Information processing system, information synchronization system, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system that executes normal synchronization by communicating with a synchronization destination at predetermined intervals and synchronizing information with the synchronization destination and makes it possible to synchronize between the synchronization destination and the information processing system without waiting for the predetermined interval.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a processor. The processor sends an execution instruction to the other information processing system that performs the normal synchronization to perform an emergency synchronization that synchronizes information with the synchronization destination by communicating with the synchronization destination before performing the next normal synchronization when emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, when the normal synchronization that synchronizes information between the information processing system and the synchronization destination by communicating with the synchronization destination at a predetermined interval is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information synchronization system, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pseudo-push data distribution method that is composed of a server and a client connected via a network, in which the client inquires as to whether the server has any data to distribute, and distributes the data from the server to the client only if there is data, making it appear as if the server is actively sending data.The pseudo-push data distribution method is characterized in that if the server has data, it immediately distributes the data to the client, and if there is no data, it waits a predetermined time before returning a response to the client informing that there is no data, and if it detects that new data has been generated while waiting, it distributes the data to the client at that point. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-342201 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an information processing system performs only normal synchronization in which the information processing system communicates with a synchronization destination at a predetermined interval and synchronizes information with the synchronization destination, even if there is an urgent need to synchronize information between the synchronization destination and the information processing system, it is necessary to wait for the predetermined interval.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to enable, in an information processing system that performs normal synchronization, in which information is synchronized between a synchronization destination and an information processing system by communicating with the synchronization destination at predetermined intervals and synchronizing information with the synchronization destination, to synchronize information between the synchronization destination and the information processing system without waiting for the predetermined interval. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect is an information processing system having a processor, wherein when the processor executes normal synchronization in which the processor communicates with a synchronization destination at a predetermined interval to synchronize information between the information processing system and the synchronization destination, and emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, the processor sends an execution instruction to another information processing system executing the normal synchronization to execute emergency synchronization in which the processor communicates with the synchronization destination and synchronizes information with the synchronization destination before executing the next normal synchronization.

[0007] A second aspect is an information processing system in the first aspect, which is connected to a closed network to which a specific information processing system can be connected, and which forms a group with other information processing systems connected to the network, and when the processor executes the normal synchronization and acquires the emergency information from the synchronization destination, the processor transmits the execution instruction to the other information processing systems belonging to the group via the network.

[0008] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the processor executes the normal synchronization at a timing shifted from a timing at which the other information processing systems belonging to the group execute the normal synchronization.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the processor executes the emergency synchronization when receiving an execution instruction to execute the emergency synchronization from another information processing system that executes the normal synchronization.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, in the first aspect, when the processor executes the normal synchronization, if the processor acquires emergency information from the synchronization destination and acquires an execution instruction related to the emergency information from another information processing system that executes the normal synchronization, the processor does not execute the emergency synchronization.

[0011] In a sixth aspect, in the first aspect, when the processor executes the normal synchronization, when it acquires emergency information and additional information added to the emergency information from the synchronization destination, it transmits the additional information together with the execution instruction to the other information processing system.

[0012] In a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the additional information is a change instruction for changing a setting in the information processing system.

[0013] In an eighth aspect, in the sixth aspect, the additional information is a certificate used for communication with the synchronization destination.

[0014] In a ninth aspect, in the sixth aspect, the additional information is a rule for executing the emergency synchronization.

[0015] In a tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the rule is an instruction to make a timing for executing the emergency synchronization different from that of the other information processing system.

[0016] An eleventh aspect includes a synchronization destination, a first information processing system that communicates with the synchronization destination at a predetermined interval and performs normal synchronization to synchronize information with the synchronization destination, and a second information processing system that performs the normal synchronization, wherein when the first information processing system acquires emergency information from the synchronization destination when performing the normal synchronization, the first information processing system sends an execution instruction to the second information processing system to perform emergency synchronization to synchronize information with the synchronization destination before performing the next normal synchronization.

[0017] A twelfth aspect is an information processing program for causing a computer to execute a process in which, when normal synchronization is executed in which an information processing system communicates with a synchronization destination at a predetermined interval to synchronize information between the information processing system and the synchronization destination, and emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, an execution instruction is sent to another information processing system executing the normal synchronization to execute emergency synchronization in which the information processing system communicates with the synchronization destination and synchronizes information with the synchronization destination before executing the next normal synchronization. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the configuration of the first aspect, for an information processing system that performs normal synchronization, in which information is communicated to a synchronization destination at a predetermined interval and information is synchronized with the synchronization destination, it is possible to synchronize information with the synchronization destination without waiting for the predetermined interval.

[0019] According to the configuration of the second aspect, for other information processing systems belonging to the group, information can be synchronized with the synchronization destination without waiting for a predetermined interval.

[0020] According to the configuration of the third aspect, the waiting time until the other information processing system synchronizes information with the synchronization destination can be shortened compared to when the processor performs normal synchronization at the same timing as the other information processing system performs normal synchronization.

[0021] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the waiting time until the information processing system synchronizes information with the synchronization destination can be shortened, compared to the case where the processor executes only the transmission of an execution instruction to another information processing system.

[0022] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the processor is prevented from executing the same emergency synchronization multiple times, compared to the case where the processor always executes emergency synchronization when it receives an execution instruction from another information processing system.

[0023] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, it is possible to cause the other information processing systems to execute operations related to the additional information in addition to emergency synchronization, as compared to a case in which the processor always transmits only execution instructions to the other information processing systems.

[0024] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, it is possible to cause the setting to be changed before the other information processing system executes emergency synchronization.

[0025] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, it is possible to prevent the emergency synchronization from failing to be executed due to an error in the certificate of another information processing system.

[0026] According to the configuration of the ninth aspect, a rule can be set when the other information processing system executes emergency synchronization.

[0027] According to the configuration of the tenth aspect, in a case where emergency synchronization is executed by a plurality of other information processing systems, the execution of emergency synchronization is prevented from being concentrated.

[0028] According to the configuration of the 11th aspect, for an information processing system that performs normal synchronization, in which information is communicated to a synchronization destination at a predetermined interval and information is synchronized with the synchronization destination, it is possible to synchronize information with the synchronization destination without waiting for the predetermined interval.

[0029] According to the configuration of the 12th aspect, for an information processing system that performs normal synchronization, in which information is communicated to a synchronization destination at a predetermined interval and information is synchronized with the synchronization destination, it is possible to synchronize information with the synchronization destination without waiting for the predetermined interval. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information synchronization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a first multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment; [Diagram 3]2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device of a first multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a second multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device of a second multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a cloud according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of each unit of the information synchronization system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram showing setting information when the first multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment executes normal synchronization. FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is a block diagram showing the operation of each unit when a first MFP executes emergency synchronization in the information synchronization system according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing a group member list that is set by grouping the addresses of a first multifunction device and a plurality of second multifunction devices in the information synchronization system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a synchronization time list in one group member according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing setting information including information on a group member list and a synchronization time list. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing setting information including emergency information. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing setting information including emergency information and additional information. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a synchronization process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] <Information Synchronization System 10> First, an information synchronization system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information synchronization system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0033] The information synchronization system 10 is a system that executes information processing including the synchronization processing described below as a predetermined processing, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a first multifunction device 11, a plurality of second multifunction devices 12, a cloud 14, and a plurality of virtual devices 13.

[0034] That is, the information synchronization system 10 includes a plurality of (specifically, three or more) multifunction devices (specifically, a first multifunction device 11 and a plurality of second multifunction devices 12), a cloud 14, and a plurality of (specifically, for example, the same number as the multifunction devices) virtual devices 13. The first multifunction device 11, the plurality of second multifunction devices 12, and the cloud 14 (virtual device 13) are capable of communicating with each other via a network. Each component of the information synchronization system 10 will be described below.

[0035] <First multifunction device 11> The first multifunction device 11 is an example of an information processing system that processes information, and is an example of a first information processing system. The first multifunction device 11 can also be called an information processing device that processes information.

[0036] The first multifunction device 11 is a device capable of executing processes such as copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile. Specifically, the first multifunction device 11 includes a control device 20, an image reading unit 31, an image forming unit 32, a communication unit 33, an input unit 34, and a display unit 35, as shown in FIG.

[0037] The image reading unit 31 is a component (e.g., a scanner) that reads an image of a document. The image reading unit 31 optically reads the image of the document and converts it into a digital signal to generate image data. Note that the image includes characters.

[0038] The image forming unit 32 is a component that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper. The image forming unit 32 forms an image on the recording medium by, for example, an electrophotographic method that performs each process of charging, exposing, developing, transferring, and fixing. Note that the image forming unit 32 may form an image on the recording medium by another method such as an inkjet method.

[0039] The communication unit 33 is a component for communicating with other devices such as the multiple second multifunction machines 12 and the cloud 14 (virtual device 13). Specifically, the communication unit 33 communicates with other devices by using communication means such as wired, wireless, the Internet, an intranet, and public lines such as telephone lines. Note that the communication means may be communication means using sound, light, vibration, images, etc.

[0040] In this embodiment, the communication unit 33 communicates with the cloud 14 (virtual device 13) and the multiple second multifunction machines 12 via different networks.

[0041] The communication unit 33 communicates with the second multifunction device 12, for example, through a closed network 19 to which a specific multifunction device (an example of an information processing system) can be connected. This network 19 is a network (for example, a local network such as a LAN) incorporating a boundary type security system 15 such as a firewall. The communication between the communication unit 33 and the second multifunction device 12 (specifically, a communication unit 233 described below) is, for example, communication that does not require certificate matching. Note that in FIG. 1, a firewall is illustrated as an example of a boundary type security system.

[0042] In this manner, in this embodiment, the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12 are connected to a closed network 19 to which a specific device (an example of an information processing system) can be connected, forming a group 16.

[0043] On the other hand, communication between the communication unit 33 and the cloud 14 (virtual device 13) is, for example, communication that requires a certificate match. In this embodiment, the presence of a boundary-type security system such as a firewall prevents push distribution from the cloud 14 (virtual device 13) to the communication unit 33. For this reason, pseudo-push communication involving polling is performed from the communication unit 33 to the cloud 14 (virtual device 13).

[0044] This pseudo push communication executes normal synchronization (that is, a synchronization operation in which communication is made with the virtual device 13 at predetermined intervals to synchronize information between the first multifunction machine 11 and the virtual device 13), as described below.

[0045] In the first multifunction device 11, for example, the image reading unit 31 reads an image of a document and generates image data, thereby executing a scan process. In addition, in the first multifunction device 11, for example, the image data generated by reading an image of a document with the image reading unit 31 is transmitted to another device such as another multifunction device, thereby executing a facsimile process.

[0046] In addition, in the first multifunction device 11, for example, a copy process is performed by the image forming unit 32 forming an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data generated by reading an image of a document by the image reading unit 31. In addition, in the first multifunction device 11, for example, a print process is performed by the image forming unit 32 forming an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data acquired from a terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone, or a storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0047] The input unit 34 is a component where instructions are input by the user. Specifically, the input unit 34 is composed of, for example, input keys (for example, a keyboard and operation buttons, etc.) and a touch panel, etc., through which the user performs input operations.

[0048] The user's instructions include an execution instruction to cause the first multifunction device 11 to execute a job relating to processing such as copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile. A job is a processing unit of an operation that is executed by a single instruction from the user.

[0049] The display unit 35 is an example of a notification unit, and notifies the user of the presentation information by displaying the presentation information to be presented to the user. The display unit 35 is, for example, configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0050] The display unit 35 may function as the input unit 34. In this case, the input unit is, for example, configured with a touch panel of a resistive film type or a capacitive type, and an instruction by the user is input by a touch operation by the user.

[0051] The control device 20 is a device that controls each part of the first multifunction device 11. The control device 20 has a function as a computer, and as shown in Fig. 2, has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, and a storage 24. The CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the storage 24 are each connected to each other by a bus 29.

[0052] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit, and executes various programs including information processing programs such as an information synchronization program, and controls each section. The ROM 22 stores various programs including the information processing program and various data. The RAM 23 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 24 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system, and various data (for example, list information of destinations of the second multifunction device 12). The information processing program may be stored in the storage 24.

[0053] In the control device 20, the CPU 21 reads various programs including an information processing program from the ROM 22 or the storage 24, and executes the programs using the RAM 23 as a working area. The CPU 21 executes the information processing program to realize various functions for controlling each part of the first multifunction device 11. The following describes the functional configuration realized by the cooperation of the CPU 21 as a hardware resource and the information processing program as a software resource. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 20 according to this embodiment.

[0054] In the control device 20, the CPU 21 executes an information processing program to function as an execution unit 41, an acquisition unit 42, a transmission unit 43, an instruction acquisition unit 44, and a timer unit 45, as shown in FIG.

[0055] The execution unit 41 communicates with the virtual device 13 at predetermined intervals and executes a synchronization operation (hereinafter referred to as normal synchronization) for synchronizing information between the first multifunction device 11 and the virtual device 13. In this embodiment, the timer unit 45 measures the execution time for executing normal synchronization, and when the execution time arrives, causes the execution unit 41 to start executing normal synchronization. As a result, the execution unit 41 communicates with the virtual device 13 at regular time intervals (i.e., periodically) and executes normal synchronization. Furthermore, the execution unit 41 executes normal synchronization at a timing shifted from the timing at which the second multifunction device 12 belonging to the group 16 executes normal synchronization.

[0056] Synchronization refers to matching the information held by the first MFP 11 with the information held by the virtual device 13. In this embodiment, various information (e.g., parameter information) held by the first MFP 11 is also held in the virtual device 13, and the information held by the virtual device 13 is updated so that the difference in information between the first MFP 11 and the virtual device 13 is eliminated. Note that the information held by the first MFP 11 may be updated so that the difference in information between the first MFP 11 and the virtual device 13 is eliminated.

[0057] When the execution unit 41 executes normal synchronization, the acquisition unit 42 acquires emergency information from the virtual device 13. In addition to the emergency information, the acquisition unit 42 may acquire additional information added to the emergency information.

[0058] The emergency information is information transmitted from the virtual device 13 when a synchronization operation (hereinafter, referred to as emergency synchronization) is to be performed to communicate with the virtual device 13 and synchronize information with the virtual device 13 before the next normal synchronization is performed. In other words, the emergency information is information transmitted when an immediate execution of a synchronization operation is requested.

[0059] Examples of the additional information include a change instruction for changing the settings in the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12, a certificate used for communication with the virtual device 13, and a rule for executing emergency synchronization. The rule is an instruction for making the timing of executing emergency synchronization different from that of the second multifunction device 12.

[0060] When the execution unit 41 executes normal synchronization and the acquisition unit 42 acquires emergency information, the transmission unit 43 transmits an execution instruction to the second multifunction device 12 to execute emergency synchronization before executing the next normal synchronization. In this embodiment, when the execution unit 41 executes normal synchronization and the acquisition unit 42 acquires emergency information, the transmission unit 43 transmits an execution instruction to the second multifunction device 12 belonging to the group 16 to execute emergency synchronization before executing the next normal synchronization.

[0061] When the acquisition unit 42 acquires the emergency information and the additional information added to the emergency information, the transmission unit 43 transmits the additional information together with an execution instruction to execute emergency synchronization to the second multifunction device 12.

[0062] Furthermore, the instruction acquisition unit 44 acquires an execution instruction to execute emergency synchronization from the second multifunction device 12. When the instruction acquisition unit 44 acquires an execution instruction to execute emergency synchronization from the second multifunction device 12, the execution unit 41 executes the emergency synchronization.

[0063] When the execution unit 41 executes normal synchronization, if the acquisition unit 42 acquires emergency information from the virtual device 13 and acquires an execution instruction from the second multifunction device 12 to execute emergency synchronization related to the emergency information, the execution unit 41 does not execute emergency synchronization.

[0064] <Second multifunction device 12> The second multifunction device 12 is an example of another information processing system that processes information, and is an example of a second information processing system. The second multifunction device 12 can also be said to be an information processing device that processes information. In addition, when one second multifunction device 12 is considered as an example of another information processing system, the second multifunction device 12 other than the one second multifunction device 12 can be understood as an example of a different information processing system.

[0065] The second multifunction device 12 is configured similarly to the first multifunction device 11, and is a device capable of executing processes such as copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile. In the following, the parts of the second multifunction device 12 that are different from the first multifunction device 11 will be described, and descriptions of the similar parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0066] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the second multifunction device 12 includes a control device 220, an image reading section 231, an image forming section 232, a communication section 233, an input section 234, and a display section 235.

[0067] The control device 220 has a function as a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 221, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 222, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 223, and a storage 224, as shown in Fig. 4. The CPU 221, the ROM 222, the RAM 223, and the storage 224 are each connected to one another by a bus 219.

[0068] The control device 220, image reading unit 231, image forming unit 232, communication unit 233, input unit 234, display unit 235, CPU 221, ROM 222, RAM 223, storage 224, and bus 219 in the second multifunction device 12 are configured in the same manner as the control device 20, image reading unit 31, image forming unit 32, communication unit 33, input unit 34, display unit 35, CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, storage 24, and bus 29 in the first multifunction device 11.

[0069] In the control device 220, the CPU 221 executes an information processing program to function as an execution unit 51, an acquisition unit 52, a transmission unit 53, an instruction acquisition unit 54, and a timer unit 55, as shown in FIG.

[0070] Each of the execution unit 51, the acquisition unit 52, the transmission unit 53, the instruction acquisition unit 54, and the timer unit 55 functions in the same manner as each of the execution unit 41, the acquisition unit 42, the transmission unit 43, the instruction acquisition unit 44, and the timer unit 45 of the first multifunction device 11.

[0071] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, among the multiple multifunction machines, the multifunction machine that acquires the emergency information is referred to as the first multifunction machine 11, and the multifunction machine to which an execution instruction to execute emergency synchronization is sent from the first multifunction machine 11 is referred to as the second multifunction machine 12. However, the first multifunction machine 11 and the second multifunction machine 12 have similar functions as multifunction machines, and the second multifunction machine 12 may function as the multifunction machine that acquires the emergency information, and the second multifunction machine 12 other than the second multifunction machine 12 and the first multifunction machine 11 may function as the multifunction machine to which an execution instruction to execute emergency synchronization is sent from the second multifunction machine 12.

[0072] <Cloud 14 and Virtual Device 13> As described above, the cloud 14 is a device that provides various services and is capable of communicating with the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12. The cloud 14 is configured, for example, by a management server that manages the information synchronization system 10.

[0073] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the cloud 14 includes a control device 320, a communication unit 333, an input unit 334, and a display unit 335.

[0074] The control device 320 has a function as a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 321, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 322, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 323, and a storage 324, as shown in Fig. 6. The CPU 321, the ROM 322, the RAM 323, and the storage 324 are each connected to one another by a bus 319.

[0075] The control device 320, communication unit 333, input unit 334, display unit 335, CPU 321, ROM 322, RAM 323, storage 324, and bus 319 in the cloud 14 are configured in the same manner as the control device 20, communication unit 33, input unit 34, display unit 35, CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, storage 24, and bus 29 in the first multifunction device 11.

[0076] Furthermore, in the control device 320, the CPU 321 executes an information processing program to function as a setting information transmission unit 71 and an address acquisition unit 72, which will be described later (see FIG. 7).

[0077] The virtual device 13 is an example of a synchronization destination. This virtual device 13 is a device virtually constructed on the cloud 14. This virtual device 13 is capable of communicating with the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12, and is capable of sending and receiving information. Specifically, the virtual device 13 is constructed as a digital twin of the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12, and synchronizes information between the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12.

[0078] The virtual device 13 has, as functional units, a setting reception unit 61, a setting information storage unit 62, a reception unit 63, a current setting storage unit 64, and an address transmission unit 65 (see FIG. 7). The setting information storage unit 62 and the current setting storage unit 64 are configured, for example, by the storage 324.

[0079] <Normal synchronization in the information synchronization system 10> The following describes the operation of each unit when the first multifunction device 11 executes normal synchronization in the information synchronization system 10. The operation includes pre-processing that is performed before the normal synchronization is executed.

[0080] When the administrator (i.e., the operator) of the cloud 14 determines the setting contents to be applied to the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12 and inputs setting information indicating the setting contents to the setting information transmission unit 71 of the cloud 14, the setting information transmission unit 71 transmits the setting information to the setting reception unit 61 of the virtual device 13, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 8, the setting information may include, for example, a proxy server address, whether or not a power saving mode is enabled, and the background color of a login screen. Note that the setting information is not limited to that shown in Fig. 8, and may include information relating to various setting contents.

[0082] 7, when the setting reception unit 61 of the virtual device 13 receives setting information from the setting information transmission unit 71, it stores the setting information in the setting information holding unit 62. That is, the setting information holding unit 62 holds the setting information.

[0083] Meanwhile, in the first MFP 11, the timer unit 45 measures the execution time for executing normal synchronization, and when the execution time arrives, causes the execution unit 41 to start executing normal synchronization. As a result, the execution unit 41 communicates with the reception unit 63 of the virtual device 13 at regular time intervals (i.e., periodically) to execute normal synchronization. Note that the timer unit 45 causes the execution unit 41 to start executing normal synchronization, for example, once every three hours.

[0084] The reception unit 63 retrieves the setting information from the setting information storage unit 62, and transmits it to the acquisition unit 42. That is, the reception unit 63 performs pseudo push communication accompanied by polling.

[0085] As a result, the acquisition unit 42 acquires the setting information and writes the setting information to the setting storage unit 46. As a result, the setting in the first MFP 11 is changed.

[0086] Next, the execution unit 41 reads the current settings from the setting storage unit 46 and transmits the read current settings to the reception unit 63 .

[0087] The reception unit 63 acquires the current settings from the execution unit 41 and stores them in the current settings storage unit 64. That is, the current settings storage unit 64 stores the current settings. The current settings are all setting information stored in the first MFP 11 at the time when the reception unit 63 acquires the current settings. The format is the same as the setting information described above, and consists of the name of the setting item and the setting value.

[0088] <Emergency Synchronization in Information Synchronization System 10> The following describes the operation of each unit when the first multifunction device 11 executes emergency synchronization in the information synchronization system 10. The operation includes pre-processing that is performed before the emergency synchronization is executed.

[0089] 9, the address transmission unit 65 of the virtual device 13 acquires the address (e.g., IPv4 address) of the first MFP 11 from the current setting storage unit 64 and transmits it to the address acquisition unit 72 of the cloud 14. Upon acquiring the address of the first MFP 11, the address acquisition unit 72 stores it in the address storage unit 73. That is, the address storage unit 73 stores the address of the first MFP 11. The address storage unit 73 is configured, for example, with the storage 324.

[0090] The address acquisition unit 72 acquires the addresses of the first MFP 11 and the multiple second MFPs 12 from all of the virtual devices 13, and stores them in the address storage unit 73. Specifically, the address acquisition unit 72 groups the addresses of the first MFP 11 and the multiple second MFPs 12, and stores them in the address storage unit 73. The address storage unit 73 stores a group member list (see FIG. 10) that is set by grouping the addresses of the first MFP 11 and the multiple second MFPs 12.

[0091] Furthermore, the address storage unit 73 also stores a synchronization time list (see FIG. 11) for each group member. The synchronization time list indicates the time (i.e., timing) at which each of the multifunction devices constituting the group members (the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12) executes normal synchronization. In the synchronization time list, the times are set so that the times at which each of the multifunction devices constituting the group members executes normal synchronization are different.

[0092] When the group member list and the synchronization time list are set, the setting information transmitting unit 71 also transmits information on the group member list and the synchronization time list as setting information to the setting receiving unit 61 of the virtual device 13 (see FIG. 12). Note that the group member list and the synchronization time list may be set by being generated by the administrator of the cloud 14.

[0093] Then, when the setting information transmitting unit 71 receives an instruction to transmit emergency information from the administrator (i.e., the operator) of the cloud 14, as shown in FIG. 9, the setting information transmitting unit 71 transmits the emergency information in addition to the setting information to the setting receiving unit 61 of the virtual device 13. As shown in FIG. 13, the information transmitted to the setting receiving unit 61 includes the setting information and the emergency information. Identification information for identifying the emergency information is assigned to the emergency information. In FIG. 13, the character string "EM7788" is the identification information. The identification information is an identifier used in each of the multifunction machines (the first multifunction machine 11 and the second multifunction machine 12) to prevent a synchronization operation from being performed multiple times based on one emergency information.

[0094] When the setting reception unit 61 receives the setting information and the emergency information from the setting information transmission unit 71, it stores the setting information and the emergency information in the setting information storage unit 62. That is, the setting information storage unit 62 stores the setting information and the emergency information.

[0095] When the execution unit 41 of the first multifunction device 11 executes normal synchronization, the acceptance unit 63 extracts the setting information and emergency information from the setting information storage unit 62 and transmits them to the acquisition unit .

[0096] As a result, the acquisition unit 42 acquires the setting information and the emergency information, and writes the setting information to the setting storage unit 46. As a result, the setting of the first multifunction machine 11 is changed. The setting storage unit 46 and the emergency list 47 are configured in the storage 24, for example.

[0097] When the acquisition unit 42 acquires the emergency information, the transmission unit 43 transmits an execution instruction (specifically, the emergency information) to the instruction acquisition unit 54 of the second multifunction device 12 to cause the second multifunction device 12 to execute emergency synchronization before executing the next normal synchronization. At this time, the transmission unit 43 reads the group member list from the setting holding unit 46, and transmits the emergency information to the instruction acquisition unit 54 of the second multifunction device 12 having an address other than its own that is included in the group member list.

[0098] When the instruction acquisition unit 54 acquires emergency information, it determines whether emergency information with the same character string exists in the emergency list 57. If emergency information with the same character string exists in the emergency list 57, the emergency has already been dealt with and so nothing is done. On the other hand, if emergency information with the same character string does not exist in the emergency list 57, the instruction acquisition unit 54 stores the emergency information together with the character string in the emergency list 57 and then requests the timer unit 55 to execute an instruction to start synchronization to the execution unit 51. The timer unit 55 immediately causes the execution unit 51 to start executing emergency synchronization. The setting retention unit 56 and the emergency list 57 are configured, for example, by the storage 224.

[0099] As described above, additional information may be added to the emergency information, such as a change instruction for changing settings in the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12, a certificate used for communication with the virtual device 13, and a rule for executing emergency synchronization.

[0100] An example of the change instruction is a setting instruction such as "prohibit LPD printing" as shown in FIG.

[0101] This certificate is issued to prevent each of the multifunction devices (first multifunction device 11 and second multifunction device 12) from communicating with the incorrect virtual device 13, and is a certificate that certifies that the multifunction device is a synchronization partner with the virtual device 13.

[0102] The rule may be an instruction to make the timing of executing emergency synchronization different from that of the other second multifunction devices 12. That is, the instruction is an instruction to make the multiple second multifunction devices 12 execute emergency synchronization at different timings.

[0103] <Processing flow in the first multifunction device 11 of the information synchronization system 10> Next, a description will be given of the flow of the synchronization process executed in the first multifunction device 11 of the information synchronization system 10. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the synchronization process of this embodiment.

[0104] In the information synchronization system 10, when the first multifunction device 11 is powered on and starts operating, it starts executing a synchronization process. In this embodiment, the CPU 21 of the first multifunction device 11 reads the information synchronization program from the ROM 22 or the storage 24, the CPU 221 of the second multifunction device 12 reads the information synchronization program from the ROM 222 or the storage 224, and the CPUs 21 and 221 cooperate to execute the information synchronization program, thereby executing the synchronization process.

[0105] When the CPU 21 starts this synchronization process, as shown in Fig. 15, first, it judges whether or not the execution timing for executing normal synchronization has arrived (step S101). Specifically, it judges whether or not the execution unit 41 described above has received a notification of synchronization start from the timer unit 45. If the CPU 21 judges that the execution timing for executing normal synchronization has not arrived (step S101: NO), it repeats step S101 until the execution timing arrives.

[0106] On the other hand, when the CPU 21 determines that the execution timing for executing the normal synchronization has arrived (step S101: YES), the CPU 21 executes the normal synchronization (step S102). Specifically, the CPU 21 executes the normal synchronization at a timing shifted from the timing at which the second MFP 12 belonging to the group 16 executes the normal synchronization.

[0107] Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not emergency information has been acquired when normal synchronization is executed (step S103). Specifically, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the acquisition unit 42 has acquired emergency information from the reception unit 63. When the CPU 21 determines that emergency information has not been acquired when normal synchronization is executed (step S103: NO), the CPU 21 returns to step S101.

[0108] On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines that emergency information has been acquired when performing normal synchronization (step S103: YES), it transmits the emergency information to the second multifunction device 12 belonging to the group 16 as an execution instruction to perform emergency synchronization before performing the next normal synchronization (step S104), and returns to step S101.

[0109] When the CPU 21 acquires the emergency information and the additional information added to the emergency information, the CPU 21 transmits the additional information together with the emergency information to the second multifunction peripheral 12 belonging to the group 16 .

[0110] In the second multifunction device 12, when the CPU 221 acquires emergency information (step S201), it determines whether the same emergency information has already been acquired (step S202). If the CPU 221 determines that the same emergency information has not been acquired (step S202: NO), it executes emergency synchronization (step S203) and ends this synchronization process in the second multifunction device 12.

[0111] On the other hand, if the CPU 221 determines that the same emergency information has already been acquired (step S202: YES), the emergency synchronization is not executed, and the second MFP 12 ends this synchronization process.

[0112] <Action according to this embodiment> In this embodiment, when the CPU 21 acquires emergency information during normal synchronization, the CPU 21 transmits an execution instruction to the second multifunction device 12 to execute emergency synchronization before executing the next normal synchronization (see step S104). As a result, in the second multifunction device 12, when the CPU 221 determines that the same emergency information has not been acquired (step S201: NO), the second multifunction device 12 executes emergency synchronization.

[0113] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible for the second multifunction device 12, which performs normal synchronization by communicating with the virtual device 13 at predetermined intervals and synchronizing information with the virtual device 13, to synchronize information with the virtual device 13 without waiting for the predetermined interval.

[0114] Specifically, in this embodiment, an instruction to execute emergency synchronization is sent to a second multifunction device 12 that is connected to a closed network 19 to which a specific multifunction device (an example of an information processing system) can be connected and that forms a group 16, before the next normal synchronization is executed (see step S104).

[0115] This makes it possible for the second MFP 12 belonging to the group 16 to synchronize information with the virtual device 13 without waiting for a predetermined interval.

[0116] Specifically, the CPU 21 executes normal synchronization at a timing shifted from the timing at which the second MFP 12 belonging to the group 16 executes normal synchronization (see step S102).

[0117] This shortens the interval at which emergency information can be acquired in the group 16, compared to when the CPU 21 executes normal synchronization at the same timing as when the second MFP 12 belonging to the group 16 executes normal synchronization. As a result, the waiting time until the second MFP 12 synchronizes information with the virtual device 13 is shortened.

[0118] In this embodiment, when the CPU 21 receives an execution instruction to execute emergency synchronization from the second MFP 12, the CPU 21 executes emergency synchronization.

[0119] Therefore, the waiting time until the first MFP 11 synchronizes information with the virtual device 13 is shorter than when the CPU 21 executes only transmission of an execution instruction to the second MFP 12 to execute emergency synchronization.

[0120] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the CPU 21 executes normal synchronization, if the CPU 21 acquires emergency information from the virtual device 13, and if the CPU 21 acquires an instruction from the second multifunction device 12 to execute emergency synchronization related to the emergency information, the CPU 21 does not execute emergency synchronization.

[0121] As a result, the CPU 21 is prevented from executing the same emergency synchronization multiple times, compared to the case where the CPU 21 always executes emergency synchronization when it receives an execution instruction from the second multifunction machine 12.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, when the CPU 21 acquires the emergency information and the additional information added to the emergency information, the CPU 21 transmits the additional information to the second multifunction device 12 together with an execution instruction to execute emergency synchronization.

[0123] This makes it possible to cause the second multifunction device 12 to execute an operation related to the additional information in addition to emergency synchronization, as compared to a case in which the CPU 21 always transmits only an execution instruction to the second multifunction device 12.

[0124] The additional information is, for example, a change instruction to change the settings in the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12. In this case, the second multifunction device 12 can change the settings before executing emergency synchronization.

[0125] The additional information is, for example, a certificate used for communication with the virtual device 13. In this case, a failure in the execution of emergency synchronization due to a failure in the certificate of the second multifunction machine 12 is suppressed.

[0126] The additional information may be, for example, a rule for executing emergency synchronization. In this case, it is possible to set a rule for the second multifunction device 12 to execute emergency synchronization.

[0127] The rule, for example, instructs that the timing of executing emergency synchronization is made different from that of other second multifunction devices 12. In this case, when emergency synchronization is executed by a plurality of second multifunction devices 12, the execution of emergency synchronization is prevented from being concentrated.

[0128] <Modification> In this embodiment, multifunction devices (specifically, the first multifunction device 11 and the second multifunction device 12) are used as an example of an information processing system, but the present invention is not limited to this. An example of an information processing system may be, for example, a printer that executes only print processing, or an image forming device other than a multifunction device. Furthermore, an example of an information processing system is not limited to an image forming device, and may be a personal computer, a terminal such as a smartphone, or the like, as long as it is a device capable of communication.

[0129] In the present embodiment, the CPU 21 transmits an execution instruction to the second MFP 12 belonging to the group 16 to execute emergency synchronization before executing the next normal synchronization, but this is not limited to the above. The execution instruction may be transmitted to the second MFP 12 not belonging to the group 16.

[0130] In the present embodiment, the CPU 21 executes normal synchronization at a timing shifted from the timing at which the second multifunction devices 12 belonging to the group 16 execute normal synchronization (see step S102), but this is not limited to this. The CPU 21 may execute normal synchronization at the same timing as the timing at which some of the second multifunction devices 12 belonging to the group 16 execute normal synchronization (see step S102).

[0131] In the present embodiment, the CPU 21 executes emergency synchronization when it receives an execution instruction to execute emergency synchronization from the second multifunction device 12, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the CPU 21 may be configured to execute only transmission of an execution instruction to execute emergency synchronization to the second multifunction device 12.

[0132] In the present embodiment, when the CPU 21 executes normal synchronization and acquires emergency information from the virtual device 13, if the CPU 21 acquires an execution instruction from the second multifunction device 12 to execute emergency synchronization related to the emergency information, the CPU 21 does not execute emergency synchronization, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the CPU 21 may be configured to always execute emergency synchronization when it acquires an execution instruction from the second multifunction device 12.

[0133] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the CPU 21 acquires emergency information and additional information added to the emergency information, the CPU 21 transmits the additional information together with an execution instruction to execute emergency synchronization to the second multifunction device 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 21 may be configured to always transmit only an execution instruction to the second multifunction device 12.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be combined in combination as appropriate.

[0135] In addition, in the above embodiment, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes a general-purpose processor (e.g., the aforementioned CPU, etc.) and a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0136] In addition, the operations of the processor in the above embodiment 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 embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0137] In addition, in this embodiment, the information synchronization system is described as being configured by a plurality of devices, but may be configured by a single device. In addition, in this embodiment, the information processing system is described as being configured by a single device, but may be configured by a plurality of devices. In other words, the "system" in this embodiment may be configured by a plurality of devices, or may be configured by a single device.

[0138] <Additional Notes> (((1))) An information processing system including a processor, The processor, When normal synchronization is executed in which information is synchronized between the information processing system and the synchronization destination by communicating with the synchronization destination at a predetermined interval, if emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, An instruction is sent to the other information processing system that is executing the normal synchronization to execute emergency synchronization in which emergency synchronization is executed by communicating with the synchronization destination before executing the next normal synchronization, and information is synchronized with the synchronization destination. Information processing system.

[0139] (((2))) An information processing system in which a specific information processing system is connected to a connectable closed network and forms a group with the other information processing systems connected to the network, The processor, When the normal synchronization is executed, if the emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, The execution instruction is transmitted to the other information processing systems belonging to the group via the network. An information processing system according to (((1))).

[0140] (((3))) The processor, The other information processing systems belonging to the group execute the normal synchronization at a timing shifted from the timing at which the other information processing systems execute the normal synchronization. The information processing system according to (((2))).

[0141] (((4))) The processor, When an instruction to execute the emergency synchronization is received from another information processing system that executes the normal synchronization, the emergency synchronization is executed. 13. An information processing system according to claim 12, wherein the information processing system is an information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((3))).

[0142] (((5))) The processor, When the normal synchronization is executed, if emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, When an execution instruction related to the emergency information is received from another information processing system that executes the normal synchronization, the emergency synchronization is not executed. 13. An information processing system according to claim 12, wherein the information processing system is an information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((4))).

[0143] (((6))) The processor, When the normal synchronization is executed, if emergency information and additional information added to the emergency information are acquired from the synchronization destination, The additional information is transmitted to the other information processing system together with the execution instruction. 13. An information processing system according to claim 12, wherein the information processing system is an information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((5))).

[0144] (((7))) The additional information is a change instruction for changing a setting in the information processing system. An information processing system according to (((6))).

[0145] (((8))) The additional information is a certificate used for communication with the synchronization destination. An information processing system according to (((6))).

[0146] (((9))) The additional information is a rule for performing the emergency synchronization. An information processing system according to (((6))).

[0147] (((10))) The rule is: The timing of executing the emergency synchronization is an instruction to make the timing of executing the emergency synchronization different from that of the other information processing system. The information processing system according to (((9))).

[0148] (((11))) The synchronization destination, a first information processing system that communicates with the synchronization destination at a predetermined interval and executes normal synchronization to synchronize information with the synchronization destination; A second information processing system that executes the normal synchronization; Equipped with When the first information processing system acquires emergency information from the synchronization destination when the first information processing system executes the normal synchronization, the first information processing system transmits an execution instruction to the second information processing system to execute emergency synchronization for synchronizing information with the synchronization destination before executing the next normal synchronization. Information synchronization system.

[0149] (((12))) On the computer, When normal synchronization is executed in which information is synchronized between an information processing system and a synchronization destination by communicating with the synchronization destination at a predetermined interval, if emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, An instruction is sent to the other information processing system that is executing the normal synchronization to execute emergency synchronization in which emergency synchronization is executed by communicating with the synchronization destination before executing the next normal synchronization, and information is synchronized with the synchronization destination. An information processing program for executing processing.

[0150] According to the configuration (((1))), for an information processing system that performs normal synchronization, in which information is communicated to a synchronization destination at predetermined intervals and information is synchronized with the synchronization destination, it is possible to synchronize information with the synchronization destination without waiting for the predetermined interval.

[0151] According to the configuration (((2))), it is possible to synchronize information with the synchronization destination for other information processing systems belonging to the group without waiting for a predetermined interval.

[0152] According to the configuration (((3))), the waiting time until the other information processing system synchronizes information with the synchronization destination can be shortened, compared to a case where the processor performs normal synchronization at the same timing as the other information processing system performs normal synchronization.

[0153] According to the configuration (((4))), the waiting time until the information processing system synchronizes information with the synchronization destination can be shortened, compared to the case where the processor only transmits an execution instruction to another information processing system.

[0154] According to the configuration (((5))), when the processor receives an execution instruction from another information processing system, the processor is prevented from executing the same emergency synchronization multiple times, compared to the case where the processor always executes emergency synchronization.

[0155] According to the configuration (((6))), in comparison with a case where the processor always sends only execution instructions to the other information processing systems, it is possible to have the other information processing systems execute operations related to the additional information in addition to emergency synchronization.

[0156] According to the configuration (((7))), it is possible to change the settings before the other information processing system executes emergency synchronization.

[0157] According to the configuration (((8))), it is possible to prevent failure of emergency synchronization due to an error in the certificate of another information processing system.

[0158] According to the configuration (((9))), a rule can be established when another information processing system executes emergency synchronization.

[0159] According to the configuration (((10))), when emergency synchronization is executed by a plurality of other information processing systems, the execution of emergency synchronization is prevented from being concentrated.

[0160] According to the configuration (((11))), for an information processing system that performs normal synchronization, in which information is communicated to a synchronization destination at predetermined intervals and information is synchronized with the synchronization destination, it is possible to synchronize information with the synchronization destination without waiting for the predetermined interval.

[0161] According to the configuration (((12))), for an information processing system that performs normal synchronization, in which information is communicated to a synchronization destination at predetermined intervals and information is synchronized with the synchronization destination, it is possible to synchronize information with the synchronization destination without waiting for the predetermined interval. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 10. Information Synchronization System 11 First multifunction device (an example of an information processing system, an example of a first information processing system) 12 Second multifunction device (an example of another information processing system, an example of a second information processing system) 13 Virtual Devices 14. Cloud 15. Security Systems 16 Groups 19 Network 20, 220, 320 Control device 21, 221, 321 CPU (example of processor) 22, 222, 322 ROM 23, 223, 323 RAM 24, 224, 324 Storage 29, 219, 319 Bus 31, 231, Image reader 32, 232 Image forming section 33, 233, 333 Communications Department 34, 234, 334 Input section 35, 235, 335 display section 41, 51 Executive Department 42, 52 Acquisition Department 43, 53 Transmitter 44, 54 Instruction acquisition part 45, 55 Timer section 46, 56 Setting holding section 47, 57 Emergency List 61 Settings reception section 62 Setting information holding section 63 Reception 64 Current setting storage section 65 Address sender 71 Setting information transmission unit 72 Address Acquisition Section 73 Address Holder

Claims

1. An information processing system including a processor, The processor, When normal synchronization is executed in which information is synchronized between the information processing system and the synchronization destination by communicating with the synchronization destination at a predetermined interval, if emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, An instruction is sent to the other information processing system that is executing the normal synchronization to execute emergency synchronization in which emergency synchronization is executed by communicating with the synchronization destination before executing the next normal synchronization, and information is synchronized with the synchronization destination. Information processing system.

2. An information processing system in which a specific information processing system is connected to a connectable closed network and forms a group with the other information processing systems connected to the network, The processor, When the normal synchronization is executed, if the emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, The execution instruction is transmitted to the other information processing systems belonging to the group via the network. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, The other information processing systems belonging to the group execute the normal synchronization at a timing shifted from the timing at which the other information processing systems execute the normal synchronization. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor, When an instruction to execute the emergency synchronization is received from another information processing system that executes the normal synchronization, the emergency synchronization is executed. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. The processor, When the normal synchronization is executed, if emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, When an execution instruction related to the emergency information is received from another information processing system that executes the normal synchronization, the emergency synchronization is not executed. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The processor, When the normal synchronization is executed, if emergency information and additional information added to the emergency information are acquired from the synchronization destination, The additional information is transmitted to the other information processing system together with the execution instruction. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. The additional information is a change instruction for changing a setting in the information processing system.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. The additional information is a certificate used for communication with the synchronization destination.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6.

9. The additional information is a rule for performing the emergency synchronization.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6.

10. The rule is: The timing of executing the emergency synchronization is an instruction to make the timing of executing the emergency synchronization different from that of the other information processing system. The information processing system according to claim 9.

11. The synchronization destination, a first information processing system that communicates with the synchronization destination at a predetermined interval and executes normal synchronization to synchronize information with the synchronization destination; A second information processing system that executes the normal synchronization; Equipped with When the first information processing system acquires emergency information from the synchronization destination when the first information processing system executes the normal synchronization, the first information processing system transmits an execution instruction to the second information processing system to execute emergency synchronization for synchronizing information with the synchronization destination before executing the next normal synchronization. Information synchronization system.

12. On the computer, When normal synchronization is executed in which information is synchronized between an information processing system and a synchronization destination by communicating with the synchronization destination at a predetermined interval, if emergency information is acquired from the synchronization destination, An instruction is sent to the other information processing system that is executing the normal synchronization to execute emergency synchronization in which emergency synchronization is executed by communicating with the synchronization destination before executing the next normal synchronization, and information is synchronized with the synchronization destination. An information processing program for executing processing.

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