Information processing device, method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To make it possible to report apparatus management information to be used to manage an own device to an external server even in a power-off state.SOLUTION: An information processing device for transmitting apparatus management information to be used to manage an own device to an external server includes first communication means, second communication means different from the first communication means, transmission means for transmitting the apparatus management information to the outside through the first communication means for a normal power mode in which the information processing device is operated by a first power source for receiving power supply from the outside of the device, and control means for performing control so as to supply power to the second communication means by a second power source in the device after stopping power supply and transmit the apparatus management information to the outside through the second communication means when the power supply to the information processing device by the first power source is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In information processing devices including image forming devices (hereinafter also referred to as MFPs) such as multifunction peripherals and printers, mechanisms for remotely monitoring and managing the MFPs based on device management information transmitted from the MFPs to an external management server are becoming widespread. In this type of mechanism, device management information including, for example, device configuration information and various status information is periodically transmitted from the MFP to the management server. For example, when operating a billing service for MFP users, device management information (counter information) indicating the number of times printing, copying, etc. is performed is transmitted to a management server on the cloud, and the user is billed under predetermined conditions based on this information.

[0003] Meanwhile, in the IoT field, the LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) standard is attracting attention as a communication method that achieves long-distance communication with reduced power consumption. LPWA communication standards include, for example, low-power wide-area wireless systems that use the 920 MHz frequency band, such as LoRaWAN and Sigfox. LPWA communication standards are limited by their low speed and small transmittable data size (payload), but are used as low-power transmitting terminals.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system that transmits data between devices using the LoRaWAN system. Patent Document 2 also proposes a mechanism that continues to supply power to a CPU and a data buffer memory in order to continue to hold necessary data even if a power outage occurs during communication between a communication terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-14591 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 6-26392 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Typically, users want to turn on the power when using the MFP, and shut off the external power supply and keep the MFP powered off when not in use. Also, if the office where the MFP is installed is scheduled to be on vacation for an extended period or have a power outage, the MFP will be placed in a powered-off state rather than in power-saving mode. The MFP will also be powered off when the user wants to stop using the MFP for personal reasons.

[0007] However, the purpose of the MFP power-off and the next scheduled power-on are all determined by the user, and are therefore unknown to the management server. For example, if the MFP is powered off due to a malfunction, device management information is unavailable at the time of the power-off, which may prevent efficient service delivery to users during MFP maintenance services. Therefore, there is a demand for a mechanism that can continue to notify external parties of device management information even when the device is in a power-off state after a power-off occurs in the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that transmits device management information used for managing the information processing device to an external server. The information processing device includes: a first communication means for communicating in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard or the Ethernet standard; a second communication means for communicating in accordance with an LPWA standard different from the first communication means; a transmission means for transmitting the device management information to the outside via the first communication means when the information processing device is in a normal power mode in which the information processing device operates using a first power source supplied with power from an external power source; and a control means for controlling, when power supply to the information processing device from the first power source is stopped, to supply power to the second communication means from a second power source inside the information processing device after the power supply is stopped, so that the device management information is transmitted to the outside via the second communication means.The control means executes a process of transitioning to the control when the information processing device receives a shutdown operation of the first power supply, and transmits the device management information indicating a state before the information processing device was shut down via the second communication means by the control. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, even in a power-off state, it is possible to notify an external server of device management information used for managing the device itself. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the wireless controller of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of software executed by a control unit of the MFP. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the wireless controller. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a basic operation in information transmission of the MFP and a shutdown process performed by a control unit when the MFP is shut down. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of initialization processing performed by the control unit when the MFP is powered on. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the wireless controller. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit when a shutdown process starts in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, etc. However, not all of the features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the present invention.

[0012] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a network system according to the first embodiment. The network system includes an MFP 100, which is an example of an information processing device, and a device management server 111 that manages the MFP 100. The MFP 100 and the device management server 111 are connected via multiple communication interfaces. While Fig. 1 shows an example in which the network system includes one MFP 100, the network may include multiple MFPs 100.

[0013] The MFP 100 is an image forming device such as a multifunction peripheral or printer, and is connected to a LAN 101, which is an intranet, via a router (not shown). The MFP 100 accepts print instructions from a PC (not shown) connected to the same network, and executes print processing and transmission of scanned images. The MFP 100 also includes a wireless LAN and is connected to a wireless LAN access point (hereinafter also referred to as AP) 104 in wireless infrastructure mode. This enables the MFP 100 to communicate via a WLAN 105 via the AP 104.

[0014] The LAN 101 and wireless LAN 105 are connected to an external network (Internet 103) to which the device management server 111 is connected via a gateway 102. The gateway 102 functions as a firewall that controls whether communication between the LAN 101 and wireless LAN 105 and the Internet 103 is permitted. In this embodiment, the gateway 102 permits communication between the MFP 100 and the device management server 111 via at least one of the LAN 101 and the wireless LAN 105.

[0015] The MFP 100 also has a function of communicating with the base station 107 based on the LPWA standard via the wide area wireless communication network 106 using a wireless controller 214 (described later). The wireless controller 214 of the MFP 100 communicates with the base station 107 using a communication protocol that complies with the LPWA standard. Note that the control of communication with the base station 107 by the wireless controller 214 is executed independently of the communication control by the gateway 102 described above.

[0016] Furthermore, base station 107 is connected to device management server 111 via cloud server 110. Cloud server 110 is a server device that manages, on the cloud, communication data based on the LPWA standard that base station 107 receives from MFP 100. Cloud server 110 stores and manages the communication data based on the LPWA standard by linking it to an identifier that identifies wireless controller 214. Cloud server 110 also provides the downstream device management server 111 with functions such as parsing the communication data based on the LPWA standard.

[0017] Device management server 111 is a server device that stores and manages device management information collected from MFP 100 on the cloud and provides various services. Here, device management information is information generated by MFP 100 and used by device management server 111 to manage MFP 100. The device management information includes at least one of information indicating the status of MFP 100, information indicating the operation history of MFP 100, and information indicating the remaining amount of consumables used by MFP 100. For example, the device management information includes information on the remaining amount of consumables such as toner, status information such as operator calls when paper runs out or error occurrence status, and output paper counter information. The output paper counter information is information indicating the operation history of MFP 100 and is used for billing management of MFP 100.

[0018] The device management server 111 stores the above device management information in association with a serial number (SN) that uniquely identifies the MFP 100. Here, the device management server 111 acquires the device management information directly from the MFP 100 via the Internet 103 using an IP protocol such as HTTP. The device management server 111 also acquires the device management information from communication data conforming to the LPWA standard via the base station 107 and the cloud server 110.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 100. As shown in FIG. The MFP 100 includes a control unit 200, an operation unit 210, a printer engine 211, a scanner 212, and a main power supply 215. The control unit 200 is electrically connected to the operation unit 210, the printer engine 211, the scanner 212, and the main power supply 215.

[0020] The control unit 200 has a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a HDD 204, an operation unit I / F 205, a printer I / F 206, and a scanner I / F 207. The control unit 200 also has a wired LAN I / F 208, a wireless LAN I / F 209, a wireless controller I / F 213, and a power control 216. The above elements of the control unit 200 are connected to each other via a bus 217. The control unit 200 also has a wireless controller 214 connected to the wireless controller I / F 213. Note that CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, ROM stands for Read Only Memory, RAM stands for Random Access Memory, HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive, and USB stands for Universal Serial Bus.

[0021] The CPU 201 is a processor that performs various types of arithmetic processing in accordance with programs stored in the RAM 202, the ROM 203, or the HDD 204. By executing the programs, the CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the MFP 100 and also performs various types of control such as communication control and image processing. In this way, the hardware such as the CPU 201, the RAM 202, the ROM 203, and the HDD 204 constitutes a so-called computer.

[0022] The RAM 202 is used as a temporary storage area (work memory) when the CPU 201 performs various arithmetic processing. The RAM 202 is composed of an NVRAM that can retain stored contents even after the power is turned off and stores setting values, etc., and a DRAM whose stored contents are erased after the power is turned off. The ROM 203 is a non-volatile storage area in which programs such as BIOS are stored.

[0023] The HDD 204 is a non-volatile large-capacity storage medium that stores various user data, programs, etc. The HDD 204 also stores history information of jobs executed by the MFP 100, such as printing and copying, and counter information of output paper as an operation history. Note that a solid state drive (SSD) may be used instead of the HDD 204.

[0024] The operation unit I / F 205 is an interface that connects the bus 217 and the operation unit 210 and receives input from the operation unit 210. Here, the operation unit 210 is configured as an input / output device in which a touch panel is stacked on a display unit, for example.

[0025] Operation unit I / F 205, for example, displays operation screen data received from bus 217 on the display unit of operation unit 210, and outputs input information from operation unit 210 to bus 217. In this way, user instructions to MFP 100 and information presentation from MFP 100 are performed via operation unit 210.

[0026] The printer I / F 206 is an interface that connects the printer engine 211 to the bus 217. The printer engine 211 forms an image on a sheet fed from a paper feed cassette (not shown) using a known electrophotographic method based on image data received from the printer I / F 206. Specifically, the printer engine 211 transfers an image onto the sheet by executing processes of charging, exposing, developing, transferring, and fixing. Note that the above-mentioned counter information is updated in accordance with the paper ejection operation of the printer engine 211.

[0027] The printer engine 211 is also supplied with AC power and DC power generated by a power supply control 216. The printer engine 211 uses the supplied power to execute various processes.

[0028] The scanner I / F 207 is an interface that connects the scanner 212 to the bus 217. The scanner 212 reads an original image on a sheet, processes the image data obtained by reading the original, and outputs the processed image data. The image data generated by the scanner 212 may be printed by the printer engine 211, stored in the HDD 204, or transmitted to an external device via a wired LAN I / F 208 or a wireless LAN I / F 209.

[0029] The wired LAN I / F 208 is an interface conforming to the Ethernet standard for connecting the LAN 101 and the bus 217 by wire. The wireless LAN I / F 209 is an interface conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard for performing wireless communication with the AP 104. The CPU 201 can send and receive data to and from external devices via the wired LAN I / F 208 or the wireless LAN I / F 209. Furthermore, in a normal power mode (described later), the CPU 201 can send device management information to the device management server 111 via the wired LAN I / F 208 or the wireless LAN I / F 209 and the Internet 103.

[0030] The wireless controller 214 communicates with the base station 107 in accordance with the LPWA communication standard based on a transmission / reception instruction received from the CPU 201 via the wireless controller I / F 213 .

[0031] The main power supply 215 has the function of receiving power from a commercial power supply (not shown). The main power supply 215 has an inlet, which is a portion where the MFP 100 receives power from outside the device. An inlet plug (not shown) of a power cable is detachably connected to the inlet of the main power supply 215. When the inlet plug of the power cable is attached to the inlet of the main power supply 215 and the outlet plug at the other end of the power cable is connected to a commercial power outlet (outlet), the main power supply 215 can receive power from the commercial power supply. The operating mode in which the main power supply 215 receives power from the commercial power supply is also referred to as a normal power mode.

[0032] The power supply control 216 includes an AC / DC converter and an AC / AC converter, and generates DC power and AC power suitable for the operation of each part from AC power supplied from a commercial power source, and supplies power to each part of the MFP 100. The power supply control 216 also controls switching between supplying and cutting off power to each part of the MFP 100.

[0033] Here, when the MFP 100 in the normal power mode receives a shutdown operation, the MFP 100 transitions to a power-off state (shutdown state). The power control 216 of the MFP 100 that has transitioned to the power-off state does not supply power to each unit such as the printer 211 or CPU, but supplies power only to some circuits such as a hardware switch for powering on. When the power control 216 detects that the hardware switch has been pressed in the power-off state, it performs processing to return to the normal power mode.

[0034] Hereinafter, a mechanism will be described in which, when the MFP 100 transitions to a power-off state, the MFP 100 can transmit communication data by performing LPWA communication using an internal storage battery. This enables the MFP 100 to notify the outside of its device management information even after the MFP 100 transitions to a power-off state or when the inlet plug is removed from the MFP 100 after the transition to the power-off state and the MFP 100 is no longer receiving power from the outside.

[0035] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the wireless controller 214 in Fig. 2. The wireless controller 214 has a CPU 221, a RAM 222, a ROM 223, an LPWA module 224, and a power supply control 226. The above elements of the wireless controller 214 are connected to one another via a bus 227. In addition, a power supply 225 is connected to the power supply control 226.

[0036] The CPU 221 controls LPWA communication by the LPWA module 224 including a 920 MHz wireless antenna by reading and executing a control program as a wireless controller stored in the ROM 223. Here, the control program read into the CPU 221 performs transmission and reception control based on the LPWA standard, triggered by various instructions received from the control unit 200 of the MFP 100 via the wireless controller I / F 213. Note that the control program may be configured so that the wireless controller 214 independently performs LPWA communication without relying on a communication instruction from the control unit 200.

[0037] The RAM 222 is used as the main memory and work area for the CPU 221. The RAM 222 is also used as an area for temporarily storing data frames to be transmitted and received via LPWA communication.

[0038] Power supply 225 is a unit that receives the power necessary to operate wireless controller 214. For example, power supply 225 is a storage battery that is configured to be able to supply power to each component of wireless controller 214 even when the power supply from at least main power supply 215 is stopped. Note that the power stored in power supply 225 may be obtained from the power supply from main power supply 215, or may be power that has been stored in advance by an external power supply means when MFP 100 is installed.

[0039] Power supply control 226 has the function of supplying power from power supply 225 to each component of wireless controller 214. Furthermore, when MFP 100 receives a shutdown operation, power supply control 226 switches the power supply source of wireless controller 214 from main power supply 215 to power supply 225 within wireless controller 214.

[0040] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of software executed by control unit 200 of MFP 100. The functions of the software executed by control unit 200 are realized when CPU 201 reads and executes a program stored in ROM 203 or HDD 204.

[0041] The software modules executed by the control unit 200 include a device information management unit 301, a device information storage unit 302, a communication I / F determination unit 303, an operation control unit 304, a device setting management unit 305, and a power control unit 306. The software modules further include a communication control management unit 307, an IP communication control unit 308, a wired LAN driver 309, a wireless LAN driver 310, a wireless controller I / F unit 311, and a device information transmission management unit 312.

[0042] The operation control unit 304 displays a screen image for the user on the operation unit 210. Furthermore, when the operation control unit 304 detects pressing of an operation button or the like displayed on the screen of the operation unit 210 (user operation), it accepts input of setting values ​​linked to screen components such as the operation button and instructions to execute various processes.

[0043] The device setting management unit 305 stores the setting value data received by the operation control unit 304 in the RAM 202, and also reads out the setting values ​​in response to requests from various units. For example, when a user changes some device setting, if the operation control unit 304 detects the content that the user inputs to the operation unit 210, the device setting management unit 305 stores the input content in the RAM 202 as a setting value in response to a request from the operation control unit 304.

[0044] The device setting management unit 305 also manages the enable / disable settings of the wireless controllers of the wired LAN I / F 208 and wireless LAN I / F 209, the settings of the interface that transmits device management information to the device management server 111, and the like.

[0045] The device information storage unit 302 stores the history of status information for each function job, such as printing or copying, and update data (counters indicating the number of times printing or copying has been performed, and error information during processing of each function). Note that a part of the HDD 204 or RAM 202 is allocated to store device management information as an area managed by the device information storage unit 302.

[0046] The communication I / F determination unit 303 reads out the setting values ​​stored in the device setting management unit 305 and determines the communication means to be used for communicating device management information in response to a notification of the power supply state from the power supply control unit 306 .

[0047] The power supply control unit 306 manages the power supply state of the power supply control 216. Furthermore, the power supply control unit 306 controls shutdown and power saving mode depending on the power state, and issues notifications and instructions to each unit according to the power state.

[0048] The device information management unit 301 reads out the device management information stored in the device information storage unit 302, and instructs the communication control management unit 307 to transmit the device management information. At this time, the device information management unit 301 determines the device management information to be transmitted based on the communication means determined by the communication I / F determination unit 303, and instructs the communication control management unit 307 to output it.

[0049] Here, the device management information to be sent by the device information management unit 301 includes at least various status information such as counter information and errors, as well as consumable-related information and information indicating the power state of the MFP 100 (whether it is in a shutdown state or not).

[0050] In response to an instruction from the device information management unit 301, the communication control management unit 307 controls communication using either IP communication via a wired LAN or wireless LAN, or LPWA communication.

[0051] The IP communication control unit 308 is a group of network libraries that provide a communication API for performing IP communication. The IP communication control unit 308 determines the interface for transmission and reception based on the content specified via the communication control management unit 307 and the setting values ​​stored in the device setting management unit 305. In this embodiment, a wired LAN is assigned to the main line and a wireless LAN is assigned to the sub-line, and the network shown in FIG. 1 is constructed.

[0052] A wired LAN driver 309 and a wireless LAN driver 310 are device drivers that control the wired LAN and wireless LAN hardware, respectively. These drivers constitute part of the protocol stack for realizing IP communication as part of the OS that comprehensively controls the control unit 200.

[0053] The wireless controller I / F unit 311 is a library group that is called when the communication means specified by the communication control management unit 307 is LPWA. The wireless controller I / F unit 311 is called by both the control unit 200 and the wireless controller 214 to send and receive data between the control unit 200 and the wireless controller 214, to issue instructions to execute processing, and to receive processing results.

[0054] The device information transmission management unit 312 manages trigger events for transmitting various types of device management information within the MFP 100 to the management server 111. These trigger events include time and date information and timer events for periodic transmission of device management information and transmission of transmission device management information according to a preset schedule. Note that the schedule is set by, for example, the administrator of the MFP 100 or a service technician who performs maintenance services.

[0055] Further trigger events include various errors that may occur within the MFP 100 (jams that occur during printing or component abnormalities) and events that may occur irregularly, such as notifications of warnings about remaining amounts of consumables such as toner.

[0056] The device information transmission management unit 312 collects and manages the above-mentioned multiple trigger events, and can request the communication I / F determination unit 303 to transmit information at an appropriate timing.

[0057] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of wireless controller 214. The functions of the software executed by wireless controller 214 are realized when CPU 221 reads and executes a program stored in ROM 223.

[0058] The software modules executed by the wireless controller 214 include a transmission / reception I / F unit 400 , a device information management unit 401 , a timer management unit 402 , a wide-area wireless control unit 403 , and a wide-area wireless driver 404 .

[0059] When the communication means specified by the communication control management unit 307 via the wireless controller I / F unit 311 is LPWA, the transmission / reception I / F unit 400 performs various requests, notifications, and responses between the control unit 200 and the wireless controller 214.

[0060] The device information management unit 401 receives requests and notifications from the transmission / reception I / F unit 400 and manages the time intervals for LPWA communication and communication interruptions, and also gives instructions to the wide area wireless control unit 403 during actual communication.

[0061] The timer management unit 402 provides timer events for the device information management unit 401 to manage the time intervals at which communication is performed. The wide-area wireless control unit 403 controls the wide-area wireless driver 404 based on a transmission instruction received from the device information management unit 401 , and performs LPWA communication using the LPWA module 224 .

[0062] Next, referring to Figures 6 and 7, we will explain the process related to the transfer of control of information transmission and the notification of the power state when the main power supply of MFP 100 transitions between the normal power mode and the shutdown state. Each operation (step) shown in the flowcharts of Figures 6 and 7 is realized by CPU 201 calling and executing a program. Note that data transmission and reception processes, shutdown processes, etc. are realized in cooperation with each unit. Also, to clarify the subject of the process, the software module executed by CPU 211 will be described as the subject.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a basic operation of the MFP 100 in transmitting information and a shutdown process performed by the control unit 200 when the MFP 100 is shut down.

[0064] In S501, the device information transmission management unit 312 determines whether a trigger event, such as a request to start information transmission processing or a shutdown notification, has occurred. If a trigger event has occurred, the process proceeds to S502. On the other hand, if a trigger event has not occurred, the device information transmission management unit 312 waits until a trigger event occurs.

[0065] Here, when starting the information transmission process, the device information transmission management unit 312 requests the communication I / F determination unit 303 to transmit information. In addition, the shutdown notification is output from the power supply control unit 306 when the power supply control unit 306 detects through the power supply control 216 that the MFP 100 is to be shut down.

[0066] In S502, the communication I / F determination unit 303 determines whether or not it has received a shutdown notification of the MFP 100. If it has received a shutdown notification, the process proceeds to S507. On the other hand, if it has not received a shutdown notification, the process proceeds to S503.

[0067] In S503, the communication I / F determination unit 303 determines whether an information transmission request has been received from the device information transmission management unit 312. If an information transmission request has been received, the process proceeds to S504. On the other hand, if an information transmission request has not been received (No in S503), the event does not correspond to a shutdown notification or an information transmission request, and is an irregular event that does not normally occur. Therefore, if the result in S503 is No, the communication I / F determination unit 303 ignores the event and returns the process to S501 to wait for the next event.

[0068] In S504, the communication I / F determination unit 303 acquires from the device setting management unit 305 the selection setting of the interface to be used for information transmission. In S505, the communication I / F determination unit 303 determines the interface to be used for transmission from among the wired LAN I / F 208, the wireless LAN I / F 209, and the wireless controller 214 based on the selection setting acquired in S504.

[0069] In S506, the communication I / F determination unit 303 instructs the device information management unit 301 to transmit the device management information using the interface determined in S505. When the device information management unit 301 receives the above instruction from the communication I / F determination unit 303, it reads out the device management information stored in the device information storage unit 302. Then, the device information management unit 301 transmits the device management information using the determined interface via the communication control management unit 307. Thereafter, the process returns to S501.

[0070] S507 is processing performed when a shutdown notification is received. When the MFP 100 enters a power-off state due to shutdown, both the wired LAN I / F 208 and the wireless LAN I / F 209 become unusable, but the wireless controller 214, which can be powered by a storage battery, is able to communicate. Therefore, in S507, the communication I / F determination unit 303 determines that the wireless controller 214 will be used for subsequent communication of device management information.

[0071] In S508, the communication I / F determination unit 303 notifies the device information management unit 301 that the main power supply is in a shutdown state. In addition, the communication I / F determination unit 303 instructs the device information management unit 301 to transfer control of information transmission after shutdown to the wireless controller 214.

[0072] Upon receiving the notification of the shutdown state and the instruction to transfer transmission control, device information management unit 301 notifies communication control management unit 307 of the shutdown state of the main power supply and instructs that subsequent communications of device management information be performed by wireless controller 214. In addition, device information management unit 301 reads out device management information from device information storage unit 302 and transmits the device management information to communication control management unit 307.

[0073] When the communication control management unit 307 receives the above instructions and notifications from the device information management unit 301, it communicates with the wireless controller 214 via the wireless controller I / F unit 311. Then, the communication control management unit 307 notifies the wireless controller 214 of the shutdown state of the main power supply, and requests the transfer of information transmission control for the next and subsequent communications of device management information. The communication control management unit 307 also transmits the device management information to the wireless controller 214.

[0074] In S509, when the notification of the shutdown state to the wireless controller 214 and the transfer of information transmission control are completed, the communication I / F determination unit 303 notifies the power supply control unit 306 that shutdown is permitted. In this embodiment, the communication I / F determination unit 303 notifies the shutdown permission, but this is not limited to this. For example, the power supply control unit 306 may periodically inquire with the communication I / F determination unit 303, and the communication I / F determination unit 303 may respond by denying or permitting shutdown in response to the inquiry. Then, the processing in FIG. 6 ends.

[0075] By the above process, it is possible to reliably transfer the post-shutdown information transmission control to the wireless controller 214 before the shutdown is completed.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the initialization process performed by the control unit 200 when the MFP 100 is powered on.

[0077] In S510, when the power control unit 306 detects that the operator has turned on the power to the MFP 100 via the power control unit 216, it notifies the communication I / F determination unit 303 that the main power has been turned on. When communication I / F determination unit 303 receives the notification that the main power has been turned on, it notifies wireless controller 214 that the main power has been turned on via device information management unit 301, communication control management unit 307, and wireless controller I / F unit 311. Then, the processing in FIG. 7 ends.

[0078] When communication I / F determination unit 303 is notified that the main power of MFP 100 has been turned on, communication I / F determination unit 303 transitions information transmission control from control in the power-off state to control in the main power-on state (normal power mode). As a result, in the main power-on state, the information transmission control that was handled only by wireless controller 214 in the power-off state can now be handled by communication I / F determination unit 303 by selecting an interface and transmitting, as shown in S504 to S506 of FIG. 6.

[0079] In this embodiment, the wireless controller 214 is notified of the main power-on, but this is not limiting. For example, upon receiving the main power-on notification, the communication I / F determination unit 303 may request the wireless controller 214 to stop information transmission control or switch the control entity.

[0080] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless controller 214 when various instructions and notifications are received from the control unit 200. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8 is realized by the CPU 221 of the wireless controller 214 calling and executing a program. Note that data transmission and reception processing and the like are realized in cooperation with each unit. Also, to clarify the subject of processing, the following description will be given using the software module executed by the CPU 221 as the subject.

[0081] In S601, the device information management unit 401 determines whether a notification event has occurred from the control unit 200 via the transmission / reception I / F unit 400. The notification event includes various instructions and notifications from the control unit 200, or a timer event described below. If a notification event has occurred, the process proceeds to S602. On the other hand, if a notification event has not occurred, the device information management unit 401 waits until a notification event occurs.

[0082] In S602, the device information management unit 401 determines whether the event that has occurred is a transmission request from the control unit 200. The transmission request includes an instruction to transmit various device management information such as a counter, and a request to transfer information transmission control. If it is a transmission request from the control unit 200, the process proceeds to S603, and if it is not a transmission request from the control unit 200, the process proceeds to S606.

[0083] In S603, the device information management unit 401 determines whether the main power of the MFP 100 is in a shutdown state. If the main power is in a shutdown state, the transmission request is considered to be a request to transfer control of information transmission, and the process proceeds to S605. On the other hand, if the main power is in an on state, the transmission request is considered to be an instruction to transmit various device management information, and the process proceeds to S604.

[0084] S604 corresponds to the case where wireless controller 214 is selected as the communication interface by communication I / F determination unit 303 in the normal power mode of MFP 100 (the case of S504 to S506 in FIG. 6).

[0085] In S604, the device information management unit 401 instructs the wide-area wireless control unit 403 to transmit the various device management information received from the control unit 200 to the management server 111 via the cloud server 110. Upon receiving the instruction, the wide-area wireless control unit 403 generates communication data conforming to the LPWA standard including the various device management information, and wirelessly transmits the communication data to the base station 107 via the wide-area wireless driver 404. Thereafter, the process returns to S601.

[0086] S605 corresponds to the case where information transmission control is transferred to the wireless controller 214 due to shutdown (the cases of S507 and S508 in FIG. 6). In step S605, the device information management unit 401 instructs the timer management unit 402 to set a transmission timer for starting the next transmission process to the management server 111.

[0087] The timer management unit 402 receives the timer set instruction, generates a transmission timer, and starts counting the timer. The device information management unit 401 also stores various device management information included in the transmission request received from the control unit 200 in the RAM 222. The device management information stored in the RAM 222 is used the next time a timer event occurs. Thereafter, the process returns to S601.

[0088] S606 corresponds to the case where the occurred event does not correspond to a transmission request from the control unit 200. In S606, the device information management unit 401 determines whether the occurred event is a notification of the transmission timer set in S605 (timer event). If it is a timer event, the process proceeds to S607. On the other hand, if it is not a timer event, the process proceeds to S609.

[0089] In step S607, the device information management unit 401 adds up the number of timer events that have occurred since the shutdown state was entered, and stores the result in the RAM 222. In S608, the device information management unit 401 calculates the elapsed time since shutdown from the number of timer events held in S607.

[0090] After the process of S608, the device information management unit 401 shifts the process to S604. As a result, the wide-area wireless control unit 403 generates communication data conforming to the LPWA standard including various device management information in response to the timer event, and wirelessly transmits the communication data to the base station 107 via the wide-area wireless driver 404.

[0091] Here, when transmitting device management information due to a timer event, the device information management unit 401 issues a transmission instruction by adding the time elapsed since shutdown calculated in S610 to the device management information. By transmitting the time elapsed since shutdown as device management information, the management server 111 can grasp the start and elapsed time of the shutdown state of the MFP 100. This allows, for example, if the shutdown state has continued for a certain period of time, the administrator of the management server 111 to contact the user of the MFP 100 about the provision of maintenance service without waiting for a contact from the user.

[0092] In this embodiment, the transmission timer for the next transmission in the shutdown state is a periodic timer. However, when the interval between the next transmissions is to be changed, the transmission timer that specifies the interval between the next transmissions may be reset after the transmission instruction in S604.

[0093] S609 corresponds to the case where the occurred event does not correspond to either a transmission request from the control unit 200 or a timer event. In S609, the device information management unit 401 determines whether the occurred event is a main power-on notification. If it is a main power-on notification, the process proceeds to S610. On the other hand, if it is not a main power-on notification, the device information management unit 401 determines that the occurred event is an event that would not normally occur, discards the occurred event, and returns the process to S601.

[0094] In S610, in response to the notification that the main power has been turned on, the device information management unit 401 instructs the timer management unit 402 to stop the transmission timer. The timer management unit 402 stops and releases the transmission timer that was set in response to the instruction. In S611, the device information management unit 401 initializes the number of timer event occurrences held in S607, after which the process returns to S601.

[0095] In this embodiment, the communication I / F determination unit 303 notifies the wireless controller 214 of the shutdown of the main power supply of the MFP 100, but this is not limiting. For example, the device information management unit 401 may detect the shutdown by periodically inquiring about the state of the main power supply from the control unit 200.

[0096] As described above, MFP 100 of the first embodiment transmits device management information to the outside via wired LAN or wireless LAN when MFP 100 is in normal power mode operating on main power supply 215 receiving power from an external commercial power source. On the other hand, when power supply from main power supply 215 is stopped, MFP 100 supplies power to wireless controller 214 from power supply 225 inside the device after the power supply is stopped, and controls so that device management information is transmitted to the outside via wireless controller 214.

[0097] As a result, even when MFP 100 is in a power-off state, it can notify device management server 111 of device management information used for managing its own device. Since device management server 111 can acquire device management information even when MFP 100 is in a power-off state, service providers can plan services to be provided to MFP 100 and implement the services efficiently.

[0098] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 210 when the shutdown process starts. Note that the device configuration in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, so any duplicated explanation will be omitted.

[0099] When the MFP 100 is shut down by the user, the operation control unit 304 causes the operation unit 210 to display a screen indicating that the shutdown process is in progress, as shown in Fig. 9. The screen in Fig. 9 includes a display 701 for confirming whether the shutdown is due to the suspension of operation of the MFP 100 (for example, disposal or replacement), and a button 702 that is pressed when the operation is suspended.

[0100] 9 is displayed simultaneously with the shutdown screen in the second embodiment, but this is not limiting. For example, on a service management screen used only by service personnel who perform maintenance services, the operation control unit 304 may display a screen similar to that shown in FIG. 9 that allows the user to select whether to stop operation.

[0101] When the screen of FIG. 9 is displayed, if a user or service person of MFP 100 operates button 702, operation control unit 304 notifies communication I / F determination unit 303 via device setting management unit 305 that operation has been stopped.

[0102] When communication I / F determination unit 303 receives the above-mentioned operation stop notification, it notifies wireless controller 214 of the operation stop by the processing in Fig. 6. Then, wireless controller 214 sequentially executes the processing of S601, S602, S603, and S605 in Fig. 8. As a result, device information management unit 401 instructs timer management unit 402 to set a transmission timer for starting the next transmission process in the shutdown state.

[0103] Thereafter, in the wireless controller 214, the processes of S601, S602, S606 to S608, and S604 are sequentially executed in response to a timer event from the timer management unit 402. As a result, the device information management unit 401 instructs the wide-area wireless control unit 403 to transmit an operation stop notification to the management server 111. Upon receiving the above instruction, the wide-area wireless control unit 403 generates communication data conforming to the LPWA standard including the operation stop notification, and wirelessly transmits the communication data to the base station 107 via the wide-area wireless driver 404.

[0104] The MFP 100 of the second embodiment can transmit device management information including an operation suspension notification from the wireless controller 214. Furthermore, since the device management server 111 can acquire the operation suspension notification even when the MFP 100 is in a powered-off state, the service provider can promptly provide collection services or replacement consultations to the user after the operation suspension.

[0105] (Modification of the embodiment) In the above embodiment, an example of a system that manages an image forming apparatus has been described. However, the information processing apparatus to be managed in the present invention may be any network device that can use cloud services, and is not limited to an image forming apparatus.

[0106] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0107] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 100 MFP 201 CPU 214 Wireless Controller 221 CPU 224 LPWA module

Claims

1. An information processing device that transmits device management information used for managing the device itself to an external server, a first communication means for performing communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard or the Ethernet standard; a second communication means that is different from the first communication means and that communicates in accordance with the LPWA standard; a transmitting means for transmitting the device management information to an external device via the first communication means when the information processing apparatus is in a normal power mode in which the information processing apparatus operates on a first power supply supplied with power from an external device; a control means for controlling, when the power supply to the information processing device from the first power source is stopped, to supply power to the second communication means from a second power source inside the device after the power supply is stopped, and to transmit the device management information to an external device via the second communication means; The control means executes a process of transitioning to the control when the information processing device receives a shutdown operation of the first power source, and transmits the device management information indicating the state of the information processing device before the shutdown via the second communication means by the control.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The device management information includes at least one of information indicating a state of the information processing device, information indicating an operation history of the information processing device, and information indicating a remaining amount of consumables used by the information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The first communication means transmits the device management information to the server via the Internet in the normal power mode. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The control means transmits the device management information including information indicating the elapsed time since shutdown. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. When the control unit receives the shutdown operation, the control unit switches the power supply source for the second communication unit from the first power source to the second power source. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. the first power source receives power from a commercial power source via a cable; The second communication means is capable of transmitting the device management information to an external device when the commercial power source and the first power source are not connected by the cable. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. When the control means receives an input confirming the suspension of operation of the information processing device, the control means transmits information indicating the suspension of operation of the information processing device together with the device management information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. A method for an information processing device that includes a first communication means for performing communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard or the Ethernet standard, and a second communication means for performing communication in accordance with the LPWA standard, which is different from the first communication means, and that transmits device management information used for managing the device to an external server, comprising: a transmitting step of transmitting the device management information to an external device via the first communication means when the information processing device is in a normal power mode in which the information processing device operates on a first power source supplied with power from an external device; a control step of controlling, when the power supply to the information processing device from the first power source is stopped, to supply power to the second communication means from a second power source inside the device after the power supply is stopped, and to transmit the device management information to an external device via the second communication means; In the control step, when the information processing device receives a shutdown operation of the first power source, the information processing device executes a process of transitioning to the control, and the control transmits the device management information indicating a state before the information processing device was shut down via the second communication means. A method characterized by:

9. A program for causing at least one computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing at least one computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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