Operating device and information processing device

Abstract

To enable information regarding an error that has occurred in an operation device to be collected by another device while enabling checking of a handling method of the error by using a communication terminal.SOLUTION: An operation device according to an embodiment includes a generation unit and a display processing unit. The generation unit generates a code symbol in which a URL of a Web service related to an error that has occurred in the operation device provided in a Web server and information regarding the error are recorded. The display processing unit displays the code symbol in a display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an operating device and an information processing device.

Background Art

[0002] A printer displays a help screen when an error occurs. For example, the help screen displays a code symbol recording a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for browsing a web manual, a telephone number of a support center, and error information such as a serial number and an error code of the printer. The user refers to the help screen to handle the error of the printer.

[0003] In one example, the user refers to the telephone number of the support center displayed on the help screen and calls the support center using a mobile terminal. The user conveys the error information displayed on the help screen to the support center and confirms a method for handling the error of the printer. <00​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In the example where a user calls a support center, the user must call the support center according to the center's operating hours. Therefore, users often find making a call inconvenient and cannot easily find solutions to their errors. The support center needs to gather error information from the user over the phone. The amount of error information the support center can collect depends on the number of calls from the user. Therefore, it is difficult for the support center to collect a large amount of error information.

[0007] In cases where users access a web service, they can easily find solutions to errors by viewing manuals on web pages using their mobile devices. However, users find it cumbersome to input error information on the web pages provided by the web service. Therefore, while users may view manuals on web pages, they often do not input error information on those pages. Web service providers cannot collect error information unless users who access their web services input it on the web pages. Consequently, it is difficult for web service providers to collect a large amount of error information.

[0008] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a technology that enables the use of a communication terminal to confirm how to deal with errors that occur in an operating device, while also enabling the collection of error-related information by another device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The operating device according to the embodiment comprises a generation unit and a display processing unit. The generation unit generates a code symbol that records the URL of the Web service related to the error that occurred in the operating device provided by the Web server and information related to the error. The display processing unit displays the code symbol on the display unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example configuration of a processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external view showing a schematic example of the configuration of a printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the display of a two-dimensional code symbol in a printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram showing an example configuration of a mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates the data structure of the error information history stored in the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the display of the first two-dimensional code symbol in a printer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the display of a second two-dimensional code symbol in a printer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a display in a mobile terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a printer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a mobile terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a server according to the second embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scales of each part in the drawings used in the following description of the first embodiment may be appropriately changed. Also, each drawing used in the following description of the first embodiment may show the configuration with omissions for the sake of explanation.

[0012] (Configuration Example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a processing system S. The processing system S includes a printer 1, a mobile terminal 2, and a server 3. The mobile terminal 2 and the server 3 are communicably connected to each other via a network NW. The network NW includes one or more networks of various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. Although FIG. 1 shows one printer 1, the processing system S can include a plurality of printers 1. Although FIG. 1 shows one mobile terminal 2, the processing system S can include a plurality of mobile terminals 2. The processing system S may refer to a system including at least two devices.

[0013] The printer 1 is a device having a printing function. Printing includes printing an image. The image includes not only characters but also patterns and the like. Printing includes typing. For example, the printer 1 is a label printer, but may be a different type of printer from a label printer. The printer 1 is an example of a printing device having a printing function. The printing device is an example of an operating device that executes various operations. Operations include those accompanied by movement. Operations include processing such as calculations that are not accompanied by movement. A configuration example of the printer 1 will be described later.

[0014] The mobile terminal 2 is a portable device having a communication function. For example, the mobile terminal 2 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The mobile terminal 2 is an example of a communication terminal having a communication function. A configuration example of the mobile terminal 2 will be described later.

[0015] The server 3 is a device having an information processing function. For example, the server 3 is a web server that provides web services for the printer 1. The web services for the printer 1 include web services related to each error that may occur in the printer 1. For example, the web service related to an error provides a web page of a manual indicating a method for dealing with the error. In this example, the URL of the web service related to an error is the URL of the web page indicating the method for dealing with the error. One web page may indicate a method for dealing with one error or may indicate methods for dealing with a plurality of errors. An error is a malfunction in which the printer 1 cannot operate normally. The error may be a hardware error or a software error. The server 3 is an example of an information processing device having an information processing function. A configuration example of the server 3 will be described.

[0016] A configuration example of the printer 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is an external view showing an outline of a configuration example of the printer 1. The printer 1 includes a display device 17. The display device 17 is a device capable of displaying various images. The display device 17 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The display device 17 is an example of the display unit of the printer 1.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of the printer 1. In addition to the above-described display device 17, the printer 1 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a printing unit 14, a conveyance unit 15, and an input device 16.

[0018] The processor 11 is the central part of the printer 1. The processor 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the printer 1. The processor 11 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In addition to the CPU, or in place of the CPU, the processor 11 may be composed of various circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 11 is an example of the processing circuit of the printer 1. The processor 11 loads a program pre-stored in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that allows the processor 11 to execute the processing of each part, which will be implemented by the processor 11 and described later. The processor 11 performs various processes by executing the program loaded into the main memory 12.

[0019] Main memory 12 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of printer 1. Main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of printer 1. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 12, the operating system or programs are stored. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 11. For example, main memory 12 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, main memory 12 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0020] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the printer 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is, but is not limited to, EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing performed by the processor 11.

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the model information of printer 1. The model information of printer 1 is information that indicates the model of printer 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the serial number of printer 1. The serial number of printer 1 is a number assigned to identify printer 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores multiple error codes. Each error code is a code to identify each error that may occur in printer 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the printer status of printer 1. The printer status is information that indicates the state of printer 1. The printer status may also include the mileage of printer 1. The mileage of printer 1 is the mileage of the media transported by printer 1. The printer status may also include the print settings information of printer 1. The print settings information of printer 1 is information that indicates the settings for printing of printer 1.

[0022] The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the URL of the web service related to each error. The URL may be different for each error, or it may be the same for multiple errors.

[0023] The printing unit 14 is a unit that prints an image onto a medium. For example, the medium is a sheet-like medium such as paper. The printing unit 14 includes a head for printing an image onto the medium. The head only needs to have the function of printing an image onto the medium, and the printing method is not limited. If the medium has a heat-sensitive layer, the head may print an image onto the medium having a heat-sensitive layer by generating heat from each heating element. The head may also print an image onto the medium by dissolving the ink contained in the ink ribbon by generating heat from each heating element. The head may also print an image onto the medium using an inkjet method.

[0024] The transport unit 15 is a unit that transports the medium. The transport unit 15 includes a plurality of transport rollers. The plurality of transport rollers transport the medium.

[0025] The input device 16 is a device that can receive instructions based on user operation. The input device 16 may include pressable buttons. The input device 16 may also include a touch panel integrated with the display device 17.

[0026] Note that the hardware configuration of printer 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. Printer 1 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0027] The various parts implemented by the processor 11 will now be described. The processor 11 implements the detection unit 111, the generation unit 112, and the display processing unit 113. Each part implemented by the processor 11 can also be called a function. Each part implemented by the processor 11 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit which includes the processor 11 and the main memory 12.

[0028] The detection unit 111 detects errors that occur in the printer 1.

[0029] The generation unit 112 generates a code symbol. Here, the generation unit 112 generates a two-dimensional code symbol. The two-dimensional code symbol is a code symbol that records the URL of the Web service related to the error that occurred in printer 1, provided by server 3, and information about the error that occurred in printer 1. Hereinafter, information about the error that occurred in printer 1 will also be referred to as error information. The error information includes various information about the error that occurred in printer 1. The error information may include the model information of printer 1. The error information may include the serial number of printer 1. The error information may include an error code indicating the error that occurred in printer 1. The error information may include the printer status of printer 1.

[0030] For example, a two-dimensional code symbol is, but is not limited to, the QR code (registered trademark) symbol. A two-dimensional code symbol is an example of a code symbol that can record information.

[0031] The display processing unit 113 displays various images on the display device 17.

[0032] Figure 4 shows an example of the display of a two-dimensional code symbol on printer 1. The display device 17 displays a help screen that includes a two-dimensional code symbol 171. The help screen is an image designed to assist in troubleshooting errors that occur in printer 1. The display device 17 displays the two-dimensional code symbol 171 in a format that can be read by the mobile terminal 2.

[0033] This section describes an example configuration for mobile device 2. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of mobile terminal 2. The mobile terminal 2 includes a processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, input device 24, display device 25, shooting device 26, and communication interface 27. In Figure 5, the interface is labeled "I / F".

[0034] The processor 21 is the central part of the mobile terminal 2. The processor 21 is an element that constitutes the computer of the mobile terminal 2. The processor 21 may have the same hardware configuration as the processor 11. The processor 21 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 22 or auxiliary storage device 23 into the main memory 22. The program is a program that allows the processor 21 to execute the processing of each part that will be implemented by the processor 21, as described later. The processor 21 performs various processes by executing the program loaded into the main memory 22.

[0035] Main memory 22 corresponds to the main memory portion of the mobile terminal 2. Main memory 22 is an element that constitutes the computer of the mobile terminal 2. Main memory 22 may have the same hardware configuration as main memory 12.

[0036] The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the mobile terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 23 may have the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0037] The input device 24 is a device that can receive instructions based on user operation. The input device 24 may include pressable buttons. The input device 24 may also include a touch panel integrated with the display device 25.

[0038] Display device 25 is a device capable of displaying various images. Display device 25 may have the same hardware configuration as display device 17. Display device 25 is an example of the display unit of the mobile terminal 2.

[0039] The imaging device 26 is a device capable of acquiring image data through imaging. For example, the imaging device 26 is a camera. The imaging device 26 is an example of the imaging unit of a mobile terminal 2.

[0040] The communication interface 27 is an interface for connecting the mobile terminal 2 to the server 3 via a network NW, enabling communication between them. The communication interface 27 is an example of the communication unit of the mobile terminal 2.

[0041] The hardware configuration of mobile terminal 2 is not limited to the configuration described above. Mobile terminal 2 may, as appropriate, omit or change the above-described components and add new components.

[0042] The various components implemented by the processor 21 will now be described. The processor 21 implements the read processing unit 211, the display processing unit 212, and the communication processing unit 213. Each part implemented by the processor 21 can also be called a function. Each part implemented by the processor 21 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit, which includes the processor 21 and the main memory 22.

[0043] The reading processing unit 211 reads the code symbol captured by the imaging device 26 and reads the information recorded in the read code symbol.

[0044] The display processing unit 212 displays various images on the display device 25.

[0045] The communication processing unit 213 processes communication between the mobile terminal 2 and the server 3 using the communication interface 27.

[0046] This section describes an example configuration for Server 3. Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of Server 3. Server 3 includes a processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, and communication interface 34. In Figure 6, the interface is labeled "I / F".

[0047] The processor 31 is the central part of the server 3. The processor 31 is an element that makes up the computer of the server 3. The processor 31 may have the same hardware configuration as the processor 11. The processor 31 loads programs that are pre-stored in the main memory 32 or auxiliary storage device 33 into the main memory 32. The programs are programs that allow the processor 31 to execute the processing of each part that will be implemented by the processor 31, as described later. The processor 31 performs various processes by executing the programs loaded into the main memory 32.

[0048] Main memory 32 corresponds to the main memory portion of server 3. Main memory 32 is an element that makes up the computer of server 3. Main memory 32 may have the same hardware configuration as main memory 12.

[0049] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 3. The auxiliary storage device 33 may have the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 33 is an example of the storage portion of the server 3.

[0050] The auxiliary storage device 33 includes an error information storage area 331. The error information storage area 331 stores a history of error information. An example of the data structure for the error information history will be described later.

[0051] The communication interface 34 is an interface for connecting the server 3 to the mobile terminal 2 via a network NW, enabling communication between them. The communication interface 34 is an example of the communication unit of the server 3.

[0052] Note that the hardware configuration of Server 3 is not limited to the configuration described above. Server 3 may, as appropriate, omit or change the above-described components and add new components.

[0053] The various parts implemented by the processor 31 will now be described. The processor 31 implements the communication processing unit 311 and the memory processing unit 312. Each part implemented by the processor 31 can also be called a function. Each part implemented by the processor 31 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit, which includes the processor 31 and the main memory 32.

[0054] The communication processing unit 311 processes communication between the server 3 and the mobile terminal 2 using the communication interface 34.

[0055] The memory processing unit 312 stores the information in the auxiliary storage device 33.

[0056] Figure 7 illustrates the data structure of the error information history stored in Server 3. The error information storage area 331 stores a history of error information acquired by the server 3 from the mobile terminal 2 via the network NW. The error information history includes a record of the access date and time. Each record includes the access date and time and error information. The access date and time is the date and time when the mobile terminal 2 accessed the web service provided by the server 3. The error information associated with the access date and time is information acquired by the server 3 from the mobile terminal 2 based on the mobile terminal 2's access to the web service provided by the server 3. In the example shown in Figure 7, the error information includes the error code, model information, serial number, mileage, and print setting information. The error information storage area 331 may store the error information history separately for each web service related to each error. The error information storage area 331 may also store the error information history for each web service related to each error together. The error information history is updated each time the server 3 acquires error information from the mobile terminal 2 via the network NW.

[0057] The error information history includes multiple records with different access dates and times, all containing error information for the same printer 1. These same printer 1 error records share the same serial number. This allows the web service provider to collect information indicating that errors frequently occur with this printer 1. Furthermore, because the troubleshooting methods provided by the web service are difficult for users to understand, users of this printer 1 may be accessing the web service frequently. Therefore, the web service provider can use this information to improve their web service.

[0058] (Example of operation) Next, we will explain the processing performed by the processor 11 of printer 1, the processor 21 of mobile terminal 2, and the processor 31 of server 3, which are configured as described above. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0059] The processing performed by the processor 11 of printer 1 will be described below. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by printer 1. The detection unit 111 detects an error that occurred in the printer 1 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the detection unit 111 may use various sensors of the printer 1 to detect an error that occurred in the printer 1. If the detection unit 111 does not detect an error (ACT1, NO), the detection unit 111 continues processing ACT1. If the detection unit 111 detects an error (ACT1, YES), the process transitions from ACT1 to ACT2.

[0060] The display processing unit 113 displays an error screen on the display device 17 (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the display processing unit 113 displays an error screen on the display device 17 based on the detection of an error that occurred in the printer 1 by the detection unit 111. The display device 17 can display the error screen through the processing of the display processing unit 113. The error screen is an image showing the error detected by the detection unit 111.

[0061] The generation unit 112 waits for input from the user via the input device 16 to select whether to display the help screen (ACT3). The instruction to select whether to display the help screen is an example of an instruction to generate a two-dimensional code symbol. The instruction to generate a two-dimensional code symbol is an example of an instruction to display a two-dimensional code symbol. If the user has not entered an instruction to select whether to display the help screen via the input device 16 (ACT3, NO), the generation unit 112 continues processing ACT3. If the user has entered an instruction to select whether to display the help screen via the input device 16 (ACT3, YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4.

[0062] The generation unit 112 generates a two-dimensional code symbol (ACT4) based on the user's input of a help screen display selection instruction via the input device 16. In ACT4, for example, the generation unit 112 obtains the URL of a web service related to an error that occurred in printer 1 detected by the detection unit 111 from the auxiliary storage device 13. The generation unit 112 obtains error information related to the error that occurred in printer 1 detected by the detection unit 111 from the auxiliary storage device 13. Based on the obtained URL and error information, the generation unit 112 generates a two-dimensional code symbol that records the URL and error information.

[0063] The information recorded in a two-dimensional code symbol varies depending on the combination of URL and error information. Therefore, the appearance of the two-dimensional code symbol will differ depending on the combination of URL and error information.

[0064] Furthermore, if the error that occurs in printer 1 is a recurring error such as a no-paper error, the user is likely to already know how to resolve it. In such cases, the user does not need to input instructions to display the help screen. As a result, the generation unit 112 does not need to generate a two-dimensional code symbol.

[0065] The display processing unit 113 displays a help screen containing a two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17 based on the generation of the two-dimensional code symbol by the generation unit 112 (ACT 5). Displaying the help screen is one example of displaying the two-dimensional code symbol. The display device 17 can display the help screen containing the two-dimensional code symbol through the processing of the display processing unit 113. As described above, the generation unit 112 generates the two-dimensional code symbol based on the input of a help screen display selection instruction. Therefore, the display processing unit 113 does not need to display the help screen containing the two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17 every time an error occurs.

[0066] The display processing unit 113 waits for input from the user via the input device 16 to select the "back" key (ACT6). Selecting the "back" key is an example of an instruction to transition from the display of the help screen to the display of the error screen. Transitioning from the display of the help screen to the display of the error screen is an example of an instruction to erase the display of the two-dimensional code symbol. If the user has not entered an instruction to select the "back" key via the input device 16 (ACT6, NO), the display processing unit 113 continues the processing of ACT6. If the user has entered an instruction to select the "back" key via the input device 16 (ACT6, YES), the processing transitions from ACT6 to ACT7.

[0067] The display processing unit 113 displays an error screen on the display device 17 (ACT7). In ACT7, for example, the display processing unit 113 clears the help screen displayed on the display device 17 and then displays the error screen on the display device 17.

[0068] Note that the processing in ACT2 and ACT3 may be omitted. In this example, the generation unit 112 generates a two-dimensional code symbol based on the detection of an error that occurred in the printer 1 by the detection unit 111. Therefore, the display processing unit 113 displays the two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17 each time an error occurs. This allows the user to omit the operation of displaying the two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17.

[0069] The processing performed by the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 2 will be described below. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by mobile terminal 2.

[0070] The reading processing unit 211 reads the two-dimensional code symbol captured by the imaging device 26 (ACT10). In ACT10, for example, the imaging device 26 captures the two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the display device 17 of the printer 1. Based on the image captured by the imaging device 26, the reading processing unit 211 reads the two-dimensional code symbol from the captured image. If the reading processing unit 211 does not read the two-dimensional code symbol (ACT10, NO), the reading processing unit 211 continues the process of ACT10. If the reading processing unit 211 reads the two-dimensional code symbol (ACT10, YES), the process transitions from ACT10 to ACT11.

[0071] The reading processing unit 211 reads the information recorded in the two-dimensional code symbol from the read two-dimensional code symbol (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, the reading processing unit 211 reads the URL of the web service related to the error that occurred in printer 1 and the error information from the read two-dimensional code symbol.

[0072] The communication processing unit 213 accesses the Web service of the URL read by the reading processing unit 211 through communication between the mobile terminal 2 and the server 3 (ACT 12). The communication processing unit 213 may automatically access the Web service based on the URL read by the reading processing unit 211. The communication processing unit 213 may also access the Web service based on the user's access instruction input via the input device 24 after the URL has been read by the reading processing unit 211. The communication interface 27 can access the Web service of the URL read by the reading processing unit 211 through processing by the communication processing unit 213.

[0073] The communication processing unit 213 outputs error information read by the reading processing unit 211 to the server 3 based on access to the Web service (ACT13). The communication interface 27 can output error information to the server 3 via the network NW through processing by the communication processing unit 213. Outputting error information to the server 3 includes sending the error information to the server 3.

[0074] The communication processing unit 213 obtains web page display data from the server 3 (ACT 14). The communication interface 27 can obtain web page display data from the server 3 via the network NW through the processing of the communication processing unit 213. Obtaining web page display data from the server 3 includes receiving web page display data from the server 3. For example, the web page is a web page of a manual that shows how to deal with errors that occur in printer 1, provided by a web service at a URL read by the reading processing unit 211.

[0075] The display processing unit 212 displays the web page on the display device 25 based on the web page display data acquired by the communication processing unit 213 (ACT15). In ACT15, for example, the display device 25 can display the web page through the processing of the display processing unit 212. By viewing the web page displayed on the display device 25, the user can check how to deal with the error that occurred in printer 1.

[0076] Note that the processing of ACT13 may be performed after the processing of ACT14 or ACT15.

[0077] The processing performed by the processor 31 of server 3 will be described below. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by Server 3.

[0078] The communication processing unit 311 accepts access from the mobile terminal 2 to a web service related to an error that occurred in the printer 1, based on communication between the server 3 and the mobile terminal 2 (ACT20). The web service is the web service whose URL is read by the mobile terminal 2 from the two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the printer 1.

[0079] The communication processing unit 311 obtains error information from the mobile terminal 2 based on the mobile terminal 2's access to the Web service (ACT21). The communication interface 34 can obtain the error information from the mobile terminal 2 via the network NW through the processing of the communication processing unit 311. The error information is information read from the two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the printer 1 by the mobile terminal 2. Obtaining error information from the mobile terminal 2 includes receiving the error information from the mobile terminal 2.

[0080] The memory processing unit 312 stores the error information obtained by the communication processing unit 311 in the auxiliary storage device 33 (ACT22). In ACT22, for example, the memory processing unit 312 obtains the access date and time based on the mobile terminal 2's access to the Web service. The memory processing unit 312 stores a record containing the access date and time and error information in the auxiliary storage device 33 to add it to the error information history.

[0081] The communication processing unit 311 outputs web page display data to the mobile terminal 2 based on the mobile terminal 2's access to the web service (ACT23). The communication interface 34 can output web page display data to the mobile terminal 2 via the network NW through processing by the communication processing unit 311. Outputting web page display data to the mobile terminal 2 includes transmitting the web page display data to the mobile terminal 2. For example, the web page is a web page of a manual that shows how to deal with errors that occur in printer 1, provided by a web service at a URL read by the reading processing unit 211.

[0082] Note that the processing of ACT23 may be performed before the processing of ACT21 or ACT22.

[0083] (effect) The operating device according to the first embodiment has a generation unit that generates a code symbol that records the URL of a Web service related to an error that occurred in the operating device provided by the Web server and information about the error. The operating device has a display processing unit that displays the code symbol on a display unit. Users can access the web service by simply taking a single photo of the code symbol using a communication terminal. By accessing the web service, users can use the communication terminal to check how to handle errors that occur in the operating device. Therefore, the ease of use for users accessing the web service using the communication terminal is maintained. Based on the access to the web service, the communication terminal can output error information to the web service provider. The web service provider can collect error information without requiring any special input from the user. Therefore, the web service provider can collect a large amount of error information. In this way, the operating device can support the output of error information to the web service provider without requiring any special input from the user, while maintaining the ease of use for users accessing the web service using a communication terminal. Therefore, the operating device can enable users to check how to handle errors that occur in the operating device using a communication terminal, while also supporting the collection of error information by another device.

[0084] The information processing device according to the first embodiment includes a communication processing unit that obtains information about errors read from a code symbol displayed on the operating device by the communication terminal, based on the communication terminal's access to a Web service related to errors occurring on the operating device. The information processing device also includes a storage processing unit that stores the error information in a storage unit. Users can access the Web service and use their communication terminals to check how to deal with errors that occur in the operating device. Therefore, the usability of users accessing the Web service using their communication terminals is maintained. The information processing device can obtain information about errors based on access to the Web service. The information processing device can collect information about errors without requiring any special input from the user. Therefore, the information processing device can collect a large amount of information about errors. In this way, the information processing device can collect information about errors without requiring any special input from the user while maintaining the usability of users accessing the Web service using their communication terminals. Thus, the information processing device can enable users to check how to deal with errors that occur in the operating device using their communication terminals, while also enabling the collection of information about errors by the information processing device itself.

[0085] By analyzing the error information they collect, web service providers can gain insights into the following: If the error information includes error codes, web service providers can identify the most frequently accessed troubleshooting methods by users. For example, frequently accessed troubleshooting methods are those related to the type of error users are experiencing or errors that are likely to occur on their devices. If the error information includes model information, web service providers can identify the most frequently accessed models by users. If the error information includes serial numbers, web service providers can identify the most frequently accessed serial numbers by users. Web service providers can determine the manufacturing date of the device from the serial number. If the error information includes printer status, web service providers can identify the most frequently accessed printer status by users. If the error information includes mileage, web service providers can determine the mileage at which errors tend to occur more frequently. If the error information includes print settings, web service providers can identify the print settings that frequently cause errors. Through such analysis, device manufacturers can use this information to improve their products. Web service providers can use this information to improve their web services so that they can provide the information users are looking for.

[0086] In the information processing device according to the first embodiment, the memory control unit stores error-related information in the memory unit, separated for each Web service related to each error. This allows the information processing device to manage error-related information by associating it with the corresponding web service. Therefore, for example, a web service provider can perform the aforementioned analysis on a per-web page basis.

[0087] The first embodiment described above may also be represented as follows: [1] A generation unit that generates a code symbol that records the URL of a web service related to an error that occurred in an operating device provided by a web server and information about the said error, A display processing unit that displays the code symbol on the display unit, An operating device equipped with the following features. [2] A communication processing unit that, based on access to a Web service related to an error that occurred in the operating device by a communication terminal, obtains from the communication terminal information about the error read from a code symbol displayed on the operating device by the communication terminal, A storage processing unit that stores information regarding the aforementioned error in a storage unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

[0088] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it uses two two-dimensional code symbols, in that it uses two two-dimensional code symbols. The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of the parts in the drawings used in the description of the second embodiment may have been changed as appropriate. Also, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted from the drawings used in the description of the second embodiment.

[0089] (Example configuration) The configuration example of the processing system S according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration example of the processing system S described with reference to Figure 1 in the first embodiment.

[0090] The configuration example of printer 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration example of printer 1 described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 in the first embodiment. The generation unit 112 generates a first two-dimensional code symbol. The first two-dimensional code symbol is a code symbol that records the URL of a web service related to an error that occurred in printer 1 provided by server 3. The generation unit 112 also generates a second two-dimensional code symbol. The second two-dimensional code symbol is a code symbol that records the error information of printer 1. For example, the first and second two-dimensional code symbols are QR code symbols, but are not limited to them. The first and second two-dimensional code symbols are examples of code symbols capable of recording information.

[0091] Figure 11 shows an example of the display of the first two-dimensional code symbol in printer 1. The display device 17 displays a first help screen that includes a first two-dimensional code symbol 172. The first help screen is an image to assist in troubleshooting errors that occur in printer 1. The display device 17 displays the first two-dimensional code symbol 172 in a format that can be read by the mobile terminal 2.

[0092] Figure 12 shows an example of the display of the second two-dimensional code symbol in printer 1. The display device 17 displays a second help screen that includes a second two-dimensional code symbol 173. The second help screen is an image designed to help resolve errors that occur in printer 1. The display device 17 displays the second two-dimensional code symbol 173 in a format that can be read by the mobile terminal 2.

[0093] The configuration example of the mobile terminal 2 according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration example of the mobile terminal 2 described with reference to Figure 5 in the first embodiment.

[0094] Figure 13 shows an example of the display on mobile device 2. Display device 25 displays a web page containing a notification prompting the reading of the second code symbol. The notification may also include a notification prompting the input of an instruction to select the "Next" key on printer 1. The instruction to select the "Next" key is an example of an instruction to transition from the display of the first help screen to the display of the second help screen. The display of the first help screen is an example of the display of the first two-dimensional code symbol. The display of the second help screen is an example of the display of the second two-dimensional code symbol. The instruction to transition from the display of the first help screen to the display of the second help screen is an example of an instruction to display the second two-dimensional code symbol. The web page containing the notification may also include a "Start" key 251 for inputting an instruction to start the camera device 26.

[0095] The configuration example of server 3 according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration example of server 3 described with reference to Figure 6 in the first embodiment.

[0096] (Example of operation) Next, we will explain the processing performed by the processor 11 of printer 1, the processor 21 of mobile terminal 2, and the processor 31 of server 3, which are configured as described above. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0097] The processing performed by the processor 11 of printer 1 will be described below. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by printer 1. The detection unit 111 detects an error that occurred in the printer 1 (ACT30). In ACT30, for example, the detection unit 111 may use various sensors of the printer 1 to detect an error that occurred in the printer 1. If the detection unit 111 does not detect an error (ACT30, NO), the detection unit 111 continues processing ACT30. If the detection unit 111 detects an error (ACT30, YES), the process transitions from ACT30 to ACT31.

[0098] The display processing unit 113 displays the error screen on the display device 17 (ACT31). In ACT31, for example, the display processing unit 113 displays the error screen on the display device 17 based on the detection of an error that occurred in the printer 1 by the detection unit 111. The display device 17 can display the error screen through the processing of the display processing unit 113.

[0099] The generation unit 112 waits for input from the user via the input device 16 for an instruction to select the display of the first help screen (ACT32). The instruction to select the display of the first help screen is an example of an instruction to generate the first two-dimensional code symbol. The instruction to generate the first two-dimensional code symbol is an example of an instruction to display the first two-dimensional code symbol. If the user has not entered an instruction to select the display of the first help screen via the input device 16 (ACT32, NO), the generation unit 112 continues processing ACT32. If the user has entered an instruction to select the display of the first help screen via the input device 16 (ACT32, YES), the process transitions from ACT32 to ACT33.

[0100] The generation unit 112 generates a first two-dimensional code symbol (ACT33) based on the user's input of a display selection instruction for the first help screen via the input device 16. In ACT33, for example, the generation unit 112 obtains from the auxiliary storage device 13 the URL of a web service related to an error that occurred in the printer 1 detected by the detection unit 111. Based on the obtained URL, the generation unit 112 generates a first two-dimensional code symbol that records the URL.

[0101] The information recorded in the first two-dimensional code symbol varies depending on the URL. Therefore, the appearance of the first two-dimensional code symbol varies depending on the URL.

[0102] Furthermore, if the error that occurs in printer 1 is a recurring error such as a no-paper error, the user is likely to already know how to deal with it. In such cases, the user does not need to input a selection instruction to display the first help screen. As a result, the generation unit 112 does not need to generate the first two-dimensional code symbol.

[0103] The display processing unit 113 displays a first help screen including the first two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17 (ACT34) based on the generation of the first two-dimensional code symbol by the generation unit 112. Displaying the first help screen is one example of displaying the first two-dimensional code symbol. The display device 17 can display the first help screen including the first two-dimensional code symbol through the processing of the display processing unit 113. As described above, the generation unit 112 generates the first two-dimensional code symbol based on the input of a display selection instruction for the first help screen. Therefore, the display processing unit 113 does not need to display the first help screen including the first two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17 every time an error occurs.

[0104] The display processing unit 113 waits for input from the user via the input device 16 to select the "Next" key (ACT35). If the user has not entered an instruction to select the "Next" key via the input device 16 (ACT35, NO), the display processing unit 113 continues the process of ACT35. If the user has entered an instruction to select the "Next" key via the input device 16 (ACT35, YES), the process transitions from ACT35 to ACT36.

[0105] The generation unit 112 generates a second two-dimensional code symbol (ACT36) based on the user's input of a selection instruction for the "Next" key via the input device 16. In ACT36, for example, the generation unit 112 obtains error information from the auxiliary storage device 13 regarding an error that occurred in the printer 1 detected by the detection unit 111. Based on the obtained error information, the generation unit 112 generates a second two-dimensional code symbol that records the error information.

[0106] The information recorded in the second two-dimensional code symbol varies depending on the error information. Therefore, the appearance of the second two-dimensional code symbol varies depending on the combination of error information.

[0107] Based on the generation of the second two-dimensional code symbol by the generation unit 112, the display processing unit 113 displays a second help screen including the second two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17 (ACT37). In ACT37, for example, the display processing unit 113 displays the second help screen on the display device 17 after clearing the first help screen displayed on the display device 17. Clearing the first help screen is an example of clearing the first two-dimensional code symbol. Clearing the first two-dimensional code symbol includes transitioning the first two-dimensional code symbol from a displayed state to a hidden state. Displaying the second help screen is an example of displaying the second two-dimensional code symbol. The display device 17 can display the second help screen including the second two-dimensional code symbol through the processing of the display processing unit 113. The display device 17 can display the second help screen after clearing the first help screen through the processing of the display processing unit 113.

[0108] The display processing unit 113 waits for input from the user via the input device 16 to select the "back" key (ACT38). Selecting the "back" key is an example of an instruction to transition from the display of the second help screen to the display of the error screen. Transitioning from the display of the second help screen to the display of the error screen is an example of an instruction to erase the display of the second two-dimensional code symbol. If the user has not entered an instruction to select the "back" key via the input device 16 (ACT38, NO), the display processing unit 113 continues the processing of ACT38. If the user has entered an instruction to select the "back" key via the input device 16 (ACT38, YES), the process transitions from ACT38 to ACT39.

[0109] The display processing unit 113 displays an error screen on the display device 17 (ACT39). In ACT39, for example, the display processing unit 113 clears the second help screen displayed on the display device 17, and then displays the error screen on the display device 17.

[0110] In ACT37, an example was described in which the display processing unit 113 erases the first help screen displayed on the display device 17 and then displays the second help screen on the display device 17, but the example is not limited to this. The display processing unit 113 only needs to display the second two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17, and the manner in which the second two-dimensional code symbol is displayed is not limited. For example, the display processing unit 113 may display the second two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17 together with the first two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the display device 17. In this example, the display processing unit 113 does not erase the first two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the display device 17.

[0111] Note that the processing of ACT31 and ACT32 may be omitted. In this example, the generation unit 112 generates a first two-dimensional code symbol based on the detection of an error that occurred in the printer 1 by the detection unit 111. Therefore, the display processing unit 113 displays the first two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17 each time an error occurs. This allows the user to omit the operation of displaying the first two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17.

[0112] Note that the processing of ACT35 may be omitted. In one example, the display processing unit 113 may, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the first help screen, erase the first help screen displayed on the display device 17 and then display the second help screen on the display device 17. This allows the user to omit the operation of displaying the second two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17. In another example, the generation unit 112 may generate the second two-dimensional code symbol based on the user's input of a display selection instruction for the first help screen via the input device 16. In this example, the display processing unit 113 may display the second two-dimensional code symbol together with the first two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17. This not only allows the user to omit the operation of displaying the second two-dimensional code symbol on the display device 17, but also allows them to photograph the first and second two-dimensional code symbols with the mobile terminal 2 at their preferred timing. Even if the processing of ACT35 is omitted, the processing of ACT31 and ACT32 may also be omitted. In this example, the generation unit 112 generates a first two-dimensional code symbol based on the detection of an error that occurred in the printer 1 by the detection unit 111. The generation unit 112 generates a second two-dimensional code symbol based on the detection of an error that occurred in the printer 1 by the detection unit 111.

[0113] The processing performed by the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 2 will be described below. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by mobile terminal 2.

[0114] The reading processing unit 211 reads the first two-dimensional code symbol captured by the imaging device 26 (ACT40). In ACT40, for example, the imaging device 26 captures the first two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the display device 17 of the printer 1. Based on the image captured by the imaging device 26, the reading processing unit 211 reads the first two-dimensional code symbol from the captured image. If the reading processing unit 211 does not read the first two-dimensional code symbol (ACT40, NO), the reading processing unit 211 continues the process of ACT40. If the reading processing unit 211 reads the first two-dimensional code symbol (ACT40, YES), the process transitions from ACT40 to ACT41.

[0115] The reading processing unit 211 reads the information recorded in the first two-dimensional code symbol from the read first two-dimensional code symbol (ACT41). In ACT41, for example, the reading processing unit 211 reads the URL of a web service related to an error that occurred in printer 1 from the read first two-dimensional code symbol.

[0116] The communication processing unit 213 accesses the Web service of the URL read by the reading processing unit 211 through communication between the mobile terminal 2 and the server 3 (ACT42). The communication processing unit 213 may automatically access the Web service based on the URL read by the reading processing unit 211. The communication processing unit 213 may also access the Web service based on the user's access instruction input via the input device 24 after the URL has been read by the reading processing unit 211. The communication interface 27 can access the Web service of the URL read by the reading processing unit 211 through processing by the communication processing unit 213.

[0117] The communication processing unit 213 obtains web page display data, including a notification prompting the reading of a second two-dimensional code symbol, from the server 3 based on access to the web service (ACT43). The communication interface 27 can obtain the web page display data, including the notification, from the server 3 via the network NW through the processing of the communication processing unit 213. Obtaining the web page display data, including the notification, from the server 3 includes receiving the web page display data, including the notification, from the server 3. Obtaining the web page display data, including the notification, is an example of obtaining the notification.

[0118] The display processing unit 212 displays the web page containing the notification on the display device 25 based on the display data of the web page containing the notification acquired by the communication processing unit 213 (ACT44). The display device 25 can display the web page containing the notification through the processing of the display processing unit 212. Displaying the web page containing the notification is one example of displaying the notification. By viewing the notification, the user can take a picture of the second two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the printer 1 with the mobile terminal 2.

[0119] The reading processing unit 211 reads the second two-dimensional code symbol captured by the imaging device 26 (ACT 45). In ACT 45, for example, the reading processing unit 211 activates the imaging device 26. The reading processing unit 211 may also activate the imaging device 26 based on the user's selection of the "activate" key 251 via the input device 24. The selection of the "activate" key 251 is an example of inputting an instruction to activate the imaging device 26. If the web page containing the notification does not contain the "activate" key 251, the reading processing unit 211 may automatically activate the imaging device 26 based on the display of the web page containing the notification by the display processing unit 212. The imaging device 26 captures the second two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the display device 17 of the printer 1. Based on the imaging device 26 capturing the second two-dimensional code symbol, the reading processing unit 211 reads the second two-dimensional code symbol from the captured image. If the reading processing unit 211 does not read the second two-dimensional code symbol (ACT45, NO), the reading processing unit 211 continues processing ACT45. If the reading processing unit 211 reads the second two-dimensional code symbol (ACT45, YES), the process transitions from ACT45 to ACT46.

[0120] The reading processing unit 211 reads the information recorded in the second two-dimensional code symbol from the second two-dimensional code symbol that has been read (ACT46). In ACT46, for example, the reading processing unit 211 reads error information from the second two-dimensional code symbol that has been read.

[0121] The communication processing unit 213 outputs the error information read by the reading processing unit 211 to the server 3 via communication between the mobile terminal 2 and the server 3 (ACT47). In ACT47, for example, the communication processing unit 213 outputs the error information to the server 3 after obtaining a web page containing notifications from the server 3 based on access to a web service. The communication interface 27 can output the error information to the server 3 via the network NW through processing by the communication processing unit 213. The communication processing unit 213 may automatically output the error information to the server 3 based on the reading of the error information by the reading processing unit 211. The communication processing unit 213 may also output the error information to the server 3 based on the user's input of an error information output instruction via the input device 24 after the reading of the error information by the reading processing unit 211.

[0122] The communication processing unit 213 obtains web page display data from the server 3 (ACT48). The communication interface 27 can obtain web page display data from the server 3 via the network NW through the processing of the communication processing unit 213. For example, the web page is a web service provided by the URL read by the reading processing unit 211, and is a web page of a manual showing how to deal with errors that occurred in printer 1.

[0123] The display processing unit 212 displays the web page on the display device 25 based on the web page display data acquired by the communication processing unit 213 (ACT49). In ACT49, for example, the display device 25 can display the web page through the processing of the display processing unit 212. By viewing the web page displayed on the display device 25, the user can check how to deal with the error that occurred in printer 1.

[0124] Note that the processing of ACT47 may be performed after the processing of ACT48 or ACT49.

[0125] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by Server 3.

[0126] The communication processing unit 311 accepts access from the mobile terminal 2 to a web service related to an error that occurred in the printer 1, based on communication between the server 3 and the mobile terminal 2 (ACT 50). The web service is the web service whose URL is read by the mobile terminal 2 from the first two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the printer 1.

[0127] The communication processing unit 311 outputs web page display data, including a notification prompting the mobile terminal 2 to read a second two-dimensional code symbol, to the mobile terminal 2 based on the mobile terminal 2's access to the web service (ACT51). The communication interface 34 can output web page display data, including the notification, to the mobile terminal 2 via the network NW through the processing of the communication processing unit 311. Outputting web page display data, including the notification, to the mobile terminal 2 includes transmitting the web page display data, including the notification, to the mobile terminal 2. Outputting web page display data, including the notification, is an example of outputting a notification.

[0128] The communication processing unit 311 obtains error information from the mobile terminal 2 based on the mobile terminal 2's access to the Web service (ACT52). In ACT52, for example, the communication processing unit 311 outputs the display data of the Web page, including notifications, to the mobile terminal 2 based on the mobile terminal 2's access to the Web service, and then obtains error information from the mobile terminal 2. The communication interface 34 can obtain error information from the mobile terminal 2 via the network NW through the processing of the communication processing unit 311. The error information is information read from the second two-dimensional code symbol displayed on the printer 1 by the mobile terminal 2.

[0129] The memory processing unit 312 stores the error information obtained by the communication processing unit 311 in the auxiliary storage device 33 (ACT 53). In ACT 53, for example, the memory processing unit 312 obtains the access date and time based on the mobile terminal 2's access to the Web service. The memory processing unit 312 stores a record containing the access date and time and error information in the auxiliary storage device 33 to add it to the error information history.

[0130] The communication processing unit 311 outputs web page display data to the mobile terminal 2 based on the mobile terminal 2's access to the web service (ACT54). The communication interface 34 can output web page display data to the mobile terminal 2 via the network NW through the processing of the communication processing unit 311.

[0131] Note that the processing of ACT54 may be performed before the processing of ACT51, ACT52, or ACT53.

[0132] (effect) The operating device according to the second embodiment includes a generation unit that generates a first code symbol recording the URL of a Web service related to an error that occurred in the operating device provided by the Web server, and a second code symbol recording information about the error. The operating device also includes a display processing unit that displays the first code symbol on a display unit and displays the second code symbol on a display unit. Users can access the Web service by simply taking a single photograph of the first code symbol using a communication terminal. By accessing the Web service, users can use the communication terminal to check how to handle errors that occur in the operating device. Therefore, the ease of use for users accessing the Web service using a communication terminal is maintained. Users can provide error information to the Web service provider by simply taking a single photograph of the second code symbol using a communication terminal. The Web service provider can collect error information with a simple operation, such as a single photograph of the second code symbol, without requiring any special input from the user. Therefore, the Web service provider can collect a large amount of error information. In this way, the operating device can support the output of error information to the Web service provider without requiring any special input from the user, while maintaining the ease of use for users accessing the Web service using a communication terminal. Therefore, the operating device can support the collection of error information by another device while enabling users to check how to handle errors that occur in the operating device using a communication terminal.

[0133] Furthermore, if a single code symbol records both URL and error information, the amount of information recorded in a single code symbol increases. In this case, the number of cells in a single code symbol increases, which may make the code symbol displayed on the display unit difficult to read by the communication terminal. In particular, the smaller the size of the display unit of the operating device, the more difficult the code symbol may become to read by the communication terminal. In the second embodiment, the operating device generates two code symbols, each recording information separately. Therefore, the first code symbol displayed on the display unit is easy for the communication terminal to read. Similarly, the second code symbol displayed on the display unit is easy for the communication terminal to read. Furthermore, if a single code symbol records both URL and error information, the communication terminal may be unable to access the web service due to the presence of information other than the URL recorded in the code symbol. In the second embodiment, the operating device generates two code symbols, each recording information separately. Therefore, the communication terminal can access the web service smoothly.

[0134] In the operating device according to the second embodiment, the display processing unit erases the first code symbol displayed on the display unit, and then displays the second code symbol on the display unit. Thus, the operating device does not display the first and second code symbols on the display unit simultaneously. Therefore, the operating device can display each of the two code symbols on the display unit at a larger size than would be possible if both code symbols were displayed simultaneously. Even with a small display unit, the code symbols displayed on the display unit are easy for communication terminals to read.

[0135] The information processing device according to the second embodiment includes a communication processing unit that obtains information about errors read from a code symbol displayed on the operating device by the communication terminal, based on the communication terminal's access to a Web service related to errors occurring on the operating device. The information processing device also includes a storage processing unit that stores the error information in a storage unit. Users can access the Web service and use their communication terminals to check how to deal with errors that occur in the operating device. Therefore, the usability of users accessing the Web service using their communication terminals is maintained. The information processing device can obtain information about errors based on access to the Web service. The information processing device can collect information about errors without requiring any special input from the user. Therefore, the information processing device can collect a large amount of information about errors. In this way, the information processing device can collect information about errors without requiring any special input from the user while maintaining the usability of users accessing the Web service using their communication terminals. Thus, the information processing device can enable users to check how to deal with errors that occur in the operating device using their communication terminals, while also enabling the collection of information about errors by the information processing device itself.

[0136] In the information processing device according to the second embodiment, the memory control unit stores error-related information in the memory unit, separated for each Web service related to each error. This allows the information processing device to manage error-related information by associating it with the corresponding web service. Therefore, for example, a web service provider can perform the aforementioned analysis on a per-web page basis.

[0137] In the information processing device according to the second embodiment, the communication processing unit outputs a notification to the communication terminal prompting it to read a code symbol based on the communication terminal's access to the Web service. This increases the likelihood that the information processing device can obtain information about errors.

[0138] The second embodiment described above may be represented as follows: [1] A generation unit that generates a first code symbol recording the URL of a web service related to an error that occurred in an operating device provided by a web server, and generates a second code symbol recording information about the error, A display processing unit that displays the first code symbol on the display unit and the second code symbol on the display unit, An operating device equipped with the following features. [2] The display processing unit erases the first code symbol displayed on the display unit and then displays the second code symbol on the display unit, as described in [1]. [3] A communication processing unit that, based on access to a Web service related to an error that occurred in the operating device by a communication terminal, obtains from the communication terminal information about the error read from a code symbol displayed on the operating device by the communication terminal, A storage processing unit that stores information regarding the aforementioned error in a storage unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features. [4] The information processing apparatus according to [3], wherein the communication processing unit outputs a notification to the communication terminal prompting it to read the code symbol based on the communication terminal's access to the Web service.

[0139] (Other embodiments) In the first embodiment, the two-dimensional code symbol may include a setting that causes the mobile terminal 2 to output error information to the server 3 based on the mobile terminal 2's access to the web service via the URL. In the second embodiment, the second two-dimensional code symbol may include a setting that causes the mobile terminal 2 to output error information to the server 3 based on the mobile terminal 2 reading the error information.

[0140] In the embodiments described above, printer 1 was used as an example of an operating device, but the invention is not limited to this. The operating device may be an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). The operating device is not limited to a device having a printing function, but may be various devices that perform operations.

[0141] The operating device may be a single device that implements each function, or it may consist of multiple devices that distribute each function. The information processing device may be a single device that implements each function, or it may consist of multiple devices that distribute each function.

[0142] The embodiments described above may apply not only to the apparatus but also to the methods performed by the apparatus. The embodiments described above may apply to a program that can cause the computer of the apparatus to perform each function. The embodiments described above may apply to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0143] The program may be transferred while stored in the device according to the embodiment, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0144] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] 1...Printer, 2...Mobile terminal, 3...Server, 11...Processor, 12...Main memory, 13...Auxiliary storage device, 14...Printing unit, 15...Transport unit, 16...Input device, 17...Display device, 21...Processor, 22...Main memory, 23...Auxiliary storage device, 24...Input device, 25...Display device, 26...Shooting device, 27...Communication interface, 31...Processor, 32...Main memory, 33...Auxiliary storage device, 34...Communication interface, 111...Detection unit, 112...Generation unit, 113...Display processing unit, 171...Two-dimensional code symbol, 172...First two-dimensional code symbol, 173...Second two-dimensional code symbol, 211...Reading processing unit, 212...Display processing unit, 213...Communication processing unit, 261..."Start" key, 311...Communication processing unit, 312...Storage processing unit, 331...Error information storage area, NW...Network, S...Processing system.

Claims

1. A generation unit generates a first code symbol that records the URL of a Web service related to an error that occurred in an operating device provided by a Web server, and generates a second code symbol that records the setting by which the communication terminal outputs the error information to the information processing device based on the information about the error and the reading of the information about the error by the communication terminal. A display processing unit that displays the first code symbol on the display unit and the second code symbol on the display unit, An operating device equipped with the following features.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the display processing unit erases the first code symbol displayed on the display unit and then displays the second code symbol on the display unit.

Images