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

Abstract

To provide a device, a system, a method, and a program that are capable of reducing a risk for information leakage.SOLUTION: An information processing device that controls output of information includes: acquisition means that acquires an output state of the information from a first apparatus which has been instructed to output the information; retrieval means that when the occurrence of an abnormality in the first apparatus is detected, retrieves a second apparatus to be caused to continuously execute the output of the information instead of the first apparatus out of respective apparatuses connectable with the information processing device, according to set conditions; and control means that instructs the retrieved second apparatus to continuously output the information based on the acquired output state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, a control method for controlling the output of information, and a program for causing a computer to execute control of the output of information. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technology for allowing another device to take over and output information even if an abnormality occurs in the device that outputs information during output, a technology related to take-over printing is known, in which if an abnormality occurs in an image forming device that is currently printing, another image forming device takes over the remaining printing (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, the above technology does not take into consideration the installation location of the device that takes over the data transfer, making it difficult to determine where the data is being output from, which poses a risk of information leakage.

[0004] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an apparatus, system, method, and program that can reduce the risk of information leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided an information processing device for controlling output of information, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring an output status of the information from the first device that has instructed the output of the information; a search means for searching for a second device that will continue to output information in place of the first device among devices that can be connected to the information processing device in accordance with a set condition when an abnormality in the first device is detected; a control means for instructing the searched second device to continue outputting information based on the acquired output status; The present invention provides an information processing device including: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the risk of information leakage can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a cloud system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a cloud system. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of normal printing. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of substitute printing. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for registering a device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing from login to registration of usage history. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the content being displayed in a browser. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print initial setting screen. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a substitute printing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. The information processing system includes an information processing device that provides services such as information output via a network 10, and multiple devices that are managed by the information processing device and execute processes to output information. Here, the information processing device is described as a cloud system 11, and the device is described as an image forming device 12 that prints and outputs on paper, but this is not limited to this. Therefore, the cloud system 11 is not limited to a single information processing device, and may be configured by a combination of two or more information processing devices or other devices. Examples of the image forming device 12 include an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) and a printer.

[0010] Note that the device is not limited to the image forming device 12, and may be a PJ (Projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a white board with an electronic blackboard function that allows intercommunication), etc., as long as it is capable of outputting information. Furthermore, the devices managed by the cloud system 11 are not limited to devices that output information, but may include scanners, facsimile machines, imaging devices, etc.

[0011] The information processing system may include a terminal device 13 that is used by a user and that requests printing from the cloud system 11. The terminal device 13 may be any device that can send print data to the cloud system 11 and request printing, and examples of the terminal device 13 include a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The number of terminal devices 13 is not limited to one, and may be multiple.

[0012] The network 10 may be a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, etc., and may be either a wired network or a wireless network. Furthermore, the network 10 is not limited to one network, but may be composed of two or more networks connected by a relay device such as a router.

[0013] The cloud system 11 accepts print data as a job from the terminal device 13, stores the job, and requests one of the multiple image forming devices 12 that it manages to execute the job. The cloud system 11 communicates with the image forming device 12 that executes the job, obtains the progress status of the job as an output status, and manages the job. When the cloud system 11 receives a notification from the image forming device 12 that the job execution has been completed, it deletes the completed job from the stored jobs.

[0014] The image forming device 12 accepts a job execution request from the cloud system 11 and executes the job. The image forming device 12 notifies the cloud system 11 of the job progress status as appropriate. The image forming device 12 can notify an error when an abnormality such as running out of paper, paper jam, or poor toner discharge occurs. The cloud system 11 can detect the occurrence of an error when an abnormality such as a segmentation fault in the software implemented in the image forming device 12 or a network disconnection occurs. A software segmentation fault is an error that occurs when accessing a memory location that is prohibited from access or when accessing memory in violation of rules defined for each memory location.

[0015] The information processing system is a system that enables the cloud system 11 to request one image forming apparatus 12 to execute a job, start the execution, and, if an error is detected during the execution, have another image forming apparatus 12 take over the subsequent job. The detection of an error occurrence may include an error notified by the image forming apparatus 12, or may only be an error detected by the cloud system 11.

[0016] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a general computer as cloud system 11. Note that while cloud system 11 is described as a single device, it may be composed of two or more devices. Cloud system 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, an HD (Hard Disk) 23, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 24. Cloud system 11 also includes a display 25, an external device connection I / F 26, a network I / F 27, a data bus 28, a keyboard 29, a pointing device 30, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 31, and a media I / F 32.

[0017] The CPU 20 controls the overall operation of the cloud system 11 and executes the OS (Operating System) and various software. The ROM 21 stores programs used to drive the CPU 20, such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 22 provides a working area for the CPU 20. The HD 23 stores the OS, various software, various data, etc. executed by the CPU 20. The HDD controller 24 controls the reading of software from and writing of data to the HD 23 under the control of the CPU 20.

[0018] The display 25 displays various types of information such as a cursor, menus, windows, characters, images, etc. The external device connection I / F 26 is an interface for connecting various types of external devices. In this case, the external device is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The network I / F 27 is an interface for performing data communication using the network 10. The data bus 28 is a bus for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 20.

[0019] The keyboard 29 is a type of input means having multiple keys for inputting letters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 30 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The DVD-RW drive 31 controls reading and writing of various data from a DVD-RW 33, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that this is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R, etc. The media I / F 32 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from a recording medium 34, such as a flash memory.

[0020] 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an MFP as an example of image forming apparatus 12. The MFP includes a controller 40, a short-range communication circuit 41, an engine control unit 42, an operation panel 43, and a network I / F 44.

[0021] The controller 40 includes a CPU 50, which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 51, a north bridge (NB) 52, a south bridge (SB) 53, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 54. The controller 40 also includes a local memory (MEM-C) 55, which is a storage unit, an HDD controller 56, and an HD 57, which is also a storage unit, and is configured such that the NB 52 and the ASIC 54 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 58.

[0022] The CPU 50 is a control unit that performs overall control of the MFP. The NB 52 is a bridge that connects the CPU 50 with the MEM-P 51, the SB 53, and the AGP bus 58, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 51, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0023] The MEM-P51 is composed of a ROM 51a, which is memory for storing programs and data that realize the various functions of the controller 40, and a RAM 51b, which is used for expanding the programs and data and as a drawing memory during memory printing. The programs stored in the RAM 51b may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0024] The SB 53 is a bridge connecting the NB 52 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The ASIC 54 is an IC for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing and acts as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 58, PCI bus 59, HDD controller 56, and MEM-C 55. The ASIC 54 is composed of a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 54, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 55, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 60 and printer unit 61 via the PCI bus 59. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) interface may also be connected to the ASIC 54.

[0025] MEM-C55 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer. HD57 is a storage device for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. HD57 controls the reading and writing of data from and to HD57 under the control of CPU50. AGP bus 58 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphics processing, and direct high-throughput access to MEM-P51 enables the graphics accelerator card to operate at high speed.

[0026] The short-range communication circuit 41 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The engine control unit 42 is composed of a scanner unit 60 and a printer unit 61. The operation panel 43 is equipped with a panel display unit 43a such as a touch panel that displays current setting values ​​and selection screens and receives inputs from the operator, and an input unit 43b consisting of a numeric keypad that receives setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density setting conditions and a start key that receives a copy start command. The controller 40 controls the entire MFP, and controls, for example, drawing, communication, and inputs from the operation panel 43. The scanner unit 60 or the printer unit 61 includes an image processing unit that performs error diffusion, gamma conversion, etc.

[0027] The MFP can sequentially switch between the document server function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on the operation panel 43. The document server function stores document data to be printed on the HD 57, and later prints the document data by specifying the combination and processing of the document data. When the document server function is selected, the system enters document server mode, when the copy function is selected, the system enters copy mode, when the printer function is selected, the system enters printer mode, and when the facsimile mode is selected, the system enters facsimile mode.

[0028] The network I / F 44 is an interface for performing data communication using the network 10. The short-range communication circuit 41 and the network I / F 44 are electrically connected to the ASIC 54 via a PCI bus 59.

[0029] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the cloud system 11. The cloud system 11 can realize each function by one or more processing circuits. The processing circuit includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and devices such as an ASIC, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a conventional circuit module designed to execute each function.

[0030] The cloud system 11 includes a receiving unit 70, a transmitting unit 71, a user management unit 72, a device management unit 73, a job queue management unit 74, a job management unit 75, and an application unit 76 as functional units for realizing each function.

[0031] A user requests execution of a job by sending print data to the cloud system 11 using the terminal device 13. The print data includes document data to be printed and print setting information that sets the printing range, paper size, etc.

[0032] The cloud system 11 receives job execution requests from one or more terminal devices 13 via the receiving unit 70. The receiving unit 70 sequentially accumulates the jobs for which execution requests have been received in the job queue management unit 74. The job queue management unit 74 associates the job with a job name that identifies the job, the date and time the job was received, and other information and accumulates the information. The job queue management unit 74 holds information setting the priority of the job and holds information indicating the status of the job. The information setting the job priority is, for example, information such as "priority" indicating that the job is executed before other jobs, or "normal" indicating that the jobs are executed in the order in which they were accumulated. The priority of the job can be set depending on the user who requested the job, the content of the job, and the like. The information indicating the status of the job is information such as "waiting," "suspended," or "running."

[0033] When the image forming apparatus 12 completes execution of a job, the job queue management unit 74 deletes the completed job from the accumulated jobs, and, taking into consideration the priority of each accumulated job, requests the job management unit 75 to execute the next job. The job may be deleted after the request for execution of the next job has been made.

[0034] The job management unit 75 includes a progress status management unit 80, a search unit 81, and a control unit 82. The control unit 82 receives a job execution request from the job queue management unit 74 and interprets the specific content of the job. The control unit 82 breaks down the job content into processes at a level that the image forming apparatus 12 can interpret and execute, and instructs the image forming apparatus 12 to execute the job via the transmission unit 71, thereby controlling the image forming apparatus 12. Note that, although information is exchanged between the cloud system 11 and other devices such as the image forming apparatus 12 specifically via the reception unit 70 and transmission unit 71, for the sake of simplicity, the following description will be given assuming that the control unit 82 and the like directly acquire information.

[0035] The progress status management unit 80 acquires the progress status of a job from the image forming apparatus 12 that has instructed the execution of the job, and manages the acquired progress status in association with the job name or the like that identifies the job. When printing a document consisting of multiple pages, the progress status is information that indicates how many pages have been printed. The progress status may be periodically queried from the cloud system 11, and the image forming apparatus 12 may return the progress status as a response to the query, or the image forming apparatus 12 may periodically notify the progress status.

[0036] Upon receiving a notification from the image forming apparatus 12 that the job has been completed, the job queue management unit 74 deletes the job whose execution has been completed from the accumulated jobs.

[0037] The user management unit 72 manages information about users who use the cloud system 11. Examples of user information include a list of users, settings, and usage history of the system and the image forming device 12. The list of users and settings include login information such as a user name, user ID, and password.

[0038] The device management unit 73 manages information about devices used by the cloud system 11 to provide services. The devices are not limited to the image forming device 12, but may include scanner devices, etc. The device information includes a list of devices, settings, device status, and device installation location information. The device list and settings include connection information used for communication, such as the device name and IP address. The device status may be normal, abnormal, power on, power off, etc. The installation location information may be information indicating the installation location using latitude and longitude, or information indicating the installation floor and direction.

[0039] The application unit 76 holds various setting information for using each function provided by the cloud system 11 and provides screens for input and display. Functions include a scanner function, a copy function, a print function, a fax sending and receiving function, etc., as well as a function for registering devices and configuring the system. The setting information includes setting information for initial print settings, such as whether or not to perform on-behalf-of printing. The application unit 76 accumulates and manages job information such as screen provision, information registration, and acceptance of input information. The application unit 76 provides the above screens using a browser (UI) and various applications.

[0040] When a job involves printing print data consisting of multiple pages, the image forming device 12 issues a notification each time printing of one page is completed. Specifically, the notification is "Printing of page 7 has been completed." The image forming device 12 also issues a notification of job completion when the job is completed up to the final page. The image forming device 12 can also notify of errors such as out of paper.

[0041] When the search unit 81 detects an error, it searches for an image forming device 12 (a device that will perform substitute printing) that will print the subsequent pages in place of the image forming device 12. The search unit 81 searches for a device that will perform substitute printing in accordance with the conditions set in the print initial settings managed by the application unit 76. When searching for a device, the search unit 81 performs the search using installation location information and the like managed by the device management unit 73. The search unit 81 identifies the page at which printing will start based on the progress status managed by the progress status management unit 80, and notifies the control unit 82 of the searched image forming device 12 and information on the identified page at which printing will start.

[0042] The search unit 81 can use a search algorithm when searching for a device that will perform off-load printing. The search algorithm can be a linear search method that checks the installation location information of each device one by one in the order in which it was registered and searches for one that meets the conditions, or a binary search method that uses the installation location information of each device that has been pre-sorted by floor, etc., and searches for one that meets the conditions. These search algorithms can be set by the user in a separately provided setting unit and used when searching.

[0043] The search algorithm ranks and outputs search results based on the installation location and frequency of use of the device. The search algorithm also takes into account the settings configured by the user in the print settings, such as paper size and whether or not double-sided printing is enabled, in addition to the installation location and frequency of use, when conducting a search. The search unit 81 can select the device with the highest ranking among the ranked search results as the device to perform the printing on behalf of the user.

[0044] The control unit 82 uses the device information managed by the device management unit 73 to send data from the print start page to the device found by the search unit 81 and instructs it to execute the subsequent job.

[0045] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 12. As with the cloud system 11, the image forming apparatus 12 can also realize each function using one or more processing circuits. The processing circuit includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and devices such as an ASIC, DSP, FPGA, or conventional circuit module designed to execute each function.

[0046] The image forming apparatus 12 includes a process management unit 90 as a functional unit for realizing each function. The process management unit 90 includes a job execution unit 91, a progress status management unit 92, and a notification unit 93.

[0047] The job execution unit 91 executes a job instructed by the cloud system 11. The job execution unit 91 executes printing of print data consisting of multiple pages as a job, and notifies the progress status management unit 92 each time printing of one page is completed. The progress status management unit 92 receives the notification from the job execution unit 91 and manages the progress status indicating how many pages of the job have been completed. The progress status management unit 92 updates the progress status each time printing of one page is completed. The progress status is managed in association with a job name, etc. that identifies the job. The notification unit 93 notifies the cloud system 11 of the progress status managed by the progress status management unit 92. For example, when the progress status is updated by the progress status management unit 92, the notification unit 93 notifies the cloud system 11 of the updated progress status.

[0048] The job execution unit 91 can detect abnormalities that can be detected by the job execution unit 91 itself, such as running out of paper, etc. The notification unit 93 can notify the cloud system 11 of the abnormality detected by the job execution unit 91 as an error.

[0049] Here, the flow of normal printing processing using the cloud system 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Normal printing is printing processing when no errors occur during the job. The cloud system 11 includes a job queue management unit 74 and a job management unit 75, and the image forming device 12 includes a process management unit 90. The image forming device 12 that executes the job is referred to as "image forming device 1" in FIG. 6.

[0050] When the cloud system 11 receives a job from the terminal device 13 used by a user, the cloud system 11 stores the job in the job queue management unit 74, and the job status is managed by the job queue management unit 74. When the job is stored, the job status becomes "waiting." For example, when the image forming device 12 completes the job it is currently executing and notifies the cloud system 11 that the job has been completed, the job queue management unit 74 changes the status of the job to be executed next by the image forming device 12 from "waiting" to "executing." In the example shown in FIG. 6, three jobs (jobs 1 to 3) are stored, the next job (job 1) is changed to "executing," and the other jobs (jobs 2 and 3) remain "waiting."

[0051] The job queue management unit 74 requests the job management unit 75 to execute job 1 (S1), and the job management unit 75 starts executing the requested job 1 (S2). The job management unit 75 interprets the content of job 1 as being the printing of print data consisting of three pages, breaks down job 1 into commands at a level that can be processed by the image forming device 12, and requests the image forming device 12 to execute printing in order, starting from the first page (first sheet).

[0052] The job management unit 75 sends a print request for the first page (S3) and transfers the image data for the first page (S4). Here, the data to be printed is described as image data, but it is not limited to image data, and may be text data, graphic data, photo data, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0053] When the process management unit 90 of the image forming device 12 receives the print request and image data for the first page from the cloud system 11, it starts printing the first page (S5). The process management unit 90 notifies the cloud system 11 that printing of the first page has started as a progress report (S6). By the image forming device 12 sending such a report each time, the cloud system 11 can manage the job 1 being executed and update the progress report to the latest status.

[0054] In order to reduce the time loss in job execution, the job management unit 75 sends a print request for the second sheet (S7) and transfers the image data for the second sheet (S8) before the printing of the first sheet is completed.

[0055] When the process management unit 90 receives the print request and image data for the second sheet from the cloud system 11, it starts printing the second sheet as soon as printing of the first sheet is completed (S9). The process management unit 90 notifies the cloud system 11 that printing of the second sheet has started (S10) and that printing of the first sheet has completed (S11).

[0056] Before the printing of the second sheet is completed, the job management unit 75 sends a print request for the third sheet (S12) and transfers the image data for the third sheet (S13).

[0057] When the process management unit 90 receives the print request and image data for the third sheet from the cloud system 11, it starts printing the third sheet as soon as printing of the second sheet is completed (S14). The process management unit 90 notifies the cloud system 11 that printing of the third sheet has started (S15), and notifies the cloud system 11 that printing of the second sheet has been completed (S16). Thereafter, when printing of the third sheet is completed, the process management unit 90 notifies the cloud system 11 that printing of the third sheet has been completed (S17).

[0058] The job management unit 75 receives a notification from the image forming device 12 that printing of the third page has been completed, recognizes that execution of job 1 has been completed, and notifies the job queue management unit 74 that execution of job 1 has been completed (S18). The job queue management unit 74 receives the notification that execution of job 1 has been completed, and deletes job 1 from the accumulated jobs.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 6, image data is transferred one sheet at a time and printing is repeated, but it is also possible to transfer all image data together and have the image forming device 12 notify the progress of printing each time printing of one sheet is completed.

[0060] Referring to Figure 7, the flow of printing processing when an error occurs during job execution using the cloud system 11 will be described. The cloud system 11 includes a job queue management unit 74 and a job management unit 75, and the image forming device 12 includes a process management unit 90. In this processing, the error occurs after the first page has been printed. In Figure 7, the image forming device 12 that executed the job before the error occurred is referred to as "image forming device 1," and the device that takes over printing after the error occurred is referred to as "image forming device N."

[0061] When the cloud system 11 receives a job from the terminal device 13 used by a user, the job is stored in the job queue management unit 74, and the job status is managed by the job queue management unit 74. In the example shown in Fig. 7, three jobs (jobs 1 to 3) are stored, the next job (job 1) is changed to "in progress", and the other jobs (jobs 2 and 3) are "waiting".

[0062] The job queue management unit 74 requests the job management unit 75 to execute job 1 (S1), and the job management unit 75 starts executing the requested job 1 (S2). The job management unit 75 interprets the contents of job 1 as printing print data consisting of three pages, breaks down job 1 into commands at a level that can be processed by the image forming device 12a, and requests the image forming device 12a to execute printing in order from the first page.

[0063] The job management unit 75 sends a print request for the first page (S3) and transfers the image data for the first page (S4).

[0064] When the process management unit 90a of the image forming device 12a receives the print request and image data for the first sheet from the cloud system 11, it starts printing the first sheet (S5). The process management unit 90a notifies the cloud system 11 that printing of the first sheet has started as a progress report (S6).

[0065] Before the printing of the first page is completed, the job management unit 75 sends a print request for the second page (S7) and transfers the image data for the second page (S8).

[0066] When the process management unit 90a receives the print request and image data for the second sheet from the cloud system 11, it starts printing the second sheet as soon as printing of the first sheet is completed (S9). The process management unit 90a notifies the cloud system 11 that printing of the second sheet has started (S10) and that printing of the first sheet has been completed (S11).

[0067] After the image forming apparatus 12a starts printing the second page, an error occurs, such as when the network 10 is disconnected. The cloud system 11 periodically transmits a connection confirmation to the image forming apparatus 12a to confirm that the connection is maintained, and receives a response from the image forming apparatus 12a. If the cloud system 11 does not receive a response within a certain period of time after transmitting the connection confirmation, it detects that an error, such as a network disconnection, has occurred (S12).

[0068] When the job management unit 75 detects an error, it searches for the image forming device 12b that will perform the subsequent printing instead of the image forming device 12a (S13). When performing the search, the job management unit 75 refers to the setting information for the initial print settings managed by the application unit 76. At that time, the job management unit 75 refers to the usage history information managed by the user management unit 72 and the installation location information managed by the device management unit 73, as necessary. The job management unit 75 also identifies the start page when taking over and starting the job. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a notification that the first page has been printed is received and is managed as a progress status, and no notification that the second and subsequent pages have been printed is received, so the start page is identified as the second page.

[0069] The job management unit 75 sends a print request for the identified start page, that is, a print request for the second page, to the searched image forming apparatus 12b (S14), and transfers the image data for the second page (S15).

[0070] When the process management unit 90b of the image forming device 12b receives the print request and image data for the second sheet from the cloud system 11, it starts printing the second sheet (S15). The process management unit 90b notifies the cloud system 11 that printing of the second sheet has started as a progress report (S16). The subsequent processing is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 6, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0071] The device that performs the off-load printing is not necessarily any image forming device 12. If the user is not informed which device will perform the off-load printing, he or she will not be able to immediately go to the location of that device and pick up the printed output. This could result in someone else seeing the contents of the printed output and taking it away along with the printed output. This could lead to information leaks, especially when printing documents that require security considerations, and the damage caused by the loss of the printed output could be significant. For this reason, it is necessary for the user to be able to control the device that performs the off-load printing.

[0072] The following three methods are conceivable for searching for a device that the user can control to perform on-behalf printing. Note that these methods are merely examples, and the method is not limited to these as long as the user can control the device.

[0073] The first method is a search method based on the installation location of the device. The second method is a search method based on the frequency of use of the device. The third method is a search method based on a specific device.

[0074] An example of the first method is to search for a device that can take over printing from among the devices on the same floor as the device where the error occurred. If the devices are on the same floor, the devices that can output are narrowed down, so it is not impossible to know which device is printing. In this example, devices on the same floor are used, but this is an example of grouping and narrowing down the devices; if one floor is large, the floor can be further divided and grouped into smaller units.

[0075] The device management unit 73 of the cloud system 11 manages the installation location information of each device. Therefore, the search unit 81 refers to the installation location information of the device where the error occurred and searches for devices on the same floor as the device where the error occurred. The search is performed taking into consideration the settings configured in the print settings. The searched devices can be ranked in order of proximity to the device where the error occurred. Note that this ranking is just an example, and the devices may also be ranked in order of frequency of use by referring to the usage history managed by the user management unit 72.

[0076] To realize this method, when a device is registered in the cloud system 11, the installation location information of the device is also registered. If the installation location needs to be changed, the installation location information can be changed or deleted.

[0077] 8 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing for registering a device in the cloud system 11. The application unit 76 includes a browser (UI) 100 and a device registration application 101 that registers a device. A system administrator 110 causes the browser (UI) 100 to display a registration screen, inputs information about the device using an input device such as a keyboard, and instructs new registration of the device (S1). The information about the device includes the device name, connection information, etc.

[0078] The browser 100 transfers the input information to the device registration application 101 and requests new device registration (S2). The device registration application 101 transfers the input information to the device management unit 73 and requests new device registration (S3). The device management unit 73 adds the input information to a device list and registers it (S4).

[0079] After inputting the information about the device, the administrator 110 also inputs the installation location information of the device and instructs to register the installation location information (S5). In this example, the instruction to register the installation location information is given after the device is added to the device list, but the instruction to register the installation location information may also be given while the processes of S2 to S4 are being executed.

[0080] The browser 100 transfers the installation location information to the device registration application 101 and requests that the installation location information be registered (S6). The device registration application 101 transfers the installation location information to the device management unit 73 and requests that the installation location information be registered (S7). The device management unit 73 adds the installation location information and registers it (S8).

[0081] The second method is to search for a device that will perform off-load printing from among the devices that the user frequently uses. If the device is frequently used by the user, it is easy for the user using the system to know which device is performing off-load printing. This method can be realized by using the user's device usage history. Note that a threshold is set for the frequency of usage, and if the number of uses is equal to or greater than the threshold, it can be determined that the device is used frequently. The user management unit 72 of the cloud system 11 stores and manages the user's device usage history. The device usage history is accumulated by registering the device name, date and time, etc. in association with the user name when the device is used.

[0082] The search is performed taking into consideration the settings made in the print settings. The searched devices can be ranked in order of frequency of use. Note that this ranking is just an example, and devices may also be ranked in order of proximity to the device where the error occurred, by referencing device information managed by the device management unit 73.

[0083] FIG. 9 shows an example of a sequence from user login to usage history registration when a job is executed. The user 111 displays a login screen on the browser (UI) 100 provided by the cloud system 11, inputs login information (S1), and requests login (S2). The login information includes a user ID and a password. The login information may also be biometric information such as a fingerprint. The browser 100 transfers the login information to the user management unit 72 and requests login (S3). The user management unit 72 executes login processing using user information that it holds and manages. The user management unit 72 instructs the browser 100 to display the login result. If the login is successful, the user 111 can use the system and execute subsequent processing.

[0084] If login is successful, the user 111 displays the document they want to print on the browser 100, configures print settings, and instructs execution of the job (S4). The browser 100 requests the print application 102 to execute the job (S5). The print application 102 registers the job in the job queue management unit 74 and accumulates it (S6). The print application 102 requests the user management unit 72 to associate the user ID with the job name, etc., and register it as a usage history (S7). The user management unit 72 registers and manages the usage history.

[0085] The third method is for the user 111 to decide and register in advance the device that will perform the offload printing, and then perform the offload printing using that registered device. Since the device that will perform the offload printing is known in advance, the offload printing can be performed without hesitation, and the output printed materials can be collected.

[0086] If an error occurs, one of the three methods above can be used to immediately search for a device that can take over printing, and the job can be handed over to the searched device for execution. Here, this process of immediately handing over a job to a searched device for execution is called "immediate execution." With immediate execution, if the device that will take over and execute the job is a device that the user 111 frequently uses, the user will not be confused about where the print job was located.

[0087] However, the candidates for the device to perform the printing on behalf of the user 111 may include devices that the user 111 does not use often. If a device that is not often used is searched for and the job is executed immediately, it may not be possible to know where the printed material was printed, which could result in the loss of the printed material.

[0088] For this reason, it is desirable to search for candidate devices to take over printing when an error occurs, present the results to the user 111, and allow the user to select the timing and device to take over the job. Here, this selection of timing and device is called "selection on error." When using the first method, there is a possibility that a device that is not frequently used by the user 111 on the same floor will be searched for, so it is possible to set selection on error and continue printing after confirmation. Note that with the second and third methods, devices that the user 111 frequently uses are searched for, so it is thought that such problems will not occur.

[0089] There may be only one candidate device to perform the offload printing, or there may be multiple candidates. If there are multiple candidates, a predetermined number of devices can be selected in descending order of their ranking, and the selected devices can be used as candidates to perform the offload printing. The application unit 76 also functions as a notification unit, notifying the user of the searched candidate devices and displaying them on the screen to allow the user to select a device.

[0090] The following explains the on-error selection in detail. The on-error printing function is initiated by the device on which the error occurred. Therefore, if the on-error printing timing is set to on-error selection, the on-error printing timing is selected on the operation panel of the device on which the error occurred.

[0091] Generally, the operation unit of a device (image forming device 12) generates and displays content within the device itself, so if a fatal error occurs within the device itself, the content cannot be displayed on the operation unit, and operation itself becomes impossible. An example of a fatal error is a segmentation fault, which is a specific error that occurs when software is executed. If operation cannot be performed on the operation unit, it becomes impossible to select a device to perform substitute printing.

[0092] However, in this system, the content on the cloud system 11, rather than the content generated by the device itself, is displayed by a browser implemented in the operation unit of the device, so that the content can be displayed and operated on a terminal device 13 or the like other than the operation unit as long as it is equipped with a browser, without being affected by errors that occur in the device. The searched device candidates are generated as content (screen information) on the cloud system 11, transmitted to the terminal device 13 or the like for selection by the user, and displayed on the screen of the terminal device 13 or the like. For this reason, the cloud system 11 can be provided with a generation unit for generating content.

[0093] The display of device candidates may be just the device name, but since it may not be clear which device it is from the device name alone, it is also possible to include information such as the installation location. Specifically, this could be "Device A, 5th floor, east side" or "Device B, 6th floor, next to conference room C." Note that these are just examples, and other information may also be included in the display.

[0094] 10 is a diagram showing content on the cloud system 11 being displayed by browsers implemented on the operation unit 120 of the image forming apparatus 12, the tablet 121 serving as the terminal device 13, and the PC 122 serving as the terminal device 13. The cloud system 11 includes an application unit 76, which displays content corresponding to the functions it provides and accepts input information. In the example shown in FIG. 10, a print initial setting screen is displayed as content requested by the browsers of the operation unit 120, the tablet 121, and the PC 122. The print initial setting screen is a screen for setting on-the-fly selections.

[0095] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a print initial setting screen. In the print initial setting, the user 111 can set in advance the timing for continuing printing. The settings of the print initial setting are stored as application settings of the print application for realizing the print function, which is one of the functions provided by the application unit 76.

[0096] The print initial settings include a setting item for setting whether or not to perform off-load printing. When off-load printing is performed, the print initial settings include items for selecting the timing for off-load printing and the method for selecting the device for off-load printing. The timing can be selected from immediate execution and selection upon occurrence. The device can be selected from either a device on the same floor, a frequently used device, or a specific device.

[0097] 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for executing a job in accordance with the conditions set in the initial print settings shown in FIG. 11. Upon receiving a job execution request from the job queue management unit 74, the job management unit 75 starts executing the job from step 100. In step 101, a request is made to print one page, and image data for one page is sent to the image forming device 12 to print one page. In step 102, it is determined whether an error has occurred in the image forming device 12. If no error has occurred, the process proceeds to step 103, where it is determined whether or not it is the last page. If it is not the last page, the process returns to step 101 again, a request is made to print the next page, the image data for that page is sent, and one page is printed.

[0098] If an error occurs in step 102, the process proceeds to step 104, where it is determined whether or not to perform off-load printing under the conditions set in the initial print settings. If off-load printing is to be performed, the process proceeds to step 105, where a search method for a device to perform off-load printing is determined. If the search method is based on the same floor, the process proceeds to step 106, where a device on the same floor is searched for. If the search method is based on frequency of use, the process proceeds to step 107, where a device that is used frequently is searched for. If the search method is based on a specific device, the process proceeds to step 108, where a specific device is searched for.

[0099] In step 109, it is determined whether a device has been found by any of the search methods in steps 106 to 108. If a device has been found, the process proceeds to step 110, where it is determined whether the timing of the takeover printing is immediate execution or selection when it occurs.

[0100] If the printer does not perform the off-load printing in step 104, or if no device is found in step 109, the process proceeds to step 111, where error processing is performed. After the error processing is performed, a decision is made in step 112 as to whether or not to clear the error. If the error is not cleared, the process returns to step 111, where error processing is performed. Note that if a device to perform the off-load printing is not found and there is no prospect of clearing the error, the execution of the job may be canceled. The canceled job can be deleted from the job queue management unit 74.

[0101] If it is determined in step 110 that the selection is made on occurrence, the process proceeds to step 113, a device to perform the substitute printing is selected, and the process proceeds to step 114. In step 114, as a print recovery process, a print request for the page to be taken over and start printing and image data for that page are sent to the selected device to perform the substitute printing, the substitute printing is started, and the process returns to step 101.

[0102] If it is determined in step 103 that the final page has been printed, the process proceeds to step 115, where the job execution for the request from the job queue management unit 74 is terminated. When the job queue management unit 74 has completed the execution of one job, it requests the job management unit 75 to execute the next accumulated job, and starts the process again from step 101.

[0103] Since the user can specify the device that will perform the printing on behalf of the user or a candidate device for that device, the output printed matter can be reliably collected, and the printed matter is less likely to be lost.

[0104] When selecting a device to perform offload printing, the selected device may be executing another job. In this case, the offload printing can be performed after the other job is completed. If multiple devices to perform offload printing are searched for, a device that is not executing a job may be selected from the searched devices.

[0105] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified within the scope conceivable by a person skilled in the art, such as by changing or deleting components of the present embodiment, or by adding other components to the components of the present embodiment. In any aspect, as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved, it is included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10. Network 11. Cloud system 12, 12a, 12b...image forming device 13...Terminal device 20...CPU 21...ROM 22...RAM 23…HD 24...HDD controller 25…Display 26...External device connection interface 27...Network I / F 28...Datapath 29...Keyboard 30...Pointing device 31...DVD-RW drive 32...Media I / F 33...DVD-RW 40...Controller 41...Near field communication circuit 42...Engine control unit 43...Operation panel 43a...Display section 43b...input section 44...Network I / F 50...CPU 51...MEM-P 51a…ROM 51b...RAM 52…NB 53…SB 54...ASIC 55...MEM-C 56...HDD controller 57…HD 58…AGP Bus 59...PCI bus 60...Scanner section 61...Printer section 70...Receiver 71...Transmitter 72...User Management Department 73...Device Management Department 74...Job queue management unit 75...Job Management Department 76...Application section 80...Progress Management Department 81...Search section 82...Control unit 90, 90a, 90b...Process Management Department 91...Job execution unit 92...Progress Management Department 93…Notification department 100...Browser 101...Device registration application 102...Print application 110…Administrator 111...User 120...Operation unit 121...Tablet 122...PC [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0107] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-203981 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-339561

Claims

1. An information processing device that controls output of information, an acquisition means for acquiring an output status of the information from the first device that has instructed the output of the information; a search means for searching, when an abnormality has been detected in the first device, for a second device that will replace the first device in continuing to output the information, according to conditions set in an initial setting including an item for selecting a timing for continuing output of a second device that will replace the first device in outputting the information, and a search method for searching for the second device, the search method including at least a search method based on the same floor and a search method based on a frequency of use, to search for a device that is installed on the same floor as the first device among the devices that can be connected to the information processing device when the search method based on the same floor is selected, or for searching for a device that has a high frequency of use, the number of times used being equal to or greater than a threshold, among the devices that can be connected to the information processing device when the search method based on the frequency of use is selected, as the second device that will replace the first device in continuing to output the information; a control means for instructing the searched second device to continuously output the information at the timing based on the acquired output status; An information processing device comprising:

2. a device management means for storing installation location information of each device; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the search means searches for the second device based on the installation location of the first device using installation location information of each of the devices.

3. a user management means for storing usage history information of users using each device; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the search means searches for the second device based on the frequency of use by the user using usage history information of each of the devices.

4. a setting means for setting an algorithm selected by a user; The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the search means searches for the second device in accordance with the algorithm.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means instructs the second device to continue outputting the information in response to the second device being searched for by the search means.

6. a notification unit that notifies the candidate second device searched for by the search unit, 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means instructs the second device to continue outputting the information based on the notified candidate being selected.

7. a generating means for generating screen information for selecting the second device candidates; a transmitting means for transmitting the screen information to be displayed by a browser installed in a terminal device used by a user; The information processing device according to claim 6 , further comprising:

8. An information processing system for controlling output of information, an acquisition means for acquiring an output status of the information from the first device that has instructed the output of the information; a search means for searching, when an abnormality has been detected in the first device, for a second device that will replace the first device and continue to output the information, according to conditions set in an initial setting including an item for selecting a timing for continuing output of a second device that will replace the first device and a search method for searching for the second device, the search method including at least a search method based on the same floor and a search method based on a frequency of use, and searching for a device that is installed on the same floor as the first device among the devices that can be connected to the information processing system when the search method based on the same floor is selected, or for a device that has a high frequency of use, the number of times used being equal to or greater than a threshold, among the devices that can be connected to the information processing system when the search method based on the frequency of use is selected, as the second device that will replace the first device and continue to output the information; a control means for instructing the searched second device to continuously output the information at the timing based on the acquired output status; An information processing system comprising:

9. 1. A method for controlling output of information by an information processing system, comprising: acquiring an output status of the information from the first device that instructed the output of the information; a step of searching, when an abnormality in the first device is detected, for a second device that will replace the first device and continue to output the information, according to conditions set in an initial setting including an item for selecting a timing for continuing output of a second device that will replace the first device and a search method for searching for the second device, the search method including at least a search method based on the same floor and a search method based on usage frequency, searching for a device that is installed on the same floor as the first device among the devices that can be connected to the information processing system when the search method based on the same floor is selected, or searching for a device that has a high usage frequency of more than a threshold among the devices that can be connected to the information processing system when the search method based on usage frequency is selected, as the second device that will replace the first device and continue to output the information; instructing the searched second device to continuously output the information at the timing based on the acquired output status; A control method comprising:

10. A program for causing a computer to execute each step included in the control method according to claim 9.

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