JP2017033380A - Information processing device, control method and program of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To cache the latest contents conforming to the acquisition method of the contents when caching the contents acquired from a management device for creating a script read by an image formation device.SOLUTION: An information processing device which communicates to a management device managing contents to be installed to an image formation device manages version information of the cached contents in association with the acquisition method of acquiring the latest version of contents from the management device when caching the contents acquired from the management device, caches the new version of contents by deleting the old version of contents out of the new and old versions of cached contents when the acquisition method is designated as the first acquisition method in a case of acquiring the latest contents from the management device, and caches the new version of contents without deleting the old version of contents when the acquisition method is designated as the second acquisition method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program.

  In order to newly introduce an information processing apparatus, for example, an image forming apparatus, it is necessary to perform an initial installation work according to the use environment of the image forming apparatus in advance. The initial installation work includes work such as installation of hardware options such as a finisher for finishing a printed matter, setting work of a control program for an image forming apparatus, validation work of an extended function license, and installation of an extended program.

  Here, as an extension program, a system in which a vendor can add in an image forming apparatus and a function of the image forming apparatus can be extended. An example of this type of system is Canon's MEAP (registered trademark).

  Also, the installation instruction information (script) including the execution procedure of the initial installation work, the control program, and the expansion program is stored in a portable storage medium, and is inserted into the image forming apparatus that is the target of the initial installation work. There is a program that automatically performs the initial installation work according to the information.

  The installation instruction information management system (hereinafter referred to as a management system) that creates and manages the installation instruction information can specify the installation instruction order, firmware necessary for the installation instruction, setting value information, expansion program, and license information (content). it can. In addition, a script based on the installation instruction information that is the target of the initial installation work can be stored in the portable storage medium.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-542878

However, the above-described technology is not disclosed for improving efficiency in downloading necessary firmware and extension programs from the Internet during installation work, particularly when creating a script in a USB storage.
In the above-described technique, firmware and an extension program necessary for installation instructions are downloaded from the Internet and stored in a USB storage.
However, acquiring a large-capacity file group via the Internet network increases the processing time and fails due to the influence of the network quality.
In receiving such a large amount of data via the Internet, a method of caching and reusing the latest information of Internet resources by a client computer as shown in Patent Document 1 is shown.
However, according to this, the latest version for a certain purpose is always overwritten on the cache and reused. Therefore, it is impossible to cache a plurality of versions of content at the same time. In the initial installation work environment, it is assumed that a plurality of versions are used at the same time.
Therefore, there is a problem that even if only the latest version is held as a cache, the content cannot be efficiently reused.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to acquire a content when the content acquired from the management device is cached to create a script to be read by the image forming apparatus. To provide a mechanism for caching the latest content.

The information processing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.
An information processing apparatus that communicates with a management apparatus that manages content to be installed in an image forming apparatus, a cache unit that caches content acquired from the management apparatus, version information of the cached content, and the latest of the content A first management unit that manages an acquisition method in association with an acquisition method when acquiring a version from the management device, and the acquisition method is designated as the first acquisition method when acquiring the latest content from the management device. The old version of the content cached in the cache means is deleted from the cache means, the new version of the content is cached in the cache means, and the acquisition method is the second If the acquisition method is specified, the old version Without removing the Ntsu from said cache means, characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling to cache in the cache means the new version content.

  According to the present invention, when content acquired from a management device is cached to create a script to be read by the image forming apparatus, the latest content can be cached according to the content acquisition method.

It is a figure which shows the example of an apparatus structure of a management system. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a client computer. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an external server. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the main menu screen displayed on an operation part. It is a figure which shows the example of a function structure of an installation instruction information creation system. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of an installation instruction information management system. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of a content management system. It is a figure which shows the example of a function structure of a support program. It is a figure which shows UI screen displayed with a client computer. It is a figure which shows UI screen displayed with a client computer. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the management table of content information. It is a figure which shows an example of the cache table of content information. It is a figure which shows an example of the management table of content information. It is a figure which shows the structure of USB storage. It is a figure which shows an example of the script which an image forming apparatus reads.

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]
<< Entire system configuration >>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device configuration of a management system including an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 101 and a client computer 103 which is an example of an information processing apparatus are configured on a LAN (Local Area Network) 100. The image forming apparatus 101 is communicably connected to an external server 104 that manages content. Further, the image forming apparatus 101 includes an interface for connecting a USB storage 102 as a portable storage medium in order to store a script to be created.

The image forming apparatus 101 is a multifunction machine in which a copying machine is integrated with a plurality of functions such as a scanner, a printer, a facsimile, and a file transmission function. The image forming apparatus 101 has an interface for connecting a portable storage medium. The type of interface for connecting the portable storage medium is not limited, but the USB interface is used in this embodiment. By connecting the USB storage 102 to this interface, data can be read from and written to the USB storage 102.
The USB storage 102 may be of any type as long as it is a storage device that can be easily removed from the host device. In this embodiment, a USB memory that implements the USB mass storage class is used.

  The client computer 103 is a so-called personal computer. The client computer 103 has an interface for connecting a portable storage medium. The type of interface for connecting the portable storage medium is not limited, but the USB interface is used in this embodiment. By connecting the USB storage 102 to this interface, data can be read from and written to the USB storage 102.

  The external server 104 is a server that manages firmware and various license information (contents) that can be used by the image forming apparatus 101. The external server 104 may be directly connected to the LAN 100 or may be connected via the Internet. Here, the content includes firmware and an extension program.

<< Hardware Configuration Example-Image Forming Apparatus >>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIG.
In FIG. 2, a control unit 210 including a CPU 211 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 211 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 212 and performs various controls such as reading control and transmission control. The RAM 213 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or work area for the CPU 211.

  The HDD 214 stores image data, various programs, or various information tables. The operation unit I / F 215 connects the operation unit 219 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 219 includes a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like.

  A printer I / F 216 connects the printer 220 and the control unit 210. Image data to be printed by the printer 220 is transferred from the control unit 210 via the printer I / F 216 and printed on a recording medium by the printer 220.

  The scanner I / F 217 connects the scanner 221 and the control unit 210. The scanner 221 reads an image on a document to generate image data, and inputs the image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217.

  The network I / F 218 connects the control unit 210 (image forming apparatus 101) to the LAN 110. The network I / F 218 transmits image data and information to an external device on the LAN, and receives various types of information from the external device on the LAN 110.

  The USB host I / F 222 is an interface unit that communicates with the USB storage 102. The USB host I / F 222 outputs data stored in the HDD 214 to the USB storage 102. In addition, the USB host I / F 222 inputs data stored in the USB storage 102 and transmits it to the CPU 211. The USB storage 102 is an external storage device that stores data, and is detachable from the USB host I / F 222. A plurality of USB devices including the USB storage 102 can be connected to the USB host I / F 222.

<< Hardware configuration example-Client computer >>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the client computer 103 shown in FIG.
In FIG. 3, a control unit 316 including a CPU 317 controls the operation of the entire client computer 103. The CPU 317 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 318 and executes various control processes. The RAM 319 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or work area for the CPU 317. The HDD 320 stores image data, various programs, or various information tables described later.

  The operation I / F 321 is an I / F that connects a user interface terminal that inputs a control operation to a program executed on the client computer 103. In this example, the mouse 322 and the keyboard 323 are used, but this is not a limitation.

The display I / F 324 is an I / F that connects a display terminal that displays a UI of a program executed on the client computer 103. In this example, the display 325 is used, but this is not a limitation.
The network I / F 326 connects the control unit 316 to the LAN 110. The network I / F 326 transmits / receives various information to / from other devices via the network.

  The USB host I / F 327 is an interface unit that communicates with the USB storage 102. The USB host I / F 327 outputs data stored in the HDD 320 to the USB storage 102. Further, the USB host I / F 327 inputs data stored in the USB storage 102 and transmits it to the CPU 317. The USB storage 102 is an external storage device that stores data, and is detachable from the USB host I / F 327. A plurality of USB devices including the USB storage 102 can be connected to the USB host I / F 327.

<< Hardware configuration example-external server >>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the external server 104 shown in FIG.
In FIG. 4, a control unit 410 including a CPU 411 controls the overall operation of the external server 104. The CPU 411 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 412 and executes various control processes. The RAM 413 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or work area for the CPU 411. The HDD 414 stores image data, various programs, or various information tables described later.
A network I / F 415 connects the control unit 410 to the LAN 100. The network I / F 415 transmits / receives various information to / from other devices via the network.

<< Example of Software Configuration-Image Forming Apparatus >>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG.
In FIG. 5, on the OS 500, a native program 501 of a control program originally provided such as a printer 220, a FAX, and a scanner 221 and an extended program execution platform 502 that is an extended program execution platform are operating. Furthermore, a firmware update service 503, an option validation service 504, and a setting management service 505 are operating on the native program 501. On the extended program execution platform 502, an extended program system service 506 and an extended program 507 are operating.

  The firmware update service 503 is a service that provides various functions for updating firmware. For example, the firmware update service 503 refers to the firmware designated by the user and determines whether the firmware needs to be updated. The firmware update service 503 updates the firmware with respect to or through the native program 501.

  The option validation service 504 is a service for validating an optional function that is incorporated in the native program 501 in advance. The option validation service 504 identifies and validates the option function specified by the option license file designated by the user.

A setting management service 505 is a service for managing various setting information such as the printer 220 and the scanner 221. The setting management service 505 provides a function of rewriting the setting information of the native program 501 when, for example, a user specifies one or a plurality of settings or a file including a plurality of setting information.
The setting management service 505 has a user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI), and the user can instruct setting change via the operation unit 219 of the image forming apparatus 101. The extended program system service 506 is a utility library that is useful for the extended program 507 and is provided from the system. By calling up the function of the extended program system service 506 from the extended program 507, the trouble of developing the extended program 507 can be saved.
The extension program 507 can access each module of the image forming apparatus 101 such as another extension program 507 and the RAM 213 only via the extension program execution platform 502 or the extension program system service 506. Further, the extension program 507 having a UI can display icons on the main menu screen (FIG. 6) displayed on the operation unit 219 of the image forming apparatus 101. When the operation unit I / F 215 detects that the user has selected this icon through the operation unit 219, the operation unit I / F 215 transmits the fact to the CPU 211. Receiving the notice, the CPU 211 displays the UI of the extension program selected by the user on the operation unit 219.
Note that this software configuration describes only the basic part, and other services may be included depending on the implementation environment. In addition, there is no need for unnecessary services for reasons such as limiting settings.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main menu screen displayed on the operation unit 219 of the image forming apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG.
In FIG. 6, the main menu screen 600 has a program icon display area 601, a standard program icon 602, and an extended program icon 603. The program icon display area 601 is an area for displaying icons of programs that are currently operable on the image forming apparatus 101.
A standard program icon 602 is an icon for displaying a UI for operating a function of the control program of the image forming apparatus 101. The extension program icon 603 is an icon for displaying a UI for operating the extension program of the image forming apparatus 101.

《Example of installation work》
The initial installation work of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below.
In performing the initial installation work of the image forming apparatus 101, the operator creates installation instruction information of the image forming apparatus 101 by using the user interface 1100 of the installation instruction information creation system 700 on the client computer 103.

  Here, the firmware version to be installed in the image forming apparatus 101 and a plurality of extension programs and versions are selected and determined. Also, a desired setting value for the delivery destination of the image forming apparatus 101 is created. The worker connects the USB storage 102 to the client computer 103.

  Then, the operator operates the user interface 1100 of the installation instruction information creation system 700 with the client computer 103, and writes the installation instruction information created by the operation in the USB storage 102. By this operation, the installation instruction information creation system 700 downloads the firmware and extension program binary files determined by the operation from the content management system 900 on the external server 104. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

The worker installs a support program (hereinafter referred to as a support program) for supporting the initial installation work on the image forming apparatus 101 to be installed. The support program may already be installed and executed in the image forming apparatus 101. Further, it may be implemented and executed as a standard service on the native program 501.
The operator removes the USB storage 102 from the client computer 103 and connects the USB storage 102 to the image forming apparatus 101. The support program of the image forming apparatus 101 detects the installation instruction information of the USB storage 102 and automatically executes the installation work described in the script.

<Example of software function configuration>
Further, the installation instruction information output process to be described later according to the present invention is performed by a program operating on the client computer 103. Further, the script processing of installation instruction information, which will be described later, according to the present invention is performed by a support program that is one of the extended programs 507.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the installation instruction information creation system 700 that operates on the client computer 103 illustrated in FIG. 1.
In FIG. 7, each function is realized by the CPU 317 executing a program corresponding to each function. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the program is executed by the client computer 103. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the program may be executed by a server or service on the network via the network I / F 326.

  The installation instruction information creation system 700 includes a UI control unit 701, a communication unit 702, a storage management unit 703, a content cache database 704, a process execution unit 705, and a script generation unit 706.

  The UI control unit 701 provides a UI for operating the installation instruction information creation system 700 to the worker through the display 325 and accepts the operator's operation through the mouse 322 and the keyboard 323. A UI example of the installation instruction information creation system 700 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The communication unit 702 communicates with the installation instruction information management system 800 and the content management system 900 of the external server 104 via the network I / F 326 in accordance with instructions from the UI control unit 701 and the processing execution unit 705. The communication unit 702 requests the installation instruction information management system 800 to read and write the installation instruction information. The communication unit 702 acquires firmware and extension program information and binary data from the content management system 900. The acquisition process will be described later with reference to FIG.

The storage management unit 703 manages the firmware acquired by the communication unit 702, information on the extension program 507, and binary data in the content cache database 704. In addition, the storage management unit 703 reads and writes data in the USB storage 102 via the communication unit 702. Further, the storage management unit 703 detects insertion / removal of the USB storage 102 via the communication unit 702.
In the present embodiment, the content cache database 704 is assumed to be an SQL database, but this is not a limitation. It may be held in the file system by a method such as a structured file. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the data is stored in the HDD 320 of the client computer 103, but the present invention is not limited to this. The content cache database 704 manages the content cache table (FIG. 16).
The process execution unit 705 performs various processes in accordance with instructions from the UI control unit 701 and the storage management unit 803. The script generation unit 706 generates a script that can be analyzed by the installation instruction information and the support program 1000 in accordance with an instruction from the processing execution unit 705.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the installation instruction information management system 800 operating on the external server 104 illustrated in FIG.
In FIG. 8, each function is realized by the CPU 411 executing a program corresponding to each function. The installation instruction information management system 800 includes a control unit 801, a communication unit 802, a storage management unit 803, and an installation instruction information database 804. The control unit 801 instructs the storage management unit 803 to store, delete, update, and acquire the installation instruction information according to the request received by the communication unit 802.

  The storage management unit 803 stores, deletes, and updates installation instruction information in the installation instruction information database 804 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 801. In addition, the storage management unit 803 acquires installation instruction information from the installation instruction information database 804.

  The communication unit 802 receives a request from the client computer 103 and transmits the request content to the control unit 801. Further, it receives a processing result for the request content from the control unit 801, creates response data for the request, and transmits the response data to the client computer 103 or the like.

The installation instruction information database 804 is a database that operates in the installation instruction information management system 800. In this example, the installation instruction information database 804 is configured in the installation instruction information management system 800. However, if the installation instruction information management system 800 can be linked, the configuration may be arranged in another server. good.
The installation instruction information database 804 manages an installation instruction information management table 1500, a common data expansion program table 1520, and an individual data table 1540, which will be described later. Each row of the common data expansion program table 1520 and the individual data table 1540 is managed in association with each row of the installation instruction information management table 1500 by the installation instruction information IDs 1522 and 1542.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the content management system 900 operating on the external server 104 illustrated in FIG. Each function is realized by the CPU 411 executing a program corresponding to each function.
9, the content management system 900 includes a control unit 901, a communication unit 902, a storage management unit 903, and a content information database 904.
The content management system 900 manages firmware and extension programs of the image forming apparatus 101 for each version. The control unit 901 instructs the storage management unit 903 to store, delete, update, and acquire content information according to the request received by the communication unit 902.

  The storage management unit 903 stores, deletes, and updates content information in the content information database 904 according to instructions from the control unit 901. In addition, the storage management unit 903 acquires content information from the content information database 904.

  The communication unit 902 receives a request from the client computer 103 or the like, and transmits the request content to the control unit 901. Further, it receives the processing result for the request content from the control unit 901, creates response data for the request, and transmits the response data to the client computer 103 or the like.

  The content information database 904 is a database that operates in the content management system 900. In this example, the content information database 904 is configured in the content management system 900. However, the content information database 904 may be arranged on another server as long as it can cooperate with the content management system 900. The content information database 904 manages the content management table 1700.

  The content management system 900 is configured as a system that operates on the same external server 104 as the installation instruction information management system 800. However, if the content management system 900 can be linked with the installation instruction information management system 800, the content management system 900 is arranged on another server. A configuration as described above may be used.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the support program 1000 that operates in the image forming apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG. Each function is realized by the CPU 211 executing a program corresponding to each function.
10, the support program 1000 includes a UI control unit 1001, a storage management unit 1002, a process execution unit 1003, and a script analysis unit 1004. The UI control unit 1001 provides a UI for operating the support program 1000 to the worker through the operation unit 219, and accepts the operator's operation. The storage management unit 1002 reads and writes data in the USB storage 102. Further, the storage management unit 1002 detects insertion / removal of the USB storage 102.
The process execution unit 1003 performs various processes in accordance with instructions from the UI control unit 1001 and the storage management unit 1002. The script analysis unit 1004 analyzes the script of the installation work instruction information stored in the USB storage 102, and determines the process and order to be executed by the process execution unit 1003.

11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating an example of a UI for the installation instruction information generation system 700 operating on the client computer 103 illustrated in FIG. 1 to edit the installation instruction information of the installation instruction information management system 800. In particular, FIG. 11 is an example of a UI that displays a list of installation instruction information of the installation instruction information creation system 700.
In FIG. 11, the UI 1100 includes an installation instruction information list 1101 and buttons 1102 to 1104. When installed, the installation instruction information creation system 700 acquires a list of installation instruction information from the installation instruction information management system 800 of the external server 104. Then, the installation instruction information creation system 700 sets the acquired installation instruction information list in the installation instruction information list 1101 and displays the UI 1100. The installation instruction information list 1101 is a list that displays an overview of installation instruction information. In this example, the installation instruction information name, creation date and time, and creator are displayed.

  A button 1102 is a button for creating new installation instruction information. When the button 1102 is pressed, a UI 1200 (see FIG. 12) for creating installation instruction information described later is displayed. When the button 1102 is pressed, a new creation is made, so the UI 1200 displays each control such as a text box in an empty state.

  A button 1103 is a button for editing the installation instruction information. When the button 1103 is pressed, the installation instruction information creation system 700 of the client computer 103 acquires detailed data of the installation instruction information selected in the installation instruction information list 1101 from the installation instruction information management system 800 of the external server 104. . The installation instruction information creation system 700 sets and displays the detailed data of the acquired installation instruction information in each control such as a text box of the UI 1200. A button 1104 is used to end the installation instruction information creation system 700.

The UI screen example shown in FIG. 12 is an example of a UI for editing the installation instruction information of the installation instruction information creation system 700.
12, the UI 1200 includes menu bars 1201a and 1201b, tab pages 1202 to 1205, and buttons 1216. In the UI 1200, a tab page 1204 is displayed in an active state. The tab page 1204 includes controls 1206 to 1215 such as radio buttons and buttons.

The menu bar 1201a displays a menu for instructing operations related to editing of the installation instruction information. The menu bar 1201b is an example of a submenu displayed when the file menu is pressed. When a button 1216 corresponding to the submenu is pressed, the installation instruction information creation system 700 transmits a request to save the created and edited installation instruction information in the installation instruction information management system 800 of the external server 104. When the submenu 1217 is pressed, the creation and editing of installation instruction information ends.
A tab page 1202 is a tab page for setting an outline of installation instruction information. The outline of the installation instruction information includes an installation instruction information name, a creation date and time, a creator, and the like.
A tab page 1203 is used to set model information to be installed, a finisher to be added to the image forming apparatus, a FAX board, and the like. A tab page 1204 is a tab page for setting common data. The common data is data set in common for a plurality of image forming apparatuses 101 to be installed. A control 1206 corresponding to the check box specifies whether to update the firmware of the image forming apparatus 101 to be installed.

  Radio buttons 1207 and 1208 designate whether the firmware type for updating is a negotiation firmware including a customized program for negotiation or a general firmware including a standard function not customized.

  Radio buttons 1209 and 1210 designate whether the method of designating the version of the firmware to be updated uses a specific firmware version or the latest version at the time of creating the installation instruction information script.

  A button 1211 is a button for selecting a firmware version. When the button 1211 is pressed, a screen for selecting a specific version from the firmware list applicable to the image forming apparatus 101 to be installed is displayed, and when password management is performed as in the negotiation firmware, Display the screen for entering the password.

  A label 1212 displays summary information such as the firmware version designated by the button 1211. When the latest radio button 1209 is selected, the summary information of the current latest firmware is displayed.

  A button 1213 is a button for displaying a screen for selecting an extension program to be installed in the image forming apparatus 101 to be installed. When the button 1213 is pressed, a list of selectable extension programs is displayed, and the extension program to be installed can be determined.

  A button 1214 is a button for canceling the selected extended program. When the button 1214 is pressed, the extension program selected in the extension program list 1215 is deleted from the list.

  The extended program list 1215 is a list for displaying extended programs to be installed in the image forming apparatus 101 to be installed. In this example, the name, type, designation method, and version of the extension program are displayed.

  A tab page 1205 is a tab page for setting individual data. The individual data is data set for each image forming apparatus 101 to be installed. For example, an IP address or a NetBIOS name in the network setting of the image forming apparatus.

  A button 1216 is a button for writing a script of installation instruction information in the USB storage. When the button 1216 is pressed, the installation instruction information creation system 700 writes the displayed installation instruction information script and content data to the USB storage connected to the client computer 103. At that time, the installation instruction information creation system 700 generates an installation script that can be analyzed by the support program 1000. The creation script generation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

《Installation instruction script generation process flow》
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this example, the installation instruction information creation system 700 generates a script in the USB storage 102 based on the installation instruction information. Note that scripts and content data of various software that can be processed by the support program 1000 will be described later with reference to FIGS. Also, this process starts by detecting that the button 1216 of the UI 1200 of the installation instruction information creation system 700 is pressed. Furthermore, each step is realized by the CPU 317 executing a stored control program.

In step S <b> 1300, the process execution unit 705 determines whether it is selected to update the firmware of the installation instruction information. In the installation instruction information editing UI 1200, a state in which the control 1206 is checked indicates that updating is selected. If the process execution unit 705 determines to update the firmware, the process proceeds to S1301. If it is determined not to update the firmware, the process proceeds to S1302.
In step S1301, the communication unit 702 performs firmware content acquisition processing necessary for installation based on the installation instruction information. Details of content acquisition processing from the external server 104 will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S1302, the process execution unit 705 processes step S1303 for each extension program in the extension program list 1215 of the installation instruction information. When the acquisition process of all the extension programs in the list is completed, the process proceeds to S1304.
Specifically, in step S1303, the communication unit 702 performs content acquisition processing for an extension program necessary for installation from the external server 104 based on the installation instruction information. The content acquisition process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 1304, the communication unit 702 acquires, from the installation instruction information management system 800 of the external server 104, data of various setting values that are commonly set for the plurality of installation target image forming apparatuses 101 included in the installation instruction information. Here, the common setting value includes a sleep transition time, a mail server setting, and the like when the image forming apparatus 101 is operated. In step S1305, the individual data set in the installation instruction information tab page 1205 is acquired.

  In step S <b> 1306, the script generation unit 706 generates an installation script for each installation target device ID in response to an instruction from the processing execution unit 705. The generated installation script will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1307, the storage management unit 703 receives the instruction from the processing execution unit 705, stores the installation script generated in step S1306 in the USB storage 102, and ends this processing. In addition, the storage management unit 703 saves the firmware content acquired in S1301, the software content acquired in S1303, the common setting value data acquired in S1304, and the individual setting value data acquired in S1305 in the USB storage 102. The file structure of the installation data written to the USB storage by the process of S1307 will be described later with reference to FIG.

《Content acquisition processing flow》
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This example is an example of installation instruction information script generation processing, and is a detailed example of processing in which the installation instruction information creation system 700 acquires software content from the content management system 900 corresponding to S1301. Each step is realized by the CPU 317 executing a stored control program.

  In step S1400, the process execution unit 705 determines the type of software content in the installation instruction information. If the content type indicated by the controller 1215 on the UI screen shown in FIG. 12 is “general”, the process advances to step S1401. On the other hand, if the same type is “business negotiation”, the process proceeds to S1405.

  In step S1401, the process execution unit 705 determines a content version designation method. If the process execution unit 705 determines that the version designation method is “latest”, the process proceeds to S1402 in order to use the latest version of the content at the time of execution of this process. In the case of “version designation”, the process proceeds to S1404.

  In step S1402, the communication unit 702 inquires the content management system 900 of the external server 104 for information on the latest version of the software content, and receives the result. The communication unit 902 of the content management system 900 searches the latest version of the software content from the content information database 904 via the storage management unit 903. A content management table 1700 is registered in the content information database 904.

In S1403, the version of the software content received in S1402 or S1405 described later is determined as a search key for searching cache data. In S1404, the version of the software content specified by the installation instruction information is determined as a search key for searching the content cache table FIG.
In step S <b> 1405, the communication unit 702 inquires of the content management system 900 of the external server 104 for version information with the password for the negotiation content specified in the installation instruction information, and receives the result.

  In S1406, the storage management unit 703 searches the content cache table (FIG. 16) using the search version determined in S1403 or S1404 as a key. If the storage management unit 703 determines that there is no search result, the process advances to step S1407. On the other hand, if the storage management unit 703 determines that there is a search result, the process proceeds to S1416.

  In S1407, since the content version of the search version does not exist in the content cache table in FIG. 16, the communication unit 702 requests and acquires the content of the search version from the content management system 900. In step S1408, the type of content downloaded from the external server 104 is determined. If the process execution unit 705 determines that the content type is “general”, the process advances to step S1409. On the other hand, if the process execution unit 705 determines that the negotiation is “business negotiation”, the process proceeds to S1412.

  If it is determined in step S1409 that the content version designation method of the installation instruction information is “latest”, the model information and version designation method of the installation instruction information in FIG. If the process execution unit 705 determines that cache content exists, the process advances to step S1411. On the other hand, if the process execution unit 705 determines that there is no cache version of the latest version, the process proceeds to S1410. In S1410, the content downloaded from the external server 104 in S1407 is registered in the content cache table (FIG. 16).

  In S1411, the old version of the cache content whose version designation method is “latest” is deleted from the content cache table (FIG. 16), and is registered in the content cache table (FIG. 16) in S1410.

In S1412, the process execution unit 705 encrypts the content downloaded from the external server 104 in S1407 with a password, and registers it in the content cache table (FIG. 16) in S1410.
As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized workers from using content for specific purposes such as business negotiations.
In step S1413, the cache content version designation method registered in step S1410 is registered. In step S1414, the content downloaded in step S1407 is determined as the content to be output to the USB storage 102, and the process ends.

  In S1416, since the content version of the search version exists in the content cache table (FIG. 16), the communication unit 702 inquires the content management system 900 of the external server 104 about the public status of the cached content and receives the result. To do.

  In step S1417, the process execution unit 705 determines the disclosure state of the content received in step S1416. When the process execution unit 705 determines that the content is in a public state, the process proceeds to S1418, and when the process execution unit 705 determines that the content is in a non-public state, the process proceeds to S1424.

  In step S1418, the process execution unit 705 determines the type of cached content found in step S1406. If the process execution unit 705 determines that the content type is “general”, the process advances to step S1419. On the other hand, if it is determined that the negotiation is “business negotiation”, the process proceeds to S1422.

In step S1419, when the content type is “general”, the storage management unit 703 deletes a version of the cached content that does not satisfy a certain threshold. Here, the certain threshold is a threshold for leaving a frequently used version such as a version within 5 versions or a cache use date and time within 10 days.
Therefore, older versions and less frequently used contents are deleted.
Thereby, in S1410, it is possible to prevent the process of registering the content acquired by “version designation” in the installation instruction information in the content cache table without restriction.
In S1420, the storage management unit 703 rewrites the version designation method of the cached content found in S1406 to “version designation”. In step S1421, the cached content found in step S1406 is determined as the content to be output to the USB storage 102, and the process ends.

If the storage management unit 703 determines in step S <b> 1422 that the content type is “negotiation”, the cache content is decrypted with the password. If the storage management unit 703 determines that the decryption process has been completed normally, the process proceeds to S1421.
On the other hand, when the storage management unit 703 determines that the decryption process has not been completed normally, the process proceeds to S1425. In S1424, the storage management unit 703 becomes private and should not be reused, so the cache content version is deleted, and the process proceeds to S1425.

  In S1425, if the decryption fails in S1423, or if an attempt is made to use the private cache content, the content cannot be used, so the storage management unit 703 sets the processing result as a failure and ends the processing.

A case where the installation instruction information M002 is processed in S1301 will be described as an example with reference to FIGS.
In S1400, since the firmware type 1508 shown in FIG. 15 managed by the external server 104 is “general”, the process proceeds to S1401. In step S1401, the firmware designation method 1509 is “latest”, and the process advances to step S1402.

In S1402, since the model 1505 is B, the storage management unit 903 returns the content IDC005 with the model 1706 of the content management table 1700 and the latest version as a search result. In step S1403, the latest firmware version received in step S1402 is determined as the content IDC005 that is V0200 of version 1705.
In S1406, the content IDC005 is searched from the content cache table 1600 shown in FIG. 16A managed by the client computer 103, and it is determined that there is no search result, so that it is not cached. In step S 1407, the content file 1708 having the content ID C 005 is acquired from the external server 104. In S1408, the storage management unit 903 determines the type 1702 of the content IDC005, and since it is “general”, the process proceeds to S1409. In addition,

In S1409, the firmware designation method 1509 of the installation instruction information M002 designates “latest” among the old and new versions. In the content cache table 1600 shown in FIG. 16A, since the model 1607 is B and the content IDC004 is the content whose version designation method is “latest”, the process proceeds to S1411. In S1411, the content IDC004 found in S1409 is deleted, and the process proceeds to S1410.
In FIG. 16A, the content cache table 1600 includes a content ID 1601, a privilege type 1602, a state 1603 corresponding to public information, and a content name 1604. Furthermore, the content cache table 1600 includes version 1605 which is version information, a designation method 1606, a model 1607, and a content file 1608.

  In S1410, as shown in FIG. 16B, the content IDC005 acquired in S1407 is registered in the content cache table 1620. After registration, the data is stored in the content cache table 1620. Thereby, only one version of the latest firmware periodically updated for the model B can be held in the content cache table 1620. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the compression of the cache capacity to be secured by the client computer 103.

In the state of the content cache table 1620 shown in FIG. 16B, when the installation instruction information M002 is processed again, the content IDC005 is searched from the content cache table 1620 in S1406, and there is a search result. Continue processing. As a result, content that already exists in the content cache table can be reused.
An example will be described in which the installation instruction information M003 is processed in S1301 in the state of the content cache table 1620 illustrated in FIG. In S1400, since the firmware type 1508 is “general”, the process proceeds to S1401.
In step S1401, the firmware designation method 1509 is “version designation”, and the process advances to step S1404. In S1404, the firmware version 1510 V0200 is determined as a search key. In S1406, the model B V0200 is searched from the content cache table 1620. Since there is a search result, S1416 to S1420 are processed.

  In S1420, the version designation method of the cached content found in S1406 is rewritten to “version designation”, and the content cache table 1640 shown in FIG. The process moves to S1421, and the processing is continued. Here, the version designation method of the cached content is changed from “latest” to “version designation”. Accordingly, even when a new version of the content is released when the installation instruction information M002 is processed again, the content IDC005 is not deleted in S1411. Therefore, the cache can be made reusable.

<< USB Storage Installation Instruction Information and Script Example >>
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a folder and file configuration in the USB storage 102 that is an example of the external memory used by the installation instruction information creation system 700 according to the present embodiment. Here, the USB storage 102 is a USB memory.
In FIG. 18, a root folder 1800 includes a Firmware folder 1801, an EmbeddedFunc folder 1803, an App folder 1805, a DevConfig folder 1808, a Log folder 1810, Script. An xml file 1812 exists.

  The Firmware folder 1801 is a folder for storing firmware to be updated for the image forming apparatus 101. In this figure, Firmware_v1.0.1. Is a firmware group archived in the Zipware format in the Firmware folder 1801. A zip file 1802 exists.

  The Embedded Func folder 1803 is a folder for storing a license file for activating a function preinstalled in the image forming apparatus 101. In the figure, the license file EmbeddedFunc-License. lic 1804 exists.

The App folder 1805 is a folder for storing an extension program to be installed in the image forming apparatus 101 in the initial installation work and a license file necessary for installing the extension program. In this figure, the expansion folder Application001. jar 1806 and the license file App001-License. lic 1807 exists.
A DevConfig folder 1808 is a folder for storing setting information that has been set and exported in advance by the reference image forming apparatus.
In this figure, the file deviceConfigurationFile.archived in the zip format is stored in the DevConfig folder 1808. Zip1809 exists.

  The Log folder 1810 is a folder for storing a file (hereinafter referred to as a log) resulting from the execution of the support program. In this figure, Log. txt 1811 is stored, but before executing the support program, the Log folder 1810 and the Log. There is no txt1811. These folders and files are stored in the Log folder 1810 and Log. It is created by creating it at txt1811 and copying it.

  Script. The spt 1812 is a script showing a work procedure for automatically processing the initial installation work. Details of the script will be described later with reference to FIG. Although this script is a file that defines the initial installation work procedure, whether or not the support program can be executed may be determined depending on whether or not the script file 1812 exists. That is, the USB storage 102 being used may be used as an identifier indicating that the USB storage 102 for the support program according to the present embodiment is used. The configuration in this figure is an example, and the configuration is not limited to this, and an arbitrary folder configuration may be used.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a script read by the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. Hereinafter, processing for automatically performing the initial installation work of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described using an example of a script of installation instruction information.
In FIG. 19, a script 1900 is read by the storage management unit 1002 of the support program 1000 and analyzed by the script analysis unit 1004 via the processing execution unit 1003. The script 1900 analyzed by the script analysis unit 1004 is then subjected to the initial installation work described by the process execution unit 1003. The script 1900 in this figure is described in XML (Extensible Markup Language), and includes a device identification unit 1901 and a process description unit 1902. In this figure, the script is expressed by XML, but is not limited to XML, and may be written by a shell script or the like.

  The device identification unit 1901 describes information for identifying the image forming apparatus 101 that is the target of the initial installation work. The device identifier <deviceId> that is the identifier of the image forming apparatus 101 and the contents of this script are set to arbitrary characters. It consists of <comment> shown in a column. <Comment> may be used not only as a description of the content of this script but also as an identifier when it cannot be identified only by <deviceId>. For example, it can be used as an identifier when it is necessary to prepare a plurality of settings for one image forming apparatus 101.

  The process description part 1902 describes a process group necessary for performing the initial installation work. This figure includes a firmware update process 1903, an extension program installation process 1904, an extension program start process 1905, a system installation option program activation process 1906, and a setting information import process 1907. The tag indicating the processing of each initial installation work includes an Order attribute. In this figure, the order of the initial installation work is determined according to the value of Order. If the processing order is not specified, the Order value can be the same. When the Order values are the same, they may be executed in the order written in the process description part 1902 or may be the order read by the script analysis part 1004. The determination may be made based on the capacity of data used in each process.

  The firmware update process 1903 is a process for updating firmware via the firmware update service 503. The firmware update process 1903 defines a process by describing an <updateFirmwareCommand> tag. A file to be used is specified by a <relativeDirPath> tag and <FirmwareName>. The <relativeDirPath> tag describes a relative path from the root folder to the firmware to be updated. The <FirmwareName> tag specifies the firmware to be updated. In the figure, firmware archived in the Zip format is designated.

  The extension program installation process 1904 is a process for installing an extension program via the extension program system service 506. The extension program installation process 1904 defines the process by describing an <installApplicationCommand> tag. An extension program to be installed is designated by a <relativeDirPath> tag and an <AppFileName> tag. The <relativeDirPath> tag describes a relative path from the root folder 1800 to the actual extension program to be installed. The <AppFileName> tag specifies the entity of the extension program to be installed. In this figure, an extension program in the Jar file format is designated. Note that the format of this extension program is not limited to the Jar file format.

  Further, the extension program installation process 1904a designates a license for the extension program to be installed by using a <licenseRelateDirDirPath> tag and a <licenseFileName> tag. The <licenseRelateDirDirPath> tag describes the relative path from the root folder 1800 to the license file for the extension program. The <licenseFileName> tag specifies the license of the extension program. In this figure. A license file in the lic file format is specified, and the file format of the license is not limited to this.

  The extension program start process 1905 defines the process by the description of the <startApplicationCommand> tag, and the extension program to be started is specified by the <appId> tag. In the <appId> tag, an ID that uniquely identifies an extension program to be started is designated.

A built-in option program activation process 1906 is a process for validating a built-in option via the option validation service 504. A built-in option program activation process 1906 defines a process by describing an <activateEmbeddedFunctionCommand> tag. A built-in option program to be activated is designated by a <relativeDirPath> tag and a <licenseFileName> tag.
The <relativeDirPath> tag describes a relative path from the root folder 1800 to the license file of the embedded optional program to be activated. The <licenseFileName> tag specifies the substance of a license for validating the embedded option program. In this figure, a license file in the lic format is designated, and the license file format is not limited to this. Note that if there is no embedded option program preinstalled in the image forming apparatus 101, or if it is not activated, the description of the initial installation work process is not necessary.

The setting information import processing 1907 defines the processing based on the description of the <importDeviceConfigCommand> tag. A setting information file to be imported is designated by a <relativeDirPath> tag and a <configFileName> tag. The <relativeDirPath> tag describes a relative path from the root folder 1800 to the setting information file to be imported.
The <configFileName> tag specifies a setting information file to be imported. In the figure, a setting information file archived in the Zip format is designated. The format of the setting information file is not limited to the Zip file format.

  Note that the script initial installation process shown in the drawing is not limited to the described process, and for example, a restart process of the image forming apparatus 101 may be added. Further, there may be overlap and increase / decrease of processing as required.

With the above script generation processing flow and content acquisition processing flow therefor, it is not necessary to acquire content for each model of each image forming apparatus from the Internet every time processing is performed, and the initial installation work can be performed efficiently. .
In addition, one version of cache content of the latest version is managed for each model of each image forming apparatus. Further, when a specific version is used, not only the new version but also the old version is held in the cache for a certain period, thereby reducing the cache data capacity. With the configuration described above, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of the initial installation operation of the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

101 image processing apparatus 102 portable storage medium 103 client computer 104 external server

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus that communicates with a management apparatus that manages content to be installed in an image forming apparatus,
Cache means for caching content acquired from the management device;
First management means for managing the cached content version information in association with the acquisition method for acquiring the latest version of the content from the management device;
When the latest content is acquired from the management apparatus, if the acquisition method is designated as the first acquisition method, the old version of the content cached in the cache unit is stored in the cache unit. And cache the new version of the content in the cache means,
If the acquisition method is designated as the second acquisition method, control means for controlling to cache the new version content in the cache means without deleting the old version content from the cache means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The cached content version information, the acquisition method for acquiring the content from the management device, the public information of the content, the authority type of the content, and the content type are managed in association with each other. Two management means;
If the acquired content type is not general, the encryption means for encrypting the acquired content;
With
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cache unit caches encrypted content.   The control unit, when acquiring the latest content from the management device, deletes the old version of the content that has already been cached if the disclosure information of the content restricts the disclosure. 2. The information processing apparatus according to 2.   When acquiring the latest content from the management device, the control means is encrypted if the disclosure information of the content does not restrict the disclosure, and the authority type of the content is not general. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a decrypting unit that decrypts the content.   When acquiring the latest content from the management device, the control means caches the cache means if the public information of the content does not restrict the release and the authority type of the content is general. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the content is deleted from the cache unit when the type of the content is not general. 4. Generating means for generating a script for installing the content cached in the cache means in the image forming apparatus;
Registration means for registering the generated script in the external memory;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the external memory is a USB memory.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content includes firmware and an extension program. An information processing apparatus control method for communicating with a management apparatus that manages content to be installed in an image forming apparatus,
A cache step of caching content acquired from the management device in a cache means;
A management step of registering and managing the cached content version information and the acquisition method when acquiring the latest version of the content from the management device in association with each other;
When the latest content is acquired from the management apparatus, if the acquisition method is designated as the first acquisition method, the old version of the content cached in the cache unit is stored in the cache unit. And cache the new version of the content in the cache means,
If the acquisition method is designated as the second acquisition method, a control step for controlling to cache the new version of the content in the cache without deleting the old version of the content from the cache;
An information processing apparatus control method comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

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