Abstract:
A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing a computer to execute a process, the process including: selecting in a case where an error occurs in communication between a communication device and a communication target device, a setting item to be changed in order to handle the occurred error by referring to information in which a type of an error is previously correlated with a setting item to be changed; acquiring a setting value of another communication device regarding the selected setting item; and determining a setting value of the communication device based on the acquired setting value of the other communication device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-059693 filed on Mar. 24, 2016. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present inventions relates to a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a communication program, a communication device and an information processing apparatus. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing, a computer to execute a process, the process including: selecting, in a case where an error occurs in communication between a communication device and a communication target device, a setting item to be changed in order to handle the occurred error by referring to information in which a type of an error is previously correlated with a setting item to be changed; acquiring a setting value of another communication device regarding the selected setting item; and determining a setting value of the communication device based on the acquired setting value of the other communication device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system according to a first exemplary embodiment; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication device according to the first exemplary embodiment; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of communication history information; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of error handling information; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting value acquired by an external-device setting-acquisition unit; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the communication device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system according to a second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication device according to the second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device according to the second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting value acquired by the external-device setting-acquisition unit; 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a handling setting value determined by an error handling unit; 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of change history information; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating an example of of operation of the communication system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     First Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0019]    Configuration of Communication System 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system according to a first exemplary embodiment. 
         [0021]    A communication system  7  has a configuration in which communication devices  1  to  4  and a communication target device  5  are connected to each other by a network  6 , so as to enable communication. 
         [0022]    As an example, the communication devices  1  to  4  may be a multifunction machine which includes functions of printing, scanning, FAX, and the like, and may be a communication device communicating with the communication target device  5  in order to perform the function. Each of the communication devices  1  to  4  includes an electronic component such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a flash memory, in the main body. The electronic component has a function for processing information. 
         [0023]    The communication devices  2  to  4  are assumed to be products which have the same configuration as that in this exemplary embodiment. However, it is not necessary that the communication devices  2  to  4  have completely the same configuration as that of the communication device  1 . The communication devices  2  to  4  may have a built-in OS, a product model, a manufacturer, and the like which are different from those of the communication device  1 . 
         [0024]    The communication target device  5  is a device such as a server, which has a communication function. The communication target device  5  includes electronic components such as a CPU and a flash memory, in a main body. The electronic components have a function for processing information. 
         [0025]    The network  6  is a communication network which allows high-speed communication. For example, as the network  6 , a wired or wireless communication network such as an intranet and a local area network (LAN) is provided. 
         [0026]    The communication devices  1  to  4  are assumed to generate image information by scanning an original document using, so-called “Scan to SMB”, and to transmit the generated image information to a shared folder which is formed in a memory of the communication target device  5 , through the network  6 . It is assumed that errors such as authentication failure or character corruption occur between the communication device  1  and the communication target device  5 . On the above assumption, the communication device  1  refers to setting values of the communication devices  2  to  4 , and attempts to solve an error occurring between the communication device  1  and the communication target device  5 . 
         [0027]    Here, in this exemplary embodiment, “an error” occurring, between the communication device  1  and the communication target device  5  means an error occurring due to a setting of a communication protocol in the communication device  1  and the communication target device  5 . As the error occurring due to the setting of the communication protocol, as described above, for example, failure of authentication, occurrence of character corruption, and the like are exemplified. As an example of failure of authentication, a case where a transmission side and a reception side have different settings in an authentication method from each other, a case where settings of a domain name for authentication are different from each other, and thus the authentication fails, and the like are exemplified. As an example of the occurrence of character corruption, regarding a character code of a file name which is transmitted, a case in which since the character code of the transmission side is set as “EUC-JP” and the character code of the reception side is set as “UTF-8”, difference in separation, matching, or the like of characters occurs, and thus, character corruption in a file name occurs on the reception side is exemplified. 
         [0028]    In this exemplary embodiment, the “setting of communication” is assumed to designate an item which is not automatically set, not a setting item which is automatically set by communication on the communication protocol between the communication device  1  and the communication target device  5 . However, regarding the setting item which is automatically set by communication on the communication protocol, an error may also occur in a setting situation of the entirety he network to which a device other than the communication device  1  and the communication target device  5  is connected. Thus, the “setting of communication” may include the setting item which is automatically set. 
         [0029]    Configuration of Communication Device 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication device  1  according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         [0031]    The communication device  1  includes a controller  10 , a memory  11 , a communication unit  12 , a display  13 , an operation unit  14 , and a function unit  15 . The controller  10  is configured from a CPU and the like. The controller  10  controls the units and executes various programs. The memory  11  is configured from a recording medium such as a flash memory, and stores information. The communication unit  12  performs communication with an external device through a network. The display  13  is configured from a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and displays a letter or an image. The operation unit  14  is configured from a button, a touchpad, and the like, and receives an input operation. The function unit  15  performs functions of printing, scanning, FAX, and the like. 
         [0032]    The controller  10  executes as communication program  110  (which will be described later) so as to perform functions as a function execution unit  100 , a communication history recording unit  101 , an error handling unit  102 , an external-device setting-acquiring unit  103 , an external-device communication history confirmation unit  104 , a setting value determination unit  105 , and a setting-change notification unit  106 . 
         [0033]    The function execution unit  100  causes the function unit  15  to perform a function of printing, scanning, FAX, or the like. “Scan to SMB” as an example of the function is performed by the function execution unit  100 . Communication is performed through the communication unit  12 . 
         [0034]    The communication history recording unit  101  records a communication result obtained when the function unit  15  performs the function of “Scan to SMB”, and communicates with the communication target device  5  through the communication unit  12 . The communication history recording twit  101  records the communication result as communication history information  111 . Particularly, in a case where an error occurs, the communication history recording unit  101  records an error code indicating the type of the error. 
         [0035]    The error handling unit  102  refers to the error handling information  112  regarding a predetermined coping method for an error code, and selects the corresponding coping method so as to handle the error. 
         [0036]    The external-device setting-acquiring unit  103  inquires a setting value of the coping method selected by the error handling unit  102 , of the communication devices  2  to  4 . The external-device setting-acquiring unit  103  acquires setting values from the communication devices  2  to  4 . 
         [0037]    The external-device communication history confirmation unit  104  performs inquiry for the communication devices  2  to  4 , and confirms communication history of the communication devices  2  to  4 . Particularly, the external-device communication history confirmation unit  104  confirms whether errors do not occur in the communication devices  2  to  4  with the setting values acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  103 . 
         [0038]    The setting value determination unit  105  determines a setting value for the coping method selected by the error handling unit  102 , based on he setting values which are acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  103 . The setting value determination unit  105  determines the setting value in accordance with details confirmed by the external-device communication history confirmation unit  104 . 
         [0039]    In a case where the setting value in the communication is changed to the setting value determined by the setting value determination unit  105 , the setting-change notification unit  106  notifies an external manager of details of the change. 
         [0040]    The memory  11  stores the communication program  110  for operating the controller  10  as the above-described units  100  to  106 , the communication history information  111 , the error handling information  112 , and the like. 
         [0041]    Operation of Communication Device 
         [0042]    Next, an action in the exemplary embodiment will be described.  FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the communication device  1 . 
         [0043]    Firstly if the operation unit  14  receives an operation, the function execution unit  100  causes the function unit  15  to perform “Scan to SMB”. The function unit  15  scans an original document so as to generate image information. The function unit  15  communicates with the communication target device  5  through the communication unit  12 , in order to transmit the generated image information to the shared folder of the communication target device  5  (S 1 ). 
         [0044]    Then, the communication history recording unit  101  causes the function unit  15  to perform the function of “Scan to SMB”. The communication history recording unit  101  records a communication result obtained when communication with the communication target device  5  is performed through the communication unit  12 , as the communication history information  111  (S 2 ). Particularly, in a case where an error occurs, as illustrated in the following  FIG. 3 , the communication history recording unit  101  records an error code indicating the type of the error. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the communication history information  111 . 
         [0046]    Communication history information  111   a  is an example of the communication history information  111 . The communication history information includes date and time of communication, an operation type of an operation of the communication device, the communication result, the error code indicating the type of an error which is recorded in a case where the error occurs, communication partner, and a user name of a user who uses the communication device  1 . 
         [0047]    The above example describes a case where an error having an error code of “E-PRN-002” occurs and thus communication is abnormally ended when a user “Guest” operates the communication device  1  to perform scanning for “Scan to SMB”, and communication is performed so as to transmit image information generated by the scanning to “PC-1” indicating the communication target device  5 . 
         [0048]    Then, in a case where such an error occurs in the communication (S 3 ; Yes), the error handling unit  102  refers to the error handling information  112  illustrated in the following  FIG. 4 , and selects the corresponding coping method so as to handle the error (S 4 ). 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the error handling information  112 . 
         [0050]    Error handling information  112   a  includes an error code, a coping method indicating details of coping, a coping target, and a change timing for changing the setting value. 
         [0051]    In the example illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the error code is “E-PRN-002”. Thus the error handling unit  102  refers to the error handling information  112   a,  and selects a coping method of “increasing a communication timeout time” for a coping target of “multifunction machine” (which instructs the Communication device  1 ) as the coping method. Since the change timing is “immediately”, the selected coping method is immediately performed. 
         [0052]    Then, the external-device setting-acquiring unit  103  inquires a setting value of the coping method selected by the error handling unit  102 , of the communication devices  2  to  4 . The external-device setting-acquiring unit  103  acquires setting values from the communication devices  2  to  4  (S 5 ). 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the setting value acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  103 . 
         [0054]    A setting value  103   a  includes a device name of an external device and a communication timeout time serving as an example of a setting value. 
         [0055]    The above example describes a case where a setting value of a device name “MFP-1” indicating the communication device  1  before changing is “10” seconds, but each of setting values of device names “MFP-2” to “MFP-4” indicating the communication devices  2  to  4  is “60” seconds. 
         [0056]    Then, the external-device communication history confirmation unit  104  performs an inquiry for the communication devices  2  to  4 , and confirms communication history of each of the communication devices  2  to  4  (S 6 ). Particularly, the external-device communication history confirmation unit  104  confirms whether an error does not occur in the communication devices  2  to  4  with the setting values of “60” seconds acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  103 . 
         [0057]    The setting value determination unit  105  determines a setting value for the coping method selected by the error handling unit  102 , based on the setting values which are acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  103 . That is, since the setting values of the device names “MFP-2” to “MFP-4” which indicate external devices other than the device name “MFP-1” indicating the communication device  1  is “60” seconds, the setting value determination unit  105  extends the communication timeout time from “10” seconds up to “60” seconds. 
         [0058]    When the external device communication history confirmation unit  104  confirms that an error does not occur with the setting value of “60” seconds in the communication devices  2  to  4 , the setting value determination unit  105  determines the setting value to be “60” seconds (S 7 ). 
         [0059]    Then, the setting-change notification unit  106  notifies a terminal used by an outside manager, of a message indicating that the communication timeout time is changed to the setting value of “60” seconds determined by the setting value determination unit  105  (S 8 ). 
       Advantages of First Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0060]    According to the above-described first exemplary embodiment, in a case where an error occurs in communication with the communication target device  5 , the setting value of the communication device  1  can be changed based on the setting values of the other communication devices  2  to  4  which are connected to the network  6 . Thus, it is possible to handle the error without a need for an operation of a manager. Even in a situation, for example, where the communication device  1  is newly added to the communication system  7 , the communication device  1  can be set so as to match with the settings of the other communication devices  2  to  4 , without setting by a manager. 
         [0061]    Since confirmation of whether no error occurs is performed with reference to the communication history of each of the communication devices  2  to  4 , reliability of the setting value of the communication device  1  is improved. 
       Second Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0062]    A second exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that the communication device  1  performs an inquiry for the other communication devices  2  to  4 , but a server device is newly disposed, and the communication device  1  performs an inquiry for the server device so as to handle an error. Components common with those in the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the common reference signs. 
         [0063]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system according to the second exemplary embodiment. 
         [0064]    A communication system  7 A has a structure in which communication devices  1 A to  4 A, a communication target device  5 , and a server device  8  are connected to each other through a network  6 , so as to enable communication with each other. 
         [0065]    As an example, the communication devices  1 A to  4 A may be a multifunction machine which includes functions of printing, scanning, FAX, and the like, and may be a communication device communicating with the communication target device  5  in order to perform the function. The communication device  1  includes an electronic component such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a flash memory, in the main body. The electronic component has a function for processing information. 
         [0066]    The server device  8  communicates with the communication devices  1 A to  4 A. The server device  8  includes an electronic component (such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a flash memory) which has a function filer processing information, in the main body. 
         [0067]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication device  1 A according to the second exemplary embodiment. 
         [0068]    A controller  10  of the communication device  1 A executes a communication program  110 A (which will be described later) so as to perform functions as a function execution unit  100 , a communication history recording unit  101 , an inquiry transmission unit  107 , a handling-method reception unit  108 , and the like. 
         [0069]    The inquiry transmission unit  107  inquires a coping method corresponding to an error code, and a setting value appropriate for the coping method, of the server device  8 . 
         [0070]    The handling-method reception unit  108  receives a coping method corresponding to the error code, and a setting value appropriate for the coping method, from the server device  8 . 
         [0071]    The memory  11  stores the communication program  110 A for operating the controller  10  as the above-described units  100 ,  101 ,  107 , and  108 , communication history information  111 , and the like. 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server device  8  according to the second exemplary embodiment. 
         [0073]    The server device  8  includes a controller  80 , a memory  81 , and a communication unit  82 . The controller  80  is configured from a CPU and the like. The controller  80  controls the units and executes various programs. The memory  81  is configured from a recording medium such as a flash memory, and stores information. The communication unit  82  performs communication with an external device through a network. 
         [0074]    The controller  80  executes a communication program  810  (which will be described later) so as to perform functions as an inquiry acceptance unit  800 , an error handling unit  801 , an external-device setting-acquiring unit  802 , an external-device communication history confirmation unit  803 , a setting value determination unit  804 , and the like. 
         [0075]    The inquiry acceptance unit  800  receives an inquiry of a coping method corresponding to an error code, and a setting value appropriate for the coping method from the communication device  1 A. 
         [0076]    The error handling unit  801  refers error handling information  811  regarding a predetermined coping method for an error code, and selects, the corresponding coping method so as to, handle the error. 
         [0077]    The external-device setting-acquiring unit  802  inquires a setting value of the coping method selected by the error handling unit  801 , of the communication devices  2 A to  4 A. The external-device setting-acquiring unit  802  acquires setting values from the communication devices  2 A to  4 A. 
         [0078]    The external-device communication history confirmation unit  803  performs inquiry for the communication devices  2 A to  4 A, and confirms communication history of each of the communication devices  2 A to  4 A. Particularly, the external-device communication history confirmation unit  803  confirms that an error occurs with the setting value acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  802 , in the communication devices  2 A to  4 A. 
         [0079]    As an example of confirming whether an error does not occur with the setting value acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  802 , in the communication devices  2 A to  4 A, for example, the following methods are exemplified. As a first method, the communication device  1 A confirms a time when the setting value is set, from the communication history confirmed by the external-device communication history confirmation unit  803 . The communication device  1 A determines whether or not an error having the same error code as that of an error which occurs this time in the communication device  1 A occurs in the communication subsequent to the time when the setting value is set. As a second method, the communication device  1 A performs an inquiry for the communication devices  2 A to  4 A. When a setting time of the setting value is previously recorded in the communication history of each of the devices  2 A to  4 A, and an inquiry of the communication history from the communication device  1 A occurs, each of the communication devices  2 A to  4 A acquires an error code matching with an error code of the error which occurs this time in the communication device  1 A. Each of the communication devices  2 A to  4 A determines whether or not an error having the acquired error code occurs in the communication subsequent to the setting time of the setting value at which an acquisition request is received. Each of the communication devices  2 A to  4 A transmits a result of the determination as a response, to the communication device  1 A. 
         [0080]    The setting value determination unit  804  determines a setting value of the coping method selected by the error handling unit  801 , based on the setting values acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  802 . The setting value determination unit  804  determines the setting value in accordance with details confirmed by the external-device communication history confirmation unit  803 . 
         [0081]    The memory  81  stores the communication program  810  of operating the controller  80  as the above-described units  800  to  804 , error handling information  811 , communication history information  812 , handling setting-value information  813 , and the like. 
         [0082]    Operation of Communication System 
         [0083]    Next, an action in the exemplary embodiment will be described.  FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the communication system. 
         [0084]    Firstly, if the operation unit  14  receives an operation, the function execution unit  100  causes the function unit  15  to perform “Scan to SMB”. The function unit  15  scans an original document so as to generate image information. The function unit  15  communicates with the communication target device  5  through the communication unit  12 , in order to transmit the generated image information to the shared folder of the communication target device  5  (S 11 ). 
         [0085]    Then, the communication history recording unit  101  causes the function unit  15  to perform the function of “Scan to SMB”. The communication history recording unit  101  records a communication result obtained when communication with the communication target device  5  is performed through the communication unit  12 , as the communication history information  111  (S 12 ). Particularly, in a case when an error occurs, similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the communication history recording unit  101  records an error code indicating the type of the error. 
         [0086]    In the example of the second exemplary embodiment, it is set that an error having an error code of “E-PRN-001” and thus communication is abnormally ended when the communication device  1 A performs scanning, for “Scan to SMB”, image information generated by the scanning is transmitted to the communication target device  5 . 
         [0087]    Then, in a case where such an error occurs in the communication (S 13 ; Yes), the inquiry transmission unit  107  inquires a coping method corresponding to the error code of “E-PRN-001”, and a setting value appropriate for the copping method, of the server device  8  (S 14 ). 
         [0088]    Then, the inquiry acceptance unit  800  of the server device  8  receives the inquiry of the coping method corresponding to the error code and of the setting value appropriate for the coping method, from the communication device  1 A (S 21 ). 
         [0089]    The error handling unit  801  refers the error handling information  811  having the same details as those of the error handling information  112  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , and selects the corresponding coping method (S 22 ). 
         [0090]    In the above-described example, the error code is “E-PRN-001”. Thus, the error handling unit  801  refers to the error handling information  811 , and selects a coping method of “increasing the simultaneous communication capable number” for a coping target of “multifunction machine” (which instructs the communication device as the coping method. Since the change timing is “during low operation”, the selected coping method is performed when the communication device  1 A is in a state during a low operation. 
         [0091]    Then, the external-device setting-acquiring unit  802  inquires a setting value of the coping method selected by the error handling unit  801 , of the communication devices  2 A to  4 A. The external-device setting-acquiring unit  802  acquires setting values from the communication devices  2 A to  4 A (S 23 ). 
         [0092]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the setting value acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  802 . 
         [0093]    A setting value  802   a  includes a device name of an external device and the simultaneous communication capable number, which functions as an example of a setting value. The setting value  802   a  may be regularly acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  802 . The frequency of acquiring the setting value  802   a  may be random, and for example, the setting value may be acquired once per day. 
         [0094]    The above example describes a case where a setting value of a device name “MFP-1” indicating the communication device  1 A before changing is “2”, but each of setting values of device names “MFP-2” to “MFP-4” indicating the communication devices  2 A to  4 A is “5”. 
         [0095]    Then, the external-device communication history confirmation unit  803  performs an inquiry for the communication devices  2 A to  4 A. The external-device communication history confirmation unit  803  confirms communication history of each of the communication devices  2 A to  4 A, and stores the confirmed communication history in the memory  81 , as the communication history information  812 . The external-device communication history confirmation unit  803  performs description like “the number of times of occurrence of E-PRN-001” in  FIG. 10 , for comparison (S 6 ). Particularly the external-device communication history confirmation unit  803  confirms whether an error does not occur in the communication devices  2 A to  4 A with the setting Values of “5” acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  802 . 
         [0096]    The setting value determination unit  804  determines a setting value of the coping method selected by the error handling unit  801 , based on the setting values acquired by the external-device setting-acquiring unit  802 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a handling setting value determined by the error handling unit  801 . 
         [0098]    That is, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , since the setting values of the device names “MFP-2” to “MFP-4” which indicate external devices other than the device name “MFP-1” indicating the communication device  1  is “5”, but “the number of times of occurrence of an error of E-PRN-001” in “MFP-3” is 2, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the error handling unit  801  determines, for example, “6” as the setting value (S 25 ), and stores the determined value in the memory  81 , as the handling setting value  813   a.    
         [0099]    The setting value determination unit  804  transmits the error handling method of “increasing the simultaneous communication capable number”, and “6” as the simultaneous communication capable number which is the determined setting value, in a response to the inquiry from the communication device  1 A (S 26 ). 
         [0100]    Then, the handling-method reception unit  108  of the communication device  1 A receives the coping method corresponding to the error code, and the setting value appropriate for the coping method, from the server device  8  (S 15 ). The handling-method reception unit  108  applies the received coping method and setting value to the setting value of the function execution unit  100 . 
       Advantages of Second Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0101]    According to the above-described second exemplary embodiment, since the server device  8  determines the coping method and the setting value for an error, a target for which the communication device  1 A performs an inquiry may he only the server device  8 , and thus it is possible to reduce the number of procedures required for the inquiry, in addition to the advantages of the first exemplary embodiment. 
         [0102]    In a case where the server device  8  acquires the setting values of the communication devices  1 A to  4 A regularly, even if only an error code of the communication device  1 A is received, the coping method and the setting value for the error can be determined. Thus, the number of procedures required for a response is reduced. 
       Other Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0103]    The present invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and various modifications can be made in a range without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the communication devices  1  to  4  ( 1 A to  4 A) may store history of details of a change as change history information, in a case where the setting is changed. 
         [0104]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the change history information. 
         [0105]    Change history information  113  is information stored in the memory  11  by each of the communication devices  1  to  4  ( 1 A to  4 A). The change history information  113  includes a coping date and time when the setting value is changed for an error, an error code indicating the type of the error, setting information of the changed setting value, the setting value, and information regarding the main executing agent who performs the change. 
         [0106]    In the example illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a message indicating that “a manager” sets “memory setting” to be “an HDD spool”, and a message indicating that “MFP” which indicates the communication device  1  changes “the communication timeout time” to “60” seconds for an error code of “E-PRN-002” are recorded. 
         [0107]    Recording the change history information  113  allows recognition of whether the change of the setting value is automatically performed by the communication device  1  ( 1 A) or performed by a manager. If necessary, management of, for example, restoring the setting value is easily performed. 
         [0108]    The functions of the units  100  to  108  and  800  to  804  of the controller  10  are realized by a program in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments. All or some of the units may be realized by hardware such as ASIC. The program used in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and be provided. The steps described in the aforementioned exemplary embodiment may be replaced, deleted, and added in the range without changing the gist of the present invention. 
         [0109]    The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.