JP7293021B2 - IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art In companies and the like, MFPs (Multi-Function Printers) are connected to networks such as intranets. By connecting the terminal device used by the user of the MFP to the network to which the MFP is connected, the user can transmit a job from the terminal device to the MFP.

Also proposed is a technology for a multi-function machine having a network board that connects to a network different from a network such as an intranet that a user normally uses. For example, a technique has been proposed for sending a job MIB (Management Information Base) generated from information on the types and quantities of consumable parts to an external ordering system via a network different from the network normally used by the user. (See Patent Document 1, for example).

JP 2010-117979 A

However, with the technology described above, if a failure occurs in a network other than the network normally used by the user, there is a problem that information such as the type and amount of consumable parts cannot be sent to the external system. be.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting information of the image forming apparatus via a second communication section when an abnormality occurs in the first communication section. With the goal.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes:
An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image,
The communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit,
The control unit
transmitting usage information of the image forming apparatus and status information of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
sending usage information of the image forming apparatus or status information of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the second communication unit when an abnormality has occurred in the first communication unit;
It is characterized by

The image forming apparatus of the present invention is
An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image,
The communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit,
The control unit
transmitting error content of the image forming apparatus and error log data of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
transmitting error content of the image forming apparatus or error log data of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the second communication unit when an abnormality occurs in the first communication unit;
It is characterized by

The control method of the present invention is
A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image,
The communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit,
transmitting usage information of the image forming apparatus and status information of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
transmitting usage information of the image forming apparatus or status information of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the second communication unit when a failure occurs in the first communication unit; ,
characterized by comprising

The control method of the present invention is
A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image,
The communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit,
transmitting error content of the image forming apparatus and error log data of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
transmitting error content of the image forming apparatus or error log data of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the second communication section when an abnormality has occurred in the first communication section; and,
characterized by comprising

The program of the present invention is
An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image, wherein the communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit. to the computer of the device,
a function of transmitting usage information of the image forming apparatus and status information of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
a function of transmitting usage information of the image forming apparatus or status information of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the second communication section when a failure occurs in the first communication section; ,
It is characterized by realizing

The program of the present invention is
An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image, wherein the communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit. to the computer of the device,
a function of transmitting error content of the image forming apparatus and error log data of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
A function of transmitting error content of the image forming apparatus or error log data of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the second communication section when an abnormality occurs in the first communication section. and,
It is characterized by realizing

According to the present invention, it is possible to transmit the information of the image forming apparatus via the second communication section when an abnormality occurs in the first communication section.

It is a figure for explaining the whole system composition in a 1st embodiment. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining the flow of line error determination processing in the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flow diagram for explaining the flow of line selection processing in the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flow diagram for explaining the flow of command transmission processing (request data transmission) in the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for explaining the flow of command transmission processing (error information transmission) in the first embodiment; 3 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of a management server in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the data configuration of error information in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example in the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram for explaining the flow of command transmission processing (error information transmission) in the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example in the second embodiment; FIG. 14 is a flow diagram for explaining the flow of command transmission processing (request data transmission) in the third embodiment; FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example in the third embodiment;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as an example, a system including an image forming apparatus to which the invention is applied will be described.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1.1 Overall configuration]
The overall configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, system 1 includes image forming apparatus 10 and management server 20 .

The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus for outputting an image by forming an image on recording paper or the like based on image data input from the outside, and is a so-called multifunctional apparatus. The management server 20 is an information processing device that manages the state of the image forming apparatus 10 . A plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 may be included in the system 1 . In this case, the management server 20 manages the states of multiple image forming apparatuses 10 .

The image forming apparatus 10 includes a network NW-A as a first network of a LAN (Local Area Network) (for example, an intranet that is a company network) and a public line network (for example, LTE (Long Term Network) as a second network. Evolution)/networks using 5G etc.) can be connected to the network NW-B. It is connected to an external network NW-C such as the Internet, which is a third network, for example, via the network NW-A and the network NW-B. This enables the image forming apparatus 10 to communicate with the management server 20 connected to the network NW-C.

The terminal device 30 may be connected to the network NW-A. The terminal device 30 can communicate data and print jobs with the image forming device 10 . Network NW-A may also be connected to network NW-C via firewall FW. The firewall FW can set communication that can be connected to the network NW-C among the communications performed by the devices connected to the network NW-A.

The management server 20 is a server that provides services related to the image forming apparatus 10 . The management server 20 provides, for example, the following services.
(1) Billing management is performed by acquiring usage information (for example, counter value) of the image forming apparatus 10 .
(2) Obtaining status information (for example, jam information, etc.) of the image forming apparatus 10 makes a repair request or provides troubleshooting information.
(3) Order consumables by obtaining status information (for example, remaining amount of toner) of the image forming apparatus 10 .

In this embodiment, the network NW-A is called a "user shared line", and the network NW-B is called a "service dedicated line".

The service dedicated line is a dedicated line for connecting to the services provided by the management server 20 described above. The user shared line is a shared line (network) used by ordinary users at the location where the image forming apparatus 10 is installed.

Generally, the user shared line is a line used by a user at the installation location of the image forming apparatus 10 . The image forming apparatus 10 needs to periodically transmit information about the image forming apparatus 10 to the management server 20, but it is not preferable to use the user shared line for the following reasons.

(1) The network load on the user shared line increases. Communication of information about the image forming apparatus 10, which is originally irrelevant to the user, causes a problem that the performance of the entire network is degraded.
(2) In order for the image forming apparatus 10 to communicate with the management server 20, it is necessary to change the settings of the firewall FW. Changing the settings of the firewall FW may not be preferable from the security point of view.
(3) Procedures such as a separate contract are required. Since the communication content of the image forming apparatus 10 is unknown to the user, the procedure may be complicated, such as disclosing the information or making a separate contract.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when information (for example, usage information and status information) of the image forming apparatus 10 is transmitted to the management server 20, a dedicated service line is normally used.

Note that the usage information and the state information in this embodiment are information about the image forming apparatus 10 .

Here, the usage information (first information) is information related to the usage of the image forming apparatus 10 such as the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 . In this embodiment, the usage information is count data of the image forming apparatus 10, for example. The count data is information indicating the number of images formed by the image forming section 140, which will be described later. The count data stores information indicating the number of images formed for each type of recording paper on which the images were formed and the color mode of the formed images (for example, monochrome or color). may be

The state information (second information) is information other than the usage information regarding the image forming apparatus 10, and is information that can be obtained by the image forming apparatus 10 up to the current and/or past state and the current state. be. For example, the status information includes log information indicating the history of the image forming apparatus 10, the usage status of each component such as the fixing unit, failure prediction data predicted from the usage status, the current temperature of the fixing device, and the operating status of the fan. operation information, setting values of the image forming apparatus, firmware data, and the like are status information. The failure prediction data may be data detected by the sensor unit 170, which will be described later. That is, if the data detected by the sensor unit 170 is not included in the range of data that can be regarded as normal even though no error has occurred, the data detected by the sensor unit 170 may be used as failure prediction data.

In this embodiment, the usage information, which is the first information, has a smaller amount of data than the state information, which is the second information. That is, when the first information and the second information are compared, the first information has a smaller amount of data. Also, the first information and the second information may of course be information other than the information described above. For example, in the case of information about an error, the first information is the content of the error, such as the date and time when the error occurred and the type of the error (error code, etc.), and the second information is the log indicating the error (error log data). do.

[1.2 Functional configuration]
[1.2.1 Image forming apparatus]
The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 100, a first communication unit 120, a second communication unit 125, an image reading unit 130, an image processing unit 135, an image forming unit 140, It comprises a display unit 150 , an operation input unit 160 , a sensor unit 170 and a storage unit 180 .

The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the image forming apparatus 10 as a whole. The control unit 100 is composed of, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) or the like, and implements various functions by reading and executing various programs.

Further, the control unit 100 reads out and executes a program stored in the storage unit 180 to set the line error determination unit 102, the line selection unit 104, the command transmission/reception unit 106, the event reception processing unit 108, and the data generation processing unit. 110 functions are realized.

The line error determination unit 102 determines whether the line state of the dedicated service line is a state in which communication is normally possible, or whether the line state is abnormal and communication is not possible. The line error determination unit 102 executes the determination process while communication is being performed between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 on, for example, a dedicated service line. An example of line error determination processing realized by the line error determination unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

The line error determination unit 102 executes communication on the service dedicated line (step S102). Specifically, the command transmission/reception unit 106 , which will be described later, transmits command data to the management server 20 . Then, when "OK" is received as a response from the management server 20 (step S104; Yes), it is determined that the service dedicated line is normal (communication can be performed appropriately) (step S116).

For example, the image forming apparatus 10 transmits “polling request”, “machine error alert”, and “request data” to the management server 20 . In response, the management server 20 transmits a “polling response”, a “machine error alert response”, and a “request data response” to the image forming apparatus 10 . Hereinafter, the “polling response”, the “machine error alert response”, and the “request data response” transmitted from the management server 20 to the image forming apparatus 10 are collectively referred to as “response”. The response includes either "OK" as a parameter indicating normality (in this case, the response is normal) or "NG" as a parameter indicating abnormality (in this case, the response is NG).

When the line error determination unit 102 receives NG as a response from the management server 20 (step S106; Yes), or when it times out and cannot receive the response (step S106; No → step S108; Yes), the counter The value is incremented by 1 (step S110).

The line error determination unit 102 determines whether or not the value of the counter has become equal to or greater than a determination value (for example, "5") (step S112). If the value of the counter does not exceed the judgment value (step S112; No), communication is performed again through the service dedicated line (step S104). That is, the line error determination unit 102 transmits a polling request or the like to the management server 20 via the service dedicated line (step S104).

In step S112, if the counter value is greater than or equal to the determination value, the line error determination unit 102 determines that the "polling request", "machine error alert", and "request data" could not be transmitted within a predetermined time. It is determined that there is an error in the service dedicated line (step S112; Yes→step S114).

Note that another method may be used as the method for determining that an error has occurred in the service dedicated line (communication is not possible) by the line error determination unit 102 . For example, a response using Ping may be checked, or network management information may be used. For example, the line error determination unit 102 may receive a signal indicating that communication is currently possible/impossible from the core network side via the first communication unit 120 .

The line error determination unit 102 may execute the line error determination process each time the image forming apparatus 10 performs communication using the service dedicated line, or may periodically perform the process as an interrupt.

The line selection unit 104 selects a line used when the image forming apparatus 10 communicates with the management server 20 from a service dedicated line or a user shared line. An example of line selection processing implemented by the line selection unit 104 will be described with reference to FIG.

The line selection unit 104 uses the line error determination unit 102 to determine whether or not an error has occurred in the dedicated service line (step S132). Here, if an error has occurred in the service dedicated line, the line selection unit 104 selects the user shared line as a line for transmitting and receiving data from now on (step S132; Yes→step S134).

On the other hand, if no error has occurred in the service dedicated line, the line selection unit 104 selects the service dedicated line as a line for data transmission/reception from now on (step S132; No→step S136).

The line selection unit 104 may execute the line selection process after the line error determination process is executed by the line error determination unit 102, or each time the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a command to the management server 20. may be executed.

The command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits/receives commands to be exchanged with the management server 20 . For example, it analyzes a command received from the management server 20 and transmits necessary data from the line selected by the line selection unit 104 .

Here, the command transmission/reception unit 106 executes transmission processing and reception processing. In the transmission process executed by the command transmission/reception unit 106, for example, transmission data generated by the event reception processing unit 108 or the data generation processing unit 110 is transmitted to the management server 20 as a command.

When transmitting a command, command transmitting/receiving section 106 uses the line selected by line selecting section 104 to transmit the command to management server 20 . At this time, as will be described later, command transmission/reception section 106 limits, suppresses, or compresses the types of data to be transmitted when line selection section 104 selects a user shared line. In this embodiment, the command transmission/reception unit 106 limits (selects) the types of data to be transmitted when the line selection unit 104 selects the user shared line.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a command transmission process for transmitting request data among the command transmission/reception processes executed by the command transmission/reception unit 106. As shown in FIG.

If there is an error in the service dedicated line, the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits only usage information (first information) to the management server 20 (step S142; Yes→step S144).

Further, when the dedicated service line is normal, the command transmitting/receiving unit 106 transmits usage information (first information) and status information (second information) to the management server 20 (step S142; No → step S146).
again,

In this manner, the command transmission/reception unit 106 appropriately selects necessary data according to the line state of the dedicated service line, and transmits the data to the management server 20 via an appropriate line. Also, the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits the selected information as a command (included in the command) to the management server 20 via the line selected by the line selection unit 104 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of command transmission processing for transmitting error information among the command transmission processing executed by the command transmission/reception unit 106. As shown in FIG. Note that the first information is error content, and the second content is error log data.

If there is an error in the dedicated service line, the command transmitting/receiving unit 106 transmits only the content of the error (first information) to the management server 20 (step S152; Yes→step S154).

On the other hand, when the dedicated service line is normal (when no error has occurred), the command transmitter/receiver 106 receives the error content (first information) and the error log data (second information). is sent to the management server 20 (step S152; No→step S156).

Further, the receiving process executed by the command transmitting/receiving unit 106 receives commands transmitted from the management server 20, for example. Then, the command transmission/reception unit 106 analyzes the command and extracts parameters and data included in the command. Also, the command transmission/reception unit 106 notifies the event reception processing unit 108 and/or the data generation processing unit 110 as necessary. For example, the command transmission/reception unit 106 sends the event reception processing unit 108 an event for acquiring a setting value in the image forming apparatus 10 , an event for rewriting data in the image forming apparatus 10 , and a log event in the image forming apparatus 10 . Notify the event etc. that acquires the .

The event reception processing unit 108 receives an interrupt as an event when an interruption occurs within the image forming apparatus 10 . For example, when an error (for example, paper jam, waste toner bottle replacement, toner empty) occurs in the image forming apparatus 10, it is notified to each functional unit such as the control unit 100 as an event. Further, the event reception processing unit 108 notifies the function units that process various events based on the notification received from the command transmission/reception unit 106 . For example, the event reception processing unit 108 notifies the function unit that performs processing for acquiring setting values in the image forming apparatus 10 of an event for acquiring setting values in the image forming apparatus 10 . By doing so, the event reception processing unit 108 can generate an event based on a command received from the server and execute necessary processing. Further, the execution result of the event (for example, the setting value in the image forming apparatus 10) is stored in the storage unit 180 through the processing of each functional unit.

The data generation processing unit 110 collects the requested data based on the notification from the command transmission/reception unit 106 and generates a command to be transmitted to the management server 20 . The data generation processing unit 110 may also collect data related to the event received by the event reception processing unit 108 and generate a command to be transmitted to the management server 20 .

Here, the command data generated by the data generation processing unit 110 is, for example, as follows.
(1) polling request (2) machine error alert (3) request data

A polling request is a command for the line error determination unit 102 to determine whether the line through which the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 communicate is normal. The polling request may be sent from the image forming apparatus 10 as appropriate before communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20, or periodically (for example, every 1 second, 5 seconds, or 1 minute). , every 30 minutes). When the line error determination unit 102 receives the polling response including the parameter "OK" from the management server 20, it determines that the communication line is normal.

A machine error alert is a data command sent to the management server 20 when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 10 . The machine error alert contains one or a plurality of information such as the date and time of error occurrence, error type, and error log data as parameters. Also, the machine error alert may include as a parameter that there is an error in the communication line when the communication line is abnormal.

Request data is data that is transmitted when the management server 20 issues a data acquisition request. The request data includes usage information and/or status information as data. The image forming apparatus 10 receives polling responses from the management server 20 . When an acquisition request is included in this polling response, the data generation processing unit 110 generates data included in the acquisition request. The image forming apparatus 10 then transmits the requested data to the management server 20 .

The first communication unit 120 connects to the service dedicated line (network NW-B) and communicates with the management server 20 . For example, the first communication unit 120 is configured by a communication module connectable to LTE (Long Term Evolution)/LTE-A (LTE-Advanced)/LAA (License-Assisted Access using LTE)/5G lines.

The second communication unit 125 connects to a user shared line (network NW-A) and communicates with other devices. For example, it is composed of a wired/wireless LAN communication module connectable to Ethernet (registered trademark).

The image reading unit 130 is a functional unit that reads an image of a document and generates image data. For example, the image reading unit 130 is configured by a scanner device or the like having a device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) that converts optical information into an electrical signal.

The image processing unit 135 is a functional unit that performs various types of image processing and image quality adjustment on image data. For example, the image processing unit 135 performs image data sharpening processing and color conversion processing.

The image forming unit 140 is a functional unit that forms image data on a recording medium (for example, recording paper). The image forming unit 140 is configured by, for example, a laser printer using an electrophotographic method.

The display unit 150 is a functional unit for displaying various information to the user, and is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Further, the operation input unit 160 is a functional unit for receiving operation instructions from the user, and is composed of various key switches and hardware keys for detecting input by contact. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 may include a touch panel in which the display unit 150 and the operation input unit 160 are integrally formed. By using a touch panel, for example, software keys may be used. Moreover, the method of detecting the input of the touch panel may be a general detection method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or an electrostatic capacitance method.

The sensor unit 170 is a functional unit that detects the operating state inside the image forming apparatus 10, and is configured by various sensors. The sensor unit 170 includes, for example, a speed sensor, detects the speed at which recording paper forming an image moves inside the image forming apparatus 10 when the control unit 100 executes a print or copy job, and detects a temperature sensor. Also, the temperature inside the image forming apparatus 10 is detected.

The storage unit 180 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 . The storage unit 180 is configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

In this embodiment, the storage unit 180 secures a usage information storage area 182 , a status information storage area 184 , a setting information storage area 186 and an image data storage area 188 .

The usage information storage area 182 stores usage information in the image forming apparatus 10 . The status information storage area 184 stores status information in the image forming apparatus 10 .

The setting information storage area 186 stores information set in the image forming apparatus 10 . For example, as setting information related to communication with the server, information indicating the connection destination of the management server 20 (for example, IP address) and information such as the timing of polling the management server 20 are stored.

A polling operation is executed from the image forming apparatus 10 to the management server 20 . As the polling timing, arbitrary timing such as, for example, every 1 second, every 3 seconds, every 1 minute, or every 30 minutes is set. Alternatively, it may be automatically set depending on the line condition of the network (for example, the maximum transferable communication speed).

The image data storage area 188 is an area for storing image data output by the image forming section 140 . In the image data storage area 188, for example, the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 130 and the image data based on the data transmitted from an external device such as the terminal device 30 via the second communication unit 125 are stored. remembered.

[1.2.2 Management Server]
A functional configuration of the management server 20 in this embodiment will be described based on FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the management server 20 includes a control section 200, a communication section 210, a display section 220, an operation input section 230, and a storage section 240. As shown in FIG.

The control unit 200 is a functional unit for controlling the management server 20 as a whole. The control unit 200 implements various functions by reading and executing various programs, and is configured by, for example, one or a plurality of arithmetic units (CPUs).

Further, the control unit 200 reads and executes the programs stored in the storage unit 240, thereby realizing the functions of the command transmission/reception unit 202 and the data generation processing unit 204. FIG.

A command transmission/reception unit 202 transmits/receives commands to be exchanged with the image forming apparatus 10 . For example, the command transmission/reception unit 202 analyzes a command received from the image forming apparatus 10 and transmits a response including parameters to the image forming apparatus 10 .

Here, the command transmission/reception unit 202 executes transmission processing and reception processing. In the transmission process executed by the command transmission/reception unit 202, for example, transmission data generated by the data generation processing unit 204 is transmitted to the management server 20 as a command.

Further, the reception process executed by the command transmission/reception unit 202 receives a command transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10, for example. The command transmission/reception unit 202 then analyzes the command and extracts parameters and data included in the command. Also, the command transmission/reception unit 202 notifies the data generation processing unit 204 as necessary.

Here, the command data generated by the data generation processing unit 204 is, for example, as follows.
(1) Polling response (2) Machine error alert response (3) Request data response

A polling response is a command that responds to a polling request received from the image forming apparatus 10 . The data generation processing unit 204 can include a parameter of "OK" indicating that the communication state is normal or "NG" indicating that the communication state is abnormal in the polling response. In addition, an “acquisition request” parameter for requesting data of the image forming apparatus 10 can be included.

A machine error alert response is a command that responds to a machine error alert received from the image forming apparatus 10 . The management server 20 transmits a machine error alert response to the image forming apparatus 10 if the error content of the alert can be normally received from the image forming apparatus 10 . At this time, the data generation processing unit 204 can include an "OK" parameter in the parameters of the machine error alert response if the error content was successfully received.

The request data response is a command to respond when the request data received from the image forming apparatus 10 has been correctly received. The data generation processing unit 204 can include an "OK" parameter in the request data response.

The communication unit 210 is a functional unit for the management server 20 to communicate with an external device. For example, the communication unit 210 is configured as an interface capable of communicating with a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

The display unit 220 displays various information. For example, it is configured by a device such as an LCD or an organic EL display. Further, the operation input unit 230 is a functional unit for receiving operation input from the user, and is composed of an external input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, for example.

The storage unit 240 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the management server 20 . The storage unit 240 is configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory such as an SSD, an HDD, or the like.

The storage unit 240 reserves storage areas for a usage information storage area 242 , a status information storage area 244 and an error information storage area 246 and stores an image forming apparatus management table 248 .

The usage information storage area 242 stores usage information acquired from the image forming apparatus 10 . Also, the state information storage area 244 stores state information acquired from the image forming apparatus 10 . The storage unit 240 may store the usage information and the status information for each image forming apparatus 10 that receives them. The usage information and device information have substantially the same data configuration as the usage information and device information stored in the image forming device 10 .

The error information storage area 246 stores information about errors (error information) acquired from the image forming apparatus 10 . The error information in the present embodiment includes an apparatus ID (for example, "1") that identifies the image forming apparatus 10, an error occurrence date and time (for example, "2019/04/01 11:01:22"), and an error type. (for example, “paper jam”) and error log data (for example, “ERROR 2019-04-01 11:01:22 paper jam, tray1”).

The image forming apparatus management table 248 is a table for managing the image forming apparatuses 10 managed by the management server 20 . For example, the image forming apparatus management table 248 stores the IP address of the image forming apparatus 10, the timing of acquiring the information of the image forming apparatus 10, and the like. to manage the image forming apparatus.

[1.2.3 Terminal device]
The terminal device 30 is an information processing device such as a computer connectable to the network NW-A, a smart phone, or a tablet. The terminal device 30 includes at least a control section, a storage section, and a communication section. Moreover, a display unit, an operation unit, and the like may be provided as necessary.

The terminal device 30 transmits a print job to the image forming device 10 via the network NW-A. Image forming apparatus 10 stores the print job received via second communication unit 125 in storage unit 180 . Then, the image forming apparatus 10 appropriately reads out the print job, executes image processing in the image processing section 135, and then forms an image on, for example, recording paper by the image forming section 140. FIG.

[1.3 Flow of processing]
Contents of communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 using the service dedicated line and the user shared line in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 9 and 10 are sequence diagrams showing the contents of communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 using the service dedicated line and the user shared line.

[1.4.1 Processing in normal state]
First, with reference to FIG. 9, the flow of processing when no line error has occurred in the dedicated service line will be described.

First, the polling operation (B1100) performed by the image forming apparatus 10 on the management server 20 will be described.

Specifically, the command transmission/reception unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 10 transmits the polling request generated by the data generation processing unit 110 to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S1102). The command transmission/reception unit 202 of the management server 20 analyzes the received polling request and notifies the data generation processing unit 204 of it. The data generation processing unit 204 that has received the notification generates a polling response command. Then, the command transmission/reception unit 202 transmits the polling response generated by the data generation processing unit 204 to the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 210 (S1104).

Since the polling request was correctly received through the service dedicated line, the data generation processing unit 204 may generate a polling response command including "OK" as a parameter. At this point, the management server 20 does not have any data to request from the image forming apparatus 10, so the parameter may include only "OK" or may include a parameter indicating "no request".

In this manner, polling requests and polling responses are transmitted between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 via the dedicated service line.

Next, the operation when a machine error occurs in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described (B1200).

When an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 10, the event reception processing unit 108 detects the error and notifies each functional unit. Based on the notification from the event reception processing unit 108, the data generation processing unit 110 collects data such as error details (error occurrence date and time and error type) and error log data as error information. Then, the data generation processing unit 110 generates a machine error alert command including the collected data.

Then, the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a machine error alert to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S1106).

The command transmission/reception unit 202 of the management server 20 receives the machine error alert from the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 210 . The command transmitter/receiver 202 of the management server 20 analyzes the content of the command. Based on the analysis result of the command transmission/reception unit 202, the control unit 200 stores the error content and error log data as error information in the error information storage area 246, and displays the error information (for example, error type) on the display unit 220. (S1108→S1110).

In the management server 20, the data generation processing unit 204 generates a machine error alert response command. Then, the command transmission/reception unit 202 transmits the machine error alert response generated by the data generation processing unit 204 to the image forming apparatus 10 (S1112). Note that the data generation processing unit 204 may include "OK" indicating that the process was performed normally in the parameter of the machine error alert response.

Thus, transmission and reception of a machine error alert and a machine error alert response when a machine error occurs between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 is performed via the service dedicated line.

Next, the operation (B1300) when the management server 20 includes an acquisition request in the polling response parameter will be described.

Specifically, the command transmission/reception unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 10 transmits the polling request generated by the data generation processing unit 110 to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S1114). The command transmission/reception unit 202 of the management server 20 analyzes the received polling request and notifies the data generation processing unit 204 of it.

The data generation processing unit 204 that has received the notification generates a polling response command. At this time, the data generation processing unit 204 includes “acquisition request” as a parameter in the polling response. Then, the command transmission/reception unit 202 transmits the polling response generated by the data generation processing unit 204 to the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 210 (S1116).

When the command transmission/reception unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 10 analyzes the polling response and determines that an “acquisition request” is included as a parameter, the acquisition request is received from the management server 20 to the data generation processing unit 110 . to notify you. The data generation processing unit 110 reads the usage information storage area 182 and the status information storage area 184 and creates request data including usage information and status information. Then, the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits the generated request data via the first communication unit 120 (S1118).

The command transmission/reception unit 202 analyzes request data received from the image forming apparatus 10 and extracts usage information and status information. Further, the control unit 200 stores the extracted usage information in the usage information storage area 242, and stores the extracted status information in the status information storage area 244 (S1120). Then, the control unit 200 displays the usage information and status information included in the request data (S1122).

Also, the command transmission/reception unit 202 notifies the data generation processing unit 204 that the requested data has been received. The data generation processing unit 204 that has received the notification generates a request data response command. Then, the command transmission/reception unit 202 transmits the request data response generated by the data generation processing unit 204 to the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 210 (S1124).

In this manner, transmission and reception of request data and request data responses are performed between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 via the service dedicated line.

[1.4.2 When a line error occurs]
Next, the operation when a line error occurs in the dedicated service line will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the data generation processing unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 10 generates a polling request command. Then, the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a polling request to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S1202 in FIG. 10).

Here, when the reception of the response from the management server 20 times out, or when a polling response containing information of "NG" is acquired, the command transmission/reception unit 106 again performs polling via the first communication unit 120. A request is sent (S1204).

That is, since no polling response is received in S1202, the line error determination unit 102 determines whether the current dedicated service line is normal or has an error. Therefore, the command transmitting/receiving unit 106 repeatedly executes transmission of polling requests until the value becomes equal to or greater than the determination value.

Then, when an error has occurred in the service dedicated line, the line error determination unit 102 determines that an error has occurred in the service dedicated line. Then, the line selection unit 104 switches the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 from the first communication unit 120 to the second communication unit 125 . That is, the user shared line is selected from the service dedicated line as the communication line for communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 (S1206 in FIG. 10/step S132 in FIG. 4; Yes→ step S134).

Note that the command transmission/reception unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 10 periodically transmits a polling request to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 at regular intervals (eg, S1216, S1226). This is because the line error determination unit 102 determines that the error of the dedicated service line has been resolved.

When the event reception processing unit 108 receives that a failure has occurred in the first communication unit 120, it notifies each function unit. The data generation processing unit 110 that has received the notification collects information about the error based on the notification from the event reception processing unit 108 and generates a machine error alert command.

The command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a machine error alert to the management server 20, but since the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 has been switched to the second communication unit 125 in S1206, the machine error alert is transmitted to the management server 20. select the data to be displayed. Specifically, the command transmitting/receiving unit 106 limits the data to be included in the machine error alert to the contents of the error, and then transmits the machine error alert to the management server 20 (S1208). Therefore, the error content is transmitted to the management server 20, and the error log data is not transmitted.

The command transmission/reception unit 202 of the management server 20 analyzes the received machine error alert and notifies the data generation processing unit 204 of it. The data generation processing unit 204 that has received the notification generates a machine error alert response command. Then, the command transmission/reception unit 202 transmits the generated error alert response command to the image forming apparatus 10 (S1210). Note that the control unit 200 stores and displays the error content received from the image forming apparatus 10 .

Also, the command transmission/reception unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 10 transmits a polling request (S1212) and receives a polling response (S1214) via the second communication unit 125. FIG.

Also, when the polling request is transmitted (S1218) and the polling request containing the parameters of the acquisition request is received (S1220), the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits the request data via the second communication unit 125. (S1222). In this case, since the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 has been switched to the second communication unit 125, the command transmission/reception unit 106 selects data to be transmitted to the management server 20 and limits the data to be transmitted. Specifically, the command transmission/reception unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 10 transmits the request data to the management server 20 after converting the data to be included in the request data into usage information. Also, the command transmission/reception unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the request data response via the second communication unit 125 (S1224).

Here, when the line error determination unit 102 transmits a polling request via the first communication unit 120 (S1226), it may receive a polling response from the management server 20 (S1228). In such a case, the line selection unit 104 switches the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 from the second communication unit 125 to the first communication unit 120 . That is, the service dedicated line is selected from the user shared line as the communication line for communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 (S1230 in FIG. 10/step S132 in FIG. 4; No→ step S136).

After the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 is switched to the first communication unit 120, the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a polling request to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S1232). ). Further, when the command transmission/reception unit 106 receives the polling response including the parameter of the acquisition request (S1234), it transmits the request data to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S1236). Since communication with the management server 20 is performed via the first communication unit 120, the command transmission/reception unit 106 does not select data to be included in the request data. Also, the command transmission/reception unit 106 receives the request data response from the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S1238).

According to this embodiment, even if an abnormality such as a line error occurs in the line (service dedicated line) connecting the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20, switching to another line (user shared line) is performed. communication with the management server 20 is possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 from remaining disconnected.

Further, when communication is performed between the image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 20 using the user shared line, communication is performed using the user shared line used by the user by limiting the amount of communication and data to be communicated. The amount of data to be stored can be suppressed. Meanwhile, the image forming apparatus 10 can perform necessary communication with the management server 20 .

Even after an abnormality occurs in the dedicated service line, the image forming apparatus 10 communicates with the management server 20 using the dedicated service line at regular intervals to determine the state of the dedicated service line. Therefore, when the service dedicated line is restored, the image forming apparatus 10 can automatically switch to communication using the service dedicated line without using the user shared line for communication with the management server 20 .

[2. Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 cannot normally transmit the machine error alert to the management server 20, the line to be used is switched and then the machine error alert is transmitted. Embodiment. That is, in the first embodiment, if an error occurs in the dedicated service line when the machine error alert is transmitted in step S102 of the line error determination process, the line error determination process ends without transmitting the machine error alert. end up Therefore, the content of the error that occurred in the image forming apparatus 10 cannot be transmitted to the management server 20. FIG. This embodiment is an embodiment that appropriately copes with such a case. This embodiment replaces FIG. 6 of the first embodiment with FIG. Note that the same functional units and processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

Command transmission processing for transmitting error information in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the dedicated service line is normal (when no error has occurred), the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits error details (first information) and error log data (second information) to the management server 20. (step S152; No→step S156).

At this time, if an OK response has not been received from the management server 20, the command transmission/reception unit 106 determines whether or not an NG response has been received from the management server 20 (step S202; No→step S204). Further, when NG is not received as a response, the command transmitting/receiving unit 106 determines whether or not the response could not be received due to timeout (step S204; No→step S206). When the command transmission/reception unit 106 receives NG as a response from the management server 20 (step S204; Yes), or when it times out and cannot receive the response (step S206; Yes), it adds 1 to the counter value ( step S208).

The command transmitting/receiving unit 106 determines whether or not the value of the counter has become equal to or greater than a determination value (for example, "5") (step S210). If the counter value does not exceed the judgment value (step S210; No), the error content and error log data are transmitted again through the dedicated service line (step S156).

On the other hand, in step S210, when the counter value is equal to or greater than the determination value (step S210; Yes), the command transmission/reception unit 106 switches the communication unit used for communication with the management server 20 to the second communication unit 125. That is, the command transmitting/receiving unit 106 selects the user shared line as a line for transmitting/receiving data (step S212). Then, command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits only the error content (first information) to management server 20 when an error occurs in the service dedicated line (step S154).

An operation example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a polling request to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S2102). Also, the command transmission/reception unit 106 receives the polling response transmitted from the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S2104).

If an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 10, the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a machine error alert including error content and error log data to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S2106). ). At this time, if the transmission could not be performed normally, the command transmission/reception unit 106 repeats transmission of the machine error alert (S2108).

If the machine error alert cannot be successfully transmitted even after the machine error alert has been transmitted a predetermined number of times, the command transmission/reception unit 106 changes the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 to the first communication unit. 120 to the second communication unit 125 (S2110).

The command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a machine error alert including the error content that could not be transmitted in S2106 to the management server 20 via the second communication unit 125 (S2112). Upon receiving a machine error alert response from the management server 20 (S2114), the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a machine error alert having error content of a service leased line error to the management server 20 via the second communication unit 125. (S2116). Note that the command transmission/reception unit 106 receives the machine error alert response from the management server 20 again (S2118).

Subsequent processing is the same as S1208 of the first embodiment. That is, after switching the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 to the second communication unit 125 , the image forming apparatus 10 communicates with the management server 20 via the second communication unit 125 . Also, the command transmission/reception unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 10 periodically transmits a polling request to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 at regular intervals (S1226). At this time, if a polling response is received from the management server 20 (S1228), the line selection unit 104 switches the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 from the second communication unit 125 to the first communication unit 120 (S1230). ).

According to this embodiment, when a machine error alert cannot be normally transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 to the management server 20, the machine error alert can be transmitted using the user shared line.

[3. Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. Unlike the first embodiment, the third embodiment is an embodiment in which when the image forming apparatus 10 fails to normally transmit the requested data to the management server 20, the line to be used is switched before the requested data is transmitted. is. This embodiment is an embodiment that appropriately responds when an error occurs in the service dedicated line when request data is transmitted in S102 of the line error determination process. This embodiment replaces FIG. 5 of the first embodiment with FIG. Note that the same functional units and processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

Command transmission processing for transmitting request data in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, if the dedicated service line is normal (no error has occurred), the command transmitter/receiver 106 transmits usage information and status information to the management server 20 (step S142; No→step S146).

If an OK response has not been received from the management server 20, the command transmission/reception unit 106 determines whether an NG response has been received from the management server 20 (step S302; No→step S304), and timed out to receive the response. It is determined whether or not it was possible (step S304; No→step S306). When the command transmitting/receiving unit 106 receives NG as a response from the management server 20 (step S204; Yes), or when it times out and cannot receive the response (step S206; Yes), the value of the counter is incremented by 1 (step S308).

The command transmitting/receiving unit 106 determines whether or not the value of the counter has become equal to or greater than a determination value (for example, "5") (step S310). If the counter value does not exceed the determination value (step S310; No), the command transmitting/receiving unit 106 again transmits the usage information and status information over the service dedicated line (step S146).

On the other hand, in step S310, when the counter value is equal to or greater than the determination value (step S310; Yes), the command transmission/reception unit 106 switches the communication unit used for communication with the management server 20 to the second communication unit 125. That is, the command transmitting/receiving unit 106 selects the user shared line as a line for transmitting and receiving data (step S312). Then, the command transmitter/receiver 106 transmits only the usage information (first information) to the management server 20 (step S144).

An operation example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a polling request to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S3102). Also, the command transmission/reception unit 106 receives the polling response transmitted from the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S3104).

If the polling response includes an acquisition request, the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits request data including usage information and status information to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 (S3106). . At this time, if the transmission could not be performed normally, the command transmission/reception unit 106 repeats transmission of the request data (S3108).

If the request data cannot be successfully transmitted even after the request data has been transmitted a predetermined number of times, the command transmission/reception unit 106 switches the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 to the first communication unit 120. to the second communication unit 125 (S3110).

The command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits the request data including the usage information that could not be transmitted in S3106 to the management server 20 via the second communication unit 125 (S3112). Upon receiving the request data response from the management server 20 (S3114), the command transmission/reception unit 106 transmits a machine error alert containing a service leased line error as the error content to the management server 20 via the second communication unit 125. (S3116). The command transmission/reception unit 106 receives the machine error alert response from the management server 20 (S3118).

Subsequent processing is the same as S1208 of the first embodiment. That is, after switching the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 to the second communication unit 125 , the image forming apparatus 10 communicates with the management server 20 via the second communication unit 125 . Also, the command transmission/reception unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 10 periodically transmits a polling request to the management server 20 via the first communication unit 120 at regular intervals (S1226). At this time, if a polling response is received from the management server 20 (S1228), the line selection unit 104 switches the communication unit that communicates with the management server 20 from the second communication unit 125 to the first communication unit 120 (S1230). ).

According to this embodiment, when request data to the management server 20 cannot be normally transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10, the request data can be transmitted using the user shared line.

[4. Modification]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. That is, the technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, it is of course possible to combine them within the technically possible range.

In addition, the program that operates in each device in the embodiment is a program that controls the CPU and the like (a program that causes the computer to function) so as to implement the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs. The data is read, corrected, and written by the CPU.

Here, as recording media for storing programs, semiconductor media (eg, ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media/magneto-optical recording media (eg, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray Disc) (registered trademark), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disc, etc.), etc. . By executing the loaded program, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized. In some cases, inventive features are realized.

When distributed to the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium for distribution, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, of course, the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present invention.

1 system 10 image forming apparatus 100 control unit 102 line error determination unit 104 line selection unit 106 command transmission/reception unit 108 event reception processing unit 110 data generation processing unit 120 first communication unit 125 second communication unit 130 image reading unit 135 image processing unit 140 image forming unit 150 display unit 160 operation input unit 170 sensor unit 180 storage unit 182 usage information storage area 184 status information storage area 186 setting information storage area 188 image data storage area 20 management server 200 control unit 210 communication unit 220 display unit 230 Operation input unit 240 Storage unit 242 Usage information storage area 244 Status information storage area 246 Error information storage area 246 Image forming apparatus management table

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image,
The communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit,
The control unit
transmitting usage information of the image forming apparatus and status information of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
Sending and receiving information to and from a terminal device used by a user via the second communication unit,
When a failure occurs in the first communication unit, the communication unit is switched from the first communication unit to the second communication unit, and via the second communication unit, to the management server transmitting only the usage information of the image forming device having a smaller amount of data than the state information of the image forming device ;
An image forming apparatus characterized by: 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage information includes count data indicating the number of images formed by the image forming section. If the control unit fails to transmit the usage information of the image forming apparatus and the state information of the image forming apparatus to the management server within a predetermined time, the control unit determines that a failure has occurred in the first communication unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus determines that: 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said control unit determines at regular intervals whether or not the failure of said first communication unit has been resolved after a failure has occurred in said first communication unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items. An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image,
The communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit,
The control unit
transmitting error content of the image forming apparatus and error log data of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
Sending and receiving information to and from a terminal device used by a user via the second communication unit,
When an abnormality occurs in the first communication unit, the communication unit is switched from the first communication unit to the second communication unit, and the management server is sent to the management server via the second communication unit. transmitting only the error content of the image forming device whose data amount is smaller than the error log data of the image forming device ;
An image forming apparatus characterized by: A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image,
The communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit,
transmitting usage information of the image forming apparatus and status information of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
a step of transmitting and receiving information to and from a terminal device used by a user via the second communication unit;
When a failure occurs in the first communication unit, the communication unit is switched from the first communication unit to the second communication unit, and via the second communication unit, to the management server a step of transmitting only usage information of the image forming apparatus having a smaller amount of data than state information of the image forming apparatus ;
A control method comprising: A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image,
The communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit,
transmitting error content of the image forming apparatus and error log data of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
a step of transmitting and receiving information to and from a terminal device used by a user via the second communication unit;
When an abnormality occurs in the first communication unit, the communication unit is switched from the first communication unit to the second communication unit, and the management server is sent to the management server via the second communication unit. a step of transmitting only the error content of the image forming apparatus whose data amount is smaller than the error log data of the image forming apparatus ;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image, wherein the communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit. to the computer of the device,
a function of transmitting usage information of the image forming apparatus and status information of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
A function of transmitting and receiving information to and from a terminal device used by a user via the second communication unit;
When a failure occurs in the first communication unit, the communication unit is switched from the first communication unit to the second communication unit, and the management server is sent via the second communication unit. a function of transmitting only usage information of the image forming apparatus having a smaller data amount than the state information of the image forming apparatus ;
A program characterized by realizing An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a management server, and an image forming unit that forms an image, wherein the communication unit has a first communication unit and a second communication unit. to the computer of the device,
a function of transmitting error content of the image forming apparatus and error log data of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communication unit;
A function of transmitting and receiving information to and from a terminal device used by a user via the second communication unit;
When an abnormality occurs in the first communication unit, the communication unit is switched from the first communication unit to the second communication unit, and the management server is sent to the management server via the second communication unit. a function of transmitting only the error content of the image forming apparatus whose data amount is smaller than the error log data of the image forming apparatus ;
A program characterized by realizing

Images