JP2019219970A - Information processing system and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify a pre-registration process for pull printing. An information processing system 1 is connected to each other via a server device 20 connected to a first network N1 and a second network N2 connected to the first network, and is connected to one main device 10A. , A plurality of image forming devices 10B and 10C including the remaining one or more client devices. The main device searches for client devices and requests registration by supplying device information of the main device and device information of each client device to the device search unit and the server device that acquire device information from each client device. The device registration unit and the server device acquire the device information of each client device and the setting value for each device information of the main device, and distribute the setting value for each device information to the client device identified by each device information. Operates as a setting distribution unit. [Selection diagram] FIG. 4

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus for downloading and uploading (pull printing) data uploaded to a server device. The present disclosure further relates to an information processing system including the server device and one or more image forming devices.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses for downloading and printing (pull printing) data stored in a server device are known (Patent Documents 1 to 4).

JP-A-2012-122227 JP-A-2012-160961 JP-A-2017-94683 JP-A-2003-30069

  In order for the image forming apparatus to download and print (pull print) the data uploaded to the server apparatus, it is necessary to register device information of the image forming apparatus in the server apparatus in advance, and a pull print function Is required to be registered in the image forming apparatus. If the number of image forming apparatuses increases, the pre-registration processing also increases, so it is desirable to perform the pre-registration processing in a user-friendly manner.

An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A server device connected to the first network;
A plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to each other via a second network connected to the first network, the plurality of image forming apparatuses including one main device and one or more remaining client devices;
The control circuit of the main device,
A device search unit that searches for the one or more client devices connected to the second network and acquires device information from each of the one or more client devices;
The server device, the device information of the main device, and the device information of each of the one or more client devices, and operates as a device registration unit that requests registration,
The control circuit of the server device,
A device management unit that acquires the device information of the main device and the device information of each of the one or more client devices from the main device, and registers the device information;
For each of the device information of each of the one or more client devices and the device information of the main device, generate a setting value required for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to execute a function provided by the server device; Operate as a set value management unit to supply to the main device,
The control circuit of the main device further includes:
From the server device, the device information of each of the one or more client devices and the set value for each of the device information of the main device are obtained, and the client device identified by the device information includes It operates as a setting distribution unit that distributes the set value for each.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the administrator only has to perform an input operation on the main device, the work load on the administrator is reduced. Also, since only the main device communicates with the server device via the first network, it is possible to prevent an increase in traffic on the first network.

The device search unit of the main device periodically searches for the one or more client devices connected to the second network, and searches for a device from a new client device newly connected to the second network. Get information,
The device registration unit of the main device requests the server device to supply the device information of the new client device and request registration,
The device management unit of the server device obtains the device information of the new client device from the main device, registers the device information,
The setting value management unit of the server device generates a setting value of the device information of the new client device, and supplies the setting value to the main device,
The setting distribution unit of the main device acquires the setting value of the device information of the new client device from the server device and distributes the setting value to the new client device.

  According to this embodiment, when a new client device is connected to the second network, the main device newly detects a new client device connected to the second network. The main device acquires the device information of the new client device, transmits the device information to the server device, receives the setting value of the new client device from the server device, and distributes the setting value to the new client device. Also in this case, since the administrator does not need to manually input information necessary for the setting to the client device, the workload of the administrator is reduced.

The control circuit of the main device further includes:
Based on the device information of each of the one or more client devices obtained by the device search unit, one high-performance client device is selected as a sub-device, and the high-performance client device is requested to operate as a sub-device. Operates as a sub device selector,
The control circuit of the sub-device,
The operating status of the main device is periodically monitored, and if the operating status of the main device is determined to be abnormal, the sub device operates as a main device monitor that operates as a new main device.

  According to this embodiment, the main device selects one high-performance client device as a sub device, and the sub device operates as a new main device when the operating state of the main device is determined to be abnormal. . For this reason, even if there is an abnormality in the main device, the sub device operates as the main device. For example, when a new client device is connected to the second network, the sub device acquires device information from the new client device. Then, the setting value can be distributed to a new client device.

The device search unit of the main device periodically searches for the one or more client devices connected to the second network, and searches for a device from a new client device newly connected to the second network. Get information,
The sub device selection unit of the main device,
Based on the device information of each of the one or more client devices periodically acquired by the device search unit, when it is determined that there is a client device with higher performance than the current sub device,
Selecting the smart client device as a new sub-device, requesting the smart client device to operate as a sub-device,
Request the current sub-device to stop operating as a sub-device.

  According to this embodiment, when a new client device is connected to the second network, the main device newly detects a new client device connected to the second network. When the main device determines that the new client device has high performance based on the device information of the new client device, the main device operates the new client device as a sub device. Thus, a high-performance image forming apparatus always operates as a sub device.

  The setting value management unit of the server device generates the setting value for each device information in a format that can be distributed by the main device to each of the one or more client devices.

  The function provided by the server device executed by each of the plurality of image forming devices is a pull print function of downloading data stored in the server device to each of the plurality of image forming devices and printing the data.

The first network is the Internet;
The second network is a LAN (Local Area Network).

  According to this embodiment, since only the main device communicates with the server device via the first network, it is possible to prevent an increase in traffic on the first network.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A server device connected to the first network;
A main unit of an information processing system connected to each other via a second network connected to the first network and including a plurality of image forming apparatuses including one main device and one or more remaining client devices; An image forming apparatus that operates as a device,
The control circuit of the main device,
A device search unit that searches for the one or more client devices connected to the second network and acquires device information from each of the one or more client devices;
The server device, the device information of the main device, and the device information of each of the one or more client devices, and operates as a device registration unit that requests registration,
From the main device, the device information of the main device and the device information of each of the one or more client devices are obtained and registered, and a device management unit that registers the device information and the device information of each of the one or more client devices. For each of the device information of the main device, it operates as a setting value management unit that generates a setting value necessary for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to execute the function provided by the server device and supplies the setting value to the main device. From the server device, the device information of each of the one or more client devices and the set value for each of the device information of the main device are obtained, and the client device identified by the device information includes It operates as a setting distribution unit that distributes the set value for each.

  According to the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus can perform user-friendly pre-registration processing for downloading and uploading (pull-printing) data uploaded to a server apparatus.

  Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in the present disclosure.

1 schematically illustrates an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 2 shows a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. 2 shows a hardware configuration of a server device. 1 shows a functional configuration of an information processing system. 5 shows an operation flow of a main device (when setting a server device). 5 shows an operation flow of a client device (when setting a server device). 5 shows an operation flow of the server device (when setting the server device). 5 shows an operation flow of a main device (when a sub device is selected). 5 shows an operation flow of a client device (when a sub device is selected). 10 shows an operation flow of the sub device (when the sub device is stopped). 4 shows an operation flow of a sub device (operation of a sub device).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1. Overview of information processing system

  FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

  The information processing system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 and a server device 20.

  The server device 20 is connected to the first network N1. The first network N1 is, for example, the Internet. The server device 20 is a so-called cloud server that stores data uploaded from an external device (a personal computer or the like; not shown).

  The plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 are, for example, MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals), respectively, and are hereinafter simply referred to as MFPs 10. The plurality of MFPs 10 are installed in, for example, one office. MFP 10 is used by a user (end user) in the office. The plurality of MFPs 10 are connected to each other via a second network N2 connected to the first network N1. The second network N2 is a LAN (Local Area Network). Each MFP 10 downloads and uploads (pull prints) data uploaded from an external device (such as a personal computer, not shown) to the server device 20 in response to a user's operation input.

  Hereinafter, when one of the plurality of MFPs 10 is not distinguished, it is simply referred to as “MFP 10”. One of the plurality of MFPs 10 that operates as a main device is referred to as a “main MFP 10A”. Of the plurality of MFPs 10, the remaining MFPs 10 (typically a plurality) except the main MFP 10A are referred to as “client MFPs 10B”. One of the plurality of client MFPs 10B that operates as a sub device is referred to as “sub MFP 10C”. The selection method and operation of the main MFP 10A, the client MFP 10B, and the sub MFP 10C will be described later in detail.

  2. Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus

  FIG. 2 illustrates a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  The MFP 10 includes a control circuit 11. The control circuit 11 includes a CPU 11a (Central Processing Unit) as a processor, a RAM 11b (Random Access Memory), a ROM 11c (Read Only Memory) as a memory, a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like, and controls the overall operation of the MFP 10. Govern. The CPU 11a loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executes the program. The ROM 11c stores programs and data executed by the CPU 11a in a fixed manner. The ROM 11c is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

  The control circuit 11 is connected to an image reading unit 12, an image processing unit 14, an image memory 15, an image forming unit 16, an operation unit 17 including a display unit 17a, a storage device 18, a facsimile communication unit 19, a network communication interface 13, and the like. ing. The control circuit 11 controls the operation of each of the above-described units connected thereto, and transmits and receives signals or data to and from each unit.

  3. Hardware configuration of server device

  FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration of the server device.

  The server device 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a storage device 24, a network communication interface 25, an operation device 26, a display device 27, and a bus 28 that interconnects these components.

  The CPU 21, the ROM 22, and the RAM 23 constitute a control circuit 200 (second control circuit). The CPU 21 loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 22 into the RAM 23 and executes it. The ROM 22 stores programs and data executed by the CPU 21 in a fixed manner. The ROM 22 is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

  4. Functional configuration of information processing system

  FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the information processing system.

  In the control circuit 11 of the main MFP 10A, the CPU 11a loads one or a plurality of information processing programs stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executes the programs, so that the server device registration unit 101, the flag setting unit 102, the device search unit 103, It operates as the registration unit 104, the setting distribution unit 105, the setting execution unit 107, and the sub device selection unit 108.

  In the control circuit 200 of the server device 20, the CPU 21 operates as the device management unit 201 and the setting value management unit 202 by loading one or a plurality of information processing programs stored in the ROM 22 into the RAM 23 and executing them.

  In the control circuit 11 of the client MFP 10B, the CPU 11a loads one or a plurality of information processing programs stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b, and executes the information processing programs, whereby the server device registration unit 101, the flag setting unit 102, the device information response unit 106, It operates as the setting execution unit 107.

  In the control circuit 11 of the sub MFP 10C, the CPU 11a operates as the main device monitor unit 109 by loading one or a plurality of information processing programs stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executing them.

  The server device registration unit 101 of the MFP 10 stores the IP address 111 and the like of the server device 20 in the storage device 18.

  The flag setting unit 102 of the MFP 10 sets or lowers the flag 112 indicating that the MFP 10 is a main device or a sub device.

  The device search unit 103 of the main MFP 10A searches the remaining MFPs 10 (that is, the client MFP 10B) other than the main MFP 10A (in the present example, a plurality of MFPs 10) among the plurality of MFPs 10 connected to the second network N2. The device search unit 103 of the main MFP 10A transmits a device information transmission request, which is a request for transmitting device information, to the plurality of detected client MFPs 10B via the second network N2.

  The device information response unit 106 of the client MFP 10B receives a device information transmission request from the main MFP 10A via the second network N2. Device information responding section 106 reads device information 113 from storage device 18 and transmits it to main MFP 10A via second network N2.

  Device search section 103 of main MFP 10A receives device information 113 from a plurality of client MFPs 10B via second network N2. The device searching unit 103 stores the received device information 113 of the plurality of client MFPs 10B and the device information 113 of the main MFP 10A in the storage device 18.

  The device registration unit 104 of the main MFP 10A transmits device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B to the server device 20 via the first network N1, and requests the server device 20 to register each MFP 10. Send a registration request.

  The device management unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B and the registration request from the main MFP 10A via the first network N1, and registers them in the storage device 24.

  The setting value management unit 202 of the server device 20 generates a setting value 114 necessary for each MFP 10 to execute the pull print function provided by the server device 20 for each device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B, The data is transmitted to the main MFP 10A via the first network N1.

  The setting distribution unit 105 of the main MFP 10A receives a setting value 114 for each device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B from the server device 20 via the first network N1. The setting distribution unit 105 distributes the setting value 114 to each client MFP 10B via the second network N2.

  The setting execution unit 107 of each client MFP 10B receives a setting value 114 corresponding to the device information 113 of the client MFP 10B from the main MFP 10A via the second network N2, and executes setting using the setting value 114. .

  The setting execution unit 107 of the main MFP 10A executes setting using the setting value 114 corresponding to the device information 113 of the main MFP 10A received from the server device 20.

  The sub device selection unit 108 of the main MFP 10A selects one client MFP 10B as the sub MFP 10C based on the model name and the like included in the device information 113 of the plurality of client MFPs 10B received by the device search unit 103. The sub device selection unit 108 transmits a sub device operation request for requesting the selected client MFP 10B to operate as a sub device via the second network N2.

  The main device monitor unit 109 of the sub MFP 10C periodically (for example, once a day) monitors the operation state of the main MFP 10A, and determines whether the operation state of the main MFP 10A is normal or abnormal. Main device monitor 109 determines that the operation state of main MFP 10A is abnormal. In this case, the flag setting unit 102 of the sub MFP 10C sets the flag 112 indicating that the sub MFP 10C itself is the main device.

  5. Operation flow of information processing system (when setting server device)

  FIG. 5 shows an operation flow of the main device (when setting the server device).

  As a premise of the operation, none of the MFPs 10 has performed the settings required to connect to the server device 20.

  First, the user (administrator) operates the operation unit 17 of one arbitrary MFP 10 (typically, a high-performance machine) to connect information such as the IP address of the server device 20 (that is, to connect to the server device 20). Information necessary to do this) manually. The server device registration unit 101 of the MFP 10 stores the IP address 111 and the like of the server device 20 in the storage device 18 (Step S101).

  When the flag setting unit 102 of the MFP 10 detects that the IP address 111 or the like of the server device 20 is stored in the storage device 18, the flag setting unit 102 sets a flag 112 indicating that the MFP 10 is the main device (step S102). Hereinafter, this MFP 10 operates as a main MFP 10A.

  The device search unit 103 of the main MFP 10A searches the remaining MFPs 10 (that is, the client MFP 10B) other than the main MFP 10A (in the present example, a plurality of MFPs 10) among the plurality of MFPs 10 connected to the second network N2. The device search unit 103 of the main MFP 10A transmits a device information transmission request, which is a request for transmitting device information, to the plurality of detected client MFPs 10B via the second network N2 (step S103). “Device information” means, for example, an IP address, a serial number, a model name of an MFP, and the like.

  FIG. 6 shows an operation flow of the client device (when setting the server device).

  The device information response unit 106 of each client MFP 10B receives a device information transmission request from the main MFP 10A via the second network N2 (Step S201). Then, the device information response unit 106 reads the device information 113 from the storage device 18. The device information response unit 106 transmits the device information 113 to the main MFP 10A via the second network N2 (Step S202).

  Device search section 103 of main MFP 10A receives device information 113 from a plurality of client MFPs 10B via second network N2. The device searching unit 103 stores the received device information 113 of the plurality of client MFPs 10B in the storage device 18 (Step S104). The storage device 18 of the main MFP 10A also stores device information 113 of the main MFP 10A.

  The device registration unit 104 of the main MFP 10A transmits device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B to the server device 20 via the first network N1, and requests the server device 20 to register each MFP 10. A registration request is transmitted (step S105).

  FIG. 7 shows an operation flow of the server device (when the server device is set).

  The device management unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B and the registration request from the main MFP 10A via the first network N1 (step S301). The device management unit 201 registers the received device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each of the client MFPs 10B in the storage device 24 (step S302).

  The setting value management unit 202 of the server device 20 generates a setting value 114 necessary for each MFP 10 to execute the pull print function provided by the server device 20 for each device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B, It is stored in the storage device 24 (step S303). The setting value 114 is a setting value for the MFP 10 to appropriately execute the pull print from the server device 20 for each model of the MFP 10 identified by the model name included in the device information 113. That is, typically, the setting value 114 differs for each device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B registered in the storage device 24. The setting value management unit 202 manages whether or not the setting values are supported for each model of the MFP 10 and the range. The setting value 114 is a format that can be distributed by the main MFP 10A to each client MFP 10B. The setting value management unit 202 transmits the setting value 114 for each device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B to the main MFP 10A via the first network N1 (step S304).

  The setting distribution unit 105 of the main MFP 10A receives the setting value 114 for each device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B from the server device 20 via the first network N1 (Step S106). In other words, the setting distribution unit 105 receives the setting value 114 for each device information 113 of all the MFPs 10 connected to the second network N2. The setting distribution unit 105 stores the setting value 114 of each of the device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each of the client MFPs 10B in the storage device 18. The setting distribution unit 105 distributes the setting value 114 for each device information 113 of each client MFP 10B to each client MFP 10B identified by each device information 113 via the second network N2 (step S107).

  The setting execution unit 107 of each client MFP 10B receives the setting value 114 corresponding to the device information 113 of the client MFP 10B from the main MFP 10A via the second network N2 (Step S203). The setting execution unit 107 stores the received setting value 114 in the storage device 18 and executes setting using the setting value 114 (step S204).

  On the other hand, the setting execution unit 107 of the main MFP 10A executes the setting using the setting value 114 corresponding to the device information 113 of the main MFP 10A received from the server device 20 (Step S108).

  Incidentally, a new client MFP 10B may be connected to the second network N2. To deal with this, the device search unit 103 of the main MFP 10A periodically (for example, once a day) searches for a plurality of client MFPs 10B connected to the second network N2.

  When searching for a plurality of client MFPs 10B connected to the second network N2, the device search unit 103 of the main MFP 10A detects a new client MFP 10B newly connected to the second network N2. The device searching unit 103 transmits a device information transmission request to the new client MFP 10B (Step S103).

  The device information response unit 106 of the new client MFP 10B receives a device information transmission request from the main MFP 10A (Step S201). Then, the device information response unit 106 reads the device information 113 from the storage device 18. Device information responding section 106 transmits device information 113 to main MFP 10A (step S202).

  The device search unit 103 of the main MFP 10A receives the device information 113 from the new client MFP 10B (Step S104). The device registration unit 104 of the main MFP 10A supplies the device information 113 of the new client MFP 10B to the server device 20 and transmits a registration request (step S105).

  The device management unit 201 of the server device 20 receives the device information 113 of the new client MFP 10B from the main MFP 10A (step S301) and registers (step S302). The setting value management unit 202 of the server device 20 generates a setting value 114 according to the device information 113 of the new client MFP 10B (Step S303), and transmits it to the main MFP 10A (Step S304).

  The setting distribution unit 105 of the main MFP 10A receives the setting value 114 corresponding to the device information 113 of the new client MFP 10B from the server device 20 (Step S106), and distributes the setting value 114 to the new client MFP 10B (Step S107).

  The setting execution unit 107 of the new client MFP 10B receives from the MFP 10A a setting value 114 corresponding to the device information 113 of the new client MFP 10B (Step S203). The setting execution unit 107 stores the received setting value 114 in the storage device 18 and executes setting using the setting value 114 (step S204).

  6. Operation flow of information processing system (when sub-device is selected)

  FIG. 8 shows an operation flow of the main device (when a sub device is selected).

  The main MFP 10A selects a sub-device at a predetermined trigger (such as an operation by an administrator) or periodically (for example, once a day). The operation will be described below.

  The sub device selection unit 108 of the main MFP 10A sub-selects one client MFP 10B based on the model name included in the device information 113 (step S104) of the plurality of client MFPs 10B received by the device search unit 103 and stored in the storage device 18. Select as MFP 10C. Typically, the sub device selection unit 108 selects the client PC 10B with the highest performance among the plurality of client MFPs 10B as a sub device (step S401).

  If the selected client MFP 10B has already been selected as the current sub device (step S402, YES), the sub device selection unit 108 of the main MFP 10A ends the processing.

  On the other hand, if the selected client MFP 10B has not been selected as the current sub device (step S402, NO) and there is no current sub device (if a sub device is selected for the first time) (step S403, NO), the sub The device selection unit 108 transmits a sub device operation request for requesting the selected client MFP 10B to operate as a sub device via the second network N2 (step S404).

  FIG. 9 shows an operation flow of the client device (when a sub device is selected).

  The flag setting unit 102 of the client MFP 10B receives the sub-device operation request from the main MFP 10A via the second network N2 (Step S501). Then, the flag setting unit 102 sets the flag 112 indicating that the client MFP 10B itself is a sub device (step S502). Hereinafter, the client MFP 10B operates as the sub MFP 10C.

  On the other hand, when the selected client MFP 10B has not been selected as the current sub device (step S402, NO), and there is another sub MFP 10C that operates as the current sub device (when a new high-performance client MFP 10B is selected) (Step S403, YES), sub device selecting section 108 of main MFP 10A transmits a sub device operation request for requesting the newly selected client MFP 10B to operate as a sub device via second network N2. (Step S404).

  The flag setting unit 102 of the new client MFP 10B receives the sub device operation request from the main MFP 10A via the second network N2 (Step S501). Then, the flag setting unit 102 sets the flag 112 indicating that the new client MFP 10B itself is a sub device (step S502). Hereinafter, the new client MFP 10B operates as the sub MFP 10C.

  In addition, the sub device selection unit 108 of the main MFP 10A transmits a sub device stop request for requesting the sub MFP 10C that has been operating as a sub device to stop operation as a sub device to the second network N2. (Step S405).

  FIG. 10 shows an operation flow of the sub device (when the sub device is stopped).

  The flag setting unit 102 of the sub MFP 10C receives the sub device stop request from the main MFP 10A via the second network N2 (Step S601). Then, flag setting unit 102 lowers flag 112 indicating that sub MFP 10C itself is a sub device (step S602). Hereinafter, the sub MFP 10C operates as the client MFP 10B. In other words, the sub MFP 10C is switched.

  7. Operation flow of information processing system (operation of sub device)

  FIG. 11 shows an operation flow of the sub device (operation of the sub device).

  The main device monitor unit 109 of the sub MFP 10C periodically (for example, once a day) monitors the operation state of the main MFP 10A, and determines whether the operation state of the main MFP 10A is normal or abnormal (step S701). When the main device monitor 109 determines that the operation state of the main MFP 10A is normal (step S701, YES), the process ends.

  On the other hand, when, for example, the main MFP 10A monitors the main MFP 10A and does not receive a response, the main device monitor 109 of the sub MFP 10C determines that the operation state of the main MFP 10A is abnormal (step S701, NO). In this case, the flag setting unit 102 of the sub MFP 10C sets the flag 112 indicating that the sub MFP 10C itself is the main device (step S702). Hereinafter, the sub MFP 10C operates as the main MFP 10A.

  8. Modified example

  In the present embodiment, the device registration unit 104 of the main MFP 10A transmits the device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and each client MFP 10B to the server device 20 via the first network N1 at a time (step S105). Then, the main MFP 10A receives the setting values of the main MFP 10A and the client MFPs 10B from the server device 20 via the first network N1 at a time (step S106). Thereby, it is possible to minimize the traffic of the first network N1. However, the following operation may be performed instead.

  The main MFP 10A transmits the device information 113 of the main MFP 10A to the server device 20 via the first network N1, and transmits a registration request for requesting the server device 20 to register the main MFP 10A. Then, server device 20 registers main MFP 10A, and main MFP 10A sets a setting value required for pull printing from server device 20. Thereafter, the device registration unit 104 of the main MFP 10A searches for the client MFP 10B, transmits device information 113 of each client MFP 10B, and transmits a registration request for requesting the server device 20 to register each MFP 10. Then, server device 20 registers each client MFP 10B, and main MFP 10A distributes the setting values of each client MFP 10B received from server device 20 to each client MFP 10B. Each client MFP 10B sets a setting value required for pull printing from the server device 20.

  9. Conclusion

  In pull printing, a print job generated by an external device (such as a personal computer) is spooled once to a server device in the cloud, and a print job is transmitted from the server device to the MFP by a user operation on the MFP, and the MFP prints the job. This is a technique for executing a job. Therefore, in order for the MFP to download and print (pull print) the data uploaded to the server device, it is necessary to register the device information of the MFP in the server device in advance, and execute the pull print function. Must be registered in the MFP.

  It is not difficult for the server device to register the MFP in the on-premises environment. The server device periodically searches the network, and when an unregistered MFP newly connected to the network is detected, the MFP can be registered.

  On the other hand, in the case of a server device on the cloud, the server device cannot search for an MFP connected to the LAN. Therefore, when the administrator installs the MFP at the user site, it is necessary to make connection settings to the server device on the cloud for each MFP. This is a burdensome operation for the administrator when the number of MFPs to be registered is large. As described above, it is desirable that the MFP to be managed can be easily registered in the server device even under the server device environment on the cloud, similarly to the on-premises environment. In addition, when the server device on the cloud performs a setting operation for all the MFPs managed by the server device, if each MFP is individually handled, a load on network traffic may increase.

  For example, the following technology is known as a technology for setting a connection to a server device on the cloud for each MFP when the MFP is installed at a user site.

  According to Patent Literature 1, a setting request is transmitted from a client server to a device management device, and the device management device issues a setting instruction to the image forming apparatus according to the setting request. However, in this technology, the cloud server only stores the setting history and transmits it to the device management apparatus, and is not directly involved in the remote setting itself. In addition, since it is difficult to search for a device from the cloud server, there is a possibility that the device cannot be realized.

  According to Patent Literature 2, since the administrator registers information for accessing all MFPs in the server device, the workload of the administrator is large.

  According to Patent Literature 3, an MFP connected to a tablet terminal is a representative, and setting values are set in other MFPs. For this reason, the representative MFP must have the ability to manage other MFPs. Since the MFP manages which MFP has set the setting value, the administrator must connect the tablet terminal to the same MFP every time. Therefore, the administrator is required to respond to a change in the usage environment of the MFP, for example, when the MFP moves. In addition, it is necessary for the MFP to have a setting method (presence / absence of setting value / range / call setting API) for a plurality of different types of MFPs.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the administrator sets up one MFP 10 to connect to the server device 20 on the cloud (step S101). Then, the MFP 10 operates as the main MFP 10A (step S102), and the main MFP 10A searches for a client MFP 10B connected to the second network N2 (step S103). The main MFP 10A acquires the device information 113 from all the detected client MFPs 10B (step S104), and registers the device information 113 from all the client MFPs 10B in the server device 20 instead of the client MFP 10B (step S105). After that, the main MFP 10A receives, from the server device 20, the setting values 114 for the device information 113 of the main MFP 10A and the client MFPs 10B (step S106). The main MFP 10A distributes the setting value 114 to each client MFP 10B (step S107).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the administrator only needs to perform an input operation on the main MFP 10A, the work load on the administrator is reduced. Also, since only the main MFP 10A communicates with the server device 20 via the first network N1, it is possible to prevent an increase in traffic on the first network N1.

  According to the present embodiment, when a new client MFP 10B is connected to the second network N2, the main MFP 10A newly detects a new client MFP 10B connected to the second network N2. The main MFP 10A acquires the device information 113 of the new client MFP 10B, transmits the device information 113 to the server device 20, receives the setting value 114 of the new client MFP 10B from the server device 20, and distributes the setting value 114 to the new client MFP 10B. Also in this case, since the administrator does not need to manually input information necessary for the setting to the client MFP 10B, the work load on the administrator is reduced.

  According to the present embodiment, the main MFP 10A selects one high-performance client MFP 10B as the sub MFP 10C, and when the sub MFP 10C determines that the operation state of the main MFP 10A is abnormal, the sub MFP 10C operates as a new main device. I do. Therefore, even if the main MFP 10A has an abnormality, the sub MFP 10C operates as a main device. For example, when a new client MFP 10B is connected to the second network N2, the sub MFP 10C transmits device information 113 from the new client MFP 10B. And the setting value 114 can be distributed to the new client MFP 10B.

  According to the present embodiment, when a new client MFP 10B is connected to the second network N2, the main MFP 10A newly detects a new client MFP 10B connected to the second network N2. When determining that the new client MFP 10B has high performance based on the device information 113 of the new client MFP 10B, the main MFP 10A operates the new client MFP 10B as the sub MFP 10C. Thus, the high-performance MFP 10 always operates as the sub MFP 10C.

  According to the present embodiment, unlike Patent Document 3, the server device 20 acquires the device information 113 of all the MFPs 10 and creates a setting value 114 for each device information 113. Therefore, unlike Patent Document 3, there is no need for the representative MFP to grasp the device information related to the setting values of the MFPs of other models. Further, since it is not necessary to fix the representative MFP, it is possible to easily cope with a case where the MFP moves.

  Although each embodiment and each modification of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited only to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present technology. Of course.

Information processing system 1
MFP10
Main MFP10A
Client MFP 10B
Sub MFP10C
Server device 20
Server device registration unit 101
Flag setting unit 102
Device search unit 103
Device registration unit 104
Setting distribution unit 105
Device information response unit 106
Setting execution unit 107
Sub device selection unit 108
Main device monitor 109
Device management unit 201
Set value management unit 202

Claims (8)

A server device connected to the first network;
A plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to each other via a second network connected to the first network, the plurality of image forming apparatuses including one main device and one or more remaining client devices;
The control circuit of the main device,
A device search unit that searches for the one or more client devices connected to the second network and acquires device information from each of the one or more client devices;
The server device, the device information of the main device, and the device information of each of the one or more client devices, and operates as a device registration unit that requests registration,
The control circuit of the server device,
A device management unit that acquires the device information of the main device and the device information of each of the one or more client devices from the main device, and registers the device information;
For each of the device information of the one or more client devices and the device information of the main device, generate a set value required for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to execute a function provided by the server device, Operate as a set value management unit to supply to the main device,
The control circuit of the main device further includes:
From the server device, the device information of each of the one or more client devices and the setting value for each of the device information of the main device are obtained, and the client device identified by the device information includes An information processing system that operates as a setting distribution unit that distributes the setting value for each. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
The device search unit of the main device periodically searches for the one or more client devices connected to the second network, and searches for a device from a new client device newly connected to the second network. Get information,
The device registration unit of the main device requests the server device to supply the device information of the new client device and request registration,
The device management unit of the server device obtains the device information of the new client device from the main device, registers the device information,
The setting value management unit of the server device generates a setting value of the device information of the new client device, and supplies the setting value to the main device,
The information processing system, wherein the setting distribution unit of the main device acquires the setting value of the device information of the new client device from the server device and distributes the setting value to the new client device. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2,
The control circuit of the main device further includes:
Based on the device information of each of the one or more client devices obtained by the device search unit, one high-performance client device is selected as a sub-device, and the high-performance client device is requested to operate as a sub-device. Operates as a sub device selector,
The control circuit of the sub-device,
An information processing system that periodically monitors an operation state of the main device, and when the operation state of the main device is determined to be abnormal, operates the sub device as a main device monitor unit that operates as a new main device. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein
The device search unit of the main device periodically searches for the one or more client devices connected to the second network, and searches for a device from a new client device newly connected to the second network. Get information,
The sub device selection unit of the main device,
Based on the device information of each of the one or more client devices periodically acquired by the device search unit, when it is determined that there is a client device with higher performance than the current sub device,
Selecting the smart client device as a new sub-device, requesting the smart client device to operate as a sub-device,
An information processing system for requesting the current sub device to stop operating as a sub device. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:
The information processing system, wherein the setting value management unit of the server device generates the setting value for each device information in a format that can be distributed by the main device to each of the one or more client devices. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:
The function provided by the server device executed by each of the plurality of image forming devices is a pull print function of downloading data stored in the server device to each of the plurality of image forming devices and printing the data. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:
The first network is the Internet;
The information processing system, wherein the second network is a LAN (Local Area Network). A server device connected to the first network;
A main unit of an information processing system connected to each other via a second network connected to the first network and including a plurality of image forming apparatuses including one main device and one or more remaining client devices; An image forming apparatus that operates as a device,
The control circuit of the main device,
A device search unit that searches for the one or more client devices connected to the second network and acquires device information from each of the one or more client devices;
The server device, the device information of the main device, and the device information of each of the one or more client devices, and operates as a device registration unit that requests registration,
From the main device, the device information of the main device and the device information of each of the one or more client devices are obtained and registered, and a device management unit that registers the device information and the device information of each of the one or more client devices. For each of the device information of the main device, it operates as a setting value management unit that generates a setting value necessary for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to execute the function provided by the server device and supplies the setting value to the main device. From the server device, the device information of each of the one or more client devices and the set value for each of the device information of the main device are obtained, and the client device identified by the device information includes That operates as a setting distribution unit that distributes the setting values for each Image forming device.

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