the predetermined threshold value can be managed from the management server 300 side.

(16) As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 310 can transmit a predetermined mode after the change. The control unit 210 changes to a predetermined mode received from the management server 300. Thereby, the predetermined mode can be managed from the management server 300 side.

(17) As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 310 can transmit the changed predetermined combination. The control unit 210 changes to a predetermined combination received from the management server 300. Thereby, the predetermined combination can be managed from the management server 300 side.

[Modification example]
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the information processing apparatus is the MFP200, 200A to 200C. However, the information processing device is not limited to this, and may be another device as long as it has a control unit and a storage unit and can communicate with the management server 300. For example, a PC, a control unit, and a storage unit. It may be an embedded device such as a television receiver or a home electric appliance provided with the above.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that a predetermined event has occurred, the acquisition cycle of the counter log is changed from the normal time acquisition cycle (for example, one day and one week) to the shortened time acquisition cycle (for example). I tried to shorten it to 1 minute, 5 minutes). However, if the trigger for acquiring the counter log is to be increased, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ratio of the number of acquisition triggers per the number of times the MFP 200 has been used may be increased. For example, if it is determined that a predetermined event has occurred when the MFP200 is used 100 times and the counter log is acquired once each time it is used, the MFP200 is acquired 5 times and the counter log is acquired once each time it is used. It may be done.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the opportunity to acquire the counter log is uniformly increased regardless of the content of the predetermined event. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mode of increasing the trigger for acquiring the counter log may be different depending on the content of the predetermined event. For example, if it is determined that a second event has occurred in which the rate of occurrence of anomalies is higher than that of the first event when that event occurs, the counter log will be more than in the case where the first event has occurred. The acquisition opportunity may be increased more. For example, if an event occurs in which the frequency of notification to the user "Please replace the photoconductor" exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the acquisition cycle is increased from 1 day to 3 hours, while "printing" is performed. When an event occurs in which the frequency of occurrence of the notification to the user "cannot be done" exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the acquisition cycle may be increased from 1 day to 1 minute.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the software as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 is executed by the control unit, and the function as shown in FIG. 8 is realized by the control unit. I tried to be done. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the function as shown in FIG. 8 may be realized by the hardware circuit inside the control unit.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the specific example of the image processing device is the MFP200, which is one of the image forming devices, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image forming device such as a copying machine or a printer is used. It may be a scanner, it may be a facsimile, or it may be a facsimile.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, the invention has been described as the information processing system 1. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the invention can be regarded as an information processing method executed by the information processing system 1. Further, the invention can be regarded as an information processing device such as an MFP 200 included in the information processing system 1 or a server device such as a management server 300. Further, the invention can be regarded as a method or a program for executing the process described in the flowchart or the like in the information processing apparatus such as the MFP 200 included in the information processing system 1 or the server such as the management server 300.

Further, the invention can be regarded as a computer-readable recording medium in which the program is recorded. This recording medium includes magnetic tapes, flexible disks, magnetic disks such as hard disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD-RAMs, DVD + Rs, DVDs + RWs, etc. It may be a magneto-optical disk such as an optical disk or MO, a memory card, or a medium such as a USB memory that carries a fixed program, or a program may be transmitted from a server such as an ASP (Application Service Provider) via a communication network. It may be a medium that carries the program fluidly so that it can be downloaded.

(7) The techniques described in embodiments and variants are intended to be implemented, either alone or in combination, wherever possible.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 Information processing system, 210, 310 control unit, 220, 320 storage unit, 350 external storage device, 351 recording medium, 230 operation unit, 240 display unit, 260, 360 communication unit, 270 scanner unit, 280 printer unit, 300 management Server, 700 public network, 900 private network.

Claims (19)

An information processing system including an information processing server including a first control unit and a first storage unit, and an information processing device including a second control unit and a second storage unit and capable of communicating with the information processing server.
The second control unit
It is possible to detect the occurrence of the first event in the information processing device,
The number of detected occurrences of the first event is counted and stored in the second storage unit.
The number of occurrences stored in the second storage unit is transmitted to the information processing server at a predetermined opportunity.
The first control unit is
By receiving the number of occurrences from the information processing device, it is possible to specify the transmission time of the number of occurrences from the information processing device.
The number of occurrences received and the specified transmission time are associated with each other and stored in the first storage unit.
The second control unit
After the occurrence, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the information processing apparatus and whether or not a second event that has been previously found to be likely to have occurred has occurred.
When it is determined that the second event has occurred, the increase process of the predetermined opportunity is executed, and the increase process is executed.
The first control unit is
The mode of change in the number of occurrences stored in the first storage unit is an abnormality that has been found in advance that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to occur in the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the number of occurrences. It is possible to judge whether or not the mode is
An information processing system that notifies an administrator that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to occur in the information processing apparatus when it is determined that the change in the number of occurrences of the information processing apparatus is an abnormal mode. .. The first control unit is
An instruction prohibiting the execution of the increase processing can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus.
The second control unit
The information processing system according to claim 1, which prohibits the execution of the increase processing when the prohibition instruction is received from the information processing server. The first control unit is
An instruction permitting the execution of the increase processing can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus.
The second control unit
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein when an instruction for permission is received from the information processing server, execution of the increase processing is permitted. The first control unit is
It is possible to transmit the content that changes the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is not executed.
The second control unit
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined opportunity corresponding to the case where the increase processing is not executed is changed to the content received from the information processing server. The first control unit is
It is possible to transmit the content that changes the predetermined trigger corresponding to the case where the increase process is executed.
The second control unit
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined opportunity corresponding to the execution of the increase processing is changed to the content received from the information processing server. The second control unit can specify the communication amount of the information processing device.
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second event is an event in which the specified communication amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second control unit can count the number of times a plurality of predetermined functions are executed.
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second event is an event in which the mode of increasing the number of executions of the plurality of counted predetermined functions is a predetermined mode. The second control unit can specify the communication retry frequency of the information processing apparatus.
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second event is an event in which the specified retry frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second control unit includes a CPU.
The second storage unit includes RAM, and the second storage unit includes RAM.
The second control unit can specify the usage rate of the CPU or the RAM.
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second event is an event in which the usage rate exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second control unit can specify the frequency of occurrence of notification to the user.
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second event is an event in which the specified frequency of occurrence exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second control unit determines whether or not a plurality of notifications of at least a predetermined combination have occurred among the notifications to the plurality of types of users.
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second event is an event in which it is determined that a plurality of notifications of the predetermined combination have occurred. The second control unit can measure the ambient temperature or humidity, and can measure the ambient temperature or humidity.
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second event is an event in which the measured temperature or humidity exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second control unit can specify the number of times or the period of use of a predetermined component of the information processing apparatus.
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second event is an event in which the specified number of uses or the period of use exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The information processing device further includes a printing unit.
The second control unit
Printing can be executed by controlling the printing unit.
It is possible to count the number of prints made by the printing unit.
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second event is an event in which the counted number of printed sheets exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The first control unit is
It is possible to transmit the changed predetermined threshold value,
The second control unit
The information processing system according to any one of claims 6, claims 8 to 10, and claims 12 to 14, which is changed to the predetermined threshold value received from the information processing server. The first control unit is
It is possible to transmit the changed predetermined mode.
The second control unit
The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the information processing system is changed to the predetermined mode received from the information processing server. The first control unit is
The changed predetermined combination can be transmitted,
The second control unit
The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the information processing system is changed to the predetermined combination received from the information processing server. An information processing device that has a control unit and a storage unit and can communicate with an information processing server.
The control unit
It is possible to detect the occurrence of the first event in the information processing device,
The number of detected occurrences of the first event is counted and stored in the storage unit.
The number of occurrences stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the information processing server in order to store the number of occurrences and the transmission time in association with each other at a predetermined opportunity.
After the occurrence, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device and whether or not a second event that has been previously found to be likely to have occurred has occurred.
When it is determined that the second event has occurred, the increase process of the predetermined opportunity is executed, and the increase process is executed.
An abnormality that has been previously found by the information processing server that the mode of change in the number of occurrences stored is that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to have occurred in the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the number of occurrences. An information processing device that notifies the administrator that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to have occurred in the information processing device when it is determined that the mode is the same. An information processing program executed by an information processing device that has a control unit and a storage unit and can communicate with an information processing server.
The step of detecting the occurrence of the first event in the information processing device,
A step of counting the number of detected occurrences of the first event and storing it in the storage unit,
A step of transmitting the number of occurrences stored in the storage unit to the information processing server in order to store the number of occurrences and the transmission time in the information processing server in association with each other at a predetermined opportunity.
A step of determining whether or not a second event that has occurred and is likely to have occurred in the information processing apparatus has occurred after the occurrence, and a step of determining whether or not a second event has occurred.
When it is determined that the second event has occurred, the control unit is made to execute the step of executing the increase process of the predetermined trigger.
An abnormality that has been previously found by the information processing server that the mode of change in the number of occurrences stored is that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to have occurred in the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the number of occurrences. An information processing program that notifies the administrator that an abnormality has occurred or is likely to have occurred in the information processing apparatus when it is determined that the mode is the same .

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