Information processing device and program

Abstract

To apply the setting of an actual image forming apparatus to a virtual image forming apparatus even during simulation of the processing in the case of simulating processing of an actual image forming apparatus on a virtual image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 1 acquires a plurality of objects indicative of a virtual image forming apparatus allowed to simulate processing to be executed on an image forming apparatus generated using setting information being set on an image forming apparatus (120), performs control to synchronize setting information between a first object of the plurality of objects and the image forming apparatus (122), and performs control to simulate the processing to be executed on the image forming apparatus using a second object different from the first object (124).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus including: an update processing unit that updates an application program to a new version; a test data acquisition unit that acquires test data generated based on a set value recorded in history information; and an operation confirmation unit that, when the application program is updated by the update processing unit, starts a second application corresponding to the updated application program, inputs the test data to the second application, and verifies whether each of the second application and an application cooperation unit operates normally under a predetermined condition.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a job history information audit system in which a job history information audit server holds a list of devices compatible with new functions and digital multi-function machine information. When the digital multi-function machine information is included in the list of devices compatible with new functions, it is determined that the machine may be compatible with the new function, and the version of the installed job history information audit agent is updated. Then, the job history information audit agent determines whether the machine is compatible with the new function, and if it is compatible, transmits setting information enabling the new function to the job history information audit server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, it is possible to verify the operation of an actual image forming apparatus by simulating processing in a virtual image forming apparatus created by a computer using the setting information set in the actual image forming apparatus. However, while the processing of the virtual image forming apparatus is being simulated, the setting information set for the virtual image forming apparatus being simulated cannot be reflected.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that, when simulating the processing of an image forming apparatus using a virtual image forming apparatus created with the settings of an image forming apparatus, can apply the settings of an actual image forming apparatus to the virtual image forming apparatus even while the processing is being simulated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the first aspect is: The information processing device includes a processor, which acquires a plurality of objects representing a virtual image forming apparatus capable of simulating the processing performed by the image forming apparatus, generated using setting information set in a predetermined image forming apparatus, performs control to synchronize the setting information between a first object among the plurality of objects and the image forming apparatus, and performs control to simulate the processing performed by the image forming apparatus using a second object different from the first object.

[0008] The second aspect is an information processing device according to the first aspect, The processor acquires the first object, duplicates the acquired object, acquires the duplicated object as the second object, and performs control on the second object to verify the process by simulating the process performed by the image forming apparatus using predetermined information.

[0009] The third aspect is an information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, The processor acquires instruction information indicating an instruction to the image forming apparatus for setting information, reflects the changes made by the instruction information in the second object, and, based on the verification result of the process in the second object to which the changes have been reflected, if the verification result indicates that the process in the image forming apparatus is appropriate, controls the processor to reflect the setting information obtained by reflecting the instruction information in the first object into the setting information of the image forming apparatus, and if the verification result indicates that the process in the image forming apparatus is inappropriate, controls the processor to output information indicating that the instruction information is inappropriate for the process.

[0010] The fourth aspect is an information processing apparatus according to the third aspect, The processor temporarily stores the configuration information prior to the change made by the instruction information being reflected in the first object, and if the verification result indicates that the process is unsuitable, it controls the first object to revert to the stored configuration information.

[0011] The fifth aspect is an information processing device relating to any one of the second to fourth aspects, After verifying the process, the processor checks the changes in the first object before and after the verification, and performs control to determine whether or not to perform verification of the changes in the first object before and after the verification based on the results of checking the changes in the first object.

[0012] The sixth aspect is an information processing device relating to the fifth aspect, The processor further performs control to verify the processing in response to the change in the first object if there is a change in the first object before or after the verification.

[0013] The seventh aspect is an information processing device relating to any one of the second to sixth aspects, The processor performs control to erase the second object after performing control to verify the process.

[0014] The eighth aspect is, The program performs information processing and causes a processor to acquire a plurality of objects representing a virtual image forming apparatus capable of simulating the processing performed by the image forming apparatus, which is generated using setting information set in a predetermined image forming apparatus; to perform control to synchronize the setting information between a first object among the plurality of objects and the image forming apparatus; and to perform control to simulate the processing performed by the image forming apparatus using a second object different from the first object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the first and eighth embodiments, when simulating the processing of an image forming apparatus using a virtual image forming apparatus created with the settings of the image forming apparatus, the settings of the actual image forming apparatus can be applied to the virtual image forming apparatus even while the processing is being simulated. According to the second embodiment, compared to the case where multiple objects are acquired without replicating the image forming apparatus, it has the effect of being able to simulate processing that is closer to the processing performed by the image forming apparatus. According to the third embodiment, compared to the case where the settings are reflected in the image forming apparatus regardless of the processing verification results, it has the effect of enabling control according to the processing of the image forming apparatus. According to the fourth aspect, compared to maintaining the setting that reflects the verification result indicating unsuitable processing, it has the effect of allowing the image forming apparatus to apply appropriate processing settings. According to the fifth aspect, compared to not checking for changes in the object, it has the effect of being able to take into account the settings of the image forming apparatus that change moment by moment. According to the sixth aspect, compared to the case where the settings are reflected regardless of changes in the object According to the seventh embodiment, there is an effect that the capacity of the information processing device can be secured compared to the case where the generated object is continuously stored. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the electrical schematic configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the electrical schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the electrical schematic configuration of the virtual image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the electrical schematic configuration of the virtual image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the verification data according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example when the setting information according to the embodiment is changed. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by the information processing program according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the setting change prohibition list according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by the information processing program according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by the information processing program according to the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment for carrying out the technology of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components and processes that perform the same operation, action, or function will be given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant explanations may be omitted as appropriate. Each drawing is only a schematic representation to the extent that the technology of this disclosure can be fully understood. Therefore, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated examples. Furthermore, in this embodiment, explanations of configurations not directly related to the present invention or well-known configurations may be omitted.

[0018] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment for implementing the technology of this disclosure.

[0019] The information processing system shown in Figure 1 includes an information processing device 1, an image forming apparatus 2, an image forming apparatus 2A, an image forming apparatus 2B, and a cloud network 3. The information processing device 1 can be, for example, a general-purpose computer device such as a server computer or a personal computer (PC).

[0020] The information processing device 1 is configured to connect to the image forming apparatus 2, image forming apparatus 2A, image forming apparatus 2B, and cloud network 3 via network N. The information processing device 1 is also capable of connecting to terminal devices (not shown) via network N. Examples of network N include the internet, public communication lines such as telephone networks, LANs (Local Area Networks), and WANs (Wide Area Networks). Furthermore, network N can utilize at least one of wired and wireless communication lines.

[0021] Image forming apparatus 2 is a device installed in a real environment and is a multifunction device having several functions from among several functions such as copying, printing, scanning, facsimile, and OCR (optical character recognition). For example, when image forming apparatus 2 receives a print job from a terminal device (not shown), such as a PC, it performs printing processing based on the print job. Also, for example, image forming apparatus 2 has a function to scan a document and transmit the scanned data to a terminal device (not shown).

[0022] Cloud Network 3 is a cloud-based network where virtual image forming apparatuses 2A and 2B exist, synchronized with the image forming apparatus 2 and storing the settings of the image forming apparatus 2. Virtual image forming apparatus 2A stores the settings of image forming apparatus 2 in synchronization with image forming apparatus 2. In this way, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the image forming apparatus 2 installed in the actual environment and the virtual image forming apparatus 2A existing in Cloud Network 3.

[0023] Furthermore, the virtual image forming apparatus 2B is an image forming apparatus that is generated by duplicating the settings of the image forming apparatus 2A as needed, as will be described in detail later.

[0024] It should be noted that the virtual image forming apparatuses 2A and 2B do not exist as actual image forming apparatuses, but rather as objects that store the settings for image forming apparatus 2 and function as image forming apparatuses according to those settings. These objects include the functionality to execute various processes that operate in image forming apparatus 2 according to the settings. Therefore, it is possible to verify the processes executed in image forming apparatus 2, that is, to verify the operation of image forming apparatus 2, using these objects.

[0025] In other words, the virtual image forming apparatuses 2A and 2B are objects that function as virtualized devices, at least in part. The virtual image forming apparatuses 2A and 2B can be built on the cloud network 3. For example, the virtual image forming apparatuses 2A and 2B can be built on a server, etc. Therefore, the virtual image forming apparatuses 2A and 2B can be built on network N using cloud computing technology and can be used in equivalent terms to virtual hardware resources similar to those of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0026] The virtual image forming apparatuses 2A and 2B described above are not limited to objects that function as image forming apparatus 2. For example, virtual image forming apparatus 2A may be formed as an object that only stores the settings of image forming apparatus 2. Virtual image forming apparatus 2B may be an object that stores the settings of virtual image forming apparatus 2A and is configured to verify the operation of image forming apparatus 2 based on the stored settings.

[0027] Next, an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic electrical configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 can be, for example, a server computer or a general-purpose computer device such as a PC.

[0028] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 1 includes a computer main unit 11. The computer main unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, ROM (Read-Only Memory) 14, a storage unit 15, and input / output ports (I / O) 16. The CPU 12, RAM 13, ROM 14, storage unit 15, and I / O 16 are connected to each other via a bus.

[0029] Furthermore, I / O16 is connected to various functional units, including a communication unit 17 that enables communication with external devices, an operation input unit 18 that enables user operation input, and a display unit 19 that enables image display. These functional units are able to communicate with the CPU 12 via I / O16.

[0030] The computer body 11 may be configured as a sub-control unit that controls the operation of a part of the information processing device 1, or as part of the main control unit that controls the operation of the entire information processing device 1. Some or all of the blocks of the computer body 11 may use integrated circuits such as LSIs (Large Scale Integration) or ICs (Integrated Circuit) chipsets. Individual circuits may be used for each of the above blocks, or circuits that integrate some or all of them may be used. The above blocks may be provided as a single unit, or some blocks may be provided separately. Furthermore, parts of each of the above blocks may be provided separately. For the integration of the computer body 11, dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors may be used, not just LSIs.

[0031] As the storage unit 15, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory may be used. The storage unit 15 stores an information processing program 15P that causes the information processing device 1 to function as the information processing device of this disclosure. The CPU 12 reads the information processing program 15P from the storage unit 15, loads it into the RAM 13, and executes the processing. As a result, the information processing device 1 that has executed the information processing program 15P operates as the information processing device of this disclosure. The specific processing of the information processing device 1 will be described later.

[0032] The information processing program 15P may be stored in the ROM 14. Alternatively, the information processing program 15P may be pre-installed on the information processing device 1, for example. The information processing program 15P may also be implemented by storing it on a non-volatile storage medium, or by appropriately installing program information distributed via the network N onto the information processing device 1. Examples of non-volatile storage mediums include CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), magneto-optical disk, HDD, DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), flash memory, and memory cards.

[0033] The storage unit 15 also stores a database 15D containing various types of information usable by the information processing device 1. The information stored in the database 15D is not limited to being pre-stored in the storage unit 15. For example, it may be stored in an external device (not shown) and retrieved from that external device via a communication line.

[0034] Database 15D also stores image function programs 15S for simulating various functions of the image forming process in the image forming apparatus 2. The CPU of a predetermined execution device reads the image function programs 15S, loads them into memory such as RAM, and executes processing based on the settings. As a result, the execution device that executes the image function programs 15S can operate in a way that simulates various functions of the image forming process.

[0035] Furthermore, the database 15D also stores verification data 15X (Figure 7), which is used to simulate various functions of the image forming process in the image forming apparatus 2. By using this verification data 15X to execute the image function program 15S by the CPU of the execution device, it becomes possible to simulate the functions of the image forming apparatus and verify the functions of the image forming apparatus.

[0036] The communication unit 17 is connected to the network N and is configured to enable communication between the information processing device 1 and an external device.

[0037] The operation input unit 18 is equipped with, for example, a device for operation input such as a keyboard or mouse.

[0038] The display unit 19 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The display unit 19 may also be a touch panel having the functions of the operation input unit 18. The operation input unit 18 and the display unit 19 receive various instructions from the user of the information processing device 1. The display unit 19 displays various information such as the results of processing performed in response to the instructions received from the user, and notifications regarding the processing.

[0039] Next, an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 according to this embodiment.

[0040] The image forming apparatus 2 includes a computer unit 21. The computer unit 21 includes a CPU 22, RAM 23, ROM 24, storage unit 25, and I / O 26. The CPU 22, RAM 23, ROM 24, storage unit 25, and I / O 26 are connected to each other via a bus.

[0041] I / O26 is connected to various functional units, including a communication unit 27 that enables communication with external devices, an operation input unit 28 that enables user operation input, and a display unit 29 that enables image display. These functional units can communicate with the CPU 22 via I / O26.

[0042] Furthermore, I / O26 is connected to a processing unit 20 that physically executes various functions related to image formation, such as the copying function described above. The processing unit 20 performs the actual image formation process.

[0043] The memory unit 25 stores an image forming program 25P for operating the image forming apparatus 2. The CPU 22 reads the image forming program 25P from the memory unit 25, loads it into the RAM 23, and executes the image forming process. As a result, the image forming apparatus 2, having executed the image forming program 25P, becomes capable of performing various image forming processes.

[0044] The memory unit 25 also stores a database 25D containing various information usable by the image forming apparatus 2. The database 25D also stores setting information 25E related to image forming processing in the image forming apparatus 2. The setting information 25E includes setting data 25F and function data 25G. The setting data 25F indicates the setting values ​​applied to the functions executed by the image forming apparatus 2. The function data 25G indicates the setting values ​​related to the equipment, such as the types of functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 2. By reflecting the setting data 25F in other image forming apparatuses, it is possible to simulate the corresponding functions of the image forming apparatus 2. By reflecting the configuration of the function data 25G in other image forming apparatuses, it is possible to simulate the functions equipped in the image forming apparatus 2. Note that the setting information 25E can also be used as a single data without distinguishing between the setting data 25F and the function data 25G. For example, it is possible to include function data 25G, which indicates the presence or absence of a specific function, in the setting data 25F and use it as setting information 25E. In the image forming apparatus 2, the CPU 22 executes the image forming program 25P using the setting information 25E, and the processing unit 20 then performs the image forming process.

[0045] The communication unit 27 is connected to the network N and is configured to communicate with external devices. The operation input unit 28 receives various instructions from the user of the image forming apparatus 2, and the display unit 29 displays the results of the processing performed in accordance with the instructions received from the user, as well as various information such as notifications regarding the processing.

[0046] Next, an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 2A will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic electrical configuration of a virtual image forming apparatus 2A located on a cloud network.

[0047] Image forming apparatus 2A, like image forming apparatus 2, includes a computer main unit 210, which comprises a CPU 220, RAM 230, ROM 240, storage unit 250, and I / O 260, all connected to each other via a bus. A communication unit 270, an operation input unit 280, and a display unit 290 are connected to the I / O 260.

[0048] The memory unit 250 stores an image forming program 250P similar to the image forming program 25P.

[0049] Furthermore, the memory unit 250 stores a database 250D, similar to the image forming apparatus 2. The database 250D stores setting information 250E, which includes setting data 250F and function data 250G.

[0050] Since the image forming apparatus 2A is an object built on the cloud network 3, it is not equipped with the processing unit 20 shown in Figure 3. Instead of the processing unit 20, the image forming apparatus 2A stores an image function program 200P in the storage unit 250. The image function program 200P can acquire and store the image function program 15S stored in the information processing device 1. In the image forming apparatus 2A, when the CPU 220 executes the image forming program 250P using the setting information 250E, the image function program 200P is executed, thereby simulating the processing unit 20 and enabling image forming processing.

[0051] Next, an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 2B will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic electrical configuration of a virtual image forming apparatus 2B that can be built on a cloud network.

[0052] Image forming apparatus 2B is constructed by replicating image forming apparatus 2A. Like image forming apparatus 2A, image forming apparatus 2B includes a computer unit 211. The computer unit 211 includes a CPU 221, RAM 231, ROM 241, storage unit 251, and I / O 261, which are connected to each other via a bus. A communication unit 271, an operation input unit 281, and a display unit 291 are connected to I / O 261.

[0053] The memory unit 251 stores an image forming program 251P similar to the image forming program 250P, and a database 251D. The database 251D stores setting information 251E, which includes setting data 251F, a copy of the setting information 250E, and function data 251G.

[0054] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 2B stores the replicated image function program 201P in the storage unit 251.

[0055] Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0056] The information processing device 1 includes an acquisition unit 120, a synchronization unit 122, and a simulation unit 124. The CPU 12 of the information processing device 1 executes the information processing program 15P, which enables the acquisition unit 120, the synchronization unit 122, and the simulation unit 124 to function.

[0057] The acquisition unit 120 is a functional unit that controls the acquisition of multiple objects representing virtual image forming apparatuses that can simulate the processing performed by an image forming apparatus, which is generated using setting information set in a predetermined image forming apparatus. Specifically, the acquisition unit 120 acquires virtual image forming apparatuses 2A and 2B (multiple objects) that are generated using setting information 25E set in the image forming apparatus 2.

[0058] Multiple objects may be generated by duplicating the setting information 25E set in the image forming apparatus 2. The acquisition unit 120 can acquire a first object which is a duplicate of the image forming apparatus 2, duplicate the acquired first object, and acquire the duplicated object as a second object. For example, the acquisition unit 120 can acquire a virtual image forming apparatus 2A which is a duplicate of the image forming apparatus 2, duplicate the acquired virtual image forming apparatus 2, and acquire the duplicated virtual image forming apparatus as a virtual image forming apparatus 2B.

[0059] The synchronization unit 122 is a functional unit that controls the synchronization of setting information between the first object among multiple objects and the image forming apparatus. For example, the synchronization unit 122 controls the synchronization of setting information 25E and 250E between the actual image forming apparatus 2 and the virtual image forming apparatus 2A.

[0060] The simulation unit 124 is a functional unit that performs control to simulate the processing performed in the image forming apparatus using a second object different from the first object. Specifically, the simulation unit 124 performs control to simulate the processing performed in the actual image forming apparatus 2 using a virtual image forming apparatus 2B. The simulation unit 124 can perform control to the virtual image forming apparatus 2B to simulate the processing performed in the image forming apparatus 2 using predetermined information and to verify the said processing. In this processing verification control, predetermined verification data can be used.

[0061] Figure 7 shows an example of verification data used when performing control to verify the above process. Verification data includes historical data such as user operation logs and image data such as forms for printing. Historical data can be data stored from the processing history of functions performed by the image forming apparatus 2. For example, detailed historical data such as the settings of the image forming apparatus 2 during function operation, network requests to the image forming apparatus 2 (print data, information requests, requesting application information, requesting OS (operating system) information, etc.), user interface operations, and output results (scan data, information response data, destination application information, destination OS information, etc.) can be stored and used as verification data. Verification data can be stored in the database 15D in the storage unit 15 of the information processing device 1. This verification data may be obtained from the image forming apparatus 2, or it may be created and stored in advance. Furthermore, the verification data is not limited to being stored in the information processing device 1. For example, it may be stored in the image forming apparatus 2 or an external device (not shown), and the stored verification data may be obtained via the network N.

[0062] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 120 described above can acquire instruction information indicating a change instruction to the actual setting information 25E of the image forming apparatus 2. When the acquisition unit 120 acquires instruction information, the simulation unit 124 can reflect the changes based on the instruction information in the virtual image forming apparatus 2B. The simulation unit 124 simulates the processing performed in the image forming apparatus 2 in the virtual image forming apparatus 2B in which the changes have been reflected. The simulation unit 124 can then acquire the verification result of the processing in the virtual image forming apparatus 2B in which the changes have been reflected. Based on this verification result, the simulation unit 124 can determine whether to reflect the setting information to the actual image forming apparatus 2. That is, if the verification result indicates the appropriateness of the processing in the image forming apparatus 2, it is possible to control the image forming apparatus 2 to reflect the setting information 25E of the image forming apparatus 2, which is the same as the setting information 251E of the virtual image forming apparatus 2A in which the instruction information has been reflected in the virtual image forming apparatus 2B. On the other hand, if the verification results indicate that the processing is unsuitable, it is possible to implement control that outputs information indicating that the instruction information is unsuitable for processing.

[0063] The setting information prior to the reflection of the changes based on the above-mentioned instruction information into the setting information 250E of the virtual image forming apparatus 2A can be temporarily stored. If the verification result indicates that the processing is unsuitable when the changes based on the above-mentioned instruction information are reflected into the setting information 250E of the virtual image forming apparatus 2A, it is possible to control the system to revert the setting information 250E of the virtual image forming apparatus 2A back to the stored setting information. In other words, if the virtual image forming apparatus 2A, which is synchronized with the image forming apparatus 2, is unsuitable when the processing is simulated, the setting information can be restored to its state before the change.

[0064] Furthermore, after verifying the above-described process, the simulation unit 124 can confirm the changes in the virtual image forming apparatus 2A before and after the verification. Based on the results of confirming the changes in the virtual image forming apparatus 2A, it is also possible to perform control to determine whether or not to verify the changes in the virtual image forming apparatus 2A before and after the verification.

[0065] In this case, the simulation unit 124 can also perform further control to verify the processing of changes in the virtual image forming apparatus 2A using the virtual image forming apparatus 2B if there are changes in the virtual image forming apparatus 2A before and after verification.

[0066] Since the virtual image forming apparatus 2B described above becomes unnecessary after the processing is verified, control may be performed to erase the virtual image forming apparatus 2B after the control for verifying the processing.

[0067] By using the information processing device 1 and virtual image forming apparatuses 2A and 2B having the above-described configuration, even when the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 2 installed in the actual environment is being simulated by the virtual image forming apparatus 2A, the settings being simulated can be reflected in the actual image forming apparatus.

[0068] Next, the operation of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, we will describe the case in which the function settings related to email (hereinafter simply referred to as "email") that can be sent and received by the image forming apparatus 2 are changed by the user.

[0069] Figure 8 shows an example of a change in the setting information 25E (setting data 25F and function data 25G) in the image forming apparatus 2. In Figure 8, the email setting in the setting information 25E (setting data 25F and function data 25G) has been changed from "disabled" to "enabled".

[0070] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by the information processing program 15P executed in the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0071] First, when the information processing device 1 is instructed to start the information processing program 15P, the CPU 12 executes the following steps. The information processing program 15P is started when it is instructed to start by an instruction to execute it periodically or by receiving a notification from the image forming apparatus 2. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the program is started when a notification is received from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0072] Here, it is assumed that a virtual image forming apparatus 2A, which stores the settings of the actual image forming apparatus 2, is connected to network N, while a virtual image forming apparatus 2B, which also stores the settings of image forming apparatus 2, is either not formed or not connected to network N. Furthermore, it is assumed that the actual image forming apparatus 2 and the virtual image forming apparatus 2A are synchronized, that is, that the setting information 25E and the setting information 250E are synchronized. In addition, the virtual image forming apparatus 2A is capable of saving information before and after changes to the setting information 250E as a history.

[0073] First, in step S100, the CPU 12 receives notification from the image forming apparatus 2 regarding the settings detected by the apparatus. Specifically, the user instructs the image forming apparatus 2 to change the email setting from disabled to enabled. As a result, the image forming apparatus 2 notifies the information processing device 1 that the setting information 25E in the image forming apparatus 2 has been changed. In response, the CPU 12 of the information processing device 1 starts the information processing program 15P and, in step S100, receives notification of the setting detected by the image forming apparatus 2, namely the instruction to change the email setting from disabled to enabled. At this point, however, the setting to change the email setting for the actual image forming apparatus 2 has not yet been reflected. Also, the setting to change the email setting for the virtual image forming apparatus 2A, which is synchronized with the actual image forming apparatus 2, has not yet been reflected.

[0074] In step S102, the CPU 12 generates a virtual image forming apparatus 2B, which is a replica of the virtual image forming apparatus 2A. At this point, the virtual image forming apparatus 2B is connected to the network N as the same image forming processing apparatus as the virtual image forming apparatus 2A.

[0075] In step S104, the CPU 12 applies the received notification to the replicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B. Specifically, the CPU 12 notifies the image forming apparatus 2B that the email setting has been changed to enabled, and controls the replicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B to change the email setting value in its setting information 251E from disabled to enabled. Upon receiving the notification, the image forming apparatus 2B changes the email setting from disabled to enabled.

[0076] In step S106, the CPU 12 obtains the verification results of the replicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B. Specifically, first, the image forming apparatus 2B obtains verification data such as operation logs and reports from the information processing device 1. The verification data may be automatically output from the information processing device 1 in step S104, or it may be output upon request from the image forming apparatus 2B. Next, the CPU 12 requests the image forming apparatus 2B to perform verification. In response, the image forming apparatus 2B uses the operation logs of the acquired verification data to perform past operations and processes in the actual image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2B also virtually outputs reports of the acquired verification data. The image forming apparatus 2B determines whether the results of these past operations and processes, as well as the virtual output results of the reports, are predetermined normal results. This determination result is output to the information processing device 1. This determination result output from the image forming apparatus 2B is obtained in step S106.

[0077] The verification results may be determined by the information processing device 1 or by a verification server (not shown). In this case, the image forming apparatus 2B should output the results of past operations and processing, as well as the data of a virtually outputted virtual report, to the information processing device 1 or the verification server (not shown). The information processing device 1 or the verification server (not shown) should then determine whether the results and output are normal according to predetermined criteria and obtain the determination result as the verification result.

[0078] In step S108, the CPU 12 determines whether the acquired verification result is normal or not. If it is normal, it makes a positive judgment and proceeds to step S110.

[0079] In step S110, the CPU 12 reflects the settings of the virtual image forming apparatus 12B to the actual image forming apparatus 2. Specifically, if a normal verification result is obtained, the image forming apparatus 2B notifies the image forming apparatus 2A of the verification result. In response to the notified verification result, the image forming apparatus 2A reflects the setting information 250E to the content received from the image forming apparatus 2 by changing the email setting value from disabled to enabled. Then, by synchronizing the setting information 250E of the image forming apparatus 2A with the setting information 25E of the image forming apparatus 2, the change in the email setting from disabled to enabled is reflected to the image forming apparatus 2.

[0080] Next, in step S112, the CPU 12 performs control to delete the duplicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B, and then terminates this processing routine.

[0081] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S108, the CPU 12 proceeds to step S114 and applies the actual settings of the image forming apparatus 2 to return to the state before the settings were applied. Specifically, if an abnormal verification result is obtained that is not normal, the image forming apparatus 2B notifies the image forming apparatus 2A of the verification result. In response to the notified verification result, the image forming apparatus 2A determines that it is inappropriate to change the email setting value from disabled to enabled, and discards the content of the notification received from the image forming apparatus 2 without reflecting it in the setting information 250E. Then, by synchronizing the setting information 250E of the image forming apparatus 2A and the setting information 25E of the image forming apparatus 2, the content to change the email setting from disabled to enabled is not reflected in the image forming apparatus 2.

[0082] The above describes a case where the setting to change the email settings for the actual image forming apparatus 2 is not reflected, and the setting is not reflected in the virtual image forming apparatus 2A which is synchronized with the actual image forming apparatus 2. In contrast, this embodiment is also applicable when the email settings are changed in the actual image forming apparatus 2 and then notified, and the virtual image forming apparatus 2A is synchronized. In this case, the history saved in the virtual image forming apparatus 2A described above, that is, the information before and after the change in the setting information 250E, can be used. Specifically, in the case of a normal verification result, the image forming apparatus 2A should reflect the setting information 250E that maintains the changed email setting value (step S110). On the other hand, in the case of an abnormal verification result, the image forming apparatus 2A should restore the setting information 250E to the saved information before the change (setting information 250E). Then, by synchronizing the restored setting information 250E of the image forming apparatus 2A with the setting information 25E of the image forming apparatus 2, the image forming apparatus 2 is restored to the disabled state it was in before the email setting was enabled (step S114).

[0083] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a setting change is requested, the virtual image forming apparatus 2B, which is a replica of the virtual image forming apparatus 2A synchronized with the actual image forming apparatus 2, performs verification of the setting to be changed. Therefore, the verification process does not interrupt the processing between the virtual image forming apparatus 2A, which is synchronized with the actual image forming apparatus 2. As a result, when simulating the processing of an image forming apparatus using the settings of the image forming apparatus 2 in a virtual image forming apparatus, the settings of the actual image forming apparatus 2 can be applied to the virtual image forming apparatus even during the processing simulation. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the user due to interruptions in the processing of the image forming apparatus 2, etc.

[0084] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the second embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

[0085] The first embodiment described a case in which the user changes the function settings related to emails that can be sent and received in the image forming apparatus 2. The second embodiment describes a case in which a change in the settings of the image forming apparatus 2 is requested by a central device (not shown) that manages the image forming apparatus 2.

[0086] In the second embodiment, as an example of changing the settings, a case in which the OS is upgraded based on OS information from a network-based request to the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a case in which information regarding the OS upgrade is transmitted from a central device (not shown) to a virtual image forming apparatus 2A will be described as an example.

[0087] Next, the operation of the information processing device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the information processing according to the second embodiment, first, the CPU 12 receives a request from a central device (not shown) to upgrade the OS of the image forming apparatus 2 and generates a virtual image forming apparatus 2B. Specifically, the virtual image forming apparatus 2A detects the request to upgrade the OS of the image forming apparatus 2, and the virtual image forming apparatus 2A notifies the information processing device 1 that it has detected the request to upgrade the OS of the image forming apparatus 2. In response, the CPU 12 of the information processing device 1 receives the detected settings (step S100) and generates a virtual image forming apparatus 2B that is a copy of the virtual image forming apparatus 2A (step S102).

[0088] Next, the CPU 12 applies the OS version upgrade to the replicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B (step S104) and obtains the verification results of the replicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B (step S106). Specifically, the CPU 12 obtains verification data such as operation logs and reports, and requests the image forming apparatus 2B to perform verification. The image forming apparatus 2B performs past operations and processes based on the operation logs of the verification data, virtually outputs reports of the verification data, and determines whether the execution results and output results are normal. This determination result is obtained by the information processing device 1.

[0089] If the acquired verification result is normal (affirmed in step S108), CPU 12 reflects the settings of the virtual image forming apparatus 12B in the actual image forming apparatus 2 (step S110). Specifically, if the verification result is normal, image forming apparatus 2B notifies image forming apparatus 2A of the verification result, and image forming apparatus 2A reflects the received notification in the setting information 250E by changing the setting value of the OS information to the version upgrade value. Then, the setting information 250E of image forming apparatus 2A and the setting information 25E of image forming apparatus 2 are synchronized.

[0090] If the acquired verification result is not normal (negated in step S108), the CPU 12 notifies the center device (not shown) that the OS version upgrade is inappropriate (step S114). Specifically, if the verification result is not normal, the image forming apparatus 2B notifies the image forming apparatus 2A of the verification result, and the image forming apparatus 2A notifies the center device (not shown) that the requested OS version upgrade is inappropriate, without reflecting the accepted request in the setting information 250E.

[0091] Then, the CPU 12 performs control to delete the duplicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B (step S112).

[0092] In the above description, a request to upgrade the OS of the image forming apparatus 2 was sent from a central device (not shown) to a virtual image forming apparatus 2A. However, this embodiment is not limited to requests sent from a central device (not shown). For example, it can also be applied when a user instructs the image forming apparatus 2 to perform a setting (a request to upgrade the OS).

[0093] As described above, according to this embodiment, when an external device such as a center device instructs a change in the settings of the image forming apparatus 2, the settings to be changed are verified in the replicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B before the settings are actually changed. Therefore, it becomes possible to identify in advance any problems that may arise from changing the settings of the actual image forming apparatus 2, preventing the processing of the image forming apparatus 2 from being hindered by problems caused by the setting changes, and thus reducing the burden on the user.

[0094] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Since the third embodiment has the same configuration as the embodiments described above, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the differences between the third embodiment and the embodiments described above will be explained.

[0095] The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Specifically, it describes a case in which a change in the settings for the image forming apparatus 2 is required to add subprograms such as application programs and plug-in programs that can be executed in the image forming apparatus 2. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it adds subprograms in addition to changing the setting information 25E of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0096] Next, the operation of the information processing device 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the information processing according to the third embodiment, the CPU 12 receives a request to add a subprogram to the image forming apparatus 2, obtains the contents of the subprogram (step S100), and generates an image forming apparatus 2B which is a copy of the image forming apparatus 2A (step S102).

[0097] Next, the CPU 12 applies the content of adding a subprogram to the image forming apparatus 2 to the replicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B (step S104), and obtains the verification result of the replicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B (step S106). If the verification result is normal (affirmed in step S108), the settings of the virtual image forming apparatus 12B are reflected in the actual image forming apparatus 2 (step S110). On the other hand, if the verification result is not normal (negative in step S108), the CPU 12 applies the settings of the actual image forming apparatus 2 to return it to the state before the settings were applied (step S114). Here, it is notified that the content of adding the subprogram is inappropriate. Then, the CPU 12 controls the deletion of the replicated virtual image forming apparatus 2B (step S112).

[0098] Thus, according to this embodiment, even if a user is instructed to change the settings to add a subprogram, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user caused by problems resulting from adding the subprogram before the subprogram is actually added.

[0099] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Since the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the embodiments described above, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the differences between the fourth embodiment and the embodiments described above will be explained.

[0100] In the fourth embodiment, if the verification result is unsuitable, the unsuitable setting is registered as a setting change prohibition list 15H in the database 15D of the information processing device 1, and warning information is output when a change is made to the same or similar setting.

[0101] Figure 10 shows an example of a list of prohibited setting changes 15H registered in the database 15D of the information processing device 1. Figure 10 shows an example of a case where the verification result is unsuitable when the email setting is "enabled" in the settings of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0102] Next, the operation of the information processing device 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by the information processing program 15P executed in the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 11 is the same as the processing shown in Figure 9, with the addition of steps S120, S122, and S124.

[0103] In the information processing according to the fourth embodiment, when the CPU 12 receives notification of the setting content (step S100), in step S120 it determines whether the received setting content is registered in the setting change prohibition list 15H. If the determination in step S120 is positive, in step S122 it outputs warning information warning that the instructed setting content is unsuitable for the image forming apparatus 2, and terminates this processing routine. On the other hand, if the determination in step S120 is negative, it proceeds to the process of generating the virtual image forming apparatus 2B described above (step S102).

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the CPU 12 finds that the verification result of the instructed settings is unsuitable (negated in step S108), it applies the actual settings of the image forming apparatus 2 to restore it to the state before the settings were applied (step S114). Here, it is notified that the settings are unsuitable. Then, in the added step S124, the unsuitable settings are registered in the setting change prohibition list 15H, and the process moves on to step S112.

[0105] As described above, according to this embodiment, if the settings to be reflected in the image forming apparatus 2 are inappropriate, the inappropriate settings are registered in the setting change prohibition list 15H. Furthermore, if the settings to be reflected in the image forming apparatus 2 are already registered in the setting change prohibition list 15H, warning information is output. Therefore, by referring to the setting change prohibition list 15H, a warning about inappropriate settings can be presented without performing the verification described above.

[0106] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Since the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the embodiments described above, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the differences between the fifth embodiment and the embodiments described above will be explained.

[0107] In the fifth embodiment, if the verification result is unsuitable, the unsuitable setting content registered in the setting change prohibition list 15H is removed from the setting change prohibition list 15H if it becomes normal after re-verification.

[0108] Next, the operation of the information processing device 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by the information processing program 15P executed in the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 12 replaces the processing in step S122 shown in Figure 11 with the addition of steps S130, S132, S134, and S136.

[0109] In the information processing according to the fifth embodiment, if the CPU 12 makes an affirmative judgment in step S120, it re-verifies the setting content that was deemed unsuitable in step S130. The processing in step S130 is the same as the processing in steps S102 to S106. Next, in step S132, the CPU 12 determines whether the result of the re-verification is normal or not, and if the judgment is affirmative, it proceeds to step S134. In step S134, the setting content for which the result of the re-verification was normal is removed from the setting change prohibition list 15H, and the processing proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, in step S136, similar to step S114 described above, the actual setting content of the image forming apparatus 2 is applied to return to the state before the setting content was reflected (in this case, it is notified that the re-verified content is unsuitable), and the processing proceeds to step S112.

[0110] Thus, according to this embodiment, if the verification result of re-examining the settings registered in the setting change prohibition list 15H is normal, the setting is removed from the setting change prohibition list 15H. Therefore, if a setting that was previously unsuitable becomes normal, it can be removed from the setting change prohibition list 15H and applied to the image forming apparatus 2.

[0111] [Other embodiments] In the embodiments described above, the case in which the information processing device 1 and the virtual image forming apparatus 2A are configured independently was explained, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the information processing device 1 may be formed within the cloud network 3, and the virtual information processing device 1 and the virtual image forming apparatus 2A may be formed within the cloud network 3, so that the virtual information processing device 1 and the virtual image forming apparatus 2A are formed as a single unit. In this case, the virtual image forming apparatus 2A may be configured to operate as the information processing device 1 described above, or the virtual image forming apparatus 2A may be configured to operate within the information processing device 1.

[0112] In the embodiments described above, we explained the case where there is a change or specification in the setting information of the image forming apparatus. However, if the instructed setting is unsuitable, the instructed setting may be corrected by changing other setting information that is different from the instructed setting. For this reason, in the verification described above, a trial process may be performed to change other setting information that is different from the instructed setting. If the instructed setting becomes correct as a result of this trial process, it is preferable to confirm with the user the change in other setting information that was made in the trial process. Specifically, the user should be asked whether it is permissible to change other setting information that is different in order to reflect the instructed setting in the image forming apparatus 2. This makes it possible for the user to confirm the changes in other setting information that will affect the reflection of the instructed setting in the image forming apparatus 2.

[0113] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment explained a case in which setting instructions for the image forming apparatus 2 are verified using the actual image forming apparatus 2, a virtual image forming apparatus 2A, and a virtual image forming apparatus 2B which is a replica of the virtual image forming apparatus 2A. The virtual image forming apparatus 2B is not limited to one; the virtual image forming apparatus 2A may be replicated into multiple virtual image forming apparatuses and processed in parallel. This distributes the verification load and reduces the time required for verification compared to the case where verification is performed using only the image forming apparatus 2B.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the settings instructed to the actual image forming apparatus 2 and the verification results obtained by the virtual image forming apparatus 2B based on those settings can be used for other actual image forming apparatuses. For example, the settings and the verification results obtained by the virtual image forming apparatus 2B based on those settings can be used in common for image forming apparatuses with the same configuration, such as image forming apparatuses from the same lot and image forming apparatuses of the same model. This reduces the need to perform verification for each image forming apparatus by using previously verified data (settings and verification results), thereby reducing the processing load.

[0115] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment explained a case in which verification is performed using historical data such as user operation logs and verification data such as image data of forms for printing. The verification data used for this verification may be predetermined data for each image forming apparatus 2. For example, if the image forming apparatus 2 is used as an image forming apparatus dedicated to printing forms, only the verification data related to the forms needs to be applied.

[0116] Furthermore, the verification information between the settings instructed to the actual image forming apparatus 2 described above and the verification results obtained by the virtual image forming apparatus 2B based on those settings may be acquired from multiple different image forming apparatuses and stored in a storage device. It is preferable that the verification information stored in the storage device be configured to allow extraction by search. For example, by comparing the image forming apparatus and its settings and acquiring the verification results, the verification process can be omitted. Therefore, the processing load related to verification can be reduced.

[0117] The above describes an information processing device based on an embodiment. The embodiment may take the form of a program that causes a computer to execute the functions of each part of the information processing device. The embodiment may also take the form of a storage medium that is readable by a computer and stores this program.

[0118] Furthermore, the configuration of the information processing device described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and may be modified as needed without departing from the main purpose.

[0119] Furthermore, the program processing flow described in the above embodiment is just one example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the processing order rearranged, as long as it does not deviate from the main purpose.

[0120] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case in which the process according to the embodiment is realized by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program, the embodiment is not limited to this. The embodiment may also be realized by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 1. Information Processing Device 2, 2A, 2B Image forming device 3. Cloud Network 11. Computer main unit 12 CPU 13 RAM 14 ROM 15 Storage section 15D Database 15P Information Processing Program 17 Communications Department 18. Operation Input Section 19 Display section 20 Processing Units 21 Computer main unit 25 Memory section 25D Database 25E Configuration Information 25F Configuration Data 25G Functional Data 25P Image Forming Program 27 Communications Department 28 Operation Input Section 29 Display section 120 Acquisition Department 122 Classmates 124 Simulation Department

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, A first object representing a virtual image forming apparatus capable of simulating the processing performed by the image forming apparatus is obtained using setting information set in a predetermined image forming apparatus. Control is performed to synchronize the setting information between the first object and the image forming apparatus. When instruction information indicating a change in the setting information is received for the image forming apparatus, a second object is generated by duplicating the first object, the changes due to the instruction information are reflected in the generated second object, and control is performed to simulate the processing executed by the image forming apparatus using the second object in which the changes in the setting information are reflected. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned processor, The second object is subjected to control that simulates the processing performed by the image forming apparatus using predetermined information, and the processing is verified by performing this control. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, When the instruction information is obtained, before the image forming apparatus reflects the changes made by the instruction information, the second object is generated by duplicating the first object. The changes made by the instruction information are reflected in the second object. Based on the verification result of the process in the second object in which the changes in the setting information are reflected, if the verification result indicates that the process in the image forming apparatus is appropriate, the setting information of the second object, which has been changed by the instruction information, is reflected in the first object, and the setting information of the first object is reflected in the setting information of the image forming apparatus by synchronization. If the verification result indicates that the process in the image forming apparatus is inappropriate, the system is controlled to output information indicating that the instruction information is inappropriate for the process. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned processor, When the instruction information is acquired, the setting information of the first object is temporarily stored before the image forming apparatus reflects the changes made by the instruction information. The changes made by the instruction information are reflected in the first object. A second object is generated by duplicating the first object to which the changes based on the aforementioned configuration information are reflected. If the verification result indicates that the aforementioned process is unsuitable, control is performed to return the first object to the temporarily stored configuration information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned processor, After verifying the process, the changes in the first object before and after the verification are confirmed. Based on the results of confirming the changes in the first object, control is performed to determine whether or not to perform verification of the changes in the first object before and after the verification. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The aforementioned processor, If there is a change in the first object before or after the verification, further control is performed to verify the processing in response to the change in the first object. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned processor, After the control to verify the above process, control is performed to delete the second object. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. A program that performs information processing, In the processor, A first object representing a virtual image forming apparatus capable of simulating the processing performed by the image forming apparatus is obtained using setting information set in a predetermined image forming apparatus. Control is performed to synchronize the setting information between the first object and the image forming apparatus. When instruction information indicating a change in the setting information is received for the image forming apparatus, a second object is generated by duplicating the first object, the changes due to the instruction information are reflected in the generated second object, and control is performed to simulate the processing executed by the image forming apparatus using the second object in which the changes in the setting information are reflected. A program that handles a task.

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