Synchronization management system, information processing device, management server, synchronization management program, synchronization program for information processing device, and synchronization program for management server

Abstract

To synchronize data in an information processing device and data in a management server more quickly than a case in which synchronization is performed at a preset time such as at night or once a day for relatively large volumes of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision.SOLUTION: A synchronization management system includes one or more first processors, and when there is uncreated post-synchronization data that cannot be provided from a management server 20 to an information processing device 30 at a first synchronization request timing T1 when the information processing device 30 requests the management server 20 to provide synchronization data, the first processor provides a synchronization required notification from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30 indicating that synchronization processing is required after the first synchronization request timing T1, and provides the created post-synchronization data from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a synchronization management system, an information processing device, a management server, a synchronization management program, a synchronization program for an information processing device, and a synchronization program for a management server. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a management device that includes a receiving means for receiving, via a firewall, a polling signal from at least one information processing device inquiring as to whether or not there is a transmission request to the information processing device, and a transmitting means for transmitting a response to the polling signal received by the receiving means that includes an instruction to the information processing device to change the transmission interval of the polling signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-176436 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to achieve rapid synchronization between data on an information processing device and data on a management server for relatively large volumes of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, compared to synchronization performed at a preset time, such as at night or once a day. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A synchronization management system of a first aspect has one or more first processors, and when there is uncreated post-synchronization data that cannot be provided to the information processing device from the management server at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the management server to provide synchronization data, the first processor provides a synchronization required notification from the management server to the information processing device indicating that synchronization processing is required after the first synchronization request timing, and provides the created post-synchronization data from the management server to the information processing device.

[0006] In the synchronization management system of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the first processor provides the created post-synchronization data from the management server to the information processing device at a second synchronization request timing at which the information processing device requests the provision of synchronization data after the first synchronization request timing.

[0007] In the synchronization management system of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the first processor determines the second synchronization request timing according to a usage status of the management server or a size of the post-synchronization data.

[0008] In the synchronization management system of the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, if the first processor cannot provide the post-synchronization data from the management server to the information processing device at the second synchronization request timing, the first processor provides the created post-synchronization data at a third synchronization request timing after the second synchronization request timing, at which the information processing device requests the provision of synchronization data.

[0009] In the synchronization management system of the fifth aspect, in the second or third aspect, if the first processor is unable to provide the post-synchronization data from the management server to the information processing device at the second synchronization request timing, the first processor causes the information processing device to poll the management server until the management server can provide the post-synchronization data.

[0010] In the sixth aspect of the synchronization management system, in the first aspect, there is provided one or more second processors, and the second processors synchronize the post-synchronization data provided by the management server with the synchronization data of the information processing device at a time period preset according to the number of users of the information processing device.

[0011] In the synchronization management system of the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the second processor assigns priorities to the multiple pieces of synchronization data according to type in order to determine the order of execution of synchronization processing in the information processing device.

[0012] In the synchronization management system of the eighth aspect, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the multiple synchronization request timings at which the information processing device requests the provision of the synchronization data are periodic, and when the synchronization requirement notification is provided to the information processing device, the second processor sets the interval between the multiple periodic synchronization request timings to be shorter than the interval before the synchronization requirement notification is provided.

[0013] In the synchronization management system of the 9th aspect, in the 1st aspect, when the post-synchronization data is created, the first processor notifies the information processing device that the post-synchronization data can be provided using at least one of a communication method using e-mail, a communication method using a mobile communication line, and a communication method using an information processing device other than the information processing device.

[0014] The management server of the tenth aspect has one or more first processors, and when there is uncreated post-synchronization data that cannot be provided to the information processing device at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the provision of synchronization data, the first processor provides the information processing device with a synchronization required notification indicating that synchronization processing is required after the first synchronization request timing, and provides the created post-synchronization data to the information processing device.

[0015] An information processing device of an eleventh aspect has one or more second processors, and when there is uncreated post-synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server to the information processing device at a first synchronization request timing at which the management server is requested to provide synchronization data, the second processor synchronizes the post-synchronization data provided by the management server after the first synchronization request timing with the synchronization data of the information processing device.

[0016] The synchronization management program of the 12th aspect causes a computer to execute a process in which, when there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided to the information processing device from the management server at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the management server to provide synchronization data, the management server provides the information processing device with a synchronization requirement notification indicating that synchronization processing is required after the first synchronization request timing, and the management server provides the created subsequent synchronization data to the information processing device.

[0017] The synchronization program for an information processing device of the 13th aspect causes a computer to execute a process to synchronize the synchronization data of the information processing device with the synchronization data provided by the management server after the first synchronization request timing when there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided to the device from the management server at a first synchronization request timing when the management server is requested to provide the synchronization data.

[0018] The synchronization program for a management server of the 14th aspect causes a computer to execute a process in which, when there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided to an information processing device at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the provision of synchronization data, a synchronization required notification indicating that synchronization processing is required after the first synchronization request timing is provided to the information processing device, and the created subsequent synchronization data is provided to the information processing device. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the configuration of the first aspect, for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, it is possible to achieve quick synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server, compared to when synchronization is performed at a preset time such as at night or once a day.

[0020] According to the configuration of the second aspect, even if the later synchronization data cannot be provided at the first synchronization request timing, the later synchronization data can be provided again at the second synchronization request timing.

[0021] According to the configuration of the third aspect, it is easier to ensure synchronization processing compared to a case where the second synchronization request timing is determined randomly in terms of time.

[0022] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, even if the later synchronization data cannot be provided at the second synchronization request timing, the later synchronization data can be provided again at the third synchronization request timing.

[0023] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, it is not necessary to set the third synchronization request timing.

[0024] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, it is easier to ensure the synchronization process compared to a case where the time period during which the synchronization process is executed is random.

[0025] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, synchronization processing that is more necessary can be given priority over synchronization processing that is less necessary, compared to when synchronization processing of multiple synchronization data is executed sequentially in the order in which they are provided, regardless of type.

[0026] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, the post-synchronization data can be provided more quickly than in a case where the interval between a plurality of periodic synchronization request timings does not change from before the synchronization necessity notification is provided.

[0027] According to the configuration of the ninth aspect, when post-synchronization data is provided at regular synchronization request timing, the post-synchronization data can be provided without waiting for the arrival of the next synchronization request timing.

[0028] According to the configuration of the tenth aspect, for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, it is possible to achieve quick synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server, compared to when synchronization is performed at a preset time such as at night or once a day.

[0029] According to the configuration of the 11th aspect, for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, it is possible to achieve quick synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server, compared to when synchronization is performed at a preset time, such as at night or once a day.

[0030] According to the configuration of the 12th aspect, for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, it is possible to achieve quick synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server, compared to when synchronization is performed at a preset time such as at night or once a day.

[0031] According to the configuration of the 13th aspect, for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, it is possible to achieve quick synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server, compared to when synchronization is performed at a preset time such as at night or once a day.

[0032] According to the configuration of the 14th aspect, for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, it is possible to achieve quick synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server, compared to when synchronization is performed at a preset time, such as at night or once a day. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a synchronization management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a management server of the synchronization management system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device of the synchronization management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a synchronization management process executed by a first processor in the synchronization management system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a synchronization management process executed by a second processor in the synchronization management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a synchronization management process executed in the synchronization management system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a synchronization management process executed in a synchronization management system according to a first modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a synchronization management process executed in a synchronization management system according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] An example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same components and the same processes are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted. In addition, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and may be present in multiple numbers.

[0035] <<Present Embodiment>> <Synchronization management system> First, an example of a synchronization management system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. As shown in Fig. 1, the synchronization management system 10 using the information processing system according to the present embodiment includes a management server 20 as an example of an information processing system, and an information processing device 30 as an example of a physical device. The management server 20 and the information processing device 30 are each connected to the Internet 12 as an example of a communication line. Note that the "system" in this embodiment includes both a system composed of multiple devices and a system composed of a single device.

[0036] (Management Server) The management server 20 as an example of an information processing system is a virtual device as an example of a physical real device provided in a cloud server. The management server 20 of this embodiment is a virtual device (also called a "digital shadow") as an example of a real device in which the state of the information processing device 30 is reflected by synchronizing with attribute data as synchronization data of the information processing device 30 of the real device.

[0037] One or more cloud services 40 are connected to the management server 20 via the Internet 12. Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which one cloud service 40 is connected, in the present disclosure, multiple cloud services can be connected. In addition, a user's terminal device 50 is connected to the management server 20 via the Internet 12. The cloud services include, for example, a print service provided by remote control using the terminal device 50 and a device management service for the information processing device 30.

[0038] The terminal device 50 of this embodiment is a portable information device operated by a user who uses the information processing device 30 of the synchronization management system 10. Specifically, the terminal device 50 is an information device equipped with a data input / output function, a data processing function, a communication function, etc., such as a notebook computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, etc. Note that the terminal device 50 may be an information device such as a stationary personal computer whose place of use is fixed in advance. The terminal device 50 is connected to a plurality of cloud services 40 via the Internet 12.

[0039] 2, the management server 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a storage 24, a user interface 25, and a communication interface 26. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 27 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0040] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit, and executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 21 reads a program from the ROM 22 or the storage 24, and executes the program using the RAM 23 as a working area. The CPU 21 controls each of the above configurations and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 22 or the storage 24. The CPU 21 is an example of a first processor of the present disclosure. The management server 20 has at least one first processor.

[0041] In this embodiment, a synchronization management program for the management server is stored in the ROM 22 or the storage 24. The synchronization management program for the management server constitutes a synchronization management program that is a calculation program for managing synchronization between the management server 20 and the information processing device 30.

[0042] The ROM 22 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 23 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 24 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0043] The user interface 25 is an interface used when the user uses the management server 20. The user interface 25 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display equipped with a touch panel that enables touch operation by the user, a voice input receiving unit that receives voice input by the user, and a button that can be pressed by the user, for example. The display unit of this embodiment is an example of the user interface 25. Note that the user interface 25 is not essential.

[0044] The communication interface 26 is an interface for the management server 20 to communicate with other devices, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0045] When executing the synchronization management program for the management server, the management server 20 realizes various functions using the above hardware resources. As functional configurations realized by the management server 20, the management server 20 has a determination unit, a providing unit, and a creating unit. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU 21 reading and executing the synchronization management program for the management server stored in the ROM 22 or the storage 24.

[0046] (Information processing device) In this embodiment, the information processing device 30 is a so-called digital multifunction device having an image forming device and an image scanner. Specifically, the information processing device 30 is a device that performs image-related data processing and the like according to a user's instruction. Note that the image-related data processing includes a scan function that reads the contents written on a recording medium such as paper as image data, and a copy function that reproduces the contents of the image data of the paper obtained by the scan function as an image on the recording medium. Also, the image-related data processing includes a print function that forms an image on a paper medium based on image data previously specified by the user.

[0047] In this embodiment, basic functions of the information processing device 30, such as a copy function, are processed within the information processing device 30. Extended functions for accessing the outside via the Internet 12, etc. are processed by the management server 20. Note that in the present disclosure, the information processing device is not limited to a digital multifunction device and is arbitrary.

[0048] 3, the information processing device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a storage 34, a user interface 35, and a communication interface 36. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 37 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0049] The CPU 31 is a central processing unit, and executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 31 reads a program from the ROM 32 or the storage 34, and executes the program using the RAM 33 as a working area. The CPU 31 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 32 or the storage 34. The CPU 31 is an example of a second processor of the present disclosure. The information processing device 30 has at least one second processor.

[0050] In this embodiment, a synchronization management program for the information processing device is stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 34. The synchronization management program for the information processing device constitutes a synchronization management program that is a calculation program for managing synchronization between the management server 20 and the information processing device 30.

[0051] The ROM 32 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 33 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 34 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0052] The user interface 35 is an interface used when the user uses the information processing device 30. The user interface 35 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display equipped with a touch panel that allows the user to perform touch operations, a voice input receiving unit that receives voice input by the user, and a button that can be pressed by the user. The display unit of this embodiment is an example of the user interface 35. Note that the user interface 35 is not essential.

[0053] The communication interface 36 is an interface for the information processing device 30 to communicate with other devices, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0054] When executing the synchronization management program for an information processing device, the information processing device 30 realizes various functions using the above hardware resources. As functional configurations realized by the information processing device 30, the information processing device 30 has a determination unit, a request unit, and a synchronization unit. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU 31 reading and executing the synchronization management program for an information processing device stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 34.

[0055] In this embodiment, the synchronization management program by the synchronization management system 10 is realized by executing a synchronization management program for the management server by the management server 20 and a synchronization management program for the information processing device by the information processing device 30 in cooperation with each other.

[0056] <Synchronization management process> Next, an example of a synchronization management process executed in the synchronization management system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0057] 5, the determination unit of the information processing device 30 determines whether or not a first synchronization request timing T1 has arrived as a synchronization request timing. If the first synchronization request timing T1 has not arrived, the process of step ST is repeated. On the other hand, if the first synchronization request timing T1 has arrived, the request unit of the information processing device 30 requests the management server 20 to provide synchronization data at the first synchronization request timing T1, for example, by outputting preset information, as shown in step S1.

[0058] Next, in step S1C in Fig. 4, the determination unit of the management server 20 determines whether to accept a synchronization request from the information processing device 30. If the synchronization request is not accepted, the process of step S1C is repeated. On the other hand, if the synchronization request is accepted, the determination unit of the management server 20 determines in step S1A whether there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30.

[0059] If there is no subsequent synchronization data in step S1A, the providing unit of the management server 20 provides only the immediately synchronizable data to the information processing device 30 in step S1B. The synchronization unit of the information processing device 30 accepts by receiving only the immediately synchronizable data, as shown in step SDC in Fig. 5. The synchronization unit of the information processing device 30 synchronizes the provided immediately synchronizable data in step S3 in Fig. 5. Then, the management server 20 and the information processing device 30 end the processing.

[0060] In this specification, "providing synchronous data or post-synchronized data from the management server to the information processing device" includes both a state in which the management server sends synchronous data or post-synchronized data directly to the information processing device, and a state in which the management server sends the synchronous data or post-synchronized data using information (e.g., a URL) indicating the storage destination on the network where the synchronous data or post-synchronized data is stored.

[0061] On the other hand, in step S1A, if there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30 at the first synchronization request timing T1, the processing of the management server 20 proceeds to step S2 of the synchronization management processing according to this embodiment in Fig. 4. In step S2, the providing unit of the management server 20 provides the immediately synchronizable data and a synchronization necessity notification from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30. The synchronization unit of the information processing device 30 accepts the immediately synchronizable data by receiving it, as shown in step SDC in Fig. 5.

[0062] The synchronization necessity notification is a notification indicating that synchronization processing is necessary after the first synchronization request timing T1. Note that in the present disclosure, it is not essential to provide both the immediately synchronizable data and the synchronization necessity notification. If the immediately synchronizable data does not exist, only the synchronization necessity notification may be provided.

[0063] In the present disclosure, the process in which the management server 20 provides the information processing device 30 with a synchronization necessity notification includes both a case in which there is a synchronization request from the information processing device 30 and a case in which there is no synchronization request from the information processing device 30. A case in which there is no synchronization request from the information processing device 30 includes, for example, a case in which the information processing device 30 goes to retrieve post-synchronization data from a designated location at a timing different from the synchronization timing.

[0064] Next, the synchronization unit of the information processing device 30 synchronizes the provided immediately synchronizable data in step S3 in Fig. 5. Also, the creation unit of the management server 20 creates later-synchronization data in step S4 in Fig. 4.

[0065] Next, as shown in step S2C in FIG. 5, the determination unit of the information processing device 30 determines whether or not a synchronization necessity notification has been received. If the synchronization necessity notification has not been received, the process ends. On the other hand, if the synchronization necessity notification has been received, the process proceeds to step STN in FIG. 5.

[0066] Next, as shown in step STN, the determination unit of the information processing device 30 determines whether or not the second synchronization request timing T2 that arrives next to the first synchronization request timing T1 has arrived as a synchronization request timing after the first synchronization request timing T1. If the second synchronization request timing T2 has not arrived, the process of step STN is repeated.

[0067] On the other hand, when the second synchronization request timing T2 arrives, the request unit of the information processing device 30 requests the provision of synchronization data at the second synchronization request timing T2, as shown in step S5. The second synchronization request timing T2 in this embodiment is an example of periodic synchronization timing that may include not only synchronization of the subsequent synchronization data but also synchronization of other synchronization data.

[0068] Next, in step S5C in Fig. 4, the determination unit of the management server 20 determines whether or not to accept a synchronization request from the information processing device 30. If the synchronization request is not accepted, the process of step S5C is repeated. On the other hand, if the synchronization request is accepted, in step S5A in Fig. 4, the determination unit of the management server 20 determines whether or not there is uncreated post-synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30. That is, it determines whether or not creation of the post-synchronization data is completed at the second synchronization request timing T2.

[0069] When the creation of the post-synchronization data is completed, the providing unit of the management server 20 provides the created post-synchronization data from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30 at the second synchronization request timing T2, as shown in step S6 in Fig. 4. The information processing device 30 determines whether or not the post-synchronization data has been accepted by receiving it, as shown in step S6C in Fig. 5. When the post-synchronization data has not been accepted, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0070] On the other hand, when the post-synchronization data is accepted, the synchronization unit of the information processing device 30 synchronizes the provided post-synchronization data in step S7 in Fig. 5. In this embodiment, the synchronization unit of the information processing device 30 synchronizes the post-synchronization data provided by the management server 20 and the synchronization data of the information processing device 30 in a time period preset according to the number of users of the information processing device 30.

[0071] In the present disclosure, the time period during which the CPU 31 of the second processor synchronizes the post-synchronization data provided by the management server 20 with the synchronization data of the information processing device 30 is not limited to a time period preset according to the number of users of the information processing device 30, and any time period can be adopted. For example, the time period may be a time period preset from the viewpoint of power consumption, or may be determined by combining a time period preset according to the number of users of the information processing device 30 with a time period preset from the viewpoint of power consumption.

[0072] (Type of sync data) Here, the synchronization data includes a plurality of types, such as history data of work performed by the information processing device 30, equipment status data such as the power input status and whether the equipment is in operation or idle, setting information for setting the operation status of the information processing device 30, and machine information such as the remaining amount of paper and toner cartridge.

[0073] In this embodiment, the multiple synchronization data are assigned priorities according to their types by the CPU 31 of the second processor for determining the order of execution of synchronization processing in the information processing device 30. In addition, the order of synchronization of the multiple synchronization data is determined according to the respective priorities, and synchronization is executed in the information processing device 30.

[0074] In the present disclosure, the priority order may be assigned by the CPU 21 of the first processor. The assignment of the priority order may be performed, for example, by a user using the CPU 21 of the first processor or the CPU 31 of the second processor. Furthermore, the CPU 21 of the first processor or the CPU 31 of the second processor may assign the priority order based on a preset condition. In the present disclosure, the assignment of the priority order is not essential.

[0075] (Third synchronization request timing) 4, there are cases where creation of the post-synchronization data is not completed at the second synchronization request timing T2, that is, where the management server 20 cannot provide the post-synchronization data to the information processing device 30. If the management server 20 cannot provide the post-synchronization data at the second synchronization request timing T2, the process of the management server 20 proceeds to step S4 in FIG. 4, and the management server 20 continues creating the post-synchronization data.

[0076] In addition, the processing of the information processing device 30 transitions to step S5 in FIG. 5, and in step S5, the request unit of the information processing device 30 requests the provision of synchronization data at the third synchronization request timing T3 that arrives next after the second synchronization request timing T2 after the second synchronization request timing T2.

[0077] 4, the determination unit of the management server 20 again determines whether there is uncreated post-synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30. If there is post-synchronization data, in step S6 in FIG 4, the provision unit of the management server 20 provides the created post-synchronization data from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30 at the third synchronization request timing T3.

[0078] The information processing device 30 accepts the post-synchronization data by receiving it, as shown in step S6C in Fig. 5. Then, the synchronization unit of the information processing device 30 synchronizes the provided post-synchronization data in step S7 in Fig. 5. If the creation of the post-synchronization data is not completed at the third synchronization request timing T3, the processes of steps S5A to S6 in Fig. 4 and step S7 in Fig. 5 are repeated until the creation of the post-synchronization data is completed.

[0079] Here, in this embodiment, the first synchronization request timing T1, the second synchronization request timing T2, and the third synchronization request timing T3 at which the information processing device 30 requests the provision of synchronization data are periodic. In this embodiment, when the synchronization necessity notification is provided to the information processing device 30 in step S2, the CPU 31 of the second processor sets the intervals between adjacent synchronization request timings in the periodic synchronization request timings to be shorter than the intervals before the synchronization necessity notification was provided. Note that in the present disclosure, the multiple synchronization request timings at which the information processing device 30 requests the provision of synchronization data may be irregular.

[0080] In the present disclosure, when the CPU 21 of the first processor cannot provide the post-synchronization data from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30 at the second synchronization request timing T2, the manner in which the CPU 21 of the first processor provides the post-synchronization data is not limited to the provision at the third synchronization request timing T3. For example, when the CPU 21 of the first processor cannot provide the post-synchronization data from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30 at the second synchronization request timing T2, the CPU 21 of the first processor may cause the information processing device 30 to execute polling of the management server 20 until the timing at which the management server 20 can provide the post-synchronization data.

[0081] (Action of this embodiment) In this embodiment, when there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30 at the first synchronization request timing T1, the CPU 21 of the first processor provides the information processing device 30 with a synchronization necessity notification indicating that synchronization processing is required after the first synchronization request timing T1 from the management server 20. For this reason, for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, quicker synchronization between the data of the information processing device 30 and the data of the management server 20 can be achieved compared to a case where synchronization is performed at a preset time such as at night or once a day.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 21 of the first processor provides the created post-synchronization data from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30 at the second synchronization request timing T2. Therefore, even if the post-synchronization data cannot be provided at the first synchronization request timing T1, it is possible to provide the post-synchronization data again at the second synchronization request timing T2.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the management server 20 is unable to provide the post-synchronization data to the information processing device 30 at the second synchronization request timing T2, the CPU 21 of the first processor provides the created post-synchronization data at the third synchronization request timing T3 at which the information processing device 30 requests the provision of the synchronization data after the second synchronization request timing T2. Therefore, even if the post-synchronization data cannot be provided at the second synchronization request timing T2, it is possible to provide the post-synchronization data again at the third synchronization request timing T3.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the management server 20 cannot provide the information processing device 30 with post-synchronization data at the second synchronization request timing T2, the CPU 21 of the first processor can cause the information processing device 30 to execute polling of the management server 20 until the management server 20 can provide the post-synchronization data. This makes it unnecessary to set the third synchronization request timing T3.

[0085] "Performing polling" means that the management server 20 issues a polling command to the information processing device 30. In addition, "performing polling" may also include a state in which the information processing device 30 is allowed to perform polling voluntarily regardless of the command.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 31 of the second processor synchronizes the post-synchronization data provided from the management server 20 with the synchronization data of the information processing device 30 during a time period that is preset according to the number of users of the information processing device 30. For this reason, for example, by executing the synchronization process during a time period when the number of users is relatively small, the time during which the use of the information processing device 30 is restricted can be reduced. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is easier to ensure the synchronization process compared to when the time period during which the synchronization process is executed is random.

[0087] In the present embodiment, a priority order is given to the plurality of synchronization data according to the type for determining the execution order of the synchronization processes in the information processing device 30. Therefore, compared to the case where the synchronization processes of the plurality of synchronization data are executed sequentially in the order in which they are provided, regardless of the type, the synchronization processes with higher necessity can be prioritized over the synchronization processes with lower necessity.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first synchronization request timing T1, the second synchronization request timing T2, and the third synchronization request timing T3 at which the information processing device 30 requests the provision of synchronization data are periodic. When a synchronization necessity notification is provided to the information processing device 30, the CPU 31 of the second processor sets the intervals between the periodic synchronization request timings to be shorter than those before the synchronization necessity notification is provided. For this reason, the post-synchronization data can be provided more quickly than when the intervals between the periodic synchronization request timings do not change from before the synchronization necessity notification is provided.

[0089] First Modified Example Next, the configuration of the synchronization management system 10 according to the first modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that parts configured in the same manner as in this embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0090] <Synchronization management system> In the first modified example, the information processing device 30 further includes a waiting unit as a functional configuration realized by the synchronization management system 10. The other configurations in the first modified example are common to the corresponding configurations in the present embodiment, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0091] <Synchronization management process> As shown in Fig. 7, the synchronization management process according to the first modification is mainly different from the synchronization process according to the present embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 in that the second synchronization request timing T2A is provided in step S2A executed by the CPU 21 of the first processor. Also, the synchronization management process according to the first modification is mainly different from the synchronization process according to the present embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 in that the information processing device 30 waits for a synchronization request until the provided second synchronization request timing T2A in step S3A, regardless of the periodic synchronization request timing.

[0092] Specifically, in step S2A, the providing unit of the management server 20 provides the immediately synchronized data, a synchronization necessity notification indicating that synchronization processing is necessary after the first synchronization request timing T1, and the second synchronization request timing T2A from the management server 20 to the information processing device 30. The second synchronization request timing T2A of the first modified example is an example of non-periodic synchronization timing that is set exclusively for synchronizing the later synchronization data.

[0093] In the first modified example, the CPU 21 of the first processor determines the second synchronization request timing T2A according to the usage status of the management server 20 or the size of the post-synchronization data. Specifically, for example, when the usage status of the management server 20 indicates that another process that has priority over the provision of the post-synchronization data is scheduled, the second synchronization request timing T2A can be determined after the other process is completed.

[0094] In the present disclosure, the second synchronization request timing T2 may be determined according to both the usage status of the management server 20 and the size of the post-synchronization data. That is, the CPU 21 of the first processor calculates the second synchronization request timing T2 separately according to the parameters of the usage status of the management server 20 and the size of the post-synchronization data. Then, the CPU 21 of the first processor can be configured to adopt the second synchronization request timing T2 that arrives later of the two calculated second synchronization request timings T2.

[0095] (Function of the First Modified Example) In the first variant as in the present embodiment, for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, quick synchronization between the data of the information processing device 30 and the data of the management server 20 can be achieved compared to when synchronization is performed at a preset time such as at night or once a day.

[0096] In addition, in the first modification, for example, it is possible to reduce the amount of unnecessary communication traffic compared to the case where the second synchronization request timing T2A is determined randomly in time, and therefore it is easier to ensure synchronization processing. Other functions of the first modification are the same as those of the present embodiment.

[0097] Second Modified Example Next, the configuration of the synchronization management system 10 according to the second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that parts configured in the same manner as in this embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0098] <Synchronization management system> In the second variant, the functional configuration realized by the synchronization management system 10 differs from the synchronization management system 10 of this embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 in that it has a first management server 20A, a first information processing device 30A corresponding to the first management server 20A, a second management server 20B, and a second information processing device 30B corresponding to the second management server 20B.

[0099] The first management server 20A and the second management server 20B each have the same configuration as the management server 20 in Fig. 1, and are different management servers 20 from each other. The first management server 20A and the second management server 20B are connected via a network such as the Internet 12. The first information processing device 30A and the second information processing device 30B each have the same configuration as the information processing device 30 in Fig. 1, and are different information processing devices 30 from each other. The first information processing device 30A and the second information processing device 30B are connected via a network.

[0100] In the second modified example, the second information processing device 30B further includes a notification unit that notifies that the second information processing device 30B can provide subsequent synchronization data as a functional configuration realized by the synchronization management system 10. The other configurations in the second modified example are the same as the corresponding configurations in the present embodiment, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0101] <Synchronization management process> The synchronization management process according to the second modification is mainly different from the synchronization process according to the present embodiment in that the first management server 20A does not directly notify the first information processing device 30A that it is possible to provide the post-synchronization data, but indirectly notifies the first information processing device 30A via the second information processing device 30B. Fig. 8 illustrates an example in which a communication method using a second information processing device 30B other than the first information processing device 30A is adopted as a method for the CPU 21 of the first processor of the first management server 20A to notify the first information processing device 30A that it is possible to provide the post-synchronization data.

[0102] Specifically, after the first management server 20A creates the post-synchronization data in step S4, the first management server 20A stores the post-synchronization data 60 in an area set on, for example, the Internet 12. Next, the providing unit of the first management server 20A requests the second management server 20B to notify the second information processing device 30B of information indicating that the post-synchronization data can be provided to the first information processing device 30A.

[0103] Next, in step SX, the second management server 20B and the second information processing device 30B are synchronized. During synchronization, information indicating that the first management server 20A can provide the first information processing device 30A with the post-synchronization data is acquired by the second information processing device 30B. The acquired information can be notified to the first information processing device 30A from the second information processing device 30B, for example, by wireless communication. Then, in step S7, the first information processing device 30A accesses the post-synchronization data 60 via the Internet 12 and executes synchronization of the post-synchronization data 60.

[0104] That is, in the second modified example, another second information processing device 30B that is likely to start data synchronization next is used instead of the first information processing device 30A. For example, consider a case where the synchronization interval between the first management server 20A and the first information processing device 30A and the synchronization interval between the second management server 20B and the second information processing device 30B are both 10 minutes, and there is a 5 minute difference between the respective synchronization timings. In the second modified example, if the first management server 20A creates the post-synchronization data after providing a synchronization necessity notification and before the synchronization timing between the second management server 20B and the second information processing device 30B, the first information processing device 30A can synchronize the post-synchronization data earlier than the regular synchronization timing.

[0105] In the second modified example, a communication method using the second information processing device 30B different from the first information processing device 30A is exemplified as a method for notifying that the later synchronization data is available, but in the present disclosure, the method for notifying that the later synchronization data is available is not limited to this. In the present disclosure, at least one of a communication method using e-mail, a communication method using a mobile communication line, and a communication method using the second information processing device 30B different from the first information processing device 30A may be used.

[0106] As an example of a communication method using a mobile communication line, for example, an LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) can be adopted. The mobile communication line is an example of a communication method other than a communication method via a LAN and the Internet, such as a communication method using e-mail.

[0107] (Function of the second modified example) In the second variant, as in the present embodiment, for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, quick synchronization between the data of the information processing device 30 and the data of the management server 20 can be achieved compared to when synchronization is performed at a preset time such as at night or once a day.

[0108] In addition, in the second modified example, the information processing device 30 can be notified that the post-synchronization data can be provided at any timing after the creation of the post-synchronization data is completed. Therefore, when the post-synchronization data is provided at the periodic synchronization request timing, the post-synchronization data can be provided without waiting for the arrival of the next synchronization request timing. Other operations of the second modified example are the same as those of the present embodiment.

[0109] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure 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 disclosure. For example, the above-described embodiment and modifications may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0110] Also, for example, in the present disclosure, the synchronization management process for the management server or the synchronization management process for the information processing device that is executed by each CPU by reading the software (program) in the above embodiment may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. Examples of the processor in this case include a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, and a dedicated electric circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that is a processor having a circuit configuration designed exclusively for executing a specific process.

[0111] Each synchronization management process may be executed by one of these various processors, or may be executed by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, etc.) The hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0112] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the synchronization management program is described as being pre-stored (installed) in a ROM or storage, but the present invention is not limited to this. The program may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The program may also be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0113] The present disclosure includes various embodiments not described above, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the invention-specifying matters in the claims that are appropriate from the above description.

[0114] <Additional Notes> (((1))) one or more first processors; The first processor, At a first synchronization request timing T1 at which the information processing device requests the management server to provide synchronization data, when there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server to the information processing device, providing a synchronization necessity notification indicating that synchronization processing is necessary after the first synchronization request timing from the management server to the information processing device; providing the created post-synchronization data from the management server to the information processing device; Synchronization management system.

[0115] (((2))) The first processor, At a second synchronization request timing at which the information processing device requests provision of synchronization data after the first synchronization request timing, the management server provides the created post-synchronization data to the information processing device. The synchronization management system according to (((1))).

[0116] (((3))) The first processor, The second synchronization request timing is determined according to a usage status of the management server or a size of the post-synchronization data. The synchronization management system according to (((2))).

[0117] (((4))) The first processor, When the post-synchronization data cannot be provided from the management server to the information processing device at the second synchronization request timing, At a third synchronization request timing at which the information processing device requests provision of synchronization data after the second synchronization request timing, the information processing device provides the created post-synchronization data. The synchronization management system according to (((2))) or (((3))).

[0118] (((5))) The first processor, When the post-synchronization data cannot be provided from the management server to the information processing device at the second synchronization request timing, causing the information processing device to execute polling of the management server until a timing when the management server can provide the post-synchronization data; The synchronization management system according to any one of ((2))) to ((4)).

[0119] (((6))) one or more second processors; The second processor, synchronizing the post-synchronization data provided from the management server with the synchronization data of the information processing device during a time period that is preset according to the number of users of the information processing device; The synchronization management system according to any one of ((1))) to (((5))).

[0120] (((7))) a priority order for determining an execution order of a synchronization process in the information processing device is assigned to the plurality of synchronization data by the second processor according to the type of the synchronization data; The synchronization management system according to (((6))).

[0121] (((8))) the plurality of synchronization request timings at which the information processing device requests provision of the synchronization data are regular; The second processor, When the synchronization necessity notification is provided to the information processing device, setting an interval between the periodic synchronization request timings to be shorter than an interval before the synchronization necessity notification is provided; The synchronization management system according to (((6))) or (((7))).

[0122] (((9))) The first processor, When the post-synchronization data is created, notifying the user that the post-synchronization data is available by using at least one of a communication method using e-mail, a communication method using a mobile communication line, and a communication method using an information processing device other than the information processing device; The synchronization management system according to any one of ((1))) to (((8))).

[0123] (((10))) one or more first processors; The first processor, When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided to the information processing device at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the provision of synchronization data, providing, to the information processing device, a synchronization necessity notification indicating that synchronization processing is necessary after the first synchronization request timing; providing the generated synchronization data to the information processing device; Management server.

[0124] (((11))) one or more second processors; The second processor, When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server to the own device at a first synchronization request timing when the management server is requested to provide the synchronization data, synchronizing the post-synchronization data provided by the management server after the first synchronization request timing with the synchronization data of the own device; Information processing device.

[0125] (((12))) When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server to the information processing device at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the management server to provide the synchronization data, providing a synchronization necessity notification indicating that synchronization processing is necessary after the first synchronization request timing from the management server to the information processing device; providing the created post-synchronization data from the management server to the information processing device; A synchronization management program that causes a computer to execute the process.

[0126] (((13))) When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server to the own device at a first synchronization request timing when the management server is requested to provide the synchronization data, synchronizing the post-synchronization data provided by the management server after the first synchronization request timing with the synchronization data of the own device; A synchronization program for an information processing device that causes a computer to execute processing.

[0127] (((14))) When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided to the information processing device at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the provision of synchronization data, providing, to the information processing device, a synchronization necessity notification indicating that synchronization processing is necessary after the first synchronization request timing; providing the generated synchronization data to the information processing device; A synchronization program for the management server that causes the computer to execute the process.

[0128] According to the configuration (((1))), for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, faster synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server can be achieved than when synchronization is performed at a preset time, such as at night or once a day.

[0129] According to the configuration (((2))), even if the later synchronization data cannot be provided at the first synchronization request timing, the later synchronization data can be provided again at the second synchronization request timing.

[0130] According to the configuration (((3))), it is easier to ensure synchronization processing compared to a case where the second synchronization request timing is determined randomly in time.

[0131] According to the configuration (((4))), even if the later synchronization data cannot be provided at the second synchronization request timing, the later synchronization data can be provided again at the third synchronization request timing.

[0132] According to the configuration (((5))), it is not necessary to set the third synchronization request timing.

[0133] According to the configuration (((6))), it is easier to ensure synchronization processing compared to a case where the time period during which synchronization processing is performed is random.

[0134] According to the configuration (((7))), synchronization processing that is more necessary can be prioritized over synchronization processing that is less necessary, compared to when synchronization processing of multiple synchronization data is executed sequentially in the order in which they are provided, regardless of type.

[0135] According to the configuration (((8))), the post-synchronization data can be provided more quickly than in a case where the interval between multiple periodic synchronization request timings does not change from before the synchronization necessity notification is provided.

[0136] According to the configuration (((9))), when post-synchronization data is provided at the regular synchronization request timing, the post-synchronization data can be provided without waiting for the arrival of the next synchronization request timing.

[0137] According to the configuration (((10))), for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, faster synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server can be achieved than when synchronization is performed at a preset time, such as at night or once a day.

[0138] According to the configuration (((11))), for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, faster synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server can be achieved than when synchronization is performed at a preset time, such as at night or once a day.

[0139] According to the configuration (((12))), for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, faster synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server can be achieved than when synchronization is performed at a preset time such as overnight or once a day.

[0140] According to the configuration (((13))), for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, faster synchronization between the data of the information processing device and the data of the management server can be achieved than when synchronization is performed at a preset time, such as at night or once a day.

[0141] According to the configuration (((14))), for relatively large amounts of data or data that takes a long time to prepare for provision, faster synchronization between the data in the information processing device and the data in the management server can be achieved than when synchronization is performed at a preset time, such as overnight or once a day. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10 Synchronization Management System 12. Internet 20 Management Server 20A First Management Server 20B Second Management Server 21 CPU 22 ROM 23 RAM 24 Storage 25 User Interface 26 Communication Interface 27 Bus 30 Information processing device 30A Second information processing device 30B First information processing device 31 CPU 32 ROM 33 RAM 34 Storage 35 User Interface 36 Communication Interface 37 Bus 40 Cloud Services 50 Terminal Equipment 60 ms sync data

Claims

1. one or more first processors; The first processor, When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server to the information processing device at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the management server to provide the synchronization data, providing a synchronization necessity notification indicating that synchronization processing is necessary after the first synchronization request timing from the management server to the information processing device; providing the created post-synchronization data from the management server to the information processing device; Synchronization management system.

2. The first processor, At a second synchronization request timing at which the information processing device requests provision of synchronization data after the first synchronization request timing, the management server provides the created post-synchronization data to the information processing device. The synchronization management system according to claim 1 .

3. The first processor, The second synchronization request timing is determined according to a usage status of the management server or a size of the post-synchronization data. The synchronization management system according to claim 2.

4. The first processor, When the post-synchronization data cannot be provided from the management server to the information processing device at the second synchronization request timing, At a third synchronization request timing at which the information processing device requests provision of synchronization data after the second synchronization request timing, the information processing device provides the created post-synchronization data. The synchronization management system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The first processor, When the post-synchronization data cannot be provided from the management server to the information processing device at the second synchronization request timing, causing the information processing device to execute polling of the management server until a timing when the management server can provide the post-synchronization data; The synchronization management system according to claim 2 or 3.

6. one or more second processors; The second processor, synchronizing the post-synchronization data provided from the management server with the synchronization data of the information processing device during a time period that is preset according to the number of users of the information processing device; The synchronization management system according to claim 1 .

7. a priority order for determining an execution order of a synchronization process in the information processing device is assigned to the plurality of synchronization data by the second processor according to the type of the synchronization data; The synchronization management system according to claim 6.

8. the plurality of synchronization request timings at which the information processing device requests provision of the synchronization data are regular; The second processor, When the synchronization necessity notification is provided to the information processing device, setting an interval between the periodic synchronization request timings to be shorter than an interval before the synchronization necessity notification is provided; The synchronization management system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The first processor, When the post-synchronization data is created, notifying the user that the post-synchronization data is available by using at least one of a communication method using e-mail, a communication method using a mobile communication line, and a communication method using an information processing device other than the information processing device; The synchronization management system according to claim 1 .

10. one or more first processors; The first processor, When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided to the information processing device at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the provision of synchronization data, providing, to the information processing device, a synchronization necessity notification indicating that synchronization processing is necessary after the first synchronization request timing; providing the generated synchronization data to the information processing device; Management server.

11. one or more second processors; The second processor, When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server to the own device at a first synchronization request timing when the management server is requested to provide the synchronization data, synchronizing the post-synchronization data provided by the management server after the first synchronization request timing with the synchronization data of the own device; Information processing device.

12. When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server to the information processing device at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the management server to provide the synchronization data, providing a synchronization necessity notification indicating that synchronization processing is necessary after the first synchronization request timing from the management server to the information processing device; providing the created post-synchronization data from the management server to the information processing device; A synchronization management program that causes a computer to execute the process.

13. When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided from the management server to the own device at a first synchronization request timing when the management server is requested to provide the synchronization data, synchronizing the post-synchronization data provided by the management server after the first synchronization request timing with the synchronization data of the own device; A synchronization program for an information processing device that causes a computer to execute processing.

14. When there is uncreated subsequent synchronization data that cannot be provided to the information processing device at a first synchronization request timing when the information processing device requests the provision of synchronization data, providing, to the information processing device, a synchronization necessity notification indicating that synchronization processing is necessary after the first synchronization request timing; providing the generated synchronization data to the information processing device; A synchronization program for the management server that causes the computer to execute the process.

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