JP2016025364A - Function provision device and function provision program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique which reduces the number of visit times to the installation site of an image processing apparatus.SOLUTION: A function provision device includes a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, an interface unit and a control unit. The auxiliary storage device stores a plurality of program groups for operating the image processing apparatus. The interface unit communicates with a plurality of image processing apparatuses. The control unit acquires, from among the plurality of program groups in the auxiliary storage device, a program group for operating the image processing apparatus, corresponding to the image processing apparatus of the transmission source of a message received by the interface unit, to expand on the main storage device. The control unit executes the program group expanded on the main storage device, to thereby execute a part of processing operated in the image processing apparatus to perform a job received by the image processing apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate to device software update techniques.

  Conventionally, all software functions executed in an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) are implemented in the single MFP.

  The following techniques are disclosed.

JP 2012-049788 A JP 2012-060571 A JP 2012-159890 A JP 2012-164171 A

  In a configuration in which all software functions are implemented in one MFP device, it is necessary for a service person to visit an MFP installation location (that is, a customer) when software update is necessary. Also, the MFP must be stopped for software update, and a time during which the user cannot use the MFP occurs.

  An object of the embodiment is to provide a technique for reducing the number of visits to an MFP installation location.

  The function providing device of the embodiment includes a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, an interface unit, and a control unit. The auxiliary storage device stores a plurality of program groups for operating the image processing apparatus. The interface unit communicates with a plurality of image processing apparatuses. The control unit acquires a program group for operating the image processing apparatus corresponding to the image processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the message received by the interface unit, from the plurality of program groups of the auxiliary storage device, and Expand to. The control unit executes the program received in the image processing apparatus by executing a part of the process that operates in the image processing apparatus by executing the program group developed in the main storage device.

2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment when one MFP is used. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment when a plurality of MFPs are used. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship between an MFP and a program group. FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a conventional structure.

  In this embodiment, most of the functions provided by the MFP software are concentrated on a server on the network, and the MFP implements only a minimum simple function as a client. The server executes a part of processing that operates in the MFP. That is, the server executes a software operation other than directly controlling the hardware operation of the MFP, and performs a job received by the MFP in cooperation with the MFP.

  When software update occurs, the server-side software is updated. In the case of an update while the user is using the function provided by the server, the software is updated while the version before the update is maintained and executed. As a result, it is possible to update the software of the MFP without generating time during which the MFP cannot be used. In the case of server-side software update, the update operation is completed only by the server. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the visit of the service person to the MFP installation location (customer).

  The system according to the embodiment includes one or more MFPs (image processing apparatuses) including a printer and / or a scanner, and a server (function providing apparatus) connected to a network. The server develops a service for realizing the MFP function in the memory in response to a request from the MFP as a client.

  In the embodiment, the hardware resources of the server are allocated to each virtual server and used by using the virtualization technology. If there are a plurality of target MFPs, the virtual server is constructed for each MFP, and if requested by the MFP, the virtual server corresponding to the MFP is activated. In the embodiment, different versions of software can be mixed, and different versions of software functions can be provided for each target MFP.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the conventional system will be described with reference to FIG. The system shown in FIG. 5 includes MFPs 50 </ b> A and 50 </ b> B and a server 60. The MFPs 50A and 50B each have the following programs (including data). Here, each program will be briefly described.

  A UI (User Interface) 101 is a program that displays a screen image for operation on a control panel and accepts an operation from a user. The print 102 is a program that provides a function of starting and operating the engine 112 to form print data on a sheet.

  The fax 103 is a program for transmitting / receiving FAX data via a public telephone line network or the Internet network. The platform 104 is a so-called OS (operating system), and performs task management for controlling program execution, hardware interrupt control, and the like.

  User data 105 is user-specific file data such as image data and document files obtained by individual scanning. These are stored in a dedicated folder for personal use, for example. The copy 106 is a program for activating the scan 110 and reading an image on the sheet with the scanner unit, and activating the print 102 to form the read image on the sheet.

  The image processing 107 is a program that executes various correction processes performed when an image is formed on a sheet, such as shading correction, gradation correction, and density correction. The driver 108 is a program that directly controls each hardware. The setting data 109 is data for print settings defined for each user, for example, data defining color / monochrome, sheet size, sheet allocation, and the like. The scan 110 is a program for reading an image on a sheet by physically controlling the scanner unit.

  The job control 111 is a program for determining the order of various jobs such as a print job, a copy job, and a scan job according to the arrival order and priority order. The engine 112 is a printer engine, and is a program or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that controls toner output, sheet conveyance, and heat fixing during image formation. The engine 112 may include hardware such as a process unit, a sheet conveyance path, and a fixing device.

  Applications of the server 60 shown in FIG. 5 are a function as a conventional print server, a file server for storing user data, a server for performing login authentication, a Web server, and the like. The Web server is, for example, a server that provides reception of control panel display contents and operations on a Web basis. In this case, the Web browser function is introduced into the MFPs 50A and 50B.

  Next, the system of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 illustrates a system configuration example of the embodiment. The system 10 includes an MFP 1A, an MFP 1B, and a server 2 (information providing apparatus). In the embodiment, only a minimum simple function, for example, a program for directly controlling the hardware in the MFP is installed in the MFP 1A and the MFP 1B. In this example, the scan 110, the print 102, the engine 112, the platform 104, and the driver 108 are installed in the MFP 1A and MFP 1B.

  The server 2 is a computer having a network I / F 21 (I / F: Interface), a processor 22, a storage 23, and a memory 24. The network I / F 21 is a unit that controls data transmission / reception between the MFPs 1A and 1B, and includes, for example, a board that complies with the IEEE 802.3 standard. Note that Internet FAX transmission / reception may be performed via the network I / F 21. Further, a FAX board connected to the telephone line network may be included in the network I / F 21 to perform FAX transmission / reception via the telephone line network.

  The processor 22 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and performs arithmetic processing according to the program code by performing arithmetic execution of a program stored in advance in the storage 23 to control each hardware in an integrated manner. The storage 23 is, for example, a hard disk drive, and is an auxiliary storage device that stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The memory 24 is a main storage device that stores information in a volatile manner.

  Other programs (referred to as program groups) that are not installed in the MFP 1A and MFP 1B are installed in the storage 23 of the server 2 in this embodiment. The processor 22 acquires a program group from the storage 23 and expands it in the memory 24 as necessary. The processor 22 calculates and executes the program expanded in the memory 24 and provides the functions to the MFP 1A and MFP 1B.

  In the storage 23, two different versions of programs, version 1.0 and version 2.0, are introduced. Hereinafter, the version 1.0 program group is referred to as a program group 231, and the version 2.0 program group is referred to as a program group 232. In the example of FIG. 1, when the MFP 1 </ b> A makes a connection request to the server 2, the processor 22 acquires the version corresponding to the MFP 1 </ b> A, in this example, the program group 231 from the storage 23 and expands it in the memory 24. This control is realized by the processor 22 operating according to the program code of the service manager 221. The service manager 221 activates a virtual server and activates various programs in the program group 231 on the virtual server. In this example, image processing 207, fax 203, copy 206, job control 211, setting data 209, user data 205, and UI 201 are activated. Through this process, the processor 22 develops each program in the memory 24. The MFP 1 </ b> A connects to the virtual server and executes various processes using the functions of the program group 231 expanded in the memory 24.

  Next, when the MFP 1B connects to the server 2, the service manager 221 activates a virtual server for the MFP 1B, and activates a program group corresponding to the MFP 1B, in this example, a software group 232 on the virtual server. The state at this time is shown in FIG. The service manager 221 expands various programs in the program group 232, that is, image processing 257, fax 253, copy 256, job control 261, setting data 259, user data 255, and UI 251 in the memory 24. The MFP 1B is connected to the virtual server and executes various processes using the functions of the program group 232 expanded in the memory 24.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the correspondence (table) between the MFP and the program group. The correspondence relationship in FIG. 3 is stored permanently in the storage 23, for example, and is updated when a new MFP is installed, a new program group is installed, a new version is installed, or the maintenance operator operates. In the embodiment, an IP address previously assigned to the MFP is used as MFP identification information. The identification information of the program group is a directory name in which the program group is stored. That is, the directory name is named so that a program group can be uniquely determined. The processor 22 obtains an IP address for the connection source MFP, and obtains a directory name associated with the IP address with reference to the correspondence relationship of FIG. The processor 22 expands the program group stored in the obtained directory in the memory 24.

  In this example, the code before the hyphen “-” symbol in the directory name (the first five digits in FIG. 3) means the type of program group, which corresponds to the MFP model and model number. For example, when an MFP capable of color printing and an MFP capable of printing only in monochrome are connected to the server 2, a program group to be provided must be prepared for each model. In the present embodiment, a program group is prepared according to the MFP model, and the function of the program group matching the model is provided. The numerical value after the hyphen symbol means the version number of the program group for each type. In the example of FIG. 3, “11001-1.0” and “11001-2.0” are different versions of the same model. In this way, by maintaining the old version, it is possible to operate the MFP with different versions.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, only the software group 231 (Soft Ver 1.0) is initially introduced, and the software group 232 (Soft Ver 2.0) is not introduced. The server 2 also functions as an authentication server. Further, the service manager 221 in the figure is realized in cooperation with hardware by the processor 22 executing the program of the service manager 221.

  First, the user U1 causes the MFP 1A to, for example, read an ID card with a card reader or log in by inputting a user ID (ACT01, ACT02). The service manager 221 receives the authentication information and verifies the suitability (ACT03). In the case of conformity, the service manager 221 activates the corresponding virtual server, and activates the software group in the virtual server based on the correspondence shown in FIG. In this example, the service manager 221 activates the software group 231 and expands it in the memory 24 (ACT04).

  The service manager 221 transmits screen data dedicated to the user via the network I / F 21 (ACT05). The MFP 1A starts using each function provided by the server 2 using a Web browser (ACT06). The service manager 221 provides a program function to the MFP 1 </ b> A by executing a program group provided in the virtual server that is expanded in the memory 24.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the software group 232 is introduced while the MFP 1 </ b> A is using each function provided by the software group 231. The maintenance person M1 introduces a software group 232 that is a new release by executing a predetermined command (ACT07, ACT08). At this time, the correspondence shown in FIG. 3 is updated. That is, the service manager 221 reconstructs the correspondence so that the operation software is changed from the old version (software group 231) to the latest version (software group 232). The service manager 221 notifies the maintenance person M1 of the introduction result (ACT09).

  When the user U2 logs in to the MFP 1B (ACT10, ACT11, ACT12), the service manager 221 acquires the correspondence shown in FIG. 3 to identify the corresponding software group, starts the virtual server, and sets the software group 232 as Start (ACT 13). Thereafter, the service manager 221 transmits the screen image of the user U2 to the MFP 1B (ACT 14), and starts using the function (ACT 15).

  When the user U1 logs out, the use of the MFP 1A is terminated (ACT 16), and when the user U2 logs out, the use of the MFP 1B is also terminated (ACT 17). When the use ends, that is, when the user logs out, the service manager 221 releases the program group stored in the memory 24 from the memory 24, stops the virtual server, and releases the virtual server from the memory 24.

  Next, when the user U1 logs in to the MFP 1A (ACT101, ACT102, ACT103), the service manager 221 controls the MFP 1A to start the latest version (software group 232) with reference to the correspondence relationship in FIG. ACT 104). After that, the service manager 221 transmits the operation screen image to the MFP 1A in the same manner as described above (ACT 105), starts using (ACT 106), and receives the user's logout instruction to end the use (ACT 107).

  As in this example, the server 2 expands the program group on the memory every time the user logs in to the MFP, and controls to release the memory area when logging out. In addition, when using the user, the data stored in the memory is used instead of the data in the HDD, so that the information in the HDD can be rewritten and updated even while the user is using the function. Is possible. Therefore, the update operation can be performed without stopping the MFP.

  In the above embodiment, when the server 2 receives the login authentication information and is suitable, the corresponding software group is activated. However, the aspect is not limited to this. An implementation in which a corresponding software group is activated when a certain message (such as a connection request message) is received from the MFP may be used.

  In the above embodiment, reference is made to different versions of the same module and the upgrade of the software group has been described. However, by including the type of program group in the identification information as shown in FIG. A program group that matches the MFP can be provided. Further, by maintaining the correspondence relationship in FIG. 3, for example, the MFP 1A can provide the functions of the old version software group, and the MFP 1B can provide the functions of the new version software group.

  In the above-described embodiment, the implementation example in which the virtual server is activated each time the user logs in and the program group is operated on the virtual server has been described. However, the aspect is not limited thereto. An implementation in which a virtual server is not required and the corresponding program group is developed in the memory 24 may be used. In this case, the service manager 221 performs session management (association between MFP and software group) at the time of connection.

  As described in detail above, in the present embodiment, when software update is necessary, most of the update work is performed only on the server. Therefore, the number of visits to the MFP installation location (customer) can be reduced. In addition, the stoppage of the MFP for software update can be reduced.

  The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof. Therefore, the above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications, various improvements, alternatives and modifications belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the present invention.

  1A, 1B MFP (image processing apparatus), 2 server (information providing apparatus), 21 network I / F, 22 processor, 23 storage, 231, 232 software group, 24 memory, 221 service manager.

Claims (6)

A main storage device;
An auxiliary storage device that stores a plurality of programs for operating the image processing device;
An interface unit that communicates with a plurality of image processing devices;
A program group for operating the image processing apparatus corresponding to the image processing apparatus of the transmission source of the message received by the interface unit is acquired from the plurality of program groups of the auxiliary storage device, and the main memory A control unit configured to execute a job received by the image processing apparatus by executing a part of the process operating on the image processing apparatus by executing a program group expanded on the apparatus and executing the program group expanded on the main storage device; ,
A function providing apparatus having: The function providing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control unit, when a program group upgraded from the program group is newly introduced to the auxiliary storage device, when the interface unit receives the message next time, the upgraded program group is stored as the main program group. Deploy and execute in storage device. In the function provision apparatus of Claim 1 or 2,
The control unit expands the program group in the main storage device when the interface unit receives data for user login from the image processing device, and expands the program group when the interface unit receives logout data. Free the storage area. The function providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the control unit receives a connection from another image processing device while being connected from one image processing device, the control unit maintains the development of the program group corresponding to the one image processing device, A program group corresponding to another image processing apparatus is expanded in the main storage device. The function providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The control unit activates a virtual server for each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses, and causes the program group to be executed in each of the virtual servers. A main storage device;
An auxiliary storage device that stores a plurality of programs for operating the image processing device;
An information providing program for causing a computer to have an interface unit that communicates with a plurality of image processing apparatuses,
A program group for operating the image processing apparatus corresponding to the image processing apparatus of the transmission source of the message received by the interface unit is acquired from the plurality of program groups of the auxiliary storage device,
The acquired program group is expanded in the main storage device,
Executing a program group developed in the main storage device to execute a part of a process that operates in the image processing apparatus and execute a job received in the image processing apparatus for causing a computer to execute the process Function providing program.

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