Application server, network apparatus diagnostic system, control method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a network server that can solve a problem of a network apparatus even when setting values that can be set only by a user are included in setting values to be changed.SOLUTION: An application server is network-connected to a network apparatus, such as an image processing device, an autonomous driving device, an automatic driving device, or a vehicle, and carries out a diagnosis of the network apparatus. The application server has: problem detection means that detects a problem occurring in the network apparatus; and control means that transmits, to the network apparatus, data including instructions to automatically change at least part of setting values to be changed for solving the problem detected by the problem detection means. The data includes instructions to change user setting values that are included in the setting values to be changed and can be set only by a user, to setting values according to input to the network apparatus made by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an application server, a network device diagnostic system, a control method, a computer program, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the advancement of cloud and IoT technologies, there has been an increase in systems that can remotely diagnose and repair network equipment and systems. The general flow from the occurrence of a problem in a network equipment or system to its resolution often involves detecting the problem, diagnosing the cause, taking action based on the diagnosis results, and finally verifying that the problem has been properly restored.

[0003] When dealing with network devices based on the diagnosis results, there are cases where the user is notified of the details of the measures to be taken and the problem is solved by the user themselves, and cases where the measures are taken remotely to solve the problem.

[0004] However, when a user performs a process by himself, there are problems such as the complicated setting procedure making the process difficult or requiring time and effort to search for the setting menu to perform the process. As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which the UI displays the order in which multiple setting values ​​that must be set to use a function are changed and guidance on the setting values ​​that should be changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-111147 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, when a user performs a procedure, the setting values ​​that need to be handled are identified and a guide screen is displayed to guide the user through the required setting sequence. However, this requires user operation, which places a burden on the user. Furthermore, when a problem-solving procedure requires changing an item that can only be set by the user, there is a problem in that the value that should be set cannot be determined by remote automatic handling, making it impossible to solve the problem.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a network server that can solve problems with network devices even if the server includes setting values ​​that can only be set by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An application server that is connected to a network device through a network and that diagnoses the network device, problem detection means for detecting a problem occurring in the network device; a control means for transmitting to the network device data including an instruction to automatically change at least a part of the setting values ​​that should be changed in order to solve the problem detected by the problem detection means, The data is characterized in that it includes instructions for changing user setting values ​​that can only be set by the user and are included in the setting values ​​to be changed to setting values ​​that conform to input by the user to the network device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a network server that can solve problems with network devices even if the settings include values ​​that can only be set by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a network device diagnostic system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an application server 110 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a network device diagnostic system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network device management table managed by the application server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5B] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a log management table managed by the application server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5C] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnostic logic management table managed by the application server according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5D] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a process logic management table managed by the application server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5E] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user management setting table managed by the application server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a setting value management table 600 in a setting value management database 460 of the image processing apparatus 150 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7A is a diagram showing an example of an instruction sheet 700 for the processing module 407 according to the first embodiment of the present invention to instruct the image processing device 150 on the processing content to be performed. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of an instruction sheet 710 for the processing module 407 according to the first embodiment of the present invention to instruct the image processing device 150 on the processing content to be performed. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnosis result display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a setting value input screen of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control method for the network device diagnostic system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for creating an instruction sheet in step S1008. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for reflecting setting values ​​in the image processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting value management table of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of an image processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for reflecting setting values ​​in an image processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In each drawing, the same members or elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a network device diagnostic system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, a web application running on a cloud will be described as an example of the network device diagnostic system.

[0013] In this embodiment, an image processing device is used as an example of a network device to be diagnosed by the network device diagnostic system. In this embodiment, the image processing device is connected to, for example, a printer, scanner, or fax machine, or includes these devices internally. However, the network device according to this embodiment may also be, for example, an autonomous driving device, an automatic driving device, or a vehicle connected to a network, and includes these devices.

[0014] The network device diagnostic system 100 comprises an application server 110, a client computer 130, and an image processing device 150 as a network device to be diagnosed, which are connected via a network 170.

[0015] The application server 110 has the configuration of a general-purpose computer and is realized using hardware resources supplied on demand by virtualization technology, while the client computer 130 has the configuration of a general-purpose computer.

[0016] The application server 110 diagnoses problems that occur in network devices such as the image processing device 150, identifies the problem based on the diagnosis results, determines how to deal with the image processing device 150, and issues instructions to carry out the measures to the image processing device 150. In other words, the application server 110 is connected to the network devices via a network and diagnoses the network devices.

[0017] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the application server 110 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the application server 110, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU serving as a computer, which executes processing based on computer programs such as application programs stored in a ROM 202 or an external memory 208.

[0018] Furthermore, the CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 211. The CPU 201 also opens various pre-registered windows and executes various data processing operations based on commands designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) or the like on the display 209.

[0019] Reference numeral 203 denotes a RAM, which functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201. Reference numeral 202 denotes a ROM, which is a read-only memory that functions as a storage area for basic I / O programs, etc.

[0020] The ROM 202 or external memory 208 stores an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS), which is a control program for the CPU 201. Furthermore, the ROM 202 or external memory 208 stores files and various other data used during processing based on the application programs, etc.

[0021] Reference numeral 204 denotes a network I / F that connects to the network 170 and performs network communication. Reference numeral 206 denotes a keyboard I / F that controls input from a keyboard 205 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 210 denotes a display I / F that controls the display on a display 209.

[0022] An external memory I / F 207 controls access to an external memory 208 such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The external memory 208 stores a boot program, various applications, user files, edit files, and the like.

[0023] The application server 110 operates in a state where the CPU 201 is executing a basic I / O program and an OS written in the ROM 202 or the external memory 208. The basic I / O program is written in the ROM 202, and the OS is written in the ROM 202 or the external memory 208.

[0024] When the computer is powered on, the OS is written from the ROM 202 or external memory 208 to the RAM 203 by the initial program load function in the basic I / O program, and the OS starts operating. 211 is a system bus that connects each device.

[0025] The hardware resources constituting the application server 110, such as the CPU 201, ROM 202, and external memory 208, are supplied on demand using virtualization technology. By supplying these hardware resources on demand using virtualization technology, the application server 110 is configured as a virtual server in a cloud computing environment.

[0026] The hardware configuration of the client computer 130 is the same as that of the application server 110, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus 150 having a print function, a scan function, a network communication function, and the like.

[0028] The image processing device 150 is electrically connected to a scanner unit 308 and a printer unit 311, and is also connected to external devices via a LAN 314. A CPU 301 comprehensively controls access to various connected hardware based on computer programs such as a control program stored in a ROM 302, and also comprehensively controls various processes performed within the controller.

[0029] The ROM 302 is a read-only nonvolatile storage area that stores the boot program, firmware, etc. of the image processing device 150. The RAM 303 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 301 and is a memory for temporarily storing various data. The RAM 303 is composed of FRAM (registered trademark) and SRAM that can retain stored content even after the power is turned off, DRAM whose stored content is erased after the power is turned off, etc.

[0030] The HDD 304 is a non-volatile storage area and stores a system bundle, etc. The firmware of the image processing apparatus 150 is stored in the HDD 304. The operation unit I / F 305 is an interface unit that connects the system bus 313 and the operation unit 316.

[0031] Specifically, the operation unit 316 receives data to be displayed on the operation unit 316 from the system bus 313 and displays it, and also outputs input information from the operation unit 316 to the system bus 313. User instructions and information presentation to the image processing device 150 are performed via the operation unit 316. The operation unit 316 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch display, and the like.

[0032] A network I / F 306 is connected to a LAN 314, a WAN 315, and a system bus 313, and performs input and output of information with the outside. A scanner I / F 307 corrects, processes, and edits image data received from a scanner unit 308. An image forming unit 309 performs image data direction conversion, image compression, decompression, and the like.

[0033] A printer I / F 310 receives image data sent from the image forming unit 309, forms an image, and then prints it using a printer unit 311. An external storage I / F 312 is connected to a memory medium 317 and is used to save data and images in the device to the memory medium 317, or to write data in the memory medium 317 into the device.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the network device diagnostic system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that some of the functional blocks shown in Fig. 4 are realized by causing a plurality of CPUs serving as computers included in the network device diagnostic system 100 to execute computer programs stored in a plurality of memories serving as storage media.

[0035] However, some or all of these functions may be implemented by hardware, which may be a dedicated circuit (ASIC) or a processor (reconfigurable processor, DSP).

[0036] First, a description will be given of the software configuration of the application server 110. In the application server 110, the network device diagnostic application 402 and each module (401, 403 to 410) exist as files stored in the external memory 208.

[0037] These are program modules that are loaded into the RAM 203 and executed by the OS etc. The network device diagnostic application 402 can be added to the HDD or SSD of the external memory 208 that is supplied on demand using virtualization technology in a cloud computing environment.

[0038] A network module 409 uses any communication protocol to perform network communication with the client computer 130 and the image processing device 150. A web server service module 401 provides a service of returning an HTTP response when an HTTP request is received from a web browser 431 of the client computer 130.

[0039] As an example of the HTTP response to be sent, web page data stored in the external memory 208 may be returned, or the UI module 403 of the network device diagnostic application 402 may be requested to generate an HTTP response.

[0040] A network device diagnostic application 402 detects the occurrence of a problem in the image processing device 150 connected to the application server 110 via the network 170, and performs diagnosis, treatment, and verification.

[0041] The network device diagnostic application 402 is implemented as a program that executes processing in response to a request for a web page provided by the web server service module 401, for example.

[0042] As described above, the network device diagnostic application 402, together with the Web server service module 401, realizes a Web application that detects the occurrence of a problem in the image processing device 150 and performs diagnosis, treatment, and verification.

[0043] In the network device diagnostic application 402, a UI module 403 generates an HTTP response in response to a request from the Web server service module 401. It also receives user input information sent from the Web browser 431 of the client computer 130 and calls each module as necessary.

[0044] Examples of modules called from the UI module 403 include a device management module 404, a detection module 405, a diagnosis module 406, a treatment module 407, and a verification module 408. Of course, the UI module 403 may call modules other than these.

[0045] A device management module 404 acquires device information and logs from the image processing device 150 connected to the application server 110 via a network module 409 and a network 170 using an arbitrary communication protocol.

[0046] The device management module 404 uses, for example, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) as a communication protocol. The device management module 404 stores device information acquired from each module of the image processing device 150 in a network device management table 500 and a log management table 501 of a database server service module 410, which will be described later.

[0047] Additionally, as necessary, the device information module 405 also retrieves information from a network device management table 500 and a log management table 501. A detection module 405 detects problems occurring in the image processing device 150. The detection module 405 obtains device information and logs from the device management module 404 and detects problems.

[0048] A diagnostic module 406 diagnoses the problem detected by the detection module 405 and displays the diagnostic results on a UI via the UI module 403. At that time, the diagnostic module 406 acquires information necessary for the diagnosis from multiple tables on a database server service module 410, which will be described later.

[0049] A processing module 407 creates instructions for the image processing device 150 based on the diagnosis results from the diagnosis module 406, performs processing, and displays the processing results on the UI via the UI module 403. Processing performed by the processing module 407 includes changing device settings for the image processing device 150, issuing a restart instruction, and the like.

[0050] The processing module 407 instructs the image processing device 150 connected to the application server 110 via the network module 409 to change device settings or reboot using any communication protocol.

[0051] The communication protocol used by the treatment module 407 is, for example, HTTPS. A verification module 408 verifies whether the problem has been resolved by the treatment of the treatment module 407, and displays the verification result on the UI via the UI module 403.

[0052] The database server service module 410 manages data and stores and retrieves data in response to requests from other modules. The database server service module 410 may be located on a device separate from the application server 110, as long as it can be accessed from the network device diagnostic application 402.

[0053] The database server service module 410 may also be a database service on a cloud computing environment.

[0054] Next, we will explain the software configuration of the client computer 130. Each module that configures the client computer 130 is a program module that exists as a file stored in the ROM 202 or the external memory 208.

[0055] At the time of execution, the module is loaded into the RAM 203 and executed by the OS or a module that uses the module. A network module 430 performs network communication with the application server 110 and the image processing apparatus 150 using an arbitrary communication protocol.

[0056] A web browser 431 transmits an HTTP request message via the network module 430 and receives and displays an HTTP response message. Access from the client computer 130 to the application server 110 and the image processing device 150 is performed via the web browser 431.

[0057] A printer driver 432 creates a print job and transmits the print job to the image processing device 150 via the network module 430. The printer driver 432 receives the print job execution results of the image processing device 150 via the network module 430 and displays them.

[0058] Next, we will explain the software configuration of the image processing device 150. In the image processing device 150, various modules (451 to 459) are stored in the ROM 302 or the HDD 304 and executed by the CPU 301. In addition, various information used during execution is held in the RAM 303 or the HDD 304 and various exchanges are performed between the software functions.

[0059] Furthermore, when communicating with an external device, communication is performed with the application server 110 or the client computer 130 via the network I / F 306 using any communication protocol.

[0060] A network module 451 is a print module 452, which receives a print job sent from the printer driver 432 of the client computer 130 via the network module 451 and executes the print job.

[0061] The print module 452 also creates a log of the print job execution results and sends it to a log management module 456. 453 is a scan transmission module that receives a scan instruction from a user via a UI module 455, and generates and executes a scan job and a scan data transmission job.

[0062] Here, the scan data is sent using protocols such as email or SMB (Server Message Block), etc. The scan sending module 453 also creates a log of the results of the scan job and sending job, and sends it to the log management module 456.

[0063] A fax module 454 receives fax jobs transmitted from fax machines, image processing devices, etc. (not shown) via the network module 451. The fax reception jobs received here are printed via a print module 452 or transferred to other fax machines, image processing devices, etc.

[0064] In addition, the FAX module 454 receives FAX sending instructions from the user via the UI module 455, generates and executes FAX sending jobs, and creates logs of the execution results of the FAX receiving and sending jobs and sends them to the log management module 456.

[0065] A log management module 456 receives a log acquisition request from the device management module 404 of the application server 110 via the network module 451 and returns a log of the job execution results.

[0066] A setting management module 459 is a module that manages the device settings of the image processing device 150. The setting management module 459 receives setting confirmation and change instructions from the user via the UI module 455, and returns and changes the device settings of the image processing device 150 stored in the setting value management database 460.

[0067] The setting management module 459 also receives setting confirmation and change instructions from the processing module 407 of the application server 110 via the network module 451. Then, the setting management module 459 returns and changes the device settings in the setting value management database 460 in accordance with the received setting confirmation and change instructions.

[0068] The setting value management database 460 is a database that manages device settings set in the image processing device 150. Reference numeral 458 denotes a power management module that manages the power state of the image processing device 150.

[0069] The power management module 458 receives a power-off / restart instruction from the user via the UI module 455 and powers off / restarts the image processing device 150. The power management module 458 also receives a power-off / restart instruction from the processing module 407 of the application server 110 via the network module 451.

[0070] Then, the power management module 458 turns off / restarts the image processing device 150 in accordance with the received power-off / restart instruction. 455 is a UI module that draws the UI to be displayed on the operation unit 316 of the image processing device 150 and receives user input values ​​entered by the user through UI operations on the operation unit 316.

[0071] The remote operation management module 457 receives instructions from the application server 110 via the network module 451 and analyzes the contents of the instructions. Based on the analysis results, the remote operation management module 457 issues an instruction to the setting management module 459 to change device settings, or issues an instruction to the power management module 458 to turn off the power or restart the device.

[0072] 5A to 5E are diagrams showing examples of table configurations in the database server service module 410, and FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a network device management table managed by the application server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Fig. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a log management table managed by the application server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5C is a diagram showing an example of a diagnostic logic management table managed by the application server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Fig. 5D is a diagram showing an example of a process logic management table managed by the application server according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 5E is a diagram showing an example of a user management setting table managed by the application server according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that the table configurations in Figs. 5A to 5E are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these table configurations.

[0075] 5A is a network device management table 500, which is a table for managing device information related to the image processing device 150 managed by the network device diagnostic application 402. Information managed in the network device management table 500 includes, for example, a network device identifier, a device name, a model name, an IP address, a serial number, and the last update date and time.

[0076] The network device management table 500 also manages information on whether or not a cloud service is connected. Here, the network device identifier (Device ID) is an identifier that uniquely identifies the image processing device 150, and the last updated date and time (Last Updated) indicates the last updated date and time when the record was updated using information obtained from the image processing device 150.

[0077] 5B is a log management table 501, which is a table for storing logs acquired by the device management module 404 from the image processing device 150. Information managed by the log management table 501 includes, for example, a network device identifier (Job ID), a job identifier, a job type (Job Type), a job execution start date and time (Start Time), a job execution end date and time (End Time), and the like.

[0078] The information managed in the log management table 501 includes the job execution user name, job execution result, job execution result error code, and the like.

[0079] Here, a job refers to a processing operation such as printing, scanning, storing, or faxing that can be performed by a user on the image processing device 150, and a job identifier is an identifier that uniquely identifies a job.

[0080] 5C is a diagnostic logic management table 502, which is a table for managing diagnostic logic used to diagnose problems by the diagnostic module 406. Information managed in the diagnostic logic management table 502 includes, for example, a diagnostic logic identifier (Diagnostic ID), a job type, cause information (Cause), a diagnostic rule (Rule), an operation logic identifier (Operation ID), and the like.

[0081] Here, the diagnostic logic identifier is an identifier that uniquely identifies the diagnostic logic, and the treatment logic identifier is an identifier that uniquely identifies the treatment logic. The cause information is information that indicates the content that is thought to be the cause of the problem as a result of the diagnosis, and the diagnostic rule is information that indicates the logic used when performing the diagnosis. The diagnostic module 406 identifies the cause of the problem based on whether it matches the diagnostic rule.

[0082] 5D is a treatment logic management table 503, which is a table for managing treatment logic used when the diagnostic module 406 identifies the diagnosis result of a problem and takes treatment. Information managed by the treatment logic management table 503 includes, for example, a treatment logic identifier, a treatment type (Operation Type), a treatment target (Target), a setting identifier (Key) of the treatment target, treatment content (Path, Value), etc.

[0083] Here, the action logic identifier is an identifier that uniquely identifies the action logic, as described above. The action type is information that classifies the action content, such as changing device settings or restarting. The action target is information about the target to be actioned, such as the image processing device 150, other servers, or network devices. Note that the MFP in 503 refers to the image processing device 150.

[0084] The setting identifier (Key) of the processing target is an identifier that uniquely indicates the setting item to be changed when the operation type (Operation Type) is device setting change. The operation content (Path, Value) is information that indicates the specific operation content, and includes, for example, the setting path information (Path) when device setting is changed and the value to be changed (Value).

[0085] 5E is a user management setting table managed by the application server 110, and is a table used by the processing module 407 to create an instruction sheet for issuing instructions to the image processing device 150. The instruction sheet will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0086] The information managed in the user management setting table includes, for example, the setting identifier (Key) of the processing target, the display name, and the user setting flag (User Settings). Here, the setting identifier of the processing target is an identifier that uniquely identifies the setting item of the image processing device. The display name is the display name of the UI corresponding to the setting identifier of the processing target. The user setting flag is a flag used to determine which items can be set only by the user when device settings need to be changed.

[0087] The user settings flag (User Settings) is managed by setting items that can only be set by the user to 1 and items that can be set by the processing module 407 to 0. Specific examples of items that can only be set by the user include authentication information such as an account name and password, server settings specific to the user environment, and user information such as an email address and phone number.

[0088] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a setting value management table 600 in the setting value management database 460 of the image processing device 150 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the configuration of the setting value management table 600 in FIG. 6 is merely an example, and the table may have a different configuration from this example.

[0089] Reference numeral 600 denotes a setting value management table that manages setting items that can be set in the image processing device 150. Information managed in the setting value management table 600 includes a setting value identifier (Key), a setting value type (ValueType), a setting value size (ValueSize), a display name, a value, a description, etc.

[0090] Here, the identifier (Key) of a setting value is an identifier that uniquely identifies a setting item that can be set in the image processing device 150. The type of setting value (ValueType) indicates the type of variable that handles the setting value, the size of the setting value (ValueSize) indicates the size of the data that handles the setting value, and the display name indicates the display name of the setting that corresponds to the identifier of the setting value. Value 1 and wording 1 indicate the values ​​that the setting value can take and the corresponding wording.

[0091] A specific explanation is given using "device_settings.system_management.network.email_address.tls_valid" as an example.

[0092] The display name of the setting item indicated by "device_settings.system_management.network.email_address.tls_valid" is, for example, "Function settings > Send > Email / I-Fax settings > Communication settings > Authentication / Encryption settings > Allow TLS."

[0093] This setting value is treated as a uRange type setting value with a size of 2 bytes within the image processing device 150, and the possible values ​​are "0" and "1." The words "OFF" and "ON" are assigned to correspond to the values ​​"0" and "1," and are displayed on the UI.

[0094] For example, "device_settings.system_management.box.store.account" is treated as a string-type setting value with a size of 64 bytes. Since the user settings flag (User Settings) for this setting value is 1, it is a setting value entered by the user, and therefore does not retain the corresponding value or text.

[0095] Fig. 7(A) is a diagram showing an example of an instruction sheet 700 for the processing module 407 according to the first embodiment of the present invention to instruct the image processing device 150 on the processing content to be performed. Fig. 7(B) is a diagram showing an example of an instruction sheet 710 for the processing module 407 according to the first embodiment of the present invention to instruct the image processing device 150 on the processing content to be performed.

[0096] An instruction sheet 700 is an example of an instruction sheet when the setting contents to be processed have been determined for the image processing device 150. The processing contents to be instructed are written as a command "set settings.xml" in 701. In this example, the setting values ​​in settings.xml shown in 702 are reflected by the instruction command.

[0097] In settings.xml 702, Keys, which are identifiers of setting values ​​of the image processing device 150, are written in xml format, and values ​​to be reflected in the setting items are written as Values. When the image processing device 150 receives the instruction 700, the remote operation management module 457 analyzes the instruction and issues an instruction to the setting management module 459 to reflect the setting values.

[0098] The setting management module 459 that has received the instruction reflects the value written as Value for the setting item in settings.xml indicated by 702. Note that in this example, the setting item has the content like that of settings.xml indicated by 702, but it may also be written in a format such as a json file.

[0099] Note that a command for setting a value corresponding to a setting item may be written as a command for setting a key and a value in 701. In the instruction 710, the setting items to be processed in the image processing device 150 are determined, and this is an example of an instruction created when the setting items can only be set by the user.

[0100] 7B shows an example of an instruction form 710 in which the instructed action content is written as a command in userset list.csv, as shown in 711. In this example, a list of keys, which are identifiers of setting items, is written in list.csv, as shown in 712. When the image processing device 150 receives the instruction form 710, the remote operation management module 457 analyzes the instruction form and refers to the setting value management table 600 via the setting management module 459.

[0101] The display name corresponding to the key written in list.csv shown in 712 is displayed on the UI, and the user is prompted to input the value of the setting item shown in 712 of the instruction sheet 710. Note that in this example, the key is written in list.csv as shown in 712, but the key may be specified in another file format.

[0102] Alternatively, such instructions may be written as commands to display the setting screen for each setting item in 711. Note that an instruction manual may be created that includes both items that can be changed remotely and items that can only be set by the user.

[0103] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnostic result display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of a diagnostic result display screen 800 that is displayed by the network device diagnostic application 402 in the application server 110 via the UI module 403. The diagnostic results can be confirmed by a customer manager, a call center operator, a service technician, etc.

[0104] Reference numeral 801 denotes a diagnosis target display section, which displays information about the image processing device 150 to be diagnosed and the customer who owns the image processing device 150. Reference numeral 802 denotes a diagnosis target job display section, which displays log information of the image processing device 150 acquired and detected by the detection module 405 as a diagnosis target job.

[0105] A diagnostic result display section 803 displays the results of the diagnosis performed by the diagnostic module 406. A diagnostic result cause and treatment display section 804 displays one or more sets of causes and treatments identified as a result of the diagnosis performed by the diagnostic module 406.

[0106] In the diagnostic result cause and treatment display section 804, if the cause of the problem can be uniquely identified as a diagnostic result of the diagnostic module 406, only one set of cause and treatment is displayed. On the other hand, if the cause of the problem cannot be uniquely identified, multiple sets of possible causes and treatments are displayed.

[0107] In this example screen, the cause of the problem can be uniquely identified, and only one set of cause and remedy is displayed. 805 is a remedy request button, and when pressed, creates an instruction 700 or 710 for the image processing device 150 and transmits the instruction to the image processing device 150 via the network module 409.

[0108] When a customer manager, call center operator, service technician, etc. determines the status of the image processing device 150 and takes action, the diagnosis results are displayed on the UI and action is taken by pressing a request action button, but the action may also be taken automatically by the system.

[0109] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a setting value input screen of an image processing device relating to embodiment 1 of the present invention, and shows an example of a screen 900 displayed on the operation unit 316 when the image processing device 150 receives an instruction sheet 710 and the item to be set by the user is included in the instruction sheet.

[0110] If the instruction sheet 710 includes a list of keys for items that can only be set by the user, the remote operation management module 457 acquires the display names corresponding to the keys from the setting value management table 600 of the setting value management database 460 via the setting management module 459. Then, a screen 900 such as that shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the operation unit 316.

[0111] On the screen 900, an input field 901 for a value corresponding to a setting item is displayed, prompting the user to input a setting value. When displaying the input field for the setting item, the remote operation management module 457 obtains the type, size, value, and corresponding text of the setting value from the setting value management table 600.

[0112] If there is a wording corresponding to the value, the wording is displayed in the input area, and a drop-down box or the like is displayed so that the setting value can be selected. If there is a wording corresponding to the value, the value corresponding to the wording entered by the user is notified to the setting management module 459, and is reflected in the setting value management database 460.

[0113] For setting items for which no value exists, the value entered by the user is notified to the setting management module 459 and is reflected in the setting value management database 460. When the user enters a setting value in the input field, the type and size of the setting item are obtained, and the characters and number of characters that can be entered are limited.

[0114] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a control method for the network device diagnostic system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 also shows a control method for the application server 110, in which the application server 110 detects and diagnoses a problem that has occurred in the image processing device 150, and instructs the image processing device 150 to take action based on the diagnosis result.

[0115] The CPU or the like serving as a computer within the application server 110 and the image processing device 150 executes a computer program stored in memory, thereby sequentially performing the operations of the steps in the sequence of FIG.

[0116] 10 shows an example in which a user using the image processing device 150 notifies a call center operator by telephone or the like that a problem has occurred via the UI of the image processing device 150. The call center operator can respond while checking the device information of the image processing device 150 displayed via the UI module 403 of the application server 110 while remaining connected to the user by telephone.

[0117] The user notifies the application server 110 of a repair request for the image processing device 150 via the operation unit 316 of the image processing device 150. The user also repairs the image processing device 150 by displaying information about the image processing device 150 to a call center operator via the UI module 403 of the application server 110.

[0118] The application server 110 may monitor the device status of the image processing device 150 via the network 170, detect the occurrence of an error in the log management table 501, and diagnose the problem with the image processing device 150.

[0119] In step S1001, when a problem occurs in the image processing device 150, the user operates the operation unit 316 of the image processing device 150 to request repairs. In step S1002, upon receiving a repair request instruction from the user, the remote operation management module 457 instructs the network device diagnosis application 402 of the application server 110 to make a repair request via the network module 451.

[0120] When a repair request is instructed, the remote operation management module 457 may send the log managed by the log management module 456 to the application server 110, or the application server 110 may periodically obtain the log from the image processing device 150.

[0121] In step S1003, the network device diagnostic application 402, upon receiving the repair request instruction, displays the fact that repair has started and the device information to the call center operator via the UI module 403.

[0122] Here, the equipment information includes customer information and device information of the target of diagnosis, etc. The image processing device 150 may notify the application server 110 of a repair request and simultaneously connect the user's telephone to a call center operator.

[0123] Next, in step S1004, the detection module 405 detects a problem that has occurred in the image processing device 150 based on the acquired log information. Here, step S1004 functions as a problem detection step (problem detection means) that detects a problem that has occurred in a network device. Next, the diagnostic module 406 acquires diagnostic logic from the diagnostic logic management table 502 of the database server service module 410.

[0124] The diagnostic logic acquired by the diagnostic module 406 includes, for example, a diagnostic rule and a treatment logic identifier that uniquely identifies treatment logic required to solve a problem when the diagnostic rule is met.

[0125] In step S1005, the diagnostic module 406 uses the acquired diagnostic logic to diagnose the problem detected by the detection module 405. Here, step S1005 functions as a diagnostic step (diagnostic means) that diagnoses the cause of the problem detected by the problem detection means.

[0126] In this embodiment, for example, if the log information of the image processing device 150 indicates that an error has occurred during scanning and email transmission and the error code is, for example, 888, the diagnostic logic can diagnose that the cause is insufficient adjustment.

[0127] Furthermore, if it is found from the log information of the image processing device 150 that an error has occurred during scanning and e-mail transmission and the error code is, for example, 666, it can be diagnosed by diagnostic logic that the cause is a dirty document platen.

[0128] Furthermore, if it is found from the log information of the image processing device 150 that an error has occurred during scanning and saving and the error code is, for example, 555, it is possible to diagnose that an authentication error is the cause using diagnostic logic.

[0129] In step S1006, the diagnostic module 406 displays the diagnostic result via the UI module 403. If the cause of the problem can be uniquely identified as the diagnostic result of the diagnostic module 406, only one cause is displayed. On the other hand, if the cause of the problem cannot be uniquely identified, multiple possible causes are displayed.

[0130] If the call center operator and the user are able to talk over the phone, the call center operator inquires about the status of the image processing device 150 from the user. This makes it possible to uniquely identify the cause and notify the diagnosis module 406 of the diagnosis result via the UI module 403.

[0131] An example of the diagnostic result display screen is as explained in Fig. 8. Note that if the error code is automatically detected, diagnosed, and corrective action is taken, the diagnostic result does not need to be displayed.

[0132] In step S1007, the diagnostic module 406 acquires the action logic required to solve the problem from the action logic management table 503 of the database server service module 410 based on the diagnosis result, and determines the action content.

[0133] In this embodiment, the diagnostic module 406 acquires the action logic required to solve the problem using the action logic identifier included in the acquired diagnostic logic. Once the action content has been determined, in step S1008, the action module 407 creates an instruction manual for the image processing device 150 to take the action. The flow of creating the instruction manual will be described later with reference to FIG. 11.

[0134] After creating the instruction sheet, in step S1009, the network device diagnostic application 402 notifies the call center operator of the start of treatment via the UI module 403. If the call center operator and the user are talking on the phone, the user may be notified of the start of treatment. Also, if treatment is to be performed automatically, the notification of the start of treatment may not be performed.

[0135] After creating the instruction sheet, in step S1010, the network device diagnostic application 402 transmits the instruction sheet to the image processing device 150 via the network module 409. Then, in step S1011, the remote operation management module 457 of the image processing device 150 receives and analyzes the instruction sheet and executes executable instructions.

[0136] Specifically, if the instruction sheet includes an instruction to change the device settings, the setting items and the values ​​to be changed are notified to the setting management module 459, and the setting management module 459 registers them in the setting value management database 460.

[0137] If the instruction sheet contains an instruction to turn off the power or restart the device, the instruction to turn off the power or restart the device is notified to the power management module 458. Furthermore, although not shown, if the instruction sheet contains an instruction to install or start / stop an extension application, an instruction to update firmware, or an instruction to add a license, the instruction is notified to the module responsible for each operation.

[0138] The remote operation management module 457 determines whether the instruction sheet contains any items that require user operation, and if so, in step S1012, displays the setting items to be entered by the user on the operation unit 316 of the image processing device 150.

[0139] In step S1013, when the user inputs the displayed setting items via operation unit 316, in step S1014 remote operation management module 457 reflects the input values ​​in the setting value management database via setting management module 459. Steps S1012 to S1014 are repeated the number of times equal to the number of setting items input by the user.

[0140] In this embodiment, when the instruction sheet is created, it is possible to determine whether the user needs to input setting items. Therefore, when the call center operator and the user are available to talk over the phone, a message indicating that the user needs to input setting items may be displayed via the UI module 403 of the application server 110. This allows the operator to prompt the user to input setting items.

[0141] When all the contents of the instruction book have been executed, in step S1015, the image processing device 150 notifies the application server 110 of completion. Note that the notification that the remote processing has been completed may be sent via the UI module 403 of the application server 110. Note that steps S1005 to S1010 function as control steps (control means) that send instructions to the network device based on the results of diagnosing the problem.

[0142] The control step (control means) transmits data to the network device including instructions for automatically changing at least some of the setting values ​​that should be changed to solve the problem detected by the problem detection means. The data also includes instructions for changing user setting values ​​that can only be set by the user and are included in the setting values ​​to be changed to setting values ​​that comply with user input to the network device.

[0143] Next, Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of creating an instruction sheet in step S1008, and the flow of creating an instruction sheet by the processing module 407 will be explained using Fig. 11. Note that the operation of each step in the flowchart of Fig. 11 is performed sequentially by a CPU or the like serving as a computer in the application server 110 executing a computer program stored in memory.

[0144] In step S1101, the treatment module 407 acquires treatment contents from the treatment logic management table 503 based on the information in the log management table 501 and the diagnosis logic management table 502. A specific example is shown below.

[0145] For example, to resolve error code 999 in log management table 501, the process with Operation ID 1 is executed based on the information in diagnostic logic management table 502. Then, it is known from action logic management table 503 that the action content for Operation ID 1 is to turn ON "Function settings > Send > E-mail / I-fax settings > Communication settings > Authentication / encryption settings > TLS permission."

[0146] Similarly, to resolve error code 777 in the log management table 501, the process with Operation ID 3 is executed based on the information in the diagnostic logic management table 502. The action logic management table 503 reveals that the action content for Operation ID 3 is to restart the image processing device 150.

[0147] Similarly, to resolve error code 555 in log management table 501, the process with Operation ID 5 is executed based on the information in diagnostic logic management table 502. The process content for Operation ID 5 in action logic management table 503 is to change the settings for "Function settings > File save / use > External connection destination > User name" and "Function settings > File save / use > External connection destination > Password."

[0148] In step S1102, the action module 407 checks the number of action items and repeats the loop process of steps S1102 to S1108 for the number of action items. That is, for example, in the case of actions with Operation ID 1 and Operation ID 3, the process from step S1103 to step S1108 is completed once.

[0149] On the other hand, when performing the action with Operation ID 5, two setting values ​​are changed, so the processing from step S1103 to step S1108 is repeated twice. Note that an instruction manual that compiles multiple action contents may be created to correct multiple error codes.

[0150] In step S1103, the processing module 407 checks whether the processing is a setting change. Here, step S1103 functions as a setting change determination step (setting change determination means) that determines whether a setting change is necessary based on the diagnosis result by the diagnosis means.

[0151] If the action content is a setting change in step S1103, the process proceeds to step S1104, and if the action content is not a setting change, the process proceeds to step S1107.

[0152] In step S1104, the treatment module 407 determines whether the setting change item acquired from the treatment logic management table 503 is managed in the user management setting table 504 as an item that can be set only by the user.

[0153] That is, in step S1104, when the setting value change presence / absence determining means determines that a setting value needs to be changed, it is determined whether the setting values ​​that need to be changed include user setting values ​​that can only be set by the user, based on the user management setting table 504. Here, step S1104 functions as a user setting value presence / absence determining step (user setting value presence / absence determining means).

[0154] If it is determined in step S1104 that the item is managed in the user management setting table 504 as an item that can only be set by the user, the process proceeds to step S1105, and if it is determined that the item is not an item that can only be set by the user, the process proceeds to step S1106.

[0155] In step S1105, the processing module 407 creates a user setting instruction by adding the values ​​of the setting items acquired from the processing logic management table 503 to an instruction that displays an input screen for the setting values. The user setting instruction, including the list of user setting values, is created in file format. This user setting instruction is then sent to the image processing device 150, which is a network device.

[0156] Here, step S1105 functions as a user setting instruction creation step (user setting instruction creation means) that creates a user setting instruction including the user setting value if the user setting value presence / absence determination means determines that the user setting value is included.

[0157] In step S1106, the treatment module 407 adds to the setting reflection instruction sheet the setting items acquired from the treatment logic management table 503. That is, the contents of the diagnosis results are set as values, and a setting value change instruction sheet is created in file format that is included in the setting reflection list instruction sheet.

[0158] If the action content is not a setting change in step S1103, the action module 407 adds the action content to the instruction sheet in step S1107. These instructions may be stored as separate files or may be collected into a single file.

[0159] Next, we will specifically explain the process flow from step S1103 to step S1108 when executing a process with OperationID 1. When OperationID is 1, the operation type is "Configuration change," so in step S1103, it is determined that the operation type is a setting change, and the process proceeds to step S1104.

[0160] In step S1104, the processing module 407 determines, based on the information in the user management setting table 504, whether the Key, which is the identifier of the setting value when the Operation ID is 1, is an item that can only be set by the user.

[0161] When OperationID is 1, the Key, which is the identifier of the setting value, is "device_settings.system_management.network.email_address.tls_valid." In the user management setting table 504, the above Key, userSetting, is 0, so it is clear that this is not an item that can only be set by the user. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S1106.

[0162] In step S1106, the processing module 407 creates an instruction to set "Function settings > Send > Email / I-fax settings > Communication settings > Authentication / encryption settings > TLS permission" to ON based on the processing logic management table 503. Then, the process proceeds to step S1108, but since there is only one processing content, the flow in FIG. 11 ends.

[0163] Next, the processing from step S1103 to step S1108 will be specifically described when executing processing with Operation ID 3. In step S1103, the processing module 407 checks based on the processing logic management table 503 whether the processing content is a setting change.

[0164] In the action logic management table 503, the action content is "ReStart", which does not apply to the setting change, so the process proceeds to step S1107. In step S1107, the action module 407 adds "Restart" as the action content to the instruction, and the process proceeds to step S1108. Since there is only one action content, the flow in FIG. 11 ends.

[0165] Next, the processing from step S1103 to step S1108 will be specifically described when executing processing with Operation ID 5. In step S1103, the processing module 407 checks based on the processing logic management table 503 whether the processing content is a setting change.

[0166] In the action logic management table 503, the action content is "Configuration Change," which corresponds to a setting change, so the process proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, the action module 407 determines based on the information in the user management setting table 504 whether the item to be changed in setting is an item that can only be set by the user.

[0167] When OperationID is 5, the Key, which is the identifier of the setting value, is "device_settings.system_management.box.store.account." Also, for this Key, the userSettings flag is 1 in the user management settings table 504. Therefore, since this is an item that can only be set by the user, the process proceeds to step S1105.

[0168] In step S1105, the action module 407 adds the setting value from the action logic management table 503 to the instruction sheet that displays the input screen. Next, if the Operation ID is 5, there is one more action content to be included in the instruction sheet in the action logic management table 503, so the process from step S1103 to step S1108 is executed in the same way as above to create the instruction sheet. Then, the flow in Fig. 11 ends.

[0169] As described above, if the setting values ​​to be changed to solve the problem detected in the problem detection step include a user setting value that can only be set by the user, an instruction to have the user change the user setting value is sent to the network device.On the other hand, if the setting values ​​to be changed to solve the problem do not include a user setting value that can only be set by the user, an instruction to automatically change the setting value is sent to the network device.

[0170] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for reflecting setting values ​​in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of a method for controlling a network device. The flow of the process for the remote operation management module 457 to reflect the contents written in the instruction manual will be described with reference to FIG.

[0171] The CPU or the like serving as a computer within the image processing device 150 executes a computer program stored in memory, thereby sequentially performing the operations of the steps in the flowchart of FIG.

[0172] In step S1201, the remote operation management module 457 receives the instruction via the network module 451. Here, step S1201 functions as a receiving step (receiving means) for receiving data including instructions from the application server. Subsequently, in step S1202, the remote operation management module 457 analyzes the instruction.

[0173] The remote operation management module 457 processes the commands written in the instruction book in order, and repeats the loop processing of steps S1203 to S1216 the number of times equal to the number of commands. First, in step S1204, the remote operation management module 457 determines whether the command written in the instruction book is a setting command.

[0174] If it is determined in step S1204 that the command is a setting command, the process proceeds to step S1205, and if it is determined that the command is not a setting command, the process proceeds to step S1215. In step S1205, the remote operation management module 457 determines whether the setting item handled by the command being processed is an item that can only be set by the user.

[0175] If it is determined in step S1205 that the item can only be set by the user, the process proceeds to step S1206, and if it is determined that the item cannot only be set by the user, the process proceeds to step S1212.

[0176] In step S1206, the remote operation management module 457 acquires the number of items included in the instruction book that can be set only by the user, and repeats the loop processing of steps S1207 to S1211 the number of times corresponding to the number of items that can be set only by the user. First, in step S1207, the remote operation management module 457 acquires the display names of the items included in the instruction book that can be set only by the user from the setting value management table 600 (FIG. 6).

[0177] The instruction sheet contains a key that uniquely identifies the setting item, indicating which setting item needs to be changed. Therefore, the setting value management table 600 (FIG. 6) is searched based on the key written in the instruction sheet, and the display name is obtained.

[0178] For example, if you search for the display name corresponding to the key "device_settings.system_management.box.store.account" listed in the instruction manual, you can obtain the display name "Function Settings > File Storage / Usage > External Connection Destination > User Name."

[0179] Subsequently, in step S1208, the remote operation management module 457 displays the display name acquired in step S1207 via the UI module 455, and accepts input of setting items from the operation unit 316.

[0180] 9 is displayed, and a message prompting the user to enter the setting is displayed on the screen together with the display name acquired in step S1207. Furthermore, an input area 901 for the user to enter a setting value is displayed, and the setting value is accepted.

[0181] Step S1208 functions as a setting screen display step (setting screen display means) that displays a setting screen to allow the user to change the user setting value in accordance with the instructions when the instructions from the application server include a user setting value that can only be set by the user.

[0182] That is, the setting screen display step (setting screen display means) displays a setting screen for allowing the user to change the user setting value in accordance with the instruction when the instruction includes an instruction to change the setting value according to the user's input.

[0183] In step S1208, the display name corresponding to the user setting value is obtained from the setting value management table of the image processing apparatus, which is a network device, and the display name is displayed on the UI.

[0184] When displaying the input area 901 for the user to input a setting value, the remote operation management module 457 obtains the type, size, value, and corresponding text of the setting value from the setting value management table 600. If there is a text corresponding to the value, the text is displayed in the input area, and a drop box or the like is displayed so that the setting value can be selected.

[0185] If there is a wording corresponding to the value, the value corresponding to the wording entered by the user is notified to the setting management module 459, and is reflected in the setting value management database 460. If there is no value for the setting item, the value entered by the user is notified to the setting management module 459, and is reflected in the setting value management database 460. When the user enters a setting value in the input field, the type and size of the setting item are obtained, and the characters and number of characters that can be entered are limited.

[0186] In step S1209, when the user inputs a setting value on the screen displayed in step S1208, remote operation management module 457 receives the setting value. Then, in step S1210, remote operation management module 457 notifies setting management module 459 of the setting value received in step S1209, and causes setting value management database 460 to reflect the setting value.

[0187] Here, step S1210 functions as a user input setting value reflecting step (user input setting value reflecting means) that reflects the user setting value input by the user from the screen displayed by the setting screen display means.

[0188] If the determination in step S1205 is No, in step S1212, remote operation management module 457 acquires the number of setting items described in the instruction book. Next, in step S1213, remote operation management module 457 associates the setting items described in the instruction book with setting values, notifies setting management module 459, and reflects the setting values ​​in setting value management database 460.

[0189] Here, step S1213 functions as a setting value reflecting step (setting value reflecting means) that changes the setting value in accordance with the instruction received from the application server 110.

[0190] Then, the loop process of steps S1212 to S1214 is repeated the number of times corresponding to the number of setting items.

[0191] If it is determined in step S1204 that the command being processed is not a setting command, then in step S1215, the remote operation management module 457 calls and executes the module to be operated that is described in the instruction book.

[0192] For example, if the instruction includes rebooting the image processing device 150, updating firmware (not shown), installing an extension application, or the like, it is determined that the process is executable.

[0193] If the command is to restart, the remote operation management module 457 issues a restart command to the power management module 458. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1216, and if processing has been completed for all commands, the flow of FIG.

[0194] According to the above flow, the application server 110 diagnoses a problem that has occurred in the image processing device 150, and based on the diagnosis results, automatically takes measures remotely except for items that can only be set by the user.

[0195] Furthermore, if the processing includes changing an item that can only be set by the user, a screen can be displayed to prompt the user to change the target setting by remote processing, which reduces the workload even when user operation is required, thereby solving problems occurring in the image processing device 150.

[0196] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which a screen is provided that prompts the user to change settings as a function for solving problems that occur in the image processing device.

[0197] However, since there is a screen for setting the same setting items on the setting change screen in the existing image processing device, for a user who changes settings from the existing setting change screen, similar functions are displayed on different screens, which is cumbersome and difficult to understand.In the second embodiment, an easy-to-understand setting change screen is provided by using the existing setting change screen as a screen that prompts the user to change the settings.

[0198] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting value management table of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of a screen ID management table 1300 managed by the setting value management database 460 of the image processing apparatus 150. In FIG.

[0199] The information managed in the screen ID management table 1300 includes, for example, a setting identifier (Key), a type of setting value (Value Type), a size of setting value (Value Size), a display name, a screen ID, a value, a message, etc. Here, the setting identifier (Key) is an identifier that uniquely identifies a setting item of the image processing device 150.

[0200] The type of setting value is the type of the variable that handles the setting value, the size is the size of the data that handles the setting value, and the display name is the display name of the UI that the setting identifier corresponds to. The screen ID is an ID that is managed to display the screen for setting the corresponding setting item, and is a unique ID for each screen. Value 1 and text 1 indicate the possible values ​​that the setting value can take and the corresponding text.

[0201] A specific explanation will be given using the example of "device_settings.system_management.network.email_address.tls_valid".

[0202] The display name of the setting item indicated by "device_settings.system_management.network.email_address.tls_valid" is "Function Settings > Send > Email / I-Fax Settings > Communication Settings > Authentication / Encryption Settings > Allow TLS."

[0203] This setting value is treated inside the image processing device 150 as a setting value whose value type is uRange and whose type size is 2 bytes, and the possible values ​​are "0" and "1." The words "OFF" and "ON" are assigned to correspond to "0" and "1" and are displayed on the UI.

[0204] The screen ID (screen identifier) ​​for displaying the screen for setting "device_settings.system_management.network.email_address.tls_valid" is "ID_001".

[0205] When "ID_001" is notified to the UI module 455, a screen for setting "Function Settings > Send > Email / I-Fax Settings > Communication Settings > Authentication / Encryption Settings > TLS Permission" is displayed.

[0206] On the other hand, the key "device_settings.system_management.box.store.account" has a value type of string and is treated as a 64-byte setting value. This setting value is not a selection type, but is entered by the user, so it does not store the corresponding value or text.

[0207] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of executing Operation ID 5 in the action logic management table 503 to resolve the error code 555.

[0208] When the remote operation management module 457 wants the user to set “device_settings.system_management.box.store.account”, it obtains the corresponding screen ID from the screen ID management table 1300 .

[0209] Also, when it is desired to have the user set "device_settings.system_management.box.store.password," the corresponding screen ID is obtained from the screen ID management table 1300. In this case, since both are displayed on the same setting screen, the screen ID is the same, "ID_003."

[0210] When the acquired screen ID "ID_003" is notified to the UI module 455, the setting change screen 1410 (Figure 14) for "Function Settings > File Save / Use > External Connection Destination > User Name" and "Function Settings > File Save / Use > External Connection Destination > Password" is displayed.

[0211] To show what this setting item specifically is, the setting hierarchy is displayed in 1416. When the user presses the setting value input field 1412 for "Function setting > File saving / use > External connection destination > User name," the setting value can be input.

[0212] Similarly, when the user presses the setting value input field 1413 for "Function settings > File saving / use > External connection destination > Password," the setting value can be input. When the user completes the setting input and presses the OK button 1415, the setting is reflected and processing returns to the remote operation management module 457. Processing also returns to the remote operation management module 457 when the cancel button 1414 is pressed.

[0213] Next, Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing for reflecting setting values ​​in an image processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Using Figure 15, we will explain an example of displaying an existing setting change screen when the instruction sheet includes an item for which the user wishes to change settings.

[0214] The CPU or the like serving as a computer within the image processing device 150 executes a computer program stored in memory, thereby sequentially performing the operations of the steps in the flowchart of FIG.

[0215] In step S1501, the remote operation management module 457 receives an instruction from the network device diagnostic application 402 via the network module 451. Subsequently, in step S1502, the remote operation management module 457 analyzes the received instruction.

[0216] In step S1503, the remote operation management module 457 processes the commands written in the instruction book in order, and repeats the loop processing of steps S1503 to S1516 the number of times equal to the number of commands. First, in step S1504, the remote operation management module 457 determines whether the command written in the instruction book is a setting command.

[0217] If it is determined in step S1504 that the command is a setting command, the process proceeds to step S1505, and if it is determined that the command is not a setting command, the process proceeds to step S1515. In step S1505, the remote operation management module 457 determines whether the setting item handled by the command being processed is an item that can only be set by the user.

[0218] If it is determined in step S1505 that the item can only be set by the user, the process proceeds to step S1506, and if it is determined that the item cannot only be set by the user, the process proceeds to step S1512.

[0219] In step S1506, the remote operation management module 457 acquires the number of items included in the instruction book that can be set only by the user, and repeats the loop processing of steps S1506 to S1511 the number of times corresponding to the number of items that can be set only by the user.

[0220] In step S1507, the remote operation management module 457 obtains the screen ID corresponding to the item included in the instruction book that can be set only by the user from the screen ID management table 1300. The instruction book contains a key that uniquely identifies the setting item, and indicates which setting item needs to be changed.

[0221] Therefore, the screen ID management table 1300 is searched based on the key written in the instruction to obtain the corresponding screen ID. For example, by searching for the screen ID corresponding to the key "device_settings.system_management.box.store.account" written in the instruction, the screen ID "ID_003" can be obtained.

[0222] Subsequently, in step S1508, the remote operation management module 457 notifies the UI module 455 of the screen ID acquired in step S1507. In addition, the UI module 455 displays an existing setting screen corresponding to the screen ID and accepts input of setting items from the operation unit 316.

[0223] For example, a screen such as that shown in Fig. 14 is displayed to accept setting value input from the user. In this way, the setting screen display means obtains the screen ID corresponding to the user setting value from the setting value management table of the network device, and displays the setting screen based on the screen ID.

[0224] In step S1509, when the user inputs a setting value on the screen displayed in step S1508, remote operation management module 457 receives the setting value. Then, in step S1510, remote operation management module 457 notifies setting management module 459 of the setting value received in step S1509, and causes setting value management database 460 to reflect the setting value.

[0225] On the other hand, if the answer is No in step S1505, in step S1512, remote operation management module 457 acquires the number of setting items described in the instruction sheet. Then, in step S1513, remote operation management module 457 associates the setting items described in the instruction sheet with setting values, notifies setting management module 459, and reflects the setting values ​​in setting value management database 460.

[0226] Furthermore, the loop process of steps S1512 to S1514 is repeated the number of times corresponding to the number of setting items.

[0227] On the other hand, if the determination in step S1504 is No, in step S1515, the remote operation management module 457 calls and executes the module to be operated that is described in the instruction book.

[0228] For example, if the instruction includes restarting the image processing device 150, updating firmware (not shown), installing an extended application, or the like, it is determined that the process is executable. If the instruction is to restart, the remote operation management module 457 issues a restart instruction to the power management module 458. Then, the process proceeds to step S1516, and if processing for all commands has been completed, the flow in Fig. 15 ends.

[0229] By using the above process, when the action content includes changes to items that can only be set by the user, it is possible to display an existing setting screen, providing a setting screen that is easy for the user to understand.Furthermore, the cost of developing multiple screens for the same setting items can be reduced.

[0230] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and combinations of the above embodiments are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. The present invention also includes the following combinations.

[0231] (Configuration 1) An application server that is connected to a network device through a network and diagnoses the network device, comprising: a problem detection means that detects problems occurring in the network device; and a control means that transmits data to the network device including instructions for automatically changing at least some of the setting values ​​that should be changed to solve the problem detected by the problem detection means, wherein the data includes instructions for changing user setting values ​​that can only be set by the user and are included in the setting values ​​to be changed to the setting values ​​that follow input by the user to the network device.

[0232] (Configuration 2) The application server described in Configuration 1 is characterized in that the control means, when the setting values ​​to be changed in order to solve the problem detected by the problem detection means include a user setting value that can only be set by the user, sends the instruction to the network device to have the user change the user setting value, and when the setting values ​​that need to be changed in order to solve the problem do not include the user setting value that can only be set by the user, sends the instruction to the network device to automatically change the setting value.

[0233] (Configuration 3) An application server according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in having a diagnostic means for diagnosing the cause of the problem detected by the problem detection means, a setting value change determination means for determining whether or not the setting value needs to be changed based on the diagnosis result by the diagnostic means, a user setting value presence / absence determination means for determining whether or not the user setting value is included in the setting values ​​that need to be changed when the setting value change presence / absence determination means determines that the user setting value is included.

[0234] (Configuration 4) An application server described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that it determines, based on a user management setting table, whether the user setting value is included in the setting values ​​that need to be changed to solve the problem.

[0235] (Configuration 5) An application server described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means creates a user setting instruction document in file format including a list of the user setting values ​​and transmits the user setting instruction document to the network device.

[0236] (Configuration 6) A network device diagnostic system in which a network device and an application server are connected to a network, wherein the application server has a problem detection means for detecting a problem occurring in the network device, and a control means for transmitting data to the network device including instructions for automatically changing at least some of the setting values ​​that should be changed to solve the problem detected by the problem detection means, the data including instructions for changing user setting values ​​that can only be set by the user and that are included in the setting values ​​to be changed to setting values ​​that conform to input by the user to the network device, and the network device has a receiving means for receiving the data including the instructions from the application server, a setting value reflecting means for changing the setting values ​​in accordance with the received instructions, a setting screen display means for displaying a setting screen that allows the user to change the user setting values ​​in accordance with the instructions when the instruction to change the setting values ​​to conform to the user input is included, and a user input setting value reflecting means for reflecting the user setting values ​​input by the user.

[0237] (Configuration 7) The network device diagnostic system according to Configuration 6, wherein the setting screen display means obtains a display name corresponding to the user setting value from a setting value management table of the network device, and displays the display name on a UI.

[0238] (Configuration 8) The network device diagnostic system according to configuration 6 or 7, wherein the setting screen display means acquires a screen ID corresponding to the user setting value from a setting value management table of the network device, and displays the setting screen based on the screen ID.

[0239] (Method 1) A control method for an application server that is network-connected to a network device and diagnoses the network device, comprising: a problem detection step for detecting a problem occurring in the network device; and a control step for sending data to the network device that includes instructions for automatically changing at least some of the setting values ​​that should be changed to solve the problem detected in the problem detection step, wherein the data includes instructions for changing user setting values ​​that can only be set by the user and are included in the setting values ​​to be changed to the setting values ​​that follow input by the user to the network device.

[0240] (Method 2) A control method for controlling a network device diagnostic system in which a network device and an application server are connected to one another through a network, the control method comprising: a problem detection step of detecting a problem occurring in the network device in order to control the application server; and a control step of transmitting data to the network device including instructions for automatically changing at least some of the setting values ​​that should be changed in order to solve the problem detected in the problem detection step, wherein the data includes instructions for changing user setting values ​​that can only be set by the user and are included in the setting values ​​to be changed to the setting values ​​in accordance with input by the user into the network device, and the control method further comprises: a receiving step of receiving the data including the instructions from the application server in order to control the network device; a setting value reflection step of changing the setting values ​​in accordance with the received instructions; a setting screen display step of displaying a setting screen that allows the user to change the user setting values ​​in accordance with the instructions when the instruction to change the setting values ​​in accordance with the user input is included; and a user input setting value reflection step of reflecting the user setting values ​​input by the user.

[0241] (Program) A computer program for controlling each means of the application server according to any one of configurations 1 to 5 by a computer.

[0242] In order to realize part or all of the control in the above-described embodiments, a computer program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments may be supplied to a network device diagnostic system or the like via a network or various storage media. A computer (or a CPU, MPU, or the like) in the network device diagnostic system or the like may then read and execute the program. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0243] 110: Application Server 150: Image processing device 402: Network device diagnostic application 407: Treatment module 410: Database server service module 457: Remote Control Management Module 459: Configuration Management Module 710: Instructions

Claims

1. An application server that is connected to a network device through a network and that diagnoses the network device, problem detection means for detecting a problem occurring in the network device; a control means for transmitting to the network device data including an instruction to automatically change at least a part of the setting values ​​that should be changed in order to solve the problem detected by the problem detection means, An application server characterized in that the data includes instructions to change user setting values ​​that can only be set by users included in the setting values ​​to be changed to setting values ​​that conform to input by the user to the network device.

2. The application server of claim 1, wherein the control means transmits the instruction to the network device to allow the user to change the user setting value if the setting values ​​that need to be changed to solve the problem detected by the problem detection means include a user setting value that can only be set by the user, and transmits the instruction to the network device to automatically change the setting value if the setting values ​​that need to be changed to solve the problem do not include a user setting value that can only be set by the user.

3. a diagnosis means for diagnosing the cause of the problem detected by the problem detection means; a set value change determination means for determining whether or not the set value needs to be changed based on the diagnosis result by the diagnosis means; a user setting value presence / absence determination means for determining whether the user setting value is included in the setting values ​​that need to be changed when the setting value change presence / absence determination means determines that the setting values ​​need to be changed; a user setting instruction creation means for creating a user setting instruction including the user setting value when the user setting value presence / absence determination means determines that the user setting value is included; 2. The application server according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The application server according to claim 1, characterized in that it determines whether the user setting value is included in the setting values ​​that need to be changed to solve the problem based on a user management setting table.

5. 2. The application server according to claim 1, wherein the control means creates a user setting instruction including a list of the user setting values ​​in a file format and transmits the user setting instruction to the network device.

6. A network device diagnostic system in which a network device and an application server are connected via a network, The application server problem detection means for detecting a problem occurring in the network device; a control means for transmitting to the network device data including an instruction to automatically change at least a part of the setting values ​​that should be changed in order to solve the problem detected by the problem detection means, The data includes the instruction to change a user setting value that can be set only by the user and is included in the setting value to be changed to the setting value according to an input by the user to the network device, and The network device includes: receiving means for receiving the data including the instruction from the application server; a setting value reflecting means for changing the setting value in accordance with the received instruction; a setting screen display means for displaying a setting screen for allowing the user to change the user setting value in accordance with the instruction when the instruction to change the user setting value in accordance with the input by the user is included; and a user input setting value reflecting means for reflecting the user setting value input by the user.

7. 7. The network device diagnostic system according to claim 6, wherein the setting screen display means acquires a display name corresponding to the user setting value from a setting value management table of the network device, and displays the display name on a UI.

8. The network device diagnostic system according to claim 6, wherein the setting screen display means acquires a screen ID corresponding to the user setting value from a setting value management table of the network device, and displays the setting screen based on the screen ID.

9. 1. A control method for an application server that is connected to a network device through a network and that diagnoses the network device, comprising: a problem detection step of detecting a problem occurring in the network device; a control step of transmitting data to the network device including an instruction to automatically change at least a part of the setting values ​​that should be changed in order to solve the problem detected in the problem detection step, A control method characterized in that the data includes instructions to change user setting values ​​that can only be set by the user and are included in the setting values ​​to be changed to setting values ​​that conform to input by the user to the network device.

10. A control method for controlling a network device diagnostic system in which a network device and an application server are connected through a network, comprising: To control the application server, a problem detection step of detecting a problem occurring in the network device; a control step of transmitting data to the network device including an instruction to automatically change at least a part of the setting values ​​that should be changed in order to solve the problem detected in the problem detection step, The data includes the instruction to change a user setting value that can be set only by the user and is included in the setting value to be changed to the setting value according to an input by the user to the network device, and To control the network device, receiving the data including the instruction from the application server; a setting value reflecting step of changing the setting value in accordance with the received instruction; a setting screen display step of displaying a setting screen for allowing the user to change the user setting value according to the instruction when the instruction to change the user setting value according to the input by the user is included; a user input setting value reflecting step of reflecting the user setting value input by the user.

11. A computer program for controlling each means of the application server according to any one of claims 1 to 5 by a computer.

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