JP2019181835A - Information processing device and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that processes data acquired from communication equipment while suppressing influence to a function intrinsic to an information processing device.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: acquisition means for acquiring data from communication equipment; first estimation means for estimating non-operation time of an own device from operation time of the own device, job execution time and communication time with an external device; and processing means for processing the date in the non-operation time estimated by the first estimation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing program.

  Patent Document 1 provides a mechanism that can obtain an operation time closer to actual operation using log information collected from an image processing apparatus, for example, for analysis of an appropriate operation rate. An information processing apparatus that calculates an operation time of an image processing apparatus as an issue, and an authentication log acquisition unit that acquires an authentication log including information that can specify a login time point and a logout time point of a login process in the image processing apparatus; Job log acquisition means for acquiring a job log including information capable of specifying the job start time and job end time of the job processed by the image processing apparatus, and a first corresponding to a job processing period specified by the job log And the job processing period specified from the job log related to the authentication log in the login period specified from the authentication log From the second operation period corresponding to the non-overlapping period, to have, a calculating means for calculating the operating time of the image processing apparatus is disclosed a.

Japanese Patent No. 5398313

For example, an information processing apparatus such as a copying machine receives data from an IoT device and performs processing on the data. However, the information processing apparatus has an original function (for example, a function of copying or the like in the case of a copying machine or the like), and it is not preferable to reduce the performance of the function.
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing program that perform processing on data acquired from a communication device while suppressing an influence on functions originally provided in the information processing apparatus.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.
The invention of claim 1 is an acquisition means for acquiring data from a communication device, and a first estimation means for estimating a non-operation time of the own device from an operation time of the own device, a job execution time, and a communication time with an external device. And processing means for processing the data during the non-working time estimated by the first estimation means.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second estimation means for estimating a time required for processing the data.

  The processing means may process the data when the processing time estimated by the second estimation means falls within the range of the non-operation time estimated by the first estimation means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, which starts.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the acquisition unit, when the processing time estimated by the second estimation unit does not fall within the range of the non-operation time estimated by the first estimation unit, the data collection time The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the processing time estimated by the second estimation means does not fall within a range of non-working time estimated by the first estimation means, the processing means is data to be processed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the processing time estimated by the second estimating means does not fall within the range of the non-operation time estimated by the first estimating means, it is connected to the own apparatus via a communication path. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising inquiry means for inquiring whether other information processing apparatuses to be processed can be processed.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the other information processing apparatus is capable of processing, the data is transmitted to the other information processing apparatus.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of non-operating times, the processing means selects a non-operating time included in a time zone with a shorter operation time of the own device and starts the processing. The information processing apparatus described.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of non-operation times, the processing means selects a longer non-operation time and starts the processing.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits a processing result of the processing unit to an external device.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the computer in the information processing apparatus is configured to acquire the information processing from the acquisition means for acquiring data from the communication device, the operation time of the information processing device, the job execution time, and the communication time with the external device. A first estimation unit that estimates a non-operation time of the apparatus, and an information processing program for causing the non-operation time estimated by the first estimation unit to function as a processing unit that processes the data.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the first aspect, it is possible to perform processing on the data acquired from the communication device while suppressing the influence on the function inherent to the information processing apparatus.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect, it is possible to estimate the time required for data processing.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the third aspect, data processing can be started when the processing time is within the range of the non-operation time.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the fourth aspect, the data collection time can be shortened when the processing time does not fall within the range of the non-operation time.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the fifth aspect, it is possible to reduce the data to be processed when the processing time does not fall within the range of the non-operation time.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, when the processing time does not fall within the range of the non-operating time, it is possible to inquire about whether or not the other information processing apparatus can perform processing.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the seventh aspect, it is possible to request processing to another information processing apparatus.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the eighth aspect, when there are a plurality of non-operation times, the processing can be started in a time zone with a shorter operation time.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the ninth aspect, when there are a plurality of non-operation times, the processing can be started with a longer non-operation time.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the tenth aspect, the processing result can be transmitted to the external apparatus.

  According to the information processing program of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to perform processing on the data acquired from the communication device while suppressing the influence on the function inherent to the information processing apparatus.

It is a conceptual module block diagram about the structural example of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example using this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of a log | history data table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example (estimation example of working time and non-working time) by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of a processing capacity information table. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the computer which implement | achieves this Embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example of the present embodiment.
The module generally refers to components such as software (computer program) and hardware that can be logically separated. Therefore, the module in the present embodiment indicates not only a module in a computer program but also a module in a hardware configuration. Therefore, the present embodiment is a computer program for causing these modules to function (a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing a computer to function as each means, and a function for each computer. This also serves as an explanation of the program and system and method for realizing the above. However, for the sake of explanation, the words “store”, “store”, and equivalents thereof are used. However, when the embodiment is a computer program, these words are stored in a storage device or stored in memory. This means that control is performed so as to be stored in the apparatus. Modules may correspond to functions one-to-one, but in mounting, one module may be configured by one program, or a plurality of modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module May be composed of a plurality of programs. The plurality of modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by a plurality of computers in a distributed or parallel environment. Note that one module may include other modules. Hereinafter, “connection” is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connection (data exchange, instruction, reference relationship between data, login, etc.). “Predetermined” means that the process is determined before the target process, and not only before the process according to this embodiment starts but also after the process according to this embodiment starts. Also, if it is before the target processing, it is used in accordance with the situation / status at that time or with the intention to be decided according to the status / status up to that point. When there are a plurality of “predetermined values”, they may be different values, or two or more values (of course, including all values) may be the same. In addition, the description of “do B when A” is used to mean “determine whether or not A and do B when A”. However, the case where it is not necessary to determine whether or not A is excluded. In addition, when enumerating things such as “A, B, C”, etc., it is an enumerated list unless otherwise specified, and includes cases where only one of them is selected (for example, only A).
In addition, the system or device is configured by connecting a plurality of computers, hardware, devices, and the like by communication means such as a network (including one-to-one correspondence communication connection), etc., and one computer, hardware, device. The case where it implement | achieves by etc. is also included. “Apparatus” and “system” are used as synonymous terms. Of course, the “system” does not include a social “mechanism” (social system) that is an artificial arrangement.
In addition, when performing a plurality of processes in each module or in each module, the target information is read from the storage device for each process, and the processing result is written to the storage device after performing the processing. is there. Therefore, description of reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing may be omitted. Here, the storage device may include a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication line, a register in a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like.

  The information processing apparatus 100 (the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B) according to the present embodiment performs processing on data acquired from the communication device 160. As illustrated in the example of FIG. A module 105, a main function module 130, a communication module 145, and a history storage module 150 are included. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 is an image forming apparatus that can process IoT data.

The IoT processing module 105 includes a data acquisition module 110, an IoT data storage module 112, a first estimation module 115, a second estimation module 120, and a processing module 125. The IoT processing module 105 processes data acquired from the communication device 160.
The data acquisition module 110 is connected to the IoT data storage module 112, the first estimation module 115, the communication device 160A, the communication device 160B, and the like. For example, the communication device 160 is connected by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. Note that although wireless communication is preferable, it does not exclude wired communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).
The data acquisition module 110 acquires data from the communication device 160. The data is stored in the IoT data storage module 112, and the acquired data amount and the like are notified to the first estimation module 115.
Further, the data acquisition module 110 collects data from the communication device 160 when the processing time estimated by the second estimation module 120 does not fall within the range of the non-operation time estimated by the first estimation module 115. You may make it shorten time. When it is determined that the processing time estimated by the second estimation module 120 in the past does not fall within the range of the non-working time estimated by the first estimation module 115, the subsequent data acquisition module 110 The acquisition processing time is shortened so that the processing time is within the non-operation time range. For example, if it is determined that the processing time does not fall within the range of the non-operating time at the same time of the previous day, the data acquisition module 110 shortens the time for collecting data from the communication device 160 at that time of the day. Do things.

The IoT data storage module 112 is connected to the data acquisition module 110 and the processing module 125. The IoT data storage module 112 stores the data acquired by the data acquisition module 110. The processing module 125 processes the data in the IoT data storage module 112.
The first estimation module 115 is connected to the data acquisition module 110, the processing module 125, and the history storage module 150. The first estimation module 115 includes an operation time of the information processing apparatus 100 (information processing apparatus 100A), a job execution time in the information processing apparatus 100, and an external device 170 (an example of an external device) with the information processing apparatus 100. The non-operation time of the information processing apparatus 100 is estimated from the communication time. The non-operating time is a so-called idle time in the information processing apparatus 100. For example, by extracting the operation time of the information processing apparatus 100, the execution time of the job, and the communication time with the external device 170 from the history storage module 150 and performing statistical processing, these processing is not performed (or Estimate non-working time (with less processing). Specifically, using the distribution in a predetermined period in the past (for example, one week, one month, etc.), the operation time of the information processing apparatus 100, the job execution time, From the distribution of the communication time with the external device 170, the non-working time included in the time zone in which those processes are not performed (or those processes are few) may be extracted as the non-working time for processing. “Small amount of processing” means that the number of times of processing for each fixed time (for example, in units of 5 minutes) is less than or less than a predetermined value, and the entire processing for each fixed time (for example, It may be determined based on whether the ratio to the processing of 1 day or the like is less than or less than a predetermined value. In addition, the non-working time may be estimated for each day of the week, or the non-working time may be estimated for each of the beginning of the month, the end of the month, the season, and the like. The first estimation module 115 may estimate the non-operation time using data other than the data in the history storage module 150. For example, when regular communication (communication performed at a predetermined time) is performed between the communication module 145 and the external device 170, the non-operation time is estimated using the predetermined time. It may be.

  The second estimation module 120 is connected to the processing module 125. The second estimation module 120 estimates the time required for processing the data acquired by the data acquisition module 110 (processing time by the processing module 125). For example, the processing time may be estimated according to the amount of data acquired by the data acquisition module 110 and the processing performance (processing speed, storage capacity, etc.) of the processing module 125, the amount of data acquired by the data acquisition module 110, The processing time may be estimated according to the processing history of the past processing module 125.

The processing module 125 is connected to the IoT data storage module 112, the first estimation module 115, the second estimation module 120, and the communication module 145. The processing module 125 processes at least the data acquired by the data acquisition module 110. In addition to the data acquired by the data acquisition module 110, the data to be processed by the job execution module 140 (for example, if the information processing apparatus 100 is an image processing apparatus, an electronic document to be printed or a scanned document) Etc.) may be included.
The processing module 125 has a data analysis function for acquiring data from the communication device 160, analyzing the data, and transmitting the data to the external device 170 via the communication module 145. The processing module 125 supports a so-called edge processing function between the sensor (history storage module 150) and the cloud (IoT related processing device 180). That is, if a large amount of data from the communication device 160 is transmitted directly to the IoT related processing device 180, congestion occurs and processing in the IoT related processing device 180 is also delayed. The amount of data transmitted to 180 is reduced so that the functions of the IoT related processing apparatus 180 can be exhibited.
As processing performed by the processing module 125, for example, processing for specifying the flow of people and documents related to the business flow is performed. Specifically, it is specified from which employee the printed document (paper document) or electronic document has been delivered to which employee. Further, a difference extraction process between documents is performed for document version management. Performs character recognition processing for scanned documents. Extraction process of employee movement (so-called flow line) in the office.

The processing module 125 processes the data acquired by the data acquisition module 110 during the non-working time estimated by the first estimation module 115. That is, processing of data received from the communication device 160 is performed while avoiding that the original processing to be performed by the information processing apparatus 100 is delayed.
Further, the processing module 125 processes the data acquired by the data acquisition module 110 when the processing time estimated by the second estimation module 120 falls within the range of the non-operation time estimated by the first estimation module 115. To start.
In addition, the processing module 125, when the processing time estimated by the second estimation module 120 does not fall within the range of the non-operation time estimated by the first estimation module 115, the data to be processed (data acquisition module 110). May be reduced.
Further, when there are a plurality of non-working times, the processing module 125 may select a time zone with a shorter operation time of the information processing apparatus 100 and start the processing. That is, it is avoided that the operation processing in the information processing apparatus 100 is delayed for a user who uses the information processing apparatus 100.
Further, when there are a plurality of non-operation times, the processing module 125 may select a longer non-operation time and start the processing.

The main function module 130 includes a user interface module 135 and a job execution module 140, and is connected to the history storage module 150. The main function module 130 performs processing of functions that the information processing apparatus 100 has.
The user interface module 135 presents a menu that can be operated by the user on the touch panel provided in the information processing apparatus 100, accepts a user operation on the menu, and processes a result of the job execution module 140 (printing is completed, etc.) Message).
The job execution module 140 executes a job for the information processing apparatus 100. For example, when the information processing apparatus 100 is an image processing apparatus, there are printing processing, scanning processing, fax transmission / reception processing, copying processing, and the like.

The communication module 145 is connected to the processing module 125 of the IoT processing module 105, the history storage module 150, the external device 170, the IoT related processing device 180, and the information processing device 100B. The communication module 145 is connected to the information processing apparatus 100B, the external device 170, and the IoT related processing apparatus 180 via a communication line. In particular, the communication module 145 may transmit the processing result by the processing module 125 to the IoT related processing device 180 (an example of an external device). Further, the communication module 145 may transmit the contents of processing performed by the job execution module 140, the state of consumables, and the like to the external device 170.
When the processing time estimated by the second estimation module 120 does not fall within the non-operation time range estimated by the first estimation module 115, the communication module 145 performs the information processing apparatus 100 (information processing apparatus 100A). The information processing apparatus 100B connected via the communication path may be inquired as to whether processing is possible.
When the information processing apparatus 100B can perform processing, the communication module 145 transmits data (data originally processed by the information processing apparatus 100A (processing module 125)) to the information processing apparatus 100B. It may be.

  The history storage module 150 is connected to the first estimation module 115, the main function module 130, and the communication module 145 of the IoT processing module 105. The history storage module 150 stores the processing history of the main function module 130 (particularly, the user operation received by the user interface module 135, the processing by the job execution module 140), and the communication history of the user interface module 135. For example, a history data table 400 is stored. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the history data table 400. The history data table 400 includes a log ID column 405, a start date / time column 410, an end date / time column 415, a processing module ID column 420, and a processing content column 425. The log ID column 405 stores information (log ID: IDentification) for uniquely identifying the processing history in the present embodiment. The start date / time column 410 stores the start date / time in the process. The end date / time column 415 stores the end date / time in the processing. In the present embodiment, the processing module ID column 420 stores information (processing module ID) for uniquely identifying a processing module. For example, an ID for identifying the user interface module 135, the job execution module 140, and the communication module 145 is applicable. The processing content column 425 stores the processing content. As the processing contents, for example, the user interface module 135 includes an operation type for the touch panel of the information processing apparatus 100, the job execution module 140 includes printing, scanning, and the like, and the communication module 145 includes There is transmission or reception. The history data table 400 makes it possible to grasp what processing was performed in what time zone. Specifically, the history data table 400 manages the user operation time for the information processing apparatus 100, the job execution time by the job execution module 140, and the communication time with the external device (mainly the external device 170) by the communication module 145. Has been.

  The communication device 160 (communication device 160A, communication device 160B, etc.) is connected to the data acquisition module 110 of the IoT processing module 105 in the information processing apparatus 100. The communication device 160 has a communication function, and transmits data detected by the communication device 160 to the information processing apparatus 100. For example, the communication device 160 includes an IoT (Internet of Things) device. Data transmitted from the communication device 160 to the information processing apparatus 100 includes IoT data. Examples of the IoT device include a portable information terminal (smart phone or the like), a wearable terminal, a camera, or the like used by the user. The IoT data includes, for example, a user ID (IDentification) that uniquely identifies a user who has a portable information terminal, position information, and the like.

  The external device 170 is connected to the communication module 145 of the information processing apparatus 100A. The external device 170 manages the information processing apparatus 100 (mainly the main function module 130). In order to manage the information processing apparatus 100, communication with the information processing apparatus 100 is required. In particular, regular communication may be performed. For example, when the information processing apparatus 100 is an image processing apparatus, the number of printed sheets may be acquired from the information processing apparatus 100 and a fee such as a printing fee may be managed. Alternatively, the remaining amount of consumables (paper, drums, toner, etc.) may be acquired from the information processing apparatus 100 and a maintenance staff may be instructed to replenish. Further, a failure of the information processing apparatus 100 may be predicted, and instructions such as parts replacement may be given to maintenance personnel.

  The IoT related processing device 180 is connected to the communication module 145 of the information processing device 100A. The IoT related processing device 180 receives data (processing result) processed by the processing module 125 with respect to the data acquired by the communication device 160, and performs the service processing performed by the IoT related processing device 180 using the data. . Here, as the service processing, for example, processing of an employee's behavior, business, etc. is analyzed, business issues are extracted, and a business efficiency improvement plan is created. For example, there is advice on eliminating unnecessary printing of documents using the flow of people and documents. In addition, in order to work efficiently, products, software, etc. may be introduced.

The information processing apparatus 100B is connected to the communication module 145 of the information processing apparatus 100A. The information processing apparatus 100B has the same function as the information processing apparatus 100A. Therefore, similarly to the information processing apparatus 100A, the information processing apparatus 100B communicates with the communication device 160 (communication device 160A, communication device 160 different from the communication device 160B) and processes data acquired from the communication device 160. Then, the processing result is transmitted to the external device 170. The information processing apparatus 100B may be the same product as the information processing apparatus 100A, but is not necessarily completely identical. For example, the information processing apparatus 100A may have a different model or may have different functions of the main function module 130 (for example, the information processing apparatus 100A is a multifunction peripheral, but the information processing apparatus 100B is a scanner). etc).
The information processing apparatus 100B receives an inquiry from the information processing apparatus 100A (originally, an inquiry as to whether or not the processing performed by the information processing apparatus 100A (processing module 125) can be undertaken). To obtain data from the information processing apparatus 100A and perform processing. Here, “the information processing apparatus 100B is processable” means processing equivalent to the information processing apparatus 100A, that is, the non-operation time of the information processing apparatus 100B (first estimation in the information processing apparatus 100B). Processing performed by the module 115) and processing time in the information processing apparatus 100B is predicted (processing performed by the second estimation module 120 in the information processing apparatus 100B, and processing time of data acquired from the information processing apparatus 100A is predicted. If the processing time is within the non-operation time, it is determined that “the information processing apparatus 100B can process”, and a message to that effect is returned to the information processing apparatus 100A. Of course, when the processing time does not fall within the range of the non-operating time, it is determined that “the information processing apparatus 100B cannot process”, and a message to that effect is returned to the information processing apparatus 100A.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example using the present embodiment.
The image processing device 200 is a specific example of the information processing device 100, the IoT device 260 is a specific example of the communication device 160, the central management device 270 is a specific example of the external device 170, and a cloud device 280 is a specific example of the IoT related processing device 180. The IoT device 260 includes a sensor, an actuator, and the like.
The image processing apparatus 200A and the image processing apparatus 200B are connected via a communication line 292. The communication line 292 may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof, for example, an intranet as a communication infrastructure.
The image processing apparatus 200A, the IoT device 260A, and the IoT device 260B are connected to each other via a communication line 290. The communication line 290 may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof, for example, near field communication such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
The image processing device 200A, the image processing device 200B, the central management device 270, and the cloud device 280 are connected to each other via a communication line 294. The communication line 294 may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof, and may be, for example, the Internet or an intranet as a communication infrastructure. The functions of the central management device 270 and the cloud device 280 may be realized as a cloud service.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to this embodiment.
In step S302, the first estimation module 115 estimates the non-operation time using the history data in the history storage module 150. For example, the non-working time is estimated using the history data table 400. The estimation result is as shown in the example of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example (estimation example of operating time and non-operating time) according to the present embodiment. In this example, 15:00 to 15:10 is the operation time 505, 15:10 to 15:15 is the non-operation time 510, 15:15 to 15:20 is the operation time 515, and 15:20 -15: 30 is the non-operation time 520. The operating time 505 and the operating time 515 indicate that the information processing apparatus 100 has been used by the user in the past. The non-operating time 510 and the non-operating time 520 indicate that the information processing apparatus 100 is used. This indicates that the probability of being played is low.

In step S <b> 304, the data acquisition module 110 receives data from the communication device 160.
In step S306, the processing module 125 processes the data received in step S304 during the non-operation time. In the above example, processing is performed during the non-operation time 510 and the non-operation time 520.

In step S308, the communication module 145 transmits the processing result in step S306 to the IoT related processing device 180.
In step S310, the first estimation module 115 determines whether or not a new non-operation time needs to be estimated. If necessary, the process returns to step S302, and otherwise returns to step S304. For example, when the process of step S302 estimates the non-operation time in units of one day, the process of step S302 may be performed every day.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to this embodiment. The processing by the second estimation module 120 is added to the processing shown in the example of FIG.
In step S <b> 602, the first estimation module 115 estimates the non-operation time using the history data in the history storage module 150. This is equivalent to the processing in step S302.
In step S <b> 604, the data acquisition module 110 receives data from the communication device 160. This is equivalent to the processing in step S304.

  In step S606, the second estimation module 120 estimates the processing time of the data received in step S604. For example, the non-operation time is estimated using the processing capability information table 700. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the processing capability information table 700. The processing capability information table 700 has a processing content column 705, a data amount column 710, and a processing time column 715. The processing content column 705 stores the processing content (or the type of the communication device 160). The data amount column 710 stores the amount of data targeted for the processing. The processing time column 715 stores the time required for the processing. The processing capability information table 700 stores the processing history of the past processing module 125, and becomes the original data for estimating the processing time based on the processing content and the amount of data acquired from the communication device 160. For example, data similar to the combination of the processing content performed by the processing module 125 and the data amount acquired from the communication device 160 is extracted from the processing capability information table 700 (processing capability information table 700, data amount column 710). The processing time in the corresponding processing time column 715 may be estimated processing time. In addition, for each processing content performed by the processing module 125, the processing amount per unit time is calculated using the values in the data amount column 710 and the processing time column 715, and communication equipment is used according to the processing content performed by the processing module 125. The processing time may be estimated from the amount of data acquired from 160.

In step S608, the processing module 125 determines whether or not “non-operation time (estimated result of step S602) ≧ processing time (estimated result of step S606)”. Advances to step S610, otherwise advances to step S614.
In step S610, the processing module 125 processes the data received in step S604 during the non-operation time. This is equivalent to the processing in step S306.
In step S612, the communication module 145 transmits the processing result in step S610 to the IoT related processing device 180. This is equivalent to the processing in step S308.

In step S614, a shortage process is performed. Specifically, the process of the flowchart shown in any one of FIGS. These will be described later.
In step S616, the first estimation module 115 determines whether or not a new non-operation time needs to be estimated. If necessary, the process returns to step S602, and otherwise returns to step S604. This is equivalent to the processing in step S310.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to this embodiment.
In step S802, the processing module 125 limits the reception time in step S604. The data received in step S604 is divided so that the processing time falls within the non-working time, and the processes in steps S804 and S806 are performed for each of the divided data. Further, from the next time, a process of shortening the reception time in step S604 may be performed.
In step S804, the processing module 125 processes the data received at the reception time limited in step S802 during the non-operation time.
In step S806, the communication module 145 transmits the processing result in step S804 to the IoT related processing device 180.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
In step S902, the processing module 125 reduces the data received in step S604 to a data amount that can be processed within the non-operation time. For example, thinning processing may be performed, or only predetermined data may be processed.
In step S904, the processing module 125 processes the data after the reduction process in step S902 during the non-operation time.
In step S906, the communication module 145 transmits the processing result in step S904 to the IoT related processing device 180.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to this embodiment.
In step S1002, the communication module 145 inquires of another information processing apparatus 100 (such as the information processing apparatus 100B) whether processing is possible. Inquiries may be made to a plurality of information processing apparatuses 100.
In step S <b> 1004, the communication module 145 receives an inquiry result from another information processing apparatus 100.

In step S1006, the processing module 125 determines whether or not the inquiry result can be processed. If it can be processed, the processing module 125 proceeds to step S1008, otherwise proceeds to step S1010.
In step S <b> 1008, the communication module 145 transmits data to the other information processing apparatus 100.
In step S1010, the processing module 125 performs an unprocessable response process.

After step S1008, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits data to another information processing apparatus 100.
The other information processing apparatus 100 receives the data and performs processing. Thereafter, another information processing apparatus 100 transmits the processing result to the information processing apparatus 100, and the information processing apparatus 100 transmits the processing result to the IoT related processing apparatus 180. Alternatively, another information processing apparatus 100 may directly transmit the processing result to the IoT related processing apparatus 180.
As the processing in step S1010, for example, the fact that there is unprocessed data may be transmitted to the IoT related processing device 180, or the processing may be processed in the next non-operation time (so-called post-transmission). 8 or 9 may be performed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present embodiment. This corresponds to the processing of the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 10, and is processing on the information processing apparatus 100 side inquired in step S <b> 1002.
In step S1102, it is determined whether or not a processable inquiry has been received from another information processing apparatus 100. If received, the process proceeds to step S1104. Otherwise, the process waits until an inquiry is received. The inquiry includes processing contents and data amount.
In step S1104, the processing time for the inquired data is estimated. Processing equivalent to the processing by the second estimation module 120 is performed. Specifically, the processing time and the data amount included in the inquiry are used to estimate the processing time in the information processing apparatus 100 (processing module 125) that has received the inquiry.

In step S1106, it is determined whether or not “non-working time ≧ processing time”. If “non-working time ≧ processing time”, the process proceeds to step S1108; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1110. The non-working time is estimated by the first estimation module 115 of the information processing apparatus 100 that has received the inquiry.
In step S1108, the information processing apparatus 100 that has inquired that processing is possible is returned.
In step S1110, the information processing apparatus 100 that has inquired that processing is not possible is returned.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment. An example of processing when there are a plurality of non-working times is shown.
In step S <b> 1202, the first estimation module 115 estimates the non-operation time using the history data in the history storage module 150. This is equivalent to the processing in step S302.
In step S1204, the data acquisition module 110 receives data from the communication device 160. This is equivalent to the processing in step S304.

In step S1206, it is determined whether there are a plurality of non-operation times. If there are a plurality of non-operation times, the process proceeds to step S1208. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1210.
In step S1208, a non-working time that is unlikely to be operated by the user is selected. That is, the data acquisition module 110 uses three types of operation time of the user with respect to the information processing apparatus 100 (user operation time received by the user interface module 135), execution time of the job execution module 140, and communication time with the external device 170. In this case, the non-operating time is estimated. Of these, the one that requires less time for the user to operate the information processing apparatus 100 may be selected.

In step S1210, the data received in step S1204 is processed during the non-working time. This is equivalent to the processing in step S306.
In step S <b> 1212, the communication module 145 transmits the processing result in step S <b> 1210 to the IoT related processing device 180. This is equivalent to the processing in step S308.
In step S1214, the first estimation module 115 determines whether or not a new non-operation time needs to be estimated. If necessary, the first estimation module 115 returns to step S1202, and otherwise returns to step S1204. This is equivalent to the processing in step S310.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment. An example of processing when there are a plurality of non-working times is shown.
In step S <b> 1302, the first estimation module 115 estimates the non-operation time using the history data in the history storage module 150. This is equivalent to the processing in step S302.
In step S1304, the data acquisition module 110 receives data from the communication device 160. This is equivalent to the processing in step S304.

In step S1306, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of non-operation times. If there are a plurality of non-operating times, the process proceeds to step S1308. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1310.
In step S1308, the non-working time that is the longest period among the plurality of non-working times is selected.

In step S1310, the data received in step S1304 is processed during the non-working time. This is equivalent to the processing in step S306.
In step S1312, the communication module 145 transmits the processing result in step S1310 to the IoT related processing device 180. This is equivalent to the processing in step S308.
In step S1314, the first estimation module 115 determines whether or not a new non-operation time needs to be estimated. If necessary, the first estimation module 115 returns to step S1302, and otherwise returns to step S1304. This is equivalent to the processing in step S310.

When the communication module 145 transmits the processing result to the IoT related processing device 180, the processing shown in the example of FIG. 14 or FIG. 15 may be performed. Anonymization processing is performed.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.
In step S1402, it is determined whether or not data having a predetermined keyword or attribute is included in the data group to be transmitted to the IoT related processing apparatus 180. If included, the process proceeds to step S1404. In other cases, the process advances to step S1408. Here, “data having a predetermined keyword or attribute” is an anonymization target. For example, there are specific affiliation names as keywords, and attributes such as user ID and date of birth as attributes.

In step S1404, anonymization processing is performed. For example, it corresponds to deletion or conversion of the target data.
In step S 1406, the anonymized data type and number of times are included in the processing result transmitted to the IoT related processing device 180. The IoT related processing device 180 can obtain the type and number of times of anonymized data.
In step S1308, the processing result is transmitted to the IoT related processing device 180.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing according to the present embodiment. This is an anonymization process when the IoT data transmitted from the communication device 160 is an image and the processing module 125 performs a character recognition process.
In step S1502, the processing module 125 performs character recognition processing.
In step S1504, it is determined whether or not data having a predetermined keyword or attribute is included in the data group to be transmitted to the IoT related processing device 180. If included, the process proceeds to step S1506. In other cases, the process advances to step S1510. This is equivalent to the processing in step S1402.
In step S1506, anonymization processing is performed. This is equivalent to the processing in step S1404.

In step S1508, the type and number of anonymized data, and the position in the image where the data is written are included in the processing result transmitted to the IoT related processing device 180. The IoT related processing device 180 can obtain the type of the anonymized data, the number of times, and the position in the image where the anonymized data is written (for example, the position of the name entry column in the document).
In step S1510, the processing result is transmitted to the IoT related processing device 180.

  A hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 100, the communication apparatus 160, the external apparatus 170, and the IoT related processing apparatus 180 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 16 is configured by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or the like, and illustrates a hardware configuration example including a data reading unit 1617 such as a scanner and a data output unit 1618 such as a printer.

  The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1601 includes various modules described in the above-described embodiments, that is, the IoT processing module 105, the data acquisition module 110, the first estimation module 115, the second estimation module 120, the processing module 125, It is a control unit that executes processing according to a computer program describing an execution sequence of each module such as the functional module 130, the user interface module 135, the job execution module 140, and the communication module 145.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 1602 stores programs, calculation parameters, and the like used by the CPU 1601. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 1603 stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 1601, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the like. These are connected to each other by a host bus 1604 including a CPU bus or the like.

  The host bus 1604 is connected to an external bus 1606 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus through a bridge 1605.

  A keyboard 1608 and a pointing device 1609 such as a mouse are devices operated by an operator. The display 1610 includes a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays various types of information as text or image information. Further, a touch screen or the like having both functions of the pointing device 1609 and the display 1610 may be used. In that case, with respect to the realization of the keyboard function, a keyboard (so-called software keyboard, screen keyboard, etc.) is drawn on the screen (touch screen) without being physically connected like the keyboard 1608, You may make it implement | achieve the function of a keyboard.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1611 includes a hard disk (may be a flash memory or the like), drives the hard disk, and records or reproduces a program executed by the CPU 1601 and information. The hard disk realizes functions as the IoT data storage module 112, the history storage module 150, and the like. Further, various other data, various computer programs, and the like are stored.

  The drive 1612 reads out data or a program recorded in a removable recording medium 1613 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and the data or program is read out as an interface 1607 and an external bus 1606. , A bridge 1605, and a RAM 1603 connected via the host bus 1604. Note that the removable recording medium 1613 can also be used as a data recording area.

  The connection port 1614 is a port for connecting an external connection device 1615 and has a connection unit such as USB, IEEE1394. The connection port 1614 is connected to the CPU 1601 and the like via the interface 1607, the external bus 1606, the bridge 1605, the host bus 1604, and the like. A communication unit 1616 is connected to a communication line and executes data communication processing with the outside. The data reading unit 1617 is a scanner, for example, and executes document reading processing. The data output unit 1618 is a printer, for example, and executes document data output processing.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100, the communication apparatus 160, the external apparatus 170, and the IoT related processing apparatus 180 shown in FIG. 16 is one configuration example, and this embodiment is shown in FIG. The configuration is not limited to the configuration as long as the module described in the present embodiment can be executed. For example, some modules may be configured with dedicated hardware (for example, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.), and some modules are in an external system and connected via a communication line Alternatively, a plurality of systems shown in FIG. 16 may be connected to each other via communication lines so as to cooperate with each other. In particular, in addition to personal computers, portable information communication devices (including mobile phones, smartphones, mobile devices, wearable computers, etc.), information appliances, robots, copiers, fax machines, scanners, printers, multifunction devices (scanners, printers, An image processing apparatus having two or more functions such as a copying machine and a fax machine) may be incorporated.

  In addition, in the comparison processing in the description of the above-described embodiment, “more than”, “less than”, “greater than”, and “less than (less than)” The values may be “larger”, “smaller (less than)”, “more than”, and “less than”, respectively.

The program described above may be provided by being stored in a recording medium, or the program may be provided by communication means. In that case, for example, the above-described program may be regarded as an invention of a “computer-readable recording medium recording the program”.
The “computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded” refers to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, and the like.
The recording medium is, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), which is a standard established by the DVD Forum, such as “DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM,” and DVD + RW. Standard “DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.”, compact disc (CD), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), Blu-ray disc ( Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), magneto-optical disk (MO), flexible disk (FD), magnetic tape, hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)) )), Flash memory, Random access memory (RAM) SD (Secure Digital) memory card and the like.
Then, the whole or a part of the program may be recorded on the recording medium for storage or distribution. Also, by communication, for example, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wired network used for the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, or a wireless communication It may be transmitted using a transmission medium such as a network or a combination of these, or may be carried on a carrier wave.
Furthermore, the program may be a part or all of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. Moreover, it may be divided and recorded on a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be recorded in any manner as long as it can be restored, such as compression or encryption.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Information processing apparatus 105 ... IoT processing module 110 ... Data acquisition module 112 ... IoT data storage module 115 ... 1st estimation module 120 ... 2nd estimation module 125 ... Processing module 130 ... Main function module 135 ... User interface module 140 ... Job Execution module 145 ... Communication module 150 ... History storage module 160 ... Communication device 170 ... External device 180 ... IoT related processing device 200 ... Image processing device 260 ... IoT device 270 ... Central management device 280 ... Cloud device 290, 292, 294 ... Communication Line

Claims (11)

Obtaining means for obtaining data from the communication device;
First estimating means for estimating a non-operation time of the own device from an operation time of the own device, a job execution time, and a communication time with an external device;
Processing means for processing the data during the non-working time estimated by the first estimating means;
An information processing apparatus. Furthermore, it has a 2nd estimation means which estimates the time concerning the process of the said data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The processing means starts processing the data when the processing time estimated by the second estimating means falls within the range of the non-operation time estimated by the first estimating means.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. The acquisition unit shortens the data collection time when the processing time estimated by the second estimation unit does not fall within the range of the non-operation time estimated by the first estimation unit.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. The processing means reduces the data to be processed when the processing time estimated by the second estimation means does not fall within the range of the non-operation time estimated by the first estimation means.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. Another information processing apparatus connected to the own apparatus via a communication path when the processing time estimated by the second estimation means does not fall within the range of the non-operation time estimated by the first estimation means The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: inquiry means for inquiring whether processing is possible. When the other information processing apparatus can process, the data is transmitted to the other information processing apparatus.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. When there are a plurality of non-operation times, the processing means selects a non-operation time included in a time zone with a shorter operation time of the own device, and starts processing.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. When there are a plurality of non-operation times, the processing means selects a longer non-operation time and starts processing.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission unit that transmits a processing result of the processing unit to an external device. The computer in the information processing device
Obtaining means for obtaining data from the communication device;
First estimation means for estimating a non-operation time of the information processing apparatus from an operation time of the information processing apparatus, a job execution time, and a communication time with an external device;
An information processing program for causing a function of processing the data during a non-working time estimated by the first estimating means.

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