JP2009033706A - Network synchronization system and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network synchronization system and an information processing device that effectively achieve synchronization of setting information among a plurality of information processing devices. <P>SOLUTION: A disclosed network synchronization system 1 includes the plurality of information processing devices 2. At least one of the information processing devices 2 includes a setting information storage means 210 configured to store a setting information piece of the information processing device, a synchronous shared-storage means 220 configured to duplicate the setting information piece of the information processing device stored in the setting information storage means 210 and store the duplicated setting information piece of the information processing device such that the duplicated setting information piece of the information processing device is shared with another of the information processing devices, and a synchronization control means 240 configured to update the setting information piece of the information processing device stored in the setting information storage means 210 based on the setting information piece stored in the synchronous shared-storage means 220. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a network synchronization system and an information processing apparatus.

  In recent years, an information processing system including an information processing apparatus that is connected to a network, can apply a plurality of communication protocols, and can communicate documents in various data formats with a plurality of information devices has been constructed.

  In such an information processing system, various application services centered on the information processing apparatus are provided. The various application services include, for example, a process of transmitting a scanned original image or data created by an information device to a specified destination using an e-mail, transmission by facsimile, or file transfer with an information device, In addition, the main text information of the received electronic mail, the image of the attached file, etc. are recorded and output, transmitted to a designated facsimile machine, transferred to an information device, and stored and managed in the apparatus.

  However, such an information processing apparatus needs to be connected to a plurality of information devices via a network. In particular, when there are multiple devices that require authentication in the network, in the case of devices that provide functions that can be used only by users who have been identified and registered, you must enter a user name and password for each device. It was not easy to use. In addition, when a system is integrated, a single user name and password can be used, but there is a problem that it takes a huge amount of cost to construct a system for centrally managing authentication information that has already been managed independently.

  In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, a protocol on the network is connected via a network to a document input / output device that provides a function that can be used only by a user who has been identified and registered by an authentication act from the operation unit. The above problem is solved by a network communication system composed of a plurality of external devices that identify individuals and provide functions.

In addition, according to the invention of Patent Document 1, the authentication operation of the authentication unit provided independently can be converted into a document input corresponding to external device authentication that automatically authenticates each device by a single authentication operation from the operation unit. An output device can be provided.
JP 2007-67830 A

  By the way, it is considered to construct a network communication system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses such as a document input / output apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1. At this time, setting information such as user information registered in each device among a plurality of information processing devices is common (synchronized), for example, between people of a predetermined organization of a company It is desirable to construct a network communication system that shares a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

  Conventionally, however, there has been a problem that a huge cost is required to construct a system for centrally managing setting information set for each device, for example, for realizing such an object.

  The present invention has been invented in order to solve this problem in view of the above points, and effectively realizes network synchronization system and information processing for realizing synchronization of setting information among a plurality of information processing apparatuses. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a network synchronization system according to the present invention is a network synchronization system including a plurality of information processing devices, and at least one of the plurality of information processing devices is self-contained. A setting information storage means for storing the setting information of the apparatus; and the setting information of the own apparatus stored by the setting information storage means is copied and stored, and the copied information is copied between the information processing apparatus different from the own apparatus. A synchronization shared storage means for sharing the setting information of the apparatus, and a synchronization control means for updating the setting information stored by the setting information storage means based on the setting information stored by the synchronization shared storage means; It can comprise so that it may have.

  In order to achieve the above object, the synchronization control means according to the present invention is configured so that the synchronization information included in the information processing apparatus different from the own apparatus and the setting information stored in the synchronization shared storage means. Based on the comparison with the setting information of the information processing apparatus stored by the storage means, the setting information of the own apparatus stored by the shared shared storage means is updated, and based on the updated setting information of the own apparatus, The configuration information stored in the configuration information storage means can be updated.

  Further, in order to achieve the above object, the setting information of the own device stored by the setting information storage means in the present invention includes personal setting information for each user registered to be able to use the own device. Can be configured.

  In order to achieve the above object, the synchronization control means according to the present invention includes: personal setting information for each user of the own apparatus stored by the synchronization shared storage means; and the information processing apparatus different from the own apparatus. Based on the comparison with the personal setting information for each user of the information processing apparatus stored by the synchronization shared storage means, the personal setting information for each user of the own apparatus stored by the synchronization shared storage means for each user It can be configured to update to the latest personal setting information.

  In order to achieve the above object, the personal setting information in the present invention can be configured to include setting information unique to the device itself.

  In order to achieve the above object, the personal setting information in the present invention is common setting information among the plurality of information processing apparatuses, and manages the common setting information connected to the network synchronization system. It can comprise so that the setting information acquired from the server apparatus to perform may be included.

  In order to achieve the above object, the network synchronization system according to the present invention is a network synchronization system that can use the functions of the network synchronization system when authentication is successful. Authentication information acquisition means for acquiring second authentication information different from the first authentication information, first authentication reference information for authenticating the first authentication information, and the second The success or failure of the first authentication using the authentication reference information storage means for storing the second authentication reference information for authenticating the authentication information, and the first authentication information and the first authentication reference information. First authentication determining means for determining; second authentication determining means for determining success or failure of second authentication using the second authentication information and the second authentication reference information; and the first authentication And the second authentication is completed. The authentication information control means for associating the second authentication standard information and the first authentication information with each other and storing them in the authentication standard information storage means, and storing the information stored in the setting information storage means. The apparatus setting information can be configured to be first authentication standard information and second authentication standard information stored by the authentication standard information storage unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus in a network synchronization system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses, and stores setting information of the own apparatus. For copying and storing the setting information of the own apparatus stored in the setting information storage means, and the setting information of the own apparatus copied between the information processing apparatus different from the own apparatus Shared storage means, and synchronization control means for updating the setting information stored in the setting information storage means based on the setting information stored in the synchronization shared storage means.

  In order to achieve the above object, the synchronization control means according to the present invention is configured so that the synchronization information included in the information processing apparatus different from the own apparatus and the setting information stored in the synchronization shared storage means. Based on the comparison with the setting information of the information processing apparatus stored by the storage means, the setting information of the own apparatus stored by the shared shared storage means is updated, and based on the updated setting information of the own apparatus, The configuration information stored in the configuration information storage means can be updated.

  Further, in order to achieve the above object, the setting information of the own device stored by the setting information storage means in the present invention includes personal setting information for each user registered to be able to use the own device. Can be configured.

  In order to achieve the above object, the synchronization control means according to the present invention includes: personal setting information for each user of the own apparatus stored by the synchronization shared storage means; and the information processing apparatus different from the own apparatus. Based on the comparison with the personal setting information for each user of the information processing apparatus stored by the synchronization shared storage means, the personal setting information for each user of the own apparatus stored by the synchronization shared storage means for each user It can be configured to update to the latest personal setting information.

  In order to achieve the above object, the personal setting information in the present invention can be configured to include setting information unique to the device itself.

  In order to achieve the above object, the personal setting information in the present invention is common setting information among the plurality of information processing apparatuses, and manages the common setting information connected to the network synchronization system. It can comprise so that the setting information acquired from the server apparatus to perform may be included.

  In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is the information processing apparatus that can use the function of the network synchronization system when authentication is successful, Authentication information acquisition means for acquiring second authentication information different from the first authentication information, first authentication reference information for authenticating the first authentication information, and the second The success or failure of the first authentication using the authentication reference information storage means for storing the second authentication reference information for authenticating the authentication information, and the first authentication information and the first authentication reference information. First authentication determining means for determining; second authentication determining means for determining success or failure of second authentication using the second authentication information and the second authentication reference information; and the first authentication And if the second authentication is successful, the second authentication Authentication information control means for storing the reference information and the first authentication information in association with each other in the authentication reference information storage means, and the setting information stored in the setting information storage means is the authentication information The first authentication reference information and the second authentication reference information stored by the reference information storage unit can be configured.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a network synchronization system and an information processing apparatus that can effectively synchronize setting information among a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a copy function, a facsimile (FAX) function, a print function, a scanner function, an input image (a document image read by the scanner function, an image input by the print function or the facsimile function), etc. An example in which the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a so-called digital color multifunction peripheral that combines the above. The present invention is not limited to a digital color multifunction peripheral. The present invention can also be applied to other general computer devices.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(System configuration example)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network synchronization system including a digital color multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a network synchronization system 1 includes a plurality of digital color MFPs 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d (hereinafter collectively referred to as a digital color MFP 2) connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). And so on.

  As described above, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2 distributes a copy function, a facsimile (FAX) function, a print function, a scanner function, and an input image (an original image read by the scanner function, an image input by the print function or the facsimile function). This is an image processing apparatus combining functions and the like.

  With the system configuration described above, the network synchronization system 1 according to the first embodiment effectively realizes the synchronization of the setting information of each device among the plurality of digital color MFPs 2. Its specific functional configuration will be described later.

(Function configuration example)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2 includes a setting information unit 210, a synchronization shared storage unit 220, a synchronization setting information unit 230, a synchronization control unit 240, and the like.

  The setting information unit 210 stores setting information in the digital color MFP 2. The setting information includes common setting information and unique setting information. The common setting information is personal setting information for each user that can be used in an apparatus different from the digital color multifunction peripheral 2. The unique setting information is setting information such as device unique information that cannot be used in a device different from the digital color multifunction peripheral 2. Examples of common setting information and unique setting information will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The synchronization shared storage unit 220 stores information for synchronization between the plurality of digital color MFPs 2. The information stored by the synchronization shared storage unit 220 is, for example, common setting information stored in the setting information unit 210. In addition, if the setting of “disclosure of the shared shared storage unit 220” is set as a setting related to synchronization by a synchronization setting information unit 230 described later, the digital color multifunction device different from the digital color multifunction device 2 performs the digital It becomes possible to access the synchronization shared storage unit 220 of the color MFP 2.

  The synchronization setting information unit 230 stores setting information related to the synchronization of the digital color MFP 2. An example of the synchronization setting information will be described later with reference to FIG. The synchronization control unit 240 performs various controls related to synchronization of the digital color multifunction peripheral 2. An example of the operation will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  With the functional configuration described above, the network synchronization system 1 according to the first embodiment effectively realizes the synchronization of the setting information of each device among the plurality of digital color MFPs 2.

(Example of setting information)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information stored by the setting information unit. As described above, the setting information stored by the setting information unit 210 cannot be used in common setting information that can be used in a device different from the digital color multifunction peripheral 2 and in a device different from the digital color multifunction peripheral 2. Contains unique setting information.

  3, as an example of common setting information, FIG. 3A shows authentication standard information (system setting file), and FIG. 3B shows personal setting information (personal setting file). The authentication standard information is standard information for authenticating a user who is registered as being able to use the digital color multifunction peripheral 2. The personal setting information is setting information for each user registered to be able to use the digital color MFP 2. Note that the personal setting information shown in FIG. 3B exists for the number of registered users (one or more). Although the detailed description of each information is omitted here, in the sense that the authentication standard information in FIG. 3 (a) is also the setting information for each user registered to be able to use the digital color multifunction peripheral 2, personal settings are made. Included in the information.

  Such setting information is stored in the setting information unit 210. The setting information stored by the setting information unit 210 is not limited to the information shown in FIG. For example, guest setting information when the digital color MFP 2 is used for guest setting, group setting information when used for group setting, or the like may be used.

(Example of synchronization setting information)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the synchronization setting information stored by the synchronization setting information unit. In FIG. 4, as an example of the synchronization setting information stored by the synchronization setting information unit 230, “network automatic synchronization” “publish synchronization shared folder” “network path” “login user name” “login password name” “automatic synchronization interval” (10 minutes to 9999 minutes) "and" Manual synchronization "items are shown. Each item will be described.

  “Network automatic synchronization” is a setting item for setting setting information as to whether or not the digital color MFP 2 performs network automatic synchronization according to the first embodiment.

  “Publish synchronization shared folder (synonymous with shared storage unit for synchronization)” indicates setting information as to whether or not the shared shared storage unit 220, which is the shared shared folder for synchronization of the digital color multifunction peripheral 2, is disclosed to the outside This is a setting item for setting. When the disclosure is set, it becomes possible to access the synchronization shared storage unit 220 of the digital color MFP 2 from a digital color MFP different from the digital color MFP 2. “Network path” is a setting item relating to the location of the synchronization shared folder of another device. The synchronization control unit 240 uses this network path to identify the location of the synchronization shared folder (for example, the synchronization shared storage unit 320) of another device that is the connection destination.

  “Login user name” and “login password name” are setting items for a user name and a password name for logging in to the digital color MFP 2. As a result, when the setting of “publish synchronization shared folder” is made public, the digital color MFP different from the digital color MFP 2 is synchronized with the synchronization shared storage unit of the digital color MFP 2. 220 can be accessed using these login information.

  “Automatic synchronization interval (10 minutes to 9999 minutes)” is used here to set the setting information of the synchronization interval when the digital color multifunction peripheral 2 synchronizes with its own digital color multifunction peripheral. It is a setting item. The user can set an automatic synchronization interval. In order to distribute the network load, it is also possible to calculate a probability based on a random number from the machine unique number and the current time, and determine the next synchronization time from the synchronization interval X probability.

  “Manual synchronization” is a setting item for setting setting information as to whether or not the digital color multifunction peripheral 2 can manually synchronize with a digital color multifunction peripheral different from its own. For example, if “execution” is set as the setting information, synchronization can be performed manually.

  By using the synchronization setting information shown in FIG. 4 described above, each digital color multifunction peripheral 2 determines whether or not to disclose the synchronization shared folder (synchronization shared storage unit), network path, login user name, and login. Settings related to password, automatic synchronization interval and manual synchronization can be made.

(Overview of synchronous operation)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the synchronization operation of the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. Here, an outline of an operation in which the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a synchronizes setting information with the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b different from the own apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the digital color multifunction peripherals 2a and 2b, it is assumed that a copy of the setting information stored in advance in the setting information section of each device is generated in the synchronization shared storage sections 220 and 320 (see FIG. 2), respectively. . In the digital color multi-function peripheral 2b, it is assumed that the setting information “publish synchronization shared folder” is set to “publish” in advance. As a result, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a can access the synchronization shared storage unit 320 of the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b.

  First, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a determines whether or not the synchronization start time has come (S1). Here, for example, the synchronization control unit 240 makes a determination based on the setting information of “automatic synchronization interval” stored in the synchronization setting information unit 230. When the synchronization start time is reached (S1, YES), the process proceeds to step S2. If the synchronization start time has not come (S1, NO), the process returns to step S1 and the process is repeated.

  When the process proceeds to step S2, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a connects to the synchronization shared storage unit (synchronization shared folder) of the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b that is the synchronization destination (S2). Here, for example, the synchronization control unit 240 is connected to the synchronization shared storage unit 320 which is a synchronization shared folder of the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b.

  When the process proceeds to step S3, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a performs a synchronization process with the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b that is the synchronization destination (S3). The setting information stored in the synchronization shared storage unit 220 of the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a is updated based on the setting information stored in the synchronization shared storage unit 320 of the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b by the processing related to step S3. The process according to step S3 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  When the synchronization process according to step S3 ends, the process proceeds to step S4, and the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a determines whether or not the synchronization process is successful (S4). When the synchronization process is successful (S4, YES), the process proceeds to step S5. If the synchronization process has failed (S4, NO), the process proceeds to step S7.

  When the process proceeds to step S5, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a releases the connection with the synchronization-destination shared storage unit 320 that started the connection in step S2 (S5). Here, the synchronization control unit 240 releases the connection with the synchronization shared storage unit 320.

  Moving from step S5 to step S6, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a updates the setting information based on the synchronization shared storage unit 220 of the own apparatus (S6). Here, the synchronization control unit 240 updates the setting information stored in the setting information unit 210 based on the setting information of the synchronization shared storage unit 220 updated by the process of step S5. In addition, when the process which concerns on step S6 is complete | finished, it moves to step S1 again.

  When the process proceeds to step S7, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a releases the connection with the synchronization-destination synchronization shared storage unit 320 that started the connection in step S2 (S7), and again proceeds to step S1.

  Through the processing described above, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a performs an operation of synchronizing setting information with the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b and the like different from the own apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to effectively synchronize setting information among a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

(Example of synchronous operation)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the synchronization operation of the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. Here, the process relating to step S5 in FIG. 5, that is, the operation of the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a connected to the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b synchronizing the setting information with the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b is described in detail. The description will be given with reference.

  First, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a starts exclusive control (S11). Here, the synchronization control unit 240 creates a directory, for example, as exclusive control. That is, before starting the synchronization, a directory is created in the synchronization shared storage unit 320 for synchronization. Only the device that has successfully created the directory obtains the right to use the synchronization shared storage unit 320 of the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b.

  Proceeding to step S12, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a determines whether or not the exclusive control is successful (S12). When the exclusive control is successful (S12, YES), the process proceeds to step S13. If the exclusive control fails (S12, NO), the synchronization is failed and the process is terminated as a synchronization failure.

  When the process proceeds to step S13, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a compares the setting information of the synchronization shared storage unit 220 of the own apparatus with the setting information of the synchronization shared storage unit 320 of the synchronization destination (S13). Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S14, and the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a updates the information in the synchronization shared storage unit 220 of the own apparatus to the latest information (S14).

  In step S14, after the comparison in step S13, the setting information stored in the synchronization shared storage unit 220 is updated and converted to the latest information. Each of the synchronization shared storage units 220 and 320 has a catalog file for managing the user, group ID, last update date and time, and erase date and time registered together with the setting information. Using this, the file is copied or deleted so that the last update date and time and the deletion date and time are new, and finally the catalog file is updated. The synchronization shared storage unit 220 stores the above-described authentication standard information (system setting file), personal setting information (personal setting file), group setting information, catalog file, and the like.

  When the setting information stored in the synchronization shared storage unit 220 is updated / converted to the latest information in step S14, the setting information of the same user (or group) is changed to the same ID. In other words, IDs that are unique to all devices are assigned to users (or groups), and when the setting information of each user (or group) according to step S13 is compared, Further, users (or groups) having different IDs and the same user name (or group name) are regarded as the same user (or group), and the one with the latest update date and time is adopted. However, if a user (or group) with the same ID already exists and another user (or group) with the same name as the user name (or group name) with that ID exists, In order to make the user name (or group name) of the ID different, a predetermined character string (“_n” (n: number)) is added at the end.

  When the process related to step S14 ends, the process proceeds to step S15, and the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a ends the exclusive control started in step S11 (S15). Here, the synchronization control unit 240 ends the exclusive control, for example, by deleting the directory created in step S11. Since the synchronization is successful, the process is terminated as a synchronization success.

  Through the processing described above, the digital color multifunction peripheral 2a synchronizes setting information with the digital color multifunction peripheral 2b and the like different from its own.

  Note that the synchronization shared storage unit 220 can be configured by preparing two HDD partitions having the same format for storing the setting information. At this time, one is a storage unit that stores setting information that is currently operating, and the other is a storage unit that stores setting information after the next synchronization. With such a configuration, the synchronization result can be instantaneously reflected by switching the currently operating HDD partition after the synchronization is completed.

  In addition, the digital color multifunction peripheral newly connected to the network synchronization system 1 executes synchronization between the digital color multifunction peripheral 2 different from the digital color multifunction peripheral 2 assuming that all the setting information held by the own apparatus is old. You can also As a result, when a new digital color multifunction device 2 participates in the network synchronization system 1, all setting information of the digital color multifunction device 2 different from the own device can be accepted.

  As described above, according to the network synchronization system 1 and the digital color multifunction peripheral 2 in the first embodiment that has been described, a server device or the like can be connected to another digital color multifunction peripheral connected via a network. Synchronization can be achieved without intervention. This is realized by always keeping the latest version of the setting information in the synchronization shared folder that each digital color MFP 2 publishes on the network.

  Further, since each digital color MFP 2 can disclose its own shared folder for synchronization, it can be synchronized only by the machine without an external computer. Of course, synchronization can also be achieved using a synchronization shared folder on an external computer.

(Specific examples of network synchronization)
Hereinafter, a specific example of network synchronization in the first embodiment will be described. Here, when the network synchronization system 1 includes an information processing apparatus A having the setting information of the user 1 and the user 2 and an information processing apparatus B having the setting information of the user 2 and the user 3, the information A specific example in which the network synchronization is performed between the processing device A and the information processing device B will be described. It is assumed that the setting information of the user 2 is newer in the information processing apparatus B. Further, in order to reduce the load on the shared folder for synchronization, it is assumed that the synchronization shared folder is connected only once at random within the set synchronization interval, and the order of information processing apparatus A → information processing apparatus B → information processing apparatus A If you connect with, synchronization proceeds as follows.

1. First, the information processing apparatus A connects to its own synchronization shared folder.
Since the synchronization shared folder of the own device is empty at first, the information processing apparatus A simply uploads the setting information of the user 1 and the user 2 to the synchronization shared folder of the own device. As a result, the setting information of the user 1 (A) and the user 2 (A) is stored in the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus A. The alphabetic characters in parentheses indicate the name of the device in which the user is registered.

2. Next, the information processing apparatus B connects to the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus A.
Here, the information processing apparatus B compares the setting information of the users 1 and 2 stored in the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus A with the last update date and time of the setting information of the users 2 and 3 of the own device. In this specific example, the information processing apparatus B does not have the setting information of the user 1, the setting information of the user 2 has a newer one, and the setting information of the user 3 Only own aircraft have. Therefore, the setting information of the user 1 is downloaded from the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus A, and the setting information of the user 2 and the user 3 is uploaded to the own synchronization sharing folder. As a result, setting information of the user 1 (A), the user 2 (B), and the user 3 (B) is stored in the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus B.

3. Subsequently, the information processing apparatus A connects to the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus B.
Here, the information processing apparatus A compares the setting information of the users 1 to 3 stored in the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus B with the last update date and time of the setting information of the users 1 and 2 of the own device. In this specific example, the information processing apparatus A has the same information as the information processing apparatus B for the setting information of the user 1, and the own apparatus has the older setting information for the user 2, User 3 does not have setting information. Therefore, the setting information of the user 2 and the user 3 is downloaded from the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus B. As a result, setting information of the user 1 (A), the user 2 (B), and the user 3 (B) is stored in the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus A.

  Through the processing shown above, the information processing apparatus A can synchronize setting information with the information processing apparatus B.

  Subsequently, a description will be given of a case where the information processing apparatus C having the setting information of the user 2 and the user 4 newly participates in the network synchronization system 1. It is assumed that the setting information of the user 2 is newer in the information processing apparatus C.

  In this case, the information processing apparatus C that is newly connected to the network synchronization system 1 has an information processing apparatus (for example, the information processing apparatus A) that is different from the information processing apparatus (for example, the information processing apparatus A) that the setting information held by the own apparatus is all outdated. Try to synchronize. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an accident that the information processing apparatuses A and B configuring the network synchronization system 1 have the same setting information as the information processing apparatus C to be newly connected. Synchronization proceeds as follows.

4). The information processing apparatus C connects to the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus A.
Here, the information processing device C compares the setting information of the users 1 to 3 stored in the synchronization shared folder of the information processing device A with the last update date and time of the setting information of the user 2 and the user 4 of the own device. In this specific example, the information processing apparatus C does not have the setting information of the user 1 and the user 3, and the own information on the setting information of the user 2 is older (because it is the first synchronization). The setting information of the user 4 is only owned by the user's own device. Therefore, the setting information of the users 1 to 3 is downloaded from the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus A, and the setting information of the user 4 is uploaded to the synchronization shared folder of the own device. As a result, setting information of the user 1 (A), the user 2 (B), the user 3 (B), and the user 4 (C) is stored in the synchronization shared folder of the information processing apparatus C.

  Through the processing described above, the information processing apparatus C can synchronize setting information with the information processing apparatus A. Note that in the initial synchronization, the setting information stored in the existing shared folder for synchronization is preferentially adopted, so it is necessary to be careful that the setting information of the user 2 of the information processing apparatus C is lost. . In addition, since the setting information of the user 2 has already been operated synchronously by the information processing apparatuses A and B, this is the behavior.

  As described above, if each information processing apparatus configuring the network synchronization system 1 is set to open the shared shared folder for synchronization, each information processing apparatus performs the network synchronization described above, so that serverless can be realized. In addition, since all the information processing apparatuses constituting the network synchronization system 1 have the latest setting information, the synchronization shared folder of any information processing apparatus may be broken or replaced with a new HDD. , And can be automatically re-synchronized. Note that it is also possible to specify that the shared folder for synchronization is not disclosed in each information processing apparatus, and that setting information is communicated with an external file server apparatus that can be trusted.

(Supplement)
As described above, network synchronization in the present embodiment includes connection start to a synchronization destination device, synchronization processing with the synchronization destination device, connection termination with the synchronization destination device, and conversion processing. Then, proceed with the step of updating the setting information of the own device.

  Further, during the period from the start of connection to the synchronization destination device to the end of connection with the synchronization destination device, exclusive control of the synchronization shared folder is performed. When the last update date and time of the current setting is newer at the end of the connection, the synchronization is failed without updating the setting information stored in the synchronization shared folder at the end of the connection, and the start is started again after a fixed time. If it fails a certain number of times, it is postponed until the next synchronization time that can be calculated from the synchronization interval. If synchronization is successful, it is converted into a form that can be reflected in the current settings. The current setting is prohibited during the period from the end of connection to the update of the setting information of the own device. In updating the setting information of the own device, the HDD partition is switched when all users log out. If the user turns off the power without logging out, the user switches the power on next time. With this method, synchronization processing can be performed in parallel even while the apparatus is in use, and the setting registration information can be synchronized with the minimum use restriction.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the network synchronization system according to the first embodiment described above, the setting information of each device is effectively synchronized between a plurality of digital color multifunction peripherals. Here, the form of a network synchronization system that realizes appropriate synchronization according to the setting information of each device will be described in detail.

  In the second embodiment, the setting information stored in the setting information unit 210 in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment is the personal information stored in the personal setting information (authentication reference information) unit 1220 in FIG. It can be configured to be setting information. That is, the setting information unit 210 in FIG. 2 corresponds to the personal setting information unit 1220 in FIG.

  Thus, for example, if IC card authentication can be used in one digital color multi-function peripheral, a new advantage can be obtained that IC card authentication can be automatically used in other digital color multi-function peripherals.

(System configuration example)
FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram including the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the network synchronization system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a server computer 1003 that executes various types of information processing via a LAN (local area network) 1002 that is a communication network. Assume a system in which a plurality of client computers 1004 are connected. The server computer 1003 supports, for example, FTP and HTTP protocols, and implements the functions of a Web server and a DNS (Domain Name Service) server. That is, in this system, there is an environment in which image processing functions such as an image input function (scanner function), an image output function (print function), and an image storage function provided in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 can be shared on the LAN 1002. It has been built.

  Such a system is connected to the Internet network 1006 via the communication control unit 1005 and is constructed so as to be able to communicate data with an external environment via the Internet network 1006. The Internet network 1006 is provided with a digital color multifunction peripheral 1100 having the same function as the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001.

  The communication control unit 1005 is generally a router, an exchange, a modem, a DSL modem, or the like, but it is sufficient that TCP / IP communication is possible at the minimum. The LAN 1002 is not limited to wired communication, and may be wireless communication (infrared rays, radio waves, etc.). Alternatively, an optical fiber may be used.

(Example of digital multifunction peripheral 1001)
Next, the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the description of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 is also applicable to the digital color multifunction peripheral 1100 as a matter of course. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view schematically showing the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of each part of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 has a configuration in which an image reading device 1008 that reads an image from a document is provided on an upper portion of a printing device 1007 that forms an image on a medium such as transfer paper. An operation panel P that allows various inputs such as display to the operator and function setting from the operator is provided on the outer surface of the image reading apparatus 1008. Further, under the operation panel P, program codes and image data stored in a storage medium M (see FIG. 9) such as an optical disk and a flexible disk are read, or program codes and images are read from the storage medium M. An external media input / output device 1009, which is a device for writing data or the like, is provided with an insertion port allowing insertion of the storage medium M exposed outside.

  8 is provided with a contact type IC card reader 1045a and a non-contact type IC card reader 1045b (hereinafter collectively referred to as an IC card reader 1045).

  The IC card C (see FIG. 9) used by being inserted into the contact type IC card reader 1045a (or used by being inserted into the non-contact type IC card reader 1045b) is, for example, an operator of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. It is an ID card that is distributed to each person and records authentication information for identifying each person. The authentication information or the like recorded on the IC card C is read by the contact IC card reader 1045a (or the non-contact IC card reader 1045b), so that the authority given corresponding to the authentication information or the like is read. The digital color multifunction peripheral 1 can be used within the range.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the basic configuration of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 is roughly divided into an image processing unit A and an information processing unit B. The printing apparatus 1007 and the image reading apparatus 1008 are image data. The operation panel P, the external media input / output device 1009, and the IC card reader 1045 belong to the information processing unit B that performs various types of information processing.

  First, the image processing unit A will be described. The image processing unit A including the printing apparatus 1007 and the image reading apparatus 1008 shown in FIG. 9 includes an image processing control unit 1010 that performs overall control of image processing in the image processing unit A, and this image processing control unit. A print control unit 1011 that controls the printing apparatus 1007 and an image reading control unit 1012 that controls the image reading apparatus 1008 are connected to 1010.

  The print control unit 1011 outputs a print instruction including image data to the printing apparatus 1007 according to the control of the image processing control unit 1010, and causes the printing apparatus 1007 to form and output an image on a medium such as transfer paper. The printing apparatus 1007 is capable of full-color printing. In addition to the electrophotographic method, the printing method includes various methods such as an inkjet method, a sublimation type thermal transfer method, a silver salt photography method, a direct thermal recording method, and a fusion type thermal transfer method. Can be used.

  The image reading control unit 1012 drives the image reading device 1008 under the control of the image processing control unit 1010, and reflects the reflected light of the lamp irradiation on the surface of the document to a light receiving element (for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device)) using a mirror and a lens. Condensed and read, and A / D converted to generate RGB 8-bit digital image data.

  Such an image processing control unit 1010 temporarily stores the image data read from the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1013, which is the main processor, and the image reading device 1008 for image formation by the printing device 1007. SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 1014, ROM (Lead Only Memory) 1015 that stores control programs, and data can be retained even when the power is turned off to record system logs, system settings, log information, etc. The microcomputer configuration is such that a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 1016 is connected by a bus.

  The image processing control unit 1010 is connected to an HDD (magnetic disk device) 1017 serving as a storage device for storing a large amount of image data and job history, and a HUB 1019 which is an internal LAN concentrator provided in the device. A LAN control unit 1018 for connecting the image processing unit unit A to the LAN 1002 and a FAX control unit 1020 for performing facsimile control are connected. The FAX control unit 1020 is connected to a private branch exchange (PBX) 1022 that communicates with the public telephone network 1021, and the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 can communicate with a remote facsimile apparatus via the public telephone network 1021. it can.

  In addition, a display control unit 1023 and an operation input control unit 1024 are connected to the image processing control unit 1010. The display control unit 1023 outputs an image display control signal to the information processing unit unit B via the communication cable 1026 connected to the control panel I / F (interface) 1025 under the control of the image processing control unit 1010. Image display control is performed on the operation panel P of the processing unit B.

  Further, the operation input control unit 1024 connects an input control signal corresponding to the function setting or input operation by the operator from the operation panel P of the information processing unit unit B to the control panel I / F 1025 by the control of the image processing control unit 1010. Input via the communication cable 1026. That is, the image processing unit A is configured to be able to directly monitor the operation panel P of the information processing unit B via the communication cable 1026.

  Accordingly, the image processing unit A is configured such that the communication cable 1026 is connected to the image processing unit provided in the conventional image processing apparatus, and the operation panel P of the information processing unit B is used. That is, the display control unit 1023 and the operation input control unit 1024 of the image processing unit A operate as if they are connected to the operation panel P.

  With such a configuration, the image processing unit A analyzes print data that is image information from the outside (server computer 1003, client computer 1004, facsimile apparatus, etc. shown in FIG. 7) and a command that instructs printing, and print data. Is bitmap-developed so that it can be printed as output image data, and the print mode is analyzed from the command to determine the operation. The print data and command are received and operated through the LAN control unit 1018 or the FAX control unit 1020.

  The image processing unit A also prints print data stored in the SDRAM 1014 or the HDD 1017, document read data, output image data obtained by processing these data for output, and compressed data obtained by compressing them to external devices (server computer 1003, Client computer 1004, facsimile machine, etc.).

  Further, the image processing unit A transfers image data read by the image reading apparatus 1008 to the image processing control unit 1010, corrects signal deterioration due to quantization of the optical system and digital signal, and stores this image data in the SDRAM 1014. Write. The image data stored in the SDRAM 1014 in this way is converted into output image data by the print control unit 1011 and output to the printing apparatus 1007.

  Next, the information processing unit B including the operation panel P will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the information processing unit section B has a microcomputer configuration controlled by a general-purpose OS (Operating System) used in an information processing apparatus generally called a personal computer. The information processing unit section B has a CPU 1031 which is a main processor, and this CPU 1031 is a memory unit composed of a ROM which is a read-only memory storing a RAM serving as a work area of the CPU 1031 and a startup program. 1032 and a storage device control unit 1035 that controls input / output of data to / from a storage device 1034 such as an HDD that stores an OS or a program are connected via a bus.

  Further, the CPU 1031 is connected to a LAN control unit 1033 which is a communication interface for connecting the information processing unit unit B to the LAN 1002 via the HUB 1019. The IP address that is the network address assigned to the LAN control unit 1033 is different from the IP address assigned to the LAN control unit 1018 of the image processing unit A described above. That is, two IP addresses are assigned to the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 of the second embodiment. In other words, the image processing unit A and the information processing unit B are connected to the LAN 1002, respectively, so that data exchange is possible between the image processing unit A and the information processing unit B. ing.

  Since the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 is connected to the LAN 1002 via the HUB 1019, it seems that only one IP address is assigned. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance is not impaired, and handling such as connection can be facilitated.

  Further, a display control unit 1036 for controlling the operation panel P, an operation input control unit 1037, and an IC card authentication control unit 1044 are connected to the CPU 1031. The operation panel P includes a display device 1040 that is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) and an operation input device 1041. The operation input device 1041 includes a touch panel (not shown) such as an ultrasonic acoustic wave method stacked on the surface of the display device 1040 and a keyboard (not shown) having a plurality of keys.

  The keyboard has a start key for declaring the start of processing such as image reading, a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values, a reading condition setting key for setting the transmission destination of the read image data, a clear key, and the like. . That is, the display control unit 1036 outputs an image display control signal to the display device 1040 via the control panel I / F 1038, and causes the display device 1040 to display predetermined items according to the image display control signal.

  On the other hand, the operation input control unit 1037 receives an input control signal corresponding to the function setting or input operation by the operator in the operation input device 1041 via the control panel I / F 1038. Further, the IC card authentication control unit 1044 reads the authentication information or the like recorded on the IC card C held by the user in the IC card reader 1045, and within the scope of the authority given corresponding to the read authentication information or the like. The digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 can be used.

  In addition, the control panel communication unit 1039 connected to the control panel I / F 1025 of the image processing unit unit A and the communication cable 1026 is connected to the CPU 1031. The control panel communication unit 1039 receives the image display control signal output from the image processing unit unit A, and receives an input control signal corresponding to the function setting or input operation by the operator from the operation panel P. Forward to. Although details will be described later, the image display control signal from the image processing unit A received by the control panel communication unit 1039 is subjected to data conversion processing for the display device 1040 of the operation panel P and then output to the display control unit 1036. In addition, an input control signal corresponding to the function setting or input operation by the operator from the operation panel P is input to the control panel communication unit 1039 after being converted into a format according to the specifications in the image processing unit A. .

  As described above, the storage device 1034 stores an OS and a program executed by the CPU 1031. In this sense, the storage device 1034 functions as a storage medium that stores a program. In the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001, when the user turns on the power, the CPU 1031 activates the activation program in the memory unit 1032, reads the OS from the storage device 1034 into the RAM in the memory unit 1032, and activates the OS. Such an OS activates a program, reads information, and stores information in accordance with a user operation. As a representative OS, Windows (registered trademark) and the like are known. In addition, an operation program running on these OSs is called an application program. The OS of the information processing unit section B is the same type of OS as the information processing apparatus (server computer 1003, client computer 1004, etc.), that is, a general-purpose OS (for example, Windows (registered trademark)).

  As described above, the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the second embodiment includes the storage medium M that stores an OS, various program codes (control programs) such as device drivers and various application programs, and image data. That is, flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVDRAM, DVD-R, DVD + R, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, etc.), magneto-optical disk (MO), semiconductor media Read program codes and image data stored in a storage medium M such as (SD memory card (registered trademark), compact flash (registered trademark), memory stick (registered trademark), smart media (registered trademark)), or Program code for storage medium M Flexible disk drive device and a device for writing image data or the like, an optical disk drive, MO drive, external media input-output device 1009 of the media drive, etc. are mounted. Such an external media input / output device 1009 is controlled by an input / output device control unit 1042 connected to the CPU 1031 by a bus.

  Therefore, the application program stored in the storage device 1034 may be one in which the application program recorded in the storage medium M is installed. Therefore, the storage medium M can also be a storage medium that stores application programs. Furthermore, the application program may be imported from the outside via, for example, the Internet network 1006 and the LAN 1002 and installed in the storage device 1034.

  The input / output device control unit 1042 is also connected to various interfaces 1043 such as USB, IEEE 1394, SCSI, and the like, and various devices (such as digital cameras) can be connected via the various interfaces 1043.

  Hereinafter, characteristic processing executed in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 will be described. In the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001, a plurality of apparatuses that perform different processes, in this example, the image processing unit A and the information processing unit B can perform processing independently, so that the image processing unit A When the image reading process is being performed, the information processing unit B can perform operations such as receiving an e-mail. In such an example, since the processing results do not influence each other, there is no problem even if the image processing unit A and the information processing unit B operate independently.

  In addition, in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001, each function of the image processing unit A can be used by a program operating in the information processing unit B, and the result can be processed. For example, a process of obtaining a text document by performing character recognition processing on image data of a document image read by the image reading device 1008 of the image processing unit A with a predetermined application program is also possible.

  However, in order to realize the above-described processing, if the two always operate independently of each other, each function of the image processing unit unit A is used by the application program of the information processing unit unit B, and the result is processed. The objective of targeting cannot be achieved. Therefore, each function of the image processing unit A can be used by operating an application program based on a combination of processing modules.

  In the image processing unit A, a module of a control system executed by the image processing control unit 1010 includes an application program that performs control for executing the original function of the multifunction device in the digital color multifunction device 1001. The digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 is provided with an interface of a network-compatible functional module in a LAN control unit 1018 that can be accessed only from the information processing unit unit B via the HUB 1019 (LAN 1002).

  The network compatible function module enables functions executed by the image processing control unit 1010 that is normally provided in a normal multifunction peripheral, such as a scanner function and a facsimile function, via the LAN 1002. It cannot be used from the processing unit A.

  The network function module is started when a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) that constantly monitors access from the LAN 1002 detects a connection request for the corresponding port number, and the corresponding function processing module is activated. It has become.

  For example, when there is a connection request for the port number 1002, the module of the facsimile reception function is activated. The activated module operates in cooperation with the processing request of the connection request source, and returns a necessary response.

  Next, the features of the application program of the information processing unit B will be described. As an example, a keyword creation application will be described.

  The keyword creating application performs character recognition processing on the read image data and creates a keyword from the character recognition result. In the entire information processing unit B, each application program operates under the management of the OS.

  Each application program can use a function provided by the OS. In other words, while executing an application program, it is used in a format in which it is called as a module that is a software component and performs necessary processing. An example is a TCP / IP control module. This executes a function that the OS has as a standard in order to communicate with other information devices connected by TCP / IP.

  Also, an independent application program incorporated for use in other application programs can be used. For example, the OCR engine performs only character recognition processing from image data. It does not operate alone, but is used as a component (module) of another application program.

  As described above, since each application program can operate under the management of the OS in the entire information processing unit section B, it is possible to develop an application program in which these functions are used alone or in combination.

  However, in the existing technology, functions such as the image processing unit A cannot be directly used by such means.

  That is, as described above, the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 includes the image processing unit A for realizing the original functions of the multifunction peripheral and the information processing unit B for executing the application program. Are connected via a LAN 1002 by a network protocol (TCP / IP in this example).

  However, this only allows a physical connection, and thus data can be communicated between the image processing unit A and the information processing unit B, but the existing technology The function of the image processing unit A cannot be made available from the inside of the application program that operates in the information processing unit B only by using it.

  A means for making the functions of the image processing unit A available from the application program operating in the information processing unit B will be described.

  For example, in the keyword creation application, the image data to be subjected to character recognition is image data read from the image reading device 1008 managed by the image processing unit A.

  Here, in order to instruct the image reading apparatus 1008 to perform an image reading operation, it is necessary to designate the port number 1001 and make a TCP / IP connection request to the image processing unit A. At this time, data indicating the contents of processing is also sent simultaneously as a data stream. The function designated by the port number 1001 is that the image reading apparatus 1008 reads an image, assigns an arbitrary file name to the read image data, and transfers it to the information processing unit unit B side. The contents of such processing are decided in advance, and port numbers are assigned to use these functions individually.

  In this way, the function of the image processing unit A can be used from the keyword creation application. The communication protocol is not limited to TCP / IP, and other methods may be used.

(Example of functional configuration of digital color multifunction peripheral 1001)
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the second embodiment. In addition, the arrow which connects between each block shown in FIG. 10 represents the flow of a typical signal, Comprising: The function of each block is not limited. Further, the functional configuration shown in FIG. 2 described above can also be included.

  In FIG. 10, the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 includes a display input control unit 1110, a common authentication control unit 1120, a first external device authentication control unit 1130, a second external device authentication control unit 1140, a personal menu management unit 1150, a personal menu authentication. Section 1160, personal menu function execution section 1170, media document execution section 1180, file transmission execution section 1190, authentication setting information section (authentication setting information storage section) 1210, personal setting information (authentication standard information) section (personal setting information storage section) ) 1220 and the like. As described above, the personal setting information unit 1220 in FIG. 10 corresponds to the setting information unit 210 in FIG.

  The common authentication control unit 1120 includes an authentication information acquisition unit 1122, a control unit 1124, a network authentication determination unit 1126, a local authentication determination unit 1128, and the like.

  The display input control unit 1110 performs control related to various displays and inputs. For example, as authentication information input means for inputting authentication information of a user (user name and password, etc.) input from the authentication information input screen by pressing the personal authentication key from the main screen displayed on the operation panel P (see FIG. 9). It has the function of.

  The common authentication control unit 1120 performs control related to various types of authentication. For example, using the authentication information input by the display input control unit 1110, the authentication information acquisition unit 1122, the control unit 1124, the network authentication determination unit according to the authentication setting information (see FIG. 11) stored by the authentication setting information unit 1210 described later. 1124, the local authentication determination unit 1128 and the like perform control related to various authentications.

  The authentication information acquisition unit 1122 acquires authentication information. For example, authentication information such as a user name and a password input by the display input control unit 1110 is acquired. For example, the authentication information recorded on the external storage medium (such as an authentication IC card) is acquired using an external storage medium read / write device such as an IC card reader 1045 (see FIG. 9). In the case where the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 has a function for performing biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication and vein authentication, authentication information can be acquired by reading the shape of a fingerprint, a palm, or a blood vessel of a finger. As described above, the authentication information acquisition unit 1122 receives the first authentication information such as the user name and the password, and the second authentication information different from the first authentication information recorded on the authentication IC card. To get.

  The control unit 1124 controls various authentications based on the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 1122 according to authentication setting information stored by the authentication setting information unit 1210 described later. Specifically, this is performed using a network authentication determination unit 1126, a local authentication determination unit 1128, and the like which will be described later.

  The network authentication determination unit 1126 determines success or failure of network authentication performed by an external device (for example, the server computer 1003 in FIG. 7) connected via the network. For example, the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 1122 is transmitted to the external device via the first external device authentication control unit 1130 described later, and information related to the success or failure of the authentication based on the authentication information is received from the external device. Judgment by

  The local authentication determination unit 1128 determines whether authentication is successful in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. For example, the determination is made by comparing the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 1122 with the authentication reference information stored in the personal setting information unit 1220 described later.

  The first external device authentication control unit 1130 performs control related to authentication in the first external device 1003 (for example, the server computer 1003 in FIG. 7). For example, the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 1122 is transmitted to the first external device 1003, and control related to authentication is performed by receiving from the first external device 1003 information related to the success or failure of authentication based on the authentication information. Do.

  The second external device authentication control unit 1140 performs control related to authentication in the second external device 1004 (here, the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001). Here, the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 has two functions: a personal menu function prepared for each user of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 and other functions (for example, scanner, copy, etc. of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001). Common functions). In the present embodiment, the device having the latter function is identified as the second external device 1004. The second external device 1004 may be configured to be a device different from the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 connected via a network in the same manner as the first external device 1003 described above.

  The personal menu management unit 1150 manages personal setting information stored in a personal setting information unit 1220 described later. The personal menu authentication unit 1160 performs authentication related to the use of the personal menu function prepared for each user of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. For example, authentication is performed by comparing the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 1122 with the authentication reference information stored in the personal setting information unit 1220.

  When the personal menu function execution unit 1170 succeeds in the authentication in the personal menu authentication unit 1160, the personal menu function execution unit 1170 calls the personal setting information stored in the personal setting information unit 1220 via the personal menu management unit 1150, and starts the personal menu with the personal setting. To do. The media document execution unit 1182 executes various processes such as reading and writing of documents on a medium such as a multimedia card (registered trademark) connected to the external media input / output device 1009 (see FIG. 8). It is an example of the function of a personal menu. The file transmission execution unit 1190 executes file transmission with respect to devices connected via a network, for example. It is an example of the function of a personal menu.

  The authentication setting information unit 1210 stores authentication setting information related to authentication in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. An example of the authentication setting information will be described later with reference to FIG. The personal setting information unit 1220 stores personal setting information (including authentication standard information for authenticating authentication information) in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. An example of the personal setting information will be described later with reference to FIG.

  With the above-described functional configuration, the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 authenticates the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001, the first external device 1003, the second external device 1004, and the like. If the authentication is successful, the functions of each device can be used.

(Example of authentication setting information)
FIG. 11 is a table showing an example of authentication setting information stored in the authentication setting information section. Here, an example of authentication setting information stored in the authentication setting information unit 1210 of FIG. 10 will be described.

  FIG. 11A is an example of a personal menu authentication setting table for authentication related to the personal menu in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. In FIG. 11A, items of “first authentication”, “second authentication”, and “login only with personal menu authentication when external device connection fails” are set.

  In the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the present embodiment, the first authentication and the second authentication are sequentially performed, and when both authentications are successful, it is possible to log in to a personal menu prepared for the user. Here, the first authentication is authentication for confirming the personal menu. Here, the second authentication is authentication for enhancing security. Details of the authentication operation will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, it is possible to perform three composite authentications by performing authentication of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 (called MFP authentication) in the background after the first authentication and the second authentication.

  FIG. 11A shows an example in which network authentication is set in “first authentication” and IC card authentication (authentication based on an IC card) is set in “second authentication”. At this time, authentication is performed in the order of network authentication and IC card authentication, and if both authentications are successful, the personal menu is logged in. Conversely, if IC card authentication and network authentication are set in “first authentication” and “second authentication”, authentication is performed in the order of IC card authentication and network authentication. The forms of authentication that can be designated as “first authentication” and “second authentication” are not limited to network authentication and IC card authentication. It can be designated according to the form of authentication that the digital color MFP 1001 has.

  In addition, the item “login only with personal menu authentication when external device connection fails” in FIG. 11A cannot be connected to the external device to which the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 is connected via the network due to, for example, a network failure. In some cases, it is a setting item for setting whether or not to log in only by personal menu authentication by the personal menu authentication unit 1160 (see FIG. 10).

  As a result, if network authentication has been successful once, it is possible to log in using only personal menu authentication when connection to the server fails. Note that the success history may be deleted when setting information related to network authentication described later is changed.

  FIG. 11B is an example of a first external device authentication setting table, which is setting information related to network authentication (here, network authentication for the first external device 1003) in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. In FIG. 11B, setting information related to the first external device 1003 such as “server type”, “domain name”, “identification name”, “first external device address”, and “personal menu authentication cooperation”. The item “Home directory is automatically registered / updated” is set.

  “Individual menu authentication linkage” is setting information related to linkage between network authentication and personal menu authentication. A brief description of each item is given below.

  “Personal menu automatic registration (first authentication only)” sets whether or not to automatically register a personal menu with authentication information used for network authentication. “Automatic password update (first authentication only)” sets whether or not to automatically update the password used for personal menu authentication with the password used for network authentication. In “automatically update personal information (second authentication only)”, it is set whether authentication information used for personal menu authentication is automatically updated with authentication information used for network authentication.

  “Home directory automatic registration / update” is for setting whether to automatically register / update the shared media in the directory under “home directory” in accordance with the home directory setting of the first external device 1003. Information.

  Thus, in the case of network authentication, personal menu automatic registration (first authentication only), password automatic update (first authentication only), personal information automatic update (second authentication only), home directory automatic registration / update (first One authentication and second authentication) can be performed.

  FIG. 11C is an example of an IC card authentication setting table for IC card authentication in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. In FIG. 11 (c), items "Personal Menu Authentication Cooperation", "User Name / Password Authentication are Used Together", and "Limited to IC Card Unregistered Users" are set.

  “Personal menu authentication linkage” is setting information related to linkage between IC card authentication and personal menu authentication here. A brief description of each item is given below.

  In “personal menu automatic registration (first authentication only)”, whether or not the personal menu is automatically registered with authentication information used for IC card authentication when an unregistered IC card is read into the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 at the time of authentication. Set In “IC card automatic registration (first authentication only)”, when an unregistered IC card is read into the digital color multifunction peripheral 1 at the time of authentication, the user name / password information is prompted to be input, and the input user name / password Whether to register an IC card for a user who has been successfully authenticated based on password information is set.

  In the “combined user name / password authentication”, at the time of authentication, either the IC card or the user name / password can be authenticated.

  “Limited to IC card unregistered users” sets whether authentication is permitted only for authentication using an unregistered IC card in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 at the time of authentication.

  Thus, in the case of IC card authentication, personal menu automatic registration (first authentication only), IC card automatic registration (first authentication only) and user name / password authentication can be used together (first authentication, second authentication). it can. Moreover, it can be limited to IC card unregistered users.

  Furthermore, when “first authentication” is IC card authentication and “second authentication” is network authentication, the personal menu is automatically registered with the user name of the IC card number, and then the personal information is updated by network authentication. The user name of the IC card number can be automatically changed to the user name for network authentication.

(Example of personal setting information (authentication standard information))
FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of personal setting information stored in the personal setting information section. Here, an example of personal setting information stored in the personal setting information unit 1220 in FIG. 10 will be described. The personal setting information in this embodiment is composed of the personal setting information shown in FIG. 10B and the authentication standard information of FIG. 10A set in association with the personal setting information, and is set for each user. A plurality of setting information.

  FIG. 12A is an example of authentication reference information for authenticating authentication information acquired by the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. For each user of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001, “IC card”, “personal menu authentication user name”, “personal menu authentication password”, “first external device user name”, “first external device password”, “second” The items “external device user name” and “second external device password” are set in association with each other. A brief description of each item is given below.

  “IC card” in FIG. 12A is authentication standard information for authenticating authentication information recorded on the IC card. “First external device user name” and “first external device password” are authentication standard information for performing authentication by the first external device 1003 (see FIG. 10). The “second external device user name” and the “second external device password” are authentication reference information for performing authentication by the second external device 1004 (see FIG. 10). “Personal menu authentication user name” and “personal menu authentication password” are authentication standard information for performing authentication by the personal menu authentication unit 1160 (see FIG. 10).

  Among these authentication standard information, “IC card”, “first external device user name”, and “first external device password” are setting information common to a plurality of digital color MFPs, and the network synchronization system. 1 is setting information acquired from a server device or the like that manages the common setting information connected to 1. The “second external device user name”, “second external device password”, “personal menu authentication user name”, and “personal menu authentication password” are setting information unique to the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. .

  Therefore, according to the network synchronization system 1 in the second embodiment, setting information (such as “second external device user name”) unique to each device is synchronized between a plurality of digital color multifunction peripherals. Can be configured. For this purpose, each device has a table of authentication standard information shown in FIG. Note that setting information common to each device (such as an “IC card”) can be obtained through communication with a server device or the like.

  FIG. 12B is an example of personal setting information managed in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. For each user of the digital color MFP 1001 (here, user A is shown as an example) “Furigana”, “Name”, “Affiliation”, “Personal Menu Authentication Information”, “First External Device Authentication Information”, “No. 2 “External Device Authentication Information”, “Personal Menu Auto Erase”, “Personal Menu Auto Erase Settings Save Area”, “Function Restriction Information”, “Registered Destination Information”, “Shared Media Information”, “Latest Use Status Save Area” The item is set in association with the personal setting information. Note that the personal setting information shown in FIG. 3B exists for the number of registered users (one or more). A brief description of each item is given below.

  “Furigana” and “Name” in FIG. 12B are user names of the user. “Affiliation” is a group name to which the user belongs. “Personal menu authentication information” is personal menu authentication information of the user and corresponds to “personal menu authentication user name” and “personal menu authentication password” in FIG. The “first external device authentication information” is the first external device authentication information of the user, and corresponds to the “first external device user name” and the “first external device password” in FIG. “Second external device authentication information” is second external device authentication information of the user and corresponds to “second external device user name” and “second external device password” in FIG. “Personal menu automatic deletion” is information relating to automatic deletion of the personal menu of the user. “Personal menu automatic erasure setting storage area” is setting information relating to automatic erasure of the user's personal menu. The setting information here is the setting information on whether or not to automatically delete the personal menu and the storage period of the personal menu, that is, the period from when the user last used his / her own personal menu until the automatic deletion is performed. This is setting information for a period (for example, 3 days).

  Subsequently, “function restriction information” in FIG. 12B is restriction information related to the function of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 used by the user. Specifically, the digital color MFP 1001 distributes a copy function, a facsimile function, a print function, a scanner function, and an input image (a document image read by the scanner function, an image input by the print function or the facsimile function), etc. In the case of providing this function, it is setting information as to whether or not to allow the user to use each function. Based on such function restriction information, the functions of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 that can be used by the user are restricted.

  Subsequently, “Registered Destination Information” in FIG. 12B is an address book in which information relating to destinations (such as the distribution destination of the input image) used by the user is registered. “Shared media information” is an address book for viewing shared media under the home directory assigned to the user. The “latest usage status storage area” is restoration information of the personal menu last used by the user.

  The items of the personal setting information shown in FIG. 12B have been described above. In particular, the personal setting information related to the items shown in (4) and (6) to (12) of FIG. Is setting information on which the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 is synchronized with a digital color multifunction peripheral different from its own. This is because the personal setting information relating to each of these items is setting information that is uniquely set for each user in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. On the other hand, the personal setting information relating to each item shown in (1) to (3) and (5) of FIG. 12B is setting information that is not a target for synchronization. That is, the personal setting information relating to each of these items is setting information managed by the first external device 1003 (for example, the server computer 1003), and the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 is connected to the first external device 1003. This is because the same setting information can be acquired by communication in the network.

  That is, according to the network synchronization system 1 according to the second embodiment, the setting information unique to each user is synchronized in each device among the personal setting information held by each device among a plurality of digital color multifunction peripherals. Can be configured. On the other hand, common setting information that is not unique for each user in each device is acquired by communication between the digital color multifunction peripheral and the first external device 1003. Thereafter, both pieces of information (setting information unique to each user and common setting information not unique to each user) are set in association with each other as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the following advantages are exhibited. The advantage is that when there is a general-purpose server as the first external device 1003 that collectively manages user information, the general-purpose server is connected to the network synchronization system without any special design change. 1 can be incorporated. Further, according to the network synchronization system 1, synchronization can be appropriately realized according to the setting information of each device.

  If the personal setting information for synchronization among a plurality of digital color MFPs is the “function restriction information” in FIG. 12B, the user can use the user himself / herself in one digital color MFP. The function can be used in other digital color MFPs. For example, it is assumed that the user A can use the “scan-to-mail (automatically send a scanned image to his / her mail address)” function of a digital color multifunction peripheral installed in the head office to which the user A belongs. At this time, it is assumed that the user A wants to use the “scan-to-mail” function of the digital color MFP installed in the branch office when he / she goes out to the branch office. Even in this case, the function restriction information of the user A is synchronized between the digital color multifunction peripheral installed at the head office and the digital color multifunction peripheral installed at the branch office, so that the user A goes out to the branch office. When you do this, you can use the “scan-to-mail” function of the digital color MFP installed in the branch office without any special settings.

(Example of synchronization setting information)
FIG. 13 is a table showing an example of the synchronization setting information stored in the synchronization setting information section. The items shown in FIG. 13 are the same as those shown in FIG.

(Specific examples of network synchronization)
Hereinafter, a specific example of network synchronization in the second embodiment will be described. Here, the network synchronization system 1 includes the information processing apparatus A having the personal setting information of the user 1 and the user 2 (setting information unique to each user among the personal setting information), and the personal information of the user 2 and the user 3. A case where network synchronization is performed between the information processing apparatus A and the information processing apparatus B when configured by the information processing apparatus B having setting information will be described.

  In this case, except that the setting information is replaced with the personal setting information, the operation is the same as the specific example of the network synchronization described in the first embodiment, and thus the detailed operation is omitted here. The following are supplements.

  By performing network synchronization, the information processing apparatus A can synchronize the personal setting information with the information processing apparatus B, but the personal setting information of the user 1 is overwritten from the information processing apparatus A to the information processing apparatus B. The personal setting information of the user 2 is overwritten from the information processing apparatus B to the information processing apparatus A. That is, the personal setting information is updated bi-directionally between the information processing apparatus A and the information processing apparatus B independently for each user (or for each personal setting information).

  Thus, when synchronizing the personal setting information of a plurality of users, it is configured such that the priority order for synchronization differs for each user.

(First example of authentication operation of digital color multifunction peripheral 1001)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the authentication operation of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the second embodiment. Here, the operation of the digital color MFP 1001 when network authentication and IC card authentication are set in “first authentication” and “second authentication” in the personal menu authentication setting table of FIG. This will be described with reference to a functional block diagram.

  First, authentication information is acquired (S1001). In step S1001, the authentication information acquisition unit 1122 acquires authentication information such as a user name and a password input by the display input control unit 1110. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S1002, and first authentication (in this case, authentication by the first external device 1003) is performed (S1002). Here, the control unit 1124 performs authentication by the network authentication determination unit 1126 according to the authentication setting information (here, “first authentication” is network authentication) stored by the authentication setting information unit 1210. The details of the first authentication will be omitted here with reference to FIG.

  In step S1003, it is determined whether the authentication result is successful (S1003). Here, the network authentication determination unit 1126 determines the success or failure of the first authentication performed in step S1002. Specifically, the authentication information acquired in step S1001 is transmitted to the first external device 1003 via the first external device authentication control unit 1130, and the success or failure of the authentication based on the authentication information from the first external device 1003 is determined. Determination is made by receiving such information.

  If it is determined in step S1003 that the authentication result is successful (S1003, YES), the process proceeds to step S1004. If it is determined that the authentication result has failed (S1003, NO), the process proceeds to step S1009 to display an error and the process is terminated.

  When the process proceeds to step S1004, the personal menu authentication unit 1160 is requested to perform authentication (S1004). Here, the control unit 1124 (common authentication control unit 1120) requests the personal menu authentication unit 1160 for authentication.

  In step S1005, it is determined whether the authentication result is successful (S1005). Here, the personal menu authenticating unit 1160 that has received the authentication request in step S1004 uses the user name / password information acquired in step S1001 to authenticate using the authentication reference information stored in the personal setting information unit 1220. Do. As a result, information relating to the user who has actually entered the authentication information into the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 is confirmed (extracted) from the plurality of user data on the authentication reference information table of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S1005 that the authentication result is successful (S1005, YES), the process proceeds to step S1006. If it is determined that the authentication result has failed (S1005, NO), the process proceeds to step S1009 to display an error and the process ends.

  When the process proceeds to step S1006, second authentication (in this case, authentication using an IC card) is performed (S1006). Here, the authentication information acquisition unit 1122 acquires the authentication information recorded on the IC card using the IC card reader 1045 (see FIG. 9). Further, the control unit 1124 performs authentication by the local authentication determination unit 1128 according to the authentication setting information (here, “second authentication” is IC card authentication) stored by the authentication setting information unit 1210. Note that the details of the second authentication will be omitted here with reference to FIG.

  In step S1007, it is determined whether the authentication result is successful (S1007). Here, the local authentication determination unit 1128 uses the authentication information recorded in the IC card acquired in step S1006, and in step S1005 on the authentication standard information table in FIG. Authentication is performed using the information of “IC card” in the column of users confirmed (extracted) as the user who has input the authentication information. If there is no “IC card” information, authentication standard information for authenticating authentication information recorded in the IC card acquired in step S1006 can be registered / updated.

  If it is determined in step S1007 that the authentication result is successful (S1007, YES), the process proceeds to step S1008. If it is determined that the authentication result has failed (S1007, NO), the process proceeds to step S1009 to display an error and the process is terminated.

  If the process proceeds to step S1008, the personal setting personal menu is started (S1008). Here, the personal menu function execution unit 1170 starts a personal menu for personal setting for the user who has actually entered the authentication information into the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001.

  Through the processing described above, in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001, network authentication and IC card authentication are respectively set in “first authentication” and “second authentication” in the personal menu authentication setting table of FIG. Perform the action.

(Second Example of Authentication Operation of Digital Color Multifunction Machine 1001)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the authentication operation of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the second embodiment.

  Here, the operation of the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 when IC card authentication and network authentication are set in “first authentication” and “second authentication” of the personal menu authentication setting table of FIG. This will be described with reference to a functional block diagram.

  First, authentication information is acquired (S1011). In step S1011, the authentication information acquisition unit 1122 acquires the authentication information recorded on the IC card using the IC card reader 1045 (see FIG. 9). Then, it moves to step S1012 and performs first authentication (here, IC card authentication) (S1012). Here, the control unit 1124 performs authentication by the local authentication determination unit 1128 according to the authentication setting information (here, “first authentication” is IC card authentication) stored by the authentication setting information unit 1210. The details of the first authentication will be omitted here with reference to FIG.

  Moving to step S1013, it is determined whether the authentication result is successful (S1013). Here, the local authentication determination unit 1128 determines the success or failure of the first authentication performed in step S1012. Specifically, the determination is made by comparing the authentication information acquired in step S1001 with the authentication reference information stored in the personal setting information unit 1220. As a result, information relating to the user who has actually entered the authentication information into the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 is confirmed (extracted) from the plurality of user data on the authentication reference information table of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S1013 that the authentication result is successful (S1013, YES), the process proceeds to step S1014. If it is determined that the authentication result has failed (S1013, NO), the process proceeds to step S1017 to display an error and the process ends.

  When the process proceeds to step S1014, second authentication (here, authentication by the first external device 1003) is performed (S1014). Here, in accordance with the authentication setting information (here, “second authentication” is network authentication) stored in the authentication setting information unit 1210, the control unit 1124, in step S1011 on the authentication reference information table in FIG. Authentication is performed using the information of “first external device user name” and “first external device password” in the user column that is confirmed (extracted) as the user who has actually input the authentication information to the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001. Specifically, the network authentication determination unit 1126 transmits “first external device user name” and “first external device password” to the first external device 1003 via the first external device authentication control unit 1130. The first external device 1003 performs authentication based on the received authentication information and transmits information related to the success or failure of the authentication to the network authentication determination unit 1126. Note that the details of the second authentication will be omitted here with reference to FIG.

  Moving to step S1015, it is determined whether the authentication result is successful (S1015). Here, the local authentication determination unit 1128 determines using the information related to the success or failure of the authentication acquired in step S1015.

  If it is determined in step S1015 that the authentication result is successful (S1015, YES), the process proceeds to step S1016. If it is determined that the authentication result is unsuccessful (S1015, NO), the process proceeds to step S1017 to display an error and the process ends.

  If the process proceeds to step S1016, a personal menu for personal setting is started (S1016). Here, the personal menu function execution unit 1170 starts a personal menu for personal setting for the user who has actually entered the authentication information into the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001.

  Through the processing described above, in the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001, when IC card authentication and network authentication are set in “first authentication” and “second authentication” in the personal menu authentication setting table of FIG. Perform the action.

  Thereby, even if it is a case where several people use, authentication work can be simplified. In particular, when a large number of people use the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001, when the user changes, authentication is performed based on the authentication information acquired from the external storage medium, so that the user changes every time the user changes. There is no need to input the first authentication information by the operation unit. In addition, this makes it possible to reduce information leakage compared to authentication using a user name / password.

  In addition, since the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 includes the first external device authentication control unit 1130, the server computer 1003 that is an external device does not need to include the first external device authentication control unit 1130. That is, the digital color multifunction peripheral 1001 can be easily attached to the network without changing the function of the external device.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations with other elements listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network synchronization system including a digital color multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information memorize | stored by the setting information part. It is a table | surface which shows the example of the synchronization setting information memorize | stored in a synchronization setting information part. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a synchronization operation of the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a synchronization operation of the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the network synchronization system containing the digital color multifunctional device in this Embodiment 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing a digital color multifunction peripheral. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing electrical connections of each part of the digital color multifunction peripheral. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a digital color multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment. It is a table | surface which shows the example of the authentication setting information memorize | stored in an authentication setting information part. It is a table | surface which shows the example of the personal setting information memorize | stored in a personal setting information part. It is a table | surface which shows the example of the synchronization setting information memorize | stored in a synchronization setting information part. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of an authentication operation of the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the authentication operation of the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of first authentication of the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of second authentication of the digital color multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network synchronization system 2 Digital color compound machine 210 Setting information part 220 Synchronization shared storage part 230 Synchronization setting information part 240 Synchronization control part 320 Synchronization shared storage part

Claims (14)

A network synchronization system including a plurality of information processing devices,
At least one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses is
Setting information storage means for storing the setting information of the own device;
Synchronous shared storage for copying and storing the setting information of the own device stored by the setting information storage means and sharing the copied setting information of the own device between the information processing device different from the own device Means,
Synchronization control means for updating the setting information stored by the setting information storage means based on the setting information stored by the synchronization shared storage means;
A network synchronization system comprising: The synchronization control means includes
Based on a comparison between the setting information of the own device stored by the synchronization shared storage unit and the setting information of the information processing device stored by the synchronization shared storage unit included in the information processing device different from the own device, Update the setting information of the own device stored by the shared shared storage means,
2. The network synchronization system according to claim 1, wherein the setting information of the own device stored by the setting information storage unit is updated based on the updated setting information of the own device.   The network synchronization system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting information of the own device stored by the setting information storage means includes personal setting information for each user registered to be able to use the own device. . The synchronization control means includes
Personal setting information for each user of the own device stored by the synchronization shared storage unit and personal setting for each user of the information processing device stored by the synchronization shared storage unit included in the information processing device different from the own device 4. The network according to claim 3, wherein based on the comparison with the information, the personal setting information for each user of the own device stored by the synchronization shared storage means is updated to the latest personal setting information for each user. Synchronous system.   The network synchronization system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the personal setting information includes setting information unique to the device itself.   The personal setting information includes setting information that is common among the plurality of information processing devices and is acquired from a server device that manages the common setting information connected to the network synchronization system. The network synchronization system according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The network synchronization system according to claim 1, wherein when the authentication is successful, the function of the network synchronization system can be used.
Authentication information acquisition means for acquiring the first authentication information and the second authentication information different from the first authentication information respectively input;
Authentication standard information storage means for storing first authentication standard information for authenticating the first authentication information and second authentication standard information for authenticating the second authentication information;
First authentication determination means for determining success or failure of first authentication using the first authentication information and the first authentication reference information;
Second authentication determination means for determining success or failure of second authentication using the second authentication information and the second authentication reference information;
If the first authentication and the second authentication are successful, authentication information control means for associating the second authentication standard information with the first authentication information and storing them in the authentication standard information storage means;
Have
The network synchronization system according to claim 1, wherein the setting information of the own device stored by the setting information storage means is first authentication reference information and second authentication reference information stored by the authentication reference information storage means. An information processing apparatus in a network synchronization system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses,
Setting information storage means for storing the setting information of the own device;
Synchronous shared storage for replicating and storing the setting information of the own device stored by the setting information storage means and sharing the copied setting information of the own device between the information processing device different from the own device Means,
Synchronization control means for updating the setting information stored by the setting information storage means based on the setting information stored by the synchronization shared storage means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The synchronization control means includes
Based on a comparison between the setting information of the own device stored by the synchronization shared storage unit and the setting information of the information processing device stored by the synchronization shared storage unit included in the information processing device different from the own device, Update the setting information of the own device stored by the shared shared storage means,
9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the setting information of the own apparatus stored by the setting information storage unit is updated based on the updated setting information of the own apparatus.   10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the setting information of the own device stored by the setting information storage unit includes personal setting information for each user registered to be able to use the own device. . The synchronization control means includes
Personal setting information for each user of the own device stored by the synchronization shared storage unit and personal setting for each user of the information processing device stored by the synchronization shared storage unit included in the information processing device different from the own device 11. The information according to claim 10, wherein the personal setting information for each user of the device stored in the synchronization shared storage means is updated to the latest personal setting information for each user based on the comparison with the information. Processing equipment.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the personal setting information includes setting information unique to the self apparatus.   The personal setting information includes setting information that is common among the plurality of information processing devices and is acquired from a server device that manages the common setting information connected to the network synchronization system. The network synchronization system according to any one of claims 10 to 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the authentication is successful, the function of the network synchronization system can be used.
Authentication information acquisition means for acquiring the first authentication information and the second authentication information different from the first authentication information respectively input;
Authentication standard information storage means for storing first authentication standard information for authenticating the first authentication information and second authentication standard information for authenticating the second authentication information;
First authentication determination means for determining success or failure of first authentication using the first authentication information and the first authentication reference information;
Second authentication determination means for determining success or failure of second authentication using the second authentication information and the second authentication reference information;
If the first authentication and the second authentication are successful, authentication information control means for associating the second authentication standard information with the first authentication information and storing them in the authentication standard information storage means;
Have
The information processing apparatus characterized in that the setting information of the own apparatus stored by the setting information storage means is first authentication reference information and second authentication reference information stored by the authentication reference information storage means.

Images