JP6750706B2 - Relay device, image processing device, and communication system - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses a relay device and the like connected to the image processing device and the server device via a network.

There is a system in which an image processing apparatus having a printer function, a FAX function, and the like, and a management apparatus for managing the image processing apparatus are connected via the Internet. A related technique is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP, 2004-220214, A

In order to provide a push service such as a maintenance inspection service in which the management device acquires various information from the image processing device for maintenance and inspection, and a remote setting service for changing various settings of the image processing device from the management device, the management device side In some cases, when it is time to provide the push service, the management device side may want to send information about the push service to the image processing device via the Internet. However, if a firewall is set to prevent unauthorized access or intrusion, access from the management device to the image processing device may be blocked. Further, when the image processing apparatus is under the control of NAT (abbreviation of Network Address Translation), the management apparatus side may not be able to access the image processing apparatus.

A relay device described in the present specification is a relay device including a network interface capable of communicating with an image processing device and a server device via a network, and a processor, wherein the processor is the image The establishment request information transmitted from the processing device to the relay device, the request information received from the server device by the relay device according to the first protocol of session establishment type is transmitted to the image processing device. Establishment request information obtaining means for obtaining, through the network interface, the establishment request information for requesting establishment of a session for enabling server push between the relay device and the image processing device; Server request information acquisition means for acquiring, via the network interface, server request information indicating a request to the image processing device transmitted to the relay device by the server device, and server request information acquisition means for acquiring the server request information. If the establishment request information obtaining unit has already obtained the establishment request information, the server request information obtained by the server request information obtaining unit is transferred to the relay device via the network interface. And the image processing apparatus, the server request information output means for outputting to the image processing apparatus by using the session established between the image processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus.

According to the relay device, the image processing device, and the communication system described as the embodiments in this specification, the server push is made possible by using the session established between the image processing device and the relay device, and the server When it is time to provide a push service on the device side, it is possible to perform a server push from the server device to the server processing device via the relay device to transmit the server request information to the image processing device. Thereby, the push service can be provided to the image processing apparatus by the server push at any time when the push service is provided on the server apparatus side.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, the image processing connected to the first network from the server device via the relay device connected to the first network via the communication control device. It becomes possible to transmit the server request information to the device. Thereby, the push service can be constantly provided to the image processing apparatus connected to the first network.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, the server device is connected to each of the plurality of image processing devices via the relay device that establishes a session that enables a plurality of server pushes. From this, it becomes possible to transmit the server request information to a plurality of image processing devices. Thereby, the push service can be constantly provided to the plurality of image processing apparatuses.

According to the relay device or the like described as the embodiment in the present specification, the relay device and It is possible to transmit the server request information to the image processing apparatus designated by the server apparatus side among the image processing apparatuses that have established a session. As a result, the push service can always be provided to the image processing device designated by the server device side.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, the server request information transmitted by the server device using the second protocol different from the first protocol is subjected to image processing via the relay device. It is possible to transmit to the device using the first protocol. As a result, the server device does not need to support the first protocol and can always provide the push service to the image processing device.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, the server request information transmitted using the sessionless protocol from the server device without the need to establish a session between the server device and the relay device. Can be transmitted to the image processing apparatus via the relay device using the first protocol. As a result, the push service can be constantly provided to the image processing apparatus without having to apply a load for establishing a session for server push to the server apparatus.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, the response information transmitted by the image processing device in response to the server request information can be transmitted without the need to establish a session between the server device side and the relay device. Through the relay device, it is possible to transmit to the server device as response data in the sessionless protocol used for transmitting the server request information from the server device side. As a result, the push service related to the response information can be provided at all times without the burden of establishing a session between the server device and the relay device.

According to the relay device or the like described as the embodiment in the present specification, the response information transmitted by the image processing device in response to the server request information can be transmitted to the server device via the relay device. .. Thereby, the push service related to the response information can be always provided.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, the image processing device does not use the session established between the image processing device and the relay device, and the image processing device responds to the server request information with the first protocol. It is possible to transmit the response information transmitted using the third protocol different from that to the server device via the relay device. Thereby, the push service related to the response information can be always provided without using the session for enabling the server push for the purpose of transmitting the response information, which is a purpose different from the server push.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, the image processing device does not need to establish a new session between the image processing device and the relay device, and the image processing device is a sessionless type for the server request information. The response information transmitted using the protocol can be transmitted to the server device via the relay device. As a result, the push service related to the response information can always be provided without the burden of establishing a session for transmitting the response information.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, the image processing device does not need to establish a new session between the image processing device and the relay device, and the image processing device is a sessionless type for the server request information. It is possible to transmit the response information transmitted using the protocol to the server device via the relay device as the response data in the sessionless protocol used for transmitting the server request information from the server device side. Become. As a result, the push service related to the response information is always provided without the load of establishing the session between the server device and the relay device and the load of establishing the session for transmitting the response information. be able to.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, the specific server request information transmitted from the server device side using the sessionless second protocol and the session establishment type first protocol are used. It is recognized whether or not the response information transmitted by the image processing apparatus to the specific server request information transmitted to the communication destination image processing apparatus is a pair of request-response correspondence information corresponding to each other. be able to. Therefore, the response information can be transmitted from the communication destination image processing apparatus to the server apparatus that is the transmission source of the specific server request information via the relay apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the push service related to the response information that correctly corresponds to the specific server information, without the load of directly establishing a session for enabling the server push between the server device and the image processing device. In addition, even if there are a plurality of server devices, the server device that is the transmission source of the specific server information can be directly connected to the server device without the load of establishing a session that enables a server push between the plurality of server devices and the image processing device. As a result, the push service related to the response information that correctly corresponds to the specific server information can be provided. Further, even if there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses, the server apparatus that is the transmission source of the specific server information without the load of directly establishing a session that enables a server push between the server apparatus and the plurality of image processing apparatuses. At, the push service related to the response information that correctly corresponds to the specific server information can always be provided.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, when the specific server request information cannot be output to the communication destination image processing device, the error information is output to the server device, and the sessionless type Normally terminates the connection. As a result, the server device that outputs the specific server request information, which occurs because the connection is not terminated normally, waits for a reply of the response information until the timeout occurs, or determines that the timeout occurs and the specific server It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the load of the server device, the relay device, and the second network, such as repeated transmission of request information, occurs. As a result, the push service can be provided at all times without the load caused by the abnormal termination of the connection.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, the sessionless connection is normally terminated by outputting the response data in the sessionless connection to the communication destination image processing device. As a result, the communication destination image processing device that outputs the response information, which occurs because the connection is not terminated normally, waits for the response data to be returned until the timeout occurs, or determines that the timeout has occurred and returns the response. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the transmission of information is repeated, which becomes a load on the transmission destination image processing device, the relay device, and the first network. As a result, the push service related to the response information can be provided without the load caused by the abnormal termination of the connection.

According to the relay device or the like described as the embodiment in this specification, the specific server request information is transmitted from the communication destination image processing device via the relay device without the need to apply the load of creating the first identification information to the server device. The response information can be transmitted to the server device that is the transmission source of the. With this, it is possible to always provide the push service related to the response information that correctly corresponds to the specific server information, without the load of creating the first identification information on the server device.

According to the relay device or the like described as the embodiment in this specification, the server request information transmitted from the server device side using HTTP is transmitted to the image processing device via the relay device using the first protocol. Can be communicated. As a result, the server device does not need to support the first protocol, and the push service can be always provided by using a generally used HTTP as long as the device is connected to the Internet.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, the image processing device uses HTTP for the server request information without the need to use the session established between the image processing device and the relay device. The transmitted response information can be transmitted to the server device via the relay device. As a result, the image processing device and the relay device do not need to support a new protocol only for communicating the response information, and HTTP that is generally used if the device is connected to the Internet is used for the response information. A corresponding push service can be provided. If the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus that can use a pull service by using HTTP, a configuration for performing processing related to HTTP, which is provided for using the pull service, for example, a protocol stack for performing HTTP processing is provided. It is more convenient because the push service corresponding to the response information can be always provided by using.

According to the relay device and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, the server device is used by using the session that enables the server push based on XMPP over BOSH established between the image processing device and the relay device. The server request information can be transmitted from the side to the image processing apparatus via the relay device. XMPP over BOSH is a protocol based on HTTP. As a result, a push service corresponding to response information can be provided by using a configuration that performs processing relating to HTTP that is generally used for devices that connect to the Internet, for example, using a protocol stack that performs HTTP processing. So it's always convenient.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, the server push can be performed by using the session established between the image processing apparatus and the relay apparatus, and the server apparatus moves the relay apparatus to the relay apparatus. It is possible to perform server push for transmitting the server request information to the image processing apparatus via the. As a result, the push service can be provided to the image processing apparatus by the server push.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, even when a predetermined time has elapsed after the server push is enabled between the image processing apparatus and the relay apparatus, the relay is performed. The state where the server push from the device is possible is maintained. As a result, it becomes possible to constantly provide the push service by using the session establishment type protocol.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, a new session can be established even if the session between the image processing apparatus and the relay apparatus is invalidated. As a result, it becomes possible to constantly provide the push service by using the session establishment type protocol.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, a new connection can be established even if the connection between the image processing apparatus and the relay device is invalidated. As a result, it is possible to constantly provide the push service by using the session establishment type protocol without the load of newly establishing a session.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, the response information transmitted by the image processing apparatus in response to the server request information can be transmitted to the server apparatus using the sessionless protocol. It will be possible. Thereby, the push service related to the response information can be always provided without using the session for enabling the server push for the purpose of transmitting the response information, which is a purpose different from the server push.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, the server request information transmitted from the server apparatus using the sessionless protocol and the response transmitted by the image processing apparatus to the server request information. It is possible to recognize whether or not the information is a pair of request-response corresponding information corresponding to each other. Therefore, the response information can be transmitted from the image processing apparatus to the server apparatus that is the transmission source of the server request information via the relay apparatus.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, even if the session between the image processing apparatus and the relay apparatus is disconnected, if the image processing apparatus is in the session maintaining mode, the image processing is performed. The device sends the establishment request information so that the session can be reestablished. As a result, it becomes possible to constantly provide the push service by using the session establishment type protocol.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, when the image processing apparatus is in the session maintaining mode, the session can be established when the image processing apparatus is activated. This makes it possible to always provide the push service by using the session establishment type protocol even after the image processing apparatus is activated.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, the image processing apparatus is activated by storing the mode information indicating the session maintenance mode in the storage unit when the image processing apparatus is manufactured. Sometimes a session can be established. As a result, it becomes possible for a manufacturer or a seller of an image processing apparatus such as a vendor or a dealer to determine an image processing apparatus to which the push service is to be provided at all times, and allow the determined image processing apparatus to use the push service.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in the present specification, the session of the first protocol, which is a higher protocol of the second protocol, is established by using the second protocol used for using the pull service. it can. As a result, the push service can be always provided without the need for the image processing apparatus and the relay apparatus to support a new protocol only for establishing a session.

According to the image processing apparatus and the like described as the embodiments in this specification, a session for enabling server push, which is a higher-level protocol, can be established by using HTTP used for using the pull service. As a result, a push service corresponding to response information can be provided by using a configuration that performs processing relating to HTTP that is generally used by devices that connect to the Internet, for example, using a protocol stack that performs HTTP processing. So more convenient.

A communication system for realizing the above technique is also new and useful.
The following features are elements described in the claims as filed.
(Item 1)
A network interface capable of communicating with the image processing apparatus and the server apparatus via a network;
A processor,
A relay device comprising:
The processor is
Server request information acquisition means for acquiring, via the network interface, server request information indicating a request to the image processing device, which is transmitted to the relay device by the server device;
The server request information acquired by the server request information acquisition unit, which is the establishment request information transmitted from the image processing apparatus to the relay apparatus, according to the first protocol that is a session establishment type, is the image processing apparatus. Establishment request information acquisition means for acquiring, through the network interface, the establishment request information requesting establishment of a session for enabling server push to be transmitted up to the relay device and the image processing device. When,
When the server request information acquisition unit acquires the server request information, and if the establishment request information acquisition unit has already acquired the establishment request information, the server request information acquired by the server request information acquisition unit Server request information output means for outputting via the network interface to the image processing apparatus using the session established between the relay apparatus and the image processing apparatus,
A relay device characterized by functioning as a unit.
(Item 2)
The relay device can be connected to a second network connected to the first network via a communication control device,
The communication control device sends request information sent from a device connected to a network other than the first network to a device connected to the first network to the first network without using the session. Without transferring to the connected device,
The establishment request information acquisition unit acquires, via the network interface, the establishment request information transmitted to the relay device by the image processing device connected to the first network,
The server request information acquisition unit acquires, via the network interface, the server request information transmitted to the relay device by the server device not connected to the first network,
The server request information output means, when the server request information acquisition means acquires the server request information transmitted by the server device, the establishment request information acquisition means connects to the first network. If the establishment request information transmitted by the image processing apparatus has already been acquired, the server request information acquired by the server request information acquisition unit is transferred between the relay apparatus and the image processing apparatus via the network interface. Outputting for transmission to the image processing apparatus connected to the first network using the session established between
Item 6. The relay device according to item 1, wherein:
(Item 3)
The relay device is
It is possible to connect to the second network connected to the plurality of first networks via the communication control device provided in each of the plurality of first networks,
The establishment request information acquiring unit acquires, via the network interface, the establishment request information transmitted to the relay device by the plurality of image processing devices connected to each of the plurality of first networks,
The server request information acquisition unit sends the server request information to the relay device, the server request information for a communication destination image processing device being an image processing device selected as a communication destination from among the plurality of image processing devices. Specific server request information, which is obtained via the network interface,
When the server request information acquisition unit acquires the specific server request information, the server request information output unit acquires the establishment request information transmitted by the communication destination image processing apparatus by the establishment request information acquisition unit. Then, the specific server request information acquired by the server request information acquisition means, using the session established between the relay device and the communication destination image processing device via the network interface, Output to be transmitted to the communication destination image processing device,
Item 3. The relay device according to item 2, wherein:
(Item 4)
The processor is
The image processing device identification information for identifying the transmission source image processing device that is the image processing device that is the transmission source of the establishment request information functions as image processing device identification information output means for outputting to be stored in the storage means,
The image processing device identification information output means is capable of storing a plurality of the image processing device identification information for each of the plurality of image processing devices in the storage means,
The server request information output unit outputs the server request information acquired by the server request information acquisition unit to the transmission source image processing apparatus indicated by the image processing apparatus identification information included in the acquired server request information, Output to send using the session via the network interface,
Item 5. The relay device according to item 3, wherein
(Item 5)
The server request information acquisition unit acquires the server request information according to a second protocol different from the first protocol, which is transmitted to the relay device by the server device,
The server request information output means outputs the server request information acquired by the server request information acquisition means so as to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus using the session via the network interface. The relay device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.
(Item 6)
The processor is
The server request transmitted to the relay device by the server device using a sessionless connection according to the second protocol, which is a sessionless protocol, transmitted to the relay device by the server device. Get the information,
The server request information output means outputs the server request information acquired by the server request information acquisition means so as to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus using the session via the network interface. The relay device according to item 5.
(Item 7)
The processor is
Response information acquisition for acquiring, via the network interface, response information to the request indicated by the server request information, which is transmitted to the relay device by the communication destination image processing device that is the communication destination image processing device of the server request information. Means and
Response information output means for outputting the response information acquired by the response information acquisition means so as to be transmitted to the server device via the network interface;
And then work,
The response information output unit is the sessionless protocol using the connection established between the response information acquired by the response information acquisition unit and the server device via the network interface. It is included in the response data according to the second protocol and output so as to be transmitted to the server device,
Item 6. The relay device according to item 6, wherein:
(Item 8)
The processor is
Response information acquisition for acquiring, via the network interface, response information to the request indicated by the server request information, which is transmitted to the relay device by the communication destination image processing device that is the communication destination image processing device of the server request information. Means and
Response information output means for outputting the response information acquired by the response information acquisition means so as to be transmitted to the server device via the network interface;
The relay device according to any one of items 1 to 7, which functions as a relay device.
(Item 9)
The response information acquisition unit is data transmitted by the communication destination image processing apparatus, which is the image processing apparatus of the communication destination of the server request information, to the relay device, according to the third protocol different from the first protocol. The information contained in is acquired as the response information,
The response information output means outputs the response information acquired by the response information acquisition means so as to be transmitted to the server device via the network interface.
Item 8. The relay device according to item 8, wherein:
(Item 10)
The processor is
Third establishment request information acquisition means for obtaining, via the network interface, the third establishment request information transmitted to the relay device by the communication destination image processing apparatus which is the image processing apparatus of the communication destination of the server request information. ,
And then work,
The response information acquisition unit acquires, as the response information, information included in request data according to a sessionless connection according to the third protocol which is a sessionless protocol,
10. The relay device according to item 9, wherein the response information output means outputs the response information acquired by the response information acquisition means so as to be transmitted to the server device via the network interface.
(Item 11)
The processor establishes, between the relay device and the server device, a sessionless connection according to a second protocol, which is a sessionless protocol, transmitted by the server device to the relay device. Functioning as second establishment request information acquisition means for obtaining second establishment request information requesting
The server request information acquisition unit acquires the server request information transmitted to the relay device by the server device using a sessionless connection established with the server device,
The server request information acquiring unit acquires the information contained in the request data according to the second protocol when the server request information acquiring unit acquires the information included in the request data as the server request information. The server request information is output via the network interface so as to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus using the session established between the relay apparatus and the image processing apparatus,
The processor acquires, via the network interface, third establishment request information, which is transmitted from the communication destination image processing apparatus, which is the image processing apparatus to which the server request information is communicated, to the relay apparatus. Functions as an information acquisition means,
The third establishment request information, the information included in the request data according to the sessionless connection according to the third protocol is a sessionless protocol, as the response information,
The response information output unit is the sessionless protocol using the connection established between the response information acquired by the response information acquisition unit and the server device via the network interface. 11. The relay device according to item 10, which is included in response data according to the second protocol and is output so as to be transmitted to the server device.
(Item 12)
The relay device is configured such that the server request information acquisition unit receives specific server request information, which is server request information for a communication destination image processing device that is an image processing device selected as a communication destination from a plurality of image processing devices. A first identification information storage control unit that stores first identification information for identifying the acquired specific server request information so as to distinguish it from other server request information in accordance with the acquisition from the device;
The server request information output means outputs the first identification information to the communication destination image processing apparatus together with the specific server request information acquired by the server request information acquisition means,
The response information acquisition unit acquires, together with the response information, second identification information that identifies specific server request information that is a source of the response information, from the communication destination image processing apparatus,
In the relay device, when the response information acquisition unit acquires the second identification information together with the response information, the response information acquisition unit acquires the response information based on the second identification information and the first identification information. Provided with connection specifying means for specifying the connection used for the transmission of the specific server request information corresponding to the response information from the server device side,
The response information output means includes the response information acquired by the response information acquisition means in response data according to the second protocol by using the connection specified by the connection specification means, and transmits the response data to the server device. Item 8. The relay device according to Item 7, wherein the relay device outputs.
(Item 13)
When the specific server request information for the communication destination image processing apparatus is acquired from the server apparatus, the error information is set to the image information on condition that the session with the communication destination image processing apparatus is not established. The processor further functions as error information output means for outputting to the server device via the sessionless connection established with a processing device,
The request information is included in the request data in the sessionless connection,
13. The relay device according to any one of Items 1 to 12, wherein the error information is included in response data in the sessionless connection.
(Item 14)
The response information output unit acquires the response information from the communication destination image processing apparatus as information included in request data in the sessionless connection,
Item 7. The processor further functions as response data output means for outputting response data in the sessionless connection to the communication destination image processing apparatus in response to the acquisition of the response information. Relay device.
(Item 15)
The relay device includes a first identification information generation unit that generates the first identification information corresponding to the request information in response to obtaining the request information from the server device,
The first identification information storage control unit stores the first identification information generated by the first identification information generation unit in the storage unit,
The server request information output means outputs the first identification information generated by the first identification information generation means to the communication destination image processing device together with the specific server request information acquired by the server request information acquisition means,
When the response information acquisition unit acquires the second identification information together with the response information, the connection identification unit acquires the first identification information stored in the storage unit and the response information acquisition unit. When the second identification information is matched, the connection used for transmitting the request information corresponding to the first identification information from the server device is specified.
Item 13. The relay device according to item 12, which is characterized in that
(Item 16)
6. The relay device according to item 5, wherein the second protocol is HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
(Item 17)
10. The relay device according to item 9, wherein the third protocol is HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
(Item 18)
18. The relay apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 17, wherein the first protocol is XMPP over BOSH (abbreviation of eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol over Bidirectional-streams Over Synchronous HTTP).
(Item 19)
A network interface capable of communicating via a network with a relay device capable of communicating with the server device;
A processor,
An image processing apparatus comprising:
The processor is
Establishing a request for establishing a session for enabling a server push that outputs information from the server device according to a session establishment type first protocol, between the relay device and the image processing device Establishment request information output means for outputting request information to the relay device via the network interface,
After the session is established, the relay apparatus receives server request information indicating a request to the image processing apparatus from the server apparatus, the server request information being transmitted by the relay apparatus for the server push. A server request information acquisition unit that acquires from the relay device using the session established between the relay device and the image processing device via the network interface,
An image processing apparatus characterized by functioning as a unit.
(Item 20)
The processor is
After the establishment request information output means has transmitted the establishment request information, the relay apparatus transmits the server request information for pushing the server after the server push from the relay apparatus becomes possible. Item 19 characterized by functioning as state maintenance processing means for executing processing for maintaining the state where the server push is possible when a predetermined time has elapsed without the server request information acquisition means acquiring The image processing device according to.
(Item 21)
The state maintenance processing means,
After the establishment request information output means has transmitted the establishment request information, the relay apparatus transmits the server request information for pushing the server after the server push from the relay apparatus becomes possible. A recognition information indicating that the relay device recognizes that a session for enabling the server push is established when a predetermined time elapses without being acquired by the server request information acquisition unit. Recognition request information output means for outputting recognition request information requesting a reply to the relay device via the network interface so as to be transmitted to the relay device.
Server recognition information acquisition means for acquiring the recognition information returned by the relay device to the image processing device via the network interface;
Including,
When the server recognition information acquisition unit is unable to acquire the recognition information, the state maintenance processing unit causes the establishment request information output unit to transmit the establishment request information, thereby making the server pushable state. maintain,
Item 21. The image processing device according to Item 20.
(Item 22)
When the session for enabling the server push from the relay device is established due to the establishment request information output unit transmitting the establishment request information, the processor is a session that is a connection using the session. Functioning as second establishment request information output means for outputting second establishment request information for establishing an established connection with the relay device so as to be transmitted to the relay device via the network interface. Then
The server request information acquisition unit relays the server request information transmitted by the relay device to push the server after the session establishment type connection using the session is established, via the network interface. Obtained from the relay device using the session establishment type connection established between the device and the image processing device,
The state maintenance processing means,
After the establishment request information output means transmits the establishment request information, the session and the session establishment type connection are established, and the relay device is set after the server push from the relay device becomes possible. When a predetermined time has elapsed without the server request information acquisition unit acquiring the server request information transmitted for the server push, a session for enabling the server push is established. Recognition request information output means for outputting to the relay device, via the network interface, the recognition request information requesting the relay device to return the recognition information indicating that the relay device is recognizing,
Server recognition information acquisition means for acquiring the recognition information returned by the relay device to the image processing device via the network interface;
Including,
When the server recognition information acquisition unit can acquire the recognition information, the state maintenance processing unit causes the second establishment request information output unit to transmit the second establishment request information, so that the server push is performed. To remain possible,
Item 22. The image processing device according to Item 20 or 21.
(Item 23)
The processor is
In response to the server request information acquisition unit acquiring the server request information, a sessionless connection, which is a connection according to a third protocol that is a sessionless protocol, is established with the relay device. Fourth establishment request information output means for outputting the fourth establishment request information requesting the request to be transmitted to the relay device via the network interface,
The response information to the request indicated by the server request information is generated, and the generated response information is sent to the relay device via the network interface using the sessionless connection established with the relay device. Response information output means for outputting to be transmitted to,
23. The image processing apparatus according to any one of Items 19 to 22, characterized by further functioning.
(Item 24)
The server request information acquisition unit acquires, together with the server request information, first identification information for identifying the server request information from the relay device,
24. The image processing apparatus according to item 23, wherein the response information output unit outputs the first identification information acquired by the server request information acquisition unit together with the response information to the relay device.
(Item 25)
The establishment request information output means, on the condition that the image processing apparatus is in the session maintenance mode, based on the session maintenance information for establishing the session stored in the storage unit, the establishment request information, 25. The image processing device according to any one of items 19 to 24, wherein the image processing device outputs the image data to be transmitted to the relay device.
(Item 26)
The image processing apparatus further includes storage control means for storing mode information indicating whether the image processing apparatus is in the session maintaining mode in a storage unit.
The establishment request information output means, when the image processing device is activated, on the condition that the mode information stored in the storage unit indicates the session maintaining mode, the establishment request information 26. The image processing device according to item 25, wherein the image processing device outputs the image data to be transmitted to the relay device.
(Item 27)
The image processing apparatus further includes storage control means for storing mode information indicating whether the image processing apparatus is in the session maintaining mode in a storage unit.
The establishment request information output unit determines whether or not the image processing apparatus is in the session maintaining mode based on the mode information stored in the storage unit when the image processing apparatus is manufactured. The image processing device according to item 26.
(Item 28)
The processor is
When the instruction information for instructing the use of the pull service provided by the server device is acquired, the server device is associated with the use of the pull service by using the second protocol that is a lower protocol of the first protocol. Related information request information output means for outputting the related information request information requesting information to be transmitted to the server device via the network interface;
Related information acquisition means for acquiring the related information transmitted by the server device via the network interface;
And then work,
The establishment request information output means outputs the establishment request information so as to be transmitted to the relay device via the network interface using the second protocol which is a lower protocol of the first protocol. ,
In the session, the server request information acquisition unit establishes the server request information transmitted by the relay device to push the server via the network interface between the relay device and the image processing device. , Obtained from the relay device using the second protocol,
Item 28. The image processing device according to any one of Items 19 to 27.
(Item 29)
The first protocol is XMPP over BOSH,
The second protocol is HTTP,
29. The image processing device according to item 28.
(Item 30)
A communication system including a plurality of image processing devices, a server device, and a relay device,
The relay device can be connected to the plurality of image processing devices and the server device via a network,
The communication system,
A plurality of sessions for enabling server push to output information from the server device according to a session establishment type first protocol in response to a request for session establishment from the image processing device to the relay device. A first establishing means for establishing between the relay device and each of the plurality of image processing devices;
The relay device obtains specific server request information, which is server request information for a communication destination image processing device that is an image processing device selected as a communication destination by the server device from among the plurality of image processing devices, from the server device. A first output means for outputting the acquired specific server request information from the relay device to the communication destination image processing device via the session,
Second output means for outputting the acquired response information from the relay device to the server device when the relay device acquires the response information for the specific server request information from the communication destination image processing device;
A communication system comprising:

1 shows a configuration of a communication system. The flowchart of each process which a multifunctional device performs is shown. The flowchart of each process which a multifunctional device performs is shown. The flowchart of each process which a mediation server performs is shown. The flowchart of each process which a mediation server performs is shown. The flowchart of each process which a service server performs is shown. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of communication system 2. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of communication system 2.

<System configuration>
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes routers 7 and 8, multi-function peripherals 10 and 11, a mediation server 60, and service servers 100, 110, and 120. The multi-function device 10 is connected to the Internet 6 via the LAN 4 and the router 7. The multi-function device 11 is connected to the Internet 6 via the router 8. The mediation server 60 and the service servers 100, 110, and 120 are also connected to the Internet 6.

<Structure of multi-function device 10>
The multi-function device 10 can execute multi-functions such as a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a FAX function. The multi-function device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a network interface 16, a print execution unit 18, a scan execution unit 19, and a control unit 20. The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the multi-function device 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The network interface 16 is connected to the router 7 via the LAN 4. The print execution unit 18 includes a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method. The scan execution unit 19 includes a scan mechanism such as CCD and CIS. The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24. The memory 24 stores an application program 25 and a protocol stack 26. The memory 24 may be a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and hard disk. Electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the Internet are not included in non-transitory media. The CPU 22 executes an application process provided by the service servers 100 and 120 for always using a push service, which will be described later, according to an application program 25 stored in the memory 24. The CPU 22 performs protocol processing such as HTTP (abbreviation of Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) or XMPP over BOSH (abbreviation of eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol over Bidirectional-streams Over Synchronous HTTP) according to the protocol stack 26 stored in the memory 24. To execute. The CPU 22 establishes a session according to XMPP over BOSH, which will be described later, and a connection according to HTTP by protocol processing.

The protocol stack 26 includes an HTTP program 27 for executing HTTP processing that is HTTP protocol processing, and an XMPP over BOSH program 28 for performing XMPP over BOSH processing that is XMPP over BOSH protocol processing. In the XMPP over BOSH processing, the CPU 22 causes HTTP request information including various information according to XMPP over BOSH or HTTP response information to be transmitted via the HTTP processing. When the network interface 16 receives the HTTP request information or the HTTP response information including various information according to XMPP over BOSH, the CPU 22 acquires the HTTP request information through the HTTP processing in the XMPP over BOSH processing. A session according to XMPP over BOSH is also referred to as an XMPP session. Also, a connection conforming to HTTP is also referred to as an HTTP connection or a TCP connection. Note that XMPP over BOSH is an example of a session establishment type protocol described later. Moreover, HTTP is an example of a sessionless protocol described later.

The CPU 22 acquires transmission information by application processing, and causes the network interface 16 to transmit the acquired transmission information using protocol such as XMPP over BOSH and HTTP. Further, the CPU 22 acquires the reception information received by the network interface 16 in the application processing via the protocol processing. When an event to be notified to the application process occurs by the protocol process, the CPU 22 outputs the event information by the protocol process. The CPU 22 can recognize the event that occurred in the protocol processing in the application processing based on the event information. When a session or a connection is established in the protocol processing, the CPU 22 transmits information for identifying the established session or connection to the application processing. Information for identifying the established session or connection includes socket information.

The memory 24 stores mode information, session maintenance information, etc., which will be described later. The mode information is information indicating whether the session maintenance mode is set to “on” or “off”. The session maintenance mode is a mode in which the multi-function peripheral 10 establishes an XMPP session with the intermediary server 60 and maintains the session so that various push services described below provided by the service servers 100 and 120 can always be used. .. The mode information may be stored in the memory 24 when the multi-function device 10 is manufactured. “At the time of manufacturing” is not limited to the time of manufacturing the product at the vendor's factory. For example, when the dealer of the multi-function device 10 sends the multi-function device 10 to a customer, the multi-function device 10 may be set before shipping, which is also included in “at the time of manufacturing”. The session maintenance information is information for establishing an XMPP session with the mediation server 60. The session maintenance information may include the IP address of the mediation server 60 and the like. The multi-function device 10 can also use the pull service, which will be described later, provided by the service server 110 by using HTTP.

Precautions for description in the present specification will be described. In the present specification, the description that “the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 receives various information” includes the technical content that “the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 acquires various information via the network interface 62”. I'm going out. Further, the description that “the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 transmits various information” includes the technical content that “the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 outputs various information via the network interface 62”. And Note that the CPU 22 of the multi-function device 10 and the network interface 16 have similar cautions.

Here, the definitions of the words "data" and "information" are described. In “data” and “information”, “information” is used as a superordinate concept of “data”. Therefore, "A data" may be paraphrased as "A information". Further, “B data” duplicated or converted from “A data” is “A information” as long as it has the same meaning as “A data”.

<Configuration of Mediation Server 60>
The mediation server 60 is a server configured separately from the service servers 100, 110, and 120. The mediation server 60 is a server for mediating access from the service servers 100 and 120 to the multi-function peripheral 10 or 11. The mediation server 60 is a server provided by the vendors of the multi-function peripherals 10 and 11. The mediation server 60 includes a network interface 62 and a control unit 70.

The control unit 70 includes a CPU 72 and a memory 74. The memory 74 stores an application program 75, a device database 76, a multi-function peripheral management database 77, and a protocol stack 78. The memory 74, like the memory 24, may be a computer-readable storage medium. The protocol stack 78 includes an HTTP program 81 and an XMPP over BOSH program 82. According to the application program 75, the CPU 72 executes an application process for causing the multi-function peripherals 10 and 11 to constantly use the push service provided by the service servers 100 and 120. The protocol processing executed by the CPU 22 in accordance with the protocol stack 78, the cooperation between the protocol processing and the application processing, and the like are in accordance with the contents described for the multi-function peripheral 10. The device database 76 is a database for receiving and storing register information described later from the multi-function peripherals 10 and 11. The multi-function peripheral management database 77 is an area for storing communication status and request ID. The communication status is information indicating whether each of the multi-function devices 10 and 11 is in the online state or the offline state. The online state is a state in which an XMPP session, which will be described later, is established between the multi-function device 10 and the mediation server 60. The offline state is a state in which the XMPP session is not established between the multi-function device 10 and the mediation server 60. The request ID is information generated in S353 described below. The request ID is generated for each of the multi-function devices 10 and 11.

<Pull and push services, routers 7 and 8 functions>
The pull service and push service in the communication system 2 will be described. The pull service is a service in which the device A uses the service provided by the server B by requesting the service from the device B that uses the service to the server B that provides the service. The download service in which the device A requests request information for requesting download of content data such as image data stored in the server B, and the server B receiving the request information returns the content data is an example of a pull service. An upload service in which the device A transmits content data together with request information requesting upload to the server B, and the server B which receives the content data and the request information stores the content data is also an example of the pull service. In the communication system 2, the multi-function device 10 corresponds to the device A that uses the pull service. A service server 110 different from the service server 100 corresponds to the server B that provides the pull service.

In the case of the pull service, when the HTTP request information including the request information is transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 10 to the service server 110 as the transmission destination, the router 7 receives the HTTP request information and transfers it to the Internet 6. At this time, the router 7 stores information for identifying the transferred HTTP request information, information indicating the private IP address of the multi-function device 10, and the like. Further, the HTTP request information transferred by the router 7 includes information for identifying the HTTP request information transferred by the router 7, information such as the IP address of the router 7. The service server 110, which has received the HTTP request information including the request data, returns the HTTP response information including the content data corresponding to the request information to the router 7. The HTTP response information to be returned includes information for identifying which HTTP request information the response is. The router 7, which has received the HTTP response information, converts the HTTP response information into the HTTP request information transmitted by the multi-function device 10 based on the information included in the HTTP response and the information stored when the HTTP request information is transferred. Specify that this is response information. The router 7 transfers the HTTP response information by using the private IP address of the multi-function peripheral 10, because the HTTP response information is the response information to the HTTP request information transmitted by the multi-function peripheral 10.

If the service server 110 transmits the HTTP request information addressed to the multi-function peripheral 10, the router 7 receives the HTTP request information, but the HTTP request information is changed to the information transmitted by the multi-function peripheral 10. It cannot be specified that it is response information. The router 7 does not transfer the HTTP request information to the multi-function device 10, because the HTTP request information is not the response information to the information transmitted by the multi-function device 10.

In this way, if the information received by the router 7 from the device on the Internet 6 side is the response information to the information transmitted from the multi-function device 10, the information transmitted by the device on the Internet 6 side is changed to the multi-function device. 10 and the information received by the router 7 from the device on the Internet 6 side is not the response information to the information that the multi-function device 10 is the sender, the information transmitted by the device on the Internet 6 side is multi-function. The function of the firewall provided in the router 7 is that it is not transferred to the machine 10. In this way, if the information received by the router 7 from the device on the Internet 6 side is the response information to the information transmitted from the multi-function device 10, the information transmitted by the device on the Internet 6 side is changed to the multi-function device. The NAT function provided in the router 7 is to transfer using the private IP address of 10. In this way, the service that the multi-function device 10 can receive by transmitting the information requesting the service to the service server 110 as the destination is the pull service in the communication system 2.

As described above, the router 7 stores the information indicating that the HTTP request information having the service server 110 as the destination is transferred, the private IP address of the multi-function peripheral 10 and the like, and thus the response information transmitted by the service server 110. Can be transmitted to the multi-function device 10 via the router 7. That is, the router 7 stores the transferred information for identifying the HTTP request information destined for the service server 110, the private IP address of the multi-function peripheral 10, and the like, and the service server 110 transfers the information to the router 7. The connection between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the service server 110 is established by receiving and storing the information for identifying the HTTP request information, and the response transmitted by the service server 110 using the established connection. Information can be transmitted to the multi-function device 10.

A connection using HTTP may be called an HTTP connection. Since HTTP is a protocol based on TCP, it may be called TCP connection instead of HTTP connection. The multi-function device 10 includes a protocol stack 26 for performing HTTP-based communication in order to use the pull service.

In the push service, when it is time to provide the service in the server B that provides the service, the device A transmits the information related to the provision of the service from the server B to the device A that uses the service. It is a service in which the service provided by B is used. The maintenance inspection service in which the server B requests the device A for status information, the server B manages the status information returned from the device A, and performs maintenance inspection according to the status information is an example of a push service. The remote setting service in which the server B transmits the setting information to the device A and makes various settings for the device A is an example of the push service. In the communication system 2, the multi-function device 10 corresponds to the device A that uses the push service. The service server 100 corresponds to the server B that provides the push service. In the case of the push service, even if the service server 100 sends the HTTP request information including the information related to the provision of the service to the multi-function peripheral 10 as the destination, as described above, the router 7 still receives the HTTP request. Although the information is received, it is not transferred to the multi-function device 10. That is, the use of the push service in the multi-function device 10 is restricted by the function of the firewall included in the router 7.

Since the multifunctional device 10 does not know the timing of providing the service in the service server 100, the multifunctional device 10 transmits the HTTP request information to establish a connection with the service server 100 and establish the established connection. Cannot receive information related to the provision of services.

Although the pull service, the push service, and the function of the router have been described by taking the multi-function device 10 and the router 7 as an example, the multi-function device 11 and the router 8 are similar to the multi-function device 10 and the router 7. Although the push service has been described by taking the service server 100 as an example, the same applies to the service server 120.

<Configuration of service server 100>
The service server 100 is a server used for online services. Examples of online services include a maintenance and inspection service for the multi-function devices 10 and 11, and a remote setting service for the multi-function devices 10 and 11. The service server 100 accesses the multi-function devices 10 and 11 via the Internet 6 to obtain various information such as the remaining amount of toner from the multi-function devices 10 and 11 and rewrites the settings of the multi-function devices 10 and 11. Or process it.

The service server 100 includes a control unit 102. The control unit 102 includes a CPU 103 and a memory 104. The memory 104 is provided with a data storage area 105. The data storage area 105 is an area for storing various data. The configuration of the service servers 110 and 120 is basically the same as that of the service server 100, and the description thereof will be omitted.

<Operation of multi-function device 10>
Application processing performed by the multi-function device 10 based on the application program 25 will be described with reference to the flows of FIGS. 2 and 3. Note that the processing performed by the multi-function device 11 is the same as the processing performed by the multi-function device 10, so description thereof will be omitted. The flows of FIGS. 2 and 3 may be started, for example, when the power of the multi-function device 10 is turned on.

In S211, the CPU 22 determines whether the session keeping mode is set to "ON". S211 may be performed when the multi-function device 10 is activated. An example of the activation is when the power of the multi-function device 10 is turned on, or when a user operation for instructing activation is received after the power is turned on. The determination may be made based on the mode information stored in the memory 24. When the session maintenance mode is not set to "ON" (S211: NO), the process proceeds to S213.

In S213, the CPU 22 determines whether an input event has occurred. Whether or not an input event has occurred may be determined based on event information output by an operating system (not shown) when, for example, a user input is made on the operation unit 12. If the input event has not occurred (S213: NO), the process returns to S213, and if it has occurred (S213: YES), the process proceeds to S215. In S215, the CPU 22 determines whether or not an input event has occurred by the operation of turning the session maintenance mode on. When a negative determination is made (S215: NO), the process proceeds to S217, the CPU 22 executes a process according to the input operation, and returns to S213. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made (S215: YES), the process proceeds to S219, the mode information stored in the memory 24 is set to "ON", and the process returns to S211.

When the generated input event is the input event generated by the operation of instructing the use of the pull service, the CPU 22 requests the use of the pull service via the protocol process with the service server 110 as the transmission destination in S217. The HTTP request information including the request information is transmitted. Then, when the network interface 16 receives the HTTP response information including the response information related to the use of the pull service transmitted by the service server 110, the CPU 22 acquires the response information related to the use of the pull service and acquires the response information of the pull service. Perform processing related to usage. The process of forming an image based on the content data included in the HTTP response information in the multi-function peripheral 10, the process of storing the content data included in the HTTP response information in the memory 24, and the like are processes related to the use of the pull service download service. Is an example of. A process of acquiring response information indicating that the content data included in the HTTP request information is stored in the service server 110 or transferred from the service server 110 to another device, and informing the user of the execution status of the service Is an example of processing related to the use of the pull service type upload service.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S211 that the session maintenance mode is set to “ON” (S211: YES), the process proceeds to S231. In S231, the CPU 22 executes register processing. The register process is a process of registering the register information of the multi-function peripheral 10 in the device database 76 of the mediation server 60. The register information includes various information such as device ID and capability information. The device ID is information for identifying the multi-function device 10. The device ID is used to identify a multi-function peripheral that is a destination of request information to be described later. An example of the device ID is the manufacturing serial number of the multi-function device 10. The capability information is information indicating various capabilities of the multi-function device 10, such as memory capacity and printable paper size. The register process may be performed by HTTP-based communication.

In S233, the CPU 22 transmits the IP address of the mediation server 60 to the protocol stack 26 based on the session maintenance information stored in the memory 24, and the XMPP session according to the session establishment type protocol XMPP over BOSH. The protocol stack 26 is caused to perform a protocol process for establishing the connection with the mediation server 60. When the XMPP session is established between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the mediation server 60, the XMPP session between the multi-function peripheral 11 and the mediation server 60 may be newly established. The same applies to the opposite case.

A specific procedure for establishing an XMPP session will be described. According to XMPP over BOSH, the multi-function device 10 transmits HTTP request information including the first request information for requesting the intermediary server 60 to transmit the session ID to be used in the XMPP session. The HTTP request information including the first request information is also described as XMPP session establishment request information.

The mediation server 60, when acquired by receiving the XMPP session establishment request information transmitted by the multi-function peripheral 10, generates a session ID and returns HTTP response information including the session ID according to XMPP over BOSH.

When the multi-function device 10 acquires the session ID transmitted by the mediation server 60, the multi-function device 10 notifies the mediation server 60 of the acquired session ID and the acquired session ID according to XMPP over BOSH. The HTTP request information including the notification information is transmitted.

When the intermediation server 60 receives the HTTP request information including the session ID and the notification information transmitted by the multi-function device 10, the intermediation server 60 returns the HTTP response information including the response information indicating OK according to XMPP over BOSH. .. In this way, the multi-function device 10 and the intermediation server 60 acquire a common session ID through transmission and reception of various information according to XMPP over BOSH, whereby an XMPP session is established. Thereafter, according to XMPP over BOSH, the HTTP request information including this session ID and various information is transmitted, so that the information is transmitted using the established XMPP session. The side that has acquired the information using the established XMPP session can recognize from the session ID that the acquired information is the information transmitted using the established XMPP session.

The XMPP over BOSH process outputs event information indicating that an XMPP session has been established, and information for identifying the established session is transmitted to the application process. Thereby, in the application processing, the CPU 22 can recognize the establishment of the XMPP session. When recognizing the establishment of the XMPP session, the CPU 22 advances to S234.

In S234, the CPU 22 determines whether or not time-up information, which will be described later, is stored in the memory 24. When a negative determination is made in S234 (S234: NO), the process proceeds to S236. In S236, the CPU 22 causes the protocol stack 26 to perform the protocol processing for establishing the XMPP connection, which is the connection according to XMPP over BOSH, with the intermediation server 60 using the established session.

A specific procedure for establishing the XMPP connection will be described. According to XMPP over BOSH, the multi-function device 10 mediates the session ID for identifying the session established with the mediation server 60 and the HTTP request information including the second request information for requesting the establishment of the XMPP connection. The server 60 is transmitted as the destination. The second request information is necessary for transmitting the HTTP response information according to XMPP over BOSH including the information related to the provision of the push service, which is transmitted from the mediation server 60, to the multi-function device 10. It is information. The HTTP request information including the second request information is also referred to as XMPP connection establishment request information. The router 7 transfers the XMPP connection establishment request information to the Internet 6 and the transferred HTTP request information is received by the mediation server 60, so that the multi-function device 10 and the multi-function device 10 are operated by the mechanism described above in the description of the pull service. An HTTP connection is established with the mediation server 60. In this way, the HTTP connection established by the procedure according to XMPP over BOSH is the XMPP connection. The information related to the provision of the push service includes GET request information and SET request information transmitted by the service server 100 to the mediation server. The GET request information is command information used by the service server 100 to request the multi-function peripheral 10 to return the information specified by the object ID. The SET request information is command information used to request the multi-function peripheral 10 to change the setting according to the information specified by the object ID. Examples of the information designated by the object ID include information indicating the MAC address, information indicating the IP address, various information indicating the device state of the multi-function device 10 (example: toner remaining amount information), and the like.

When the XMPP connection is established, the mediation server 60 includes the SET request information or the GET request information in the HTTP response information for the XMPP connection establishment request information if the push service is provided by the service server 100. , The multi-function device 10 is transmitted as the transmission destination. The HTTP response information for the XMPP connection establishment request information is also referred to as XMPP response information.

On the other hand, when the XMPP connection is established and the push service is not provided by the service server 100 when the XMPP connection is established, the intermediary server 60 uses the XMPP response information, SET request information, or GET after the push service is provided. The multi-function device 10 is transmitted as a destination including the request information and the like. As described above, it is not always necessary to transmit the response information at the timing when the request information from the multi-function device 10 is received, and the XMPP response information is sent to the multi-function device 10 with the timing of providing the push service on the service server side as a direct trigger. Sending as a destination is also referred to as server push.

The XMPP response information transmitted by the mediation server 60 does not include the session ID. However, since the XMPP response information includes information that can be identified as HTTP response information for the XMPP connection establishment request information, the multi-function device 10 that has acquired the XMPP response information uses the XMPP session. It is possible to recognize that the information has been returned.

As can be seen from the fact that the XMPP session is established, the XMPP connection is established, the XMPP request information is transmitted, and the XMPP response information is transmitted by HTTP, XMPP over BOSH is a higher-level protocol that uses HTTP. HTTP is a lower protocol used for XMPP over BOSH. The lower protocol processing transfers the information acquired via the network interface 16 to the upper protocol processing, and the upper protocol processing processes the transferred information. The upper protocol processing transfers the information to be transmitted via the network interface 16 to the lower protocol processing, and the lower protocol processing processes the transferred information. That is, the multi-function device 10 uses the HTTP protocol stack for both use of the pull service and use of the push service.

In S237, the CPU 22 starts a timer (not shown). The time-up time of the timer may be predetermined. The time-up time may be set to 1 minute, for example.

In S238, the CPU 22 determines whether an event has occurred. If it has not occurred (S238: NO), the process returns to S238, and if it has occurred (S238: YES), the process proceeds to S239. In S239, the CPU 22 determines whether the event detected in S238 is the time-up of the timer started in S237. When it is the time-up of the timer (S239: YES), the process proceeds to S240, the time-up information is stored in the memory 24, and the process returns to S234.

On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in S234 (S234: YES), the operation proceeds to S235. In S235, the CPU 22 deletes the time-up information stored in the memory 24, and proceeds to S241.

In S241, the CPU 22 uses HTTP to transmit the survival notification information with the intermediary server 60 as the transmission destination through the protocol processing. The survival notification information includes information for indicating that the multi-function device 10 recognizes that the XMPP session established in S233 is established. In the protocol processing of the mediation server 60, if the XMPP session established in S233 is not recognized as valid, the information using the XMPP session is not transmitted until the application processing in the mediation server 60. However, in S241, since the survival notification information is transmitted using HTTP, even if the XMPP session established in S233 cannot be recognized to be valid in the protocol processing of the mediation server 60, the mediation server is not recognized. The survival notification information is transmitted until the application processing in 60. Then, in S242, the timer is restarted, and the process proceeds to S244.

In S244, the CPU 22 determines whether or not the survival response information returned by the mediation server 60 using HTTP to the survival notification information has been acquired through protocol processing. The survival response information includes information for indicating that the mediation server 60 recognizes that the XMPP session established in S233 is established. When the determination is affirmative (S244: YES), the process proceeds to S236, and a new XMPP connection is established with the mediation server 60. On the other hand, when the determination is negative (S244: NO), the process proceeds to S246, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the transmission of the survival notification information. When the determination is negative (S246: NO), the process returns to the determination of S244. When the determination is affirmative (S246: YES), the process returns to S233, and a new XMPP session is established with the intermediary server.

As described above, when the reception of the XMPP response information including the SET request information or the GET request information cannot be confirmed from the establishment of the XMPP connection to the elapse of the time-up time, the existence notification information is transmitted to the mediation server. To the intermediary server 60 that the multi-function peripheral 10 recognizes that the XMPP session has been established. As described above, by receiving the survival response information from the intermediary server 60, the multi-function peripheral 10 recognizes that the intermediary server 60 recognizes that the XMPP session is established.

Then, if the mediation server 60 can recognize that the XMPP session is established based on the survival response information, the XMPP connection may have been disconnected. By establishing the connection, preparations are made for transmitting the XMPP response information transmitted by the mediation server 60 to the multi-function peripheral 10. Since the XMPP connection information was not returned for a while after the establishment of the XMPP connection, the device between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the mediation server 60, for example, the router 7 or the like sends the XMPP connection establishment request information to the Internet 6. The case where the information indicating the transfer, the information indicating the private IP address of the multi-function device 10, and the like are deleted is an example of the case where the XMPP connection is disconnected.

On the other hand, if the survival response information cannot be received and the intermediary server 60 cannot recognize that the XMPP session has been established, the XMPP session may have been disconnected. To establish the XMPP session, and further to establish the XMPP connection, thereby preparing for transmitting the XMPP response information transmitted by the mediation server 60 to the multi-function device 10. An example of a case where the XMPP session is disconnected is a case where the session ID, information for identifying the established XMPP session, or the like is deleted in the mediation server 60 due to the mediation server 60 being reset or the like.
When the XMPP session is disconnected, such as when the protocol processing of the mediation server 60 deletes the information for identifying the XMPP session for which the XMPP response information has not been transmitted for a long time. Is an example of.

As described above, the preparation for transmitting the XMPP response information transmitted by the mediation server 60 to the multi-function peripheral 10 is performed every time the time-up time elapses based on the transmission of the survival notification information and the confirmation of the survival response information. There is. As described above, the multifunctional device 10 is always ready to receive the XMPP response information including the SET request information or the GET request information when the push service is provided by the service server 100. It is done. That is, the multi-function device 10 can always use the push service.

In the present embodiment, there is a possibility that the XMPP connection is disconnected from the establishment of the XMPP connection until the elapse of the time-up time. That is, "always" described in the description of the present embodiment is a concept such that if the push service can be used most of the time, there may be a time when the push service cannot be used for a short time.

The time-up time is the time at which the device between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the mediation server 60 will not disconnect the XMPP connection even if the XMPP response information is not returned for a while after the establishment of the XMPP connection. It is convenient to set. For example, 1 minute may be set. Of course, a time longer than 1 minute may be set. If the device between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the mediation server 60 rarely disconnects the XMPP connection, the time-up time may be set to be very long. For example, 24 hours may be set. Further, it is possible not to perform any processing after the transmission of the survival notification information using the time-up time.

When it is determined in S239 that the event is not the time-up of the timer (S239: NO), the process proceeds to S251. In S251, the CPU 22 determines whether the event detected in S238 is an event generated by the network interface 16 receiving the second request information. The second request information is information transmitted from the intermediation server 60 to the multi-function device 10 via the XMPP session. Examples of the second request information include GET request information transmitted by the service server 100 to the intermediary server and information obtained by transferring the SET request information to the multi-function peripheral 10 as a transmission destination.

If an affirmative decision is made in S251 (S251: YES), the operation proceeds to S261. In S261, the CPU 22 analyzes the second request information and acquires the response information corresponding to the second request information. When the second request information is GET request information, the information indicating the MAC address stored in the memory 24, the information indicating the IP address, the various information indicating the device state of the multi-function peripheral 10, etc., which are designated by the object ID. Is obtained by reading through the operating system, which is an example of obtaining response information. When the second request information is the SET request information, the setting information or the like stored in the memory 24, which is designated by the object ID, is changed by the operating system, and is acquired by generating the information indicating the change result. Doing is an example of acquisition of response information.

Further, the CPU 22 incorporates the request ID included in the second request information into the response information. For example, when the second request information is GET request information, the CPU 22 generates GET response information including the information specified by the object ID included in the GET request information. Further, for example, when the second request information is the SET request information, the CPU 22 displays information indicating that the setting process such as changing the information specified by the object ID included in the SET request information is executed. The included SET response information is generated.

In S265, the CPU 22 causes the intermediary server 60 to transmit the HTTP request information including the response information generated in S261 through the protocol processing according to HTTP which is a connectionless protocol.

In S267, the CPU 22 determines whether or not the network interface 16 has received the HTTP response information transmitted by the mediation server 60 to the multi-function peripheral 10 in response to the HTTP request information transmitted in S265. When not received (S267:NO), it returns to S267. On the other hand, if received (S267: YES), the processing returns to S236 and performs processing for newly establishing an XMPP connection with the mediation server 60, so the multi-function device 10 must use the push service again. Will be possible.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S251 that the event detected in S238 is not the reception of the second request information (S251: NO), the process proceeds to S253. In S253, the CPU 22 determines whether or not the event detected in S238 is an input event generated by the operation of turning the session maintenance mode “off”. When a negative determination is made (S253: NO), the process proceeds to S257, and similarly to S217, the CPU 22 executes a process according to the input operation, and returns to S238. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made (S253: YES), the process proceeds to S255, the mode information stored in the memory 24 is set to "off", and the process returns to S211.

<Operation of Mediation Server 60>
The detailed operation of the mediation server 60 will be described with reference to the flows of FIGS. 4 and 5. The flow of FIG. 4 may be started, for example, when the power of the mediation server 60 is turned on. In S311, the CPU 72 starts the management timer process. The management timer process will be described later. In S313, the CPU 72 determines whether an event has occurred. If it has not occurred (S313: NO), the process returns to S313, and if it has occurred (S313: YES), the process proceeds to S315. In S315, the CPU 72 determines whether or not the generated event is an event generated by the network interface 62 receiving the register information from the multi-function peripheral 10 or 11. When an affirmative determination is made (S315: YES), the process proceeds to S317, and the CPU 72 registers the received register information in the device database 76. Then, the process returns to S313.

The CPU 72 may authenticate the multi-function device 10 or 11 by using the authentication information such as the PIN code when receiving the register information. In this case, the CPU 72 may register the register information in the device database 76 when it is able to authenticate the multifunctional device 10 or 11 as the device that should register the register information.

On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in S315 (S315: NO), the process proceeds to S321. In S321, the CPU 72 determines whether the generated event is an event generated by the establishment of an XMPP session with the multi-function peripheral 10 or 11 by protocol processing. In the protocol processing, the XMPP session is established according to the procedure described above in the section titled <Operation of Multi-function Device 10>. When a positive determination is made (S321: YES), the process proceeds to S323.

In S323, the CPU 72 determines whether or not the area for storing the communication status information and the request ID regarding the multi-function peripheral that has established the XMPP session exists in the multi-function peripheral management database 77. When it exists (S323:YES), it returns to S313, and when it does not exist (S323:NO), it progresses to S325. In S325, the CPU 72 creates an area in the multi-function peripheral management database 77 for storing communication status information and request ID regarding the multi-function peripheral that has established the XMPP session. Then, the process returns to S313.

On the other hand, when the generated event is not the event generated due to the establishment of the XMPP session (S321: NO), the process proceeds to S341. In S341, the CPU 72 determines whether or not the event that has occurred is an event that has occurred due to the establishment of an XMPP connection by protocol processing with the multi-function device that has established the XMPP session. In the protocol processing, the XMPP connection is established by the procedure described above in <Operation of the multi-function device 10>. When a positive determination is made (S341: YES), the process proceeds to S342. In S342, the CPU 72 causes the memory 74 to store the connection information for identifying the established XMPP connection. Then, the process proceeds to S327.

In S327, the CPU 72 sets the communication status information, which is stored in the multi-function peripheral management database 77, regarding the multi-function peripheral that has established the XMPP connection, to “online”. In S329, the CPU 72 starts a management timer (not shown) regarding the multi-function device that has established the XMPP connection. Then, the process returns to S313. The management timer is a timer provided for each multi-function device that has established an XMPP connection, and is a software timer that determines whether or not the time-up time has elapsed since the establishment of the XMPP connection. The management timer outputs an event indicating the time-up when the time-up time has elapsed since the establishment of the XMPP connection. The time-up time is set to 2 minutes, for example.

On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in S341 (S341: NO), the process proceeds to S331. In S331, the CPU 72 determines whether the event that has occurred is the time-up of the management timer. When an affirmative determination is made (S331: YES), the CPU 72 proceeds to S333, and the CPU 72 sets the communication status information, which is stored in the multi-function peripheral management database 77, regarding the multi-function peripheral corresponding to the expired management timer to “offline”. Set. Then, the process returns to S313. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made (S331: NO), the process proceeds to S343.

In S343, the CPU 72 determines whether the generated event is an event generated by the network interface 62 receiving the HTTP request information from the service server 100 or 120. When a negative determination is made (S343: NO), the process proceeds to S361, and when an affirmative determination is made (S343: YES), the process proceeds to S345. In S345, the CPU 72 acquires the information included in the HTTP request information through the protocol processing, and determines which information is the acquired information.

If the HTTP request information includes the device ID inquiry information (S345: device ID inquiry information), the process proceeds to S347. The device ID inquiry information is information indicating that the intermediary server 60 is requested to return the device ID of the multi-function device that receives the push service from the service server 100 or 120. In S347, the CPU 72 detects the device ID of the multi-function peripheral corresponding to the device ID inquiry information from the device database 76. Then, the CPU 72 causes the HTTP response information including the detected device ID to be transmitted via the protocol process to the service server that is the transmission source of the device ID inquiry information as the transmission destination.

On the other hand, if the HTTP request information includes the first request information (S345: first request information), the process proceeds to S349. The first request information is information output from the service server 100 or 120. Examples of the first request information include GET request information and SET request information. The first request information includes a device ID, an object ID, and the like.

In S349, the CPU 72 determines based on the communication status information stored in the multi-function peripheral management database 77 whether the communication multi-function peripheral, which is the multi-function peripheral to which the first request information is transmitted, is offline. To do. Specifically, it is determined whether the communication status information of the multi-function device corresponding to the device ID included in the first request information is “offline”. When it is determined that the communication multi-function peripheral is not offline (S349: NO), the process proceeds to S353.

In S353, the CPU 72 generates a request ID. Then, the generated request ID is stored in the memory 74 in association with the first request information received in S343. The request ID may be, for example, the reception time of the first request information or a uniquely created number.

In S355, the CPU 72 transmits the second request information to the communication destination multi-function peripheral using the XMPP session. Specifically, the CPU 72 causes the destination multi-function peripheral to transmit the XMPP response information in the XMPP connection established with the destination multi-function peripheral including the second request information, through the protocol processing. The second request information is information in which the request ID is added to the first request information. The second request information only needs to include at least the request ID and the object ID, and may not include the device ID included in the first request information. Then, the process returns to S313.

On the other hand, in S349, when it is determined that the communication destination multi-function device is offline (S349: YES), the process proceeds to S351. In S351, the CPU 72 sends HTTP response information including error information indicating that the first request information cannot be transferred to the communication destination multi-function peripheral via the protocol process, as the service that is the sender of the first request information. Send to server. Then, the process returns to S313.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S343 (S343: NO), the flow proceeds to S361. In S361, the CPU 72 determines whether the generated event is an event generated by receiving the HTTP request information from the multi-function peripheral 10 or 11. The HTTP request information to be judged is HTTP request information different from the XMPP request information in the XMPP session established with the multi-function peripheral 10 or 11. When a negative determination is made in S361 (S361: NO), the process returns to S313, and when an affirmative determination is made (S361: YES), the process proceeds to S364. In S364, the CPU 72 resets the management timer corresponding to the multi-function device that is the transmission source of the HTTP request information.

In S369, the CPU 72 acquires the information included in the HTTP request information through the protocol processing, and determines which information is the acquired information. When the HTTP request information includes the response information (S369: Response information), the process proceeds to S373.

In S373, the CPU 72 reads out the request ID included in the response information. Then, the first request information corresponding to the request ID that matches the request ID included in the response information is detected from the multi-function peripheral management database 77. Then, the CPU 72 causes the HTTP response information including the response information to be transmitted to the service server, which is the transmission source of the detected first request information, through the protocol processing.

In S375, the CPU 72 returns the HTTP response information corresponding to the HTTP request information including the response information to the multi-function device which is the transmission source of the HTTP request information, through the protocol processing. Then, the process returns to S313.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S369 that the HTTP request information includes the survival notification information (S369: survival notification information), the process proceeds to S365. In S365, the CPU 72 returns the HTTP response information including the survival response information to the multi-function device which is the transmission source of the HTTP request information including the survival notification information, through the protocol processing. Then, the process returns to S313.

<Operation of the service servers 100 and 120>
The detailed operation of the service server 100 or 120 will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. The flow of FIG. 6 may be started, for example, when the power of the service server 100 or 120 is turned on. In step S<b>509, the CPU 103 determines whether a device ID acquisition command for identifying the multifunctional device to which the service is provided has been input. If it has not been input (S509: NO), the flow proceeds to S523, and if it has been input (S509: YES), the flow proceeds to S513. The device ID acquisition command may be input by an operation on the service server 100.

In S513, the CPU 103 transmits HTTP request information including the device ID inquiry information to the mediation server 60. In S517, the CPU 103 receives the HTTP response information including the device ID, which is transmitted by the mediation server 60 in response to the HTTP request information transmitted in S513.

In S523, the CPU 103 determines whether or not a command for transmitting the first request information has been input. The command for transmitting the first request information is a command for transmitting the first request information to the multi-function device identified by the device ID acquired in S517. If the transmission command of the first request information has not been input (S523: NO), the process returns to S509, and if it has been input (S523: YES), the process proceeds to S529. The device ID acquisition command may be input by an operation on the service server 100.

In S529, the CPU 103 transmits HTTP request information including the first request information to the mediation server 60. The first request information includes the device ID acquired in S517. In S533, the CPU 103 receives the HTTP response information including the response information transmitted by the mediation server 60 in response to the HTTP request information transmitted in S529. Then, the process returns to S509.

<First operation example of communication system 2>
A first operation example of the communication system 2 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, when the XMPP session between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the intermediation server 60 is maintained, the GET request information is transmitted from the service server 100 to the multi-function peripheral 10 via the intermediation server 60. explain. A case where the multi-function peripheral 10 session maintenance mode is set to “on” will be described.

When the power of the multi-function device 10 is turned on, the session maintaining mode is set to “ON” (S211: YES), and thus the multi-function device 10 transmits the register information to the mediation server 60 (S231). The mediation server 60 receives the register information (S315: YES) and registers the received register information in the device database 76 (S317). When the multi-function peripheral 10 transmits the XMPP session establishment request information, the multi-function peripheral 10 and the mediation server 60 establish the XMPP session (S233, S321: YES). When the multi-function device 10 transmits the XMPP connection establishment request information, the XMPP connection between the multi-function device 10 and the mediation server 60 is established. (S236, S341: YES)

In order to start the process of providing the service to the multi-function device 10, a command to acquire the device ID for identifying the multi-function device 10 is input to the service server 100 (S509: YES). The service server 100 transmits the device ID inquiry information requesting the device ID of the multi-function device 10 to the mediation server 60 (S513). When the intermediation server 60 receives the device ID inquiry information (S345: device ID inquiry information), the intermediation server 60 searches for the device ID of the multi-function peripheral 10 and transmits it to the service server 100 (S347).

When the timer times out (S239: YES), the multi-function device 10 transmits the survival notification information to the mediation server 60 (S241). When the mediation server 60 receives the life notification information (S361: life notification information), the mediation server 60 returns the life response information (S365). When the multi-function peripheral 10 receives the survival response information (S244: YES), the multi-function peripheral 10 transmits the XMPP connection establishment request information (S236). The connection is maintained (S236, S341: YES).

When the multi-function peripheral 10 does not receive the survival response information (S235: NO), the multi-function peripheral 10 transmits the XMPP session establishment request information, so that the XMPP session between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the mediation server 60 is maintained (S233). , S321: YES). The XMPP connection establishment request information may be transmitted after the XMPP connection established between the multi-function device 10 and the mediation server 60 becomes invalid. Further, the XMPP session establishment request information may be transmitted after the XMPP session established by the multi-function device 10 and the mediation server 60 becomes invalid. That is, in other words, the "maintenance" described in the description of the present embodiment is a concept such that a connection or session is established most of the time, and there may be a slight non-established time. Is.

When a command for transmitting the first GET request information, which is request information for acquiring information from the multi-function peripheral 10, is input to the service server 100 (S523: YES), the service server 100 transmits the first GET request information to the mediation server. 60 (S529). At this time, the final destination of the first GET request information is the multi-function device 10. When the intermediation server 60 receives the first GET request information (S343: YES, S345: first request information), the intermediation server 60 determines that the multi-function device 10 that is the destination of the first GET request information is not offline (S349: NO), A request ID is generated (S353). Further, the mediation server 60 stores the request ID in the multi-function peripheral management database 77 in association with the first GET request information (S353).

The mediation server 60 adds the generated request ID to the first GET request and generates the second GET request information. Then, the generated second GET request information is transmitted to the multi-function device 10 using the XMPP session (S355). Specifically, the XMPP response information in the XMPP connection established with the multi-function device 10 including the generated second GET request is transmitted to the multi-function device 10.

When the multi-function device 10 receives the second GET request information (S251: YES), the multi-function device 10 analyzes the second GET request information, executes the process based on the information acquired by the analysis, and acquires the GET response information (S261). .. For example, when the second GET request information is information requesting acquisition of device information, GET response information including device information of the multi-function device 10 is acquired. At this time, the request ID added to the second GET request information is added to the GET response information. The multi-function device 10 transmits the HTTP request information including the GET response information to the mediation server 60 (S265).

When the mediation server 60 receives the HTTP request information including the GET response information (S369: YES), the mediation server 60 reads out the request ID included in the GET response. The mediation server 60 detects, from the multi-function peripheral management database 77, the first GET request information associated with the request ID that matches the request ID included in the GET response (S373). Then, the mediation server 60 transmits the GET response information received from the multi-function peripheral 10 to the service server 100 as GET response information for the detected first GET request information (S373).

In addition, the intermediary server 60 returns the HTTP response information to the multi-function peripheral 10 in response to receiving the GET response information (S369) (S375). The multi-function device 10 that has received the HTTP response information performs a process for newly establishing an XMPP connection with the intermediary server 60, so that the multi-function device 10 can use the push service again. ..

<Second Operation Example of Communication System 2>
A second operation example of the communication system 2 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the GET request information is not transmitted from the service server 100 to the multi-function peripheral 10 via the intermediation server 60 when the XMPP session between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the intermediation server 60 is not maintained. To do.

The operation in the period P1 of FIG. 8 is the same as the operation in the period P1 of FIG. 7, so description thereof will be omitted. When the power of the multi-function device 10 is turned off, the session ID for identifying the session established between the multi-function device 10 and the intermediary server 60 is not stored in the multi-function device 10. The session has been disconnected. In this case, since the survival notification information is not transmitted from the multi-function device 10, the time-up occurs in the management timer corresponding to the multi-function device 10 in the mediation server 60 (S331: YES), so the time-up occurs. The communication status information of the multi-function device 10 corresponding to the management timer is set to "offline" (S333).

Even if the mediation server 60 receives the first GET request information (S343: YES, S345: first request information), it is determined that the multi-function device 10 to which the first GET request information is transmitted is offline (S349: YES). ). Therefore, the mediation server 60 transmits the error information to the service server 100 (S351).

<Effect>
A router 7 is provided between the multi-function device 10 and the Internet 6. The router 7 may have a firewall function. In the firewall function, if the information received by the router 7 from the device on the Internet 6 side is response information to the information transmitted from the multi-function device 10, the information transmitted by the device on the Internet 6 side is changed to the multi-function device. The process of transferring to 10 is performed. On the other hand, if the information received by the router 7 from the device on the Internet 6 side is not the response information to the information that is the source of the multi-function device 10, the information transmitted by the device on the Internet 6 side is sent to the multi-function device 10. Processing that does not transfer is performed. In this case, request information may be transmitted from the service server to the multi-function device 10 via the Internet 6 in order to execute the push service described above. In this case, since it is necessary for the service server to perform processing for exceeding the firewall function and the like, the processing load on the service server increases. With the technology disclosed in this specification, request information can be transmitted from the service server to the multi-function peripheral 10 via the intermediary server 60. Then, the request information is transmitted from the intermediary server 60 to the multi-function device 10 using the session established according to the session establishment type XMPP over BOSH (S355). By using the session established according to XMPP over BOSH, so-called server push, in which request information is transmitted from the Internet 6 side to the multi-function peripheral 10, becomes possible. Therefore, even when the router 7 has a firewall function or an address translation function, the service server does not perform processing for exceeding the firewall function or the address translation function, and the request information is sent from the service server to the multi-function peripheral 10. It becomes possible to send. Therefore, the processing load on the service server can be reduced.

According to the technology disclosed in the present specification, even when a predetermined time has passed after the server push is enabled between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the intermediation server 60, the intermediary server 60 can perform the above-mentioned operation. Maintain a state where server push is possible. As a result, it becomes possible to constantly provide the push service by using the session establishment type protocol. Therefore, the request information transmitted from the service server to the mediation server 60 can be immediately transferred from the mediation server 60 to the multi-function device 10. Therefore, it is possible to increase the communication response speed between the service server and the multi-function device 10, and to improve the real-time property of communication.

The process of establishing a connection according to XMPP over BOSH may be more complicated and time consuming than the process of establishing a connection according to HTTP. For example, when the XMPP processing unit 63 that establishes a connection according to XMPP over BOSH is provided in an external server that is separate from the intermediary server 60, an external server is required to establish a connection according to XMPP over BOSH. Since it becomes necessary to go through, the processing becomes complicated. In the technology disclosed in this specification, response information to the request information transmitted from the intermediary server 60 to the multi-function peripheral 10 is used as an HTTP request by using the second connection conforming to sessionless HTTP. , Can be transmitted from the multi-function device 10 to the mediation server 60 (S265). As a result, the response information can be transmitted to the mediation server 60 more promptly by a simpler process, as compared with the case where the response information is transmitted using the session established according to the session establishment type XMPP over BOSH. Is possible.

In the technology disclosed in this specification, when the mediation server 60 receives the request information from the service server (S343: YES), the mediation server 60 generates a request ID (S353) and associates the generated request ID with the received request information. Then, it is stored in the memory 74 (S353). The request information to which the request ID is added is transferred to the multi-function device 10 (S355). When the response information to the request information is received from the multi-function peripheral 10 (S369: YES), the request ID included in the response information is read (S373), and the request information associated with the read request ID is collected. It is detected from the functional device management database 77 (S373). Accordingly, it is possible to provide the push service related to the response information that correctly corresponds to the request information without the load of directly establishing a session for enabling the server push between the service server and the multi-function device. In addition, even if there are multiple service servers or multiple multifunction devices, a session that enables server push is directly established between multiple service servers and multifunction devices. You can eliminate the need.

In the technique disclosed in this specification, when response information is received from the multi-function peripheral 10 as an HTTP request (S369: YES), an HTTP response is returned to the multi-function peripheral 10 (S375). As a result, the multi-function device 10 that has output the response information waits for the response data to be returned until the timeout occurs, or determines that the timeout has occurred and repeats the transmission of the response information, so that the connection ends normally. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation that occurs because of not doing so. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load on the multi-function device 10, the mediation server 60, and the LAN 4.

In the technology disclosed in this specification, when the session between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the intermediation server 60 is disconnected and the request information cannot be transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 10 (S349: YES), Error information can be output to the service server as an HTTP response to the request information (S351). As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation that occurs because the connection is not normally terminated and that becomes a load on the multi-function device 10, the mediation server 60, and the Internet 6.

With the technique disclosed in this specification, whether or not to establish a session can be set based on the mode information stored in the memory 24 (S211). Even if the session between the multi-function peripheral 10 and the intermediary server 60 is disconnected, if the multi-function peripheral 10 is in the session maintaining mode, the multi-function peripheral 10 transmits establishment request information to re-establish the session. You can As a result, it becomes possible to constantly provide the push service by using the session establishment type protocol.

According to the technology disclosed in the present specification, the mode information indicating the session maintaining mode is stored in the memory 24 at the time of manufacturing the multi-function device 10, so that the session is established when the multi-function device 10 is activated. can do. As a result, the manufacturer or seller of the multi-function device 10, such as a vendor or a dealer, can determine the multi-function device 10 to which the push service is to be provided at all times, and allow the determined multi-function device 10 to use the push service. Becomes

With the technology disclosed in this specification, a session of XMPP over BOSH, which is a higher protocol of HTTP, can be established by using HTTP used for using a pull service. As a result, the multi-function peripheral 10 and the mediation server 60 do not need to support a new protocol only for establishing a session, and the push service can be constantly provided.

With the technology disclosed in this specification, a session for enabling server push of XMPP over BOSH can be established by using HTTP used for using the pull service. As a result, a push service corresponding to response information can be provided by using a configuration that performs processing relating to HTTP that is generally used by devices that connect to the Internet, for example, using a protocol stack that performs HTTP processing. So more convenient.

Specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. For example, the following modifications are included.

<Modification>
When the time-up time has elapsed in the state where the XMPP connection is established with the intermediation server 60 (S236) (S234: YES), the process of establishing the XMPP session with the intermediation server 60 (S233), and alive notification The process of transmitting information (S241) may not be executed. In this case, the process (S236) of establishing the MPP connection with the intermediary server 60 may be executed in response to the lapse of the time-up time. Further, in this case, the process of establishing a new XMPP session with the mediation server 60 may be executed in response to the lapse of the time-up time (S233).

The device ID inquiry information output from the service server may include the account ID of the push service user. In this case, the CPU 72 of the intermediation server 60 detects the device ID of the multi-function peripheral corresponding to the account ID from the device database 76 using the identification information such as the account ID included in the device ID inquiry information in S347. May be. The first request information, which is the information output from the service server, may include an account ID and the like. In this case, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 may detect the device ID of the multi-function peripheral corresponding to the account ID from the device database 76 by using the identification information such as the account ID included in the first request information. .. In S349, the multi-function device corresponding to the account ID may be specified as the communication-destination multi-function device that is the multi-function device to which the first request information is transmitted, and it may be determined whether or not it is “offline”.

In S355, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 may generate the second request information by directly using the first request information received from the service server. Further, the CPU 72 may generate the second request information after converting the received first request information into data that the multi-function peripherals 10 and 11 can understand as the request information.

In the first operation example of the communication system 2, it has been described that the process of transmitting the HTTP response to the multi-function peripheral 10 (S375) is performed after the process of transmitting the response information to the service server (S373). Not limited to The order of these processes may be reversed.

The request information is not limited to the GET request and the SET request, and may be other types of request information.

The multi-function peripherals communicatively connected to the mediation server 60 are not limited to the multi-function peripherals 10 and 11, and three or more multi-function peripherals may exist. The service server connected to the Internet 6 is not limited to the service server 100, and two or more service servers may exist. Although the multi-function devices 10 and 11 are given as examples of devices that use the push service and the pull service, the devices are not limited thereto. A sewing machine that embroiders or quilts a predetermined image based on instruction data or the like may be used. A sewing machine that performs decorative sewing, sewing, etc. to form a work or product based on image data may be used. A 3D printer that generates a 3D image by spraying, shaving, or the like based on instruction data or the like may be used. It may be a work manufacturing apparatus or a product manufacturing apparatus that generates a work or a product by spraying or shaving based on image data or the like. 3D image data or 3D CAD data may be used as an example of the image data. It may be a scanner that creates image data based on output data from a sensor that optically or electrically detects the contour of an object or output data from a sensor attached to the object. It may be a scanner that creates data indicating the shape and movement of the object based on the output from the sensor. Moving image data or 3D image data may be used as an example of the image data.

The multi-function devices 10 and 11 are examples of image processing devices. The service servers 100 and 120 are examples of server devices. The mediation server 60 is an example of a relay device. The CPUs 72 and 22 are examples of processors. The CPU that executes S343 is an example of a server request information acquisition unit. The XMPP session establishment request information is an example of establishment request data. XMPP over BOSH is an example of the first protocol. HTTP is an example of the second protocol and the third protocol. The CPU that executes S321 is an example of an establishment request information acquisition unit. The GET request and the SET request included in the first request information are examples of server request information. The CPU that executes S355 is an example of a server request information output unit. LAN4 is an example of a first network. The routers 7 and 8 are examples of communication control devices. The Internet 6 is an example of the second network. The memory 74 is an example of a storage unit. The CPU that executes S317 is an example of an image processing apparatus identification information output unit. The CPU that executes S369 is an example of response information acquisition means. The CPU that executes S373 is an example of response information output means. The request ID is an example of first identification information. The CPU that executes S353 is an example of a first identification information storage control unit. The CPU that executes S351 is an example of an error information output unit. The CPU that executes S361 is an example of a third establishment request information acquisition unit. The CPU that executes S341 is an example of a second establishment request information acquisition unit. The CPU that executes S373 is an example of a connection identifying unit. The CPU that executes S233 is an example of the establishment request information output unit. The CPU that executes S251 is an example of a server request information acquisition unit. The CPU that executes S241 is an example of a recognition request information output unit. The CPU that executes S244 is an example of a server recognition information acquisition unit. The CPU that executes S236 is an example of a second establishment request information output unit. The CPU that executes S241 is an example of a recognition request information output unit. The CPU that executes S263 is an example of a fourth establishment request information output unit. The CPU that executes S373 is an example of response information output means. The CPU that executes S217 or S257 is an example of a related information request information output unit. The CPU that executes S217 or S257 is an example of a related information acquisition unit.

4: LAN, 6: Internet, 7 and 8: Router, 10 and 11: Multi-function device, 22 and 72 and 103: CPU, 60: Mediation server, 100, 110, and 120: Service server

Claims (5)

A network interface capable of communicating via a network with a relay device capable of communicating with the server device;
A processor,
An image processing apparatus comprising:
The processor is
Session establishing means for establishing a session according to the first protocol that is a session establishment type between the relay device and the image processing device;
The server request information received by the relay device from the server device, the server request information indicating a request to the image processing device, is transmitted between the relay device and the image processing device via the network interface. Server request information acquisition means for acquiring from the relay device using the established session,
A response in which response information to the request indicated by the server request information is generated, and the generated response information is transmitted to the relay device via the network interface using a second protocol that is a sessionless protocol. Information transmission means,
And then work,
The server request information is GET request information indicating a request for information used for communication or information indicating a device state of the image processing apparatus, and/or SET request information indicating a request for changing the setting of the image processing apparatus. Including,
The response information is
When the acquired server request information includes the GET request information, includes GET response information including information corresponding to the request indicated by the GET request information,
When the acquired server request information includes the SET request information, includes SET response information including information indicating that the setting change corresponding to the request indicated by the SET request information has been executed,
An image processing device characterized by the above. The server request information acquisition means acquires, from the relay device, the first identification information for identifying the server request information, which is the first identification information generated by the relay device, together with the server request information. ,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the response information transmitting unit transmits the first identification information to the relay device together with the response information. The processor is
When a predetermined time has elapsed without acquiring the server request information since the session was established, a reply of recognition information indicating that the relay device recognizes that the session is established is returned. Recognition request information transmitting means for transmitting the recognition request information requested to the relay device to the relay device via the network interface using the second protocol;
Server recognition information acquisition means for acquiring, through the network interface, the recognition information returned by the relay device to the image processing device using the second protocol;
If the server recognition information acquisition unit cannot acquire the recognition information, the establishment request information requesting establishment of a session according to the first protocol between the relay device and the image processing device is displayed. An establishment request information transmitting unit for transmitting to the relay device via the network interface,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus functions as a device. The first protocol is XMPPoverBOSH (eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol over Bidirectional-streams Over Synchronous HTTP),
The second protocol is HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol),
The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The processor is
Transmission of establishment request information, which transmits establishment request information requesting establishment of a session according to the first protocol between the relay apparatus and the image processing apparatus to the relay apparatus via the network interface. Function as a means,
The establishment request information transmitting means,
Transmitting the establishment request information to the relay device based on session maintenance information for establishing the session stored in the storage unit, provided that the image processing device is in the session maintenance mode. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is characterized.

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