Device, information processing apparatus, recording medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus, an information processing device, a recording medium, and a computer program product. A backup generation section (122) of the apparatus generates backup data containing a hash value of a processing content data of an instruction sheet associated with a file box (132) designated as an output target of a processing result of a one-touch application (136) and the one-touch application (136) itself, in accordance with an instruction of an intention to backup the one-touch application (136) as an example of an information processing element. An application duplication section (124) compares the hash value of the processing content of the instruction sheet associated with the output target file box of the processing result of the one-touch application (136) in the backup data with the hash value in the data, and notifies a user if they are not identical, in accordance with an instruction of an intention to duplicate the backup data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a recording medium, and a computer program product. BACKGROUND

[0002] In an apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (an apparatus having functions of a printer, a scanner, a facsimile device, and the like), a logical storage area called a private file box or a security box, or the like is provided, and data such as facsimile data, scan data, print data, and the like is stored in the storage area. A plurality of such storage areas are prepared, and it is possible to restrict users who can access each storage area by setting a password or using an authority person.

[0003] Further, for the storage area, a user who can access the storage area is associated. Such a user is called an owner or an access right person of the storage area, or the like.

[0004] Further, it is known that a structure is provided in which, for a storage area such as a private file box, a process with respect to data stored in the storage area is associated. For example, there is a multifunction peripheral which can set a program called an "instruction sheet" or a "job flow" with respect to a private file box. In such a multifunction peripheral, when data is stored in a private file box, an explicit execution instruction from a user is awaited or when a pre-set execution condition is satisfied, a process indicated by an instruction sheet set with respect to the private file box is automatically executed with respect to the data.

[0005] Further, it is known that an apparatus is provided with a function of receiving registration of an information processing element which specifies a process content, and executing, among the registered information processing elements, one which is indicated by a user as an execution target. For example, in Patent Literature 1, a structure is disclosed in which processing execution data called a one-touch application in which a process flow to be executed is registered in advance is registered in an image forming apparatus, and an execution instruction of the one-touch application is received from a user. The one-touch application is an example of the information processing element.

[0006] Further, it is known that an apparatus is provided with a function in which, for an information processing element which specifies a process content, a storage area which is set as a storage target of data obtained as a result of the process is associated.

[0007] Moreover, in Patent Literature 1, a technology is disclosed that addresses several problems when a one-touch application made for use in a certain image forming apparatus is copied (also referred to as cloning) into another image forming apparatus for use. The technology addresses the problem that when the one-touch application is an application that utilizes a function possessed by the source of the copy but not possessed by the target of the copy, the one-touch application does not function properly in the target of the copy. Moreover, the technology addresses the problem that when the one-touch application contains a designation of a parameter of the image forming apparatus (for example, print density), due to individual differences in the performance of the image forming apparatus, although the desired processing result can be obtained in accordance with the parameter of the one-touch application in the source of the copy, the desired processing result is not obtained in the target of the copy.

[0008] A method is disclosed in Patent Literature 2 that restores setting values without fail even when the model variation increases, without increasing the user's trouble. In the method, setting information and identification information that identifies the kind of the image forming apparatus main body are backed up to an external storage medium. At the time of restoration, it is determined whether or not the setting information needs to be corrected, and if so, the correction is performed. From the correction content, items that need to be confirmed and corrected by the user are automatically selected and prompted to the user.

[0009] [Related Art Documents]

[0010] [Patent Literature]

[0011] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-16857

[0012] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-103411 SUMMARY

[0013] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0014] For example, as in the case of replacing a certain device with a new device, it is sometimes convenient to copy information processing elements registered in a first device to a second device that is different from the first device. If the information processing elements in the first device that are associated with a storage area corresponding to certain identification information (referred to as first identification information) are simply copied to the second device, the information processing elements will be associated with a storage area in the second device that corresponds to the same first identification information.

[0015] Here, there is a case where a program set to a storage area corresponding to the first identification information in the second device is prescribed to be different from a program set to a storage area corresponding to the first identification information in the first device. At this time, if the information processing element copied into the second device is executed, a different process is performed on the data stored in the storage area in the second device from the process performed on the data when the information processing element is executed in the first device. Therefore, an unexpected situation for the first user can occur due to the execution of the information processing element in the second device.

[0016] The present application provides a structure for preventing a different process from being performed on data stored in a storage area in a second device due to execution of an information processing element copied from a first device.

[0017] [Technical means for solving the problem]

[0018] The application of technical solution 1 is a device including: a generation component that generates and outputs first backup data, the first backup data containing an information processing element and process determination information, the information processing element being an information processing element possessed by the device itself and containing identification information of a storage area that stores processing result data obtained by executing a process prescribed by the information processing element, the process determination information uniquely determining a process applied to the processing result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the device itself; and a copy component that, when an instruction to copy second backup data generated by the generation component of another device to the device itself is input from an instructing person, copies the information processing element to the device itself if a first process applied to processing result data stored in a first storage area in the device itself indicated by identification information contained in an information processing element contained in the second backup data is the same as a second process determined according to process determination information contained in the second backup data, and notifies the instructing person if the first process is different from the second process.

[0019] The application of technical solution 2 is the device according to technical solution 1, wherein the copy component prompts the instructing person with a query of whether to release the association of the first storage area and the first process as the notification, releases the association of the first storage area and the first process if the instructing person answers the query with an intention to release the association, and copies the information processing element in the second backup data to the device itself.

[0020] The invention of technical solution 3 is the device according to technical solution 1 or 2, wherein the first backup data generated by the generation component further contains communication address information of the self device, the copying component prompts the indicator with a query of whether to change the processing applied to the processing result data saved in the first save area from the first processing to the second processing as the notification, if the indicator answers the intention of change to the query, acquires processing content information that defines the processing content of the second processing from the other device using the communication address information of the other device contained in the second backup data, and associates the acquired processing content information to the first save area, thereby applying the second processing to the processing result data saved in the first save area.

[0021] The invention of technical solution 4 is the device according to technical solution 1 or 2, wherein the first backup data generated by the generation component further contains processing content information that defines the processing content of the processing applied to the processing result data saved in the save area represented by the identification information in the self device, the copying component prompts the indicator with a query of whether to change the processing applied to the processing result data saved in the first save area from the first processing to the second processing as the notification, if the indicator answers the intention of change to the query, associates the processing content information of the second processing contained in the second backup data to the first save area, thereby applying the second processing to the processing result data saved in the first save area.

[0022] The invention of technical solution 5 is the device according to technical solution 1, wherein the first backup data generated by the generation component further contains user identification information of the user associated with the save area represented by the identification information in the self device, and the copying component notifies the indicator when the user identification information contained in the second backup data is different from the user identification information of the user associated with the first save area.

[0023] The invention of technical solution 6 is the device according to technical solution 5, wherein, in the case where the user identification information contained in the second backup data is different from the user identification information of the user associated with the first storage area, if a storage area is found from the plurality of storage areas in the other device, which has been associated with the same user identification information as the user identification information contained in the second backup data, and which applies the same processing as the second processing to the stored processing result data, the information processing element in the second backup data is copied to the own device after rewriting the identification information in the information processing element to the identification information of the found storage area, and the indicator is notified of the intention to save the processing result data obtained by execution of the information processing element to the found storage area.

[0024] The invention of technical solution 7 is a recording medium storing a program for causing a computer possessed by a device to function as: a generation step of generating first backup data and outputting the first backup data, the first backup data containing an information processing element and processing determination information, the information processing element being an information processing element possessed by the own device and containing identification information of a storage area that saves processing result data obtained by execution of a processing specified by the information processing element, the processing determination information uniquely determining a processing applied to the processing result data saved in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the own device; and a copy step of, when an instruction to copy second backup data generated by the generation step of the other device to the own device is input from an indicator, if a first processing applied to the processing result data saved in a first storage area in the own device indicated by identification information contained in an information processing element contained in the second backup data is the same as a second processing determined in accordance with the processing determination information contained in the second backup data, copying the information processing element to the own device, and if the first processing is different from the second processing, notifying the indicator.

[0025] The invention of the technical solution 8 is an information processing apparatus including: an acquisition section that acquires backup data containing an information processing element and processing determination information, the information processing element being an information processing element possessed by a first device and containing identification information of a storage area in which processing result data obtained by executing the information processing element is stored, the processing determination information uniquely determining a first process applied to the processing result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information within the first device; and a copy section that copies the information processing element in the backup data into a second device in accordance with an instruction from an instructor, the copy section notifying the instructor in a case where a second process applied to data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information within the second device is different from the first process determined in accordance with the processing determination information.

[0026] The invention of the technical solution 9 is a recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as: an acquisition step that acquires backup data containing an information processing element and processing determination information, the information processing element being an information processing element possessed by a first device and containing identification information of a storage area in which processing result data obtained by executing the information processing element is stored, the processing determination information uniquely determining a first process applied to the processing result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information within the first device; and a copy step that copies the information processing element in the backup data into a second device in accordance with an instruction from an instructor, wherein the copy step notifies the instructor in a case where a second process applied to data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information within the second device is different from the first process determined in accordance with the processing determination information.

[0027] [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the invention of the technical solution 1, the technical solutions 7 to 9, it is possible to provide a configuration for preventing, with respect to data stored in a storage area within a latter device by execution of an information processing element copied from a former device to the latter device, a process different from a process set in the storage area associated with the information processing element within the former device.

[0029] According to the invention of the technical solution 2, even if an information processing element in the second backup data is copied into the own device to be executed, it is possible to prevent a first process different from a second process from being executed with respect to processing result data obtained by the execution.

[0030] According to the application of the technical solution 3 or the technical solution 4, when the information processing element in the second backup data is copied to the self device to execute, the same processing as the second processing can be performed on the processing result data obtained by the execution.

[0031] According to the application of the technical solution 5, when the user identification information associated with the storage area storing the processing result data of the information processing element is different between the copy source device and the copy target device, the user can be informed of the intention.

[0032] According to the application of the technical solution 6, the processing result data of the copied information processing element can be stored in the storage area in the copy target device associated with the same user identification information as the user identification information associated with the storage area storing the processing result data of the information processing element in the copy source device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system of an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a UI screen of a device.

[0035] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of data content of file box management information.

[0036] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of data content of an instruction sheet.

[0037] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining a situation that can occur when a one-touch application installed in a device is copied to another device.

[0038] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of a backup generation section in a device of an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a first half of a processing flow of an application copy section in a device of an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a second half of a processing flow of an application copy section in a device of an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of a backup generation section in a device of the modified example 1.

[0042] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second half of a processing flow of an application copy section in a device of the modified example 1.

[0043] Figure 11 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of the backup generation section in the device of Modification Example 2.

[0044] Figure 12 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first half of a processing flow of the application copy section in the device of Modification Example 2.

[0045] Figure 13 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a sub routine of a processing flow of the application copy section in the device of Modification Example 2.

[0046] Figure 14 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the system of Modification Example 3.

[0047] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 100: device

[0049] 110: operation panel

[0050] 120: control section

[0051] 122: backup generation section

[0052] 124: application copy section

[0053] 126: client UI section

[0054] 130: storage

[0055] 132: file box

[0056] 134: file box management information

[0057] 136: one-touch application

[0058] 200: client PC

[0059] 300: network DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] <Example of System Configuration>

[0061] Figure 1 A system configuration of the embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1. The system includes a device 100 group connected to a network 300 such as a local area network, and a client Personal Computer (PC) 200.

[0062] The device 100 has an operation panel 110, a control section 120, and a storage 130.

[0063] The operation panel 110 has, for example, an input / output device of a graphical user interface (GUI) type such as a touch panel display device, displays a UI (user interface) screen to a user, and accepts an operation input from the user to the UI screen. Also, the operation panel 110 can have a start button that instructs the start of execution of processing, or a numeric keypad for numerical input, or the like, which is a different input device from the display device.

[0064] The control section 120 is a section responsible for the information processing function of the device 100, and has hardware for the information processing function, i.e., a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or the like, a memory for primary storage. Also, the control section 120 has programs such as an operating system (OS), firmware, various application programs, and the like, which are executed using such hardware. The backup generation section 122, the application duplication section 124, or the client UI section 126 shown in the control section 120 are functions realized by execution of programs. These functions will be described later.

[0065] The storage device 130 is a secondary storage device, i.e., a device for saving data semi-permanently, i.e., as long as there is no explicit deletion instruction, the data is continuously saved. The storage device 130 is, for example, a disk device such as a hard disk or a solid state disk. The storage device 130 is managed, for example, by a file system of the OS of the control section 120. In the storage device 130, data such as the file box management information 134 or the one-touch application 136 is saved. Also, in the storage device 130, one or more file boxes 132, which are an example of a save area to be described later, can be provided. The file box 132 can be installed, for example, as a folder in the file system.

[0066] In outline, the device 100 has an information processing function for executing a computer program. The control section 120 is a section responsible for the information processing function of the device 100.

[0067] Also, the device 100 can have hardware responsible for functions other than the information processing function, such as a printing mechanism, a scanning mechanism, a facsimile transmission / reception mechanism, a network communication device, and the like. An image processing device such as a multifunction peripheral is an example of the device 100.

[0068] The device 100 has one or more logical storage areas for storing data such as files. In the multifunction peripheral that is an example of the device 100, there is one or more storage areas that can be set called a private file box or a safe box, or the like. Figure 1 In the example, such a storage area is expressed as a file box 132. In the file box 132, various data such as scan image data obtained by a scan function, data obtained by processing the scan image data, facsimile data received by a facsimile function, and an electronic mail received by a mail receiving function possessed by the device 100 can be stored, for example.

[0069] For the storage area in the device 100, a user who can access the storage area can be associated, that is, set. Here, such a user is called an owner of the storage area.

[0070] Also, for each storage area in the device 100, a process applied to data stored in the storage area can be associated. To data stored in the storage area, a process associated with the storage area is applied, that is, executed.

[0071] Among the processes applied to data stored in the storage area, there are processes defined by a function possessed by the device 100 and setting information (for example, various parameters) on the function, and processes defined by a program executed as an information processing function.

[0072] As an example of the former, there are a print process in which a print density or a print mode (that is, a mode that determines whether black-and-white printing or full-color printing is performed) or the like is specified as the setting information, or a facsimile transmission process in which a target FAX number is specified as the setting information. In this example, as information indicating a process applied to data stored in a storage area, information including identification information of a function of the device 100 used for the process (for example, identification information indicating a print function), and setting information applied to the function (for example, a combination of a print density and a print mode) is registered in the device 100 in association with the storage area.

[0073] Moreover, in the latter case where the process applied to the data stored in the storage area is specified by a program, the user can also create a program that specifies the process, and associate (i.e., set) the created program to the storage area as information that specifies the process. Moreover, the user can also select one from among existing programs prepared in the device 100, and input data contents of a portion (e.g., parameter or the like) that the user can customize in the program, and create information that specifies the process using this method, and associate the information to the storage area. The information includes, for example, information that identifies the selected existing program, and data contents that the user inputs to each customizable portion in the program.

[0074] Thus, the information that specifies the process applied to the data stored in the storage area can also be data called a script or a job flow, as in the example described later. A script is data that specifies a process that can be executed using one or more functions possessed by the device 100. The functions possessed by the device 100 include a function realized by information processing of the control section 120, a function realized by a hardware mechanism such as a scanner or a printer possessed by the device 100, and a function realized by a combination of information processing of the control section 120 and a hardware mechanism such as a scanner. The process specified by the script includes a process specified by a function possessed by the device 100 and setting information regarding the function, and a process specified as a program executed by the information processing function of the device 100. The script and the like that specify the process applied to the data stored in the storage area are installed in the storage device 130 of the device 100, for example.

[0075] Moreover, in the device 100, an information processing element can be registered. An information processing element is data that specifies a process that can be executed using one or more functions possessed by the device 100. The process specified by the information processing element includes a process specified by a function possessed by the device 100 and setting information (e.g., various parameters) regarding the function, and a process specified as a program executed by the information processing function of the device 100. As an example of the former, there is, for example, a specific scanning process specified by a combination of a scanning function and scanning setting information (e.g., scanning resolution). Moreover, as an example of the latter, there is, for example, a process that causes the scanning function to operate, and stores scan image data obtained thereby in a specific storage area.

[0076] In the former example, the information processing element includes information that indicates identification information of a function of the device 100 used for the process, and setting information regarding the function.

[0077] In the latter example, the user can also create a program that specifies the processing, and register the created program as an information processing element in the device 100. Also, the user can select one of the existing programs prepared in the device 100, and input data contents of user-definable parts (e.g., parameter and the like) in the program, thereby creating an information processing element using this method, and register the information processing element in the device 100. At this time, the information processing element contains, for example, information that specifies the existing program selected by the user, and data contents input by the user for each of the user-definable parts in the program.

[0078] The information processing element exemplified above can also be created as data called a script or a job flow, for example.

[0079] In a case where an execution instruction of the information processing element is explicitly issued from the user, or in a case where an execution condition that is set in advance for the device 100 is satisfied with respect to the information processing element, or the like, the processing specified by the information processing element is executed by the device 100. When the information processing element contains a program that specifies the contents of the processing, the program is executed by the information processing function of the device 100. In order to accept an execution instruction of the information processing element from the user, an icon that represents the information processing element can also be displayed on a UI (user interface) screen displayed on the operation panel 110 or the like of the device 100. At this time, when the user selects the icon of the information processing element on the UI screen and performs an execution instruction operation, the processing specified by the information processing element is executed.

[0080] When the processing specified by the information processing element is processing that outputs a result of the processing as electronic data (hereinafter referred to as processing result data), information that specifies an output target of the processing result data is contained in the information processing element. As the output target of the processing result data, a save area such as a private file box can be selected, and at this time, identification information that uniquely determines the save area of the output target of the processing result data (i.e., the file box 132 in the example of FIG. 1) is contained in the information processing element. Figure 1

[0081] The identification information of the save area is not unique on a global basis, but is unique among the save areas provided in the same device 100. Therefore, if an information processing element in which a save area corresponding to certain identification information (referred to as first identification information) is specified as an output target of a processing result in a first device 100 is simply copied to a second device 100, the processing result of the information processing element in the second device 100 will be output to a save area in the second device 100 that corresponds to the same first identification information.

[0082] Figure 1 ​In the example of FIG. 1, one-touch applications 136, which are examples of information processing elements, are installed in the device 100. These one-touch applications 136 are stored in the storage 130 within the device 100. On a UI screen displayed on the operation panel 110, icons of the respective one-touch applications 136 are displayed.

[0083] For example, in Figure 2 On the UI screen 400 of the example of the device 100, icons 410, which represent buttons for calling respective processing functions provided by the device 100, are arranged in a matrix. If the number of processing functions is large so as not to converge in one screen, the group of icons 410 can also be displayed in other screen display areas displayed by scrolling or paging. Among the icons 410 displayed on the UI screen 400, there are those corresponding to native functions possessed by the device 100 in the state at the time of shipment, such as a copy button 412 or a FAX transmission button 414. Further, among these icons 410, there can be included an icon 416 of a one-touch application 136. The one-touch application 136 is, for example, software representing a function resulting from various information processing performed by the control section 120, or a composite function combining one or more native functions of the device 100 with information processing. For example, Figure 2 The one-touch application 136 represented by the "YYY company transmission" icon 416 exemplified in FIG. 1 is software representing a function of transmitting an image read by a scanning function possessed by the device 100 to a FAX number of the YYY company using a FAX transceiving function possessed by the control section 120. The user can create data of a one-touch application 136 specifying a desired processing content, and install it in the device 100.

[0084] When the user presses the icon 416 on the UI screen 400 by a touch operation or the like, the one-touch application 136 corresponding to the icon 416 is executed by the control section 120.

[0085] Among the one-touch applications 136 installed in the device 100, there are those in which any of the file boxes 132 is specified as an output target of processing result data resulting from execution of the one-touch application 136. In such a one-touch application 136, identification information of the specified output target file box 132 is included.

[0086] The file box management information 134 is information used for managing the group of file boxes 132 provided in the storage 130 of the device 100. The file box 132 is an example of a storage area within the device 100. Figure 3 An example of the data content of the file box management information 134 is shown. Figure 3 In the example of the file box management information, a file box number, an owner, and an instruction are included corresponding to each file box 132.

[0087] In the file box number column, a file box number, which is an example of identification information of the file box 132, is registered. The file box number is an example of identification information of the storage area. Note that the identification information of the storage area is not limited to a number like the file box number. The identification information of the storage area can be any information as long as it has information content that uniquely identifies the storage area from among a plurality of storage areas in the device 100.

[0088] In the owner column, identification information of a user who has access rights to the file box 132 (hereinafter also referred to as a user ID) is registered. A plurality of owners can be registered with respect to the file box 132. Also, in the case where the file box 132 is set to be available to anyone, the owner column of the file box 132 is, for example, "Anyone" or a blank column.

[0089] In the instruction sheet column, information that specifies an instruction sheet applied to data stored in the file box 132 (for example, identification information that specifies the body data of an instruction sheet stored in the storage 130) is registered. The instruction sheet is data that specifies a process performed by the device 100.

[0090] With respect to data stored in the file box 132, a process specified by an instruction sheet indicated in the instruction sheet column corresponding to the file box 132 (hereinafter also referred to as an "instruction sheet corresponding to the file box 132") is performed with respect to the data. Note that it can be set whether an instruction sheet corresponding to the file box 132 is automatically applied to data stored in the file box 132 or whether application is awaited until a user's instruction is given. In the case where the latter is set, only data is stored in the file box 132, and an instruction sheet corresponding to the file box 132 is not applied to the data. At this time, the instruction sheet is applied to the data after the user selects the data in the file box 132 and gives an instruction to execute the instruction sheet. Also, in the former case, that is, in the case where the file box 132 is set to automatically apply an instruction sheet corresponding to the file box 132, when data is stored in the file box 132, the instruction sheet is automatically applied to the data. Note that the application of an instruction sheet to data means that a process specified by the instruction sheet is performed with respect to the data.

[0091] Figure 4An example of the data content contained in the instruction sheet is shown. The illustrated instruction sheet contains items such as "name", "update date / time", "owner", "description", "hash value", "processing content", "FAX", "Mail", "FTP", "Print", and the like. The "name" is the name of the instruction sheet, which is determined by the person who created the instruction sheet (i.e., the owner of the instruction sheet). The "update date / time" is the date and time of the last update to the content of the instruction sheet. In the item "owner", the user ID of the owner of the instruction sheet is registered. In the item "description", a user-oriented description sentence regarding the processing content of the instruction sheet and the like is registered. In the item "hash value", the hash value of the data contained in the item "processing content" to be described next is registered.

[0092] In the item "processing content", data indicating the processing content prescribed by the instruction sheet, such as a program describing the processing content or a group of function and setting information determining the processing content, is registered. The aforementioned "hash value" is the hash value of the data of the "processing content". When the "processing content" is a program, the program can be either described in a script language or a binary code in an execution format, or the like.

[0093] In the item "FAX", when the "processing content" prescribed by the instruction sheet contains the transmission of FAX (i.e., facsimile), the FAX number of the transmission destination is registered. In the item "Mail", the e-mail address of the transmission destination of the output image (e.g., an image to be printed, an image to be transmitted by FAX, or the like) obtained by the processing result of the "processing content" prescribed by the instruction sheet is registered. In this example, it is assumed that the image to be transmitted by FAX is transmitted to a manager who manages the business (e.g., in order to perform subsequent monitoring or the like), and the e-mail address of the manager is registered in the item "Mail". In the item "FTP", when the "processing content" prescribed by the instruction sheet contains processing such as forwarding the processing result data to a server located at a remote place by the File Transfer Protocol (FTP), the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) indicating the forwarding destination is registered. In the item "Print", when the "processing content" prescribed by the instruction sheet contains the printing of the image obtained by the processing result, the print setting information of the image and the like is registered.

[0094] <Case of causing an event when copying a one-touch application to another device>

[0095] Next, the case where the one-touch application is copied to another device will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Figure 5The following describes a situation that can occur when the one-touch application 136 installed in the device 100 is copied to another device 100.

[0096] Figure 5 The following example shows a case where a user copies a one-touch application 136 (hereinafter referred to as "one-touch application A") installed in a device 100A to a device 100B. Also, in this example, it is assumed that the one-touch application A is an application that represents a process of outputting a scan image obtained by scanning with a scanner provided in the device 100A to a file box 132A in the device 100A. The file box 132A is identified by identification information "003". Thus, to be more precise, the one-touch application A represents a process of saving a scan image obtained by scanning with a scanner provided in the device 100A to a file box identified by the identification information "003". To the file box 132A, an instruction sheet 140A is associated, which specifies a process applied to data saved in the file box 132A. The instruction sheet 140A represents a process of forwarding data saved in the corresponding file box 132A to a specific server (referred to as "server 1" in the figure) using a file transfer protocol (FTP).

[0097] Consider a case where a user copies the one-touch application A in the device 100A to another device 100B on the same network 300 as the device 100A. At this time, the user accesses the device 100A from a client PC 200 on the network 300 and instructs the device 100A to back up the one-touch application A. In response to this, the device 100A creates backup data of the one-touch application A and forwards the backup data to the client PC 200. The forwarded backup data is saved in a file system in the client PC 200. In the backup data, the one-touch application A is included.

[0098] Subsequently, the user accesses the device 100B as a copy target from the client PC 200 and instructs the device 100B to copy the one-touch application A from the backup data saved immediately before the instruction.

[0099] The process content specified by the one-touch application A copied into the device 100B is the same as that of the one-touch application A in the device 100A. Thus, when the one-touch application A copied into the device 100B is executed, a scan image obtained by scanning with a scanner provided in the device 100B is saved in a file box 132B in the device 100B, which is identified by the identification information "003".

[0100] Here, the instruction 140B set for the file box 132B in the device 100B is independent of the instruction 140A set for the file box 132A with the same identification information "003" in the device 100A. In general, the processing content prescribed in the instruction 140B is different from the processing content prescribed in the instruction 140A. In the illustrated example, the processing content of the instruction 140B is to FAX-transmit the data (i.e., the scanned image) stored in the file box 132B to the FAX number "045-xxx...". Therefore, if the copied one-touch application A is executed in the device 100B, the image scanned by the device 100B is FAX-transmitted to the FAX number, which is different from the processing performed when the same one-touch application A is executed in the copying source device 100A. It is possible that the user copies the one-touch application A thinking that the scanned result will be forwarded to "Server 1" in the device 100B as in the device 100A, and as a result, the scanned result is transmitted to a destination that the user did not expect.

[0101] <Structure for coping>

[0102] In the present embodiment, the backup generation section 122, the application copy section 124, and the client UI section 126 in the control section 120 perform processing for coping with such a situation.

[0103] The backup generation section 122 generates backup data of the one-touch application 136 in the storage 130 according to an instruction from the user. In the backup data generated by the backup generation section 122, in addition to the data of the one-touch application 136 itself, a hash value that determines the processing content of the instruction 140A associated with the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is included (see Figure 4 ). The hash value is a hash value of the data of the processing content of the instruction 140A, as described with reference to Figure 4 , and can be said to uniquely determine the processing content. Also, in the data of the one-touch application 136 itself included in the backup data, the identification information of the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is included.

[0104] In addition, if the output target of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 that is the backup target is other than a file box, a hash value that determines the processing content of the instruction is not included in the backup data. This is because an instruction is not associated with an output target other than a file box.

[0105] In the present example, the one-touch application 136 is an example of an information processing element, and the file box 132 is an example of a storage area. Also, the hash value is an example of processing determination information, and the backup generation section 122 is an example of a generation means.

[0106] The application copying section 124 receives backup data input from the user, and copies the one-touch application 136 contained in the backup data into the storage device 130 of the own device. The input backup data is generated by the backup generating section 122 of another device 100 (hereinafter referred to as "copy source device"). The application copying section 124 uses the hash value contained in the backup data to determine whether the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is to be processed in the own device in the same manner as in the copy source device. That is, it is determined whether the hash value coincides with the hash value of the processing content of the instruction set by the file box 132, which is the output target of the processing result of the one-touch application 136, in the own device 100. If they coincide, the instruction set by the output target file box 132 of the processing result when the one-touch application 136 is executed in the own device is the same processing content as in the copy source device. At this time, the processing result of the copied one-touch application 136 is processed in accordance with the instruction of the processing content identical to that of the copy source device, and thus even if the one-touch application 136 is copied into the own device, no unexpected situation occurs for the user. The application copying section 124 is an example of a copying means.

[0107] On the other hand, if they do not coincide, the processing content of the instruction set by the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is different from that in the copy source device. At this time, if the one-touch application is executed, the instruction of the different processing content from that in the copy source device is applied to the output target file box 132 for the processing result obtained by the execution. The user can not expect such a situation. Therefore, in this case, the application copying section 124 does not directly copy the one-touch application 136 in the backup data, but displays a warning message to the user via the client UI section 126 to ask for a response.

[0108] The client UI section 126 provides a UI screen for the operation of the device 100 to the client PC 200 via the network 300. The client UI section 126 particularly provides a UI screen for the backup processing of the one-touch application 136, or the copying processing of the backup data generated by the copy source device. The provision of the UI screen is performed using, for example, web technology.

[0109] Figure 6 An example of the processing flow performed by the backup generating section 122 is shown in FIG. 6.

[0110] When the user accesses the client UI section 126 of the device 100 from the client PC 200, the client UI section 126 provides a menu screen to the client PC 200. On the menu screen, "one-touch application backup" is included as one of the menu items. When the user instructs execution of the menu item, the processing flow of FIG. 10 is executed. Figure 6

[0111] In the flow, the client UI section 126 provides a selection screen to the client PC 200, the selection screen displaying a list of one-touch applications 136 installed in the storage 130 of the own device 100. Further, the selection of one-touch applications 136 as backup targets is accepted from the user (S10).

[0112] When the user selects one-touch applications 136 as backup targets on the selection screen, the client PC 200 sends the result of the selection to the client UI section 126. The backup generation section 122 receives the selection result from the client UI section 126, and analyzes the data of the processing contents of the one-touch applications 136 indicated by the selection result (S12). In the analysis, it is investigated whether the output target file box 132 of the processing result data is designated for the one-touch applications 136. That is, it is investigated whether the identification information of the output target file box 132 of the processing result data of the one-touch applications 136 is included in the data of the processing contents of the one-touch applications 136. Further, if the output target file box 132 of the processing result data is designated for the one-touch applications 136, the backup generation section 122 further investigates whether the instruction sheet associated with the file box 132 exists.

[0113] Based on the analysis result, the backup generation section 122 determines whether the condition that "the output target of the processing result of the one-touch applications 136 for which the file box 132 is designated as a backup target exists, and the instruction sheet is associated with the file box 132" is satisfied (S14).

[0114] If the determination result of S14 is YES, the backup generation section 122 generates a file of backup data including the hash value of the processing contents of the one-touch applications 136 and the instruction sheet (S16). In the one-touch applications 136 included in the file, the identification information of the output target of the processing result data, that is, the file box 132 is included.

[0115] If the determination result of S14 is NO, the backup generation section 122 creates a file of backup data including the one-touch applications 136 (S17). At this time, there is no instruction sheet for the processing result data of the one-touch applications 136, and thus, unlike S16, the hash value of the processing contents of the instruction sheet is not included in the backup data generated in S17.

[0116] ​After S16 or S17, the backup generation section 122 transmits the generated backup data file to the client PC 200 (S18). The client PC 200 receives and saves the file.

[0117] Next, an example of a processing flow performed by the application copy section 124 will be described with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8

[0118] After the user acquires the backup data file of the one-touch application 136 in his own client PC 200 according to the flow of Figure 6 , the user accesses the client UI section 126 of another device 100 as a copy target. The client UI section 126 provides a menu screen to the client PC 200. On the menu screen, "copy of the backed-up one-touch application" is included as one of the menu items. When the user instructs execution of the menu item, the processing flow shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 is executed.

[0119] At this time, as shown in Figure 7 , the client UI section 126 provides a screen that accepts selection of backup data as a copy target to the client PC 200 (S20). The user inputs one selected from the backup data files saved in the client PC 200 to the input field of the screen displayed on the client PC 200. The client PC 200 transmits the selected backup data file to the client UI section 126.

[0120] The application copy section 124 of the device 100 receives the backup data file from the client UI section 126 and analyzes the processing content of the one-touch application 136 contained in the file (S22). In the analysis, first, it is investigated whether the output target file box 132 of the processing result data is specified for the one-touch application 136. That is, it is investigated whether the identification information of the output target file box 132 of the processing result data of the one-touch application 136 is included in the data of the processing content of the one-touch application 136. Further, if the output target file box 132 of the processing result data is specified for the one-touch application 136, the application copy section 124 further investigates whether there is an instruction sheet that has been associated with the file box 132 of the identification information in the device 100.

[0121] The application copy section 124 determines whether the condition "the file box 132 has been specified as the output target of the processing result of the one-touch application 136, and there is an instruction sheet associated with the file box 132" is satisfied based on the analysis result (S24).

[0122] ​If the result of the determination in S24 is NO, the output target of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is other than the file box, or even if the output target is the file box, no instruction sheet is associated with the file box. In the former case, the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is not originally accepted by the instruction sheet of the output target, and thus the situation does not occur. In the latter case, the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is saved in the file box 132 in the device 100, but no instruction sheet is associated with the file box 132. Thus, the processing result is simply saved in the file box 132, and no instruction sheet of the processing content unexpected by the user is applied. Thus, if the result of the determination in S24 is NO, the application copy section 124 copies the one-touch application 136 in the backup data to the storage 130 of the device 100 (S26), and ends the process.

[0123] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S24 is YES, the instruction sheet associated with the file box 132 of the own device specified as the output target of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 in the backup data is compared with the hash value contained in the backup data (S28). Then, it is determined whether the two hash values are identical (S30). Here, if no instruction sheet is associated with the output target file box of the one-touch application in the copy source device, no hash value is contained in the backup data, but in this case, the result of the comparison in S28 is not identical, and the result of the determination in S30 is NO.

[0124] If the result of the determination in S30 is YES, the processing content of the instruction sheet associated with the file box 132 is identical to the processing content of the instruction sheet applied to the processing result of the one-touch application 136 in the copy source device 100 in the output target file box 132. Thus, the action of the device 100 when the one-touch application 136 is copied into the device 100 and executed is identical to the action of the copy source device 100, and is in accordance with the user's expectation. Thus, in this case, the application copy section 124 copies the one-touch application 136 in the backup data to the storage 130 of the device 100 (S26), and ends the process.

[0125] If the result of the determination in S30 is NO, if the one-touch application 136 in the backup data is directly copied, the processing result is output to any file box 132 in the device 100, and is subjected to the processing of the instruction sheet associated with the file box 132. If the processing content of the instruction sheet is different from the processing content in the copy source device 100, or no instruction sheet is associated with the output target file box in the copy source device, the processing result of the copied one-touch application 136 is subjected to the processing unexpected by the user. This situation must be avoided.

[0126] Therefore, if the determination result of S30 is negative, then the copying unit 124 is applied as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the client PC 200 is provided with a selection screen for accepting user instructions via the client UI unit 126 (S40). On the selection screen (illustration omitted), along with a warning message that "the processing content of the instruction executed in the copy target is different from that of the copy source," three options are displayed, such as those shown below.

[0127] (1) Recreate the instruction manual associated with the output target file box.

[0128] (2) Remove instructions that are already associated with the output target file box.

[0129] (3) Direct copy.

[0130] Furthermore, the selection screen may also display the names of the copy source device 100 and the instructions associated with the output target file box 132 in the device. The display of these instruction names serves as a reference for the user when selecting options.

[0131] When the user selects option (1) on the selection screen, the client UI unit 126 provides the instruction editing screen to the client PC 200, allowing the user to access the instruction (S42). It then waits for the user to input an instruction to save the editing result (S44). When the user completes editing and instructs to save the instruction as the editing result, the client UI unit 126 saves the instruction as the editing result to the storage device 130 and associates the instruction with the output target file box 132 (S46). At this point, the instruction associated with the file box 132 is released. Therefore, the processing of the instruction is performed on the data stored in the file box 132. Furthermore, the application copy unit 124 copies the one-click application 136 from the backup data to the storage device 130 (S26), ending the processing. At this point, the instruction edited by the user is associated with the file box 132, thus preventing any unexpected situations from occurring.

[0132] When the user selects the option (2) with respect to the selection screen provided in S40, the client UI section 126 provides a screen for associating to the client PC 200 (S48), which accepts an association setting of the instruction book to the output target file box 132. On the screen, the identification information of the instruction book that is currently associated with the file box 132 is displayed. The user deletes the identification information of the associated instruction book on the screen, thereby canceling the association of the instruction book to the file box 132. The client UI section 126 waits for the user to perform the cancel operation of the association of the instruction book to the file box 132 (S50). And when the cancel operation is performed, the association of the instruction book to the file box 132 is canceled (S52). Then, the application copy section 124 copies the one-key application 136 in the backup data to the storage device 130 (S26), and ends the process. At this time, the instruction book is not associated with the file box 132, and thus the processing result of the copied one-key application 136 is simply saved in the file box 132, and is not subjected to the user-unexpected processing in the file box 132.

[0133] When the user selects the option (3) with respect to the selection screen provided in S40, the user selects the copy of the one-key application 136, with the understanding that the executed instruction book is different from the instruction book in the copy source device. Therefore, at this time, the application copy section 124 simply copies the one-key application 136 in the backup data to the storage device 130 (S26), and ends the process.

[0134] The above describes the process at the time of the backup and copy of the one-key application 136 by the device 100 of the embodiment.

[0135] In the above example, if the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-click application 136 is associated with an instruction sheet, the determination result of S14 and S24 is YES. As another example, if the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-click application 136 is associated with an instruction sheet in the "automatic execution" mode, the determination result of S14 and S24 can also be YES. That is, in this example, as the association mode of the instruction sheet to the file box 132, there are the "automatic execution" mode and the "non-automatic execution" mode. The instruction sheet associated with the file box 132 in the "automatic execution" mode is automatically executed when data is saved to the file box 132. In contrast, the instruction sheet associated with the file box 132 in the "non-automatic execution" mode is not executed when data is saved to the file box 132, but is executed after an explicit execution instruction is received from the user. When associating an instruction sheet with a file box, the user who performs the association selects which mode to use, and the selected mode is stored in the storage device 130 in association with the association information of the file box and the instruction sheet. For example, consider the case where the instruction sheet associated with the output target file box 132 of the one-click application 136 copied to the copy target device 100 is in the "non-automatic execution" mode. At this time, the processing result of the one-click application 136 will be saved to the file box 132, but to execute the instruction sheet on the processing result, the user must explicitly instruct execution of the instruction sheet. Therefore, when the instruction is given, the user confirms the name of the instruction sheet to be executed on the processing result on the screen, and after understanding, determines whether to instruct execution, so that processing that the user did not expect is not executed. Therefore, in the case where the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-click application 136 is associated with an instruction sheet in the "non-automatic execution" mode, the determination result of S24 is NO, and even if the one-click application 136 is copied, problems are unlikely to occur. The same applies to the determination of S14. Furthermore, the matters described in this paragraph also apply to the case of the modification example described later.

[0136] <Modification Example 1>

[0137] The modification example 1 will be described with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10

[0138] In the modification example 1, a structure is provided for associating an instruction sheet of the same processing content as the instruction sheet that has been associated with the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-click application 136 in the copy source device 100, to the output target file box 132 in the copy target device 100.

[0139] Figure 9 is an example of a processing flow of the backup generation section 122 in the modification example 1. Figure 9 In the processing flow shown in FIG. 16A, only the processing of S16A is different from​Figure 6 The processing of the flow S16 is different, and the processing of the other steps is the same as in the case of the flow of the Figure 6 embodiment.

[0140] The backup data generated by the backup generation section 122 in S16A further contains the communication address (for example, the Internet Protocol (IP) address) of the device 100 in addition to the information contained in the backup data generated by the backup generation section 122 in S16 of the Figure 6 embodiment.

[0141] Further, in the processing flow of the application copy section 124 in the modified example 1, Figure 7 the first half is the same as in the case of the embodiment, but in the second half shown below, the part different from the flow of the embodiment (refer to Figure 10 ) is contained. Figure 8

[0142] In the modified example 1, in addition to the options (1) to (3) contained in the selection screen provided in S40 of the flow of the embodiment (refer to Figure 8 ), the following option (4) is further contained in the selection screen provided by the application copy section 124 to the client PC 200 in S40A.

[0143] (4) Restore original instruction.

[0144] The processing of the application copy section 124 when the user selects any one of the options (1) to (3) is the same as in the case of the Figure 8 embodiment.

[0145] When the user selects the option (4), the application copy section 124 connects to the copy source device 100 using the communication address contained in the backup data. Further, the application copy section 124 requests the copy source device 100 to search for an instruction having a hash value identical to the hash value in the backup data (S54). The copy source device 100 responds to the instruction by the application copy section 124 when an instruction having the hash value is found from the storage 130, and responds to the intention of the instruction with no match if not found. The instruction is an example of "processing content information that specifies the processing content of the second processing". The application copy section 124 saves the instruction to the storage 130 of the own device when the instruction is received from the copy source device 100 in response to the search request (YES in the determination result of S56). Then, the saved instruction is associated to the output target file box 132 of the one-touch application 136 in the backup data (S58). Then, the application copy section 124 copies the one-touch application 136 in the backup data to the storage 130 (S26), and ends the processing.

[0146] ​If the requested instruction cannot be obtained from the copy source device 100 or communication with the copy source device 100 cannot be performed in S54, the determination result of S56 is No. In this case, the application copying section 124 provides a screen including a message indicating that the instruction of the request source cannot be obtained to the client PC 200, and returns to S40A, and the selection screen is prompted to the user again in the client PC 200.

[0147] Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the processing flow illustrated as an example, the backup generating section 122 generates the backup data including the communication address of the own device 100 in S16A, but this is only an example. As another example, the backup generating section 122 can include, in the backup data in S16A, an instruction associated with the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 as a backup object or data of the processing content of the instruction itself instead of the communication address. The instruction or the data of the processing content of the instruction is an example of "processing content information that specifies the processing content of the processing of the processing result data saved in the save area indicated by the identification information applied to the own device".

[0148] <Variant Example 2>

[0149] An owner is sometimes set for each file box 132 in the device 100. The owner of the file box 132 is a user who can use the file box 132. The information of the owner of the file box 132 is stored in the storage 130 as an item of the attribute information of the file box 132.

[0150] In the embodiment and Variant Example 1, the identification information of the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is the same in the copy source device and the copy target device. However, in the case where the owner is set for the file box 132, the owner of the file box 132 having the identification information can be different in the copy source device and the copy target device. This case is not desirable in terms of security.

[0151] Therefore, in the Variant Example 2, in principle, the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 in the copy target device is selected from the file box whose owner and the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 in the copy source device are the same.

[0152] Figure 11 A processing flow of the backup generating section 122 of the Variant Example 2 is illustrated in the following. Figure 11 In the processing flow illustrated, only the processing of S16B is different from the processing of S16 of Figure 6 the flow of the Variant Example 1, and the processing of the other steps is the same as that of Figure 6The process is the same.

[0153] In S16B, the backup data generated by the backup generation unit 122, in addition to... Figure 6 In addition to the information contained in the backup data generated by the backup generation unit 122 in S16, it also includes information about the owner of the output target file box of the one-click application 136, which is the backup target. The owner's information is, for example, the owner's user identification information.

[0154] and, Figure 12 This represents the first half of the processing flow of the application copying unit 124 in Variation Example 2. Figure 12 The process is in Figure 7 S27 is inserted into the flow of the illustrated embodiment. That is, in Figure 12 In the process, if the determination result of S24 is yes, then the application copying unit 124 determines whether the owner of the output target file box of the one-click application 136 of the copy object determined in S24 is consistent with the owner information contained in the backup data. If the determination result is yes, then the application copying unit 124 and Figure 7 The process is the same, following the execution of S28.

[0155] If the determination result of S27 is negative, the application copying unit 124 may also display a notification message on the client PC 200. This notification message indicates that the owner of the file box 132, which is designated as the output target of the one-click application 136 as the copying object, is different from the owner of the copying source device 100. Furthermore, if the determination result of S27 is negative, the process proceeds to... Figure 13 The subroutine is shown below. In this subroutine, the application copying unit 124 searches for file boxes 132 within its own device 100 where the user indicated by the owner information in the backup data is set as the owner (S60), and determines whether such a file box 132 is found (S62). If the determination result of S62 is negative, the application copying unit 124 sends an error message to the client PC 200 via the client UI unit 126, terminating the copying of the one-click application 136 (S74). The error message, for example, means "Unable to find a file box with the same owner as the output target file box in the copy source device, therefore the copying of the one-click application is terminated."

[0156] If the determination result of S62 is yes, then the copying unit 124 determines whether the file box 132 found in S60 is associated with an instruction (S64). If the determination result of S64 is yes, then the copying unit 124 compares the hash value of the processing content of the instruction with the hash value contained in the backup data (S66) and determines whether the two are consistent (S68).

[0157] If the determination result of S68 is YES, the application copying section 124 copies the one-touch application 136 within the backup data to the storage device 130 in S26. Figure 12 At this time, the application copying section 124 sets the identification information of the file box 132 found in S60 as the identification information of the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-touch application 136.

[0158] If the determination result of S68 is NO, the application copying section 124 proceeds to the flow S40 shown in FIG. 8. At this time, the application copying section 124 sets the identification information of the file box 132 found in S60 as the identification information of the output target file box 132 of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 in S26 executed after S46, S52, and the like. Figure 8

[0159] If the determination result of S64 is NO, that is, if the file box 132 found in S60 is not associated with an instruction sheet, the application copying section 124 provides the selection screen (omitted illustration) to the client PC 200 via the client UI section 126 (S70). On the selection screen, a message of the gist of "The file box of the same owner within the device is not associated with an instruction sheet. Please select the processing you want to perform from the following options," and a query of whether to copy or suspend the copying of the one-touch application 136 contained in the backup data are displayed. When the user makes a selection of whether to copy or not in response to the query, the application copying section 124 performs a processing corresponding to the selection result (S72).

[0160] In addition, as a variation of the flow of Figure 13 When a plurality of file boxes 132 of which the user indicated by the owner information within the backup data is the owner is found in S62, the following processing can also be performed. That is, at this time, if there is a file box 132 associated with an instruction sheet of the processing content having the same hash value as that within the backup data among the plurality of file boxes 132 found, this file box 132 is selected, and this file box 132 is set as the output target of the copied one-touch application 136.

[0161] The processing of the above-described variation example 2 is based on the processing of the embodiment described in Figures 6 to 8 but can also be based on the variation example 1 described in Figure 9 and Figure 10 .

[0162] < Variation Example 3 >

[0163] ​In the above-described embodiment and variations, the control for the replication of the one-touch application 136 between the devices 100 is performed by the control section 120 of the device 100, but this is merely an example. As another example, the control for the replication of the one-touch application 136 can be performed by the client PC 200 operated by the user.

[0164] In the variation 3, as shown in Figure 14 the backup control section 202 in the client PC 200. Further, the process of copying the backed-up one-touch application to another device 100 is performed by the application copy control section 204 in the client PC 200.

[0165] The backup control section 202 provides a UI screen for the backup of the one-touch application 136 to the user who operates the client PC 200. On the UI screen, for example, a list of the devices 100 on the network 300 is displayed, and from the list, the selection of a certain device 100 for which the user wants to backup the one-touch application 136 is accepted. When the user selects the device 100 from the list, the backup control section 202 requests the device 100 for a list of the one-touch applications 136. The control section 120 of the device 100 that receives the request responds with information indicating the list of the one-touch applications 136 located in the storage 130. The backup control section 202 receives the information and displays the list of the one-touch applications 136 indicated by the information. Then, the selection of the backup target is accepted from the list. When the user selects the one-touch application 136 as the backup target, the backup control section 202 acquires the data of the selected one-touch application 136 from the device 100. The backup control section 202 analyzes the acquired one-touch application 136 (this process corresponds to S14 of Figure 6 the instruction associated with the file box 132. The control section 120 of the device 100, in response to the request, responds with the hash value of the processing content in the instruction associated with the file box 132 if there is such an instruction, and with the intention that there is no associated instruction if not. In the case where the device 100 responds with the hash value, the backup control section 202 generates a file of the backup data including the one-touch application 136 and the hash value and saves it. Upon receiving the response of the intention that there is no associated instruction from the device 100, the backup control section 202 generates a file of the backup data including the one-touch application 136 and saves it. The backup control section 202 is an example of the acquisition means that acquires the backup data.

[0166] The application copy control section 204 displays the list of the saved backup data when receiving an instruction of performing copy of the backup data from the user, and receives selection of the backup data as a copy target from the user. Further, the application copy control section 204 displays the list of the devices 100 on the network 300, and receives selection of the copy target device 100 therefrom. Next, the application copy control section 204 analyzes the one-touch application 136 in the selected backup data. Through the analysis, if it is known that the file box 132 has been designated as an output target of the processing result of the one-touch application 136, the application copy control section 204 requests the device 100 selected as the copy target for the instruction sheet associated with the file box 132. The control section 120 of the device 100, in response to the request, responds to the application copy control section 204 with a hash value of the processing content in the instruction sheet if the instruction sheet is associated with the file box 132, and responds to the application copy control section 204 with the intention that there is no associated instruction sheet if not. In the case where the device 100 responds with the hash value, the application copy control section 204 compares the hash value with the hash value in the backup data. Further, if the two hash values are identical, the device 100 is instructed to copy the one-touch application 136 in the backup data. The control section 120 of the device 100 receiving the instruction saves the one-touch application 136 into the storage 130. If the two hash values are not identical, the application copy control section 204 displays the selection screen as in the case of S40 of FIG. 4, and receives selection from the user. Further, in accordance with the selection result of the user, the same processing as shown in S50 of FIG. 4 is performed. The application copy control section 204 is an example of the copy means. Figure 8 Figure 8 The application copy control section 204 is an example of the copy means.

[0167] The functions of the backup control section 202 and the application copy control section 204 of the client PC 200 in Modification 3 can also be mounted in the device 100.

[0168] In the above-described embodiments and each modification, a hash value of the data of the processing content is used as the processing determination information for determining the processing content of the instruction sheet, but this is only an example. Instead, for example, the data of the processing content itself can be used as the processing determination information.

[0169] Further, in the above, the one-touch application 136 is exemplified as the object of backup and copy, but the processing of the present embodiments and each modification can also be applied to backup and copy of information processing elements other than the one-touch application 136. As the information processing elements other than the one-touch application 136, for example, there are a combination of identification information of the function of the device 100 used for performing processing and setting information on the function, and the like.

[0170] ​The information processing mechanism of the device 100 and the client PC 200 of the above-described embodiments and each modification example are realized by causing a computer to execute a program that indicates the functions of the groups of elements that constitute the device 100 or the client PC 200. Here, as hardware, the computer has, for example, a circuit structure in which a processor, a memory (primary storage) such as a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM), a controller that controls a fixed storage device such as a flash memory or a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), various input / output (I / O) interfaces, a network interface that performs control for connection to a network such as a local area network, and the like are connected, for example, via a bus or the like. A program that describes the processing content of each function is saved to a fixed storage device such as a flash memory via a network or the like, and installed in the computer. By reading out the program stored in the fixed storage device to the RAM and executing it by the processor, the above-described groups of functional modules are realized.

[0171] Here, the processor refers to a general processor, and includes a general-purpose processor (for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or the like) or a special-purpose processor (for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device, or the like).

[0172] Furthermore, the actions of the processor in the embodiments and the modifications can not be completed by only one processor, but can be cooperatively completed by a plurality of processors located at physically separate positions. Furthermore, each action of the processor (that is, the processing action of each element of the processor) Figure 1 may be appropriately changed from the order described in the embodiments and the modifications.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a generating section that generates and outputs first backup data containing an information processing element that is an information processing element possessed by the apparatus itself and includes identification information of a saving area that saves processing result data obtained by executing a process prescribed by the information processing element, and processing determination information that uniquely determines a process applied to the processing result data saved in the saving area indicated by the identification information within the apparatus itself; and a copying section that, when an instruction to copy second backup data generated by the generating section of another apparatus to the apparatus itself is input from an instructing person, copies information processing elements of the second backup data to the apparatus itself if a first process prescribed by a first instruction book applied to processing result data saved in a first saving area within the apparatus itself indicated by identification information included in the information processing elements of the second backup data is identical to a second process prescribed by a second instruction book determined in accordance with the processing determination information included in the second backup data, and notifies the instructing person if the first process is different from the second process, further includes, in the first backup data generated by the generating section, communication address information of the apparatus itself, the copying section prompts the instructing person with a question of whether to restore the process applied to the processing result data saved in the first saving area to the second process prescribed in the second instruction book as the original instruction book as the notification, and, if the instructing person answers the intention to make the restoration with respect to the question, acquires processing content information that prescribes the processing content of the second process from the other apparatus using the communication address information of the other apparatus included in the second backup data, and associates the acquired processing content information to the first saving area, thereby applying the second process to the processing result data saved in the first saving area.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the copying section prompts the instructing person with a question of whether to release the association of the first saving area with the first process as the notification, and, if the instructing person answers the intention to release the association with respect to the question, releases the association of the first saving area with the first process, and copies the information processing elements in the second backup data to the apparatus itself.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first backup data generated by the generating section further includes processing content information that prescribes the processing content of the process applied to the processing result data saved in the saving area indicated by the identification information within the apparatus itself, ​ The copying means notifies the user of a query as to whether to change the processing applied to the processing result data stored in the first storage area from the first processing to the second processing, and if the user answers the query with the intention to change, associates the processing content information of the second processing included in the second backup data to the first storage area, thereby applying the second processing to the processing result data stored in the first storage area.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first backup data generated by the generating means further includes user identification information of a user to which the storage area indicated by the identification information within the own apparatus has been associated, The copying means notifies the user in a case where the user identification information included in the second backup data is different from the user identification information of the user to which the first storage area has been associated.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The copying means, in a case where the user identification information included in the second backup data is different from the user identification information of the user to which the first storage area has been associated, if a storage area to which the same user identification information as the user identification information included in the second backup data has been associated and to which the same processing as the second processing is applied to the stored processing result data is found from among a plurality of storage areas within the other apparatus, copies the information processing element within the second backup data to the own apparatus after rewriting the identification information in the information processing element to the identification information of the found storage area, and notifies the user of the intention to store the processing result data obtained by execution of the information processing element in the found storage area.

6. A recording medium storing a program for causing a computer included in an apparatus to function as: a generating step of generating and outputting first backup data including an information processing element and processing determination information, the information processing element being an information processing element possessed by the own apparatus and including identification information of a storage area storing processing result data obtained by execution of a processing defined by the information processing element, the processing determination information uniquely determining a processing applied to the processing result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information within the own apparatus; and ​ the copying step, when an instruction is input from the instructer to copy second backup data generated by the generating step of the other device to the self device, if a first process prescribed by a first instruction book applied to processing result data saved in a first saving area in the self device indicated by identification information contained in an information processing element contained in the second backup data is the same as a second process prescribed by a second instruction book determined based on processing determination information contained in the second backup data, the information processing element of the second backup data is copied to the self device, if the first process is different from the second process, the instructer is notified, in the first backup data generated by the generating step, further containing communication address information of the self device, the copying step prompts the instructer with a question of whether to restore the process applied to the processing result data saved in the first saving area to the second process prescribed in the second instruction book as the original instruction book, as the notification, if the instructer answers the intention to restore to the question, using the communication address information of the other device contained in the second backup data, acquires processing content information prescribing the processing content of the second process from the other device, and associates the acquired processing content information to the first saving area, thereby applying the second process to the processing result data saved in the first saving area.

7. An information processing apparatus comprising: an acquisition means that acquires backup data containing an information processing element and processing determination information, the information processing element being an information processing element possessed by a first device and containing identification information of a saving area that saves processing result data obtained by executing the information processing element, the processing determination information uniquely determining a first process prescribed by a first instruction book applied to the processing result data saved in the saving area indicated by the identification information within the first device; and a copying means that copies the information processing element within the backup data to a second device according to an instruction from an instructer, the copying means notifies the instructer when a second process prescribed by a second instruction book applied to data saved in a saving area indicated by the identification information within the second device is different from the first process determined based on the processing determination information, the copying means prompts the instructer with a question of whether to restore the process applied to the data saved in the saving area to the first process prescribed in the first instruction book as the original instruction book as the notification, if the instructer answers the intention to restore to the question, acquires processing content information prescribing the processing content of the first process by the acquisition means, and associates the acquired processing content information to the saving area, thereby applying the first process to the data saved in the saving area.

8. A recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as: an acquisition step of acquiring backup data containing an information processing element and processing determination information, the information processing element being an information processing element possessed by a first device and containing identification information of a saving area that saves processing result data obtained by executing the information processing element, the processing determination information uniquely determining a first process prescribed by a first instruction prescribed for the processing result data saved in the saving area indicated by the identification information within the first device; and a copy step of copying the information processing element within the backup data into a second device in accordance with an instruction from an instructing person, wherein the copy step notifies the instructing person in a case where a second process prescribed by a second instruction prescribed for data saved in the saving area within the second device is different from the first process determined in accordance with the processing determination information, the copy step prompts the instructing person of an inquiry of whether or not to restore the process applied to the data saved in the saving area to the first process prescribed in the first instruction as an original instruction, as the notification, and if the instructing person answers the inquiry with an intention to restore, the acquisition step acquires processing content information that prescribes a processing content of the first process, and associates the acquired processing content information to the saving area, whereby the first process is applied to the data saved in the saving area.

9. A computer program product containing a program for causing a computer possessed by a device to function as: a generation step of generating and outputting first backup data containing an information processing element and processing determination information, the information processing element being an information processing element possessed by the device itself and containing identification information of a saving area that saves processing result data obtained by executing a process prescribed by the information processing element, the processing determination information uniquely determining a process applied to the processing result data saved in the saving area indicated by the identification information within the device itself; and a copy step of, when an instruction of copying second backup data generated by the generation step of another device into the device itself is input from an instructing person, copying an information processing element of the second backup data into the device itself if a first process prescribed by a first instruction prescribed for processing result data saved in a first saving area within the device itself indicated by identification information contained in the information processing element of the second backup data is identical to a second process prescribed by a second instruction prescribed in accordance with processing determination information contained in the second backup data, and notifying the instructing person if the first process is different from the second process, wherein the first backup data generated by the generation step further contains communication address information of the device itself. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The copying step notifies the instructer of an inquiry as to whether or not to resume the processing applied to the processing result data stored in the first storage area to the first processing prescribed in the first instruction as the original instruction, and if the instructer answers the intention to resume to the inquiry, acquires processing content information prescribing the processing content of the first processing from the other device using the communication address information of the other device included in the second backup data, associates the acquired processing content information to the first storage area, and thereby applies the first processing to the processing result data stored in the first storage area.

10. A computer program product including a program for causing a computer to function as: an acquisition step of acquiring backup data including an information processing element and processing determination information, the information processing element being an information processing element possessed by a first device and including identification information of a storage area storing processing result data obtained by executing the information processing element, the processing determination information uniquely determining a first processing prescribed in a first instruction applied to the processing result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information within the first device; and a copying step of copying the information processing element within the backup data to a second device according to an instruction from an instructer, wherein the copying step notifies the instructer of a difference between a second processing prescribed in a second instruction applied to data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information within the second device and the first processing determined according to the processing determination information, the copying step notifies the instructer of an inquiry as to whether or not to resume the processing applied to the data stored in the storage area to the first processing prescribed in the first instruction as the original instruction, and if the instructer answers the intention to resume to the inquiry, acquires processing content information prescribing the processing content of the first processing by the acquisition step, associates the acquired processing content information to the storage area, and thereby applies the first processing to the data stored in the storage area.

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