Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and a program capable of estimating, in a case where an abnormality caused by a setting content occurs, a setting item that causes the abnormality occurrence.SOLUTION: Setting information is acquired from an external apparatus, in a case where an abnormality has occurred in an own apparatus. A setting item of which setting contents are different between setting information of the own apparatus and the acquired setting information is extracted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a management system that enables an image forming apparatus to automatically recover from a failure by itself without relying on recovery work performed by a dispatched service technician.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a failure recovery method for a distributed database including a plurality of databases with identical content and a master database, which enables highly reliable failure recovery for the master database.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a distributed data recovery system that allows a system to autonomously perform data recovery processing.

[0005] Patent Document 4 describes a management apparatus that manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses as execution units of print processing, and notifies an appropriate coping method for a failure according to the cause of the failure occurring in each image forming apparatus at the print processing execution unit.

[0006] Patent Document 5 describes a data recovery apparatus capable of shortening the processing time required for data recovery.

[0007] Patent Document 6 describes a multifunction terminal apparatus that can appropriately cope with an abnormality corresponding to a service call when such an abnormality occurs. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-230195 Patent Document 2 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 09-212401 Patent Document 3 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-179837 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-198617 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-043160 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-061168 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and program that can estimate the setting item that caused the abnormality when an abnormality occurs due to the setting content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The information processing device in the first embodiment includes a processor, which, when an abnormality occurs in the device, obtains configuration information from an external device and extracts configuration items whose settings differ between the device's configuration information and the obtained configuration information.

[0011] In the second embodiment of the information processing device, the processor in the first embodiment notifies the user of the extracted setting items.

[0012] In the third embodiment of the information processing device, the processor changes the settings of the extracted setting items to the settings of the acquired setting information.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the processor, when an abnormality occurs in its own device, obtains setting information associated with the abnormality from an external device, and extracts items whose setting content differs between the setting information of its own device associated with the abnormality and the obtained setting information associated with the abnormality.

[0014] In the fifth embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the setting information is classified into multiple categories, and the processor acquires only the setting information of the category associated with the occurrence of the anomaly.

[0015] In the sixth aspect of the information processing device, the processor notifies the maintenance personnel if there is no difference between the device's configuration information and the acquired configuration information.

[0016] In the seventh embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the external device that acquires the configuration information is a device connected to the apparatus via a network, as is the case with the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0017] In the information processing apparatus of the eighth embodiment, the external device that acquires the setting information is a pre-registered device, as is the case with the information processing apparatus of the seventh embodiment.

[0018] In the ninth aspect of the information processing apparatus, in the first aspect of the information processing apparatus, the processor corrects and modifies the acquired setting information if the acquired setting information does not correspond to the version of the control software of the device.

[0019] In the tenth embodiment of the information processing apparatus, in the first embodiment of the information processing apparatus, if the acquired configuration information does not correspond to the version of the control software of the device, the processor updates the version of the control software of the device to the version corresponding to the acquired configuration information.

[0020] In the 11th embodiment of the information processing device, in the information processing device of the first embodiment, the processor notifies that the number of setting items in the acquired setting information is less than the number of setting items in the setting information of the device itself.

[0021] An information processing apparatus according to a twelfth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when the number of setting items of the acquired setting information is smaller than the number of setting items of the setting information of the own apparatus, the processor acquires the setting information of the insufficient setting items from an external apparatus different from the external apparatus from which the setting information has been acquired.

[0022] An information processing apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when the number of setting items of the acquired setting information is larger than the number of setting items of the setting information of the own apparatus, the processor notifies that the number of setting items of the acquired setting information is larger than the number of setting items of the setting information of the own apparatus.

[0023] An information processing apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when the number of setting items of the acquired setting information is larger than the number of setting items of the setting information of the own apparatus, the processor does not use the setting information of the extra setting items.

[0024] A program according to a fifteenth aspect causes a computer to execute: a step of acquiring setting information from an external apparatus when an abnormality occurs in the own apparatus; and a step of extracting setting items having different setting contents between the setting information of the own apparatus and the acquired setting information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the information processing apparatus of the first aspect, when an abnormality caused by setting content occurs, it is possible to estimate the setting item that caused the abnormality.

[0026] According to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect, when an abnormality occurs, it is possible to notify a user of a setting item that is considered to have a problem.

[0027] According to the information processing apparatus of the third aspect, when an abnormality occurs, it is possible to restore to a normal state without requiring an operation by a user.

[0028] According to the information processing device of the fourth embodiment, the amount of setting information to be acquired can be reduced compared to the case where all setting information is acquired.

[0029] According to the information processing device of the fifth embodiment, the amount of setting information to be acquired can be reduced compared to the case where setting information for all categories is acquired.

[0030] According to the information processing device of the sixth embodiment, if an abnormality cannot be addressed by simply changing the configuration information, the abnormality can be notified to the maintenance personnel.

[0031] According to the information processing device of the seventh embodiment, configuration information can be obtained via a network.

[0032] According to the information processing device of the eighth embodiment, the user can arbitrarily set an external device for acquiring setting information.

[0033] According to the information processing device of the ninth embodiment, even setting information that does not correspond to the version of the control software of the device can be used.

[0034] According to the information processing device of the tenth embodiment, it is possible to respond to abnormalities more easily compared to not updating the version of the control software of the device.

[0035] According to the information processing device of the 11th embodiment, the user can be notified that the number of setting items in the device's own setting information is different from the number of setting items in the acquired setting information.

[0036] According to the information processing device of the 12th embodiment, it is possible to supplement the setting information of missing setting items with the setting information of the device itself.

[0037] According to the information processing device of the 13th embodiment, the user can be notified that the number of setting items in the device's own setting information is different from the number of setting items in the acquired setting information.

[0038] According to the information processing device of the 14th embodiment, it is possible to prevent malfunctions from occurring in the device's configuration information due to unnecessary configuration information.

[0039] According to the program of the 15th embodiment, when an abnormality occurs due to the settings, it is possible to estimate the setting item that caused the abnormality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] This figure shows the system configuration of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10A. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10A. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a device setting information management table for the image forming apparatus 10A. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a fault code table in the image forming apparatus 10A. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the device list screen displayed in the display unit when importing a cloning file. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the device list screen displayed in the display unit when importing a cloning file. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the device list screen displayed in the display unit when importing a cloning file. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the device list screen displayed in the display unit when importing a cloning file. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a selection input screen that is displayed in the display section when importing a cloning file. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the device list screen displayed in the display unit when importing a cloning file. [Figure 12]This figure shows an example of the device list screen displayed in the display unit when importing a cloning file. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the device list screen displayed in the display unit when importing a cloning file. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a selection input screen that is displayed in the display section when importing a cloning file. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the device list screen displayed in the display unit when importing a cloning file. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of the device list screen displayed in the display unit when importing a cloning file. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow when importing a cloning file in the image forming apparatus 10A. [Figure 18] This is the first half of a flowchart illustrating the processing flow when importing a cloning file into the image forming apparatus 10A, specifically when the settings information of the apparatus and the settings information of the peripheral apparatus do not perfectly match. [Figure 19] This is the latter half of a flowchart illustrating the processing flow when importing a cloning file into the image forming apparatus 10A, specifically when the settings information of the apparatus and the settings information of the peripheral apparatus do not perfectly correspond. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming system according to one embodiment.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system of this embodiment consists of image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, which are interconnected by a network 20.

[0043] Image forming apparatus 10A, image forming apparatus 10B, and image forming apparatus 10C are all devices known as multifunction devices, which have multiple functions such as printing, scanning, copying, and facsimile. Image forming apparatus 10D is a device known as a printer, which has only a printing function. Image forming apparatus 10A is an example of an information processing device in the technology of the present invention.

[0044] Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10A of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10A.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 10A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (IF) 14, a user interface (UI) device 15 including a touch panel or liquid crystal display and a keyboard, a scanner 16, and a print engine 17. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 18.

[0046] The communication interface 14 transmits and receives data to and from external devices via the network 20. The user interface 15 receives instruction input from the user. The scanner 16 reads the original document loaded into the image forming apparatus 10A as image data. The print engine 17 prints the image onto a recording medium such as printing paper through processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing.

[0047] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10A by executing predetermined processes based on a control program stored in the RAM 12 or storage device 13. In this embodiment, the CPU 11 is described as reading and executing a control program stored in the RAM 12 or storage device 13, but it is not limited to this. This control program may be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium. For example, this program may be provided in the form of a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM recorded on an optical disc, or in the form of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or memory card recorded on a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, this control program may be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication interface 14.

[0048] Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10A of this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10A.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the image forming apparatus 10A of this embodiment includes a control unit 31, an operation input unit 32, a display unit 33, a data transmission / reception unit 34, a storage unit 35, an authentication unit 36, an image reading unit 37, and an image output unit 38.

[0050] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10A, and based on user input, it controls the image reading unit 37 to read the original image, the image output unit 38 to output print data, and so on.

[0051] The operation input unit 32 receives information on various operations performed by the user. The display unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 31 and displays various information to the user. The data transmission / reception unit 34 transmits and receives data with external devices such as the image forming apparatus 10B.

[0052] The storage unit 35 stores data for the control program, as well as the configuration information management table and the fault code table. The configuration information management table and the fault code table will be explained in detail later. The authentication unit 36 ​​performs authentication processing for users who intend to use the image forming apparatus 10A.

[0053] The image reading unit 37 reads the original image from the loaded original based on the control unit 31. The image output unit 38 outputs the image onto a recording medium such as printing paper based on the control unit 31.

[0054] In the image forming apparatus 10A of this embodiment, in order to estimate the setting item that caused the abnormality when an abnormality occurs due to the settings of the apparatus itself, the control unit 31 acquires setting information from an external device when an abnormality occurs in the apparatus itself, and extracts setting items whose settings differ between the setting information of the apparatus itself and the acquired setting information.

[0055] The processing in the image forming apparatus 10A of this embodiment will be described in detail below. First, the setting information of the image forming apparatus 10A will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setting information management table for the image forming apparatus 10A. Note that the setting information management table shown in Figure 4 is just one example and lists some of the multiple setting items in the image forming apparatus 10A.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the settings information management table has the following fields: "Category Name", "Setting Screen Name", "Section 1", "Section 2", "Setting Item Name", and "Setting Content".

[0057] "Category name" is the name of the category to which the setting item belongs. "Setting screen name" is the name of the screen used to edit the settings of the setting item. For example, the setting screen for "Individual function code settings" has a setting item for "Individual function code," and the setting items corresponding to each of (Page 0) to (Page 3) can be edited.

[0058] "Section 1" and "Section 2" are subcategory names that classify settings within the same settings screen. For example, the "POP (Post Office Protocol) 3" settings screen is divided into two subcategories: "Standard" and "Cloud Mail Service". Furthermore, the "Cloud Mail Service" section is divided into two subcategories: "Cloud Endpoint Settings" and "Cloud Mail Service POP Client Settings".

[0059] "Setting Item Name" is the name of the setting item. "Setting Content" is the setting content for that setting item.

[0060] The configuration information management table contains multiple configuration items, such as "individual identification code," "802.1x enabled," "authentication method," "username," and "password," and the settings for each configuration item are recorded.

[0061] These settings are categorized into three categories: "Security Settings," "Server Fax Application," and "Protocol Settings." Within each category, the settings are further subdivided into subcategories such as "Setting Screen Name," "Section 1," and "Section 2."

[0062] The "Security Settings" category has three subcategories, each categorized by settings screen: "Individual Function Codes," "802.1x," and "SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) / TLS (Transport Layer Security)."

[0063] The "Server Fax App" category has only one settings screen and no further categorization by section.

[0064] The "Protocol Settings" category has only one setting screen, "POP3," but within "Section 1," it has two subcategories: "Unmarked" and "Cloud Mail Service." Furthermore, the "Cloud Mail Service" item has two subcategories: "Cloud Endpoint Settings" and "Cloud Mail Service POP Client Settings."

[0065] In the image forming apparatus 10B, image forming apparatus 10C, and image forming apparatus 10D, the above-described setting information management table is also managed.

[0066] Next, we will explain the fault codes in the image forming apparatus 10A. A fault code is an identifier assigned to each type of abnormality that occurs in the apparatus. In the following explanation, "abnormality" may be referred to as "fault". Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a fault code table that records information such as fault codes and the type of fault in association with each other.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the fault code table records information such as the "type of fault," the "category associated with the fault," and the "setting associated with the fault" for each "fault code."

[0068] For example, fault code A is a fault that "the software (SW) option for the paper security kit is not enabled." The category associated with this fault is "Security Settings (Individual Function Code Settings)," and the setting item associated with this fault is "Individual Function Code."

[0069] Furthermore, fault code B is an "802.1x authentication error (incorrect username or password)". The category associated with this fault is "Security Settings (802.1x)", and the settings items associated with this fault are "Username" and "Password".

[0070] The same applies to fault codes C through E below.

[0071] The data for these configuration information management tables and fault code tables is stored in the storage unit 35.

[0072] When the control unit 31 detects that a fault has occurred in its own device, it obtains setting information from at least one of the image forming apparatuses 10B, 10C, and 10D connected to the image forming apparatus 10A, and extracts setting items whose settings differ between the setting information of its own device and the obtained setting information.

[0073] As a result, the control unit 31 can identify setting items whose settings differ between its own device's setting information and the setting information of other devices, making it possible to estimate the setting item that caused the fault.

[0074] The control unit 31 may also be configured to notify the user of the extracted setting items.

[0075] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may change the settings of the extracted setting items to the settings of the acquired setting information.

[0076] Furthermore, when a fault occurs in the device, the control unit 31 may obtain setting information associated with the fault from an external device and extract items whose settings differ between the setting information of the device associated with the fault and the obtained setting information associated with the fault.

[0077] If the configuration information is classified into multiple categories, as in the configuration information management table of this embodiment, the control unit 31 may acquire only the configuration information of the category associated with the fault that occurred.

[0078] For example, if a fault with fault code A occurs, you could choose to retrieve only the setting information for the category related to this fault, which is "Security Settings (Individual Function Code Settings)".

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may also notify the maintenance personnel if there is no difference between the device's configuration information and the acquired configuration information. The notification to the maintenance personnel may be made in any way, for example, by sending an email to a pre-configured email address indicating that a fault has occurred in the device.

[0080] Furthermore, the external device from which configuration information is obtained may be a device connected to the device via network 20. In this case, the external device from which configuration information is obtained may be a device that has been registered in advance.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may correct and modify the acquired setting information if it does not correspond to the version of the device's control software.

[0082] For example, if the version of the control software of the device itself is older than the version of the control software of the device from which the configuration information was obtained, the device's configuration information may be modified to correct the obtained configuration information to correspond to the older version of the control software, and then the device's configuration information may be changed to reflect this corrected configuration information.

[0083] Furthermore, if the acquired configuration information does not correspond to the version of the device's control software, the control unit 31 may update the version of the device's control software to a version that corresponds to the acquired configuration information.

[0084] For example, if the version of the control software of your device is older than the version of the control software of the device from which the configuration information was obtained, you may update the version of your device's control software to the same version as the control software of the device from which the configuration information was obtained.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may also notify the device if the number of setting items in the acquired setting information is less than the number of setting items in the device's own setting information.

[0086] Furthermore, if the number of setting items in the acquired setting information is less than the number of setting items in the setting information of its own device, the control unit 31 may obtain the setting information for the missing setting items from an external device other than the external device from which the setting information was obtained.

[0087] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may also notify the device if the number of setting items in the acquired setting information is greater than the number of setting items in the device's own setting information.

[0088] Furthermore, if the number of setting items in the acquired setting information is greater than the number of setting items in the setting information of the device itself, the control unit 31 may choose not to use the setting information of the setting items that are more numerous.

[0089] Next, a specific example of the processing in the image forming apparatus 10A of this embodiment will be described.

[0090] <Specific Example 1> Image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are installed in the same office. These apparatuses are interconnected via network 20. Furthermore, in the event of a fault in image forming apparatus 10A, image forming apparatuses 10B, 10C, and 10D, which are connected to the apparatus via network 20, are pre-registered by the user as external devices to acquire configuration information.

[0091] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10B is registered under the name "Multifunction Device B (General Affairs Department)". The image forming apparatus 10C is registered under the name "Multifunction Device C (Development Department)". The image forming apparatus 10D is registered under the name "Printer D (Manufacturing Department)".

[0092] Under these circumstances, hybrid watermark detection hardware was installed on all four image forming machines in the office. To use the hybrid watermark detection hardware, the software option for the paper security kit must be enabled in the individual function code settings of the configuration information.

[0093] In the image forming apparatus 10B, image forming apparatus 10C, and image forming apparatus 10D, the software option for the paper security kit is enabled in the individual function code setting item of the setting information.

[0094] However, in the image forming apparatus 10A, the software option for the paper security kit is disabled in the individual function code setting item of the setting information. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10A will experience fault code A in the fault code table of Figure 5 (the SW option for the paper security kit is not enabled).

[0095] When the control unit 31 detects a fault with fault code A, it refers to the fault code table and identifies "Security Settings (Individual Function Code Settings)" as the category associated with the fault. In addition, within the category associated with the fault, information about the setting screen name is also recorded in parentheses as a subcategory associated with the fault.

[0096] Next, the control unit 31 obtains setting information for fault-related categories from the pre-registered image forming apparatus 10B, image forming apparatus 10C, and image forming apparatus 10D, and compares it with the setting information of its own apparatus.

[0097] If there is a difference between the configuration information for the relevant category of the device itself and the configuration information for the relevant category obtained from other devices, the control unit 31 determines that the configuration information for the relevant category will be used as a cloning file. A cloning file is a file containing configuration information obtained from an external device and copied to the configuration information of the device itself.

[0098] Next, the control unit 31 displays a list of devices on the display unit 33 that have differences between the current device's configuration information and the configuration information of the corresponding category, as a list of sources for importing configuration information.

[0099] In this case, the control unit 31 may display only the category name associated with the fault for each device, as shown in Figure 6, or it may display both the category name and the subcategory name associated with the fault for each device, as shown in Figure 7.

[0100] The control unit 31 notifies the user that it is necessary to import a cloning file in order to resolve the fault with fault code A. Then, if the user selects a device from which to obtain the cloning file on the list screen, the control unit 31 imports the cloning file obtained from the selected device into its own device.

[0101] <Specific Example 2> The fact that image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are installed in the same office, and the registered names of each apparatus are the same as in Specific Example 1 above.

[0102] In this example, no external device is pre-registered to acquire setting information when a fault occurs in the image forming apparatus 10A.

[0103] Under these circumstances, suppose a fault with fault code B (802.1x authentication error (incorrect username or password)) occurs in the image forming apparatus 10A, according to the fault code table in Figure 5.

[0104] When the control unit 31 detects a fault with fault code B, it refers to the fault code table and identifies "Security Settings (802.1x)" as the category associated with the fault.

[0105] Next, the control unit 31 searches for surrounding office machines and extracts image forming apparatus 10B, image forming apparatus 10C, and image forming apparatus 10D that are connected to the same network 20 as its own device.

[0106] Next, the control unit 31 obtains category setting information related to the fault from the extracted image forming apparatus 10B, image forming apparatus 10C, and image forming apparatus 10D, and compares it with the setting information of its own apparatus.

[0107] If there is a difference between the setting information for the relevant category of the device itself and the setting information for the relevant category obtained from each device, the control unit 31 determines the setting information for the relevant category to be a cloned file.

[0108] Next, the control unit 31 displays a list of devices on the display unit 33 that have differences between the current device's configuration information and the configuration information of the corresponding category, as a list of sources for importing configuration information.

[0109] In this case, the control unit 31 may display only the category name related to the fault for each device, as shown in Figure 6, or it may display both the category name and subcategory name related to the fault for each device, as shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in addition to the category name and subcategory name related to the fault, it may also display the setting item names that differ from those of its own device.

[0110] The control unit 31 notifies the user that it is necessary to import a cloning file in order to resolve the fault with fault code B. Then, when the user selects a device from which to obtain the cloning file on the list screen, the control unit 31 imports the cloning file obtained from the selected device into its own device.

[0111] In the explanation of Specific Example 2 above, we described an example where a fault with fault code B occurs, but the same process is performed when a fault with fault code C (an error in configuring the client certificate for 802.1x authentication) occurs.

[0112] <Specific Example 3> This example describes a case where the external device has more configuration options than the local device. The installation environment of the device in this example is the same as in Specific Example 1 above.

[0113] In this example, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 10A, which is the device itself, does not have any settings related to "cloud endpoint settings" and "cloud mail service POP client settings".

[0114] Under these circumstances, suppose that the image forming apparatus 10A fails to communicate with a specific communication destination via POP, resulting in a fault (POP3 reception failure) with fault code D in the fault code table shown in Figure 5.

[0115] When the control unit 31 detects a fault with fault code D, it refers to the fault code table and identifies "Protocol Settings (POP3)" as the category associated with the fault.

[0116] Next, the control unit 31 obtains setting information for fault-related categories from the pre-registered image forming apparatus 10B, image forming apparatus 10C, and image forming apparatus 10D, and compares it with the setting information of its own apparatus.

[0117] If there is a difference between the setting information for the relevant category of the device itself and the setting information for the relevant category obtained from each device, the control unit 31 determines the setting information for the relevant category to be a cloned file.

[0118] At this time, the control unit 31 detected that the control software version of its own device, the image forming apparatus 10A, was older than that of the external device, and that some setting items present in the external device did not exist in its own device.

[0119] In this case, the control unit 31 displays a selection input screen on the display unit 33 as shown in Figure 10, and prompts the user to select whether to update the control software version to the same version as the external device, or to omit importing settings that are not compatible between the device and the external device.

[0120] If the option to update the control software version to the same version as the external device is selected, the control unit 31 updates the control software version of its own device to the same version as the external device.

[0121] Next, the control unit 31 displays a list of devices on the display unit 33 that have differences between the current device's configuration information and the configuration information of the corresponding category, as a list of sources for importing configuration information.

[0122] In this case, the control unit 31 may display only the category name related to the fault for each device, as shown in Figure 11, or it may display both the category name and subcategory name related to the fault for each device, as shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 13, in addition to the category name and subcategory name related to the fault, it may also display the setting item names that differ from those of its own device.

[0123] The control unit 31 notifies the user that it is necessary to import a cloning file in order to resolve the fault with fault code D. Then, if the user selects a device from which to obtain the cloning file on the list screen, the control unit 31 imports the cloning file obtained from the selected device into its own device.

[0124] <Specific Example 4> This example describes a case where the external device has fewer configuration options than the local device. The installation environment of the device in this example is the same as in Specific Example 1 above.

[0125] In this example, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 10B, image forming apparatus 10C, and image forming apparatus 10D do not have any settings related to "cloud endpoint settings" and "cloud mail service POP client settings".

[0126] Under these circumstances, suppose that the image forming apparatus 10A fails to communicate with a specific communication destination via POP, resulting in a fault (POP3 reception failure) with fault code D in the fault code table shown in Figure 5.

[0127] When the control unit 31 detects a fault with fault code D, it refers to the fault code table and identifies "Protocol Settings (POP3)" as the category associated with the fault.

[0128] Next, the control unit 31 obtains setting information for fault-related categories from the pre-registered image forming apparatus 10B, image forming apparatus 10C, and image forming apparatus 10D, and compares it with the setting information of its own apparatus.

[0129] If there is a difference between the setting information for the relevant category of the device itself and the setting information for the relevant category obtained from each device, the control unit 31 determines the setting information for the relevant category to be a cloned file.

[0130] At this time, the control unit 31 detected that the control software version of its own device, the image forming apparatus 10A, was newer than that of the external device, and that some setting items present in its own device may not exist in the external device.

[0131] In this case, the control unit 31 notifies the user that the settings related to "Cloud Endpoint Settings" and "Cloud Mail Service POP Client Settings" will not be updated, and obtains their consent.

[0132] Furthermore, the control unit 31 displays a selection input screen on the display unit 33, as shown in Figure 10, and prompts the user to select whether to update the control software version to the same version as the external device, or to omit importing settings that are not compatible between the device and the external device.

[0133] If the option to update the control software version to the same version as the external device is selected, the control unit 31 updates the control software version of its own device to the same version as the external device.

[0134] Next, the control unit 31 displays a list of devices on the display unit 33 that have differences between the current device's configuration information and the configuration information of the corresponding category, as a list of sources for importing configuration information.

[0135] In this case, the control unit 31 may display only the category name related to the fault for each device, as shown in Figure 11, or it may display both the category name and subcategory name related to the fault for each device, as shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 13, in addition to the category name and subcategory name related to the fault, it may also display the setting item names that differ from those of its own device.

[0136] The control unit 31 notifies the user that it is necessary to import a cloning file in order to resolve the fault with fault code D. Then, if the user selects a device from which to obtain the cloning file on the list screen, the control unit 31 imports the cloning file obtained from the selected device into its own device.

[0137] <Specific Example 5> This example explains a situation where the settings of an external device cannot be imported directly into the settings of the local device. The installation environment of the device in this example is the same as in Specific Example 1 above.

[0138] In this example, the TLS version in the image forming apparatus 10A is 1.2, while the TLS versions in image forming apparatuses 10B, 10C, and 10D are 1.3.

[0139] Under these circumstances, suppose that TLS communication with a specific communication destination fails in the image forming apparatus 10A, resulting in a fault (TLS communication failure) with fault code E in the fault code table of Figure 5.

[0140] When the control unit 31 detects a fault with fault code E, it refers to the fault code table and identifies "Security Settings (SSL / TLS)" as the category associated with the fault.

[0141] Next, the control unit 31 obtains setting information for fault-related categories from the pre-registered image forming apparatus 10B, image forming apparatus 10C, and image forming apparatus 10D, and compares it with the setting information of its own apparatus.

[0142] If there is a difference between the setting information for the relevant category of the device itself and the setting information for the relevant category obtained from each device, the control unit 31 determines the setting information for the relevant category to be a cloned file.

[0143] At this point, the control unit 31 detected that the control software version of its own image forming apparatus 10A was older than that of the external device, and therefore it could not import the settings of the external device in their original form.

[0144] In this case, the control unit 31 displays a selection input screen on the display unit 33 as shown in Figure 14, and prompts the user to select whether to update the control software version to the same version as the external device, or to correct and import the setting information for setting items that do not correspond between the device and the external device.

[0145] If the option to update the control software version to the same version as the external device is selected, the control unit 31 updates the control software version of its own device to the same version as the external device.

[0146] Next, the control unit 31 displays a list of devices on the display unit 33 that have differences between the current device's configuration information and the configuration information of the corresponding category, as a list of sources for importing configuration information.

[0147] In this case, the control unit 31 may display only the category name related to the fault for each device, as shown in Figure 6, or it may display both the category name and subcategory name related to the fault for each device, as shown in Figure 15. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, in addition to the category name and subcategory name related to the fault, it may also display the setting item names that differ from those of its own device for each device.

[0148] The control unit 31 notifies the user that it is necessary to import a cloning file in order to resolve the fault with fault code E. Then, when the user selects a device from which to obtain the cloning file on the list screen, the control unit 31 imports the cloning file obtained from the selected device into its own device.

[0149] In this case, if the option to correct the setting information and perform the import process for setting items that do not correspond between the device and the external device is selected, the control unit 31 corrects the TLS 1.3 version setting in the setting information obtained from the external device to the setting corresponding to the TLS 1.2 version and imports it.

[0150] Next, the process for importing cloning files in the image forming apparatus 10A will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 17.

[0151] In step S11, the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 10A detects a fault in its own apparatus, and in step S12, it determines whether or not the detected fault is registered in the fault code table.

[0152] If, in step S12, it is determined that the detected fault is not registered in the fault code table, the control unit 31 notifies the user in step S24 that manual resolution is required and terminates the process.

[0153] If, in step S12, it is determined that the detected fault is registered in the fault code table, the control unit 31, in step S13, refers to the fault code table and identifies the category associated with the fault.

[0154] Next, in step S14, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a peripheral device that acquires setting information when a fault occurs in its own device is pre-registered.

[0155] If it is determined in step S14 that the peripheral device has been pre-registered, the control unit 31 proceeds to step S17.

[0156] If it is determined in step S14 that the peripheral device is not pre-registered, the control unit 31 searches for peripheral devices connected to the same network 20 in step S15.

[0157] Next, in step S16, the control unit 31 determines whether or not peripheral devices have been found.

[0158] If it is determined in step S16 that no peripheral devices have been found, the control unit 31 notifies the user in step S24 that manual resolution is required and terminates the process.

[0159] If it is determined in step S16 that a peripheral device has been found, the control unit 31 proceeds to step S17.

[0160] Next, in step S17, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is only one peripheral device.

[0161] If it is determined in step S17 that there is one peripheral device, the control unit 31 obtains the cloning file of the category identified in step S13 from the corresponding device in step S18.

[0162] Next, in step S19, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is a difference in the setting information for the relevant category between its own device and the peripheral device.

[0163] If it is determined in step S19 that there is a difference in the configuration information, the control unit 31 imports the cloning file in step S20 and terminates the process.

[0164] If it is determined in step S19 that there are no differences in the configuration information, the control unit 31 notifies the user in step S24 that manual resolution is required and terminates the process.

[0165] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S17 that there is more than one peripheral device, the control unit 31 obtains cloning files of the category identified in step S13 from multiple devices in step S21.

[0166] Next, in step S22, the control unit 31 determines whether there is at least one cloning file in which there is a difference in the setting information of the relevant category between its own device and the peripheral device.

[0167] If, in step S22, it is determined that there is at least one cloning file with differing configuration information, the control unit 31 imports the cloning file selected by the user from among the cloning files with differing configuration information in step S23, and then terminates the process.

[0168] If, in step S22, it is determined that there are no cloning files with differences in configuration information, the control unit 31 notifies the user in step S24 that manual resolution is required and terminates the process.

[0169] Next, the process for handling cases where the settings information of the image forming apparatus 10A and the settings information of the peripheral devices do not perfectly match when importing cloning files will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 18 and 19. Note that the flowcharts in Figures 18 and 19 are a series of flowcharts divided into the first and second halves.

[0170] This flowchart describes the process from the point where the control unit 31 identifies a category related to the fault and obtains a cloning file for the identified category.

[0171] First, in step S31, the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 10A acquires a cloning file of the specified category from the peripheral device.

[0172] Next, in step S32, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is a difference in the setting information for the relevant category between its own device and the peripheral device.

[0173] If it is determined in step S32 that there are no differences in the configuration information, the control unit 31 will notify the user in step S33 that manual resolution is required and terminate the process.

[0174] If it is determined in step S32 that there is a difference in the setting information, the control unit 31 determines in step S34 whether the number of setting items in the setting information of its own device and the number of setting items in the setting information of the peripheral device are the same.

[0175] If it is determined in step S34 that the number of setting items is the same, the control unit 31 proceeds to step S40.

[0176] If it is determined in step S34 that the number of setting items is different, the control unit 31 determines in step S35 whether the number of setting items in the setting information of the peripheral device is greater than the number of setting items in the setting information of the device itself.

[0177] If, in step S35, it is determined that the number of setting items in the peripheral device's setting information is less than the number of setting items in the device's own setting information, the control unit 31 obtains the user's consent in step S36 to not import the missing setting items in the device's own setting information, and then proceeds to step S40.

[0178] If, in step S35, it is determined that the number of setting items in the setting information of the peripheral device is greater, the control unit 31 determines in step S37 whether or not it is necessary to import the setting items that are not supported in the setting information of its own device.

[0179] If it is determined in step S37 that importing unsupported setting items is not necessary, the control unit 31 proceeds to step S40.

[0180] If, in step S37, it is determined that it is necessary to import unsupported setting items, the control unit 31, in step S38, obtains instructions from the user to either update the control software of its device to a version that supports the unsupported setting items, or to omit the import of the unsupported setting items.

[0181] Next, in step S39, the control unit 31 either updates the control software in accordance with the user's instructions obtained in step S38, or sets the system to omit importing unsupported settings during the import process, and then proceeds to step S40.

[0182] Next, in step S40, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there are any setting items that need to be corrected during import.

[0183] In step S40, if it is determined that there are setting items that need to be corrected during import, the control unit 31 determines in step S41 whether the fault can be resolved by correcting the setting items that need to be corrected.

[0184] If, in step S41, it is determined that the fault can be resolved by correction, the control unit 31 obtains the user's consent in step S42 to correct and import the setting items that require correction.

[0185] Next, in step S43, the control unit 31 corrects the cloning file, and in step S44, it imports the cloning file and terminates the process. In step S44, if there are settings that should be omitted from import, the control unit 31 omits the import of those settings.

[0186] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S40 that there are no setting items that need to be corrected during import, the control unit 31 proceeds to step S44, imports the cloning file, and terminates the process. In step S44, if there are setting items that should be omitted from import, the control unit 31 omits the import of those setting items.

[0187] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S41 that the fault cannot be resolved by correction, the control unit 31 in step S45 obtains instructions from the user to either update the control software of its own device to a version that corresponds to the setting items of the peripheral device, or to omit importing the setting items that need correction.

[0188] Next, in step S46, the control unit 31 either updates the control software in accordance with the user's instructions obtained in step S45, or sets it to omit importing settings that require correction during the import process.

[0189] Next, in step S44, the control unit 31 imports the cloning file and terminates the process. In step S44, if there are any settings that should be omitted from import, the control unit 31 omits the import of those settings.

[0190] [Differentiation] Although an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0191] In each of the embodiments described above, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0192] Furthermore, the processor operations in each of the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0193] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the application of the present invention to an image forming apparatus, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to various information processing devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or personal computers.

[0194] [Note] The following are preferred forms of this disclosure.

[0195] (((1))) Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When an abnormality occurs in the device itself, it obtains configuration information from an external device. Extract the configuration items that differ between the configuration information of the device itself and the acquired configuration information. Information processing device.

[0196] (((2))) The aforementioned processor, The extracted settings items are notified to the user. The information processing device described in (((1))).

[0197] (((3))) The aforementioned processor, Change the settings of the extracted settings items to match the settings of the acquired settings information. The information processing device described in (((1))) or (((2))).

[0198] (((4))) The aforementioned processor, When an abnormality occurs in the device itself, configuration information associated with the abnormality is obtained from an external device. Extract the items whose settings differ between the configuration information of the device associated with the anomaly and the acquired configuration information associated with the anomaly. An information processing device as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((3))).

[0199] (((5))) The configuration information is categorized into several sections. The aforementioned processor, Only retrieve the setting information for the category associated with the anomaly that occurred. The information processing device described in (((4))).

[0200] (((6))) The aforementioned processor, If there is no difference between the device's configuration information and the acquired configuration information, the maintenance personnel will be notified. An information processing device as described in any one of items (((1))) through (((5))).

[0201] (((7))) The external device that retrieves the configuration information is a device connected to the device via a network. An information processing device as described in any one of items (((1))) through (((6))).

[0202] (((8))) The external device that retrieves the configuration information is a pre-registered device. The information processing device described in (((7))).

[0203] (((9))) The aforementioned processor, If the acquired configuration information does not correspond to the version of the device's control software, the acquired configuration information will be corrected and modified. An information processing device as described in any one of items (((1))) through (((8))).

[0204] (((10))) The aforementioned processor, If the acquired configuration information does not correspond to the version of the device's control software, update the device's control software to a version that corresponds to the acquired configuration information. An information processing device as described in any one of items (((1))) through (((9))).

[0205] (((11))) The aforementioned processor, If the number of configuration items in the retrieved configuration information is less than the number of configuration items in the device's own configuration information, a notification will be sent indicating that the number of configuration items in the retrieved configuration information is less than the number of configuration items in the device's own configuration information. An information processing device as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((10))).

[0206] (((12))) The aforementioned processor, If the number of configuration items in the acquired configuration information is less than the number of configuration items in the device's own configuration information, the system will acquire the missing configuration items from an external device other than the one from which the configuration information was acquired. An information processing device as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((11))).

[0207] (((13))) The aforementioned processor, If the number of configuration items in the retrieved configuration information is greater than the number of configuration items in the device's own configuration information, a notification will be sent indicating that the number of configuration items in the retrieved configuration information is greater than the number of configuration items in the device's own configuration information. An information processing device as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((12))).

[0208] (((14))) The aforementioned processor, If the number of setting items in the retrieved configuration information is greater than the number of setting items in the device's own configuration information, the configuration information for the larger number of settings will not be used. An information processing device as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((13))).

[0209] (((15))) When an abnormality occurs in the device itself, the procedure involves obtaining configuration information from an external device, A step to extract setting items whose settings differ between the setting information of the device itself and the acquired setting information, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0210] The effects of the configuration described below are explained below.

[0211] According to the information processing device (((1))), when an abnormality occurs due to the settings, it is possible to estimate the setting item that caused the abnormality.

[0212] According to the information processing device (((2))), when an abnormality occurs, the user can be notified of the setting item that is suspected to be malfunctioning.

[0213] According to the information processing device (((3))), when an abnormality occurs, it is possible to restore the system to a normal state without requiring any operation from the user.

[0214] According to the information processing device (((4))), the amount of configuration information to be acquired can be reduced compared to the case where all configuration information is acquired.

[0215] According to the information processing device (((5))), the amount of setting information to be acquired can be reduced compared to the case where setting information for all categories is acquired.

[0216] According to the information processing device (((6))), if an anomaly cannot be addressed by simply changing the configuration information, the maintenance personnel can be notified of the anomaly.

[0217] According to the information processing device (((7))), configuration information can be obtained via the network.

[0218] According to the information processing device (((8))), the user can arbitrarily configure an external device that acquires configuration information.

[0219] According to the information processing device (((9))), configuration information that does not correspond to the version of the device's control software can also be used.

[0220] According to the information processing device (((10))), it is possible to respond to abnormalities more easily compared to not updating the version of the control software of the device.

[0221] According to the information processing device (((11))), the user can be notified that the number of setting items in the device's own setting information is different from the number of setting items in the acquired setting information.

[0222] According to the information processing device (((12))), it is possible to supplement the setting information of missing setting items with the setting information of the device itself.

[0223] According to the information processing device (((13))), the user can be notified that the number of setting items in the device's own setting information is different from the number of setting items in the acquired setting information.

[0224] According to the information processing device (((14))), it is possible to prevent malfunctions from occurring in the device's configuration information due to unnecessary configuration information.

[0225] According to the program (((15))), when an anomaly occurs due to the settings, it is possible to estimate the setting item that caused the anomaly. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0226] 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D image forming device 11 CPU 12 RAM 13 Storage device 14. Communication Interface 15. User Interface Device 16 Scanners 17 Print Engine 18 Control bus 20 Networks 31 Control Unit 32 Operation Input Section 33 Display section 34 Data transmission / reception unit 35 Storage section 36. Authentication Department 37 Image reading unit 38 Image output section

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When an abnormality occurs in the device itself, it obtains configuration information from an external device. Extract the setting items that differ between the setting information of the device itself and the acquired setting information. If the acquired configuration information does not correspond to the version of the device's control software, the acquired configuration information will be corrected and modified. Information processing device.

2. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When an abnormality occurs in the device itself, it obtains configuration information from an external device. Extract the setting items that differ between the setting information of the device itself and the acquired setting information. If the acquired configuration information does not correspond to the version of the device's control software, update the device's control software to a version that corresponds to the acquired configuration information. Information processing device.

3. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When an abnormality occurs in the device itself, it obtains configuration information from an external device. Extract the setting items that differ between the setting information of the device itself and the acquired setting information. If the number of configuration items in the acquired configuration information is less than the number of configuration items in the device's own configuration information, the system will acquire the missing configuration items from an external device other than the one from which the configuration information was acquired. Information processing device.

4. The aforementioned processor, The extracted settings items are notified to the user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned processor, Change the settings of the extracted settings items to match the settings of the acquired settings information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The aforementioned processor, When an abnormality occurs in the device itself, configuration information associated with the abnormality is obtained from an external device. Extract the items whose settings differ between the configuration information of the device associated with the anomaly and the acquired configuration information associated with the anomaly. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The configuration information is categorized into several sections. The aforementioned processor, Only retrieve the setting information for the category associated with the anomaly that occurred. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned processor, If there is no difference between the device's configuration information and the acquired configuration information, the maintenance personnel will be notified. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The external device that retrieves the configuration information is a device connected to the device via a network. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The external device that retrieves the configuration information is a pre-registered device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned processor, If the number of configuration items in the retrieved configuration information is less than the number of configuration items in the device's own configuration information, a notification will be sent indicating that the number of configuration items in the retrieved configuration information is less than the number of configuration items in the device's own configuration information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The aforementioned processor, If the number of configuration items in the retrieved configuration information is greater than the number of configuration items in the device's own configuration information, a notification will be sent indicating that the number of configuration items in the retrieved configuration information is greater than the number of configuration items in the device's own configuration information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The aforementioned processor, If the number of setting items in the retrieved configuration information is greater than the number of setting items in the device's own configuration information, the configuration information for the larger number of settings will not be used. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. When an abnormality occurs in the device itself, the procedure involves obtaining configuration information from an external device, A step to extract setting items whose settings differ between the setting information of the device itself and the acquired setting information, If the acquired configuration information does not correspond to the version of the device's control software, the acquired configuration information is corrected and modified. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

15. When an abnormality occurs in the device itself, the procedure involves obtaining configuration information from an external device, A step to extract setting items whose settings differ between the setting information of the device itself and the acquired setting information, If the acquired configuration information does not correspond to the version of the device's control software, the device's control software is updated to a version that corresponds to the acquired configuration information. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

16. When an abnormality occurs in the device itself, the procedure involves obtaining configuration information from an external device, A step to extract setting items whose settings differ between the setting information of the device itself and the acquired setting information, If the number of configuration items in the acquired configuration information is less than the number of configuration items in the configuration information of the device itself, the following steps are taken: Obtain the configuration information for the missing items from an external device other than the one from which the configuration information was obtained. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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