JP6766628B2 - Information processing equipment, information processing systems, management servers and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, a management server and a program, and more particularly to a technique for determining a stop position of a movable information processing device.

Conventionally, when using an information processing device such as an MFP (Multi Functional Peripherals), it has been common for a user to move to a place where the information processing device is installed. In addition, information processing devices such as MFPs may be frequently used in conferences and the like. For example, conference materials may be scanned or printed out. However, if the information processing device is not installed in the conference space, the user must frequently move to the place where the information processing device is installed during the conference, which is inconvenient. Therefore, in recent years, it has been required that the information processing device be self-propelled on the floor so that it can be used in a state where it is moved to a place where a meeting is held.

However, in recent open-floor offices, the meeting space is often not provided with a partition wall, and even if multiple meeting spaces are provided, some of the multiple meeting spaces are included. , Surrounding noise is loud and there may be spaces that are not suitable for meetings. Therefore, when the information processing device is self-propelled, it is preferable to move it to a place suitable for a meeting.

By the way, conventionally, a robot that recognizes voice and moves in the direction of a sound source has been provided (Patent Document 1). According to the robot shown in Patent Document 1, the robot recognizes the voice, detects the direction and volume of the sound source, determines the arrival position, and moves to the arrival position. As a result, the robot can move to a reaching position determined based on the surrounding volume.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-181651

However, the robot shown in Patent Document 1 moves in the direction of the sound source. Therefore, if this conventional technology is applied to an information processing device such as an MFP and the information processing device is attempted to run on its own, it will move in a direction in which ambient noise increases, so the environment is moved to an environment suitable for a conference. Can't. It should be noted that such a problem is not necessarily limited to the MFP. That is, the prior art of Patent Document 1 has a problem that the robot is stopped regardless of whether the environment is suitable for the user, so that the robot cannot be moved to a place satisfying the environmental conditions suitable for the user.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and information processing capable of acquiring environmental information, determining a moving direction, starting moving, and stopping at a position satisfying appropriate environmental conditions. The purpose is to provide equipment, information processing systems, management servers and programs.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1, in an information processing apparatus which moves as the destination the position environment information satisfies a predetermined condition, and information acquisition means for acquiring the environmental information, by the information acquisition means and direction determining means for determining the moving direction based on the acquired environmental information, the move in the moving direction determined by the direction determining means, wherein the environment information acquired by the information acquiring means said predetermined condition The configuration is characterized in that it is provided with a movement control means that determines that the destination is reached and stops when the position is reached .

The invention of claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information acquisition means continuously or intermittently acquires and moves the environmental information while being moved by the movement control means. The movement control means further includes a determination means for determining whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition means, and the movement control means moves in the movement direction. The configuration is characterized in that the determination means stops when the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

The invention of claim 3 further includes a storage means for storing map information relating to at least a movable area in the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, and the direction determining means refers to the map information. The configuration is characterized in that the direction of movement is determined.

The invention of claim 4 is a movable information processing apparatus, in which an information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information at a predetermined position and a direction for determining a moving direction based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition means. A determination means, a movement control means that moves based on the movement direction determined by the direction determination means and stops at a position that satisfies a predetermined condition, a first state that is exclusively used by a predetermined user, and the above. e Bei and a state setting means is the first state is set to any state different second state, the direction determination means, when set to said first state by said state setting means, wherein The configuration is characterized in that the moving direction is determined.

The invention of claim 5 further includes, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, a route determining means for determining a return route for returning to the initial position installed in the second state, the route determining means. When the state setting means sets the second state, the return path is determined, and the movement control means moves to the initial position based on the return path determined by the path determining means. It is a configuration characterized by that.

The invention of claim 6 is a position information acquisition means for acquiring the position information when the state setting means is set to the first state in the information processing apparatus according to claim 5 as the position information of the initial position. Further, the route determining means is characterized in that the return route is determined based on the position information of the initial position acquired by the position information acquiring means.

The invention according to claim 7 comprises a job receiving means for accepting a job, a job executing means for executing a job accepted by the job receiving means, and the above-mentioned first method in the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6. The job execution means is further provided with a registration means for registering a user who can be exclusively used in the state of 1, and the job execution means is registered by the registration means in a state of being set to the first state by the state setting means. The configuration is characterized in that when a job received from a user different from the existing user is accepted by the job receiving means, the execution of the job is restricted.

The invention of claim 8 is a movable information processing device, in which an information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information at a predetermined position and a direction for determining a moving direction based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition means. The environmental information includes volume, illuminance, temperature and humidity , and includes a determination means and a movement control means that moves based on the movement direction determined by the direction determination means and stops at a position that satisfies a predetermined condition. It is a configuration characterized by containing at least one of them.

The invention of claim 9 is a program that environment information is executed in an information processing apparatus which moves as the destination the position satisfying the predetermined condition, the information processing apparatus, information acquisition means to acquire the environment information, direction determination means to determine a movement direction based on the environment information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and the move to the moving direction determined by the direction determining means, obtained by the information obtaining unit The configuration is characterized in that when the environmental information reaches a position satisfying the predetermined condition, it functions as a movement control means that determines that the destination is the destination and stops the information.

The invention of claim 10 is the program according to claim 9, wherein the information acquisition means continuously or intermittently acquires the environmental information while moving by the movement control means, and the information processing. The device is further functioned as a determination means for determining whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition means while moving, and the movement control means is said. The configuration is characterized in that when the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied while moving in the moving direction, the determination means stops.

The invention of claim 11 is a program executed in a movable information processing device , wherein the information processing device is an information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information at a predetermined position, and the environment acquired by the information acquisition means. A direction determining means for determining a moving direction based on information, a moving control means for moving based on the moving direction determined by the direction determining means and stopping at a position satisfying a predetermined condition, and exclusive by a predetermined user. a first state used, to function as a state setting means for setting in one of the states of the second state different from said first state, said direction determining means, wherein the said state setting means When set to the first state, the configuration is characterized in that the moving direction is determined.

The invention of claim 12 further functions the information processing apparatus as a route determining means for determining a return route for returning to the initial position installed in the second state in the program according to claim 11. The movement control means is characterized in that it moves to the initial position based on the return path determined by the route determination means.

The invention of claim 13 acquires the position information when the information processing apparatus is set to the first state by the state setting means as the position information of the initial position in the program according to claim 12. Further functioning as the position information acquisition means, the route determination means is characterized in that the return route is determined based on the position information of the initial position acquired by the position information acquisition means.

The invention according to claim 14 is the job receiving means for receiving a job and the job executing means for executing the job received by the job receiving means in the program according to any one of claims 11 to 13. The job execution means is set to the first state by the state setting means, and the registration means is further functioned as a registration means for registering a user who can be exclusively used in the first state. This configuration is characterized in that when a job received from a user different from the user registered by is accepted by the job receiving means, the execution of the job is restricted.

The invention of claim 15 is a program executed in a movable information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information at a predetermined position, and the environment acquired by the information acquisition means. It functions as a direction determining means for determining a moving direction based on information and a moving control means for moving based on the moving direction determined by the direction determining means and stopping at a position satisfying a predetermined condition. The environmental information is configured to include at least one of volume, illuminance, temperature and humidity.

The invention of claim 16 includes a movable first information processing device and a second information processing device capable of communicating with the first information processing device and different from the first information processing device. In the information processing system, the first information processing device is set to either a first state exclusively used by a predetermined user or a second state different from the first state. When the state setting means and the state setting means set the first state, the moving direction is determined based on the information acquisition means for acquiring the environmental information and the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition means. A direction determining means, a first moving control means that moves based on the moving direction determined by the direction determining means and stops at a position that satisfies a predetermined condition, a job receiving means that accepts a job, and the job receiving means. When a job received from a user different from the predetermined user is received, the second information processing device includes a transmission means for transmitting the received job to the second information processing device. The configuration is characterized in that it includes a job execution means for executing a job received from the information processing apparatus 1.

The invention of claim 17 is the information processing system according to claim 16, wherein the information acquisition means continuously or intermittently acquires the environmental information while being moved by the first movement control means. The first information processing apparatus further includes a determination means for determining whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition means while moving. The first movement control means is characterized in that it stops when it is determined by the determination means that the predetermined condition is satisfied while the movement is moving in the movement direction.

The invention according to claim 18 is the information processing system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein when the job is executed by the job execution means, the second information processing apparatus becomes the first information processing apparatus. Further provided with a completion notification means for transmitting the executed notification to the user, when the first information processing device receives the executed notification from the second information processing device, the first information processing device sends the executed notification to the user who is the source of the job. Further, the configuration is characterized in that the execution notification means for notifying that the job has been executed by the second information processing apparatus is further provided.

The invention of claim 19 further includes the first information processing apparatus and a management server capable of communicating with the second information processing apparatus in the information processing system according to any one of claims 16 to 18. The first information processing device further includes a state notification means for notifying the management server when the first information processing device is set to the first state, and the management server can be used from the first information processing device. When receiving the notification that the first state is set, the instruction transmitting means for transmitting the transfer instruction for transferring the job to the second information processing device to the first information processing device is provided. It is a configuration characterized by.

According to the invention of claim 20, in the information processing system according to claim 19, the management server has a first acquisition means for acquiring initial position information regarding an initial position of the first information processing apparatus, and the first acquisition means. Upon receiving a notification from the information processing device that the first state has been set, a movement instruction for transmitting a movement instruction to move to the initial position based on the initial position information is sent to the second information processing device. The second information processing apparatus further includes a second information processing means that moves to the initial position based on the initial position information when the movement instruction is received from the management server. It is a characteristic configuration.

According to the invention of claim 21, in the information processing system according to claim 20, the first information processing apparatus sets a return path for returning to the initial position when the second state is set. Further provided with a route determining means for determining based on the position information, the status notifying means notifies the management server when the second state is set, and the management server notifies the management server. When the notification that the second state is set is received from the information processing device of the above, the second movement control means further includes a return instruction transmitting means for transmitting a return instruction to the second information processing device. Is configured to move to the position at the time of receiving the move instruction when the return instruction is received from the management server.

The invention of claim 22 includes a plurality of the second information processing devices in the information processing system according to claim 20 or 21, and the management server acquires the current position information of the second information processing device. Based on the second acquisition means, the current position information acquired by the second acquisition means, and the initial position information acquired by the first acquisition means, a plurality of the second information processing devices. Among them, the device detecting means for detecting the one second information processing device having the minimum distance from the initial position is further provided, and the device detecting means is the first from the first information processing device. Upon receiving the notification that the state has been set, the second information processing device is detected, and the movement instruction transmitting means sends the second information processing device detected by the device detecting means to the second information processing device. On the other hand, the configuration is characterized in that the movement instruction is transmitted.

The invention of claim 23 is a management server capable of communicating with a movable first information processing device and a plurality of movable second information processing devices different from the first information processing device. Acquired by the first acquisition means for acquiring the initial position information regarding the initial position of the information processing device 1, the second acquisition means for acquiring the current position information of the second information processing device, and the second acquisition means. Based on the current position information and the initial position information acquired by the first acquisition means, one of the plurality of second information processing devices having the smallest distance from the initial position. Upon receiving the device detection means for detecting the second information processing device and the notification to start moving from the first information processing device, the second information processing device detected by the device detection means is notified. On the other hand, the configuration is characterized by including a movement instruction transmitting means for transmitting a movement instruction to move to the initial position based on the initial position information.

According to the present invention, by acquiring environmental information, determining a moving direction, moving in the determined moving direction, and stopping at a position satisfying a predetermined condition, an information processing apparatus can be provided at an appropriate place satisfying the condition. It becomes possible to use.

It is a figure which shows one configuration example of an information processing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of map information. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the condition information. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the 1st image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of one aspect of user registration and an example of the structure of user registration information. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware structure and the function structure of the 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of a location management server. It is a figure which shows an example of the moving mode of the 1st image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the moving mode of the 1st image processing apparatus and 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the moving mode of the 1st image processing apparatus and 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of communication between a 1st image processing apparatus, a 2nd image processing apparatus, and a management server. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of communication between a 1st image processing apparatus, a 2nd image processing apparatus, and a position management server. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main processing procedure executed in the 1st image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the job reception processing executed in the 1st image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the conference mode setting process executed in the 1st image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the environment information acquisition processing executed in the 1st image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the user registration processing executed in the 1st image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the conference mode end processing executed in the 1st image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main processing procedure executed in the 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the job execution processing executed in the 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the position information transmission processing executed in the 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the movement processing executed in the 2nd image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main processing procedure executed in a location management server. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the device detection process executed in the management server.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 1 is composed of a first image processing device 3 (first information processing device; the same applies hereinafter) composed of an MFP (Multi Functional Peripherals) and the like, and an MFP (Multi Functional Peripherals) and the like. A second image processing device 5 (second information processing device; the same applies hereinafter) and a position management server 7 capable of communicating with the first image processing device 3 and the second image processing device are provided. Further, a network 9 composed of a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like for communicably connecting the location management server 7, the first image processing device 3, and the second image processing device 5 is provided. The first image processing device 3 and the second image processing device 5 perform wireless communication with the access point 11 provided in the network 9 and are connected to the network 9 via the access point 11.

The first image processing device 3 and the second image processing device 5 are both installed on the same floor in the office and are configured to be movable on the floor in the office. For example, the first image processing device 3 is installed at a first place (initial position) in the office and can be moved from the first place. Further, the second image processing device 5 is installed in a second place (reference position) different from the first place, and can be moved from the second place. The first image processing device 3 is provided with a secondary battery for operating each part described later, charges the secondary battery when it is located at the first location, and moves from the first location. When it is present, each part is operated by the power supply from the secondary battery. Similarly, the second image processing device 5 also includes a secondary battery, which charges the secondary battery when it is located at the second location and the secondary battery when it is moved from the second location. Each part is operated by the power supply from the battery.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first image processing device 3 includes a job execution unit 52 that controls execution of a job received via the network 9. The first image processing device 3 includes a printer unit 26 capable of printing and outputting, a fax unit 28 capable of transmitting and receiving facsimiles, and a scanner unit 30 having a scanning function. The job execution unit 52 causes any of the printer unit 26, the fax unit 28, and the scanner unit 30 to execute the process according to the received job. Further, the first image processing device 3 includes an operation unit 13 composed of a touch panel and operation buttons. When a job is generated by the user performing an operation on the operation unit 13, the job execution unit 52 controls the execution of the generated job.

The first image processing device 3 includes a sensor unit 12 capable of detecting environmental information such as ambient volume, illuminance, air temperature, and humidity. The sensor unit 12 is provided at a position where these environmental information can be suitably detected. The first image processing device 3 includes a drive mechanism 32 that can be moved by driving. The first image processing device 3 includes a first movement control unit 46 that controls the drive of the drive mechanism 32. The first image processing device 3 acquires environmental information by the sensor unit 12, and determines the moving direction based on the acquired environmental information. The first movement control unit 46 drives the drive mechanism 32 based on the determined movement direction to control the movement of the first image processing device 3. The drive mechanism 32 includes a rotatable wheel portion 14, and the first image processing device 3 can move in the moving direction by rotating the wheel portion 14 according to the moving direction.

The first image processing device 3 can set a conference mode that can be used only by a limited number of users, unlike a normal state that can be used by any user. The first image processing device 3 sets the conference mode by detecting an operation input for turning on the conference mode by the user. When the conference mode is set, the first image processing device 3 can execute a job received from a user registered by, for example, user registration, while restricting execution of a job received from a user who is not registered. .. As a result, for example, when a conference is held by a limited number of users and the first image processing device 3 is used to print necessary materials and the like during the conference, jobs received from users other than the conference members during the conference can be obtained. It can be prevented from being executed and hindering the progress of the meeting.

When the conference mode is set, the first image processing device 3 acquires environmental information around the first image processing device 3 by the sensor unit 12. Then, for example, when the acquired volume around the first image processing device 3 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the first image processing device 3 determines a direction different from the sound source as the moving direction and moves. The first image processing device 3 continuously or intermittently acquires environmental information by the sensor unit 12 even while moving. Then, when the acquired environmental information satisfies a predetermined condition, the first image processing device 3 is stopped. Predetermined conditions can be set in advance by the user, and the set condition information 76 (see FIG. 3) is stored in the storage unit 22 of the first image processing device 3. The condition information 76 will be described later.

In the first image processing device 3, map information 72 indicating the arrangement status of articles in a movable floor or the like is stored in the storage unit 22 in advance. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of map information 72. The map information 72 in the illustrated example includes desk area information 100 indicating the positions of desks and chairs arranged on the floor. The map information 72 includes coordinate information 106 in the XY coordinate plane that specifies the position of each article. Further, the first image processing device 3 includes a position information acquisition unit 64 that detects the position of the own machine. The position information acquisition unit 64 detects the current position of the first image processing device 3 by calculating the amount of movement of the first image processing device 3 in the XY coordinate plane based on, for example, the driving amount of the driving mechanism 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the first image processing device 3 may detect the position of its own machine based on position sensors (not shown) installed at at least two different points on the floor. ..

The first image processing device 3 recognizes the area where the desk and chair indicated by the desk area information 100 are arranged as an impassable area. The first image processing device 3 refers to the map information 72 when the conference mode is set. Then, when moving in the moving direction determined based on the environmental information as described above, the movement route avoids the area indicated by the desk area information 100.

The map information 72 further includes conference area information 102 indicating that the desk and chair shown in the desk area information 100 are conference tables and chairs. The first image processing device 3 may recognize the area near the conference table and the chair indicated by the conference area information 102 as the conference space, and set a movement route through the conference space. As a result, the first image processing device 3 moves in the vicinity of the conference table. Then, when the environmental information acquired while moving in the vicinity of the conference table satisfies a predetermined condition, the first image processing device 3 stops in the vicinity of the conference table, and the user conducts a conference using the conference table. Is possible.

Returning to FIG. 1, when the first image processing device 3 receives a job from a user other than the registered user while the conference mode is set, the first image processing device 3 transfers the job to the second image processing device 5. The second image processing device 5 executes the job received from the first image processing device 3. As a result, the job transmitted from the user other than the registered user to the first image processing device 3 is executed in the second image processing device, so that the job can be prevented from staying.

The second image processing device 5 includes a second job execution unit 126 that controls the execution of the received job. The second image processing device 5 includes a printer unit 80 capable of executing print output, a fax unit 82 capable of executing facsimile transmission and reception, and a scanner unit 30 having a scanning function. When the second image processing device 5 receives the job received from the first image processing device 3, the second image processing device 5 executes this job.

The second image processing device 5 includes a drive mechanism 86 like the first image processing device 3. The drive mechanism 86 includes a rotatable wheel portion 17. When the conference mode is set in the first image processing device 3 and the first image processing device 3 moves, the first image processing device 3 moves to the initial position installed before the movement based on the instruction of the position management server 7. To do. The wheel portion 17 rotates according to the moving direction to the initial position, whereby the second image processing device 5 moves toward the initial position.

The first image processing device 3 is set to the conference mode and starts moving, and when the environmental information is stopped by satisfying a predetermined condition, the first image processing device 3 detects the stopped position and transmits it to the position management server 7. When the position management server 7 acquires the information on the stopped position from the first image processing device 3, the position management server 7 moves to the initial position (first place) of the first image processing device 3 with respect to the second image processing device 5. Send a move instruction. The position management server 7 refers to the second image processing device 5 when the first image processing device 3 exists between the current position of the second image processing device 5 and the initial position of the first image processing device. Waiting for the transmission of the movement instruction, the first image processing device 3 transmits the movement instruction at a timing away from the path between the current position of the second image processing device 5 and the initial position of the first image processing device. You may try to do it.

When the user inputs an operation to turn off the conference mode, the first image processing device 3 shifts the state from the conference mode to the normal state. In the normal state, the first image processing device 3 notifies the location management server 7 that the conference mode is off. When the position management server 7 receives the notification from the first image processing device 3 that the conference mode is off, the position management server 7 causes the second image processing device 5 to move to the initial position of the first image processing device 3. A return instruction to return to the position (second place) (hereinafter referred to as "reference position") is transmitted. Upon receiving the return instruction, the second image processing device 5 returns from the first place to the second place which is the reference position.

The location management server 7 is connected to the network 9 and can communicate with the first image processing device 3 and the second image processing device 5 via the network 9. In the position management server 7, the map information 72 is stored in advance in the storage unit 144 in the same manner as in the first image processing device 3. The position management server 7 acquires the initial position information 74 indicating the initial position from the first image processing device 3, and also acquires the reference position information 134 indicating the reference position from the second image processing device 5.

The location management server 7 includes device information 135 including identification information such as the IP address of the second image processing device 5. When a plurality of second image processing devices 5 are installed on the same floor, the position management server 7 uses the second image processing device 5 closest to the initial position based on the initial position information 74 and the reference position information 134. To detect. Then, the detected identification information such as the IP address of the second image processing device 5 is transmitted to the first image processing device 3, and the job is transferred to the second image processing device 5 corresponding to the identification information. Instruct the first image processing device 3. The first image processing device 3 set in the conference mode transfers the job to the second image processing device 5 corresponding to the identification information received from the position management server 7. As a result, the job is executed by the second image processing device 5 near the initial position of the first image processing device 3. Therefore, for example, a user who has transmitted a print job to the first image processing device 3 can use the first image processing device 3. It becomes possible to receive the printing paper or the like printed out from the second image processing device 5 near the.

Further, the position management server 7 transmits a movement instruction to move to the initial position to the detected second image processing device 5. The second image processing device 5 that has received the move instruction moves to the initial position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the moving distance of the second image processing device 5 from becoming long.

Next, the configurations of the first image processing device 3, the second image processing device 5, and the position management server 7 constituting the information processing system 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the first image processing device 3. The first image processing device 3 communicates with a control unit 20, a storage unit 22 for storing various information, a sensor unit 12, an operation unit 13, and an external device such as a position management server 7 via a network 9. A communication interface 24, a printer unit 26, a fax unit 28, a scanner unit 30, and a drive mechanism 32 are provided as interfaces in the above. The sensor unit 12 includes a volume sensor 12a for measuring the ambient volume, an illuminance sensor 12b for measuring the brightness of illumination, a temperature sensor 12c for measuring the temperature, and a humidity sensor 12d for measuring the humidity. The volume sensor 12a is a sensor that has at least two microphones for detecting the sound source direction and can measure sound pressure levels in different directions.

In the first image processing device 3, the control program (not shown) is executed by the CPU (not shown) to function as the control unit 20. The control program is stored in advance in the storage unit 22. The control program may be stored in, for example, a cloud server connected to the network 9, downloaded to the first image processing device 3 via the network 9, and executed.

The control unit 20 includes a state setting unit 40 that can be set in the conference mode, an environment information acquisition unit 42 that acquires environment information detected by the sensor unit 12, and a direction determination unit 44 that determines a movement route to move from the initial position. A first movement control unit 46 that drives the drive mechanism 32 to control movement, a determination unit 48 that determines whether or not the environmental information satisfies a predetermined condition, a job reception unit 50 that accepts jobs, and a job reception unit. It includes a job execution unit 52 that executes a job accepted by the unit 50, and a job transfer unit 54 that transfers the job accepted by the job reception unit 50 to the second image processing device 5. The state setting unit 40 is a processing unit that sets either the conference mode exclusively used by the user registered in the user registration information 70 or the normal state. When the state setting unit 40 detects an operation input for setting the conference mode to ON by the user, the status setting unit 40 sets the conference mode. Registration to the user registration information 70 will be described later.

The environmental information acquisition unit 42 is a processing unit that acquires environmental information. In the present embodiment, the environmental information acquisition unit 42 acquires the volume, illuminance, temperature, and humidity around the first image processing device 3 detected by the sensor unit 12 as environmental information. The environment information acquisition unit 42 acquires environment information when the conference mode is set by the state setting unit 40. In addition, unlike this, the environmental information acquisition unit 42 has a volume, an illuminance, and a temperature detected by a sensor (not shown) installed at a predetermined position in the floor where the first image processing device 3 can move, for example. And humidity may be acquired as environmental information.

The direction determination unit 44 is a processing unit that determines the movement route of the first image processing device 3 based on the environmental information acquired by the environmental information acquisition unit 42. When the environmental information is acquired by the environmental information acquisition unit 42, the direction determination unit 44 functions to determine whether or not the acquired environmental information satisfies the predetermined condition in the condition information 76 stored in advance in the storage unit 22. To do. When the environmental information satisfies the predetermined condition, the direction determination unit 44 determines not to move. That is, when the volume, illuminance, temperature, and humidity around the first image processing device 3 satisfy the conditions, the initial position where the first image processing device 3 is currently installed is a comfortable environment for holding a meeting. Therefore, there is no need to move.

On the other hand, when the environmental information does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the direction determination unit 44 determines the movement route with reference to the map information 72. For example, it may move in a direction different from the sound source direction detected by the volume sensor 12a (12), and may generate a movement path for moving in the passable area in the map information 72. Alternatively, the storage unit 22 may store a plurality of movement path patterns in advance, and one of these patterns may be selected and determined as the movement path.

When the environment information acquisition unit 42 acquires the environment information by the sensor installed at a predetermined position on the floor where the first image processing device 3 can move, the acquired environment information is determined based on the condition information 76. When the condition is satisfied, the direction determination unit 44 may determine a movement path for moving to the position where the sensor is installed or the vicinity of the position where the sensor is installed.

The first movement control unit 46 is a processing unit that controls movement by driving the drive mechanism 32. When the movement path is determined by the direction determination unit 44, the first movement control unit 46 moves the first image processing device 3 by driving the drive mechanism 32 based on the determined movement path. At this time, the first movement control unit 46 detects in which direction the first image processing device 3 is facing in the XY coordinate plane defined in the map information 72 by, for example, a geomagnetic sensor (not shown), and determines the direction. The first image processing device 3 is moved toward the movement path defined by the unit 44. If the movement path is curved, the first movement control unit 46 can move the first image processing device 3 along the curved movement path.

The determination unit 48 is a processing unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the environmental information while the first movement control unit 46 is moving. While the first image processing device 3 is moving by driving the drive mechanism 32 by the first movement control unit 46, the environment information acquisition unit 42 continuously or intermittently acquires the environment information. The environment information acquisition unit 42 may continuously acquire the environment information while the first image processing device 3 is moving, or may acquire the environment information at regular time intervals. When the environmental information is acquired by the environmental information acquisition unit 42, the determination unit 48 functions to refer to the condition information 76 stored in the storage unit 22.

The condition information 76 is information in which the minimum value and the maximum value of each of the acquired environmental information are defined as shown in FIG. The minimum value and the maximum value can be set by the user. The determination unit 48 determines whether or not each of the acquired environmental information is a value between the minimum value and the maximum value in the condition information 76. Then, the determination unit 48 determines that the condition is satisfied when, for example, all the environmental information is a value between the minimum value and the maximum value, and on the other hand, one of the environmental information is the minimum value and the maximum value. If the value is not between, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied. Unlike this, priority is set in the environmental information in the condition information 76, and when any of the environmental information is not a value between the minimum value and the maximum value, the minimum value and the maximum value are set in the high priority environmental information. When the value is between, the determination unit 48 may determine that the condition is satisfied. For example, the determination unit 48 may determine that the condition is satisfied when the value is between the minimum value and the maximum value in a predetermined number of environmental information in descending order of priority. Further, the determination unit 48 may search the map information 72 for a conference space that satisfies the conditions defined in the condition information 76 from the conference spaces including the conference area information 102.

When the determination unit 48 determines that the condition is satisfied, the first movement control unit 46 stops the drive mechanism 32. That is, the first image processing device 3 determines whether or not the condition is satisfied while moving along the moving path, and stops at the place where the condition is satisfied. As a result, the first image processing device 3 can detect the position of the environment suitable for the conference while moving along the moving path.

The job reception unit 50 is a processing unit that receives jobs generated by the operation of the operation unit 13 by the user and jobs received via the network 9. When a job is accepted by the job reception unit 50 in the normal state in which the conference mode is not set, the job execution unit 52 functions to execute the accepted job. When a job is accepted while the conference mode is set by the state setting unit 40, the job reception unit 50 refers to the user registration information 70 stored in the storage unit 22. When the source of the job is a user registered in the user registration information 70, the job reception unit 50 causes the job execution unit 52 to execute the job. On the other hand, when the source of the job is a user who is not registered in the user registration information 70, the job transfer unit 54 functions to transfer the job to the second image processing device 5.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example when user registration is performed. As shown in FIG. 5A, with the conference mode set in the first image processing device 3, a user who participates in the conference operates the information processing terminal 300 to connect with the first image processing device 3. Wireless communication is performed between the two, and the IP address of the information processing terminal 300 used by the user is transmitted to the first image processing device 3. When the first image processing device 3 receives the IP address from the information processing terminal 300, the first image processing device 3 registers the user name and the IP address in association with each other as shown in FIG. 5B.

When a job is accepted while the conference mode is set, the job reception unit 50 reads the source IP address from the accepted job. The job reception unit 50 refers to the user registration information 70, and when a user corresponding to the IP address read from the job is detected, causes the job execution unit 52 to execute the job. On the other hand, if the user corresponding to the IP address read from the job is not detected, the job execution unit 52 suspends the execution of the job. Then, when the state setting unit 40 shifts the state from the conference mode to the normal state, the job execution unit 52 executes the reserved job. As a result, jobs received from users other than the users who participate in the conference can be prevented from being executed by the first image processing device 3 during the conference mode setting, and the progress of the conference is hindered.

On the other hand, if the user corresponding to the IP address read from the job is not detected, the job transfer unit 54 may function. When the job transfer unit 54 receives a job received from a user different from the user registered in the user registration information 70 by the job reception unit 50, the job transfer unit 54 transmits the accepted job to the second image processing device 5. Is. In the present embodiment, the job transfer unit 54 notifies the location management server 7 that the job has been received from a user different from the user registered in the user registration information 70. Then, when the IP address of the second image processing device 5 is received from the position management server 7, the job is transmitted to the second image processing device 5 corresponding to the IP address. As a result, when a job is received from a user who is not registered in the user registration information 70 while the conference mode is set, it is possible to avoid hindering the progress of the conference and the job received from the user is the first. 2 Since it is executed by the image processing device 5, it is possible to prevent jobs from staying in the first image processing device 3.

In the present embodiment, when the job is executed by the second image processing device 5, the completion notification is transmitted from the second image processing device 5 to the first image processing device 3 as described later. Upon receiving the completion notification from the second image processing device 5, the execution notification unit 56 functions. The execution notification unit 56 is a processing unit that notifies the user who is the source of the job of the execution of the job by the second image processing device 5. When the execution notification unit 56 receives the completion notification from the second image processing device 5, the execution notification unit 56 generates an execution notification notifying that the job has been executed by the second image processing device 5. Then, the execution notification unit 56 transmits the generated execution notification to the user who is the transmission source of the job. As a result, the user can recognize that the job has been executed by the second image processing device 5, and can receive, for example, the printout printed paper or the like output from the execution of the print job from the second image processing device 5. It will be possible.

The registration unit 60 is a processing unit that registers users who can be used in the state where the conference mode is set in the first image processing device 3. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the registration unit 60 receives identification information such as the IP address of the information processing terminal 300 operated by the user while the conference mode is set, the registration unit 60 receives the identification information. And the user name are associated with each other and registered in the user registration information 70. Then, when the job reception unit 50 accepts the job in the state where the conference mode is set, the job reception unit 50 refers to the user registration information 70, and the user who can use the first image processing device 3 in the conference mode. That is, the users who participate in the conference can be confirmed.

The first image processing device 3 provides a position information acquisition unit 64 for acquiring initial position information, a status notification unit 66 for notifying the position management server 7 that the conference mode has been set, and a return route for returning to the initial position. A first route determination unit 68 for determining is further provided. The position information acquisition unit 64 is a processing unit that acquires the position information when the conference mode is set by the state setting unit 40 as the initial position information. The position information acquisition unit 64 detects, for example, the distance to the position sensors installed at at least two different points on the movable floor, and detects the position on the floor by the map information 72. Then, the value of the coordinates corresponding to the detected position is stored in the storage unit 22 as the initial position information 74.

When the conference mode is set by the status setting unit 40, the status notification unit 66 functions. The status notification unit 66 is a processing unit that notifies the location management server 7 that the conference mode has been set when the conference mode is set by the status setting unit 40. Further, in the present embodiment, the status notification unit 66 transmits the initial position information 74 acquired by the position information acquisition unit 64 to the position management server 7 together with the notification. The position management server 7 transmits a movement instruction to move to the initial position to the second image processing device 5 based on the initial position information 74 received from the first image processing device 3. As a result, the second image processing device 5 moves to the initial position, and the job transferred from the first image processing device 3 is executed. Therefore, for the user who is the transmission source of the job, it is substantially the same as when the job is executed by the first image processing device 3, and the convenience in executing the job is enhanced.

The status notification unit 66 notifies the location management server 7 when the conference mode ends and the normal state is entered. When the user inputs to end the conference mode, the state setting unit 40 terminates the conference mode. When the conference mode ends, the status notification unit 66 notifies the location management server 7 that the conference mode has ended. When the position management server 7 receives the notification from the first image processing device 3, it sends a return instruction to return to the reference position to the second image processing device 5, and returns the second image processing device 5 to the reference position. Let me.

The first route determination unit 68 is a processing unit that determines a return route to the initial position. When the state setting unit 40 sets the conference mode to the normal state, the first route determination unit 68 determines the return route to the initial position based on the initial position information 74 acquired by the position information acquisition unit 64. As an example, the first route determination unit 68 determines as a return route the shortest passable route for returning from the stop position to the initial position with reference to the map information 72. As a result, the first image processing device 3 can return to the initial position at an early stage. Alternatively, unlike this, the movement route from the initial position to the stop position is stored in the storage unit 22 when the conference mode is set, and a return route that reverses the movement route from the stop position to the initial position is determined. You may. When the return route is determined by the first route determination unit 68, the first movement control unit 46 moves from the stop position to the initial position based on the determined return route.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the second image processing device 5. The second image processing device 5 includes an operation unit 15 that can be operated by the user, a communication interface 112 that serves as an interface for communicating with an external device via the network 9, a control unit 110, a storage unit 114, and a printer unit. The 80, the FAX unit 82, the scanner unit 84, and the drive mechanism 86 are provided. When the control program is executed by the CPU, it functions as the control unit 110. The control unit 110 includes an instruction receiving unit 120 that receives an instruction from the position management server 7, a reference position transmitting unit 122 that transmits the reference position information 134 to the position management server 7, a second job receiving unit 124 that accepts a job, and a job. A second job execution unit 126 for executing the above, and a completion notification unit 128 for transmitting a completion notification to the first image processing device 3 after the job execution is completed.

The second job reception unit 124 is a processing unit that accepts a job generated by an operation on the operation unit 15 and also receives a job received from an external device via the network 9. When the second image processing device 5 receives the job transmitted from the first image processing device 3, the second job receiving unit 124 receives the received job. When the job is accepted by the second job reception unit 124, the second job execution unit 126 functions to execute the job.

When the job received from the first image processing device 3 is executed by the second job execution unit 126, the completion notification unit 128 notifies the first image processing device 3 that the execution of the job is completed. It is a processing unit that transmits. When the job executed by the second job execution unit 126 is a job received from the first image processing device 3, the completion notification unit 128 functions. When the execution of the job is completed by the second job execution unit 126, the completion notification unit 128 generates a completion notification notifying that the execution of the job is completed and transmits it to the first image processing device 3. When the first image processing device 3 receives the completion notification, the first image processing device 3 sends an execution notification to the user who is the source of the job. As a result, the user can recognize that the job has been executed by the second image processing device 5.

The instruction receiving unit 120 is a processing unit that receives an instruction or the like received from the location management server 7. When the request for the reference position information 134 is received from the position management server 7, the instruction receiving unit 120 receives the request. When the request for the reference position information 134 is received by the instruction receiving unit 120, the reference position transmitting unit 122 functions. The reference position transmission unit 122 acquires the position information of the second image processing device 5 as the reference position information 134. For example, the reference position transmitting unit 122 detects the coordinate information of the current position based on the position sensors (not shown) installed at at least two different positions in the floor where the second image processing device 5 can move. .. The reference position transmission unit 122 acquires the detected coordinate information as the reference position information 134 and transmits the detected coordinate information to the position management server 7.

The control unit 110 further includes a second route determination unit 130 that determines a movement route, and a second movement control unit 132 that controls movement based on the movement route. The second route determination unit 130 is a processing unit that determines a movement route when receiving an instruction from the position management server 7. When the movement instruction received from the position management server 7 is received by the instruction receiving unit 120, the second route determining unit 130 functions. The instruction receiving unit 120 receives the initial position information 74 received from the position management server 7 together with the move instruction. When the movement instruction is received by the instruction receiving unit 120, the second route determining unit 130 acquires the initial position information 74 received together with the moving instruction, and moves from the reference position to the initial position of the first image processing device 3. Determine the movement route.

Specifically, the second route determination unit 130 determines a movement route for moving from the reference position to the initial position through the passable area of the second image processing device 5 with reference to the map information 72. When the stop position information of the first image processing device 3 is further received from the position management server 7, the second route determination unit 130 moves to the initial position without passing through the stop position of the first image processing device 3. Determine the travel route. As a result, it is possible to avoid a collision with the first image processing device 3 which is set to the conference mode and is stopped, and move to the initial position.

Upon receiving the return instruction to return to the reference position from the position management server 7, the instruction receiving unit 120 receives the return instruction. When the return instruction is received by the instruction receiving unit 120, the second route determining unit 130 determines the returning route for returning from the initial position to the reference position. The second route determination unit 130 determines a return route for moving from the initial position to the reference position through the passable area of the second image processing device 5 with reference to the map information 72.

The second movement control unit 132 is a processing unit that drives the drive mechanism 86 to control the movement of the second image processing device 5. When the instruction receiving unit 120 receives the initial position information 74 together with the movement instruction, the second movement control unit 132 moves to the initial position based on the movement route determined by the second route determining unit 130 with reference to the initial position information 74. Control the movement of. By moving the second image processing device 5 to the initial position, the user can use the second image processing device 5 in the initial position even when the first image processing device 3 is moved from the initial position. Does not impair user convenience.

When the return instruction received from the position management server 7 is received by the instruction reception unit 120, the second route determination unit 130 determines the return route, and the second movement control unit 132 is determined by the second route determination unit 130. Control the movement to the reference position based on the return route.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location management server 7. The location management server 7 includes various communication interfaces 142, which are interfaces for communication with external devices such as the first image processing device 3 and the second image processing device 5, which are performed via the network 9, and a control unit 140. It includes a storage unit 144 for storing information. A plurality of control units 140 include a state acquisition unit 150 that acquires state information of the first image processing device 3, and a position acquisition unit 152 that acquires position information of the first image processing device 3 or the second image processing device 5. Device detection unit 154 that detects the second image processing device 5 of one of the second image processing devices 5 and the instruction transmission unit 156 that transmits instructions to the first image processing device 3 or the second image processing device 5. And.

The state acquisition unit 150 is a processing unit that acquires the state in the first image processing device 3. When the conference mode is set from the first image processing device 3 or the notification that the conference mode ends is received, the state acquisition unit 150 sets the conference mode in the first image processing device 3 based on these notifications. Recognize whether the conference mode is in the normal state or the conference mode is finished.

The position acquisition unit 152 further includes a first acquisition unit 152a that acquires the initial position information 74 from the first image processing device 3, and a second acquisition unit 152b that acquires the reference position information 134 from the second image processing device 5. Be prepared. When the first acquisition unit 152a receives the initial position information 74 from the first image processing device 3 together with the notification that the conference mode is set, the first acquisition unit 152a acquires the initial position information 74 and stores it in the storage unit 144. When the state acquisition unit 150 acquires that the conference mode has been set in the first image processing device 3, the second acquisition unit 152b functions. The second acquisition unit 152b requests the second image processing device 5 for the reference position information 134. When there are a plurality of second image processing devices 5, reference position information 134 is requested from each second image processing device 5. The second acquisition unit 152b refers to the device information 135 including the identification information such as the IP address of the second image processing device 5 stored in advance in the storage unit 144, and is a reference for all the second image processing devices 5. A request for location information 134 is transmitted. When the reference position information 134 is received from the second image processing device 5, the second acquisition unit 152b acquires the received reference position information 134 and stores it in the storage unit 144.

The device detection unit 154 is a processing unit that detects one second image processing device 5 when the information processing system 1 is provided with a plurality of second image processing devices 5. The device detection unit 154 detects the second image processing device 5 closest to the initial position among the plurality of second image processing devices 5 based on the initial position information 74 and the reference position information 134. The device detection unit 154 detects the distance between the initial position and the reference position of each second image processing device 5 based on the initial position information 74 and the reference position information 134. Then, the second image processing device 5 at the reference position where this distance is minimized is detected.

Further, the device detection unit 154 may generate a movement route for moving from the reference position to the initial position through the passable area in the floor with reference to the map information 72. Then, the device detection unit 154 may detect the second image processing device 5 having the minimum movement distance among the movement paths in which each second image processing device 5 moves to the initial position. As a result, the second image processing device 5 that can move from the reference position to the initial position in the shortest time can be detected.

The instruction transmission unit 156 instructs the first image processing device 3 to transfer the job to the second image processing device 5, the transfer instruction transmitting unit 160, and the second image processing device 5 from the reference position to the initial position. A movement instruction transmitting unit 162 for transmitting a moving instruction to the second image processing device 5 and a returning instruction transmitting unit 164 for transmitting a returning instruction for returning from the initial position to the reference position are further provided.

The transfer instruction transmission unit 160 is a processing unit that transmits a transfer instruction for transferring a job to the second image processing device 5 to the first image processing device 3. In the present embodiment, when the first image processing device 3 in the state of being set to the conference mode receives a job from a user other than the user registered in the user registration information 70, the execution of the job is reserved and positioned. Notify the management server 7 that the job has been received. Upon receiving this notification from the first image processing device 3, the transfer instruction transmission unit 160 transmits a transfer instruction for transferring the job to the second image processing device 5 to the first image processing device 3. Upon receiving the transfer instruction from the position management server 7, the first image processing device 3 transfers the job to the second image processing device 5. The second image processing device 5 to which the job has been transferred from the first image processing device 3 executes the received job. As a result, it is possible to avoid delay in job execution. When there are a plurality of second image processing devices 5, the transfer instruction transmission unit 160 issues a transfer instruction to the first image processing device 3 to transfer the job to the second image processing device 5 detected by the device detection unit 154. And send.

The movement instruction transmission unit 162 is a processing unit that transmits a movement instruction to move from the reference position to the initial position to the second image processing device 5. When the state acquisition unit 150 receives a notification from the first image processing device 3 that the conference mode has been set, the movement instruction transmission unit 162 sends the second image processing device 5 detected by the device detection unit 154. A move instruction is sent to the user. When there is only one second image processing device 5, when the state acquisition unit 150 acquires the notification set in the conference mode in the first image processing device 3, the movement instruction transmitting unit 162 sends the second image. A movement instruction may be transmitted to the processing device 5.

The movement instruction transmission unit 162 transmits the initial position information 74 together with the movement instruction to the second image processing device 5. The movement instruction transmission unit 162 reads the initial position information 74 stored in the storage unit 144 by the first acquisition unit 152a and transmits the movement instruction to the second image processing device 5. As a result, the second image processing device 5 can be reliably moved to the initial position.

The return instruction transmission unit 164 is a processing unit that transmits a return instruction to return from the initial position to the reference position when the conference mode ends in the first image processing device 3. When the state acquisition unit 150 acquires that the conference mode ends in the first image processing device 3 and the normal state is reached, the return instruction transmission unit 164 transmits a return instruction to the second image processing device 5.

Next, a mode of movement of the first image processing device 3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a moving mode of the first image processing device 3. In the illustrated example, the first image processing device 3 is provided at the initial position L1 in the floor F1 where the first image processing device 3 can be moved. In the floor F1, a desk area 200 corresponding to the desk area information 100 in the map information 72 is provided, and desks, chairs, and the like capable of working are arranged. Further, in the floor F1, a conference area 202 corresponding to the conference area information 102 in the map information 72 is provided, and a conference table, chairs, and the like are arranged. When the first image processing device 3 is set to the conference mode, the first image processing device 3 acquires environmental information from the sensor unit 12 and determines the movement path R1 in the floor F1. For example, when the environmental information at the initial position L1 acquired from the sensor unit 12 does not satisfy the condition in the condition information 76, the first image processing device 3 has a plurality of movement path patterns stored in the storage unit 22 in advance. One of the patterns (not shown) is selected to determine the movement path R1. In these patterns, a movement route for moving a passable area other than the impassable area of the first image processing device 3, such as the desk area 200 and the conference area 202, is prepared in advance.

When the movement path R1 is determined, the first image processing device 3 starts the movement based on the determined movement path R1. The first image processing device 3 moves while recognizing the position of its own machine based on position sensors arranged at at least two different positions in the floor F1. The first image processing device 3 may continuously acquire environmental information by the sensor unit 12 while moving, or may acquire environmental information at regular time intervals. Alternatively, environmental information may be acquired when passing near the conference area 202.

The first image processing device 3 stops moving when the environmental information satisfies the condition in the condition information 76. In the illustrated example, the first image processing apparatus 3 stops at the stop position L2 because it is determined that the condition is satisfied when passing through the stop position L2. When the first image processing device 3 stops at the stop position L2, the users who participate in the conference gather in the vicinity of the stop position L2 to hold the conference.

After the conference is held at the stop position L2, when the conference mode ends in the first image processing device 3 based on the user's operation, the first image processing device 3 determines a return route for returning to the initial position L1. The first image processing device 3 may determine a path that reverses the movement path R1 from the stop position L2 to the initial position L1 as the return path. Alternatively, with reference to the map information 72, among the routes for moving in the passable area in the floor, the route having the shortest movement distance from the stop position L2 to the initial position L1 is detected, and the return route is determined. May be good.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a movement mode when the first image processing device 3 and one second image processing device 5 are provided in the floor F1. When the conference mode is set in the first image processing device 3, the first image processing device 3 determines the movement path R1 and moves. When the first image processing device 3 receives a job sent from a user who is not registered in the user registration information 70 in the state of being set to the conference mode, the first image processing device 3 sends the second image processing device 5 to the second image processing device 5. Transfer the job. Specifically, the first image processing device 3 stores identification information such as the IP address of the second image processing device 5 in the storage unit 22 in advance. Then, when a job is received from a user who is not registered in the user registration information 70, the first image processing device 3 transfers the job to the second image processing device 5 based on the identification information. Alternatively, unlike this, the first image processing device 3 may acquire the identification information of the second image processing device 5 from the position management server 7 and transfer the job to the second image processing device 5.

When the second image processing device 5 receives a job from the first image processing device 3, the second image processing device 5 executes the received job. Then, when the execution of the job is completed, the second image processing device 5 transmits a completion notification to the first image processing device 3. When the first image processing device 3 receives the completion notification from the second image processing device 5, it sends an execution notification to the user who is the source of the job, and the job is executed by the second image processing device 5. Notify that. The user who receives the notification goes to pick up the printing paper or the like printed out at the reference position L5 where the second image processing device 5 is installed.

Further, when the conference mode is set in the first image processing device 3, a notification is transmitted from the first image processing device 3 to the position management server 7, and the position management server 7 sends a notification to the second image processing device 5. A movement instruction to move to the initial position L1 is transmitted. Upon receiving the movement instruction from the position management server 7, the second image processing device 5 determines the movement path R3 from the reference position L5 to the initial position L1. The second image processing device 5 moves to the initial position L1 based on the movement path R3 after the first image processing device 3 stops at the stop position L2. Then, the second image processing device 5 is provided at the initial position L1 where the first image processing device 3 is installed in the normal state before the conference mode is set. Further, the job transferred from the first image processing device 3 is executed by the second image processing device 5. As a result, even if the first image processing device 3 moves, convenience for users who do not participate in the conference can be maintained.

When the conference mode ends in the first image processing device 3, the first image processing device 3 determines the return path and moves from the stop position L2 to the initial position L1. When the conference mode ends, the first image processing device 3 notifies the position management server 7 that the conference mode has ended. Upon receiving this notification from the first image processing device 3, the position management server 7 transmits a return instruction for returning to the reference position L5 to the second image processing device 5. Upon receiving the return instruction from the position management server 7, the second image processing device 5 determines a return route for returning from the initial position L1 to the reference position L5, and from the initial position L1 to the reference position L5 based on the determined return route. Moving.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a movement mode when a plurality of second image processing devices 5 are provided in the floor F1. When the conference mode is set in the first image processing device 3, the first image processing device 3 transmits a notification to the position management server 7 that the conference mode has been set. The first image processing device 3 acquires environmental information, determines a movement path R1, and moves based on the movement path R1. The position management server 7 is a reference position L5a and a reference position L5b installed in the second image processing device 5a (5) and the second image processing device 5b (5) provided in the floor F1, respectively. The reference position information 134 is requested.

The second image processing device 5a (5) and the second image processing device 5b (5) each transmit the reference position information 134 to the position management server 7. The position management server 7 is based on the reference position information 134 and the initial position information 74 acquired from the second image processing device 5a (5) and the second image processing device 5b (5), and the second image closest to the initial position L1. The processing device 5b (5) is detected. When the first image processing device 3 receives a job from a user who is not registered in the user registration information 70, the first image processing device 3 notifies the location management server 7. The location management server 7 transmits a transfer instruction to transfer the job to the second image processing device 5b (5) to the first image processing device 3. As a result, the first image processing device 3 can execute the job to the second image processing device 5b (5) near the initial position.

When the first image processing device 3 moves on the movement path R1 and stops at the stop position L2 that satisfies the condition in the condition information 76, the position management server 7 moves to the initial position L1 with respect to the second image processing device 5b (5). Send a move instruction. Upon receiving the movement instruction, the second image processing device 5b (5) determines the movement path R5 and moves to the initial position L1 based on the movement path R5. Since the second image processing device 5b (5) starts moving after the first image processing device 3 stops at the stop position L2, the moving first image processing device 3 and the second image processing device 5b (5) Can avoid the risk of collision.

Next, a mode of processing in cooperation with the first image processing device 3, the second image processing device 5, and the position management server 7 in the information processing system 1 will be described. 11 and 12 are sequence diagrams showing an example of processing in cooperation with the first image processing device 3, the second image processing device 5, and the position management server 7. When the conference mode is set to ON by the user's operation input in the first image processing device 3 (process P1), the first image processing device 3 detects the initial position and acquires the initial position information 74. The first image processing device 3 transmits the acquired initial position information 74 to the position management server 7 (process P5), and notifies the position management server 7 that the conference mode is set to ON in the first image processing device 3. Notice.

Upon receiving the notification from the first image processing device 3 that the conference mode is set to ON together with the initial position information 74, the position management server 7 requests the second image processing device 5 for the reference position information 134 ( Process P7). Here, when a plurality of second image processing devices 5 exist on the floor, reference position information 134 is requested from all the second image processing devices 5 on the floor. When the second image processing device 5 receives the reference position information request from the position management server 7, the second image processing device 5 detects the reference position and acquires the reference position information 134 (process P9). The second image processing device 5 transmits the acquired reference position information 134 to the position management server 7 (process P11). When the position management server 7 acquires the reference position information 134 from the second image processing device 5, the position management server 7 detects the second image processing device 5 closest to the initial position based on the initial position information 74 and the reference position information 134 (process). P13).

The first image processing device 3 acquires environmental information by the sensor unit 12 and determines a movement route (process P15). When the movement route is determined, the first image processing device 3 starts moving (process P17). The first image processing device 3 continuously or intermittently acquires environmental information from the sensor unit 12 even during movement, and determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied. Then, when the predetermined condition is satisfied (process P19), the first image processing device 3 stops moving (process P21). When the first image processing device 3 stops moving, it detects the stopped position and acquires the stop position information (process P23). The first image processing device 3 transmits the acquired stop position information to the position management server 7 and notifies the position management server 7 of the stop (process P25).

Upon receiving the stop position information from the first image processing device 3, the position management server 7 transmits a movement instruction to move to the initial position to the second image processing device 5 (process P27). The position management server 7 transmits the initial position information 74 together with the movement instruction to the second image processing device 5. Further, the position management server 7 may transmit the stop position information together with the initial position information 74 to the second image processing device 5. Upon receiving the movement instruction from the position management server 7 together with the initial position information 74, the second image processing device 5 determines the movement route to the initial position (process P29) and moves to the initial position (process P31). When the stop position information is received from the position management server 7 together with the initial position information 74, the second image processing device 5 may determine a movement route that avoids the stop position of the first image processing device 3. As a result, it is possible to prevent the moving second image processing device 5 from colliding with the first image processing device 3 stopped at the stop position.

When the first image processing device 3 receives the print job in the state of being set to the conference mode (process P35), the first image processing device 3 refers to the user registration information 70 (process P70). Then, when the sender of the print job is a user registered in the user registration information 70, the first image processing device 3 executes the received print job. On the other hand, when the sender of the print job is a user who is not registered in the user registration information 70, the first image processing device 3 notifies the location management server 7 that the print job has been received (). Process P37). When the position management server 7 receives the notification from the first image processing device 3, the position management server 7 transfers the print job to the second image processing device 5 together with the identification information of the second image processing device 5 detected in the process P13. Is transmitted to the first image processing device 3 (process P39).

Upon receiving the transfer instruction from the position management server 7, the first image processing device 3 transmits a print job to the second image processing device 5 based on the received identification information (process P41). When the second image processing device 5 receives the print job from the first image processing device 3, the second image processing device 5 executes the received print job (process P43). When the execution of the print job is completed, the second image processing device 5 transmits a completion notification to the first image processing device 3 (process P45). When the first image processing device 3 receives the completion notification from the second image processing device 5, it transmits an execution notification to the user who is the source of the print job (process P47). The first image processing device 3 notifies that the job has been executed by the second image processing device 5 in the execution completion notification. As a result, the user can receive the printing paper or the like printed out from the second image processing device 5.

When the conference mode ends in the first image processing device 3 based on the operation input by the user (process P50), the first image processing device 3 notifies the position management server 7 that the conference mode has ended (process P52). ). When the position management server 7 receives the notification from the first image processing device 3 that the conference mode has ended, the position management server 7 transmits a return instruction to return to the reference position to the second image processing device 5 (process P54).

When the conference mode ends, the first image processing device 3 determines a return path for returning from the stop position to the initial position (process P56), and moves to the initial position based on the determined return path (process P58). Upon receiving the return instruction from the position management server 7, the second image processing device 5 determines a return route for returning from the initial position to the reference position (process P60), and moves to the reference position (process P62).

Next, the processing procedure performed by the first image processing device 3, the second image processing device, and the position management server 7 constituting the information processing system 1 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure performed in the first image processing apparatus 3. First, when the first image processing device 3 is started, it is determined whether or not a job has been received (step S1). When a job is received (YES in step S1), the first image processing device 3 executes a job reception process for processing the received job (step S3). The specific processing procedure of the job reception processing (step S3) will be described later. If the first image processing device 3 has not received a job (NO in step S1), the job reception process (step S3) is skipped.

Next, the first image processing device 3 determines whether or not the completion notification that the job execution has been completed has been received from the second image processing device 5 (step S5). When the first image processing device 3 receives the completion notification (YES in step S5), the first image processing device 3 executes the job by the second image processing device 5 for the user who is the source of the job. An executed notification for notifying the fact is transmitted (step S7). If the first image processing device 3 has not received the completion notification (NO in step S5), step S7 is skipped.

Next, the first image processing device 3 determines whether or not the operation input for setting the conference mode has been detected (step S9). When the operation input for setting the conference mode is detected (YES in step S9), the conference mode setting process for setting the conference mode is executed (step S11). The specific processing procedure of the conference mode setting processing will be described later. If the operation input for setting the conference mode is not detected (NO in step S9), the conference mode setting process (step S11) is skipped.

Next, the first image processing device 3 determines whether or not the own machine is moving (step S13). When the own machine is moving (YES in step S13), the environment information acquisition process (step S15) for acquiring the environment information by the sensor unit 12 is executed. The specific processing procedure of the environment information acquisition process (step S15) will be described later. If the own machine is not moving (NO in step S13), the environment information acquisition process (step S15) is skipped.

Next, the first image processing device 3 determines whether or not registration to the user registration information 70 is being accepted (step S17). If registration to the user registration information 70 is being accepted (YES in step S17), a user registration process (step S19) for registering to the user registration information 70 is executed in response to the application. The specific processing procedure of the user registration process (step S19) will be described later. If registration to the user registration information 70 is not being accepted (NO in step S17), the user registration process (step S19) is skipped.

Further, the first image processing device 3 determines whether or not the operation of turning off the conference mode is detected (step S21). When the operation of turning off the conference mode is detected (YES in step S21), the conference mode end process (step S23) for ending the conference mode is executed. The specific processing procedure of the conference mode end processing (step S23) will be described later. Finally, the first image processing device 3 determines whether or not it has detected the end instruction to end the start state (step S25), and if it detects the end instruction (YES in step S25), ends the start state. And end the process. On the other hand, when the end instruction is not detected (NO in step S25), the process returns to step S1 and the processes of steps S1 to S25 are repeatedly executed until the end instruction is detected.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the job reception process (step S3 in FIG. 12). The first image processing device 3 determines whether or not the conference mode is set (step S40). Then, when the conference mode is set (YES in step S40), the first image processing device 3 then determines whether or not the source of the job is a user registered in the user registration information 70 (YES in step S40). Step S42). If the user is registered in the user registration information 70 (YES in step S42), the received job is executed (step S44), and the job reception process is terminated. Even when the conference mode is not set in step S40 (NO in step S40), step S44 is executed to end the job reception process.

When the sender of the job is not the user registered in the user registration information 70 (NO in step S42), the location management server 7 is notified that the job has been received (step S46). Next, when the first image processing device 3 receives the identification information such as the IP address of the second image processing device 5 from the position management server 7 (step S48), the first image processing device 3 corresponds to the received identification information. The job is transmitted to No. 5 (step S50), and the process is completed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the conference mode setting process (step S11 in FIG. 12). When the operation input for setting the conference mode is detected (step S9 in FIG. 12), the first image processing device 3 notifies the position management server 7 that the conference mode is set (step S100). Further, the first image processing device 3 transmits the initial position information 74 to the position management server 7 together with this notification. Next, the first image processing device 3 acquires the environmental information by the sensor unit 12 (step S102), and determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied by referring to the condition information 76 (step S104). When the condition is satisfied (YES in step S104), the first image processing device 3 notifies the position management server 7 of the current position (step S106) and ends the conference mode setting process.

When the condition is not satisfied based on the acquired environmental information (NO in step S104), the first image processing device 3 refers to the map information 72 (step S108) and determines the movement route (step S110). When the movement route is determined, the first image processing device 3 starts the movement based on the movement route (step S112), and ends the conference mode setting process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the environment information acquisition process (step S15 in FIG. 12). The first image processing device 3 acquires environmental information while continuing to move (step S120). Next, the first image processing device 3 determines whether or not the predetermined condition in the condition information 76 is satisfied based on the acquired environmental information (step S122). When the condition is satisfied (YES in step S122), the first image processing device 3 stops moving (step S124). Then, the position information of the stop position is acquired and the position information is notified to the position management server 7 (step S126), and the environment information acquisition process is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied based on the environmental information acquired in step S122 (NO in step S122), steps S124 and S126 are skipped and the environmental information acquisition process is terminated.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the user registration process (step S19 in FIG. 12). The first image processing device 3 determines whether or not a user registration application has been received from the user (step S140). When the user registration application is received (YES in step S140), the first image processing device 3 registers the user identification information such as the IP address in the user registration information 70 and ends the user registration process. On the other hand, if the user registration application is not received (NO in step S140), step S142 is skipped and the user registration process ends.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the conference mode end processing (step S23 in FIG. 12). When the operation input for terminating the conference mode is detected (step S21 in FIG. 12), the first image processing device 3 notifies the position management server 7 that the conference mode is terminated (step S160). Next, the first image processing device 3 refers to the map information 72 (step S162) and determines the return route from the stop position to the initial position (step S164). When the return path is determined, the first image processing device 3 moves from the stop position to the initial position based on the return path (step S166) and ends the conference mode end process.

Next, the processing procedure performed in the second image processing apparatus 5 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure performed by the second image processing apparatus 5. When the second image processing device 5 is started, it first determines whether or not a job has been received (step S200). When a job is received (YES in step S200), a job execution process for executing the job is performed (step S202). The specific processing procedure of the job execution process will be described later. If the job is not received (NO in step S200), the job execution process (step S202) is skipped.

Next, the second image processing device 5 determines whether or not the request for the reference position information 134 has been received from the position management server 7 (step S204). When the request for the reference position information 134 is received (YES in step S204), the position information transmission process for transmitting the reference position information 134 to the position management server 7 is executed (step S206). When the request for the reference position information 134 is not received from the position management server 7 (NO in step S204), the position information transmission process (step S206) is skipped.

Next, the second image processing device 5 determines whether or not a move instruction has been received from the position management server 7 (step S208). When the move instruction is received from the position management server 7 (YES in step S208), the second image processing device 5 executes the move process (step S210) of moving from the reference position to the initial position. If the move instruction is not received from the location management server 7 (NO in step S208), the move process (step S210) is skipped.

Further, the second image processing device 5 determines whether or not a return instruction to the reference position has been received from the position management server 7 (step S212). When the return instruction is received (YES in step S212), the second image processing device 5 moves to the reference position based on the reference position information 134 (step S214). Finally, the second image processing device 5 determines whether or not it has detected the end instruction for ending the activated state (step S216). When the end instruction is detected (YES in step S216), the start-up state is terminated and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the end instruction is not received (NO in step S216), the process returns to step S200, and the processes from step S200 to step S216 are repeatedly executed until the end instruction is detected.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the job execution process (step S202 of FIG. 18). The second image processing device 5 executes the received job (step S240). Next, it is determined whether or not the executed job is a job transmitted from the first image processing device 3 (step S242). When the job is received from the first image processing device 3 (YES in step S242), the second image processing device 5 notifies the first image processing device 3 of the completion of notifying that the execution of the job is completed. It is transmitted (step S244) and the job execution process is terminated. On the other hand, if the job is not received from the first image processing device 3 (NO in step S242), the second image processing device 5 skips step S244 and ends the job execution process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the position information transmission process (step S206 of FIG. 18). When the request for the reference position information 134 is received from the position management server 7 (step S204 in FIG. 18), the second image processing device 5 acquires the reference position information 134 (step S260), and obtains the acquired reference position information 134. It is transmitted to the position management server 7 (step S262), and the position information transmission process is completed.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the movement process (step S210 in FIG. 18). When the move instruction is received from the position management server 7 (YES in step S208 of FIG. 18), the second image processing device 5 also acquires the initial position information 74 from the position management server 7 (step S280). When the initial position information 74 is acquired, the second image processing device 5 refers to the map information 72 (step S282) and determines the movement route to the initial position (step S284). When the movement path is determined, the second image processing device 5 moves to the initial position based on the determined movement path (step S286) and ends the movement process.

Finally, the processing procedure performed on the location management server 7 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure performed on the location management server 7. The location management server 7 first determines whether or not a notification for setting the conference mode has been received from the first image processing device 3 (step S300). When the notification for setting the conference mode is received (YES in step S300), the position management server 7 executes the device detection process for detecting the second image processing device 5 (step S302). The specific processing procedure of the device detection process (step S302) will be described later. If the notification for setting the conference mode has not been received (NO in step S300), the device detection process (step S302) is skipped.

Next, the location management server 7 determines whether or not the job reception notification has been received from the first image processing device 3 (step S304), and when the job reception notification is received (YES in step S304), the second image. A transfer instruction for transferring the job to the processing device 5 is transmitted to the first image processing device 3 (step S306). The location management server 7 transmits the identification information such as the IP address of the second image processing device 5 that transfers the job to the first image processing device 3 together with the transfer instruction. If the job reception notification has not been received from the first image processing device 3 (NO in step S304), step S306 is skipped.

Next, the location management server 7 determines whether or not a notification for ending the conference mode has been received from the first image processing device 3 (step S308). When receiving the notification to end the conference mode (YES in step S308), the position management server 7 transmits a return instruction to return to the reference position to the second image processing device 5 (step S310). Then, the location management server 7 returns to step S300 and repeatedly executes each process of steps S300 to S310.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the device detection process (step S302 in FIG. 22). The position management server 7 acquires the initial position information 74 of the first image processing device 3 (step S320). The initial position information 74 is received from the first image processing device 3 together with the notification for setting the conference mode. Next, the position management server 7 requests the reference position information 134 from the second image processing device 5 (step S322). When there are a plurality of second image processing devices 5, the position management server 7 requests the reference position information 134 from all the second image processing devices 5.

Next, when the reference position information 134 is received from the second image processing device 5, the position management server 7 acquires the reference position information 134 (step S324). When the reference position information 134 is acquired, the position management server 7 detects the second image processing device 5 closest to the initial position among the plurality of second image processing devices 5 based on the reference position information 134 and the initial position information 74. (Step S326). Finally, the position management server 7 transmits a movement instruction to move to the initial position to the detected second image processing device 5 (step S328), and ends the device detection process.

(Modification example)
Although the embodiments relating to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be applied.

In the above embodiment, the position management server 7 shows the case where the second image processing device 5 closest to the initial position is detected among the plurality of second image processing devices 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the position management server 7 is provided with device information 135 including the specification information of the second image processing device 5 in advance, and the job is received from the first image processing device 3. When the notification is received, the specification information of each of the second image processing devices is confirmed with reference to the device information 135, and even if the first image processing device 3 detects the second image processing device 5 capable of executing the received job. Good. The first image processing device 3 transmits the job attribute information as well as the notification to the location management server 7. For example, in the case of a print job that performs color printing, the first image processing device 3 also transmits the attribute information that it is a color print job to the position management server 7. Upon receiving the notification from the first image processing device 3, the position management server 7 refers to the device information 135 to detect the second image processing device 5 capable of executing the color print job. As a result, the second image processing device 5 capable of reliably executing the job transferred from the first image processing device 3 can be detected.

In the above embodiment, the case where the first image processing device 3 acquires environmental information while moving based on the movement path R1 and stops when a predetermined condition is satisfied is shown. In the present invention, the first image processing apparatus 3 may further move to the initial position and stop after a predetermined time elapses without satisfying the predetermined conditions while moving along the movement path R1. Alternatively, the first image processing device 3 may move to a predetermined position near the conference area 202 and stop after a predetermined time elapses without satisfying the predetermined condition while moving along the movement path R1. This makes it possible to prevent the movement time of the first image processing device 3 from being prolonged and the start of the conference being delayed.

Further, in the above embodiment, as an example of the state of being exclusively used by a predetermined user, a conference mode that can be used only by the user registered in the user registration information 70 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only the predetermined user Includes a wide range of usable conditions.

Further, in the above embodiment, an image processing device such as an MFP is shown as an example of the first information processing device and the second information processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a robot or a personal computer (PC). Etc. are included in the information processing device.

1 Information processing system 3 First image processing device (information processing device, first information processing device)
5 Second image processing device (second information processing device)
7 Location management server (management server)
22 Storage unit (storage means)
40 Status setting unit (Status setting means)
42 Environmental Information Acquisition Department (Information Acquisition Means)
44 Direction determination unit (direction determination means)
46 First movement control unit (movement control means, first movement control means)
48 Judgment unit (judgment means)
50 Job reception department (job reception means)
52 Job Execution Unit (Job Execution Means)
54 Job transfer unit (transmission means)
56 Execution notification unit (execution notification means)
60 Registration Department (Registration Means)
64 Location information acquisition unit (location information acquisition means)
66 Status notification unit (status notification means)
68 First route determination unit (route determination means)
72 Map information 74 Initial position information 126 Job execution unit (job execution means)
128 Completion notification unit (completion notification means)
132 Second movement control unit (second movement control means)
134 Reference position information (current position information)
152a First acquisition unit (first acquisition means)
152b Second acquisition unit (second acquisition means)
154 Device detection unit (device detection means)
160 Transfer instruction transmitter (instruction transmission means)
162 Movement instruction transmission unit (movement instruction transmission means)
164 Return instruction transmission unit (return instruction transmission means)

Claims (23)

An information processing device that moves from a position where environmental information meets certain conditions to a destination .
An information acquisition means for acquiring the environmental information,
A direction determining means for determining a moving direction based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquiring means, and
The move to the determined said moving direction by the direction determining means, movement control the environment information acquired by the information acquisition unit is stopped is determined to reach the position that satisfies the predetermined condition and the a destination Means and
An information processing device characterized by being equipped with. The information acquisition means continuously or intermittently acquires the environmental information while moving by the movement control means.
A determination means for determining whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition means while moving.
With more
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement control means stops when it is determined by the determination means that the predetermined condition is satisfied while the movement control means is moving in the movement direction. A storage means for storing map information, at least for movable areas,
With more
The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the direction determining means determines a moving direction with reference to the map information. It is a mobile information processing device
Information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information at a predetermined position,
A direction determining means for determining a moving direction based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquiring means, and
A movement control means that moves based on the movement direction determined by the direction determination means and stops at a position that satisfies a predetermined condition.
A first condition to be used exclusively by a given user, a state setting unit configured to set in one of two states different from the second state into the first state,
Equipped with a,
The direction determining means, when set to said first state by said state setting means, information processing apparatus shall be the determining means determines the moving direction. A route determining means for determining a return route for returning to the initial position installed in the second state,
With more
When the route determining means is set to the second state by the state setting means, the route determining means determines the return route.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the movement control means moves to the initial position based on the return path determined by the route determination means. A position information acquisition means that acquires the position information when the first state is set by the state setting means as the position information of the initial position.
With more
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the route determining means determines the return route based on the position information of the initial position acquired by the position information acquiring means. Job reception means for accepting jobs and
A job execution means for executing a job accepted by the job reception means, and
A registration means for registering a user who can be exclusively used in the first state, and
With more
In the state where the job execution means is set to the first state by the state setting means, a job received from a user different from the user registered by the registration means is accepted by the job receiving means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the execution of the job is restricted in the case of the case. It is a mobile information processing device
Information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information at a predetermined position,
A direction determining means for determining a moving direction based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquiring means, and
A movement control means that moves based on the movement direction determined by the direction determination means and stops at a position that satisfies a predetermined condition.
With
It said environmental information, sound volume, intensity, temperature, and information processing apparatus you characterized in that it includes at least one of humidity. A program executed in an information processing device that moves from a position where environmental information satisfies a predetermined condition to a destination .
The information processing device
Information acquisition means for acquiring the environmental information,
A direction determining means for determining a moving direction based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquiring means, and a direction determining means.
The move to the determined said moving direction by the direction determining means, movement control the environment information acquired by the information acquisition unit is stopped is determined to reach the position that satisfies the predetermined condition and the a destination means,
A program characterized by functioning as. The information acquisition means continuously or intermittently acquires the environmental information while moving by the movement control means.
The information processing device
A determination means for determining whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition means while moving.
To function further as
The program according to claim 9, wherein the movement control means stops when it is determined by the determination means that the predetermined condition is satisfied while the movement control means is moving in the movement direction. A program that is executed in a mobile information processing device.
The information processing device
Information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information at a predetermined position,
A direction determining means for determining a moving direction based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquiring means,
A movement control means that moves based on the movement direction determined by the direction determination means and stops at a position that satisfies a predetermined condition, and
A state setting means for setting either a first state exclusively used by a predetermined user or a second state different from the first state.
And then allowed to function in,
The direction determining means, when set to said first state by said state setting means, wherein the to Help program that determines the direction of movement. The information processing device
A route determining means for determining a return route for returning to the initial position installed in the second state,
To function further as
The program according to claim 11, wherein the movement control means moves to the initial position based on the return route determined by the route determination means. The information processing device
A position information acquisition means that acquires the position information when the first state is set by the state setting means as the position information of the initial position.
To function further as
The program according to claim 12, wherein the route determining means determines the return route based on the position information of the initial position acquired by the position information acquiring means. The information processing device
Job reception means for accepting jobs,
A job execution means for executing a job accepted by the job reception means, and
A registration means for registering a user who can be exclusively used in the first state,
To function further as
In the state where the job execution means is set to the first state by the state setting means, a job received from a user different from the user registered by the registration means is accepted by the job receiving means. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the execution of the job is restricted in the case of the case. A program that is executed in a mobile information processing device.
The information processing device
Information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information at a predetermined position,
A direction determining means for determining a moving direction based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquiring means, and a direction determining means.
A movement control means that moves based on the movement direction determined by the direction determination means and stops at a position that satisfies a predetermined condition.
To function as
Said environmental information, sound volume, intensity, characteristics and to Help program that includes at least one of temperature and humidity. An information processing system having a movable first information processing device and a second information processing device capable of communicating with the first information processing device and different from the first information processing device.
The first information processing device is
A state setting means for setting a first state exclusively used by a predetermined user and a second state different from the first state.
When the first state is set by the state setting means, the information acquisition means for acquiring the environmental information and the information acquisition means.
A direction determining means for determining a moving direction based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquiring means, and
A first movement control means that moves based on the movement direction determined by the direction determination means and stops at a position that satisfies a predetermined condition.
Job reception means for accepting jobs and
When a job received from a user different from the predetermined user is received by the job receiving means, a transmitting means for transmitting the accepted job to the second information processing device and a transmission means.
With
The second information processing device is
A job execution means for executing a job received from the first information processing device,
An information processing system characterized by being equipped with. The information acquisition means continuously or intermittently acquires the environmental information while moving by the first movement control means.
The first information processing device is
A determination means for determining whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition means while moving.
With more
The information processing system according to claim 16, wherein the first movement control means stops when the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied while moving in the movement direction. The second information processing device is
When the job is executed by the job execution means, the completion notification means for transmitting the execution notification to the first information processing apparatus,
With more
The first information processing device is
When the execution notification is received from the second information processing device, the execution notification means for notifying the user who is the source of the job that the job has been executed by the second information processing device.
The information processing system according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising. Further having a management server capable of communicating with the first information processing device and the second information processing device,
The first information processing device is
When the first state is set by the state setting means, the state notification means for notifying the management server,
With more
The management server
Upon receiving the notification from the first information processing device that the first state has been set, a transfer instruction for transferring the job to the second information processing device is sent to the first information processing device. Instructions to send Sending means,
The information processing system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the information processing system comprises. The management server
A first acquisition means for acquiring initial position information regarding the initial position of the first information processing apparatus, and
Upon receiving the notification from the first information processing device that the first state has been set, the second information processing device is instructed to move to the initial position based on the initial position information. Movement instruction transmission means to be transmitted and
With more
The second information processing device is
A second movement control means that moves to the initial position based on the initial position information when the movement instruction is received from the management server.
The information processing system according to claim 19, further comprising. The first information processing device is
A route determining means for determining a return route for returning to the initial position based on the initial position information when the second state is set.
With more
When the second state is set, the state notification means notifies the management server and notifies the management server.
The management server
A return instruction transmitting means that transmits a return instruction to the second information processing device when receiving a notification from the first information processing device that the second state has been set.
With more
The information processing system according to claim 20, wherein when the second movement control means receives the return instruction from the management server, the second movement control means moves to the position at the time of receiving the movement instruction. Equipped with a plurality of the second information processing devices,
The management server
A second acquisition means for acquiring the current position information of the second information processing device, and
Based on the current position information acquired by the second acquisition means and the initial position information acquired by the first acquisition means, the initial position of the plurality of second information processing devices is used. A device detecting means for detecting the second information processing device having the smallest distance, and
With more
Upon receiving the notification from the first information processing device that the first state has been set, the device detecting means detects one of the second information processing devices.
The information processing system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the movement instruction transmitting means transmits the moving instruction to the second information processing device detected by the device detecting means. .. A management server capable of communicating with a movable first information processing device and a plurality of movable second information processing devices different from the first information processing device.
A first acquisition means for acquiring initial position information regarding the initial position of the first information processing apparatus, and
A second acquisition means for acquiring the current position information of the second information processing device, and
Based on the current position information acquired by the second acquisition means and the initial position information acquired by the first acquisition means, the initial position of the plurality of second information processing devices is used. A device detecting means for detecting the second information processing device having the smallest distance, and
Upon receiving the notification from the first information processing device to start moving, the second information processing device detected by the device detecting means is moved to the initial position based on the initial position information. A movement instruction transmission means for transmitting a movement instruction to move, and
A management server characterized by having.

Images