JP2018005782A - Image processing system, image processing device, information delivery device, information delivery program and information delivery method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set information pertaining to system utilization efficiently and reliably.SOLUTION: Provided is an image processing system constituted by a plurality of image processing devices for outputting an image via a recording medium and an information delivery device for delivering settings information for setting the operation conditions of the image processing devices to the image processing devices, the information delivery device comprising an information generation unit for generating settings information and generating delivery destination information for defining a condition for delivery to the image processing devices and an information delivery unit for delivering the settings information and the delivery destination information to the image processing devices on the basis of the delivery destination information, the image processing devices comprising an information reproduction unit for deleting the information included in the received delivery destination information that is associated with the device itself and generating redelivery destination information, and a redelivery unit for delivering the settings information to the image processing devices among the other image processing devices that have had the settings information undelivered thereto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, an information distribution apparatus, an information distribution program, and an image information distribution method.

  There is known an image processing system in which an image processing apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) and an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer) are connected via a communication network. In such an image processing system, there is known an image processing system having a function of managing usage restrictions in each MFP for individual users.

  In order for the MFP to restrict usage, it is necessary to perform user authentication when using the MFP. Based on the result of user authentication, control is performed so that only functions permitted for authorized users can be used. A system having such a function needs to hold authentication information and usage authority information in advance in each MFP.

  Generally, an image processing system is configured using a plurality of MFPs. Therefore, the work related to the storage (distribution and setting) of information as described above needs to be performed uniformly in all MFPs, which is a complicated work. Therefore, a method is known in which settings for all MFPs included in an image processing system are collectively performed using an authentication server that collectively manages authentication information and the like. However, if there is an error in the information distributed from the authentication server, the entire image processing system will malfunction. That is, the authentication information and the like must be registered correctly, distributed securely, and processed so as to be stored in each MFP. However, when the number of pieces of user authentication information increases, an error in the operation of creating the user authentication information is likely to occur.

  An information processing system that allows a user to set his / her authentication information or the like in an information device such as an MFP without using an authentication server for the purpose of reducing the complexity of registration work such as authentication information and registration errors. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition to the information processing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, authentication information registered in a specific information device is distributed collectively via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), so that the entire image processing system is Some reduce information settings.

  However, there is a possibility that a processing delay or the like may occur when the communication network is congested or the processing load of a specific information device increases.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is to set information relating to system use efficiently and reliably.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of image processing devices that output an image via a recording medium and setting information that sets operating conditions of the image processing device are distributed to the image processing device. An information processing apparatus configured to generate the setting information and distribution destination information that defines a distribution condition to the image processing apparatus. A generation unit; and an information distribution unit that distributes the setting information and the distribution destination information to the image processing device based on the distribution destination information. The image processing device is included in the received distribution destination information. An information regenerator that deletes information related to itself and generates redistribution destination information, and distributes the setting information to the image processing apparatus in which the setting information is not distributed among other image processing apparatuses Redelivery Characterized in that it comprises a and.

  According to the present invention, information relating to system use is set efficiently and reliably.

1 is a system diagram showing a system configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display in the information processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the setting information which concerns on this embodiment, and delivery destination information. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the index information which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the processing flow of the information delivery program which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the processing flow of the information delivery program which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the processing flow of the information delivery program which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the processing flow of the information delivery program which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of the delivery aspect of the setting information which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining another example of the delivery mode of the setting information which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining another example of the distribution mode of the setting information which concerns on this embodiment.

[Problems and objects of the present invention]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. An image processing system according to the present invention is configured by operating an information processing apparatus represented by a PC (Personal Computer) as an information distribution apparatus and using a plurality of MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) which are image processing apparatuses linked thereto. System.

  In the image processing system according to the present invention, one information distribution apparatus and a plurality of image processing apparatuses that receive setting information from the information distribution apparatus are connected to each other via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). To be able to communicate.

  In the image processing system according to the present invention, in order to set information (hereinafter referred to as “setting information”) related to operating conditions necessary for a user to use each image processing apparatus, the setting information is processed by each image processing. One of the main points is to deliver the device efficiently and reliably.

  The “setting information” is information used when the user uses the image processing apparatus. For example, it includes information necessary for the image processing apparatus to perform user authentication processing (user authentication information), information that restricts functions and usage modes of the image processing apparatus that can be used by the authenticated user (usage authority information), and the like. Information group.

  In the image processing system according to the present invention, setting information and distribution condition information are generated and distributed to the image processing apparatus in the information distribution apparatus. Here, the distribution condition information is information that defines the order in which the setting information is distributed to the image processing apparatus. For example, the information distribution device selects a “representative image processing device (representative device)” from a plurality of image processing devices, and transmits setting information and distribution condition information to the representative device. In addition, the “order of distribution of setting information” defined in the distribution condition information may be, for example, an order in which the logical distance from the information distribution apparatus in the communication network is short (network address is short). . In this case, the image processing apparatus whose network address is closest to the information distribution apparatus can be selected as the representative device.

  An image processing system according to the present invention receives setting information and distribution condition information from an information distribution apparatus or another image processing apparatus in an image processing apparatus, analyzes the received distribution condition information, and sets a next distribution destination. To do so, edit (change) the distribution condition information and redistribute. The editing of the distribution condition information is, for example, a process of deleting own destination information (self information), reexamining the distribution order of other image processing apparatuses to which setting information has not yet been distributed, and regenerating the distribution conditions. . Further, the received setting information is stored, and setting processing applied to operation control is executed.

  Further, the image processing system according to the present embodiment uses distribution destination information to be distributed together when setting information is distributed in the image processing apparatus as individual destinations in other image processing apparatuses to which setting information has not yet been distributed. Edit based on the “index” indicating the operating status. Based on the redistribution condition information generated by the editing, the representative device may be reselected as the next distribution destination. After selecting the “re-representative device”, the setting information and re-distribution condition information are re-distributed to the re-representation device.

  Note that the above “indicator” means that the processing performance of each image processing device is quantified, the response speed at the time of information transmission (response) is quantified, and other factors that affect the efficiency of distribution processing. Includes the information that is digitized.

  An image processing system according to the present invention is configured by combining an information distribution device having the above functions and an image processing device. As a result, the distribution process of the setting information can be executed efficiently and reliably. In other words, the image processing system prevents a bias in setting information distribution processing related to a specific information processing apparatus (a specific one of the information distribution apparatus or the image processing apparatus) constituting the system. This is to improve the efficiency of operation. Moreover, it contributes to the efficiency of the business process of the user who uses the image processing system. Furthermore, an environment in which the setting information can be reliably distributed and set to the image processing apparatus is prepared.

[System configuration of image processing system]
First, the system configuration of the image processing system according to the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, an information distribution system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a PC 10 that is an embodiment of an information distribution processing apparatus and an MFP 20 that is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the information distribution system 100 is configured by combining one PC 10 and a plurality of MFPs 20.

  The PC 10 and the MFP 20 are connected in a state where they can communicate with each other via a LAN 50 which is an example of a communication network. Accordingly, in the following description, it is assumed that information exchange between the PC 10 and the MFP 20 and information exchange between the MFPs 20 are realized via the LAN 50.

  The PC 10 is an information distribution device that generates distribution condition information used for generating setting information and distributing setting information. The PC 10 is an apparatus that selects the MFP 20 serving as a representative device that first transmits setting information and distribution condition information. Details regarding the above-described information generation processing and information distribution processing in the PC 10 will be described later.

  The MFP 20 is an image processing apparatus that is a distribution target and application target (setting target) of setting information. The MFP 20 receives the setting information and distribution condition information distributed from the PC 10 and stores the setting information. The operating conditions and user authentication information of the MFP 20 are updated with the stored setting information.

  The MFP 20 is an apparatus that edits distribution condition information such as deleting information destined for itself (self-destination information) from information included in the distribution condition information. Here, if the index indicating the operation status of another MFP 20 is referred to in the editing condition when editing the distribution condition information, in the editing process executed by the MFP 20, the process of generating the distribution index information is performed at the idle time. It will be done in advance. Details regarding the distribution condition information editing process, the distribution index creation process, and the like in the MFP 20 will be described later.

  The MFP 20 includes an IC card reader 31 that is an information reading device. The IC card reader 31 reads information held in the IC card 32 and notifies the MFP 20. The information held by the IC card 32 is user identification information. The user identification information is one piece of information included in the authentication table stored in the MFP 20.

  The IC card reader 31 notifies the MFP 20 of user identification information read from the IC card 32. Here, the user identification information is information including a combination of a user identification ID and a password. The MFP 20 checks the validity of the user identification information received via the IC card reader 31 with an authentication table stored in advance. If the notified user identification information is valid as a result of the collation, the MFP 20 grants the function use authority to the user based on the authentication table. Specifically, a usable function is made available. Note that the MFP 20 may accept the user identification information not by the IC card 32 but by manual input by the user.

[Hardware configuration of PC 10]
Next, the PC 10 that is the information distribution apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the PC 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 104, an input device 105, An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 106 and an HDD 107 are provided.

  The PC 10 also includes a communication I / F (Interface) 108. The communication I / F 108 is an interface for connecting to a LAN 50 that is an example of a communication network. The above components are connected to each other via an internal bus 109 so that they can communicate with each other. The communication network to which the PC 10 is connected is not limited to the LAN 50, but may be a wide area communication network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

  The CPU 101 is a control unit that controls the operation of the entire PC 10, and is an arithmetic processing unit that executes an information distribution program to be described later. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 101 executes a program. The ROM 103 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The ROM 103 also stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs (hereinafter referred to as applications), and the like.

  The LCD 104 is a display unit that displays a screen such as a setting screen that is necessary when the user sets setting information or the like for the PC 10. While viewing the screen displayed on the LCD 104, the user selects one or more of the plurality of MFPs 20 and performs setting operations such as user authentication information and setting information for these MFPs 20.

  Here, an example of a screen displayed on the LCD 104 will be described with reference to FIG. 4, the setting screen 41 according to the present embodiment includes an icon 42 for selecting a processing menu, a display field 43 for displaying setting contents, and the like. The processing menu that can be selected via the icon 42 includes selection of the MFP 20 as a setting target, setting buttons for parameters (usable functions, etc.) to be set for the MFP 20, and the like.

  When “host name”, “device description”, and “information” are set using the setting screen 41, the information is stored in the HDD 107. When user identification information for individually authenticating the user of the MFP 20 is input via the setting screen 41, the user identification information is stored in the HDD 107. Setting information is generated based on the information stored in the HDD 107. Thus, in order to generate the setting information in the PC 10, first, the original information is input to the PC 10 via a GUI (Graphical User Interface). The LCD 104 and the input device 105 function as the information input unit 13 by cooperating with a program stored in the ROM 103 of the PC 10.

  The input device 105 is a mouse, a keyboard, or the like used when the user performs setting work such as setting information. The HDD controller 106 controls an external storage device for storing setting information generated as a result of setting work by the user. The HDD 107 is a storage unit that is controlled by the HDD controller 106 and stores setting information and the like set by the user using the input device 105.

  In FIG. 2, the external storage device used as the storage unit is not limited to a magnetic disk type storage medium such as the HDD 107, and may be other types as long as it is a nonvolatile storage medium. Further, the HDD controller 106 and the HDD 107 may be configured to be connected via a communication network, and may be configured to exchange information with the HDD 107 installed on the network instead of inside or near the PC 10. Good.

  In the PC 10 having the hardware configuration as described above, the software control unit is configured by the CPU 101 executing arithmetic processing based on the program stored in the ROM 103 or the program read into the RAM 102. . A functional block that realizes the functions of the PC 10 (described later) is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured in this way and hardware.

[Functional configuration of PC 10]
Next, a functional configuration of the PC 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the PC 10 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the PC 10 includes an information generation unit 11 and an information distribution unit 12. The information generation unit 11 executes processing for generating setting information to be distributed to the MFP 20 and distribution destination information for specifying the distribution destination MFP 20. The information distribution unit 12 selects a representative device based on the distribution destination information generated by the information generation unit 11 and executes a process of distributing the setting information and the distribution destination information.

  The information generation unit 11 includes an information input unit 13, a first storage unit 14, a setting information generation unit 15, a distribution condition generation unit 16, and a first index information generation unit 19. The information distribution unit 12 includes a representative selection unit 17 and a first communication unit 18.

  The information input unit 13 executes a process of storing, in the first storage unit 14, information input by operating the input device 105 via the setting screen 41 (see FIG. 4) displayed on the LCD 104. That is, the information input unit 13 is realized by the LCD 104 or the input device 105.

  The first storage unit 14 executes processing for storing information input via the information input unit 13.

  The setting information generation unit 15 reads the information stored in the first storage unit 14 and generates an authentication table 51 as user identification information as shown in FIG. Execute the process of passing to.

  The distribution condition generation unit 16 reads information stored in the first storage unit 14, generates an address table 52 as shown in FIG. 5B, and executes a process of handing over to the representative selection unit 17.

  The first index information generation unit 19 reads information related to the operation information of the MFP 20 stored in the first storage unit 14, generates index information based on this information, and executes a process of delivering to the representative selection unit 17. . A processing step executed in the first index information generation unit 19 is a first index information generation step. Detailed description of the index information generated in the first index information generation step will be described later.

  Here, details of the information stored in the first storage unit 14 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, an authentication table 51, which is an example of setting information in the present embodiment, includes a “user name” uniquely indicating a user, a “password” used during the user authentication process, and the IC card 32. This is a data group including the “card ID” associated with the. Further, the authentication table 51 includes information related to “function use restriction” so that functions that can be used by the MFP 20 can be individually set for each user. In the MFP 20 to which the authentication table 51 is applied, each user can use a function that matches the “function use restriction”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the distribution destination information according to the present embodiment relates the relationship between the IP address that is information for uniquely identifying the MFP 20 and the host name assigned to each MFP 20. It is stored in the HDD 107 as an address table 52 for management.

  The representative selection unit 17 executes a process of selecting one representative device from the MFP 20 (host name) included in the address table 52 generated by the distribution condition generation unit 16. Here, as a representative device selection method, for example, the MP 20 at the top of the address table 52 may be selected. In addition, when the PC 10 collects information indicating the processing performance, operation frequency, and the like of each MFP 20 and stores it in the first storage unit 14, the MFP 20 with the lightest processing load is represented based on the information. What is necessary is just to select as an apparatus.

  The first communication unit 18 performs processing for distributing the authentication table 51 generated by the setting information generation unit 15 and the address table 52 generated by the distribution condition generation unit 16 to the predetermined MFP 20 selected by the representative selection unit 17. Run.

  Here, the process of generating the address table 52 in the distribution condition generating unit 16 will be described in more detail.

  The distribution form of the authentication table 51 in the information distribution system 100 according to the present embodiment is determined by the address table 52 generated in the distribution condition generation unit 16, and the distribution efficiency of the authentication table 51 for the entire system is also determined. Therefore, the condition for generating the address table 52 needs to finish the address table 52 so as to follow the situation of the information distribution system 100. For this purpose, the PC 10 according to the present embodiment separately generates information used for determining the distribution mode. For example, an index indicating the performance and operation status of the MFP 20 is generated based on information collected from the MFP 20 in advance.

  The index information used for determining the distribution mode in the PC 10 may be automatically generated in a state where the processing load on the PC 10 is light. Then, the generated index information may be stored in the first storage unit 14.

  There is a data structure of the address table 52 as an element that determines the distribution mode. By devising the arrangement order of the IP addresses included in the address table 52, the distribution mode can be determined. For example, the data structure of the address table 52 can be a nested structure instead of the flat structure as shown in FIG.

  When the address table 52 has a nested structure, the data structure is such that each MFP 20 distributes the setting information to a single or a plurality of combinations, while presuming data having a flat structure as shown in FIG. To. For example, assuming that there are five MFPs 20 to which setting information is distributed, the IP addresses (destination information) are “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E”.

  Here, referring to the index in each MFP 20, the performance and operation status of the MFP 20 of “A” and the MFP 20 of “B” are slightly higher in “B”, and the other MFPs 20 (IP addresses C, D, E) Is assumed to be inferior to these. In this case, if the MFP 20 having the IP address “A” or “B” is selected as the representative device, the address table 52 is generated so that the setting information is distributed from the MFP 20 that has become the representative device to the other MFP 20. Good.

  Further, the MFP 20 having the IP addresses “C”, “D”, and “E” may receive the authentication table 51 from another MFP 20 and apply it as appropriate. Based on the above conditions, the MFP 20 with the IP address “A” is selected as the representative device, delivered from the MFP 20 with “A” to “B”, and delivered from “B” to “C, D”. The address table 52 may be generated so as to be distributed from “D” to “E”. The data structure in this case is, for example, “A (B (D, E), C)”.

  Accordingly, the PC 10 can release the information distribution process by distributing the authentication table 51 and the address table 52 to one MFP 20, and can allocate resources to other processes. In addition, since the MFP 20 serving as the representative device uses the remaining processing capacity to distribute information to the entire information distribution system 100, the efficiency of the entire system can be improved.

  The tree type will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that data used as an element for determining the distribution mode in the PC 10 exists corresponding to each MFP 20. For example, the data “10” corresponds to the MFP 20a, the value “1” corresponds to the MFP 20b, the value “2” corresponds to the MFP 20c, and the value “−1” corresponds to the MFP 20d.

  In this case, only the value of the MFP 20a protrudes. For example, when the threshold used when determining the distribution mode is “5” and there is only one MFP 20a in the MFP 20a that exceeds the threshold “5” as in the example of FIG. Is selected as the representative device. In this case, the setting information is distributed from the PC 10 only to the MFP 20a, and the setting information may be distributed from the MFP 20a to other devices. This distribution mode is a tree type.

  A bucket relay type which is a different example will be described with reference to FIG. Assume that the values for determining the distribution mode correspond to “3” for the MFP 20a, “1” for the MFP 20b, “2” for the MFP 20c, and “−1” for the MFP 20d. In this case, if the threshold is “5”, there is no MFP 20 exceeding the threshold, and the representative device cannot be selected. Therefore, when the data in each MFP 20 is average and the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is smaller than the threshold value “5”, the MFP 20 corresponding to the largest value is the representative device, and the other MFPs are in the descending order of value. Information can be distributed. According to the example shown in FIG. 14, the representative device is the MFP 20a, and the setting information may be distributed in this order from the MFP 20c, the MFP 20b, and the MFP 20d. This distribution mode is a bucket relay type.

  Although only one representative device is selected in the PC 10, a plurality of MFPs 20 may be selected when the MFO 20 that has become the representative device selects a representative device again. Thereby, the load of the distribution process in the PC 10 can be reduced at an early stage.

  In the above example, fictitious data (value) is exemplified as an element for determining the distribution mode. However, as the data (value), for example, the performance level (processing capability) in the MFP 20 or the MFP 20 can be used. You may use the usage frequency level etc. for every. Moreover, a priority may be set to these plurality of elements, and the distribution mode may be determined using data (value) in which the priority is added, or may be determined at random.

  As described above, in the information distribution system 100 according to the present embodiment, the PC 10 selects one MFP 20 as a representative device based on a predetermined condition, and distributes the authentication table 51 and the address table 52. As a result, after the information distribution to the representative device, the PC 10 is released from the information distribution process, and resources can be allocated to other processes. In addition, since the MFP 20 serving as the representative device uses the remaining processing capacity to distribute information to the entire information distribution system 100, the efficiency of the entire system can be improved.

[Description of Image Processing According to this Embodiment]
[Hardware Configuration of MFP 20]
Next, the MFP 20 that is an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 20 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the MFP 20 according to the present embodiment includes a main body block 210, an operation block 220, a paper supply / discharge block 230, and a reading block 240.

  The main body block 210 is a block having a hardware configuration for executing various functions. The operation block 220 is a block having a hardware configuration that executes a function of receiving an input corresponding to an operation of the operator of the MFP 20. The reading block 240 is a block having a hardware configuration that reads a recording medium that is a document when the copying function, the scanner function, and the FAX function of the MFP 20 are used. The paper supply / discharge block 230 has a hardware configuration for executing a function of transferring and outputting an image formed by the main body block 210 on a sheet as a recording medium when using a copying function or a FAX function provided in the MFP 20. It is a block provided.

  The main body block 210 and the operation block 220 are connected to each other via a dedicated communication path 250 by an internal connection I / F 216 and an internal connection I / F 227 provided respectively.

  The main body block 210 includes a CPU 211, ROM 212, RAM 213, HDD 214, printer engine 215, internal connection I / F 216, and communication I / F 217. In the main body block 210, the above-described blocks are connected to each other via a system bus 218.

  The CPU 211 comprehensively controls the operation of the main body block 210. The ROM 212 stores a program executed in the main body block 210, parameters used when the program is executed, and the like. The RAM 213 is a work area (work area) used when the CPU 211 executes a program. Similar to the ROM 212, the HDD 214 stores programs executed in the main body block 210. The HDD 214 also stores operation record information of the MFP 20, usage history information, and the like.

  The CPU 211 implements various functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, and a scanner function by executing a program stored in the ROM 212 using the RAM 213.

  The printer engine 215 performs processes other than general-purpose information processing and communication for realizing a copy function, a fax function, a printer function, and the like.

  The internal connection I / F 216 connects to the operation block 220 as described above. A communication I / F 217 is a communication network interface used when image data is received from an external device via the network 60 using the FAX function of the MFP 20. The communication I / F 217 is an interface for receiving print data from an information processing apparatus connected to the network 60 when printing is performed using the print function of the MFP 20.

  The operation block 220 includes a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, a flash memory 224, an external connection I / F 225, an operation panel 226, an internal connection I / F 227, and a communication I / F 228. The operation block 220 is connected to each other via the system bus 229.

  The CPU 221 comprehensively controls the operation of the operation block 220. The ROM 222 stores programs executed to operate the operation block 220, parameters used by the programs, and the like. The RAM 223 is a work area (work area) used when the CPU 221 executes a program. The flash memory 224 temporarily stores data to be written to the IC card 32 via the IC card reader 31. The external connection I / F 225 is a connection interface with the IC card reader 31.

  The internal connection I / F 227 performs connection with the main body block 210 as described above. The communication I / F 228 is an interface for connecting the MFP 20 to the LAN 50 and performing data transmission / reception with the PC 10.

  The operation panel 226 is a so-called touch panel in which a touch detection portion formed of a transparent electrode and a liquid crystal display panel are integrally formed. The operation panel 226 accepts various inputs by the operator's touch operation and displays various information (for example, information according to the accepted input, information indicating the operation status of the image processing apparatus, information indicating a setting state, etc.). To do.

  When a program stored in the ROM 222 is read and executed by operating the operation panel 226, a part of the processing becomes a trigger for the IC card reader 31 described later to access the IC card 32. .

  The paper supply / discharge block 230 includes a paper supply table 231 and a paper discharge tray 232. The paper feed table 231 supplies a sheet when an image is recorded and output on a sheet that is a recording medium such as a copying function and a FAX function in the MFP 20. The paper supplied from the paper supply table 231 is conveyed and image formation is performed by the printer engine 215. The paper discharge tray 232 has a structure for discharging paper on which image formation has been performed.

  The reading block 240 includes a scanner unit 241. The scanner unit 241 images the set original according to the control of the CPU 211. In other words, the image data can be taken into the MFP 20 by the scanner unit 241.

  The MFP 20 performs data access to the IC card reader 31 via the external connection I / F 225. Therefore, the MFP 20 becomes an external device that gives a data access request to the IC card reader 31.

[Functional configuration of MFP 20]
Next, a functional configuration of the MFP 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the MFP 20 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the MFP 20 includes an information regeneration unit 21 and a redistribution unit 22.

  The information regenerating unit 21 receives the authentication table 51 and the address table 52 distributed from the PC 10, analyzes the inside of the address table 52, executes a predetermined editing process, and generates redistribution destination information. Execute. The redistribution unit 22 executes a process of distributing the authentication table 51 to other MFPs 20 excluding the MFP 20 that has already received the address table 52 or the redistribution destination information.

  The information regeneration unit 21 includes a distribution condition change unit 23, a second storage unit 24, and a second index information generation unit 25. The redistribution unit 22 includes a representative reselection unit 27 and a second communication unit 28.

  The distribution condition changing unit 23 analyzes information included in the address table 52 received from the PC 10, generates redistribution destination information from which the information indicating the own device is deleted, and executes a process of storing the information in the second storage unit 24. To do.

  The second storage unit 24 executes a process of storing the authentication table 51 received via the second communication unit 28 in the second storage unit 24. Further, the second storage unit 24 executes processing for storing information related to the operation status of the other MFP 20 received via the second communication unit 28.

  The second index information generation unit 25 reads information related to the operation information of the MFP 20 stored in the second storage unit 24, generates index information based on this information, and executes a process of passing to the representative reselection unit 27. To do. This processing step is a second index information generation step executed in the second index information generation unit 25. Here, an example of the index information will be described.

  The index information described below is the same information as the index information generated in the first index information generation step executed by the PC 10. FIG. 8 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of the index table 81 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, the index table 81 includes a host name as device identification information for identifying the MFP 20, and a performance level and a usage frequency level are associated with each MFP 20. Information based on the index table 81 is indicated by a response obtained by sending a predetermined command to another MFP 20 when the MFP 20 is in a standby state where the processing operation is not performed.

  The performance level is, for example, the time until a response is obtained when a PING command is sent, or the response time when an API (Application Programming Programming Interface) is read by specifying an application installed in the MFP 20. Acquired based on information that can be used for performance evaluation. Further, by collecting the time required for each MFP 20 to start, information that can be used for performance evaluation can be obtained. Further, the performance data held by each MFP 20 can be collected via the LAN 50.

  Further, the usage frequency level can be acquired based on the number of times the user has logged into the MFP 20 within a predetermined period. More specifically, the usage frequency level for the MFP 20 to which the user has logged in 10 times or less within one month is “1”, and the usage frequency level for the MFP 20 that has logged in from 11 to 50 times is “2”. As described above, the use frequency level may be determined stepwise by comparison with a plurality of threshold values using the cumulative number of logins to the MFP 20 (the number of authentication processes).

  In this case, in each MFP 20, the number of authentication processes for each user is stored in the HDD 107, and the PC 10 acquires the accumulated number of authentication processes stored in the HDD 107, thereby determining the usage frequency level.

  In each MFP 20, the type of function used (copy, print, scan, fax, etc.) may be distinguished within a predetermined period, and the usage frequency level may be determined using the number of times each function has been executed. . In this case, each MFP 20 stores the number of used functions in the HDD 107 in addition to the number of authentication processes for each user. The PC 10 determines the usage frequency level by acquiring the cumulative number of authentication processes and the cumulative usage number by function stored in the HDD 107.

  That is, an evaluation value that can evaluate the processing performance of the MFP 20 independently, such as a usage frequency level in each MFP 20 or a response to a processing request, or an evaluation value that evaluates the processing performance of the MFP 20 by combining these with a predetermined calculation. Calculated and generated as index information.

  The MFP 20 collects various information exemplified above during the standby time. That is, the program for collecting the information is started and executed during the standby time, and the information is collected through the second communication unit 28 and stored in the second storage unit 24. The second index information generation unit 25 reads this information from the second storage unit 24, generates an index table 81, and stores it in the second storage unit 24.

  The representative reselection unit 27 reads the index table 81 and selects a representative device from among the MFPs 20 corresponding to the host names included in the index table 81 and also included in the address table 52. Execute.

  For example, the MFP 20 having the lowest “usage frequency level” may be selected as the representative device based on the data stored in the index table 81. This is because the usage frequency level is information indicating the frequency with which the MFP 20 is used. Therefore, it can be assumed that the MFP 20 having a low numerical value has a light processing load and includes the capacity to perform information distribution processing. . Further, the MFP 20 having the highest “performance level” may be selected as the representative device. This is because the performance level is information indicating the processing performance of the MFP 20, and the MFP 20 having a high numerical value has sufficient processing power, and it can be assumed that sufficient processing can be performed even if the distribution processing is executed. In addition, a representative device may be selected using a numerical value obtained as a result of calculating the usage frequency level and the performance level in a predetermined calculation formula, and a coefficient may be used for this calculation.

  When the numerical value obtained by subtracting the performance level and the usage frequency level is used using the data illustrated in the index table 81 shown in FIG. 8, “MFP- “A” and “MFP-B” have the same numerical value “6”. Further, “MFP-C”, “MFP-D”, and “MFP-E” have the same numerical value “2”. Therefore, “MFP-A” at the head of the index table 61 may be selected as a representative device, and the subsequent distribution route may be nested. The nested structure in this case can be generated by a process similar to the process in which the distribution condition generating unit 16 in the PC 10 generates the address table 52.

  The second communication unit 28 sends the authentication table stored in the second storage unit 24 and the redistribution destination information generated by the representative reselection unit 27 to a predetermined MFP 20 that is the previously selected rerepresentation device. Execute the process to distribute.

[Processing flow 1 of this embodiment]
Next, the flow of processing of the information distribution program executed in the information distribution system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of an information distribution program executed in the PC 10. By executing the information distribution program in the PC 10, the information distribution method according to the present invention can be realized.

  First, based on the operation of the input device 105 by the user, the information input unit 13 executes data input processing necessary for the setting information as an information input step. For example, FIG. 4 described above is displayed on the LCD 104, and predetermined data input is accepted based on the operation of the input device 105. The input setting information is stored in the HDD 107 (S901).

  Next, using the data stored in the HDD 107, a process for generating the authentication table 51, which is setting information as illustrated in FIG. 5A, is executed (S902). This processing step is a setting information generation step executed in the setting information generation unit 15. In this setting information generation step, an authentication table 51 is generated as a type of setting information that is distributed to the MFP 20 and sets operating conditions.

  Next, an address table 52 as shown in FIG. 5B is generated using the data stored in the HDD 107. Further, processing for selecting a representative device based on the address table 52 is also executed (S903). This processing step is a distribution condition generation step executed in the distribution condition generation unit 16. Details of the distribution condition generation processing (S903) are shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the distribution condition generation step, first, data is read from the HDD 107, and the MFP 20 that is the target of the address table 52 is specified (S1001). Next, it is determined whether or not the destination information used when distributing information to the specified MFP 20 can be used as it is (S1002). If processing regarding the destination information is necessary (S1002: YES), Host name resolution processing is executed (S1003). The host name resolution process is a process for converting destination information using the name of the MFP 20 into address information (eg, IP address) used for computer communication.

  The processing loops until the above processing is completed for all the MFPs 20 that are targets of the address table 52 (S1004).

  Subsequently, a delivery destination information generation process is executed (S1005). This processing step is a processing step in which the distribution condition setting step executed in the distribution condition generation unit 16 and the representative selection step executed in the representative selection unit 17 are combined. The address table 52 generated in this process is information for defining as a distribution route a state in which the setting information can be distributed most efficiently based on the number of MFPs 20 to be distributed.

  Based on the order of arrangement of the IP addresses of the MFPs 20 to be distributed, the processing related to distribution can be distributed by appropriately adopting a nested structure. That is, the IP addresses in the five MFPs 20 are, for example, “A, B, C, D, E”. Here, when the MFP 20 with the address “A” is selected as a representative device in the processing described later, the address table 52 is generated so as to be distributed from the PC 10 to the MFP 20 with the address “A”.

  In addition, the MFP 20 having the address “B” and the MFP 20 having the address “C” are distributed from the MFP 20 having the address “A”, and appropriately distributed to the MFP 20 having the addresses “C, D, E”. To do. In this case, the setting information may be distributed from A to B and from A to C, and distribution to D and E may be delegated to B. That is, the address table 52 may be generated using a format defined by the distribution route such as “A (B (D, E), C)”.

  Next, a representative device is selected based on the structure (arrangement) of the destination information of the MFP 20 in the generated address table 52. In this case, the MFP 20 with the address “A” is selected as the representative device (S1006).

  Returning to FIG. Subsequently, a process of distributing the authentication table 51 already generated and stored in the HDD 107 and the generated address table 52 to the selected representative device is executed (S904). This processing step is a first communication step executed in the first communication unit 18.

  After the information distribution process (S904), a reception confirmation notification of the authentication table 51 may be received from each MFP 20 included in the address table 52, and a notification regarding applicability of the authentication table 51 may be received from each MFP 20. . In this case, the received applicability information may be displayed on the LCD 104 so that the user can visually recognize it.

  Through the above processing, the setting information distributed to the MFP 20 is distributed by an appropriate distribution route based on the distribution condition information. As a result, in some MFPs 20 and PCs 10, load concentration due to setting information distribution processing can be prevented, and processing efficiency of the entire system can be improved. In addition, by avoiding concentration of processing load on the PC 10, when there is a user who uses the PC 10 for business, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency of the user and contribute to improvement of the overall business efficiency. .

[Processing flow 2 of this embodiment]
Next, another processing flow of the information distribution program executed in the information distribution system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the information distribution processing program executed in the MFP 20. By executing the information distribution program in the MFP 20, the information distribution method according to the present invention can be realized.

  First, an authentication table 51 as setting information and an address table 52 as distribution condition information are received from the PC 10 or another MFP 20 (S1101). The received authentication table 51 and address table 52 are stored in the second storage unit 24. This processing step is a second storage step executed in the second storage unit 24.

  Subsequently, processing for applying the received setting information is executed (S1102). By the setting information application process, the authentication table 51 once stored in the second storage unit 24 can be used. As a result, when the MFP 20 is used, the user enters a state of using a predetermined function after performing an authentication process.

  Subsequently, distribution condition editing processing is executed (S1103). This processing step is a distribution condition changing step executed in the distribution condition changing unit 23. By this distribution condition changing step, the address table 52 and redistribution destination information received by the MFP 20 are regenerated. Here, the redistribution destination information refers to distribution destination information generated by editing the address table 52 distributed from the PC 10. The data structure is the same as that of the address table 52, but the information related to the MFP 20 to which the authentication table 51 has already been distributed is excluded. Further, the arrangement (order) of the data related to each MFP 20 may differ from the address table 52 generated by the PC 10. Details of the distribution condition editing process (S1103) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, first, a process of excluding (deleting) data relating to the own apparatus from the received address table 52 or redistribution destination information is executed (S1201). This processing step is a second distribution destination information generation step executed in the distribution condition changing unit 23. The address table 52 is as already described with reference to FIG. For example, when deleting data relating to the host name “MFP-A” from the address table 52 illustrated in FIG. 5B, the host name “MFP-A” is deleted. In addition, the IP address “111.11.11.11.111” associated therewith is also deleted. As described above, only the data related to the predetermined MFP 20 can be deleted from the address table 52 or the redistribution information.

  Next, the contents of the address table 52 or the redistribution destination information are analyzed, and the undelivered MFP 20 (undistributed image processing apparatus) that is undistributed and included in the address table 52 is specified (S1202). Next, it is determined whether or not to change the order or distribution route of each MFP 20 stored in the address table 52 or the redistribution destination information using the operation information (operation index) related to the identified MFP 20 ( S1203).

  Here, when the address table 52 or the redistribution destination information is changed (S1203: YES), a distribution condition regeneration process is executed (S1204). The distribution condition generation process (S1204) is the same process as the distribution destination information generation process (see FIG. 10) already described (S1204).

  Next, a representative device is selected based on the structure (arrangement) of the destination information of the MFP 20 in the generated redistribution destination information (S1205). This processing step is a representative reselection step executed in the representative reselection unit 27.

  Returning to FIG. Subsequently, a process of distributing the authentication table 51 stored in the HDD 214 and the generated redistribution destination information to the selected representative device is executed (S1104). This processing step is a second communication step executed in the second communication unit 28.

  Through the above processing, the authentication table 51 distributed to each MFP 20 is distributed using an optimal distribution route. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the processing load due to the distribution process of the authentication table 51 from being concentrated in some MFPs 20 and the PC 10. As a result, the overall processing efficiency of the information distribution system 100 can be improved. In addition, by avoiding concentration of processing load on the PC 10, when there is a user who uses the PC 10 for business, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the work efficiency of the user and contribute to improvement of the overall business efficiency.

  Each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the “processing circuit” in this specification means a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or designed to execute each function described above. ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a conventional circuit module.

1 Processing Flow 2 Processing Flow 10 Card Access Device 11 Information Generation Unit 12 Information Distribution Unit 13 Information Input Unit 14 First Storage Unit 15 Setting Information Generation Unit 16 Distribution Condition Generation Unit 17 Representative Selection Unit 18 First Communication Unit 19 First Indicator Information generation unit 20 MFP
21 information regenerating unit 22 redistributing unit 23 distribution condition changing unit 24 second storage unit 25 second index information generating unit 27 representative reselecting unit 28 second communication unit 31 IC card reader 32 IC card 41 setting screen 42 icon 43 display Field 50 Information distribution system 51 Authentication table 52 Address table 60 Network 61 Index table 81 Index table 100 Information distribution system 101 CPU
102 RAM
103 ROM
104 LCD
105 Input Device 106 HDD Controller 107 HDD
108 Communication I / F
109 Internal bus 210 Main body block 211 CPU
212 ROM
213 RAM
214 HDD
215 Printer engine 216 Internal connection I / F
217 Communication I / F
218 System bus 220 Operation block 221 CPU
222 ROM
223 RAM
224 Flash memory 225 External connection I / F
226 Operation panel 227 Internal connection I / F
228 Communication I / F
229 System bus 230 Paper supply / discharge block 231 Paper supply table 232 Paper output tray 240 Reading block 241 Scanner unit 250 Communication path

JP 2013-222351 A

Claims (10)

An image processing system comprising: a plurality of image processing apparatuses that output images via a recording medium; and an information distribution apparatus that distributes setting information for setting operating conditions of the image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus. And
The information distribution apparatus generates the setting information and generates a distribution destination information that defines a distribution condition to the image processing apparatus, and the setting information and the distribution based on the distribution destination information. An information distribution unit that distributes the destination information to the image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus deletes information related to itself included in the received distribution destination information to generate redistribution destination information, and the setting information of other image processing apparatuses is not yet set. A redistribution unit for distributing the setting information to the image processing apparatus for distribution;
An image processing system comprising: The information generator is
A setting information generating unit for generating the setting information for setting the operating conditions of the image processing apparatus;
A first index information generating unit that generates index information related to the image processing device;
A distribution condition generation unit that generates the distribution destination information based on the index information,
The information distribution unit
A representative selection unit for selecting a representative device from the image processing device based on the distribution destination information;
A first communication unit that distributes the distribution destination information and the setting information to the representative device;
The image processing system according to claim 1.
The information regeneration unit
A distribution condition for generating the re-distribution destination information in which the distribution destination information is changed based on an index related to an undistributed image processing apparatus in which the setting information is not distributed among the image processing apparatuses included in the distribution destination information. Change part,
A second storage unit for storing the received setting information;
A second index information generation unit that generates index information related to the image processing device,
The redistribution unit
Based on the re-distribution destination information, a representative re-selection unit that selects a re-representation device from the image processing devices to which the setting information has not been distributed;
A second communication unit that receives the distribution destination information distributed from the information distribution device and the setting information;
The image processing system according to claim 1. The first index information generation unit calculates, as the index information, an evaluation value based on a performance level for each of the image processing apparatuses, a usage frequency level, a response to a processing request, or an index obtained by combining these.
The image processing system according to claim 2. The second index information generation unit is an evaluation based on a performance level, a usage frequency level, a response to a processing request for each of the image processing apparatuses other than the image processing apparatus other than the image processing apparatus, or an index obtained by combining these. A value is calculated as the index information,
The image processing system according to claim 2. The delivery condition changing unit changes the delivery destination information so that delivery is performed in order from the image processing device with a light processing load based on the index related to the image processing device excluding the representative device or the representative device. ,
The image processing system according to claim 2. An information distribution device that connects via a network to a plurality of image processing devices that output via a recording medium and distributes setting information related to the image processing device,
A setting information generation unit for generating setting information for setting operating conditions of the image processing apparatus;
An index information generating unit that generates index information according to the image processing apparatus;
A distribution condition generation unit that generates distribution destination information based on the index information;
A representative selection unit that selects a representative device that is one of the image processing devices based on the index information;
An information distribution apparatus comprising: a communication unit that distributes the distribution destination information and the setting information to the representative apparatus. An image processing apparatus that is connected to an information distribution apparatus via a network and outputs an image via a recording medium,
Of the image processing devices included in the distribution destination information distributed from the information distribution device, the setting information defining the operation of the image processing device is not yet distributed, based on the index related to the undistributed image processing device A distribution condition changing unit for generating re-distribution destination information in which the distribution destination information is changed;
A storage unit for storing setting information distributed from the information distribution device;
An index information generating unit that generates index information according to the image processing apparatus;
A representative reselection unit that selects a re-representation device that is one of the image processing devices other than the representative device based on the re-distribution destination information;
A distribution condition distributed from the information distribution device and a second communication unit that receives the setting information;
An image processing apparatus. An information distribution program connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses that output images via a recording medium via a network and operating in an information distribution apparatus that distributes setting information related to the image processing apparatus,
The information delivery device;
A setting information generating unit for generating setting information for setting operating conditions of the image processing apparatus;
An index information generating unit that generates index information according to the image processing apparatus;
A distribution condition generation unit that generates distribution destination information based on the index information;
A representative selection unit that selects a representative device that is one of the image processing devices based on the index information;
A communication unit that distributes the distribution destination information and the setting information to the representative device;
An information distribution program characterized by operating as An information distribution program that operates in an image processing apparatus that is connected to an information distribution apparatus via a network and outputs an image via a recording medium,
The image processing apparatus;
Of the image processing devices included in the distribution destination information distributed from the information distribution device, the setting information defining the operation of the image processing device is not yet distributed, based on the index related to the undistributed image processing device A distribution condition change unit that generates re-distribution destination information in which the distribution destination information has been changed,
A storage unit for storing setting information distributed from the information distribution device;
A second index information generating unit that generates index information related to the image processing device;
A representative reselection unit that selects a re-representation device that is one of the image processing devices other than the representative device based on the re-distribution destination information;
A communication unit that receives the distribution condition and the setting information distributed from the information distribution device;
Information distribution program that operates as A plurality of image processing apparatuses that output images via a recording medium; and an information distribution apparatus that distributes setting information for setting operating conditions of the image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus. An information generation unit that generates the setting information and also generates distribution destination information that defines a distribution condition to the image processing apparatus; and the setting information and the distribution destination information based on the distribution destination information. An information distribution unit that distributes to a processing device, and the image processing device deletes information related to itself included in the received distribution destination information and generates redistribution destination information; A redistribution unit that distributes the setting information to other image processing apparatuses other than the image processing apparatus that has received the distribution destination information or the redistribution destination information among the other image processing apparatuses. An information delivery method to be executed Te,
The information generator is
A setting information generating step for generating setting information for setting operating conditions of the image processing apparatus;
A first index information generating step for generating index information related to the image processing apparatus;
A distribution condition generation step of generating the distribution destination information based on the index information,
The information distribution unit
A representative selection step of selecting a representative device that is one of the image processing devices based on distribution conditions;
A first communication step of distributing the distribution destination information and the setting information to the representative device;
Run
The information regeneration unit
A distribution condition for generating redistribution destination information in which the distribution destination information is changed based on an index relating to an undistributed image processing apparatus in which the setting information is not yet distributed among the image processing apparatuses included in the distribution destination information Change steps,
A second storage step for storing the received setting information;
Performing a second index information generation step of generating index information related to the image processing device,
The redistribution unit
A representative reselection step of selecting a re-representation device that is one of the image processing devices excluding the representative device based on the re-distribution destination information;
Performing the second communication step of receiving the distribution conditions and the setting information distributed from the information distribution device;
An information delivery method characterized by the above.