Image processing device

Abstract

To provide a technology for an image processing device having a function to save logs, which suppresses the inability to save logs when the log saving function is enabled. [Solution] MFP1 has a function to save logs to a log server 201 connected via network IF141. When the function to save logs to the log server 201 is enabled and the conditions for saving logs are met, the CPU 11 of MFP1 generates a log and sends the generated log to the log server 201 via network IF141. When the function to save logs to the log server 201 is enabled and the CPU 11 receives an operation via user IF13 instructing a change in the settings related to network IF141, the CPU 11 warns via user IF13 that the function to save logs to the log server 201 will be affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to an image processing apparatus having a function of saving logs to a specified storage destination.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an image processing apparatus having a function of generating a log when there is a predetermined operation or setting change and saving the log to a specified storage destination. For example, Patent Document 1 is available among the documents related to the technology of saving logs. Patent Document 1 discloses a communication apparatus that stores a log related to a change in communication settings in a server. When a request to store a second communication setting is received while a first communication setting is stored, a log related to receiving the request is transmitted to the server. If the server receives the log, the second communication setting is stored, and if the server does not receive the log, the second communication setting is not stored.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an image processing apparatus having a function of saving logs, when the function is in an effective state, logs may become unable to be saved due to an operation by a user who has no intention of changing the settings related to the function or a change in the communication environment. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the unintentional inability to save logs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An image processing device designed to solve this problem comprises a network interface, a user interface, and a controller, and has a server log saving function which saves logs to a server connected via the network interface. The controller generates the log and sends the generated log to the server via the network interface when the conditions for saving the log are met while the server log saving function is enabled. The controller is further configured to execute a setting change warning process via the user interface when it receives a setting change operation via the user interface which instructs a change in the settings related to the network interface, while the server log saving function is enabled, warning that the server log saving function will be affected.

[0006] The image processing device disclosed herein, when the server log saving function is enabled and it receives a command to change the settings related to the network interface, will warn that this will affect the server log saving function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent situations where logs cannot be saved due to, for example, an inadvertent setting change operation by the user.

[0007] Another image processing device developed to solve this problem comprises a network interface, a user interface, and a controller, and has a server log saving function which saves logs to a server connected via the network interface. The controller generates the log and sends the generated log to the server via the network interface when the server log saving function is enabled and the conditions for saving the log are met. The controller further executes a network determination process which determines whether or not it is connected to a network via the network interface. If the network determination process determines that it is not connected to a network when the server log saving function is enabled, it executes a network warning process which warns the user that it is not connected to a network.

[0008] Another image processing device developed to solve this problem comprises a user interface and a controller, and is capable of inserting and removing portable memory, and has a memory log storage function that saves a log to the memory, and the controller is configured to execute a log storage process that generates the log and stores the generated log in the memory when the conditions for saving the log are met while the memory log storage function is enabled, and the controller is further configured to execute a memory warning process that warns the user interface that the memory is not installed when it is detected that the memory is not installed while the memory log storage function is enabled.

[0009] Another image processing device developed to solve this problem is an image processing device comprising a network interface, a user interface, and a controller, wherein the device has a server log saving function which saves logs to a server connected via the network interface, and the controller is configured to generate the logs and send the generated logs to the server via the network interface when the conditions for saving the logs are met while the server log saving function is enabled, and the controller is configured to further execute an initialization warning process via the user interface which warns that the server log saving function will be affected when the controller receives an initialization operation via the user interface which is an operation to instruct the initialization of the settings of the image processing device while the server log saving function is enabled.

[0010] Another image processing device developed to solve this problem comprises a network interface, a user interface, and a controller, and has a server log saving function which saves logs to a server connected via the network interface, and the controller generates the log and sends the generated log to the server via the network interface when the conditions for saving the log are met while the server log saving function is enabled, and the controller is configured to execute a log transmission process which sends the generated log to the server via the network interface, and the generated log includes information indicating the time, and the controller is further configured to execute a clock change warning process via the user interface which warns that the server log saving function will be affected when the user interface receives a clock change operation which instructs a change in the settings related to the clock while the server log saving function is enabled.

[0011] Another image processing device developed to solve this problem comprises a network interface, a user interface, and a controller, and has a server log saving function which saves logs to a server connected via the network interface, and the controller generates the log when the conditions for saving the log are met while the server log saving function is enabled, and executes a log transmission process which sends the generated log to the server via the network interface, and the generated log includes information indicating the time, and the controller further executes a clock server determination process which determines whether or not it is possible to communicate with a clock server via the network interface, and when the clock server determination process determines that it is not possible to communicate with the clock server while the server log saving function is enabled, it executes a clock server warning process which warns that it is not possible to communicate with the clock server via the user interface.

[0012] Another image processing device developed to solve this problem comprises a network interface, a user interface, a controller, and an internal clock powered by a battery. It has a server log saving function that saves logs to a server connected via the network interface. The controller generates the log when the conditions for saving the log are met while the server log saving function is enabled, and executes a log transmission process to send the generated log to the server via the network interface. The generated log includes time information. The controller further executes a time acquisition process to attempt to obtain the current time from the internal clock. If the time acquisition process fails to obtain a normal current time while the server log saving function is enabled, the controller executes an internal clock warning process via the user interface to warn that a normal time could not be obtained from the internal clock.

[0013] Another image processing device developed to solve this problem is an image processing device comprising a network interface, a user interface, and a controller, wherein the device has a server log saving function which saves logs to a server connected via the network interface, and the controller generates the log and sends the generated log to the server via the network interface when the conditions for saving the log are met while the server log saving function is enabled, and the controller executes a log transmission process which sends the generated log to the server via the network interface, and the generated log includes identification information which identifies the image processing device, and the controller is further configured to execute an identification change warning process via the user interface which warns that the server log saving function will be affected when the user interface receives an identification change operation which instructs a change in the settings related to the identification information while the server log saving function is enabled.

[0014] The image processing device disclosed herein issues a warning when the server log saving function is enabled and the system is in a state that affects the server log saving function, or when it receives an operation that affects the server log saving function. Furthermore, the image processing device issues a warning when the memory log saving function is enabled and no memory is installed. Therefore, it is expected that the inability to save logs can be suppressed, and the situation where logs cannot be saved can be resolved.

[0015] The control method, computer program, and computer-readable storage medium for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned image processing apparatus are also novel and useful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the technology disclosed herein, an image processing device having a function for saving logs is provided, and a technology is realized to suppress the inability to save logs while the log saving function is enabled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the MFP of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the startup process. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the save destination confirmation process. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen related to the network. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen related to the memory. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen related to the clock. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a log save invalidation message screen. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing examples of the home screen and the setting screen. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the user operation corresponding process. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the initial setting process. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram showing examples of the initial setting selection screen and the setting reset selection screen. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the initialization warning screen. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the initialization warning screen. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the setting initialization process. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the clock setting process. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the clock setting screen.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments in which an image processing apparatus is embodied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") having a wireless communication function is disclosed.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the MFP1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 which includes a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The MFP1 is an example of an image processing device. The CPU 11 may also be an example of a controller. The MFP1 also includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, a print engine 15, a read engine 16, and an internal clock 17, which are electrically connected to the controller 10.

[0020] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program read from memory 12 and based on user operations. As shown in Figure 1, memory 12 stores various programs and data, including the operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, a log saving program 22, log saving setting information 23, server setting information 24, and telephone directory information 25. Memory 12 is also used as a workspace when various processes are executed. The buffer provided by the CPU 11 is also an example of memory 12. Details of the programs and data will be described later.

[0021] The memory 12 is not limited to ROM, RAM, HDD, etc., built into the MFP1; it may be any storage medium that the CPU 11 can read and write to. For example, external memory such as a USB memory stick or HDD connected to the MFP1, or memory or HDDs provided in a device connected to the MFP1 via the communication IF 14, are also examples of memory 12.

[0022] Computer-readable storage media are non-transitory media. Non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs, in addition to the examples mentioned above. Furthermore, non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the internet are a type of computer-readable signal medium, but they are not included in the category of non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0023] User interface 13 includes, for example, a touch panel. The touch panel comprises hardware that displays a screen to inform the user of information, and hardware that accepts user input. User interface 13 may also include a combination of a display and hardware buttons, etc.

[0024] The communication interface 14 includes hardware for communicating with external devices. The communication interface 14 includes a network interface (hereinafter referred to as "network interface") 141, such as Wi-Fi® or Ethernet®, for connecting to the network 100, and a USB interface (hereinafter referred to as "USB-IF") 142 that supports the USB communication standard. The MFP1 can connect to the log server 201 and the clock server 202 via the network interface 141. The log server 201 is an example of a server. The MFP1 can also connect to a USB memory 203 via the USB-IF 142. The USB memory 203 is an example of a removable, portable memory. The MFP1 may also have a communication interface 14 that supports other communication standards.

[0025] The printing engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image based on image data onto a printing medium such as a sheet. The printing method of the printing engine 15 is, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The reading engine 16 includes a configuration for reading an image from a document and generating scanned data.

[0026] The internal clock 17 is powered by the battery 18 of the MFP1. Therefore, the internal clock 17 can continue to operate using the battery 18 even when the MFP1 is not powered on.

[0027] Next, the operation procedure of MFP1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart. Note that the following processes basically represent CPU processing according to the instructions written in the program. That is, processes such as "judgment," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" in the following explanation represent CPU processing. CPU processing also includes hardware control using the OS API. In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted when explaining the operation of each program. That is, in the following explanation, a statement to the effect of "Program B controls hardware C" may also mean "Program B controls hardware C using the OS API." In addition, CPU processing according to the instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated language. For example, it may be written as "performed by the CPU." Also, CPU processing according to the instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated language such as "performed by Program A."

[0028] Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as "notification," "information," "notice," "reply," "response," and "answer" are used not only to mean the transmission of information to a person, but also to mean communication and exchange of information between devices or between components within a device. Note that the components within a device include software.

[0029] Furthermore, "acquisition" is used in a sense that does not necessarily require a request. That is, the process of the CPU receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "the CPU acquiring data." Also, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit sequence that can be read by a computer. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats will be treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Also, "request" and "instruct" are concepts that indicate that information indicating a request or instruction is being output to the other party. Information indicating a request or instruction may also be simply referred to as "request" or "instruction."

[0030] Furthermore, the process by which the CPU determines whether information A indicates event B is sometimes conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or not." Similarly, the process by which the CPU determines whether information A indicates event B or event C is sometimes conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or event C."

[0031] Furthermore, in this specification, setting items may be simply referred to as "settings." Similarly, setting values ​​may also be simply referred to as "settings." Setting values ​​may also be referred to as "parameters." Additionally, storing setting values ​​in memory or elsewhere may be simply referred to as "settings." Furthermore, the operation for setting or the input for setting may also be simply referred to as "settings."

[0032] The MFP1 performs a startup process when the power is turned on. The procedure for the startup process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 2.

[0033] During the startup process, the CPU 11 of MFP1 determines whether the log saving function is enabled or disabled based on the log saving setting information 23 stored in memory 12 (S101). The log saving function saves information about an operation as a log when an operation to be saved is performed based on user operations, etc. The information saved as a log includes, for example, the time of operation, node name, execution type, supplementary information, and execution result. MFP1 enables or disables the log saving function based on user operations.

[0034] If the log saving function is determined to be enabled (S101: YES), the CPU 11 executes a destination confirmation process (S102). The CPU 11 can accept settings for the destination where logs will be saved using the log saving function. The log destination is, for example, a server configured as a log saving destination, such as log server 201, or a portable memory device attached to the MFP1, such as USB memory 203. The MFP1 has two log saving functions: a server log saving function that saves logs to the server, and a memory log saving function that saves logs to memory. When the log saving function is enabled, either the server log saving function or the memory log saving function is enabled. On the other hand, when the log saving function is disabled, both the server log saving function and the memory log saving function are disabled.

[0035] The procedure for confirming the storage location will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3. The CPU 11 determines whether the log storage location is the server or memory (S201). If it is determined that the log storage location is the server (S201: Server), that is, if it is determined that the server log storage function is enabled, the CPU 11 determines whether it is connected to network 100 via network IF 141 (S202). S202 is an example of network determination processing.

[0036] If the CPU determines that it is not connected to network 100 (S202: NO), the CPU 11 displays a network warning to user IF 13 (S203). S203 is an example of network warning processing. The CPU 11 displays a warning that the log cannot be saved and that it is not connected to the network, as shown in Figure 4(A), and a message requesting the user to check the network status. The CPU 11 then determines that the log cannot be saved and is in a save-impossible state (S204).

[0037] If MFP1 is not connected to network 100, it cannot communicate with the server configured as the log storage location, such as log server 201, and therefore cannot save logs. By warning that MFP1 is not connected to the network, it is hoped that users will revert to the original settings if they inadvertently change the communication environment, such as moving MFP1 outside the wireless communication area, turning off the repeater's power, or unplugging the LAN cable. This helps to prevent a prolonged state in which logs cannot be saved.

[0038] If it is determined that the system is connected to network 100 (S202: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether it is possible to access log server 201 (S205). S205 is an example of server determination processing. Log server 201 is the server set as the log storage location for MFP1. The CPU 11 attempts to access log server 201, for example, using the server configuration information 24 stored in memory 12, and determines whether it was successful or not.

[0039] CPU 11 determines that access is impossible, for example, if there is no response from log server 201, or if access is denied even if a response is received. If CPU 11 determines that access to log server 201 is impossible (S205: NO), CPU 11 displays a server warning to user IF13 (S206). S206 is an example of server warning processing. CPU 11 displays a warning that the log cannot be saved and that log server 201 cannot be accessed, as well as a message requesting that the user contact the administrator, as shown in Figure 4(B). Then, CPU 11 determines that saving is impossible (S207).

[0040] Even if connected to network 100, MFP1 cannot save logs to log server 201 if it cannot access log server 201. By warning that log server 201 is inaccessible, MFP1 can be expected to revert to the original settings if, for example, the user has made an inadvertent change to the communication environment, such as changing the account or access permissions for accessing log server 201. This helps to prevent a prolonged state in which logs cannot be saved.

[0041] Furthermore, if it determines that it is possible to access the log server 201 (S205:YES), the CPU 11 determines that it is possible to save logs to the log server 201 and that it is in a state where it can save logs (S208).

[0042] On the other hand, if it is determined that the log is saved to memory rather than the server (S201: memory), that is, if it is determined that the memory log saving function is enabled, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a USB memory device to be used as the log save location is installed (S211). If individual USB memory devices can be distinguished, the MFP 1 should determine whether or not the installed memory device is the USB memory device 203 that is set as the log save location.

[0043] If the CPU determines that USB memory 203 is not installed (S211: NO), the CPU 11 displays a memory warning to user IF 13 (S212). S212 is an example of memory warning processing. The CPU 11 displays, for example, a warning that the log cannot be saved and that memory is not installed, as well as a message requesting the user to connect USB memory 203, as shown in Figure 5(A).

[0044] If the memory log saving function is enabled and USB memory 203 is not installed, MFP1 cannot save the log. MFP1 will warn if memory is not installed, thus preventing situations where logs cannot be saved due to, for example, an inadvertent removal of the memory by the user.

[0045] If the CPU determines that USB memory 203 is installed (S211: YES), it determines whether it is writable to USB memory 203 (S214). S214 is an example of the write determination process. For example, the CPU 11 attempts to write a sample log to USB memory 203 and determines whether the write was successful. If the write is successful, the CPU 11 determines that it is writable and deletes the sample log. On the other hand, if there is not enough free space on USB memory 203, or if writing is blocked, the CPU 11 fails to write the sample log and determines that it is not writable.

[0046] If the CPU determines that writing to USB memory 203 is not possible (S214: NO), the CPU 11 displays a write warning to user IF 13 (S215). S215 is an example of the write warning process. The CPU 11 displays a warning that the log cannot be saved and that writing to USB memory 203 is not possible, as well as a message requesting the user to check USB memory 203, as shown in Figure 5(B).

[0047] Even if USB memory 203 is connected, MFP1 cannot save the log if it cannot write to USB memory 203. MFP1 warns if it cannot write to memory, thus preventing situations where the log cannot be saved, such as when a user other than the administrator connects to a different memory device or changes access permissions.

[0048] After S212 or S215, the CPU 11 determines that the data cannot be saved (S216). If it determines that the USB memory 203 is writable (S214: YES), the CPU 11 determines that the data can be saved (S208).

[0049] After S207, S208, or S216, the CPU 11 determines whether to use the clock server 202 or the internal clock 17 as the source for obtaining the current time (S220). If it determines to use the clock server 202 (S220: clock server), the CPU 11 determines whether it can communicate with the clock server 202 (S221). S221 is an example of the clock server determination process. The clock server 202 is, for example, an SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol) server or an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server.

[0050] If the CPU determines that communication with the clock server 202 is not possible (S221: NO), the CPU 11 displays a clock server warning to the user interface 13 (S222). S222 is an example of the clock server warning process. The CPU 11 displays a warning that communication with the clock server is not possible, and a message requesting the user to check the network and clock settings, as shown in Figure 6(A), for example.

[0051] As mentioned above, the log contains information about the operating time. If the current time cannot be obtained from the clock server 202, MFP1 is highly likely to be unable to include the correct operating time information in the log. MFP1 warns of the inability to communicate with the clock server, so it can be expected to revert to the original state if, for example, the user carelessly changes the communication environment, such as moving MFP1 outside the wireless communication area, turning off the power to the repeater, or unplugging the LAN cable. This helps prevent MFP1 from losing time information to save in the log.

[0052] If the CPU 11 determines that it will use the internal clock 17 (S220: Internal Clock), or after S204, the CPU 11 determines whether the internal clock 17 is functioning correctly (S224). Specifically, the CPU 11 attempts to obtain the current time from the internal clock 17. S224 is an example of the time acquisition process. If the CPU 11 is unable to obtain the correct current time from the internal clock 17 (S224: NO), the CPU 11 displays a clock error warning to the user IF 13 (S225). S225 is an example of the internal clock warning process. The CPU 11 displays a warning that the internal clock 17 is not functioning correctly and that the correct current time cannot be obtained from the internal clock, as shown in Figure 6(B), and a message requesting the user to check the internal clock settings.

[0053] Furthermore, the CPU 11 should also determine NO and display a warning if the time information of the internal clock 17 has been initialized, such as when S224 shows a year and month earlier than the manufacturing date as the current time. In that case, as shown in Figure 6(C), the CPU 11 displays a warning that the internal clock 17 is not functioning correctly and that the correct current time cannot be obtained from the internal clock, as well as a message requesting the user to set the correct current time in the internal clock.

[0054] If the MFP1 cannot obtain the correct current time from the internal clock 17, it is highly likely that it will not be able to generate a log containing the correct operating time information. The MFP1 will warn if the correct current time cannot be obtained from the internal clock 17, so a quick recovery from, for example, a dead battery or a malfunction of the internal clock 17 can be expected.

[0055] Although it is stated that it is possible to configure whether to use the clock server 202 or the internal clock 17, MFP1 may also be configured to use the clock server 202 if it can communicate with the clock server 202, and to check the internal clock 17 if it cannot communicate with the clock server 202. In that case, CPU 11 will first check S221 after one of S207, S208, or S216, and if it determines NO in S221, it will check S224. Also, if it is determined that it is not connected to network 100 (NO in S202), CPU 11 will proceed to S224 after S204 and check the internal clock 17, but if the use of the clock server 202 is configured, the save location confirmation process may be terminated without executing S224 and S225.

[0056] After S225, or if it determines that communication with the clock server 202 is possible (S221: YES), or if it is able to obtain the correct current time from the internal clock 17 (S224: YES), the CPU 11 terminates the save destination confirmation process and returns to the startup process.

[0057] Returning to the explanation of the startup process in Figure 2, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has been decided that the log can be saved in the save location confirmation process in S102 (S103). If it is determined that the log can be saved (S103: YES), the CPU 11 generates a startup log and saves it to the log save location (S104). The startup log is a log that indicates that the MFP1 has been started. For example, if the log save location is the log server 201, the CPU 11 sends the startup log to the log server 201 via the network IF 141. In this case, S104 is an example of the log transmission process. The startup of the MFP1 is an operation that is subject to log saving, and when the MFP1 is started, the CPU 11 determines that the conditions for saving the log have been met.

[0058] If the log saving function is disabled, meaning logs are not being saved (S101:NO), CPU11 determines whether the log saving disable flag is turned on (S111). The log saving disable flag is set to on before a restart if log saving is changed from enabled to disabled and the system is restarted. The process of setting the log saving disable flag to on will be described later.

[0059] If the CPU determines that the log saving disable flag is turned on (S111:YES), the CPU 11 displays a log saving disable message to the user IF 13 (S112). The CPU 11 displays a message indicating that the log saving settings were initialized prior to this startup and that the log saving function is disabled, for example, as shown in Figure 7(A). Note that the log saving function is disabled in the factory default state of the MFP1, and the log saving function is disabled after, for example, a predetermined initialization is performed. After S112, the CPU 11 turns off the log saving disable flag (S113).

[0060] After S104 or S113, or if it is determined that saving is not possible during the save destination confirmation process (S103: NO), or if it is determined that the log saving function is disabled and the log saving disable flag is off (S111: NO), the CPU 11 displays the home screen to the user IF 13 (S121). The CPU 11 displays the home screen 50, which includes various icons such as fax, copy, scan, and settings, as shown in Figure 8(A), and becomes available to accept user operations. Each of the various icons is a display area that accepts execution instructions from the user, and may also be called a button.

[0061] The CPU 11 then determines whether or not it has received a user operation (S122). If it determines that it has received a user operation (S122: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the log saving function is enabled (S123). If it determines that the log saving function is not enabled and is disabled (S123: NO), the CPU 11 performs various operations according to the user operation (S124). These operations may include, as described in S301 to S303 below, displaying the setting selection screen 51 upon receiving a setting instruction, accepting a selection via the setting selection screen 51, and changing the settings according to the accepted selection. This setting change includes the same processing as described in S324, S451, S503, S611, S623, and S631 below. When these operations are performed, the CPU 11 does not need to leave a log based on the user operation.

[0062] If the log saving function is determined to be enabled (S123: YES), the CPU 11 executes user operation response processing (S125). When the log saving function is enabled, the CPU 11 may save logs in response to user operations. The procedure for user operation response processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0063] In the user operation response processing, it is determined whether the received user operation is a setting instruction or not (S301). For example, if an operation to the setting icon 501 is received on the home screen 50 shown in Figure 8(A), the CPU 11 determines that a setting instruction has been received. If it is determined that a setting instruction has been received (S301: YES), the CPU 11 displays the setting selection screen to the user IF 13 (S302) and accepts the user's selection.

[0064] The CPU 11, for example, displays the settings selection screen 51 as shown in Figure 8(B) and waits until it can accept the selection of an item. The settings selection screen 51 includes, for example, a network button 511 that accepts the instruction to start network settings and an initial settings button 512 that accepts the instruction to start the initialization process. Each button is a display area for accepting user selections and may also be called an icon.

[0065] Upon receiving a user selection, the CPU 11 determines whether the user's selection is for network settings, initial settings, or something else (S303). If the CPU 11 determines that the user's selection is an instruction for initial settings via the operation of the initial settings button 512 (S303: Initial Settings), the CPU 11 executes the initial settings process (S311).

[0066] The procedure for the initial setup process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10. During the initial setup process, the CPU 11 displays an initial setup selection screen to the user IF 13 (S401) and accepts the user's selection.

[0067] The CPU 11 displays an initial settings selection screen 52, for example, as shown in Figure 11(A), and accepts a selection. The initial settings selection screen 52 includes, for example, a clock set button 521 for setting clock-related settings and a settings reset button 522 for accepting instructions to initialize various settings. If the settings reset button 522 is operated on the initial settings selection screen 52, the CPU 11 displays a settings reset screen 53 to the user interface 13, for example, as shown in Figure 11(B), and accepts further selections.

[0068] The settings reset screen 53 includes, for example, a function settings reset button 531, a network settings reset button 532, a phonebook reset button 533, a full settings reset button 534, and a factory reset button 535. The function settings reset button 531 accepts a function settings reset command, which initializes the settings items of accepted functions. The network settings reset button 532 accepts a network settings reset command, which initializes the network settings items. The phonebook reset button 533 accepts a phonebook reset command, which initializes the phonebook information 25 stored in memory 12. The full settings reset button 534 accepts a full settings reset command, which initializes all settings items. The factory reset button 535 accepts a factory reset command, which returns all information to its factory default state. The operation of each button included in the settings reset screen 53 is an example of an initialization operation.

[0069] The CPU 11 then determines whether the user's selection is an instruction to reset various settings, set the clock, or reset the phonebook (S402). If the CPU 11 receives an operation on the settings reset screen 53 to the function settings reset button 531, the network settings reset button 532, the all settings reset button 534, or the factory reset button 535, it determines that it is an instruction to reset various settings. If the CPU 11 receives an operation on the initial settings selection screen 52 to the clock set button 521, it determines that it is an instruction to set the clock. If the CPU 11 receives an operation on the settings reset screen 53 to the phonebook reset button 533, it determines that it is an instruction to reset the phonebook.

[0070] If the CPU 11 determines that it has received instructions to reset various settings (S402: various settings reset), it warns that some of the information recorded in the log will be reset (S411). S411 is an example of a setting change warning process and an example of an initialization warning process.

[0071] For example, as shown in Figure 11(C), when various setting resets are performed, some items related to log saving are initialized according to the received instruction. For example, a function setting reset initializes the clock information. A network setting reset initializes the node name. A full setting reset and a factory reset initialize both the clock and the node name. Operation on any of the function setting reset button 531, network setting reset button 532, full setting reset button 534, or factory reset button 535 is an example of a setting change operation and an example of a first initialization operation. Note that in various setting resets, the CPU 11 may also initialize the setting values ​​of setting items other than those mentioned above.

[0072] The operating time and node name are information stored in the log. If the clock information is initialized, CPU11 may no longer be able to store accurate operating times. The node name is an example of identification information that identifies MFP1, is stored in the log, and is an example of primary identification information. If the clock information and node name are initialized, the relationship between logs stored up to that point and logs stored after initialization may become unclear.

[0073] When the CPU 11 receives a reset instruction that initializes the clock or node name, it displays a warning in S411, for example as shown in Figure 12(A), that the log information will be initialized, and a message indicating that the clock and node name information will be initialized. The MFP1 warns that changing the clock or node name will affect the log saving function, thus preventing a decrease in log reliability due to, for example, careless operations by the user.

[0074] Furthermore, CPU11 may check whether the clock and node name settings have been changed from their initial state before executing S411, and may not issue the S411 warning if they have not been changed. Alternatively, CPU11 may display a message that includes only the items of the clock and node name that are to be initialized by the instructed reset.

[0075] The CPU 11 then determines whether or not the log saving function should be initialized (S415). As shown in Figure 11(C), when a network settings reset, a full settings reset, or a factory reset is performed, the log saving function is initialized, and after initialization, the log saving function is disabled. On the other hand, when a function settings reset is performed, the log saving function is not initialized. If the user's selection in S402 is a function settings reset, the CPU 11 determines NO in S415.

[0076] If the CPU determines that the log saving function will be initialized (S415:YES), it determines whether the logged-in user logged into MFP1 has administrator privileges (S416). If it determines that the user is not an administrator (S416:NO), the CPU displays a password warning to user IF13 (S421). S421 is an example of initialization warning processing. For example, as shown in Figure 12(B), the CPU displays a warning indicating that the log settings will be initialized, that the log saving function will be disabled by the initialization, and a message informing the user that an administrator password is required.

[0077] After issuing a warning about the initialization of log settings, CPU 11 displays a screen to accept password input and accepts user input (S422). After accepting the password input, CPU 11 performs the authentication process for the entered password (S423). If it determines that password authentication has failed (S423: NO), CPU 11 determines whether the predetermined number of failures has been reached (S424). If the number of failures has not reached the predetermined number (S424: NO), CPU 11 accepts password input again (S422) and performs authentication (S423).

[0078] If the CPU determines that authentication was successful (S423:YES), it displays a log saving disabled warning to user IF13 (S425). S425 is an example of a configuration change warning process and an example of an initialization warning process. The CPU 11 displays a screen that accepts instructions to proceed or cancel, including a warning indicating that the log saving function will be disabled by initialization and logs will no longer be saved, as shown in Figure 13(A).

[0079] If settings affecting the log saving function are reset, there is a risk that logs may not be saved, or the reliability of the information stored in the logs may decrease. If the logged-in user is not an administrator, they may not be familiar with the impact of the reset on the log saving function. If the logged-in user is not an administrator, MFP1 will prompt for a password, and if authentication is successful, will allow the reset, and will also provide a warning appropriate for non-administrator users. Since MFP1 warns that the reset will affect the log saving function, it can prevent, for example, accidental reset operations by non-administrator users that prevent logs from being saved. In addition, non-administrator users can issue reset instructions after being aware of the impact on the log saving function.

[0080] On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the logged-in user who entered the initialization instruction has administrator privileges (S416: YES), the CPU 11 displays an administrator warning to user IF13 (S427). S427 is an example of a configuration change warning process and an example of an initialization warning process. The CPU 11 displays a screen that includes a message indicating that the system will restart after initialization, as shown in Figure 13(B), and accepts instructions to proceed or cancel.

[0081] If the logged-in user is an administrator, they are likely to be aware of the impact of initialization on the log saving function. While MFP1 simplifies operations such as prompting for a password when the logged-in user is an administrator, it also provides warnings appropriate for administrators, thus preventing unintentional initialization commands.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in the settings reset screen 53 in Figure 11(B), there are multiple types of initial settings, and the items to be initialized differ depending on the type. Also, the warning content differs depending on whether the log saving function is initialized (S425, S427) or the information saved in the log is initialized (S411). In other words, the CPU 11 provides warnings that include indications of how the log saving function will be affected, depending on the type of operation, making it easy for users, whether administrators or not, to understand.

[0083] CPU11 determines whether it has accepted a cancellation operation in response to the log saving disabled warning displayed in S425 or the administrator warning displayed in S427 (S428). If it determines that a cancellation operation has been accepted (S428: YES), or if it determines that password authentication has failed a predetermined number of times (S424: YES), or after S405, CPU11 terminates the initial setup process and returns to user operation response processing.

[0084] If password authentication fails, CPU11 cancels any setting reset operations received by S402. Furthermore, if CPU11 determines that password authentication has failed a predetermined number of times, it may save this information as a log.

[0085] CPU11 issues a warning and accepts a cancel operation, and if a cancel operation is accepted, it cancels the initial setup operation. This allows the user to avoid the trouble of having to revert the various settings that were initialized after the initialization by performing a cancel operation.

[0086] If the CPU determines that it has received an instruction to perform initialization rather than cancel (S428: NO), the CPU 11 executes the configuration initialization process (S431). The procedure for the configuration initialization process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 14.

[0087] During the initial setup process, CPU 11 saves a log indicating that the initialization has been performed (S501). Then, CPU 11 turns on the log saving disable flag (S502). As mentioned above, the log saving disable flag indicates that the log saving function has been changed from enabled to disabled. Then, CPU 11 initializes the specified items based on the user selection received in S402 of the initial setup process (S503). After that, CPU 11 performs a restart (S504).

[0088] Upon restart, CPU11 executes the aforementioned startup process (see Figure 2), just as it does when the power is turned on. In the startup process after restarting S504, CPU11 determines YES in S111 because the log saving disable flag is turned on, and displays a message indicating that the log saving function is disabled (S112).

[0089] Let's return to the explanation of the initial setup process in Figure 10. If the CPU 11 determines that the user's selection received in S402 of the initial setup process is an instruction to set the clock (S402: Clock Set), the CPU 11 executes the clock set process (S441). The procedure for the clock set process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 15.

[0090] Upon receiving a clock setting instruction, the CPU 11 first displays the clock setting menu to the user interface 13 (S601). Specifically, when the CPU 11 receives an operation on the clock setting button 521 shown in Figure 11(A), it displays the clock setting menu as shown in Figure 16(A). The clock setting menu displays fields for date, time, clock display, and time zone, along with the set information. Each field in the clock setting menu is a button, and by operating it, the CPU 11 can receive instructions to change the information in that field.

[0091] CPU11 determines whether it has received an operation on any of the date, time, or time zone fields in the displayed clock setting menu (S602). If any of the date, time, or time zone is changed, the operation time information stored in the log may change. An operation on any of the date, time, or time zone fields is an operation that instructs a change in clock settings and is an example of a clock change operation.

[0092] If the CPU determines that an operation has been performed on any of the date, time, or time zone fields (S602:YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the logged-in user is an administrator (S605). If it determines that the user is an administrator (S605:YES), the CPU 11 changes the information based on the user's operation (S611). Furthermore, the CPU 11 generates and saves a log indicating that the time setting has been changed (S612).

[0093] If it is determined that the user is not an administrator (S605: NO), CPU 11 displays a clock change warning to user IF 13 (S621). S621 is an example of a setting change warning process, and is an example of a clock change warning process. As shown in Figure 16(B), CPU 11 displays a screen that includes a message warning that changing the clock setting will affect the information stored in the log, and accepts instructions to change or cancel the setting.

[0094] When clock settings are changed, the timestamp information included in logs saved thereafter may not correspond to logs from before the setting change. MFP1 warns that the clock setting affects the log saving function, thus preventing a decrease in log reliability due to, for example, inadvertent clock changes by the user.

[0095] CPU 11 determines whether a cancellation operation was accepted in response to the clock change warning (S622). If it determines that an instruction to change the clock was accepted rather than a cancellation operation (S622: NO), CPU 11 changes the clock setting based on the user's operation (S623). Furthermore, CPU 11 generates and saves a log indicating that the time setting has been changed (S612). S623 and S624 are the same processes as S611 and S612. In addition, CPU 11 notifies the administrator by email that the clock setting has been changed (S625). This allows the administrator to be aware that the clock setting has been changed and to recognize that there may be a discrepancy in the current time information between the existing log and the log after the change.

[0096] On the other hand, if the CPU determines that a cancellation operation has been accepted (S622: YES), it returns to displaying the clock set menu in S601. Also, if the CPU determines that an operation has been accepted in the clock display field in the clock set menu (S602: NO), the CPU changes the clock display settings based on the user's operation (S631). Since the clock display settings do not affect the information stored in the log, the CPU sets them in response to the user's operation without issuing any warnings or confirmations. If the log saving function is not enabled, the CPU may allow anyone to change all items in the clock set menu, or it may notify the administrator of any changes.

[0097] After one of S612, S625, or S631, the CPU 11 finishes the clock setting process and returns to the initial setup process shown in Figure 10. In the initial setup process, after the clock setting process (S441) is completed, the CPU 11 finishes the initial setup process and returns to the user operation response process.

[0098] On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that it has received a phonebook reset instruction on the settings reset screen 53 (see Figure 11(B)) displayed during the initial setup process in Figure 10 (S402: Phonebook Reset), the CPU 11 resets the phonebook by clearing the phonebook information 25 (S451). After S451, the CPU 11 terminates the initial setup process and returns to the user operation response process.

[0099] The telephone directory information 25 includes not only telephone and fax numbers for each recipient, but also sender identification information, which is assigned to identify the MFP1, the sender, when sending faxes or emails. Sender identification information is an example of second-level identification information, and pressing the telephone directory reset button 533 is an example of a second-level initialization operation and an example of a second-level identification change operation.

[0100] Since the phonebook information 25 is not information saved in the log and does not affect the log saving function or the information saved in the log, the CPU 11 will act on the instruction without issuing a warning or confirmation when it receives a phonebook reset instruction. It is preferable not to issue a warning if the initialization does not include settings that affect the log saving function.

[0101] Let's return to the explanation of the user operation response process in Figure 9. If the initial setup process of S311 is completed without restarting, the CPU 11 finishes the user operation response process and returns to the startup process in Figure 2. In the startup process, after the operation of S124, or after the user operation response process of S125, the CPU 11 proceeds to S121, displays the home screen, and then accepts user operations. Depending on the user's operation, the CPU 11 may display various screens other than the home screen.

[0102] On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that an operation to the network button 511 has been received on the setting selection screen 51 (see Figure 8(B)) displayed in S302 of the user operation response processing (S303: Network), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the log storage destination is the log server 201 (S321). If an operation to the network button 511 is received, the CPU 11 displays a screen that accepts instructions to change various network settings and accepts user operations.

[0103] CPU11 can accept instructions to change network settings, such as node name, IP acquisition method, IP address, and wireless communication settings. If the IP address or wireless communication settings are changed, MFP1 may lose the ability to connect to log server 201.

[0104] If the CPU determines that the log storage location is log server 201 (S321:YES), the CPU 11 displays a network change warning to user IF 13 (S322). S322 is an example of configuration change warning processing. The CPU 11 displays a screen that includes a warning that changing the network settings will stop saving logs, as shown in Figure 7(B), and accepts instructions to change or cancel the settings.

[0105] Furthermore, the node name is information stored in the log, and if the node name is changed, the relationship between the log after the change and the existing log may become unclear. The node name is an example of identification information and is an example of first identification information. When a command to change the node name is received, CPU11 also displays the network change warning S322. In this case, S322 is an example of identification change warning processing. The operation to instruct a node name change is an example of first identification change operation. Note that the IP address may also be information stored in the log, in which case the IP address is an example of identification information and is an example of first identification information.

[0106] Then, CPU 11 determines whether or not a cancel operation was accepted in the displayed network change warning (S323). If it determines that an instruction to change the network setting was accepted rather than a cancel operation (S323: NO), or if it determines that the log storage location is not log server 201 (S321: NO), CPU 11 changes the network setting based on the user's operation (S324). After S324, or if it determines that a cancel operation was accepted (S323: YES), CPU 11 terminates the user operation response process and returns to the startup process shown in Figure 2.

[0107] Furthermore, if an operation on an icon other than the settings icon 501 is received on the home screen 50 (see Figure 8(A)) displayed in the startup process S121, the CPU 11 determines in the user operation response process S301 that an instruction other than a settings instruction has been received. If it is determined that an instruction other than a settings instruction has been received (S301: NO), or if it is determined that an instruction other than network or initial settings has been received on the settings selection screen 51 (see Figure 8(B)) (S303: Other), the CPU 11 operates according to the user's operation (S331). In addition, the CPU 11 determines whether the operation performed is an operation to be logged (S332). The types of operations to be logged are predetermined.

[0108] If the CPU 11 determines that an action is eligible for logging (S332: YES), it collects information to be saved as a log based on the log saving program 22 and generates a log (S333). In other words, if the executed action is eligible for logging, the CPU 11 determines that the conditions for saving the log have been met. Furthermore, the CPU 11 saves the generated log to the configured storage location (S334). If the storage location is the log server 201, the CPU 11 sends the generated log to the log server 201 via the network IF 141. In this case, S334 is an example of the log transmission process.

[0109] If the log is saved to USB memory 203, CPU 11 writes the generated log to USB memory 203 via USB-IF142 in S334. S334 in this case is an example of log storage processing.

[0110] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the log has been successfully saved (S335). If it is determined that the saving has failed (S335: NO), the CPU 11 saves the generated log in the non-volatile storage area of the memory 12, for example, NVRAM (S336). After S336, or if it is determined that the log has been successfully saved (S335: YES), or if it is determined that the executed operation is not an operation subject to log saving (S332: NO), the CPU 11 ends the user operation handling process and returns to the startup process.

[0111] Return to the explanation of the startup process in FIG. 2. After displaying the home screen 50, if no user operation has been received (S122: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether a periodic timing has occurred (S131). The periodic timing is a previously determined timing, for example, once per minute.

[0112] If it is determined that a periodic timing has occurred (S131: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the log saving function is valid (S132). If it is determined that it is not a periodic timing (S131: NO), or if the log saving function is not valid (S132: NO), the CPU 11 waits until it receives a user operation or until a periodic timing occurs.

[0113] If it is a periodic timing and it is determined that the log saving function is valid (S132: YES), the CPU 11 executes the same saving destination confirmation process as S102 (S133). The saving destination confirmation process is the process shown in FIG. 3, which is a process of confirming whether the log saving destination is properly connected. That is, when the log saving function is valid, the CPU 11 periodically confirms the connection to the log saving destination.

[0114] Furthermore, if the log saving function is enabled at startup, the save location confirmation process has already been performed in S102. Therefore, in S133, CPU 11 only needs to confirm the connection to network 100 (S202) or the insertion of USB memory 203 (S211), and does not need to attempt to access log server 201 (S205) or attempt to write to USB memory 203 (S214). In other words, for the save location confirmation process at regular intervals, CPU 11 may only execute S201-S203 and S211-S212.

[0115] Furthermore, if S102 determines that a connection is possible at startup, but S133, which is executed periodically, detects that the connection is not possible, CPU11 may display a warning message with different content than that of the save location confirmation process in S102. Specifically, CPU11 may display messages such as "Network connection has been disconnected" or "USB memory connection has been disconnected." Also, if CPU11 detects that the log save location is USB memory 203 and that USB memory 203 has been removed after startup, it may issue a warning not only at the scheduled intervals.

[0116] If logs cannot be saved due to connection errors with log server 201 or if USB memory 203 is full, CPU 11, as described above, temporarily saves the generated logs to its own device's NVRAM and retries saving the logs that failed to save, for example, during a restart or periodically. This ensures that logs are not immediately lost even if communication with log server 201 is lost. However, if the NVRAM becomes full, new logs will overwrite and old logs will be lost, so it is preferable to avoid a situation where logs cannot be saved. MFP1 periodically performs a save location check process and warns if logs cannot be saved, thus shortening the period of time when logs cannot be saved.

[0117] As described in detail above, the MFP1 of this embodiment has a function to save logs to the log server 201 via the network IF141. When the function to save logs to the log server 201 is enabled, the MFP1 receives a command to change the settings related to the network IF141, such as a command to change the network settings or various initialization commands, and issues a warning via the user IF13. If the settings related to the network IF141 are changed, there is a risk that communication with the log server 201 will become impossible, and logs will not be saved. Since the MFP1 warns of the impact on the function to save logs to the log server 201, it is possible to prevent logs from being saved due to inadvertent configuration changes by the user.

[0118] This embodiment is merely illustrative and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed herein can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, the image processing device is not limited to an MFP, but may also be a printer, scanner, fax machine, etc., and is applicable as long as it has at least network communication functionality and image processing functionality. Furthermore, the internal clock 17 is optional.

[0119] Furthermore, the various screen display configurations illustrated in this embodiment are merely examples, and the wording of messages and button placements displayed on each screen are not limited to the illustrated examples. Also, various warnings may be displayed on the user interface 13, or they may be output as audio, or a combination of screen display and audio output may be used. In addition, the MFP1 does not need to accept cancellations.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, MFP1 may have programs and data (hereinafter referred to as "EWS") for implementing embedded web server functionality, and may be able to accept various operations via EWS. For example, MFP1 may be able to accept initialization instructions and network setting change instructions via EWS, and in that case, a warning screen may be displayed via EWS. The operation screen provided by EWS is an example of a user interface.

[0121] Furthermore, although in this embodiment the CPU 11 saves the startup log in S104 of the startup process, it is not necessary to save it.

[0122] Furthermore, although the embodiment states that MFP1 performs a save location confirmation process at startup and periodically thereafter, it is not limited to this. For example, MFP1 may perform a save location confirmation process when the conditions for saving logs are met or when it receives a confirmation instruction from the user.

[0123] Furthermore, while it is stated that MFP1 will prompt for a password if the user who enters the initialization command is not an administrator, this is not required. By warning about the impact of initialization on the logs, even non-administrator users can be expected to operate cautiously. Also, while it is stated that CPU11 will display a simpler administrator warning than in the case of a non-administrator (S427 of the initial setup process) if the user who enters the initialization command is an administrator, it is also acceptable to display a warning that includes content suggesting that log saving will be disabled due to initialization, even if the user is an administrator.

[0124] Furthermore, in any sequence diagram disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of any multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistencies arise in the processing content.

[0125] Furthermore, the processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Also, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be implemented in various forms, such as a recording medium or method that stores a program for executing the process. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 1 MFP 11 CPU 12 memory 13 User Interface 141 Network Interface 142 USB-IF 17 Internal Clock 18 batteries 100 Networks 201 Log Server 202 Clock Server

Claims

1. Network interface and User interface and Controller and Equipped with, It has a server log storage function, which is a function that saves logs to a server connected via the aforementioned network interface, The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled and the conditions for saving the log are met, the log is generated, and the generated log is sent to the server via the network interface. The controller further, When the server log saving function is enabled and a configuration change operation, which is an operation that instructs a change in the settings related to the network interface, is received via the user interface, a configuration change warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that the server log saving function will be affected. An image processing device configured as follows.

2. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, In the aforementioned setting change warning process, Through the user interface, a warning is issued that the server log saving function is affected, and a cancellation operation is accepted, which is an operation to instruct the user to cancel the accepted configuration change operation. The aforementioned controller, When the aforementioned cancellation operation is received, the received setting change operation is canceled. An image processing device configured as follows.

3. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned controller, A network determination process is executed to determine whether or not the network is connected via the aforementioned network interface. When the server log saving function is enabled, if the network detection process determines that the user is not connected to the network, a network warning process is executed via the user interface to warn the user that they are not connected to the network. An image processing device configured as follows.

4. An image processing apparatus according to claim 3, The aforementioned controller, If the network determination process determines that the network is connected, a server determination process is executed to determine whether or not it is possible to connect to the server via the network interface. If the server log saving function is enabled and the server determination process determines that it is not possible to connect to the server, a server warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that it is not possible to connect to the server. An image processing device configured as follows.

5. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, The portable memory can be easily installed and removed. It has a memory log storage function, which is a function that saves logs to the aforementioned memory, The aforementioned controller, When the memory log saving function is enabled and the conditions for saving the log are met, a log storage process is executed to generate the log and store the generated log in memory. The controller further, When the memory log saving function is enabled and it is detected that the memory is not installed, a memory warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that the memory is not installed. An image processing device configured as follows.

6. An image processing apparatus according to claim 5, The aforementioned controller, If the memory is installed, a write determination process is executed to determine whether or not writing to the memory is possible. When the memory log saving function is enabled, if the write determination process determines that writing to the memory is not possible, a write warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that writing to the memory is not possible. An image processing device configured as follows.

7. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled and an initialization operation is received via the user interface, which is an operation to instruct the image processing device to initialize its settings, an initialization warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that the server log saving function will be affected. An image processing device configured as follows.

8. An image processing apparatus according to claim 7, In the initialization warning process, Through the user interface, a warning is issued that the server log saving function is affected, and a cancellation operation is accepted, which is an operation instructing the user to cancel the accepted initialization operation. The aforementioned controller, When the aforementioned cancellation operation is received, the received initialization operation is canceled. An image processing device configured as follows.

9. An image processing apparatus according to claim 7, The types of initialization operations include a first initialization operation that instructs the initialization of various settings, including settings that affect the server log storage function, and a second initialization operation that instructs the initialization of various settings, excluding settings that affect the server log storage function. The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled, if the first initialization operation is received via the user interface, the initialization warning process is executed; if the second initialization operation is received, the initialization warning process is not executed. An image processing device configured as follows.

10. An image processing apparatus according to claim 9, The first initialization operation has several types, and the settings to be initialized differ for each type. In the initialization warning process, The content of the warning will differ depending on the type of the first initialization operation that was received. An image processing device configured as follows.

11. An image processing apparatus according to claim 10, In the initialization warning process, Depending on the type of first initialization operation received, the warning content, which includes suggestions on how it will affect the server log saving function, will differ. An image processing device configured as follows.

12. An image processing apparatus according to claim 7, In the initialization warning process, The warning content differs depending on whether the logged-in user has administrator privileges or not. An image processing device configured as follows.

13. An image processing apparatus according to claim 12, The aforementioned controller, When the initialization operation is received via the user interface while the server log saving function is enabled, the initialization warning process is executed. After the initialization warning process described above is executed, if the logged-in user does not have administrator privileges, the system will prompt for the user to enter an administrator password. If the administrator password is entered, the initialization based on the accepted initialization operation is permitted; if the administrator password is not entered, the accepted initialization operation is canceled. An image processing device configured as follows.

14. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled and a clock change operation instructing a change in clock settings is received via the user interface, a clock change warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that the server log saving function will be affected, and the log contains information indicating the time. An image processing device configured as follows.

15. An image processing apparatus according to claim 14, The aforementioned controller, A clock server determination process is executed to determine whether or not communication with the clock server is possible via the aforementioned network interface. When the server log saving function is enabled, and the clock server determination process determines that communication with the clock server is not possible, a clock server warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that communication with the clock server is not possible. An image processing device configured as follows.

16. An image processing apparatus according to claim 14, It has an internal clock that is powered by a battery, The aforementioned controller, The system executes a time acquisition process that attempts to obtain the current time from the internal clock. If the server log saving function is enabled and the time acquisition process fails to obtain a valid current time, an internal clock warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that a valid time cannot be obtained from the internal clock. An image processing device configured as follows.

17. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled and an identification change operation is received via the user interface instructing a change in the settings relating to the identification information that identifies the image processing device, an identification change warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that the server log saving function will be affected, and the log contains the identification information. An image processing device configured as follows.

18. An image processing apparatus according to claim 17, The aforementioned identification information includes a first identification information included in the log and a second identification information not included in the log. The types of identification change operations include a first identification change operation that instructs a change to the first identification information, and a second identification change operation that instructs a change to the second identification information. The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled, if the first identification change operation is received via the user interface, the identification change warning process is executed; however, if the second identification change operation is received, the identification change warning process is not executed. An image processing device configured as follows.

19. Network interface and User interface and Controller and Equipped with, It has a server log storage function, which is a function that saves logs to a server connected via the aforementioned network interface, The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled and the conditions for saving the log are met, the log is generated, and the generated log is sent to the server via the network interface. The controller further, A network determination process is executed to determine whether or not the network is connected via the aforementioned network interface. When the server log saving function is enabled, if the network detection process determines that the user is not connected to the network, a network warning process is executed via the user interface to warn the user that they are not connected to the network. An image processing device configured as follows.

20. User interface and Controller and Equipped with, The portable memory can be easily installed and removed. It has a memory log storage function, which is a function that saves logs to the aforementioned memory, The aforementioned controller, When the memory log saving function is enabled and the conditions for saving the log are met, a log storage process is executed to generate the log and store the generated log in memory. The controller further, When the memory log saving function is enabled and it is detected that the memory is not installed, a memory warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that the memory is not installed. An image processing device configured as follows.

21. Network interface and User interface and Controller and An image processing apparatus comprising, It has a server log storage function, which is a function that saves logs to a server connected via the aforementioned network interface, The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled and the conditions for saving the log are met, the log is generated, and the generated log is sent to the server via the network interface. The controller further, When the server log saving function is enabled and an initialization operation is received via the user interface, which is an operation to instruct the image processing device to initialize its settings, an initialization warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that the server log saving function will be affected. An image processing device configured as follows.

22. An image processing apparatus according to claim 21, In the initialization warning process, Through the user interface, a warning is issued that the server log saving function is affected, and a cancellation operation is accepted, which is an operation instructing the user to cancel the accepted initialization operation. The aforementioned controller, When the aforementioned cancellation operation is received, the received initialization operation is canceled. An image processing device configured as follows.

23. Network interface and User interface and Controller and Equipped with, It has a server log storage function, which is a function that saves logs to a server connected via the aforementioned network interface, The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled and the conditions for saving the log are met, a log transmission process is executed to generate the log and send the generated log to the server via the network interface, and the generated log includes time information. The controller further, When the server log saving function is enabled and a clock change operation instructing a change in clock settings is received via the user interface, a clock change warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that the server log saving function will be affected. An image processing device configured as follows.

24. Network interface and User interface and Controller and Equipped with, It has a server log storage function, which is a function that saves logs to a server connected via the aforementioned network interface, The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled and the conditions for saving the log are met, a log transmission process is executed to generate the log and send the generated log to the server via the network interface, and the generated log includes time information. The controller further, A clock server determination process is executed to determine whether or not communication with the clock server is possible via the aforementioned network interface. When the server log saving function is enabled, and the clock server determination process determines that communication with the clock server is not possible, a clock server warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that communication with the clock server is not possible. An image processing device configured as follows.

25. Network interface and User interface and Controller and An internal clock powered by a battery, Equipped with, It has a server log storage function, which is a function that saves logs to a server connected via the aforementioned network interface, The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled and the conditions for saving the log are met, a log transmission process is executed to generate the log and send the generated log to the server via the network interface, and the generated log includes time information. The controller further, The system executes a time acquisition process that attempts to obtain the current time from the internal clock. If the server log saving function is enabled and the time acquisition process fails to obtain a valid current time, an internal clock warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that a valid time cannot be obtained from the internal clock. An image processing device configured as follows.

26. Network interface and User interface and Controller and An image processing apparatus comprising, It has a server log storage function, which is a function that saves logs to a server connected via the aforementioned network interface, The aforementioned controller, When the server log saving function is enabled and the conditions for saving the log are met, a log transmission process is executed to generate the log and send the generated log to the server via the network interface, and the generated log includes identification information that identifies the image processing device. The controller further, When the server log saving function is enabled and an identification change operation instructing a change in the settings related to the identification information is received via the user interface, an identification change warning process is executed via the user interface to warn that the server log saving function will be affected. An image processing device configured as follows.

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