Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and program for the same

Abstract

To provide a user with the cause of a trouble in an information processing apparatus in a configuration to select a job and conduct diagnosis of the information processing apparatus.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus that can communicate with another apparatus by using a plurality of wired circuits including a first wired circuit and a second wired circuit and executes a job using one or more wired circuits of the plurality of wired circuits, and that receives selection of an item related to the job and conducts diagnosis related to the wired circuit linked to the job of the received item.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that performs a job of transmitting data to another PC or another information processing apparatus.

[0003] There are many types of information processing devices that process information such as image data. These devices are prone to malfunctions. When a malfunction occurs, it must be repaired, but users are often left confused because they do not know the cause of the malfunction. To solve these problems, a device with a diagnostic function that can identify the cause of the malfunction itself and provide the user with the cause of the malfunction has been proposed. The following explanation uses a multifunction peripheral as an example of an information processing device.

[0004] On the other hand, as security and functionality required of networks become more complex, as shown in Patent Document 1, an environment where multiple local area networks (LANs) can be used is required. Information processing devices used in such an environment are required to provide services to the multiple LANs. Therefore, a configuration has been proposed in which multiple LANs are connected to a single multifunction peripheral. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2020-154832 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As a diagnostic method, a method has been proposed in which a job to be executed by an information processing device is selected and a diagnosis is performed on that job. If the selected job involves transmitting data to another device, a line diagnosis is required. Here, a diagnosis of a configuration in which one LAN is connected to one information processing device has been proposed. Therefore, when diagnosing a configuration in which multiple LANs are connected to one information processing device, a diagnosis may be made on a LAN different from the LAN used for the selected job. This makes it difficult to perform an accurate diagnosis and makes it difficult for users to identify the cause of a malfunction in the information processing device.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is to provide a user with the cause of a malfunction in the information processing apparatus in a configuration in which a job is selected and the information processing apparatus is diagnosed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In consideration of the above problems, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device that can communicate with other devices by using multiple wired lines including a first wired line and a second wired line, and executes a job that uses one or more of the multiple wired lines, and is characterized by having a reception means that receives a selection of an item related to the job, and a diagnostic means that performs a diagnosis on the one or more wired lines linked to the job of the received item. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the cause of a problem in an information processing device can be provided to the user, and the user can solve the problem by himself. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration between an MFP and a gateway according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print job history list according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnosis result according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of processing in an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a diagnosis result according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a diagnosis result according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print job history list according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of processing in an MFP according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of the configuration of diagnostic results according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of processing in an MFP according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of diagnostic settings according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First Embodiment <System configuration> In this embodiment, the network diagnosis process will be explained using an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) that has two communication lines, a main line (first wired line) and a sub-line (second wired line), as an example. Here, an example configuration in which multiple wired lines are connected will be explained. However, this technology can also be applied to virtually separated communication lines using a virtual network interface. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to MFPs, and may also be applied to information processing devices that provide other functions.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection configuration of an MFP, a gateway, and a client PC (Personal Computer) according to this embodiment.

[0013] The MFP 100 has a controller unit 101, an operation unit 102, a printer unit 103, and a scanner unit 104. The configuration of the controller unit 101 will be described in detail later. The operation unit 102 is an interface for input and output with a user. The printer unit 103 has a printing means capable of outputting electronic data onto paper media. The scanner unit 104 has a reading means capable of reading images and converts the read images into electronic data. The operation unit 102, the printer unit 103, and the scanner unit 104 are connected to the controller unit 101 and realize the functions of a multifunction peripheral under the control of the controller unit 101. Note that the components of the MFP 100 are not limited to those described above, and components for providing other functions may be provided.

[0014] MFP 100 and client PC 112 are connected to each other via LAN 110 (hereinafter referred to as LAN) and gateway 111 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Here, devices other than MFP 100, such as client PC 112 and client PC 122, are referred to as "other devices." MFP 100 and client PC 122 are also connected to each other via LAN 120 and gateway 121 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Gateway 111 and gateway 121 are network routers that relay communications from MFP 100 between client PC 112 and client PC 122. Client PC 112 and client PC 122 share files with MFP 100 and send print requests to MFP 100 using the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol, for example.

[0015] The hardware configuration of the printing device 101 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0016] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MFP 100. The MFP 100 has a reading function for reading an image on a sheet, a file transmission function for transmitting the read image to an external communication device, and the like. It also has a printing function for printing an image on a sheet. It is also assumed to have a function for receiving a print job from the client PC 112 and printing it.

[0017] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 controls the overall operation of the MFP 100. The CPU 201 reads a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 or a storage 204, and performs various controls such as print control and read control.

[0018] The ROM 202 stores a control program that can be executed by the CPU 201 .

[0019] A RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 is a main memory accessed by the CPU 201, and is used as a work area or a temporary storage area for developing various control programs.

[0020] The storage 204 stores print jobs, image data, various programs, and various setting information. In this way, hardware such as the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, and storage 204 constitute a so-called computer. In the printing device 101 of this embodiment, one CPU 401 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described below using one memory (RAM 403), but other modes are also possible. For example, multiple processors, memories, and storages can cooperate to execute each process shown in the flowcharts described below. Also, some processes may be executed using hardware circuits.

[0021] 1 via an operation unit I / F 205, and realizes input and output for the user to the operation unit 102. The CPU 201 is also connected to the printer unit 103 shown in FIG. 1 via a printer I / F 207, and realizes output processing (print processing) of paper media using the printer unit 103. The CPU 201 is connected to the scanner unit 104 shown in FIG. 1 via a scanner I / F 206, and realizes reading processing (scan processing) of a document using the scanner unit 104.

[0022] Connected to the network I / F 208 are wired LAN devices 209 and 210. In this embodiment, two wired LAN devices 209 and 210 are connected to the network I / F 208. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other LAN devices, such as wireless LAN devices and LAN devices connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus), and other connection modes. The CPU 201 controls the wired LAN device 209 via the network I / F 204 to realize communication on the LAN 110. The CPU 201 also controls the wired LAN device 210 to realize communication on the LAN 120.

[0023] <Software configuration> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the MFP 100 related to this embodiment.

[0024] A screen operation control unit 301 issues scan operation instructions via the operation unit 102, and controls the display of printing, scan data transmission results, and processing results of a network diagnostic unit (to be described later).

[0025] The setting management unit 302 manages the settings of various functions of the MFP 100 .

[0026] The various setting values ​​include, for example, settings for paper and image processing required for scanning and printing, and communication settings with a communication terminal. These setting values ​​are stored in a non-volatile area, such as storage 204, and are retained regardless of the power state of the MFP 100.

[0027] The setting management unit 302 reads the setting value from the nonvolatile area and controls the setting value to be changed to another setting value and stored.

[0028] The scanner control unit 303 instructs the MFP 100 to transmit predetermined data scanned via the scanner 104 to other devices such as the client terminals 112 and 122 .

[0029] The scanner control unit 303 acquires setting values ​​required for scanning and transmission of scanned data via the setting management unit 302, and issues an instruction to transmit the scanned data to the destination terminal via the communication control unit 307.

[0030] The print control unit 304 receives a print job that the MFP 100 has received from another device, and performs a series of print processes up to paper discharge processing on the printer 103 via the printer I / F 207. The print control unit 304 acquires setting values ​​necessary for the print processing via the setting management unit 302, analyzes the received print job, performs image processing, prints, and discharges the paper.

[0031] A job log management unit 305 manages the result information of the printing process and the scanning process.

[0032] The job processing result information includes whether the processing was successful or failed, and in the case of failure, the network diagnosis result received from the network diagnosis unit 306 may also be included.

[0033] The job processing result information is stored in a nonvolatile area such as the storage 204 or in a job log management server on the network, and is maintained regardless of the power state of the MFP 100 .

[0034] A job log management unit 305 receives the processing results performed by the scanner control unit 303 and the print control unit 304, and stores them in the non-volatile area or in the job management server.

[0035] Furthermore, the job log management unit 305 reads the job processing result information from the non-volatile area and passes it to the screen operation control unit 301. The screen operation control unit 301 displays the job processing result information on the operation unit .

[0036] In the configuration of FIG. 1, the network diagnostic unit 306 verifies the validity of the network communication settings held by the MFP 100.

[0037] This validity verification verifies that the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway 111 settings required for enabling network communication with the LAN 110 are correct, for example, and also verifies that the client terminal 112 and the MFP 100 do not use the same IP address.

[0038] The network diagnostic unit 306 periodically diagnoses the status of the physical communication link to the connected LANs 110 and 120. This periodic diagnosis is performed in response to instructions from the screen operation control unit 301, scanner control unit 303, and print control unit 304. Furthermore, if the network diagnostic unit detects that the communication link has been disconnected, it notifies the screen operation control unit 301, scanner control unit 303, and print control unit 304 of this fact.

[0039] On the other hand, the network diagnostic unit 306 has a diagnostic means for diagnosing the information processing device. The diagnostic means can check the state of the information processing device. For example, if communication with the client terminal 112, 122, which is the communication partner, fails during scan data transmission processing or print processing, the diagnostic means can perform a diagnosis to identify the cause of the failure. The diagnostic means for identifying the cause of the failure includes checking communication with the client terminal 112, 122 and performing test communication.

[0040] A communication control unit 307 controls network communication for sending scan data to the client terminal 112 or 122 in response to a transmission instruction from the scanner control unit 303 .

[0041] In a configuration in which wired LAN devices 209 and 210 exist as in this embodiment, the MFP 100 holds two types of MAC addresses and IP addresses as a multi-homed network environment, and can communicate with each of the LANs 110 and 120. In a multi-homed network environment, the communication control unit 307 identifies the remote terminal and establishes a network connection to control communication.

[0042] <Screen configuration> Error guidance will be explained.

[0043] 4 to 6 show examples of error guidance etc.

[0044] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a list of print job histories managed by the print control unit 304 in the storage 204 and displayed on the operation unit I / F 205 of the MFP 100. In the print job list 400, a date and time 401, a department ID 402, a user name 403, a job name 404, a line 405, and a result 406 are linked and managed, and the history of print jobs executed by the MFP 100 is displayed as a list.

[0045] The date and time when the job was executed is displayed in the date and time 401. The department ID 402 displays the ID of the department to which the user name 403 who executed the job belongs.

[0046] The user name 403 displays the name of the user who executed the job, and the job name 404 displays the name of the executed job.

[0047] The result 405 displays the execution result of the job.

[0048] In the print job list 400, the above displays 401 to 405 are displayed as one item. To repeat, an item contains information about one job. The user can select this item. The user's selection can be accepted by the accepting means of the MFP 100. When one item has been selected by the accepting means, and the accepting means also accepts the selection of the diagnosis button 407, diagnosis begins.

[0049] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the diagnostic result displayed by the display means. The diagnostic result is displayed by the display means on the operation unit I / F 205 of the MFP 100. The diagnostic result is the diagnostic result of the network diagnostic unit 306 diagnosing the item accepted by the accepting means.

[0050] The diagnosis result 500 is displayed when the network diagnosis executed when the user operates the operation unit I / F 205 and presses the diagnosis button 407 is completed. A message explaining the cause of failure is displayed in the failure cause explanation message 501. A solution explanation message 502 displays how to deal with the cause of failure displayed in the failure cause explanation message 501. In addition, if the solution to the cause of failure is described in a user manual that can be viewed on the web, a two-dimensional code indicating the URL of the user manual is displayed in the two-dimensional code 503. Pressing the back button 504 returns to the display of the print job list 400 for which the diagnosis button 407 was pressed.

[0051] Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to a print job as an example, it is also possible to display a history list for jobs such as scan jobs. Also, the items to be linked are not limited to those shown in this example.

[0052] <Processing flow> The network diagnosis process based on the job history according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0053] In S601, the selection of an item and the diagnosis button 407 is accepted by the accepting means of the MFP 100. The user operates by pressing the respective buttons, which starts the network diagnosis.

[0054] In S602, a determination means included in the MFP 100 determines the line settings. Specifically, it determines whether the network configuration is a two-system LAN. In this embodiment, it determines whether the setting is a first setting that allows both the main line (first wired line) and the secondary line (second wired line) to be used, or a second setting that allows only the main line to be used (second setting). If the setting is the first setting, proceed to S603. If the setting is the second setting, proceed to S606.

[0055] In S603, the network diagnostic unit 306 first executes network diagnosis of the main line.

[0056] Next, in S604, the network diagnostic unit 306 executes network diagnosis of the sub-line.

[0057] In S605, the diagnosis result is displayed as shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 has the same configuration as Fig. 5.

[0058] In S606, the network diagnostic unit 306 performs network diagnosis on the main line. In the case of the second setting, since only the main line is used, there is no need to diagnose the sub-line. Therefore, the sub-line is not diagnosed. This allows diagnosis to be performed without performing unnecessary diagnostic processing. The sequence then ends.

[0059] 7 shows an example of the diagnostic results when a diagnosis of the main line and the secondary line is performed with the MFP 100 set to the first setting. In the diagnostic results with the first setting, the display means displays the diagnostic results of both the main line and the secondary line, regardless of the line used to execute the job. For example, when a diagnosis is performed on a job using the main line, if an error is caused by the main line but no error has occurred on the secondary line, the user can recognize that they can reset to the secondary line and execute the job.

[0060] 8 is also a diagram showing the diagnosis result displayed by the display means. The diagnosis result may be displayed as normal, as in message 801 in Fig. 8. This makes it possible to accurately notify the user of the network status.

[0061] In addition, this embodiment is an MFP with two communication lines, a main line and a sub-line, but the sub-line is basically installed as an option. For MFPs that do not have a sub-line installed, network diagnosis of the sub-line is not performed. Furthermore, with the sub-line option installed, the user can freely set whether or not the sub-line is available.

[0062] When the sub-line is enabled for use, the user sets it to be used. In this embodiment, a transmission means is provided for transmitting data to another device, and the sub-line is used when transmitting data to a specified IP address. The specified IP address is registered in advance by the user. By registering the specified IP address and the sub-line in association with each other, the sub-line is used when transmitting data to the specified IP address or receiving data from the specified IP address.

[0063] When sending data to (or receiving data from) an IP address that is not registered as an IP address that uses a secondary line, the primary line is used.

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, in a configuration in which multiple wired lines are available, the causes of malfunctions and errors can be provided to the user by diagnosing the wired lines. In addition, in the case of the first embodiment, by selecting the line to be diagnosed depending on whether it is the first setting or the second setting, diagnosis can be performed without diagnosing unused lines.

[0065] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, a diagnosis of a pattern in which job and line information are linked will be described. Note that a description of parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0066] 9, in addition to the information in FIG. 4, displays information such as line 908 indicating whether the print job was received from the LAN 110 or the LAN 120. Therefore, the diagnosis can be performed on the relevant line.

[0067] <Processing flow> The network diagnosis process based on the job history according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] In S1002, the line information of the job is acquired from 908 in Fig. 9. If it is the main line, the process proceeds to S1003. If it is the secondary line, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0069] In S1003, the network diagnostic unit 306 executes network diagnosis of the main line. Then, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0070] In S1004, the network diagnostic unit 306 executes network diagnosis of the sub-line. Then, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0071] As described above, according to this embodiment, the lines to be diagnosed are selected according to the lines used for the job of the selected item. This narrows down the lines to be diagnosed, thereby shortening the diagnosis time.

[0072] <Third embodiment> A third embodiment will now be described, in which the diagnostic results are not displayed, but rather the user determines which line to diagnose.

[0073] In addition to the components of Figure 7, Figure 11 has a sub-line diagnosis button 1305. When this button is pressed, the sub-line diagnosis is performed.

[0074] The network diagnosis process from the job history according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. An item is selected in S1201. In S1202, the main line is diagnosed regardless of the line related to the job of the selected item.

[0075] In S1203, the diagnostic results displayed are only those of the main line out of the main line and the sub-line.

[0076] If the user presses the sub-line diagnosis button in S1204, the process proceeds to S1205. If the user does not press the button, the diagnosis ends.

[0077] In S1205, the network diagnostic unit 306 executes network diagnosis of the sub-line.

[0078] In S1206, the diagnostic results displayed are only those of the secondary line out of the main line and secondary line.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 13, a setting means may be provided for determining whether to diagnose the main line and the sub-line.

[0080] This allows diagnosis to be performed only when the setting value is ON. In the case of Figure 13, when diagnosis is performed, only the main line is diagnosed. Also, if there is no sub-line configuration, there is no need to set up the sub-line.

[0081] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to notify only the diagnostic information that the user expects.

[0082] <Other embodiments> It may be a control program that can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. It may also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It may also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 MFP 101 Controller 102 Operation section 103 Printer 104 Scanner 110, 120 LAN 209, 210 Wired LAN devices 306 Network Diagnostics Department

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus that can communicate with other apparatuses by using a plurality of wired lines including a first wired line and a second wired line, and that executes a job using one or more of the plurality of wired lines, a receiving means for receiving a selection of an item related to the job; a diagnostic unit that performs a diagnosis on the one or more wired lines associated with the job of the received item; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device includes: a printing means for printing; reading means for reading the image as data; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. a transmitting means for transmitting the data to the other device; 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. the diagnostic means performs a diagnosis on all wired lines connected to the information processing device; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. a display means for displaying a diagnosis result when the diagnosis means executes the diagnosis on the one or more wired lines associated with the job of the item; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. a setting unit that sets an IP address of the other device in association with one or more wired lines among the plurality of wired lines, When transmitting predetermined data to the other device having the IP address set by the setting means, the wired line set by the setting means in association with the IP address is used for transmission.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:

7. the setting means cannot set the IP address in association with the first wired line among the plurality of wired lines, but sets the IP address in association with the second wired line among the plurality of wired lines; 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,

8. When transmitting data to the other device having the IP address that is not set by the setting means in association with one or more of the plurality of wired lines, the first wired line is used.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,

9. The item includes information on the one or more wired lines associated with the job of the item, and the information is displayed.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

10. The information processing device is configured to apply one of a plurality of settings including a first setting in which two lines, the first wired line and the second wired line, can be used, and a second setting in which the second wired line cannot be used and the first wired line is the only available wired line, the diagnostic means, in the case of the first setting, diagnoses the one or more wired lines associated with the job of the item accepted by the accepting means, and in the case of the second setting, diagnoses only the first wired line; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

11. the diagnostic means, in the case of the first setting, performs a diagnosis on the first wired line and the second wired line; 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10,

12. A control program that can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed by a computer, An information processing apparatus that can communicate with other apparatuses by using a plurality of wired lines including a first wired line and a second wired line, and that executes a job using one or more of the plurality of wired lines, a receiving means for receiving a selection of an item related to the job; and a diagnostic unit for diagnosing the one or more wired lines associated with the job of the received item.

1. An information processing device comprising:

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