Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an image forming apparatus capable of improving usability. [Solution] The information processing device comprises a main control unit that controls the processing of the entire information processing device, a plurality of sub-control units that control the processing of functions that the information processing device can execute, and a watchdog timer that detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the processing of a first function controlled by the first sub-control unit among the plurality of sub-control units. When the watchdog timer detects the occurrence of an abnormality, the main control unit determines whether to reset the entire information processing device or reset the first sub-control unit, based on whether the processing being performed by the information processing device is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an apparatus in which when processing by a slave CPU (Central Processing Unit) is reset by a watchdog timer (WDT), the master CPU resets the entire system. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus in which when a lower-level apparatus notifies an upper-level apparatus that a WDT reset has occurred, the upper-level apparatus initializes the entire system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, when the upper-level apparatus acquires a notification indicating that the lower-level apparatus has been reset by the WDT and initializes the entire system, the usability of the system may deteriorate. [[ID=3{6]]

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an image forming apparatus capable of improving usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device in one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main control unit that controls the processing of the entire information processing device, a plurality of sub-control units that control the processing of functions that the information processing device can execute, and a watchdog timer that detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the processing of a first function controlled by a first sub-control unit among the plurality of sub-control units, wherein when the watchdog timer detects the occurrence of an abnormality, the main control unit determines whether to reset the entire information processing device or reset the first sub-control unit, based on whether the processing being performed by the information processing device is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit.

[0007] An information processing method in one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by an information processing device comprising: a main control unit that controls the processing of the entire information processing device; a plurality of sub-control units that control the processing of functions that the information processing device can execute; and a watchdog timer that detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the processing of a first function controlled by a first sub-control unit among the plurality of sub-control units, wherein when the occurrence of an abnormality is detected by the watchdog timer, the method determines whether to reset the entire information processing device or the first sub-control unit based on whether the processing being executed by the information processing device is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit.

[0008] An image forming apparatus in one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main control unit that controls the processing of the entire image forming apparatus, a plurality of sub-control units that control the processing of functions that the image forming apparatus can perform, and a watchdog timer that detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the processing of a first function controlled by a first sub-control unit among the plurality of sub-control units, wherein when the watchdog timer detects the occurrence of an abnormality, the main control unit determines whether to reset the entire image forming apparatus or reset the first sub-control unit, based on whether the processing being performed by the image forming apparatus is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an image forming apparatus that can improve usability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A functional block diagram showing an example of an information processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the information processing device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the reset range determination process performed by the main control unit. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows another example of the reset range determination process performed by the main control unit in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows an example of a table related to processing stages stored in the main memory unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of identical or equivalent components will be omitted where necessary.

[0012] <Example of information processing device configuration> Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an information processing device 1 according to one embodiment. The information processing device 1 is composed of, for example, an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a copy function, a scan function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. However, the information processing device 1 may be composed of appropriate devices other than an image forming apparatus.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 1 comprises a main board 100, a display unit 103, an input unit 104, a driven unit 105, a first sub-board 110, and a second sub-board 120.

[0014] The main board 100 is an electronic circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. The main board 100 comprises a main control unit 101 and a main storage unit 102.

[0015] The main control unit 101 controls and manages the entire information processing device 1, including each functional unit of the information processing device 1. In other words, the main control unit 101 controls the processing of the entire information processing device 1. The main control unit 101 performs various controls, for example, by operating a control program stored in the main memory unit 102. For example, the main control unit 101 can be configured with a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0016] The main memory unit 102 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The main memory unit 102 can be configured as, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the main memory unit 102 can be configured as, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The main memory unit 102 may store, for example, a program for operating the main control unit 101.

[0017] The display unit 103 is a device that displays images. The display unit 103 is composed of a well-known display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence display (OELD), or an inorganic electro-luminescence display (IELD). The display unit 103 displays various information, for example, under the control of the main control unit 101. For example, the display unit 103 displays an input screen that accepts job input.

[0018] The input unit 104 is a mechanism capable of receiving operation inputs from a user to the information processing apparatus 1. The input unit 104 is constituted by, for example, an operation button group provided on the main body of the information processing apparatus 1, a keyboard, or the like. Also, when a touch sensor is provided on the display unit 103, the touch sensor provided on the display unit 103 may function as the input unit 104.

[0019] The driven unit 105 is a mechanism for executing the functions of the information processing apparatus 1. For example, when the information processing apparatus 1 is a multifunction device, the driven unit 105 is a mechanism for executing functions such as a copying function, a scanning function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. In this case, specifically, the driven unit 105 includes an image reading mechanism for reading the surface of a document, a document feeding mechanism for feeding the document, a printing mechanism for performing charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing by an electrophotographic method, a paper feeding and conveying mechanism for feeding paper from a paper cassette for accommodating paper, and the like. However, the driven unit 105 is not limited to those exemplified here.

[0020] The first sub-board 110 and the second sub-board 120 are electronic boards on which electronic components are provided. The first sub-board 110 includes a first sub-control unit 111, a first sub-memory unit 112, and a first watchdog timer (WDT) 113. The second sub-board 120 includes a second sub-control unit 121, a second sub-memory unit 122, and a second WDT 123.

[0021] The first sub-board 110 and the second sub-board 120 are electronic boards for executing processing of specific functions, respectively. The functions executed by the first sub-board 110 and the second sub-board 120 are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the first sub-board 110 executes printing and the second sub-board 120 executes scanning, and the following description will be made based on this assumption.

[0022] The first sub-control unit 111 controls the processing of the first function among the multiple functions that the information processing device 1 can execute. The first sub-control unit 111 performs various controls, for example, by operating a control program stored in the first sub-storage unit 112. For example, the first sub-control unit 111 can be configured with a control device such as a CPU or MPU. The first sub-control unit 111 can communicate with the main control unit 101.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first sub-control unit 111 controls the processing of the printing function as its first function. Specifically, the first sub-control unit 111 operates the printing mechanism and the paper feed and transport mechanism and executes the printing process based on operation signals from the main control unit 101 that correspond to the user's operation input for executing the printing process.

[0024] The first sub-storage unit 112 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The first sub-storage unit 112 can be configured as, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the first sub-storage unit 112 can be configured as, for example, an EEPROM. The first sub-storage unit 112 may store, for example, a program for operating the first sub-control unit 111.

[0025] The first WDT 113 detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the processing of the first function (printing function in this example) controlled by the first sub-control unit 111. When the first WDT 113 detects an abnormality in the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit 111, it resets the processing performed by the first sub-control unit 111. Furthermore, after the first WDT 113 has reset the processing performed by the first sub-control unit 111, if predetermined conditions for releasing the reset are met, it releases the reset.

[0026] The second sub-control unit 121 controls the processing of the second function among the multiple functions that the information processing device 1 can execute. The second sub-control unit 121 performs various controls, for example, by operating a control program stored in the second sub-storage unit 122. For example, the second sub-control unit 121 can be configured with a control device such as a CPU or MPU. The second sub-control unit 121 can communicate with the main control unit 101.

[0027] In this embodiment, the second sub-control unit 121 controls the processing of the scan function as its second function. Specifically, the second sub-control unit 121 operates the image reading mechanism and executes the scan process based on an operation signal from the main control unit 101 that corresponds to an operation input by the user to perform the scan process.

[0028] The second sub-storage unit 122 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The second sub-storage unit 122 can be configured as, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the second sub-storage unit 122 can be configured as, for example, an EEPROM. The second sub-storage unit 122 may store, for example, a program for operating the second sub-control unit 121.

[0029] The second WDT 123 detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the processing of the second function (scanning function in this example) controlled by the second sub-control unit 121. When the second WDT 123 detects an abnormality in the processing of the second function controlled by the second sub-control unit 121, it resets the processing performed by the second sub-control unit 121. Furthermore, after the second WDT 123 has reset the processing performed by the second sub-control unit 121, it releases the reset if predetermined conditions for releasing the reset are met.

[0030] In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 has two subboards, a first subboard 110 and a second subboard 120, but the number of subboards that the information processing device 1 has is not limited to two. The information processing device 1 may have multiple subboards depending on the functions it can perform. Each of the multiple subboards has a subcontrol unit. Therefore, the information processing device 1 may have multiple subcontrol units. Each of the multiple subcontrol units controls the processing of one of the functions that the information processing device can perform, which is assigned in advance. Also, in this embodiment, the reset by the first WDT 113 and the reset by the second WDT 123 are also referred to as "WDT reset".

[0031] <Example of processing> Next, the processing performed by the information processing device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the information processing device 1 in Figure 1. At the start of the sequence in Figure 2, the main control unit 101, the first sub-control unit 111, and the second sub-control unit 121 are all assumed to be operating normally.

[0032] If the main control unit 101, the first sub-control unit 111, and the second sub-control unit 121 are all operating normally, the main control unit 101 communicates with the first sub-control unit 111 and the second sub-control unit 121 respectively and controls them (step S11). For example, based on user input, the main control unit 101 transmits a signal to the appropriate sub-control unit to cause it to perform a predetermined function. The first sub-control unit 111 and the second sub-control unit 121 perform the predetermined function based on the signal received from the main control unit 101.

[0033] Now, suppose the first WDT 113 detects an abnormality in the processing of the first function by the first sub-control unit 111. In this case, the first WDT 113 performs a WDT reset of the first sub-control unit 111 (step S12). Due to the WDT reset of the first sub-control unit 111, the main control unit 101 becomes unable to communicate with the first sub-control unit 111.

[0034] Then, when predetermined conditions for releasing the reset are met, the predetermined first WDT 113 releases the WDT reset of the first sub-control unit 111 (step S13). Releasing the WDT reset enables communication between the main control unit 101 and the first sub-control unit 111.

[0035] When the WDT reset is released, the first sub-control unit 111 notifies the main control unit 101 that the WDT reset has been performed (step S14).

[0036] When the main control unit 101 receives the above notification, it determines the reset range in the information processing device 1 (step S15). The reset here is initialization. Specifically, when the first WDT 113 detects an abnormality in the processing performed by the first sub-control unit 111, the main control unit 101 determines whether to reset the information processing device 1 or the first sub-control unit 111. The main control unit 101 determines the reset range based on whether the processing (job) being performed by the information processing device 1 is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit 111. Details of how the main control unit 101 determines the reset range will be described later.

[0037] The main control unit 101 either resets the entire information processing device 1 or resets only the first sub-control unit 111, depending on the determined reset range.

[0038] For example, when resetting only the first sub-control unit 111, the main control unit 101 sends a reset signal to the first sub-control unit 111 instructing it to reset (step S16-1). At this time, the main control unit 101 also sends commands to the first sub-control unit 111, including the setting values ​​necessary for startup after the reset.

[0039] When the first sub-control unit 111 receives a reset signal, it performs a reset (initialization) of the first sub-control unit 111 (step S16-2).

[0040] For example, when resetting the entire information processing device 1, the main control unit 101 sends a reset signal to the first sub-control unit 111 and the second sub-control unit 121 to instruct them to reset (step S17-1). At this time, the main control unit 101 also sends commands such as setting values ​​necessary for startup after the reset to the first sub-control unit 111 and the second sub-control unit 121.

[0041] When the first sub-control unit 111 and the second sub-control unit 121 receive a reset signal, they reset (initialize) themselves (step S17-2). The main control unit 101 also resets itself. This initializes the entire information processing device 1, including the main control unit 101, the first sub-control unit 111, and the second sub-control unit 121.

[0042] Note that while both steps S16-1 and S16-2, and steps S17-1 and S17-2 are shown in Figure 2 for convenience, in reality, only one of steps S16-1 and S16-2, or steps S17-1 and S17-2, is executed, depending on the reset range determined in step S15.

[0043] <How to determine the reset range> Next, the method by which the main control unit 101 determines the reset range will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the reset range determination process performed by the main control unit 101 in Figure 1. In other words, Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the details of the process performed in step S15 of Figure 2.

[0044] The main control unit 101 determines whether or not it has received a notification from the sub-control unit indicating that a WDT reset has been performed (step S21). That is, the main control unit 101 determines whether or not it has received the notification described in step S14 of Figure 2.

[0045] If the main control unit 101 determines that it has not received a notification indicating that a WDT reset has been performed (No in step S21), it will not perform the reset and will repeat step S21.

[0046] On the other hand, if the main control unit 101 determines that it has received a notification indicating that a WDT reset has been performed (Yes in step S21), it determines whether the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is related to the processing of a function controlled by the target sub-control unit (step S22). Here, the target sub-control unit is the sub-control unit that notified that a WDT reset had been performed, and in the sequence shown in Figure 2, it is the first sub-control unit 111. Therefore, applying this to the sequence in Figure 2, the main control unit 101 determines whether the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is related to the processing of the first function (printing function) controlled by the first sub-control unit 111. The main control unit 101 can determine whether the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is related to the processing of the first function (printing function) based, for example, on communication with the first sub-control unit 111 before the WDT reset occurred. If the main control unit 101 sends a signal to the first sub-control unit 111 to initiate printing, and has not received notification from the first sub-control unit 111 that printing is complete, the information processing device 1 determines that the processing it is performing is related to the printing function.

[0047] If the main control unit 101 determines that the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is not related to the processing of the first function controlled by the target sub-control unit (first sub-control unit 111) (No. in step S22), it determines to reset the target sub-control unit (first sub-control unit 111) (step S23). This is because even if a WDT reset occurs in the first sub-control unit 111, if the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is not related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit 111, it does not affect the control of the entire information processing device 1, and therefore it is sufficient to reset only the first sub-control unit 111 where the WDT reset occurred.

[0048] If the main control unit 101 determines that it is time to reset the target sub-control unit (first sub-control unit 111), it sends a reset signal to the first sub-control unit 111, as described in step S16-1 of Figure 2.

[0049] On the other hand, if the main control unit 101 determines that the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the target sub-control unit (first sub-control unit 111) (Yes in step S22), it determines to reset the entire information processing device 1 (step S24). This is because if a WDT reset occurs in the first sub-control unit 111 and the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit 111, it may affect the control of the entire information processing device 1. Therefore, it is considered appropriate to reset the entire information processing device 1 to prevent discrepancies in information recognition between the main control unit 101 and the multiple sub-control units.

[0050] When the main control unit 101 determines that the entire information processing device 1 should be reset, it sends a reset signal to the first sub-control unit 111 and the second sub-control unit 121, as described in step S17-1 of Figure 2. Furthermore, as described in step S17-2 of Figure 2, the main control unit 101 itself also performs a reset.

[0051] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the reset range determination process performed by the main control unit 101 in Figure 1. The flowchart in Figure 4 will be explained, with explanations omitted where appropriate for points that are the same as those in Figure 3.

[0052] In Figure 4, steps S21 to S23 are the same as in the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0053] In the flowchart of Figure 4, if the main control unit 101 determines that the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the target sub-control unit (first sub-control unit 111), it further determines whether to reset the entire information processing device 1 or the target sub-control unit based on the processing stage of the processing being performed by the information processing device 1. Specifically, if the main control unit 101 determines that the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the target sub-control unit (No. in step S22), it determines whether the processing stage of the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is a predetermined specific processing stage (step S25). A specific processing stage is, for example, a processing stage that can affect the control of the entire information processing device 1. Whether or not it is a specific processing stage is stored in advance in, for example, the main storage unit 102.

[0054] Figure 5 is an example of a table relating to processing stages stored in the main storage unit 102 of Figure 1. The main control unit 101 refers to the table shown in Figure 5, for example, to determine whether the processing stage of the process being executed by the information processing device 1 is a specific processing stage. The table in Figure 5 is, for example, created in advance and stored in the main storage unit 102.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the table stores information in association with a function, one or more processing stages included in that function, and whether or not each processing stage is a specific processing stage. In the example in Figure 5, "Print Function" is shown as the function. The Print Function includes three processing stages: Warm-up, Standby, and Job. Whether or not a stage is a specific processing stage is indicated by a check mark, and in the example in Figure 5, the Job stage is indicated as a specific processing stage.

[0056] In step S25, the main control unit 101 refers to a table, for example, shown in Figure 5, to determine whether the processing stage of the process being executed by the information processing device 1 is a specific processing stage. For example, if the processing stage of the process being executed by the information processing device 1 is warming up or waiting, the main control unit 101 determines that the processing stage of the process being executed by the information processing device 1 is not a specific processing stage (No. in step S25). In this case, the main control unit 101 determines to reset the target sub-control unit (first sub-control unit 111) (step S23). This is because if the processing stage of the process being executed by the information processing device 1 is not a specific processing stage, it does not affect the control of the entire information processing device 1, so it is sufficient to reset only the first sub-control unit 111 where the WDT reset occurred.

[0057] On the other hand, if the processing stage of the process being executed by the information processing device 1 is in the middle of a job, the main control unit 101 determines that the processing stage of the process being executed by the information processing device 1 is a specific processing stage (Yes in step S25). In this case, the main control unit 101 determines to reset the entire information processing device 1 (step S24). This is because, when the processing stage of the process being executed by the information processing device 1 is a specific processing stage, it may affect the control of the entire information processing device 1, and therefore it is considered appropriate to reset the entire information processing device 1 to prevent discrepancies in information recognition between the main control unit 101 and the multiple sub-control units.

[0058] As described above, when an abnormality is detected by the WDT, the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment determines whether to reset the entire information processing device 1 or the target sub-control unit, based on whether the processing being performed by the information processing device 1 is related to the processing of a function controlled by the target sub-control unit. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can appropriately determine the reset range depending on the processing status when the WDT reset occurs. In this way, the information processing device 1 can improve its usability by changing the reset range according to the situation.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the processing when a WDT reset occurs in the first sub-control unit 111 was described. However, even when a WDT reset occurs in the second sub-control unit 121, the reset range can be determined by the same processing as described in the above embodiment. This also applies when there are three or more sub-control units.

[0060] While this disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each functional part or step can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple functional parts or steps can be combined into one or separated. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1. Information Processing Device 100 Mainboard 101 Main Control Unit 102 Main Memory Unit 103 Display section 104 Input section 105 Driven part 110 First Subboard 111 First Sub-control Unit 112 First Sub-memory Unit 113 1st Watchdog Timer 120 Second Subboard 121 Second Sub-control Unit 122 Second Sub-memory Unit 123 Second Watchdog Timer

Claims

1. The main control unit controls the processing of the entire information processing system, The information processing device comprises a plurality of sub-control units that control the processing of functions that the information processing device can perform, A watchdog timer that detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit among the plurality of sub-control units, Equipped with, When the watchdog timer detects an abnormality, the main control unit determines whether to reset the entire information processing device or reset the first sub-control unit, based on whether the processing being performed by the information processing device is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit. Information processing device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit determines to reset the first sub-control unit if the processing being performed by the information processing apparatus is not related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit determines, based on the processing stage of the processing being performed by the information processing apparatus, whether to reset the entire information processing apparatus or reset the first sub-control unit, if the processing being performed by the information processing apparatus is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit.

4. The main control unit controls the processing of the entire information processing system, The information processing device comprises a plurality of sub-control units that control the processing of functions that the information processing device can perform, A watchdog timer that detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit among the plurality of sub-control units, An information processing method performed by an information processing device comprising: If the watchdog timer detects an abnormality, the system determines whether to reset the entire information processing device or reset the first sub-control unit, based on whether the processing being performed by the information processing device is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit. Information processing methods.

5. The main control unit controls the processing of the entire image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of sub-control units that control the processing of functions that the image forming apparatus can perform, A watchdog timer that detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit among the plurality of sub-control units, Equipped with, When the watchdog timer detects an abnormality, the main control unit determines whether to reset the entire image forming apparatus or the first sub-control unit, based on whether the processing being performed by the image forming apparatus is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit. Image forming apparatus.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the main control unit determines to reset the first sub-control unit if the processing being performed by the image forming apparatus is not related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the main control unit determines, based on the processing stage of the processing being performed by the image forming apparatus, whether to reset the entire image forming apparatus or reset the first sub-control unit, if the processing being performed by the image forming apparatus is related to the processing of the first function controlled by the first sub-control unit.

Images