Data management system and program

Abstract

To provide a data management system that manages data including setting items in synchronization between an information processing apparatus and a storage unit, and that reduces parts to be changed in setting conditions when the specifications of the information processing apparatus are changed, and a program.SOLUTION: A processor of a cloud server 20 periodically performs synchronization processing between image forming apparatuses 10A, 10B being information processing apparatuses to be managed to store data including setting items allowing settings of a parameter in a first storage unit in the cloud server, acquires setting conditions for the parameter in the setting items in the data from a second storage unit in the cloud server 20 storing the setting conditions, and when changing the parameters of the setting items in the data stored in the first storage unit, changes the parameters so as to satisfy the setting conditions acquired from the second storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a data management system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an image processing device that identifies information on a combination of setting information that is permitted to be processed by an image processing device from setting information included in a job ticket of job data, disallowed information consisting of information on a combination of setting information that is not permitted to be processed by the image processing device, and specified information consisting of setting information that can be processed by the image processing device, and transmits a job ticket to the sender of the job data in which information on the combination of setting information included in the job ticket of the job data that corresponds to the disallowed information has been changed to information on the identified combination.

[0003] Patent document 2 also describes an image forming device that includes a controller that sends a prohibition processing program describing prohibition processing on a setting screen together with screen data to an operation panel unit, a communication control unit that receives the screen data from the controller along with the prohibition processing program, a display processing unit that displays the setting screen on a display device based on the received screen data, and an operation panel unit that is equipped with a prohibition processing unit that performs prohibition processing on settings on the setting screen in accordance with the prohibition processing program. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-030449 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5286240 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One possible data management system is one in which data including setting items for which parameters can be set is periodically synchronized with the information processing device to be managed and stored in a memory unit, and when changing the settings of the information processing device, the setting items of the data stored in the memory unit are changed to change the settings of the information processing device.

[0006] The data setting items have setting conditions for parameters for each specification of the information processing device. The data management system, the application for inputting parameters in the data management system, the information processing device, etc. are configured not to accept the input of parameters that do not satisfy the setting conditions.

[0007] Therefore, when the specifications of an information processing device to be managed change, it becomes necessary to change the setting conditions corresponding to the new specifications in a number of places such as the data management system, the application, and the information processing device.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a data management system and program in which data including setting items are managed by synchronizing between an information processing device and a memory unit, and in which when the specifications of the information processing device are changed, the number of places where setting conditions need to be changed is reduced compared to when setting conditions are changed individually for related devices and applications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the data management system includes a processor, which periodically synchronizes data including setting items for which parameters can be set with an information processing device to be managed and stores the data in a first memory unit, acquires setting conditions from a second memory unit in which setting conditions for parameters in the setting items of the data are stored, and when changing parameters of the setting items of the data stored in the first memory unit, changes the parameters so as to satisfy the setting conditions acquired from the second memory unit.

[0010] A data management system of a second aspect is the data management system of the first aspect, wherein the processor newly acquires setting conditions from the second storage unit at startup.

[0011] A third aspect of the data management system is the data management system of the second aspect, wherein the processor transmits newly acquired setting conditions to at least one of the first memory unit, a device on which an application program for a user to input parameters is being executed, and the information processing device.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the data management system is the data management system of the second aspect, wherein the processor transmits address information for accessing the newly acquired setting conditions to at least one of the first memory unit, a device on which an application program for a user to input parameters is being executed, and the information processing device.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the data management system is the data management system of the first aspect, in which, when the processor changes a parameter of a setting item of data stored in the first memory unit, it inquires of the second memory unit as to whether the setting item has been updated since the last time it was acquired, and if the setting item has been updated, it acquires new setting conditions from the second memory unit.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the data management system is the data management system of the fifth aspect, in which, when the processor changes a parameter of a setting item of data stored in the first memory unit, it inquires of the second memory unit whether the setting item has been updated since the last time it was acquired, and if the setting item has not been updated, it does not acquire the setting conditions from the second memory unit.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the data management system is the data management system of the first aspect, in which the information processing devices to be managed are multiple, and the processor obtains setting conditions defined for each specification of the information processing devices from the second memory unit, and changes parameters to satisfy the setting conditions.

[0016] The program of the eighth aspect causes a computer to execute the steps of periodically synchronizing data including setting items for which parameters can be set with an information processing device to be managed and storing the data in a first memory unit, acquiring setting conditions from a second memory unit in which setting conditions for parameters in the setting items of the data are stored, and, when changing parameters of the setting items of the data stored in the first memory unit, changing the parameters so as to satisfy the setting conditions acquired from the second memory unit. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the data management system of the first aspect, when the specifications of an information processing device are changed, the number of setting conditions that need to be changed can be reduced compared to a case in which setting conditions are changed individually for related devices and applications.

[0018] According to the data management system of the second aspect, the setting conditions can be updated every time the processor is started.

[0019] According to the data management system of the third aspect, the setting conditions of at least one of the first storage unit, the application, and the information processing device can be updated every time the processor is started.

[0020] According to the data management system of the fourth aspect, the setting conditions of at least one of the first storage unit, the application, and the information processing device can be updated every time the processor is started.

[0021] According to the data management system of the fifth aspect, the parameters can be set based on the latest setting conditions.

[0022] According to the data management system of the sixth aspect, unnecessary communication can be reduced.

[0023] According to the data management system of the seventh aspect, even if there are multiple information processing devices to be managed and each information processing device has different specifications, the number of settings that need to be changed can be reduced compared to changing the setting conditions individually.

[0024] According to the program of the eighth aspect, when the specifications of an information processing device are changed, the number of setting conditions that need to be changed can be reduced compared to a case where setting conditions are changed individually for related devices and applications. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 11 is a diagram for explaining a synchronization process performed between a cloud server and an image forming apparatus; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a cloud server in the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a cloud server in the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a system data dictionary in the information processing system of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining a process flow at system startup in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining a process flow when changing settings in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system data dictionary in the information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining a process flow at system startup in an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining a process flow for displaying a state of an actual device in a form in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a synchronization process performed between a cloud server 20 and image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B.

[0028] 1, the information processing system of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that two image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B installed at a base A are connected to a cloud server 20 via the Internet 30. The image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B are connected to each other via a network 40 within the base A. The image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B are devices known as multifunction devices having multiple functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. In the following description, the image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B will be simply referred to as the image forming apparatus 10 unless they are particularly distinguished from each other.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the cloud server 20 provides a service called Digital Shadow, which synchronizes and holds various data such as setting information, history information, status information, device information, and destination lists stored in physical devices connected via the Internet 30 with the physical devices.

[0030] Specifically, cloud server 20 stores various data of image forming apparatus 10, such as setting information, history information, status information, device information, and a destination list, while performing synchronization processing with image forming apparatus 10. Cloud server 20 is an example of a data management system in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0031] According to such a service, even if a terminal device that manages a certain device cannot directly connect to the device to be managed, the terminal device can check the status of the device and manage the device by changing settings, etc. For example, a case where an external terminal device 60 attempts to change the setting information of the image forming device 10A will be described. First, the external terminal device 60 changes the setting information of the image forming device 10A in the cloud server 20. Then, when the image forming device 10A executes a synchronization process with the cloud server 20, the image forming device 10A acquires the updated setting information and changes the setting information of its own device.

[0032] In other words, by using such a service, an external terminal device 60 can check the status of the image forming device 10, update the setting information, etc., even if it cannot connect to the image forming device 10 set at location A.

[0033] Next, a detailed description will be given of cloud server 20. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of cloud server 20 in this embodiment.

[0034] 3, the cloud server 20 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a memory 22, a storage device 23 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (hereinafter abbreviated as IF) 24 for transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices, and a control bus 25. The CPU 21, the memory 22, the storage device 23, and the communication IF 24 are connected to each other via the control bus 25.

[0035] The CPU 21 is a processor that executes a predetermined process based on a control program stored in the memory 22 or the storage device 23 to control the operation of the cloud server 20. In the present embodiment, the CPU 21 is described as reading and executing the control program stored in the memory 22 or the storage device 23, but is not limited to this. The control program may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the program may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a memory card. The control program may also be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication IF 24.

[0036] 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of cloud server 20 realized by executing the above control program. As shown in FIG. 4, cloud server 20 of the present embodiment has a control unit 51, a data transmission / reception unit 52, a first storage unit 53, and a second storage unit 54.

[0037] The control unit 51 performs control processing of the overall operation of the cloud server 20, and provides an application for inputting parameters of setting information of the image forming apparatus 10 to an external terminal such as the terminal device 60. The control unit 51 also functions as a framework for managing a digital shadow, which will be described later. The data transmission / reception unit 52 transmits and receives data to and from an external device.

[0038] The first storage unit 53 functions as a digital shadow that stores various information by performing synchronization processing with managed devices such as the image forming apparatus 10. The second storage unit 54 functions as a shared storage that stores a system data dictionary, which will be described later. In the following description, the first storage unit 53 may be referred to as a digital shadow, and the second storage unit 54 may be referred to as a shared storage.

[0039] In this embodiment, both the digital shadow and the shared storage are installed in the cloud server 20 , but they may be installed individually or in common in other devices connected to the Internet 30 .

[0040] In the above information processing system, each setting item of the setting information has a setting condition for a parameter for each specification of a device to be managed, such as the image forming apparatus 10.

[0041] Cloud server 20, an application for inputting parameters in cloud server 20, and managed devices such as image forming apparatus 10 are configured not to accept parameter input if parameters that deviate from the set conditions are input.

[0042] Therefore, when the specifications of a managed device such as the image forming device 10 are changed, it becomes necessary to change the setting conditions in multiple places such as the cloud server 20, the application, and the image forming device 10 to correspond to the new specifications.

[0043] Therefore, in the information processing system of this embodiment, by performing control as described below, when the specifications of a managed device such as the image forming device 10 are changed, the number of changes in the setting conditions can be reduced compared to the case where the setting conditions are changed individually for related devices and applications. In the following description, devices such as the image forming device 10 may be referred to as actual devices.

[0044] In other words, the control unit 51 periodically synchronizes data including setting items for which parameters can be set with the real device and stores it in the digital shadow, obtains setting conditions from the shared storage in which setting conditions for the parameters in the setting items of the data are stored, and when changing the parameters of the setting items of the data stored in the digital shadow, changes the parameters so as to satisfy the setting conditions obtained from the shared storage.

[0045] Specifically, in the information processing system of this embodiment, the setting information is managed using a system data dictionary that stores setting conditions for each setting item of the setting information. This system data dictionary is edited by an external device such as the terminal device 60 and stored in a shared storage.

[0046] Basically, a system data dictionary is prepared for each model of actual device. In addition, even if the model is the same, if the control software versions are different, a system data dictionary is prepared for each version.

[0047] However, for example, in the case of models of the same series, the contents of the system data dictionary may be the same. Also, even if the versions of the control software are different, the contents of the system data dictionary may be the same if there are no changes to the setting information. In this way, for models that can share a system data dictionary, only one system data dictionary may be stored.

[0048] Here, the system data dictionary in the information processing system of this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the system data dictionary.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the system data dictionary has the following information for each setting item: "SDD-ID," "setting name," "access rights," "internal data," "external interface (hereinafter abbreviated as IF)," "data type," "value range," "validity condition," "combination," and "uniqueness."

[0050] "SDD-ID" is information indicating the ID assigned to each setting item. "Setting name" is information indicating the name of the setting item. "Access rights" is information indicating who can access the setting item. "Internal data" is information indicating the internal data of the setting item. "External IF" is information indicating the external IF used by the setting item.

[0051] "Data type" is information that indicates the data format of the setting item. "Value range" is information that indicates the range of data values ​​that can be set in the setting item. "Validity condition" is information that indicates the condition that enables the setting item. "Combination" is information that indicates the data that is used in combination with the setting item. "Uniqueness" is information that indicates whether uniqueness is required for the parameters of the setting item.

[0052] The information on "setting name", "access rights", "internal data", and "external IF" is setting item information that indicates the contents of the setting item. The information on "data type", "value range", "validity condition", "combination", and "uniqueness" is the setting conditions when setting the parameters of each setting item.

[0053] Next, a functional configuration of the information processing system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6, which is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system of this embodiment.

[0054] 6, the cloud server 20 has a digital shadow DS, a framework DF for managing the digital shadow, and a function as a shared storage SS. The cloud server 20 also provides an application APP for inputting parameters of the real device RD, etc.

[0055] For example, when the version of the control software of the image forming device 10A as the actual device RD is updated and the specifications of the setting conditions for each setting item of the setting information change, a new system data dictionary SDD is created based on the new specifications, for example by an administrative user, and stored in the shared storage SS.

[0056] When changing parameters of setting items of data stored in the digital shadow DS, the framework DF changes the parameters so as to satisfy the system data dictionary SDD obtained from the shared storage SS.

[0057] Regarding parameter changes, when the framework DF spontaneously changes parameters, the parameters are changed within a range that satisfies the setting conditions included in the system data dictionary SDD.

[0058] In addition, when changing parameters based on user input via the application APP, if a parameter that does not meet the set conditions is input, the user may be notified that a parameter that does not meet the set conditions has been input and prompted to correct it, and the user may be prompted to re-input a parameter that meets the set conditions, and then the parameter may be changed.

[0059] In addition, when changing parameters based on user input via the application APP, if a parameter that does not meet the set conditions is input, the parameters input by the user may be modified in the framework DF so as to satisfy the set conditions, and then the parameters may be changed. In this case, for example, if a numerical value exceeding an upper limit is input, the parameter may be modified to the upper limit, or if a full-width character is input in an item requiring half-width input, the parameter may be modified to half-width.

[0060] When changing parameters in an information processing system, the digital shadow DS, framework DF, application APP, and real device RD all refer to the system data dictionary SDD of the shared storage SS, and each performs processing using the necessary information from the system data dictionary SDD.

[0061] For example, the application APP uses information such as "setting name," "access rights," and "value range" to have the user input new parameters. The framework DF also uses information such as "data type" and "uniqueness" to check the accuracy of the setting information to be stored in the digital shadow DS.

[0062] In addition, when the framework DF performs a process of synchronizing the setting information stored in the digital shadow DS with the real device RD, when writing new parameters, the real device RD checks the accuracy of the setting information to be stored in the real device RD using information such as "internal data," "external IF," "data type," "value range," "validity condition," "combination," and "uniqueness."

[0063] In this embodiment, the setting values ​​of the real device RD, i.e., the image forming apparatus 10, are an example of "data including setting items for which parameters can be set," and the real device RD, i.e., the image forming apparatus 10, is an example of "information processing apparatus to be managed." Furthermore, each item stored in the system data dictionary SDD is an example of a "setting condition." Furthermore, the setting values ​​of the real device RD are an example of a "parameter," and changing the setting values ​​of the real device RD is an example of "changing a parameter."

[0064] In the cloud server 20 of the information processing system of this embodiment, the framework DF may newly acquire the system data dictionary SDD from the shared storage SS at startup.

[0065] In this case, the framework DF may transmit the newly acquired system data dictionary SDD to at least one of the digital shadow DS, the device on which the application APP is running (the framework DF in this embodiment), and the actual device RD, or may transmit address information for accessing the newly acquired system data dictionary SDD.

[0066] In addition, when changing the parameters of the setting items of the data stored in the digital shadow DS, the framework DF may inquire of the shared storage SS as to whether the setting items have been updated since the last time they were acquired, and if the setting items have been updated, acquire new setting conditions from the shared storage SS, and if the setting items have not been updated, may not acquire the setting conditions from the shared storage SS.

[0067] Next, the flow of processing in the information processing system of this embodiment will be described with reference to a sequence diagram. First, the flow of processing at the time of system startup in the information processing system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] When there is a change in the specifications of an actual device RD managed by the framework DF, in step 1, as shown in FIG. 7, a system data dictionary SDD conforming to the new specifications is created by a user such as an administrative user.

[0069] Next, in step 2, the system data dictionary SDD is sent from the terminal device PC on which the system data dictionary SDD has been created to the shared storage SS, and is stored in the shared storage SS.

[0070] Next, in step 3, the framework DF newly acquires the system data dictionary SDD from the shared storage SS at the time of startup, and stores it within the framework DF.

[0071] Next, in step 4a, the application APP newly acquires the system data dictionary SDD via the framework DF at startup and stores it in the application APP. Also, in step 4b, the digital shadow DS newly acquires the system data dictionary SDD via the framework DF at startup and stores it in the digital shadow DS. Also, in step 4c, the real device RD newly acquires the system data dictionary SDD via the framework DF at startup and stores it in the real device RD.

[0072] The processing of steps 4a, 4b, and 4c may be performed in any order, and any order is acceptable. Furthermore, a plurality of the processing of steps 4a, 4b, and 4c may be performed simultaneously in parallel.

[0073] Next, a process flow when changing settings in the information processing system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] When changing settings, for example, a user such as an administrative user launches the application APP via the terminal PC, and as shown in FIG. 8, in step 5, an input form for settings is displayed on the terminal PC by processing of the application APP.

[0075] Next, in step 6, the user inputs new setting values ​​in the input form of the application APP.

[0076] Next, in step 7, the application APP determines whether the parameters entered by the user match the set conditions based on the system data dictionary SDD obtained in step 4a.

[0077] If the result of the determination in step 7 is that the parameters entered by the user do not match the set conditions, in step 7a, the application APP notifies the user that the parameters entered by the user do not match the set conditions and asks the user to enter the parameters again.

[0078] If the result of the determination in step 7 is that the parameters entered by the user match the set conditions, then in step 7b the application APP instructs the framework DF to change the parameters.

[0079] Next, in step 8, the framework DF accesses the system data dictionary SDD stored in the shared storage SS again as a final check and determines whether the parameters entered by the user match the set conditions. After that, the framework DF shares the parameters entered by the user with the application APP, the digital shadow DS, and the real device RD.

[0080] Next, in step 9, the application APP determines whether the parameters entered by the user received from the framework DF match the set conditions based on the system data dictionary SDD obtained in step 4a.

[0081] If the result of the determination in step 9 is that the parameters entered by the user do not match the set conditions, in step 9a, the application APP notifies the user that the parameters entered by the user do not match the set conditions and asks the user to enter the parameters again.

[0082] If the result of the determination in step 9 is that the parameters entered by the user match the set conditions, then in step 9b the application APP instructs the digital shadow DS to change the parameters.

[0083] Next, in step 10, the digital shadow DS determines, based on the system data dictionary SDD obtained in step 4b, whether the parameters entered by the user received from the application APP match the set conditions.

[0084] If the result of the determination in step 10 is that the parameters entered by the user do not match the set conditions, in step 10a, the digital shadow DS notifies the user via the framework DF and application APP that the parameters entered by the user do not match the set conditions, and prompts the user to enter the parameters again.

[0085] If it is determined in step 10 that the parameters entered by the user match the set conditions, then in step 10b the digital shadow DS instructs the real device RD to change the parameters.

[0086] Next, in step 11, the real device RD determines whether the parameters input by the user received from the digital shadow DS match the setting conditions based on the system data dictionary SDD acquired in step 4c.

[0087] If the result of the determination in step 11 is that the parameters entered by the user do not match the set conditions, in step 11a, the real device RD notifies the user via the framework DF and the application APP that the parameters entered by the user do not match the set conditions, and asks the user to enter the parameters again.

[0088] If the result of the determination in step 11 is that the parameters entered by the user match the set conditions, in step 11b, the real device RD writes the data of the parameters entered by the user, notifies the user of the success or failure of the data writing via the framework DF and the application APP, and terminates the processing.

[0089] Next, an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0090] [Second embodiment] As shown in FIG. 10, the cloud server 20 of the second embodiment has a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 as management targets, and has a plurality of digital shadow DS functions corresponding to each image forming apparatus. The plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 each have different specifications. As an example, the image forming apparatus 10A is shipped with a communication IF 24 as a product specification. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 10B does not have a communication IF 24 at the time of shipment, and the communication IF 24 is attached by the user after installation at the site A. In the description of this embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 10 has the communication IF 24 at the time of shipment as a specification is referred to as "Native implementation", and the case where the communication IF 24 is attached by the user after shipment is referred to as "Plugin implementation". Note that in FIG. 10, the actual device RD1 and the actual device RD3 are each shown as the image forming apparatus 10A, but they have the same product specifications.

[0091] Other configurations according to this embodiment are similar to those according to the data management system of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the system data dictionary SDD of the data management system according to this embodiment. The system data dictionary SDD according to this embodiment has the items of "SDD-ID", "RD implementation method", "conversion rule", "internal data ID", and "internal data acquisition IF".

[0093] The “RD implementation method” is information that specifies that the image forming apparatus 10 changes the values ​​referred to by the “conversion rule,” “internal data ID,” and “internal data acquisition IF” depending on the implementation method of the communication IF 24 .

[0094] 9, in the case of an image forming device 10A having a communication IF by "native implementation", it is stipulated that, among the data to be transmitted to the digital shadow DS, the information on SDD-02 is transmitted by referencing the value of the variable "Data_C" from an internal device. More specifically, in the process flow of the information processing system described later, when the digital shadow DS requests data on SDD-02, the real device RD is stipulated to transmit the data by referencing the value of "Data_C" from an internal device.

[0095] On the other hand, in the case of an image forming apparatus 10B having a communication IF 24 by "Plugin implementation", it is stipulated that the information on SDD-02 is transmitted as data to be transmitted to the digital shadow with different values ​​depending on the value of "Data_ver". More specifically, in the flow of processing of the information processing system described later, when the digital shadow DS requests data on SDD-02, the real device RD transmits different values ​​depending on the value of "Data_ver". Also, in FIG. 9, it is stipulated that if the value of "Data_ver" exceeds 12, the value acquired from the external port W is transmitted as the value of "Data_W". Also, it is stipulated that if the value of "Data_ver" is 12 or less, the value acquired from the external port W is converted to an integer type and then transmitted as the value of "Data_W".

[0096] As described above, in this embodiment, the system data dictionary SDD specifies that different values ​​are referenced and transmitted depending on the specifications of the image forming device 10. The implementation method of the communication IF 24 is an example of the "specifications of the information processing device" in this embodiment. The specification of changing the data to be sent to the digital shadow DS depending on the implementation method of the communication IF 24 is an example of the "setting condition" in this embodiment. The data referenced by the real device RD when sending to the digital shadow DS is an example of the "parameter" in this embodiment. In other words, changing the reference destination of the data to be sent to the digital shadow DS for each implementation method of the communication IF 24 of the image forming device 10 corresponds to "changing the parameters using the setting condition defined in the second storage unit for each specification of the information processing device" in this embodiment.

[0097] In other words, the items "RD implementation method", "conversion rule", and "internal data acquisition IF" in FIG. 9 are examples of "information processing device specifications", "setting conditions", and "parameters" in this embodiment, respectively.

[0098] It is preferable that the system data dictionary SDD is defined so as to include all of the specifications of the image forming apparatus 10 that communicates with the cloud server 20.

[0099] The process flow of the information processing system of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, except for steps 4b and 4c, as shown in the sequence diagram of Fig. 10. In Fig. 10, RD1, RD2, and RD3 respectively indicate different real devices RD, and DS1, DS2, and DS3 respectively indicate digital shadows DS corresponding to RD1, RD2, and RD3. In the following description, when multiple real devices RD and digital shadows DS are to be distinguished from each other, the numbers 1 to 3 are added to the end of the reference numerals.

[0100] Steps 4b1, 4b2, and 4b3 according to this embodiment correspond to step 4b according to the first embodiment, and steps 4c1, 4c2, and 4c3 according to this embodiment correspond to step 4c according to the first embodiment.

[0101] The processing of steps 4a, 4b1, 4b2, 4b3, 4c1, 4c2, and 4c3 may be performed in any order, and any order of processing is acceptable. Furthermore, a plurality of processing steps among steps 4a, 4b1, 4b2, 4b3, 4c1, 4c2, and 4c3 may be performed simultaneously in parallel.

[0102] Next, the process flow for displaying the state of the real device RD in a form in the information processing system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that steps 1 to 4 in this embodiment are similar to the process flow in the information processing system of the first embodiment, and therefore illustrations and explanations are omitted. Note that in Fig. 11, one digital shadow DS and one real device RD are displayed, but this shows any one of a plurality of digital shadows DS and a plurality of real devices RD.

[0103] For example, when the application APP is started by a user such as an administrative user via a terminal PC, in step 5 as shown in FIG. 11, a setting input form is displayed on the terminal PC by processing of the application APP.

[0104] Next, in step 6, the application APP instructs the framework DF to obtain data from the digital shadow DS.

[0105] Next, in step 7, the framework DF supports the provision to the digital shadow DS.

[0106] Next, in step 8, the digital shadow DS requests the real device RD for data of the SDD-ID name included in the system data dictionary SDD acquired in step 4b.

[0107] Next, in step 9, the real device RD changes the conversion rule of the data of the requested SDD-ID name and the interface for acquiring the internal data (internal data acquisition IF) based on the internal data ID of the system data dictionary SDD acquired in step 4c. In other words, the real device RD changes the conversion rule and the internal data acquisition IF according to the specifications of the real device RD.

[0108] Next, in step 10, the real device RD responds to the digital shadow DS with data according to the implementation method of the communication IF 24 as the data of the SDD-ID name acquired in step 9. In other words, the real device RD changes the setting conditions of the data acquired from the real device RD according to the implementation method of the communication IF 24.

[0109] Next, in step 11, the digital shadow DS responds with the data of the SDD-ID name acquired in step 10 to the framework DF.

[0110] The framework DF then returns the data acquired from the digital shadow DS to the application APP, and the application APP displays the data acquired from the digital shadow DS on the screen of the terminal device PC.

[0111] (Action and Effects) In the data management system of this embodiment, the processor changes the reference destination of the data to be referenced for each specification of the image forming apparatus 10 based on the conversion rules defined in the system data dictionary SDD.

[0112] According to the data management system of this embodiment, even if there are multiple image forming devices 10 to be managed and each image forming device 10 has different specifications, the number of places where the setting conditions need to be changed can be reduced compared to changing the setting conditions individually.

[0113] <Modification> In the description of this embodiment, both the digital shadow DS and the real device RD acquire the system data dictionary SDD in steps 4b and 4c, but the data acquisition method according to this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the device that acquires the system data dictionary SDD may be only the digital shadow DS. That is, step 4c shown in Fig. 10 may be omitted. In this case, the digital shadow DS transmits an instruction to the real device RD to acquire the internal data included in the conversion rule from the interface described in the internal data acquisition IF according to the specifications of the real device RD.

[0114] [Other embodiments] Although an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0115] For example, in the above embodiment, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0116] In addition, the operations of the processor in the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0117] [Note] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0118] (((1))) A processor is provided. The processor, data including setting items for which parameters can be set is periodically synchronized with the information processing device to be managed and stored in a first storage unit; Acquire setting conditions from a second storage unit in which setting conditions of parameters in the setting items of data are stored; When changing a parameter of a setting item of the data stored in the first storage unit, the parameter is changed so as to satisfy the setting condition acquired from the second storage unit. Data management system.

[0119] (((2))) The processor newly acquires setting conditions from the second storage unit at startup. 13. A data management system according to claim 12, wherein said data management system comprises:

[0120] (((3))) The processor transmits the newly acquired setting conditions to at least one of the first storage unit, a device in which an application program for a user to input parameters is executed, and the information processing device. 2. A data management system according to claim 1 , wherein said data management system is a data management system according to claim 1 .

[0121] (((4))) The processor transmits address information for accessing the newly acquired setting conditions to at least one of the first storage unit, a device in which an application program for a user to input parameters is executed, and the information processing device. The data management system according to (((2))).

[0122] (((5))) When changing a parameter of a setting item of the data stored in the first storage unit, the processor inquires of the second storage unit whether the setting item has been updated since the last acquisition, and if the setting item has been updated, acquires new setting conditions from the second storage unit. 13. A data management system according to any one of ((1))) to (((4))).

[0123] (((6))) When changing a parameter of a setting item of the data stored in the first storage unit, the processor inquires of the second storage unit whether the setting item has been updated since the last acquisition, and if the setting item has not been updated, does not acquire setting conditions from the second storage unit. The data management system according to (((5))).

[0124] (((7))) The information processing device to be managed is a plurality of devices, The processor acquires setting conditions defined for each specification of the information processing device from the second storage unit, and changes parameters so as to satisfy the setting conditions. 13. A data management system according to any one of ((1))) to (((6))).

[0125] (((8))) a step of periodically synchronizing data including setting items for which parameters can be set with the information processing device to be managed and storing the data in a first storage unit; acquiring setting conditions from a second storage unit in which setting conditions of parameters in the setting items of data are stored; changing a parameter of a setting item of the data stored in the first storage unit so as to satisfy the setting condition acquired from the second storage unit; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

[0126] The effects of the above configuration are described below.

[0127] According to the data management system (((1))), when the specifications of an information processing device are changed, the number of settings that need to be changed can be reduced compared to when the settings are changed individually for each related device and application.

[0128] According to the data management system (((2))), the setting conditions can be updated every time the processor is started.

[0129] According to the data management system (((3))), the setting conditions of at least one of the first storage unit, the application, and the information processing device can be updated every time the processor is started.

[0130] According to the data management system of (((4))), the setting conditions of at least one of the first storage unit, the application, and the information processing device can be updated every time the processor is started.

[0131] According to the data management system of (((5))), parameters can be set based on the most recent setting conditions.

[0132] According to the data management system (((6))), unnecessary communication can be reduced.

[0133] According to the data management system (((7))), even when there are multiple information processing devices to be managed and the specifications of each information processing device are different, the number of places where the setting conditions need to be changed can be reduced compared to changing the setting conditions individually.

[0134] According to the program (((8))), when the specifications of an information processing device are changed, the number of settings that need to be changed can be reduced compared to when the settings of related devices and applications are changed individually. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 10A, 10B Image forming device 20 Cloud Server 21 CPU 22 Memory 23 Storage device 24 Communication Interface 25 Control Bus 30 Internet 40 Network 51 Control section 52 Data transmission and reception unit 53 First memory unit 54 Second memory section 60 Terminal Equipment

Claims

1. A processor is provided. The processor, data including setting items for which parameters can be set is periodically synchronized with the information processing device to be managed and stored in the first storage unit; acquiring setting conditions from a second storage unit in which setting conditions of parameters for setting items of data are stored; When changing a parameter of a setting item of the data stored in the first storage unit, the parameter is changed so as to satisfy the setting condition acquired from the second storage unit. Data management system.

2. The processor newly acquires setting conditions from the second storage unit at startup. The data management system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor transmits the newly acquired setting conditions to at least one of the first storage unit, a device in which an application program for a user to input parameters is executed, and the information processing device. The data management system according to claim 2.

4. The processor transmits address information for accessing the newly acquired setting conditions to at least one of the first storage unit, a device in which an application program for a user to input parameters is executed, and the information processing device. The data management system according to claim 2.

5. When changing a parameter of a setting item of the data stored in the first storage unit, the processor inquires of the second storage unit whether the setting item has been updated since the previous acquisition, and if the setting item has been updated, acquires new setting conditions from the second storage unit. The data management system according to claim 1 .

6. When changing a parameter of a setting item of the data stored in the first storage unit, the processor inquires of the second storage unit whether the setting item has been updated since the last acquisition, and if the setting item has not been updated, does not acquire setting conditions from the second storage unit. The data management system according to claim 5.

7. The information processing device to be managed is a plurality of devices, The processor acquires setting conditions defined for each specification of the information processing device from the second storage unit, and changes parameters so as to satisfy the setting conditions. The data management system according to claim 1 .

8. a step of periodically synchronizing data including setting items for which parameters can be set with the information processing device to be managed and storing the data in a first storage unit; acquiring setting conditions from a second storage unit in which setting conditions of parameters for setting items of data are stored; changing a parameter of a setting item of the data stored in the first storage unit so as to satisfy the setting condition acquired from the second storage unit; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

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