JP2019125141A - Program update system, program update method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To be able to set an update period of a program to each electronic apparatus in a program update system updating the program executed by the electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: A program update system is a program update system updating a program executed by an electronic apparatus, and for each electronic device, comprises an update period management part managing information on an update period of the program, an update data management part managing information on update data for the program, an update information acquisition part acquiring the information on the update period of the program and the information on the update data for the program, and an update control part updating, when determining that the update period of the program has elapsed, the program executed by the electronic apparatus based on the information on the update data for the program.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a program update system, a program update method, and a program.

  There is known a program update system in which an electronic device such as an image forming apparatus acquires update data for a program such as a firmware executed by the electronic device or an application program from a server device or the like, and updates the program.

  For example, there is known an image forming apparatus management system that manages version information of corresponding firmware for each image forming apparatus, and distributes the firmware to the image forming apparatus that requires firmware update (for example, Patent Literature 1).

  In the prior art such as Patent Document 1, when update data for a program to be executed by the electronic device is registered in the server device, the program is updated for all the electronic devices corresponding to the update data. There is a problem that the update time can not be set for the electronic device.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a program update system for updating a program executed by an electronic device, the update timing of the program is set for each electronic device. To be able to

  In order to solve the above problems, a program update system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program update system for updating a program executed by an electronic device, and manages information of update time of the program for each electronic device. Update time management unit, an update data management unit managing information of update data for the program, update information acquisition unit for acquiring information of the update time of the program, and information of the update data for the program And the program executed by the electronic device based on the information of the update data for the program when it is determined from the information of the update time for the program that the update time of the program has passed. And an update control unit that updates the

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a program update system that updates a program executed by an electronic device, it is possible to set a program update time for each electronic device.

It is a figure showing the example of the system configuration of the program update system concerning one embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of the hardware constitutions of the computer concerning one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a function structure of the program update system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the information which the program update system which concerns on 1st Embodiment manages. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a process of the program update system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a function structure of the program update system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the information which the apparatus management server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment manages. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a production | generation process of the update time information which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a process of the program update system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

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

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a program update system according to an embodiment. The program update system 1 includes, for example, a device management server 101, a program update server 102, one or more image forming apparatuses 110-1 and 110-2, which are connected to a network 120 such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). ... and so on. The program update system 1 may also include an information terminal 130 and the like connected to the network 120.

  In the following description, the “image forming apparatus 110” is used to indicate an arbitrary image forming apparatus among the one or more image forming apparatuses 110-1, 110-2,. In addition, the image forming apparatus 110 is an example of an electronic device that is an update target of a program. For example, the image forming apparatus 110 may be another electronic device such as an electronic whiteboard, a television conference apparatus, or a projector.

  The device management server (first information processing apparatus) 101 is, for example, a system including an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a plurality of information processing apparatuses. The device management server 101 communicates with the image forming apparatus 110 connected via the network 120, and manages device management information including information such as the device type, model, and status of the image forming device 110. In addition, the device management server 101 includes, for each image forming apparatus (electronic device) 110, update time information including information on update times of programs such as firmware and application programs (hereinafter referred to as applications) executed by the image forming apparatus 110. Manage

  The program update server (second information processing apparatus) 102 is, for example, a system including an information processing apparatus such as a PC or a plurality of information processing apparatuses. The program update server 102 manages update data information including information on update data (for example, packages such as one or more firmware and applications) for a program executed by the image forming apparatus 110.

  The device management server 101 and the program update server 102 may be realized by one server 100.

  The image forming apparatus 110 is, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having functions such as a printer, a scanner, a copier, and a facsimile, and an electronic apparatus having an image forming function such as a printer. The image forming apparatus 110 can communicate with the device management server 101, the program update server 102, and the like via the network 120.

  The image forming apparatus 110 acquires information on the update time of the program managed by the device management server 101 and information on update data for the program managed by the program update server 102, and updates the program update time of the image forming apparatus 110. Determine if it has elapsed.

  When the update time of the program of the image forming apparatus 110 has passed, the image forming apparatus 110 updates the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110 based on the information of the acquired update data for the program. On the other hand, when the update time of the program of the image forming apparatus 110 has not passed, the image forming apparatus 110 suspends the update of the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110.

  The information terminal 130 is, for example, an information processing apparatus such as a PC or a tablet terminal, which is used by a user such as a manager of the program update system 1. The user can use the information terminal 130 to access the device management server 101, and set or change, for each image forming apparatus 110, information related to the update time of the program managed by the device management server 101.

  Preferably, when a new electronic device (for example, the image forming apparatus 110) is registered in the program update system 1, the device management server 101, according to a predetermined rule, information on the program update time for each electronic device. Have the ability to create

  According to the above configuration, in the program update system 1 for updating a program executed by the image forming apparatus (an example of the electronic device) 110, it is possible to set the update timing of the program executed by each image forming apparatus 110.

<Hardware configuration>
(Hardware configuration of computer)
The device management server 101 and the program update server 102 are configured by a general computer or a plurality of computers. Also, the information terminal 130 has a general computer configuration. Here, a general computer hardware configuration will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. The computer 200 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a random access memory (RAM) 202, a read only memory (ROM) 203, a storage device 204, a network I / F 205, an input device 206, a display device 207, and an external I / O. It has F208 and bus 209 grade.

  The CPU 201 is an arithmetic device that implements each function of the computer 200 by reading programs and data stored in the ROM 203, the storage device 204, and the like onto the RAM 202 and executing processing. The RAM 202 is a volatile memory used as a work area or the like of the CPU 201. The ROM 203 is a non-volatile memory that holds programs and data even when the power is turned off.

  The storage device 204 is, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores an operating system (OS), applications, various data, and the like. The network I / F 205 is a communication interface for connecting the computer 200 to the network 120 or the like.

  The input device 206 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, or an input device such as a keyboard, and is used to input each operation signal to the computer 200. The display device 207 is a display device such as a display, and displays the processing result by the computer 200 and the like.

  The external I / F 208 is an interface for connecting an external device to the computer 200. The external device may include, for example, a recording medium 210 and the like. A bus 209 is connected to the above-described components, and transmits an address signal, a data signal, various control signals, and the like.

(Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. The electronic device to be subjected to program update by the program update system 1 has a general computer configuration. Here, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 110 will be described as an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic device.

  The image forming apparatus 110 includes, for example, a controller 310, an operation panel 320, a communication I / F 330, a plotter 340, a scanner 350, and a fax control unit (hereinafter referred to as an FCU) 360.

  The controller 310 includes, for example, a CPU 311, a RAM 312, a ROM 313, an NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 314, an HDD 315, and the like.

  The ROM 313 is a non-volatile storage device storing various programs and data. The RAM 312 is a volatile storage device that temporarily holds programs and data. The NVRAM 314 is a writable non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, setting information and the like. The HDD 315 is a large-capacity storage device storing various programs and data.

  The CPU 311 is an arithmetic device that realizes overall control and functions of the image forming apparatus 110 by reading programs, data, setting information and the like from the ROM 313, the NVRAM 314, the HDD 315, etc. onto the RAM 312 and executing processing.

  The operation panel 320 includes an input unit for receiving an input from a user, and a display unit for displaying. The communication I / F 330 is a communication interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 110 to the network 120.

  The plotter 340 is a printing device that prints print data. The scanner 350 is a reading device that reads a document or the like. The FCU 360 sends and receives fax data.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the program update system according to the first embodiment.

(Function Configuration of Device Management Server)
The device management server 101 includes, for example, a communication unit 411, a device management unit 412, an update time management unit 413, a storage unit 414, and the like.

  The device management server 101 realizes the above-described respective functional configurations by, for example, executing a predetermined program (first program) by the CPU 201 in FIG. 2. Note that at least a part of each of the functional configurations described above may be realized by hardware.

  The communication unit 411 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG. 2 and the network I / F 205 or the like. A communication unit 411 connects the device management server 101 to the network 120, and communicates with other devices such as the program update server 102, the image forming apparatus 110, and the information terminal 130.

  The device management unit 412 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG. The device management unit 412 acquires device information from an electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110 connected via the network 120, and the acquired device information is, for example, a device as illustrated in FIG. 5B. It memorizes in management information 416 and manages.

  FIG. 5B illustrates an example of the device management information 416. In the example of FIG. 5B, the device management information 416 includes information such as “device ID”, “device type”, “model”, “IP address”, and “state”.

  The “device ID” is identification information for identifying an electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110. The “device type” is information indicating the type of the electronic device (for example, an MFP, a printer, a projector, an electronic white board, etc.). “Model” is information indicating the model or model number of the electronic device. The “IP address” is information indicating a connection destination when communicating with the electronic device. The “state” is information indicating the state of the electronic device.

  For example, the device management unit 412 communicates with the image forming apparatus 110 at a predetermined time interval, a predetermined time, etc., acquires the status of the image forming apparatus 110, and displays “image” in “status” of the device management information 416. The state of the forming device 110 is stored. The state of the image forming apparatus 110 includes, for example, information such as “normal” indicating that the image forming apparatus 110 is operating normally, and “offline” indicating that the communication can not be performed.

  The update time management unit 413 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the update time management unit 413 displays, for example, information on the update time of a program (second program) executed by each electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110. It stores and manages in the update time information 415.

  FIG. 5A shows an image of an example of the update time information 415. In the example of FIG. 5A, the update time information 415 includes information such as “device ID”, “update pending period”, and “update package ID”.

  The “device ID” is identification information for identifying an electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110, and corresponds to the “device ID” included in the device management information 416.

  The “update pending period” is information indicating the update time of a program executed by an electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110 or the like. As the “update pending period”, for example, a different period can be set for each electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110.

  The “update package ID” is identification information for identifying an update package (update data) of a program executed by an electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110.

  The storage unit 414 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG. 2, the storage device 204 in FIG. 2, the RAM 202, etc., and stores various information such as update time information 415 and device management information 416.

(Functional configuration of program update server)
The program update server 102 includes, for example, a communication unit 421, an update data management unit 422, an update time acquisition unit 423, a storage unit 424, and the like.

  The program update server 102 realizes the above-described respective functional configurations by, for example, executing a predetermined program (first program) by the CPU 201 of FIG. 2. Note that at least a part of each of the functional configurations described above may be realized by hardware.

  The communication unit 421 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG. 2 and the network I / F 205 or the like. The communication unit 421 connects the program update server 102 to the network 120, and communicates with other devices such as the device management server 101, the image forming apparatus 110, and the information terminal 130.

  The update data management unit 422 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG. The update data management unit 422 stores and manages information of update data for a program executed by an electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110 in, for example, update data information 426 as shown in FIG. 5C. Further, in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 110, the update data management unit 422 provides the image forming apparatus 110 with update data information 426, update time information 425, and the like. Furthermore, the update data management unit 422 stores the update data 427 of the program executed by the electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110 in the storage unit 424, and the update data 427 is an image according to the request from the image forming apparatus 110. The forming apparatus 110 is provided.

  FIG. 5C shows an image of an example of the update data information 426. In the example of FIG. 5C, the update data information 426 includes information such as “update package ID”, “release date”, “acquisition destination URL”, and “compatible model”.

  The “update package ID” is identification information for identifying an update package (update data) of a program executed by an electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110, and corresponds to the “update package ID” of the update time information 415.

  The “release date” is information indicating the date when the update package (update data) of the program executed by the electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110 is released, the date, and the like. The “acquisition destination URL” is information indicating a reference destination such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating an acquisition destination of the update package (update data) of the program executed by the electronic device.

  The “compatible model” is information of a model corresponding to the update package (update data) of the program executed by the electronic device.

  The update time acquisition unit 423 is realized by a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG. 2 and acquires, for example, update time information 415 as shown in FIG. 5A from the device management server 101, in the storage unit 424. Remember.

  In the following description, in order to distinguish from the update time information 415 stored in the storage unit 414 of the device management server 101, the update time information stored in the storage unit 424 of the program update server 102 Call it 425 ". Further, the information content of the update time information 425 may be the same as the update time information 415 stored in the storage unit 414 of the device management server 101.

  The storage unit 424 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG. 2, the storage device 204 in FIG. 2, the RAM 202, etc., and various information such as update time information 425, update data information 426, and update data 402. Remember.

(Functional configuration of image forming apparatus)
The image forming apparatus 110 includes, for example, a communication unit 431, an update information acquisition unit 432, an update control unit 433, an apparatus control unit 434, a storage unit 435, and the like.

  The image forming apparatus 110 realizes the above-described respective functional configurations by, for example, executing a predetermined program (second program) by the CPU 311 in FIG. 3. Note that at least a part of each of the functional configurations described above may be realized by hardware.

  The communication unit 421 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 311 in FIG. 3, the communication I / F 330, and the like, and connects the image forming apparatus 110 to the network 120 to execute the device management server 101, the program update server 102, and the like. Communicate with other devices.

  The update information acquisition unit 432 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 311 in FIG. 3, information on update timing of a program executed by the image forming apparatus 110, and information on update data of a program executed by the image forming apparatus 110. To get

  Preferably, the update information acquisition unit 432 communicates with the program update server 102 via the communication unit 431, and acquires update data information 426 and update time information 425 managed by the program update server 102.

  The update control unit 433 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 311 in FIG. 3. The update control unit 433 uses the update time information 425 (update time information) and the update data information 426 (update data information) acquired by the update information acquisition unit 432 to update the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110. To see if it has passed.

  For example, the update control unit 433 acquires information on “update pending period” and “update package ID” corresponding to the device ID of the image forming apparatus 110 from the update time information 425 as shown in FIG. 5A. Further, the update control unit 433 acquires the information of “release date” of “update package ID” corresponding to the image forming apparatus 110 from the update data information 426 as shown in FIG. 5C. Furthermore, the update control unit 433 determines that the program update time has passed if the current date has passed the date obtained by adding the “update pending period” to the acquired “publication date”. For example, when the current date and time has passed a predetermined time (for example, midnight) of the date obtained by adding the "update pending period" to the "release date", the update control unit 433 Judging that it has passed.

  The update control unit 433 updates the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110 based on the update data information 426 (information of update data) when the program update time has passed. For example, the update control unit 433 acquires update data of a program from the “acquisition destination URL” of the acquired update data information 426, and updates the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110 using the acquired update data.

  The device control unit 434 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 311 in FIG. 3 and controls the plotter 340, the scanner 350, and the FCU 360 in FIG. 3 to execute the image forming process included in the image forming apparatus 110. . For example, the device control unit 434 executes various programs included in the image forming apparatus 110 by executing the program updated by the update control unit 433.

  The storage unit 435 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 311 in FIG. 3 and the HDD 315 and the RAM 312 in FIG. 3 and stores various information such as image data to be subjected to image forming processing.

(Functional configuration of information terminal)
The information terminal 130 includes, for example, a general web browser and the like. For example, the user accesses the update time management unit 413 of the device management server 101 using, for example, a web browser provided in the information terminal 130 and, for example, “updates the update time information 415 as shown in FIG. It is possible to set and change the hold period etc. for each electronic device.

  The functional configuration of the program update system 1 shown in FIG. 4 is an example. For example, at least a part of the functional configuration of the device management server 101 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be included in the program update server 102. Further, at least a part of the functional configuration of the program update server 102 may be included in the device management server 101.

<Flow of processing>
Subsequently, the flow of processing of the program update method according to the present embodiment will be described.

(Processing of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. This process shows an example of the process executed by the electronic device of the image forming apparatus 110 included in the program update system 1 at a predetermined timing.

  Preferably, as the predetermined timing for executing the process shown in FIG. 6, different timings (for example, time etc.) are set for each electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110 in order to distribute the load of the program update server 102. ing.

  In step S601, the update information acquisition unit 432 of the image forming apparatus 110 communicates with the program update server 102 via the communication unit 431, and information on the update time of the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110 and information on the update data To get For example, the update information acquisition unit 432 acquires, from the program update server 102, update time information 425 as shown in FIG. 5A and update data information 426 as shown in FIG. 5C.

  In step S602, the update control unit 433 of the image forming apparatus 110 determines whether there is unupdated update data. For example, the update control unit 433 determines whether the update data corresponding to the “update package ID” of the update time information 425 as shown in FIG. 5A is reflected in the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110. to decide.

  When the update data corresponding to the “update package ID” is reflected in the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110, that is, when there is no update data that has not been updated, the update control unit 433 ends the process. On the other hand, if the update data corresponding to the “update package ID” is not reflected in the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110, that is, if there is unupdated update data, the update control unit 433 processes step S603. Migrate to

  After shifting to step S603, the update control unit 433 specifies the update start date or the update start date of the unupdated update data.

  For example, when the device ID of the image forming apparatus 110 is "AAAA-1111", from the update time information 425 shown in FIG. 5A, the update suspension period is "0 day" and the update package ID is "A0000000Y (latest)". It becomes ". Further, from the update data information 426 shown in FIG. 5C, the release date of the update package ID “A0000000Y (latest)” is “20xx / 10/31”. Therefore, the update start date is “20xx / 10/31” which is the same as the release date, and the update start date is, for example, midnight on October 31, 20xx.

  Note that the update time information 425 shown in FIG. 5A may store information indicating “latest” instead of a specific update package ID “A0000000Y”. In this case, the image forming apparatus 110 of the model “model A” is selected from the update data information 426 shown in FIG. 5C by selecting one of the models “model A” that has the latest release date. As a result, the update package ID “A0000000Y” may be selected.

  Further, as another example, when the device ID of the image forming apparatus 110 is “AAAA-1112”, from the update time information 425 shown in FIG. 5A, the update suspension period is “30 days”, and the update package ID is It becomes "A0000000Y (latest)". Further, from the update data information 426 shown in FIG. 5C, the release date of the update package ID “A0000000Y (latest)” is “20xx / 10/31”. Therefore, the update start date is “20xx / 11/30” obtained by adding 30 days to the release date, and the update start date is, for example, midnight of November 30, 20xx.

  Furthermore, as another example, when the device ID of the image forming apparatus 110 is “AAAA-1113”, the update suspension period is “0 day” and the update package ID is “0” according to the update time information 425 shown in FIG. It becomes "A0000000T". Further, from the update data information 426 shown in FIG. 5C, the release date of the update package ID “A0000000T” is “20xx / 5/23”. Therefore, the update start date is “20xx / 5/23” which is the same as the release date, and the update start date is, for example, midnight on May 23, 20xx.

  In step S604, the update control unit 433 acquires the current date and time. For example, the update control unit 433 may acquire information on the current date and time managed by the OS, or may acquire information on the current date and time from a time server or the like via the network 120. Also good.

  In step S605, the update control unit 433 determines whether the current date and time acquired in step S604 has passed the update start date and time specified in step S603.

  For example, when the device ID of the image forming apparatus 110 is “AAAA-1111” and the current date and time is 10 am on November 1, 20xx, the update control unit 433 updates the current date and time as described above. It is determined that the start date and time, midnight on October 31, 20xx, has passed.

  When the device ID of the image forming apparatus 110 is “AAAA-1112” and the current date and time is 10 am on November 1, 20xx, the update control unit 433 updates the current date and time as described above. It is determined that the start date and time, midnight on November 30, 20xx, has not passed.

  Furthermore, when the device ID of the image forming apparatus 110 is “AAAA-1113” and the current date and time is 10 am on November 1, 20xx, the update control unit 433 updates the current date and time as described above. It is determined that the start date and time, midnight on May 23, 20xx, has passed.

  If the current date and time has not passed the update start date and time, the update control unit 433 ends the process. On the other hand, if the current date and time has passed the update start date and time, the update control unit 433 shifts the processing to step S606.

  After shifting to step S606, the update control unit 433 acquires an update package (update data) from, for example, the “acquisition destination URL” of the update data information 426 as illustrated in FIG. 5C.

  In step S607, the update control unit 433 updates the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110 using the acquired update package (update data).

(Process of program update system)
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of the program update system according to the first embodiment. This process shows an example of the process of the entire program update system 1 corresponding to the process of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

  In steps S701 and S702, the update time acquisition unit 423 of the program update server 102 acquires, for example, update time information 415 as illustrated in FIG. 5A from the device management server 101. Note that the update time acquisition unit 423 executes the processing of steps S701 and S702 at, for example, a predetermined time interval or a predetermined time.

  In step S703, the update time acquisition unit 423 stores the acquired update time information 415 in the storage unit 424. In the following description, the update time information stored in the storage unit 424 is referred to as update time information 425 in order to distinguish it from the update time information 415 stored in the storage unit 414 of the device management server 101.

  In steps S704 and S705, the update information acquisition unit 432 of the image forming apparatus 110 acquires update time information 425 and update data information 426 from the program update server 102. This process corresponds to, for example, the process of step S601 in FIG.

  In step S706, the update control unit 433 of the image forming apparatus 110 determines whether there is unupdated update data. This process corresponds to, for example, the process of step S602 in FIG.

  If there is unupdated update data, the update control unit 433 of the image forming apparatus 110 executes the process of step S 707. On the other hand, if there is no unupdated update data, the update control unit 433 of the image forming apparatus 110 ends the process.

  In step S 707, the update control unit 433 of the image forming apparatus 110 determines whether the current date and time has passed the update start date and time of the update data. This process corresponds to, for example, the process of steps S603 to S605 in FIG.

  If the current date and time has passed the update start date and time of the update data, the update control unit 433 of the image forming apparatus 110 executes the update process 710 as shown in steps S711 to S713. On the other hand, if the current date and time has not passed the update start date and time of the update data, the update control unit 433 of the image forming apparatus 110 ends the process.

  In steps S711 and S712, the update control unit 433 of the image forming apparatus 110 acquires update data (update package) from the “acquisition destination URL” of the update data information 426 acquired in steps S704 and S705. This process corresponds to, for example, the process of step S606 in FIG.

  In step S713, the update control unit 433 of the image forming apparatus 110 updates the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110 using the update data acquired in steps S711 and S712. Note that this process corresponds to, for example, the process of step S 607 in FIG.

  After the update package of the program executed by the image forming apparatus 110 is released by the above process, the image forming apparatus 110 uses the update package until the “update pending period” of the update time information 425 passes. Pending updates.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the program update system 1 that updates the program executed by the image forming apparatus (electronic device) 110, the update time of the program can be set for each image forming apparatus 110.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, when a new image forming apparatus (electronic apparatus) 110 is registered, the apparatus management server 101 relates to a program update time for each image forming apparatus 110 according to a predetermined rule. An example of processing in the case of creating information will be described.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a program update system according to the second embodiment. The functional configurations of the program update server 102, the image forming apparatus 110, the information terminal 130 and the like according to the second embodiment are the same as the functional configuration according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the storage unit 414 of the device management server 101 according to the second embodiment, in addition to the information stored in the storage unit 414 of the device management server 101 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Information 801 is stored.

  Further, the update time management unit 413 of the device management server 101 according to the second embodiment has a function of generating the update time information 415 in accordance with the generation rule information 801 stored in advance in the storage unit 414. For example, when a new image forming apparatus (electronic device) 110 is registered in the device management server 101, for example, the update time management unit 413 newly registers the image according to the creation rule information 801 stored in the storage unit 414. Update time information 415 corresponding to the forming device 110 can be generated.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information managed by the device management server 101 according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 9A shows an image of device management information A 416 a which is an example of the device management information 416 according to the second embodiment. The device management information A 416 a includes information of “past problems” in addition to the information included in the device management information 416 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5B. For example, in the image forming apparatus 110 with the device ID “AAAA-1111”, it is indicated that the failure in the past is “absent”, that is, a predetermined failure has not occurred in the past. Also, the image forming apparatus 110 with the device ID “AAAA-1112” indicates that the past failure is “failure A”, that is, “failure A” has occurred in the past.

  FIG. 9B illustrates an image of creation rule information A 801 a which is an example of creation rule information 801 according to the second embodiment. In the creation rule information A 801 a, “past failure”, which is an example of an attribute of the image forming apparatus 110, and “pending period” are stored in association with each other. In the example of FIG. 9B, the hold period “0” is associated with the image forming apparatus 110 in which the past trouble is “none”. In addition, the hold period “three weeks” is associated with the image forming apparatus 110 in which the defect in the past is “defect A”. Furthermore, the hold period “one week” is associated with the image forming apparatus 110 in which the defect in the past is “defect B”.

  When the image forming apparatus 110 of the device ID “AAAA-1111” having no trouble in the past is registered as an example, the update time management unit 413 sets “update pending period” to “1”. It can be determined to be "0". Similarly, when the image forming apparatus 110 with the device ID “AAAA-1112” in which “fault A” has occurred in the past has been registered, the update time management unit 413 determines that the update suspension period is “three weeks”. can do.

  In the above example, the update timing of the image forming apparatus 110 in which a defect has occurred in the past can be delayed compared to the image forming apparatus 110 in which no defect has occurred in the past. Thus, for example, when a failure occurs in the image forming apparatus 110, it can be more easily determined whether the failure is due to the update of the program.

  FIG. 9C shows an image of device management information B 416 b which is another example of the device management information 416 according to the second embodiment. The device management information B 416 b includes information of “type of installation place” in addition to the information included in the device management information 416 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5B. For example, the image forming apparatus 110 with the device ID “AAAA-1111” is shown to have the installation place type “development department”. Also, it is shown that the installation location type of the image forming apparatus 110 of the device ID “AAAA-1112” is “in-house”. Furthermore, it is shown that the installation location type of the image forming apparatus 110 with the device ID “AAAA-1113” is “general”.

  FIG. 9D shows an image of creation rule information B 801 b which is another example of the creation rule information 801 according to the second embodiment. In the creation rule information B 801 b, “installation place type”, which is an example of an attribute of the image forming apparatus 110, and “pending period” are stored in association with each other. In the example of FIG. 9D, the hold period “0” is associated with the image forming apparatus 110 whose installation place type is “development department”. Further, the holding period “two weeks” is associated with the image forming apparatus 110 whose installation place type is “in-house”. Furthermore, the holding period “4 weeks” is associated with the image forming apparatus 110 whose installation location type is “general”.

  If the image forming apparatus 110 of the device ID “AAAA-1111” whose installation location type is “development department” is registered as an example by the above information, the update suspension period , "0" can be determined. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 110 of the device ID “AAAA-1112” whose installation location type is “in-house” is registered, the update time management unit 413 determines the update suspension period to “two weeks”. Can. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 110 of the device ID “AAAA-1113” whose installation location type is “general” is registered, the update time management unit 413 determines the update suspension period to “four weeks”. Can.

  In the above example, the newly released updated data is tested for two weeks by the image forming apparatus 110 installed in the development department, and then tested for another two weeks by the image forming apparatus 110 installed in the company. Thereafter, the image can be reflected on the image forming apparatus 110 installed outside the company.

  For example, as described above, the update time management unit 413 of the device management server 101 updates the update time information 415 as shown in FIG. 5A, for example, according to the creation rule information 801 stored in advance in the storage unit 414. It is possible to automatically create information on hold period.

  Further, the update time management unit 413 acquires, for example, update data information 426 as shown in FIG. 5C from the program update server 102, and “update package ID” corresponding to “model” of the image forming apparatus 110. You can get For example, if the device ID is “AAAA-1111”, the update time management unit 413 uses the update data information 426 as shown in FIG. 5C, for example, to update package ID “type A”. A0000000 (latest) can be obtained. Thereby, the update time management unit 413 can automatically create, for example, the information of “update package ID” of the update time information 415 as shown in FIG. 5A.

<Flow of processing>
(Generation process of update time information)
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of generation processing of update time information according to the second embodiment. This process shows an example of the process of generating update time information by the update time management unit 413 of the device management server 101 described above.

  In step S1001, the update time management unit 413 of the device management server 101, for example, from the device management information A 416a as shown in FIG. Get information on

  In step S1002, for example, the update time management unit 413 acquires “pending period” corresponding to “past failure” information which is an example of attribute information from created rule information A 801a as shown in FIG. 9B. .

  For example, when the update time information 415 of the image forming apparatus 110 of the device ID “AAAA-1112” is created, the update time management unit 413 determines that the hold period “3” corresponds to the past defect “problem A” of the image forming apparatus 110. Get "weeks".

  In step S1003, the update time management unit 413, for example, uses the program update server 102 to update package ID “A0000000Y (latest)” corresponding to model “model A” of the image forming apparatus 110 with device ID “AAAA-1112”. get.

  In step S1004, the update time management unit 413 associates the "pending period" acquired in step S1002 and the "updated package ID" acquired in step S1004 in association with the device ID "AAAA-1112" of the image forming apparatus 110. Remember. Thus, the update time management unit 413 can automatically create the update time information 415 as shown in FIG. 5A, for example.

(Process of program update system)
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of the program update system according to the second embodiment. Note that among the processing shown in FIG. 11, the processing in steps S701 to S707 and steps S711 to S713 is the same as the processing according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The explanation will focus on the differences.

  In step S1101, the device management unit 412 of the device management server 101 accepts registration of an electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110. Here, for example, it is assumed that device management information A 416 a as shown in FIG. 9A is newly registered.

  In step S1102, the update time management unit 413 of the device management server 101 performs update time information of the electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 110 registered in step S1101 by the process of generating update time information as illustrated in FIG. 10, for example. Create The created update time information is added to, for example, the update time information 415 as shown in FIG. 5A.

  In step S 1103, the update time management unit 413 of the device management server 101 transmits, for example, an update notification indicating that the update time information 415 has been updated, to the program update server 102.

  In response to this, the program update server 102 executes the processing of steps S701 to S703 to update the update time information 425 stored in the storage unit 424.

  When electronic devices such as a plurality of image forming apparatuses 110 are registered in the device management server 101 by the above process, for example, the device management server 101 creates update timing information of the newly registered electronic devices. The update time information 415 can be updated automatically.

  According to this configuration, generally, the device management server 101 or the program update server 102 can control the update timing of a program controlled by the information terminal 130 such as a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the program update system 1 for updating the program executed by the image forming apparatus (electronic apparatus) 110, the program update timing can be set more easily for each image forming apparatus 110. Will be able to

1 Program Update System 100 Server (Information Processing Device)
101 Device Management Server (First Information Processing Device)
102 Program update server (second information processor)
110 Image forming apparatus (electronic equipment)
413 Update time management section 415 Update time information (update time information)
422 Update data management unit 426 Update data information (update data information)
432 update information acquisition unit 433 update control unit

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2010-79849

Claims (10)

A program updating system for updating a program executed by an electronic device, comprising:
An update time management unit that manages information on the update time of the program for each electronic device;
An update data management unit that manages information of update data for the program;
An update information acquisition unit that acquires information on the update time of the program and information on the update data for the program;
Based on the information on the update time for the program, when it is determined that the update time for the program has passed, the program executed by the electronic device is updated based on the information on the update data for the program. Update control unit, and
Program update system.   The update control unit withholds the update of the program executed by the electronic device when it is determined that the update time of the program has not passed based on the information of the update time for the program. Program update system described in. The information on the update time of the program includes information on a pending period for which the update of the program is pending,
The information of the update data for the program includes information indicating a date and time when the update data was updated,
The update control unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the update period of the program is determined to have elapsed when the hold period has elapsed from the date or date when the update data was updated. Program update system.   The program update system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the update time management unit creates information on the update time of the program corresponding to the electronic device based on a preset rule.   The program update system according to claim 4, wherein the preset rule includes information that associates an attribute of the electronic device with information of a holding period corresponding to the attribute of the electronic device. The information of the update data for the program includes information of an acquisition destination for acquiring the update data,
When the update control unit determines that the update time of the program has passed, the update data is acquired from the acquisition destination, and the program executed by the electronic device using the acquired update data is The program update system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which updates. The update data management unit manages a plurality of update data,
7. The information according to claim 1, wherein the information on the update time of the program includes information for identifying the update data for the program executed by the electronic device among the plurality of update data. Program update system. The first information processing apparatus having the update time management unit, the second information processing apparatus having the update data management unit, and one or more electronic devices having the update information acquisition unit and the update control unit And are connected via a network,
The second information processing apparatus acquires information on the update time of the program from the first information processing apparatus,
The program update system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electronic device acquires information on update time of the program from the second information processing apparatus. A program updating method executed by the electronic device in a program updating system including one or more information processing devices and an electronic device capable of communicating with the one or more information processing devices,
The one or more information processing devices are
A process of managing information on the update time of the program for each electronic device;
A process of managing information of update data for the program;
Run
The electronic device is
A process of acquiring information on the update time of the program and information on the update data for the program from the one or more information processing apparatuses;
Based on the information on the update time for the program, when it is determined that the update time for the program has passed, the program executed by the electronic device is updated based on the information on the update data for the program. And the process to
How to run the program update. A program update system including one or more information processing devices and an electronic device capable of communicating with the one or more information processing devices, wherein the first program is executed by the one or more information processing devices.
In the one or more information processing apparatuses,
A process of managing, for each electronic device, information on the update time of the second program executed by the electronic device;
A process of managing information of update data for the second program;
A process of providing the electronic device with information on the update time of the second program and information on the update data for the second program;
If the electronic device determines that the update time of the second program has passed based on the information of the update time for the second program, the update data for the second program is A process provided to the electronic device;
A program to run a program.

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