JP6390680B2 - Server, update management program, and image processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a server for managing update of a program for operating an image processing apparatus connected via a network, an update management program, and an image processing system.

  Generally, when a problem is found in a program used in an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a new version of the program in which the problem is corrected is created and provided by a manufacturer. As a method of updating the image processing apparatus program to a new version of the program, for example, a server for managing a plurality of image processing apparatuses installed in an office or the like is installed, and the new version of the program is a manufacturer or the like. Is uploaded to the server, the server confirms the status of each image processing apparatus to be managed, and sequentially instructs the image processing apparatus in an updatable state to update the program.

  By the way, there may be a phenomenon that a function that was operating normally in the program before the update does not operate normally in the new version of the program after the update, that is, a so-called degradation. In general, confirmation of the operation of a new version of a program by a manufacturer is made with emphasis on the bug to be repaired and the functions related thereto, so that the degradation should be discovered after distribution of the new version of the program. There are many.

  As a technology corresponding to the degradation, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, when a program is updated, a new version of the program (new program) can be used for trial operation. As a result of the trial operation, the program is completely transferred to the new program. Or a technique for making it possible to select whether to restore the original version of the program (old program). The old program has a defect in the function modified by the new program, and the degraded new program has a defect in the function that was operating normally in the old program. Therefore, the old and new programs are complementary to these defects. Therefore, if the old and new programs are used together, it is possible to avoid problems with each other.

JP 2003-122574 A

  In Patent Document 1, both new and old programs are stored in the apparatus itself, and the program is switched based on which program is operated. However, in order to switch programs, it is usually necessary to restart the apparatus, which takes a long time. Therefore, for example, if you normally operate using a new program and switch to the old program only to execute a function that causes a problem in the new program, and try to avoid a problem caused by the degradation, A restart that requires a long time is required for each switching, and the job cannot be executed in a timely manner. In addition, since both new and old programs are stored in the apparatus, the memory area of the storage unit is compressed.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above problem, and when a new version of a program is degraded, the old and new versions of the program can be solved without switching the old and new versions of the program in the same apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a server, an update management program, and an image processing system that can execute each function by avoiding them.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A server for managing program updates in a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a network,
A notification receiver for receiving a program degradation notification from an external device;
A confirmation unit for confirming a program for operating each of the plurality of image processing devices when the notification receiving unit receives a notification of program degradation;
Based on the confirmation of the result by the check unit, operating in the old version of the program of the program the image processing apparatus degrade operating in program the degraded notification of the degraded it is shown in the plurality of image processing apparatus In order to form a state in which image processing apparatuses are mixed, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to instruct the image processing apparatus operating with the degraded program to rewrite the program so as to downgrade to the old version of the program, When it is determined that it is necessary to give an instruction, the instruction is given, and the image processing apparatus operating with the degraded program and the image processing apparatus operating with the old version of the program are mixed in the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A control unit forming a state;
The server characterized by having.

In the above-described invention and the invention described in [10] below, the server operates each image processing apparatus to be managed when it receives a notification of the degradation of the program of the image processing apparatus from an external apparatus on the program providing side. check the version, instructs the rewrite program to downgrade to an older version to the image processing device operating in a degraded programs, in a plurality of image processing apparatuses managed, operates in program degraded A state is formed in which an image processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus operating with an old version of the program are mixed. The old version of the program has a defect in the function modified by the new version of the program, and the degraded new version of the program has a defect in the function that worked normally in the old version of the program. There is a complementary relationship with the problem of Therefore, when receiving a notification that a new version of the program has been degraded, the program of a part of the image processing device to be managed is rewritten with the old version of the program, and the image processing device operating with the new version of the program A state in which image processing apparatuses that operate with versions of programs are mixed is formed. As a result, functions that cause problems in the new version of the program are executed by the image processing apparatus that operates in the old version of the program, and functions that cause problems in the old version of the program are executed by the image processing apparatus that operates in the new version of the program. Thus, the entire image processing system can execute a job efficiently by using the new program and the old program together.

[2] If the result of the confirmation is that there is only one image processing apparatus that operates with the degraded program indicated by the notification of the degradation among the plurality of image processing apparatuses, the control unit needs the instruction. Judging that there is no, do not give the instructions,
The server according to [1], which is characterized in that

  In the above invention and the invention described in [11] below, when only one image processing apparatus operates with the degraded program, the image processing apparatus is maintained as the degraded program as it is, so that an image that operates with the degraded program is used. A state is formed in which a processing device and an image processing device operating with an old version of the program are mixed.

[3] The control unit forms, as the mixed state, a state in which an image processing apparatus that operates with the old version program is more than an image processing apparatus that operates with the degraded program. [1] ] Or the server according to [2].

  In the above invention and the invention described in [12] below, the old version of the program has a long history of use and high reliability with respect to functions other than the reported problems, so image processing that operates with the old version of the program Increase equipment.

[4] In the degraded program, when the quality of the function related to energy saving is lower than that of the old version of the program, the control unit determines that the mixed state is older than the image processing apparatus operating with the degraded program. The server described in the invention described in [1] and the following [10], wherein a state in which the number of image processing apparatuses that operate with the version of the program increases is formed.

[5] When the quality of the security-related function is lower than that of the old version program in the degraded program, the control unit determines that the mixed state is older than the image processing apparatus operating with the degraded program. The server described in the invention described in [1] and the following [10], wherein a state in which the number of image processing apparatuses that operate with the version of the program increases is formed.

  In the inventions described in the above [4] [5] and the following [13] [14], important functions such as a function related to energy saving and a function related to security should be executable by more image processing apparatuses. It is desirable that when such a function is degraded, the number of image processing apparatuses that operate with the old version of the program is larger than that of the image processing apparatus that operates with the new version of the degraded program.

[6] When the notification receiving unit receives a notification of issuance of a new version of the program from an external device, the control unit sets a program for operating the image processing device according to the state of the image processing device. The server according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the image processing apparatus is instructed to update to a different version of the program.

[7] A job information receiving unit that receives job information is further included,
When the job information receiving unit receives the job information, the control unit checks the version of the program that causes a problem in the execution of the job indicated by the job information, and the version of the program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job. The server according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein an image processing apparatus that operates according to a program is controlled to execute the job.

  In the above invention and the invention described in [16] below, the server controls each job to be executed by an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of a program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job.

[8] For each version of the program, defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred is stored and managed.
The control unit determines whether the program operating in the image processing apparatus to be determined is a version of a program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job, the job information, the defect management information, and the image to be determined The server according to [7], wherein the determination is made based on a version of a program operating on the processing device.

[9] When the notification receiving unit receives an issuance notification of a new version of the program from an external device, the control unit receives the issuance notification until a predetermined period elapses, or the new version of the program At least one of the plurality of image processing devices prohibits updating to the new version of the program until it is confirmed by a usage record of a predetermined amount that the program is not degraded. The server according to any one of [1] to [8].

  In the above invention and the invention described in [18] below, at least one image processing apparatus that operates with the old version of the program is secured until the reliability of the new version of the program is confirmed.

[10] An update management program that is executed by a server that is connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a network and manages update of a program that operates the image processing apparatus,
A notification receiving step for receiving a program degradation notification from an external device;
A confirmation step of confirming a program operating each of the plurality of image processing devices when receiving a notification of program degradation;
Based on the result of the confirmation, an image processing apparatus that operates according to the degraded program indicated by the notification of degradation and an image processing apparatus that operates according to an older version of the degraded program are included in the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A determination step of determining whether or not it is necessary to instruct the image processing apparatus operating in the degraded program to rewrite the program so as to downgrade to the old version program in order to form a mixed state;
If it is determined in the determining step that the instruction is necessary, the instruction is issued, and the image processing apparatus that operates with the degraded program and the old version of the program are operated in the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A mixed state forming step for forming a state in which image processing apparatuses are mixed;
An update management program characterized by comprising:

[11] In the mixed state forming step, as a result of the confirmation, if there is only one image processing apparatus that operates in the degraded program indicated by the notification of the degradation among the plurality of image processing apparatuses, the instruction Is deemed unnecessary,
The update management program according to [10], wherein, in the mixed state formation step, the instruction is not performed when it is determined that the instruction is not necessary in the determination step.

[12] In the mixed state forming step, as the mixed state, a state in which more image processing devices that operate with the old version of the program than the image processing devices that operate with the degraded program is formed. The update management program according to [10] or [11].

[13] In the mixed state forming step, if the quality of the function related to energy saving is lower than that of the old version program in the degraded program, the image processing apparatus operating in the degraded program as the mixed state is used. The update management program according to [10] or [11], wherein a state in which the number of image processing apparatuses that operate with the old version of the program is increased is formed.

[14] In the mixed state forming step, if the quality of the function related to security is lower than that of the old version program in the degraded program, the mixed state is determined by the image processing apparatus operating in the degraded program as the mixed state. The update management program according to [10] or [11], wherein a state in which the number of image processing apparatuses that operate with the old version of the program is increased is formed.

[15] An issue notification step of receiving an issue notification of a new version of the program from an external device;
An update instruction for instructing the image processing apparatus to update a program for operating the image processing apparatus to the new version of the program in response to a notification of issuance of a new version of the program Steps,
The update management program according to any one of [10] to [14], further comprising:

[16] A job information receiving step for receiving job information from the terminal;
When the job information is received, the version of the program that causes a problem in the execution of the job indicated by the job information is confirmed, and the job is executed by an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job. Execution destination control step for controlling so that is executed,
Further having
The update management program according to any one of [10] to [15].

[17] The method further includes a step of storing and managing defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred for each version of the program,
In the execution destination control step, whether or not the program operating in the image processing apparatus to be determined is a version of a program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job, the job information, the defect management information, and the determination target The update management program according to [16], wherein the determination is based on a version of a program that operates in the image processing apparatus.

[18] An issue notification step of receiving an issue notification of a new version of the program from an external device;
At least one of the plurality of image processing apparatuses until a predetermined period elapses after receiving the issuance notification or until it is confirmed by a usage record of a predetermined amount that the new version of the program is not degraded. The table includes an update prohibition step for prohibiting update to the new version of the program,
The update management program according to any one of [10] to [17], further comprising:

[19] a plurality of image processing devices;
The server according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed;
For each version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus, a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
An image processing system comprising:
When the image processing apparatus accepts a job setting at its operation unit, the image processing apparatus transmits the job information to the server,
The server that has received the job information
In the defect management information stored and managed by the defect management unit, whether or not the program that operates the image processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the received job information is a version of the program that does not cause a defect in the execution of the job. If the version of the program is determined based on the non-defective version, the job execution instruction is transmitted to the image processing apparatus,
If the program that operates the image processing apparatus of the transmission source is a version of a program that has a problem with the execution of the job, search for an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not have a problem with the execution of the job, When the corresponding image processing device is detected, the detection information indicating the detected image processing device is transmitted to the transmission source image processing device,
When receiving the execution instruction, the image processing apparatus executes the job by itself, and when receiving the detection information, the image processing apparatus accepts a predetermined selection operation regarding the execution destination of the job, and responds to the selection result. An image processing system characterized by performing the above processing.

  In the above invention, a job input is accepted on the operation panel of the image processing apparatus, and the server determines whether or not the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of a program having a problem in execution of the job. Control where to run.

[20] a plurality of image processing devices;
The server according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed;
A job setting device that receives a setting of a job to be executed by the image processing device;
For each version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus, a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
An image processing system comprising:
When the job setting device receives a job setting to be executed by one image processing device, the job setting device transmits the one image processing device and the job information to the server,
The server that has received the job information and the one image processing apparatus,
Based on the defect management information stored and managed by the defect management unit, it is determined whether or not the program that operates the one image processing apparatus is a version of a program that does not have a defect in the execution of the job. If the program is not a version of the program, the job setting device is sent an execution instruction to cause the one image processing device to execute the job,
If the program that operates the one image processing apparatus is a version of a program that has a problem with the execution of the job, a search is made for an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not have a problem with the execution of the job. When the image processing apparatus is detected, the detection information indicating the detected image processing apparatus is transmitted to the job setting apparatus,
The job setting device, when receiving the execution instruction, causes the one image processing device to execute the job, and when receiving the detection information, accepts a predetermined selection operation related to the execution destination of the job, An image processing system that performs processing according to the selection result.

  In the above invention, the job setting device accepts input of a job to the operation target image processing device (one image processing device), and the operation target image processing device operates with a version of the program having a problem in execution of the job. The server determines whether it is a processing device and controls the job execution destination.

[21] a plurality of image processing devices;
The server according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed;
For each version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus, a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
An image processing system comprising:
When the image processing apparatus receives a job setting at the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, the defect management unit stores and manages whether the program that operates the image processing apparatus is a version of the program that does not have a problem in the execution of the job. If the version of the program is determined based on the defect management information and does not have a defect, the job is executed by the own device, and the program that operates the own device has a problem with the execution of the job. If the image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not have a problem in the execution of the job is searched and the corresponding image processing apparatus is detected, the operation unit of the own apparatus uses the predetermined processing related to the execution destination of the job. An image processing system that receives a selection operation and performs processing according to the selection result.

  In the above invention, the image processing apparatus accepts job input, determines whether or not the program that operates the apparatus is a version of the program that has a problem in executing the job, and determines the job execution destination. Control.

[22] a plurality of image processing devices;
The server according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed;
A job setting device that receives a setting of a job to be executed by the image processing device;
For each version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus, a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
An image processing system comprising:
When the job setting device receives a job setting to be executed by one image processing device, the job setting device transmits the job information to the one image processing device,
The one image processing apparatus that has received the job information has the defect management section in which the defect management section stores and manages whether or not the program that operates the apparatus is a version of the program that does not have a defect in the execution of the job. If it is determined based on the information and the version of the program is not defective, the job is executed by the own device, and the program that operates the own device is a version of the program that is defective in execution of the job, When an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not have a problem in execution of the job is searched and the corresponding image processing apparatus is detected, detection information indicating the detected image processing apparatus is transmitted to the job setting apparatus. And
The job setting device that has received the detection information receives a predetermined selection operation related to the execution destination of the job, and performs processing according to the selection result.

  In the above invention, the job setting device accepts input of a job to the operation target image processing device (one image processing device), and the operation target image processing device operates with a version of the program having a problem in execution of the job. Whether or not the image processing apparatus is a processing apparatus is determined by the image processing apparatus to be operated, and a job execution destination is controlled.

[23] a plurality of image processing devices;
The server according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed;
A printer driver program executed by the information processing apparatus;
A printer driver program executed by the information processing apparatus;
For each version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus, a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
An image processing system comprising:
The printer driver program is
The defect management unit stores a step of accepting a setting of a job to be executed by one image processing apparatus, and whether or not the program that operates the one image processing apparatus is a version of a program that does not have a problem in execution of the job. Determining based on the defect management information to be managed;
As a result of the determination, if the program operating the one image processing apparatus is a version of the program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job, the step of transmitting the job to the one image processing apparatus and executing the job; ,
As a result of the determination, if the program that operates the one image processing apparatus is a version of a program that has a problem with the execution of the job, the image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not have a problem with the execution of the job And when a corresponding image processing apparatus is detected, receiving a predetermined selection operation related to the execution destination of the job, and performing a process according to the selection result;
An image processing system comprising:

  In the above invention, the printer driver program installed and executed in the information processing apparatus accepts a job, and determines the execution destination of the job.

[24] The predetermined selection operation includes a selection as to whether or not to change the execution destination of the job to an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job. the image processing system according to any one of] to [23].

  According to the server, the update management program, and the image processing system according to the present invention, when a new version of a program is degraded, the old and new version programs are avoided without switching between the old and new version programs in the same apparatus. Can perform each function.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the management server which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a user terminal. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an operation display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the process which a management server performs regarding the update of a program. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an MFP management table. FIG. It is a figure which shows the transition of a program management table and its registration content. It is a figure which shows the continuation of the transition of FIG. It is a figure which shows the distribution ratio table which a management server memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the administrator screen for setting a decomposition ratio. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of step S008 of FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a management server in case 1; 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by an image processing apparatus to be operated in Case 2. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of step S106 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of S107 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of step S124 of FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by another image processing apparatus that receives the job information transmitted in S <b> 132 of FIG. 17. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of step S125 of FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a management server in case 2. 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the operation display device in case 3. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the operation target image processing apparatus that has received the job information transmitted in step S406 of FIG. 21; It is a flowchart which shows the detail of S407 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of step S424 of FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by an operation target image processing apparatus that receives the job information and risk information transmitted in step S425 in FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a management server in case 3. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image processing apparatus in case 4. 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the operation display device in case 5. FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by an operation target image processing apparatus that has received the job information transmitted in step S <b> 803 in FIG. 28. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of step S905 of FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a user terminal operating according to a printer driver program in case 6. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of the program which concerns on a 2nd aspect.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming system 5 operated in an office or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 5 manages a plurality of image processing devices 30 in a network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and updates of programs stored in the image processing devices 30 and operating the image processing devices 30. The server 10, the user terminal 50, the operation display device 70, and the like are connected. Further, an external device 2 installed in a manufacturer that releases the program for operating the image processing device 3 is connected to the management server 10 via a wide area network such as the Internet so as to be communicable.

  The management server 10 is a computer device such as a PC (Personal Computer) terminal. The management server 10 receives a new version program for operating the image processing device 30 from the external device 2, distributes the program to each image processing device 30, and stores the program stored in each image processing device 30. It serves to update a new version of the program.

  The image processing apparatus 30 includes a copy job that prints an image based on image data obtained by optically reading a document with a scanner on a recording sheet, a save job that stores image data of the read document as a file, a read document Such as a transmission job to send the image data as a file to the outside, a print job to print an image based on the print data received from the PC on the recording paper, and a FAX job to send and receive the image data according to the facsimile procedure This is a so-called multi-function machine having a function to be executed. Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus 30 is also referred to as an MFP. The image processing apparatus 30 also has a function of rewriting and updating a program stored in the own apparatus (a program for operating the own apparatus) with another version of the program in accordance with an instruction from the management server 10.

  The user terminal 50 is a computer device such as a PC terminal and has a function of transmitting a job to the image processing device 30 after a printer driver program is installed.

  The operation display device 70 accepts an operation related to the input of a job to be executed by the image processing device 30, or a tablet or the like that functions to send information on the received job to the image processing device 30 and instruct the execution of the job. This is a portable information processing apparatus.

  When the program provider (manufacturer or the like) stored in the image processing device 30 and operating the image processing device 30 can provide a new version of the program, the external device 2 notifies the management server 10 of the fact. The function of notifying or distributing a new version of the program to the management server 10 is achieved. A new version of the program is created, for example, when a problem is found in a program being used in the image processing apparatus 30 and when the problem is removed or when the performance or function of the image processing apparatus 30 is improved. Provided.

  In addition, the function of the external device 2 that has been operating normally in the old version program (old program) before updating to the new version program (new program) does not operate normally in the updated new program. When a phenomenon, so-called degrading, occurs, the function of notifying the management server 10 of the occurrence of degrading and its contents is achieved.

  When the management server 10 receives a notification that a new program has been degraded from the external device 2, the management server 10 checks the version of the program that operates each image processing apparatus 30 to be managed, and operates with the new program that has degraded. A part of the image processing apparatus 30 is instructed to rewrite the program so that the version is downgraded to the old program. As a result, in the plurality of image processing apparatuses 30 to be managed, a state is formed in which the image processing apparatus 30 that operates according to the new program in which the degradation has occurred and the image processing apparatus 30 that operates according to the old program are mixed.

  Note that the state operating by the program includes not only the operating state in which the image processing apparatus 30 is actually operated by this program, but also all the states of the image processing apparatus 30 operating by this program if operating. That is, in addition to the normal operation state, all states such as a low power consumption state, a standby state, and a hibernation state (sleep state) are included.

  In addition, the management server 10 manages the version of the program running on each image processing apparatus 30 and the operating state of each image processing apparatus 30. The operating state is a state such as power-off, sleep state, job processing, or standby. Furthermore, the management server 10 also functions as a defect management unit that stores and manages information (defect management information) such as defects that occur in each version of the program and defects that are modified by each version of the program.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the management server 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The management server 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a control unit that comprehensively controls the operation of the management server 10. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a nonvolatile memory 14, a hard disk device 15, a network transmission unit 16, an operation panel 20, an authentication unit 17, and the like are connected to the CPU 11 through a bus.

  The CPU 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. Various programs are stored in the ROM 12, and each function of the management server 10 is realized by the CPU 11 executing various processes in accordance with these programs.

  The RAM 13 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 11 executes processing based on a program.

  The nonvolatile memory 14 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information. The nonvolatile memory 14 stores user registration information used for user authentication, user contact information (for example, portable terminal information) for making various inquiries and notifications to the user, and the like.

  The hard disk device 15 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores various programs and data. Further, the hard disk device 15 stores an update program distributed from the external device 2. The version information of the program stored in each image processing device 30, the failure management information related to the failure caused by each version of the program and the repaired portion, etc. are stored in the nonvolatile memory 14 or the hard disk device 15.

  The network communication unit 16 functions to communicate with the external device 2, the image processing device 30, and other various devices via the network 3. In particular, the network communication unit 16 serves as a notification receiving unit that receives a notification that a new program can be provided from the external device 2 (updating notification) and a notification that a degradation has occurred, and a job information receiving unit that receives job information. Fulfills the function.

  The operation panel 20 includes an operation unit 21 and a display unit 22. The display unit 22 functions to display various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The display unit 22 includes a liquid crystal display and its driver. The operation unit 21 functions to receive various operations from the user. The operation unit 21 includes a keyboard that receives input of characters, numbers, symbols, and the like, and a touch screen provided on the display surface of the display unit 22. The touch screen detects a coordinate position where the display surface of the display unit 22 is touched with a touch pen or a finger.

  The authentication unit 17 authenticates a user who uses the management server 10. The authentication method may be any method using a password, fingerprint, vein or the like.

  The CPU 11 of the management server 10 operates based on the program, thereby confirming the version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus 30 to be managed. When a degradation occurs, some of the image processing apparatuses 30 In response to this, the rewriting of the program is instructed to downgrade to the older version of the degraded program, and the image processing apparatus 30 that operates with the degraded program among the plurality of managed image forming apparatuses 30 Functions such as a control unit that controls to form a state in which image processing apparatuses 30 that operate with programs of an older version coexist, and a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information that indicates a defect that has occurred for each version of the program. Fulfill.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus 30. The image processing apparatus 30 has a CPU 31 that controls the operation of the image processing apparatus 30 in an integrated manner. The CPU 31 includes a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a nonvolatile memory 34, a hard disk device 35, an image reading unit 36, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 37, an operation panel 38, a network communication unit 42, an image processing unit 43, and a printer. A unit 44, a facsimile communication unit 45, an authentication unit 46, a proximity wireless communication unit 47, and the like are connected.

  The CPU 31 is based on the OS program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. Various programs are stored in the ROM 32, and each function of the image processing apparatus 30 is realized by the CPU 31 executing various processes in accordance with these programs.

  The RAM 33 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 31 executes processing based on a program, an image memory for storing image data, and the like.

  The nonvolatile memory 34 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information. The nonvolatile memory 34 stores user registration information used for user authentication.

  The hard disk device 35 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores various programs and data in addition to print data and image data.

  The image reading unit 36 functions to optically read a document and acquire image data. The image reading unit 36 sequentially, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light and reads the document for one line in the width direction, and sequentially reads the reading position in line units in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a moving unit for moving, a lens, a mirror, and the like for guiding reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, and a conversion unit for converting an analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data And so on.

  The automatic document feeder 37 has a function of feeding and feeding the documents set on the document table one by one from the top one by one, passing the reading position of the image reading unit 36 and discharging the document to a predetermined discharge position. Fulfill. The image reading unit 36 has a function of reading a document placed on the platen glass and a function of sequentially reading a document conveyed by the automatic document conveyance unit 37.

  The operation panel 38 includes an operation unit 39 and a display unit 40. The display unit 40 functions to display various operation screens, setting screens, and the like, and includes a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 39 includes various hard keys such as a start button and a numeric keypad that receive various operations from the user, and a touch screen provided on the display surface of the display unit 40. The touch screen is the same as that provided in the management server 10. The operation panel 38 accepts job settings by the user.

  The network communication unit 42 has a function of communicating with various devices, portable terminals, and the like through a network. In particular, the network communication unit 42 communicates with the management server 10, notifies the management server 10 of the state of the image processing apparatus 30, and receives a program transmitted from the management server 10. Also, job information is transmitted to the management server 10 and various instructions are received from the management server 10. Furthermore, it fulfills the function of receiving job information and jobs from the user terminal 50 and the operation display device 70.

  The close proximity wireless communication unit 47 performs wireless communication at a relatively short distance with the operation display device 70, receives job information and jobs, receives various instructions, and provides various instructions to the operation display device 70. And so on.

  The image processing unit 43 performs processes such as image enlargement / reduction and rotation, as well as rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like.

  The printer unit 44 has a function of forming an image corresponding to image data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. Other methods may be used for image formation.

  The facsimile communication unit 45 performs a function of transmitting / receiving image data to / from a device having a facsimile function via a telephone line.

  The authentication unit 46 authenticates a user who uses the image processing apparatus 30. The authentication method may be any method using a password, fingerprint, vein or the like.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the user terminal 50. The user terminal 50 has a CPU 51 that comprehensively controls the operation of the user terminal 50. A ROM 52, RAM 53, nonvolatile memory 54, hard disk device 55, network transmission unit 56, operation panel 60, authentication unit 63, and the like are connected to the CPU 51 through a bus. It may be configured with a general-purpose PC or the like.

  The CPU 51 is based on the OS program and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. Various programs are stored in the ROM 52, and each function of the user terminal 50 is realized by the CPU 51 executing various processes in accordance with these programs.

  The RAM 53 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 51 executes processing based on a program.

  The nonvolatile memory 54 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information.

  The hard disk device 55 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores various programs and data. The hard disk device 55 stores a printer driver program corresponding to the image processing device 30.

  The network communication unit 56 has a function of communicating with various devices, portable terminals, and the like through a network. In particular, the network communication unit 56 functions to transmit job information and jobs to the management server 10 and the image processing apparatus 30.

  The operation panel 60 includes an operation unit 61 and a display unit 62. The display unit 62 functions to display various operation screens, setting screens, and the like, and the configuration thereof is the same as that of the display unit 22 of the operation panel 20 provided in the management server 10. The operation unit 62 functions to receive various operations from the user, and the configuration thereof is the same as that of the operation unit 21 of the operation panel 20 provided in the management server 10.

  The authentication unit 63 authenticates an administrator who accesses the external device 50. The authentication method may be any method using a password, fingerprint, vein or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the operation display device 70. The operation display device 70 has a CPU 71 that comprehensively controls the operation of the operation display device 70. A ROM 72, RAM 73, nonvolatile memory 74, operation unit 75, display unit 76, hard disk device 77, proximity wireless communication unit 78, network transmission unit 79, authentication unit 80, and the like are connected to the CPU 71 through a bus.

  The CPU 71 is based on the OS program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. Various programs are stored in the ROM 72, and each function of the operation display device 70 is realized by the CPU 71 executing various processes according to these programs.

  The RAM 73 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 71 executes processing based on a program.

  The nonvolatile memory 74 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information.

  The hard disk device 75 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores various programs and data.

  The close proximity wireless communication unit 78 is similar to the close proximity wireless communication unit 47 included in the image processing apparatus 30, and performs wireless communication with the image processing apparatus 30 to transmit and receive job information and various instructions.

  The network communication unit 79 performs a function of communicating with various devices via a network. In particular, the network communication unit 79 exchanges job information, jobs, and various instructions with the management server 10 and the image processing apparatus 30.

  The display unit 72 functions to display various operation screens, setting screens, and the like, and includes a liquid crystal display and its driver. The operation unit 75 includes a keyboard that receives input of characters, numbers, symbols, and the like, and a touch screen provided on the display surface of the display unit 76.

  The authentication unit 80 authenticates the user of the operation display device 70. The authentication method may be any method using a password, fingerprint, vein or the like.

  Next, a program update operation in the image forming system 5 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows an overview of the flow of processing performed by the management server 10 regarding program update.

  First, the management server 10 determines whether or not the statuses of a plurality of image processing devices 30 to be managed are managed (step S001). Here, the management server 10 manages the version of the program being used by each image processing apparatus 30 and the operating state (job processing state, standby state, sleep state, power-off state, etc.) of each image processing apparatus 30. Specifically, an MFP management table 91 as shown in FIG. 7 is created and stored in the nonvolatile memory 14 of the own device, and the state of each image processing apparatus 30 is managed. In the MFP management table 91, for each image processing apparatus 30 to be managed, the apparatus ID (MFP1, MFP2, etc.), the version of the program being used, and the operating state of the apparatus are registered.

  When the management server 10 manages the state of the image processing device 30 (step S001; Yes), an update notification of a program stored in the image processing device 30 and operating the image processing device 30 is received from the external device 2. It is monitored whether or not (step S012). The updatable notification is a notification indicating that the external apparatus 2 can provide a new version of the program.

  When a program update notification is received from the external device 2 (step S002; Yes), a new version of the program (new program) corresponding to the update notification is received from the external device 2, and the hard disk device 15 of its own device is received. (Step S003).

  When the reception and storage of the new program is completed, the management server 10 confirms whether there is an image processing apparatus 30 in a state where the program can be rewritten in the management target image processing apparatus 30 (step S004). ). The job processing state, the power-off state, and the sleep state are states in which the program cannot be rewritten, and the standby state is a state in which the program can be rewritten.

  When there is an image processing apparatus 30 in a state where the program can be rewritten (step S004; Yes), the program stored in the image processing apparatus 30 and a program for operating the image processing apparatus 30 (the operation program and Is updated with a new program (step S005). The old program is the old program. When the image processing apparatus 30 that was not in a rewritable state changes to a rewritable state, the management server 10 sequentially updates the operation program of the image processing apparatus 30 to a new program. Usually, the operation program of all the image processing apparatuses 30 to be managed is updated to a new program within a few hours to a day.

  Furthermore, the management server 10 monitors whether or not a degradation notification has been received from the external device 2 (step S006). When the notification of degradation is received from the external device 2 (step S006; Yes), the notification is analyzed, and referring to the MFP management table 91 (or the program management table 92 (FIGS. 8 and 9) described later), It is determined whether or not there is an image processing apparatus 30 that uses a program of the same version as the degraded program indicated by the notification as an operation program (step S007).

  When there is an image processing apparatus 30 that uses a program of the same version as the degraded program as an operating program (step S007; Yes), image processing using the degraded program as an operating program in a plurality of managed image processing apparatuses 30 A state in which the apparatus 30 and the image processing apparatus 30 using the old version program (old program) of the degraded program as an operation program is mixed is formed. Specifically, control is performed so that the operating program is rewritten to the old program for a part of the image processing apparatus 30 that uses the degraded program as the operating program (step S008).

  The old program has a defect in the function modified by the new program, and the degraded new program has a defect in the function that was operating normally in the old program. Therefore, the old and new programs are complementary to these defects. Therefore, when a notification that a degradation has occurred in the new program is received, the operation program of a part of the image processing devices 30 to be managed is rewritten to the old program, and the image processing device 30 that operates with the new program and the old program operates. The image processing apparatus 30 to be mixed is formed. As a result, it is possible to perform control such that a function causing a problem in the new program is executed by the image processing apparatus 30 operating in the old program, and a function causing the problem in the old program is executed by the image processing apparatus 30 operating in the new program. Thus, the entire image forming system 5 can efficiently execute a job by using both the new program and the old program.

  8 and 9 show an example of the program management table 92 stored and managed by the management server 10 and a transition example of the registered contents. In this example, the image processing apparatus 30 to be managed by the management server 10 is two MFPs 1 (serial number A001 and MFP2 (serial number B001)).

  The program management table 92 (1) shows the registration contents of the program management table 92 at 15:00 on December 24, 2015 immediately after the version 1 program is installed in the two MFPs 1 and 2. The program management table 92 includes, for each version of the program, version information, the number and serial number of MFPs that use the version of the program as an operating program, the date and time when the version of the program was uploaded to the management server 10, and the version of the program. The date and time of installation on each MFP, the content of the defect that can be reported for that version of the program, the date and time of receiving the report of the defect, the presence or absence of degradation, the presence or absence of degradation, and the content of degradation are registered.

  The program management table 92 (2) shows the registered contents of the program management table 92 at 16:00 on January 7, 2016 immediately after the management server 10 receives a notification of a problem that occurred in version 1 from the external device 2. A problem of FAX broadcast transmission has been reported for the version 1 program.

  The program management table 92 (3) shows the program management at 17:00 on January 13, 2016 immediately after the management server 10 acquires the version 2 program in which the version 1 defect (FAX broadcast transmission) is corrected from the external device 2. A table 92 is shown.

  A program management table 92 (4) shown in FIG. 9 shows the program management table 92 at 19:00 on January 13, 2016 immediately after the operation programs of the MFP1 and MFP2 are rewritten to version 2.

  The program management table 92 (5) shows the registered contents of the program management table 92 at 20:00 on February 1, 2016 immediately after the management server 10 receives a notification of a defect (degrade) that occurred in version 2 from the external device 2. Show. A problem with the version 2 program has been reported in the Internet FAX broadcast transmission. Version 2 has a problem with Internet FAX broadcast transmission that worked normally with version 1.

  The program management table 92 (6) receives the report of the version 2 degradation, and the program of some MFPs so that the management server 10 can mix MFPs operating with the version 1 program and MFPs operating with the version 2 The program management table 92 at 21:00 on February 1, 2016 immediately after rewriting to version 1 is shown. In this example, the MFP 1 program with the serial number A001 is rewritten from version 2 to version 1. As a result, a state is formed in which MFP1 (A001) operating with the version 1 program and MFP2 (B001) operating with the version 2 program coexist.

  As shown in this example, if there are two image processing devices 30 to be managed by the management server 10, the image processing device 30 and the old program that operate with the new program (version 2) upon receiving a notification of degradation. The image processing devices 30 operating in (Version 1) may be provided one by one. In the case of three or more units, either one can be made larger than the other. The way of determining the number in this case is shown below.

<How to decide 1>
The number of image processing devices 30 operating with the old program is made larger than the number of image processing devices 30 operating with the new degraded program.

  The old program has many uses for functions other than reported defects and is highly reliable. Therefore, a function that causes a problem in the old program can be executed by the image processing apparatus 30 that operates in the new program in which the problem is corrected, and a function that does not have a problem in the old program can be executed by the image processing apparatus 30 that operates in the old program. Since it is desirable, the number of image processing apparatuses 30 that operate according to the old program is increased as compared with the image processing apparatus 30 that operates according to the new program.

<How to decide 2>
When the quality of a predetermined important function is lower than that of the old program in the new program that has been degraded, the number of image processing devices that operate with the old program is made larger than the image processing device that operates with the new program. Important functions include, for example, functions related to energy saving and functions related to security. This is because it is desirable that the important functions be executable by more image processing apparatuses 30.

  When a degradation occurs in the new program, a ratio between the image processing device 30 operating with the new program and the image processing device 30 operating with the old program may be set in advance. FIG. 10 shows a distribution ratio table 94 stored in the management server 10. In the distribution ratio table 94, for each version of the program, the distribution ratio, distribution ratio, and number of units operating (the number of image processing apparatuses 30 operating with the version program) are registered. The management server 10 obtains the number of operating versions of each version from the total number of image processing apparatuses 30 to be managed and the distribution ratio. Note that the image processing apparatus 30 operating with the version of the program includes the image processing apparatus 30 that is actually operating (operating) based on the version of the program, as well as the case of the sleep state and the power-off state. The image processing apparatus 30 stores a version of a program and operates when the version program is operated.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the administrator screen 100 for setting the decomposition ratio and the like. The administrator screen 100 is displayed on the operation panel 20 of the management server 10. The administrator screen 100 displays the contents of the distribution ratio table 94 as they are, and when the user changes the value of any column, the value of the related column is automatically changed.

  For example, when changing the distribution ratio, the user selects a number field corresponding to the distribution ratio field 101 by a touch operation, and then inputs a specific number using a number input button such as a numeric keypad. When the distribution ratio is changed by the input operation, the management server 10 automatically changes the value in the corresponding distribution ratio column 102. Specifically, the value of the denominator in the distribution ratio column 102 is the sum of the numbers input in the distribution ratio column 101, and the numerator in the distribution ratio column 102 contains the distribution ratio column 101 in that version. Will be entered.

  When the distribution ratio is automatically changed in accordance with the change of the distribution ratio, the numerical value in the operating unit column 103 is also automatically changed based on the changed distribution ratio. The calculation (calculation) of the number of operating units is a value obtained by multiplying the total number of image processing apparatuses 30 managed by the management server 10 by the distribution ratio. In this way, the distribution ratio and the number of operating units are automatically changed in conjunction with the distribution ratio changing operation.

  When confirming the content of the change, the confirmation button 104 at the lower left of the administrator screen 100 is pressed. By pressing the confirmation button 104, the distribution ratio, distribution ratio, and number of operating units are stored in the nonvolatile memory 14. That is, each value of the distribution ratio table 94 stored in the nonvolatile memory 14 is updated. When the input number (distribution ratio) is returned to the previous state, the input value can be returned by pressing the cancel button 95 in the lower left part of the administrator screen 100. Further, the return button 106 at the lower right of the administrator screen 100 is a button for transitioning to the screen of the previous hierarchy of the current administrator screen 100.

  In addition, when the malfunction of the new program is a malfunction related to a predetermined important function such as an energy saving function or a security function, the number of image processing apparatuses 30 operating in the old program (the number of operating old programs) operates in the new program. The input contents of the distribution ratio and the distribution ratio may be limited so as to be larger than the number of image processing apparatuses 30 (the number of operating new programs).

  FIG. 12 shows details of step S008 of FIG. In particular, FIG. 12 shows in detail the processing of the part that determines the number of image processing devices 30 that operate according to the new program and the image processing device 30 that operates according to the old program.

  First, the management server 10 refers to the MFP management table 91 or the program management table 92 to check the number of image processing apparatuses 30 to be managed (step S011). If there are two image processing devices 30 to be managed (step S012; No), it is necessary to determine the number of new programs to be one and the number of old programs to be one, and to have the determined number of operations. Accordingly, the operation program of the image processing apparatus 30 is rewritten (step S013).

  If the number of image processing apparatuses 30 to be managed is three or more (step S012; Yes), it is determined whether the function degraded by the new program is a function related to energy saving or a function related to security (step S014). If the function degraded by the new program is neither an energy saving function nor a security function (step S014; No), the image processing apparatus 30 ensures that at least one new program and one old program are secured. Is rewritten (step S015). In this case, the distribution ratio may be arbitrary, and the number of the image processing devices 30 that operate with the new program and the number of the image processing devices 30 that operate with the old program may be large or small. When the number is even, the former and the latter may be equal.

  When the function degraded by the new program is a function related to energy saving or security (step S014; Yes), the distribution ratio table 94 is referred to (step S016), and the number of image processing apparatuses 30 operating according to the new program, The number of image processing apparatuses 30 operating with the old program is calculated or acquired (step S017). The operation of the image processing apparatus 30 is performed as necessary so that the number of image processing apparatuses 30 operating with the new program and the number of image processing apparatuses 30 operating with the old program are the numbers calculated or acquired in step S017, respectively. The program is rewritten (step S018).

  Next, an operation of controlling the job execution destination in accordance with the type of job in the image forming system 5 so as not to cause a problem in job execution will be described.

  In the image forming system 5, a job input from the image processing device 30, the user terminal 50, and the operation display device 70 is not executed by the image processing device 30 that operates with a version of a program having a problem in execution of the job. Control the job execution destination. Hereinafter, a plurality of cases for realizing the control will be described. The image processing apparatus 30 that is the execution destination of the job designated at the time of job submission is referred to as the operation target image processing apparatus 30.

<Case 1>
In Case 1, the management server 10 determines the execution destination of the submitted job. FIG. 13 shows the flow of processing performed by the management server 10 in case 1. When the management server 10 receives the job information of the submitted job from the image processing device 30, the user terminal 50, or the operation display device 70 (step S021; Yes), the presence / absence of a version of the program having a problem in execution of the job Is confirmed (step S022). More specifically, it is checked whether any of the “reported defect contents” registered in the program management table 92 matches the received job (or the function used in the job). If there is, it is determined that there is a version of the program having a problem in execution of the job.

  If there is no version of the program that has a problem in the execution of the received job (step S023; No), the job is executed by the image processing apparatus 30 that is arbitrary or the operation target (step S024).

  For example, if the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated is set, the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated is caused to execute a job.

  If there is no setting for the operation target image processing device 30, the management server 10 causes the image processing device 30 arbitrarily determined to execute the job. In this case, the management server 10 compares the contents of the input job with the functions of the image processing apparatus 30, the relationship between the input user position and the installation position of the image processing apparatus 30, the job execution history, the image processing apparatus The execution destination of the job is determined based on various conditions such as 30 states (such as sleep).

  If there is a version of the program that has a problem in the execution of the received job (step S023; Yes), the job of the job is selected from the image processing apparatuses 30 other than the image processing apparatus 30 that uses the version of the program as an operation program. The execution destination is determined, and the determined image processing apparatus 30 is caused to execute the job. For example, if the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated is not the image processing apparatus 30 that operates with a version of the program having a problem in execution of the job, the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated is caused to execute the job. On the other hand, when the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated is an image processing apparatus 30 that operates with a version of a program that has a problem with execution of the job, another image processing apparatus 30 that operates with a program that does not have a problem with execution of the job. The execution destination of the job is determined from among the images, and the determined image processing apparatus 30 is caused to execute the job.

<Case 2>
In case 2, the operation panel 38 of the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated accepts input of a job, and the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated is an image processing apparatus 30 that operates with a version of a program that has a problem in execution of the job. Is determined by the management server 10.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated in Case 2. When the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated receives a job input operation from the operation panel 38 of the own apparatus (step S101; Yes), the job information (information of the operation button received at the time of job input) is stored in the memory ( The data is stored in the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34) (step S102).

  Next, the job information is transmitted to the management server 10 (step S103), and reception of a determination result regarding the execution destination of the job from the management server 10 is awaited (step S104; No). When a determination result is received from the management server 10 (step S104; Yes), the following processing is performed according to the determination result (steps S105 to S108).

  The determination result received from the management server 10 indicates that the program (operation program) that operates the image processing apparatus 30 has no problem in the execution of the job (the report that the problem occurs in the execution of the job has not been received) If the image processing apparatus 30 instructs to execute the job by the image processing apparatus 30 (step S105: execution instruction), the image processing apparatus 30 executes the job by itself (step S106).

  The determination result received from the management server 10 is a version of a program in which the program that operates the image processing apparatus 30 has a problem in execution of the job (a report that causes a problem in the execution of the job) If it indicates that one or more other image processing apparatuses 30 operating with a version of the program that does not have a problem in execution of the job are detected (step S105: detection information), the determination of the execution destination of the job is performed. A selection is received from the user, and a process corresponding to the selection is executed (step S107).

  The determination result received from the management server 10 is that the program that operates the image processing apparatus 30 is a version of the program that has a problem with the execution of the job, and the program that operates with a version that has no problem with the execution of the job. If it indicates that the other image processing device 30 could not be detected (step S105: execution impossible), the operation panel 38 of the image processing device 30 has a version that has no record of occurrence of problems in the execution of the job. It is displayed that there is no image processing apparatus 30 operated by the program among the management targets, and the execution of the job is canceled (step S108).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of step S106 in FIG. The image processing apparatus 30 displays on the operation panel 38 of the own apparatus that the input job is to be executed by the own apparatus (step S111). Then, the CPU 31 of the image processing apparatus 30 reads the job information stored in step S102 of FIG. 14 from the memory, generates a job based on the job information (step S112), and executes the job (steps S113 to S118). ).

  Specifically, the type of the job generated in step S112 is determined (step S113). If the job is a copy job (step S113; copy job), the copy job is executed (step S114), and the process is terminated. If it is a print job (step S113; print job), the print job is executed (step S115), and this process ends.

  If it is a FAX job (step S113; FAX job), the FAX job is executed (step S116), and this process is terminated. If it is a transmission job (transmission job other than a FAX job) (step S113; transmission job), the transmission job is executed (step S117), and this process is terminated. If the job is a saved job (step S113; saved job), the saved job is executed (step S118), and this process ends.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of S107 of FIG. The image processing apparatus 30 displays an execution destination selection screen including information on the image processing apparatus 30 operating from the version of the program that has not been reported from the management server 10 received from the management server 10 (step S121). ). On the execution destination selection screen, a list of other image processing devices 30 that are notified from the management server 10 and operate with a version of a program that has not been reported as a failure, and the individual image processing devices 30 displayed in the list are displayed. A selection button for selecting, a risk execution button for selecting to execute the job by its own device, knowing that a problem occurs, a cancel button for canceling the execution of the job, and the like are displayed.

  When a selection operation for the option displayed on the execution destination selection screen is received from the user (step S122; Yes), the content of the selection operation is determined (step S123). When an operation for selecting any one of the image processing devices 30 in the list displayed on the execution destination selection screen is received (step S123; request for another device), processing for causing the selected image processing device 30 to execute a job is performed. It performs (step S124).

  When the risk execution button is selected (step S123; risk execution), the job is executed by itself (step S125). If the cancel button is selected (step S123; cancel), the execution of the job is canceled (step S126).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of step S124 in FIG. The CPU 31 of the image processing apparatus 30 reads out and acquires the job information stored in step S102 of FIG. 14 from the memory (step S131), and sends the job information to the other image processing apparatus 30 selected from the list on the execution destination selection screen. Then, a job execution instruction indicated by the job information is transmitted (step S132). Thereafter, the job information is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 selected by the user on the operation panel 38 of the own apparatus, and a message indicating that the job indicated by the job information has been instructed is displayed (step S133).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the image processing apparatus 30 that receives the job information and job execution instruction transmitted in S132 of FIG. When the job information and the job execution instruction are received from the other image processing device 30 (step S201; Yes), the operation panel 38 of the own device indicates that the job requested from the other image processing device 30 is executed by the own device. It is displayed (step S202). Further, a job is generated based on the received job information (step S203), and the job is executed (steps S204 to S209).

  More specifically, the type of job generated in step S203 is determined (step S204). If the job is a copy job (step S204; copy job), the copy job is executed (step S205), and the process is terminated. If it is a print job (step S204; print job), the print job is executed (step S206), and this process ends.

  If it is a FAX job (step S204; FAX job), the FAX job is executed (step S207), and this process is terminated. If the job is a transmission job (transmission job other than a FAX job) (step S204; transmission job), the transmission job is executed (step S208), and the process is terminated. If the job is a saved job (step S204; saved job), the saved job is executed (step S209), and this process ends.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of step S125 of FIG. Displays the status of defects that occurred in the past in the operation program of the own machine, for example, the number of occurrences, the probability of occurrence, the contents of the defect, etc., and executes the job on the own machine with knowledge of the risk of such problems Is displayed on the operation panel 38 of the own device (step S141).

  Next, the job information stored in step S102 of FIG. 14 is read from the memory, a job is generated based on the job information (step S142), and the job is executed (steps S143 to S148).

  Specifically, the type of the job generated in step S142 is determined (step S143). If the job is a copy job (step S143; copy job), the copy job is executed (step S144), and the process is terminated. If it is a print job (step S143; print job), the print job is executed (step S145), and this process is terminated.

  If it is a FAX job (step S143; FAX job), the FAX job is executed (step S146), and this process is terminated. If it is a transmission job (transmission job other than a FAX job) (step S143; transmission job), the transmission job is executed (step S147), and this process is terminated. If the job is a saved job (step S143; saved job), the saved job is executed (step S148), and the process ends.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the management server 10 that has received the job information transmitted by the operation target image processing apparatus 30 in step S113 of FIG.

  When the management server 10 receives the job information from the operation target image processing apparatus 30 (step S301; Yes), the management server 10 refers to the program management table 92 stored and managed by the own apparatus, and determines the operation target image processing apparatus 30. Presence / absence of a reported defect in the program to be operated, and if there is a reported defect, the content of the defect is the job indicated by the job information received in step S301 (or a function used for execution of the job) ), That is, whether or not the version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated has a track record of occurrence of a problem in the execution of the job indicated by the job information (step) S302).

  If the version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated does not have a record (report) in which a failure has occurred in the execution of the job indicated by the job information received in step S301 (step S303; Yes), the operation target An execution instruction to execute the job on its own device is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 as a determination result (step S304), and the process is terminated.

  If the version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated has a track record that a failure has occurred in the execution of the job indicated by the job information received in step S301 (step S303; No), the job information The image processing apparatus 30 that operates with a version of the program that has no record of occurrence of a failure in the execution of the indicated job is searched with reference to the program management table 92 (step S305).

  As a result of the search, if there is no corresponding image processing apparatus 30 (step S306; No), it means that there is no image processing apparatus 30 in the management target that does not have a problem in executing the job indicated by the received job information. , And a determination result indicating that the job cannot be executed are transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated (step S307), and the process ends.

  If the corresponding image processing device 30 exists as a result of the search (step S306; Yes), the determination result including the information of the corresponding image processing device 30 is transmitted to the image processing device 30 to be operated (step S308). This process ends.

<Case 3>
In case 3, the operation display device 70 accepts the input of a job, and the management server 10 determines whether the image processing device 30 to be operated is an image processing device 30 that operates with a version of a program having a problem in execution of the job. To do. The operation display device 70 is preset with the image processing device 30 to be operated, and accepts a job input operation to the image processing device 30 to be operated.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the operation display device 70 in Case 3. When the operation display device 70 receives a job input operation from the operation unit 75 of the own device (step S401; Yes), the operation display device 70 stores the information on the job (information on the operation button received at the time of job input) in the memory (RAM 72 or The data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 74) (step S402).

  Next, the information on the job and the information on the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated are transmitted to the management server 10 (step S403), and the reception of the determination result regarding the execution destination of the job from the management server 10 is awaited (step S404; No). When a determination result is received from the management server 10 (step S404; Yes), the following processing is performed according to the determination result (steps S405 to S408).

  The determination result received from the management server 10 indicates that the program operating the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated has no problem in the execution of the job received in step S401 (the report that the execution of the job is defective has been received). If it indicates that the program is a version program (step S405: execution instruction), the operation display device 70 causes the image processing device 30 to be operated to execute the job (step S406).

  The determination result received from the management server 10 indicates that the program that operates the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated has a problem in the execution of the job received in step S401 (in response to a report that a problem occurs in the execution of the job). If it is a version program and indicates that one or more other image processing devices 30 operating with the version program that does not have a problem in execution of the job are detected (step S405: detection information), A selection related to the determination of the execution destination of the job is received from the user, and processing corresponding to the selection is executed (step S407).

  The determination result received from the management server 10 is that the program that operates the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated is a version of the program that has a problem with the execution of the job received at step S401, and the execution of the job has a problem. If it indicates that another image processing apparatus 30 operating with a non-versioned program could not be detected (step S405: unexecutable), the display unit 76 of the operation display apparatus 70 has a problem in executing the job. It is displayed that there is no image processing apparatus 30 operating in a version of the program that does not have a track record, and the execution of the job is canceled (step S408).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the operation target image processing apparatus 30 that has received the job information transmitted in step S406 of FIG. When receiving the job information and the job execution instruction from the operation display device 70 (step S501; Yes), the operation target image processing device 30 executes the job indicated by the job information received from the operation display device 70 by itself. Is displayed on the operation panel 38 of the own apparatus (step S502). Then, a job is generated based on the job information received in step S501 (step S503), and the job is executed (steps S504 to S509).

  More specifically, the type of the job generated in step S503 is determined (step S504). If the job is a copy job (step S504; copy job), the copy job is executed (step S505), and the process ends. If it is a print job (step S504; print job), the print job is executed (step S506), and this process ends.

  If it is a FAX job (step S504; FAX job), the FAX job is executed (step S507), and this process is terminated. If it is a transmission job (transmission job other than a FAX job) (step S504; transmission job), the transmission job is executed (step S508), and this process is terminated. If the job is a saved job (step S504; saved job), the saved job is executed (step S509), and the process ends.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing details of S407 in FIG. The operation display device 70 displays an execution destination selection screen including information on the image processing device 30 operating with the version of the program that has not been reported from the management server 10 received from the management server 10 on the display unit 76 of the own device (step S110). S421). On the execution destination selection screen, a list of image processing devices 30 that are operated by a version of the program that has been reported from the management server 10 and that has not been reported as a failure, and individual image processing devices 30 displayed in the list are selected. For example, a risk execution button for selecting execution of the job in the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated, a cancel button for canceling the execution of the job, and the like are displayed.

  When a selection operation for an option displayed on the execution destination selection screen is received from the user (step S422; Yes), the content of the selection operation is determined (step S423). When an operation for selecting one of the image processing devices 30 in the list displayed on the execution destination selection screen is received (step S423; executed by the selected MFP), processing for causing the selected image processing device 30 to execute the job Is performed (step S424).

  When the risk execution button is selected (step S423; risk execution), the job information, the job execution instruction, and information on the risk of occurrence of a failure are transmitted to the operation target image processing apparatus 30, and the job is executed with knowledge of the risk. This is executed (step S425). When the cancel button is selected (step S423; cancel), the execution of the job is canceled (step S426).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing details of step S424 in FIG. The CPU 71 of the operation display device 70 reads out and acquires the job information stored in step S402 of FIG. 21 from the memory (step S431), and stores the job information in the image processing device 30 selected from the list on the execution destination selection screen. A job execution instruction indicated by the job information is transmitted (step S432). Then, the job information is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 selected by the user on the display unit 76 of the own apparatus, and a message indicating that the job indicated by the job information has been instructed is displayed (step S433).

  The processing performed by the image processing apparatus 30 that receives the job information and job execution instruction transmitted in S432 of FIG. 24 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the operation target image processing apparatus 30 that receives the job information, job execution instruction, and risk information transmitted in step S425 of FIG. When receiving the job information, job execution instruction, and risk information from the operation display device 70 (step S521; Yes), the operation target image processing device 30 has a situation of a malfunction that has occurred in the past in its own operation program, for example, The number of occurrences of failure, the occurrence probability, the content of the failure, etc. are displayed, and the fact that the job is to be executed by the own device is displayed on the operation panel 38 of the own device (step S522).

  Next, a job is generated based on the job information received in step S521 (step S523), and the job is executed (steps S524 to S529).

  More specifically, the type of the job generated in step S523 is determined (step S524). If the job is a copy job (step S524; copy job), the copy job is executed (step S525), and the process ends. If it is a print job (step S524; print job), the print job is executed (step S526), and this process ends.

  If it is a FAX job (step S524; FAX job), the FAX job is executed (step S527), and this process is terminated. If the job is a transmission job (a transmission job other than a FAX job) (step S524; transmission job), the transmission job is executed (step S528), and this process is terminated. If the job is a saved job (step S524; saved job), the saved job is executed (step S529), and the process ends.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the management server 10 that has received the job information transmitted by the operation display device 70 in step S403 of FIG. When the management server 10 receives the job information and information (device ID, etc.) of the image processing device 30 to be operated from the operation display device 70 (step S601; Yes), the program management table 92 stored and managed by the own device. In step S601, the presence / absence of a reported defect in the version of the program that operates the operation target image processing device 30 and the content of the reported defect are received in step S601. Whether the job indicated by the job information matches (or the function used for executing the job), that is, the job indicated by the job information is executed in the version of the program operating the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated. It is confirmed whether or not there is a track record of occurrence of a malfunction (step S602).

  If the version of the program that operates the operation target image processing apparatus 30 does not have a track record of occurrence of a failure in the execution of the job indicated by the job information received in step S601 (step S603; Yes), the operation target image processing An execution instruction to execute the job by itself is transmitted to the apparatus 30 as a determination result (step S604), and the process is terminated.

  If the version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated has a track record that a failure has occurred in the execution of the job indicated by the job information received in step S601 (step S603; No), the job information The image processing apparatus 30 that operates with the version of the program that has no record of occurrence of a failure in the execution of the indicated job is searched with reference to the program management table 92 (step S605).

  As a result of the search, if there is no corresponding image processing device 30 (step S606; No), it means that there is no image processing device 30 in the management target that has no record of malfunction in the execution of the job indicated by the received job information. , And a determination result indicating that the job cannot be executed are transmitted to the operation display device 70 (step S607), and the process is terminated.

  If the corresponding image processing device 30 exists as a result of the search (step S606; Yes), the determination result indicating the information of the corresponding image processing device 30 is transmitted to the operation display device 70 (step S608). finish.

<Case 4>
In Case 4, the image processing apparatus 30 accepts the input of a job, and the own apparatus determines whether the operation program of the image processing apparatus 30 is a version of a program that has a problem in execution of the job.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the image processing apparatus 30 in Case 4. When the image processing apparatus 30 receives a job input operation from the operation panel 38 of the own apparatus (step S701; Yes), the image processing apparatus 30 stores the information on the job (information of the operation button received at the time of job input) in the memory (RAM 33 or The data is stored in the non-volatile memory 34) (step S702).

  Next, the program management table 92 stored and managed by the management server 10 is acquired from the management server 10 and referred to, and whether or not there is a problem reported for the version of the program that operates the device itself is reported. If there is a problem, whether or not the content of the problem matches the job submitted in step S701 (or the function used in the execution of the job), that is, the version of the program that operates the device itself Then, it is confirmed whether or not there is a track record in which a failure has occurred in the execution of the same type of job as input in step S701 (step S703).

  If there is no track record of occurrence of a malfunction (step S704; Yes), the job is executed by the own machine (step S705), and this process is terminated.

  If there is a track record of occurrence of a failure (step S704; No), the program management table 92 obtained from the management server 10 for the image processing apparatus 30 that operates with a version of the program that does not have a track record of occurrence of the failure. Is searched for (step S706).

  As a result of the search, if there is no corresponding image processing apparatus 30 (step S707; No), the fact that there is no image processing apparatus 30 that has failed in execution of the input job is not included in the management target, and The job execution impossibility is displayed on the operation panel 38 of the own apparatus, the execution of the job is canceled (step S708), and this process is terminated.

  If the corresponding image processing apparatus 30 exists as a result of the search (step S707; Yes), a selection operation relating to the determination of the execution destination of the job is accepted, the process is executed according to the selection (step S709), and the process ends. .

  The details of step S709 are the same as the processing shown in FIG. 16 (steps S121 to S126), and a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the process shown in FIG. 18 (steps S201 to S209) is a process in which another image processing apparatus 30 operating with a non-defective version of the program receives job information and executes a job based on the received job information. Is the same. The processing in the case of executing the job on its own machine with knowledge of the risk is the same as the processing (steps S151 to S148) shown in FIG.

<Case 5>
In case 5, the operation display device 70 accepts the input of a job, and the image processing device 30 to be operated that is set in advance for the operation display device 70 operates with a version of the program that has a problem in execution of the job. The image processing apparatus 30 to be operated determines whether or not the processing apparatus 30 is used.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the operation display device 70 in Case 5. When the operation display device 70 receives a job input operation from the operation unit 75 of the own device (step S801; Yes), the operation display device 70 stores the information on the job (information on the operation button received at the time of job input) in the memory (RAM 72 or The data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 74) (step S802).

  Next, the job information is transmitted to the operation target image processing apparatus 30 (step S803), and the reception of a determination result regarding the execution destination of the job from the operation target image processing apparatus 30 is awaited (step S804; No). . When the determination result is received from the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated (step S804; Yes), the following processing is performed according to the determination result (steps S805 to S808).

  When the determination result received from the operation target image processing apparatus 30 indicates that the job is to be executed by the operation target image processing apparatus 30 (step S805; executed by the operation target), the operation display apparatus 70 determines whether the operation target is the operation target. The fact that a job is to be executed by the image processing device 30 is displayed on the display unit 76 of the operation display device 70 (step S807), and this processing is terminated.

  The determination result received from the operation target image processing apparatus 30 indicates that the program that operates the operation target image processing apparatus 30 has a problem in the execution of the job received in step S801 (the execution of the job has a problem). If it is a version of a program that has received a report and indicates that one or more other image processing apparatuses 30 operating with a version of the program that does not have a problem in execution of the job have been detected (step S805: detection) Information), a selection regarding the determination of the execution destination of the job is received from the user, and processing corresponding to the selection is executed (step S807).

  The determination result received from the operation target image processing apparatus 30 is that the program that operates the operation target image processing apparatus 30 is a version of the program that has a problem with the execution of the job received in step S801. If it indicates that another image processing apparatus 30 operating with a version of the program that does not have a problem in execution could not be detected (step S805: unexecutable), the display unit 76 of the own apparatus displays the job that has been submitted. It is displayed that there is no image processing apparatus 30 that is operated by a version of the program that has no track record of occurrence of problems in execution, and the execution of the job is canceled (step S808).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the operation target image processing apparatus 30 that has received the job information transmitted in step S803 of FIG. When receiving the job information from the operation display device 70 (step S901; Yes), the operation target image processing device 30 stores the job information in its own memory (step S902).

  Next, the program management table 92 stored and managed by the management server 10 is acquired from the management server 10 and referred to, and whether or not there is a problem reported for the version of the program that operates the device itself is reported. If there is a problem, whether or not the content of the problem matches the job indicated by the job information received in step S901 (or the function used for execution of the job), that is, the version in which the device is operating It is confirmed whether or not there is a track record in which a failure has occurred in the execution of the same type of job as the job indicated by the job information received in step S901 (step S903).

  If there is no record of the occurrence of a problem (step S904; Yes), the job is executed by the own machine (step S905), and this process is terminated.

  If there is a track record of occurrence of a failure (step S904; No), the program management table 92 obtained from the management server 10 for the image processing apparatus 30 that operates with a version of the program that does not have a track record of occurrence of the failure. To search (step S906).

  If there is no corresponding image processing apparatus 30 as a result of the search (step S907; No), the image processing apparatus 30 with no track record in which a problem has occurred in the execution of the job indicated by the job information received in step S901 is included in the management target. It notifies the operation display device 70 of its own device that it does not exist and the job cannot be executed (step S908), and ends this processing.

  If the corresponding image processing device 30 exists as a result of the search (step S907; Yes), a determination result indicating information of the corresponding image processing device 30 is transmitted to the operation display device 70 (step S909). finish.

  FIG. 30 shows details of step S905 of FIG. The operation target image processing device 30 transmits to the operation display device 70 that the job input by the operation display device 70 is to be executed by the operation target image processing device 30 and displays it (step S931). Next, the job information stored in step S902 in FIG. 29 is read from the memory, a job is generated based on the job information (step S932), and the job is executed (steps S933 to S938).

  Specifically, the type of the job generated in step S932 is determined (step S933), and if it is a copy job (step S933; copy job), the copy job is executed (step S934), and this process is terminated. If it is a print job (step S933; print job), the print job is executed (step S935), and this process ends.

  If it is a FAX job (step S933; FAX job), the FAX job is executed (step S936), and this process is terminated. If the job is a transmission job (transmission job other than a FAX job) (step S933; transmission job), the transmission job is executed (step S937), and this process is terminated. If the job is a saved job (step S933; saved job), the saved job is executed (step S938), and this process ends.

  The details of step S807 in FIG. 28 are the same as the processing shown in FIG. 23 (steps S421 to S426), and a description thereof will be omitted. Further, the processing shown in FIG. 22 (steps S501 to S509) is a process in which another image processing apparatus 30 operating with a non-defective version program receives job information and executes a job based on the received job information. Is the same. The process in the case of executing the job on its own machine with knowledge of the risk is the same as the process shown in FIG. 25 (steps S521 to S529).

<Case 6>
A printer driver program installed on the user terminal 50 and executed on the user terminal 50 receives the job and further determines the execution destination of the job.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the user terminal 50 (information processing apparatus) operating according to the printer driver program in case 6. When the user terminal 50 receives a job input operation from the operation panel 60 of the own terminal (step S1001; Yes), the user terminal 50 stores the information of the job (information of the operation button received when the job is input) in the memory (RAM 53 or nonvolatile memory). It is stored in the memory 54) (step S1002).

  Next, the program management table 92 stored and managed by the management server 10 is acquired from the management server 10 and referred to, and whether or not there is a problem reported for the version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated If there is a reported defect, whether or not the content of the defect matches the job submitted in step S1001 (or the function used for execution of the job), that is, the image processing of the operation target It is confirmed whether or not the version of the program that operates the apparatus 30 has a record of occurrence of a problem in the execution of the same type of job as the job input in step S1001 (step S1003).

  If there is no track record of occurrence of a defect (step S1004; Yes), the job is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 to be operated and executed (step S1005).

  If there is a track record of occurrence of a failure (step S1004; No), the program management table 92 obtained from the management server 10 for the image processing apparatus 30 that operates with a version of the program that does not have a track record of occurrence of the failure. To search (step S1006).

  As a result of the search, if there is no corresponding image processing apparatus 30 (step S1007; No), the fact that there is no image processing apparatus 30 that has failed in execution of the input job is not included in the management target, and The job execution impossibility is displayed on the operation panel 60 of the own terminal 50, the execution of the job is canceled (step S1008), and this process is terminated.

  If the corresponding image processing apparatus 30 exists as a result of the search (step S1007; Yes), a selection operation related to the determination of the execution destination is accepted, the process is executed according to the selection (step S1009), and the process ends.

  The details of step S1009 are the same as the processing shown in FIG. 23 (steps S421 to S426) if the operation display device 70 is replaced with the user terminal 50, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a second aspect of the program update process performed when the management server 10 receives a notification indicating that a new version of the program can be updated from the external device 2 will be described.

  In the processing shown in FIG. 6, for all the image processing devices 30 to be managed, control is performed to update the program for each image processing device 30 when the image processing device 30 is in a rewritable state. In the second aspect of the program update process, when a new version program issue notification (update available notification) is received from the external device 2, a predetermined period of time elapses after receiving the issue notification, or Until a new version of the program (new program) is confirmed to have no degradation based on a predetermined amount of usage results, at least one of the plurality of image processing apparatuses 30 to be managed has not changed to the new version of the program. Prohibit update.

  FIG. 32 shows the flow of a program update process according to the second mode. When the management server 10 receives two or more image processing devices 30 as management targets (step S1101; Yes) and receives an update notification to the new program from the external device 2 (step S1102; Yes), the management server 10 Starts measuring the elapsed time after receiving the updatable notification (step S1103).

  When the measured elapsed time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined reference time (step S1104; No), at least one image processing apparatus 30 is prohibited from updating to the new program and operates with the old program (step S1105). . For the image processing apparatus 30 that is not prohibited from being updated, the program of the image processing apparatus 30 is updated to a new program when the image processing apparatus 30 is in a rewritable state.

  If the measured elapsed time exceeds a predetermined reference time (step S1104; Yes), the prohibition on updating to the new program is canceled, and the programs of all the image processing apparatuses 30 to be managed are changed to the new program. It is updated (step S1106).

  A state in which the image processing device 30 operating with the new program and the image processing device 30 operating with the old program are mixed is present from the reception of the updatable notification until the reference time elapses. Therefore, for example, a job that uses a function that has been modified by the new program but has a problem in the old program is executed by the image processing apparatus 30 that operates in the new program, and a job that does not use the function in which the problem has occurred in the old program. A job execution destination is selected so as to be executed by the image processing apparatus 30 operating with the old program.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 32, the update prohibition / prohibition cancellation is switched based on the elapsed time. However, the fact that there is no degradation in the new program indicates that a predetermined amount of usage results (image processing apparatus 30 other than the management target, for example, Update to a new program may be prohibited for at least one image processing apparatus 30 until it is confirmed by a usage record in another office.

  The reference time may be set appropriately. For example, one month to several months may be appropriate.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the embodiment, the job submission operation is accepted by the operation panel 38 or the operation display device 70. However, the submission operation needs to be accepted by pressing or touching the operation button displayed on the hardware button of the operation panel or the touch screen. Any method may be used. For example, a user I / F that enables various input operations and selection operations by operations performed in the air by photographing and analyzing operations (gestures) performed in the air with a camera, the user can operate the operation panel and A user I / F that detects a line of sight looking at the screen and allows the user to press and select an operation button based on the movement of the line of sight, a user I / F that indicates operation content by voice, and other operations, A selection operation may be accepted.

  The sequence for rewriting the operation program of each image processing apparatus 30 may be arbitrary. For example, a method in which the management server 10 instructs each image processing device 30 to update to a new program or rewrite to an old program, and each image processing device 30 periodically determines whether or not there is a new program or rewrite to an old program. Any method may be used, such as a method of inquiring the management server 10 in a timely manner and downloading and updating the corresponding program, if any.

2 ... External device 3 ... Network 5 ... Image forming system 10 ... Management server 11 ... CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Nonvolatile memory 15 ... Hard disk device 16 ... Network transmission part 17 ... Authentication part 20 ... Operation panel 21 ... Operation part 22 ... Display part 30 ... Image processing apparatus 31 ... CPU
32 ... ROM
33 ... RAM
34 ... Non-volatile memory 35 ... Hard disk device 36 ... Image reading unit 37 ... Automatic document conveying unit 38 ... Operation panel 39 ... Operation unit 40 ... Display unit 42 ... Network communication unit 43 ... Image processing unit 44 ... Printer unit 45 ... Facsimile communication unit 46 ... Authentication unit 47 ... Proximity wireless communication unit 50 ... User terminal 51 ... CPU
52 ... ROM
53 ... RAM
54 ... Non-volatile memory 55 ... Hard disk device 56 ... Network transmission unit 60 ... Operation panel 61 ... Operation unit 62 ... Display unit 63 ... Authentication unit 70 ... Operation display device 71 ... CPU
72 ... ROM
73 ... RAM
74 ... Nonvolatile memory 75 ... Operation unit 76 ... Display unit 77 ... Hard disk device 78 ... Proximity wireless communication unit 79 ... Network transmission unit 80 ... Authentication unit 91 ... MFP management table 92 ... Program management table 94 ... Distribution ratio table 100 ... Administrator Screen 101 ... Distribution ratio field 102 ... Distribution ratio field 103 ... Operating number field 104 ... Confirmation button 105 ... Cancel button 106 ... Return button

Claims (24)

A server for managing program updates in a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a network,
A notification receiver for receiving a program degradation notification from an external device;
A confirmation unit for confirming a program for operating each of the plurality of image processing devices when the notification receiving unit receives a notification of program degradation;
Based on a result of the confirmation by the confirmation unit, an image processing apparatus that operates in the degraded program indicated by the notification of the degradation in the plurality of image processing apparatuses and an old version program of the degraded program In order to form a state in which image processing apparatuses are mixed, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to instruct the image processing apparatus operating with the degraded program to rewrite the program so as to downgrade to the old version of the program, When it is determined that it is necessary to give an instruction, the instruction is given, and the image processing apparatus operating with the degraded program and the image processing apparatus operating with the old version of the program are mixed in the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A control unit forming a state;
The server characterized by having. As a result of the confirmation, the control unit determines that the instruction is not necessary when there is only one image processing apparatus that operates with the degraded program indicated by the notification of the degradation among the plurality of image processing apparatuses. And do not give the instructions,
The server according to claim 1. The said control part forms the state where the image processing apparatus which operate | moves with the said old version program increases from the image processing apparatus which operate | moves with the said degraded program as the said mixed state. Server described in. When the quality of the function related to energy saving is lower than that of the old version program in the degraded program, the control unit assumes that the mixed state is the older version program than the image processing apparatus that operates in the degraded program. The server according to claim 1, wherein a state in which the number of image processing apparatuses operating in the number increases is formed. When the quality of the security-related function is lower than that of the old version program in the degraded program, the control unit sets the mixed state as the older version program than the image processing apparatus that operates in the degraded program. The server according to claim 1, wherein a state in which the number of image processing apparatuses operating in the number increases is formed. When the notification receiving unit receives a notification of issuance of a new version of a program from an external device, the control unit sets a program for operating the image processing device according to the state of the image processing device to the new version of the program. The server according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is instructed to update the program. A job information receiving unit for receiving job information;
When the job information receiving unit receives the job information, the control unit checks the version of the program that causes a problem in the execution of the job indicated by the job information, and the version of the program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job. The server according to claim 1, wherein the job is executed by an image processing apparatus that operates according to a program. For each version of the program, store and manage defect management information indicating the defect that occurred,
The control unit determines whether the program operating in the image processing apparatus to be determined is a version of a program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job, the job information, the defect management information, and the image to be determined The server according to claim 7, wherein the determination is based on a version of a program operating on the processing device. When the notification receiving unit receives an issuance notification of a new version of the program from an external device, the control unit is degraded until a predetermined period elapses after the issuance notification is received or to the new version of the program. The at least one of the plurality of image processing apparatuses prohibits the update to the new version of the program until it is confirmed by a usage record of a predetermined amount that there is no data. The server according to any one of 8. A plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a network, an update management program executed on a server that manages updates of a program that operates the image processing apparatus,
A notification receiving step for receiving a program degradation notification from an external device;
A confirmation step of confirming a program operating each of the plurality of image processing devices when receiving a notification of program degradation;
Based on the result of the confirmation, an image processing apparatus that operates according to the degraded program indicated by the notification of degradation and an image processing apparatus that operates according to an older version of the degraded program are included in the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A determination step of determining whether or not it is necessary to instruct the image processing apparatus operating in the degraded program to rewrite the program so as to downgrade to the old version program in order to form a mixed state;
If it is determined in the determining step that the instruction is necessary, the instruction is issued, and the image processing apparatus that operates with the degraded program and the old version of the program are operated in the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A mixed state forming step for forming a state in which image processing apparatuses are mixed;
An update management program characterized by comprising: In the mixed state forming step, if there is only one image processing apparatus that operates with the degraded program indicated by the notification of degradation among the plurality of image processing apparatuses as a result of the confirmation, the instruction is not necessary. Judging
The update management program according to claim 10, wherein, in the mixed state forming step, the instruction is not performed when it is determined in the determining step that the instruction is not necessary. 11. The mixed state forming step forms, as the mixed state, a state in which more image processing devices that operate with the old version of the program than the image processing devices that operate with the degraded program are formed. Or the update management program of 11. In the mixed state forming step, when the quality of the function related to energy saving is lower than that of the old version program in the degraded program, the old version is used as the mixed state from the image processing apparatus operating in the degraded program. The update management program according to claim 10, wherein a state in which the number of image processing apparatuses operating with the program is increased is formed. In the mixed state forming step, when the quality of the security-related function is lower than that of the old version program in the degraded program, the old version is used as the mixed state from the image processing apparatus operating in the degraded program. The update management program according to claim 10, wherein a state in which the number of image processing apparatuses operating with the program is increased is formed. An issue notification step for receiving an issue notification of a new version of the program from an external device;
An update instruction for instructing the image processing apparatus to update a program for operating the image processing apparatus to the new version of the program in response to a notification of issuance of a new version of the program Steps,
The update management program according to claim 10, further comprising: A job information receiving step for receiving job information from the terminal;
When the job information is received, the version of the program that causes a problem in the execution of the job indicated by the job information is confirmed, and the job is executed by an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job. Execution destination control step for controlling so that is executed,
Further having
The update management program according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein For each version of the program, it further includes a step of storing and managing defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
In the execution destination control step, whether or not the program operating in the image processing apparatus to be determined is a version of a program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job, the job information, the defect management information, and the determination target The update management program according to claim 16, wherein the determination is based on a version of a program that operates in the image processing apparatus. An issue notification step for receiving an issue notification of a new version of the program from an external device;
At least one of the plurality of image processing apparatuses until a predetermined period elapses after receiving the issuance notification or until it is confirmed by a usage record of a predetermined amount that the new version of the program is not degraded. The table includes an update prohibition step for prohibiting update to the new version of the program,
The update management program according to any one of claims 10 to 17, further comprising: A plurality of image processing devices;
The server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed.
For each version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus, a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
An image processing system comprising:
When the image processing apparatus accepts a job setting at its operation unit, the image processing apparatus transmits the job information to the server,
The server that has received the job information
In the defect management information stored and managed by the defect management unit, whether or not the program that operates the image processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the received job information is a version of the program that does not cause a defect in the execution of the job. If the version of the program is determined based on the non-defective version, the job execution instruction is transmitted to the image processing apparatus,
If the program that operates the image processing apparatus of the transmission source is a version of a program that has a problem with the execution of the job, search for an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not have a problem with the execution of the job, When the corresponding image processing device is detected, the detection information indicating the detected image processing device is transmitted to the transmission source image processing device,
When receiving the execution instruction, the image processing apparatus executes the job by itself, and when receiving the detection information, the image processing apparatus accepts a predetermined selection operation regarding the execution destination of the job, and responds to the selection result. An image processing system characterized by performing the above processing. A plurality of image processing devices;
The server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed.
A job setting device that receives a setting of a job to be executed by the image processing device;
For each version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus, a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
An image processing system comprising:
When the job setting device receives a job setting to be executed by one image processing device, the job setting device transmits the one image processing device and the job information to the server,
The server that has received the job information and the one image processing apparatus,
Based on the defect management information stored and managed by the defect management unit, it is determined whether or not the program that operates the one image processing apparatus is a version of a program that does not have a defect in the execution of the job. If the program is not a version of the program, the job setting device is sent an execution instruction to cause the one image processing device to execute the job,
If the program that operates the one image processing apparatus is a version of a program that has a problem with the execution of the job, a search is made for an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not have a problem with the execution of the job. When the image processing apparatus is detected, the detection information indicating the detected image processing apparatus is transmitted to the job setting apparatus,
The job setting device, when receiving the execution instruction, causes the one image processing device to execute the job, and when receiving the detection information, accepts a predetermined selection operation related to the execution destination of the job, An image processing system that performs processing according to the selection result. A plurality of image processing devices;
The server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed.
For each version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus, a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
An image processing system comprising:
When the image processing apparatus receives a job setting at the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, the defect management unit stores and manages whether the program that operates the image processing apparatus is a version of the program that does not have a problem in the execution of the job. If the version of the program is determined based on the defect management information and does not have a defect, the job is executed by the own device, and the program that operates the own device has a problem with the execution of the job. If the image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not have a problem in the execution of the job is searched and the corresponding image processing apparatus is detected, the operation unit of the own apparatus uses the predetermined processing related to the execution destination of the job. An image processing system that receives a selection operation and performs processing according to the selection result. A plurality of image processing devices;
The server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed.
A job setting device that receives a setting of a job to be executed by the image processing device;
For each version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus, a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
An image processing system comprising:
When the job setting device receives a job setting to be executed by one image processing device, the job setting device transmits the job information to the one image processing device,
The one image processing apparatus that has received the job information has the defect management section in which the defect management section stores and manages whether or not the program that operates the apparatus is a version of the program that does not have a defect in the execution of the job. If it is determined based on the information and the version of the program is not defective, the job is executed by the own device, and the program that operates the own device is a version of the program that is defective in execution of the job, When an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not have a problem in execution of the job is searched and the corresponding image processing apparatus is detected, detection information indicating the detected image processing apparatus is transmitted to the job setting apparatus. And
The job setting device that has received the detection information receives a predetermined selection operation related to the execution destination of the job, and performs processing according to the selection result. A plurality of image processing devices;
The server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed.
A printer driver program executed by the information processing apparatus;
For each version of the program that operates the image processing apparatus, a defect management unit that stores and manages defect management information indicating a defect that has occurred,
An image processing system comprising:
The printer driver program is
The defect management unit stores a step of accepting a setting of a job to be executed by one image processing apparatus, and whether or not the program that operates the one image processing apparatus is a version of a program that does not have a problem in execution of the job. Determining based on the defect management information to be managed;
As a result of the determination, if the program operating the one image processing apparatus is a version of the program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job, the step of transmitting the job to the one image processing apparatus and executing the job; ,
As a result of the determination, if the program that operates the one image processing apparatus is a version of a program that has a problem with the execution of the job, the image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not have a problem with the execution of the job And when a corresponding image processing apparatus is detected, receiving a predetermined selection operation related to the execution destination of the job, and performing a process according to the selection result;
An image processing system comprising: The predetermined selection operation includes selection of whether or not to change the execution destination of the job to an image processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program that does not cause a problem in the execution of the job. The image processing system according to any one of the above.

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