Information processing system and program

Abstract

To reduce the possibility of occurrence of a failure in confirmation of no change in a system state.SOLUTION: An information processing system including one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors perform first confirmation that is confirmation of no change in a state of the own system with a first period and a first number of times when detecting a change in the state of the own system, and perform second confirmation that is confirmation of no change in the state of the own system with at least one of a second period different from the first period and a second number of times different from the first number of times when detecting a change in the state of the own system again in a case where the first confirmation is not completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that includes a status monitoring means for monitoring the status of the apparatus, an electrostatic noise detection means for detecting electrostatic noise, and an erroneous detection determination means for determining whether the status monitoring means has erroneously detected a change in the apparatus status due to electrostatic noise based on the detection results of the change in the apparatus status by the status monitoring means and the detection results of the electrostatic noise detection means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-42548 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a change in the system state is detected, a confirmation that the system state remains unchanged may be performed at a certain interval and a certain number of times. If this confirmation is not completed, a change in the system state may be detected again. In such a case, it may be possible to adopt a configuration that confirms that the system state remains unchanged at the same interval or the same number of times. However, adopting such a configuration may cause problems with the confirmation that the system state remains unchanged. For example, it may take a long time to complete the confirmation that the system state remains unchanged.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of failure in verifying the constancy of the system state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing system comprising one or more processors, wherein when the one or more processors detect a change in the state of the system, they perform a first confirmation, which is a confirmation that the state of the system has not changed, at a first period and a first number of times, and when they detect a change in the state of the system again if the first confirmation has not been completed, they perform a second confirmation, which is a confirmation that the state of the system has not changed, at least in one of a second period different from the first period and a second number of times different from the first number of times. The invention described in claim 2 is an information processing system described in claim 1, in which the one or more processors, when they detect a change in the state of their own system again if the first confirmation has not been completed, perform the second confirmation, which is a confirmation of no change in the state of their own system, at the second period and the first number of times. A third aspect of the present invention is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein the second period is shorter than the first period. The invention described in claim 4 is an information processing system described in claim 2, in which the one or more processors output a message to that effect if the time obtained by multiplying the second period by the first number of times exceeds the allowable time. The invention described in claim 5 is an information processing system described in claim 1, in which the one or more processors, when they detect a change in the state of their own system again if the first confirmation has not been completed, perform the second confirmation, which is a confirmation of no change in the state of their own system, at the first period and the second number of times. A sixth aspect of the present invention is the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the second number of times is less than the first number of times. The invention described in claim 7 is an information processing system described in claim 5, in which the one or more processors output a message to that effect if the time obtained by multiplying the first period by the second number of times exceeds the allowable time. The invention described in claim 8 is an information processing system described in claim 1, in which the one or more processors, when they detect a change in the state of their own system again if the first confirmation has not been completed, perform the second confirmation, which is a confirmation of no change in the state of their own system, at the second period and the second number of times. A ninth aspect of the present invention is the information processing system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the second period is shorter than the first period, and the second number of times is smaller than the first number of times. The invention described in claim 10 is an information processing system described in claim 8, wherein the time obtained by multiplying the second period by the second number of times is shorter than the time obtained by multiplying the first period by the first number of times. The invention described in claim 11 is an information processing system described in claim 1, further comprising a status monitoring unit that monitors the status of the system during image formation processing, and the one or more processors detect changes in the status of the system based on the results of the status monitoring by the status monitoring unit. The invention described in claim 12 is an information processing system described in claim 1, further comprising a status monitoring unit that monitors the status of the system during image formation processing, and an acquisition unit that acquires the results of the status monitoring by the status monitoring unit, and the one or more processors detect changes in the status of the system based on the results of the status monitoring obtained from the acquisition unit via a communication line. The invention described in claim 13 is the information processing system described in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the state monitoring unit monitors the presence or absence of the sheet on the transport path of the sheet during the image forming process. The invention described in claim 14 is a program for enabling an information processing system to have the following functions: when a change in the state of the information processing system is detected, a first confirmation is performed in a first cycle and a first number of times to confirm that the state of the information processing system has not changed; and when a change in the state of the information processing system is detected again if the first confirmation has not been completed, a second confirmation is performed in at least one of a second cycle different from the first cycle and a second number of times different from the first number of times to confirm that the state of the information processing system has not changed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to reduce the possibility of problems occurring in checking whether the system state has not changed. According to the invention of claim 2, the possibility of a malfunction occurring in the confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into consideration the confirmation cycle. According to the invention of claim 3, the possibility that it will take a long time to complete confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into consideration the confirmation cycle. According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to notify that the time required to complete confirmation of no change in the system state, obtained by taking into consideration the confirmation period, exceeds the allowable time. According to the invention of claim 5, the possibility of a problem occurring in the confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into consideration the number of confirmations. According to the invention of claim 6, the possibility that it will take a long time to complete confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into consideration the number of confirmations. According to the invention of claim 7, it is possible to notify that the time required to complete confirmation of no change in the system state, obtained by taking into account the number of confirmations, exceeds the allowable time. According to the invention of claim 8, the possibility of a problem occurring in the confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into consideration the cycle and number of confirmations. According to the invention of claim 9, the possibility that it will take a long time to complete confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into consideration the cycle and number of confirmations. According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to notify that the time required to complete confirmation of the unchanged state of the system, obtained by taking into consideration the confirmation period and number of times, exceeds the allowable time. According to the invention of claim 11, when a change in the system state is detected based on the results of state monitoring by the state monitoring unit, the possibility of a malfunction occurring in confirming that the system state has not changed can be reduced. According to the invention of claim 12, when a change in the system state is detected based on the results of status monitoring obtained via a communication line from an acquisition unit that acquires the results of status monitoring by the status monitoring unit, the possibility of a malfunction occurring in confirming that the system state has not changed can be reduced. According to the invention of claim 13, when a change in the system state is detected based on the results of monitoring the presence or absence of paper on the paper transport path during image formation processing, the possibility of problems occurring in confirming that the system state has not changed can be reduced. According to the invention of claim 14, it is possible to reduce the possibility of problems occurring in the confirmation of unchanged system status. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a time chart showing an example of a general operation of a general image forming apparatus when checking the state in a case where no electrostatic noise occurs. [Figure 3] 10 is a time chart showing an example of a general operation of a general image forming apparatus when electrostatic noise occurs when checking the state of the apparatus. [Figure 4] 10 is a time chart showing an example of a schematic operation when the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment satisfies an allowable time for checking the state. [Figure 5] 10 is a time chart showing an example of a schematic operation when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment does not satisfy the allowable time for checking the state. [Figure 6] 10 is a time chart showing an example of a schematic operation when the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment satisfies an allowable time for checking the state. [Figure 7] 10 is a time chart showing an example of a schematic operation when the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment does not satisfy the allowable time for checking the state. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9A]5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] (Outline of this embodiment) This embodiment provides an information processing system that, when a change in the state of its own system is detected, performs a first confirmation to confirm that the state of its own system has not changed at a first period and a first number of times, and when a change in the state of its own system is detected again if the first confirmation has not been completed, performs a second confirmation to confirm that the state of its own system has not changed at least in one of a second period different from the first period and a second number of times different from the first number of times.

[0011] Here, the "system" may be composed of a single device or multiple devices. In the following, an information processing system composed of a single device will be taken as an example. The single device will be described as an image forming device.

[0012] (First embodiment) ((Hardware configuration of image forming device)) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a processor 10. The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13. The image forming apparatus 1 further includes an operation panel 14 and a timer 15. The image forming apparatus 1 further includes an image forming unit 16 and a paper transport unit 17. The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a sensor 18.

[0013] The processor 10 loads various programs stored in the ROM 12 or the like into the RAM 13. The processor 10 then executes these programs to realize various functions, which will be described later. The ROM 12 is a memory that stores various programs executed by the processor 10. The RAM 13 is a memory used as a working memory for the processor 10, etc.

[0014] The operation panel 14 is, for example, a touch panel that displays various information and accepts operation inputs from the user. In this case, the operation panel 14 is made up of a display and a position detection sheet. The display displays various information. The position detection sheet detects a position indicated by an indicating means such as a finger or a stylus pen. Alternatively, the operation panel 14 may be a display and a keyboard instead of a touch panel. The timer 15 measures time in accordance with the operation of the processor 10 and the like.

[0015] The image forming unit 16 forms an image on paper. Here, the image forming unit 16 is, for example, a printer, and it is preferable to use an electrophotographic or inkjet printer. The electrophotographic printer is a printer that forms an image by transferring toner attached to a photosensitive member onto a recording medium. The inkjet printer is a printer that forms an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium. Paper transport unit 17 transports paper on which an image is formed by image forming unit 16, along a paper transport path (not shown). Paper transport unit 17 includes a paper transport motor (not shown) and a paper transport roll (not shown). Paper transport unit 17 transports paper on the paper transport path by the paper transport motor rotating the paper transport roll.

[0016] Sensor 18 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper on the paper transport path. A photosensor may be used as sensor 18. The photosensor may be a separate photosensor that detects the presence or absence of paper between a light receiving element and a light emitting element. Sensor 18 may also be provided at a position where paper is fed onto the paper transport path from a paper storage unit (not shown). In this case, sensor 18 is considered to be a paper feed sensor. Alternatively, sensor 18 may be provided downstream of the position where the paper feed sensor is provided on the paper transport path. In this case, sensor 18 is considered to be a timing sensor. Sensor 18 is an example of a status monitoring unit that monitors the status of the system during image formation processing. Sensor 18 is an example of a status monitoring unit that monitors the presence or absence of paper on the paper transport path during image formation processing.

[0017] ((Outline of operation of a typical image forming device)) A typical image forming apparatus 1 checks the state of the sensor 18 multiple times at predetermined intervals as a countermeasure against electrostatic noise to the sensor 18. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 determines the state when all the check results match.

[0018] 2 is a time chart showing an example of the general operation of a typical image forming apparatus 1 when checking its status in the absence of electrostatic noise. In FIG. 2, at t=t0, the logic of sensor 18 changes from "low" to "high." After that, five checks are made from t=t1 to t=t5, all of which are "high." Therefore, the logic of sensor 18 is determined to be "high."

[0019] FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an example of the general operation of a typical image forming apparatus 1 when electrostatic noise occurs during status check. In FIG. 3, the logic of sensor 18 changes from "low" to "high" at t=t0. Thereafter, the logic of sensor 18 becomes "high" from t=t1 to t=t2. However, the logic of sensor 18 becomes "low" at t=t3 due to electrostatic noise. Therefore, image forming apparatus 1 checks the status again. As a result, the logic of sensor 18 is "high" in all five checks from t=t4 to t=t8. Therefore, the logic of sensor 18 is determined to be "high."

[0020] In this way, a typical image forming apparatus 1 rechecks the status when electrostatic noise is detected. This prevents false detection due to electrostatic noise. However, there is a problem in that it takes longer to determine the status than when electrostatic noise does not occur. For example, suppose sensor 18 is a sensor that detects the paper transport position. In this case, if the status is not determined within the time allowed by paper transport control, the control cannot keep up, and a paper jam may occur. This forces the user to remove the jammed paper from the transport path, reducing productivity. Furthermore, removing the paper may be a hassle for the user.

[0021] ((Outline of Operation of Image Forming Apparatus of First Aspect)) The image forming apparatus 1 of the first aspect changes the retry period Tr when rechecking the state. First, when receiving a print instruction, the image forming apparatus 1 sets the allowable time Td that is allowed for status confirmation by the sensor 18. The image forming apparatus 1 also sets a retry period Tr and a retry count Nr. Here, the settings are Td=14 ms, Tr=2 ms, and Nr=4 times. Next, after such settings, image forming apparatus 1 starts driving the paper transport motor in paper transport section 17.

[0022] Next, the image forming apparatus 1 detects that the logic of the sensor 18 for identifying the paper position has changed. Then, to prevent erroneous detection, the image forming apparatus 1 checks the logic of the sensor 18 for the retry count Nr at the retry period Tr. If the logic matches the logic read previously for all of the retry count Nr, the image forming apparatus 1 determines the state. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that paper is passing through.

[0023] On the other hand, suppose that the logic of sensor 18 changes while repeatedly checking the logic. In this case, image forming apparatus 1 resets the retry period Tr within a range that satisfies the allowable time Td. Here, the range that satisfies the allowable time Td is a range that satisfies "Tr × Nr ≦ remaining time of Td." Then, image forming apparatus 1 repeatedly checks the logic of sensor 18 again.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a time chart showing an example of the general operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment when the allowable time Td for checking the status is satisfied. The image forming apparatus 1 checks the logic of the sensor 18 four times at 2-ms intervals. In FIG. 4, the logic of the sensor 18 changes from "low" to "high" at t=t0. Thereafter, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "high" from t=t1 to t=t3. However, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "low" at t=t4 due to electrostatic noise. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 resets the retry period Tr and checks the status again. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 resets the retry period Tr to a shorter period of 1 ms to complete the check within the allowable time Td. As a result, the logic of the sensor 18 remains "high" in all four checks from t=t5 to t=t8. Therefore, the logic of the sensor 18 is determined to be "high."

[0025] That is, the image forming apparatus 1 shortens the retry period Tr and checks the status until the logic matches for the number of retries Nr. Then, when the logic matches for the number of retries Nr, the image forming apparatus 1 confirms the status and ends the process. In FIG. 4, after setting Tr=1 ms, the image forming apparatus 1 confirms the status as "Yes" four times in a row, and ends the process.

[0026] However, due to hardware or software constraints, there is a limit to how short the retry period Tr can be. Therefore, even if the retry period Tr is set to the lower limit, the condition "Tr × Nr ≦ remaining time Td" may not be satisfied. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 displays an error and stops.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of the general operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment when the allowable time Td for checking the status is not satisfied. Here, the lower limit of the retry period Tr is set to 1 ms. In FIG. 5, the logic of the sensor 18 changes from "low" to "high" at t=t0. Thereafter, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "high" from t=t1 to t=t3. However, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "low" at t=t4 due to electrostatic noise. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 resets the retry period Tr to 1 ms and checks the status again. As a result, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "high" from t=t5 to t=t7. However, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "low" again at t=t8 due to electrostatic noise. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot set a retry period Tr that can determine the status within the allowable time Td. This is because the condition "Tr × Nr ≦ remaining time Td" cannot be satisfied. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot check the status four times within the allowed time Td, so the image forming apparatus 1 displays an error on the operation panel 14 and stops operation.

[0028] In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment changes the retry period Tr so that confirmation of the status is completed within the permissible time Td, thereby shortening the time until the status is determined.

[0029] In the above description, a lower limit is set for the retry period Tr that can be set, but it is not necessary to set a lower limit.

[0030] ((Outline of Operation of Image Forming Apparatus of Second Aspect)) The image forming apparatus 1 of the second embodiment changes the number of retries Nr when rechecking the state. First, when receiving a print instruction, the image forming apparatus 1 sets the allowable time Td that is allowed for status confirmation by the sensor 18. The image forming apparatus 1 also sets a retry period Tr and a retry count Nr. Here, the settings are Td=14 ms, Tr=2 ms, and Nr=4 times. Next, after such settings, image forming apparatus 1 starts driving the paper transport motor in paper transport section 17.

[0031] Next, the image forming apparatus 1 detects that the logic of the sensor 18 for identifying the paper position has changed. Then, to prevent erroneous detection, the image forming apparatus 1 checks the logic of the sensor 18 for the retry count Nr at the retry period Tr. If the logic matches the logic read previously for all of the retry count Nr, the image forming apparatus 1 determines the state. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that paper is passing through.

[0032] On the other hand, suppose the logic of sensor 18 changes while it is being repeatedly checked. In this case, image forming apparatus 1 resets the number of retries Nr within a range that satisfies the allowable time Td. Here, the range that satisfies the allowable time Td is a range that satisfies "Tr×Nr≦remaining time of Td." Then, image forming apparatus 1 repeatedly checks the logic of sensor 18 again.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an example of the general operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in the second embodiment when the allowable time Td for checking the status is satisfied. The image forming apparatus 1 checks the logic of the sensor 18 four times at 2-ms intervals. In FIG. 6, the logic of the sensor 18 changes from "low" to "high" at t=t0. Thereafter, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "high" from t=t1 to t=t3. However, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "low" at t=t4 due to electrostatic noise. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 resets the number of retries Nr and checks the status again. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 resets the number of retries Nr to two to complete the check within the allowable time Td. As a result, the logic of the sensor 18 is "high" in both checks from t=t5 to t=t6. Therefore, the logic of the sensor 18 is determined to be "high."

[0034] That is, the image forming apparatus 1 checks the state while resetting the number of retries Nr to a smaller number until the logic matches for the number of retries Nr. Then, when the logic matches for the number of retries Nr, the image forming apparatus 1 confirms the state and ends the process.

[0035] However, even if the number of retries Nr is changed, there are cases where the condition "Tr×Nr≦Td remaining time" is not satisfied. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 displays an error and stops. In FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 1 satisfies the condition "Tr×Nr≦Td remaining time" by setting Nr=2. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 confirms the status and ends the process.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a time chart showing an example of the general operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in the second embodiment when the allowable time Td for status confirmation is not satisfied. Here, the lower limit of the retry period Tr is set to 2 ms, and the lower limit of the number of retries Nr is set to 2. In FIG. 7, the logic of the sensor 18 changes from "low" to "high" at t=t0. Thereafter, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "high" from t=t1 to t=t3. However, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "low" at t=t4 due to electrostatic noise. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 resets the number of retries Nr to two and re-checks the status. As a result, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "high" at t=t5. However, the logic of the sensor 18 becomes "low" again at t=t6 due to electrostatic noise. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot set the number of retries Nr to a value that allows the status to be confirmed within the allowable time Td. This is because the condition "Tr × Nr ≦ remaining time Td" cannot be satisfied. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot check the status twice within the allowed time Td, so the image forming apparatus 1 displays an error on the operation panel 14 and stops operation.

[0037] In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 of the second embodiment changes the number of retries Nr so that confirmation of the status is completed within the permissible time Td, thereby shortening the time until the status is determined.

[0038] In the above description, lower limits are set for the retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr that can be set, but it is not necessary to set lower limits.

[0039] ((Outline of Operation of Image Forming Apparatus of Third Aspect)) The image forming apparatus 1 of the third embodiment changes the retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr when rechecking the status. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment resets only the retry period Tr. The image forming apparatus 1 of the second embodiment resets only the number of retries Nr. In contrast, the image forming apparatus 1 of the third embodiment resets both the retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr.

[0040] ((Functional configuration of image forming apparatus)) 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feed determination unit 101, an initial setting unit 102, and a conveyance control unit 103. Image forming apparatus 1 further includes a status confirmation unit 104, a status determination unit 105, a resetting unit 106, and an error output unit 107. Image forming apparatus 1 further includes a storage unit 108. These functional units are realized by processor 10 reading a program from ROM 12 into RAM 13 and executing it.

[0041] The paper feed determination unit 101 determines whether or not to feed paper. For example, the paper feed determination unit 101 makes this determination so that an image is formed by the image forming unit 16 at the time when the paper is conveyed.

[0042] When the paper feed determination unit 101 determines that paper is to be fed, the initial setting unit 102 initializes various parameters. Then, the initial setting unit 102 stores the various initially set parameters in the storage unit 108. Here, the various parameters include an allowable time Td, a retry period Tr, and a retry count Nr.

[0043] The transport control unit 103 controls the paper transport unit 17. For example, the transport control unit 103 starts driving the paper transport motor after the initial setting unit 102 initializes various parameters.

[0044] The state confirmation unit 104 confirms the state detected by the sensor 18. For example, the state confirmation unit 104 confirms the state by receiving, from the sensor 18, state information indicating the detected state.

[0045] First, the state confirmation unit 104 determines whether the sensor 18 has detected a change in state. If the state confirmation unit 104 determines that the sensor 18 has detected a change in state, it stores the detected state of the sensor 18 in the storage unit 108. Then, the state confirmation unit 104 performs a first-stage confirmation. Here, the first-stage confirmation is a confirmation based on initial settings to check whether there is any change in the state detected by the sensor 18. In other words, the first-stage confirmation may be a confirmation using an initially set retry period Tr and an initially set number of retries Nr. The status checking unit 104 counts up the number of checks N each time it checks whether there is a change in the status detected by the sensor 18. Then, the status checking unit 104 determines whether the number of checks N has reached the initially set number of retries Nr. Furthermore, the status checking unit 104 waits for the initially set retry period Tr each time it checks whether there is a change in the status detected by the sensor 18. At this time, the status checking unit 104 may measure the initially set retry period Tr using the timer 15. Then, the status checking unit 104 subtracts the initially set retry period Tr from the permissible time Td and stores the result in the storage unit 108. Here, the permissible time Td, the retry period Tr, and the number of retries Nr may be those stored in the storage unit 108.

[0046] In this case, the initially set retry period Tr is an example of a first period. The initially set number of retries Nr is an example of a first number. The first stage confirmation is an example of a first confirmation, which is a confirmation that the state of the local system remains unchanged. The processing of the status confirmation unit 104 is an example of performing the first confirmation at a first period and a first number of times when a change in the state of the local system is detected. The processing of the status confirmation unit 104 is an example of performing the first confirmation at a first period and a first number of times when a change in the state of the local system is detected based on the result of status monitoring by the status monitoring unit.

[0047] Next, the status confirmation unit 104 determines whether the sensor 18 detects a change in status again before the first-stage confirmation is completed. If the status confirmation unit 104 determines that the sensor 18 detects a change in status again, the status confirmation unit 104 performs a second-stage confirmation. Specifically, the status confirmation unit 104 determines whether the status detected by the sensor 18 matches the status stored in the storage unit 108. If the status confirmation unit 104 determines that these states do not match, the status confirmation unit 104 performs a second-stage confirmation. Here, the second-stage confirmation is a confirmation based on a reset to check whether there is a change in the status detected by the sensor 18. For example, the second-stage confirmation may be a confirmation at a reset retry period Tr. In this case, the number of retries Nr may be an initially set value or a reset value. Alternatively, the second-stage confirmation may be a confirmation at a reset number of retries Nr. In this case, the retry period Tr may be an initially set value or a reset value. The status checking unit 104 counts up the number of checks N each time it checks whether there is any change in the status detected by the sensor 18. Then, the status checking unit 104 determines whether the number of checks N has reached the reset number of retries Nr. Furthermore, the status checking unit 104 waits for the reset retry period Tr each time it checks whether there is any change in the status detected by the sensor 18. At this time, the status checking unit 104 may measure the reset retry period Tr using the timer 15. Then, the status checking unit 104 subtracts the reset retry period Tr from the allowable time Td and stores the result in the storage unit 108. Here, the allowable time Td, the retry period Tr, and the number of retries Nr may be those stored in the storage unit 108.

[0048] In this case, the reset retry period Tr is an example of a second period different from the first period. The reset number of retries Nr is an example of a second number different from the first number. The second stage confirmation is an example of a second confirmation that is a confirmation that the state of the local system has not changed. The processing of the status confirmation unit 104 is an example of performing the second confirmation at least one of the second period and the second number of times when a change in the state of the local system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed, based on the result of status monitoring by the status monitoring unit.

[0049] In the first aspect as well, if the status confirmation unit 104 determines that the sensor 18 has again detected a change in status, it performs a second-stage confirmation. Here, in the first aspect as well, the second-stage confirmation is a confirmation based on resetting whether there is any change in the status detected by the sensor 18. However, in the first aspect, the second-stage confirmation is a confirmation using the reset retry period Tr and the initially set number of retries Nr. The reset retry period Tr is set to a time shorter than the initially set retry period Tr. For example, this corresponds to a case where the initially set retry period Tr is 2 ms and the reset retry period Tr is 1 ms.

[0050] In this case, the reset retry period Tr is an example of a second period different from the first period. The second period may be shorter than the first period. The initially set number of retries Nr is an example of a first number of times. The second stage confirmation is an example of a second confirmation that confirms that the state of the local system has not changed. The processing of the state confirmation unit 104 is an example of performing the second confirmation at the second period and the first number of times when a change in the state of the local system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed.

[0051] In the second aspect, the status confirmation unit 104 also performs a second-stage confirmation if it determines that the sensor 18 has again detected a change in status. Here, in the second aspect, the second-stage confirmation is a confirmation based on resetting whether there is any change in the status detected by the sensor 18. However, in the second aspect, the second-stage confirmation is a confirmation using the initially set retry period Tr and the reset number of retries Nr. The reset number of retries Nr is set to a number that is smaller than the initially set number of retries Nr. For example, this corresponds to a case where the initially set number of retries Nr is 4 and the reset number of retries Nr is 2.

[0052] In this case, the initially set retry period Tr is an example of a first period. The reset retry count Nr is an example of a second count that is different from the first count and is an example of a second count that is smaller than the first count. The second stage confirmation is an example of a second confirmation that is a confirmation that the state of the local system has not changed. The processing of the state confirmation unit 104 is an example of performing the second confirmation at the first period and the second count when a change in the state of the local system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed.

[0053] In the third aspect, the status confirmation unit 104 also performs a second-stage confirmation if it determines that the sensor 18 has again detected a change in status. Here, in the third aspect, the second-stage confirmation is a confirmation based on resetting whether there is any change in the status detected by the sensor 18. However, in the third aspect, the second-stage confirmation is a confirmation using the reset retry period Tr and the reset number of retries Nr. The reset value of the product of the retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr may be smaller than the initially set values. For example, this corresponds to a case where the initially set retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr are 3 ms and 3 times, respectively, and the reset retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr are 2 ms and 4 times. In other words, the reset values ​​of the retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr do not have to be smaller than the initially set values. On the other hand, the reset values ​​of the retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr may be smaller than the initially set values. For example, this corresponds to a case where the initially set retry period Tr and retry count Nr are 2 ms and 4 times, and the reset retry period Tr and retry count Nr are 1 ms and 2 times.

[0054] In this case, the reset retry period Tr is an example of a second period different from the first period. The reset number of retries Nr is an example of a second number different from the first number. The time obtained by multiplying the second period by the second number may be shorter than the time obtained by multiplying the first period by the first number. Alternatively, the second period may be shorter than the first period, and the second number may be shorter than the first number. The second-stage confirmation is an example of a second confirmation, which is a confirmation that the status of the local system has not changed. The processing of the status confirmation unit 104 is an example of performing a second confirmation at a second period and a second number of times when a change in the status of the local system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed.

[0055] Next, the status confirmation unit 104 determines whether the sensor 18 has detected a change in status again before the previous confirmation step is completed. If the status confirmation unit 104 determines that the sensor 18 has detected a change in status again, it performs the next confirmation step in the same manner as described above.

[0056] If there is no change in the state detected by the sensor 18 in a certain stage of confirmation, the state confirmation unit 105 confirms the state. Specifically, it is assumed that the state confirmation unit 104 determines that the counted-up number of confirmations N has reached the number of retries Nr. Then, the state confirmation unit 105 confirms the state detected by the sensor 18 as the state at the number of confirmations N.

[0057] The resetter 106 resets the various parameters. Specifically, suppose that the status checker 104 determines that the sensor 18 has again detected a change in status before a certain stage of check is completed. Then, the resetter 106 acquires the reset various parameters. For example, the resetter 106 may acquire a reset retry period Tr. At this time, the number of retries Nr may be an initially set value or a reset value. Alternatively, the resetter 106 may acquire the reset number of retries Nr. At this time, the retry period Tr may be an initially set value or a reset value. Then, the resetter 106 determines whether the reset various parameters satisfy the allowable time Td. Here, suppose that it is determined that the reset various parameters satisfy the allowable time Td. Then, the resetter 106 stores the reset various parameters in the storage unit 108 instead of the initially set various parameters.

[0058] In the first mode, the resetting unit 106 resets only the retry period Tr. That is, in the first mode, the resetting unit 106 does not reset the number of retries Nr. At that time, the resetting unit 106 resets the retry period Tr to be shorter. Specifically, the resetting unit 106 acquires the reset retry period Tr and the initially set number of retries Nr. Then, the resetting unit 106 determines whether the product of the reset retry period Tr and the initially set number of retries Nr is equal to or less than the allowable time Td. Here, it is assumed that the product is determined to be equal to or less than the allowable time Td. In this case, the resetting unit 106 stores the reset retry period Tr in the storage unit 108 instead of the initially set retry period Tr.

[0059] In the second mode, the resetting unit 106 resets only the number of retries Nr. That is, in the second mode, the resetting unit 106 does not reset the retry period Tr. At that time, the resetting unit 106 resets the number of retries Nr to a smaller value. Specifically, the resetting unit 106 acquires the initially set retry period Tr and the reset number of retries Nr. Then, the resetting unit 106 determines whether the product of the initially set retry period Tr and the reset number of retries Nr is equal to or less than the allowable time Td. Here, it is assumed that the product is determined to be equal to or less than the allowable time Td. In this case, the resetting unit 106 stores the reset number of retries Nr in the storage unit 108 instead of the initially set number of retries Nr.

[0060] In a third aspect, the resetting unit 106 resets the retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr. At that time, the resetting unit 106 resets the retry period Tr to be shorter and resets the number of retries Nr to be smaller. Specifically, the resetting unit 106 acquires the reset retry period Tr and the reset number of retries Nr. Then, the resetting unit 106 determines whether the product of the reset retry period Tr and the reset number of retries Nr is equal to or less than the allowable time Td. Here, it is assumed that the product is determined to be equal to or less than the allowable time Td. Then, the resetting unit 106 stores the reset retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr in the storage unit 108, instead of the initially set retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr.

[0061] The error output unit 107 outputs an error to the operation panel 14. Specifically, it is assumed that the resetting unit 106 determines that the reset parameters do not satisfy the allowable time Td. Then, the error output unit 107 outputs an error indicating that the allowable time Td is no longer satisfied.

[0062] In a first mode, the error output unit 107 outputs an error based on the reset retry period Tr. Specifically, the state check unit 104 calculates the product of the reset retry period Tr and the initially set number of retries Nr. Then, it is assumed that the reset unit 106 determines that this product exceeds the allowable time Td. Then, the error output unit 107 outputs an error to that effect to the operation panel 14. In this case, the process of the error output unit 107 is an example of outputting a message to the effect that, when the time obtained by multiplying the second period by the first number of times exceeds the allowable time, the error output unit 107 outputs a message to that effect.

[0063] In the second mode, the error output unit 107 outputs an error based on the reset retry count Nr. Specifically, the state check unit 104 calculates the product of the initially set retry period Tr and the reset retry count Nr. Then, it is assumed that the reset unit 106 determines that this product exceeds the allowable time Td. Then, the error output unit 107 outputs an error to that effect to the operation panel 14. In this case, the process of the error output unit 107 is an example of outputting a message to the effect that, when the time obtained by multiplying the first period by the second number of times exceeds the allowable time, the error output unit 107 outputs a message to that effect.

[0064] In the third mode, the error output unit 107 outputs an error based on the reset retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr. Specifically, the product of the reset retry period Tr and the reset number of retries Nr is calculated by the status check unit 104. Then, it is assumed that the status check unit 104 determines that this product exceeds the allowable time Td. Then, the error output unit 107 outputs an error to that effect to the operation panel 14.

[0065] The storage unit 108 stores various parameters that are initially set by the initial setting unit 102 . Furthermore, when the state confirmation unit 104 determines that the sensor 18 has detected a change in state, the storage unit 108 stores the detected state. Furthermore, the storage unit 108 stores various parameters reset by the resetting unit 106 . Here, the various parameters include the allowable time Td, the retry period Tr, and the number of retries Nr, as described above.

[0066] ((Operation of Image Forming Apparatus)) 9A and 9B are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0067] 9A, first, paper feed determination unit 101 determines whether or not to feed paper (step 121). If paper feed determination unit 101 determines not to feed paper, it repeats the process of step 121. Assume that it is determined in step 121 that paper is to be fed. Then, the initial setting unit 102 initializes the permissible time Td (step 122). That is, the initial setting unit 102 stores the initially set permissible time Td in the storage unit 108. The initial setting unit 102 also initializes the retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr (step 123). That is, the initial setting unit 102 stores the initially set retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr in the storage unit 108. After the initial settings are made in steps 122 and 123, the transport control unit 103 starts driving the paper transport motor (step 124).

[0068] Next, the state confirmation unit 104 determines whether or not the sensor 18 has detected a change in state (step 125). If the state confirmation unit 104 determines that the sensor 18 has not detected a change in state, it repeats the processing of step 125. Assume that it is determined in step 125 that the sensor 18 has detected a change in state. Then, the state confirmation unit 104 records the state detected by the sensor 18 in the storage unit 108 (step 126). The state confirmation unit 104 also sets the number of confirmations N to 0 (step 127). Then, the state confirmation unit 104 waits for the retry period Tr to elapse (step 128). The state confirmation unit 104 also subtracts the retry period Tr from the permissible time Td (step 129). That is, the state confirmation unit 104 stores in the storage unit 108 a new permissible time Td obtained by subtracting the retry period Tr from the permissible time Td.

[0069] Thereafter, it is assumed that the retry period Tr has elapsed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9B, the state confirmation unit 104 acquires the state detected by the sensor 18 (step 141). Then, the state confirmation unit 104 determines whether this state matches the state recorded in step 126 (step 142). If the state confirmation unit 104 determines that these states match, it adds 1 to the number of confirmations N (step 143). Then, the state confirmation unit 104 determines whether the number of confirmations N is equal to or less than the number of retries Nr (step 144).

[0070] If the status confirmation unit 104 determines that the number of confirmations N is equal to or less than the number of retries Nr, it waits for the retry period Tr to elapse (step 145). Furthermore, the status confirmation unit 104 subtracts the retry period Tr from the permissible time Td (step 146). That is, the status confirmation unit 104 stores the new permissible time Td obtained by subtracting the retry period Tr from the permissible time Td in the storage unit 108. Then, the status confirmation unit 104 returns the process to step 141.

[0071] On the other hand, suppose that it is determined in step 144 that the number of confirmations N is not equal to or less than the number of retries Nr. In other words, suppose that it is determined in step 144 that the number of confirmations N exceeds the number of retries Nr. Then, the state determination unit 105 determines the state detected by the sensor 18 (step 147).

[0072] Also, suppose that it is determined in step 142 that the state acquired in step 141 does not match the state recorded in step 126. Then, the resetting unit 106 resets at least one of the retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr (step 148). In a first mode, the resetting unit 106 resets only the retry period Tr. In a second mode, the resetting unit 106 resets only the number of retries Nr. In a third mode, the resetting unit 106 resets both the retry period Tr and the number of retries Nr. Then, the resetting unit 106 determines whether "Tr × Nr ≦ Td" is satisfied (step 149).

[0073] Assume that it is determined in step 149 that "Tr×Nr≦Td" is satisfied. In this case, the resetting unit 106 returns the process to step 127 in FIG. 9A. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 149 that "Tr×Nr≦Td" is not satisfied, the error output unit 107 outputs an error to that effect to the operation panel 14 (step 150).

[0074] (Second embodiment) ((Hardware configuration of image forming device)) 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a processor 20. The image forming apparatus 2 further includes a control IC (Integrated Circuit) 21. The image forming apparatus 2 further includes a ROM 22 and a RAM 23. The image forming apparatus 2 further includes an operation panel 24 and a timer 25. The image forming apparatus 2 further includes an image forming unit 26 and a paper conveying unit 27. The image forming apparatus 2 further includes a sensor 28. The image forming apparatus 2 further includes a communication line 29.

[0075] The processor 20 connects to the control IC 21 via a communication line 29 and causes the control IC 21 to execute the same processing as in the first embodiment. Then, the processor 20 obtains the results of the processing from the control IC 21 via the communication line 29. The control IC 21 is connected to the ROM 22 and the RAM 23. The control IC 21 is also connected to the operation panel 24 and the timer 25. The control IC 21 is further connected to the image forming unit 26 and the paper conveying unit 27. The control IC 21 is also connected to the sensor 28. For example, when the control IC 21 receives an instruction from the processor 20 via the communication line 29, the control IC 21 acquires the state detected by the sensor 28. Then, the control IC 21 transmits the state detected by the sensor 28 to the processor 20 via the communication line 29. The control IC 21 is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires the result of the state monitoring by the state monitoring unit.

[0076] The ROM 22 and RAM 23 are the same as the ROM 12 and RAM 13 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The operation panel 24 and the timer 25 are the same as the operation panel 14 and the timer 15 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Image forming section 26 and paper transport section 27 are the same as image forming section 16 and paper transport section 17 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Sensor 28 is the same as sensor 18 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Sensor 28 is an example of a status monitoring unit that monitors the status of its own system during image formation processing. Sensor 28 is an example of a status monitoring unit that monitors the presence or absence of paper on the paper transport path during image formation processing.

[0077] ((Functional configuration of image forming apparatus)) The image forming apparatus 1 in the second embodiment has substantially the same functional configuration as that shown in Fig. 8. However, in the second embodiment, the conveyance control unit 103 controls the paper conveyance unit 27 via the control IC 21. Also in the second embodiment, the status confirmation unit 104 confirms the status detected by the sensor 28 via the control IC 21. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the error output unit 107 outputs an error to the operation panel 24 via the control IC 21. Note that these functional units are realized by the processor 20 reading a program from the ROM 22 into the RAM 23 and executing it. The processing of the status confirmation unit 104 in the second embodiment is an example of detecting a change in the status of the system itself based on the result of status monitoring obtained from the acquisition unit via a communication line.

[0078] ((Operation of Image Forming Apparatus)) 9A and 9B. However, in the second embodiment, in step 124, the drive of the paper feed motor is started via the control IC 21. Also in the second embodiment, in step 125, it is determined via the control IC 21 whether the sensor 28 has detected a state change. In the second embodiment, in step 141, the state detected by the sensor 28 is acquired via the control IC 21. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, in step 150, an error is output to the operation panel 24 via the control IC 21.

[0079] (Processor) In this embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operations of the processor in this embodiment may not only be performed by one processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0080] (program) The present embodiment can be applied to a program and a program product. For example, a program to which this embodiment is applied can be understood as a program for realizing in an information processing system the following functions: when a change in the state of the information processing system is detected, a first confirmation is performed in a first cycle and a first number of times to confirm that the state of the information processing system has not changed; and when a change in the state of the information processing system is detected again if the first confirmation has not been completed, a second confirmation is performed in at least one of a second cycle different from the first cycle and a second number of times different from the first number of times to confirm that the state of the information processing system has not changed. The program for realizing this embodiment can be provided not only by communication means but also by being stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0081] (Addendum) (((1))) one or more processors; the one or more processors: When a change in the state of the own system is detected, a first confirmation is performed at a first period and a first number of times to confirm that the state of the own system has not changed; If a change in the state of the own system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed, a second confirmation is performed to confirm that the state of the own system has not changed in at least one of a second period different from the first period and a second number of times different from the first number of times. Information processing system. (((2))) the one or more processors: The information processing system described in (((1)))), wherein if a change in the state of the system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed, the second confirmation, which is a confirmation that the state of the system has not changed, is performed at the second period and the first number of times. (((3))) The information processing system according to (((2))), wherein the second period is shorter than the first period. (((4))) the one or more processors: The information processing system according to (((2))) or (((3))), wherein, when the time obtained by multiplying the second cycle by the first number of times exceeds an allowable time, an output indicating this is output. (((5))) the one or more processors: The information processing system described in (((1)))) wherein, if a change in the state of the system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed, the second confirmation, which is a confirmation that the state of the system has not changed, is performed at the first period and the second number of times. (((6))) The information processing system according to (((5))), wherein the second number of times is less than the first number of times. (((7))) the one or more processors: The information processing system according to (((5))) or (((6))), wherein, when the time obtained by multiplying the first cycle by the second number of times exceeds an allowable time, an output indicating this is output. (((8))) the one or more processors: The information processing system described in (((1)))), wherein if a change in the state of the system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed, the second confirmation, which is a confirmation that the state of the system has not changed, is performed at the second period and the second number of times. (((9))) the second period is shorter than the first period; The information processing system according to (((8))), wherein the second number of times is less than the first number of times. (((10))) The information processing system according to (((8))), wherein the time obtained by multiplying the second period by the second number of times is shorter than the time obtained by multiplying the first period by the first number of times. (((11))) A status monitoring unit is further provided for monitoring the status of the system during image formation processing, the one or more processors: The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to ((10))), wherein a change in the state of the system itself is detected based on a result of the state monitoring by the state monitoring unit. (((12))) a status monitoring unit that monitors the status of the system during image formation processing; an acquisition unit that acquires a result of the state monitoring by the state monitoring unit; Further provided with the one or more processors: The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((10))), wherein a change in the status of the system is detected based on the status monitoring results obtained from the acquisition unit via a communication line. (((13))) The information processing system according to (((11))) or (((12))), wherein the status monitoring unit monitors the presence or absence of the sheet on a transport path for the sheet during the image forming process. (((14))) Information processing systems, a function of performing a first confirmation, which is a confirmation of no change in the state of the information processing system, at a first period and a first number of times when a change in the state of the information processing system is detected; a function of performing a second confirmation, which is a confirmation of no change in the state of the information processing system, at least either at a second period different from the first period or a second number of times different from the first number of times when a change in the state of the information processing system is detected again while the first confirmation has not been completed; A program to achieve this.

[0082] According to the invention (((1))), the possibility of a malfunction occurring in the confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced. According to the invention (((2))), the possibility of a malfunction occurring in the confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into consideration the confirmation cycle. According to the invention of (((3))), the possibility that it takes a long time to complete confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into consideration the confirmation cycle. According to the invention of (((4))), it is possible to notify that the time required to complete confirmation of the unchanged state of the system, obtained by taking into consideration the confirmation period, exceeds the allowable time. According to the invention (((5))), the possibility of a malfunction occurring in the confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into account the number of confirmations. According to the invention of (((6))), the possibility that it takes a long time to complete confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into account the number of confirmations. According to the invention of (((7))), it is possible to notify that the time required to complete confirmation of the unchanged state of the system, obtained by taking into account the number of confirmations, exceeds the allowable time. According to the invention (((8))), the possibility of a malfunction occurring in the confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into consideration the cycle and number of confirmations. According to the invention of (((9))), the possibility that it takes a long time to complete confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced by taking into consideration the cycle and number of confirmations. According to the invention (((10))), it is possible to notify that the time required to complete confirmation of the unchanged state of the system, obtained by taking into account the confirmation period and number of times, exceeds the allowable time. According to the invention (((11))), when a change in the system state is detected based on the results of state monitoring by the state monitoring unit, the possibility of a malfunction occurring in confirming that the system state has not changed can be reduced. According to the invention (((12))), when a change in the state of the system is detected based on the results of state monitoring obtained via a communication line from an acquisition unit that acquires the results of state monitoring by the state monitoring unit, it is possible to reduce the possibility of problems occurring in confirming that the state of the system has not changed. According to the invention (((13))), when a change in the system state is detected based on the results of monitoring the presence or absence of paper on the paper transport path during image formation processing, the possibility of problems occurring in confirming that the system state has not changed can be reduced. According to the invention of (((14))), the possibility of a malfunction occurring in the confirmation of the unchanged state of the system can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1, 2... image forming apparatus, 10, 20... processor, 21... control IC, 18, 28... sensor, 101... paper feed determination unit, 102... initial setting unit, 103... conveyance control unit, 104... status confirmation unit, 105... status determination unit, 106... resetting unit, 107... error output unit, 108... storage unit

Claims

1. one or more processors; the one or more processors: When a change in the state of the own system is detected, a first confirmation is performed for a first period and a first number of times to confirm that the state of the own system has not changed; If a change in the state of the own system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed, a second confirmation is performed to confirm that the state of the own system has not changed in at least one of a second period different from the first period and a second number of times different from the first number of times. Information processing system.

2. the one or more processors: The information processing system of claim 1, wherein if a change in the state of the system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed, the second confirmation, which is a confirmation that the state of the system has not changed, is performed at the second period and the first number of times.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2 , wherein the second period is shorter than the first period.

4. the one or more processors: The information processing system according to claim 2 , wherein when the time obtained by multiplying the second period by the first number of times exceeds an allowable time, an output indicating this is output.

5. the one or more processors: The information processing system of claim 1, wherein if a change in the state of the system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed, the second confirmation, which is a confirmation that the state of the system has not changed, is performed at the first period and the second number of times.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein the second number of times is less than the first number of times.

7. the one or more processors:

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein when the time obtained by multiplying the first period by the second number of times exceeds an allowable time, an output indicating this is output.

8. the one or more processors: The information processing system of claim 1, wherein if a change in the state of the system is detected again when the first confirmation has not been completed, the second confirmation, which is a confirmation that the state of the system has not changed, is performed at the second period and the second number of times.

9. the second period is shorter than the first period; The information processing system according to claim 8 , wherein the second number of times is less than the first number of times.

10. The information processing system according to claim 8 , wherein a time obtained by multiplying the second period by the second number of times is shorter than a time obtained by multiplying the first period by the first number of times.

11. A status monitoring unit is further provided for monitoring the status of the system during image formation processing, the one or more processors: The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein a change in the state of the system itself is detected based on a result of the state monitoring by the state monitoring unit.

12. a status monitoring unit that monitors the status of the system during image formation processing; an acquisition unit that acquires a result of the state monitoring by the state monitoring unit; Further provided with the one or more processors: The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein a change in the state of the system itself is detected based on the result of the state monitoring obtained from the acquisition unit via a communication line.

13. 13. The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the state monitoring unit monitors whether or not the sheet is present on a transport path for the sheet during the image forming process.

14. Information processing systems, a function of performing a first confirmation, which is a confirmation of no change in the state of the information processing system, at a first period and a first number of times when a change in the state of the information processing system is detected; a function of performing a second confirmation, which is a confirmation of no change in the state of the information processing system, at least either at a second period different from the first period or a second number of times different from the first number of times when a change in the state of the information processing system is detected again while the first confirmation has not been completed; A program to achieve this.

Images