Information processing system and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and an information processing program with which, when synchronizing the data to be stored in memory with an external device, it is possible to suppress a communication amount as compared with the case where all data are transmitted simultaneously to the external device irrespective of data type.SOLUTION: The information processing system comprises at least one memory and at least one processor. The processor receives from an external device a transmission request including the type of data to be transmitted and transmission timing which is different for each data type, and transmits data to the external device on the basis of the transmission request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, in an information processing device connected to a computer outside the firewall via a firewall, when querying the computer at a predetermined frequency for control commands for equipment inside the firewall, the frequency of queries to the computer is increased if data related to the equipment collected from the equipment satisfies predetermined conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-156493 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an information processing system and an information processing program that can reduce communication volume when synchronizing data recorded in memory with an external device, compared to a case in which all data, regardless of data type, is sent to the external device simultaneously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing system according to a first aspect includes at least one memory and at least one processor, wherein the processor receives a transmission request from an external device, the transmission request including a type of data to be transmitted and a transmission time that differs for each type of data, and transmits data to the external device based on the transmission request.

[0006] An information processing system according to a second aspect has the configuration of the first aspect, and wherein the processor transmits data based on the transmission request including, as the transmission time, a time determined according to a change in the data.

[0007] In the information processing system of the third aspect, in the configuration of the second aspect, the processor transmits data based on the transmission request, the transmission time including a time determined based on a change in data acquired within the information processing system and the elapsed time since the change occurred.

[0008] In an information processing system according to a fourth aspect, in the configuration of the second aspect, the processor transmits data based on the transmission request when a predetermined change has occurred in the data acquired within the information processing system from the data last transmitted to the external device.

[0009] In an information processing system according to a fifth aspect, in the configuration of the fourth aspect, the processor transmits data based on the transmission request when the predetermined change is such that the latest data acquired within the information processing system deviates from a range determined by the data average value and standard deviation of a predetermined number of samples acquired within the information processing system.

[0010] In an information processing system according to a sixth aspect, in the configuration of the second aspect, the processor transmits data for the type of data, which is the remaining amount of a consumable consumed within the information processing system, based on the transmission request, the transmission time including a time determined according to the remaining amount.

[0011] An information processing system according to a seventh aspect has the configuration of the sixth aspect, wherein when the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the processor reduces the communication frequency compared to when the remaining amount is less than the threshold.

[0012] In the information processing system of the eighth aspect, in the configuration of the seventh aspect, the processor increases the communication frequency when the rate of decrease of the remaining amount exceeds a predetermined threshold, even if the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0013] In an information processing system according to a ninth aspect, in the configuration of the first aspect, the processor transmits data based on the transmission request, the transmission time including a time determined in accordance with a setting value set within the information processing system, for the type of data.

[0014] In an information processing system according to a tenth aspect, in the configuration of the first aspect, the processor transmits data based on the transmission request, the transmission time including a time determined according to multiple types of data grouped together in the same classification.

[0015] In an information processing system according to an eleventh aspect, in the configuration of the first aspect, when there are multiple types of data to be transmitted within a predetermined time, the processor transmits data based on the transmission request, which includes one transmission time determined in accordance with the multiple types of data.

[0016] An information processing program according to a twelfth aspect receives a transmission request from an external device, the transmission request including a type of data to be transmitted and a transmission time that differs for each type of data, and causes a computer to execute a process of transmitting data to the external device based on the transmission request. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, when synchronizing data recorded in memory with an external device, the amount of communication can be reduced compared to when all data, regardless of data type, is sent to the external device simultaneously.

[0018] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication for one type of data, compared to a case in which the data is transmitted periodically.

[0019] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, it is possible to reduce communication traffic compared to a case in which data is transmitted immediately after a change occurs in the data.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, it is possible to reduce communication traffic compared to a case in which data is transmitted when a predetermined change has occurred from data prior to the last transmitted data.

[0021] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication traffic, compared to a case in which a change in data of only one sample is used as the predetermined change.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication traffic, compared to a case in which data is transmitted periodically regardless of the remaining amount of the consumable.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, the amount of communication can be reduced compared to when communication frequency is high.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, when the remaining amount of the consumable is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is possible to prevent omission of transmission of necessary data, compared to a case in which the communication frequency remains low.

[0025] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, it is possible to suppress the amount of communication traffic, compared to a case in which data is transmitted periodically regardless of a set value.

[0026] According to the information processing system of the tenth aspect, a plurality of types of data grouped under the same classification can be provided collectively.

[0027] According to the information processing system of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of data communication, compared to a case in which a plurality of types of data are transmitted separately within a predetermined period of time.

[0028] According to the information processing program of the 12th aspect, when data recorded in memory is synchronized with an external device, the amount of communication can be reduced compared to when all data, regardless of the type of data, is sent to the external device simultaneously. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a synchronization 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] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a communication frequency table. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a shadow device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process at the time of startup in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a synchronization process in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the synchronization process in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a first variation of the synchronization process in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a second variation of the synchronization process in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0031] <Synchronous processing system> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a synchronization processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining synchronization processing performed between cloud server 20 and image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C.

[0032] 1, the synchronous processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a configuration in which three image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C installed at a site A are connected to a cloud server 20 via the Internet 30. The image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C are connected to each other within the site A via a network 40. The image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C are devices known as multifunction peripherals having multiple functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. Each of the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C is an example of an information processing system in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0033] 2, a shadow device (virtual device) 22 is provided on the cloud server 20, which holds data 100A-100C, such as various settings and states, stored in the image forming apparatuses 10A-10C as physical devices connected via the Internet 30, in synchronization with the image forming apparatuses 10A-10C. Specifically, the shadow device 22 on the cloud server 20 stores the data 100A-100C stored in the image forming apparatuses 10A-10C as data 22A-22C while synchronizing with the image forming apparatuses 10A-10C. The shadow device 22 is an example of an external device in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0034] Generally, a configuration that allows direct connection to a physical device inside a firewall is not preferable from the viewpoint of security. Therefore, data 100A-100C stored in the physical device (image forming devices 10A-10C) is transmitted from the physical device (image forming devices 10A-10C) to a shadow device 22 on the cloud server 20, thereby performing synchronization processing between the physical device and the shadow device 22.

[0035] By using the shadow device 22 in this way, even if the external management terminal 50 that manages the physical devices cannot directly connect to the physical devices to be managed, it is possible to check the status of the physical devices and manage settings changes, etc., via the shadow device 22 in the cloud server 20. The synchronization process will be described in detail later.

[0036] <Image forming device> Next, the image forming device 10A in the synchronous processing system of this embodiment will be described in detail. In the following description, the operation of the image forming device 10A will be mainly described, but the image forming devices 10B, 10C, etc. also have the same configuration. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming device 10A in this embodiment.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, image forming apparatus 10A is a device called a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, image forming apparatus 10A includes a control device 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a communication unit 14, an input unit 15, and a display unit 16. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 18.

[0038] The image reading unit 12 is a component (e.g., a scanner) that reads an image of a document. The image reading unit 12 optically reads the image of the document and converts it into a digital signal to generate image data. Note that the image includes characters.

[0039] The image forming unit 13 is a component that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper. The image forming unit 13 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 13 may form an image on the recording medium by another method such as an inkjet method.

[0040] The communication unit 14 is a component for communicating with other devices such as the image forming apparatuses 10B and 10C and the shadow device 22 on the cloud server 20. Specifically, the communication unit 14 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.

[0041] In this embodiment, the communication unit 14 communicates with the cloud server 20 (shadow device 22) and the image forming apparatuses 10B and 10C through different networks. Specifically, the communication unit 14 communicates with the image forming apparatuses 10B and 10C through, for example, a closed network 40 (see FIG. 1) to which a specific image forming apparatus (an example of an information processing system) can be connected.

[0042] This network 40 is a network (for example, a local network such as a LAN) in which a boundary type security system such as a firewall is built in. The communication between the communication unit 14 and the image forming apparatuses 10B and 10C does not require, for example, certificate verification.

[0043] On the other hand, the communication between the communication unit 14 and the cloud server 20 (shadow device 22) is, for example, communication that requires a certificate match. In this embodiment, the presence of a boundary-type security system such as a firewall makes it impossible to perform push distribution from the cloud server 20 (shadow device 22) to the communication unit 14. For this reason, pseudo-push communication accompanied by polling is performed from the communication unit 14 to the cloud server 20 (shadow device 22). That is, synchronization processing is performed by this pseudo-push communication.

[0044] In this embodiment, when an inquiry is made from the image forming device 10A to the cloud server 20 (shadow device 22) via the communication unit 14, the communication unit 14 is configured to be able to accept communication from the cloud server 20 (shadow device 22) as a response to the inquiry.

[0045] In the image forming apparatus 10A, for example, the image reading unit 12 reads an image of an original document and generates image data, thereby performing a scan process using the scan function. Also, in the image forming apparatus 10A, for example, the image data generated by reading an image of an original document with the image reading unit 12 is transmitted to another device such as another multifunction device, thereby performing a facsimile process using the facsimile function.

[0046] In addition, in the image forming device 10A, for example, a copy process is performed by the copy function, in which the image forming unit 13 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data generated by reading an image of a document in the image reading unit 12. In addition, in the image forming device 10A, for example, a print process is performed by the print function, in which the image forming unit 13 forms 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 15 is a component where instructions are input by the user. Specifically, the input unit 15 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 image forming apparatus 10A to execute a job related to processing such as copying, printing, scanning, facsimile, etc. A job is a processing unit of an operation that is executed by a single instruction from the user.

[0049] The display unit 16 displays information to be presented to the user. For example, the display unit 16 is configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like. The display unit 16 may also function as the input unit 15. In this case, the input unit is configured with a touch panel of a resistive film type, a capacitive type, or the like, for example, and a user's instruction is input by a user's touch operation.

[0050] The control device 11 is a device that controls each part of the image forming device 10A. The control device 11 has a function as a computer, and has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11C, and a storage 11D, as shown in Fig. 3. The CPU 11A, the ROM 11B, the RAM 11C, and the storage 11D are each connected to each other by a control bus 18.

[0051] The CPU 11A is a central processing unit that executes various programs including information processing programs such as an information synchronization program and controls each part. The CPU 11A corresponds to a processor. The ROM 11B stores various programs including the information processing program and various data. The RAM 11C temporarily stores programs or data as a working area.

[0052] The storage 11D is configured with a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD) or a flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system, and various data. Here, the various data include data 100A such as various settings and states of the image forming apparatus 10A, and a communication frequency table described later. The information processing program may be stored in the storage 11D. In this embodiment, the storage 11D corresponds to a memory.

[0053] In the control device 11, the CPU 11A reads out various programs including an information processing program from the ROM 11B or the storage 11D, and executes the programs using the RAM 11C as a working area. The CPU 11A executes the information processing program to realize various functions for controlling each part of the image forming device 10A. The following describes the functional configuration realized by the cooperation of the CPU 11A as a hardware resource and the information processing program as a software resource. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 11 according to this embodiment.

[0054] 4, the CPU 11A of the control device 11 executes an information processing program to function as a data communication unit 61, a data change detection unit 62, a table storage unit 63, a transmission necessity determination unit 64, and a timer unit 65. The timer unit 65 measures time.

[0055] The data communication unit 61 communicates with the shadow device 22 based on a transmission request, which will be described later, and executes a synchronization process for synchronizing information between the image forming apparatus 10A and the shadow device 22. In this embodiment, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not to execute the synchronization process based on the transmission request, which will be described later, and the data communication unit 61 executes the synchronization process when the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that the synchronization process should be executed. As a result, the data communication unit 61 communicates with the shadow device 22 at a timing based on the transmission request, and executes the synchronization process.

[0056] Here, the "synchronization process" refers to a process of matching the data 100A held by the image forming apparatus 10A with the data 22A held by the shadow device 22. In this embodiment, the data 100A of the image forming apparatus 10A, such as various settings and states, is also held by the shadow device 22 as data 22A. Then, the data 100A of the image forming apparatus 10A is sent to the shadow device 22 so that the difference between the data 100A of the image forming apparatus 10A and the data 22A of the shadow device 22 is eliminated, thereby updating the data 22A held by the shadow device 22.

[0057] Moreover, the data communication unit 61 stores the data 100A transmitted to the shadow device 22 in the storage 11D, for example.

[0058] The data change detection unit 62 detects a change in the data 100A, such as various settings and states, stored in the image forming apparatus 10A. Specifically, the data change detection unit 62 acquires the data 100A at a predetermined interval and detects a change based on the acquired data 100. The data 100A acquired by the data change detection unit 62 is stored in the storage 11D for a predetermined number of samples. The data change detection unit 62 detects a change in the data 100A based on the acquired data 100A and the data 100A last stored in the storage 11D. The data change detection unit 62 also detects a change in the data 100A based on the acquired data 100A and the data 100A that has been sent to the digital shadow 22 and last stored in the storage 11D.

[0059] The table storage unit 63 stores information indicating a "transmission request." In this embodiment, the "transmission request" is transmitted from the shadow device 22, for example. The information indicating the "transmission request" includes the type of data 100A transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10A to the shadow device 22, and the transmission time (i.e., the data communication frequency) that differs for each type of data 100A. Specifically, the table storage unit 63 stores a communication frequency table, which will be described later, as information indicating the "transmission request." Note that the table storage unit 63 in this embodiment is provided in the storage 11D, for example.

[0060] The transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is necessary to perform synchronization processing with the shadow device 22, i.e., whether or not it is necessary to transmit the data 100A to the shadow device 22. Specifically, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is the timing to transmit the data 100A, based on the change in the data 100A detected by the data change detection unit 62 and the communication frequency table stored in the table storage unit 63.

[0061] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a communication frequency table. As shown in Fig. 5, in the communication frequency table, a communication frequency type indicating the communication frequency for each type of communication data is set. Note that in Fig. 5, the communication frequency table shows a "communication frequency summary", but in reality, it is sufficient if the type of communication data and the communication frequency type are shown. In other words, the communication frequency for each communication frequency type can be stored in advance in storage 11D, for example, in association with each communication frequency type.

[0062] The communication frequency (transmission time) includes a communication frequency determined according to a change in the data 100A and a communication frequency determined by a setting value set in the image forming device 10A. In FIG. 5, the communication frequency determined according to a change in the data 100A includes "Type A" set in "Job Status", "Type B" set in "Consumables", "Type C" set in "Temperature in Device", and "Type F" set in "Number of Consecutive Login Failures". In addition, the communication frequency determined by a setting value set in the image forming device 10A includes "Type D" set in "Setting Information". In addition, the communication frequency (transmission time) includes a communication frequency determined according to the type of data, regardless of a change in the data 100A, and includes "Type E" set in "Operating Time" and "Type G" set in "Billing Information".

[0063] In "Type A," the communication frequency is set to a time period determined according to the change in data 100A acquired in image forming device 10A and the time elapsed since this change occurred. Specifically, in the "job status," the communication frequency is set to "one minute after the last transmission even if there is a change."

[0064] For "Type B," the communication frequency is set to a time determined according to the remaining amount of the consumables consumed within the image forming apparatus 10A. Specifically, for "consumables," the communication frequency is set to "transmit every 1% decrease if the remaining amount is less than 30%, and transmit every other day if the remaining amount is 30% or more." In other words, when the remaining amount is a predetermined set value of 30% or more, the communication frequency is set lower than when the remaining amount is less than the predetermined set value of 30%.

[0065] In "Type C," the communication frequency is set to a time when data 100A acquired within the image forming apparatus 10A has changed by a predetermined amount from the data 100A last transmitted to the shadow device 22. Specifically, for "internal device temperature," the communication frequency is set to "transmit if there has been a change of 1 degree or more from the last transmitted data."

[0066] In "Type D," the communication frequency is set to a time determined according to a setting value set in the image forming apparatus 10A. The "setting information" may be, for example, a version of Transport Layer Security (TLS), a protocol for performing communications that require security in computer networks such as the Internet. Specifically, in the "setting information," the communication frequency is set to "send when changed."

[0067] In "Type E," the communication frequency is set to a time period determined according to the type of data 100A, regardless of changes in data 100A. "Operating time" is a value indicating the cumulative total time that scanning, facsimile, copying, and printing processes are actually performed while image forming device 10A is running. Specifically, "operating time" is set to "transmit every other day." In other words, synchronization processing is performed every other day.

[0068] In "Type F," the communication frequency is set to a time when the sum of data 100A acquired in image forming apparatus 10A reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. Specifically, for "number of consecutive login failures," which is the number of consecutive failed login attempts by a user to image forming apparatus 10A, the communication frequency is set to "transmit when the number of consecutive failures reaches or exceeds a certain value."

[0069] For "Type G," the communication frequency is set to a time period determined according to the type of data 100A, regardless of changes in data 100A. "Billing information" is information related to charges, such as the number of pages scanned, the number of pages sent by facsimile, the number of pages copied, and the number of pages printed. Specifically, the "billing information" is set to "send at the end of each month."

[0070] <Shadow Device> Next, the shadow device 22 in the synchronization processing system of this embodiment will be described in detail. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the shadow device 22 in this embodiment.

[0071] The shadow device 22 is an example of a synchronization destination of the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C. The shadow device 22 is a device virtually constructed on the cloud server 20. As described above, the shadow device 22 is capable of communicating with the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C through pseudo push communication.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, the shadow device 22 includes a data communication unit 24 and a data storage unit 26 as functional units.

[0073] The data communication unit 24 functions as a transmitting unit that transmits a communication frequency table as information indicating a "transmission request" to the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C. The data communication unit 24 also functions as a receiving unit that receives data 100A to 100C transmitted from the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C. Specifically, the data communication unit 24 communicates with the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C by using communication means such as wired, wireless, the Internet, an intranet, and public lines such as telephone lines. The communication means may be communication means using sound, light, vibration, images, etc.

[0074] Data storage unit 26 stores a communication frequency table as information indicating a "transmission request" and data 100A-100C transmitted from image forming apparatuses 10A-10C as data 22A of image forming apparatus 10A, data 22B of image forming apparatus 10B, and data 22C of image forming apparatus 10C (see FIG. 2). Note that data storage unit 26 can be provided in a storage (not shown) constituting a control device (not shown) in cloud server 20, as an example. This storage is configured of a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory, similar to storage 11D of image forming apparatus 10A.

[0075] <Processing flow in the image forming device> Next, the flow of processing executed in the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C of this embodiment will be described. Note that, in the following, only the flow of synchronization processing executed in the image forming apparatus 10A will be described as an example, but similar processing is also performed in the image forming apparatuses 10B and 10C. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing at the time of startup in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0076] 7, when the image forming apparatus 10A is powered on and starts operating, first, in step S11, the control device 11 of the image forming apparatus 10A makes an inquiry to the shadow device 22 via the communication unit 14. Specifically, the control device 11 requests the shadow device 22 to transmit a "transmission request." Here, the "transmission request" is, for example, a communication frequency table.

[0077] In response to the inquiry from the image forming apparatus 10A in step S11, the shadow device 22 transmits a "transmission request" to the image forming apparatus 10A via the data communication unit 24. That is, the shadow device 22 transmits information on the type of data 100A included in the communication frequency table (see FIG. 5) and the transmission time (i.e., communication frequency) that differs for each type of data 100A to the image forming apparatus 10A as the "transmission request."

[0078] In step S12, the control device 11 of the image forming device 10A receives the "transmission request" transmitted by the shadow device 22 via the communication unit 14. Specifically, the control device 11 receives the communication frequency table as the "transmission request."

[0079] Next, in step S13, the control device 11 stores the "transmission request" received in step S12 in the table storage unit 63, and ends the process. Here, if a communication frequency table as the "transmission request" has already been stored in the table storage unit 63, the control device 11 updates the stored communication frequency table.

[0080] Next, the flow of the synchronization process executed in the image forming apparatus 10A of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the synchronization process in the image forming apparatus 10A according to this embodiment. The synchronization process shown in FIG. 8 is started after the start-up process of the image forming apparatus 10A shown in FIG. 7 is completed, and is repeatedly performed until the image forming apparatus 10A is turned off. The synchronization process shown in FIG. 8 is performed for each type of data 100A to be transmitted. In this embodiment, the CPU 11A of the image forming apparatus 10A reads out an information processing program from the ROM 11B or the storage 11D and executes the information processing program, thereby executing the synchronization process.

[0081] When the start-up processing of image forming apparatus 10A shown in FIG. 7 is completed, in step S21, data change detection unit 62 acquires data 100A and detects changes in the acquired data 100 as described above.

[0082] Next, in step S22, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is necessary to transmit the data 100A. Specifically, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is time to transmit the data 100A based on the communication frequency table stored in the table storage unit 63. In step S23, when the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is time to transmit the data 100A to the shadow device 22 (step S23; YES), the data communication unit 61 transmits the acquired data 100A to the shadow device 22 and ends the process.

[0083] The data communication unit 24 of the shadow device 22 stores the data 100A transmitted by the data communication unit 61 of the image forming apparatus 10A as data 22A in the data storage unit 26. That is, the data 22A stored in the data storage unit 26 is updated.

[0084] On the other hand, in step S23, if the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is not time to transmit the acquired data 100A to the shadow device 22 (step S23; NO), the CPU 11A transitions to step S22 and repeats the processing from step S22 onwards until it is time to transmit the acquired data 100A to the shadow device 22.

[0085] Here, for example, when data 100A is "job status", the communication frequency is set to "Type A". As described above, "job status" is data indicating how many jobs have been accepted and how many jobs are currently being executed in response to a user instruction inputted via input unit 15. As an example, when a print process is performed in image forming device 10A, "job status" is data indicating information that, for example, 10 sheets have been accepted for printing and 3 of them are currently being printed, specifically, data indicating "3 / 10".

[0086] 8, when the data change detection unit 62 detects a data change from "3 / 10" to "4 / 10" in step S21, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines in step S22 whether or not to transmit the data 100A. The determination of whether or not to transmit the data 100A is based on the communication frequency of "Type A" shown in the communication frequency table stored in the table storage unit 63, which is "one minute should be allowed since the last transmission even if there is a change."

[0087] Specifically, the data communication unit 61 performs transmission one minute after the last (most recent) synchronization process (transmission). In other words, even if the data change detection unit 62 detects a data change from "3 / 10" to "4 / 10", if one minute has not passed since the last synchronization process by the data communication unit 61, transmission will not be performed.

[0088] 8, if the time measured by the timer unit 65 from the last synchronization process is less than one minute, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is not the timing to transmit data (step S23; NO), and repeats the processes from step S22 onwards until the timing to transmit data arrives. On the other hand, in step S23, if the time measured by the timer unit 65 from the last synchronization process is one minute or more, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is the timing to transmit data (step S23; YES). Then, the data communication unit 61 transmits data 100A indicating "4 / 10" to the shadow device 22.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, when data 100A is a "consumable," the communication frequency is set to "Type B." Examples of "consumable" include paper (not shown) stocked in image forming device 10A, toner (not shown) in image forming unit 13, and a scanner drum (not shown) in image reading unit 12. When the "consumable" is paper, data based on the number of sheets currently stocked as the remaining amount becomes the communication data; for example, when image forming device 10A can store 100 sheets of paper, if the remaining amount is 30 sheets, data representing "30%," for example, becomes the communication data.

[0090] In addition, when the "consumable" is toner, the remaining amount of toner becomes the communication data. The remaining amount of toner may be detected, for example, from the number of prints made up to the present time, from the weight of the toner, or by any other known method.

[0091] In addition, when the "consumable" is a scanner drum, the communication data is, for example, data on the remaining amount calculated based on the thickness of a protective layer (not shown) on the surface of the scanner drum. Here, the thickness can be measured by a known method.

[0092] 8, if the data change detection unit 62 detects a change in the remaining amount of the "consumables", the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines in step S22 whether or not to transmit the data 100A. The necessity of transmitting the data 100A is determined based on the communication frequency of "Type B" shown in the communication frequency table stored in the table storage unit 63, which is "if the remaining amount is less than 30%, transmit every 1% decrease, and if the remaining amount is 30% or more, transmit every other day".

[0093] Specifically, when the remaining amount is less than 30%, the data communication unit 61 performs synchronization processing (transmission) every time the remaining amount decreases by 1%. Also, when the remaining amount is 30% or more, the data change detection unit 62 performs synchronization processing (transmission) every other day, that is, every 24 hours.

[0094] 8, if the remaining amount is less than 30% or if the remaining amount has decreased by less than 1%, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is not the timing to transmit data (step S23; NO), and repeats the processes from step S22 onwards until it is the timing to transmit data. On the other hand, if the remaining amount is less than 30%, for example, if the remaining amount has decreased by 1%, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is the timing to transmit data (step S23; YES). Then, the data communication unit 61 transmits data 100A indicating the remaining amount most recently acquired by the data change detection unit 62 to the shadow device 22.

[0095] On the other hand, in step S23, if the remaining amount is 30% or more, and if the measured time from the time when the processing of step S21 was performed measured by the timer unit 65 is less than 24 hours, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is not the timing to transmit data (step S23; NO), and repeats the processing from step S22 onwards until the timing to transmit data arrives. Also, if the remaining amount is 30% or more, and if the measured time from the last synchronization processing measured by the timer unit 65 has passed 24 hours, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is the timing to transmit data (step S23; YES). Then, the data communication unit 61 transmits data 100A indicating the remaining amount most recently acquired by the data change detection unit 62 to the shadow device 22.

[0096] For example, when data 100A is “internal device temperature”, the communication frequency is set to “Type C.” “Internal device temperature” is, for example, a temperature detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) provided in image forming apparatus 10A.

[0097] 8, when the data change detection unit 62 detects a change in the "temperature inside the device", the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is necessary to transmit data in step S22. The determination of whether or not data is necessary is made based on the communication frequency of "Type C" shown in the communication frequency table stored in the table storage unit 63, which is "transmit if there has been a change of at least one degree since the last transmitted data".

[0098] Specifically, the data communication unit 61 performs synchronization processing (transmission) when the data change detection unit 62 detects that the temperature indicated by the value output from the temperature sensor has changed by one degree or more from the data 100A last transmitted to the shadow device 22.

[0099] 8, if the change between the device internal temperature detected by the data change detection unit 62 in step S21 and the temperature indicated by the last transmitted data 100A stored in the storage 11D is less than 1 degree, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is not the timing to transmit data (step S23; NO), and repeats the processing from step S22 onwards until the timing to transmit data arrives. On the other hand, if the change between the device internal temperature detected by the data change detection unit 62 in step S21 and the temperature indicated by the last transmitted data 100A stored in the storage 11D is 1 degree or more, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is the timing to transmit data (step S23; YES). Then, the data communication unit 61 transmits the data 100A indicating the device internal temperature most recently acquired by the data change detection unit 62 to the shadow device 22.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, when data 100A is "setting information", the communication frequency is set to "Type D". Note that, here, the "setting information" is, as an example, information indicating the version of TLS. When the data change detection unit 62 detects a change in the "setting information" in step S21 of FIG. 8, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is necessary to transmit the data in step S22. The determination of whether or not it is necessary to transmit the data is based on the communication frequency of "Type D" indicated in the communication frequency table stored in the table storage unit 63, which is "transmit when changed".

[0101] That is, in step S23, since the data change detection unit 62 has detected a change in the TLS version in step S21, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is time to transmit data (step S23; YES). Then, the data communication unit 61 transmits data 100A indicating the TLS version most recently acquired by the data change detection unit 62 to the shadow device 22.

[0102] For example, when data 100A is “number of consecutive failed login attempts,” the communication frequency is set to “Type F.” The “number of consecutive failed login attempts” is, for example, an added value counted by a counter (not shown) provided in control device 11 of image forming apparatus 10A.

[0103] That is, when the data change detection unit 62 detects a change in the "number of consecutive login failures" in step S21 of Fig. 8, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is necessary to transmit data in step S22. The necessity of transmitting data is determined based on "transmit when the number of consecutive failures reaches a certain number or more", which is the communication frequency of "Type F" shown in the communication frequency table stored in the table storage unit 63. In this embodiment, as an example, the "certain number" is set to 3 times.

[0104] Specifically, the data communication unit 61 performs a synchronization process (transmission) when the data change detection unit 62 detects that the added value output from the counter has reached three or more.

[0105] 8, if the increment value output from the counter detected by the data change detection unit 62 in step S21 is less than three, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is not the timing to transmit data (step S23; NO), and repeats the processes from step S22 onwards until the timing to transmit data. On the other hand, if the increment value output from the counter detected by the data change detection unit 62 in step S21 is three or more, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is the timing to transmit data (step S23; YES). Then, the data communication unit 61 transmits data 100A indicating the number of consecutive login failures most recently obtained by the data change detection unit 62 to the shadow device 22.

[0106] Next, another example of the flow of the synchronization process executed in the image forming apparatus 10A of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the synchronization process in the image forming apparatus 10A according to this embodiment. As with the above-mentioned synchronization process, the synchronization process shown in FIG. 9 is started after the start-up process of the image forming apparatus 10A shown in FIG. 7 is completed, and is repeatedly performed until the image forming apparatus 10A is turned off. The synchronization process shown in FIG. 9 is performed for each type of data to be transmitted. In this embodiment, the CPU 11A of the image forming apparatus 10A reads out an information processing program from the ROM 11B or the storage 11D and executes the information processing program, thereby executing the synchronization process.

[0107] When the start-up process of the image forming device 10A shown in Fig. 7 is completed, in step S31, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is necessary to transmit the data 100A. Specifically, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is time to transmit the data 100A based on the communication frequency table stored in the table storage unit 63. In step S32, when the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is time to transmit the data 100A to the shadow device 22 (step S32; YES), the data communication unit 61 transmits the data 100A to the shadow device 22 and ends the process. That is, in the synchronization process in Fig. 9, the synchronization process is performed at a communication frequency according to the type of the data 100A, regardless of the change in the data 100A.

[0108] For example, when data 100A is "operation time," the communication frequency is set to "Type E." As described above, "operation time" is a value indicating the cumulative total time that scanning, facsimile, copying, and printing processes are actually performed while image forming device 10A is running.

[0109] 9, in step S31, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is necessary to transmit the data 100A based on the communication frequency of "Type E" "transmit every other day" shown in the communication frequency table stored in the table storage unit 63. In step S32, if the time measured by the timer unit 65 from the last synchronization process is less than 24 hours, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is not the timing to transmit data (step S32; NO), and repeats the process from step S31 onwards until the timing to transmit data arrives. Also, if the time measured by the timer unit 65 from the last synchronization process has passed 24 hours, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is the timing to transmit data (step S32; YES). Then, the data communication unit 61 transmits the data 100A indicating the operating time to the shadow device 22.

[0110] In this embodiment, as an example, the "operating time" is measured by the timer unit 65, and when the synchronization process is performed, the data 100A transmitted to the shadow device 22 is stored in the storage 11D, and the measurement by the timer unit 65 is reset.

[0111] For example, when data 100A is "billing information," the communication frequency is set to "Type G." As described above, "billing information" is information related to charges, such as the number of scanned pages, the number of facsimile transmissions, the number of copies, and the number of prints.

[0112] 9, in step S31, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines whether or not it is necessary to transmit the data 100A based on the communication frequency of "Type G" indicated in the communication frequency table stored in the table storage unit 63, which is "transmit at the end of every month." In step S32, if the date and time set by the control device 11 is not the end of the month, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is not the timing for data transmission (step S32; NO), and repeats the process from step S31 onwards until the timing for data transmission arrives. Also, if the date and time set by the control device 11 is the end of the month, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is the timing for data transmission (step S32; YES). Then, the data communication unit 61 transmits the data 100A indicating the billing information acquired by the data change detection unit 62 to the shadow device 22.

[0113] In this embodiment, as an example, the "billing information", that is, the number of scanned sheets, the number of facsimile transmissions, the number of copies, the number of prints, etc., are measured by the timer unit 65. When the synchronization process is performed, the data 100A transmitted to the shadow device 22 is stored in the storage 11D, and the measurement by the timer unit 65 is reset.

[0114] <Action according to this embodiment> In the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C of this embodiment, the data communication unit 61 receives a communication frequency table as a transmission request from the shadow device 22, and transmits the data 100A to 100C recorded in the storage 11D to the shadow device 22 based on the communication frequency table. Since the communication frequency table sets the types of data 100A to 100C to be transmitted and different transmission times for each type of data 100A to 100C, the data communication unit 61 transmits the data 100A to 100C at different timings for each type of data 100A to 100C. Therefore, when the data 100A to 100C recorded in the storage 11D is synchronized with the shadow device 22, the amount of communication can be reduced compared to the case where all the data 100A to 100C are simultaneously transmitted to the shadow device 22 regardless of the type of data 100A to 100C.

[0115] Furthermore, the image forming apparatuses 10A-10C of this embodiment transmit the data 100A-100C to the shadow device 22 at transmission times, i.e., timings, that are determined according to changes in the data 100A-100C. Therefore, for one type of data 100A-100C, the amount of communication can be reduced compared to a case where the data 100A-100C is periodically transmitted.

[0116] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C of this embodiment, even if there is a change in the data 100A, such as when the data 100A is in a "job state," the data 100A is transmitted one minute after the last transmission to the shadow device 22. In this way, even if there is a change in the data 100A to 100C, the data 100A to 100C is not transmitted immediately, and therefore the communication frequency of the data 100A to 100C is suppressed, thereby reducing the communication volume.

[0117] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C of this embodiment, for example, when the data 100A is "internal device temperature," the data 100A is transmitted if there has been a change of 1 degree or more since the data 100A was last transmitted to the shadow device 22. In this way, the data 100A to 100C is transmitted only if there has been a predetermined change from the last transmitted data 100A to 100C, and therefore the communication frequency of the data 100A to 100C is suppressed, thereby reducing the communication volume.

[0118] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C of this embodiment, for example, when the data 100A is a "consumable item," the data 100A to 100C are transmitted to the shadow device 22 at a timing determined according to the remaining amount of the consumable item. Therefore, compared to the case where the data 100A to 100C are transmitted periodically, unnecessary transmission can be suppressed, and therefore the communication volume can be suppressed.

[0119] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatuses 10A-10C of this embodiment, for example, when the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the communication frequency is lower than when the total amount is less than the threshold. Therefore, compared to the case where the data 100A-100C is transmitted periodically, unnecessary transmission can be suppressed, and the communication volume can be suppressed.

[0120] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C of this embodiment, for example, if the data 100A is data indicating the version of TLS as "setting information", when the version is changed, the data 100A to 100C are transmitted to the shadow device 22. In this way, since the data 100A to 100C are transmitted only when the setting value is changed, the amount of communication can be reduced compared to the case where the data 100A to 100C are transmitted periodically.

[0121] <Modification> In the above embodiment, when data 100A is a "consumable item," if the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the communication frequency is lower than when the total amount is less than the threshold, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this. Even if the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the communication frequency may be increased if the rate at which the remaining amount decreases exceeds a predetermined threshold. Here, the "rate at which the remaining amount decreases" refers to the amount of decrease (e.g., 10%) in the remaining amount per unit time (e.g., 60 minutes).

[0122] Specifically, as an example, the communication frequency can be set to "if the remaining amount is less than 30%, a transmission is made every 2% decrease, and if the remaining amount is 30% or more, a transmission is made every other day. However, even if the remaining amount is 30% or more, if the decrease rate of the remaining amount exceeds 50%, a transmission is made every 1% decrease or every minute." As a result, even if the remaining amount of the consumable is greater than the threshold, if the decrease rate of the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the communication frequency is higher than when the decrease rate is less than the threshold, and therefore it is possible to prevent omission of transmission of necessary data 100A.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the data 100A is "internal device temperature," the data 100A is transmitted if there has been a change of 1 degree or more since the data 100A last transmitted to the shadow device 22, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this. Even if there has been a change in the internal device temperature, only the data 100A that deviates from the average value by a certain value or more may be transmitted. Specifically, the data 100A is transmitted if the latest data 100A acquired within the image forming device 10A deviates from the range determined by the average data value and standard deviation of a predetermined number of samples acquired within the image forming device 10A.

[0124] The following describes a mode in which, when the acquired data 100A is a value outside the range indicated by the average value ±2×standard deviation, the acquired data 100A is transmitted to the shadow device 22. In this case, although illustration is omitted, as an example, a "Type H" is set in the communication frequency table, and "Type H" is set to "transmit a value outside the range indicated by the average value ±2×standard deviation."

[0125] First, the data change detection unit 62 detects the temperature inside the device at one-second intervals, and stores data 100A indicating the detected temperature inside the device in the storage 11D. Here, 400 pieces of data 100A are always stored in the storage 11D as sample data. When the data change detection unit 62 acquires new data 100A indicating the temperature inside the device, the old data 100A is deleted, and the latest 400 pieces of data 100A are always stored in the storage 11D.

[0126] Furthermore, every time data 100A in storage 11D is updated, data change detection unit 62 calculates the data average value and standard deviation of 400 pieces of data 100A and stores them in storage 11D. Note that the initial values ​​of the average value and standard deviation may be general values ​​or may be set by the management terminal 50 via the shadow device 22, for example. Data change detection unit 62 also calculates the range indicated by the average value ±2×standard deviation and stores it in storage 11D.

[0127] The transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that transmission is necessary when the data 100A acquired by the data change detection unit 62 has changed in value from the data 100A last transmitted to the shadow device 22, and when the acquired data 100A is outside the range indicated by the average value stored in the storage 11D ±2×standard deviation.

[0128] The data communication unit 61 transmits the acquired data 100A to the shadow device 22 when the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that transmission is necessary.

[0129] In this way, even if there is a change in the data 100A, only the data 100A that deviates from the average value by a certain value or more is transmitted to the shadow device 22, so the communication frequency of the data 100A is suppressed, thereby making it possible to suppress the amount of communication. Note that if the communication frequency increases when a value outside the range indicated by the average value ±2×standard deviation is transmitted compared to when data 100A is transmitted when there is a change of a predetermined value or more from the data 100A last transmitted to the shadow device 22, the range may be automatically widened. This makes it possible to suppress the amount of communication.

[0130] Also, for example, when the type of data is additive data such as the "number of jobs" accepted by image forming apparatus 10A, an approximation line can be used. In this case, data change detection unit 62 generates an approximation line based on data 100A stored in storage 11D and stores it in storage 11D.

[0131] The transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that transmission is necessary when the data 100A acquired by the data change detection unit 62 is detected to have a change in value from the data 100A last transmitted to the shadow device 22, or when the acquired data 100A is outside a predetermined range of the approximation curve stored in the storage 11D.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the transmission time is set for each type of data 100A, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the transmission time may include a time determined according to the types of multiple data 100A grouped together in the same classification. For example, when the image forming device 10A has toners of multiple colors (for example, CMYK; cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), it may be preferable to send the data 100A indicating the remaining amount for each color at the same timing rather than sending it at different timings. In such a case, for example, when the decrease rate of the remaining amount of black toner is large, the data 100A indicating the remaining amount of cyan, magenta, and yellow toners can also be sent to the shadow device 22 together with the data 100A indicating the remaining amount of black toner at the timing when the data 100A indicating the remaining amount of black toner is sent to the shadow device 22.

[0133] In this manner, by simultaneously transmitting a plurality of types of data 100A grouped together in the same classification, a plurality of data 100A of the same classification can be provided collectively.

[0134] Furthermore, when there are multiple types of data 100A to 100C to be transmitted within a predetermined time period, the transmission time may include one time period determined according to the multiple types of data 100A to 100C. For example, when the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that there are multiple types of data 100A to 100C to be transmitted approximately simultaneously, in other words, at slightly different timings, the data may be transmitted collectively to the shadow device 22 instead of being transmitted separately.

[0135] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing synchronization processing 1 in image forming apparatus 10A in this case, and Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing synchronization processing 2. The processing of steps S41 to S43 in Fig. 10 is similar to the processing of steps S21 to S23 in Fig. 8, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0136] In step S43, when the transmission necessity determination unit 64 determines that it is time to transmit the acquired data 100A to the shadow device 22, the transmission necessity determination unit 64 stores the acquired data 100A in a communication data list (not shown) stored in the storage 11D. Here, the communication data list lists the data 100A that the transmission necessity determination unit 64 has determined to be transmitted to the shadow device 22.

[0137] Next, the synchronization process shown in Fig. 11 is performed at regular time intervals. For example, if the data 100A to 100C are set to be sent collectively at five-minute intervals, the synchronization process shown in Fig. 11 is performed at 17:00, 17:05, 17:10, and so on.

[0138] In step S51, the data communication unit 61 checks the communication data list stored in the storage 11D. If the data 100A is not present in the communication data list (step S22; NO), the data communication unit 61 waits until the next processing start time (five minutes later).

[0139] On the other hand, if the data 100A is present in the communication data list in step S52 (step S22; YES), the data communication unit 61 transmits the data 100A listed in the communication data list to the shadow device 22 in step S53.

[0140] Next, in step S54, the data communication unit 61 clears the communication data list stored in the storage 11D. That is, the data 100A that has been transmitted to the shadow device 22 is deleted from the communication data list.

[0141] In this way, by simultaneously transmitting a plurality of types of data 100A to be transmitted within a predetermined time period, the amount of data communication can be reduced.

[0142] In the above embodiment, a multifunction peripheral (specifically, image forming apparatuses 10A to 10C) is 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 apparatus other than a multifunction peripheral. In addition, an example of an information processing system is not limited to an image forming apparatus, but may be a personal computer, a terminal such as a smartphone, or the like, as long as it is a device capable of communication.

[0143] 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.).

[0144] 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.

[0145] In addition, in this embodiment, the synchronous processing 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.

[0146] Furthermore, the program for implementing the embodiment of the present invention can be provided not only by communication means, but also by being stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0147] 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 appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0148] <Additional Notes> (((1))) At least one memory; at least one processor; The processor, receiving a transmission request including a type of data to be transmitted and a transmission time that differs for each type of data from an external device; An information processing system that transmits data to the external device based on the transmission request.

[0149] (((2))) The processor, The information processing system according to (((1))), wherein data is transmitted based on the transmission request including, as the transmission time, a time determined in accordance with a change in the data.

[0150] (((3))) The processor, The information processing system described in (((2))) transmits data based on the transmission request, the transmission time being determined based on a change in data acquired within the information processing system and the elapsed time since the change occurred.

[0151] (((4))) The processor, When the data acquired within the information processing system has changed in a predetermined manner from the data last transmitted to the external device as the change in the data, the data is transmitted based on the transmission request (((2))). An information processing system according to the present invention.

[0152] (((5))) The processor, The information processing system described in (((4))) transmits data based on the transmission request when the latest data acquired within the information processing system deviates from a range determined by the average data value and standard deviation of a predetermined number of samples acquired within the information processing system as the predetermined change.

[0153] (((6))) The processor, The information processing system described in (((2))) transmits data based on the transmission request, the transmission time including a time determined according to the remaining amount of a consumable consumed within the information processing system, for the type of data which is the remaining amount of a consumable consumed within the information processing system.

[0154] (((7))) The processor, When the remaining amount is greater than a predetermined threshold, the communication frequency is lower than when the remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold (((6))).

[0155] (((8))) The processor, The information processing system according to ((7))), further comprising: increasing the communication frequency when the rate of decrease in the remaining amount exceeds a predetermined threshold even if the remaining amount is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0156] (((9))) The processor, The information processing system described in (((1))) transmits data based on the transmission request, the transmission time including a time determined in accordance with the setting value for the type of data, which is a setting value set within the information processing system.

[0157] (((10))) The processor, An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((9))), which transmits data based on the transmission request, the transmission time including a time determined according to multiple types of data grouped together in the same classification.

[0158] (((11))) The processor, An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((10))), wherein, when there are multiple types of data to be transmitted within a predetermined time, data is transmitted based on the transmission request, the transmission time including one time determined in accordance with the multiple types of data.

[0159] (((12))) receiving a transmission request including a type of data to be transmitted and a transmission time that differs for each type of data from an external device; An information processing program for causing a computer to execute a process of transmitting data to the external device based on the transmission request.

[0160] According to the configuration (((1))), when synchronizing data recorded in memory with an external device, the amount of communication can be reduced compared to the case where all data, regardless of the type of data, is sent to the external device at the same time.

[0161] According to the configuration (((2))), for one type of data, the amount of communication can be reduced compared to a case where the data is transmitted periodically.

[0162] According to the configuration (((3))), the amount of communication can be reduced compared to a case where data is transmitted immediately when a change occurs in the data.

[0163] According to the configuration (((4))), the amount of communication can be reduced compared to the case where data is transmitted when a predetermined change has occurred since the data prior to the last transmitted data.

[0164] According to the configuration (((5))), the amount of communication can be reduced compared to the case where a change in data of only one sample is used as the predetermined change.

[0165] According to the configuration (((6))), the amount of communication can be reduced compared to a case where data is transmitted periodically regardless of the remaining amount of the consumable.

[0166] According to the configuration (((7))), the amount of communication can be reduced compared to when the communication frequency is high.

[0167] According to the configuration (((8))), when the remaining amount of the consumable is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is possible to prevent omission of transmission of necessary data, compared to a case where the communication frequency remains low.

[0168] According to the configuration (((9))), the amount of communication can be reduced compared to a case where data is transmitted periodically regardless of a set value.

[0169] According to the configuration (((10))), a plurality of types of data grouped together in the same classification can be provided together.

[0170] According to the configuration (((11))), the amount of data communication can be reduced compared to a case where a plurality of types of data are transmitted separately within a predetermined time period.

[0171] According to the configuration (((12))), when synchronizing data recorded in memory with an external device, the amount of communication can be reduced compared to the case where all data, regardless of the type of data, is sent to the external device simultaneously. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 10A Image forming device (information processing system) 10B Image forming apparatus (information processing system) 10C Image forming device (information processing system) 100A data (inside image forming device: data of image forming device 10A) 100B data (inside image forming device: data of image forming device 10B) 100C data (inside image forming device: data of image forming device 10C) 20 Cloud Server 22 Shadow Device (External Device) 22A Data (in the shadow device: data of the image forming device 10A) 22B Data (in the shadow device: data of the image forming device 10B) 22C data (in the shadow device: data of the image forming device 10C) 30 Internet 11 Control device 11A CPU (Processor) 11D Storage (Memory) 61 Data Communications Department 62 Data change detection unit 63 Table storage section 64 Transmission necessity judgment unit 65 Timer section

Claims

1. At least one memory; At least one processor; The processor, receiving a transmission request including a type of data to be transmitted and a transmission time that differs for each type of data from an external device; An information processing system that transmits data to the external device based on the transmission request.

2. The processor, 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the data is transmitted based on the transmission request including, as the transmission time, a time determined in accordance with a change in the data.

3. The processor, The information processing system according to claim 2 , wherein the data is transmitted based on the transmission request, the transmission time including a time determined based on a change in data acquired within the information processing system and the elapsed time since the change occurred.

4. The processor, The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the data change is a predetermined change from the data acquired within the information processing system last transmitted to the external device, and the data is transmitted based on the transmission request.

5. The processor, The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein when the predetermined change is such that the latest data acquired within the information processing system deviates from a range determined by the average data value and standard deviation of a predetermined number of samples acquired within the information processing system, data is transmitted based on the transmission request.

6. The processor, 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein for the type of data which is a remaining amount of a consumable consumed within the information processing system, data is transmitted based on the transmission request including, as the transmission time, a time determined according to the remaining amount.

7. The processor, The information processing system according to claim 6 , wherein when the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the communication frequency is lower than when the remaining amount is less than the threshold.

8. The processor, The information processing system according to claim 7 , wherein even if the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, if a rate of decrease in the remaining amount exceeds a predetermined threshold, the communication frequency is increased.

9. The processor, 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein for the type of data, which is a setting value set within the information processing system, data is transmitted based on the transmission request including, as the transmission time, a time determined according to the setting value.

10. The processor, The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the data is transmitted based on the transmission request including, as the transmission time, a time determined according to a plurality of types of the data grouped into the same classification.

11. The processor, 2. An information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein when there are multiple types of data to be transmitted within a predetermined time period, the data is transmitted based on the transmission request, the transmission time including one time period determined according to the multiple types of data.

12. receiving a transmission request including a type of data to be transmitted and a transmission time that differs for each type of data from an external device; An information processing program for causing a computer to execute a process of transmitting data to the external device based on the transmission request.

Images