Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing system that can store medium-accuracy second operation information of a device in another storage unit outside the device even if the information stored in a volatile storage unit is erased after restarting the device. [Solution] The information processing system includes a first processor, volatile memory, and nonvolatile memory provided on the device side. The first processor acquires first operation information corresponding to the device's operating state, second operation information with medium accuracy that is more accurate than the first operation information, and third operation information with high accuracy that is more accurate than the second operation information. The second operation information is acquired between the start of an energy-saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third operation information. Furthermore, the first processor stores the first operation information in the nonvolatile memory, stores the third operation information in the volatile memory, and stores the second operation information in the volatile memory, while also performing processing to transmit the second operation information to another storage unit external to the device along with an instruction to store the second operation information in the other storage unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a network device that communicates with a system that analyzes training data collected from the network device. The network device includes a management unit, an acquisition unit, a first identification unit, a second identification unit, and a transmission unit. The management unit manages, in a database, multiple different logics used to calculate multiple past timings to identify data to be sent to the system from data detected by the network device. The acquisition unit acquires condition data from the system, including event information identifying an event that occurred in the network device and logic information identifying the logic. When an event is detected in the network device, the first identification unit identifies a logic from the database based on logic information in the condition data including event information corresponding to the event. The second identification unit identifies data to be sent to the system from the data detected by the network device according to the identified logic. The transmission unit transmits the identified data to the system as the training data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6298302 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an information processing system that can store medium-accuracy second operation information of the device in another memory unit outside the device, even if the information stored in the volatile memory unit is erased after the device is restarted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing system according to a first aspect includes a first processor provided on the side of an apparatus, a volatile memory unit provided on the side of the apparatus, and a non-volatile memory unit provided on the side of the apparatus, and the first processor acquires first operation information corresponding to the operating state of the apparatus, second operation information of medium accuracy that is more accurate than the first operation information, and third operation information of high accuracy that is more accurate than the second operation information, and acquires the second operation information between the start of an energy saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third operation information, and stores the acquired first operation information in the non-volatile memory unit, stores the acquired third operation information in the volatile memory unit, and stores the acquired second operation information in the volatile memory unit, and performs a process of transmitting the second operation information to another memory unit outside the apparatus together with an instruction to store it in the other memory unit.

[0006] The information processing system described in the second aspect is the information processing system described in the first aspect, and further includes a second processor connected to the other storage unit, and the second processor stores the second operation information transmitted from the device in the other storage unit.

[0007] An information processing system according to a third aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein the other storage unit is provided on the side of another device connected to the device via a sub-network.

[0008] An information processing system according to a fourth aspect is the information processing system according to the third aspect, wherein the first processor transmits second operation information to a plurality of other devices connected to the device via the sub-network.

[0009] An information processing system described in a fifth aspect is the information processing system described in the first aspect, wherein, when a failure occurs in the device, if the first processor is able to send information to a management processing unit that is connected via a network and manages the device, it sends the first operation information stored in the non-volatile memory unit, and the second operation information and the third operation information stored in the volatile memory unit to the management processing unit.

[0010] An information processing system according to a sixth aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein when a failure occurs in the device, the first processor, if unable to send information to a management processing unit connected via a network and managing the device, sends the first operation information stored in the non-volatile memory unit to the management processing unit after the device is restarted, and obtains management information corresponding to the device from the management processing unit and requests the second processor to send the second operation information stored in the other memory unit, attached with the management information, to the management processing unit.

[0011] The information processing system described in the seventh aspect is the information processing system described in the sixth aspect, wherein, if the first processor is unable to send information from the requested other storage unit to the management processing unit, it requests another of the other storage units to send the second operation information to the management processing unit.

[0012] An information processing system described in an eighth aspect is an information processing system described in the sixth or seventh aspect, in which the second processor, in response to the transmission request, transmits the second operation information stored in the other memory unit to the management processing unit, along with the management information.

[0013] An information processing system described in a ninth aspect is the information processing system described in the eighth aspect, wherein the management processing unit is provided with a third processor, and the third processor performs fault analysis of the device using the first operation information transmitted from the device and the second operation information transmitted from the second processor.

[0014] An information processing system according to a tenth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the device is a printing device that includes a communication unit that transmits and receives image information and prints an image on a medium.

[0015] The information processing program described in an eleventh aspect acquires first operation information corresponding to the operating state of the device, second operation information with medium accuracy that is more accurate than the first operation information, and third operation information with high accuracy that is more accurate than the second operation information, and acquires the second operation information between the start of an energy saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third operation information, and causes a computer to execute a process of storing the acquired first operation information in a non-volatile memory unit, storing the acquired third operation information in a volatile memory unit, and storing the acquired second operation information in the volatile memory unit, and transmitting the second operation information to another memory unit outside the device together with an instruction to store the second operation information in the other memory unit.

[0016] An information processing method described in a twelfth aspect includes a computer acquiring first operation information corresponding to the operating state of a device, second operation information with medium accuracy that is more accurate than the first operation information, and third operation information with high accuracy that is more accurate than the second operation information, and acquiring the second operation information between the start of an energy saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third operation information, storing the acquired first operation information in a non-volatile memory unit, storing the acquired third operation information in a volatile memory unit, and storing the acquired second operation information in the volatile memory unit, while also transmitting the second operation information to another memory unit external to the device along with an instruction to store the second operation information in the other memory unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the information processing system described in the first aspect, even if the information stored in the volatile memory unit is erased after the device is restarted, the medium-accuracy second operation information of the device can be stored in another memory unit outside the device.

[0018] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, the second operation information is stored in another storage unit.

[0019] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, the second operation information can be transmitted to another storage unit via a sub-network, compared to when the second operation information is stored in an external storage device connected to the device.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, it is easier to store the second operation information in the other storage units of the multiple other devices than when there is only one other device.

[0021] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the management processing unit can analyze a failure in an apparatus based on the first operation information, the second operation information, and the third operation information.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to suppress an increase in costs compared to a case where the second operation information is stored in a nonvolatile storage unit on the device side.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, when the requested other storage unit is unable to transmit information, the second operation information can be transmitted to the management processing unit from another other storage unit.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, the second operation information stored in the other storage unit can be transmitted to the management processing unit.

[0025] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, the management processing unit can more easily analyze a failure in the device compared to when the second operation information is not transmitted.

[0026] According to the information processing system described in the 10th aspect, even if the information stored in the volatile memory unit is erased after restarting the printing device, the medium-precision second operation information of the printing device can be stored in another memory unit outside the printing device.

[0027] According to the information processing program described in the eleventh aspect, even if the information stored in the volatile memory unit is erased after the device is restarted, the medium-accuracy second operating information of the device can be stored in another memory unit outside the device.

[0028] According to the information processing method described in the 12th aspect, even if the information stored in the volatile memory unit is erased after the device is restarted, the medium-accuracy second operation information of the device can be stored in another memory unit outside the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a first printing device in the information processing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a second printing apparatus in the information processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a first printing apparatus in the information processing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a second printing apparatus in the information processing system. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server in the information processing system. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing a first example of information transmission between a first printing device and a second printing device in the information processing system. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a timing diagram showing a second example of information transmission between a first printing device, a second printing device, and a server in the information processing system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a timing diagram showing a third example of information transmission between a first printing device, a second printing device, and a server in the information processing system. [Figure 11]10 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing handled by a first printing device of the information processing system. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing handled by a second printing apparatus in the information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components and parts in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals. The dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0031] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0032] <Overall configuration of image processing system> 1, the information processing system 1 includes a first printing device 10, a plurality of second printing devices 30, and a server 50. The first printing device 10 is an example of a device, and the second printing device 30 is an example of another device. As an example, the first printing device 10 and the plurality of second printing devices 30 are installed in different locations.

[0033] The information processing system 1 is a system in which a first printing device 10, a plurality of second printing devices 30, and a server 50 are connected via a network 60. The network 60 may be the Internet or a wired or wireless network, but as an example, the network 60 is a wireless network.

[0034] The first printing device 10 and the multiple second printing devices 30 are connected via a sub-network 70. The server 50 is not connected to the sub-network 70. As an example, the sub-network 70 is a wireless sub-network.

[0035] The first printing device 10 has the function of printing images on a medium such as paper. The first printing device 10 also transmits and receives information to and from multiple second printing devices 30 and a server 50 via a network 60. The first printing device 10 also transmits and receives information to and from multiple second printing devices 30 via a sub-network 70. The information includes, for example, image information and part of the operating information of the first printing device 10. The content of the information will be explained later.

[0036] The second printing device 30 has the function of printing images on a medium such as paper. The second printing device 30 also transmits and receives information to and from the first printing device 10, other second printing devices 30, and the server 50 via a network 60. The second printing device 30 also transmits and receives information to and from the first printing device 10 and other second printing devices 30 via a sub-network 70. The content of the information will be explained later.

[0037] The server 50 is an example of a management processing unit. As an example, the server 50 provides a management service that manages printing devices using the network 60. In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which the server 50 manages the first printing device 10.

[0038] <Hardware configuration of the first printing device> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first printing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the first printing device 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and a communication interface 14. The first printing device 10 also has a volatile memory 15 and a non-volatile memory 16. The first printing device 10 also has a printing unit 21, a scanner 22, and an operation panel 23. These components are connected to each other via a bus 19 so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the hardware configuration of the first printing device 10 shown is related to the present disclosure, and other components may also be included.

[0040] The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. The CPU 11 is an example of a first processor provided on the side of the first printing device 10. That is, the CPU 11 reads a program from the ROM 12 and executes the program using the RAM 13 as a work area. The CPU 11 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 12. In this embodiment, a print setting addition program is stored in the ROM 12.

[0041] The ROM 12 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 13 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. For example, the ROM 12 stores a printer driver program. The CPU 11 functions as a printer driver by reading the printer driver program from the ROM 12 and executing the program. Although not shown, the first printing device 10 may also include storage. The storage is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). For example, instead of the ROM 12, various programs including an operating system and various data may be stored in the storage.

[0042] The communication interface 14 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as the server 50 and the second printing device 30. For example, standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used for the communication interface 14. The communication interface 14 transmits and receives, for example, image information and log information (described later). The communication interface 14 is an example of a communication unit. The log information transmitted by the communication interface 14 will be described later.

[0043] The volatile memory 15 is an example of a volatile storage unit provided on the side of the first printing device 10. Here, volatile memory is a classification of semiconductor memory used to store data, and uses a memory element that loses its stored contents when external power supply is interrupted. An example of a volatile memory is DRAM, which is often used in the main memory (primary storage device) of a computer. The log information stored in the volatile memory 15 will be explained later.

[0044] The non-volatile memory 16 is an example of a non-volatile storage unit provided on the side of the first printing device 10. Here, non-volatile memory is a classification of semiconductor memory used to store data, and uses a storage element that can maintain stored contents even without external power supply. Examples of non-volatile memory include flash memory, which is also used in computer storage (external storage device). The log information stored in the non-volatile memory 16 will be explained later.

[0045] The printing unit 21 prints image data on a medium such as paper based on a print job. As an example, the printing unit 21 prints the image data on the medium using an electrophotographic method. Note that the printing unit 21 may print the image data on the medium using an inkjet method instead of an electrophotographic method.

[0046] The scanner 22 optically reads an original document and acquires image data. For example, the image data acquired by the scanner 22 may be printed on a medium by the printing unit 21.

[0047] Operation panel 23 has input unit 23A and display unit 23B. Input unit 23A is used to input various types of information such as print instructions. Display unit 23B is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various types of information. A touch panel system is employed for display unit 23B, and a part of display unit 23B functions as input unit 23A.

[0048] In the first printing device 10, only the power-saving power supply unit 24, which is surrounded by a two-dot chain line, is energized during the power-saving mode. The power-saving mode is an example of an energy-saving mode. The power-saving power supply unit 24 includes, for example, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the communication interface 14, and the volatile memory 15.

[0049] <Hardware configuration of the second printing device> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the second printing apparatus 30. As shown in FIG.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 3, the second printing device 30 has a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a communication interface 34, and a memory 35. The second printing device 30 also has a printing unit 41, a scanner 42, and an operation panel 43. The operation panel 43 has an input unit 23A and a display unit 23B. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 39 so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the hardware configuration of the second printing device 30 shown is related to the present disclosure, and other components may also be included.

[0051] The basic functions of each part of the second printing apparatus 30 are the same as the basic functions of each part of the first printing apparatus 10. Here, the configuration and function of each part of the second printing apparatus 30 that differs from the first printing apparatus 10 will be described.

[0052] The memory 35 is an example of another storage unit external to the first printing device 10. The memory 35 is provided on the side of the second printing device 30, which is connected to the first printing device 10 via the sub-network 70. The memory 35 may be either a non-volatile memory or a volatile memory. As an example, the memory 35 is a volatile memory. In the first embodiment, the memory 35 is provided in the second printing device 30, but instead of this configuration, the memory 35 may be an external storage device connected to the second printing device 30.

[0053] The CPU 31 is an example of a second processor connected to another storage unit. The CPU 31 writes (i.e., stores) second log information (described later) transmitted from the first printing device 10 in the memory 35.

[0054] <Server hardware configuration> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 50. As shown in FIG.

[0055] 4, the server 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a storage 54, and a communication interface 55. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 59 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the hardware configuration of the server 50 shown is related to the present disclosure, and the server 50 may include other components.

[0056] The CPU 51 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. The CPU 51 is an example of a third processor. That is, the CPU 51 reads a program from the ROM 52 or the storage 54 and executes the program using the RAM 53 as a work area. The CPU 51 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the program recorded in the ROM 52 or the storage 54. In the first embodiment, a management program is stored in the ROM 52 or the storage 54.

[0057] The ROM 52 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 53 serves as a working area and temporarily stores programs or data. The storage 54 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including the operating system and various data.

[0058] The communication interface 55 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as the first printing device 10 and the plurality of second printing devices 30, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example.

[0059] <Functional configuration of the first printing device> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the first printing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG.

[0060] 5, the first printing device 10 has, as its functional components, a log information acquisition unit 101, a nonvolatile memory storage processing unit 102, a volatile memory storage processing unit 103, a transmission processing unit 104, a job execution unit 105, a transmission feasibility status acquisition unit 106, and a mode transition unit 107. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 11 reading out an information processing program stored in the ROM 12, expanding it in the RAM 13, and executing it.

[0061] The log information acquisition unit 101 acquires first log information, second log information, and third log information corresponding to the operating status of the first printing device 10. Here, log information refers to information recorded about the operating status of a computer. The log information is, for example, information that chronologically records startup, shutdown, data transmission and reception, errors and failures, job processing, and external communication history. The first log information is an example of first operating information. The second log information is an example of second operating information and is medium-accuracy log information with higher accuracy than the first log information. The third log information is an example of third operating information and is high-accuracy log information with higher accuracy than the second log information. That is, in the first embodiment, log information is divided into three categories: low-accuracy, medium-accuracy, and high-accuracy, and is acquired as low-accuracy first log information, medium-accuracy second log information, and high-accuracy third log information. The second log information is information acquired between the start of power-saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third log information.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a timing diagram showing an example of information transmission between the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 30. FIG. 8 shows an example in which log information is acquired by the first printing device 10 and a portion of the log information is transmitted from the first printing device 10 to the second printing device 30. As shown in FIG. 8, the log information acquisition unit 101 acquires first log information 121, second log information 122, and third log information 123 corresponding to the operating status of the first printing device 10. For example, the log levels are divided into 1 to 3 in order of low accuracy. The first log information 121 is, for example, log information with log level 1, which has low accuracy. The second log information 122 is, for example, log information with log level 2, which has medium accuracy. The third log information 123 is, for example, log information with log level 3, which has high accuracy.

[0063] 8, when jobs 131 and 132, such as print jobs, are started, first log information 121 and third log information 123 corresponding to the processing status of jobs 131 and 132 are acquired. The first log information 121 is information acquired every time there is a change in the system level status, such as when jobs 131 and 132 are being executed. The third log information 123 is information acquired every time there is a change in the hardware level, for example, when a trigger 135 that predicts an error occurrence is detected.

[0064] When the normal mode is transitioned to the power saving mode by the mode transition 134, the second log information 122 is acquired. The second log information 122 is acquired, for example, between the start of the power saving mode and the occurrence of a trigger 135 that starts the acquisition of the third log information 123. The trigger 135 is an example of a trigger. Examples of the trigger 135 include when communication slows down or when the voltage drops. The second log information 122 is information acquired, for example, every time the software level changes. When the trigger 135 occurs, the third log information 123A is acquired. For example, the third log information 123A is detailed log information when an error 136 is detected.

[0065] The nonvolatile memory storage processor 102 shown in FIG. 5 performs a process of storing information in the nonvolatile memory 16 (i.e., a process of writing information). The nonvolatile memory storage processor 102 stores first log information in the nonvolatile memory 16. The first log information has lower accuracy than the second log information and the third log information, and therefore has a smaller size (capacity) than the second log information and the third log information. For example, the first log information 121 shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16.

[0066] The volatile memory storage processor 103 performs a process of storing information in the volatile memory 15 (i.e., a process of writing information). The volatile memory storage processor 103 stores second log information and third log information in the volatile memory 15. The second log information and third log information are more accurate than the first log information, and therefore have a larger size (capacity) than the second log information. For example, the second log information 122 and the third log information 123 (including the third log information 123A) shown in FIG. 8 are stored in the volatile memory 15. The second log information 122 and the third log information 123 are large in size, and in order to retain the log information even in the power-saving mode, they are stored in the volatile memory 15 that is powered on during the power-saving mode (i.e., included in the power-saving power supply unit 24).

[0067] The transmission processing unit 104 performs a process of transmitting information. The transmission processing unit 104 performs a process of transmitting the second log information to the third printing device 30 together with an instruction to store the second log information in the third printing device 30. The transmission processing unit 104 transmits the second log information together with an instruction to store the second log information to a plurality of second printing devices 30 connected to the first printing device 10 via the subnetwork 70. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the second log information 122 is transmitted to the second printing device 30 together with an instruction to store the second log information 122.

[0068] The job execution unit 105 executes jobs such as print jobs, etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, in the normal mode, instructed jobs 131, 132, etc. are executed.

[0069] The transmission availability status acquisition unit 106 acquires the transmission availability status indicating whether information can be transmitted to the server 50 via the network 60 through the communication interface 14 (see FIG. 2). As an example, when a failure occurs in the first printing device 10, the transmission availability status acquisition unit 106 acquires the transmission availability status indicating whether information can be transmitted to the server 50. As shown in FIG. 8, when an error 136 occurs during operation of the first printing device 10, the transmission availability status acquisition unit 106 acquires the transmission availability status indicating whether information can be transmitted to the server 50. The error 136 is an example of a failure occurrence.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a timing diagram illustrating an example in which the first printing apparatus 10 is able to transmit information to the server 50 after an error occurs. As shown in FIG. 9 , if the transmission availability status acquired by the transmission availability status acquisition unit 106 indicates that information transmission to the server 50 is possible, the transmission processing unit 104 performs log transmission 137. For example, the transmission processing unit 104 performs log transmission 137, which transmits all of the first log information 121, second log information 122, and third log information 123 to the server 50 upon completing acquisition of the third log information 123. Specifically, the transmission processing unit 104 retrieves the first log information 121 stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 and transmits it to the server 50. The transmission processing unit 104 also retrieves the second log information 122 and third log information 123 stored in the volatile memory 15 and transmits them to the server 50. After performing log transmission 137, the transmission processing unit 104 acquires a management number 140 from the server 50. The management number 140 will be described later.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a timing diagram illustrating an example in which the first printing device 10 is unable to transmit information to the server 50 after an error occurs. As shown in FIG. 10 , if information transmission to the server 50 is not possible due to the transmission availability status acquired by the transmission availability status acquisition unit 106, the first printing device 10 is restarted 150, for example, manually or automatically by the CPU 11. Restarting 150 of the first printing device 10 restores the state in which information transmission to the server 50 is possible. When restarting 150 of the first printing device 10 is performed, the second log information 122 and the third log information 123 stored in the volatile memory 15 are erased, but the first log information 121 stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 is not erased. After restarting 150 of the first printing device 10, the transmission processing unit 104 performs log transmission 152, which transmits the first log information 121 stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 to the server 50. Specifically, the transmission processing unit 104 retrieves the first log information 121 stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 and transmits it to the server 50. After performing the log transmission 152, the transmission processing unit 104 acquires a management number 160 from the server 50. The management number 160 will be described later.

[0072] 10, the transmission processing unit 104 makes a log transmission request 162 to the second printing device 30 to transmit the second log information 122 stored in the second printing device 30 to the server 50. The log transmission request 162 is an example of a transmission request. A management number 160 is assigned to the log transmission request 162 to the second printing device 30. Although not shown in the figure, in addition to the management number 160, the request may include one or more management information such as the IP address of the first printing device 10, the time when the failure occurred, and the priority of the second printing device 30 that transmits the log.

[0073] If the second printing device 30 that has made the log transmission request 162 is unable to transmit information to the server 50, the transmission processing unit 104 may make a log transmission request 162 to another second printing device 30 to transmit the second log information 122 to the server 50. In this case, the transmission processing unit 104 assigns a management number 160 to the other second printing device 30 and makes a log transmission request 162 to transmit the second log information 122 stored in that second printing device 30 to the server 50.

[0074] The mode transition unit 107 transitions modes under predetermined conditions. For example, the mode transition unit 107 transitions from normal mode to power-saving mode, and from power-saving mode to normal mode. The normal mode is a mode in which the printing unit 21, scanner 22, or operation panel 23 of the first printing device 10 are powered on to execute the respective jobs. The power-saving mode is a mode in which power is saved when the printing unit 21, scanner 22, operation panel 23, etc. are not operated for a predetermined time. In the power-saving mode, for example, only the power-saving power supply unit 24, which includes the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, communication interface 14, and volatile memory 15, is powered on (see FIG. 2).

[0075] <Functional configuration of the second printing device> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the second printing apparatus 30. As shown in FIG.

[0076] 6, the second printing device 30 has, as its functional components, a log information acquisition unit 201, a storage processing unit 202, and a log information transmission processing unit 203. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 31 reading out an information processing program stored in the ROM 32, expanding it in the RAM 33, and executing it.

[0077] The log information acquisition unit 201 acquires the second log information transmitted from the first printing device 10. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the log information acquisition unit 201 acquires the second log information 122 of the first printing device 10 together with an instruction to store the second log information 122 transmitted from the first printing device 10.

[0078] The storage processing unit 202 performs processing to store information in the memory 35. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the storage processing unit 202 stores the second log information 122 of the first printing device 10 in the memory 35 based on an instruction from the first printing device 10 to store the second log information 122.

[0079] The log information transmission processor 203 performs a process of transmitting log information to the server 50. For example, as shown in Fig. 10 , the log information transmission processor 203 performs a process of transmitting second log information 122 of the first printing device 10 to the server 50 in response to a log transmission request 162 from the first printing device 10. For example, the log information transmission processor 203 performs log transmission 170, which assigns a management number 160 to the second log information 122 of the first printing device 10 stored in memory 35 and transmits it to the server 50.

[0080] 10 , for example, after completing log transmission 170, which transmits second log information 122 of the first printing device 10 to the server 50, the log information transmission processor 203 sends a log transmission notification 172 to the first printing device 10. The log information transmission processor 203 may also send a log transmission notification 172 to another second printing device 30.

[0081] For example, the first printing device 10 may issue a log transmission request 162 to multiple second printing devices 30, prioritizing the requests. The second printing device 30 that receives the log transmission request 162 assigns a management number 160 to the second log information 122 stored in its memory 35 and transmits the information to the server 50 in accordance with the priority order. If the transmission is successful, the second printing device 30 transmits a log transmission notification 172 to the first printing device 10 and the other second printing device 30. If a second printing device 30 with a lower priority receives the log transmission notification 172 from a second printing device 30 with a higher priority, it discards or deletes the packet containing the log transmission request 162. If the log transmission notification 172 is not received after a predetermined time has elapsed, the second printing device 30 with the next highest priority assigns a management number 160 to the second log information 122 stored in its memory 35 and transmits the information to the server 50.

[0082] <Server functional configuration> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 50.

[0083] 7, the server 50 has, as functional components, a log information acquisition unit 301, an information transmission unit 302, and a fault analysis unit 303. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 51 reading out an information processing program stored in the ROM 52, expanding the program in the RAM 53, and executing the program.

[0084] The log information acquisition unit 301 acquires log information transmitted from the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 30. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the log information acquisition unit 301 acquires first log information 121, second log information 122, and third log information 123 through log transmission 137 from the first printing device 10.

[0085] 10 , for example, the log information acquisition unit 301 acquires the first log information 121 through log transmission 152 from the first printing device 10. In this case, the log information acquisition unit 301 acquires the second log information 122 of the first printing device 10, to which the management number 160 has been assigned, through log transmission 170 from the second printing device 30.

[0086] The information sending unit 302 performs processing to send information to the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 30. Examples of the information include management information of the first printing device 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when first log information 121, second log information 122, and third log information 123 are acquired from the first printing device 10, the information sending unit 302 sends a management number 140 to the first printing device 10. The management number 140 is an example of management information. The management number 140 is management information corresponding to the first printing device 10.

[0087] 10 , when first log information 121 is acquired from the first printing device 10, the information sending unit 302 sends a management number 160 to the first printing device 10. The management number 160 is an example of management information. The management number 160 is management information corresponding to the first printing device 10.

[0088] The fault analysis unit 303 analyzes the fault in the first printing device 10. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, when first log information 121, second log information 122, and third log information 123 are acquired from the first printing device 10, the fault analysis unit 303 analyzes the fault in the first printing device 10. Specifically, the fault analysis unit 303 analyzes the fault in the first printing device 10 based on the first log information 121, second log information 122, and third log information 123.

[0089] 10, for example, when first log information 121 is acquired from the first printing device 10 and second log information 122 assigned with a management number 160 is acquired from the second printing device 30, the fault analysis unit 303 analyzes the fault in the first printing device 10. For example, the fault in the first printing device 10 is analyzed as follows.

[0090] Storage 54 stores multiple product models that serve as learning models, including low-accuracy, medium-accuracy, and high-accuracy log information acquired during product development or in-market failure investigations. The failure analysis unit 303 searches for similar models from the learning models based on first log information 121 of log level 1 and second log information 122 of log level 2. From the searched similar models, third log information of log level 3 is acquired. For example, if only first log information 121 is transmitted, there is a possibility that second log information 122 was transmitted with a delay, so the unit waits a predetermined time before searching for similar models.

[0091] The fault analysis unit 303 supplements the first log information 121 and the second log information 122 with the retrieved third log information, creates a model of the device where the fault occurred, and performs fault analysis. The results of the fault analysis may be notified to the first printing device 10, for example.

[0092] <Operation of information processing system> Next, the operation of the information processing system will be described.

[0093] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing performed by the first printing apparatus 10 of the information processing system 1. The CPU 11 reads out an information processing program from the ROM 12, loads it into the RAM 13, and executes it to perform information processing.

[0094] 11, in the normal mode, the CPU 11 acquires first log information with low accuracy and third log information with high accuracy (step S401). For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the normal mode, the CPU 11 acquires first log information 121 and third log information 122 according to jobs 131 and 132.

[0095] The CPU 11 writes the low-accuracy first log information to the nonvolatile memory 16, and writes the high-accuracy third log information to the volatile memory 15 (step S402). For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the CPU 11 writes the first log information 121 to the nonvolatile memory 16, and writes the third log information 122 to the volatile memory 15.

[0096] The CPU 11 determines whether or not the normal mode has been switched to the power saving mode (step S403).

[0097] When the normal mode is switched to the power saving mode (step S403: YES), the CPU 11 acquires second log information of medium accuracy (step S404). For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the CPU 11 acquires second log information 122 in the power saving mode.

[0098] If the normal mode has not been switched to the power saving mode (step S403: NO), the CPU 11 returns to the process of step S401.

[0099] The CPU 11 writes the medium-accuracy second log information to the volatile memory 15 and transmits the second log information to the plurality of second printing devices 30 (step S405). For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the CPU 11 writes the second log information 122 to the volatile memory 15 and transmits the second log information 122 to the plurality of second printing devices 30 via the sub-network 70 (see Figure 1).

[0100] The CPU 11 determines whether a trigger for acquiring the third log information has occurred (step S406). For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the CPU 11 determines whether a trigger 135 has occurred. The trigger 135 is stored in advance in the ROM 32 as a case in which an error is predicted to occur.

[0101] If a trigger occurs (step S406: YES), the CPU 11 acquires high-accuracy third log information (step S407). For example, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the CPU 11 acquires third log information 123A.

[0102] If no trigger occurs (step S406: NO), the CPU 11 returns to the process of step S404.

[0103] The CPU 11 writes the high-accuracy third log information into the volatile memory 15 (step S408). For example, the CPU 11 writes the third log information 123A into the volatile memory 15, as shown in FIGS.

[0104] The CPU 11 determines whether an error has occurred (step S409). For example, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the CPU 11 determines whether an error 136 has occurred.

[0105] If an error occurs (step S409: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not information communication with the server 50 is possible (step S410).

[0106] If no error occurs (step S409: NO), the CPU 11 returns to the process of step S407.

[0107] If information communication with the server 50 is possible (step S410: YES), the CPU 11 transmits the first log information, the second log information, and the third log information to the server 50 (step S411). For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the CPU 11 transmits all of the first log information 121, the second log information 122, and the third log information 123 (including the third log information 123A) to the server 50 via the network 60 (see Fig. 1).

[0108] If information communication with the server 50 is not possible (step S410: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the first printing apparatus 10 has been restarted (step S412).

[0109] After the process of step S411, the CPU 11 acquires the control number from the server 50 (step S413). For example, as shown in FIG.

[0110] If the first printing device 10 is restarted (step S412: YES), the CPU 11 transmits the first log information to the server 50 (step S414). When the first printing device 10 is restarted, the second log information and the third log information stored in the volatile memory 15 are erased, but the first log information stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 is not erased. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the CPU 11 transmits the first log information 121 stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 to the server 50 via the network 60.

[0111] If the first printing apparatus 10 is not restarted (step S412: NO), the CPU 11 waits until the first printing apparatus 10 is restarted.

[0112] After the process of step S414, the CPU 11 acquires the control number from the server 50 (step S415). For example, as shown in FIG.

[0113] The CPU 11 assigns a control number to the second printing device 30 and requests the second log information to be transmitted (step S416). For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the CPU 11 assigns a control number 160 to the second printing device 30 via the sub-network 70 (see Fig. 1) and transmits a log transmission request 162 for the second log information 122. This ends the processing based on the information processing program.

[0114] 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing performed by the second printing apparatus 30 of the information processing system 1. The CPU 31 reads out an information processing program from the ROM 32, loads it into the RAM 33, and executes it to perform information processing.

[0115] 12, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a request to send second log information from the first printing device 10 (step S501). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a log sending request 162 for the second log information 122 with the management number 160 from the first printing device 10.

[0116] When there is a transmission request for the second log information from the first printing apparatus 10 (step S501: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether the transmission request has the highest priority (step S502).

[0117] If there is no request to send the second log information from the first printing apparatus 10 (step S501: NO), the CPU 31 waits until there is a request to send the second log information from the first printing apparatus 10.

[0118] If the transmission request has the highest priority (step S502: YES), CPU 31 assigns the acquired control number to the second log information and transmits it to server 50 (step S503). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, CPU 31 acquires second log information 122 stored in memory 35 from first printing device 10, assigns control number 160 to it, and transmits it to server 50 (see log transmission 170).

[0119] If the transmission request does not have the highest priority (step S502: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a log transmission notification from the second printing apparatus 30 with a higher priority (step S504).

[0120] After the process of step S503 is completed, the CPU 31 transmits a log transmission notification to the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 30 (step S505). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 31 transmits a log transmission notification 172 to the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 30.

[0121] If there is a log transmission notification from the second printing apparatus 30 with a higher priority (step S504: YES), the CPU 31 deletes the second log transmission request from the first printing apparatus 10 (step S506).

[0122] If there is no log transmission notification from the second printing apparatus 30 with higher priority (step S504: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S507).

[0123] If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S507: NO), the CPU 31 returns to the process of step S504.

[0124] If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S507: YES), CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S503. That is, CPU 31 transmits the second log information to server 50 with the acquired management number attached. Thereafter, CPU 31 performs the process of step S505. This ends the process based on the information processing program.

[0125] For example, in a typical information processing system, when a device fails, depending on the failure, it may not be possible to send the log information to the server via the network unless the device is restarted. In order to send the log information after the device is restarted, the log information must be stored in nonvolatile memory. However, constantly storing detailed log information in nonvolatile memory requires a huge amount of nonvolatile memory.

[0126] For this reason, in the information processing system of the comparative example, in order to enable detailed log information of the device to be collected, the detailed log information is stored in a large-sized volatile memory, and the detailed log information is acquired only when a specific trigger occurs. However, when the device is restarted, the log information stored in the volatile memory is erased, which poses a problem in that the detailed log information cannot be sent to the server.

[0127] In the information processing system 1 described above, the CPU 11 of the first printing device 10 stores low-accuracy first log information in the non-volatile memory 16 and high-accuracy third log information in the volatile memory 15. The CPU 11 also acquires medium-accuracy second log information from the start of power-saving mode. The CPU 11 then stores the medium-accuracy second log information in the volatile memory 15 and transmits the second log information to the memory 35 external to the first printing device 10 along with an instruction to store the second log information in the memory 35 external to the first printing device 10. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, even if the information stored in the volatile memory 15 is lost after the first printing device 10 is restarted, the medium-accuracy second log information of the first printing device 10 can be stored in the memory 35 external to the first printing device 10.

[0128] The information processing system 1 also includes a CPU 31 connected to a memory 35. The CPU 31 stores the second log information transmitted from the first printing device 10 in the memory 35. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, the second log information is stored in the memory 35.

[0129] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, the memory 35 is provided on the side of the second printing device 30, which is connected to the first printing device 10 via a sub-network 70. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, the second operation information can be sent to another storage unit via the sub-network, compared to when the second operation information is stored in an external storage device connected to the first printing device.

[0130] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, the CPU 11 transmits the second log information to a plurality of second printing devices 30 connected to the first printing device 10 via the sub-network 70. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, it is easier to store the second log information in the memory 35 of the plurality of second printing devices 30 compared to when there is only one second printing device.

[0131] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, if a failure occurs in the first printing device 10 and it is possible to send information to the server 50, the CPU 11 sends the first log information, the second log information, and the third log information to the server 50. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, the server 50 can analyze the failure in the first printing device 10 based on the first log information, the second log information, and the third log information.

[0132] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, if a failure occurs in the first printing device 10 and it is unable to send information to the server 50, the CPU 11 sends the first log information stored in the non-volatile memory 16 to the server 50 after the first printing device 10 is restarted. Then, the CPU 11 obtains management information corresponding to the first printing device 10 from the server 50. Furthermore, the CPU 11 requests the CPU 31 to send the second log information stored in the memory 35, along with the management information, to the server 50. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, costs can be reduced compared to when the second log information is stored in the non-volatile memory of the first printing device.

[0133] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, if the requested memory 35 is unable to transmit information to the server 50, the CPU 11 makes a transmission request to another memory 35 to transmit the second log information to the server 50. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, if the requested memory 35 is unable to transmit information, the second log information can be transmitted to the server 50 from another memory 35.

[0134] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, in response to a transmission request, the CPU 31 transmits the second log information stored in the memory 35 to the server 50 with management information attached. Therefore, the information processing system 1 can transmit the second log information stored in the memory 35 to the server 50.

[0135] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, the server 50 includes a CPU 51. The CPU 51 performs a fault analysis of the first printing device 10 using the first log information sent from the first printing device 10 and the second log information sent from the CPU 31. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, the server 50 can more easily analyze a fault in the first printing device 10 than if the second log information is not sent.

[0136] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, the first printing device 10 is an example of a printing device that includes a communication interface 14 for sending and receiving image information and prints an image on a medium. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, even if the information stored in the volatile memory 15 is lost after the first printing device 10 is restarted, the medium-precision second operation information of the first printing device 10 can be stored in the memory 35 external to the first printing device 10.

[0137] [Modification] Next, an information processing system 1 according to a modified example will be described.

[0138] <When a fault occurs during normal operation> In the information processing system 1 of the modified example, when a failure occurs during normal operation, the first printing device 10 may send the first log information of log level 1 and the third log information of log level 3 to the server 50. In this case, the server 50 compares the first log information of log level 1 with a model stored in advance, and obtains the third log information of log level 3 from a similar model.

[0139] The server 50 uses the third log information of log level 3 of the model to compensate for the logs of timing not captured in the third log information of log level 3 sent from the first printing device 10, creates a model of the device where the fault occurred, and performs fault analysis. For example, if the third log information of log level 3 is not sent from the first printing device 10, the third log information of log level 3 of the similar model may be used as is.

[0140] <When a fault occurs during power saving mode> When a failure occurs during power saving mode, if information transmission is possible, the first log information at log level 1, the second log information at log level 2, and the third log information at log level 3 will be sent to the server.

[0141] The server 50 compares the first log information at log level 1 and the second log information at log level 2 with pre-stored models, and obtains third log information at log level 3 from a similar model. The third log information at log level 3 from the model is then used to supplement the log information for timings not captured in the third log information at log level 3 sent from the first printing device 10, creating a model of the device where the fault occurred and performing fault analysis. For example, if the third log information at log level 3 is not sent from the first printing device 10, the third log information at log level 3 from the similar model may be used as is. The other configurations of the information processing system 1 of the modified example are the same as those of the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment. The information processing system 1 of the modified example can also achieve the same effects as the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment, thanks to a configuration similar to that of the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0142] 〔others〕 The information processing system of the present disclosure is not limited to the information processing system 1 described in the first embodiment and the modified examples, and various modifications are possible.

[0143] The above-described processing of the information processing system 1 can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, the processing may be executed by a single piece of hardware or by multiple pieces of hardware.

[0144] The program that operates the information processing system 1 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred and stored in a memory or storage. The program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device of the information processing system 1 as a function thereof.

[0145] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0146] [Note] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments. (((1))) a first processor provided on the device side; a volatile storage unit provided on the side of the device; a non-volatile storage unit provided on the side of the device, The first processor acquiring first operation information corresponding to the operating state of the device, second operation information having medium accuracy higher than that of the first operation information, and third operation information having high accuracy higher than that of the second operation information, and acquiring the second operation information between the start of an energy saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third operation information; storing the acquired first operation information in the nonvolatile storage unit; storing the acquired third operation information in the volatile storage unit; An information processing system that stores the acquired second operation information in the volatile memory unit and transmits the second operation information to another memory unit external to the device together with an instruction to store the second operation information in the other memory unit.

[0147] (((2))) a second processor connected to the other storage unit; The information processing system according to (((1))), wherein the second processor stores the second operation information transmitted from the device in the other storage unit.

[0148] (((3)) The information processing system according to (((2))), wherein the other storage unit is provided on the side of another device connected to the device via a sub-network.

[0149] (((4))) The information processing system according to (((3))), wherein the first processor transmits second operation information to the other devices connected to the device via the sub-network.

[0150] (((5))) The first processor An information processing system described in any one of (((1))) to (((4))), wherein, when a failure occurs in the device, if it is possible to send information to a management processing unit that is connected via a network and manages the device, the first operation information stored in the non-volatile memory unit, and the second operation information and the third operation information stored in the volatile memory unit are sent to the management processing unit.

[0151] (((6))) The first processor When a failure occurs in the device, if it is not possible to transmit information to a management processing unit that is connected via a network and manages the device, the device is restarted, and then the first operation information stored in the nonvolatile storage unit is transmitted to the management processing unit, and management information corresponding to the device is obtained from the management processing unit; The information processing system described in (((2))) makes a transmission request to the second processor to send the second operation information stored in the other memory unit to the management processing unit, along with the management information.

[0152] (((7))) The first processor The information processing system described in (((6))) further requests another of the other storage units to transmit the second operation information to the management processing unit if the requested other storage unit is unable to transmit information to the management processing unit.

[0153] (((8))) The second processor The information processing system described in (((6))) or (((7))) wherein, in response to the transmission request, the second operation information stored in the other storage unit is attached with the management information and transmitted to the management processing unit.

[0154] (((9))) the management processing unit includes a third processor; The information processing system described in (((8))), wherein the third processor performs fault analysis of the device using the first operation information transmitted from the device and the second operation information transmitted from the second processor.

[0155] (((10))) The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))), wherein the device is a printing device that includes a communication unit that transmits and receives image information and prints an image on a medium.

[0156] (((11))) acquiring first operation information corresponding to an operating state of the device, second operation information having medium accuracy higher than the first operation information, and third operation information having high accuracy higher than the second operation information, and acquiring the second operation information between the start of an energy saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third operation information; storing the acquired first operation information in a nonvolatile storage unit; storing the acquired third operation information in a volatile storage unit; An information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process of storing the acquired second operation information in the volatile memory unit and transmitting the second operation information to another memory unit external to the device together with an instruction to store the second operation information in the other memory unit.

[0157] (((12))) The computer acquiring first operation information corresponding to an operating state of the device, second operation information having medium accuracy higher than the first operation information, and third operation information having high accuracy higher than the second operation information, and acquiring the second operation information between the start of an energy saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third operation information; storing the acquired first operation information in a nonvolatile storage unit; storing the acquired third operation information in a volatile storage unit; An information processing method that stores the acquired second operation information in the volatile memory unit and transmits the second operation information to another memory unit external to the device along with an instruction to store the second operation information in the other memory unit.

[0158] According to the information processing system described in (((1))), even if the information stored in the volatile memory unit is erased after the device is restarted, the medium-accuracy second operation information of the device can be stored in another memory unit outside the device.

[0159] According to the information processing system described in (((2))), the second operation information is stored in another storage unit.

[0160] According to the information processing system described in (((3))), the second operating information can be transmitted to another storage unit via a sub-network, compared to when the second operating information is stored in an external storage device connected to the device.

[0161] According to the information processing system described in (((4))), it is easier to store the second operation information in other storage units of the multiple other devices than when there is only one other device.

[0162] According to the information processing system described in (((5))), the management processing unit can analyze a failure in an apparatus based on the first operation information, the second operation information, and the third operation information.

[0163] According to the information processing system described in (((6))), it is possible to suppress an increase in costs compared to when the second operation information is stored in a non-volatile storage unit on the device side.

[0164] According to the information processing system described in (((7))), when the requested other storage unit is unable to transmit information, the second operation information can be transmitted to the management processing unit from another other storage unit.

[0165] According to the information processing system described in (((8))), the second operation information stored in another storage unit can be transmitted to the management processing unit.

[0166] According to the information processing system described in (((9))), it becomes easier for the management processing unit to analyze a failure in the device compared to when the second operation information is not transmitted.

[0167] According to the information processing system described in (((10))), even if the information stored in the volatile memory unit is erased after restarting the printing device, the medium-precision second operation information of the printing device can be stored in another memory unit outside the printing device.

[0168] According to the information processing program described in (((11))), even if the information stored in the volatile memory unit is erased after the device is restarted, the medium-accuracy second operation information of the device can be stored in another memory unit outside the device.

[0169] According to the information processing method described in (((12))), even if the information stored in the volatile memory unit is erased after the device is restarted, the medium-accuracy second operation information of the device can be stored in another memory unit outside the device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 First printing device (an example of a device, an example of a printing device) 11 CPU (an example of the first processor) 14 Communication interface (an example of a communication unit) 15 Volatile memory (an example of a volatile memory unit) 16 Non-volatile memory (an example of a non-volatile storage unit) 30 Second printing device (an example of another device) 31 CPU (an example of a second processor) 34 Communication Interface 35 Memory (an example of another storage unit) 50 Server (Example of management processing unit) 51 CPU (an example of a third processor) 60 Network 70 subnetworks 121 First log information (example of first operation information) 122 Second log information (example of second operation information) 123 Third log information (example of third operation information) 135 Trigger (an example of an opportunity) 136 Error (Example of a failure) 140 Management number (an example of management information) 150 Reboot 160 Management number (an example of management information) 162 Log transmission request (example of transmission request)

Claims

1. a first processor provided on the device side; a volatile storage unit provided on the side of the device; a non-volatile storage unit provided on the side of the device, The first processor acquiring first operation information corresponding to an operating state of the device, second operation information having medium accuracy higher than that of the first operation information, and third operation information having high accuracy higher than that of the second operation information, and acquiring the second operation information between the start of an energy saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third operation information; storing the acquired first operation information in the nonvolatile storage unit; storing the acquired third operation information in the volatile storage unit; An information processing system that stores the acquired second operation information in the volatile memory unit and transmits the second operation information to another memory unit outside the device along with an instruction to store the second operation information in the other memory unit.

2. a second processor connected to the other storage unit; The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the second processor stores the second operation information transmitted from the device in the other storage unit.

3. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the other storage unit is provided on the side of another device connected to the device via a sub-network.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3 , wherein the first processor transmits the second operation information to the other devices connected to the device via the sub-network.

5. The first processor 2. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein, when a failure occurs in the device, if it is possible to send information to a management processing unit that is connected via a network and manages the device, the first operation information stored in the non-volatile memory unit, and the second operation information and the third operation information stored in the volatile memory unit are sent to the management processing unit.

6. The first processor When a failure occurs in the device, if it is not possible to transmit information to a management processing unit that is connected via a network and manages the device, the device is restarted, and then the first operation information stored in the nonvolatile storage unit is transmitted to the management processing unit, and management information corresponding to the device is obtained from the management processing unit; The information processing system according to claim 2 , further comprising a transmission request to the second processor to transmit the second operation information stored in the other storage unit to the management processing unit together with the management information.

7. The first processor The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein if the requested other storage unit is unable to send information to the management processing unit, a transmission request is made to another other storage unit to send the second operation information to the management processing unit.

8. The second processor 8. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein, in response to the transmission request, the second operation information stored in the other storage unit is sent to the management processing unit together with the management information.

9. the management processing unit includes a third processor; 9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the third processor performs a fault analysis of the device using the first operation information transmitted from the device and the second operation information transmitted from the second processor.

10. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the device is a printing device that includes a communication unit for transmitting and receiving image information and that prints an image on a medium.

11. acquiring first operation information corresponding to an operating state of the device, second operation information having medium accuracy higher than that of the first operation information, and third operation information having high accuracy higher than that of the second operation information, and acquiring the second operation information between the start of an energy saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third operation information; storing the acquired first operation information in a nonvolatile storage unit; storing the acquired third operation information in a volatile storage unit; An information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process of storing the acquired second operation information in the volatile memory unit and transmitting the second operation information to another memory unit outside the device together with an instruction to store the second operation information in the other memory unit.

12. The computer acquiring first operation information corresponding to an operating state of the device, second operation information having medium accuracy higher than that of the first operation information, and third operation information having high accuracy higher than that of the second operation information, and acquiring the second operation information between the start of an energy saving mode and the occurrence of an opportunity to start acquiring the third operation information; storing the acquired first operation information in a nonvolatile storage unit; storing the acquired third operation information in a volatile storage unit; An information processing method that stores the acquired second operation information in the volatile memory unit and transmits the second operation information to another memory unit external to the device along with an instruction to store the second operation information in the other memory unit.

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