Apparatus, method for controlling the apparatus, and program

Abstract

This makes it possible to easily repair the device. [Solution] The device includes a reception means for receiving a startup operation, and a startup means that, if the operation received by the reception means is a first operation, starts up in a first operating mode that includes a repair function and a service function, which are functions necessary for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair, and starts up in a second operating mode that includes only the repair function included in the first operating mode, if the operation received by the reception means is a second operation different from the first operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fault diagnosis of devices.

Background Art

[0002] When a fault or abnormality occurs in a device, the user makes an inquiry regarding the fault to the purchasing store or the manufacturer, and the fault diagnosis and repair of the device are performed by a repair service provider. Patent Document 1 discloses a fault diagnosis system that remotely diagnoses the operating state of a device, accumulates support cases, and estimates the cause of a fault based on the support cases.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, when remote diagnosis of a device is not possible, the efficiency of repairing the device decreases. There is a need for a technique that enables easy repair of a device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The device according to the present disclosure includes reception means for receiving an activation operation, and when the operation received by the reception means is a first operation, it starts in a first operation mode including a repair function, which is a function necessary for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair, and a service function, and when the operation received by the reception means is a second operation different from the first operation, it starts in a second operation mode including only the repair function included in the first operation mode, and starting means.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] The technology of this disclosure makes it possible to easily repair the device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the recording device. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the main part of the recording device. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the control configuration of the recording device. [Figure 4] Functional block diagram of the recording device software. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control panel of a recording device. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the mode configuration of a recording device. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a login screen for the recording device's mode. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the usage history of a recording device. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of the mode startup process for a recording device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Each step in the flowchart will be indicated by a reference numeral beginning with "S". Furthermore, the relative arrangements and shapes of the components described in the embodiments below are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to them alone.

[0009] [First Embodiment] Inkjet recording device Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inkjet recording device, which is an example of a recording device 101 that performs industrial or commercial printing in this embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the recording device 101. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the recording device 101. The configuration of the recording device 101 will be described below using Figures 1 to 3. Hereinafter, the transport direction in which the sheet S is transported in the recording device 101 will be defined as the +Y direction. The direction in which the recording head 204 ejects ink onto the sheet S will be defined as the -Z direction. The direction in which the recording head 204 moves from the standby position will be defined as the +X direction.

[0010] As shown in Figure 2, the recording device 101 rotatably holds a roll sheet R in which a sheet S is wound into a roll. By rotating the roll sheet R with a roll drive motor 308, the sheet S is supplied from the roll sheet R to the transport roller 203. The transport roller 203 can rotate while gripping the sheet S. By rotating the transport roller 203 with a transport roller drive motor 309, the sheet S is transported to a position where the recording head 204 can record on the sheet S. The recording head 204 is mounted on a carriage (not shown) and is configured to reciprocate in the X direction. By moving the recording head 204 in the X direction and ejecting ink from the recording head 204 onto the sheet S that has been transported, an image is recorded on the sheet S. The sheet S with the recorded image is discharged from a discharge section located downstream of the recording head 204 in the transport direction and loaded into the basket 103 shown in Figure 1.

[0011] The operation panel 102 is an interface module that receives various operations from the user. The user can make various settings for the recording device 101 using various switches or touch panels provided on the operation panel 102. These settings for the recording device 101 include, for example, the size and type of sheet S. The operation panel 102 may also display a user interface screen (UI screen). The operation panel 102 is both a reception unit (input unit) that receives various operations from the user and a display unit that displays the UI screen, etc. By using a touch panel, the reception unit (input unit) and the display unit can be integrated.

[0012] In the transport direction, a sheet detection sensor 202 is positioned upstream of the transport roller 203. When the sheet detection sensor 202 detects that a sheet S has been supplied from the roll sheet R by the user, the transport operation of the sheet S begins. The transport operation of the sheet S is performed by synchronously driving the roll drive motor 308 and the transport roller drive motor 309.

[0013] In the transport direction, a media sensor 206 and an ultrasonic transmitter 207 are positioned upstream of the sheet detection sensor 202. The media sensor 206 is positioned above the sheet S in the direction of gravity (Z direction), and the ultrasonic transmitter 207 is positioned below the sheet S in the direction of gravity. The media sensor 206 and ultrasonic transmitter 207 are used to estimate the type of sheet.

[0014] The recording of an image onto the sheet S is performed as follows: First, the recording device 101 performs a transport operation to transport the sheet S to a position opposite the recording head 204. Next, while ejecting ink, the recording head 204 is scanned in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the transport direction of the sheet S, thereby recording an image of the area of ​​the sheet S corresponding to the recording head 204. Next, after transporting a predetermined amount of the sheet S, the recording head 204 is scanned in the intersecting direction while ejecting ink. In this way, by alternately performing the transport operation of the sheet S and the image recording operation, the desired image is recorded on the sheet S. The sheet S on which the image has been recorded is sequentially transported downstream of the recording head 204 in the transport direction. The transported sheet S is cut by a cutter 205 provided in the discharge section. The cut sheet S is loaded into the basket 103.

[0015] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in the recording device 101. The recording device 101 includes an operation panel 102, a recording head 204, a CPU 301, a sensor control unit 302, an input / output interface (IF) 303, a USB port 304, a memory 305, a motor control unit 306, and a RAM 320. The recording device 101 also includes a sheet detection sensor 202, a media sensor 206, an ultrasonic transmitter 207, and a carriage encoder 307. Furthermore, the recording device 101 includes a roll drive motor 308, a transport roller drive motor 309, a carriage drive motor 310, a lift drive motor 311, a cutter drive motor 312, and a media sensor lifting motor 313. The memory 305 stores a program 351 and a learned model 352.

[0016] The motor control unit 306 controls each drive motor according to the program 351 recorded in the memory 305. The conveyance roller drive motor 309 rotates the conveyance roller 203. The roll drive motor 308 rotates the spool 201. The conveyance roller drive motor 309 is provided with an encoder for detecting the amount of rotation for detecting the conveyance amount of the sheet S. The carriage drive motor 310 can move a carriage (not shown) and a recording head 204 mounted on the carriage by rotating a carriage belt (not shown). The lift drive motor 311 moves the carriage and the recording head 204 up and down. The cutter drive motor 312 drives the cutter. The media sensor lift motor 313 moves the media sensor 206 up and down.

[0017] Various setting information and the like based on user operations from the operation panel 102 or the host PC connected to the USB port 304 are input to the CPU 301 via the input / output IF 303. The input information is stored in the memory 305. The CPU 301 can read out the information stored in the memory 305 at any time and perform various processes on the read-out information. That is, the CPU 301 includes a processing unit that executes various processes. The CPU 301 controls the carriage encoder 307, the sheet detection sensor 202, the media sensor 206, and the ultrasonic transmitter 207 via the sensor control unit 302 to obtain information. Further, the CPU 301 executes various controls based on inputs from the carriage encoder 307, the sheet detection sensor 202, and the media sensor 206. The RAM 320 is used as a temporary work area.

[0018] 《Functional Blocks of Software》 FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the software of the recording apparatus 101. The CPU 301 expands the program 351 stored in the memory 305 into the RAM 320 and executes the expanded program, thereby realizing the following functional blocks of software. The functional blocks of software include an information acquisition unit 401, a display control unit 402, an operation reception unit 403, a startup unit 404, and a control unit 405.

[0019] The information acquisition unit 401 uses a trained model stored in the memory 305 to acquire information such as the estimated cause of the failure and the repair method. The information acquisition unit 401 also acquires sensor information and motor control information via the sensor control unit 302 or the motor control unit 306. Alternatively, the information acquisition unit 401 acquires sensor information and motor control information from the memory 305. When the recording device 101 is started in the repair mode described later, the information acquisition unit 401 accurately acquires information related to the repair, so the recording device 101 can provide information related to the repair to the user.

[0020] The display control unit 402 controls the operation of the operation panel 102 to display screens such as UI screens on the operation panel 102. The operation reception unit 403 receives user input to the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 102. The startup unit 404 starts the recording device 101 in an operating mode based on the user's startup instruction on the UI screen. The control unit 405 controls the operation of the recording device 101 as a whole. For example, the recording device 101 has two or more operating modes. An example of the configuration of the operating modes of the recording device 101 is shown in Figure 5. The control unit 405 controls the recording device 101 to operate in the specified operating mode based on the user's startup instruction on the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 102.

[0021] Figure 5 shows an example of a UI screen displayed on the operation panel 102 of the recording device 101. The screen display unit 501 displays the menu screen or information such as the operating status of the recording device 101. Display starts when the power of the recording device 101 is turned on, and the display content according to the situation and operation is displayed on the screen display unit 501. The screen display unit 501 is a touch panel, and the display area is changed according to the display content. For example, areas 506, 507, 508, and 509 are display examples in which the screen display unit 501 is divided into four sections. Also, areas 701 and 702 shown in Figure 7 are display examples in which two specific areas of the screen display unit 501 are used as touch panels. The recording device 101 processes according to the content of the pressed area.

[0022] Switches 502, 503, and 503 are located outside the screen display unit 501, and the recording device 101 performs processing according to the type of switch pressed. For example, switch 502 is a power switch. By pressing and holding switch 502, the power to the recording device 101 is turned on, and a startup process to power up the device or a shutdown process to turn off the power to the recording device 101 is initiated. For example, while switch 503 is pressed, the process of transporting the sheet S is performed. For example, when switch 504 is pressed while the recording device 101 is performing any process, a process interruption screen is displayed on the screen display unit 501. The method of dividing the area of ​​the screen display unit 501 is not limited to this; for example, the screen display unit 501 may be divided into 9 or 16 sections as a touch panel. Also, the number and location of switches, and the functions of the switches are not limited to this. For example, the system may have a configuration with only switch 504. Alternatively, if the recording device 101 is in the startup state, a portion of the screen display unit 501 may be set as a switch 504 to always display a touch panel, and pressing the switch 504 may display a processing interruption screen on the screen display unit 501.

[0023] Lamp 505 illuminates according to the operating status of the recording device 101. For example, it illuminates white when the recording device 101 is in the startup process or when the printing function is in progress. It illuminates green when the recording device 101 is in a steady state where it can accept processing. It illuminates red when displaying an error notification screen. It illuminates orange when displaying a warning notification screen or a screen to confirm the user's intentions. The number and placement of lamps, the color of illumination, and the illumination operation are not limited to these. For example, only white light may be illuminated for lamp 505, and the blinking interval of lamp 505 may be changed depending on the operating status of the recording device 101.

[0024] Figure 6 shows an example of the operating mode configuration of the recording device 101. When using the recording device 101, one operating mode is specified and the startup process is performed. Details of the mode startup process are shown in Figure 9. In this embodiment, an example in which one operating mode is specified when using the recording device 101 is described, but this is not limited to this. For example, the recording device 101 may be configured to switch operating modes by performing a specific operation while it is running.

[0025] Normal operation mode 601 is the operating mode for using the recording device 101 for normal purposes. In normal operation mode 601, for example, the recording device 101 is connected to a PC or storage medium via the USB port 304 or a network, and a printing function is implemented to print data from the connected PC or storage medium. In addition, normal operation mode 601 also implements adjustment printing such as a function to adjust the misalignment or cleaning function of the recording head 204, normal maintenance functions, and consumable replacement functions. Furthermore, normal operation mode 601 also implements various setting functions such as settings related to printing, such as print quality or print speed, cutter operation on the sheet S, and settings for monitoring and notifying the remaining amount of sheet S.

[0026] Certified Service Mode 602 is an operating mode for repair service providers to perform diagnosis, repair, or service operations. Certified Service Mode 602 implements various functions necessary for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair that are not available in Normal Operation Mode 601. Certified Service Mode 602 implements, for example, a diagnostic function to diagnose the condition of the recording device 101, a repair or adjustment function to repair or replace parts of the recording device 101, a function to fine-tune parameters, and an operation verification function. Because these functions involve repairing or replacing parts or adjusting parameters of the recording device 101, there is a risk that the performance of the recording device 101 may be affected or the recording device 101 may malfunction depending on how they are used. Therefore, the functions implemented in Certified Service Mode 602 are intended to be used by repair service providers whose knowledge and skills regarding the repair of the recording device 101 are guaranteed. Certified Service Mode 602 also implements service-related functions (service functions) for operating services using the recording device 101. An example of a service-related function is a management function for a rental service in which multiple recording devices 101 are connected via a network. The content of the service is not limited to this. Other service contents may be implemented in certified service mode 602. In addition, certified service mode 602 may implement functions other than those necessary for diagnosis, maintenance, or repair, and other functions that are not related to service.

[0027] Repair mode 603 implements functions equivalent to those necessary for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair in certified service mode 602. However, repair mode 603 does not implement the service-related functions present in certified service mode 602. Repair mode 603 is an operating mode intended for use by all users, providing access to the various functions necessary for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair. As mentioned above, depending on usage, there is a risk of affecting the performance of the recording device 101 or causing the recording device 101 to malfunction. Therefore, before entering repair mode 603, the screen display unit 501 in Figure 7 displays information about the risks of repair mode 603 and a statement that the usage history will be saved. Details of the screen display unit 501 in Figure 7 are explained in the Figure 7 section. Further details regarding the usage history are shown in Figure 8, and details of the mode activation process are explained in the Figure 9 section. When using repair mode 603, the usage history shown in Figure 8 is saved. The usage history is used to analyze the usage status and parameter contents of the repair functions, enabling more efficient problem resolution and information accumulation when problems occur with the recording device 101.

[0028] Furthermore, usage history may also be saved in normal operation mode 601 and certified service mode 602. In this case, the contents of the usage history, as well as the various conditions and timing for saving, may differ depending on the operating mode. For example, the usage history configuration in normal operation mode 601 includes print history, execution history, error history, ink usage history, and setting history. When printing, the operation details are saved in the print history. When maintenance functions such as the adjustment printing function are executed, the maintenance details are saved in the execution history. If an error occurs, the details of the error are saved in the error history. If ink from the recording device 101 is used, the amount of ink used is saved in the ink usage history. If various main unit settings and network settings of the recording device 101 are changed, the changes are saved in the setting history.

[0029] The usage history configuration for certified service mode 602 includes, in addition to the usage history configuration for normal usage mode 601, a parts history, which is a history of parts information for the recording device 101, and a repair history, which relates to the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of the recording device 101. Updates to the usage status of parts and updates to the replacement information of parts are stored in the parts history. If repairs or adjustments are made to the parts of the recording device 101, the details of the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of the recording device 101 are stored in the repair history. The error history, print history, and maintenance function execution history of certified service mode 602 also store more detailed information than the usage history of normal usage mode 601. In addition, in certified service mode 602, the usage history related to services may be stored in the service usage history.

[0030] Furthermore, the usage history configuration of repair mode 603 includes the usage history of normal usage mode 601, as well as the parts history and repair history from the usage history configuration of certified service mode 602. The repair history in repair mode 603 stores more detailed operational information than the repair history in certified service mode 602. Specifically, in repair mode 603, repair information and adjustment information representing each operation and the device status of the recording device 101 in chronological order are stored in the repair history in more detail than the repair information and adjustment information in certified service mode 602. Figure 8 shows an image of the specific repair information and adjustment information. Also, the number of items in the repair history stored in repair mode 603 may be greater than the number of items in the repair history of certified service mode 602.

[0031] In this embodiment, the recording device 101 is configured to have three operating modes: a normal use mode 601, an authorized service mode 602, and a repair mode 603, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, in addition to the three operating modes described above, the recording device 101 may also have an operating mode used when it is manufactured.

[0032] Figure 7 shows an example of the login screen for repair mode 603 in the recording device 101. When entering repair mode 603 during the startup process of the recording device 101, the screen display unit 501 shown in Figure 7 is displayed before entering repair mode 603. When area 701 is pressed, the startup process for repair mode 603 begins. When area 702 is pressed, the shutdown process begins, and the recording device 101 is powered off. Details of the mode startup process are explained in the section on Figure 9.

[0033] Figure 8 shows an example of the usage history of the recording device 101. In this embodiment, the repair mode operation log 801 is described as an example. The "LOGIN LOG" is a log that records the date and time when the repair mode 603 was started or ended, as well as the user name. The "FUNCTION LOG" is a log that records the date, time, user name, and success or failure of the operation when various functions necessary for diagnosis, maintenance, or repair were used. The "ZZ parameter change LOG" is a log that records the date, date, time, user name, and the time before and after the change of parameter ZZ, which can be changed by the parameter change function of various functions necessary for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair. The contents, format, and data type of the usage history to be saved are not limited to these. For example, the contents of the repair mode operation log 801 may be the contents of each parameter as a usage history for a certain period of time or when a specific function is used. Alternatively, the state of each part and each sensor may be recorded as a usage history for a certain period of time or when a specific function is used. In addition, the usage history may be saved in separate files for each content to be saved, or the log data format may be a binary file of a specific encrypted format. Furthermore, as a method for referring to the usage history, the recording device 101 may be configured to have a function to print the contents of the usage history or a function to transmit the usage history in one of its operating modes. For example, the certified service mode 602 has a function to print the contents of the repair mode operation log 801. By using the printed contents of the repair mode operation log 801 as one of the information sources, the repair service provider can improve the accuracy and efficiency of root cause analysis when the recording device 101 fails or when other problems occur.

[0034] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the mode startup process for the recording device 101. In S901, the startup operation for the recording device 101 is performed from a state where the power to the recording device 101 is off or from a sleep state. The startup operation is performed, for example, by pressing and holding switch 502 from a state where the power to the recording device 101 is off. Alternatively, it is performed by pressing switches 502, 503, or a specific combination of 503 and areas 506, 507, 508, or 509, and the switches mentioned above in sequence. For example, pressing area 506 and switch 503, and then pressing and holding switch 502. Alternatively, from a sleep state where the recording device 101 is in a sleep state, it is performed by simply pressing any part of the touch panel area of ​​the screen display unit 501. Alternatively, it is performed by simply pressing switch 502. The configuration used for the startup operation is not limited to these, and the startup operation may include other components of the recording device 101. For example, the enabled / disabled state of a specific sensor on the recording device 101 or the disconnected state of the power cable may be included in the combination or sequence of startup operations. Alternatively, the connection status of a specific device to the USB port 304 may also be included in the combination or sequence of startup operations.

[0035] In S902, the CPU 301 determines the content of the startup operation for S901. The type of operating mode to start is determined by the determination result. For example, if area 508 is pressed and switch 502 is long-pressed, the CPU 301 determines that it is a startup operation for repair mode 603, and the process proceeds to S903. If areas 506 and 507 are pressed, switch 503 is pressed three times, and then switch 502 is long-pressed, the CPU 301 determines that it is a startup operation for certified service mode 602, and the process proceeds to S904. If switch 502 is long-pressed after an operation under any other condition, the CPU 301 determines that it is a startup operation for normal use mode 601, and the process proceeds to S905. The method for determining the content of the startup operation for S901 in S902 is not limited to this. For example, if the power to the recording device 101 is turned off, and the area 509 is pressed, and the switch 502 is pressed and held down, the CPU 301 may determine that this is an operation to start repair mode 603 and proceed to S903. If any startup operation is performed while the recording device 101 is in sleep mode in repair mode 603, the process may proceed to S903. Alternatively, if any startup operation is performed while the recording device 101 is in sleep mode in certified service mode 602, the process may proceed to S904.

[0036] In S903, the CPU 301 determines that the operating mode to start is repair mode 603, and processing proceeds to S906. In S904, the CPU 301 determines that the operating mode to start is certified service mode 602, and processing proceeds to S907. In S905, the CPU 301 determines that the operating mode to start is normal use mode 601, and processing proceeds to S907.

[0037] In S906, the CPU 301 displays a confirmation UI screen via the display control unit 402. As described above, repair mode 603 is an operating mode intended for use by all users. Depending on the usage method, it is necessary to inform the user of risks that may affect the performance of the recording device 101 or risks that may cause the recording device 101 to malfunction. Therefore, on the confirmation UI screen in S906, the screen display unit 501 in Figure 7 displays the risks of repair mode 603 and a statement that the usage history will be saved. If the user acknowledges the above confirmation items, pressing area 701 in Figure 7 causes the CPU 301 to decide to start repair mode 603, and the process proceeds to S907. If the user does not acknowledge the above confirmation items, pressing area 702 in Figure 7 causes the CPU 301 to decide to terminate without starting the recording device 101, and the process proceeds to S908. In the above explanation, the confirmation UI screen was used as an example, but the displayed screen may be a screen that notifies the above confirmation items. In that case, for example, if switch 503 is pressed, CPU 301 determines that the confirmation items have been accepted, and if switch 504 is pressed, CPU 301 determines that the confirmation items have not been accepted.

[0038] In S907, the CPU 301 acquires various information via the information acquisition unit 401 and controls the recording device 101 in the activated operating mode via the control unit 405, and executes the startup process for the recording device 101. If the activated operating mode is repair mode 603, the information acquisition unit 401 accurately acquires information related to repairs when the recording device 101 is started. This makes it possible for the recording device 101 to provide information related to repairs to the user. If the activated operating mode is repair mode 603, the date, time, and user name of the startup are saved in the repair mode operation log 801 when the startup process is completed. The contents saved in the repair mode operation log 801 are not limited to these. For example, each parameter that can be set on the recording device 101, the status of sensors, and error information and warning information at the completion of the startup process may be saved. In S908, the CPU 301 cancels the startup of the recording device 101 and performs the shutdown process for the recording device 101. Once the termination process (shutdown process) is complete, the power to the recording device 101 is turned off, and the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 9 is terminated.

[0039] As described above, in this embodiment, the recording device 101 implements two repair functions: an authorized service mode 602 and a repair mode 603. Authorized service mode 602 is the operating mode for repair service providers, and repair mode 603 is the operating mode for all users. Authorized service mode 602 and repair mode 603 implement the same repair functions, but the functions of the operating mode and the content of the usage history saved are changed according to the user. For example, authorized service mode 602 implements functions related to services (service functions). On the other hand, repair mode 603 does not implement unnecessary functions, and the content of the usage history saved when using repair mode is more detailed than the usage history of authorized service mode 602, for example, a repair mode operation log 801. This makes it possible to efficiently investigate the cause and respond to problems that occur in the recording device when a problem occurs, not only for repair service providers or experienced users, but also for inexperienced users when using repair mode. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily repair the device.

[0040] Other embodiments The devices to which this disclosure applies are not limited to the recording devices described above. General devices are covered by this disclosure. For example, devices such as scanners, photocopiers, facsimile machines, multifunction printers, mobile devices, tablet devices, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and smartphones are covered by this disclosure. Furthermore, devices such as personal computers (PCs), notebook PCs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, and head-mounted displays (HMDs) are also covered by this disclosure.

[0041] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0042] The above-described embodiments include the following configurations.

[0043] (Configuration 1) A device characterized by having a reception means for receiving a startup operation, and a startup means that, if the operation received by the reception means is a first operation, starts up in a first operating mode that includes a repair function and a service function which are functions necessary for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair, and if the operation received by the reception means is a second operation different from the first operation, starts up in a second operating mode that includes only the repair function included in the first operating mode.

[0044] (Configuration 2) The apparatus according to Configuration 1, further comprising a display control means that, when the reception means receives the second operation, displays a screen on the display means notifying that the apparatus will be started in the second operation mode before it is started in the second operation mode.

[0045] (Configuration 3) The apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the starting means starts in the second operating mode when it receives an instruction to start in the second operating mode after the screen has been displayed.

[0046] (Configuration 4) The apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the starting means cancels the startup if it does not receive an instruction to start in the second operating mode after the screen has been displayed.

[0047] (Configuration 5) The apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the repair function includes saving the repair history in each operating mode.

[0048] (Configuration 6) The apparatus according to Configuration 5, characterized in that the number of repair history items saved in the second operating mode is greater than the number of repair history items saved in the first operating mode.

[0049] (Configuration 7) The apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the starting means starts in a third operating mode, which is the normal operating mode, when the operation received by the receiving means is a third operation that is different from both the first operation and the second operation.

[0050] (Configuration 8) The apparatus according to Configuration 7, characterized in that the display control means is activated without displaying the screen on the display means when activating in the first operation mode and the third operation mode.

[0051] (Configuration 9) A program for causing a computer to function as the device described in any one of Configurations 1 to 8.

[0052] (Configuration 10) A control method for a device, comprising: a step of receiving a startup operation; if the operation received in the receiving step is a first operation, the device starts up in a first operating mode that includes a repair function and a service function, which are functions necessary for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair; and if the operation received in the receiving step is a second operation different from the first operation, the device starts up in a second operating mode that includes only the repair function included in the first operating mode.

Claims

1. A means of receiving requests to start up, If the operation received by the aforementioned reception means is the first operation, the system starts up in a first operating mode that includes repair functions and service functions, which are necessary functions for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair. If the operation received by the reception means is a second operation different from the first operation, the startup means starts up in a second operation mode that includes only the repair function included in the first operation mode. An apparatus characterized by having the following features.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means that, when the reception means receives the second operation, displays a screen on the display means notifying that the apparatus will be started in the second operation mode before it is started in the second operation mode.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the starting means starts in the second operating mode when it receives an instruction to start in the second operating mode after the screen has been displayed.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the startup means cancels startup if it does not receive an instruction to start in the second operating mode after the screen has been displayed.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the repair function includes saving the repair history for each operating mode.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the number of repair history items saved in the second operating mode is greater than the number of repair history items saved in the first operating mode.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the activation means is activated in a third operating mode, which is the normal operating mode, when the operation received by the receiving means is a third operation that is different from both the first operation and the second operation.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the display control means is activated without displaying the screen on the display means when activating in the first operation mode and the third operation mode.

9. A program for causing a computer to function as the device described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The process of accepting the startup command, If the operation received in the aforementioned receiving process is a first operation, the system starts up in a first operating mode that includes repair functions and service functions, which are necessary functions for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair. If the operation received in the receiving step is a second operation different from the first operation, the process of starting up in a second operation mode that includes only the repair function included in the first operation mode, A control method for an apparatus characterized by having the following features.

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