Information Processing Apparatus, System, Method, Recording Medium, and Computer Program Product

Abstract

An information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a recording medium, and an information processing method, which can more easily determine a combination as compared with a case of determining and inputting a combination of devices for changing software. The information processing apparatus includes a processor that performs the following processing: grouping according to position information related to the positions of a plurality of devices, that is, position information, by the positions where the plurality of devices are located; re-grouping so that at least one of the devices belonging to each of the grouped groups belongs to another group; and creating a schedule for changing the software used in the devices for each of the re-grouped groups.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, a recording medium and an information processing method. Background Art

[0002] Sometimes, the software used in a plurality of devices is changed according to a predetermined schedule. In this case, the user cannot use the device during the period when the software is changed.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a network device management software that manages image processing devices connected to a network. The network device management software is characterized in that it has: a unit that executes a process of making the image processing devices temporarily unavailable for a plurality of image processing devices connected to the network; a unit that inputs one or more groups of image processing devices that are prohibited from simultaneously executing the process of making the image processing devices temporarily unavailable; and a unit that controls the execution of the process so that there is an image processing device in the image forming device group that does not execute the process of making the image processing devices temporarily unavailable.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-218473

[0005] Conventionally, in order for a user to use at least one device, it is necessary to input a combination of devices for changing software.

[0006] However, for example, a manager decides on a combination of devices and then inputs the combination, which places a great burden on the manager. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus or the like which can determine a combination more easily than in the case where a combination of components for changing software is determined and input.

[0008] Solution 1 of the present invention is an information processing device, characterized in that it has a processor, which performs the following processing: grouping the multiple devices according to their locations based on information related to the locations of the multiple devices, namely, location information; regrouping in order to make at least one of the devices belonging to each group belong to another group; and creating a schedule for changing the software used in the device for each regrouped group.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is the information processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the processor performs regrouping using status information which is information related to the usage status of the plurality of devices.

[0010] Solution 3 of the present invention is the information processing device described in Solution 2, characterized in that the processor uses the usage frequency of the device as the status information to concentrate the devices with higher usage frequency into at least one group.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the information processing device according to the third aspect, characterized in that the processor regroups the devices other than the devices with a higher frequency of use.

[0012] Solution 5 of the present invention is the information processing device described in Solution 2, characterized in that the processor uses the status information to create a schedule.

[0013] Solution 6 of the present invention is the information processing device described in Solution 5, characterized in that the processor uses the usage frequency of the device as the status information and creates a schedule for allocating time periods for changing software based on the usage frequency of the device.

[0014] Solution 7 of the present invention is the information processing device described in Solution 1, characterized in that the location information is at least one of subnet information and setting location information.

[0015] Solution 8 of the present invention is an information processing system, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of devices that run software that implements predetermined functions; and an information processing device that changes the software for the plurality of devices, the information processing device comprising a processor that performs the following processing: grouping the plurality of devices according to their locations based on information related to the locations of the plurality of devices, i.e., location information; regrouping the devices so that at least one of the devices belonging to each group belongs to another group; and creating a schedule for changing the software for each regrouped group.

[0016] Solution 9 of the present invention is a recording medium, which records a program for enabling a computer to implement the following functions: a first allocation function for grouping a plurality of devices according to their locations based on information related to their locations, i.e., location information; a second allocation function for regrouping the devices so that at least one of the devices belonging to each group grouped according to the first allocation function belongs to another group; and a creation function for creating a schedule for changing the software used in the device for each group regrouped according to the second allocation function.

[0017] Solution 10 of the present invention is an information processing method, which includes the following steps: grouping the multiple devices according to their locations based on information related to the locations of the multiple devices, i.e., location information; regrouping so that at least one of the devices belonging to each group belongs to another group; and creating a schedule for changing the software used in the device for each regrouped group.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the first and tenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of more easily determining a combination than in the case where a combination of components for changing software is determined and input.

[0020] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the combination of devices can be determined according to the states of the devices.

[0021] According to the third and fifth aspects of the present invention, user convenience is improved.

[0022] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the combination of components can be determined while ensuring the convenience of the user.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to create a schedule in consideration of user convenience.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, position information can be acquired more easily.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a processing system that makes it easier to change the software setting of a device.

[0026] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the combination of components for changing software is determined and input, it is possible to cause the computer to realize a function that makes it easier to determine the combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram of a configuration example of an information processing system in this embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus;

[0030] Figure 3 (a) to (e) are diagrams showing screens displayed on a display device when software is changed in a terminal device;

[0031] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating an example of a functional structure of an information processing system;

[0032] Figure 5 It is a sequence diagram that explains the operation of the information processing system;

[0033] Figure 6 (a) is about Figure 5 The processing of step S112 and step S113 is described in detail in the flowchart; Figure 6 (b) is about Figure 5 The process of step S112 is described in more detail in the flowchart;

[0034] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a setting screen when performing a process of allocating rest time to a frequently used image forming apparatus;

[0035] Figure 8 About Figure 5 The process of step S113 is described in more detail in the flowchart;

[0036] Fig. 9 (a) to (c) are shown in Figure 6 (a)~(b) and Figure 8 The first example is the result of the processing performed in;

[0037] Fig.10 (a) to (c) are shown in Figure 6 (a)~(b) and Figure 8 The second example is the result of the processing performed in;

[0038] Fig.11 It's about Figure 5 The email notifying the schedule in step S117 is shown in the figure.

[0039] Explanation of symbols

[0040] 1- information processing system, 10- image forming device, 20- terminal device, 210- transceiver unit, 220- first distribution unit, 230- second distribution unit, 240- creation unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] <Description of the entire information processing system>

[0043] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment.

[0044] As shown in the figure, the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that image forming apparatuses 10a, 10b, 10c, image forming apparatuses 10d, 10e, 10f, and a terminal device 20 are connected via a network 30. In addition, when the image forming apparatuses 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f are not distinguished from each other, they may be simply referred to as the image forming apparatus 10 below.

[0045] In addition, Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , only six image forming devices 10 and only one terminal device 20 are shown, but the number of each may be arbitrary.

[0046] The image forming device 10 is an example of a device. The image forming device 10 has a printer function. That is, the image forming device 10 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper and can output it as a printed medium. In addition to the printer function, the image forming device 10 also has other image processing functions such as a scanner function and a fax function. Moreover, as will be described in detail later, these functions are realized by running software that realizes predetermined functions.

[0047] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0048] As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14, an operation panel 15, an image reading unit 16, an image forming unit 17, and a communication I / F 18. These units perform necessary data exchange via a bus B.

[0049] The RAM 12 is a memory used as an operation memory for the CPU 11 or the like.

[0050] The ROM 13 is a memory that stores various programs and the like executed by the CPU 11 .

[0051] The HDD 14 is, for example, a magnetic disk device, and stores image information read by the image reading unit 16 , image information used for image formation by the image forming unit 17 , and the like.

[0052] The operation panel 15 is, for example, a touch panel that displays various information or receives operation input from the user. Therefore, the display mechanism has a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel that displays content (information content) as an image in a predetermined area, and has a function of detecting the position where the contact object contacts the liquid crystal panel when a contact object represented by a human finger or a stylus touches the liquid crystal panel. In this embodiment, the touch panel is not particularly limited, and various methods such as a resistive film method and an electrostatic capacitance method can be used.

[0053] The image reading unit 16 reads the image recorded in the manuscript. Here, the image reading unit 16 is, for example, a scanner, and can use: a CCD method, in which the reflected light relative to the light irradiated from the light source to the manuscript is reduced by a lens, and the light is received by the CCD (Charge Coupled Devices); and a CIS method, in which the reflected light relative to the light irradiated from the LED light source to the manuscript is received by the CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

[0054] The image forming unit 17 is an example of a printing mechanism that forms an image on a recording medium. Here, the image forming unit 17 is, for example, a printer, and can use: an electrophotographic method to transfer the toner attached to the photosensitive body to a recording medium such as paper to form an image; and an inkjet method to eject ink onto a recording medium to form an image.

[0055] The communication I / F 18 transmits and receives various information to and from other devices via a network.

[0056] The terminal device 20 is an example of an information processing device, and manages the software running in the image forming device 10. The terminal device 20 re-imports, updates, deletes, etc. as changes to the software. In addition, it can also be said that the software is installed, uploaded, and uninstalled.

[0057] The terminal device 20 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer (PC) and manages the software of the image forming apparatus 10 by running various application software under the management of an OS (Operating System).

[0058] The terminal device 20 includes a CPU as a computing unit, a main memory as a storage unit, and a memory such as an HDD and an SSD (Solid State Drive). Here, the CPU is an example of a processor, and executes various software such as an OS (basic software) and application software. In addition, the main memory is a storage area that stores various software and data for executing the software, and the memory is a storage area that stores input data to various software and output data from various software.

[0059] The terminal device 20 also includes a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F”) for communicating with the outside, a display mechanism including a video memory and a display, and input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and a stylus pen.

[0060] The network 30 is a communication unit used for information communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the terminal device 20 , and is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0061] <Overview of Operations of Information Processing System 1>

[0062] Next, the schematic operation of the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0063] When the terminal device 20 changes the software, it creates a schedule for changing the software. As will be described in detail later, the terminal device 20 acquires status information indicating the status of the image forming device 10. Then, based on the status information, a schedule for changing the software is created. In the schedule, at least one image forming device 10 is operated at a predetermined position where the image forming device 10 is set. Then, based on the schedule, the terminal device 20 changes the software imported into the image forming device 10.

[0064] Figure 3 (a) to (e) are diagrams showing screens displayed on the display unit when software is changed in the terminal device 20.

[0065] Figure 3 (a) is a screen for starting to set a schedule. This screen is displayed in a window W1, and the manager of the management software selects the setting of a schedule from a menu M1 in the window W1.

[0066] Figure 3 (b) shows a screen for selecting software / operation as a screen for setting a schedule. Figure 3 When setting the schedule of (a), the screen is displayed as a window W2. Menu M2 and menu M3 are displayed in the window W2. The list of software imported into the image forming device 10 is displayed in the menu M2. Then, the administrator selects the target software from the menu M2. And, the list of operations that can be performed on the software is displayed in the menu M3. The administrator selects an operation for the software from the menu M3. Here, the operation can be selected from "Install", "Upload", and "Uninstall".

[0067] Figure 3 (c) shows a screen for selecting the group setting and the target image forming apparatus 10. When the Figure 3 When the button B1 of (b) is pressed, the screen is displayed as a window W3. The setting column R1 and the setting column R2 are displayed in the window W3.

[0068] The setting column R1 can be used to set grouping. Here, for example, whether to group or not is set. That is, grouping is performed when "Yes" is selected, and grouping is not performed when "No" is selected. In addition, the number of groups to be grouped, the processing interval of the time to change the software for each group, and the grouping method of selecting the grouping method can be set.

[0069] Furthermore, in the setting field R2 , a target image forming apparatus 10 can be selected when changing the software.

[0070] Figure 3 (d) shows the screen for starting time setting. Figure 3 When the button B2 of (c) is pressed, the screen is displayed as a window W4. The window W4 displays a setting column R3 and a message Me1. The setting column R3 can set the start time when changing the software. And the message Me1 displays the precautions when changing the software.

[0071] Figure 3 (e) shows the content confirmation screen. Figure 3 When the button B3 of (d) is pressed, the screen is displayed as a window W5. The message Me2 and the target list R4 are displayed in the window W5. The message Me2 displays the scheduled start date and time when the software is changed. And the target list R4 displays a list of image forming devices 10 that are the objects of the software change. In addition, if the button B4 is pressed, the setting of the schedule can be changed.

[0072] <Description of Functional Configuration of Information Processing System 1>

[0073] Next, the information processing system 1 will be described in detail.

[0074] Figure 4 This is a block diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 1 .

[0075] In addition, here, among the various functions of the information processing system 1, the functions related to the present embodiment are selected and illustrated.

[0076] Image forming apparatus 10 of information processing system 1 includes a transceiver 110 for transmitting and receiving information with external equipment, a control unit 120 for controlling image forming apparatus 10 , a storage unit 130 for storing software, and a mechanism unit 140 for realizing functions of image forming apparatus 10 .

[0077] The transceiver 110 receives a software setting change instruction from the terminal device 20. The transceiver 110 corresponds to the communication I / F 18 or the CPU 11, for example.

[0078] The control unit 120 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. When a software setting change is instructed from the terminal device 20, the software is changed and stored in the storage unit 130. The control unit 120 corresponds to the CPU 11, the RAM 12, and the ROM 13.

[0079] The storage unit 130 stores the software. The storage unit 130 corresponds to the HDD 14 .

[0080] The mechanism unit 140 is, for example, the above-mentioned touch panel, scanner, printing mechanism, etc. The mechanism unit 140 corresponds to the operation panel 15 , the image reading unit 16 , and the image forming unit 17 .

[0081] The terminal device 20 includes a transceiver 210 for transmitting and receiving information with an external device, a first allocation unit 220 for performing a first grouping, a second allocation unit 230 for performing a second grouping, and a creation unit 240 for creating a schedule for changing software.

[0082] The transceiver 210 transmits and receives information to and from the image forming apparatus 10 via the network 30 .

[0083] The first allocation unit 220 groups the plurality of image forming devices 10 by their locations based on information related to the locations of the plurality of image forming devices 10, i.e., location information. Here, "location information" refers to location information where the image forming device 10 is configured. The location where the image forming device 10 is configured includes not only the location where the image forming device 10 is installed, i.e., the installation location, but also the management location. The location where the image forming device 10 is installed may be, for example, a house, a floor, an organization, etc. where the image forming device 10 is installed. Furthermore, "grouping by location" may include, for example, grouping by organization such as a department. Furthermore, the management location may include, for example, an IP address assigned to the image forming device 10. Furthermore, "grouping by location" may include, for example, grouping by subnet.

[0084] The second allocating unit 230 regroups the image forming apparatuses 10 in each group grouped by the first allocating unit 220 so that at least one of the image forming apparatuses 10 belongs to another group. For example, the second allocating unit 230 regroups the image forming apparatuses 10 in the groups grouped by the first allocating unit 220 so that all the image forming apparatuses 10 do not become the same group.

[0085] Furthermore, at this time, the second allocation unit 230 performs regrouping using status information, which is information related to the usage status of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10. The "status information" is information indicating the status of the use of the image forming apparatus 10. The status information is, for example, whether the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is on / off, the usage frequency of the image forming apparatus 10, the number of users who use the image forming apparatus 10, the time period when the image forming apparatus 10 is used, etc. That is, the second allocation unit 230 performs regrouping in consideration of the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0086] The creation unit 240 creates a schedule for changing the software used in the image forming apparatuses 10 for each group regrouped by the second allocation unit 230. In this case, at least one of the image forming apparatuses 10 belonging to the respective groups grouped by the first allocation unit 220 does not change the software at the same time. That is, the at least one image forming apparatus 10 is in a usable state.

[0087] In addition, at this time, the creation unit 240 creates a schedule using the above-mentioned status information.

[0088] Next, the operation of the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0089] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system 1 .

[0090] The illustrated sequence diagram shows the operations of the manager, the image forming apparatus 10 , and the terminal device 20 .

[0091] Here, first, the administrator starts to set a schedule for changing the software (step S101). Then, the terminal device 20 starts to set a schedule (step S102). In fact, the terminal device 20 runs the application software for setting the schedule, and the administrator controls the terminal device 20 as follows. Figure 3 The operation described in (a).

[0092] Next, the administrator selects the target software and selects the operation to be performed on the software (step S103). Then, the terminal device 20 sets the target software and the operation (step S104). Figure 3 The operation described in (b).

[0093] Then, the terminal device 20 inquires the image forming device 10, and if the image forming device 10 is started, it responds to its own status (step S105). Thus, the terminal device 20 obtains the status of the image forming device 10 (step S106). The status of the image forming device 10 is any one of starting, being used by the user, and being stopped. In addition, the terminal device 20 determines each status of starting and being used by the user based on the response of the image forming device 10. On the other hand, regarding being stopped, the terminal device 20 determines that it is stopped because it does not respond.

[0094] Next, the administrator selects the target image forming device 10 for which the software is to be changed (step S107). Then, the terminal device 20 sets the target image forming device (step S108). In addition, the administrator sets the grouping (step S109). Then, the terminal device 20 sets the grouping (step S110). In fact, the administrator sets the terminal device 20 as follows: Figure 3 The administrator also performs the operation described in (c) on the terminal device 20. Figure 3 Follow the operation described in (d) and set the software start time.

[0095] Then, the terminal device 20 determines whether or not the group setting is achieved (step S111 ).

[0096] As a result, if the group setting is achieved (Yes in step S111), a process of confirming the use frequency of the image forming apparatus 10 is performed (step S112). The process of confirming the use frequency by the terminal device 20 will be described in detail later.

[0097] Then, the terminal device 20 creates a schedule (step S113). The process of creating a schedule by the terminal device 20 will be described in detail later.

[0098] After step S113 and when the grouping setting is not performed ("No" in step S111), the terminal device 20 displays a screen for confirming the contents of the schedule (step S114). Figure 3 The screen shown in (e).

[0099] Then, the terminal device 20 determines whether or not there is any setting change of the schedule (step S115 ).

[0100] As a result, if there is a change in the setting of the schedule ("Yes" in step S115), the process returns to step S111.

[0101] In contrast, if there is no schedule setting change (No in step S115), it is determined whether an email notifying the user of the image forming apparatus 10 of the change in the software schedule is sent (step S116). This can be set in advance by the administrator.

[0102] Then, in the case of sending an e-mail ("YES" in step S116), an e-mail notifying the schedule is created and sent (step S117).

[0103] Then, a series of processing is terminated (step S118). Also, when the e-mail is not to be sent (step S116: No), the processing is also terminated.

[0104] Figure 6 (a)~(b) are about Figure 5 The process of step S112 is described in more detail in the flowchart.

[0105] Here, if Figure 6 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the terminal device 20 creates a list F when performing the process of confirming the usage frequency of the image forming device 10 in step S112 . Then, the terminal device 20 uses the list F to perform the process of creating a schedule in step S113 .

[0106] Figure 6 (b) is a flowchart that explains the processing of step S112 in detail.

[0107] It is determined whether to perform a process of allocating rest time to the image forming apparatus 10 with high usage frequency (step S201 ).

[0108] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing a setting screen when performing a process of allocating rest time to the image forming apparatus 10 with high usage frequency.

[0109] Figure 7 The screen corresponds to Figure 3 In the screen (c), in the setting column R1, "Transfer frequently used devices to rest time" can be selected as a detailed setting.

[0110] Back to Figure 6 In step S201, when the terminal device 20 determines that the operation is in progress (step S201 "Yes"), the frequency of use is obtained from each target image forming device 10 (step S202). The frequency of use is, for example, the number of times the image forming device 10 is used, the number of printed sheets, the total time used, the number of people using the image forming device 10, etc.

[0111] Next, the terminal device 20 creates an empty list F high 、F low(Step S203). In this case, list F high and List F low The two become List F.

[0112] Then, the terminal device 20 determines whether the usage frequency of the image forming device 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value R (step S204 ).

[0113] However, if the usage frequency is high and the usage frequency is greater than a predetermined threshold value R (step S204: Yes), the item is added to the list F. high (Step S205).

[0114] In contrast, if the usage frequency is low and is less than a predetermined threshold R (step S204 “No”), the item is added to the list F. low (Step S206).

[0115] Therefore, in List F high The image forming apparatus 10 with a high frequency of use is concentrated in the list F. low The image forming apparatuses 10 with a low usage frequency are concentrated.

[0116] Then, in step S201 , when the terminal device 20 determines that the operation is not to be performed (step S201 : No), all target image forming apparatuses 10 are added to the empty list F (step S207 ). Thus, one list F is created.

[0117] Figure 8 About Figure 5 The process of step S113 is described in more detail in the flowchart.

[0118] First, the terminal device 20 creates a list A of the image forming devices 10 for each subnet based on the list F. i (i=1、2、…、n subnet )(Step 301). Here, n subnet is the number of subnets, according to the number of subnets n subnet Create List A 1 ~A nsubnet This corresponds to the process of the first allocation unit 220 using the subnet information as the location information to group the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 by subnet. This corresponds to the first grouping.

[0119] Then, the terminal device 20 creates a list A i Merged List B (step 302).

[0120] In addition, the terminal device 20 determines the number of groups n for regrouping. group (Step 303). Number of groups n groupBecome A i The maximum length of the software change process, or the implementation time divided by the operation time t 作业 Implementation time÷t 作业 Any one of .

[0121] Then, the terminal device 20 creates an empty list C j (j=1, 2, ..., n group )(Step 304). Here, according to the number of groups n group Create an empty list C 1 ~C ngroup .

[0122] Next, the terminal device 20 determines whether list B is empty (step 305). List B is empty if all image forming devices 10 are grouped again and list C is completed. j Creation.

[0123] As a result, if list B is not empty (step 305: No), the terminal device 20 takes out the image forming device 10 from the top of list B and adds it to list C. j (Step 306). At this time, j is j=(j+1) mod n group (Step 307). Then, the process returns to Step 305. That is, until List B is empty, the processes of Steps 306 to 307 are repeated. This corresponds to the regrouping process performed by the second allocating unit 230. And, this corresponds to the second grouping.

[0124] On the other hand, if list B is empty (step 305 “Yes”), the terminal device 20 selects the list B from list C. j Create a schedule (step 308). The schedule is as follows: starting from the start date and time, with t 作业 Interval pair list C j The image forming device 10 in the group The schedule is, for example, first to list C 1 The image forming apparatus 10 in the list C performs the first software change. 2 The image forming apparatus 10 in the system performs the second software change. Then, starting from the start date and time, the software is updated with t 作业 Repeat this operation in intervals, and finally, list C ngroup The image forming device 10 in the nth group Software changes.

[0125] This corresponds to the process of creating a schedule by the creation section 240 .

[0126] Fig. 9(a) to (c) are shown in Figure 6 (a)~(b) and Figure 8 The first example of the result of the processing performed in .

[0127] Here, in Figure 6 In step S201 of (b), the result is shown when the process of allocating rest time to the image forming apparatus 10 with high usage frequency is not performed (step S201: No).

[0128] exist Fig. 9 (a) shows the creation of a list A 1 and List A 2 As in Figure 8 The list shown in step 301

[0129] A i Then, the three image forming devices 10a, 10b, and 10c whose subnets are 172.27.xxx.1 to 172.27.xxx.3 belong to the list

[0130] A 1 Furthermore, three image forming apparatuses 10d, 10e, and 10f with subnets 172.27.yyy.1 to 172.27.yyy.3 belong to list A. 2 In this way, the subnet information is used in the first grouping to group the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 by subnet.

[0131] And, in Fig. 9 (b) shows the creation of a list C 1 , List C 2 and List C 3 As in Figure 8 List C shown in steps 305 to 307 j Furthermore, two image forming apparatuses 10a and 10d whose subnets are 172.27.xxx.1 and 172.27.yyy.1 belong to list C. 1 Furthermore, the two image forming apparatuses 10b and 10e whose subnets are 172.27.xxx.2 and 172.27.yyy.2 belong to list C. 2 In addition, two image forming apparatuses 10c and 10f with subnets 172.27.xxx.3 and 172.27.yyy.3 belong to list C. 3 In this way, in the second grouping, re-grouping is performed so that at least one of the image forming apparatuses 10 belonging to each group grouped in the first grouping belongs to another group.

[0132] Moreover, if Fig. 9 As shown in (c), in List C 1, List C 2 , List C 3 In this case, t 作业 A schedule is set to 10 minutes, with the start time set to 13:00 and the end time set to 14:00. Thus, at least one image forming device 10 in the group grouped in the first group can also be used in the execution of the schedule. For example, from 13:00 to 13:10, list A can be used. 1 In addition, the two image forming devices 10b and 10c whose subnets are 172.27.xxx.2 to 172.27.xxx.3 can use List A. 2 The two image forming apparatuses 10e and 10f in the subnet are 172.27.yyy.2 to 172.27.yyy.3.

[0133] Fig.10 (a) to (c) are shown in Figure 6 (a)~(b) and Figure 8 The second example shows the result of the processing performed in .

[0134] In this example, the second allocating unit 230 uses the usage frequency of the image forming apparatus 10 as status information and collects the image forming apparatuses 10 with higher usage frequency into at least one group. In addition, the second allocating unit 230 regroups the devices other than the devices with higher usage frequency. Then, the creating unit 240 uses the usage frequency of the device as status information and creates a schedule for allocating time periods for software change according to the usage frequency of the device.

[0135] Here, in Figure 6 In step S201 of (b), the result is shown when the process of allocating rest time to the image forming apparatus 10 with high usage frequency is performed (step S201: Yes).

[0136] exist Fig.10 (a) shows the creation of a list A 1 and List A 2 As in Figure 8 List A shown in step 301 i This is consistent with Fig. 9 However, among them, the image forming apparatus 10a with the subnet 172.27.xxx.1 has a high usage frequency, and the other ones have a low usage frequency.

[0137] And, in Fig.10 (b) shows the creation of a list C 1 , List C 2、 List C 3 and List C 4As in Figure 8 List C shown in steps 305 to 307 j However, an image forming apparatus 10a with a subnet of 172.27.xxx.1 belongs to list C. 1 That is, List F high The image forming apparatus 10 with the highest frequency of use belongs to list C. 1 Furthermore, two image forming apparatuses 10b and 10e with subnets 172.27.xxx.2 and 172.27.yyy.2 belong to list C. 2 In addition, two image forming devices 10c and 10f with subnets 172.27.xxx.3 and 172.27.yyy.3 belong to list C. 3 In addition, an image forming apparatus 10d with a subnet of 172.27.yyy.1 belongs to list C. 4 Therefore, List F low The image forming apparatus 10 with a lower frequency of use belongs to list C. 2 , C 3 , C 4 In this way, the second grouping is performed so that the image forming apparatuses 10 with a higher frequency of use and the image forming apparatuses 10 with a lower frequency of use are separated.

[0138] Moreover, if Fig.10 As shown in (c), in List C 1 , List C 2 , List C 3 , List C 4 In this case, t 作业 The timetable is set to 10 minutes, the start time is set to 13:00, and the end time is set to 14:00. Fig. 9 Similarly, at least one image forming device 10 in the group grouped in the first group can also be used during the execution of the schedule. In addition, the image forming device 10a with a high frequency of use is allocated to the lunch break period of 12:00 to 13:00. Thus, the image forming device 10a can be used in any time period except the lunch break.

[0139] Fig.11 It's about Figure 5 The email notifying the schedule in step S117 is shown in the figure.

[0140] Here, as the message Me3, an example is shown in which the content of the schedule described in 9(c) and the location where the image forming apparatus 10 is installed are notified together with the text "The schedule processing is performed as follows.".

[0141] According to the terminal device 20 described above, the combination can be determined more easily than when the combination of devices for changing software is determined and input. In addition, at least one image forming device 10 can be used at each location.

[0142] Furthermore, the combination can be determined dynamically according to the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus, etc. Furthermore, the user can know the schedule of software changes by receiving the notification, and can determine which image forming apparatus 10 can be used when.

[0143] In the above example, the device is the image forming device 10, but it is not limited to this. That is, it can be a device that changes software by operating other devices. For example, it can be a common PC, mobile phone, smart phone, tablet computer, wireless LAN router and other network devices.

[0144] <Program description>

[0145] Here, the processing performed in the terminal device 20 of the present embodiment described above is prepared as a program such as application software, for example, and is implemented by the cooperation between the application software and hardware resources.

[0146] Therefore, the program for executing the processing performed in the terminal device 20 of the present embodiment can also be understood as being used to enable a computer to implement the following functions: a first allocation function for grouping a plurality of image forming devices 10 according to their locations based on information related to the locations of the plurality of image forming devices 10, i.e., location information; a second allocation function for regrouping the image forming devices 10 so that at least one of the image forming devices 10 belonging to each group grouped according to the first allocation function belongs to another group; and a creation function for creating a schedule for changing the software used in the image forming device 10 for each group regrouped according to the second allocation function.

[0147] Furthermore, the program for realizing the present embodiment is provided by the communication unit, but can also be provided by being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0148] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. As is clear from the description of the claims, various changes or improvements added to the above embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0149] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed methods. Obviously, various modifications and changes are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily understand the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technicians in the art can understand the present invention through various variations optimized for specific uses assumed to be various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, characterized in that, it includes a processor, and the processor performs the following processing: Based on information related to the positions of a plurality of devices, i.e., position information, group the devices according to their positions to generate a first list; In order to make at least one of the devices belonging to each group grouped in the first list belong to another group, regroup the devices in the first list based on the maximum length of the first list or the time obtained by dividing the implementation time of the software change process by the time of one operation to generate a second list; For each group regrouped in the second list, create a schedule for changing the software used in the devices.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the processor uses information related to the usage status of the plurality of devices, i.e., status information, for regrouping.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, the processor uses the usage frequency of the devices as the status information and groups the devices with higher usage frequencies into at least one group.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, the processor regroup the devices other than the devices with higher usage frequencies.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, the processor uses the status information to create a schedule.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, the processor uses the usage frequency of the devices as the status information and creates a schedule for allocating the time period for changing the software according to the usage frequency of the devices.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the position information is at least one of subnet information and installation position information.

8. An information processing system, characterized in that, it includes: a plurality of devices that run software for implementing a predetermined function; and an information processing apparatus that changes the software for the plurality of devices, the information processing apparatus includes a processor, and the processor performs the following processing: Based on information related to the positions of the plurality of devices, i.e., position information, group the devices according to their positions to generate a first list; In order to make at least one of the devices belonging to each group grouped in the first list belong to another group, regroup the devices in the first list based on the maximum length of the first list or the time obtained by dividing the implementation time of the software change process by the time of one operation to generate a second list; For each group regrouped in the second list, create a schedule for changing the software.

9. A recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to implement the following functions: A first allocation function that groups a plurality of devices according to their positions based on information related to the positions of the plurality of devices, i.e., position information, to generate a first list; A second allocation function that re - groups the devices in the first list based on the maximum length of the first list, or the time obtained by dividing the implementation time of the software change process by the time of one operation, so that at least one of the devices belonging to each group grouped according to the first allocation function in the first list belongs to another group to generate a second list; and A creation function that creates a schedule for changing the software used in the devices for each group re - grouped according to the second allocation function in the second list.

10. An information processing method, comprising the following steps: Grouping according to the location where the plurality of devices are located based on the information related to the locations of the plurality of devices, i.e., location information, to generate a first list; Re - grouping the devices in the first list based on the maximum length of the first list, or the time obtained by dividing the implementation time of the software change process by the time of one operation, so that at least one of the devices belonging to each group grouped in the first list belongs to another group to generate a second list; and Creating a schedule for changing the software used in the devices for each group re - grouped in the second list.

11. A computer program product for causing a computer to implement the following functions: A first allocation function that groups according to the location where the plurality of devices are located based on the information related to the locations of the plurality of devices, i.e., location information, to generate a first list; A second allocation function that re - groups the devices in the first list based on the maximum length of the first list, or the time obtained by dividing the implementation time of the software change process by the time of one operation, so that at least one of the devices belonging to each group grouped according to the first allocation function in the first list belongs to another group to generate a second list; and A creation function that creates a schedule for changing the software used in the devices for each group re - grouped according to the second allocation function in the second list.

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