Information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of generating administrative information of an information processing device use by a user.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to an embodiment comprises an acquisition unit for acquiring a first file for collecting administrative information for managing an information processing device, a setting unit for setting the first file in a UEFI BIOS, and a generation unit for generating a two-dimensional code corresponding to the administrative information based on the UEFI BIOS set up with the first file.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when a user belonging to an organization experiences an abnormality in an information processing device that he or she is using, the user himself or herself brings the information processing device to a management department that manages information processing devices within the organization, and the management department then repairs the information processing device.

[0003] For example, when a user uses an information processing device at home in a telework style and an abnormality occurs in the information processing device, the user cannot bring the device to a management department, and therefore it may be difficult to repair the device. Also, for example, when the information processing device has a malfunction such that the OS (Operating System) cannot be started, the user may not know management information including the contact information of the management department, and may not be able to receive online support provided by the management department. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-135299 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Furthermore, for example, the start-up screen of an information processing device may display contact information for the manufacturer of the information processing device, but since this is the contact information for the manufacturer and not the management department within the organization, the user may not know the contact information for the management department and may not be able to receive the online support provided by the management department.

[0006] Therefore, one example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device capable of generating management information for the information processing device used by a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a first file for collecting management information for managing the information processing device, a setting unit that sets the first file in a UEFI BIOS, and a generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code corresponding to the management information based on the UEFI BIOS in which the first file is set.

[0008] The management information may include a management destination that manages the information processing device, a device name of the information processing device, a serial number of the information processing device, and a management number that manages the information processing device.

[0009] Furthermore, when the first file and the second file stored in a storage unit do not match, the setting unit may delete the second file and set the first file in the UEFI BIOS.

[0010] The information processing device may also include an output unit that outputs the two-dimensional code generated by the generation unit, and the output unit may output the two-dimensional code to at least one of a start-up screen when the information processing device is started up, a device selection screen for selecting a start-up device when the information processing device is started up, and a BIOS password input screen for inputting a BIOS password. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to generate management information for an information processing device used by a user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a processing flow of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a format showing an example of a two-dimensional code script according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code output by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code output by an information processing device according to the first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code output by an information processing device according to the first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment shown below is merely an example, and there is no intention to exclude the application of various modified examples and techniques not specified in the embodiment. In other words, the present embodiment can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the gist of the embodiment. In addition, each figure does not intend to include only the components shown in the figure, but can include other functions, etc.

[0014] 1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system including an information processing device according to this embodiment and an external server. The information processing system 10 is composed of an information processing device 1 and an external server 2 connected via an external network. The information processing device 1 is, for example, a notebook personal computer. Note that the information processing device 1 may be, for example, a tablet terminal or a desktop personal computer as a terminal form.

[0015] The external server 2 is a server that provides services to devices connected thereto. The external server 2 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a communication I / F (Interface), and the like. The external server 2 of this embodiment is, for example, a server for centrally monitoring and managing the information processing device 1 used by a user. The external server 2 manages, for example, the information processing device 1 that it monitors and manages by remote control, centralized management of functions provided in the information processing device 1, or distribution of a program to be installed in the information processing device 1.

[0016] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing device 1 illustrated here has a configuration similar to that of a general-purpose computer. The information processing device 1 includes a CPU 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, an auxiliary storage device 14, a user I / F 15, a display device 16, a communication I / F 17, a power button 18, and a SPI ROM (Serial Peripheral Interface Read Only Memory) 19, which are connected to each other via a bus 20.

[0017] The CPU 11 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the RAM 12 as a working area according to programs stored in the ROM 13 and the auxiliary storage device 14. The ROM 13 is a volatile memory. The auxiliary storage device 14 is a non-volatile memory, and stores various data such as an OS (Operating System) required for processing by the CPU 11. The auxiliary storage device 14 is formed, for example, of an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 14 is an example of a storage unit.

[0018] The user I / F 15 is, for example, various input devices such as a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, etc. The user I / F 15 is an example of an operation unit. The display device 16 is, for example, a display device, etc., and displays various screens such as a display screen to a user who uses the information processing device 1. The display device 16 is an example of a display unit.

[0019] The communication I / F 17 can communicate with the external server 2, for example, via a network (for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or a public network such as an LTE or 5G line). The power button 18 is a button for turning on / off the power of the information processing device 1. The power button 18 is an example of an operation unit.

[0020] The SPI ROM 19 is a non-volatile memory and stores a UEFI BIOS (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface Basic Input / Output System).

[0021] The UEFI BIOS, as firmware for the main board, defines the boot disk, boot method, recognition and management of peripheral devices, etc. of the information processing device 1. In other words, the UEFI BIOS is the firmware that the information processing device 1 loads first when the information processing device 1 is booted (after the power button 18 is pressed).

[0022] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. The information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment includes an acquisition unit 31, a determination unit 32, a setting unit 33, an analysis unit 34, a collection unit 35, a generation unit 36, and an output unit 37. The acquisition unit 31, the determination unit 32, the setting unit 33, the analysis unit 34, the collection unit 35, the generation unit 36, and the output unit 37 can be configured, for example, by cooperation between hardware elements and software elements (such as programs stored in the ROM 13 or the auxiliary storage device 14) of the information processing device 1 as illustrated in Fig. 2. Note that the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 is not limited to the above.

[0023] The acquiring unit 31 acquires a first file for collecting management information for managing the information processing device 1. Specifically, the acquiring unit 31 acquires a first file for collecting management information for managing the information processing device 1 from the external server 2. The first file is, for example, a two-dimensional code script. The two-dimensional code script will be described in detail later.

[0024] The determination unit 32 determines whether the first file matches the second file stored in the auxiliary storage device 14 for collecting management information for managing the information processing device 1. Specifically, the determination unit 32 determines whether the first file acquired by the acquisition unit 31 from the external server 2 matches the second file stored in the auxiliary storage device 14 for collecting management information for managing the information processing device 1.

[0025] When the determination unit 32 determines that the first file and the second file do not match, the setting unit 33 deletes the second file from the auxiliary storage device 14 and stores the first file in the auxiliary storage device 14. In other words, the setting unit 33 updates the second file stored in the auxiliary storage device 14 to the first file.

[0026] Furthermore, the setting unit 33 sets the first file in the UEFI BIOS. Specifically, the setting unit 33 secures an area in the RAM 12. Next, the setting unit 33 expands the character string of the first file in the secured area of ​​the RAM 12 based on the OS. Next, the setting unit 33 issues an SMI (System Management Interrupt) based on the OS, and notifies the UEFI BIOS stored in the SPI ROM 19 of the address of the RAM 12 where the area has been secured.

[0027] Next, the setting unit 33 reads the character string of the first file from the RAM 12 based on the UEFI BIOS. Next, the setting unit 33 writes the character string of the first file to the SPI ROM 19 based on the UEFI BIOS. The setting unit 33 releases the area of ​​the RAM 12 based on the OS. The above-mentioned SMI is an interrupt process that temporarily stops the operation of the OS and enables processing to be executed from the UEFI BIOS.

[0028] Here, a process flow in which the information processing device 1 acquires the first file from the external server 2, sets the first file in the UEFI BIOS, and generates a two-dimensional code will be described with reference to FIG.

[0029] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a flow of processing by the information processing system according to the embodiment. The external server 2 transmits a first file 21 to the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 acquires the first file 21 from the external server 2. The information processing device 1 stores the acquired first file 21 in the auxiliary storage device 14.

[0030] Then, the information processing device 1 stores the first file 21 stored in the auxiliary storage device 14 in the SPI ROM 19. Then, the information processing device 1 generates a two-dimensional code based on the first file 21 stored in the SPI ROM 19 and the two-dimensional code generation engine 22. Next, the contents of the generation of the two-dimensional code by the information processing device 1 will be described.

[0031] Returning to Fig. 3, the analysis unit 34 analyzes the first file 21. Specifically, the analysis unit 34 analyzes the first file 21 stored in the SPI ROM 19 by the setting unit 33. For example, the analysis unit 34 analyzes the two-dimensional code script. Here, the contents of the two-dimensional code script will be described with reference to Fig. 5.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a format 41 showing an example of a two-dimensional code script according to an embodiment. The format 41 is made up of fixed values ​​of a management destination that manages the information processing device 1, and variables collected from the information processing device 1. For example, the format 41 shown in Fig. 5 shows management information, attributes, and notation examples.

[0033] The management information includes a management destination that manages the information processing device 1, a device name of the information processing device 1, a serial number of the information processing device 1, and a management number that manages the information processing device 1. The attributes include fixed values ​​and variables. The management information may also include a management destination name and contact information of the management destination that manages the information processing device 1. The contact information is, for example, a telephone number or an email address. The management information collected by the information processing device 1 may also include information other than the above. For example, the management information includes an error code and a log in the event of an abnormality.

[0034] The analysis unit 34 analyzes the two-dimensional code script, and identifies management information corresponding to the fixed value of the attribute based on the format 41. The analysis unit 34 also analyzes the two-dimensional code script, and identifies management information corresponding to the variable of the attribute based on the format 41. For example, in the case of the format 41 shown in Fig. 5, the analysis unit 34 identifies the management destination as the management information corresponding to the fixed value of the attribute. For example, in the case of the format 41 shown in Fig. 5, the analysis unit 34 identifies the device name, the serial number, and the management number as the management information corresponding to the variable of the attribute.

[0035] 3, the collection unit 35 collects management information. Specifically, the collection unit 35 collects management information corresponding to variables of the attributes identified by the analysis unit 34. In the case of the format 41 shown in FIG. 5, the collection unit 35 collects the device name, the serial number, and the management number from among the management information stored in the information processing device 1.

[0036] 3, the generating unit 36 ​​generates a two-dimensional code corresponding to the management information based on the UEFI BIOS that sets the first file 21. Specifically, the generating unit 36 ​​reads the first file 21 stored in the SPI ROM 19 and the two-dimensional code generating engine 22 based on the UEFI BIOS, and generates a two-dimensional code corresponding to the management information including the management information linked to the fixed value of the attribute of the first file 21 analyzed by the analyzing unit 34 and the management information linked to the variable of the attribute of the first file 21 collected by the collecting unit 35. The two-dimensional code generating engine 22 is, for example, a program that generates a QR code (registered trademark).

[0037] For example, if the management information linked to the fixed value of the attribute of the first file 21 analyzed by the analysis unit 34 is "https: / / xxx / xxx" (see Figure 5), and the management information linked to the variables of the attribute of the first file 21 collected by the collection unit 35 is the device name (pn=A), serial number (sn=B), and management number (an=C), the two-dimensional code generated by the generation unit 36 ​​includes the management information "https: / / xxx / xxx?pn=$A$&&sn=$B$&an=$C$".

[0038] The output unit 37 outputs the two-dimensional code. Specifically, the output unit 37 outputs the two-dimensional code generated by the generation unit 36 ​​to the display device 16. Here, the two-dimensional code output by the output unit 37 to the display device 16 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code output by the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. In Fig. 6, the output unit 37 outputs a two-dimensional code 52 to the display device 16 in a start-up screen 51 at the time of starting up the information processing device 1. Here, the start-up screen 51 at the time of starting up the information processing device 1 is a screen that is output to the display device 16 after the user presses the power button 18. The start-up screen 51 at the time of starting up the information processing device 1 is a screen on which, for example, the corporate logo of the manufacturer of the information processing device 1 is displayed.

[0040] Next, the process executed by the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7, Fig. 8, and Fig. 9. Fig. 7, Fig. 8, and Fig. 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the process executed by the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 7 describes the flow of processing until the information processing device 1 acquires the first file 21 from the external server 2 and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 14. Fig. 8 describes the flow of processing until the information processing device 1 sets the first file 21 in the SPI ROM 19. Fig. 9 describes the flow of processing until the information processing device 1 generates and outputs a two-dimensional code 52 corresponding to management information based on the first file 21 stored in the SPI ROM 19.

[0042] 7, the acquisition unit 31 acquires the first file 21 for collecting management information for managing the information processing device 1 from the external server 2 (step S61). Next, the determination unit 32 determines whether the first file 21 acquired by the acquisition unit 31 from the external server 2 matches the second file for collecting management information for managing the information processing device 1, which is stored in the auxiliary storage device 14 (step S62).

[0043] If the determination unit 32 determines that the first file 21 and the second file match (step S62: Yes), the information processing device 1 ends this process. On the other hand, if the determination unit 32 determines that the first file 21 and the second file do not match (step S62: No), the information processing device 1 proceeds to step S63.

[0044] In step S63, the setting unit 33 deletes the second file from the auxiliary storage device 14. Then, the setting unit 33 stores the first file 21 in the auxiliary storage device 14 (step S64). After that, the information processing device 1 proceeds to the next process A (step S71 shown in FIG. 8).

[0045] 8, the setting unit 33 secures an area of ​​the RAM 12 based on the first file 21 stored in the auxiliary storage device 14 (step S71). Next, the setting unit 33 expands the character string of the first file 21 in the secured area of ​​the RAM 12 based on the OS (step S72). Next, the setting unit 33 issues an SMI based on the OS, and notifies the UEFI BIOS stored in the SPI ROM 19 of the address of the secured area of ​​the RAM 12 (step S73).

[0046] Next, the setting unit 33 reads the character string of the first file 21 from the RAM 12 based on the UEFI BIOS (step S74). Next, the setting unit 33 writes the character string of the first file 21 to the SPI ROM 19 based on the UEFI BIOS (step S75). Next, the setting unit 33 releases the area of ​​the RAM 12 based on the OS (step S76). When the process of step S76 ends, the information processing device 1 ends this process. This allows the information processing device 1 to set the latest first file 21 in the UEFI BIOS.

[0047] 9 starts when the user presses the power button 18, and then the information processing device 1 starts up and starts the processing. In step S81 shown in FIG. 9, the analysis unit 34 analyzes the first file 21 stored in the SPI ROM 19 by the setting unit 33 (step S81). Next, the collection unit 35 collects management information corresponding to the variable of the attribute identified by the analysis unit 34 (step S82).

[0048] Next, the generating unit 36 ​​reads the first file 21 stored in the SPI ROM 19 and the two-dimensional code generating engine 22 based on the UEFI BIOS, and generates a two-dimensional code 52 corresponding to the management information (step S83). Next, the output unit 37 outputs the two-dimensional code 52 generated by the generating unit 36 ​​to the display device 16 (step S84). When step S84 ends, the information processing device 1 ends this process.

[0049] As described above, an information processing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit 31 that acquires a first file 21 for collecting management information that manages the information processing device 1, a setting unit 33 that sets the first file 21 in the UEFI BIOS, and a generation unit 36 ​​that generates a two-dimensional code 52 corresponding to the management information based on the UEFI BIOS in which the first file 21 is set.

[0050] As a result, according to this embodiment, for example, if an abnormality occurs in the information processing device 1 that a user is using, the user can check the management information generated by the information processing device 1, thereby confirming the contents contained in the management information and receiving support provided by the department that manages the information processing device 1.

[0051] The management information also includes a management department that manages the information processing device 1, a device name of the information processing device 1, a serial number of the information processing device 1, and a management number that manages the information processing device 1. This allows the user to convey the management information regarding the information processing device 1 to the management department that manages the information processing device 1.

[0052] Furthermore, when the first file 21 and the second file stored in the storage unit do not match, the setting unit 33 deletes the second file and sets the first file 21 to the UEFI BIOS. This allows the information processing device 1 to set the latest first file 21. For example, the information processing device 1 sets (writes) the latest first file 21 to the UEFI BIOS, so there is no need to restart the information processing device 1. Also, for example, the information processing device 1 sets (writes) the latest first file 21 to the UEFI BIOS, so there is no need to rebuild the UEFI BIOS. Therefore, the information processing device 1 takes a short time to set (write) the first file 21, which can improve user convenience.

[0053] Moreover, the information processing device 1 includes an output unit 37 that outputs the two-dimensional code 52 generated by the generation unit 36. This allows the user to grasp the management information of the information processing device 1 that he or she uses.

[0054] (First Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the process performed by the information processing device 1 is described as outputting the two-dimensional code 52 on the start-up screen 51 when the information processing device 1 is started up after the user presses the power button 18, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the output unit 37 of the information processing device 1 may output the two-dimensional code 52 on at least one of the start-up screen when the information processing device 1 is started up, the device selection screen for selecting a start-up device when the information processing device 1 is started up, and the BIOS password input screen for inputting a BIOS password.

[0055] 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a two-dimensional code 52 output by the information processing device 1 according to the first modified example. In FIG. 10, the output unit 37 outputs the two-dimensional code 52 in a boot device selection screen 91 to the display device 16. The boot device selection screen 91 is, for example, a boot menu, and is a screen for selecting a boot device to start the OS. In FIG. 11, the output unit 37 outputs the two-dimensional code 52 in a BIOS password input screen 92 to the display device 16. This allows a user who uses the information processing device 1 to convey information about the information processing device 1 to a management party that manages the information processing device 1.

[0056] (Second Modification) The program for realizing the above-mentioned functions may be provided, for example, in a state in which it is pre-stored in a storage element mounted on the CPU 11, but is not limited to this. The program may be provided, for example, in a state in which it is stored in an appropriate storage medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be provided via a computer network such as the Internet.

[0057] The above-described embodiment can be modified as appropriate by changing a part of the configuration of the above-described device. Therefore, some modified examples of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. Note that the following mainly describes the differences from the above-described embodiment, and a detailed description of the common points with the contents already described will be omitted. The modified examples described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0058] (Third Modification) In the above embodiment, the functional components 31 to 37 are realized by a single processor in Fig. 3, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the functional components 31 to 37 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize the function.

[0059] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1...information processing device, 2...external server, 10...information processing system, 11...CPU, 12: RAM, 13: ROM, 14: auxiliary storage device, 15: user I / F, 16: display device, 17: communication I / F, 18: power button, 19: SPI-ROM, 31: Acquisition unit, 32: Determination unit, 33: Setting unit, 34: Analysis unit, 35: Collection unit, 36... generation unit, 37... output unit

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a first file for collecting management information for managing an information processing device; a setting unit for setting the first file in a UEFI BIOS; a generating unit that generates a two-dimensional code corresponding to the management information based on a UEFI BIOS in which the first file is set; An information processing device comprising:

2. the management information includes a management destination that manages the information processing device, a device name of the information processing device, a serial number of the information processing device, and a management number that manages the information processing device; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. when the first file and the second file stored in the storage unit do not match, the setting unit deletes the second file and sets the first file in the UEFI BIOS.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. an output unit that outputs the two-dimensional code generated by the generation unit; Equipped with the output unit outputs the two-dimensional code to at least one of a start-up screen at the time of start-up of the information processing device, a device selection screen for selecting a start-up device at the time of start-up, and a BIOS password input screen for inputting a BIOS password. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

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