Information processing system, information processing device and program

Abstract

To suppress consumption of resources of an own device after transmitting data to an external device as compared with a configuration for executing part of processing in one job executed in an information processing device by an external device.SOLUTION: An information processing device 100 and a processing execution server 200 are provided. The processing execution server 200 acquires processing target data from the information processing device 100 to execute processing relative to the data. As a first job, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits processing target data to the processing execution server 200, and acquires, as a second job different from the first job, processing results data relative to the processing target data transmitted to the processing execution server 200 in the first job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In data processing by an information processing device, part of a job may be executed by an external device. In this case, the processing is executed while exchanging data and processing results between devices, for example, according to a workflow that defines the individual processes included in the job and the entities that execute each process.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system in which workflow information defining the order of multiple processes and the information processing device that will be the executing entity for each of the multiple processes defines one information processing device selected from the multiple information processing devices as the executing entity, and each of the multiple processes defined in the workflow information is executed by the information processing device defined as the executing entity in the defined order, and the process defined in the workflow information as being executed by one information processing device selected from the multiple information processing devices is executed by the one information processing device selected in accordance with predetermined judgment conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6264800 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When part of the processing of a job executed by an information processing device is performed by an external device, the job related to this processing remains in the information processing device until the processing by the external device is completed, resulting in unnecessary consumption of resources such as memory.

[0006] The present invention aims to reduce the consumption of resources in the information processing device after sending data to an external device, compared to a configuration in which part of the processing in a single job executed in the information processing device is performed by an external device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention according to claim 1 is An information processing device and a server are provided, the server acquires data to be processed from the information processing device and executes processing on the data; The information processing device includes: transmitting the data to be processed to the server as a first job; As a second job different from the first job, data of the processing result for the data to be processed that was sent to the server by the first job is acquired. death, The server assigning identification information to the first job and transmitting the identification information to the information processing device that performed the first job; In response to a request for obtaining a processing result performed by the information processing device with the identification information added in the second job, data of the processing result for the data obtained by the first job specified based on the identification information is transmitted to the information processing device. The information processing system is characterized by: Claim 2 The present invention relates to the server notifies the completion of the processing of the data acquired by the first job specified based on the identification information in response to the inquiry from the information processing device made with the identification information added thereto after the processing of the data acquired by the first job specified based on the identification information is completed. Claim 1 The information processing system is described in Claim 3 The present invention relates to When the server receives a request for acquiring a processing result performed by the second job with the identification information added from another information processing device different from the information processing device that performed the first job, the server transmits data of the processing result for the data acquired by the first job that is specified based on the identification information to the other information processing device. Claim 1 The information processing system is described in Claim 4 The present invention relates to the information processing device executes processing on the acquired data of the processing result in the second job; 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the server transmits information used in processing the data of the processing result by the information processing device, attached to the data of the processing result. Claim 5 The present invention relates to the server acquires data to be processed from the information processing device and executes processing on the data; The information processing device includes: transmitting the data to be processed to the server as a first job; acquiring, as a second job different from the first job, data of a processing result for the data to be processed that has been transmitted to the server by the first job; In the second job, a process is executed to store the acquired data of the processing result in an external device; The information used in the processing of the data of the processing result is information that specifies a storage destination of the data of the processing result in the external device. the law of nature, The server transmits information used in processing the data of the processing result by the information processing device, attached to the data of the processing result. characterized in that love It is an information processing system. Claim 6 The present invention relates to A server and a plurality of information processing devices are provided, the server acquires data to be processed from the information processing device and executes processing on the data; One of the information processing devices includes: transmitting the data to be processed to the server as a first job; The other information processing device is acquiring identification information set for the first job executed by the one information processing apparatus; a request for acquiring data of a processing result to the server is made as a second job different from the first job, with the identification information added thereto, and data of a processing result for data acquired by the first job specified based on the identification information is acquired; It is an information processing system. Claim 7 The present invention relates to a processor; The processor: As a first job, the device connects to an external server that can be connected to the device itself and transmits data to be processed by the external server; sharing and storing identification information set for the first job with the external server; As a second job different from the first job, the external server is connected to the second job, and data of the processing result for the data transmitted to the external server by the first job is transmitted to the second job. a request for acquiring the first job by adding the identification information, and processing result data for the data acquired by the first job specified based on the identification information;The information processing device is characterized by acquiring the following. Claim 8 The present invention relates to The processor: After the first job is executed, the identification information is added to the request for processing by the external server, and The second job is executed when a notification is received from the external server indicating that processing of the data acquired by the first job specified based on the identification information has been completed. Claim 7 The information processing device is described in Claim 9 The present invention relates to the processor, in the second job, acquires information to be used in processing the data of the processing result in association with acquisition of the data of the processing result, and executes processing on the data of the processing result using the acquired information. Claim 7 The information processing device is described in Claim 10 The present invention relates to a processor; The processor: As a first job, the device connects to an external server that can be connected to the device itself and transmits data to be processed by the external server; connecting to the external server as a second job different from the first job, and acquiring data of a processing result for the data transmitted to the external server by the first job; In the second job, storage destination information specifying a storage destination of the processing result data is acquired as information used in processing the processing result data, and a process is executed to store the processing result data in the storage destination specified by the storage destination information. love It is an information processing device. Claim 11 The present invention relates to a processor; The processor: others Executed by the information processing device , a job that connects to an external server and sends data to be processed by the external server. Obtaining identification information set for the first job; The aforementioned As a second job separate from the first job, The identification information is added to the To an external servera request for acquiring data of a processing result is made, and the data of the processing result for the data acquired by the first job specified based on the identification information is acquired; love It is an information processing device. Claim 12 The present invention relates to On the computer, As a first job, a process of connecting to an external server connectable from the device itself and transmitting data to be processed by the external server; a process of sharing and storing identification information set for the first job with the external server; As a second job different from the first job, the external server is connected to the second job, and data of the processing result for the data transmitted to the external server by the first job is transmitted to the second job. a request for acquiring the first job by adding the identification information, and processing result data for the data acquired by the first job specified based on the identification information; and The program is characterized by executing the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Claim 1 According to the invention, it is possible to distinguish between multiple processes and return the processing results, compared to a configuration in which the server transmits the processing results to the information processing device that has requested the processing results. Claim 2 According to the invention, it is possible to distinguish between a plurality of processes and respond to an inquiry, compared to a configuration in which the server responds to an information processing device that has made an inquiry. Claim 3 According to the invention, the degree of freedom in the system configuration regarding the cooperation between the first job and the second job can be increased compared to a configuration in which only the information processing device that executed the first job can execute the second job. Claim 4 According to the invention, compared to a configuration in which only the processing result is transmitted from the server to the information processing device, the information processing device can execute subsequent processing using information obtained by the processing by the server. Claim 5 According to the invention, compared to a configuration in which only the processing result is transmitted from the server to the information processing device, the information processing device can obtain information on the storage destination specified by the processing by the server. Claim 6 According to the invention, the degree of freedom of the system configuration relating to the cooperation between the first job and the second job is increased compared to a configuration in which only the information processing device that executed the first job can execute the second job. ,Furthermore, it distinguishes between multiple processes and executes the second job. It is possible. Claim 7 According to the invention, compared to a configuration in which part of the processing in a single job executed in an information processing device is executed by an external device, it is possible to reduce the consumption of resources in the device itself even when multiple processes are executed in parallel. Claim 8 According to the invention, the execution time of the second job linked to the first job can be identified by comparing with a configuration in which the transmission of data and the acquisition of the processing result are executed by separate jobs. Claim 9 According to the invention, compared to a configuration in which only the processing result is obtained from the external server, the information processing device can execute subsequent processing using the information obtained by the processing by the external server. Claim 10 According to the invention, compared to a configuration in which only the processing result is acquired from the external server, the information processing device can store the processing result in a storage destination specified by the processing by the external server. Claim 11 According to the invention, the degree of freedom of the system configuration relating to the cooperation between the first job and the second job is increased compared to a configuration in which only the information processing device that has executed the first job can execute the second job. ,Furthermore, it distinguishes between multiple processes and executes the second job. It is possible. Claim 12 According to the present invention, in a computer having the program of the present invention installed, compared to a configuration in which part of the processing in one job executed in an information processing device is executed by an external device, Suppresses resource consumption of the device even when multiple processes are executed in parallel It is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing device. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing data exchange between the image processing device and the processing execution server for the first job. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing data exchange between the image processing device and the processing execution server for the second job. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the information processing device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of processing execution. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] <System configuration> 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system of this embodiment includes an information processing device 100, a processing execution server 200, and a management server 300. The information processing device 100 is a device that executes data processing. In addition to a personal computer, the information processing device 100 may be any of a variety of devices that have a data processing function and can be connected to the processing execution server 200 and management server 300, which are external devices, via a network.

[0012] The processing execution server 200 is a server that acquires data from the information processing device 100 and executes processing. The processing execution server 200 is a server provided on a network, and may be configured as a single server machine, or may be realized by a virtual server or cloud server in which the functions of the processing execution server 200 are realized by multiple servers. The processing execution server 200 is an example of an external server. The management server 300 is a storage server that stores and manages data. The management server 300 stores data of the processing results by the information processing device 100 and the processing execution server 200. The management server 300 is an example of an external device.

[0013] The information processing device 100, the process execution server 200, and the management server 300 are connected via a network. In the configuration shown in Fig. 1, a firewall 400 is set up between the information processing device 100 and the process execution server 200, and the information processing device 100 and the management server 300 are protected by this firewall 400. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can access the process execution server 200, but the process execution server 200 cannot access the information processing device 100 or the management server 300 beyond the firewall 400.

[0014] As described above, the information processing device 100 can be realized using various devices that perform data processing. As an example, consider a case where the information processing device 100 is realized by an image processing device. Hereinafter, this image processing device as the information processing device 100 will be referred to as the "image processing device 100" by adding the reference numeral of the information processing device 100. In the system shown in FIG. 1 , the image processing device 100 requests the processing execution server 200 to perform part of the processing on the data to be processed, such as an image. The processing execution server 200 processes the image acquired from the image processing device 100. Then, upon receiving a request from the image processing device 100, the processing execution server 200 returns the processing result for the image to the image processing device 100. The image processing device 100 sends the processing result data acquired from the processing execution server 200 to the management server 300.

[0015] Consider a specific example of how the image processing device 100 and the processing execution server 200 are used. For example, the image processing device 100 scans an image of a form, such as an invoice or receipt, and requests the processing execution server 200 to analyze the image of the form. Alternatively, the image processing device 100 may acquire electronic data of the form and request the processing execution server 200 to analyze the form based on the electronic data. Hereinafter, this form image data and electronic data will be collectively referred to as "form data." The processing execution server 200 analyzes the form data acquired from the image processing device 100 and performs data processing according to the form content recognized based on the analysis results. The processing execution server 200 also identifies a storage location for the analysis results and data processing results based on the form content. Then, in response to a request from the image processing device 100, the processing execution server 200 returns the analysis results of the form data and the results of data processing according to the form content. The image processing device 100 sends the analysis results and data processing results acquired from the processing execution server 200 to the management server 300, where they are stored.

[0016] <Configuration of information processing device 100> 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of image processing device 100. Here, the configuration of image processing device 100 will be described as an example of information processing device 100. Image processing device 100 includes control unit 110, storage unit 120, operation unit 130, display unit 140, image reading unit 150, image forming unit 160, communication unit 170, and image processing unit 180. Each of these functional units is connected to bus 101, and exchanges data via this bus 101.

[0017] The control unit 110 controls the above-mentioned functional units in the image processing device 100. The control unit 110 is also a functional unit that executes various types of data processing. The control unit 110 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 111, which is a calculation means, and a random access memory (RAM) 112 and a read-only memory (ROM) 113, which are storage means. The RAM 112 is a main memory and is used as a working memory when the CPU 111 performs calculations. The ROM 113 stores programs and data such as pre-prepared setting values, and the CPU 111 reads the programs and data directly from the ROM 113 to execute the processing. The programs and data are also stored in the storage unit 120. The CPU 111 loads the programs stored in the storage unit 120 into the RAM 112 and executes them. The various data processing and control functions of the image processing device 100, which will be described later, are realized, for example, by the CPU 111 executing programs.

[0018] The storage unit 120 is a functional unit that stores programs and data to be executed by the CPU 111 as described above, as well as various data generated by various operations, such as image data read by the image reading unit 150. The storage unit 120 is realized by a storage device such as a magnetic disk device or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0019] The operation unit 130 is a functional unit that accepts user operations. The operation unit 130 is configured, for example, by hardware keys, a touch sensor that outputs a control signal according to the position pressed or touched by a finger, etc. The operation unit 130 may be configured as a touch panel that combines a touch sensor with a liquid crystal display that constitutes the display unit 140.

[0020] The display unit 140 is a functional unit that displays information images that present various information to the user, preview images of images to be processed such as read or output, operation images for the user to perform operations, etc. The display unit 140 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display. The above-mentioned operation unit 130 and the display unit 140 can be combined to be used as a user interface means for the user to input and output information to and from the image processing device 100.

[0021] The image reading unit 150 is a functional unit that optically reads an image on a document. Examples of image reading methods include a CCD method in which light irradiated onto a document from a light source is reduced by a lens and reflected light is received by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and a CIS method in which light irradiated onto a document in sequence from an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source is received by a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

[0022] The image forming unit 160 is a functional unit that forms an image based on image data on a recording material such as paper using an image forming material. As a method for forming an image on a recording material, for example, an electrophotographic method is used in which toner is used as the image forming material and the toner attached to a photosensitive member is transferred to the recording material to form an image.

[0023] The communication unit 170 is a functional unit that transmits and receives commands and data to and from an external device. An interface according to the communication method with the external device is used as the communication unit 170. The connection with the external device may be via a network or may be a direct connection. The communication line may be a wired line or a wireless line.

[0024] The image processing unit 180 is a functional unit that includes a processor as a calculation means and a working memory, and performs image processing such as color correction and gradation correction on an image represented by image data. Note that the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 may serve as the processor, and the RAM 112 of the control unit 110 may serve as the working memory.

[0025] <Data transfer and processing procedures> Next, a description will be given of the procedure for transferring and processing data between the image processing device 100 and the processing execution server 200. In the following description, the above-mentioned form data will be used as an example of data to be processed.

[0026] The image processing device 100 accesses the processing execution server 200, causes the processing execution server 200 to execute part of the processing, such as analysis, on the form data to be processed, and obtains the processing results. Here, the image processing device 100 executes, as separate jobs, the operation of sending the form data to be processed to the processing execution server 200 and the operation of obtaining the processing results from the processing execution server 200. Hereinafter, the operation of sending the data to be processed to the processing execution server 200 will be referred to as a first job, and the operation of obtaining the processing results from the processing execution server 200 will be referred to as a second job.

[0027] By dividing these operations into separate jobs, after the first job is completed and before the second job is started, the image processing device 100 can release resources such as memory space used to execute the jobs and use them to execute other processes. However, because these operations are divided into separate jobs, a mechanism is required for the image processing device 100 and the process execution server 200 to recognize that these jobs are related jobs relating to the same processing target. Here, as an example, a job ID is set as identification information used to identify related jobs.

[0028] Furthermore, the process execution server 200 cannot access the image processing device 100 through the firewall 400. Therefore, in order for the process execution server 200 to send the processing results to the image processing device 100, the image processing device 100 must issue a request to the process execution server 200 to send the processing results. This requires a mechanism for the image processing device 100 to recognize that the processing by the process execution server 200 has been completed. Here, it is assumed that the image processing device 100 performs an operation to inquire of the process execution server 200 as to whether or not the processing has been completed.

[0029] 3 is a sequence diagram showing data exchange between the image processing device 100 and the process execution server 200 for the first job. First, the image processing device 100 (referred to as "information processing device" in the figure) makes a connection request to the process execution server 200 (a). In response to this connection request, the process execution server 200 generates a job ID and sends it to the image processing device 100 (b). When the image processing device 100 acquires the job ID from the process execution server 200, it adds the acquired job ID to the form data to be processed and sends it to the process execution server 200 (c).

[0030] When the processing execution server 200 receives the data to be processed and the job ID, it executes processing on the received form data (d). Here, the processing execution server 200 analyzes the received form data and recognizes the contents of the form. Then, the processing execution server 200 executes data processing according to the recognized contents of the form. Depending on the contents of the data processing, the processing execution server 200 may add information obtained by executing the data processing to the processing result as additional information. For example, when the image processing device 100 stores the processing result by the processing execution server 200 in the management server 300, and if information on the storage destination is obtained from the results of the analysis and data processing by the processing execution server 200, the information on the storage destination is added to the processing result.

[0031] 4 is a sequence diagram showing data exchange between the image processing device 100 and the processing execution server 200 for the second job. After transmitting form data to the processing execution server 200, the image processing device 100 (referred to as "information processing device" in the figure) makes an inquiry to receive a notification of processing completion from the processing execution server 200 (e). The inquiry is made, for example, by long polling. Upon receiving the inquiry from the image processing device 100, the processing execution server 200 completes data processing (d), and then responds to the inquiry to notify the image processing device 100 that the data processing has been completed (f).

[0032] When the image processing device 100 receives a notification from the process execution server 200 indicating that the data processing has been completed, it transmits a request to the process execution server 200 to send the processing results together with the job ID acquired for the first job (g). In response to the transmission request received from the image processing device 100, the process execution server 200 returns the processing results corresponding to the job ID to the image processing device 100 (h). The image processing device 100 transmits the processing results acquired from the process execution server 200 to the management server 300 (i). At this time, if additional information is added to the processing results, the image processing device 100 may execute processing on the processing results acquired from the process execution server 200 based on the acquired additional information. For example, if information on the storage destination of the processing results is added to the processing results as additional information, the image processing device 100 transmits the processing results to the storage destination based on the additional information.

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, in response to an access from the image processing device 100 to the process execution server 200, the process execution server 200 issues a job ID, and this job ID is shared between the image processing device 100 and the process execution server 200. The image processing device 100 then adds this job ID to the data to be sent to the process execution server 200 for the first job and to the transmission request for obtaining the processing results for the second job. This enables the process execution server 200 to recognize that the data to be processed that was received earlier and the transmission request for the processing results that was received later are from related jobs.

[0034] Furthermore, after transmitting the data to be processed to the process execution server 200, the image processing device 100 queries the process execution server 200 regarding the completion of the process. By responding to this query, the process execution server 200 can notify the image processing device 100 that the processing has been completed across the firewall 400, and the image processing device 100 can recognize that the processing in the process execution server 200 has been completed. The method for this query is not particularly limited as long as the response from the process execution server 200 allows the query to pass through the firewall 400. As an example, using long polling as described above can reduce the cumbersome process of the image processing device 100 having to repeatedly query the process execution server 200 until it receives a response, as occurs with normal polling, etc.

[0035] <Operation of information processing device> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 100. Note that in this operation example, the above-mentioned form data will also be described as an example of data to be processed. The image processing device 100 as the information processing device 100 first connects to the process execution server 200, acquires and saves a job ID from the process execution server 200 (S501). The acquired job ID is stored, for example, in the storage unit 120 shown in FIG. 2. Next, the image processing device 100 attaches the acquired job ID to the form data to be processed and transmits it to the process execution server 200 (S502). This starts data processing in the process execution server 200. The above operation corresponds to the operation of the first job by the information processing device 100.

[0036] Next, the image processing device 100 makes an inquiry to the process execution server 200 regarding the completion of the process (S503). The inquiry is made by, for example, long polling. When the image processing device 100 receives a response to the inquiry from the process execution server 200 (S504), the image processing device 100 sends a request to send the processing results to the process execution server 200, along with the job ID acquired in S501 (S505). The image processing device 100 then acquires the processing results from the process execution server 200 (S506). The operations subsequent to the request to send the processing results shown in S505 correspond to the operations of the information processing device 100 for the second job.

[0037] Next, the image processing device 100 determines whether additional information has been added to the acquired processing result. Here, it is assumed that information indicating the storage destination of the processing result can be added as additional information. For example, if the path of the management server 300 as the storage destination is specified depending on the type of form to be processed, or if the storage destination is recorded in the document of the form, the storage destination of the processing result is specified as a result of processing the form data by the processing execution server 200. In such cases, information on the storage destination specified by data processing is added to the processing result as additional information.

[0038] If additional information is added to the processing result (YES in S507), the image processing device 100 then determines, based on the additional information, whether or not a change is required in the parameters of the process to be executed on the processing result of the processing execution server 200. For example, in the example in which the storage destination information is added, if the storage destination is determined in advance to be the management server 300 and the path of the management server 300 is specified by the additional information, the path must be added as a parameter in the storage destination information. Also, if the storage destination is determined in advance up to the path of the management server 300, but the path specified by the additional information is different from the predetermined path, the path must be changed as a parameter in the storage destination information. On the other hand, if the storage destination is determined in advance up to the path of the management server 300 and the path specified by the additional information is the same as the predetermined path, the path must not be changed as a parameter in the storage destination information.

[0039] If the parameters need to be changed (YES in S508), the image processing device 100 changes the relevant parameters based on the additional information (S509). Then, the image processing device 100 transmits the processing results to the management server 300, which is a storage server, in accordance with the changed parameters, and stores them (S510). Also, if no additional information is added to the processing results acquired from the processing execution server 200 (NO in S507) or if there is no need to change the parameters based on the additional information (NO in S508), the image processing device 100 transmits the processing results to the management server 300 in accordance with the original settings, and stores them (S510).

[0040] <Processing execution server operation> 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process execution server 200. When the process execution server 200 receives a connection request from the image processing device 100, it generates and saves a job ID and transmits the generated job ID to the image processing device 100 (S601). Thereafter, the process execution server 200 receives the form data to be processed, to which the job ID has been added, from the image processing device 100 (S602). The process execution server 200 also receives an inquiry from the image processing device 100 regarding the completion of processing (S603).

[0041] The processing execution server 200 executes processing on the received form data (S604), and when the processing is complete, transmits a response to the inquiry accepted in S603 to the image processing device 100 (S605, S606). After that, when the processing execution server 200 receives a request to transmit the processing results to which the job ID generated in S601 is added from the image processing device 100 (YES in S607), it transmits the processing results corresponding to the received job ID to the image processing device 100 (S608).

[0042] On the other hand, if there is no need to send the processing results to the image processing device 100, no request to send the processing results is sent from the image processing device 100 (NO in S607), and the processing execution server 200 ends the processing. A case where there is no need to send the processing results to the image processing device 100 is a case where the image processing device 100 does not process the processing results of the processing execution server 200. For example, this may be the case where the processing results are not returned to the image processing device 100 but are retained in the processing execution server 200, or where they are stored in a server located outside the firewall 400 (on the same side as the processing execution server 200). Whether or not there is a need to send the processing results to the image processing device 100 is predetermined, and may be specified when the form data to be processed is received, or may be identified as a result of data processing.

[0043] <First Modification> In this embodiment, the operation of the information processing device 100 sending the form data to be processed to the processing execution server 200 and the operation of obtaining the processing results from the processing execution server 200 are considered to be separate jobs. Utilizing this, as a modified example of this embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the first job and the second job are executed by different information processing devices 100. In other words, it may be possible to set execution authority for a second job related to a first job executed by one information processing device 100 to another information processing device 100. In this case, the other information processing device 100 executes the second job for which execution authority has been set, and obtains data of the processing result for the data to be processed that has been sent to the server by the first job related to this second job.

[0044] When the processing execution server 200 executes data processing in response to a request from the information processing device 100, an event may occur in which the information processing device 100 is unable to obtain the processing results of the processing execution server 200. For example, after the first job is completed, a failure may occur in the information processing device 100, making it unable to connect to the processing execution server 200, or the information processing device 100 may be powered off, or another process with a heavy load may be started in the information processing device 100. In such cases, the second job may be taken over and executed by an information processing device 100 other than the information processing device 100 that executed the first job. The execution authority for the second job is taken over by the information processing device 100 that executed the first job passing a job ID to the other information processing device 100.

[0045] From the viewpoint of the information processing device 100 that takes over the execution authority for the second job, this information processing device 100 takes over the execution authority for the second job related to the first job executed by the other information processing device 100, and executes the second job based on this execution authority. This information processing device 100 acquires the job ID set for the first job executed by the other information processing device 100, and adds this job ID to the second job to make a request to the process execution server 200 to acquire data of the processing result. Then, the information processing device 100 acquires the processing result of the data identified based on this job ID.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the information processing device 100 that executes the first job is referred to as the information processing device 100a with a suffix "a", and the information processing device 100 that executes the second job is referred to as the information processing device 100b with a suffix "b".

[0047] In the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the information processing device 100a requests the process execution server 200 to perform part of the processing on the data to be processed as a first job. The process execution server 200 processes the data acquired from the information processing device 100a. Meanwhile, the information processing device 100b requests the process execution server 200 to send the processing results as a second job. Upon receiving the request from the information processing device 100b, the process execution server 200 returns the processing results to the information processing device 100b. The information processing device 100b sends the processing result data acquired from the process execution server 200 to the management server 300.

[0048] In this embodiment, a job ID is used as a mechanism for the image processing device 100 and the process execution server 200 to recognize that the first job and the second job are related jobs for the same processing target. Specifically, the process execution server 200 issues a job ID in response to an access from the information processing device 100a to the process execution server 200. The process execution server 200 then recognizes that these operations are related jobs by adding this job ID to the transmission of the data to be processed (the first job) and the transmission request of the processing results (the second job). When the process execution server 200 receives a request for the processing results, with the job ID added, from another information processing device 100b different from the information processing device 100a that performed the first job, the process execution server 200 transmits the processing results of the data identified by this job ID to the information processing device 100b.

[0049] In this modification, the job ID is used in the second job, and the job ID is passed from the information processing device 100a to the information processing device 100b. Here, if it is known in advance that the information processing device 100a will have difficulty executing the second job, such as when performing processing with a high load, the information processing device 100b can be identified in advance and the job ID can be transferred and stored. On the other hand, if the information processing device 100a suddenly becomes unable to execute the second job due to a failure or the like, the job ID cannot be stored in the information processing device 100b in advance. Therefore, a mechanism is needed that makes the job ID available in the information processing device 100b after it is determined that the information processing device 100a cannot execute the second job.

[0050] As an example, the job ID may be stored in a storage device that can be shared by the information processing device 100a and the information processing device 100b, so that the job ID can be used when the information processing device 100b needs to execute the second job. Also, if the number of information processing devices 100b that can execute the second job is small, the job ID may be copied in advance and passed to and stored in each information processing device 100b.

[0051] <Second Modification> In this embodiment, the processing results of the process execution server 200 are stored in the management server 300, which is located inside the firewall 400 (on the same side as the information processing device 100). Therefore, the process execution server 200 returns the processing results in response to a request from the information processing device 100, and the information processing device 100 sends the acquired processing results to the management server 300. In contrast, if the management server 300 is located outside the firewall 400 (on the same side as the process execution server 200), the process execution server 200 does not need to send the processing results to the management server 300 via the information processing device 100.

[0052] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the information processing system according to this embodiment. In the configuration shown in Fig. 8, the management server 300 is provided outside the firewall 400 (on the same side as the process execution server 200). Therefore, the process execution server 200 does not require a transmission request from the information processing device 100, and after processing of the data to be processed is completed, it transmits the processing results directly to the management server 300.

[0053] Here, when the information processing device 100 needs to recognize whether or not the processing of the processing execution server 200 has been completed, it may make an inquiry by long polling or the like, as described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 4 and the flowchart of Fig. 5. In this case, the processing execution server 200 does not return the processing result to the information processing device 100 in response to the inquiry, but returns information indicating that the processing has been completed.

[0054] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the information processing device 100 transmits the processing results of the processing execution server 200 acquired in the second job to the management server 300 and stores them therein. However, if an image processing device is used as the information processing device 100, the acquired processing results may be printed out or otherwise processed. In addition, various modifications and alternative configurations that do not deviate from the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 100...information processing device (image processing device), 110...control unit, 111...CPU, 112...RAM, 113...ROM, 120...storage unit, 130...operation unit, 140...display unit, 150...image reading unit, 160...image forming unit, 170...communication unit, 180...image processing unit, 200...processing execution server, 300...management server

Claims

1. An information processing device and a server are provided, the server acquires data to be processed from the information processing device and executes processing on the data; The information processing device includes: transmitting the data to be processed to the server as a first job; acquiring, as a second job different from the first job, data of a processing result for the data to be processed that has been transmitted to the server by the first job; The server assigning identification information to the first job and transmitting the identification information to the information processing apparatus that performed the first job; An information processing system characterized in that, in response to a request for obtaining the processing results performed by the information processing device in the second job with the identification information added, data of the processing results for data obtained by the first job identified based on the identification information is sent to the information processing device.

2. The information processing system of claim 1, characterized in that the server notifies the completion of processing of data acquired by the first job identified based on the identification information in response to an inquiry from the information processing device made with the identification information attached, after the processing of the data acquired by the first job identified based on the identification information is completed.

3. The information processing system of claim 1, characterized in that when the server receives a request from another information processing device other than the information processing device that performed the first job to obtain the processing results performed by the second job with the identification information added, the server transmits data of the processing results for the data obtained by the first job identified based on the identification information to the other information processing device.

4. the information processing device executes processing on the acquired data of the processing result in the second job; 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the server transmits information used in processing the data of the processing result by the information processing device, attached to the data of the processing result.

5. An information processing device and a server, the server acquires data to be processed from the information processing device and executes processing on the data; The information processing device includes: transmitting the data to be processed to the server as a first job; acquiring, as a second job different from the first job, data of a processing result for the data to be processed that has been transmitted to the server by the first job; In the second job, a process of storing the acquired processing result data in an external device is executed; the information used in the processing of the processing result data is information specifying a storage destination of the processing result data in the external device; The information processing system is characterized in that the server transmits information used in processing the data of the processing result by the information processing device, attached to the data of the processing result.

6. A system comprising a server and a plurality of information processing devices, the server acquires data to be processed from the information processing device and executes processing on the data; One of the information processing devices is transmitting the data to be processed to the server as a first job; The other information processing device is acquiring identification information set for the first job executed by the one information processing apparatus; An information processing system characterized in that, as a second job separate from the first job, a request for processing result data is made to the server by adding the identification information, and processing result data for data acquired by the first job identified based on the identification information is acquired.

7. a processor; The processor: As a first job, the device connects to an external server that can be connected to the device itself and transmits data to be processed by the external server; sharing and storing identification information set for the first job with the external server; An information processing device characterized in that, as a second job separate from the first job, the information processing device connects to the external server, makes a request to obtain data of the processing results for the data sent to the external server by the first job, adding the identification information, and obtains data of the processing results for the data obtained by the first job identified based on the identification information.

8. The processor: After the first job is executed, the identification information is added to the external server to inquire about processing; 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second job is executed when a notification is received from the external server indicating that processing of the data acquired by the first job specified based on the identification information has been completed.

9. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the processor, in the second job, acquires information to be used in processing the processing result data in conjunction with acquiring the processing result data, and executes processing on the processing result data using the acquired information.

10. A processor, The processor: As a first job, the device connects to an external server that can be connected to the device itself and transmits data to be processed by the external server; connecting to the external server as a second job different from the first job, and acquiring data of a processing result for the data transmitted to the external server by the first job; An information processing device characterized in that, in the second job, storage destination information that specifies a storage destination for the processing result data is obtained as information to be used in processing the processing result data, and a process is performed to store the processing result data in the storage destination specified by the storage destination information.

11. A processor, The processor: acquiring identification information set for a first job, which is a job executed by another information processing apparatus and which connects to an external server and transmits data to be processed by the external server; An information processing device characterized in that, as a second job separate from the first job, the identification information is added to the external server to request processing result data, and the processing result data for the data acquired by the first job identified based on the identification information is acquired.

12. On the computer, a process of connecting to an external server connectable from the device itself as a first job and transmitting data to be processed by the external server; a process of sharing and storing identification information set for the first job with the external server; a process of connecting to the external server as a second job different from the first job, making a request to acquire data of a processing result for the data transmitted to the external server by the first job, with the identification information added, and acquiring data of a processing result for the data acquired by the first job specified based on the identification information; A program characterized by causing a program to be executed.

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