Techniques relating to error reporting in information processing apparatus

Abstract

When a predetermined event has occurred, message information corresponding to the event that has occurred and image data associated therewith are acquired, and the acquired message information and image data are presented to a user. Here, the event is classified into any one of a plurality of event classifications, and the image data is determined on the basis of the event classification related to the event corresponding to the associated message information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program. Background Art

[0002] During the execution of a program by an information processing apparatus, there are various messages in the messages output by the information processing apparatus for reporting errors and the like. The user needs to understand the content of each message to perform processing. However, for example, if the program becomes complex, the types of messages also become diverse, resulting in a situation where it is impossible to quickly understand the content of each message.

[0003] In addition, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technique: when reporting an error, a plurality of error image parts representing each part of the device are combined to create and display an error image.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-102200 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, since an image indicating the part where an error has occurred is displayed, it is useful for self-help elimination of errors. However, in the case of outsourcing maintenance to other companies, etc., when communicating the content of the error to others, ultimately only an error code or the like is pre-stored and its content is communicated, and there is a case where the displayed image cannot effectively function.

[0009] In addition, at the site of a commercial information processing apparatus such as a handheld terminal, since operations such as reading are performed in sequence, there is a situation where some operators cannot fully grasp the content of a certain error at that moment.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above actual situation, and one of its objects is to provide an information processing apparatus and a program that can present an image corresponding to an event such as an error, enabling a user to relatively easily grasp the event.

[0011] Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem

[0012] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art is an information processing apparatus that is connected to a definition database in an accessible manner. The definition database stores, in an associated manner, message information predetermined corresponding to possible events and image data representing an image to be presented together with the message information. The information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit that, when a specified event occurs, acquires the message information corresponding to the occurred event and the image data associated therewith; and a presentation unit that presents the acquired message information and image data to a user. The event is classified into any one of a plurality of event classifications, and the image data is determined based on the event classification related to the event corresponding to the associated message information.

[0013] Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, when an event occurs, image data representing a pattern independent of the configuration of the information processing apparatus itself determined according to each event classification related to the event is presented. Thus, the user can relatively easily grasp the event. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing a content example of a definition database used by the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a functional block diagram showing an example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As Figure 1 illustrated, the information processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, an output unit 14, and a communication unit 15. In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 may be communicably connected to a server apparatus 2 via a network.

[0021] Here, the control unit 11 is a program control device such as a CPU and operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 12. In the present embodiment, as Figure 2As illustrated, the control unit 11 accesses a definition database that stores, in an associated manner, message information (M) determined in advance corresponding to possible events (E) and image data (I) representing an image to be presented together with the message information.

[0022] When a specified event occurs, the control unit 11 acquires the message information and image data corresponding to the occurred event. Further, the control unit 11 functions as a presentation unit that presents the acquired message information and image data to the user. The detailed operation of the control unit 11 will be described later.

[0023] The storage unit 12 includes a memory device and a disk device that store programs executed by the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 also acts as a working memory for the control unit 11. Further, in one example of this embodiment, the storage unit 12 may store the above-mentioned definition database.

[0024] The input unit 13 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or a barcode reader, and accepts input of information according to a user's instruction. The input unit 13 outputs the input information to the control unit 11. The output unit 14 is a display device or the like, and displays output information according to an instruction input from the control unit 11. The communication unit 15 is a network interface or the like, and transmits and receives information to and from a server device 2 via a network, for example, according to an instruction input from the control unit 11.

[0025] Here, in this embodiment, one of the features is that the image data stored in the definition database is image data determined based on event classification information, which is the result of classifying the corresponding event. For example, it is not image data based on the structure of the information processing device itself that represents the error occurrence location. Therefore, this image data is different from image data representing the error occurrence location or the like, and image data that is likely to remain in the user's memory (judged to be likely to remain in memory through statistical investigation) can be arbitrarily selected.

[0026] In addition, the event classification information represents the result of classifying events based on a specified criterion. For example, the event classification information may be information obtained by classifying error events that occur during network communication according to the occurrence time. Specifically, event classification information that can be determined to represent an event that occurs during server connection, event classification information that represents an event that occurs when a request is sent after server connection, and so on can be obtained.

[0027] Next, the operation of the control unit 11 will be described. The control unit 11 of the information processing device 1 in this embodiment implements the following functional components according to the program stored in the storage unit 12. That is, as Figure 3 illustrated, the control unit 11 is configured to functionally include an information processing unit 21, a presentation information acquisition unit 22, and a presentation unit 23.

[0028] The information processing unit 21 performs various information processes according to the instructions of a program. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 may also be a portable terminal connected to the server apparatus 2 via a network, accumulate the information input by the user, and upload the accumulated information to the server apparatus 2 in a prescribed format (for example, as XML data) according to the instructions of the user. In this case, the information processing unit 21 performs processes such as the accumulation process of the information input by the user, the process of establishing communication with the server apparatus 2, and the process of uploading the accumulated information.

[0029] In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 may also be a computer-controlled device such as a multifunctional peripheral device or a portable telephone. In this case, the information processing unit 21 performs a process for performing the operation as the computer-controlled device.

[0030] In addition, in any case, when a prescribed event such as an error occurs during the process of the information processing unit 21 performing the process as each device, the information processing unit 21 performs a process for notifying the occurrence of the event to the user.

[0031] As a specific example, when the information processing unit 21 performs a process for realizing the function as the above-described portable terminal, for example, when performing an accumulation process on the information input from the user, if it is determined that the storage capacity of the storage unit 12 for accumulating newly input information is insufficient, it is considered that an event of capacity exceeding has occurred, and the notification unit 23 is requested to notify the user of the event.

[0032] When the information processing unit 21 determines that an event has occurred, the prompt information acquisition unit 22 accesses the definition database and acquires message information and image data determined in association with the event determined to have occurred according to the instruction input from the notification unit 23. Then, the prompt information acquisition unit 22 outputs the acquired message information and image data to the notification unit 23.

[0033] When the information processing unit 21 determines that an event has occurred, the notification unit 23 receives a request for notification of the event from the information processing unit 21, outputs information indicating the event to be the object of the notification to the prompt information acquisition unit 22, and acquires message information and image data associated with the event.

[0034] When the notification unit 23 receives the message information and image data acquired by the prompt information acquisition unit 22 from the prompt information acquisition unit 22, the notification unit 23 outputs a screen including the received message information and image data to the output unit 14 and causes it to be displayed.

[0035] [Operation]

[0036] This embodiment basically has the above configuration and operates as follows. In addition, in the following examples of this embodiment, it is assumed that a definition database is held in the storage unit 12. Additionally, as Figure 2 illustrated, in this definition database, events of errors occurring during network communication are classified as

[0037] (1) Events classified as error events when connecting to the server device 2:

[0038] · Packet error

[0039] · Unable to open network interface

[0040] · Connection timeout

[0041] · Others

[0042] (2) Events classified as error events when sending a request to the server device 2:

[0043] · Sending error

[0044] · Sending timeout

[0045] (3) Events classified as error events when receiving a response from the server device 2:

[0046] · Receiving error

[0047] · Receiving timeout

[0048] …

[0049] They are classified into multiple event classification information in this way. Additionally,

[0050] (1) Regarding the message information related to the events classified as error events when connecting to the server device 2, it is an image of animals (such as lions, elephants, giraffes, etc.) living on the savannah

[0051] (2) Regarding the message information related to the events classified as error events when sending a request to the server device 2, it is an image of animals (such as deer, raccoons, etc.) that can be seen in Japan

[0052] (3) Regarding the message information related to the events classified as error events when receiving a response from the server device 2, it is an image of animals (such as dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.) that are kept as pets.

[0053] …

[0054] In this way, as the images represented by the image data associated with the message information, for each event classification information of the events corresponding to the message information, images of different kinds of animals are generally used.

[0055] Specifically, in the following example,

[0056] (1) Associate the image data of a lion with the message information of "packet error" corresponding to an event classified as an error event when connecting to the server device 2. Additionally, associate the image data of an elephant with the message information of "the network interface cannot be opened".

[0057] (2) Associate the message information of "transmission error" corresponding to an event classified as an error event when sending a request to the server device 2 with the image data of a deer.

[0058] When the information processing device 1 executes information processing according to the instructions of a program, it receives an instruction from the user to respond to the meaning of the information sent by the server device 2, and starts the process of connecting to the server device 2 via the network (establishing a communication path).

[0059] During this process, for example, when a packet error occurs, the information processing device 1 regards the event of the packet error as having occurred and starts the process of notifying this event. In this process, as Figure 4 illustrated, the information processing device 1 obtains the message information to be output in association with the event to be notified (S11).

[0060] To obtain this message information, for example, an identifier (error code, etc.) is preset for each event in advance, and the corresponding message information is stored in advance in association with each identifier. Then, when an event occurs, the information processing device 1 obtains the identifier corresponding to the occurred event and obtains the message information stored in association with the obtained identifier.

[0061] Using the message information obtained in step S11 as a keyword, the information processing device 1 accesses the definition database and obtains the image data associated with this message information (S12). In the example here, the information processing device 1 obtains the image data of a lion associated with the message information of "packet error".

[0062] The information processing device 1 causes the output unit 14 to display a screen including the message information obtained in step S11 and the image data obtained in step S12 (S13).

[0063] This screen is, for example, as Figure 5 illustrated, within a window (W) of a specified size and ratio displayed on the display, the message information (M) and the image data (I) are arranged. Additionally, within this window (W), buttons (B) for prompting the user with options such as "OK" and "Cancel" determined for each message information may also be included.

[0064] In this example, if the user operates any one of the buttons, the information processing apparatus 1 executes the process determined corresponding to the operated button. In addition, the size, ratio, etc. of the window (W) are not limited to those in Figure 5 the example shown, and can be appropriately changed according to the size, ratio, etc. of the display of the output unit 14 that is the display window (W).

[0065] Even if the user closes the window, as long as the displayed image data (e.g., "lion") is remembered, when reporting an error to the manufacturer, etc. that performs maintenance services for the information processing apparatus 1, just stating "a lion was displayed" enables the manufacturer, etc. to know what kind of error was displayed.

[0066] [Other examples related to classification]

[0067] In addition, in the description so far, the content types of the image data are different according to the event classification information that classifies events. However, in another example of this embodiment, the event classification information can also be further classified into major classifications each containing at least one event classification for management.

[0068] As an example, the event classification information can be hierarchical as

[0069] · Errors during communication

[0070] ·· Events classified as error events when connecting to the server device 2

[0071] ··· Packet error

[0072] ··· Network interface cannot be opened

[0073] ··· Connection timeout

[0074] ··· Others

[0075] ·· Events classified as error events when sending a request to the server device 2

[0076] ··· Sending error

[0077] ··· Sending timeout

[0078] ·· Events classified as error events when receiving a response from the server device 2:

[0079] ·· Receiving error

[0080] ·· Receiving timeout

[0081] …

[0082] · Application errors

[0083] ·· Permission errors

[0084] ···Exceeded the permitted number of connections

[0085] ···Performed an unauthorized operation

[0086] ··An exception occurred in the application

[0087] ···The format of the data is incorrect

[0088] ···Memory overflow

[0089] ···The specified file was not found

[0090] …

[0091] Set it like that. Here, for convenience, the level of the hierarchy is represented by the number of dots at the beginning. For example, the one with one dot is the topmost level of the hierarchy, and the one with two dots is the second level belonging to the topmost level of the hierarchy... It is represented in this way. Therefore, in the above example, the message information "connection timeout" (the third level) is classified into the category represented by the event classification information of the second level immediately above it, "the event classified as an error event when connecting to the server device 2", and furthermore, the event classification information "the event classified as an error event when connecting to the server device 2" belongs to the large classification of the first level immediately above it, "error during communication".

[0092] In such an example, it is also possible to make the categories of the images represented by the image data associated with the message information different for each corresponding large classification. For example, in the above example, for the large classification of "error during communication", the category is set to "animals", and for "application error", the category is set to "fruits".

[0093] Also, regarding the second level as the event classification information, it is possible to hierarchically determine, in association with "the event classified as an error event when connecting to the server device 2" belonging to the large classification of "error during communication", such as animals inhabiting the savannah... and, in association with "permission error" belonging to the large classification of "application error", such as red fruits...

[0094] In this way, in the present embodiment, even for the type of image data set corresponding to the large classification, it is preferable to represent the hierarchical classification by making the subject different in the images of that type corresponding to the lower-level event classification information.

[0095] Furthermore, in an example of the present embodiment, when all events corresponding to message information belonging to a certain event classification information are relatively less serious events (when it is not necessary to distinguish each message information from each other), the image data corresponding to the message information belonging to the event classification information may all be set to represent the same image (representing the event classification information).

[0096] [Another example of the display method]

[0097] In addition, when presenting the message information and the image data, the information processing apparatus 1 may also present an icon image different from the above-mentioned image data and determined in advance according to the content of the message information together with the message information and the image data.

[0098] Here, the icon image is set, for example, to an icon image in which an exclamation mark is arranged inside a red triangle in the case of a relatively serious error, and can be set according to a predetermined rule.

[0099] [Display method of image data]

[0100] In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment may also be able to change the display method such as the display position and transparency of the image data when presenting the image data together with the message information. For example, in the case where a touch panel that coincides with the display of the output unit 14 exists as the input unit 13, the information processing apparatus 1 may perform processing such as moving the presented image data according to the operation of the user on the touch panel.

[0101] In this example, when the user moves the image data within the window, for example, taking the coordinates (Wx, Wy) of a specified corner (for example, the upper left corner) of the window as the origin, when moving the display position (for example, the upper left corner coordinates) of the image data to (x, y), the information processing apparatus 1 uses the width (w0) and height (h0) of the window and stores the setting information of the display position of the image data as (x / w0, y / h0).

[0102] After that, when the information processing apparatus 1 displays the image data within the window, taking the coordinates of the displayed window (for example, the upper left corner) as the origin, using the width (w) and height (h) of the window and the above-mentioned stored setting information, the display position of the image data is set to (x×w / w0, y×h / h0).

[0103] In addition, it may be that, in the case where there are a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 that communicate with the same server apparatus 2, the information processing apparatuses 1 transmit, receive, and hold the above-mentioned setting information among themselves, and display the image data at a common position in all the information processing apparatuses 1 that communicate with the same server apparatus 2.

[0104] In addition, although the display position has been described herein, the information processing apparatus 1 may also receive and store settings such as transparency from the user in the same manner, and display the image data with the stored transparency during subsequent displays. Further, in this case, when there are a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 that communicate with the same server apparatus 2, the transparency information may be shared among the plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 that communicate with the same server apparatus 2, and the image data may be displayed with a common transparency in all the information processing apparatuses 1 that communicate with the same server apparatus 2.

[0105] [Other examples of image data]

[0106] As described above, the image data can arbitrarily select images that are likely to remain in the user's memory. For example, it can be arbitrarily selected from various examples such as images of animals, images of plants, fruits, food and drink, and faces of famous people.

[0107] In addition, in the description so far, for example, it is assumed that different image data are presented according to each message information. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and animals of the same type common to a plurality of message information may be used, but the quantity (the number of lion heads if it is a lion, the number of apples if it is an apple, etc.) may be different.

[0108] Specifically, for message information belonging to the same event classification information, image data representing animals of the same type, such as lions, may be provided, and the quantity (e.g., the number of lion heads, etc.) may be different for each message information.

[0109] Similarly, instead of, or in addition to, making the number of individuals different, for example, the posture may be made different according to each message information. In this case, it may be set that animals of the same type common to a plurality of message information are used, but their postures are different according to each message information. For example, for a certain message information, image data of a lion running posture is presented together, and for a different message information, image data of a lion sleeping posture is presented together... etc.

[0110] In addition, in this example, for message information belonging to the same event classification information, image data representing animals of the same type, such as lions, may be provided, and their postures (e.g., running postures, sitting postures, standing postures... etc.) may be different for each message information.

[0111] [Effects of the embodiment]

[0112] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to present an image corresponding to an event such as an error, enabling the user to grasp the event relatively easily. Additionally, the pattern is preferably a pattern that only identifies the species, such as a plant or an animal, and is independent of the structure of the information processing device itself. Thus, for example, when a handheld terminal or the like, which is the information processing device of the present embodiment, is used commercially, a pattern with an element of surprise, such as an animal, is displayed during the subsequent operation to attract the user's attention and enable them to easily identify the species (such as a lion or a dog), making it easier to recognize and understand the type of error.

[0113] Description of Reference Numerals

[0114] 1 Information processing device, 2 Server device, 11 Control unit, 12 Storage unit, 13 Input unit, 14 Output unit, 15 Communication unit, 21 Information processing unit, 22 Prompt information acquisition unit, 23 Prompt unit.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus is connected to a definition database in an accessible manner. The definition database stores, in an associated manner, message information predetermined for possible events and image data representing an image to be presented together with the message information. The information processing apparatus includes: An acquisition unit that, when a prescribed event occurs, acquires the message information corresponding to the occurred event and the image data associated therewith; And A presentation unit that presents the acquired message information and image data to a user, The event is classified into any one of a plurality of event classifications, The image data is image data determined based on the event classification related to the event corresponding to the associated message information.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The event classifications are further managed by being divided into major classifications each including at least one of the event classifications, The image data associated with the classifications belonging to each major classification is image data representing an image of a category determined according to the major classification.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The presentation unit further presents an icon image predetermined according to the content of the presented message information together with the message information and the image data.

4. A program causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit and a presentation unit. The computer is connected to a definition database in an accessible manner. The definition database stores, in an associated manner, message information predetermined for possible events and image data representing an image to be presented together with the message information. The acquisition unit acquires the message information corresponding to the occurred prescribed event and the image data associated therewith when the prescribed event occurs, The presentation unit presents the acquired message information and image data to a user, The event is classified into any one of a plurality of event classifications, The image data is image data determined based on the event classification related to the event corresponding to the associated message information and is independent of the structure of the information processing apparatus itself.

Images