Information processing system, recording medium, and information processing method

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing system, a recording medium and an information processing method. An information processing system is provided with a processor that performs processing that affects the operation of a user in synchronization processing that synchronizes data stored in an external device and data of an own system, and performs processing at a timing that does not affect the operation of the user.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an information processing device that switches a reflection process for a change request of setting data in accordance with an optional configuration or capability to suppress a useless restart process and complete the setting reflection process.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6574558

[0004] An information processing system is known that periodically performs synchronization processing between data stored in an external device and data of its own system, or performs the synchronization processing according to instructions of an administrator user, etc., to send information such as the settings of its own system and the utilization status of its own system from its own system to an external device and reflect it in the data stored in the external device, or to reflect the settings of the data stored in the external device in its own system.

[0005] The synchronization process also includes the process of changing the settings required for the operation of the own system, so during the execution of the synchronization process, the processes that can be executed in the own system are limited. Therefore, during the execution of the synchronization process, it is necessary to limit the operations of users in the own system, which may affect the work of users. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, a recording medium, and an information processing method that can perform synchronous processing without affecting the work of a user.

[0007] An information processing system according to a first aspect includes a processor that performs processing that affects a user's work in synchronization processing for synchronizing data stored in an external device with data in its own system, at a timing that does not affect the user's work.

[0008] The information processing system according to a second aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor executes synchronization processing within a preset time range.

[0009] The information processing system according to a third aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein the processor sets the time range according to an instruction of a user.

[0010] The information processing system according to a fourth aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect or the third aspect, wherein the processor executes the synchronization process regardless of a preset time range with respect to the synchronization process that is exceptionally instructed to be executed.

[0011] The information processing system according to a fifth aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect or the third aspect, wherein the processor executes the synchronization process instructed to be executed immediately regardless of a preset time range.

[0012] In the information processing system of the sixth mode, in the information processing system of any one of the first to fifth modes, when the synchronization processing includes information related to the settings required for the operation of the own system, i.e., the synchronization processing of the setting information, the processor continuously executes the synchronization processing of the setting information and the restart processing accompanying the synchronization processing, and sets the period for executing the synchronization processing of the setting information and the restart processing accompanying the synchronization processing as a prohibited period for prohibiting operation input from the user.

[0013] The information processing system according to a seventh aspect is the information processing system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the processor accepts an operation input of a content other than a content related to an instruction to execute a process even during the prohibition period.

[0014] In the information processing system of the eighth mode, in the information processing system of any one of the first to seventh modes, the processor accepts operation input from the user even during synchronous processing, and when the processing of the content of the operation input cannot be executed in parallel with the synchronous processing, the executing synchronous processing is stopped and the processing of the content of the operation input is executed.

[0015] The information processing system according to a ninth aspect is the information processing system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the processor executes a synchronization process of stopping after the execution of the process of the content of the operation input is completed.

[0016] The recording medium of the tenth aspect records a program for causing a computer to execute the following steps: for a process that affects a user's work in synchronization between data stored in an external device and data in the own system, the process is executed at a timing that does not affect the user's work.

[0017] The information processing method of the eleventh aspect includes the step of executing processing that affects a user's work at a timing that does not affect the user's work in synchronization processing for synchronizing data stored in an external device with data in the own system.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, synchronization processing can be performed without affecting the work of the user.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, it is possible to perform synchronization processing at a time when it is assumed that the user will not use the information processing system.

[0021] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, it is possible to perform synchronization processing at a time desired by the user.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, even at a time set not to execute the synchronization process, a necessary synchronization process can be executed.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, even at a time set not to execute the synchronization process, the synchronization process that needs to be executed immediately can be executed.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, the prohibited period can be shortened compared to a case where all periods in the synchronous process are set as the operation prohibited period.

[0025] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, even during the prohibited period, the user can perform operation input of contents other than the contents related to the instruction to execute the process.

[0026] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, even during the synchronous process, the process of the content input by the user operation can be executed with priority over the synchronous process.

[0027] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, it is also possible to execute a synchronous process of stopping.

[0028] According to the recording medium of the tenth aspect, synchronization processing can be performed without affecting the work of the user.

[0029] According to the information processing method of the eleventh aspect, synchronization processing can be performed without affecting the work of the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a digital shadow according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining synchronization processing performed between a cloud server and an image forming apparatus;

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus in the above-mentioned embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the image forming apparatus in the above-mentioned embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the types of synchronization processing and the prohibited period. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a system configuration of a digital shadow system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining synchronization processing performed between the cloud server 20 and the image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, a digital shadow system of one embodiment of the present invention is configured as two image forming devices 10A and 10B installed in a base station A and a cloud server 20 connected via the Internet 30. Moreover, the image forming devices 10A and 10B are connected to each other via a network 40 in the base station A. In addition, the image forming devices 10A and 10B are devices called so-called multifunction machines having multiple functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a fax function. The image forming devices 10A and 10B are an example of an information processing system in the technology of the present invention. In addition, the cloud server 20 is an example of an external device in the technology of the present invention.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the cloud server 20 provides a service called digital shadow that synchronizes with physical devices and maintains various data such as setting information, history information, status information, device information, and recipient lists stored in physical devices connected to the Internet 30.

[0039] Specifically, the cloud server 20 stores various data such as setting information, history information, status information, device information, and a destination list of the image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B as physical devices while performing synchronization processing with the image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B.

[0040] Here, the setting information refers to information on settings required for the operation of the image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B.

[0041] The history information refers to information on the history of jobs such as printing, scanning, copying, and faxing performed in the image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B, such as information on the execution time and number of executions of the jobs and the amount charged when the jobs were executed.

[0042] Furthermore, status information refers to information related to the status that changes over time in the image forming devices 10A and 10B, for example, information related to the remaining amount of consumables such as toner and paper in the image forming devices 10A and 10B and the operating status of the image forming devices 10A and 10B (operating normally or stopped due to an abnormality).

[0043] The device information refers to information on the device configuration of the image forming devices 10A and 10B, that is, information on functions installed in the image forming devices 10A and 10B.

[0044] The recipient list refers to information such as name, fax number, and email address managed for each recipient.

[0045] According to this service, even when a terminal device managing a certain device cannot directly connect to the device to be managed, it is possible to perform management such as confirmation of the status of the device or setting changes. For example, a case where an external terminal device 60 wants to change the setting information of the image forming device 10A is described. First, the external terminal device 60 changes the setting information of the image forming device 10A in the cloud server 20. In this way, the image forming device 10A obtains the updated setting information when performing synchronization processing with the cloud server 20 and changes the setting information of its own device.

[0046] That is, by using such a service, even when the external terminal device 60 cannot connect to the image forming devices 10A and 10B set in the base station A, it can check the status of the image forming devices 10A and 10B, update the setting information, and the like.

[0047] Next, the image forming apparatus 10A in the digital shadow system of the present embodiment will be described in detail. In the following description, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10A will be mainly described, but the image forming apparatus 10B and the like also have the same configuration.

[0048] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10A in this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a memory 12, a storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (abbreviated as IF) 14 for transmitting and receiving data with an external device via a network, a user interface (abbreviated as UI) device 15 including a touch panel or a liquid crystal display and a keyboard, a scanning unit 16, and an image forming unit 17. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 18.

[0049] CPU 11 is a processor that controls the actions of the image forming device 10A by executing prescribed processing according to a control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is described that CPU 11 reads and executes the control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13, but it is not limited to this. The control program can also be provided in a form recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the program can be provided in a form recorded in an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a memory card. In addition, the control program can also be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication IF 14.

[0050] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the image forming apparatus 10A realized by executing the above-mentioned control program. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 10A of the present embodiment includes an operation input unit 31, a display unit 32, a control unit 33, a data transceiver unit 34, and a data storage unit 35. Figure 4 In the block diagram shown, functional blocks related to image forming processing and the like are omitted.

[0051] The operation input unit 31 inputs various operation information performed by the user. The display unit 32 is controlled by the control unit 33 and displays various information to the user.

[0052] The control unit 33 performs control processing of the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10A. In addition, the control unit 33 performs synchronization processing in which the shared data acquired from the cloud server 20 via the data transceiver unit 34 is stored in the data storage unit 35, and the shared data in the data storage unit 35 is synchronized with the shared data stored in the cloud server 20 by, for example, periodically communicating with the cloud server 20.

[0053] The data transmission and reception unit 34 transmits and receives data to and from an external device such as the cloud server 20. The data storage unit 35 stores various data such as a destination list synchronized with the cloud server 20.

[0054] The synchronization process executed in the digital shadow system includes a plurality of types of synchronization processes such as a periodic synchronization process that is performed periodically and an immediate synchronization process that is executed immediately in response to a user instruction.

[0055] In either case, the synchronization process may include a process of changing settings required for the operation of the image forming apparatus 10A. Therefore, during execution of the synchronization process, the processes that can be executed in the image forming apparatus 10A are basically limited.

[0056] Specifically, the execution of processes such as printing, scanning, copying, and faxing (hereinafter referred to as jobs) is restricted, and the operation input for instructing the execution of these jobs is also restricted. Furthermore, even if there is a job that the user has requested, when a synchronization process that is performed at a predetermined time such as a periodic synchronization process occurs, the job requested by the user may be delayed.

[0057] Thus, during the execution of the synchronous process, the user's operation input may be restricted, or the work requested by the user may be delayed, which may affect the user's work.

[0058] To solve this problem, the control unit 33 in this embodiment executes processing at a timing that does not affect the user's work, in the synchronization process of synchronizing data stored in the cloud server 20 with data in the image forming apparatus 10A, which affects the user's work.

[0059] Specifically, the control unit 33 can perform synchronization processing within a preset time range. Here, the time range can be any time that does not affect the user's work, for example, it can be set to the company's lunch break (for example, between 12:00 and 13:00) or night time (for example, between 0:00 and 5:00). In addition, the control unit 33 can set the time range according to the user's instructions.

[0060] In addition, regarding the synchronization process instructed to be executed exceptionally or the immediate synchronization process, the control unit 33 may execute the synchronization process regardless of the preset time range.

[0061] And, if Figure 5 As shown, when the synchronization process includes information related to the settings required for the operation of the image forming device 10A, that is, the synchronization process of the setting information, the control unit 33 can continuously execute the synchronization process of the setting information and the reboot process (reboot process) accompanying the synchronization process, and set the period for executing the synchronization process of the setting information and the reboot process accompanying the synchronization process as a prohibited period for prohibiting operation input from the user.

[0062] Here, in Figure 5In the example, the synchronization process of the setting information and the restart process accompanying the synchronization process are executed at the beginning of the synchronization process, but the present invention is not limited to this method and may be executed in the middle or at the end of the synchronization process. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the execution order of the synchronization process other than the synchronization process of the setting information, and the order can be set appropriately.

[0063] Furthermore, when the restart process accompanying the synchronization process of the setting information is not necessary, the restart process may be omitted. Furthermore, when the restart process accompanying the synchronization process of the setting information is not necessary immediately after the synchronization process of the setting information, the restart process may be performed after other processes.

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit 33 may accept operation inputs other than the content related to the job execution instruction even during the prohibition period. Here, the operation inputs other than the content related to the job execution instruction refer to operations that are not affected by the synchronization process being executed, such as confirmation of the job execution history in the image forming apparatus 10A or modification of information that does not require the immediacy of synchronization.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 33 receives operation input from the user even during the synchronization process, and when the operation of the operation input content cannot be executed in parallel with the synchronization process, the synchronization process being executed can be stopped and the operation of the operation input content can be executed.

[0066] When this method is used, when the synchronization process including the setting update of the own device is executed, the old setting is retained in another recording area in the data storage unit 35 until the synchronization process is completely completed. Then, when the synchronization process including the setting update of the own device is stopped midway, the operation of the content input by the user operation can be performed using the old setting retained in the data storage unit 35 instead of the setting being updated midway.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 33 may execute a synchronization process of stopping after the execution of the job of the content input by the operation is completed.

[0068] [Modifications]

[0069] As mentioned above, the information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified appropriately.

[0070] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the processor refers to a broad processor, including a general-purpose processor (for example, CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) or a dedicated processor (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0071] Furthermore, the actions of the processors in the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor but also by a plurality of processors in physically separate locations in cooperation. Furthermore, the order of the actions of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0072] Furthermore, the “system” in the present embodiment includes both a system composed of a plurality of devices and a system composed of a single device.

[0073] [Note]

[0074] Hereinafter, aspects of the present invention will be supplementally described. (((1)))

[0076] An information processing system comprises a processor,

[0077] The processor performs the following processing:

[0078] In synchronization processing for synchronizing data stored in an external device with data in the own system, processing that affects the work of the user is executed at a timing that does not affect the work of the user. (((2)))

[0080] The information processing system according to (((1))), wherein:

[0081] The processor performs synchronization processing within a preset time range. (((3)))

[0083] The information processing system according to (((2))), wherein:

[0084] The processor sets the time range according to the user's instruction. (((4)))

[0086] The information processing system according to (((2))) or (((3))), wherein:

[0087] The processor executes the synchronization process regardless of a preset time range with respect to the synchronization process that is exceptionally instructed to be executed. (((5)))

[0089] The information processing system according to (((2))) or (((3))), wherein:

[0090] For the synchronization process instructed to be executed immediately, the processor executes the synchronization process regardless of a preset time range. (((6)))

[0092] The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), wherein:

[0093] When the synchronization process includes information related to the settings required for the operation of the system itself, that is, the synchronization process of the setting information, the processor continuously executes the synchronization process of the setting information and the restart process accompanying the synchronization process, and sets the period for executing the synchronization process of the setting information and the restart process accompanying the synchronization process as a prohibited period for prohibiting operation input from the user. (((7)))

[0095] The information processing system according to (((6))), wherein:

[0096] The processor accepts operation input of contents other than contents related to the instruction to execute the process even during the inhibition period. (((8)))

[0098] The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))), wherein:

[0099] The processor accepts an operation input from a user even during the synchronous processing, and when the processing of the content of the operation input cannot be executed in parallel with the synchronous processing, stops the synchronous processing being executed and executes the processing of the content of the operation input. (((9)))

[0101] The information processing system according to (((8))), wherein:

[0102] The processor executes a synchronization process of stopping after the execution of the process of the content of the operation input is completed. (((10)))

[0104] A program for causing a computer to execute the following steps:

[0105] In synchronization processing for synchronizing data stored in an external device with data in the own system, processing that affects the work of the user is executed at a timing that does not affect the work of the user.

[0106] The effects of the configuration according to the additional notes will be described below.

[0107] According to the information processing system of (((1))), synchronization processing can be performed without affecting the work of the user.

[0108] According to the information processing system of (((2))), synchronization processing can be performed at a time when it is assumed that the user is not using the information processing system.

[0109] According to the information processing system of (((3))), synchronization processing can be performed at a time desired by the user.

[0110] According to the information processing system of (((4))), even at a time set not to execute the synchronization process, a necessary synchronization process can be executed.

[0111] According to the information processing system of (((5))), even at a time set not to execute the synchronization process, the synchronization process that needs to be executed immediately can be executed.

[0112] According to the information processing system of (((6))), the prohibition period can be shortened compared to a case where all periods in the synchronous processing are set as the operation prohibition period.

[0113] According to the information processing system of (((7))), even during the prohibited period, the user can perform operation input other than the content related to the instruction to execute the process.

[0114] According to the information processing system of (((8))), even during synchronization processing, processing of content input by user operation can be executed with priority over synchronization processing.

[0115] According to the information processing system of (((9))), it is also possible to execute stopped synchronization processing.

[0116] According to the procedure of (((10))), synchronization processing can be performed without affecting the user's work.

[0117] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed methods. Obviously, various modifications and changes are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily understand the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technicians in the art can understand the present invention through various variations optimized for specific uses assumed to be various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

[0118] Explanation of symbols

[0119] 10A, 10B-image forming device, 11-CPU, 12-memory, 13-storage device, 14-communication interface, 15-user interface device, 16-scanning unit, 17-image forming unit, 18-control bus, 20-cloud server, 30-Internet, 31-operation input unit, 32-display unit, 33-control unit, 34-data transceiver unit, 35-data storage unit, 40-network, 60-terminal device.

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising a processor, The processor performs the following processing: In synchronization processing for synchronizing data stored in an external device with data in the own system, processing that affects the work of the user is executed at a timing that does not affect the work of the user.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor performs synchronization processing within a preset time range.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The processor sets the time range according to the user's instruction.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The processor executes the synchronization process regardless of a preset time range with respect to the synchronization process that is exceptionally instructed to be executed.

5. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: For the synchronization process instructed to be executed immediately, the processor executes the synchronization process regardless of a preset time range.

6. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: When the synchronization process includes information related to the settings required for the operation of the system itself, that is, the synchronization process of the setting information, the processor continuously executes the synchronization process of the setting information and the restart process accompanying the synchronization process, and sets the period for executing the synchronization process of the setting information and the restart process accompanying the synchronization process as a prohibited period for prohibiting operation input from the user.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein: The processor accepts operation input of contents other than contents related to the instruction to execute the process even during the inhibition period.

8. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The processor accepts an operation input from a user even during the synchronous processing, and when the processing of the content of the operation input cannot be executed in parallel with the synchronous processing, stops the synchronous processing being executed and executes the processing of the content of the operation input.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein: The processor executes a synchronization process of stopping after the execution of the process of the content of the operation input is completed.

10. A recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the following steps: In synchronization processing for synchronizing data stored in an external device with data in the own system, processing that affects the work of the user is executed at a timing that does not affect the work of the user.

11. An information processing method comprising the following steps: In synchronization processing for synchronizing data stored in an external device with data in the own system, processing that affects the work of the user is executed at a timing that does not affect the work of the user.

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