JP2015106759A - Information processor, information processing system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor which allows for reduction of the workload on a user, and creation of an appropriate execution schedule of the job, by creating the schedule while taking account of the use situation in a multifunction printer, when creating the execution schedule of the job therein, and to provide an information processing system, a control method, and program.SOLUTION: A management system server receives the job history including a job executed by a multifunction printer and the job execution time, and power supply information about the state of power supply to the multifunction printer depending on the time zone and, by using the execution frequency of job and the power supply information, depending on the time zone, creates the schedule for transmitting and receiving the set values, by taking the situation of the multifunction printer, e.g., a job to be disabled and the execution time thereof, power OFF, and the like, in combination with the processing for transmitting and receiving the set values of the multifunction printer, into account.

Description

  More particularly, the present invention relates to a technique for optimizing a collection schedule when collecting setting values set for a multi-function peripheral.

  Acquire backup data of setting values set for the MFP in case of user's erroneous operation or unexpected error, or use the setting values of the MFP that were previously used when purchasing the MFP. Thus, settings are made in the same way for a purchased new multi-function peripheral, and the setting value set for one multi-function peripheral is also set for a plurality of other multi-function peripherals.

  In order to cope with such operations, there is already a system that acquires and distributes the setting values of the MFP via the network. However, the execution time of the task that performs the acquisition and distribution is “execute on the specified date and time” In general, the user selects from the three options “execute periodically (first Sunday of every month), execute immediately”.

  However, manually setting the schedule for these tasks while taking into account the processing executed on each device that makes up the network is a heavy workload for the administrator and presents a system to reduce this load. ing.

  For example, in a system in which a plurality of computers are distributed to perform processing, in order to execute commands and applications by consolidating them to one succeeding computer, the job schedule of the aggregation source computer is There is a technique for creating a job execution schedule in consideration of the processing load on an aggregation destination computer instead of a computer job schedule (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  As another example, the load information is obtained by analyzing the load information from the CPU usage rate of the job execution server, the statistics of the execution time of the job executed on the job execution server, and the difference between the latest execution time, and by this load degree, There is a technique for newly executing a job priority corresponding to the job multiplicity of the job execution server regarded as a high load and the expected execution time of the job, and executing the job.

JP2012-79038 JP 2010-198184 A

  However, for devices such as MFPs that make up the network, the setting values set for the MFP are acquired and sent to the server, or the setting values are distributed from the server. If you want to set a setting value in the multifunction device itself, set the setting value in the multifunction device, then restart it, acquire the setting value in the multifunction device, or receive the distribution, The user interface of the multifunction device is locked, and there is a problem that the user cannot use it.

  In addition, the MFP turns off the power by a user who does not know the schedule for acquiring / distributing the setting value, and this acquisition / distribution processing becomes an error, or the user who does not know this schedule. When a specific job (for example, facsimile-related job transmission / reception or print data transfer job) is executed, there is a problem that the acquisition / distribution processing similarly causes an error.

  However, in the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, there is no description or suggestion regarding restrictions on executing such a job unique to a multifunction peripheral, and the above-described problems cannot be solved.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, when creating a job execution schedule in a multifunction peripheral, the schedule is created taking into account the usage status in the multifunction peripheral, thereby reducing the user's workload and creating an appropriate job execution schedule. An object is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a control method, and a program that can be created.

  A first invention for achieving the above object is an information processing apparatus for creating a schedule for transmitting / receiving setting information of a multifunction device in the multifunction device, the job being executed in the multifunction device and the job execution Job history storage means for storing job history information including time, job information storage means for storing job information that cannot be executed in combination with transmission / reception of setting information of the multifunction device, and job history storage Calculating means for first calculating an execution time of a job that cannot be executed together with transmission / reception of the setting information stored in the job information storage means from the job history information stored in the means; Creating means for creating a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time specified by the above.

  According to a second aspect of the invention for achieving the above object, in the information processing system in which the multifunction peripheral and the information processing apparatus are connected via a network, the multifunction peripheral includes job history information including an executed job and a job execution time. Is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and execution means for transmitting and receiving the setting information by the instruction means of the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus is transmitted by the multifunction apparatus transmission means. An information processing device receiving means for receiving the received job history information, a job information storage means for storing information on a job that cannot be executed together with the transmission / reception of the setting information of the multifunction device, and the information processing device reception The job history information received by the means cannot be executed together with the transmission / reception of the setting information stored in the job information storage means. A calculation unit that first calculates a job execution time; a creation unit that creates a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time specified by the calculation unit; and a schedule created by the creation unit And an instruction means for instructing the MFP to transmit / receive the setting information.

  According to a third aspect of the invention for achieving the above object, there is provided a method of controlling an information processing apparatus for creating a schedule for transmitting / receiving setting information of the multifunction device in the multifunction device, comprising: a job executed in the multifunction device; A job that stores job information that cannot be executed together with transmission / reception of setting information of the multifunction peripheral from job history information stored in job history storage means for storing job history information including job execution time The calculation unit that first calculates the execution time of a job that cannot be executed together with the transmission / reception of the setting information stored in the information storage unit, and the setting time using the execution time specified by the calculation unit Creating means for creating a schedule for transmitting and receiving information.

  A fourth invention for achieving the above object is a program that can be read and executed by an information processing apparatus that creates a schedule for transmitting and receiving setting information of the MFP in the MFP, and is executed in the MFP. The job history information stored in the job history storage means for storing the job history information including the job and the job execution time is information on the job that cannot be executed together with the transmission / reception of the setting information of the multifunction device. Using a calculation unit that first calculates an execution time of a job that cannot be executed together with transmission / reception of setting information stored in the stored job information storage unit, and an execution time specified by the calculation unit , And functioning as creation means for creating a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information.

  A fifth invention for achieving the above object is a method for controlling an information processing system in which a multifunction peripheral and an information processing apparatus are connected via a network, wherein the multifunction peripheral includes an executed job and a job execution time. A multi-function apparatus transmitting means for transmitting job history information including information to the information processing apparatus and an execution means for transmitting / receiving setting information by an instruction means of the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus receiving means for receiving the job history information transmitted by the transmitting means and the job history information received by the information processing apparatus receiving means cannot be executed together with the transmission / reception of the setting information of the MFP. The execution time of a job that cannot be executed together with the transmission / reception of the setting information stored in the job information storage means for storing the job information 1 using the calculation unit, the creation unit that creates a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time specified by the computation unit, and the schedule created by the creation unit. On the other hand, an instruction means for instructing transmission / reception of the setting information is executed.

  A sixth invention for achieving the above object is a program that can be read and executed by an information processing system in which a multifunction peripheral and an information processing apparatus are connected via a network. Functioning as a multifunction machine transmission unit that transmits job history information including job execution time to the information processing device and an execution unit that transmits and receives setting information by an instruction unit of the information processing device, An information processing device receiving means for receiving the job history information transmitted by the multifunction device transmitting means, and executing the job history information received by the information processing device receiving means together with the transmission / reception of the setting information of the multifunction device. Execution in combination with transmission / reception of setting information stored in job information storage means for storing information on jobs that cannot be performed is prohibited. A calculation unit that first calculates an execution time of a job, a creation unit that creates a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time specified by the calculation unit, and a schedule created by the creation unit And functioning as instruction means for instructing the MFP to transmit / receive the setting information.

  In the present invention, when creating a job execution schedule in a multi-function peripheral, the user's workload is created by using the job history information output from the multi-function peripheral and taking into account the usage status in the multi-function peripheral. As a result, an appropriate job execution schedule can be created.

It is a system configuration figure showing an example of the composition of the information processing system concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the information processing apparatus applicable to the management server which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a personal computer (PC). FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a controller unit of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the setting value information management process in the information processing system in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the task list screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the task detail screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the scheduled execution date change screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the scheduled execution date change confirmation screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the job distribution confirmation screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each table which memorize | stores the data used by the process performed with the information processing system in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each table which memorize | stores the data used by the process performed with the information processing system in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each table which memorize | stores the data used by the process performed with the information processing system in embodiment of this invention.

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

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system of the present invention.

  The information processing system 100 has a configuration in which a management system server 101, one or a plurality of multifunction peripheral management PCs 102, and one or a plurality of multifunction peripherals 103 are connected via a local area network (LAN: not shown). .

  The management system server 101 manages information related to setting values (device setting value information) set for the multi-function peripheral 103, and a power source that indicates a power supply state for the multi-function peripheral 103 collected by the multi-function peripheral management PC 102 Information, job execution frequency information obtained by aggregating the logs of jobs executed in the multifunction machine 103, and the like are stored in each table provided in itself.

  Then, the management system server 101 determines the execution time of the task for acquiring or distributing the device setting value information based on the information, and executes the task for acquiring or distributing the device setting value information at the determined time. Then, the MFP management PC 102 is instructed.

  Hereinafter, a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the management system server 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described. The MFP management PC 102 has the same configuration as that of the management system server 101, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the management system server 101 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  Reference numeral 207 denotes a memory controller, which is stored in an external storage device (hard disk (HD)), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected via an adapter.

  A communication I / F controller 208 connects and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 400 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 103 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 103 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN). By connecting, image data and device information are input and output.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (keyboard) 308. Further, the operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit the key information (for example, pressing of the start button) input from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

  Reference numeral 305 denotes a network interface (Network I / F), which is connected to a network (LAN). In addition, wireless communication is also possible, and connection is made with other devices by communication using infrared rays, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Input and output data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, an IC card for a portable terminal required for authentication A card reader 319 for reading (storage medium) is connected to the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card of the mobile terminal by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card of the mobile terminal. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  Reference numeral 317 denotes an image processing unit that corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs multifunction device correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  The display unit has a different display performance depending on the multifunction device. The multifunction device can be operated via a touch panel. The multifunction device is simply equipped with a liquid crystal display and displays a character string (displays the print status and printed document name). Thus, the present invention is constituted.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (which may be provided in the portable terminal as an IC chip) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. To notify. Further, the card reader 319 corresponds to the NFC communication standard, and is configured to be able to read and write to an IC card or an IC chip of a portable terminal.

  Note that when an NFC standard-compliant portable terminal is held over an NFC standard-compliant card reader, authentication is performed and the portable terminal and the multifunction device are paired. Then, it is possible to establish communication (P2P) between the held portable terminal and the multifunction device to perform data communication. In addition, it is also possible to take over communication (handover) to Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), which are high-speed communication standards, and to perform communication between the portable terminal and the multifunction peripheral. For example, by holding the portable terminal over a card reader, an image stored in the portable terminal can be transmitted to the multifunction peripheral. The details of the NFC communication standard are conventional techniques, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the MFP 103 described above, a platform for controlling the MFP 103 exists, and an authentication application for communicating with an authentication server (not shown) is operating on the platform.

  The authentication application is stored in the HDD 304. An area on the HDD 304 is secured for a login context that is managed by the platform and stores user information at the time of login, and various setting information.

  On the platform, an application in which the main body function of the multifunction machine 103 is extended is installed and operated. These applications are executed using the platform API.

  Through this platform, each function of the multifunction peripheral can be controlled.

  In addition, the MFP 103 also stores a Web browser, and can also cooperate with the Web system. In this case, the screen received from the web application server is displayed using a web browser.

  A command instructed on the Web browser is requested to the Web application server, and an operation (scanning or print processing) can be executed by the MFP 103 by receiving the command from the Web application server.

  With the above-described configuration, the multi-function peripheral 103 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN, and print out the print data received from the LAN using the printer unit 312.

  Further, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer unit 312.

  Hereinafter, the setting value information management process for optimizing the execution time of the task for acquiring or distributing the device setting value information in the information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the term “device” used below refers to the multi-function peripheral 103. This process is executed under the control of the CPU 201 of the management system server 101.

  In step S401, task information including a task ID, the number of target devices, and a designated date and time is acquired from a task execution schedule table (see the top row in FIG. 10). The acquired task ID, number of target devices, and designated date / time are stored in the RAM 203.

  The task execution schedule table shown at the top of FIG. 10 is a table for storing information related to tasks to be executed in the multifunction peripheral 103. The task ID for uniquely identifying a task and the multifunction peripheral 103 that is a task execution target. The number of target devices indicating the number of devices and the specified date and time indicating the date and time when the task is executed are configured.

  In step S <b> 402, a search setting condition including a search time range, a power OFF threshold, a sleep threshold, a specific job threshold, and a threshold other than a specific job is acquired from the search condition setting value table (see the second row from the top in FIG. 10). Remember.

  The search condition setting value table shown in the second row from the top in FIG. 10 is within the predetermined thresholds included in the search setting conditions for the history of jobs executed in the multifunction machine 103 and the power information of the multifunction machine 103. Information for specifying a time zone indicating a value as a time zone for acquiring or distributing device setting value information is provided.

  The search condition setting value table includes a search time range indicating a time zone to be searched from a designated date and time when the job is executed, and a probability that the power information of the MFP 103 is turned off in a predetermined time zone is predetermined. When the value is less than or equal to the value, a power-off threshold is provided to set a value for specifying a time zone for acquiring or distributing device setting value information.

  The search condition setting value table is a time zone for acquiring or distributing device setting value information when the probability that the power supply information of the MFP 103 is in the sleep state in a predetermined time zone is less than or equal to a predetermined value. In order to set a value for identification, a SLEEP threshold value is provided.

  Further, when the probability that the job executed in the MFP 103 in the predetermined time zone is a specific job is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a value for specifying the time zone for acquiring or distributing the device setting value information is set. In order to set, a specific job threshold is provided.

  Furthermore, when the probability that the job executed in the multifunction device 103 in the predetermined time zone is other than the specific job is equal to or less than the predetermined value, a value for specifying the time zone for acquiring or distributing the device setting value information Is set to a threshold other than the specific job.

  In step S <b> 403, the number of jobs for each MFP 103 for which device setting value information is acquired or distributed within the search time range acquired in step S <b> 402 is totaled.

  The tabulation uses the job execution frequency information acquired from the job execution frequency management table (see the third row from the top in FIG. 10), while the search time criterion uses the specified date and time acquired in step S401. Yes. That is, the search time range is specified from the specified date and time.

  The job execution frequency management table shown in the third row from the top in FIG. 10 is a table for managing the time zone of the job actually executed according to the type of job executed in each MFP 103. 103, a device ID for uniquely identifying 103, a job type indicating the type of job, and a time zone when the job is executed.

  Here, the job type is a specific job or other than a specific job. A specific job is a job that may cause an error when the specific job is executed when device setting value information is acquired or distributed. (For example, a transmission job, a FAX job, a transfer job, etc.), and a job (for example, a copy job, etc.) that does not cause any problem even if device setting value information is acquired or distributed is identified as other than a specific job doing.

  The job execution frequency information is created by using the management system server 101 to obtain a log related to a job executed by the multifunction machine 103 via the multifunction machine management PC 102 and using the obtained log. The job execution frequency information is created at a regular time such as at night.

  This log is appropriately accumulated in the execution job information table shown at the bottom of FIG. 10, and job execution frequency information is created using the log stored in the execution job information table, and the job execution frequency management table is created. Remember me.

  In step S404, the MFP 103 that is a target for acquiring or distributing device setting value information is specified. This specific method is specified by acquiring a record associated with the task ID acquired in step S401 from the task detail table (see the top row in FIG. 11).

  The task detail table shown at the top of FIG. 11 is a table for managing the MFP 103 to be executed in the task, a task ID for uniquely identifying the task, and a device for uniquely identifying the MFP 103 The ID includes a scheduled execution date and time indicating a scheduled date and time when the task is executed in the multifunction machine 103.

  In step S405, the specified date and time acquired in step S401 is stored in the RAM 203 as a search time zone.

  From step S406, the optimum time for executing the task of acquiring or distributing the device setting value information is searched.

  This search is performed for each MFP 103 acquired in step S401. Since the search order is preferentially processed from the multi-function peripheral 103 that is frequently used, the multi-function peripheral 103 is executed in the order of the number of jobs counted in step S403, and one time is set for each multi-function peripheral 103. Will be determined.

  In step S406, it is determined whether or not the search time zone set in step S405 exceeds the search time range. If it is determined that the time is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S407 and is determined to be exceeded. If not, the process proceeds to step S409.

  This determination is made before and after the search time zone, that is, from the value obtained by subtracting the search time range from the search time zone value to the value obtained by adding the search time range value to the search time zone value. In the range of, it is determined whether there is a job execution frequency management table or power state management table that includes each time zone. If not, it is not determined that it has been exceeded.

  In step S407, the values of the power OFF threshold, sleep threshold, specific job threshold, and non-specific job threshold acquired in step S402 are reduced by a predetermined value.

  In step S408, the search time zone is changed to the search time zone using the specified date and time acquired in S401 and the search time range of the search setting condition.

  In step S409, the job execution frequency information and power information of the MFP 103 in the time zone to be searched are acquired from the job execution frequency management table and the power state management table (see the second row from the top in FIG. 11).

  The power supply state management table shown in the second row from the top in FIG. 11 stores power supply information indicating the power supply status to the multifunction device 103 for each time zone, and is a device for uniquely identifying the multifunction device 103. ID, a power supply state indicating that the power supply is OFF or ON, and a time zone are provided. Note that the MFP 103 may have a sleep state.

  This power supply information is acquired in the management system server 101 via the multifunction device management PC 102, and the supply state information related to the power supply state to the multifunction device 103 is acquired every day at a predetermined time zone. Created using. The supply status information is created at a regular time.

  Note that this supply status information is acquired and stored in the device power supply information table shown in the lowermost part of FIG. 11, and power supply information is created using the supply status information stored in the device power supply information table. ing.

  The device power information table shown at the bottom of FIG. 11 stores supply status information for each MFP 103 as described above, and includes a device ID for uniquely identifying the MFP 103, and a power supply status. The present embodiment includes a sleep start indicating a time when the sleep state of the multifunction device 103 is started, a sleep end indicating a time when the sleep state ends, a power ON of the multifunction device 103, and a power OFF of the multifunction device 103. Has been.

  In step S410, the power OFF rate, the sleep rate, the execution frequency of the specific job, and the job execution frequency other than the specific job in the search time period are respectively stored in the RAM 203, the power OFF threshold, the sleep threshold, the specific job threshold, In addition, when it is determined that all of the threshold values exceed the threshold value and are determined to be satisfied, the process proceeds to step S411. When it is not determined that the value is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S416. move on.

  In step S411, the number of managed MFPs 103 is acquired from the device management table (see FIG. 12).

  The device management table illustrated in FIG. 12 is a table for storing multifunction peripheral arrangement information for managing the multifunction peripheral 103 disposed at each base, and includes a device ID and a base for uniquely identifying the multifunction peripheral 103. Each MFP 103 is configured to include simultaneous acquisition / distribution indicating the time at which device setting value information is acquired or distributed.

  In other words, for the MFP 103 whose simultaneous acquisition / distribution is the same time, the device setting value information is acquired or distributed at the same time, so even if a job or the like is submitted, it will not be executed. obtain.

  As will be described later, even if a job requested by itself is transferred to another multifunction device 103, the job is not executed at the transfer destination. Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, such items are provided.

  In step S <b> 412, it is determined whether there are a plurality of MFPs 103 at the same site managed by the management system server 101. Information regarding the multifunction peripheral 103 at the same location under management is acquired from the device management table. If there are a plurality of multifunction peripherals 103 under management, the process proceeds to step S413; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S415. Proceed to

  In step S413, there is one or more managed MFPs 103 in which the task for acquiring or distributing the device setting value information is not registered and the probability that the power is not turned off is equal to or greater than the threshold during the search time period. It is determined whether or not.

  The MFP 103 in which the task for acquiring or distributing the device setting value information is not registered indicates that the same time is not registered in the simultaneous acquisition and distribution of the device management table, and the probability that the power is not turned off is equal to or greater than the threshold value. That is, the probability that the power state in the power state management table is OFF is equal to or higher than the power OFF threshold value of the search setting condition.

  In this step, if it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S414, and if it is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S406.

  In step S414, if there is a job execution request to the multi-function peripheral 103 during acquisition or distribution of device setting value information, the job can be distributed to the multi-function peripheral 103 at the same location under management. Make the appropriate settings. For example, a job that has been requested to be executed is transferred to the MFP 103 at the same location, and the job is executed by the MFP 103 at the transfer destination.

  Note that the setting for job distribution may be a mode in which the job distribution confirmation screen 900 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed and the user confirms whether or not to perform job distribution and then performs the setting.

  The job distribution confirmation screen 900 displays a job if a setting for distributing jobs to another multifunction device 103 is made while a task for acquiring or distributing setting value information to the multifunction device 103 is being executed. It is a screen for confirming to the user that the distribution of the above is performed.

  When the user presses the “Yes” button 901, the setting is made to the MFP 103 that is the distribution destination as shown in the job distribution confirmation screen 900, and when the “No” button 902 is pressed, the distribution is not performed and The state is maintained (that is, no sorting is performed).

  In step S415, the scheduled execution date and time of the MFP 104 (device ID) corresponding to the corresponding task ID in the task detail table is changed to a time zone that satisfies the condition.

  In step S416, the time zone to be searched is set to the next time zone. In other words, the time zone next to the time zone of the job execution frequency management table and the power state management table that have been the processing targets so far is set as the search target.

  In step S417, the task list screen (see FIG. 5) is displayed before the scheduled execution date and time of the task for acquiring or distributing the device setting value information.

  The task list screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 is a screen that displays information related to the schedule of the current task, and acquires and displays data obtained by combining the task execution schedule table and the task table in association with the task ID. To do.

  The task name (acquisition task, periodic execution task, periodic execution task 2, etc. shown in FIG. 5) and task type (acquisition, distribution, etc. shown in FIG. 5) corresponding to the task ID are stored in a table (not shown). In this case, the screen is displayed on this screen.

  In the task list screen 500, when the user wants to change the task change time, the user selects a task to be changed by pressing the task change link 501, and changes the task on the task detail screen (see FIG. 6).

  When the user wants to delete a task, the deletion box 502 on the task list screen 500 is selected, and the delete button 503 on the task list screen 500 is pressed to delete the selected task. Is possible.

  Further, when the user does not change the task, it can be realized by pressing the back button 504 of the task list screen 500.

  In step S418, it is determined whether or not there is a task change. If it is determined that there is a change, the process proceeds to step S425. If it is not determined that there is a change, the process proceeds to step S419.

  The determination in this step determines that there is a change when the task change link 501 is pressed, and does not determine that there is a change when the return button 504 is pressed.

  In step S419, a task details screen (see FIG. 6) is displayed.

  A task detail screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 is a screen for displaying details of the task selected on the task list screen 500, and displays the scheduled execution date of the task in the MFP 103 that is a task execution target. These data display data obtained by combining the task detail table and the device management table in association with the device ID.

  The task details screen 600 includes a change box 601 for selecting the MFP 103 to be changed, a change button 602 for pressing when changing the scheduled execution date and time of the MFP 103 selected in the change box 601, and A delete button 603 to be pressed when deleting the scheduled execution date and time of the MFP 103 selected in the change box 601 is provided, and a return button 604 to be pressed when the task is not changed.

  In this step, when it is detected that the change button 602 is pressed in the state selected in the change box 601, the process proceeds to step S420 to display the execution scheduled date / time change screen (see FIG. 7) and the delete button. When 603 is pressed, the record of the selected MFP 103 is not displayed. If it is detected that the return button 604 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S425.

  In step S420, a scheduled execution date / time change screen (see FIG. 7) is displayed.

  The scheduled execution date / time change screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 is a screen that displays a job, sleep state, or schedule of power supply information to be executed in the multi-function peripheral 103 selected on the task detail screen 600, and is a device ID job execution frequency management table. , And the data obtained by associating the power supply state management table with the device ID and combining them.

  The scheduled execution date / time change screen 700 includes an execution date / time change area 701 for changing the scheduled execution date / time of the task. If there is a change from the scheduled execution date / time obtained in this process, the execution date / time change area 701 is displayed. Change the date and time and press the change button 702. If no change is to be made, the return button 703 is pressed.

  In this step, if it is detected that the change button 702 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S421. If it is detected that the return button 703 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S425.

  In step S421, an execution scheduled date / time change confirmation screen (see FIG. 8) is displayed.

  The scheduled execution date / time change confirmation screen 800 shown in FIG. 8 is a screen for confirming to the user whether or not to change the execution date / time change area 701 in the scheduled execution date / time change screen 700.

  The scheduled execution date and time change confirmation screen 800 includes a “Yes” button 801 to be pressed when the user determines to make the change, and a “No” button to press when the user decides not to make the change. 802.

  In Step S422, it is determined whether or not the “Yes” button 801 has been pressed. If it is determined that the “Yes” button 801 has been pressed, the process proceeds to Step S423. If it is determined that the “No” button 802 has been pressed, the process proceeds to Step S425.

  In step S423, the execution date / time of the execution date / time change area 701 in the scheduled execution date / time change screen 700 is acquired. In step S424, the execution date / time acquired in step S423 is used as the record having the task ID and device ID in the task detail table. Register at the execution date.

  In step S425, when the scheduled execution date and time of the task to acquire or distribute device setting value information is reached, an execution command for the task to acquire or distribute device setting value information is sent to the MFP management PC.

  In step S426, the task execution result notification sent from the MFP management PC 102 is received. If successful, the process ends. If unsuccessful, the process proceeds to S427.

  In step S427, a task for acquiring or distributing device setting value information in which the specified date and time is set to the current date and time is registered with respect to the MFP 103 in which the task has failed. This is a retry task for the corresponding MFP 103, and processing for optimizing the execution time of a task for acquiring or distributing device setting value information is executed again.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when creating a job execution schedule in a multi-function peripheral, the job history information output from the multi-function peripheral is used to create a schedule in consideration of the usage status in the multi-function peripheral. In addition to reducing the user's work load, an appropriate job execution schedule can be created.

  In addition, the present invention can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices. In addition, the present invention may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  The program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute (read) each processing method, and the storage medium according to the present invention stores a program that allows the computer to execute each processing method.

  The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by performing reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS or the like operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is a part of the actual processing or It goes without saying that the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by performing all of the above processing is also included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus.

  In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 Information processing system 101 Management system server 102 MFP management PC
103 MFP 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 System bus 205 Input controller 206 Video controller 207 Memory controller 208 Communication I / F controller 209 KB
210 CRT
211 External memory (HD / FD)
301 CPU
302 RAM
303 ROM
304 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
305 NetWork I / F (network interface)
306 MODEM
307 Operation unit I / F (interface)
308 Operation unit 309 System bus 310 RIP (raster image processor)
311 Printer I / F (Printer Interface)
312 Printer unit 313 Scanner I / F (interface)
314 Scanner unit 315 Image bus 316 Controller unit 317 Image processing unit 318 External I / F (interface)
319 Card Reader 320 IMAGE BUS I / F (Image Bus Interface)

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus for creating a schedule for transmitting and receiving setting information of the multifunction device in the multifunction device, and a job history storage means for storing job history information including a job executed in the multifunction device and a job execution time; ,
Job information storage means for storing job information that cannot be executed in combination with transmission / reception of setting information of the multifunction peripheral;
Calculating means for first calculating an execution time of a job that cannot be executed together with transmission / reception of setting information stored in the job information storage means from job history information stored in the job history storage means; ,
Creating means for creating a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time specified by the calculating means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The job information storage means stores power information including the power status of the multi-function peripheral.
A second calculating means for calculating an unusable time during which the transmission / reception of the setting information is impossible according to the power supply information;
The creation means creates a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time by the first calculation means and the unavailable time by the second calculation means. The information processing apparatus described in 1.   The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit the job to a multifunction device different from the multifunction device when the execution of the job is accepted in the schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information created by the creation unit. The information processing apparatus according to 1 or 2.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmission unit performs transmission according to an execution time of a job that cannot be executed together with transmission / reception of the setting information of the different multifunction peripheral. apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmission unit performs transmission according to the power supply information of the different multifunction peripheral. In an information processing system in which a multifunction device and an information processing device are connected via a network,
The MFP is
MFP transmission means for transmitting job history information including an executed job and job execution time to the information processing apparatus;
Execution means for transmitting and receiving the setting information by instruction means of the information processing apparatus;
With
The information processing apparatus includes:
An information processing device receiving means for receiving job history information transmitted by the multi-function peripheral transmitting means;
Job information storage means for storing job information that cannot be executed in combination with transmission / reception of setting information of the multifunction peripheral;
A calculation unit that first calculates an execution time of a job that cannot be executed together with transmission / reception of setting information stored in the job information storage unit from job history information received by the information processing device reception unit; ,
Creating means for creating a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time specified by the calculating means;
Using the schedule created by the creating means, an instruction means for instructing the MFP to send and receive the setting information;
An information processing system comprising: A control method of an information processing apparatus for creating a schedule for transmitting / receiving setting information of the MFP in the MFP,
The job history information stored in the job history storage means for storing the job history information including the job executed in the MFP and the job execution time cannot be executed together with the transmission / reception of the setting information of the MFP. Calculating means for first calculating an execution time of a job that cannot be executed together with transmission / reception of setting information stored in a job information storage means for storing information on the job to be performed;
Creating means for creating a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time specified by the calculating means;
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, characterized by: A program that can be read and executed by an information processing apparatus that creates a schedule for transmitting and receiving setting information of the multifunction device in the multifunction device, and stores job history information including jobs executed in the multifunction device and job execution time Transmission / reception of setting information stored in job information storage means for storing job information that cannot be executed together with transmission / reception of setting information of the multifunction peripheral from job history information stored in job history storage means; A calculation means for first calculating an execution time of a job that cannot be executed together;
Creating means for creating a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time specified by the calculating means;
A program characterized by making it function. An information processing system control method in which a multifunction device and an information processing apparatus are connected via a network,
The MFP is
MFP transmission means for transmitting job history information including an executed job and job execution time to the information processing apparatus;
Execution means for transmitting and receiving the setting information by the instruction means of the information processing apparatus;
Run
The information processing apparatus includes:
An information processing device receiving means for receiving job history information transmitted by the multi-function peripheral transmitting means;
Transmission / reception of setting information stored in job information storage means for storing job information that cannot be executed together with transmission / reception of setting information of the multifunction peripheral from job history information received by the information processing device reception means Calculating means for first calculating the execution time of a job that cannot be executed together with;
Creating means for creating a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time specified by the calculating means;
Using the schedule created by the creating means, an instruction means for instructing the MFP to send and receive the setting information;
The control method of the information processing system characterized by performing this. A program that can be read and executed by an information processing system in which a multifunction peripheral and an information processing apparatus are connected via a network,
The multifunction device,
MFP transmission means for transmitting job history information including an executed job and job execution time to the information processing apparatus;
Execution means for transmitting and receiving the setting information by the instruction means of the information processing apparatus;
To function,
The information processing apparatus;
An information processing device receiving means for receiving job history information transmitted by the multi-function peripheral transmitting means;
Transmission / reception of setting information stored in job information storage means for storing job information that cannot be executed together with transmission / reception of setting information of the multifunction peripheral from job history information received by the information processing device reception means Calculating means for first calculating the execution time of a job that cannot be executed together with;
Creating means for creating a schedule for transmitting and receiving the setting information using the execution time specified by the calculating means;
Using the schedule created by the creating means, an instruction means for instructing the MFP to send and receive the setting information;
A program characterized by making it function.

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