Information management device, information management method, and recording medium

Abstract

An information management apparatus for storing information on an application used in a user apparatus includes an acquisition unit and an identification unit. The acquisition unit acquires migration information relating to a first application used in a first user device. The identification unit identifies a second application based on the acquired migration information, first function information relating to a first function of the first user device, and second function information relating to a second function of the second user device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an information management device, a method for managing information, and a recording medium storing a program for causing a processor to execute the method for managing information. Background Art

[0002] There is a license management method that enables implementation of an application on an information processing device that permits execution of the application.

[0003] For example, there is a technology related to a contract management server that manages a method of utilizing an image forming apparatus. An application managed by a product information management unit is managed based on information managed by a license management unit. According to this technology, when an image forming apparatus is replaced with another device (successor device) after starting a contract, the contract management server can issue an updated continuous charging license to the successor device (for example, see PTL 1).

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] [PTL1] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-83982 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The usability of an application depends on the difference between the functions of a user device before replacement (an example of a first user device) and the functions of a user device after replacement (an example of a second user device), which has not been sufficiently considered in the prior art.

[0009] Solutions to the problem

[0010] In one aspect, an information management device is used to store information about applications used in a user device, the information management device comprising an acquisition unit and an identification unit. The acquisition unit acquires migration information related to a first application used in a first user device. The identification unit identifies a second application based on the acquired migration information, first function information related to a first function of the first user device, and second function information related to a second function of a second user device.

[0011] Another aspect relates to an information management method performed by an information management device that stores information about applications used in user devices. The method includes: obtaining migration information related to a first application used in a first user device; and identifying a second application based on the obtained migration information, first function information related to a first function of the first user device, and second function information related to a second function of a second user device.

[0012] Another aspect relates to a recording medium storing a plurality of program codes which, when executed by one or more processors, cause an information management device storing information about applications used in a user device to execute the above method.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the information management device may determine available applications according to a difference between functions of the first user device and functions of the second user device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages and features can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [ Figure 1 ]

[0017] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of management of customer history information.

[0018] [ Figure 2 ]

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system.

[0020] [ Figure 3 ]

[0021] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration shared by the information management device and the application distribution server.

[0022] [ Figure 4 ]

[0023] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a communication terminal.

[0024] [ Figure 5 ]

[0025] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a user device.

[0026] [ Figure 6 ]

[0027] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [ Figure 7 ]

[0029] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a user information management table.

[0030] [ Figure 8 ]

[0031] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a device information management table.

[0032] [ Fig. 9 ]

[0033] Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a license information management table.

[0034] [ Fig.10 ]

[0035] Fig.10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a migration information management table.

[0036] [ Fig.11 ]

[0037] Fig.11 : is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an application-function correspondence management table.

[0038] [ Fig.12 ]

[0039] Fig.12 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an alternative application management table.

[0040] [ Fig.13 ]

[0041] Fig.13 : is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a recommendation condition management table.

[0042] [ Fig.14 ]

[0043] Fig.14 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the project management table introduced.

[0044] [ Fig.15 ]

[0045] Fig.15 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a usage history management table.

[0046] [ Fig.16 ]

[0047] Fig.16 This is a conceptual diagram showing another example of the utilization history management table.

[0048] [ Fig.17 ]

[0049] Fig.17is a sequence diagram showing a user authentication process according to the embodiment.

[0050] [ Fig.18 ]

[0051] Fig.18 is an example of a display screen for user authentication displayed on a communication terminal.

[0052] [ Fig.19 ]

[0053] Fig.19 is a sequence diagram showing a user device login process according to the embodiment.

[0054] [ Fig. 20 ]

[0055] Fig. 20 is an example of a display screen for device login displayed on a user device.

[0056] [ Fig.21 ]

[0057] Fig.21 is a sequence diagram representing a process including determining an application to be migrated according to an embodiment.

[0058] [ Fig. 22 ]

[0059] Fig. 22 is an example of a screen display displayed on a user device for selecting a device to be replaced by another device.

[0060] [ Fig.23 ]

[0061] Fig.23 is an example of a display screen displayed on a user device for selecting a replaced device or an added device.

[0062] [ Fig.24 ]

[0063] Fig.24 is an example of a display screen for confirming migration information displayed on a user device.

[0064] [ Fig.25 ]

[0065] Fig.25 is a flowchart showing a migration application determination process according to an embodiment.

[0066] [ Fig.26 ]

[0067] Fig.26 is a sequence diagram showing a process including determining a substitute application according to an embodiment.

[0068] [ Fig.27A ]

[0069] Fig.27A is a flow chart showing details of determining a replacement application according to an embodiment.

[0070] [ Fig.27B ]

[0071] Fig.27B is a flowchart showing details of determining a recommended application according to an embodiment.

[0072] [ Fig.28 ]

[0073] Fig.28 is a flowchart showing details of determining a recommended application according to an embodiment.

[0074] [ Fig.29 ]

[0075] Fig.29 is a sequence diagram showing a process of selecting an alternative application and determining whether setting information is migratable according to an embodiment.

[0076] [ Fig.30 ]

[0077] Fig.30 is an example of a display screen displayed on a user device for selecting an alternative (recommended) application.

[0078] [ Fig.31 ]

[0079] Fig.31 This is an example of a display screen for link information notification displayed on a user device.

[0080] [ Fig.32 ]

[0081] Fig.32 is an example of a display screen displayed on a communication terminal to replace an application notification.

[0082] [ Fig.33 ]

[0083] Fig.33 is a flowchart representing a process of determining whether setting information is migratable according to an embodiment.

[0084] [ Fig.34 ]

[0085] Fig.34 is an example of a display screen displayed on a communication terminal for notifying an application of a determination result.

[0086] [ Fig.35 ]

[0087] Fig.35 is another example of a display screen displayed on a communication terminal for notifying an application of a determination result.

[0088] [ Fig.36 ]

[0089] Fig.36 is another example of a display screen displayed on a communication terminal for notifying an application of a determination result.

[0090] [ Fig.37 ]

[0091] Fig.37 is a sequence diagram showing a process using another type of user device according to an embodiment.

[0092] The accompanying drawings are intended to describe embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope thereof. Unless explicitly noted, the accompanying drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Moreover, throughout the several views, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] In describing the embodiments shown in the drawings, specific terms are used for clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terms selected, and it should be understood that each specific component includes all technical equivalents having similar functions, operating in a similar manner and achieving similar results.

[0094] Hereinafter, the mode for implementing the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0095] Customer profile information management

[0096] First, management of customer history information in this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing customer history information management. Figure 1As shown, the information management device 3 manages the user devices (user devices A) and users (user A) belonging to the customer according to each customer identification information (also called customer ID). The information management device 3 collects log information from each user device, and associates the log information with the customer ID to which the user device belongs, thereby managing the log information as usage history information. Then, the information management device 3 determines the items to be introduced (introduction items) based on the usage history information, and recommends the introduction of the determined items to the customer. For example, the information management device 3 sends recommendation information indicating the recommended product to be imported (installed) to the desired destination as a recommendation notification, so that the management user (device manager) who manages the user device 5 can confirm the recommendation information. Then, the information management device 3 checks whether the recommended product has been installed based on the recommendation information. Then, the information management device 3 manages the customer ID and the installation item in correspondence.

[0097] Overall configuration of information processing system

[0098] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the information processing system 1 includes an information management device 3, a communication terminal 4, user devices 5A, 5B (collectively referred to as user devices 5), and an application publishing server 7. In the information processing system 1, the information management device 3 and the user device 5 are components of the information management system 2. In the information processing system 1, the information management device 3, the communication terminal 4, the user device 5, and the application publishing server 7 are connected via a communication network 100. When the information management device 3 communicates with each of the communication terminal 4 and the user device 5 via the communication network 100, the communication can be performed via a firewall within the communication network 100.

[0099] The communication network 100 is a communication network for performing an unspecified number of communications, such as implemented by the Internet, an intranet, or a local area network (LAN). The communication network 100 may be a wired communication network or a wireless communication network conforming to, for example, the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), or the Long Term Evolution (LTE).

[0100] Information management device

[0101] The information management device 3 included in the information processing system 1 is an information processing device (computer system) that manages information related to applications used by the user device 5. The information management device 3 is implemented by one or more information processing devices (computer systems) installed with a general server operating system (OS) or the like, and manages history information related to the items to be introduced, including recommended applications (hereinafter referred to as "applications"). The history information is, for example, usage history information that represents the usage history when using the functions of the user device 5. The information management device 3 makes the recommendation decision described later based on the history information. The information management device 3 may have the function of managing the installation of applications. The information management device 3 has a communication application stored in a storage unit for performing communications with other devices and communication terminals. The information management device 3 may also cooperate with other management servers that manage usage history to manage the usage history of the items to be introduced. That is, the information management device 3 may also manage the history information (log information) as the usage history and the information used to recommend the introduction of goods separately.

[0102] The information management device 3 may be a commonly used personal computer (PC) or a portable laptop computer; or a communication terminal with a communication function, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a tablet terminal. Alternatively, the information management device 3 may also be a communication device or a communication terminal on which software such as a browser software runs. In addition, the information management device 3 may also be implemented by multiple computers.

[0103] The information management device 3 may also transmit data (information) as a notification to the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5 described later by transmitting a notification (sending). Examples of notifications include notifications of application determination results as a result of recommendation determination. In this case, the information management device 3 can, for example, use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), which is an example of a transmission notification server, to perform notification (sending) of information by transmitting a notification.

[0104] Communication Terminal

[0105] The communication terminal 4 is used by a user who uses or manages a user device 5 described later. The communication terminal 4 is implemented by an information processing device (computer system) for communication installed with a general-purpose operating system (OS). The communication terminal 4 receives and displays a notification of an application determination result sent from the information management device 3. The communication terminal 4 has a communication application stored in a storage unit for communicating with other devices and applications that provide commonly used external services and other communication terminals 4.

[0106] The communication terminal 4 may be a commonly used PC or a portable laptop computer; or a communication terminal with a communication function, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal (e.g., a sun lamp type or a watch type). Alternatively, the communication terminal 4 may be a communication device or a communication terminal on which software such as browser software and various application software are run.

[0107] User Device

[0108] The user device 5 is managed by the information management device 3 in association with the customer ID. The user device 5 is implemented, for example, by an information processing device (computer system) for performing communications installed with a general OS or the like, and is a device (equipment) that provides historical information about items to be introduced (e.g., recommended applications). When the function of the user device 5 is used, the user device 5 stores log information as an example of the usage history, and uploads the log information to the information management device 3. In addition, the user device 5 receives and displays a notification of the application determination result sent from the information management device 3. In addition, the user device 5 introduces (installs) and uses an alternative (recommended) item (e.g., application). As Figure 1 As shown, user device 5A is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) as an example of an image forming device. User device 5B is a projector that projects desired images, videos, etc. onto a screen. In this embodiment, user devices 5A and 5B are referred to as "user devices 5" unless otherwise specified. In addition, examples of user device 5 include scanners, fax machines, electronic whiteboards, PCs, smart phones, and interactive voice control devices (smart speakers or artificial intelligence (AI) speakers). In addition, user device 5 has a communication application stored in a storage unit for communicating with other devices and applications that provide commonly used external services, as well as other devices and communication terminals via communication network 100.

[0109] The user device 5 may be implemented by a single computer, such as a commonly used desktop PC or a portable laptop computer.

[0110] Application Distribution Server

[0111] The application distribution server 7 is an information processing device (computer system) that provides applications, services, etc. to the user device 5 or the user. The application distribution server 7 is implemented by one or more information processing devices (computer systems), for example, a general server operating system (OS) is installed. In addition, the application distribution server 7 stores and manages various applications distributed or introduced to the user device 5 in a specified storage area. The application distribution server 7 can also perform authentication on the specified processing request from the user device 5 and perform specified processing. As the specified processing, for example, the application distribution server 7 provides application data or application functions to the user device 5, or provides services to the user device 5 or the user. In addition, the application distribution server 7 has a communication application stored in a storage unit for performing communications with other devices and communication terminals.

[0112] The application distribution server 7 may be implemented by a single computer (a commonly used PC or portable laptop). Alternatively, elements such as a storage device (function or unit) of the application distribution server 7 may be freely distributed to multiple computers. All or part of the functions of the application distribution server 7 may be implemented by a server computer on a cloud network or a server computer on a network within a building. Alternatively, the application distribution server 7 may be a communication device or a communication terminal on which software such as a browser software runs.

[0113] According to the above system configuration, in the present embodiment, the information management system 2 provides the user with the import effect obtained by introducing the recommended product, so that the user can easily understand the import effect of the introduction.

[0114] Technical terms

[0115] In the present embodiment, "migration" refers to the introduction of a second user device to replace the first user device. Hereinafter, the processing related to migration is sometimes referred to as migration processing. The migration processing includes processing for making the application used in the first user device, the setting information of the function, etc. available in the second user device. For example, with respect to the application used in the first user device, the migration processing includes introducing the application into the second user device, assigning the license of the application to the second user device, and setting the setting information used in the first user device in the second user device. The application, license and setting information used in the first user device and other information to be subjected to the migration processing can be referred to as migration information. The first user device is an example of a user device (referred to as an old device) used before the license of the prescribed application (the item to be migrated) etc. is migrated from it. The first user device is a user device among the user devices owned by the customer as a migration source from which the item is migrated (transferred) in the migration processing, and is a user device selected by the user to be described later. The second user device is a user device (referred to as a new device) to which the item (e.g., the prescribed application) is migrated. The second user device is a user device as a migration destination to which the item is migrated in the migration processing, and is, for example, a user device that requests the information management device 3 to perform the migration processing.

[0116] In the present embodiment, "recommendation" refers to an introduction that recommends a product to a customer. Examples of "recommendation" include an introduction that "recommends" an item such as an application program (hereinafter referred to as an application) to the user device 5 or the like.

[0117] In this embodiment, the "item to be introduced" may be referred to as an "introduction target" or an "installation target". As an example, the "item to be introduced" includes an application installed on the user device 5, and the behavior or information related to the "introduction" includes the user's contract behavior or contract content related to the contract of the user device 5, the purchase steps at the time of purchase, and the survey.

[0118] In the present embodiment, "introduction (import)" means that the introduced item can be used. As an example, in the case of software such as an application, "introduction" includes using the software in the user device 5 or the communication terminal 4, etc. by installation, etc., or purchasing a license, or setting the application function provided from an external server such as the application distribution server 7. In addition, in the case of hardware or items such as user devices, peripherals, or equipment, "introduction" includes installing the hardware or making the hardware available, as well as purchasing the hardware. In the case of services, "introduction" includes signing a contract and applying for services.

[0119] In the present embodiment, "user" is managed by the information management device 3 in association with the customer ID. "User" refers to, for example, a person who uses a communication terminal to view and operate various notifications sent from the information management device 3. "User" also refers to a person who operates the user device 5 to use a prescribed function, or a person who performs a transaction or process such as a purchase or contract via a communication terminal. "User" includes general users and administrative users. In this specification, a general user is a person who uses the user device 5. An administrative user is a person who manages or has the user device 5. For example, an administrative user can import an item to the user device 5 based on a notification of an application determination result. Users include not only individuals, but also organizations (e.g., companies), organizational departments, groups, teams, and groups.

[0120] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a "customer" is a person who has signed a contract (subscription) with a service provider to use the services provided by the information processing system 1. Customers are managed by the information management device 3 using a customer ID. "Customer" refers to a subject to which, for example, a user and a user device belong, or an account associated with a subject. "Customer" also refers to, for example, an organization (e.g., a company), an organizational department, a group, a team, and a group. However, a customer may refer to an individual such as a user. In addition, a user or a user device 5 belonging to a customer may be referred to as a customer. One or more tenants may be associated with a customer. A "tenant" includes a subject to which a user and a user device belong, or an account associated with the subject. A "customer" may be referred to as a tenant.

[0121] In the present embodiment, “service” is a function provided by the information processing system 1. For example, “service” includes providing application data or application functions and recommending items to be introduced.

[0122] Hardware Configuration

[0123] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 , a description is given of the hardware configuration of the apparatus, terminal, and communication terminal included in the information processing system according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The hardware configuration represented in adds or deletes devices, terminals, and certain hardware elements of the device.

[0124] Hardware configuration of information management device and application distribution server

[0125] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the common hardware structure of the information management device 3 and the application distribution server 7. Figure 3As shown, the information management apparatus 3 is implemented by a computer, for example, and includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301, a read-only memory (ROM) 302, a random access memory (RAM) 303, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) 304, a hard disk (HD) 305, a hard disk drive (HDD) controller 306, a display 307, a short-distance communication interface (I / F) 308, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor 309, and an image sensor I / F 310. The information management apparatus 3 also includes a network I / F 311, a keyboard 312, a pointing device 313, a medium I / F 315, an external device I / F 316, a sound input / output I / F 317, a microphone 318, a speaker 319, and a bus 320.

[0126] The CPU 301 controls the overall action of the information management apparatus 3. The ROM 302 stores a control program for driving the CPU 301. The RAM 303 is used as a work area of ​​the CPU 301. The EEPROM 304 reads or writes various data such as applications under the control of the CPU 301. The HD 305 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 306 controls the HDD having the HD 305 under the control of the CPU 301 to read various data from the HD 305 and write various data to the HD 110. The information management apparatus 3 may include a solid state drive (SSD) instead of the HD 305 and the HDD controller 306. The display 307 displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, a character, or an image. The display 307 is used as a display or a display device according to the present embodiment. The short-distance communication I / F 308 is a communication circuit for performing data communication with a communication device or a communication terminal including a wireless communication interface conforming to near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, or wireless fidelity (WI-FI). The CMOS sensor 309 is an example of a built-in imaging device that obtains image data or video data by capturing a subject under the control of the CPU 301. As an alternative to the CMOS sensor, the imaging device may be a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor, etc. The image sensor I / F 310 is a circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 309.

[0127] The network I / F 311 is an interface for data communication via the communication network 100. The keyboard 312 is an input device provided with a plurality of keys for a user to input characters, numbers or various instructions. Instead of the keyboard 312 or in addition to the keyboard 131, the input device may be implemented by a touch panel for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 313 is an input device for selecting or executing various instructions, selecting a target for processing, or moving a cursor. The medium I / F 315 reads data from or writes (stores) data to a recording medium 314 such as a flash memory. The external device I / F 316 is an interface for connecting to various external devices. In this case, the external device is, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) memory. The sound input / output I / F 317 is a circuit for controlling the input and output of sound signals between the microphone 318 and the speaker 319 under the control of the CPU 301. The microphone 318 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone 318 acquires sound and sound waves emitted from an external speaker, etc., and acquires information using the electrical signal. The speaker 319 is a built-in circuit that converts an electrical signal into physical vibration to produce sound such as music or speech (voice). The bus 320 is an address bus or a data bus for electrically connecting each part such as the CPU 301.

[0128] The application distribution server 7 is implemented by a computer, for example, and includes a CPU 701, a ROM 702, a RAM 703, an EEPROM 704, an HD 705, an HDD controller 706, a display 707, a short-distance communication I / F 708, a CMOS sensor 709, and an image sensor I / F 710. These hardware resources are the same as the hardware resources of the information management device 3, that is, the CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the EEPROM 304, the HD 305, the HDD controller 306, the display 307, the short-distance communication I / F 308, the CMOS sensor 309, and the image sensor I / F 310, and redundant description is omitted. The application distribution server 7 also includes a network I / F 711, a keyboard 712, a pointing device 713, a medium I / F 715, an external device I / F 716, a sound input / output I / F 717, a microphone 718, a speaker 719, and a bus 720. These hardware resources are the same as those of the information management apparatus 3, i.e., the network I / F 311, the keyboard 312, the pointing device 313, the medium I / F 315, the external device I / F 316, the sound input / output I / F 317, the microphone 318, the speaker 319, and the bus 320, and redundant description is omitted. The application distribution server 7 may use a commonly used external server connected via the communication network 100. In this case, the hardware resources may conform to the hardware specifications of the external server.

[0129] Hardware configuration of communication terminal

[0130] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a communication terminal according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the communication terminal 4 is implemented by a computer, for example, and includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, an EEPROM 404, a display 407, a short-distance communication I / F 408, a CMOS sensor 409, and an image sensor I / F 410. The communication terminal 4 also includes a network I / F 411, a touch panel 412, an indication device 413, a medium I / F 415, an external device I / F 416, a sound input / output I / F 417, a microphone 418, a speaker 419, and a bus 420.

[0131] The CPU 401 controls the overall action of the communication terminal 4. The ROM 402 stores a program for driving the CPU 401. The RAM 403 is used as a working area of ​​the CPU 401. The EEPROM 404 reads or writes various data such as applications under the control of the CPU 401. The display 407 displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, a character, or an image. The display 407 is used as a display or a display device according to the present embodiment. The short-range communication I / F 408 is a communication circuit for performing data communication with a communication device or a communication terminal including a wireless communication interface compliant with NFC, Bluetooth, or WI-FI. The CMOS sensor 409 is an example of a built-in imaging device that obtains image data or video data by capturing a subject under the control of the CPU 401. As an alternative to the CMOS sensor, the imaging device may be a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or the like. The image sensor I / F 410 is a circuit that controls the drive of the CMOS sensor 409.

[0132] The network I / F 411 is an interface for performing data communication via the communication network 100. The touch panel 412 is an example of an input device that allows a user to press, click or tap a button or icon on the screen of the display 407 to operate the communication terminal 4. Instead of the touch panel 412 or in addition to the touch panel 110, the input device can be implemented by a keyboard for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 413 is an input device for selecting or executing various instructions, selecting a target for processing, or moving a cursor. The medium I / F 415 reads data from or writes (stores) data to a recording medium 414 such as a flash memory. The external device I / F 416 is an interface for connecting to various external devices. Examples of external devices include, but are not limited to, USB memories. The sound input / output I / F 417 is a circuit that processes sound signals input and output between a microphone 418 and a speaker 419 under the control of the CPU 401. The microphone 418 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone 318 acquires sound and sound waves emitted from an external speaker or the like, and acquires information using an electrical signal. The speaker 419 is a built-in circuit that converts an electrical signal into physical vibration to produce a sound such as music or speech (voice). Examples of the bus 420 include an address bus and a data bus, which electrically connect components including the CPU 402 to each other.

[0133] Hardware configuration of user device

[0134] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a user device. Figure 5 As shown, the user device 5 is, for example, the above-mentioned MFP. In this case, the user device 5 includes hardware resources such as a controller 510, a short-distance communication circuit 520, an engine controller 530, a control panel 540, and a network I / F 550.

[0135] The controller 510 includes a CPU 501 as main components of a computer, a system memory 502, a north bridge (NB) 503, a south bridge (SB) 504, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 505, a local memory 506 as a storage unit, an HDD controller 507, and an HD 508 as another storage unit. The NB 503 and the ASIC 505 are connected through an accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus 521.

[0136] The CPU 501 controls the overall action of the user device 5. The NB 503 connects the CPU 501 with the system memory 502, the SB 504, and the AGP bus 521. The NB 503 includes a memory controller for controlling reading or writing of various data with respect to the system memory 502, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) master, and an AGP target.

[0137] The system memory 502 includes a ROM 502a storing programs and data for realizing various functions of the controller 510. The system memory 502 also includes a RAM 502b for loading programs and data, or loading drawing data for printing. The program stored in the RAM 502b may be provided as a file in an installable or executable format, stored on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a compact disk-rewritable memory (CD-R), or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0138] SB 504 is a bridge that connects NB 503 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. ASIC 505 is an integrated circuit (IC) dedicated to image processing, and includes hardware components for image processing. ASIC 505 is a bridge that connects AGP bus 521, PCI bus 522, HDD controller 507, and local memory 506 to each other. ASIC 505 includes a PCI target, an AGP master controller, an arbitrator, a memory controller that controls local memory 506, a plurality of direct memory access controllers (DMACs), and a PCI unit. The arbitrator arbitrates the driving timing of each signal according to a priority order specified in ASIC 505. DMAC transforms the coordinates of image data by hardware logic, for example, to rotate the image data. The PCI unit transfers data between the scanner unit 531 and the printer unit 532 via the PCI bus 522. ASIC 505 can be connected to a USB interface, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394 (IEEE 1394) interface, or both.

[0139] The local memory 506 is a memory used as a buffer (storage area) for storing copied images and codes. The HD 508 is a storage device (memory) for storing image data, font data used in printing, and format data. The HDD controller 507 controls the HDD having the HD 508 under the control of the CPU 501 to read data or write data to the HD 509. The AGP bus 521 is a bus interface of a graphics accelerator card proposed to accelerate graphics processing. By directly accessing the system memory 502 at a high throughput, the speed of the graphics accelerator card is increased.

[0140] The short-distance communication circuit 520 includes a short-distance communication antenna 520a. The short-distance communication circuit 520 is a communication circuit based on NFC, Bluetooth or the like.

[0141] The engine controller 530 includes a scanner unit 531, a printer unit 532, and a fax unit 533. The control panel 540 includes a panel display 540a and a keyboard 540b. The panel display 540a is, for example, a touch panel that displays a current setting or selection screen and receives user input. The keyboard 540b includes, for example, a numeric keypad and a start key. The numeric keypad receives parameter values ​​for image formation, such as image density. The start key receives an instruction to start copying. The panel display 540a serves as a display or display device according to the present embodiment. The controller 510 controls the overall action of the user device 5. For example, the controller 510 controls drawing, communication, and user input from the control panel 540. The scanner unit 531 and the printer unit 532 have image processing capabilities such as error diffusion and gamma (γ) conversion. The fax unit 533 includes an analog I / F and a modem for performing fax communication with an external device, a speaker, etc. having a fax communication function via an analog line (public line).

[0142] In response to an instruction to select a specific application using the application switching key on the control panel 540, the user device 5 sequentially selects the document server, copy, print, and fax sending functions. When the document server function is selected, the document server mode is set, when the copy function is selected, the copy mode is set, when the printer function is selected, the printer mode is set, and when the fax mode is selected, the fax mode is set.

[0143] The network I / F 550 is an interface for performing data communication through the communication network 100. The short-distance communication circuit 520 and the network I / F 550 are electrically connected to the ASIC 505 via the PCI bus 522.

[0144] Alternatively, the user device 5 may be a computer and have Figure 2 The hardware resources shown.

[0145] The program can be published as a document in an installable or executable format stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or downloaded via a network. Examples of recording media include CD-R, DVD, BLU-RAY disk, SD card, and USB memory. In addition, the recording medium can be provided to domestic users or foreign users as a program product. For example, the information management device 3 executes the program according to the present disclosure to implement the information management method according to the present disclosure.

[0146] Functional configuration of information processing system

[0147] Reference Figures 3 to 16 , describing the functional configuration according to the present embodiment. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 1 . Figure 6 It indicated Figure 2Elements of the illustrated apparatus, device, and communication terminal that are related to the processing or operation to be described below.

[0148] Functional configuration of information management device

[0149] Next, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 , the functional configuration of the information management device 3 of this embodiment is described. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the information management device 3 includes a sending / receiving unit 31, a calculating unit 32, an extracting / obtaining unit 33, a display control unit 34, a judging unit 35, a searching / recognizing unit 36, a generating unit 37, a setting registering unit 38, and a storing / reading unit 39. Each functional unit of the information management device 3 is controlled by Figure 3 The information management device 3 is implemented by one or more of the hardware resources shown in the figure, and the hardware resources act according to the program of the information management device 3 loaded from at least one of ROM 302, EEPROM 304, and HD 305 into RAM 303 and according to the instructions from CPU 301. The information management device 3 also includes Figure 3 The storage unit 3000 is implemented by at least one of the ROM 302, EEPROM 304, and HD 305 shown. The storage unit 3000 stores, for example, a communication program (communication application) for communicating with a device or terminal via the communication network 100, a browser application, an introduction product management application for sending effects such as introductions of recommended products to the communication terminal 4 and the user device 5, and the like.

[0150] Functional configuration of information management device

[0151] Next, each functional configuration of the information management device 3 will be described in detail. Figure 6 The sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 shown in the figure mainly receives the information via the CPU 301. Figure 3 The sending / receiving unit 31 sends various data (or information) to the terminal and the device via the communication network 100, and receives various data (or information) from the terminal and the device. In addition, when the existing user device 5 (first user device 5) is replaced by another user device 5 (second user device 5), the sending / receiving unit 31 sends the second user device 5 based on the information including the usage history of the first user device 5 as the result of the (specific application) retrieval of the recommended object. The first user device 5 is the migration source (old device), and the second user device 5 is the migration destination (new device). In the present embodiment, the sending / receiving unit 31 functions as an example of at least one of the sending unit and the receiving unit.

[0152] The calculation unit 32 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 , and executes various calculations and calculations of various values ​​in the information management device 3 .

[0153] The extraction / acquisition unit 33 is mainly implemented by processing executed by the CPU 301. The extraction / acquisition unit 33 acquires migration information related to the first application used in the first user device (old device). In addition, the extraction / acquisition unit 33 acquires migration information including type information and setting information of the first application, wherein the selection of the first application is received by the second user device. The user device selects an item (e.g., an application) that receives an input of the selection of the item. Therefore, the expression "the selected item has been accepted" is simply referred to as "the item selected on the user device" or the like below. The migration information at this time includes the type information and setting information of the application as functional information. In the present embodiment, the extraction / acquisition unit 33 functions as an example of at least one of the extraction unit and the acquisition unit.

[0154] The display control unit 34 is mainly implemented by the processing of the display 307 by the CPU 301, and controls to display various screens and information (data) on at least one of the communication terminal 4 and the user device 5. For example, the display control unit 34 displays a display screen generated in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like on at least one of the display 407 of the communication terminal 4 and the panel display 540a of the user device 5 via a browser.

[0155] The determination unit 35 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 , and performs various determinations in the information management device 3 .

[0156] The retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 301. The retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​determines the second application based on the acquired migration information, the function information related to the function of the first user device, and the function information related to the function of the second user device. The function implemented by the first user device is called the "first function", and the function implemented by the second user device is called the "second function". The first function and the second function are, for example, hardware included in the user device and functions provided by the hardware. Hereinafter, information related to the first function may be referred to as first function information, and information related to the second function may be referred to as second function information. The second application is an example of an alternative application.

[0157] The second application is an application installed in the second user device, for example, an application different from the first application, and is installed to replace the first application. However, some or all of the functions of the second application may be the same or equivalent to the functions of the first application. In addition, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​determines the functions of the non-migratable application that cannot be migrated from the first user device 5 (old device) to the second user device 5 (new device). Specifically, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​refers to the application function correspondence management database (DB) 3005 to determine the functions of the non-migratable application, wherein the application function correspondence management database (DB) 3005 stores the application name and the application function (application function) in association with each other. In addition, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​refers to the device information management DB 3002 that stores the first user device identification information for identifying the first user device and the function implemented by the first user device in correspondence, and determines the function that the second user device 5 (new device) does not have among the functions judged in the above judgment process. In addition, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​refers to the application function correspondence management DB 3005 and determines the application corresponding to the function judged not to be included in the new device as the second application (replacement application). The search / identification unit 36 ​​performs user authentication processing based on the user authentication request transmitted from the communication terminal 8. The search / identification unit 36 ​​also performs login processing based on the login request transmitted from the user device 5. In the present embodiment, the search / identification unit 36 ​​functions as an example of an identification unit.

[0158] The generation unit 37 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 301. After performing the recommendation judgment, the generation unit 37 generates screen information for displaying an application determination result notification screen for recommending items to be introduced to the customer. In the present embodiment, the generation unit 37 functions as an example of a generation unit.

[0159] The login unit 38 is mainly implemented by the processing performed by the CPU 301. The login unit 38 performs user authentication processing using user identification information (e.g., user identifier, hereinafter also referred to as "user ID") and a password sent from the communication terminal 4. The login unit 38 manages the user device 5 associated with the customer ID that identifies the customer, the user associated with the customer ID, and the import item identification information that identifies the item imported in association with the customer ID. In addition, the login unit 38 logs the permission information assigned to the first application used in the first user device in association with a specific application that is recommended for performing the second function (function of the second device) or used as a substitute for the first function (function of the first device). When the first application can be migrated to the second user device, the login unit 38 deletes the permission information assigned to the first application and logs the permission information in association with the specific application. In addition, the login unit 38 logs the permission information in association with the specific application selected on the second user device. The above-mentioned DB (data table) used in the above-mentioned management will be described later. In the present embodiment, the login unit 38 is set to function as an example of a login unit.

[0160] The storage / reading unit 39 is mainly realized by processing performed by the CPU 301 on at least one of the ROM 302, the EEPROM 304, and the HD 305. The storage / reading unit 39 stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 3000 or reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 3000.

[0161] User Information Management Table

[0162] Figure 7 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a user information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration of the data table according to the embodiment is not limited thereto. The storage unit 3000 of the information management device 3 is, for example, Figure 7The form of the user information management table shown has a user information management DB 3001. The user information management table includes a label for classifying user IDs according to customers represented by at least one of a customer ID and a customer name. For each user ID, items of tenant ID, user ID, user name, password, email address, and authority information are stored in association with each other. The tenant ID is an example of tenant identification information. The customer ID and customer name are identification information assigned to customers using the user device 5 in the information management system 2. For example, customers X and Y are assigned customer IDs "C0001" and "C0002", respectively. The tenant ID is information for identifying a tenant (such as a company to which a user belongs), and the content is, for example, "T0001" or "T0002". The user ID is information for identifying a user included in a customer (belonging to a customer), for example, "U0001" or "U0002". The user name is the name of a user having a user ID. The password is identification information associated with the user ID used to log in to the information processing system 1 including the information management system 2. The user enters the password at the time of initial activation (at the time of login), etc. An e-mail address is an address given to a user for using e-mail. Authority information is information indicating authority granted to a user using the user device 5, such as being granted an "administrative user" or a "general user". For example, information indicating that a role is an administrative user or has administrative authority is stored in association with a user ID corresponding to the administrative user who manages the user device 5. On the other hand, information indicating that a role is a general user or does not have administrative authority is stored in association with a user ID corresponding to a general user who utilizes the user device 5. The user information management DB 3001 also stores information indicating whether the information management device 3 is to send a notification of an application determination result to each user ID. For example, information indicating that a notification of an application determination result is to be sent is stored in association with the user ID of the administrative user. In the present embodiment, the user information management table (user information management DB 3001) is an example of a user information management unit.

[0163] Device Information Management Table

[0164] Figure 8 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a device information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration of the data table according to the embodiment is not limited thereto. The storage unit 3000 of the information management device 3 is, for example, Figure 8The form of the device information management table shown has a device information management DB 3002. The device information management table includes a label for classifying tenant IDs according to customers represented by at least one of a customer ID and a customer name. For each tenant ID, items of device ID (terminal ID), device type, function, and address information are stored in association with each other. The device ID is an example of device identification information for identifying a customer and a user device 5 (old device before migration) included in (belonging to) a tenant, such as "D0001" or "D0002". Figure 8 In the device information management table shown, in addition to the information on the user device 5, information on the communication terminal 4 is managed in the item of the device ID.

[0165] This information is used, for example, when the information management device 3 notifies the communication terminal 4 of the recommended merchandise to be introduced. For example, when the information management device 3 notifies the communication terminal 4 of the recommended information related to the recommended (alternative) application as the item to be introduced, the information management device 3 determines the communication terminal 4 based on the device ID based on the customer ID as the notification target (notification destination), and sends the notification to the destination indicated by the address information. Alternatively, the user can be determined from the user ID based on the customer ID, and the notification can be sent to an email address. The device type is the type of the user device 5. The device type includes, but is not limited to, "MFP", "scanner", "fax machine", "electronic whiteboard", "projector", "PC", "smart phone" and "interactive voice control device (smart speaker)". The function represents each function possessed by the device indicated by the device type. The address information is information used to determine the user device 5 within the information processing system 1, such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address.

[0166] In the device information management DB 3002, information indicating whether the information management device 3 sends an application determination result notification can be stored for each device ID. For example, in the device ID corresponding to the user device 5 and the communication terminal 4 managed by the management user, information indicating that the application specific result notification is sent is stored in association.

[0167] The device information management table is used for the following purposes. For example, when receiving log information from a device that is not managed by the first history information management table described later (for example, a device that was recently installed by a customer and has not collected log information in the past), the device information management table is used to determine which customer ID to associate and store based on the device management information. Or the device information management table is used when the information management device 3 determines which device to request log information from. In this case, the information management device 3 uses the address information when inquiring the user device 5. In addition, in the present embodiment, the device information management table (device information management DB3002) functions as an example of a device information management unit.

[0168] The functions stored in the device information management table are examples of the first function and the second function. The information stored in the device information management table is an example of the first function information and the second function information.

[0169] License Information Management Table

[0170] Fig. 9 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a license information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration of the data table according to the embodiment is not limited thereto. The storage unit 3000 of the information management device 3 includes, for example, Fig. 9 The license information management DB 3003 in the form of a license information management table is shown. The license information management table includes a label for classifying tenant IDs according to customers represented by at least one of a customer ID and a customer name. For each tenant ID, items of application name, device ID, and validity information are stored in association with each other. The application name is the name of the application to be imported, and the content is, for example, "copy application" or "scanner application", and may be an application ID, etc. The device ID is information for identifying a device to which a license identified by the application name is assigned. For example, when a license is assigned to multiple devices, multiple device IDs may be included. The validity information indicates whether the application (or its license) is valid, such as "valid" or "expired". In the present embodiment, the license information management table (license information management DB 3003) is used as an example of a license information management unit.

[0171] The license information management DB 3003 may include information indicating the number of licenses that can be allocated for each license and the form of the license.

[0172] Migration information management table

[0173] Fig.10 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a migration information management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration of the data table according to the embodiment is not limited thereto. The storage unit 3000 of the information management device 3 includes, for example, Fig.10. The migration information management table includes a tag for classifying device IDs according to customers represented by at least one of a customer ID and a customer name. For each device ID, items of device type, device name, migration information 1 (application), migration information 2 (setting information), and migration information 3 (... information) are stored in association with each other. Migration information 1 (application) indicates the name of the application, and is used to identify one or more applications or contracts installed in the device specified by the device ID. Migration information 1 (application) is information for identifying an application installed in the device or an application whose permission is assigned to the device. For example, the content is "copy application", "scan application", or "order application". Migration information 2 (setting information) is information related to various settings set in the device identified by the device ID and settings related to applications used in the device. Migration information 2 includes information about one or more settings set in a user device 5 such as an MFP. The content (setting information) of migration information 2 is, for example, "energy saving migration time" or "maximum number of processes". In the present embodiment, the migration information management table (migration information management DB 3004) is an example of a migration information management unit.

[0174] Application-function correspondence management table

[0175] Fig.11 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an application-function correspondence management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration of the data table according to the embodiment is not limited thereto. The storage unit 3000 of the information management device 3 is, for example, Fig.11 The form of the application-function correspondence management table shown has an application-function correspondence management DB 3005. In the application-function correspondence management table, items of application names and their functions are stored in association with each other. The item "function" is information indicating the function of the application identified by the application name. In the present embodiment, the application-function correspondence management table (application-function correspondence management DB 3005) functions as an example of an application-function correspondence management unit. In the application-function correspondence management DB 3005, for example, when an application is released, an application developer or the like can register or edit information such as the application name and function.

[0176] Alternative Application Management Table

[0177] Fig.12 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an alternative application management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration of the data table according to the embodiment is not limited thereto. The storage unit 3000 of the information management device 3 is, for example, Fig.12The alternative application management table shown has the alternative application management DB 3006. In the alternative application management table, for each application name, the function of the application and the application installable object (installation destination) are stored in association with each other.

[0178] The installation target is a device where the replacement application is installed. When the installation target is, for example, a smartphone other than a device such as an MFP, notification of the application may suffice. In this embodiment, the replacement application management table (replacement application management DB 3006) functions as an example of a replacement application management unit.

[0179] Recommendation Condition Management Table

[0180] Fig.13 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a recommendation condition management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration of the data table according to the embodiment is not limited thereto. The storage unit 3000 of the information management device 3 is, for example, Fig.13 The form of the recommendation condition management table shown has a recommendation condition management DB 3007. In the recommendation condition management table, at least one utilization item name (usage history) and at least one recommendation condition are included for each recommendation condition ID. The recommendation condition ID is identification information for identifying the recommendation condition for introducing the recommendation item such as an application, for example, "RC0001" or "RC0002". The utilization item name (usage history) indicates the name of the item used in the user device 5, and the content is, for example, "business card copy" or "subpoena scanning". Recommendation condition 1 is a condition for recommending the above-mentioned recommendation object, and a threshold is given to each item given as the utilization item name. For example, in the case where the utilization item name is "business card copy" and the recommendation condition is "paper for period α≥700", if the number of times the business card copy function is used during period α is more than 700 times, it is determined that recommendation condition 1 is satisfied. Recommendation condition 2 is a condition for recommending the above-mentioned recommendation object, and is determined in combination with recommendation condition 1. For example, in the case where the recommendation condition ID is "RC0401", information such as "new function added = cloud link" is given. This indicates that the newly added function is a cloud link function. In this specification, the term "newly added function" refers to a function possessed by the second user device, which is a function not possessed by the first user device designated as the migration source of the second user device. In addition, when the recommendation condition ID is "RC0403", the recommendation condition 2 is given as information such as "setting information = NFC communication function: ON". This means that the NFC communication function is set to ON in the settings of the first user device. Here, the so-called setting information represents the setting information set in the first user device designated as the migration source of the second user device. When both recommendation condition 1 and recommendation condition 2 are met, it can be judged that the recommendation condition identified by the recommendation condition ID is met.

[0181] In the present embodiment, the recommendation condition management table (recommendation condition management DB 3007 ) is used as an example of the recommendation condition management unit.

[0182] Introduction to project (import object) management table

[0183] Fig.14 2 is a diagram showing an example of an introduction project management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration of the data table according to the embodiment is not limited to this. The storage unit 3000 of the information management device 3 is, for example, Fig.14 The format of the introduction item management table shown has an introduction item management DB 3008. In the introduction item management table, for each recommendation condition ID, the items of introduction item ID, introduction item, and introduction item storage location (purchase source) are stored in association with each other. The introduction item ID is identification information for identifying an introduction item such as an application, and the content is, for example, "RS0001" or "RD0002". The introduction item represents the name of the application recommended for the user device 5, such as "business card management application" or "bill management application". The introduction item storage location (purchase source) represents the location where the item to be introduced is stored, and the content is, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL) or a company name. In the present embodiment, the introduction item management table (introduction item management DB 3008) functions as an example of an introduction item management unit.

[0184] Use the resume management table

[0185] Fig.15 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a usage history management table. The structure of the data table described below is an example, and the structure of the data table according to the embodiment is not limited thereto. The storage unit 3000 of the information management device 3 includes the following: Fig.15 The usage history management DB in the form of the usage history management table shown

[0186] 3009. The usage history management table includes a tag for classifying device IDs according to customers represented by at least one of a customer ID and a customer name. For each device ID, the device type, usage history (item 1), usage date / time, and usage count (usage amount) are stored in association with each other. The usage history (item 1) is an example of first history information indicating a usage history related to a function of the user device 5. The content of the usage history (item 1) is, for example, "business card copying", "subpoena scanning and copying", "retrieval", or "watching dynamic images". The usage date / time indicates the date and time (i.e., the date and time of executing a function of an application, etc.) or a specified period of time when the usage history is accumulated. The usage count (usage amount) indicates the number of times a function or application specified by the usage history (item 1) is used at the time specified by the usage date / time or within a specified period of time. The usage count (usage amount) may be the number of times a function or application is executed with a specified process, or the number of times an execution request is received. Alternatively, the usage count (usage amount) may be the number of processed media, documents, or data or their capacity. Furthermore, the information management device 3 can freely set the timing of acquiring the usage history information (number of times of use or amount of use) related to the usage history from the user device 5. The timing of acquisition can be, for example, every day, every three days, or every ten days. Therefore, for example, when the information management device 3 acquires the prescribed usage history information (number of times of use or amount of use) every 10 days, the usage history information (total number of times of use or total amount of use) for 10 days is extracted.

[0187] When the device type is MFP, the usage history (item 1) managed by the usage history management table can be conceived to be business card copying, ticket scanning and printing, ticket sending and receiving, and printing. When the device type is an electronic whiteboard or an interactive whiteboard (IWB), for example, projection, writing, collaboration between sites, and sharing of results can be conceived. When the device type is a projector, for example, projection and writing can be conceived. The above is an example of a user device to which the information management device 3 sends information.

[0188] When the device type is a smart phone, the following is the content of the usage history (item 1) managed by the usage history management table that can be thought of. Examples of the content of the usage history (item 1) include retrieval, network sharing, information sharing social network service (SNS), call / mail, viewing dynamic images, still images, and listening to music, and navigation (location and action history). In this case, the information management device 3 does not send information to the user device but to the smart phone (or PC). In the present embodiment, the usage history management table (usage history management DB 3009) is used as an example of a usage history information management unit.

[0189] Functional configuration of communication terminal

[0190] Next, refer to Figure 4and Figure 6 The functional configuration of the communication terminal 4 is described below. Figure 6 As shown, the communication terminal 4 includes a sending / receiving unit 41, an operation accepting unit 42, an acquiring unit 43, a display control unit 44, and a storage / reading unit 49. Each functional unit is connected by Figure 4 The hardware resources are implemented by one or more of the hardware resources shown in the figure, and the hardware resources operate according to the program for the communication terminal 4 loaded from at least one of the ROM 402, the EEPROM 404 and the recording medium 414 into the RAM 403, and according to the instructions from the CPU 401. The communication terminal 4 also includes Figure 5 The storage unit 4000 is implemented by at least one of the ROM 402, EEPROM 404, and recording medium 414 shown. The storage unit 4000 stores, for example, a communication program (communication application) for communicating with a device or terminal via the communication network 100, a browser application, an introduction product management application for displaying the effect of introduction of recommended products, etc.

[0191] Functional configuration of communication terminal

[0192] Hereinafter, each functional configuration of the communication terminal 4 will be described in detail. Figure 6 The sending / receiving unit 41 of the communication terminal 4 shown mainly communicates with the CPU 401. Figure 4 The transmission / reception unit 41 transmits various data (or information) to the terminal and the device via the communication network 100, and receives various data (or information) from the terminal and the device. In the present embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 41 functions as an example of at least one of the transmission unit and the reception unit.

[0193] The operation accepting unit 42 is mainly realized by the CPU 401 processing signals generated by various operations received by at least one of the touch panel 412 and the pointing device 413. In the present embodiment, the operation accepting unit 42 is an example of an accepting unit.

[0194] The acquisition unit 43 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 401, and receives various information transmitted from the information management device 3. For example, the acquisition unit 43 acquires the recommendation information included in the notification of the application determination result transmitted from the information management device 3.

[0195] The display control unit 44 is mainly realized by the processing of the display 407 by the CPU 401, and controls the display of various screens and information (data) of the communication terminal 4. In addition, the display control unit 44 displays the display screen generated in HTML or the like, for example, using a browser on the display 407 of the communication terminal 4. The display control unit 44 controls the display 407 so that it displays the acquired recommended information.

[0196] The storage / reading unit 49 is mainly realized by processing performed by the CPU 401 on at least one of the ROM 402, the EEPROM 404, and the medium I / F 415. The storage / reading unit 49 stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 4000 or reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 110.

[0197] Functional structure of user device

[0198] Next, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Describe the functional configuration of the user device. Figure 6 As shown, the user device 5 has a sending / receiving unit 51, an operation accepting unit 52, an acquiring unit 53, a display control unit 54, an executing unit 56, a generating unit 57, a setting registering unit 58, and a storing / reading unit 59. Each functional unit is composed of Figure 5 The one or more hardware resources are implemented as shown in FIG. The one or more hardware resources respond to instructions from the CPU 501 and act according to a program for the user device 5 loaded from at least one of the ROM 502a and the HD 502 into the RAM 508b. In addition, the user device 5 includes Figure 5 The storage unit 5000 is implemented by at least one of the ROM 502a and the HD 508 shown in FIG.

[0199] Functional configuration of user device

[0200] The following describes in detail the functional structures of the user device 5. Figure 6 The sending / receiving unit 51 of the user device 5 shown in the figure mainly uses the CPU 501 to Figure 5 The network I / F 550 and the short-distance communication circuit 520 shown in FIG. 1 are implemented by processing. The sending / receiving unit 51 sends various data (or information) to the terminal and the device via the communication network 100, and receives various data (or information) from the terminal and the device. In addition, the sending / receiving unit 51 sends the first history information to the information management device 3, and the first history information indicates the use history of the function of the user device providing the history information. In this embodiment, the sending / receiving unit 51 functions as an example of at least one of the sending unit and the receiving unit.

[0201] The operation accepting unit 52 is mainly realized by the CPU 501 processing signals generated by various operations accepted by at least one of the panel display 540a and the keyboard 540b of the control panel 540. In the present embodiment, the operation accepting unit 52 is an example of an accepting unit.

[0202] The acquisition unit 53 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and receives various information sent from the information management device 3. The acquisition unit 43 acquires, for example, recommendation information included in the notification of the application determination result sent from the information management device 3 and application data (programs, etc.) related to various applications as examples of items to be introduced.

[0203] The display control unit 54 is mainly implemented by the CPU 501 processing the panel display 540a of the control panel 540, and controls the display of various screens and information (data) of the user device 5. In addition, the display control unit 54 displays the display screen generated by HTML or the like on the control panel 540 using, for example, a browser. In the present embodiment, the MFP is an example of the user device 5, but the user device 5 is not limited thereto. Therefore, the above-mentioned hardware resources that realize the functional units of the user device 5 can be appropriately replaced by the hardware resources of each user device 5.

[0204] The execution unit 56 is mainly realized by processing executed by the CPU 501 , such as activating various applications, activating a print engine, executing a print process, and executing a projection process in the user device 5 .

[0205] The generation unit 57 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 501, and generates various notification information (screen information) to be transmitted to the user device 5 and displayed.

[0206] The setting registration unit 58 is mainly realized by processing executed by the CPU 501. The setting registration unit 58 performs tenant registration after the information management device 3 performs device registration. In the present embodiment, the setting registration unit 58 functions as an example of a registration unit.

[0207] The storage / reading unit 59 is mainly operated by the CPU 501 to Figure 3 The storage / reading unit 59 stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 5000 or reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 5000.

[0208] Use the resume management table

[0209] Fig.161 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of a usage history management table. The configuration of the data table described below is an example, and the configuration of the data table according to the embodiment is not limited thereto. The storage unit 5000 of the user device 5 includes the following: Fig.16 The usage history management DB in the form of the usage history management table shown

[0210] 5001. In the usage history management DB 5001, each time a user uses a function of a user device 5, an item (item 1), a date / time of use, and a number of times of use (amount of use) of the usage history are logged in and updated. In the usage history management table, the item (item 1), a date / time of use, and a number of times of use (amount of use) of the usage history are stored and associated with each other according to each device ID. These items correspond to the items stored in the usage history management table (usage history management DB 3009) managed by the information management device 3. Specifically, the contents of each item of the usage history information management table sent by the user device 5 that manages the usage history information of each device are reflected in the corresponding item of the usage history management table managed by the information management device 3 (synchronization processing is performed). Each user device 5 stores the usage history management table in its storage unit 5000. In the present embodiment, the usage history management table (usage history management DB 5001) is used as another example of a usage history information management unit.

[0211] Functional configuration of application distribution server

[0212] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 , describes the functional structure of the application distribution server. Figure 7 As shown, the application distribution server 7 has a sending / receiving unit 71, an acquiring unit 73, an executing unit 76, a logging unit 78, and a storing / reading unit 79. Each functional unit is connected by Figure 3 The application distribution server 7 is implemented by one or more of the hardware resources shown in the figure, and the hardware resources act according to the program for the application distribution server 7 loaded from at least one of ROM 702, EEPROM 704, and HD 705 into RAM 703 and according to the instructions from CPU 701. In addition, the application distribution server 7 includes Figure 3The application distribution server 7 includes a storage unit 7000 implemented by at least one of the ROM 702, the EEPROM 704, and the HD 705 shown in FIG. The storage unit 7000 stores, for example, a communication program (communication application) for communicating with devices and terminals via the communication network 100, a browser application, various data constituting an application group, a function execution application for executing a prescribed function requested by the user device 5, and an application to be installed in the user device 5. As described above, the application distribution server 7 may use a commonly used external server connected via the communication network 100. In this case, the functional configuration may correspond to the hardware specifications of the external server.

[0213] Functional configuration of application distribution server

[0214] Next, each functional configuration of the application distribution server 7 will be described in detail. Figure 8 The sending / receiving unit 71 of the application publishing server 7 shown in the figure mainly uses the CPU 701 to Figure 3 The processing performed by the network I / F 711 and the short-distance communication I / F 708 shown in FIG. 1 is implemented. The sending / receiving unit 71 sends various data (or information) to the terminal and the device via the communication network 100, and receives various data (or information) from the terminal and the device. In the present embodiment, the sending / receiving unit 71 functions as an example of at least one of the sending unit and the receiving unit. For example, the sending / receiving unit 71 can receive a request for an application to be imported from the user device 5, and distribute the application to the user device 5.

[0215] The acquisition unit 73 is mainly realized by processing executed by the CPU 701 , and receives a request for application distribution transmitted from the user device 5 , a request for processing related to the user device 5 transmitted from the information management device 3 , and the like.

[0216] The registration unit 78 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 701, and registers various information of the application distribution server 7 in a predetermined area of ​​the storage unit 7000 or the like.

[0217] The storage / reading unit 79 is mainly operated by the CPU 701 Figure 3 The storage / reading unit 79 stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 7000 or reads various data (or information) constituting the application group from the storage unit 7000.

[0218] Various types of application data

[0219] The various application data managed by the application distribution server 7 or an external server communicating with the application distribution server 7 may be data corresponding to the management method or specification of the server managing the application data. In addition, the data structure of the various application data is not particularly limited.

[0220] Process or action

[0221] Now refer to Figures 17 to 36 , describing the processing and actions in information processing system 1.

[0222] User Authentication

[0223] Next, the user authentication process in the information processing system 1 will be described. Fig.17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of user authentication processing. In this embodiment, the application use contract processing between the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5 and the information management device 3 is based on the premise that the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5 has previously accessed the information management device 3 and concluded the application use contract processing. First, the display control unit 44 of the communication terminal 4 causes the display 407 of the communication terminal 4 to display the following Fig.18 The authentication screen shown (step S11).

[0224] Screen display example

[0225] Fig.18 is an example of a display screen for user authentication displayed on a communication terminal. Fig.18 As shown, the display control unit 44 displays a login authentication screen 4001 on the display 407 of the communication terminal 4. An input area for inputting a user ID and a password and a login button are displayed in the login authentication screen 4001. The user can input a user ID and a password in these input areas and operate the login button.

[0226] Return to Fig.17 , the operation accepting unit 42 accepts the authentication operation (step S12).

[0227] Next, the sending / receiving unit 41 sends a user authentication request to the information management device 3 (step S13). Then, the sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 receives the user authentication request sent from the communication terminal 4. The user authentication request includes the user ID of the user of the communication terminal 4, the tenant ID for identifying the tenant to which the user belongs, and the password.

[0228] Next, the search / identification unit 36 ​​of the information management device 3 performs user authentication processing (step S14). Specifically, the search / identification unit 36 ​​uses the user ID and password received in step S13 as search keywords to search the user information management DB 3001 (refer to Figure 7), and retrieve the corresponding login information. In the user information management DB, the user ID is pre-associated with the customer ID of the customer to which the user belongs. Then, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​confirms whether the received user ID and password are consistent with the retrieved user ID and password. When the received user ID and password are consistent with the retrieved user ID and password, the received user ID and password are considered to be correct.

[0229] In step S14 , the search / identification unit 36 ​​may be replaced with the determination unit 35 of the information management device 3 .

[0230] Next, the sending / receiving unit 31 sends the user authentication response to the user authentication request received in step S13 to the communication terminal 4 (step S15). Thus, the sending / receiving unit 41 of the communication terminal 4 receives the user authentication response sent from the information management device 3. The user authentication response includes information indicating the user authentication result (for example, authentication success).

[0231] Through the above-mentioned processing, the login authentication that is normally performed succeeds, a session is established between the communication terminal 4 and the information management device 3 , and the communication terminal 4 and the information management device 3 can communicate.

[0232] In the information management system 2 of the present embodiment, for example, when executing the above steps S13 and S15, other devices may be interposed between the communication terminal 4 and the information management device 3. That is, each information (data) may be sent and received between the communication terminal 4 and the information management device 3 via other devices. The above configuration may also be applied to the processing of executing other processing steps between the communication terminal 4 and the information management device 3.

[0233] User device login

[0234] Next, the user device login process will be described. Fig.19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of user device login processing. Fig.19 As shown, the display control unit 54 of the user device 5 displays the device login screen on the panel display 540a (step S21). The processing described below is based on the following premise: the predetermined login authentication has succeeded, and a session is established between the user device 5 and the information management device 3 for mutual communication.

[0235] Screen display example

[0236] Fig. 20 is an example of a display screen for device login displayed on a user device. Fig. 20As shown, on the panel display 540a of the user device 5, the device login screen 5011 is displayed by the display control unit 54. In the device login screen 5011, an input area 5012 for inputting a device type and a device name and a login button 5151 are displayed. The user can input the device type and the device name in the input area 5012 and operate the login button 5151. Fig. 20 The device registration process is performed through communication between the user device 5 and the information management device 3 based on user input on the device registration screen shown.

[0237] Return to reference Fig.19 The operation accepting unit 52 accepts the device login operation (step S22), and the sending / receiving unit 51 sends the login request to the information management device 3 (step S23).

[0238] The transmission / reception unit 31 of the information management device 3 receives the login request transmitted from the user device 5. The login request includes the user ID of the user of the user device 5, the tenant ID of the tenant to which the user belongs, and the password.

[0239] Or the tenant ID may be determined by the information management device 3 and may be omitted here.

[0240] Next, the search / identification unit 36 ​​of the information management device 3 performs a login process (step S24). Specifically, the search / identification unit 36 ​​uses the user ID and password received in step S23 as search keywords to search the user information management DB 3001 (refer to Figure 7 ), and retrieve the corresponding login information. In the user information management DB, the user ID is pre-associated with the customer ID of the customer to which the user belongs. Then, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​confirms whether the received user ID and password are consistent with the retrieved user ID and password. When the received user ID and password are consistent with the retrieved user ID and password, the received user ID and password are considered to be correct. In step S24, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​can also be replaced by the judgment unit 35 of the information management device 3.

[0241] Next, the sending / receiving unit 31 sends a login response as a response to the login request received in step S23 to the communication terminal 4 (step S25). Thus, the sending / receiving unit 41 of the communication terminal 4 receives the login response sent from the information management device 3. The login response includes information indicating a login authentication result (e.g., authentication success).

[0242] Next, the sending / receiving unit 51 of the user device 5 sends a device login request to the information management device 3 (step S26). The sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 receives the device login sent from the user device 5. The device login request includes a device ID, device type information, and address information indicating the address of the user device 5. When an input of the type or name of the device is received in step S21, the device login request may include the type or name of the device. The device login request may also include functional information indicating the functions implemented by the user device 5. The functional information included in the device login request is an example of the first functional information and the second functional information. Specifically, when the user device 5 is the first user device, the functional information included in the device login request is the first functional information, and when the user device 5 is the second user device, the functional information included in the device login request is the second functional information.

[0243] Next, the setting registration unit 38 of the information management device 3 performs device registration processing (step S27). Specifically, the setting registration unit 38 registers the information included in the device registration request received in step S27 in the device information management DB 3002 (see Figure 8 For example, the login unit 38 is configured to register the device ID, device category information, address information indicating the address of the user device 5, and function information in advance in correspondence with the customer ID and tenant ID for identifying the customer to which the user belongs in the device information management DB 3002 (refer to Figure 8 ). Thus, the information management device 3 can associate the customer ID with the user device 5 in the information processing system 1 (information management system 2).

[0244] Next, the sending / receiving unit 31 sends a device login response as a response to the device login request received in step S26 to the user device 5 (step S28). The sending / receiving unit 51 of the user device 5 receives the device login response sent from the information management device 3. The device login response may include a message indicating that the device login is completed, a login completion flag, etc.

[0245] Next, the setting login unit 58 of the user device 5 performs a tenant login process (step S29). In this process, the setting login unit 58 logs tenant information related to the tenant to which the user of the user device 5 belongs, or identification information for identifying the organization to which the user belongs, into a prescribed area of ​​the storage unit 5000. For example, the tenant information or the organization identification information may be included in a login response or a device login response, and the user device 5 may store the tenant information received from the information management device 3.

[0246] As described above, before step S21, the user device 5 may perform a login process to log in to the information management device 3. In the login process, the user device 5 sends a login request including a user name, a password, etc. to the information management device 3. Then, the information management device 3 authenticates the user based on the information included in the login request and the information in the user information management DB 3001 (see Figure 7 ). Thus, the information management device 3 can identify the user ID or customer ID corresponding to the user.

[0247] In addition, the processing from step S11 to step S15 may be performed asynchronously with the processing from step S21 to step S29, and the order thereof is not limited.

[0248] In addition, in the information management system according to the present embodiment, for example, in the above-mentioned steps S23 to S25 and steps S26 to S28, other devices may be interposed between the information management device 3 and the user device 5. That is, each information (data) may also be sent and received between the information management device 3 and the user device 5 via other devices. The above-mentioned configuration may also be applied to the processing of executing other processing steps between the information management device 3 and the user device 5.

[0249] Identify apps to migrate

[0250] Next, determination of applications to be migrated will be described. Fig.21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process including determining an application to be migrated. Fig.21 The user device 5 shown is a second user device. The user device 5 can be used to complete Fig.19 After the device registration process shown, start Fig.21 The process shown in FIG. 1 is repeated, but the timing is not limited thereto. The timing may be before the device login process is completed. As will be described later, the user may select a first user device as a device to be replaced by the user device 5. First, the operation receiving unit 52 of the user device 5 receives the login information (step S31). When the user of the user device 5 performs a predetermined operation, the operation receiving unit 52 receives the login information.

[0251] Next, the sending / receiving unit 51 sends a device list acquisition request to the information management device 3 (step S32). Thus, the sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 receives the device list acquisition request sent from the user device 5. The device list acquisition request includes a user ID and a password. The device list acquisition request may also include the device ID of the user device 5. Alternatively, the information management device 3 may periodically send the history information to the user device 5. In this case, the user device 5 may omit the processing in step S31.

[0252] Next, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​of the information management device 3 determines the tenant ID or the customer ID (step S33). Specifically, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​uses the user ID and password received in step S32 as retrieval keywords to retrieve the user information management DB 3001 (see Figure 7 ) to determine the corresponding tenant ID or customer ID.

[0253] Next, the storage / reading unit 39 retrieves the device list and migration information associated with the tenant ID or customer ID (step S34). Specifically, the storage / reading unit 39 uses the tenant ID or customer ID determined in step S33 as a search keyword to retrieve the device information management DB 3002 (refer to Figure 8 ), retrieves the device list information of the corresponding device. The device list information includes device ID, device type, function and address information. In addition, the storage / reading unit 39 uses the retrieved device ID as a search key to retrieve the migration information management DB 3004 (see Fig.10 ) to retrieve the corresponding migration information. The migration information includes device type information, device name, migration information 1 (application), migration information 2 (setting information), and migration information 3 (… information). The retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​may retrieve only the device list information of the device corresponding to the device type of the user device 5. In this process, the device type of the user device 5 may be included in the device list acquisition request, or the device type may be identified based on the device ID included in the device list acquisition request.

[0254] Next, the transmission / reception unit 31 transmits a device list acquisition response as a response to the device list acquisition request received in step S32 to the user device 5 (step S35). Thus, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the user device 5 receives the device list acquisition response transmitted from the information management device 3. At this time, the device list acquisition response includes the ID of each device, the device list screen information, and the migration information.

[0255] Next, the display control unit 54 of the user device 5 displays the device list screen according to the device list acquisition response (step S36). Specifically, the display control unit 54 displays the following device list screen on the panel display 540a.

[0256] Screen display example

[0257] Fig. 22 5 is an example of a screen display displayed on a user device for a user to select a device to be replaced or replaced by another device. The user can select a device to be replaced by the user device 5. That is, the device selected here is the first user device. Fig. 22As shown, on the panel display 540a of the user device 5, the device list screen 5021 is displayed by the display control unit 54. Each device to be replaced is displayed in association with the name of the device to be replaced on the device list screen 5021. Therefore, the user can select the desired replacement device by, for example, tapping or performing a mouse hover operation on the display portion corresponding to the desired replacement device and operating the selection button 5161.

[0258] Screen display example

[0259] Fig.23 is an example of a display screen displayed on a user device for selecting a replacement device or an additional device.

[0260] The user can select a device to be replaced by the user device 5, or select a device to coexist with the added user device 5. That is, the device selected here is the first user device. Fig.23 As shown, the display control unit 54 displays a replaced device selection screen 5031 on the panel display 540a of the user device 5. In the replacement device selection screen 5031, the name of the replacement device, the replacement button 5032, and the additional button 5033 are displayed in correspondence with each type of each device to be replaced. Therefore, the user can operate (for example, by tapping or performing a mouse hover operation) the replacement button 5032 or the addition button 5033 corresponding to the desired replaced device, and operate the selection button 5171, thereby selecting replacement or addition. That is, by selecting the replacement button 5032 or the addition button 5033 displayed for each device, the user selects replacement or addition, and selects the device to be replaced or added.

[0261] return Fig.21 , the operation accepting unit 52 of the user device 5 accepts the selection of the replacement device or the additional device (step S37). The device selected here is the first user device. Specifically, the display control unit 54 displays a screen for confirming the migration object information described later on the panel display 540a (step S38). At this time, the user device 5 can send information identifying the device selected in step S37 to the information management device 3, thereby obtaining the migration information corresponding to the device in response.

[0262] Screen display example

[0263] Fig.24 is an example of a display screen displayed on a user device for confirming information to be migrated. Fig.24As shown, a migration information selection screen 5041 is displayed on the panel display 540a of the user device 5 by the display control unit 54. On the migration information selection screen 5041, for each of one or more migration information that are candidates to be migrated, content, detail buttons 5042, and selection buttons 5043 are displayed in association with each other. The user operates (for example, by tapping or performing a mouse hover operation) the detail button 5042 or the selection button 5043 associated with the desired migration information. The detail button 5042 is an example of a component (or a graphical user interface (GUI) component for receiving user input) operated by the user to view the details of the migration information, and the selection button 5043 is a component operated to select information to be migrated from the first user device to the second user device. For example, when the detail button 5042 corresponding to the migration information 1 is operated, a pop-up dialog box presenting the details of the application installed on the first user device or the details of the license assigned to the first user device is displayed. The user can view the content of the pop-up display, operate the selection button 5043 corresponding to the migration information 1 to select the migration information 1, and then operate the next button 5181. The same applies to the migration information 2 and the migration information 3. On the migration information selection screen 5041, a plurality of migration information can be selected.

[0264] Return to reference Fig.21 , the operation accepting unit 52 of the user device 5 accepts the selection of migration information (step S39).

[0265] Next, the sending / receiving unit 51 sends a migration information selection result notification indicating the selected migration information to the information management device 3 (step S40). The sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 receives the migration information selection result notification sent from the user device 5. The migration information selection result notification includes the device ID (new device) of the user device 5 that is the sending source of the migration information selection result notification, the function information, and the result selected in step S37. The result selected in step S37 includes information for identifying the first user device, information indicating replacement or addition, and information indicating which migration information is selected). However, when the function information has already been logged in in step S26, the sending of the login information can be omitted. The function information included in the migration information selection result notification is an example of the second function information.

[0266] Next, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​of the information management device 3 decides the application to be migrated (step S41). Specifically, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​determines the second application (substitute application) based on the acquired migration information, the first function information indicating the function of the first user device, and the second function information indicating the function of the second user device. The determination of the migration application and the determination of the second application (substitute application or recommended application) described below can be performed only when the migration information selected in step S39 is the migration information 1 (application).

[0267] Migrate application details

[0268] The determination of the migration application in the above step S41 is described in detail. Fig.25 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the migration application determination process. First, the storage / reading unit 39 of the information management device 3 obtains the application information of an application installed in the first user device (old device) (step S41-1). Specifically, the storage / reading unit 39 searches the migration information management DB 3004 (see FIG. 10 ) based on the result (information identifying the first user device) selected in step S40 included in the migration information selection result notification received in step S37. Fig.10 ) to retrieve the corresponding migration information 1 (application). The storage / reading unit 39 also retrieves the application-function correspondence management DB 3005 (see Fig.11 ) to retrieve the corresponding function. The application name stored in the application-function correspondence management DB 3005 is the name of the application used by the first user device (old device).

[0269] Next, the judgment unit 35 compares the application function with the function of the second user device (new device) (step S41-2). Specifically, the judgment unit 35 compares the application function with the function of the second user device (new device) from the application-function correspondence management DB 3005 (refer to Fig.11 ) compares the functions used by the application program retrieved by the second user device (new device) with the function information of the second user device (new device). As the function information of the second user device, the information received from the second user device in step S40 or the information registered in the device registration process in step S27 is used.

[0270] The determination unit 35 determines whether the second user device (new device) has all the functions used by the application (step S41-3). If the second user device (new device) has all the functions used by the application (step S41-3: Yes), the search / identification unit 36 ​​determines that the application is migratable and is the object to be migrated (step S41-4), and the process proceeds to step S41-6.

[0271] On the other hand, in the case where the second user device (new device) does not have the function used by the application (step S41-3: No), the search / identification unit 36 ​​determines that the application cannot be migrated (step S41-5), and the process proceeds to step S41-6. For this determination, the application-function correspondence management DB 3005 (see FIG. 14 ) is searched using the application name indicated by the migration information 1 (application) retrieved in step S41-1 as a search key. Fig.11 ) to retrieve the corresponding function.

[0272] In step S41-6, the judgment unit 35 confirms whether all applications installed in the first user device (old device) have been judged. That is, it is determined whether the judgment processing of steps S41-1 to S41-5 has been performed on all applications included in the migration information 1 (application). In the case where all applications have been judged (step S41-6: Yes), the judgment unit 35 ends this processing.

[0273] On the other hand, if all applications have not been judged (step S41-6: No), the judgment unit 35 moves to step S41-7, and the search / identification unit 36 ​​judges other (next) applications installed in the first user device (old device) (step S41-7). That is, another (next) application included in the migration information 1 (application) is identified.

[0274] After executing step S41 - 7 , the information management apparatus 3 returns to step S41 - 1 and repeats the processing from step S41 - 1 to S41 - 6 until the judgment is completed for all applications.

[0275] Alternative application determination

[0276] Next, the alternative application determination process performed by the information management apparatus 3 will be described. Fig.26 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process including determining an alternative application. Fig.26 As shown, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​of the information management device 3 determines the alternative application (determines the recommended application) (step S51). At this time, the information management device 3 can determine the alternative application in response to receiving the information selection result notification of the migration. However, the information management device 3 may perform the process of determining the alternative application in response to another request from the communication terminal 4 or the user device 5, or may perform the process periodically.

[0277] Details of alternative application determination

[0278] The determination of the alternative application (recommended application) in the above-mentioned step S51 will be described in detail. Fig.27A This is a flowchart showing an example of details of the alternative application determination process. Fig.27B1 is a flowchart showing an example of the details of the recommended application determination process. The alternative application and the recommended application are examples of the items to be introduced. The flowchart described below is an example of an implementation mode, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.27A In the example of FIG. 1 , first, the search / identification unit 36 ​​of the information management device 3 identifies the function of the non-migratable application (step S51-1-1). Specifically, the search / identification unit 36 ​​uses the name of the migratable application identified in step S41-5 as a search keyword and searches the application-function correspondence management DB 3005 (refer to FIG. 1 ) via the storage / reading unit 39. Fig.11 ) to determine the corresponding function.

[0279] Next, the search / identification unit 36 ​​identifies the function that the second user device (new device) does not have from the functions identified in step S51-1-1 (step S51-1-2). For example, the search / identification unit 36 ​​uses the device ID of the second user device (new device) as a search keyword and searches the device information management DB 3002 (refer to Figure 8 ), thereby determining the function that the second user device (new device) does not have from the functions determined in step S51-1-1.

[0280] Next, the search / identification unit 36 ​​determines the application corresponding to the function determined in step S51-1-2 as the substitute application, and ends the process (step S51-1-3). Specifically, the search / identification unit 36 ​​uses the function identified in step S51-1-2 as a search keyword, and searches the substitute application management DB 3006 (see Fig.12 ), and identifies the corresponding application name. The retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​determines the application having at least one function corresponding to the function identified in step S51-1-2 among the alternative applications stored in the alternative application management DB 3006 as an alternative application for the non-migratable application. For example, in the case where the functions determined in step S51-1-2 are the optical character recognition (OCR) function and the scanning function, the cloud image processing application and the smart phone application are determined as alternative applications. The processing of the above-mentioned steps S51-1-1 to S51-1-3 is an example of alternative application determination processing.

[0281] Example of alternative application determination

[0282] Next, an example of the processing from step S51-1-1 to step S51-1-3 will be described. For example, it is assumed that the first user device (old device) is a high-end MFP with advanced image processing functions, and the new device is a low-end MFP with only simple image processing functions. In this case, in the above step S41-5, it is determined that the advanced image processing application cannot be migrated.

[0283] In step S51 - 1 - 1 , the retrieval / recognition unit 36 ​​determines OCR, inclination correction, and trimming functions as functions of the advanced image processing application.

[0284] In step S51 - 1 - 2 , the determination unit 35 determines that the new device does not have any of the OCR, tilt correction, and trimming functions.

[0285] In step S51-1-3, the retrieval / recognition unit 36 ​​determines the application corresponding to the OCR, tilt correction, and trimming functions as the replacement application. For example, the retrieval / recognition unit 36 ​​determines the cloud image processing application as the replacement application. The cloud image processing application is an example of an application that provides OCR, tilt correction, and trimming functions on the cloud by uploading scan data to the cloud. The retrieval / recognition unit 36 ​​can determine the application corresponding to any one of the OCR, tilt correction, and trimming functions as the replacement application.

[0286] Other examples of alternative application determination

[0287] In addition, another example of the processing from step S51-1-1 to step S51-1-3 will be described. For example, it is assumed that the first user device (old device) is an MFP with a scanning function and the second user device (new device) is a printer without a scanning function. In the above step S41-5, the copied application is determined as an application that cannot be migrated.

[0288] In step S51 - 1 - 1 , the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​identifies the print function and the scan function as the functions that the copy application has.

[0289] In step S51 - 1 - 2 , the determination unit 35 determines that, of the print function and the scan function, the scan function is not included in the second user device (new device).

[0290] In step S51-1-3, the retrieval / recognition unit 36 ​​determines that, for example, a smartphone application corresponds to the scanning function. The smartphone application can perform printing by sending an image captured by a camera built into the smartphone to a printer. As described above, the information management device 3 can also propose an application of a user device different from the second user device (new device) as an alternative application. Therefore, by using the alternative application, the user can use the OCR function or scanning function that the second user device (new device) does not have.

[0291] Recommended application determination

[0292] Next, the recommended application determination process (recommendation process) performed by the information management device 3 will be described. Fig.27B1 is a flowchart showing an example of the details of the recommended application determination process. First, the extraction / acquisition unit 33 searches the usage history management DB 3009 (see FIG. 10 ) using the device ID of the first user device (old device) to be replaced specified in step S37 as a search key. Fig.15 ) to extract the usage history of the first user device from the usage history of the user devices (step S51-2-1).

[0293] Next, the search / identification unit 36 ​​searches the device information management DB 3002 (refer to Figure 8 ), and determine the corresponding function. The search / identification unit 36 ​​uses the device ID of the second user device as a search keyword to search the device information management DB

[0294] 3002 (see Figure 8 ), or refers to the function information included in the migration information selection result notification received in step S40 to determine the corresponding function. Then, the search / identification unit 36 ​​determines the function in the second user device that does not exist in the first user device (step S51-2-2).

[0295] Next, the extracting / acquisition unit 33 searches the migration information management DB 3004 (see Fig.10 ), thereby obtaining the setting information of the corresponding first user device (old device) (step S51-2-3).

[0296] Next, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​determines the recommended application (step S51 - 2 - 4 ).

[0297] Recommended application details

[0298] Next, the details of the recommended application determination process (recommendation process) for recommending an example of an introduction item will be described. Fig.28 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the details of the recommended application determination process. The flowchart described below is an example of an implementation mode, and the present invention is not limited thereto. First, the extraction / acquisition unit 33 extracts the recommendation condition (step S51-2-4-1). Specifically, the extraction / acquisition unit 33 searches the recommendation condition management DB 3007 (refer to Fig.13 ), extract and recommend condition ID

[0299] Recommended conditions related to "RC0001" (recommended conditions 1, 2, ...).

[0300] Next, the calculation unit 32 calculates the value based on the extracted recommendation condition (step S51-2-4-2). Specifically, the calculation unit 32 calculates and stores the value in the recommendation condition management DB 3007 (refer to Fig.13 ) in the usage item name (for example, the number of copied business cards, the number of purchased business card folders). Specifically, the judgment unit 35 and the calculation unit 32 together calculate the total value of the measured values ​​corresponding to the usage item names in the usage history management DB 3009 (refer to Fig.15 ) in the usage history information corresponding to the usage item name specified by the recommendation condition 1 during the period specified by the recommendation condition 1. For example, the judgment unit 35 and the calculation unit 32 determine the usage history information corresponding to the usage item name "copy function (business card copy)" and the usage date and time included in the period α among the usage history information stored in the usage history management DB 3009, and calculate the total value of the number of times of use (usage amount). The start or end of the period α can be set separately according to the recommendation condition as described above, or the start or end of the period α can be determined based on the date and time when the recommendation process is performed. The calculation unit 32 determines whether to calculate the total value or the change rate based on the information included in the recommendation condition. For example, in the recommendation condition management DB 3007, when information indicating the total number of uses is included as the recommendation conditions 1 and 2, the calculation unit 32 calculates the total value of the number of uses (usage amount) as described above. On the other hand, when information indicating the usage change rate is included, the calculation unit 32 calculates the change rate.

[0301] Next, the judgment unit 35 judges whether the calculated value satisfies the recommendation condition (step S51-2-4-3). For example, when the total number of times (usage amount) of use of the "copy function (business card copy)" in period α calculated based on the usage history management DB 3009 is 700 or more, the judgment unit 35 judges that the recommendation condition 1 is satisfied.

[0302] When the added new function has the recommendation condition 2 in the recommendation condition management DB 3007, the determination unit 35 determines whether the recommendation condition 2 is satisfied. For example, when the recommendation condition 2 is "addition of a new function", based on the function determined in step S51-2-2 that exists in the second user device but does not exist in the first user device, it is determined whether the function is consistent with the function indicated by the recommendation condition 2. When the recommendation condition 2 is "setting information", the determination unit 35 determines whether the setting information includes the setting information indicated by the recommendation condition 2 based on the setting information acquired in step S51-2-3.

[0303] When it is determined that the extracted historical information satisfies recommendation condition 1 and recommendation condition 2 (step S51-2-4-3: Yes), the search / identification unit 36 ​​extracts and identifies the introduction items corresponding to the recommendation conditions determined to be satisfied (step S51-2-4-4). Specifically, the search / identification unit 36 ​​uses the recommendation condition ID corresponding to the recommendation condition determined to be satisfied in step S51-2-4-3 as a search keyword to search the introduction item management DB 3008 (refer to Fig.14 ), extract and determine at least one corresponding introduction item.

[0304] Next, the determination unit 35 determines whether all the recommendation conditions have been confirmed (step S51 - 2 - 4 - 5 ).

[0305] When all the recommendation conditions are confirmed (step S51-2-4-5: Yes), the generation unit 37 generates screen information for displaying the application determination result notification screen and ends the processing (step S51-2-4-6).

[0306] On the other hand, if all the recommendation conditions have not been confirmed (step S51-2-4-5: No), the search / identification unit 36 ​​extracts other recommendation conditions (step S51-2-4-7), and returns to step S51-2-4-2. In step S51-2-4-7, the search / identification unit 36 ​​searches the recommendation condition management DB 3007 (refer to Fig.13 ), extracts another recommended condition (recommended condition 1, 2, ...) corresponding to the recommended condition ID "RC0002", for example, extracts "subpoena scanning" as the usage item name corresponding to the recommended condition ID "RC0002", and extracts "paper with a period β ≥ 400" as the recommended condition 1. The retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​extracts the information stored as the recommended condition 2.

[0307] Thereafter, the above-mentioned steps S51-2-4-2 to S51-2-4-5 are repeated.

[0308] The above-described processing from step S51-2-4-1 to step S51-2-4-7 is an example of details of the recommended application determination processing (recommendation processing). In this way, the retrieval / identification unit 36 ​​can refer to the recommended application determination processing stored in the recommendation condition management DB 3007 (see Fig.13 ) in the recommended conditions 1, 2, etc. to confirm the recommended conditions and determine the desired recommended application.

[0309] return Fig.26, the sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 sends the application determination result notification to the user device 5 (step S52). Thus, the sending / receiving unit 51 of the user device 5 receives the application determination result notification sent from the information management device 3. At this time, the application determination result notification includes information about the migratable application or the non-migratable application, and information about the determined alternative application or recommended application. In the case where the application determination result notification contains information related to the alternative application, the sending / receiving unit 31 is able to switch the sending destination of the application determination result notification according to the installation object of the imported alternative application. For example, the sending / receiving unit 31 refers to the alternative application management DB

[0310] 3006, determine whether the installation object is consistent with the type of the second user device. Then, only when the installation object is consistent with the type of the second user device, the sending / receiving unit 31 sends the application determination result notification to the second user device. At this time, among the information about the alternative application, only the information about the application whose installation object is consistent with the type of the second user device can be included in the application determination result notification. On the other hand, when the installation object is inconsistent with the type of the second user device, the application determination result notification is sent to devices other than the second user device. For example, the application determination result notification can be sent to the email address of the management user of the customer with reference to the user information management DB 3001. Alternatively, among the information about the alternative application, only the information about the application whose installation object is inconsistent with the type of the second user device can be included in the application determination result notification.

[0311] Alternative application options

[0312] Next, selection of an alternative application and determination of whether setting information is transferable are described. Fig.29 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process of selecting an alternative application and determining whether setting information is migratable. Fig.26 After step S52, the display control unit 54 of the user device 5 displays the alternative application, the recommended application, and the migratable application on the panel display 540a of the user device 5 (step S61). Hereinafter, the term "alternative (recommended) application" refers to at least one of the alternative application determined in step S51-1-3 and the recommended application determined in step S51-2-4.

[0313] Screen display example

[0314] Fig.30 is an example of a display screen displayed on a user device for selecting an alternative (recommended) application. Fig.30As shown, on the panel display 540a of the user device 5, the alternative application selection screen 5051 is displayed by the display control unit 54. In the alternative application selection screen 5051, according to each alternative (recommended) application name, a corresponding application name list 5052, an OK (confirmation) button 5191, and a NOT OK (non-confirmation) button 5192 are displayed. In this state, the user can select an alternative (recommended) application by performing operations such as tapping on the display area of ​​the desired application and operating the confirmation OK button 5191. The alternative application and the recommended application may be displayed separately. A selection button may be provided for each application so that the application to be imported can be selected.

[0315] Screen display example

[0316] Fig.31 is an example of a display screen of a link information notification displayed on a user device. Fig.31 As shown, the display control unit 54 displays a link information notification screen 5061 on the panel display 540a of the user device 5. The link information notification screen 5061 includes a link information screen 5062, which includes link information of an alternative (recommended) application and an icon image of an application corresponding to the link information. The user can access the service providing server specified by the link information by operating a confirmation button 5193 of the content of the link information screen 5062.

[0317] return Fig.29 , the operation accepting unit 52 accepts the user's selection of the OK button 5191 or the NOT OK button 5192 (step S62). Specifically, the operation accepting unit 52 accepts the user's operation on the OK button 5191 (or the NOT OK button 5192). Before receiving the selection of the OK button 5191, the selection of one or more alternative (recommended) applications may be received.

[0318] Next, the sending / receiving unit 51 sends a notification of whether to import (install) the alternative (recommended) application to the information management device 3 (step S63). Thus, the sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 receives the notification of whether to import the alternative (recommended) application sent from the user device 5. At this time, the notification of whether to import the alternative (recommended) application includes information about whether to import the application. However, in the case where step S61 is not linked to, for example, the above-mentioned step S40 (for example, the communication session is interrupted), the notification of whether to import the application includes the device ID of the sending source of the notification of whether to import the application, that is, the second user device (new device), and the device ID of the first user device (old device). When one or more selections of alternative (recommended) applications are received, the notification of whether to import the application includes information identifying the selected application.

[0319] Next, the setting registration unit 38 of the information management device 3 performs license reallocation registration (step S64). The setting registration unit 38 allocates the license of the application to the second user device, and cancels the license of the first user device based on the information indicating replacement or addition included in the migration information selection result notification received in step S40. If the migration information selection result notification includes information indicating replacement, the setting registration unit 38 saves the license to the first user device in the migration information management DB 3004 (refer to Fig.10 ), for the application program determined to be migrated in step S41-4, the license information management DB 3003 (refer to Fig. 9 ) is replaced with the device ID of the first user device (old device) in the item “device ID” of the migration information selection result notification, and the device ID of the second user device (new device) is added. On the contrary, when the migration information selection result notification includes information indicating the addition, the setting registration unit 38 is set to register the migration information management DB 3004 (refer to Fig.10 ), for the application program determined to be migrated in step S41-4, the device ID of the second user device (new device) is added without deleting the device ID stored in the license information management DB 3003 (refer to Fig. 9 ) in the device ID of the first user device (old device).

[0320] For the replacement (recommended) application, a new license may be allocated to the second user device. In addition, the device ID of the second user device (new device) into which the recommended application is imported by the setting registration unit 38 is added to the license information management DB 3003 (refer to the ID of the replacement application determined in step S51-1-3 or the recommended application determined in step S51-2-4). Fig. 9 ) in the information management device 3. However, the application determination result notification can be sent to the management user's email address or to the communication terminal 4 owned by the management user. Therefore, the management user can determine whether it is necessary to import a substitute (recommended) application, formulate a license contract for the substitute (recommended) application as needed, and import the substitute (recommended) application into the second user device. When the user who logs in to the second user device is a general user, the information management device 3 can send a message indicating a request to import the substitute (recommended) application to the management user's email address or to the communication terminal 4 owned by the management user, and as described later, allocate a license for the substitute (recommended) application when the management user performs an operation for licensing.

[0321] Screen display example

[0322] Fig.32 4 is an example of a display screen displayed on the communication terminal 4 to replace the application notification. Fig.32As shown, the display control unit 54 displays the replacement application notification screen 4011 on the display 407 of the communication terminal 4. The replacement application notification screen 4011 may be, for example, a screen of an email sent from the information management device 3 to the communication terminal 4 of the user of the new device. In the replacement application notification screen 4011, for example, a message requesting to import the replacement application into the user device used in the department to which the specified user belongs is displayed. The replacement application notification screen 4011 also displays a URL for allowing the device license to be assigned to the user device that installed the replacement application. Therefore, the user is allowed to assign the device license to the user device that has imported the replacement application.

[0323] Return to reference Fig.29 , the sending / receiving unit 31 sends a request to import (install) the migration application and the alternative (recommended) application to the user device 5 (step S65). Therefore, the sending / receiving unit 51 of the user device 5 receives the import request of the migration application and the alternative (recommended) application sent from the information management device 3. At this time, the import request of the migration application and the alternative (recommended) application includes the application ID and the import request information.

[0324] In response to the request, the execution unit 56 of the user device 5 executes the application installation process (step S66). For example, in the application installation process, the user device 5 accesses the application distribution server 7 and downloads the application corresponding to the application ID. In addition, the information management device 3 can also download the application from the application distribution server 7 and send the application to the user device 5. In addition, when the application is a web application, downloading and installing the application in the user device 5 can be omitted.

[0325] Determining whether settings information can be migrated

[0326] Next, the determination unit 35 of the information management apparatus 3 determines whether the setting information can be migrated (step S67).

[0327] Details on whether settings information is migrated

[0328] The determination of whether the setting information is migratable in the above step S67 will be described in detail.

[0329] Fig.33 1 is a flowchart showing an example of determining whether setting information is migrateable. The flowchart described below is an example of an implementation method, and the present invention is not limited thereto. First, the storage / reading unit 39 of the information management device 3 reads out the setting information set in the first user device (old device) (step S67-1). More specifically, the storage / reading unit 39 uses the device ID of the first user device (old device) received in the above step S40 as a search keyword to search the migration information management DB.

[0330] 3004 (see Fig.10 ), thereby receiving the corresponding setting information. The setting information thus read is the migration information 2 stored in the migration information management DB 3004 (see Fig.10 ).

[0331] Next, the judgment unit 35 judges whether the setting information includes information set by the user (step S67-2). In the case where the setting information does not include information set by the user (step S67-2: No), the judgment unit 35 ends the present process. The information set by the user in the setting information is, for example, a setting value changed from an initial value by the user, or a setting value or condition additionally set by the user.

[0332] On the other hand, in the case where the setting information includes information set by the user (step S67-2: Yes), the judgment unit 35 further judges whether the second user device (new device) has a function corresponding to the information (step S67-3). For example, when the user changes the setting value of the energy-saving transition time in the setting information, the judgment unit 35 judges whether the second user device has a function of transitioning from a normal power state to an energy-saving state. For the function possessed by the second user device, the device information management DB 3002 can be searched using the device ID of the second user device as a search keyword, or the information acquired from the second user device in step S40 can be referred to. In the case where the second user device (new device) has the corresponding function (step S67-3: Yes), the judgment unit 35 judges that the setting information can be migrated (step S67-4), and transfers to step S67-5.

[0333] In step S67-5, the setting registration unit 38 sets the setting values ​​determined to be migrateable among the setting information set in the first user device (old device) directly to the second user device, and ends the present process.

[0334] On the other hand, when the second user device (new device) does not have the corresponding function (step S67-3: No), the judgment unit 35 judges that the setting information cannot be migrated (step S67-6) and transfers to step S67-7.

[0335] In step S67-7, the setting registration unit 38 initializes the setting values ​​set in the first user device (old device) for the setting values ​​judged as being unable to be migrated in the setting information, and ends the present process. As the initialization, the setting information may be restored to the initial values ​​set in the first user device (old device), or may be changed to a prescribed value (for example, all 0s).

[0336] Return to Fig.29, the sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 sends the setting information notification to the user device 5 (step S68). Thus, the sending / receiving unit 51 of the user device 5 receives the setting information notification sent from the information management device 3. The setting information notification includes information indicating the setting value in the setting information determined to be migratable in step S67.

[0337] Next, the storage / reading unit 59 of the user device 5 writes the setting information into a prescribed area of ​​the storage unit 5000 (step S69). That is, the user device 5 reflects the received setting value in the setting information.

[0338] Recommended notification for communication terminals

[0339] Next, an example of the application determination result notification sent to the communication terminal 4 will be described.

[0340] Screen display example

[0341] Fig.34 is an example of a display screen displayed on a communication terminal for notifying an application of a determination result. Fig.34 As shown, the display control unit 44 of the communication terminal 4 displays an application determination result notification screen 4021 on the display 407 of the communication terminal 4. On the application determination result notification screen 4021, the application name, the recommended comment, and the application link 4022 corresponding to the alternative (recommended) application are displayed. The user can confirm the details of the object to be imported by operating the confirmation button 4151 after clicking the link, for example. The recommended comment displayed on the application determination result notification screen 4021 is intended to encourage the user to use the recommended application again.

[0342] Screen display example

[0343] Fig.35 is another example of a display screen displayed on a communication terminal for notifying an application of a determination result. Fig.35 As shown, the display control unit 44 of the communication terminal 4 displays an application determination result notification screen 4031 on the display 407 of the communication terminal 4. On the application determination result notification screen 4031, the application name, the recommended comment, and the application link 4032 corresponding to the alternative (recommended) application are displayed. The notification includes a recommendation comment indicating that another user is using the recommended application at the same time. The user can confirm the details of the object to be imported by operating the confirmation button 4051 after clicking the link, for example. Displaying such comments on the application determination result notification screen 4031 can provide an effect of further encouraging users to import the recommended application (for example, a herd effect).

[0344] Screen display example

[0345] Fig.36is another example of a display screen displayed on a communication terminal for notifying an application of a determination result. Fig.36 As shown, the display control unit 44 of the communication terminal 4 displays an application determination result notification screen 4041 on the display 407 of the communication terminal 4. On the application determination result notification screen 4041, the application name, recommended comment, and application link 4042 corresponding to the alternative (recommended) application are displayed. The user can confirm the details of the object to be imported by operating the confirmation button 4051 after clicking the link, for example. Fig.35 As in the display screen shown, by displaying such comments on the application determination result notification screen 4041, it is possible to obtain an effect (for example, a herd effect) that further encourages users of similar businesses to import the recommended application.

[0346] Processing using another type of user device

[0347] An example of a process using another type of user device is described below. Fig.37 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing using another type of user device. Fig.37 , the processing of the user device 5 being an interactive voice control device such as a smart speaker or an artificial intelligence (AI) speaker is described. The "interactive voice control device" is referred to as a smart speaker hereinafter. In this case, the item to be introduced is, for example, an application for the smart speaker to perform a prescribed function. Examples of "applications" include native applications that are installed on a smart speaker and use the resources of the smart speaker to provide functions, and web applications that use the resources of the smart speaker and the resources of the application distribution server 7 to provide functions. In addition, "applications" may refer to extended functions for extending the functions provided by the application distribution server 7, programs for extending the functions, and the like. Therefore, the import of an application includes sending a request to use an application from the communication terminal 4 to the application distribution server 7.

[0348] exist Fig.37 In the example of , first, the sending / receiving unit 51 of the smart speaker as an example of the user device 5 sends a processing request to the information management device 3 (step S101). Therefore, the sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 receives the processing request sent from the smart speaker. The processing request includes the device ID identifying the smart speaker and the voice data input to the smart speaker.

[0349] Next, the judgment unit 35 of the information management device 3 performs authentication processing (step S102). Specifically, the judgment unit 35 compares the device ID included in the sound data received in step S101 with the device ID pre-registered in the information management device 3. When the result of the comparison indicates that a consistent device ID has been registered, the information management device 3 determines that the authentication is successful. At this time, the judgment unit 35 determines the client ID corresponding to the device ID.

[0350] Next, the judgment unit 35 performs voice recognition on the voice data (step S103) and performs usability judgment processing (step S104). Specifically, the judgment unit 35 determines the available service based on the device authority DB associated with the device ID or the customer authority DB corresponding to the customer ID associated with the device ID.

[0351] Alternatively, the information management device 3 may determine the available service based on the contract identification information and the service identification information associated with the tenant ID and the group identification information determined separately. The judgment unit 35 of the information management device 3 compares the service identification information corresponding to the service information identified from the voice data input by the user with the service identification information corresponding to the service determined to be available. As a result of the comparison, when the service identification information is consistent with each other, the judgment unit 35 determines that the service is available, and when the service identification information is inconsistent with each other, the judgment unit 35 determines that the service is not available.

[0352] When there is no available service (when the service is unavailable), the sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 sends a processing response including unavailable information indicating that the service is unavailable to the smart speaker (step S105). Thus, the sending / receiving unit 51 of the smart speaker receives the processing response sent from the information management device 3.

[0353] Next, the display control unit 54 of the smart speaker displays a message indicating that the service is unavailable on the display of the smart speaker (step S106).

[0354] On the other hand, in the case where there is an available service (in the case where the service is available), the sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 forwards (sends) the processing request received from the smart speaker in step S101 to the application publishing server 7 (step S107). Thus, the sending / receiving unit 71 of the application publishing server 7 receives the processing request sent from the information management device 3. The processing request includes information about the job to be processed and parameter information related to the job. Depending on the service information, the information management device 3 can perform processing based on the information about the job and the parameter information. In this case, determining the application distribution server 7 and sending the processing request can be omitted.

[0355] Next, the execution unit 76 of the application publishing server 7 executes a task (eg, authentication) according to the received processing request (step S108).

[0356] Next, the sending / receiving unit 71 sends a processing response to the request for processing received in step S107 to the information management device 3 (step S109). Thus, the sending / receiving unit 31 of the information management device 3 receives the processing response sent from the application publishing server 7. The processing response contains information indicating the result of the processing performed by the application publishing server 7 (processing result information).

[0357] Next, the transmission / reception unit 31 of the information management device 3 transmits a processing response including processing result information to the smart speaker (step S110 ). Thus, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the smart speaker receives the processing response transmitted from the information management device 3 .

[0358] Next, the display control unit 54 of the smart speaker displays the processing result (step S111). Specifically, the display control unit 54 displays the processing result information included in the received processing response on the display, or outputs the processing result information as sound via the speaker. Through the processing so far, the user using the smart speaker can make the application distribution server 7 perform the desired processing and confirm the result displayed or output as sound.

[0359] In the information management system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, when executing the above-mentioned steps S107 and S109, other devices may be inserted between the information management device 3 and the application distribution server 7. That is, each information (data) may be sent and received between the information management device 3 and the application distribution server 7 via other devices. The above-mentioned structure may also be applied to the processing including other processing steps performed between the information management device 3 and the application distribution server 7.

[0360] The above description relates to the case where the migration process is performed by, for example, operating a button on the touch panel of the user device 5, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, when the user device 5 is a smart speaker, the migration process may be a voice operation.

[0361] In addition, part or all of the processing performed by the user device 5 may be performed by the communication terminal 4. In this case, for example, steps S31, S36 to S39, and S61 to S62 may be performed by the communication terminal 4, and only steps S66 and S69 may be performed by the user device 5. Therefore, even the user device 5 that does not have a user interface can perform the migration processing.

[0362] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the information management device 3 acquires the migration information related to the migration from the first user device 5 as the migration source to the second user device 5 as the migration destination, which is included in the received migration information selection result notification (step S40). In addition, when the first application used in the first user device 5 (migration source) cannot be migrated to the second user device 5 (migration destination), the information management device 3 determines an alternative application for the first application based on the acquired migration information, the first function information related to the first function, and the second function information related to the second function (step S41). According to this structure, it is possible to provide the user with an appropriate application corresponding to the difference between the function of the first user device and the function of the second user device.

[0363] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the information management device 3 registers the permission information assigned to the first application used in the first user device in association with the determined application recommended for executing the second function or determined as a substitute for the first function (step S64). In addition to the above-mentioned effects, this configuration provides an effect of appropriately performing settings when utilizing an application.

[0364] Each function according to the described embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits or circuit systems. Here, the "processing circuit or circuit system" in the present disclosure includes a device programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit. The device may be, for example, a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed to perform the above functions, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SOC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a conventional circuit module.

[0365] In the above-described embodiment, in the determination processing including determining a migration application (step S41), determining an alternative application (step S51), and determining whether the setting information is migrateable (step S67), a system that performs learning by machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, etc. may be used in combination with the above-described apparatus or system. In addition, the information management system may provide a system that can be used to notify a user of a message that an item is to be imported by using a learning result of machine learning, AI, deep learning, etc.

[0366] The above describes the information management device, information management system, information management method and program of the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Other embodiments may be added, or components may be added, changed or omitted within the scope that can be imagined by those skilled in the art. Any such aspects that provide the effects and effects of the present invention are within the scope of the present invention.

[0367] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information management system, including a plurality of user devices and an information management device, wherein the information management device stores information about one or more applications used in each of the plurality of user devices in a memory. The plurality of user devices include a first user device having a first function and a second user device having a second function. The first user device includes a sending unit for sending migration information related to migration of a first application used in the first user device to the second user device to the information management device.

[0368] The information management device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring migration information; and an identification unit configured to identify the second application based on the acquired migration information, first function information related to the first function of the first user device, and second function information related to the second function of the second user device.

[0369] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Therefore, many additional modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings. For example, within the scope of the present invention, the elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments can be combined and / or replaced with each other. Any of the above operations can be performed in various other ways, such as in an order different from the above order.

[0370] The present invention can be implemented in any convenient form, such as using dedicated hardware, or a mixture of dedicated hardware and software. The present invention can be implemented as computer software implemented by one or more networked processing devices. The processing device includes any appropriately programmed device, such as a general-purpose computer, a personal digital assistant, a wireless application protocol (WAP) or a third generation (3G) compatible mobile phone, etc. Since the present invention can be implemented as software, each aspect of the present invention includes computer software that can be implemented on a programmable device. Any traditional carrier medium (carrier device) can be used to provide computer software to a programmable device. The carrier medium includes a transient carrier medium, such as an electrical, optical, microwave, acoustic or radio frequency signal carrying a computer code. An example of such a transient medium is a transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP) signal that carries a computer code through an IP network such as the Internet. The carrier medium also includes a storage medium for storing processor readable code, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM (CD-ROM), a magnetic tape device or a solid-state memory device.

[0371] The functions of the elements disclosed herein can be implemented using circuits or processing circuits, which include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. Processors are considered processing circuits or circuits because they include transistors and other circuits therein. In the present disclosure, a circuit, unit, or device is hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the functions described. The hardware can be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known that is programmed or configured to perform the functions described. When the hardware is a processor, it can be considered to be a type of circuit, and the circuit, device, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0372] This patent application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-096211 filed with the Japan Patent Office on June 15, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-048365 filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 24, 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0373] Reference numerals list

[0374] 1 Information Processing System

[0375] 2. Information Management System

[0376] 3Information management device

[0377] 4Communication Terminal

[0378] 5 User Devices

[0379] 7Application Distribution Server

[0380] 31 Transmitting / receiving unit (Example of transmitting unit, Example of receiving unit)

[0381] 33 Extraction / acquisition unit (Example of extraction unit, Example of acquisition unit)

[0382] 35 Judgment Unit

[0383] 36 Retrieval / identification unit (Example of identification unit)

[0384] 37Generation Units

[0385] 38 Setting up the login unit (Example of the login unit)

[0386] 407 Display

[0387] 540a panel display

Claims

1. An information management device for storing information about an application used in a user device, the information management device comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire migration information related to a first application used in a first user device; and The identification unit is configured to identify the second application based on the acquired migration information, first function information related to the first function of the first user device, and second function information related to the second function of the second user device.

2. The information management device according to claim 1, in, the identification unit is configured to refer to the application-function correspondence management unit to determine one or more functions provided by a non-migratable application, the non-migratable application being non-migratable from the first user device to the second user device; The application-function correspondence management unit stores, for each application among a plurality of applications including the first application and the second application, application identification information identifying the application in association with one or more functions provided by the application.

3. The information management device according to claim 2, in, the identification unit is configured to refer to the device information management unit to determine a function not implemented by the second user device among the one or more functions determined to be provided by the non-migratable application; The device information management unit stores user device identification information for identifying the first user device and a function implemented by the first user device in association with each other.

4. The information management device according to claim 3, in, The identification unit is configured to refer to the application-function correspondence management unit to identify an application corresponding to the function determined to be not implemented by the second user device as the second application.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, recommending the second application to provide the second function or to replace the first function, and The information management device further includes a registration unit configured to register the permission information assigned to the first application in association with the second application in a memory.

6. The information management device according to claim 5, in, In a case where the first application is migratable to the second user device, the registration unit is configured to delete the permission information assigned to the first application from the memory, and register the permission information in association with the second application.

7. The information management device according to claim 5, in, The registration unit is configured to register the permission information in association with the second application selected on the second user device.

8. The information management device according to claim 1, in, The migration information includes type information indicating the first application and setting information related to the first application selected on the second user device.

9. The information management device according to claim 8, in, The acquisition unit is configured to acquire identification information identifying the first user device selected by the second user device, based on information indicating whether the second user device is used instead of the first user device or in addition to the first user device.

10. The information management device according to claim 1, in, retrieving the second application as a recommendation item based on information including a usage history of the first user device; as well as The information management device further includes a sending unit configured to send a search result including information about the second application to the second user device.

11. An information management method performed by an information management device, the information management device storing information about applications used in a user device, the method comprising: acquiring migration information related to a first application used in a first user device; and A second application is identified based on the acquired migration information, first function information related to a first function of the first user device, and second function information related to a second function of the second user device.

12. A recording medium storing a plurality of program codes, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause an information management device storing information about an application used in a user device to perform a method comprising: acquiring migration information related to a first application used in a first user device; and A second application is identified based on the acquired migration information, first function information related to a first function of the first user device, and second function information related to a second function of the second user device.

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