Information processing systems and information processing programs

Abstract

This can suppress delays in the start time of function execution. [Solution] The information processing system includes memory and a processor, the memory having a memory capacity less than the required memory capacity which is the capacity necessary to execute multiple functions without switching memory maps, the processor accumulates the usage history of the multiple functions for each user, and when the user logs in, it executes a process to switch the memory map based on the usage history of the logged-in user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to an information processing system and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a memory swap management method for virtual memory of a process using a primary storage device and a secondary storage device in an information processing apparatus in which a job composed of at least one process is executed. The method includes a storage step of storing the scheduled execution order of a plurality of jobs waiting for execution in the information processing apparatus, a determination step of determining a process to be swapped out and a process to be swapped in based on the scheduled execution order of the jobs waiting for execution stored in the storage step and the type of process stored in the primary storage device, and a swap processing step of swapping out the process to be swapped out from the primary storage device to the secondary storage device according to the determination by the determination step, and swapping in the process to be swapped in from the secondary storage device to the area of the primary storage device thus vacated.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an image processing apparatus having a reconfigurable circuit in which a part of the circuit configuration can be dynamically reconfigured. The apparatus includes a situation determination means for determining the situation when the image processing apparatus is started, a first reconfiguration means for reconfiguring a circuit configuration for executing a job that is likely to be instructed according to the situation determined by the situation determination means from the circuit configuration already configured in the reconfigurable circuit, a reception means for receiving a job, a second reconfiguration means for reconfiguring the circuit configuration necessary for executing the job in the reconfigurable circuit if the job received by the reception means cannot be executed by the circuit configuration configured in the reconfigurable circuit, and an execution means for executing the job received by the reception means.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an image processing apparatus that has multiple types of functions and is capable of executing jobs relating to any of the multiple types of functions, comprising: program execution means capable of executing a program for executing a job; memory management means for securing a storage area in a first storage device for the program execution means to execute a program; saving means for saving information stored in the storage area secured by the memory management means in the main storage device to a second storage device; history recording means for recording a history of job execution each time a job is executed; and saving restriction means for restricting the storage area secured by the memory management means in the first storage device for executing a job relating to a function identified based on the job history recorded in the history recording means among the multiple types of functions to a storage area that is not saved to the second storage device. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-211696 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-162760 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-003076 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In information processing systems such as multifunction printers capable of performing multiple functions like copying, scanning, and facsimile, if the memory has sufficient capacity, multiple functions can be executed without switching memory maps.

[0007] However, if the memory capacity is not sufficient to run multiple functions without switching memory maps, it is necessary to switch to the memory map of the function to be executed. This presented a problem: the start time of function execution was delayed depending on the time required to switch memory maps.

[0008] This disclosure aims to provide an information processing system and an information processing program that can suppress delays in the start time of function execution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The information processing system according to the first embodiment includes memory and a processor, wherein the memory has a memory capacity less than the required memory capacity which is the capacity necessary to perform multiple functions without switching memory maps, and the processor stores the usage history of the multiple functions for each user, and when the user logs in, it executes a process to switch the memory map based on the usage history of the logged-in user.

[0010] In the second aspect of the information processing system, the processor in the first aspect of the information processing system executes a process to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function that has been used most frequently by the logged-in user over a predetermined period in the past.

[0011] In the third aspect of the information processing system, the processor in the first aspect of the information processing system executes a process to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function that is most frequently used on the same day of the week as the day of the week when the user logged in.

[0012] In the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment, the processor executes a process to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function with the highest frequency of use during the same time period as when the user logged in.

[0013] The information processing system according to the fifth embodiment, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment, executes a process in which the processor switches to the memory map corresponding to the function most frequently used in the department to which the logged-in user belongs within the organization.

[0014] The information processing system according to the sixth embodiment is an information processing system according to any of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the processor executes a process to switch the memory map when the memory map set when the user logs in is different from the memory map set based on the usage history.

[0015] The information processing program according to the seventh aspect causes the computer to perform a process that includes accumulating usage history of multiple functions for each user, and when the user logs in, switching the memory map of memory having a memory capacity less than the required memory capacity which is the capacity necessary to execute the multiple functions without switching the memory map, based on the usage history of the logged-in user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the first and seventh embodiments, delays in the start time of function execution can be suppressed.

[0017] According to the second embodiment, compared to switching memory maps regardless of the login user's past usage frequency over a predetermined period, it is possible to suppress delays in the start time of function execution.

[0018] According to the third embodiment, compared to switching the memory map regardless of the frequency of use on the same day of the week when the user logs in, it is possible to suppress delays in the start time of function execution.

[0019] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to suppress a delay in the execution start time of the function as compared with the case of switching the memory map regardless of the usage frequency in the same time zone as the time zone when the user logs in.

[0020] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to suppress a delay in the execution start time of the function as compared with the case of switching the memory map regardless of the usage frequency in the department to which the organization to which the logged-in user belongs belongs.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to suppress a delay in the execution start time of the function as compared with the case of switching the memory map even when the memory map set when the user logs in and the memory map set based on the usage history are the same.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the memory map. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the usage history data. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart of information processing.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described while referring to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an information processing system 10. In the present embodiment, a case where the information processing system 10 is a multifunction device capable of executing a plurality of functions such as copying, scanning, and facsimile will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 10 includes a controller 12. The controller 12 consists of a device including a general-purpose computer.

[0026] The controller 12 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12C, and an input / output interface (I / O) 12D. The CPU 12A, ROM 12B, RAM 12C, and I / O 12D are connected to each other via a bus 12E. The bus 12E includes a control bus, an address bus, and a data bus.

[0027] I / O12D is connected to various functional units, including an operation display unit 20, an image reading unit 22, an image forming unit 24, a paper supply unit 26, a paper ejection unit 28, a network communication interface (I / F) 30, a telephone line interface (I / F) 32, and a storage unit 34.

[0028] The operation display unit 20 includes, for example, a start button and various buttons such as a numeric keypad for instructing the start of copying, a setting screen for setting various image formation conditions such as copy density, and a touch panel for displaying various screens such as the status of the device.

[0029] The image reading unit 22 is configured to include an image reading sensor such as a line CCD and a scanning mechanism for scanning the image reading sensor, and reads the image of the document set in the device.

[0030] The image forming unit 24 forms an image on the recording medium, for example, by a so-called electrophotographic method. Specifically, the image forming unit 24 includes a charging device for charging the photoreceptor drum, an exposure device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum by exposing the charged photoreceptor drum to light corresponding to the image, a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum with toner, a transfer device for transferring the toner image corresponding to the image formed on the photoreceptor drum to the recording medium, and a fixing device for fixing the toner image corresponding to the image transferred to the recording medium.

[0031] Examples of exposure equipment include optical scanning devices comprising a semiconductor laser, a rotating multifaceted mirror, a collimator lens, a cylindrical lens, and an fθ lens, or LED heads consisting of multiple LEDs.

[0032] The paper supply unit 26 is comprised of a paper tray in which recording paper is stored, a supply mechanism for supplying recording paper from the paper tray to the image forming unit 24, and the like.

[0033] The paper output unit 28 includes an output tray from which recording paper is output, and an output mechanism for outputting the recording paper on the output tray after an image has been formed in the image forming unit 24.

[0034] The network communication interface 30 is an interface for communicating data with external devices over a network.

[0035] The telephone line communication interface 32 is an interface for facsimile communication with other devices connected via a telephone line (not shown).

[0036] The storage unit 34 is composed of a non-volatile external storage device such as a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0037] The storage unit 34 stores, for example, log data of the status and operating status of each part of the device, log data of the processing results of each function such as copying, scanning, facsimile communication, and printing, various setting data, information processing programs 34A, memory map data 34B, and usage history data 34C.

[0038] Here, RAM12C is an example of memory. RAM12C has a memory capacity less than the required memory capacity, which is the amount of memory needed to perform multiple functions without switching memory maps. Multiple functions are functions provided to the user by the information processing system 10, and include functions such as copying, scanning, and facsimile. A memory map is data to which usage areas are allocated according to the purpose when performing a function.

[0039] For multifunction printers with memory capacity greater than or equal to the required memory capacity needed to execute multiple functions without switching memory maps, it is not necessary to switch memory maps for each function. However, for multifunction printers with memory capacity less than the required memory capacity needed to execute multiple functions without switching memory maps, the memory map must be switched before executing a function.

[0040] Figure 2 shows, as an example, the memory map M1 of a memory with a memory capacity exceeding the required capacity (e.g., 4 gigabytes).

[0041] The memory map M1 shown in Figure 2 is a memory map to which page memory M11, output image processing area M12, input image processing area M13, input image processing area M14, other area M15, and decompose area M16 are allocated. With such a memory map M1, there is no need to switch memory maps when performing any of the functions such as copying, scanning, facsimile communication, and printing.

[0042] In contrast, the memory map M2 shown in Figure 2 is a memory map that is applied to memory with half the capacity (for example, 2 gigabytes) compared to the memory to which memory map M1 is applied.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, memory map M2 is a memory map to which page memory M21, other area M22, and decompose area M23 are allocated.

[0044] In the case of such a memory map M2, each time a function is executed, it is necessary to switch, for example, the page memory M21 and the decompose area M22 to the memory map corresponding to the function being executed.

[0045] Figure 2 shows the memory map M3 when the function to be performed is scanning or facsimile communication, the memory map M4 when the function to be performed is printing, and the memory map M5 when the function to be performed is copying.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, when the function to be performed is scanning or facsimile communication, the memory map M3 is a memory map to which other areas M31, M32, M33, input image processing area M34, and input image processing area M35 are allocated.

[0047] Furthermore, when the function being executed is printing, the memory map M4 is the memory map to which the other areas M41 and M42, the output image processing area M43, and the decompose area M44 are allocated.

[0048] Furthermore, when the function being executed is copying, the memory map M5 is the memory map to which the other areas M51, M52, output image processing area M53, input image processing area M54, and input image processing area M55 are allocated.

[0049] Memory map data 34B includes memory maps M2, M3, M4, and M5.

[0050] If the RAM12C memory capacity is such that memory map M2 shown in Figure 2 is applicable, it is necessary to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function to be executed. In multifunction printers, priority is given to FCOT (First Copy Output Time) performance, that is, minimizing the time from when the user places the document to when the start button is pressed and the first printed page is ejected. For this reason, when the multifunction printer starts up and when it recovers from power-saving mode, it is usually set to memory map M5 for copying. In this case, if the function the user wants to perform is print, scan, or facsimile communication, time will be required to switch from memory map M5 to memory map M3 or memory map M4, delaying the start time of the function execution.

[0051] Therefore, the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment stores the usage history of multiple functions for each user, and when a user logs in, it executes a process to switch the memory map based on the usage history of the logged-in user.

[0052] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 10.

[0053] The information processing system 10 functionally includes a usage history storage unit 40 and a memory map switching unit 42. These functional configurations are realized when the CPU 12A reads the information processing program 34A from the storage unit 34, loads it into the RAM 12C, and executes it.

[0054] The usage history storage unit 40 stores the usage history of multiple functions for each user. Specifically, each time a user logs into the information processing system 10 and executes a function, the usage history data 34C is stored in the storage unit 34. Figure 4 shows an example of the usage history data 34C. Here, we will explain the case where the information processing system 10 is a multifunction printer used within a company.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the usage history data 34C is data that stores the user ID of the logged-in user, the department code of the logged-in user's department, the function performed, and the date and time the function was performed. By referring to this usage history data 34C, it is possible to understand which department, which user, and when performed which function.

[0056] The memory map switching unit 42 executes a process to switch the memory map based on the user's usage history when a user logs in. In other words, the process of switching the memory map is to overwrite the currently set memory map with the memory map to be switched to.

[0057] Specifically, when a user logs in, the memory map switching unit 42 executes a process to switch the memory map based on the logged-in user's usage history, without waiting for an instruction to start the function.

[0058] For example, the memory map switching unit 42 executes a process to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function that the logged-in user has used most frequently over a predetermined period in the past. The predetermined period can be set to any period, such as one week or one month.

[0059] Specifically, the memory map switching unit 42 refers to the usage history data 34C and, if scanning is the most frequently used function among the functions performed by the logged-in user during a predetermined period in the past, it executes a process to switch to memory map M3. This suppresses the delay in the start time of scanning compared to when the user logs in, sets the document, presses the start button to start scanning, and then switches to memory map M3.

[0060] Furthermore, the memory map switching unit 42 may be configured to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function with the highest usage frequency on the same day of the week in which the user logged in.

[0061] Specifically, the memory map switching unit 42 refers to the usage history data 34C, identifies the execution date and time of a function executed on the same day of the week as the user logged in, and if the function with the highest usage frequency among those executed at the identified execution date and time is printing, it executes a process to switch to memory map M4.

[0062] Furthermore, the memory map switching unit 42 may be configured to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function with the highest usage frequency during the same time period as when the user logged in. The time period can be set to any time period, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour.

[0063] Specifically, the memory map switching unit 42 refers to the usage history data 34C, identifies the execution date and time of any functions executed during the same time period as when the user logged in, and if the most frequently used function among those executed at the identified execution date and time was printing, it executes a process to switch to memory map M4.

[0064] Furthermore, the memory map switching unit 42 may be configured to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function most frequently used in the department to which the logged-in user belongs within the organization.

[0065] Specifically, the memory map switching unit 42 refers to the usage history data 34C, identifies the execution date and time of any functions executed during the same time period as when the user logged in, and if the most frequently used function among those executed at the identified execution date and time was printing, it executes a process to switch to memory map M4.

[0066] Furthermore, if the memory map set when a user logs in is the same as the memory map set based on their usage history, there is no need to perform a process to switch the memory map.

[0067] Therefore, the memory map switching unit 42 may be configured to perform a process to switch the memory map when the memory map set when the user logs in is different from the memory map set based on the usage history.

[0068] Next, we will describe the information processing performed by the CPU 12A of the information processing system 10. Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the information processing according to this embodiment.

[0069] In step S100, CPU 12A determines whether or not a user has logged in. If a user has logged in, the process proceeds to step S101. If no user has logged in, the process waits until a user logs in.

[0070] In step S101, CPU 12A executes the memory map switching process. That is, as mentioned above, it executes the process of switching the memory map based on the usage history of the logged-in user. At this time, if the currently set memory map and the memory map set based on the usage history are the same, the memory map switching process is not executed.

[0071] In step S102, the CPU 12A determines whether or not it has been instructed to execute the function. If it has been instructed to execute the function, it proceeds to step S103; otherwise, it proceeds to step S105.

[0072] In step S103, CPU 12A performs the memory map switching process, similar to step S101. However, if the user has just logged in and the memory map switching process has already been performed in step S101, the memory map switching process will not be performed in step S103. In other words, the memory map switching process will be performed only if the process proceeds from step S106 to steps S102 and S103.

[0073] In step S104, CPU 12A executes the function it has been instructed to perform. Specifically, if it is instructed to perform a scan, it performs a scan; if it is instructed to perform a copy, it performs a copy; and if it is instructed to perform a print, it performs a print.

[0074] In step S105, the CPU 12A stores the usage history. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, it records the user ID of the logged-in user, the department code of the logged-in user's department, the function performed, and the date and time the function was performed in the usage history data 34C.

[0075] In step S106, CPU 12A determines whether the user has logged out or not. If the user has not logged out, the process proceeds to step S102; if the user has logged out, the routine terminates.

[0076] Thus, in this embodiment, when RAM12C has a memory capacity less than the required memory capacity necessary to execute multiple functions without switching memory maps, CPU12A accumulates the usage history of multiple functions for each user, and when a user logs in, it executes a process to switch the memory map based on the usage history of the logged-in user. This makes it possible to suppress delays in the start time of function execution.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the program is stored in the storage unit 34, but the storage location of the program is not limited to the storage unit 34. The program of this disclosure can also be provided in a form recorded on a storage medium readable by the CPU 12A. For example, the program may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) or DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory). Alternatively, the program may be provided in a form recorded on a portable semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. Furthermore, the program may be provided in a form recorded on the ROM 12B. The ROM 12B, storage unit 34, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, USB, and memory card are examples of non-transitory storage media.

[0078] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 may download programs from external devices (not shown) via the Internet and store the downloaded programs in the storage unit 34. In this case, the CPU 12A of the information processing system 10 simply reads the information processing program downloaded from the external device from the storage unit 34 and executes various processes.

[0079] In this embodiment, each process is executed on any computer. Furthermore, any computer may execute these processes using a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In that case, the processor is configured to work in cooperation with the program to execute the various processes in this embodiment, and can function as a unit or means in this embodiment. Also, the execution order of the processes by the processor is not limited to the order described and may be changed as appropriate. Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer designed for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing each process.

[0080] A processor may consist of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated circuit for executing a specific process such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Furthermore, the type of hardware may be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a processor, these components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Also, in any embodiment, the order of each process performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits (circuitry) that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0081] Furthermore, the program may be firmware or software such as microcode. Alternatively, the program may be, for example, a group of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform its respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage). The program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on physically separate devices. The program code or code segments may represent any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. The program code or code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. The program of this application may also be provided as a program product.

[0082] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above.

[0083] (((1))) Equipped with memory and a processor, The aforementioned memory has a memory capacity less than the required memory capacity, which is the amount necessary to perform multiple functions without switching memory maps. The aforementioned processor, The usage history of the aforementioned multiple functions is accumulated for each user, When the aforementioned user logs in, the process of switching the memory map is executed based on the usage history of the logged-in user. Information processing system. (((2))) The aforementioned processor, The process executes to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function that the logged-in user used most frequently over a predetermined period in the past. The information processing system described in (((1))). (((3))) The aforementioned processor, The process executes to switch to the memory map corresponding to the most frequently used function on the same day of the week when the user logged in. The information processing system described in (((1))). (((4))) The aforementioned processor, The process executes to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function with the highest frequency of use during the same time period as when the user logged in. The information processing system described in (((1))). (((5))) The aforementioned processor, The process executes to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function most frequently used in the department of the organization to which the logged-in user belongs. The information processing system described in (((1))). (((6))) The aforementioned processor, If the memory map set when the user logs in is different from the memory map set based on the usage history, the process of switching the memory map is executed. An information processing system described in any one of items (((1))) through (((5))). (((7))) On the computer, The usage history of multiple functions is accumulated for each user, When the user logs in, the system executes a process to switch the memory map of memory with a memory capacity less than the required memory capacity, which is the amount of memory needed to execute the multiple functions without switching memory maps, based on the user's usage history. An information processing program that performs a process that includes the following. According to the information processing system related to (((1))) and the information processing program related to (((7))), it is possible to suppress delays in the start time of function execution. According to the information processing system described in (((2))), it is possible to suppress delays in the start time of function execution compared to switching memory maps regardless of the frequency of use by the logged-in user over a predetermined period in the past. According to the information processing system related to (((3))), it is possible to suppress delays in the start time of function execution compared to switching memory maps regardless of the frequency of use on the same day of the week as when the user logged in. According to the information processing system described in (((4))), compared to switching memory maps regardless of usage frequency during the same time period when the user logs in, it is possible to suppress delays in the start time of function execution. According to the information processing system described in (((5))), it is possible to suppress delays in the start time of function execution compared to switching memory maps regardless of the frequency of use in the department to which the logged-in user belongs within the organization. According to the information processing system related to (((6))), even if the memory map set when the user logs in and the memory map set based on the usage history are the same, it is possible to suppress the delay in the start time of function execution compared to when the memory map is switched. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10. Information Processing Systems 12 controllers 20 Operation display section 22 Image reading unit 24 Image forming unit 26 Paper supply unit 28 Paper output section 34 Storage section 34A Information Processing Program 34B Memory Map Data 34C Usage History Data 40. Usage history storage unit 42 Memory map switching section M1~M5 Memory Map

Claims

1. Equipped with memory and a processor, The aforementioned memory has a memory capacity less than the required memory capacity, which is the amount necessary to perform multiple functions without switching memory maps. The aforementioned processor, The usage history of the aforementioned multiple functions is accumulated for each user, When the aforementioned user logs in, the process of switching the memory map is executed based on the usage history of the logged-in user. Information processing system.

2. The aforementioned processor, The process executes to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function that the logged-in user used most frequently over a predetermined period in the past. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, The process executes to switch to the memory map corresponding to the most frequently used function on the same day of the week when the user logged in. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned processor, The process executes to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function with the highest frequency of use during the same time period as when the user logged in. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned processor, The process executes to switch to the memory map corresponding to the function most frequently used in the department of the organization to which the logged-in user belongs. The information processing system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned processor, If the memory map set when the user logs in is different from the memory map set based on the usage history, the process of switching the memory map is executed. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. On the computer, The usage history of multiple functions is accumulated for each user, When the user logs in, the system executes a process to switch the memory map of memory with a memory capacity less than the required memory capacity, which is the amount of memory needed to execute the multiple functions without switching memory maps, based on the user's usage history. An information processing program that performs a process that includes the following.

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