Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

To prevent communication failures from occurring when an apparatus communicates with a communication destination using a function.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises a processor. The processor determines, when adding or changing a function to be used for communicating with a communication destination to a first apparatus, whether to perform the addition or change in the first apparatus based on a communication history between a second apparatus that already has the function and the communication destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a management device for managing updates to firmware installed in an image forming device, the image forming device being connected to multiple processing devices and performing image formation processing based on jobs from each of the multiple processing devices, and comprising: a storage means for storing update information, which is information necessary for updating the firmware; an identification means for identifying image forming functions of the image forming device that are frequently used in each of the multiple processing devices; a judgment means for comparing image forming functions that will be affected by updating the firmware version with image forming functions that are frequently used in each of the multiple processing devices, thereby determining the possibility of problems occurring in the image forming functions in each of the multiple processing devices due to the firmware update; and a processing means for performing processing based on the judgment result of the judgment means and then performing the firmware update processing using the update information.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses a firmware management device that manages the firmware of an electronic device in which current firmware, which is the firmware currently in use, is stored in a rewritable non-volatile storage means, and that is characterized by comprising: a counting means that counts the number of errors that occur when the current firmware is executed on the electronic device; a comparison means that compares the number of errors in the current firmware counted by the counting means with the number of errors that occurred when a version of firmware used in the past was executed on the electronic device; an identification means that, based on the comparison result by the comparison means, identifies a version of firmware from among the versions of firmware used in the past that is more suitable for use than the current firmware; and a change means that changes the current firmware to the version of firmware identified by the identification means.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server that stores multiple types of update programs together with update information including update statuses for each of the multiple types of functions, and includes: a program storage means for storing an execution program; a function execution means for executing the stored execution program and executing at least one of the multiple types of functions; a history storage means for storing, when one of the multiple types of functions is executed, history information regarding the execution of the function for each executed function; a determination means for determining a target program from among the multiple types of update programs stored in the server based on the history information and the update information stored in the server; and an update means for acquiring the determined target program and updating the execution program stored in the program storage means with the acquired target program. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-221152 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-99393 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-269226 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An example of an information processing system is one that includes a processor, and when adding or changing a function (e.g., firmware and application) used when communicating with a communication destination to a device (e.g., a multifunction peripheral), the processor determines whether to perform the addition or change in the device based only on information regarding the version of the function.

[0007] In this information processing system, if the version of the added or changed function is not compatible with the device, when the device uses the function to communicate with a communication destination, a communication failure may occur, preventing communication with the communication destination.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to reduce the occurrence of communication problems when a processor adds or changes a function to a device used when communicating with a communication destination, compared to when the processor decides whether to perform the addition or change in the device based only on information regarding the version of the function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The first aspect includes a processor, which, when adding or changing a function to be used when communicating with a communication destination, determines whether to perform the addition or change in the first device based on the communication history between a second device that already has the function and the communication destination.

[0010] In the second aspect, in the first aspect, the processor determines whether to perform the addition or the change in the first device based on the communication history, which is based on the communication protocol used by the first device.

[0011] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, when the first device uses multiple communication protocols, the processor determines whether to perform the addition or change in the first device based on the communication history of the communication protocol with a high communication frequency or communication success rate.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the processor determines whether to execute the addition or the change in the first device based on the communication history excluding communication failures due to communication abnormalities from among the communication history.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the processor determines whether to perform the addition or the change in the first device based on communication history excluding communication failures due to communication timeouts as communication failures due to communication abnormalities.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the processor determines whether to perform the addition or the change in the first device based on the communication history of a second device among the plurality of second devices whose past communication history is similar to the past communication history of the first device.

[0015] In a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the processor determines, among the plurality of second devices, the second device with the closest consistency rate of success or failure of communication results under the same communication conditions as the second device with similar past communication performance.

[0016] An eighth aspect is an information processing program for causing a computer to execute a process for determining whether to add or change a function used when communicating with a communication destination in a first device based on the communication history between a second device that already has the function and the communication destination.

[0017] A ninth aspect is an information processing method in which, when a function used when communicating with a communication destination is added or changed to a first device, a decision is made as to whether to perform the addition or change in the first device based on the communication history between a second device that already has the function and the communication destination. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the configuration of the first aspect, when a processor adds or changes a function to a device used when communicating with a communication destination, the occurrence of communication errors when the first device communicates with the communication destination using the function is reduced compared to when the processor decides whether to perform the addition or change in the device based only on information about the version of the function.

[0019] According to the configuration of the second aspect, the occurrence of communication failures when the first device communicates with a communication destination using a function is reduced compared to when the processor decides whether to perform additions or changes in the first device based on all communication history.

[0020] According to the configuration of the third aspect, the occurrence of communication problems when the first device communicates with a communication destination using a function is reduced compared to when the processor decides whether to perform additions or changes in the first device based on all communication records under the communication protocol used by the first device.

[0021] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the situation in which addition or modification of functions compatible with the first device is not performed is reduced compared to when the processor decides whether to perform addition or modification in the first device based on all communication history.

[0022] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the processing is simpler than when the processor identifies the specific cause of the communication failure and then removes the communication failure due to a communication abnormality from the communication record.

[0023] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the occurrence of communication anomalies when the first device communicates with a communication destination using a communication function is reduced compared to when the processor decides whether to perform additions or changes in the first device based on the communication history of all of the multiple second devices.

[0024] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the processor can uniquely identify the second device having similar past communication records.

[0025] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, when adding or changing a function to be used when communicating with a communication destination, the occurrence of communication failures when the first device communicates with the communication destination using the function is reduced compared to when a decision is made on whether to perform the addition or change in the device based only on information regarding the version of the function.

[0026] According to the configuration of the ninth aspect, when adding or changing a function to be used when communicating with a communication destination, the occurrence of communication failures when the first device communicates with the communication destination using the function is reduced compared to when a decision is made on whether to perform the addition or change in the device based only on information regarding the version of the function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a table showing an example of communication results of a plurality of multifunction peripherals according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control device in the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an update process executed in the information processing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a table showing another example of the communication performance shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 10 is a table showing another example of the communication performance shown in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] <Information Processing System 10> An information processing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0030] The information processing system 10 is a system for processing information. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes a management server 12, a plurality of server devices 14, a download server 16, and a plurality of multifunction peripherals 18.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, the components of the information processing system 10 are connected to each other via a communication line 13. The communication line 13 is, for example, a wired or wireless communication line. Specifically, the communication line 13 can be, for example, any of various networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. This allows the components of the information processing system 10 to communicate with each other.

[0032] In this embodiment, the components of the information processing system 10 are provided within the same network (that is, within an area with a common communication environment), and are capable of communicating with each other within the network.

[0033] The information processing system 10 can also be called a communication system because each unit can communicate with each other. The information processing system 10 can also be called an execution system because each unit executes various processes. Each unit of the information processing system 10 will be described below.

[0034] <Download Server 16> The download server 16 is a server device that stores various data downloaded by the multifunction peripherals 18 and the like. The download server 16 is capable of communicating with each unit, including the multiple multifunction peripherals 18, via the communication line 13.

[0035] The download server 16 has a storage 16A for storing various data. In this embodiment, the download server 16 stores in the storage 16A firmware (hereinafter abbreviated as FW) to be downloaded by each of the multiple multifunction peripherals 18. When a new version of firmware is stored, the download server 16 transmits information indicating that the new version of firmware has been stored to each of the multiple multifunction peripherals 18.

[0036] The download server 16 is configured as a device including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a storage 16A, similar to the control device 20 described later.

[0037] <Administration Server 12> The management server 12 is a server device that manages each part of the information processing system 10. The management server 12 is capable of communicating with each part, including a plurality of multifunction peripherals 18 and a plurality of server devices 14, via a communication line 13.

[0038] The management server 12 is configured as a device including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a storage device, similar to the control device 20 described later.

[0039] <Multiple server devices 14> Each of the plurality of server devices 14 is an example of a communication destination (communication partner), and is capable of communicating with each unit including the plurality of multifunction peripherals 18 via the communication line 13. Each of the plurality of server devices 14 transmits and receives various data such as image data and log information to and from each of the plurality of multifunction peripherals 18.

[0040] In this embodiment, the plurality of server devices 14 is configured by, for example, three server devices 14A, 14B, and 14C, as shown in Fig. 1. Note that the number of server devices 14 may be any number.

[0041] Each of the server devices 14 is configured as a device including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a storage device, similar to the control device 20 described later.

[0042] <Multiple Multifunction Devices 18> Each of the multiple multifunction peripherals 18 is an image forming device, and is an execution device capable of executing processes such as copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile.

[0043] In this embodiment, the multiple multifunction devices 18 are configured, for example, by four multifunction devices 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D, as shown in Fig. 1. The multiple multifunction devices 18 may also be configured by two, three, or four or more multifunction devices.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, each of the multiple multifunction devices 18 includes a control device 20, an image reading unit 31, an image forming unit 32, a communication interface 33, an input unit 34, and a display unit 35.

[0045] The image reading unit 31 is a component (e.g., a scanner) that reads an image of a document. The image reading unit 31 generates image data by, for example, optically reading the image of the document and converting it into a digital signal. Note that the image includes text.

[0046] The image forming unit 32 is a component that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper. The image forming unit 32 forms an image on the recording medium by, for example, an electrophotographic method that performs the steps of charging, exposing, developing, transferring, and fixing. Note that the image forming unit 32 may also form an image on the recording medium by another method such as an inkjet method.

[0047] The communication interface 33 is a connection unit for communicating with other devices (e.g., the management server 12, the multiple server devices 14, and the download server 16). Specifically, the communication interface 33 communicates with other devices through the communication line 13 using at least one of a wired line and a wireless line.

[0048] The input unit 34 is a component into which instructions are input by the user (i.e., the user). Specifically, the input unit 34 is composed of, for example, input keys (e.g., a keyboard and operation buttons) and a touch panel, etc., through which the user performs input operations. Instructions from the user include execution instructions to execute processes that can be executed by the multifunction device 18. Such processes include, for example, copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile.

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

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

[0051] The control device 20 is a device that controls each part of the multifunction device 18. The control device 20 has the functions of a computer, and as shown in Fig. 1, has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, and a storage 24. The CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the storage 24 are each connected to one another by a bus 29.

[0052] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that executes various programs, including an information processing program, and controls each part. The CPU 21 is an example of a processor. The ROM 22 stores various programs, including the information processing program, and various data. The RAM 23 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area.

[0053] The storage 24 is configured with one or more storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system. Note that the information processing program may also be stored in the storage 24.

[0054] In this embodiment, firmware, which is software having a control function for various processes including communication processes for communicating with other devices, is stored in the storage 24. The firmware can be updated (i.e., upgraded) or downgraded.

[0055] The firmware is an example of a function used when communicating with the server device 14 (an example of a communication destination).

[0056] Furthermore, the storage 24 is capable of storing various data including communication results. In this embodiment, when the multifunction peripheral 18 executes communication processing with another device (for example, the server device 14), the communication results are stored in the storage 24. As shown in Fig. 3, the communication results include information indicating the firmware version of the multifunction peripheral 18 at the time of communication, the direction of communication, the communication partner, the communication protocol, the execution result, the time of communication, etc. The communication results including this information are stored in the storage 24 as communication records every time the multifunction peripheral 18 executes communication with another device.

[0057] In addition, in terms of the communication direction, "To Server" indicates that the communication direction is from the multifunction device 18 to the server device 14. If the communication direction is from the server device 14 to the multifunction device 18, it becomes "To Multifunction Device." Furthermore, the location where the communication records of multiple multifunction devices 18 are stored is not limited to their own storage 24, but may be other locations (for example, the management server 12).

[0058] In the control device 20, the CPU 21 reads various programs including an information processing program from the ROM 22 or the storage 24, and executes the programs using the RAM 23 as a work area. The CPU 21 executes the information processing program to realize various functions.

[0059] In the control device 20, the CPU 21 executes an information processing program to function as a receiving unit 41 and a processing unit 42 as shown in FIG.

[0060] The receiving unit 41 acquires the storage information indicating that the new FW has been stored by receiving the storage information from the download server 16. The receiving unit 41 also acquires its own communication history and the communication history of the other multifunction peripherals 18 (i.e., multifunction peripherals 18A, 18B, and 18C).

[0061] When adding or changing firmware used when communicating with the server device 14 in its own multifunction device 18, the processing unit 42 executes a decision process to determine whether to add or change the firmware in its own multifunction device 18, based on the communication history between the server device 14 and other multifunction devices 18 that already have the firmware. Specifically, the processing unit 42 executes an update process, which will be described later.

[0062] <Update processing flow according to this embodiment> Next, an example of an update process flow according to this embodiment will be described. Here, the update process flow will be described when the multifunction peripheral 18D, among the four multifunction peripherals 18, updates an old version of FW (hereinafter referred to as old FW) to a new version of FW (hereinafter referred to as new FW).

[0063] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an update process flow executed in the multifunction device 18D. This flow is an example of an information processing method. The multifunction device 18D is an example of a first device. The old version is version 1.0.0 in FIG. 3, and the new version is version 2.0.0 in FIG. 3. The update process may be executed in the other multifunction devices 18 (i.e., the multifunction devices 18A, 18B, and 18C) in a similar manner.

[0064] This process is performed by the CPU 21 of the multifunction peripheral 18D (hereinafter simply referred to as CPU 21) reading and executing an information processing program from the ROM 22 or the storage 24. As an example, this process is started when the CPU 21 receives, from the download server 16, storage information indicating that new FW has been stored.

[0065] 5, when starting this process, the CPU 21 first acquires its own communication history (see FIG. 3) and the communication history (see FIG. 3) of the other multifunction peripherals 18 (i.e., the multifunction peripherals 18A, 18B, and 18C) (step S101). The other multifunction peripherals 18 are an example of the second device.

[0066] The CPU 21, for example, issues a transmission instruction to each of the other multifunction devices 18 to cause them to transmit their communication records, and receives the communication records transmitted from each of the other multifunction devices 18, thereby acquiring the communication records of the other multifunction devices 18.

[0067] If the communication records of the multiple multifunction peripherals 18 are stored in a location (for example, the management server 12) different from the respective storages 24, the CPU 21 obtains the records from that location.

[0068] Next, the CPU 21 executes a decision process to determine whether or not to update the FW based on the communication history between the server device 14 and other multifunction peripherals 18 that already have the new FW (step S102). If the CPU 21 determines to update the FW (step S102: YES), the process proceeds to step S103, and if the CPU 21 determines not to update the FW (step S102: NO), the process ends. The specific process of step S102 will be described later.

[0069] In step S103, the CPU 21 determines whether the new FW has been downloaded. If the CPU 21 determines in step S103 that the new FW has been downloaded (step S103: YES), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S105, and if the CPU 21 determines that the new FW has not been downloaded (step S103: NO), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S104.

[0070] In step S104, the CPU 21 downloads the new FW from the download server 16 to the multifunction peripheral 18D (storage 24). Next, in step S105, the CPU 21 performs update processing in the multifunction peripheral 18D to activate the downloaded new FW, and then ends this processing.

[0071] <Specific Processing of Step S102> In this embodiment, the CPU 21 determines whether to perform a FW update based on, for example, the communication success rate in the communication record with the new FW of the other multifunction device 18 and the communication record with the old FW of the other multifunction device 18. Specifically, the CPU 21 determines to perform a FW update when the communication success rate in the communication record with the new FW of the other multifunction device 18 is equal to or higher than the communication success rate in the communication record with the old FW of the other multifunction device 18.

[0072] Here, the communication history of the communication protocol used by the multifunction peripheral 18D is used as the basis for the decision. That is, the communication history of the communication protocol included in the communication history of the multifunction peripheral 18D is used as the basis for the decision.

[0073] According to the communication history of the multifunction peripheral 18D of this embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 18D uses the communication protocol "SMBv2" as shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, as a basis for making a decision, the communication history of other multifunction peripherals 18 that uses the communication protocol "SMBv2" is used.

[0074] Furthermore, the communication direction and communication history with the communication partner included in the communication history of the multifunction peripheral 18D are used as materials for judgment. The communication history of the multifunction peripheral 18D includes communications from the multifunction peripheral 18 to the server device 14, and communications with the server devices 14A and 14B as communication partners, so these communication histories are used as materials for judgment. Note that the communication protocol is an example of a communication rule.

[0075] In this embodiment, in FIG. 3, among the communication records of other multifunction devices 18 that satisfy the above conditions, there are three communication records indicated by the symbol XA that are communication records using the new FW, and there are three communication records indicated by the symbol XB that are communication records using the old FW.

[0076] Of the three communication results (XA) using the new FW, all were successful (communication success rate 2 / 2). Of the three communication results (XB) using the old FW, two were successful and one was unsuccessful (communication success rate 2 / 3). Therefore, in the example of Fig. 3, the communication success rate in the communication results using the new FW of the other multifunction device 18 is equal to or higher than the communication success rate in the communication results using the old FW of the other multifunction device 18, so the CPU 21 decides to perform a FW update.

[0077] If the success rate of communication is equal among multiple versions of FW, CPU 21 updates to, for example, the newest version. For example, in the above example, if all communications using the old FW are successful and all communications using the new FW are successful, CPU 21 determines to update to the new FW.

[0078] Furthermore, when the multifunction device 18 starts operating, for example, and there is no communication history of itself or of other multifunction devices 18, the CPU 21 may be configured to update to the new FW if the new FW is the latest version.

[0079] Furthermore, if the multifunction peripheral 18D uses a plurality of communication protocols, the CPU 21 may use, as a basis for making a decision, the communication history of the multifunction peripheral 18D in a communication protocol with a high communication frequency or a high communication success rate.

[0080] 6, the multifunction peripheral 18D uses "SMBv2" and "SMBv3" as the communication protocols, and the communication success rate is higher for "SMBv3" than for "SMBv2." In this case, the communication history of other multifunction peripherals 18 using the communication protocol "SMBv3" may be used as a basis for making the decision.

[0081] 6, the communication frequency is higher for "SMBv2" than for "SMBv3." Therefore, when communication frequency is used as a criterion, the communication history of other multifunction peripherals 18 using the communication protocol "SMBv2" may be used as a basis for the decision. Note that if the multifunction peripheral 18D uses multiple communication protocols, the communication history for those multiple communication protocols may also be used as a basis for the decision.

[0082] <Actions according to this embodiment> According to this embodiment, when updating firmware used in communication with the server device 14 in the multifunction device 18D, the CPU 21 determines whether to perform the update in the multifunction device 18D based on the communication history between the server device 14 and other multifunction devices 18 that already have the firmware (step S102).

[0083] Therefore, when updating firmware in the multifunction device 18D, the occurrence of communication failures when the multifunction device 18D communicates with the server device 14 using firmware is reduced compared to when the CPU 21 decides whether to perform an update in the multifunction device 18D based only on information about the version of the firmware.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 21 determines whether to perform an update in the multifunction peripheral 18D based on the communication history of the other multifunction peripherals 18 using the communication protocol used by the multifunction peripheral 18D (step S102).

[0085] Therefore, compared to when the CPU 21 decides whether to perform an update on the multifunction device 18D based on the communication history of all other multifunction devices 18, the occurrence of communication failures when the multifunction device 18D communicates with the server device 14 using firmware is reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the multifunction device 18D uses multiple communication protocols, the CPU 21 determines whether to perform an update in the multifunction device 18D based on the communication history of the other multifunction devices 18 for a communication protocol with a high communication frequency or communication success rate (step S102).

[0087] Therefore, compared to when the CPU 21 decides whether or not to perform an update in the multifunction device 18D based on all communication records using the communication protocol used by the multifunction device 18D, the occurrence of communication failures when the multifunction device 18D communicates with the server device 14 using firmware is reduced.

[0088] <First modified example of the process in step S102> The CPU 21 may determine whether to update the firmware in the multifunction peripheral 18D based on the communication records of the other multifunction peripherals 18, excluding communication failures due to communication abnormalities.

[0089] A communication failure due to a communication abnormality is a communication failure that is not caused by the firewall, and occurs under conditions where the firewall would operate normally if the communication abnormality were not present. Examples of communication abnormalities include communication abnormalities due to incorrect authentication information (mismatch in credential information such as user name / password or biometric authentication information), and physical communication path abnormalities such as a network cable being unplugged.

[0090] According to this modified example, the situation where a firmware update compatible with the multifunction device 18D is not executed is reduced compared to when the CPU 21 decides whether to execute an update in the multifunction device 18D based on the communication history of all other multifunction devices 18.

[0091] In addition, in this modified example, the CPU 21 may exclude a communication failure due to a communication timeout from the communication history of other multifunction peripherals 18 as a communication failure due to a communication abnormality, and may determine whether to perform an update in the multifunction peripheral 18D based on the communication history.

[0092] In this case, the processing is simpler than when the CPU 21 identifies the specific cause of the communication failure and then removes the communication failure due to a communication abnormality from the communication record.

[0093] <Second modified example of the process in step S102> The CPU 21 may determine whether to perform an update in the multifunction peripheral 18D based on the past communication history of a multifunction peripheral 18 among the other multifunction peripherals 18 (multifunction peripherals 18A, 18B, 18C) whose past communication history is similar to that of the multifunction peripheral 18D.

[0094] According to this modified example, the occurrence of communication failures when multifunction device 18D communicates with server device 14 using firmware is reduced compared to when determining whether to perform an update in multifunction device 18D based on the communication history of all other multifunction devices 18.

[0095] The CPU 21 can determine, among other multifunction peripherals 18, the multifunction peripheral 18 with the closest match rate of success or failure of communication results under the same communication conditions as the multifunction peripheral 18 with similar past communication performance. Examples of the communication conditions include the firmware version and the communication protocol. Furthermore, the communication conditions may include at least one of the communication partner and the communication direction. Note that the match rate of success or failure may be determined based on not only the communication success rate but also the communication failure rate.

[0096] Specifically, for example, the success or failure of the communication results of the multifunction peripheral 18D in the old FW version (0.5.0) can be compared with the success or failure of the communication results of other multifunction peripherals 18 in the old FW version (0.5.0), and the communication results of the multifunction peripheral 18 with the closest success or failure agreement rate can be used as the basis for making a decision. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the communication results of the multifunction peripheral 18D in the old FW version (0.5.0) were both successful (communication success rate 2 / 2). The communication results of the multifunction peripherals 18B and 18C in the old FW version (0.5.0) were one successful attempt and the other unsuccessful (communication success rate 1 / 2). The communication results of the multifunction peripheral 18A in the old FW version (0.5.0) were both successful, as was the communication result of the multifunction peripheral 18D (communication success rate 2 / 2). In this case, it is determined whether to perform an update of the multifunction peripheral 18D based on the communication results of the multifunction peripheral 18A.

[0097] As described above, by identifying a multifunction peripheral 18 that is similar to the past communication record, it becomes possible to uniquely identify the multifunction peripheral 18.

[0098] <Modification of update processing flow> In the above update processing flow, as an example, execution is started when CPU 21 receives storage information indicating that new FW has been saved from download server 16, that is, when the new FW is released, but this is not limited to this.

[0099] The FW may be reevaluated and updated to the most appropriate version at a preset timing. For example, the timing may be when the rate of communication failures in communication with other devices such as the server device 14 exceeds a reference value. This makes it possible to switch back to the old FW if a communication failure occurs after updating to the new FW.

[0100] Furthermore, the timing may be, for example, when a frequently used server device 14 (frequency of use of each server device 14) changes among multiple server devices 14, or when a preset period of time has elapsed.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, when cloning from multifunction peripheral 18A using a new FW to multifunction peripheral 18D using an old FW, the update processing flow may be executed in multifunction peripheral 18D. Cloning is a process of copying parameters such as network settings and user data such as an address book to another device (multifunction peripheral 18D in the above example).

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the process of updating a function (specifically, FW) has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, even when downgrading a function, the CPU 21 can execute the determination process. That is, the CPU 21 can execute the above-mentioned determination process when changing a function, including updating (upgrading) and downgrading. Furthermore, the CPU 21 can execute the above-mentioned determination process when adding a new function.

[0103] <Other variations> In the present embodiment, an example of the communication destination is the server device 14, but is not limited to this. Examples of the communication destination may be, for example, a terminal device (such as a personal computer or a smartphone), a multifunction peripheral, or other device, as long as it is a device that can communicate with other devices.

[0104] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example of the first device and the second device is the multifunction peripheral 18, but this is not limiting. Examples of the first device and the second device may be, for example, a terminal device (such as a personal computer or a smartphone), a server device, a facsimile, or other device, as long as it is capable of communicating with other devices. Furthermore, an example of the first device and an example of the second device may be different types of devices.

[0105] In the present embodiment, an example of a function used when communicating with a communication destination is a firewall, but this is not limiting. Examples of the function may include, for example, an application, software, a program, a communication protocol, or the like, as long as it is a function used when communicating with a communication destination.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information processing system 10 is an example of an information processing system, but for example, the multifunction peripheral 18 may also be understood as an example of an information processing system.

[0107] Furthermore, the device including the processor that executes the determination process may be configured as an external device (e.g., management server 12) that exists outside the multifunction peripheral 18. In this case, the external device or a system including the external device can be understood as an example of an information processing system.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., the aforementioned CPU, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0109] Furthermore, the operations of the processors in the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0110] Furthermore, the information processing system in this embodiment is not limited to one configured by multiple devices, but may be one configured by a single device. That is, the "system" in this embodiment may be one configured by multiple devices or one configured by a single device.

[0111] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0112] <Additional Notes> (((1))) a processor; The processor: When adding or changing a function to be used when communicating with a communication destination to a first device, a decision is made as to whether to add or change the function to the first device based on a communication record between the second device already equipped with the function and the communication destination. Information processing system.

[0113] (((2))) The processor: Determine whether to execute the addition or the change in the first device based on the communication record according to the communication protocol used by the first device among the communication records. The information processing system according to (((1))).

[0114] (((3))) The processor: If the first device uses a plurality of communication protocols, it is determined whether to perform the addition or change in the first device based on the communication record of a communication protocol with a high communication frequency or a high communication success rate. The information processing system according to (((2))).

[0115] (((4))) The processor: and determining whether to execute the addition or the change in the first device based on the communication results excluding communication failures due to communication abnormalities. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0116] (((5))) The processor: Whether to execute the addition or the change in the first device is determined based on a communication record excluding communication failures due to a communication timeout as communication failures due to a communication abnormality. The information processing system according to (((4))).

[0117] (((6))) The processor: and determining whether to execute the addition or the change in the first device based on a communication record of a second device among the plurality of second devices whose past communication record is similar to that of the first device. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))).

[0118] (((7))) The processor: Among the plurality of second devices, The second device having the closest agreement rate of success or failure of the communication results under the same communication conditions is determined as the second device having similar past communication results. The information processing system according to (((6))).

[0119] (((8))) For computers, When a function used in communication with a communication destination is added to or changed in a first device, a decision is made as to whether to add or change the function in the first device based on a communication record between the second device already equipped with the function and the communication destination. An information processing program for executing processing.

[0120] (((9))) When a function used in communication with a communication destination is added to or changed in a first device, a decision is made as to whether to add or change the function in the first device based on a communication record between the second device already equipped with the function and the communication destination. Information processing methods.

[0121] According to the configuration (((1))), when a processor adds or changes a function to a device used when communicating with a communication destination, the occurrence of communication failures when the first device communicates with the communication destination using the function is reduced compared to when the processor decides whether to execute the addition or change in the device based only on information about the version of the function.

[0122] According to the configuration (((2))), the occurrence of communication failures when the first device communicates with a communication destination using a function is reduced compared to when the processor decides whether to perform additions or changes in the first device based on all communication records.

[0123] According to the configuration (((3))), the occurrence of communication problems when the first device communicates with a communication destination using a function is reduced compared to when the processor decides whether to execute additions or changes in the first device based on all communication records under the communication protocol used by the first device.

[0124] According to the configuration (((4))), the situation where the addition or modification of a function compatible with the first device is not performed is reduced compared to when the processor decides whether to perform the addition or modification in the first device based on all communication records.

[0125] According to the configuration (((5))), the processing is simpler than when the processor identifies the specific cause of the communication failure and then removes the communication failure due to a communication abnormality from the communication record.

[0126] According to the configuration (((6))), the occurrence of communication anomalies when the first device communicates with a communication destination using the communication function is reduced compared to when the processor decides whether to perform additions or changes in the first device based on the communication history of all of the second devices.

[0127] According to the configuration (((7))), the processor can uniquely identify the second device with similar past communication records.

[0128] According to the configuration (((8))), when a function used when communicating with a communication destination is added to or changed in a device, the occurrence of communication failures when the first device communicates with the communication destination using the function is reduced compared to when a decision is made on whether to execute the addition or change in the device based only on information about the version of the function.

[0129] According to the configuration (((9))), when a function used when communicating with a communication destination is added to or changed in a device, the occurrence of communication failures when the first device communicates with the communication destination using the function is reduced compared to when a decision is made on whether to execute the addition or change in the device based only on information regarding the version of the function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10 Information Processing Systems 14 Server device (example of communication destination) 18A, 18B, 18C Multifunction machine (example of second device) 18D Multifunction Machine (Example of the first device) 21 CPU (an example of a processor)

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: When adding or changing a function to be used when communicating with a communication destination to a first device, a decision is made as to whether to add or change the function to the first device based on a communication record between the second device already equipped with the function and the communication destination. Information processing system.

2. The processor: Determine whether to execute the addition or the change in the first device based on the communication record according to the communication protocol used by the first device among the communication records. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: If the first device uses a plurality of communication protocols, it is determined whether to perform the addition or change in the first device based on the communication record of a communication protocol with a high communication frequency or a high communication success rate. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: and determining whether to execute the addition or the change in the first device based on the communication results excluding communication failures due to communication abnormalities. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. The processor: Whether to execute the addition or the change in the first device is determined based on a communication record excluding communication failures due to a communication timeout as communication failures due to a communication abnormality. The information processing system according to claim 4 .

6. The processor: and determining whether to execute the addition or the change in the first device based on a communication record of a second device among the plurality of second devices whose past communication record is similar to that of the first device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. The processor: Among the plurality of second devices, The second device having the closest agreement rate of success or failure of the communication results under the same communication conditions is determined as the second device having similar past communication results. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. For computers, When a function used in communication with a communication destination is added to or changed in a first device, a decision is made as to whether to add or change the function in the first device based on a communication record between the second device already equipped with the function and the communication destination. An information processing program for executing processing.

9. When a function used in communication with a communication destination is added to or changed in a first device, a decision is made as to whether to add or change the function in the first device based on a communication record between the second device already equipped with the function and the communication destination. Information processing methods.

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