Information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing system with which setting information can be transferred between information processing apparatuses that run on different versions of firmware.SOLUTION: A first information processing apparatus 20a that runs on first firmware 30a transmits, to a server 40, export data including setting information and version information of the first firmware 30a. A second information processing apparatus 20b that runs on second firmware 30b transmits a request for import data to the server 40. The server 40 generates import data on the basis of the export data and the version information of the first firmware 30a. The server 40 transmits, when the version information is different between the first firmware 30a and the second firm ware 30b, the import data to the second information processing apparatus 20b after updating the second information processing apparatus 20b so as to run on the first firmware 30a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that transfers setting information between information processing devices. In the information processing system of Patent Document 1, a first information processing device transmits transfer data to a server device, and a second information processing device receives the transfer data from the server device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-135115 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the information processing system of Patent Document 1, the firmware versions of the first information processing device, which is the source of the transfer, and the second information processing device, which is the destination of the transfer, are not taken into consideration. If the functions supported by each firmware version are different, the same setting information cannot be applied between information processing devices with different firmware versions. Therefore, in the information processing system of Patent Document 1, the setting information cannot be transferred between information processing devices with different firmware versions.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing system that allows configuration information to be transferred between information processing devices having different firmware versions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system includes a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server. The first information processing device operates with a first firmware. The second information processing device operates with a second firmware. The server stores data of various firmware by firmware version. When exporting setting information of the first information processing device, the first information processing device transmits export data including the setting information and version information of the first firmware to the server. When importing the setting information, the second information processing device transmits a request for import data to the server. When receiving the export data, the server generates import data based on the export data and the version information of the first firmware. When receiving the request for import data, the server acquires version information of the second firmware from the second information processing device. When the version information of the first firmware and the second firmware are the same, the server transmits the import data to the second information processing device. When the version information of the first firmware and the second firmware are different, the server transmits data of the first firmware to the second information processing device. The server updates the second information processing device to a state in which the second information processing device operates with the first firmware, and then transmits the import data to the second information processing device.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system includes a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server. The first information processing device operates with a first firmware. The second information processing device operates with a second firmware. The server stores data of various firmware by firmware version. When exporting setting information of the first information processing device, the first information processing device prints a report on a print medium in which export data including the setting information and version information of the first firmware are recorded. The first information processing device prints the report and guides a user to transmit scan data of the report to the server. When importing setting information, the second information processing device transmits a request for import data to the server. When receiving the scan data, the server performs image recognition of the scan data to obtain the export data and version information of the first firmware printed on the report. The server generates import data based on the export data and the version information of the first firmware. When receiving the request for import data, the server obtains version information of the second firmware from the second information processing device. The server transmits import data to the second information processing device when the version information of the first firmware and the second firmware are the same. The server transmits data of the first firmware to the second information processing device when the version information of the first firmware and the second firmware are different. The server updates the second information processing device to a state in which it operates with the first firmware, and then transmits the import data to the second information processing device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to an information processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, configuration information can be transferred between information processing devices having different firmware versions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an example of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing firmware management data. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a report printed on a print medium. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing processing performed in the first information processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing the processing performed by the server. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process performed in a second information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] First, the configuration of an information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of the information processing system 10. The information processing system 10 includes a first information processing device 20a, a second information processing device 20b, and a server 40.

[0012] The first information processing device 20a operates on a first firmware 30a. The second information processing device 20b operates on a second firmware 30b. The server 40 stores data on various firmware by firmware version.

[0013] The first information processing device 20a and the second information processing device 20b are devices equipped with a communication function. The first information processing device 20a and the second information processing device 20b are, for example, image forming devices. An example of an image forming device is a printer multifunction device having a printer function for forming an image on a print medium such as paper, and a scanner function for reading an image recorded on the print medium. The first information processing device 20a and the second information processing device 20b in FIG. 1 are capable of communicating with a server 40 via a network 12 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet.

[0014] In the following, a case will be described in which the first information processing device 20a exports the setting information and the second information processing device 20b imports the setting information, thereby performing a transfer process in which the setting information of the first information processing device 20a is transferred to the second information processing device 20b. That is, the first information processing device 20a is the export source of the setting information, and the second information processing device 20b is the import destination of the setting information. Note that the export source and the import destination may be reversed. That is, the second information processing device 20b may be the export source of the setting information, and the first information processing device 20a may be the import destination of the setting information.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the first information processing device 20a and the second information processing device 20b will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Hereinafter, elements common to the first information processing device 20a and the second information processing device 20b will be described using the name of the information processing device 20 unless otherwise specified. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 20.

[0016] The information processing device 20 includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, a printer unit 23, a scanner unit 24, an operation unit 25, a storage unit 26, and the like.

[0017] The control unit 21 is a unit that controls the operation of the information processing device 20. The control unit 21 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0018] The communication unit 22 is a unit that performs communication between the information processing device 20 and other devices. The communication unit 22 includes, for example, a LAN interface board that complies with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0019] The printer unit 23 is a unit that executes a printer function to form an image on a print medium such as paper. The printer unit 23 includes, for example, a print medium transport mechanism and a mechanism for applying paint to the print medium in a specified pattern.

[0020] The scanner unit 24 is a unit that executes a scanner function to read an image recorded on a print medium. The scanner unit 24 includes, for example, an image sensor that converts optical information of the image into an electrical signal, and a mechanism for moving the image sensor.

[0021] The operation unit 25 is a unit that accepts operations performed by a user on the information processing device 20. The operation unit 25 includes, for example, a keyboard and a touch panel display.

[0022] The storage unit 26 is a unit that stores various information used in the information processing device 20. The storage unit 26 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM).

[0023] The storage unit 26 stores firmware 30, setting information 32, hardware information 33, etc. The storage unit 26 also stores data of an export processing unit 34, which is software that performs an export process, and an import processing unit 35, which is software that performs an import process. The export process and the import process are part of a transfer process that is executed to transfer the setting information 32 to another information processing device 20.

[0024] The firmware 30 is software for operating the information processing device 20. The firmware 30 may be different for each information processing device 20. For example, the first information processing device 20a operates with the first firmware 30a, and the second information processing device 20b operates with the second firmware 30b.

[0025] The firmware 30 includes version information 31. The version information 31 differs between different firmware 30. For example, the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a differs from the version information 31 of the second firmware 30b.

[0026] The setting information 32 is data that is set by the user as environmental conditions for operating the information processing device 20. The user can change the setting information 32 of the information processing device 20 by operating the operation unit 25.

[0027] The hardware information 33 is information indicating the hardware that constitutes the information processing device 20. The hardware information 33 includes, for example, information on the type, device configuration, model, and so on of the information processing device 20.

[0028] The export processing unit 34 performs export processing by being executed by the control unit 21 when exporting the setting information 32 of the information processing device 20. In the export processing, the export processing unit 34 generates export data used when transferring the setting information 32 to another information processing device 20. The export data generated by the export processing unit 34 includes the setting information 32.

[0029] When the information processing device 20 exports the setting information 32 , the export processing unit 34 generates export data, and the information processing device 20 transmits the export data and the version information 31 of the firmware 30 to the server 40 .

[0030] When the information processing device 20 exports the setting information 32 , the information processing device 20 can also use the printer unit 23 to print a report including the export data and version information 31 of the firmware 30 .

[0031] The import processing unit 35 performs import processing by being executed by the control unit 21. In the import processing, the import processing unit 35 transmits a request for import data indicating new setting information 32 to the server 40. Then, based on the import data received by the information processing device 20, the import processing unit 35 applies the setting information 32 indicated by the import data as the setting information 32 of the information processing device 20.

[0032] The information processing device 20 may also include a monitor (not shown). The monitor of the information processing device 20 displays information that guides the user through the operations that should be performed in the transfer process of the setting information 32, for example.

[0033] Next, the configuration of server 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 40. Server 40 has a control unit 41, a communication unit 42, and a storage unit 46. Control unit 41 is a unit that controls the operation of server 40. Control unit 41 includes, for example, a CPU and an ASIC.

[0034] The communication unit 42 is a unit that communicates between the server 40 and other devices. The communication unit 42 includes, for example, a LAN interface board that complies with the Ethernet standard. The storage unit 46 is a unit that stores various information used by the server 40. The storage unit 46 includes, for example, a RAM and a ROM.

[0035] The information stored in the memory unit 46 includes data from the firmware management unit 50, data from the migration processing unit 52, data from the data conversion unit 53, data from the image recognition unit 54, and data from the import data management unit 51.

[0036] The firmware management section 50 is an area for storing management data of the firmware 30. The management data of the firmware 30 includes data of the firmware 30 stored for each version.

[0037] The import data management unit 51 stores one or more import data 57. The import data 57 includes version information 31, setting information 32, hardware information 33, and the like, related to the information processing device 20 that is the export source.

[0038] The migration processing unit 52 is software that executes migration processing for migrating the setting information 32 between two information processing devices 20. The data conversion unit 53 is software that executes processing for converting the import data 57 in accordance with the hardware information 33 of the information processing device 20 that is the import destination. The image recognition unit 54 is software that executes image recognition of the scan data received by the server 40.

[0039] 2 and 4, the management data of the firmware 30 stored in the firmware management unit 50 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the management data of the firmware 30. The data stored in the firmware management unit 50 includes version information 31 of the firmware 30, firmware data, and difference data. The version information 31, firmware data, and difference data are stored in the firmware management unit 50 in correspondence with each other.

[0040] The version information 31 of the firmware 30 is information indicating the version of the firmware 30, for example, a version number. The firmware data is program data of the firmware 30. The contents of the firmware data differ for each version of the firmware 30. That is, in the firmware management unit 50, different firmware data are stored in association with each piece of version information 31.

[0041] For example, in FIG. 4, firmware data with version information 31 "1" is "firm1", firmware data with version information 31 "2" is "firm2", and so on, so that version information 31 is associated with unique firmware data.

[0042] The difference data is data that indicates the difference between a specific version of firmware 30 and another version of firmware 30. That is, the server 40 stores data of various firmware 30 by version of firmware 30, and also stores difference data for each version of firmware 30.

[0043] In FIG. 4, firmware data "firm1" whose version information 31 is "1" is the first version, and data "NONE" indicating that no difference data exists is stored in association with the firmware data "firm1".

[0044] Further, the difference data "Dif1-2" between the firmware data "firm1" whose version information 31 is "1" and the firmware data "firm2" whose version information 31 is "2" is stored in association with the firmware data "firm2".

[0045] Similarly, difference data "Dif2-3" between firmware data "firm2" whose version information 31 is "2" and firmware data "firm3" whose version information 31 is "3" is stored in association with the firmware data "firm3".

[0046] Further, the difference data "Dif3-4" between the firmware data "firm3" whose version information 31 is "3" and the firmware data "firm4" whose version information 31 is "4" is stored in association with the firmware data "firm4".

[0047] Similarly, the firmware data for each version is associated with difference data from other versions. The difference data is, for example, data in an Extensible Markup Language (XML) format that structures the content that is the difference between each version.

[0048] In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of pieces of difference data be combined to represent the difference between firmware 30 whose versions are significantly different from each other. For example, it is preferable that the difference between firmware data "firm2" and firmware data "firm4" be represented by combining difference data "Dif2-3" and difference data "Dif3-4".

[0049] The firmware data may be registered in the firmware management unit 50 by, for example, an administrator of the firmware 30. For example, the administrator of the firmware 30 may access the firmware management unit 50 of the server 40 via a Web browser. The administrator of the firmware 30 who has accessed the firmware management unit 50 registers the version information 31, firmware data, and difference data for each version of the firmware 30 in association with each other.

[0050] Next, with reference to Fig. 5, a description will be given of the printed report 60 when the information processing device 20 uses the printer unit 23 to print the report 60 on a print medium on which the export data and version information of the firmware 30 are recorded. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the report 60 printed on a print medium.

[0051] For example, a case will be described where the first information processing device 20a prints a report 60. In the report 60, export data including setting information 32 is recorded on a print medium. Version information 31 of the first firmware 30a is also recorded in the report 60. It is also preferable that hardware information 33 of the first information processing device 20a is also recorded in the report 60. Note that a device ID (Identification Data), which is information for identifying the first information processing device 20a that printed the report 60, is also recorded in the report 60 in FIG. 5.

[0052] 5, for the sake of explanation, the content printed on report 60 is shown as a character string that can be understood by a human being, but the content printed on report 60 may be in a format that allows server 40 to read the information through image recognition processing. For example, a barcode indicating export data, a two-dimensional code, or binary data represented in hexadecimal numbers may be recorded on report 60.

[0053] When the first information processing device 20a prints the report 60, the setting information 32 is transferred from the first information processing device 20a to the second information processing device 20b based on the information printed on the report 60.

[0054] Next, the process performed in the first information processing device 20a in the migration process of the setting information 32 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6. Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing the process performed in the first information processing device 20a.

[0055] First, the user operates the operation unit 25 of the first information processing device 20a to issue an export request to the first information processing device 20a, thereby starting the migration process (START).

[0056] In step S11, the first information processing device 20a accepts an export request. After accepting the export request, the first information processing device 20a proceeds to step S12, where the export processing unit 34 generates transmission data to be transmitted to the server 40. The transmission data includes export data including setting information 32 and version information 31 of the first firmware 30a. The transmission data may also include hardware information 33 of the first information processing device 20a.

[0057] In step S12, the first information processing device 20a may print a report 60 on which export data including the setting information 32 and the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a are recorded on a print medium, instead of creating the transmission data. When printing the report 60, the first information processing device 20a may also record hardware information 33 of the first information processing device 20a on the print medium.

[0058] The first information processing device 20a that has generated the transmission data proceeds to step S13 and transmits the transmission data to the server 40. That is, when the first information processing device 20a exports the setting information 32 of the first information processing device 20a, the first information processing device 20a transmits export data including the setting information 32 and the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a to the server 40. Furthermore, when transmitting the export data to the server 40, the first information processing device 20a may transmit hardware information 33 of the first information processing device 20a to the server 40 together with the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a.

[0059] After transmitting the transmission data to the server 40, the first information processing device 20a proceeds to step S14 and prompts the user to execute the import process at the import destination, that is, the second information processing device 20b.

[0060] If the report 60 is printed in step S12, the first information processing device 20a may guide the user in step S14 to send the scan data of the report 60 to the server 40. For example, the user may generate scan data of the report 60 using a scanner device other than the first information processing device 20a, and send the generated scan data to the server 40 via the network 12. Alternatively, the user may bring the report 60 to the location where the server 40 is installed. For example, the user may attach a scanner device to the server 40, and input the scan data of the report 60 generated by the attached scanner device to the server 40.

[0061] Furthermore, scan data of the report 60 may be generated using the scanner unit 24 of the first information processing device 20a. Then, the scan data may be transmitted to the server 40 by the communication unit 22 of the first information processing device 20a.

[0062] After providing the user with the guidance, the first information processing device 20a waits until it receives the next operation from the user (END).

[0063] Next, the process performed by the server 40 in the migration process of the setting information 32 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing the process performed by the server 40.

[0064] The server 40 waits until it receives the transmission data or the scan data of the report 60 from the first information processing device 20a (START). In step S21, the server 40 receives the transmission data or the scan data of the report 60 from the first information processing device 20a.

[0065] In step S22, the server 40 generates import data 57 based on the received data. For example, when the server 40 receives the export data from the first information processing device 20a, the migration processing unit 52 generates the import data 57 based on the export data and the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a.

[0066] Furthermore, when the server 40 receives the scan data of the report 60, the image recognition unit 54 performs image recognition on the scan data and acquires the export data and the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a printed on the report 60. The server 40 then generates import data 57 by the migration processing unit 52 based on the export data acquired from the report 60 and the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a.

[0067] The server 40 stores the generated import data 57 in the import data management unit 51. The import data management unit 51 can store one or more import data 57. For example, the import data management unit 51 can store multiple import data 57 that differ for each information processing device 20 that executed the export process.

[0068] After generating the import data 57, the server 40 waits until it receives a request for the import data 57 from the second information processing device 20b that is the import destination. Then, in step S23, the server 40 receives the request for the import data 57 from the second information processing device 20b.

[0069] When the server 40 receives the request for the import data 57, in step S24, the server 40 acquires the version information 31 of the second firmware 30b from the second information processing device 20b that is the transfer destination, i.e., the import destination. The server 40 may also acquire the hardware information 33 of the second information processing device 20b from the second information processing device 20b together with the version information 31 of the second firmware 30b. For example, the server 40 transmits an inquiry regarding the version information 31 of the second firmware 30b and the hardware information 33 of the second information processing device 20b to the second information processing device 20b. The server 40 then receives the data of the version information 31 of the second firmware 30b and the hardware information 33 of the second information processing device 20b transmitted from the second information processing device 20b that has received the inquiry.

[0070] The server 40 then proceeds to step S25, where it compares the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a which is the export source with the version information 31 of the second firmware 30b which is the import destination.

[0071] If the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a and the second firmware 30b differs (NO in step S25), the server 40 proceeds to step S26 and transmits the data of the first firmware 30a to the second information processing device 20b. The server 40 then updates the second information processing device 20b, which is the import destination, to a state in which the second information processing device 20b operates with the first firmware 30a, which is the export source.

[0072] If the version information 31 differs between the first firmware 30a and the second firmware 30b, the server 40 may transmit difference data between the first firmware 30a and the second firmware 30b to the second information processing device 20b in step S26. The server 40 can also update the second information processing device 20b to a state in which it operates with the first firmware 30a by transmitting the difference data between the first firmware 30a and the second firmware 30b.

[0073] When the server 40 transmits difference data between the first firmware 30a and the second firmware 30b, it is not necessary to transmit the entire data of the first firmware 30a to the second information processing device 20b, and therefore the server 40 can quickly complete the update of the second information processing device 20b.

[0074] If the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a and the second firmware 30b are the same (YES in step S25), or after the second information processing device 20b has been updated to a state in which it operates with the first firmware 30a, the server 40 proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the server 40 compares the hardware information 33 of the first information processing device 20a with the hardware information 33 of the second information processing device 20b.

[0075] If the hardware information 33 of the first information processing device 20a and the hardware information 33 of the second information processing device 20b are different (NO in step S27), the server 40 proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the server 40 converts the import data 57 in accordance with the hardware information 33 of the second information processing device 20b. By the server 40 converting the import data 57 in accordance with the hardware information 33 of the migration destination, it becomes possible to migrate the setting information 32 between information processing devices 20 having different hardware information 33 such as model name, device configuration, and model.

[0076] If the hardware information 33 of the first information processing device 20a and the hardware information 33 of the second information processing device 20b are the same (YES in step S27), the server 40 proceeds to step S29. Also, if the import data 57 is converted in step S28 according to the hardware information 33 of the second information processing device 20b, the server 40 proceeds to step S29.

[0077] In step S29, the server 40 transmits the import data 57 to the second information processing device 20b. That is, if the hardware information 33 of the first information processing device 20a and the second information processing device 20b does not match, the server 40 performs data conversion of the import data 57 and then transmits the import data 57 to the second information processing device 20b. If the hardware information 33 of both devices matches, and if the version information 31 of the first firmware 30a and the second firmware 30b is the same, the server 40 transmits the import data 57 to the second information processing device 20b without performing data conversion.

[0078] After transmitting the import data 57 to the second information processing device 20b, the server 40 waits until it next receives the import data 57 or image data of the report 60 (END).

[0079] Next, the process performed by the second information processing device 20b in the transfer process of the setting information 32 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 8. Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing the process performed by the second information processing device 20b.

[0080] First, the user operates the operation unit 25 of the second information processing device 20b to give an instruction to the second information processing device 20b to import the setting information 32, thereby starting the migration process (START). When giving an instruction to the second information processing device 20b to perform the import, the user can specify what kind of import data 57 is to be used for the import. For example, the user specifies the import data 57 related to the first information processing device 20a.

[0081] When the second information processing device 20b receives an instruction to perform import, that is, when the second information processing device 20b imports the setting information 32, the second information processing device 20b transmits a request for the import data 57 to the server 40 in step S31.

[0082] After the second information processing device 20b transmits a request for the import data 57 to the server 40, an inquiry about destination information is transmitted from the server 40 to the second information processing device 20b. Specifically, an inquiry about the version information 31 of the second firmware 30b of the second information processing device 20b that is the destination of the transfer and the hardware information 33 of the second information processing device 20b is transmitted from the server 40.

[0083] In step S32, the second information processing device 20b transmits to the server 40 data on the version information 31 of the second firmware 30b and the hardware information 33 of the second information processing device 20b as migration destination information.

[0084] After transmitting the migration destination information to the server 40, the second information processing device 20b proceeds to step S33 and checks whether the first firmware 30a has been received from the server 40.

[0085] If the first firmware 30a has been received (YES in step S33), the second information processing device 20b proceeds to step S34 and updates the second firmware 30b with the received data of the first firmware 30a. That is, in step S34, the second information processing device 20b updates itself to a state in which it operates with the first firmware 30a.

[0086] If the second information processing device 20b has not received the first firmware 30a (NO in step S33), or if the second information processing device 20b has been updated to a state in which it operates with the first firmware 30a, the second information processing device 20b proceeds to step S35.

[0087] In step S35, the second information processing device 20b receives the import data 57 transmitted from the server 44. Then, the second information processing device 20b proceeds to step S36, and executes import processing by the import processing unit 35 using the received import data 57. Specifically, the import processing unit 35 applies the setting information 32 of the first information processing device 20a indicated by the import data 57 as the setting information 32 of the second information processing device 20b.

[0088] In this manner, the transfer process of the setting information 32 from the first information processing device 20a to the second information processing device 20b is completed (END).

[0089] As described above, in the information processing system 10, the import data 57 is transmitted to the second information processing device 20b after the second information processing device 20b, which is the import destination, operates with the same first firmware 30a as the first information processing device 20a, which is the export source. Therefore, the setting information 32 can be transferred between information processing devices 20 having different versions of the firmware 30.

[0090] Furthermore, when the import data 57 is generated based on the scan data of the report 60, the first information processing device 20a does not need to communicate directly with the server 40. Therefore, even if the first information processing device 20a, which is the export source, cannot communicate directly with the server 40, the setting information 32 can be transferred.

[0091] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0092] The present disclosure provides an information processing system, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10. Information Processing Systems 20 Information processing device 20a First information processing device 20b Second information processing device 30 Firmware 30a 1st firmware 30b 2nd Firmware 40 Servers 60 Reports

Claims

1. a first information processing device that operates on a first firmware; a second information processing device that operates with a second firmware; A server that stores data on various firmware versions; Equipped with When exporting setting information of the first information processing device, the first information processing device transmits export data including the setting information and version information of the first firmware to the server; When importing the setting information, the second information processing device transmits a request for import data to the server; The server, Upon receiving the export data, generating the import data based on the export data and version information of the first firmware; When the request for import data is received, version information of the second firmware is acquired from the second information processing device; If the version information of the first firmware and the version information of the second firmware are the same, the import data is transmitted to the second information processing device; An information processing system, in which, when version information differs between the first firmware and the second firmware, data of the first firmware is sent to the second information processing device, the second information processing device is updated to a state in which it operates with the first firmware, and then the import data is sent to the second information processing device.

2. when transmitting the export data to the server, the first information processing device transmits hardware information of the first information processing device together with version information of the first firmware to the server; The server, When the request for import data is received, hardware information of the second information processing device is acquired from the second information processing device together with version information of the second firmware; When the hardware information of the first information processing device and the hardware information of the second information processing device are different, the import data is converted in accordance with the hardware information of the second information processing device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The server, storing difference data for each version of the firmware; if version information differs between the first firmware and the second firmware, transmitting difference data between the first firmware and the second firmware to the second information processing device, updating the second information processing device to a state in which it operates with the first firmware, and then transmitting the import data to the second information processing device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. a first information processing device that operates on a first firmware; a second information processing device that operates with a second firmware; A server that stores data on various firmware versions; Equipped with when exporting the setting information of the first information processing device, the first information processing device prints a report on a print medium in which export data including the setting information and version information of the first firmware are recorded, and also guides a user to transmit scanned data of the report to the server; When importing the setting information, the second information processing device transmits a request for import data to the server; The server, Upon receiving the scan data, image recognition is performed on the scan data to obtain the export data and version information of the first firmware printed on the report, and the import data is generated based on the export data and the version information of the first firmware; When the request for import data is received, version information of the second firmware is acquired from the second information processing device; If the version information of the first firmware and the version information of the second firmware are the same, the import data is transmitted to the second information processing device; An information processing system, in which, when version information differs between the first firmware and the second firmware, data of the first firmware is sent to the second information processing device, the second information processing device is updated to a state in which it operates with the first firmware, and then the import data is sent to the second information processing device.

5. the first information processing device records hardware information of the first information processing device on a print medium when printing a report; The server, When performing image recognition on the scan data, hardware information of the first information processing device is acquired together with the export data and version information of the first firmware printed on the report; When the request for import data is received, hardware information of the second information processing device is acquired from the second information processing device together with version information of the second firmware; When the hardware information of the first information processing device and the hardware information of the second information processing device are different, the import data is converted in accordance with the hardware information of the second information processing device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The server, storing difference data for each version of the firmware; if version information differs between the first firmware and the second firmware, transmitting difference data between the first firmware and the second firmware to the second information processing device, updating the second information processing device to a state in which it operates with the first firmware, and then transmitting the import data to the second information processing device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

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