Image processing device, information processing device and its control method, and program

Abstract

This system provides a mechanism to reduce the effort required if similar error symptoms occur while another user is using the MFP. [Solution] The MFP's CPU performs a diagnosis according to the diagnostic menu selected by the user, displays a solution for the error symptom on the UI, and if the user takes action based on that solution, performs a re-diagnosis to check whether the error symptom has been resolved and saves the result of this check to the diagnostic job history. If the check confirms that the error symptom has been resolved, the CPU compares the diagnostic job history with the job history, and if the comparison determines that there is a job in the job history that has terminated with an error that can be re-executed, it notifies the user with the user ID associated with that re-executable job in the job history about that re-executable job.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program, and particularly to an image processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program that present a solution method according to an error symptom occurring at that time.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as an MFP) having a plurality of functions related to image processing (printing, image transmission, fax, etc.), error symptoms such as ending in error during execution of these functions or the output not being as expected even when the normal end occurs may occur.

[0003] In such a case, even if the user tries to deal with it by checking the online and offline manuals and FAQs of the product, the user may not be able to reach a problem solution by himself / herself. In that case, the user may inquire with the call center or, if it still cannot be solved, dispatch a service technician to solve the error symptom.

[0004] Conventionally, a self-diagnosis function of an MFP is known as a function that enables the user to reach a solution to an error symptom by himself / herself in order to reduce such inquiries to the call center and dispatch of service technicians (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, while Patent Document 1 diagnoses the fault location, it does not track whether the user's actions to resolve the issue after implementing the suggested solutions based on the diagnosis are successful. Therefore, if a similar error occurs while another user is using the MFP, it becomes necessary to provide the same diagnosis and solutions to that user as well, which is time-consuming.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a mechanism that can reduce the effort required when similar error symptoms occur while another user is using the MFP. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that performs at least one function related to image processing in response to user operation, comprising: a first display means that displays a diagnostic menu on a UI that can be selected by the user for diagnosing error symptoms of the at least one function; a diagnostic means that performs a diagnosis according to the diagnostic menu when the user selects the diagnostic menu; a second display means that displays a method for dealing with the error symptoms on the UI based on the result of the diagnosis; a confirmation means that performs a re-diagnosis and confirms whether the error symptoms have been resolved when a user operation is performed based on the displayed method for dealing with the error symptoms; and a diagnosis that links the result of the confirmation by the confirmation means to an error code of the error symptoms. The system is characterized by comprising: a first storage means for saving job history; a second storage means for saving job history associated with the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution instruction, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result is terminated with an error, the error code of the error symptom, each time a user issues an execution instruction for a job using at least one of the functions; and a notification means that, when the confirmation means confirms that the error symptom has been resolved, compares the diagnostic job history with the job history, and if, as a result of the comparison, determines that there is a job in the job history that has terminated with an error that can be re-executed, notifies the user of the user ID associated with the job history that can be re-executed of the job that can be re-executed.

[0009] To solve the above problems, the information processing system according to claim 9 of the present invention is an information processing system having a plurality of image processing devices that perform at least one function related to image processing in response to user operation, wherein each of the plurality of image processing devices includes: a first display means that displays a diagnostic menu on a UI that can be selected by the user for diagnosing error symptoms of the at least one function; a diagnostic means that performs a diagnosis according to the diagnostic menu when the user selects the diagnostic menu; a second display means that displays a method for dealing with the error symptoms on the UI based on the result of the diagnosis; and a confirmation means that performs a re-diagnosis and confirms whether the error symptoms have been resolved when a user operation is performed based on the displayed method for dealing with the error symptoms, and the plurality of image processing devices The system further includes a notification means that, each time a user issues an execution instruction for a job using the at least one function, shares the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution instruction, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result is an error, the error code of that error symptom. The notification means also compares the diagnostic job history with the job history when the verification means confirms that the error symptom has been resolved, and if there is a job in the job history that has terminated with an error that can be re-executed, notifies the user of the user ID associated with that job in the job history that can be re-executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the effort required when similar error symptoms occur while another user is using the MFP can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an MFP as an image processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 2]Figure 1 shows an example of a top screen displayed on the screen, which allows the user to instruct the system to diagnose the error symptoms. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows the relationship between the diagnostic ID and error code, which define the content of the diagnosis performed by pressing the diagnostic menu button, and the functions and error symptoms indicated for each diagnostic menu item. [Figure 4A] This figure shows an example of a guidance screen displayed when a board failure is diagnosed. [Figure 4B] This figure shows an example of a guidance screen displayed when a disconnected cable is diagnosed. [Figure 4C] This figure shows an example of a guidance screen displayed when a mismatch in line type is diagnosed. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the processing result determination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the job history. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an operation screen for users to input the results of their actions. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the diagnostic job history. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart for the process of notifying logged-in users of the existence of jobs that can be rerun. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a screen that pops up in step S1004 of Figure 9. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of the processing for determining the outcome of the action according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in each embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention. In the following description, an image processing apparatus may also be called a multifunction peripheral, a multi-function peripheral, or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

[0013] (First Embodiment) <Hardware Configuration of MFP102> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of MFP102 as an image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0014] In FIG. 1, MFP102 includes devices such as a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a network I / F 207, an operation unit controller 208, a disk controller 212, a printer 214, a scanner 215, and a MODEM 216. These devices are connected to each other via a system bus 221.

[0015] The CPU 201 executes software stored in the ROM 202 or a later-described HDD (hard disk drive) 213 connected to, for example, the disk controller 212. The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls the plurality of devices connected to the system bus 221. Note that the HDD 213 may also be used as a temporary storage location for images in some cases.

[0016] The RAM 203 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201. The operation unit controller 208 controls various buttons, an operation panel 209, a display 211, etc. provided in the MFP102. The disk controller 212 controls the HDD 213.

[0017] The network interface 207 exchanges data bidirectionally with other MFPs 103, 104, server 105, or other network devices (not shown) that have the same hardware and software configuration as MFP 102, via network 220.

[0018] The printer 214 is a paper printing unit implemented using an electrophotographic method. The printing method does not necessarily have to be electrophotographic.

[0019] Scanner 215 is an image reading unit for reading images printed on paper. Scanner 215 may also be equipped with an optional ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) (not shown), which may allow for the automatic scanning of multiple documents.

[0020] MODEM216 is a device that demodulates modulated signals received from an external fax machine (not shown) via the telephone network 218, and conversely modulates signals generated by MFP102 and sends them back to the telephone network 218. NCU217 is an interface that controls the lines between MODEM216, the telephone network 218, and the telephone 219. Specifically, NCU217 detects signals coming from the telephone network 218 and transmits them to MODEM216 or the telephone 219, and transmits signals from MODEM216 to an external fax machine (not shown) via the telephone network 218. NCU217 also forwards signals from the telephone 219 to the telephone network 218 and transmits them to an external telephone (not shown). Note that the public network (telephone network 218) is not directly connected to NCU217, but may be connected to NCU217 via a TA (terminal adapter) or an internal exchange.

[0021] <Example of the top screen for diagnostic operations> Figure 2 shows an example of a top screen displayed on the display 211, which allows the user to instruct the system to diagnose the error symptoms.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the top screen (first display means) displayed on the operation panel 209 (UI) includes a menu display area 2000 that displays diagnostic menus 2001 to 2007 for user selection. Diagnostic menus 2001 to 2007 are buttons that describe error symptoms of various image processing functions provided by the MFP102. In response to a user pressing one of the diagnostic menus 2001 to 2007 (user selection), the CPU 201 (diagnostic means) starts troubleshooting (diagnosis) for the error symptoms described in the pressed diagnostic menu.

[0023] In this embodiment, we will describe the cases where the various functions provided by the MFP102 include PRINT, SEND, and FAX. PRINT refers to the image printing function. SEND is a general term for image transmission functions such as Email, SMB, FTP, I-FAX, and WebDAV. FAX is a function that sends and receives images between remote locations using a telephone line, and the receiving side prints the received image.

[0024] Note that the various functions provided by the MFP102 shown in Figure 2 are examples, and other functions such as copying may also be included. Also, the diagnostic menu shown in Figure 2 consists of buttons that the user presses, and pressing each button starts the diagnostic process. However, when performing a diagnostic that takes a long time, the system may transition from the top screen to a diagnostic screen (not shown) and display that a diagnostic is in progress.

[0025] <Linking diagnostic results and errors> Figure 3 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the diagnostic ID and error code that define the content of the diagnosis initiated by pressing each of the diagnostic menus 2001 to 2007 in Figure 2, and the functions and error symptoms shown for each diagnostic menu.

[0026] In Figure 3, the diagnostic ID is a string that defines the content of the diagnosis to be started when each diagnostic menu is pressed, and the error code is a string issued when the error symptoms described in each diagnostic menu occur. Each diagnostic menu is associated with a corresponding diagnostic ID and error code. In this way, the content of the diagnosis to be performed is predetermined for each diagnostic menu, so that the most appropriate diagnosis can be performed for each error symptom.

[0027] <Example of a fax diagnostic results screen> If diagnostic menu 2004 ("Unable to send faxes at all") is selected on the top screen shown in Figure 2, the screen transitions from the top screen to a screen displaying the results of the associated diagnosis (diagnosis ID is D3001) as shown in Figure 3. Examples of the screens at this time are shown in Figures 4A to 4C, and different screens are displayed depending on the diagnosed error symptom. For example, Figure 4A is an example of a guidance display screen displayed when a fax board failure (hereinafter simply referred to as a board failure) is diagnosed, and Figure 4B is an example of a guidance display screen, which will be described later, displayed when a line cable disconnection is diagnosed. Also, Figure 4C is an example of a diagnostic result screen displayed when a line type mismatch is diagnosed. A diagnostic result display area 4000 and a back button 4001 to return to the previous screen are common to each screen. The screens in Figures 4A to 4C are screens displayed after the diagnosis is completed.

[0028] If the screen displaying the diagnostic results shows what needs to be improved (solutions) as shown in the guidance screens in Figures 4A to 4C, the user will attempt to resolve the error symptoms by operating the device according to those solutions.

[0029] <Example of automatically determining the outcome of treatment through re-diagnosis> When a user performs the troubleshooting steps shown on the screens in Figures 4B and 4C, CPU 201 executes an automatic determination process to determine whether the error symptoms have been resolved. This automatic determination process will be explained below using the flowchart in Figure 5. The following explanation will focus on the case where the user performs the troubleshooting steps after logging into MFP102.

[0030] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the processing result determination process according to this embodiment. The series of processes is carried out by loading a program executable by the MFP102, which describes the procedure shown below, from the ROM202 onto the RAM203, and then executing the program by the CPU201.

[0031] This process begins when a user logged in as an administrator displays the job history on the operation panel 209 (third display means) and selects one of the jobs that terminated with an error from the displayed job history. Here, the job history is a history saved on the HDD 213 (second storage means) each time a job using the image processing functions of the MFP 102 is executed. As shown in Figure 6, the job history is associated with the job ID of the executed job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution instruction, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result was an error, the error code of the error symptom. Note that the start timing of the process in Figure 5 is not limited to this. For example, the process in Figure 5 may be started when the user displays the top screen in Figure 2 immediately after a job terminates with an error in order to resolve that error.

[0032] First, in step S501, the CPU 201 (diagnostic means) performs a diagnosis corresponding to the diagnostic ID of the menu selected by the user from among the diagnostic menus 2001 to 2007 shown in Figure 2, and then proceeds to step S502.

[0033] In step S502, the CPU201 saves the diagnostic results to the HDD213 and displays the diagnostic results screen. For example, if the user selects a diagnostic menu 2004 and a board failure is diagnosed in step S501, a diagnostic results screen similar to Figure 4A is displayed, but the diagnostic results display area 4000 only shows the diagnostic result "There is a possibility of a board failure." If the same user selection is made and a disconnected line cable is diagnosed in step S501, a diagnostic results screen similar to Figure 4B is displayed, but the diagnostic results display area 4000 only shows the diagnostic result "The line cable may be disconnected or broken." If the same user selection is made and a mismatch in line type is diagnosed in step S501, a diagnostic results screen similar to Figure 4C is displayed, but the diagnostic results display area 4000 only shows the diagnostic result "The line cable may be disconnected or broken." Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the diagnostic results are saved as a diagnostic job history linked to the user ID of the logged-in user at the time the process in Figure 5 was executed, the job name of the diagnostic job, the date and time the diagnosis was executed, the diagnostic ID, the diagnostic results saved in step S502, the error code, and the corrective action results. Note that the corrective action result field is blank at the time of step S502.

[0034] In step S503, the CPU 201 determines whether user action is required based on the diagnostic results in step S501. If user action is not required (NO in step S503), this process terminates. For example, if the diagnostic results screen shown in Figure 4C is displayed, and user action is not required or impossible, it is determined in step S503 that user action is not required. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that user action is possible (YES in step S503), the process proceeds to step S504.

[0035] In step S504, the CPU 201 (second display means) uses the control unit controller 208 to display specific troubleshooting steps on the operation panel 209 (UI) that are associated with the error code in the diagnostic job history. For example, if the user selects a diagnostic menu 2004 and a board failure is diagnosed in step S501, the guidance display screen shown in Figure 4A is displayed. If the same user selection is made and a disconnected line cable is diagnosed in step S501, the guidance display screen shown in Figure 4B is displayed.

[0036] Next, in step S505, CPU201 waits until the user performs the corrective action presented in step S504. If the user performs the corrective action (YES in step S505), the process proceeds to step S506. Note that in step S505, the method for determining that the user has performed the corrective action presented in step S504 is not limited. Possible methods for determining this include, for example, that a certain amount of time has passed, that a job has been executed after the diagnosis and the execution result is OK, or that the corrective action presented (e.g., changing a specific setting) has been performed.

[0037] In step S506, the CPU 201 (verification means) re-executes the diagnosis performed in step S501, proceeds to step S507, and determines (verifies) whether the re-diagnosis result is OK or NG. If the re-diagnosis result is OK (YES in step S507), the process proceeds to step S509, adds the information of the new diagnosis job to the diagnosis job history shown in Figure 8 on the HDD 213 (first storage means), records OK in the "Action Result" column, and terminates this process. On the other hand, if the re-diagnosis result is NG (NO in step S507), the process proceeds to step S508, adds the information of the new diagnosis job to the diagnosis job history shown in Figure 8 on the HDD 213, records NG in the "Action Result" column, and terminates this process.

[0038] These processes allow us to determine that the problem has been resolved by the user's actions when the diagnostic result changes from NG to OK. The diagnostic job and diagnostic result are linked and saved on HDD213 as shown in Figure 8.

[0039] Next, a modified example of the process shown in Figure 5 will be described.

[0040] In the first embodiment, in step S506 of Figure 5, the CPU 201 automatically determined the result of the user's action. However, in this modified example, the CPU 201 prompts the user to input the result of the action.

[0041] In this modified example, steps S501 to S503 are executed in the same manner as in Figure 5 described above, but the process when step S503 is YES differs from the process in Figure 5. Therefore, the process in this modified example from when step S503 is YES onwards will be described below. Steps that perform different processing from Figure 5 will be numbered with "a" at the end.

[0042] In this modified example, if the answer in step S503 is YES, the process proceeds to step S504a, where the CPU 201 displays an operation screen (first input means) for the user to input the result of the action, as shown in Figure 7. Unlike step S504 in Figure 5 described above, the guidance display screen (Figures 4A and 4B) is not displayed here.

[0043] The operation screen shown in Figure 7 has a diagnostic result display area 8000 where troubleshooting methods are described, similar to the diagnostic result display area 4000 of the guidance display screen in Figure 4B. The operation screen shown in Figure 7 also includes an input area 8001 where the user can input whether the problem was resolved as a result of their actions.

[0044] After actually performing the corrective actions described in the diagnostic results display area 8000, the user runs the job, determines whether the situation has improved to the appropriate state, and enters the re-diagnosis results into the input area 8001.

[0045] Next, in this modified example, in step S505a, after the operation screen (Figure 7) of step S504a is displayed, the CPU 201 determines that the user has performed the countermeasures presented in step S504a when the re-diagnosis result is entered into the input area 8001, and proceeds to step S507a.

[0046] Subsequently, in this modified version, in step S507a, the CPU 201 determines whether the re-diagnosis result entered in input area 8001 is OK or NG. If the re-diagnosis result is OK (YES in step S507a), the process proceeds to step S509, where a new diagnostic job is added to the diagnostic job history shown in Figure 8 on the HDD 213, OK is recorded in the "Action Result" field, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the re-diagnosis result is NG (NO in step S507a), the process proceeds to step S508, where a new diagnostic job is added to the diagnostic job history shown in Figure 8 on the HDD 213, NG is recorded in the "Action Result" field, and the process ends.

[0047] In this modified example, input area 8001 is displayed along with the method for dealing with a single error job. However, if there are multiple error jobs, an input area that can be used for each error job may be displayed.

[0048] Furthermore, in this modified example, steps S504a, S505a, and S507a are executed instead of steps S504 to S507, but the process is not limited to this. For example, instead of steps S504a and S505a, steps S504 and S505 may be executed, similar to the process in Figure 5. In this case, if the user performs the solution presented in step S504 (YES in step S505), the process proceeds to step S506a, where a pop-up screen including an input area 8001 for the user to input whether the problem has been resolved is displayed, and then the process proceeds to step S507.

[0049] <Means of notifying users experiencing similar problems based on the outcome of the remediation> The following describes how to notify logged-in users who have previously encountered similar errors in their jobs that they can now be re-executed, if the re-diagnosis result in step S507 of Figure 5 is OK. Here, we will explain the case where the logged-in user is different from the user who performed the troubleshooting steps presented in step S504 (executing user) in step S505 of Figure 5, but this is not limited to this case. For example, if the executing user has previously encountered similar errors in their jobs, the executing user may also be notified that they can now be re-executed.

[0050] Regarding user settings, there are settings common to all logged-in users and settings managed individually for each logged-in user. For example, recipient information includes personal information and is therefore an individual setting managed for each user, while paper settings are common across devices and are therefore a common setting managed for all users.

[0051] Therefore, past jobs of the current logged-in user that resulted in an error due to the settings of the common configuration items can be re-executed once another user has performed the troubleshooting steps in step S504 for the same error, and the re-diagnosis result is OK.

[0052] Furthermore, regarding past jobs of the current logged-in user that resulted in errors due to individual settings, there is a high probability that they can be re-executed if the logged-in user performs the same troubleshooting steps that another user used to resolve the same error.

[0053] Therefore, regardless of whether the login user's past job errors were due to common or individual settings, if a similar error occurs and the re-diagnosis result in step S507 of Figure 5 is OK, it is useful to notify the login user.

[0054] The flowchart in Figure 9 illustrates the process of notifying a logged-in user of the existence of a job that can be re-executed. This series of processes is carried out by loading a program executable by the MFP102, which describes the procedure shown below, from ROM202 onto RAM203, and then executing the program by CPU201.

[0055] First, in step S1001, when CPU201 detects that a user has logged into MFP102, it proceeds to step S1002. Hereafter, the user who logs in at this point will be referred to as the logged-in user.

[0056] In step S1002, CPU201 checks the job history (Figure 6) for error history associated with the logged-in user, that is, jobs associated with the logged-in user that have an execution result of "NG". At this time, the scope of checking for error jobs in the job history can be narrowed to a specific period or to a specific function. In this case, the logged-in user's user ID is "U015", and the error history associated with the logged-in user (job ID: JF305) is found in the diagnostic job history (Figure 8).

[0057] Next, in step S1003, CPU201 determines whether the diagnostic job history (Figure 8) where the "Resolution Result" item is OK contains a diagnostic job for the same error as the error history confirmed in step S1002. Specifically, it searches the diagnostic job history for a diagnostic job that is associated with the same error code as the one confirmed in step S1002 and where the "Resolution Result" item is OK. If a diagnostic job for a similar error is found (YES in step S1003), the process proceeds to step S1004.

[0058] In step S1004, the CPU 201 (notification means) displays a pop-up screen as shown in Figure 10 to notify the logged-in user that there are jobs that can be re-executed, and then terminates the process. Here, the error history associated with the logged-in user (job ID: JF305) is associated with the error code (E3002). In addition, a diagnostic job (JD101) associated with the same error code (E3002) and in which another user (in this case, user ID: U001) has reported an "OK" "resolution result" is searched from the diagnostic job history (Figure 8).

[0059] On the other hand, if the search in step S1003 does not find any diagnostic jobs for similar errors (NO in step S1003), the process will terminate without any further notification.

[0060] Furthermore, if the setting that caused the job error confirmed in step S1002 is a common setting item, that setting will have already been changed by another user by the time the screen (Figure 10) pops up in step S1003. Therefore, when the "Rerun" button (second input means) that accepts user input for rerunning in Figure 10 is pressed, and the CPU 201 (rerun means) reruns the job confirmed in step S1002, the job will complete successfully without any errors.

[0061] On the other hand, if the setting that caused the job error identified in step S1002 is an individual setting item, even if the "Rerun" button in Figure 10 is pressed and CPU201 reruns the job, there is a high probability that it will terminate with an error again. Therefore, if the job terminates with an error again after the "Rerun" button is pressed, CPU201 performs the same process as in step S504, specifically displaying a guidance screen associated with the error code of the job identified in step S1002. This allows the logged-in user to perform the same troubleshooting steps that other users have used to resolve the error with that error code.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user is notified of the job ID, execution date and time, and error code as information identifying jobs that previously failed, via a pop-up screen (Figure 10) displayed in step S1003, but this is not limited to this. For example, the symptoms shown in Figure 3 corresponding to the error code may be displayed. Also, if the job that previously failed was a fax transmission job, a preview of the document that was about to be faxed may be displayed on the screen in Figure 10. In addition, the preview may be displayed as a separate pop-up screen when the user presses a specific part, such as the part where the job ID number is displayed in Figure 10.

[0063] In this embodiment, we have described a method for detecting when a user has taken corrective action according to the guidance display screen, performing a re-diagnosis, saving the results of that action, and notifying other users that there are jobs that should be re-executed based on those results. The timing of notifying other users is not particularly limited; for example, it may occur when another user issues a job execution instruction or when the diagnostic menu on the top screen in Figure 2 is displayed. The method of notifying other users is also not particularly limited; for example, it may be done by email. Furthermore, for devices not managed by users or devices that allow guest login, the system may similarly check for and notify users of jobs that can be re-executed when they log in or wake from sleep. The display method may also be such that it can be checked from the job history, or other methods of notification may be used.

[0064] Furthermore, the same processing as described above may be performed not only on MFP102 but also on MFP103 and 104, and the job history in Figure 6 and the diagnostic job history in Figure 8 may be shared among MFP102 to 104 to form an information processing system.

[0065] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the results of the user's actions were either automatically determined by re-diagnosis or entered by the user.

[0066] In contrast, in this embodiment, the user's response is automatically determined based on the content of the job executed after the user has followed the instructions on the guidance screen, as well as the settings associated with that job. The details of this embodiment will be described below.

[0067] Furthermore, components and steps similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0068] <Example of automatically determining the outcome of the action based on the job executed by the user> Using the flowchart in Figure 11, we will explain an example of determining the outcome of the action based on the job executed by the user.

[0069] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the processing result determination process according to this embodiment. The series of processes is carried out by loading a program executable by the MFP102, which describes the procedure shown below, from the ROM202 onto the RAM203, and then executing the program by the CPU201.

[0070] Steps S501 to S509 in Figure 11 are the same as in Figure 5, so their explanation is omitted. However, as shown in Figure 11, if the answer is YES in step S505, unlike the first embodiment, this embodiment does not proceed to step S506, but to step S1101.

[0071] In step S1101, CPU201 checks the jobs executed by the user to confirm the results of the countermeasures. Specifically, CPU201 extracts jobs executed between the time of the diagnosis in step S501 and the present from the job history stored in HDD213, and checks whether the extracted jobs are jobs that can serve as a substitute for a re-diagnosis. For example, if the file name of the extracted job is the same as a job that was terminated before the time of the diagnosis due to an error with an error code associated with the diagnosis ID that defines the content of this diagnosis, then the extracted job is determined to be a job that can serve as a substitute for a re-diagnosis. Also, if the extracted job is a job after the settings have been changed by the user in accordance with the countermeasures presented in step S504, then the extracted job is determined to be a job that can serve as a substitute for a re-diagnosis.

[0072] If the confirmation in step S1101 indicates that there is an alternative job for the re-diagnosis (YES in step S1102), the process from step S507 onwards is executed. Otherwise (NO in step S1102), the re-diagnosis is performed in step S506, and then the process from step S507 onwards is executed.

[0073] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the frequency of performing re-diagnosis.

[0074] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiments, the imaging device according to the present invention was described as a personal digital camera, but it is not limited to this. That is, as long as it is equipped with an imaging function and an image synthesis function and has a user interface for setting the exposure time, the imaging device according to the present invention may be a portable device, a smartphone, or a network camera connected to a server. In addition, some of the processing described above may be performed by a portable device, a smartphone, or a network camera connected to a server.

[0075] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of this embodiment to a system or device via a network or recording medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and operate the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0076] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0077] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist.

[0078] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An image processing apparatus that performs at least one function related to image processing in response to user operation, comprising: a first display means that displays a diagnostic menu on the UI in a user-selectable manner for diagnosing error symptoms of the at least one function; a diagnostic means that performs a diagnosis according to the diagnostic menu when the user selects the diagnostic menu; a second display means that displays a method for dealing with the error symptoms on the UI based on the result of the diagnosis; a confirmation means that performs a re-diagnosis and confirms whether the error symptoms have been resolved when a user operation is performed based on the displayed method for dealing with the error symptoms; and a first storage means that saves a diagnostic job history linked to the error code of the error symptoms as a result of the confirmation by the confirmation means. Image processing apparatus comprising: a stage; a second storage means that, each time a user issues an execution instruction for a job using at least one of the functions, stores a job history associated with the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution instruction, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result is terminated with an error, the error code of the error symptom; and a notification means that, when the confirmation means confirms that the error symptom has been resolved, compares the diagnostic job history with the job history, and, as a result of the comparison, determines that there is a job in the job history that has terminated with an error that can be re-executed, notifies the user of the user ID associated with the job history that can be re-executed of the job. (Configuration 2) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 1, further comprising a first input means for receiving user input indicating whether or not the error symptom has been resolved by user operation based on the displayed troubleshooting method, wherein the confirmation means confirms whether or not the error symptom has been resolved in response to the user input to the first input means. (Configuration 3) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the notification means further comprises a second input means for receiving user input of a re-execution instruction for the re-execution of the re-executable job. (Configuration 4) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 3, characterized in that when a user input of a re-execution instruction is received via the second input means, a re-execution means is provided to re-execute the re-executable job, and when the job re-executed by the re-execution means terminates with an error, the re-execution means is provided to notify the user of the user ID of the corrective action displayed on the second display means. (Configuration 5) The image processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the notification by the notification means is performed when the diagnostic menu is displayed. (Configuration 6) The image processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that, when a user operation based on the displayed countermeasure is performed, the confirmation means checks the job executed thereafter, and if the confirmed job is a job that serves as a substitute for rediagnosis, the rediagnosis is not performed, and the image processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5 checks whether the error symptom has been resolved based on the execution result of the confirmed job. (Configuration 7) An image processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the user who performed the user operation based on the displayed countermeasure is different from the user of the user ID associated with the re-executable job. (Configuration 8) An image processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, further comprising a third display means for displaying the job history on a UI, wherein the first display means displays the diagnostic menu when one of the jobs that terminated with an error is selected by the user from the displayed job history. (Configuration 9) An information processing system having a plurality of image processing devices that perform at least one function related to image processing in response to user operation, wherein each of the plurality of image processing devices includes: a first display means that displays a diagnostic menu on a UI that can be selected by the user for diagnosing error symptoms of the at least one function; a diagnostic means that performs a diagnosis according to the diagnostic menu when the user selects the diagnostic menu; a second display means that displays a method for dealing with the error symptoms on the UI based on the result of the diagnosis; and a confirmation means that performs a re-diagnosis and confirms whether the error symptoms have been resolved when a user operation is performed based on the displayed method for dealing with the error symptoms, wherein the plurality of image processing devices are configured such that the result of the confirmation by the confirmation means is An information processing system characterized by sharing a diagnostic job history associated with the error code of an error symptom, and, each time a user issues a job execution instruction using at least one of the functions, the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution instruction, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result is an error termination, the job history associated with the error code of that error symptom; and further comprising a notification means that, when it is confirmed by the confirmation means that the error symptom has been resolved, compare the diagnostic job history with the job history, and if there is a job in the job history that has terminated with an error that can be re-executed, notify the user of the user ID associated with the job history that can be re-executed of the job that can be re-executed of the job. (Method 1) A control method for an image processing apparatus that performs at least one function related to image processing in response to user operation, comprising: a first display step of displaying a diagnostic menu on the UI that can be selected by the user for diagnosing an error symptom of the at least one function; a diagnostic step of performing a diagnosis according to the diagnostic menu when the user selects the diagnostic menu; a second display step of displaying a method for dealing with the error symptom on the UI based on the result of the diagnosis; a confirmation step of performing a re-diagnosis and confirming whether the error symptom has been resolved when a user operation is performed based on the displayed method for dealing with the error symptom; and a diagnostic job that associates the result of the confirmation by the confirmation step with the error code of the error symptom. A control method comprising: a first saving step of saving a job history; a second saving step of saving a job history associated with the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution instruction, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result terminated with an error, the error code of the error symptom, each time a user issues an execution instruction for a job using at least one of the functions; and a notification step of comparing the diagnostic job history with the job history if it is confirmed in the confirmation step that the error symptom has been resolved, and if there is a job in the job history that terminated with an error that can be re-executed, notifying the user of the user ID associated with the job history that can be re-executed of the job. (Method 2) A control method for an information processing system having a plurality of image processing devices that perform at least one function related to image processing in response to user operation, wherein each of the plurality of image processing devices performs a first display step of displaying a diagnostic menu on the UI that can be selected by the user for diagnosing an error symptom of the at least one function; a diagnostic step of performing a diagnosis according to the diagnostic menu when the user selects the diagnostic menu; a second display step of displaying a method for dealing with the error symptom on the UI based on the result of the diagnosis; and a confirmation step of performing a re-diagnosis and confirming whether the error symptom has been resolved when a user operation is performed based on the displayed method for dealing with the error symptom, and the plurality of image processing devices perform the confirmation step A control method characterized by sharing a diagnostic job history linked to the error code of the error symptom, and, each time a user issues a job execution instruction using at least one of the functions, the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution instruction, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result is an error termination, the job history linked to the error code of that error symptom; and, if it is confirmed in the confirmation step that the error symptom has been resolved, comparing the diagnostic job history with the job history, and, if there is a job in the job history that has terminated with an error that can be re-executed, further executing a notification step to notify the user of the user ID linked to the re-executable job in the job history of the re-executable job. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an image processing apparatus described in any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Program 2) A program to cause the computer to function as one of the means of the information processing system described in Configuration 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 102-104 Image Processing Device (MFP) 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM203 207 Network I / F 208 Control Unit Controller 209 Control Panel 212 Disk Controllers 213 HDD 214 Printers 215 Scanner 216 MODEM

Claims

1. An image processing device that performs at least one image processing function in response to user operation, A first display means that displays a diagnostic menu on the UI that can be selected by the user for diagnosing the error symptoms of at least one of the functions, When the user selects the aforementioned diagnostic menu, a diagnostic means performs a diagnosis according to the diagnostic menu, A second display means that displays the method for dealing with the error symptoms on the UI based on the results of the diagnosis, If a user takes action based on the displayed troubleshooting method, a verification means is provided to perform a re-diagnosis and confirm whether the error symptom has been resolved. A first storage means that stores a diagnostic job history linked to the error code of the error symptom, based on the results of the verification by the verification means. A second storage means that, each time a user issues a job execution command using at least one of the functions described above, stores a job history associated with the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution command, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result is an error termination, the error code of the error symptom. If the verification means confirms that the error symptom has been resolved, it compares the diagnostic job history with the job history, and if, as a result of the comparison, it determines that there is a job in the job history that has terminated with an error that can be re-executed, it notifies the user of the user ID associated with the job in the job history that the job can be re-executed. An image processing apparatus characterized by having

2. The system further includes a first input means for receiving user input indicating whether or not the error symptom has been resolved by user operation based on the displayed troubleshooting method, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the confirmation means confirms whether the error symptom has been resolved in response to user input to the first input means.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means further comprises a second input means for receiving user input of a re-execution instruction for the re-execution of the re-executable job.

4. When a user input of a re-execution instruction is received via the second input means, a re-execution means is provided to re-execute the re-executable job, The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that if a job re-executed by the re-execution means terminates with an error, the user of the user ID is notified of the corrective action displayed on the second display means.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification by the notification means is performed when the diagnostic menu is displayed.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation means, when a user operation based on the displayed countermeasure is performed, checks the job executed thereafter, and if the confirmed job is a job that serves as a substitute for re-diagnosis, does not perform the re-diagnosis, and checks whether the error symptom has been resolved based on the execution result of the confirmed job.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the user who performed the user operation based on the displayed countermeasure is different from the user of the user ID associated with the re-executable job.

8. The system further comprises a third display means for displaying the job history on the UI, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first display means displays the diagnostic menu when one of the jobs that terminated with an error is selected by the user from the displayed job history.

9. An information processing system having multiple image processing devices that perform at least one image processing function in response to user operation, Each of the aforementioned multiple image processing devices is: A first display means that displays a diagnostic menu on the UI that can be selected by the user for diagnosing the error symptoms of at least one of the functions, When the user selects the aforementioned diagnostic menu, a diagnostic means performs a diagnosis according to the diagnostic menu, A second display means that displays the method for dealing with the error symptoms on the UI based on the results of the diagnosis, If a user takes action based on the displayed troubleshooting method, a verification means is provided to perform a re-diagnosis and confirm whether the error symptom has been resolved. Equipped with, The aforementioned plurality of image processing devices are The result of the verification by the aforementioned verification means is linked to the error code of the error symptom in the diagnostic job history, Each time a user issues a job execution command using at least one of the above functions, the job history associated with the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution command, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result is an error termination, the error code of the error symptom, is recorded. Along with sharing, An information processing system characterized in that, if the verification means confirms that the error symptom has been resolved, it further comprises a notification means that compares the diagnostic job history with the job history, and if there is a job in the job history that has terminated with an error that can be re-executed, it notifies the user of the user ID associated with the job history that can be re-executed of the job.

10. A control method for an image processing apparatus that performs at least one function related to image processing in response to user operation, A first display step includes displaying a diagnostic menu on the UI that allows the user to select a diagnostic symptom for at least one of the aforementioned functions, When the user selects the aforementioned diagnostic menu, a diagnostic step is performed in accordance with the diagnostic menu, A second display step in which, based on the results of the diagnosis, the method for dealing with the error symptoms is displayed on the UI, If a user takes action based on the displayed troubleshooting method, a confirmation step is performed to re-diagnose and confirm whether the error symptom has been resolved. A first saving step saves a diagnostic job history linked to the error code of the error symptom, based on the results of the verification step described above. A second saving step saves a job history associated with the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution instruction, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result was an error termination, the error code of the error symptom, each time a user issues an execution instruction for a job using at least one of the functions described above. If it is confirmed in the verification step that the error symptom has been resolved, the diagnostic job history and the job history are compared, and if there is a job in the job history that has terminated with an error that can be rerun, a notification step is performed to notify the user of the user ID associated with the job in the job history that the job can be rerun. A control method having

11. A control method for an information processing system having multiple image processing devices that perform at least one image processing function in response to user operation, Each of the aforementioned multiple image processing devices, A first display step includes displaying a diagnostic menu on the UI that allows the user to select a diagnostic symptom for at least one of the aforementioned functions, When the user selects the aforementioned diagnostic menu, a diagnostic step is performed in accordance with the diagnostic menu, A second display step in which, based on the results of the diagnosis, the method for dealing with the error symptoms is displayed on the UI, If a user takes action based on the displayed troubleshooting method, a confirmation step is performed to re-diagnose and confirm whether the error symptom has been resolved. The execution is performed. The aforementioned plurality of image processing devices are The result of the verification in the above verification step is linked to the error code of the error symptom in the diagnostic job history, Each time a user issues a job execution command using at least one of the above functions, the job history associated with the job ID of the job, the user ID of the user who issued the execution command, the execution result of the job, and, if the execution result is an error termination, the error code of the error symptom, is recorded. Along with sharing, A control method characterized in that, if it is confirmed in the confirmation step that the error symptom has been resolved, the diagnostic job history is compared with the job history, and if there is a job in the job history that has terminated with an error that can be re-executed, a notification step is further performed to notify the user of the user ID associated with the job history that can be re-executed of the job.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image processing apparatus described in claim 1.

13. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing system described in claim 9.

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