JP2019144960A - Update management server and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a program update management server which can update programs of a plurality of apparatus to their new versions in response to a variety of requests of users such as users who are skeptic in update and users who are not skeptic in update.SOLUTION: A program update management server 10 has a program updating unit 21 for updating a program of an information processing apparatus, and a risk determining unit 22 for determining a risk caused when any trouble occurs in execution of a new version of the program. Until the risk of the new version of the program becomes lower than a predetermined value, the program updating unit 21 maintains a state in which information processing apparatus operating with the old version of the program and the information processing apparatus operating with the new version of the program coexists.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a program update server and a program for managing program updates of information processing apparatuses connected via a network.

  Generally, a program used in an information processing apparatus is upgraded for the purpose of correcting a defect, adding a new function, improving the performance of a current function, or the like. As a method of updating the program of the information processing apparatus to a new version of the program, for example, a server for managing a plurality of multifunction peripherals installed in an office or the like is installed, and the new version of the program is updated by the manufacturer. When uploaded to the server, there is a method in which the server confirms the status of each multifunction device to be managed, and sequentially instructs the multifunction devices in an updatable state to update the program.

  By the way, there is a possibility that the new version of the program may have a defect that did not exist in the program before the update. The new version of the program is tested before it is released. However, the bug remains because it cannot be found by the behavior test, and the bug may be found in the operation after the release.

  In view of this, there has been proposed an apparatus that does not immediately update the program to the new version even if a new version of the program is released, but keeps it for a while (see Patent Document 1 below). In this device, after confirming that the new version of the program meets certain conditions (conditions such as the number of times the new version has been downloaded more than a certain amount or a certain amount of time has passed since release) Update the program to a new version of the program.

  In addition, when updating a program, the new version of the program can be used for trial operation, and as a result of the trial operation, it is possible to select whether to completely transfer to the new version of the program or to restore the original version of the program. There is a technology (see Patent Document 2 below).

JP 2016-38634 A JP 2003-122574 A

  In an office or the like, a plurality of information processing apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals may be installed. Also, some of the office workers are cautious users who are worried about the bugs in the new version of the program and do not want to update to the new version early. Some non-careful users want to update. For this reason, when updating a program of a plurality of devices in an office to a new version, it is desired to update the program while responding to requests from both cautious and non-careful groups.

  In the technology of Patent Document 1, since the update of the program is performed in each device when the new version of the program satisfies a certain condition, even if there are a plurality of devices in the office, until the condition is satisfied All devices in the office work with the old version, and after the conditions are met, all devices in the office are updated to the new version at the same time. Therefore, before the update, the non-careful user is dissatisfied, and after the update, the careful user is dissatisfied, and the program cannot be updated in a balanced manner.

  In the technique of Patent Document 2, since both the old and new programs are stored in the device itself and the device is operated based on which program is switched, the old version of the program is used when a discreet user uses the device. It is possible to switch to a new version of the program when a non-careful user uses the device. However, switching between programs usually requires restart of the apparatus, and it takes a long time to restart the job, so that jobs cannot be executed in a timely manner. In addition, since it is necessary to store the old and new versions of the program in the apparatus, the memory area of the storage unit is compressed.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and is a program update capable of updating a program of a plurality of devices to a new version while responding to requests from various users such as a careful person and a non-careful person. The object is to provide a management server and its program.

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

[1] A program update management server that manages program updates in a plurality of information processing apparatuses connected via a network,
A program update unit for updating a program of the information processing apparatus;
A risk determination unit that determines the risk of occurrence of problems associated with the execution of the new version of the program;
Have
The program update unit maintains a state where an information processing device operating with an old version program and an information processing device operating with a new version program are mixed until the risk of the new version program falls below a predetermined value. A program update management server characterized by:

  In the above invention, a plurality of information processing apparatuses to be managed are connected to the new version of the program after the new version of the program is released until the risk of occurrence of a malfunction associated with the execution of the new version of the program falls below a predetermined value. A device that operates on the system and a device that operates on an older version of the program are mixed.

[2] The risk determination unit determines the risk of the new version of the program based on which function the part changed in the new version of the program is related to. [1] ] The program update management server described in the above.

  In the above-mentioned invention, since the magnitude of the influence (loss) when a malfunction occurs in the execution of the function differs depending on the function of the changed part, the risk is determined based on the function of the changed part.

[3] The program update management according to [1] or [2], wherein the risk determination unit determines the risk of the new version program based on a release purpose of the new version program. server.

  In the above invention, the release purpose of the new version of the program is various, such as defect elimination, quality improvement, new function loading, etc., and there is a difference in the level of the confirmation test for the changed part depending on the release purpose. Therefore, the risk is judged based on the release purpose of the new version of the program.

[4] It further includes a mixing ratio setting unit for setting a mixing ratio between the information processing apparatus operating with the old version program and the information processing apparatus operating with the new version program,
The program update management server according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the program update unit updates a program according to a mixture ratio set by the mixture ratio setting unit.

  In the above invention, the mixing ratio during the mixing period is set.

[5] An information processing device that operates with an old version program or an information processing device that operates with a new version of the plurality of information processing devices so that the mixing ratio set by the mixing ratio setting unit is obtained And a device selection unit for selecting
The program update management server according to [4], wherein the program update unit updates a program according to the selection of the device selection unit.

  In the above-described invention, which device is to be selected is selected as the device that operates with the new version of the program necessary for the set mixing ratio.

[6] The mixing ratio setting unit obtains a ratio of the number of users for each group when the users of the plurality of information processing apparatuses are grouped at a level that allows the risk, and based on the ratio, the mixing ratio is determined. The program update management server according to [4] or [5], wherein a ratio is set.

  In the said invention, a user is divided into groups according to the level which accepts a risk, and a mixture ratio is set based on the number ratio. For example, the proportion of devices that operate with the new version of the program is increased as the number of users who accept the risk is higher.

[7] Classify users into prudents and non-prudents who accept the risk more than the prudents,
The program update management server according to [6], wherein the mixture ratio setting unit sets a higher ratio of information processing devices that operate with an older version of the program as the ratio of the cautious user is higher.

[8] The apparatus selection unit obtains the number of times of use for each group for each information processing apparatus, and performs selection based on the number of uses. [6] or [5] The program update management server according to [7], in which [6] to be cited is cited.

  In the above invention, the number of times of use of each device is totaled for each group divided by the level to accept the risk, and based on the result of the totalization, a device operated by a new version program or a device operated by an old version program Is selected.

[9] Classify users into prudents and non-prudents who accept the risk more than the prudents,
The device selection unit preferentially selects an information processing device that operates with the new version of the program, with preference given to an information processing device that has a high number of uses by non-careful users or a high usage ratio by non-careful users, Alternatively, an information processing device that is used more frequently by a prudent user or has a higher usage ratio by a prudent user is preferentially selected as an information processing device that operates with the old version of the program [8]. The program update management server described in 1.

[10] The mixing ratio setting unit totals the number of executions of jobs executed by the plurality of information processing apparatuses for each type of job, and sets the mixing ratio based on the result of the aggregation. The program update management server according to [4] or [5].

  In the above-described invention, for example, the higher the execution ratio of the job type that is greatly affected by the occurrence of the failure in the overall number of executions of the job, the higher the mixing ratio of the devices that operate with the older version of the program.

[11] The types of jobs include a normal job and an important job that has a greater influence when a defect occurs than the normal job.
The program update management server according to [10], wherein the mixture ratio setting unit sets a higher ratio of information processing apparatuses that operate with an older version of the program as the execution ratio of the important job is higher.

[12] The apparatus selection unit obtains the number of executions for each type of job for each of the information processing apparatuses, and makes the selection based on the number of executions. [10] Alternatively, the program update management server according to [11], in which [10] is cited.

[13] There are two types of jobs: a normal job and an important job that has a greater impact when a defect occurs than the normal job.
The apparatus selection unit preferentially selects an information processing apparatus that operates with the new version of the program as the information processing apparatus having a larger number of executions of the normal job or a higher execution ratio, or the number of executions of the important job. The program update management server according to [12], wherein an information processing device having a larger number or a higher execution ratio is preferentially selected as an information processing device that operates with the old version of the program.

[14] When a job setting operation is performed on one information processing apparatus, it is determined whether or not the type of job received by the setting operation is a job suitable for a version program that operates on the one information processing apparatus. If it is determined that it is not suitable, a transfer destination selection unit that selects an information processing device that operates with a version of the program suitable for execution of the job;
The job received in the setting operation is transferred to the information processing apparatus selected by the transfer destination selection unit and executed, or the information on the setting operation is transferred to the selected information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus of the transfer destination A transfer unit that newly generates a job based on the information of the setting operation;
The program update management server according to any one of [1] to [13], including:

  In the above invention, a job or job setting information is transferred to an apparatus that operates with a version of a program suitable for executing the set job.

[15] When a job setting operation is performed on one information processing apparatus, the attribute of the user who performed the setting operation is acquired, and the attribute of the user is a version that operates on the one information processing apparatus. A second transfer destination selecting unit that determines whether or not the program is suitable for executing the job, and selects an information processing apparatus that operates with a version of the program suitable for the user attribute when it is determined that the program is not suitable When,
The job received in the setting operation is transferred to the information processing device selected by the second transfer destination selection unit and executed, or the information on the setting operation is transferred to the selected information processing device, and the transfer destination A transfer unit that causes the information processing apparatus to newly generate a job based on the information of the setting operation;
The program update management server according to any one of [1] to [13], including:

  In the above invention, a job or job setting information is transferred to an apparatus that operates with a version of a program suitable for the attribute of the user who set the job.

[16] Display information of an information processing apparatus that operates with the new version of the program and information of an information processing apparatus that operates with the old version of the program on a display unit of an operation apparatus that can perform the setting operation of the information processing apparatus The program update management server according to any one of [1] to [15], further including a display control unit.

[17] The display control unit
On the operation panel that is accepting job setting operations,
A first option for completing the setting operation of the job that is currently set and transferring the setting information of the job to an information processing apparatus that operates with a desired version of the program;
A second option for causing the information processing apparatus to execute the job by completing the job setting operation on the operation panel of the information processing apparatus operating with a desired version of the program without completing the setting operation currently being set; The program update management server according to [16], wherein the program update management server is displayed.

[18] A program that causes a server connected to a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network to function as the program update management server according to any one of [1] to [17].

  According to the program update management server and the program thereof according to the present invention, it is possible to update the programs of a plurality of apparatuses to a new version while responding to requests from various users such as cautious and non-careful.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the program update management server which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information processing apparatus which the program update management server which concerns on embodiment of this invention makes management object. It is a flowchart which shows the process regarding the update of the program which a program update management server performs. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing details of step S102 of FIG. 4 and showing processing in the case where a mixed period is set based on which function the part changed by the new version of the program relates to. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of step S102 in FIG. 4 and processing when a mixed period is set according to the release purpose of a new version of a program. 5 is a flowchart showing details of a mixture ratio and update necessity determination process (step S105 in FIG. 4). It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the detail of a mixture ratio and the necessity determination process of update (step S105 of FIG. 4). FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing details of device selection processing (step S <b> 107 in FIG. 4) and processing for selecting a device based on the number of uses for each user group. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing another example of processing for selecting a device based on the number of times of use for each user layer, which is a detail of the device selection processing (step S107 in FIG. 4). FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing details of device selection processing (step S107 in FIG. 4) and processing for selecting a device based on the number of executions of an important job. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing details of device selection processing (step S107 in FIG. 4) and processing for selecting a device based on the number of executions of a normal job. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which displays the information of the information processing apparatus which operate | moves with a new version program, and the information of the information processing apparatus which operate | moves with an old version program. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen that the program update management server displays on a display unit of an operation display device or the like when a job setting operation is received on the operation display device or the like in a mixed state.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention operated in an office or the like. The information processing system 5 includes a network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a plurality of information processing devices 30, a program update management server 10 that manages program updates, an arbitrary number of user terminals 50, and an operation display device 60. , Etc. are connected. Furthermore, an external device 2 installed at a manufacturer that releases the program that operates (operates) the information processing apparatus 30 is connected to the program update management server 10 via a wide area network such as the Internet so as to be communicable.

  The program update management server 10 receives and stores a new version of a program that operates (operates) the information processing apparatus 30 from the external apparatus 2, distributes the program to each information processing apparatus 30, and each information processing apparatus It is a server that performs the function of updating 30 programs to a new version of the program.

  The information processing apparatus 30 may be any apparatus as long as it operates (operates) based on a program, but here, the information processing apparatus 30 is a multifunction peripheral. The multi-function peripheral is a copy job that prints an image based on image data obtained by optically reading a document with a scanner on a recording sheet, a save job that stores image data of the read document as a file, an image of the read document Execute a job such as a transmission job for transmitting data to the outside as a file, a print job for printing an image based on print data received from a PC on a recording sheet, and a FAX job for transmitting and receiving image data according to a facsimile procedure. It has a function. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus 30 is also referred to as a multifunction machine 30 or an MFP. In addition, the information processing apparatus 30 has a function of rewriting and updating a program for operating (operating) itself with a new version of the program in accordance with an instruction from the program update management server 10.

  The user terminal 50 is a computer device such as a PC terminal and has a function of transmitting various jobs to the information processing device 30 by installing a printer driver program or the like.

  The operation display device 60 has a function of accepting a job setting operation to be executed by the information processing device 30, or transmitting job setting information based on the accepted operation to the information processing device 30 to instruct execution of the job. Fulfill. The operation display device 60 may be a portable information processing device such as a tablet in which an application program related to a job reception function or the like is installed.

  When the program provider (manufacturer or the like) that operates the information processing apparatus 30 can release a new version of the program, the external device 2 notifies the program update management server 10 of the fact and releases a new version of the program. The version program is uploaded to the program update management server 10. There are various purposes for releasing the new version of the program. For example, the old version of the program can be used to improve the quality of the old version of the program, such as eliminating problems with the old version of the program or improving the job processing speed of the old version of the program. There are no new functions.

  When the new version of the program is uploaded from the external device 2 and is notified of it, the program update management server 10 determines the risk of occurrence of a problem associated with the execution of the new version of the program, and the level of this risk is a predetermined value. Manage the update of the program so that the information processing apparatus 30 that operates (operates) with the old version of the program and the information processing apparatus 30 that operates (operates) with the new version of the program are maintained until the number falls below To do.

  Note that the state in which the program operates (runs) is not only the state in which the image processing apparatus 30 operates (runs) based on this program, but if the image processing apparatus 30 returns to the work state even if it is not actually running. In addition, a state in which the program is operated (operated), for example, a low power consumption state, a standby state, a hibernation state (sleep state), and the like are included.

  The program update management server 10 manages the version of the program running on each information processing apparatus 30 and the operating state of each information processing apparatus 30. Further, it functions to manage the attributes of each user who uses the information processing apparatus 30 to be managed, the execution history of jobs executed on each information processing apparatus 30, and the like.

  Here, the user attribute includes a prudent group and a non-prudent group that has a higher level of accepting a risk of occurrence of a problem caused by a program update than a prudent group. The prudent group is a user group who does not want an early update to a new version of the program because of fear of a problem hidden in the new version of the program. The non-careful group is a user group who wants an early update to a new version of the program.

  Regarding the registration of the user's attribute, the input of the attribute may be received and registered for each user in advance, or it may be automatically estimated from the past usage record. For example, it is estimated whether the user is cautious or non-careful based on the number of times the user has used the old version of the device and the actual number of times the user has used the new version of the device at the previous version upgrade.

  The job execution history includes information indicating the type of job and information on the user who executed the job. Based on the job execution history, the program update management server 10 counts the number of times the device has been used for each user attribute, counts the number of job executions for each job type for each device, or uses the usage by user group for each device. It has a function to count the number of times.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the program update management server 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The program update management server 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a control unit that comprehensively controls the operation of the device itself. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a nonvolatile memory 14, a hard disk device 15, a network communication unit 16, an operation panel 17, a clock unit 18, and the like are connected to the CPU 11 through a bus.

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

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

  The nonvolatile memory 14 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information.

  The hard disk device 15 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores various programs and data. The hard disk device 15 stores and saves the program uploaded from the external device 2. The hard disk device 15 includes information on programs of each version, information on versions of programs operating on the information processing devices 30, information on users who use the information processing devices 30, job execution history on the information processing devices 30, and the like. And stored in the form of a management table or the like.

  The network communication unit 16 functions to communicate with the external device 2, the information processing device 30, and other various devices via the network 3.

  The operation panel 17 includes an operation unit 17a and a display unit 17b. The display unit 17b functions to display various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The display unit 17b includes a liquid crystal display and its driver. The operation unit 17a functions to receive various operations from the user. The operation unit 17a includes a keyboard that receives input of characters, numbers, symbols, and the like, and a touch screen provided on the display surface of the display unit 17b. The touch screen detects a coordinate position where the display surface of the display unit 17b is touched with a touch pen or a finger.

  The clock unit 18 measures the elapsed time after the new version of the program is released (uploaded from the external device 2).

  The CPU 11 of the program update management server 10 operates based on the program, whereby the program update unit 21, the risk determination unit 22, the mixture ratio setting unit 23, the device selection unit 24, the first transfer destination selection unit 25, and the second It functions as a transfer destination selection unit 26, transfer unit 27, display control unit 28, and the like.

  The program update unit 21 updates a program (a program for operating the information processing apparatus 30) of each information processing apparatus 30. Here, the program update unit 21 transmits a program update instruction to the information processing apparatus 30. Receiving the instruction, the information processing apparatus 30 downloads the corresponding program from the program update management server 10 and installs it in its own apparatus.

  The risk determination unit 22 determines a risk of occurrence of a problem associated with execution of the new version of the program. The risk includes the level of the possibility of occurrence of a failure and the magnitude of the impact when the failure occurs. The risk determination unit 22 is a mixed period that is a period for maintaining a state in which the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the old version of the program and the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the new version of the program are mixed according to the magnitude of the risk. Set.

  In other words, the longer the time has passed since a new version of the program was released, the lower the probability that a potential defect will occur and the lower the risk of using the new version of the program. Therefore, the risk determination unit 22 determines the initial risk level, and estimates and sets a period (mixed period) required for the risk level to fall below a predetermined value.

  The mixing ratio setting unit 23 sets a mixing ratio between the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the old version of the program and the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the new version of the program. The mixture ratio setting unit 23 derives the mixture ratio based on the ratio of users who are cautious and non-careful, the ratio of the number of executions of jobs having a large influence at the time of failure occurrence to the total number of job executions, and the like. The mixing ratio setting unit 23 calculates the target number of information processing apparatuses 30 operated by the old version program and the target number of information processing apparatuses 30 operated by the new version program according to the derived mixing ratio.

  The device selection unit 24 determines which device is updated to the new version program and which device is maintained as the old version program when the old and new versions are mixed at the mixing ratio set by the mixing ratio setting unit 23. . For example, a device that is used more frequently by a prudent user is preferentially selected as a device that is operated by an old version of the program. Alternatively, a device that has a large number of execution times (or a high execution ratio) of a job having a large influence at the time of occurrence of a failure is preferentially selected as a device that is operated by an old version program.

  The program update unit 21 controls the program update for the plurality of information processing devices 30 to be managed so that the mixture ratio set by the mixture ratio setting unit 23 is obtained. The program update unit 21 updates the program according to the selection made by the device selection unit 24. That is, the device selection unit 24 updates the device program selected as the device that operates with the new version program to the new version program.

  When a job setting operation is performed on any one of the information processing apparatuses 30 using the operation display device 60 or the like, the first transfer destination selection unit 25 determines that the type of job received by the setting operation is the one It is determined whether or not the job is suitable for the version of the program that operates on the information processing apparatus 30. If it is determined that the job is not suitable, the information processing apparatus 30 that operates on the version of the program suitable for execution of the job is selected as the transfer destination. Fulfills the function of For example, when a job having a large influence when a problem occurs is input to a device that operates with a new version of the program, the job is transferred to a device that operates with the old version of the program.

  The second transfer destination selection unit 26 acquires the attribute of the user who performed the setting operation when a job setting operation is performed on any one of the information processing devices 30 using the operation display device 60 or the like. It is determined whether or not the user attribute is suitable for executing a job with a version of the program that operates on the one information processing apparatus. If it is determined that the user attribute is not appropriate, the version of the program that is appropriate for the user attribute It fulfills the function of selecting the information processing apparatus 30 that operates as a transfer destination. For example, when a careful user submits a job to a device that operates with a new version of the program, the job is transferred to a device that operates with the old version of the program.

  The transfer unit 27 transfers the job set by the operation display device 60 or the like to the information processing device 30 of the transfer destination selected by the first transfer destination selection unit 25 or the second transfer destination selection unit 26. Or the setting operation information of the job received by the operation display device 60 or the like to the transfer destination information processing device 30 selected by the first transfer destination selection unit 25 or the second transfer destination selection unit 26. The function of transferring and causing the information processing apparatus 30 of the transfer destination to newly generate and execute a job based on the information of the setting operation.

  The display control unit 28 displays information on the information processing device 30 operating with the new version of the program and the information processing device 30 operating with the old version of the program on a display unit of an operation panel that receives a job setting operation such as the operation display device 60. Is displayed (see FIG. 13). In addition, a function of receiving a selection operation by displaying options of a processing method for causing the information processing apparatus 30 operating with a desired version of the program to accept a job received by the operation display device 60 or the like is performed (see FIG. 14).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the information processing apparatus 30. The information processing apparatus 30 illustrated in FIG. 3 is a multifunction machine. The multifunction machine 30 has a CPU 31 that controls the operation of the apparatus itself. A ROM 32, RAM 33, nonvolatile memory 34, hard disk device 35, scanner unit 36, printer unit 37, operation panel 38, image processing unit 39, facsimile communication unit 41, network communication unit 42, authentication unit 43, etc. are connected to the CPU 31 through a bus. Has been.

  The CPU 31 is based on the OS program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. Various programs are stored in the ROM 32, and each function of the multifunction device 30 is realized by the CPU 31 executing various processes according to these programs.

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

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

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

  The scanner unit 36 performs a function of optically reading a document and acquiring image data. The scanner unit 36 sequentially moves, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and a line-by-line reading position in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a moving unit, a lens or a mirror that guides the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor and forms an image, a conversion unit that converts the analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data, etc. It is configured with.

  The printer unit 37 has a function of forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. Other methods may be used for image formation.

  The operation panel 38 includes an operation unit 38a and a display unit 38b. The display unit 38b functions to display various operation screens, setting screens, and the like, and includes a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 38a includes various hard keys such as a start button and a numeric keypad that receive various operations from the user, and a touch screen provided on the display surface of the display unit 38b. The operation panel 38 receives a job setting operation from the user.

  The image processing unit 39 performs processing such as image enlargement / reduction, rotation, rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like.

  The facsimile communication unit 41 performs a function of transmitting / receiving image data to / from a device having a facsimile function through a telephone line.

  The network communication unit 42 functions to communicate with the program update management server 10, the user terminal 50, the operation display device 60, and other devices through the network.

  The authentication unit 43 authenticates a user who uses the information processing apparatus 30. The authentication method may be any method using a password, fingerprint, vein or the like.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing related to program update performed by the program update management server 10. The program update management server 10 waits for reception of an updateable notification indicating that a new version of the program has been uploaded from the external device 2 and can be released (step S101; No).

  When the risk determination unit 22 of the program update management server 10 receives the update availability notification from the external device 2 (step S101; Yes), the risk management unit 22 of the old version and the device that operates a plurality of MFPs 30 to be managed with the new version of the program Based on the risk level inherent in the new version of the program, a mixed period, which is a period in which the apparatus operating by the program is mixed, is set (step S102).

  The more time that has passed since a new version of the program was released, the lower the probability of a potential failure and the lower the risk of using the new version of the program. Therefore, a period (mixed period) required for the risk to fall below a predetermined value is set according to the risk level at the beginning of release. Details of step S102 will be described later.

  The program update management server 10 uses the clock unit 18 to start measuring the elapsed time from when the update available notification is received (step S103).

  Further, the program update management server 10 refers to the management table or inquires of each information processing apparatus 30 to confirm the version of the program running on each information processing apparatus 30 (step S104). Then, the mixing ratio setting unit 23 of the program update management server 10 determines the mixing ratio between the device operated by the new version program and the device operated by the old version program, and at least in order to achieve this mixing ratio, It is determined whether or not it is necessary to update the program of one device to a new version (step S105).

  If updating is necessary (step S106; Yes), a device to be updated to a new version of the program is selected (step S107). Details of the device selection processing in step S107 will be described later.

  Thereafter, the program of each device selected in step S107 is updated to a new version program (step S108), and the process proceeds to step S109. If there is no need for update (step S106; No), the process proceeds to step S109 without performing the update process.

  In step S109, it is determined whether the mixed period set in step S102 has elapsed. If the mixed period has not elapsed (step S109; No), it is determined that the risk of malfunction has not yet decreased below a predetermined value, and the apparatus that operates with the new version program and the old version program operates. The state where the apparatus is mixed is maintained (step S110).

  When the mixed period has elapsed (step S109; Yes), it is determined that the risk of malfunction has decreased below a predetermined value, and the new version is updated for all devices currently operating with the old version of the program. An update instruction to the program is transmitted (step S111), and this process ends.

  Next, the details of the mixed period setting process (step S102 in FIG. 4) will be described.

  The risk determination unit 22 determines the ratio of a prudent user among all users who use the managed information processing device 30 or a problem in a job executed in the past by the managed information processing device 30. The mixed period is set based on the execution ratio of the job having a large influence at the time of occurrence.

  FIG. 5 is an example of the details of step S102 of FIG. 4, and the length of the mixed period is set by judging the risk based on which function the part changed in the new version of the program relates to. This shows the processing when doing this. The length of the mixed period is set according to the magnitude of the impact when a failure occurs in the execution of the function of the changed part of the new version of the program (the size that does not allow the failure to occur). Specifically, the greater the influence at the time of occurrence of the malfunction, the longer the mixed period.

  Here, the changed part of the new version of the program requires high security such as a function for transmitting data to the outside, such as a FAX transmission function or a ScanTo ** function (** is an external destination), or confidential printing. If it is a part related to the function (step S201; transmission function), since the influence when a malfunction occurs in the function is extremely large (risk is high), the mixed period is set to one month (step S202). . For example, a malfunction such as erroneous transmission is not allowed.

  When the changed part in the new version of the program is a part related to the function of saving data inside the apparatus, such as the ScanToBox function or the ScanToUSB function (step S201; save function), if a malfunction occurs in the function Since the influence is moderate, the mixed period is set to 2 weeks (step S203). The effects of erroneous data erasure and storage errors are large, but small compared to the effects of erroneous transmission.

  If the changed part in the new version of the program is a part related to the normal printing function (step S201; printing function), the effect of the occurrence of a malfunction in the function is small (print failure can be re-executed) Therefore, the mixed period is set to one week (step S204). In other words, the influence (risk) at the time of occurrence of a failure is transmission function> storage function> printing function, and the length of the mixed period is set correspondingly.

  The specific value of the mixed period corresponding to each of the transmission function, the storage function, and the printing function is not limited to the above, and may be set as appropriate. Further, the administrator or the like can change a specific set value of the mixed period by a predetermined operation. However, the length of the mixed period must be in the relationship of transmission function> save function> printing function, and the program update management server 10 does not accept setting changes to values not in this relationship.

  FIG. 6 is another example of the details of step S102 of FIG. 4, and shows processing when a mixed period is set according to the release purpose of the new version of the program. Here, the length of the mixed period is set depending on whether the purpose of releasing the new version of the program is to solve the problem, improve the quality of the existing function, or install a new function.

  There is a correlation between the purpose of the release and the likelihood of a bug in the new version of the program. That is, when the release purpose is to solve the defect, generally, the changed part is limited, and a confirmation test that the defect has been eliminated is sufficiently performed before the release. Therefore, if the problem is to be released, the possibility that the new version of the program has a problem is low in other cases.

  If the release purpose is to improve the quality of existing functions (improve performance), the amount of program changes is considered to be less than that of new functions, so the probability of occurrence of defects is lower than that of new functions. Conceivable. From the above, it is considered that the probability of occurrence of a potential defect is in the order of new function installation> quality improvement> defect resolution.

  Therefore, in the processing shown in FIG. 6, if the release purpose of the new version of the program is to solve the problem (step S211; defect resolution), the mixed period is set to 3 days (step S212). Step S211; quality improvement), the mixed period is set to 1 week (Step S213), and if the release purpose is a new function installed (Step S211; new function installed), the mixed period is set to 2 weeks (Step S214).

  What is necessary is just to set the specific value of the mixing period corresponding to each release objective suitably. Further, the administrator or the like can change a specific set value of the mixed period by a predetermined operation. However, the length of the mixed period must be in the relationship of new function installation> quality improvement> defect elimination, and the program update management server 10 does not accept the setting change if it is not in this relationship.

  Note that the mixed period may be set in consideration of both the function of the part where the program is changed and the release purpose. Furthermore, the mixed period may be set based on other factors.

  Next, details of the process (mixing ratio, update necessity determination process) of step S105 in FIG. 4 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the mixture ratio / update necessity determination process (step S105 in FIG. 4). The mixture ratio setting unit 23 of the program update management server 10 acquires the attributes of the users of the plurality of information processing apparatuses 30 to be managed with reference to the management table, and calculates the number of careful users and the number of non-careful users. The ratio is calculated to obtain the ratio (step S221).

  Next, the mixture ratio setting unit 23 of the program update management server 10 obtains the mixture ratio of the device operated by the new version program and the device operated by the old version program based on the ratio obtained in step S221. For the mixing ratio, the ratio obtained in step S221 may be used as it is, or the mixing ratio may be calculated by adding some conversion processing. For example, a conversion table in which the correspondence between the ratio obtained in step S221 and the mixture ratio is registered in advance may be prepared, and the mixture ratio may be obtained by referring to the conversion table in the ratio obtained in step S221. .

  Next, the mixture ratio setting unit 23 calculates the target number of devices operated by the new version program and the target number of devices operated by the old version from the mixture ratio and the total number of information processing devices 30 to be managed. (Step S223).

For example, when the total number of information processing devices 30 to be managed by the program update management server 10 is 20, if 30% are careful users and 70% are non-careful users,
・ The target number of devices that operate with the old version of the program is calculated as 6 units. The target number of devices that operate with the new version of the program is calculated as 14 units.

  Next, the program update management server 10 checks the version of the program currently being operated on each information processing apparatus 30 to be managed by referring to the management table or the like, and is currently operating with the new version of the program And the number of devices operating in the old version are confirmed (step S224).

  Next, the program update management server 10 matches the target number of devices operated by the new version program obtained in step S223 and the number of devices operated by the new version program obtained in step S224. It is confirmed whether or not (step S225). Note that the number of old versions may be compared instead of the new version.

  If the numbers match in the comparison in step S225 (step S225; Yes), the program update management server 10 determines that there is no information processing apparatus 30 to be updated to the new version of the program to be managed (step S225). S226), the process is terminated. If the numbers do not match in the comparison in step S225, that is, if the number of devices currently operating in the new version is smaller than the target number of devices operated in the new version (step S225; No), the program update management server 10 Determines that the information processing apparatus 30 to be updated to the new version of the program exists in the management target (step S227), and ends this process.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of another example of the mixing ratio and update necessity determination process (step S105 in FIG. 4). In the process of FIG. 7, the program update management server 10 obtains the mixing ratio based on the user attribute, but in the process of FIG. 8, the number of job executions executed in the past by a plurality of information processing apparatuses 30 to be managed. Based on the above, the mixture ratio is calculated.

  Specifically, the program update management server 10 totals the number of job executions for each job type from the execution history of jobs executed in the past predetermined period by the plurality of information processing apparatuses 30 to be managed. Here, the job related to the transmission function and the job related to the storage function are set as important jobs, the number of executions of the important job is taken, and the number of executions of other jobs (normal jobs) is totaled (step S231).

  Next, the program update management server 10 includes a device operated by the new version program and a device operated by the old version program based on the ratio between the number of executions of the important job and the number of executions of the normal job obtained in step S231. Is obtained (step S232).

  Subsequent processing is the same as steps S224 to S227 shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, the same step numbers as in FIG.

  Next, details of step S107 (device selection processing) in FIG. 4 will be described.

  FIG. 9 shows the flow of device selection processing when selecting a device based on the number of times the device is used by user group. The device selection unit 24 of the program update management server 10 totals the number of times the device is used for each user layer for each information processing device 30 to be managed (step S301). Here, the number of times the device is used by a prudent user and the number of times the device is used by a non-prudent user are tabulated for each device.

  Then, the device selection unit 24 of the program update management server 10 selects, from among a plurality of information processing devices 30 to be managed, a device that is preferentially operated by the old version of the program from the one with a large number of careful use. (Step S302). When the number of selected devices reaches the target number of devices to be operated by the old version program (step S303; Yes), this processing is terminated.

  For example, it is assumed that there are 20 information processing devices 30 to be managed by the program update management server 10, the target number of old versions obtained from the mixture ratio is 6, and the target number of new versions is 14. In this case, the top six information processing devices 30 that are frequently used by prudent users are left as the old version, and the remaining 14 devices are identified as devices to be updated to the new version.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of details of the processing in step S107 (device selection processing) in FIG. In FIG. 10, a device that is preferentially operated by the new version of the program is selected from the devices that are frequently used by non-careful groups.

  The device selection unit 24 of the program update management server 10 totals the number of times the device is used for each user layer (careful group, non-careful group) for each information processing device 30 to be managed (step S311). Among the information processing apparatuses 30, the apparatus that is preferentially operated by the new version of the program is selected from the apparatuses that are frequently used by a non-careful group (step S <b> 312). The device selection unit 24 of the program update management server 10 ends this processing when the number of selected devices reaches the target number of devices operated by the new version of the program (step S313; Yes).

  In step S302 in FIG. 9 and step S312 in FIG. 10, selection is made with priority from the one with the highest number of uses, but selection may be made with priority from the one with the highest use ratio.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of details of the processing in step S107 (device selection processing) in FIG. In the process illustrated in FIG. 11, the device selection unit 24 of the program update management server 10 selects a device based on the number of executions for each job type.

  The device selection unit 24 of the program update management server 10 totals the number of job executions for each job type for each information processing device 30 to be managed (step S321). Here, the job types are classified into two types based on the degree of influence when a failure occurs, and are totalized. For example, a job related to the transmission function and a job related to the storage function are set as important jobs, and other jobs are set as normal jobs, and the number of executions of important jobs and the number of executions of normal jobs are totaled.

  Then, the device selection unit 24 of the program update management server 10 preferentially selects an old version of a program from a plurality of information processing devices 30 to be managed from a device having a large number of important job executions (or a high execution ratio). Is selected as the device to be operated (step S322). When the number of selected devices reaches the target number of devices to be operated by the old version program (step S323; Yes), this processing is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of details of the processing in step S107 (device selection processing) in FIG. In FIG. 11, a device having a large number of executions (or a high execution ratio) of a job type job (important job) having a large influence of occurrence of a defect is selected as a device that is preferentially operated by an old version of the program. In the processing shown in FIG. 5, a device that is preferentially operated by a new version of a program is selected from the device having a large number of executions (or a high execution ratio) of a job type job (ordinary job) having a small influence.

  Specifically, the device selection unit 24 of the program update management server 10 totals the number of job executions for each job type for each information processing device 30 to be managed (step S331). Here, as in the case of FIG. 11, the number of executions of the important job and the number of executions of the normal job are totaled. Then, from among a plurality of information processing apparatuses 30 to be managed, an apparatus that is preferentially operated by a new version of a program is selected from the apparatuses that have a large number of executions (or a high execution ratio) of normal jobs (step S332). When the number of selected devices reaches the target number of devices to be operated by the new version of the program (step S333; Yes), the device selection unit 24 of the program update management server 10 ends this processing.

  Next, the control in which the program update management server 10 displays the information of the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the old and new versions of the program on the operation panel 38 of the information processing apparatus 30 or the display unit of the operation display apparatus 60 will be described.

  The program update management server 10 uses a new version of a program as shown in FIG. 13 when a device to be managed is in a state where a device that operates with an old version of a program and a device that operates with a new version of a program are mixed. Information about the information processing apparatus 30 that operates and information about the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with an older version of the program are displayed. For example, the display is performed when it is detected that the user has approached the operation panel 38 or the operation display device 60 of the information processing apparatus 30 or when an operation is received from the user.

  FIG. 13 shows information indicating that there are three A001, B001, and C001 information processing devices 30 that operate with the new version of the program, and two D001 and E001 information processing devices 30 that operate with the old version of the program. Is displayed on the display unit of the operation display device 60.

  FIG. 14 shows that the program update management server 10 receives a job setting operation from the operation panel 38 or the operation display device 60 of the information processing apparatus 30 in the mixed state. An example of the selection screen displayed on the display unit is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the display control unit 28 of the program update management server 10 completes the setting operation of the job currently being set on the operation panel 18 that is accepting the job setting operation or the display unit of the operation display device 60. The selection button 72 of the first option for transferring the setting information of the job to the information processing apparatus 30 operating with the desired version of the program, and the desired version of the program without completing the setting operation currently being set. A job setting operation is completed on the operation panel of the operating information processing apparatus 30, and a selection button 73 of a second option for causing the information processing apparatus 30 to execute the job is displayed.

  When the selection operation of the selection button 72 of the first option is received from the user, it is accepted until the job setting operation is completed on this operation panel (or operation display device 60). Thereafter, a selection operation of a device that is the execution destination of a job for which setting has been completed is received, and job setting information is transferred to the selected device to execute the job.

  When the selection operation of the selection button 73 of the second option is received from the user, the setting information of the job that was being received on the operation panel (or the operation display device 60) is discarded. The user performs a job setting operation from the beginning on the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with a desired version of the program. Alternatively, an operation for selecting a device as a job execution destination is accepted, and the setting information of the accepted job is transferred to the selected device, and the operation is inherited. The user can complete the job setting operation by continuing the job setting operation on the transfer destination apparatus. The set job is executed by the information processing apparatus 30.

  Next, an operation in which the program update management server 10 transfers a job will be described.

  The program update management server 10 performs a job setting operation on the information processing apparatus 30 on the operation panel 38 of the information processing apparatus 30 or a job setting operation on an arbitrary information processing apparatus 30 on the operation display device 60. In this case, it is determined whether or not the type of job accepted by the setting operation is a type of job suitable for the version of the program being operated on the information processing apparatus 30 that is the execution destination of the job. If it is determined that the information processing apparatus 30 is not suitable, the information processing apparatus 30 operating with a version of the program suitable for execution of the job is selected, and the job is transferred to the selected information processing apparatus 30 for execution. Alternatively, the setting operation information is transferred to the selected information processing device 30, and the transfer destination information processing device 30 is caused to newly generate a job based on the transferred setting operation information and execute the job. .

  Here, it is determined that the job of the transmission function and the storage function is suitable for the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the old version of the program, and is not suitable for the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the new version of the program. On the other hand, regarding the print function job, it is determined that the information processing apparatus 30 operating with either the old or new version of the program is suitable.

  For example, when a job setting operation related to the transmission function is performed using the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the new version of the program as the job execution destination, the program update management server 10 is any one that operates with the old version of the program. One information processing device 30 is selected as a transfer destination, and the set job or job setting information is transferred to the selected device.

  Next, a case where it is determined whether or not it is necessary to transfer a job or job setting information based on the attribute of the user who submitted the job (whether or not it is cautious) will be described. The program update management server 10 performs a job setting operation on the information processing apparatus 30 on the operation panel 38 of the information processing apparatus 30 or a job setting operation on an arbitrary information processing apparatus 30 on the operation display device 60. The user's attribute (prudent and non-prudent) accepted by the setting operation is acquired, and the user's attribute is the version being operated on the information processing apparatus 30 that is the execution destination of the job accepted by the setting operation Judge whether it is suitable for the program. If it is determined that the information processing apparatus 30 is not suitable, the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with a version of the program suitable for the user attribute is selected. Then, the job received in the setting operation is transferred to the selected information processing apparatus 30 and executed, or the information of the setting operation is transferred to the selected information processing apparatus 30 and the transfer destination information processing apparatus 30 A new job is generated based on the transferred setting operation information, and the job is executed.

  Here, it is determined that the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the old version of the program is suitable for a prudent user, and the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the new version of the program is inappropriate. Further, it is determined that the information processing apparatus 30 operating with the new version of the program is suitable for a non-careful user, and the information processing apparatus 30 operating with the old version of the program is inappropriate.

  For example, when a job setting operation is performed by a careful user who uses the information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the new version of the program as a job execution destination, the program update management server 10 determines that the current execution destination apparatus is It is determined that the job submitted by the user is not suitable for execution. Then, any one of the information processing devices 30 operating with the old version program is selected as a device suitable for a prudent user, and the set job or job setting information is transferred to the selected device.

  The transfer of the job setting information and the transfer of the job may be a method in which the program update management server 10 acquires information to be transferred from the transfer source device and transfers it to the transfer destination device. The transfer source device may instruct the transfer source device to transfer information to the transfer destination device, and the transfer source device that receives the instruction may directly transfer the information to the transfer destination.

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

  In the embodiment, the users are classified into the prudent group and the non-prudent group based on the attribute of the user. However, the number of classifications and the classification criteria are not limited thereto. For example, it may be classified into three or more groups such as cautious, ordinary, and non-careful. Regarding the types of jobs, the number of classifications and the like are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiments. The type of job may be classified based on the magnitude of the impact when a failure occurs. For example, it may be classified into a transmission function and a non-transmission function.

  In the embodiment, the initially set mixing ratio is maintained until the mixing period elapses, but according to the elapsed time after the release, the occurrence of a defect after the release, or the elapsed time The mixing ratio may be changed according to the occurrence state of the malfunction. For example, if a predetermined time or more has passed without any problems after release, the mixing ratio is reviewed so that the number of new versions increases. If a problem occurs after release, review the mix ratio so that the number of older versions increases.

  If only one information processing apparatus 30 that operates with the old version of the program is present before the mixed period elapses, the program update management server 10 will update the new version until the mixed period elapses thereafter. Do not update to other programs.

  The criteria for determining the risk of failure are not limited to the type of job or the purpose of program release. The number of steps in which the program is changed may be used as a criterion.

2 ... External device 3 ... Network 5 ... Information processing system 10 ... Program update management server 11 ... CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Non-volatile memory 15 ... Hard disk device 16 ... Network communication part 17 ... Operation panel 17a ... Operation part 17b ... Display part 18 ... Clock part 21 ... Program update part 22 ... Risk judgment part 23 ... Mixed ratio setting part 24 ... Device selection part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 25 ... 1st transfer destination selection part 26 ... 2nd transfer destination selection part 27 ... Transfer part 28 ... Display control part 30 ... Information processing apparatus 31 ... CPU
32 ... ROM
33 ... RAM
34 ... Nonvolatile memory 35 ... Hard disk device 36 ... Scanner unit 37 ... Printer unit 38 ... Operation panel 38a ... Operation unit 38b ... Display unit 39 ... Image processing unit 41 ... Facsimile communication unit 42 ... Network communication unit 43 ... Authentication unit 50 ... User Terminal 60 ... Operation display device 72 ... First option selection button 73 ... Second option selection button

Claims (18)

A program update management server for managing program updates in a plurality of information processing apparatuses connected via a network,
A program update unit for updating a program of the information processing apparatus;
A risk determination unit that determines the risk of occurrence of problems associated with the execution of the new version of the program;
Have
The program update unit maintains a state where an information processing device operating with an old version program and an information processing device operating with a new version program are mixed until the risk of the new version program falls below a predetermined value. A program update management server characterized by: 2. The risk determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the risk determination unit determines the risk of the new version of the program based on which function the part changed in the new version of the program is. Program update management server. The program update management server according to claim 1, wherein the risk determination unit determines the risk of the new version of the program based on a release purpose of the new version of the program. It further has a mixing ratio setting unit for setting a mixing ratio between the information processing apparatus operating with the old version program and the information processing apparatus operating with the new version program,
The program update management server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the program update unit updates a program according to a mixture ratio set by the mixture ratio setting unit. An information processing device that operates with an old version program or an information processing device that operates with a new version program is selected from the plurality of information processing devices so that the mixing ratio set by the mixing ratio setting unit is set. A device selection unit that
The program update management server according to claim 4, wherein the program update unit updates a program according to the selection of the device selection unit. The mixing ratio setting unit obtains a ratio of the number of users for each group when the users of the plurality of information processing apparatuses are grouped at a level that accepts the risk, and sets the mixing ratio based on the ratio The program update management server according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: Classify users into prudents and non-prudents who accept the risk more than the prudents,
The program update management server according to claim 6, wherein the mixture ratio setting unit sets a higher ratio of information processing devices that operate with an older version of the program as the ratio of the cautious user is higher. The said apparatus selection part calculates | requires the frequency | count of use for every group for every said information processing apparatus, and selects based on this. Citation of Claim 6 characterized by the above-mentioned, or Citation of Claim 5 The program update management server according to claim 7 quoting claim 6. Classify users into prudents and non-prudents who accept the risk more than the prudents,
The device selection unit preferentially selects an information processing device that operates with the new version of the program, with preference given to an information processing device that has a high number of uses by non-careful users or a high usage ratio by non-careful users, Alternatively, an information processing device that is used more frequently by a prudent user or has a higher usage ratio by a prudent user is preferentially selected as an information processing device that operates with the old version of the program. The program update management server described in 1. The mixing ratio setting unit aggregates the number of executions of jobs executed by the plurality of information processing apparatuses for each type of job, and sets the mixing ratio based on a result of the aggregation. The program update management server according to 4 or 5. There are two types of jobs: regular jobs and important jobs that have a greater impact when a problem occurs than regular jobs.
The program update management server according to claim 10, wherein the mixture ratio setting unit sets a higher ratio of information processing devices that operate with an older version of the program as the execution ratio of the important job is higher. The said apparatus selection part calculates | requires the frequency | count of execution according to the kind of said job for every said information processing apparatus, and performs the said selection based on this. 12. The program update management server according to claim 11 quoting claim 10 quoting claim 6. There are two types of jobs: regular jobs and important jobs that have a greater impact when a problem occurs than regular jobs.
The apparatus selection unit preferentially selects an information processing apparatus that operates with the new version of the program as the information processing apparatus having a larger number of executions of the normal job or a higher execution ratio, or the number of executions of the important job. 13. The program update management server according to claim 12, wherein an information processing apparatus having a larger number or a higher execution ratio is preferentially selected as an information processing apparatus that operates with the old version of the program. When a job setting operation is performed on one information processing apparatus, it is determined whether or not the type of job accepted by the setting operation is a job suitable for a version program that operates on the one information processing apparatus, If it is determined that it is not suitable, a transfer destination selection unit that selects an information processing device that operates with a version of the program suitable for execution of the job;
The job received in the setting operation is transferred to the information processing apparatus selected by the transfer destination selection unit and executed, or the information on the setting operation is transferred to the selected information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus of the transfer destination A transfer unit that newly generates a job based on the information of the setting operation;
The program update management server according to claim 1, wherein the program update management server comprises: When a job setting operation is performed for one information processing apparatus, the attribute of the user who performed the setting operation is acquired, and the user attribute is a version of a program that runs on the one information processing apparatus. A second transfer destination selection unit that selects an information processing device that operates with a version of a program suitable for the user attribute, if it is determined that it is not suitable.
The job received in the setting operation is transferred to the information processing device selected by the second transfer destination selection unit and executed, or the information on the setting operation is transferred to the selected information processing device, and the transfer destination A transfer unit that causes the information processing apparatus to newly generate a job based on the information of the setting operation;
The program update management server according to claim 1, wherein the program update management server comprises: A display control unit that displays information on an information processing device that operates with the new version of the program and information on an information processing device that operates with the old version of the program on a display unit of an operating device that can set and operate the information processing device The program update management server according to claim 1, further comprising: The display control unit
On the operation panel that is accepting job setting operations,
A first option for completing the setting operation of the job that is currently set and transferring the setting information of the job to an information processing apparatus that operates with a desired version of the program;
A second option for causing the information processing apparatus to execute the job by completing the job setting operation on the operation panel of the information processing apparatus operating with a desired version of the program without completing the setting operation currently being set; The program update management server according to claim 16, wherein the program update management server is displayed.   A program that causes a server connected to a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network to function as the program update management server according to any one of claims 1 to 17.