Information processing device, information processing method and program

The information processing device aligns software updates with user preferences by acquiring planned provision and desired information, ensuring timely updates and efficient server load distribution.

JP2025167273APending Publication Date: 2025-11-07RICOH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024071742
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-25
Publication Date
2025-11-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing software update methods risk updating software at inappropriate timings based on its quality, potentially failing to meet user desires for specific functions.

Method used

An information processing device that acquires planned provision information and generates desired information based on user function usage, controlling the software update interval to align with user preferences.

Benefits of technology

Enables software updates at timings that correspond to user desires, optimizing the update process and distributing server load effectively.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an information processing device that enables a user to update software scheduled for renewal at a time determined by whether it includes desired functionality.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to an aspect of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit for acquiring scheduled provision information including information indicating the scheduled time when provision of a new version of software is to commence, and an update control unit that generates desired information containing details about functions within the software executed by the device that the user is most likely to use, and controls the software update interval based on the intended information and the desired information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a known method for updating software by periodically acquiring it from a server connected to an information processing device via a network. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to an information processing device that changes the interval at which software is acquired from a server based on the quality of the software to be updated. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The load on the server can be distributed by changing the interval at which software scheduled for update is obtained from the server. However, if the update interval is set according to the quality of the software, there is a risk that the software scheduled for update cannot be updated at a timing appropriate for whether or not the software includes the functions desired by the user.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device that can update software scheduled for update at a timing that corresponds to the degree of desire of the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device capable of acquiring new versions of software provided from a server capable of communicating with the device itself, and is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires planned provision information including information indicating the planned time when the provision of the new version of the software will begin, and an update control unit that generates desired information including information regarding functions that the user is most likely to desire to use from among multiple functions included in the software executed by the device itself, and controls the update interval of the software based on the planned provision information and the desired information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the information processing device of the present invention, software scheduled for update can be updated at a timing according to the degree of desire of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a functional block diagram of a system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow from an inquiry about provision schedule information to a change in software update interval in an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of provision schedule information of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a software update process in an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for changing a software update interval in an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of function usage information in an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a desired information update process in an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for publishing information to be provided in a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a process for changing a software update interval in an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of provision schedule information in the sequence diagram of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0009] [Embodiment] <System configuration> 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a system 1 including an information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system 1 includes a server 20 and one or more information processing devices 10-1, 10-2, etc., connected to a network N such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The information processing device 10 may be an image forming device or may be a device included in an image forming device.

[0010] In the following description, when referring to any one of the one or more information processing devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., the term "information processing device 10" is used. The information processing device 10 is an example of an electronic device whose program is to be updated.

[0011] The information processing device 10 may be, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) including functions such as a printer, scanner, copier, and facsimile, or an electronic device including an image forming function such as a printer.

[0012] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may be, for example, an output device such as a PJ (Projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: an electronic white board with a blackboard function that allows mutual communication), digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, industrial machinery, an imaging device, a sound collection device, medical equipment, a network home appliance, an automobile (Connected Car), a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game console, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a wearable PC or a desktop PC, etc.

[0013] The information processing device 10 can acquire new versions of software provided from a server 20 that can communicate with the information processing device 10 via a network N. The software includes an OS (Operating System) and firmware.

[0014] The information processing device 10 acquires planned provision information including information indicating the planned time when provision of a new version of software will begin from the server 20. The information processing device 10-1 periodically inquires of the server 20 about the planned provision information. The information processing device 10-2 periodically inquires of the server 20 about the planned provision information while shifting the timing of the inquiry made by the information processing device 10-1 to the server 20 about the planned provision information.

[0015] The server 20 transmits the provision information and new versions of software in response to an inquiry from the information processing device 10. In this way, by shifting the timing of inquiries from the information processing devices 10-1 and 10-2 to the server 20 about the provision information, it is possible to distribute the load of the server 20 transmitting the provision information and new versions of software to the information processing devices 10-1 and 10-2.

[0016] <Hardware configuration> (Hardware configuration of information processing device 10) 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 30 including an information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. An electronic device whose program is to be updated by the system 1 has a general computer configuration. Here, the information processing apparatus 10 is assumed to be included in the image forming apparatus 30, and the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 30 including the information processing apparatus 10 will be described.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 30 includes, for example, an information processing apparatus 10, an operation panel 110, a communication I / F 120, a plotter 130, a scanner 140, and a fax control unit (hereinafter referred to as FCU) 150.

[0018] The information processing device 10 includes, for example, a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 104, and an HDD 105.

[0019] The ROM 103 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and data. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage device that temporarily holds programs and data. The NVRAM 104 is a writable non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, setting information. The HDD 105 is a large-capacity storage device that stores various programs and data.

[0020] The CPU 101 is a computing device that implements overall control and functions of the image forming apparatus 30 by reading programs, data, setting information, etc. from the ROM 103, NVRAM 104, HDD 105, etc. onto the RAM 102 and executing the processes.

[0021] The operation panel 110 includes an input unit that receives input from a user and a display unit that displays information. The communication I / F 120 is a communication interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 30 to the network N.

[0022] The plotter 130 is a printing device that prints print data. The scanner 140 is a reading device that reads documents, etc. The FCU 150 transmits and receives fax data, etc.

[0023] 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server 20 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203, a storage device 204, a network I / F 205, an input device 206, a display device 207, an external I / F 208, and a bus 209.

[0024] The CPU 201 is a computing device that reads programs and data stored in the ROM 203, storage device 204, etc. onto the RAM 202 and executes the processes, thereby realizing each function of the server 20. The RAM 202 is a volatile memory used as a work area, etc. for the CPU 201. The ROM 203 is a non-volatile memory that retains programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0025] The storage device 204 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores an operating system (OS), applications, various data, etc. The network I / F 205 is a communication interface for connecting the server 20 to the network N.

[0026] The input device 206 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, or an input device such as a keyboard, and is used to input various operation signals to the server 20. The display device 207 is a display device such as a display, and displays the processing results of the server 20, etc.

[0027] The external I / F 208 is an interface for connecting an external device such as a recording medium to the server 20. The bus 209 is connected to the above-mentioned components and transmits address signals, data signals, various control signals, and the like.

[0028] <Functional configuration> FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a system 1 including an information processing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] (Functional configuration of information processing device 10) The information processing device 10 includes, for example, a communication unit 11, an acquisition unit 12, an update control unit 13, a device control unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The information processing device 10 realizes each of the above functional components by, for example, executing a predetermined program in the CPU 101 of Fig. 2. Note that at least a part of the above functional components may be realized by hardware.

[0030] The communication unit 11 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 101 in FIG. 2, the communication I / F 120, etc., and connects the information processing device 10 to the network N to communicate with the server 20.

[0031] The acquisition unit 12 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 101 in Fig. 2. The acquisition unit 12 also acquires provision schedule information 24 including information indicating the planned start time of provision of update software 25, which is a new version of software executed by the information processing device 10, and the update software 25.

[0032] Preferably, the acquisition unit 12 communicates with the server 20 via the communication unit 11 and acquires the provision schedule information 24 and update software 25 managed by the server 20 .

[0033] The update control unit 13 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 101 in Fig. 2. The update control unit 13 determines whether or not the software executed by the information processing device 10 is due for update.

[0034] Update control unit 13 generates desire information 17 including information about functions that are highly desired by the user to use among the functions included in the software executed by the device itself. More specifically, update control unit 13 may include, in desire information 17, functions that have executed a threshold number of jobs within a predetermined period among the functions included in the software. Desire information 17 may be stored in storage unit 15.

[0035] The predetermined period may be, for example, one day, one week, or one month, but is not limited to these. The number of jobs may be, for example, the average number of jobs per day based on a one-month moving average, but is not limited to this and may be various function usage rates.

[0036] The update control unit 13 controls the software update interval based on the provision schedule information 24 including information indicating the planned start time of provision of the software update 25 and the desired information 17 .

[0037] More specifically, when the functions included in the new version of the software in the planned provision information 24 match the functions included in the desired information 17, the update control unit 13 controls to shorten the update interval of the software included in the planned provision information 24. Furthermore, when the functions included in the new version of the software in the planned provision information 24 do not match the functions included in the desired information 17, the update control unit 13 controls to lengthen the update interval of the software included in the planned provision information 24.

[0038] The update control unit 13 may receive input regarding functions the user desires to use and generate the desired information 17 according to the input result. The units of functions included in the desired information 17 may be units for each application. The units for each application may be units for each function such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function, but are not limited to these.

[0039] Furthermore, the units of functions included in the desired information 17 may be units of detailed functions that are further subdivided from the functions included in the application. Examples of detailed functions include an aggregation function that aggregates multiple scanned images into one, a magnification function, a trimming function, etc., but are not limited to these, and may also be various detailed functions included in the image forming application.

[0040] 2, and may control the plotter 130, scanner 140, FCU 150, etc., in FIG. 2 to execute the image formation application function provided in the information processing device 10. In this case, for example, the device control unit 14 executes the software updated by the update control unit 13 to execute the image formation application function provided in the information processing device 10.

[0041] The storage unit 15 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 101 in FIG. 2, and the HDD 105, RAM 102, etc. in FIG. 3, and stores various information such as image data that is the target for executing the image forming application function.

[0042] The storage unit 15 stores an update interval 16 for software executed by the device itself, desired information 17, and function usage information 18 including the number of jobs executed within a predetermined period by each of a plurality of functions included in the software.

[0043] Function usage information 18 counts the number of jobs for each function of the software and includes function usage rates such as the average number of jobs per day. Update control unit 13 may generate desired information 17 based on the function usage rates, such as the number of jobs for each function of the software, included in function usage information 18.

[0044] (Functional configuration of server 20) The server 20 includes, for example, a communication unit 21, an updated software management unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0045] The server 20 realizes the above-described functional configurations by, for example, executing a predetermined program on the CPU 201 in Fig. 3. Note that at least a part of the above-described functional configurations may be realized by hardware.

[0046] 3, and the network I / F 205. The communication unit 21 connects the server 20 to the network N and communicates with the information processing device 10.

[0047] The updated software management unit 22 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 101 in Fig. 2. The updated software management unit 22 manages information relating to updates of software executed by the information processing device 10. In addition, the updated software management unit 22 provides the information processing device 10 with information relating to software updates and the like in response to a request from the information processing device 10. Furthermore, the updated software management unit 22 provides the information processing device 10 with planned provision information 24 and updated software 25 in response to a request from the information processing device 10.

[0048] 3, the storage device 204, the RAM 202, etc. The storage unit 23 stores various information such as provision schedule information 24 including information indicating the planned start time of provision of update software 25, which is a new version of software executed by the information processing device 10, and the update software 25.

[0049] <Software update interval change process> FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the flow from an inquiry about the planned provision information 24 to a change in the software update interval in the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] The information processing device 10 periodically inquires of the server 20 about the information to be provided 24. The acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 acquires the information to be provided 24 from the server 20 (step S301).

[0051] Then, the update control unit 13 performs a software update process (step S302). More specifically, the update control unit 13 refers to the latest version of the software that has been provided in the provision schedule information 24, and if the version is newer than the currently installed software, performs an update process for the software.

[0052] Furthermore, the update control unit 13 generates the desired information 17 and performs a process of changing the software update interval based on the provision schedule information 24 and the desired information 17 (step S303). More specifically, the update control unit 13 refers to the latest version of the software that has already been provided, including the provided version in the provision schedule information 24. Then, if the version is newer than the currently installed software version, the update control unit 13 compares it with the functions in the desired information 17 and changes the software update interval.

[0053] 6 is a diagram showing an example of planned provision information 24 of the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the diagram, the "Version" column indicates the version of the currently installed software, and the "Release Date" column indicates the date on which each version of the software began to be provided.

[0054] The "Released" column indicates whether each version of the software has been released or not, and if "X" is attached, it means that the software has already been released. "Release Contents" is the functions provided in each version, and is shown in units of detailed functions. "Released Features" is the functions provided in each version and is the function included in the software.

[0055] In the illustrated example, the current software version is 1.7. The release schedule information 24 indicates that a new version of the software, version 1.8, is scheduled to be released.

[0056] In the illustrated example, it is indicated that the folder sending function has been expanded in version 1.8 of the software. Also, the "release function" in the figure is a function included in the new version of the software in the planned provision information 24, and in the illustrated example, it is a scanner function.

[0057] 7 is a flow diagram of software update processing in the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated flow shows details of the software update processing (step S302) shown in FIG.

[0058] First, the information processing device 10 refers to the provision schedule information 24 of the server 20. If the version of the software installed in the information processing device 10 is not the latest (No in step S401) and if a new version of the software has not been acquired (No in step S402), the information processing device 10 acquires the new version of the software (step S403).

[0059] If the version of the software installed in the information processing device 10 is the latest (Yes in step S401), the information processing device 10 ends the software update process. If a new version of the software has been acquired (Yes in step S402), the information processing device 10 proceeds to the next process, step S404.

[0060] If the software is running (Yes in step S404), the information processing device 10 cannot update the software. Therefore, the information processing device 10 ends the software update process and suspends the software update process until the timing of the next software update based on the specified update interval. If the software is not running (No in step S404), the information processing device 10 updates to the acquired software (step S405) and ends the software update process.

[0061] Fig. 8 is a flow diagram of the software update interval change process in the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated flow shows details of the software update interval change process (step S303) shown in Fig. 5. Note that, in the following description, the initial value of the software update interval is set to 76 hours, but this is not limited to this.

[0062] The information processing device 10 refers to the provision schedule information 24 of the server 20, and if a newer version of software than the current software is scheduled to be provided (Yes in step S501), compares the provision schedule information 24 with the desired information 17 (step S502).

[0063] If the functions included in the new version of the software in the planned provision information 24 match the functions included in the desired information 17 (Yes in step S503), the update control unit 13 controls the update interval of the software included in the planned provision information 24 to be shortened (step S504).

[0064] If the functions included in the new version of the software in the planned provision information 24 do not match the functions included in the desired information 17 (No in step S503), the update control unit 13 controls the update interval of the software included in the planned provision information 24 to be longer (step S505).

[0065] The information processing device 10 refers to the provision schedule information 24 of the server 20, and if there is no plan to provide software of a newer version than the current software (No in step S501), it sets the software update interval included in the provision schedule information 24 to the initial value (step S506).

[0066] When shortening the software update interval, the default value of 76 hours can be reduced to, for example, 6 hours, but this is not limited to this.When lengthening the software update interval, the default value of 76 hours can be reduced to, for example, 148 hours, but this is not limited to this.

[0067] 9 is a diagram showing an example of function usage information 18 in the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The table shown in the figure shows the average number of jobs per day, which is a one-month moving average for each function included in the software.

[0068] A "desired function" is a function included in the desired information 17, and is a function for which the number of jobs executed within a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold. In the illustrated example, the threshold number of jobs is set to 20. In addition, the desired information 17 includes the functions "scanner" and "printer", which are marked with "○" in the "desired function" column.

[0069] For example, in the processing in steps S802 and S803 of the flow in Fig. 8, if the function included in the new version of the software in the planned provision information 24 is "scanner," this matches the function "scanner" included in the desired information 17. In this case, the update control unit 13 controls the software update interval to be shorter.

[0070] 10 is a flow diagram of a process for updating the desired information 17 in the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The desired information 17 is updated when the user uses each function included in the software of the information processing device 10.

[0071] The update control unit 13 counts the number of jobs, which is the usage status of the function, calculates the function usage rate such as the average number of jobs per day, and updates the function usage information 18 (step S601). If the number of jobs executed within a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold (Yes in step S602), the function is added to the desire information 17 (step S603). If the number of jobs executed within a predetermined period is not equal to or greater than the threshold (No in step S602), the function is deleted from the desire information 17 (step S604).

[0072] 11 is a flow diagram of a process for publishing the planned provision information 24 in the server 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The planned provision information 24 is updated by adding information such as the planned start date for the provision of a new version of software and functions. The updated planned provision information 24 is published and provided to the information processing device 10 (step S701).

[0073] The following describes a sequence for changing the software update interval in the information processing device 10. Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram of a process for changing the software update interval in the information processing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing provision schedule information in the sequence diagram of Fig. 12.

[0074] The software version of the information processing device 10 is assumed to be 1.7, and an example is shown in which the software version is updated from 1.7 to 1.8. T1 in the figure is the initial value of the software update interval in the information processing device 10. T1 may be, for example, 76 hours, but is not limited to this.

[0075] 13, (a) indicates "planned provision information (A)" in FIG. 12, (b) indicates "planned provision information (B)" in FIG. 12, and (c) indicates "planned provision information (C)" in FIG. 12. Explanations of the tables in FIG. 13 are omitted as they are the same as those in FIG. 6. Also, it is assumed that function usage information 18 is the same as that in FIG. 9, and that the functions "scanner" and "printer" are included in desired information 17.

[0076] First, when the time for software update arrives, the acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 refers to the planned provision information 24 published on the server 20 (step S801) and acquires the planned provision information (A) (step S802).

[0077] Next, the update control unit 13 determines whether the software has been updated. As shown in FIG. 13(a), the latest software version in the provision plan information (A) is 1.7. Because the software version of the information processing device 10 is 1.7, the update control unit 13 determines not to update the software (step S803). Because the software will not be updated, the update control unit 13 does not change the software update interval from the initial value (step S804).

[0078] In the server 20, the planned time when the provision of the new version, version 1.8, of the software will begin, its functions, etc. are added to the provision plan information 24 (step S805). When the time for the software update arrives, the acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 refers to the provision plan information 24 made public in the server 20 (step S806) and acquires the provision plan information (B) (step S807).

[0079] At this point, the latest software version provided is 1.7. Because the software version of the information processing device 10 is 1.7, the update control unit 13 determines not to update the software (step S808).

[0080] As shown in FIG. 13(b), in the provision schedule information (B), the latest software version is 1.8. Therefore, the update control unit 13 sets the software update interval The update control unit 13 performs a change process (step S809). Since the function "scanner" included in the new version 1.8 software matches the function "scanner" included in the desired information 17, the update control unit 13 shortens the software update interval to T2 (step S810). T2 may be, for example, 6 hours, but is not limited to this.

[0081] In the process of step S810, if the functions included in the new version 1.8 software do not include "scanner," the update control unit 13 lengthens the software update interval.

[0082] The server 20 starts providing the new version of software, version 1.8, as the updated software 25 (step S811). When the time for the software update arrives, the acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 refers to the planned provision information 24 made public on the server 20 (step S812) and acquires the planned provision information (C) (step S813).

[0083] At this point, the latest software version provided is 1.8. Since the software version of the information processing device 10 is 1.7, the update control unit 13 determines to update the software (step S814).

[0084] The update control unit 13 determines that the new version 1.8 software has not been acquired (step S815), and requests the server 20 to acquire the software (step S816). The information processing device 10 acquires the new version of the software from the server 20 (step S817).

[0085] If the software is not running, the information processing device 10 determines to perform software update processing (step S818) and updates to the acquired software (step S819). At this time, the software version of the information processing device 10 becomes 1.8.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 13(c), in the provision schedule information (C), the latest software version is 1.8. Therefore, the update control unit 13 sets the software update interval The update control unit 13 determines whether to perform a change process for the software update interval (step S820). The update control unit 13 returns the software update interval to the initial value T1 (step S821).

[0087] <Action and effect> The information processing device 10 according to this embodiment acquires planned provision information 24, which includes information indicating the planned start date for provision of a new version of software, and compares it with desired information 17, which includes information on functions that users are highly likely to want to use. If the new version of software includes a function for which the number of jobs executed within a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold, the information processing device 10 shortens the update interval for the software. Therefore, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can update software that is scheduled to be updated at a timing that corresponds to the user's degree of desire.

[0088] Furthermore, when the functions included in the provision plan information 24 do not match the functions included in the desired information 17, the update control unit 13 controls to lengthen the update interval of the software included in the provision plan information 24. This makes it possible to distribute the load of the server 20 transmitting the provision plan information and new versions of software to the information processing devices 10-1 and 10-2.

[0089] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0090] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the above-described functions.

[0091] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> an acquisition unit that acquires provision schedule information including information indicating a planned time when provision of a new version of software is to begin; an update control unit that generates desired information including information about a function that a user is highly desired to use among a plurality of functions included in the software executed by the device itself, and controls an update interval of the software based on the provision schedule information and the desired information; An information processing device comprising: <2> the update control unit includes, in the desired information, a function among the plurality of functions included in the software, the function for which the number of jobs executed within a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold value; The aforementioned <1> The information processing device described in <3> the update control unit controls the update interval of the software included in the provision schedule information to be shortened when the function included in the new version of the software in the provision schedule information matches the function included in the desired information. The aforementioned <1> or the above <2> The information processing device described in <4> the update control unit controls to lengthen the update interval of the software included in the provision plan information when the function included in the new version of the software in the provision plan information does not match the function included in the desired information. The aforementioned <1> From the above <3> 10. An information processing device according to claim 9, wherein: <5> the update control unit receives an input regarding the function that the user desires to use, and generates the desired information in accordance with the result of the input. The aforementioned <1> The information processing device described in <6> The unit of the function included in the desired information is an application unit. The aforementioned <1> From the above <5> 10. An information processing device according to claim 9, wherein: <7> the unit of the function included in the desired information is a unit of a detailed function obtained by further dividing the function included in the application; The aforementioned <6> The information processing device described in <8> the information processing device is an image forming device, The aforementioned <1> From the above <7> 10. An information processing device according to claim 9, wherein: <9> An information processing method performed by an information processing device, obtaining provision schedule information including information indicating when provision of a new version of the software is scheduled to begin; generating desired information including information on a function that the user is highly likely to desire to use among a plurality of functions included in the software executed by the device itself, and controlling an update interval of the software based on the provision schedule information and the desired information; An information processing method including: <10> A program for causing an information processing device to function, A process of acquiring provision schedule information including information indicating when a new version of the software is scheduled to be released; generating desired information including information on a function that the user is highly likely to desire to use among a plurality of functions included in the software executed by the device itself, and controlling an update interval of the software based on the provision schedule information and the desired information; A program to execute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10. Information processing equipment 12 Acquisition Department 13 Update control section 17 Desired Information 20 servers 24 Information to be provided 25 Update Software 30 Image forming device [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0093] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-134589

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires provision schedule information including information indicating a planned time when provision of a new version of software is to begin; an update control unit that generates desired information including information about a function that a user is highly desired to use among a plurality of functions included in the software executed by the device itself, and controls an update interval of the software based on the provision schedule information and the desired information; An information processing device comprising:

2. the update control unit includes, in the desired information, a function among the plurality of functions included in the software, the function for which the number of jobs executed within a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold value; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the update control unit controls the update interval of the software included in the provision schedule information to be shortened when the function included in the new version of the software in the provision schedule information matches the function included in the desired information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the update control unit controls to lengthen the update interval of the software included in the provision plan information when the function included in the new version of the software in the provision plan information does not match the function included in the desired information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the update control unit receives an input regarding the function that the user desires to use, and generates the desired information in accordance with the result of the input. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The unit of the function included in the desired information is an application unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the unit of the function included in the desired information is a unit of a detailed function obtained by further dividing the function included in the application; The information processing device according to claim 6 .

8. the information processing device is an image forming device, The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, obtaining provision schedule information including information indicating when provision of a new version of the software is scheduled to begin; generating desired information including information on a function that the user is highly likely to desire to use among a plurality of functions included in the software executed by the device itself, and controlling an update interval of the software based on the provision schedule information and the desired information; An information processing method including:

10. A program for causing an information processing device to function, A process of acquiring provision schedule information including information indicating when a new version of the software is scheduled to be released; generating desired information including information on a function that the user is highly likely to desire to use among a plurality of functions included in the software executed by the device itself, and controlling an update interval of the software based on the provision schedule information and the desired information; A program to execute.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Information processing device

    JP2017134589A