JP6337605B2 - Update management apparatus, image forming apparatus, control program for update management apparatus, and control program for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an update management apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a control program for an update management apparatus, and a control program for an image forming apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an update management apparatus for managing update of a document file to be synchronized, an image The present invention relates to a control program for an image forming apparatus, an update management apparatus, and a control program for an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, cloud services, which are services provided via a network such as the Internet, have become widespread. By using the computer resource of the cloud service provider through the network, the user can enjoy the service without owning the computer resource in his / her terminal. Examples of cloud services that have already been realized include scan services and online storage services (for example, Dropbox (registered trademark)).

  In the online storage service, the server that provides the service (cloud server) communicates with the user's device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) and stores it in the document file stored on the server and in a specific folder on the user's device. A synchronization process is performed to synchronize with the document file. As a result, the user of the terminal simply installs software for using the online storage service on his / her terminal, and saves the document file in a folder created by the software in the terminal. You can share files.

  The document file synchronization processing is performed, for example, at regular time intervals. In addition, when a document file is edited on one of the server and terminal devices and the latest version of the document file is created, one device requests the other device for synchronization processing. Is called. Thereby, the same document file can be held in both the server and the terminal.

  The online storage service is based on the reason that data is retained on the server because of limited memory capacity on the device side, the purpose is to prevent data loss when the device is lost on the go, It is used for the purpose of enabling operation (ubiquitous access) from other terminals by placing on the server.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a conventional document management system.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the conventional document management system includes a terminal 1100 and a server 1200. The terminal 1100 and the server 1200 communicate with each other through the network 1400. Each of terminal 1100 and server 1200 stores document files that are synchronized with each other. As an initial state of the document management system, the version of the document file stored in the terminal 1100 and the version of the document file stored in the server 1200 are the same, and both are version 1.0. .

  When the terminal 1100 and the server 1200 are in the initial state, the user of the terminal 1100 edits the document file stored in the terminal 1100 to change the document file stored in the terminal 1100 to version 2.0. The document file is updated (process PR101).

  The terminal 1100 and the server 1200 perform document file synchronization processing based on the synchronization setting information. The synchronization setting information is held by each of the terminal 1100 and the server 1200. The synchronization setting information includes file path information (such as URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) in the terminal 1100 or server 1200 that is the synchronization partner, synchronization timing (such as 10-minute intervals, 1-hour intervals, etc.). As a result of the synchronization processing of the document file, the document file stored in the terminal 1100 and the document file stored in the server 1200 are both version 2.0 and both are the latest (process PR102). .

  Contrary to the above example, it is assumed that the user edits the document file stored in the server 1200 to update the document file stored in the server 1200 to the latest version of the document file. (For example, when a document file on Google Drive (registered trademark) is edited). In this example, after editing, the document file stored in the server 1200 becomes the latest version, and the document file stored in the terminal 1100 is updated as a result of the synchronization processing of the document file.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, document management systems for managing document file versions have been widely used. In this document management system, a document file is registered on the server. When a document file is updated, the document file is acquired (checked out) from the server, and the updated document file is registered on the server. Version control is performed. For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 below disclose techniques for managing document file versions.

  In Patent Document 1 below, when document data is acquired from a document editing server capable of simultaneously editing a single document and printed out, the document data stored in the document editing server is updated to the latest state. An image forming apparatus that performs printing is disclosed. Before starting execution of a print job generated based on document data acquired from the document editing server, the image forming apparatus checks whether or not the document data is updated in the document editing server, and the document data is updated. If the print data is updated, the updated document data is acquired again to generate a print job, and the print job to be executed is replaced with a print job generated based on the updated document data.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-259259 discloses a standard format data management that automatically checks whether or not the version of standard format data included in document data created on a PC (Personal Computer) is the latest version and transmits the result to the PC. A server device is disclosed. Prior to printing the created document data on the image forming apparatus, the PC transmits the version information of the standard format data included in the document data to the standard format data management server device. The fixed form data management server apparatus that has received the version information determines whether or not the version information is the latest version information, and if it determines that the version information is not the latest, transmits control information to stop printing the document data to the PC To do.

  Patent Document 3 below discloses a technique that facilitates use of version-managed document data. In this technology, the multifunction peripheral stores a device ID (Identification), a document ID for identifying document data, version information indicating an update history of the document data, and document data in the version information in association with each other. The document ID, the device ID, the version information, and the update content for the copy content, the update content acquisition unit that acquires the update content information that represents the update content of the document data in the version information, and the DNS (Domain Name System) server A registration request unit that requests registration in association with information.

JP 2012-245751 A JP 2010-146324 A JP 2009-218866 A

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a problem of a conventional document management system.

  Referring to FIG. 18, the conventional document management system further includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 1300. MFP 1300 and each of terminal 1100 and server 1200 communicate with each other via network 1400.

  When the MFP 1300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file held by the server 1200 (pull printing from the server 1200) from the user, the MFP 1300 requests the server 1200 to transmit the document file, and the server 1200 Print the document file received from.

  In this case, the document file printed by the MFP 1300 is not necessarily the latest version. The MFP 1300 cannot determine whether the document file received from the server 1200 is the latest version. That is, if the document file stored in the terminal 1100 has not been edited after the terminal 1100 and the server 1200 have synchronized the document file, the document file received from the server 1200 is the latest version. On the other hand, if the document file stored in the terminal 1100 has been edited after the terminal 1100 and the server 1200 have synchronized the document file, the document file received from the server 1200 is an old version.

  Therefore, in order for the MFP 1300 to determine whether or not the document file received from the server 1200 is the latest version, at least the document file stored in the terminal 1100, the document file stored in the server 1200, and Both had to be referenced and the process was complicated. As a result, it took time to print the latest version of the document file, and convenience was reduced.

  In the conventional document management system disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the server manages the version of the document file. For this reason, when the latest version of the document file exists on the server side (that is, in the document management system), the server can identify the latest version of the file, but the latest version of the document file is the terminal side (that is, the document management system). The server could not identify the latest version of the file. Further, in order to determine whether the latest version of the document file exists on the terminal side or the server side, it is necessary to install a document management system on the terminal side. As a result, the system becomes large and the processing becomes complicated. As a result, it took time to print the latest version of the document file, and convenience was reduced.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that an update management apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a control program for the update management apparatus, and a control program for the image forming apparatus that can improve convenience. Is to provide.

An update management device according to one aspect of the present invention is an update management device that communicates with a counterpart device, and each of the update management device and the counterpart device includes a document file to be synchronized and a document file that is the latest storing a synchronization status is information on whether the version, the update management apparatus, when a document file stored in the update management unit has been updated to the new version of the document file stored in the partner device Update the synchronization status stored in the update management apparatus to information indicating that the document file is the latest version without synchronizing the document file stored in the update management apparatus with the document file stored in the update management apparatus ; and the sync status stored in the other device, a first status document file is updated to information indicating that it is not the latest version update And stage, after updating by the first status update means, a document file stored in the other device, and synchronizing means for synchronizing a document file stored in the update management unit, synchronized by synchronizing means case, the synchronization status being stored in each of the update management apparatus and other device, update management apparatus and also document file either stored in the remote device to the second updating of the information indicating that the latest version Status update means.

Preferably, in the above update management apparatus, synchronization status, update management apparatus and each version of the document file stored in the other device is, any document file stored in the update management apparatus and other device is the latest version The first state, the document file stored in the counterpart device is the latest version, and the document file stored in the update management apparatus is not the latest version, and is stored in the update management apparatus . This is information indicating whether the document file is the latest version and the document file stored in the counterpart device is in any one of the third states that are not the latest version.

Preferably, in the update management apparatus, when a transmission request for a document file stored in the update management apparatus is received by the update management apparatus from the image forming apparatus, and when a transmission request is received by the request reception means, based on the synchronization status stored in the update management unit, and version determining means for document files stored in the update management apparatus determines whether or not the latest version, based on the determination result by the version determination device, File transmission means for transmitting the latest version of the document file to the image forming apparatus;

Preferably, in the update management apparatus, when the version determination unit determines that the document file stored in the update management apparatus is not the latest version, the synchronization unit uses the document file stored in the update management apparatus as a counterpart device . synchronized with the document file that stores the file transmitting means, after synchronization by the synchronization means, and transmits to the image forming apparatus a document file stored in the update management apparatus from the update management unit.

Preferably, in the above update management apparatus, the update management apparatus is a terminal, the counterpart device is a server, and the version determination unit determines that the document file stored in the terminal is not the latest version. Canceling means for canceling the transmission request, and when canceling by the canceling means, the path information, which is information regarding the location of the document file in the server, and the print command of the document file based on the path information are sent from the terminal to the image forming apparatus. And a print command transmitting means for transmitting.

Another image forming apparatus according to aspects of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that communicates with the update management unit, when receiving the acquisition instruction of the document file stored in the update management apparatus, the update management apparatus Information acquisition means for acquiring the stored synchronization status from the update management apparatus, and whether or not the document file stored in the update management apparatus is the latest version based on the synchronization status acquired by the information acquisition means Version discriminating means for discriminating, and file acquiring means for acquiring the latest version of the document file based on the discrimination result by the version discriminating means.

Preferably, in the above image forming apparatus, if a document file stored in the update management apparatus has determined in the not the latest version version discriminating means, to the counterpart device, the transmission of a document file stored in the partner device A file transmission request means for requesting is further provided.

Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the file acquisition unit acquires a document file stored in the partner device from the partner device .

Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, when the update management device is a server, the counterpart device is a terminal, and the version determination unit determines that the document file stored in the server is not the latest version, the file transmission request unit is When requesting transmission of a document file stored in the terminal to the terminal and requesting transmission by the file transmission request means, the server does not receive the document file stored in the terminal from the terminal. Request to synchronize the document file stored in the server with the document file stored in the terminal and to send the document file stored in the server after synchronization Means are further provided.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the synchronization request unit synchronizes the document file stored in the server with the document file stored in the terminal by requesting the server to perform a pull print from the server. And request to send a document file stored on the server after synchronization.

Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the update management device is a terminal, the counterpart device is a server, and the version determination unit determines that the document file stored in the terminal is not the latest version. Path information acquisition means for acquiring path information that is location information from the terminal is further provided, and the file transmission request means requests the server to transmit a document file stored in the server based on the path information. .

Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, when an instruction to acquire a document file stored in one of the update management apparatus and the counterpart device is received, whether the document file that has received the acquisition instruction is a synchronization target. A setting determination unit that determines whether the document file that has received the acquisition instruction is synchronously set, and the information acquisition unit stores the synchronization status stored in one device. From one device.

A control program for an update management apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention is a control program for an update management apparatus that communicates with a counterpart device, wherein each of the update management device and the counterpart device is a document to be synchronized. A file and a synchronization status that is information about whether or not the document file is the latest version, and the control program stores the document file stored in the update management device when the document file is updated to a new version. indicates that the document file stored in the partner device, without the document files and synchronization stored in the update management unit, the synchronization status stored in the update management apparatus, a document file is the latest version The document file is not the latest version of the synchronization status updated to the information and stored in the other device. A first status updating step of updating the information shown, after updating in the first status update step, synchronizing a document file stored in the other device, and a document file stored in the update management apparatus synchronization and step, when synchronized in synchronization step, synchronization status being stored in each of the update management apparatus and other device is the latest version any document file stored in the update management apparatus and other device And causing the computer to execute a second status update step for updating the information to indicate that.

An image forming apparatus control program according to still another aspect of the present invention is a control program for an image forming apparatus that communicates with the update management apparatus , and has received an instruction to acquire a document file stored in the update management apparatus when an information acquisition step of acquiring synchronization status stored in the update management apparatus from the update management unit, based on the synchronization status acquired in the information acquisition step, a document file stored in the update management apparatus Latest A computer is caused to execute a version determination step for determining whether or not it is a version, and a file acquisition step for acquiring a document file of the latest version based on the determination result obtained by the version determination step.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an update management apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an update management apparatus control program, and an image forming apparatus control program that can improve convenience.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the document management system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the synchronous setting information which each of the terminal 100 and the server 200 memorize | stores. FIG. 7 is a first diagram illustrating a synchronization process executed by the terminal 100 and the server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a second diagram illustrating a synchronization process executed by the terminal 100 and the server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating a synchronization process executed by the terminal 100 and the server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a synchronization process executed by a terminal 100 and a server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a first diagram illustrating an operation of the document management system when MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating the operation of the document management system when MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating the operation of the document management system when MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of MFP 300 when MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file in server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the document management system when the MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file on the terminal 100 in the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of MFP 300 when MFP 300 accepts an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file on terminal 100 in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the document management system when the MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from the server 200 in the third embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of server 200 when MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from server 200 in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the document management system when the MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from the terminal 100 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the terminal 100 and the server 200 when the MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file of the terminal 100 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the conventional document management system. It is a figure explaining the problem of the conventional document management system.

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

  [First Embodiment]

  First, the configuration of the document management system in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a document management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the document management system according to the present embodiment includes a terminal 100, a server 200 (an example of an update management apparatus), and an MFP 300 (an example of an image forming apparatus). Each of terminal 100, server 200, and MFP 300 is connected to each other through network 400.

  The network 400 uses a dedicated line such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The network 400 connects various devices using a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol. Devices connected to the network 400 can exchange various data with each other.

  Terminal 100 is wirelessly connected to a base station (not shown) connected to network 400. The terminal 100 performs narrow-band communication with each of the server 200 and the MFP 300. Each of server 200 and MFP 300 is wired to network 400. Server 200 and MFP 300 perform broadband communication. Note that the terminal 100 may be wired with the network 400, and each of the server 200 and the MFP 300 may be wirelessly connected with the network 400.

  Note that the terminal 100, the server 200, and the MFP 300 may be connected to each other via an external device (not shown) such as another terminal, another server, or another MFP via the network 400.

  The terminal 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication unit 120, a storage unit 130, an operation unit 140, a display unit 150, and a synchronization unit 160.

  The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The control unit 110 controls the terminal 100 as a whole.

  The communication unit 120 communicates with an external device via the network 400 using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP according to an instruction from the control unit 110.

  The storage unit 130 stores a document file, synchronization setting information regarding a document file to be synchronized (synchronized setting), a storage service software program, a print application software program, and the like.

  The operation unit 140 receives various operations from the user of the terminal 100.

  The display unit 150 displays various information for the user of the terminal 100.

  The synchronization unit 160 performs synchronization processing of the document file to be synchronized and synchronization processing of the synchronization status with the server 200.

  The server 200 includes a control unit 210, a communication unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a synchronization unit 240. The control unit 210 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 210 controls the entire server 200.

  The communication unit 220 communicates with an external device via the network 400 using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP according to an instruction from the control unit 210.

  The storage unit 230 stores various information. The storage unit 230 stores a document file, synchronization setting information regarding the document file to be synchronized, and the like.

  The synchronization unit 240 performs synchronization processing of the document file to be synchronized and synchronization processing of the synchronization status with the terminal 100.

  Note that the terminal 100 may further include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F.

  The document file synchronization process performed by the terminal 100 and the server 200 refers to the process of storing the document file stored in one of the document files stored in the terminal 100 and the server 200 when one is an old version (not the latest version). This is a process of updating the content to the same content as the latest version of the document file stored in the other. The synchronization processing of the synchronization status performed by the terminal 100 and the server 200 means that when one of the synchronization setting information stored in the terminal 100 and the server 200 is changed (updated), the other is performed at a predetermined timing. This is a process for updating the contents of the synchronization status of the synchronization setting information to the contents of the synchronization status after changing one of the synchronization setting information.

  Hereinafter, the document file to be synchronized may be simply referred to as a document file unless otherwise specified. Of the document files to be synchronized, the document file stored in the terminal 100 may be referred to as a terminal-side document file, and the document file stored in the server 200 may be referred to as a server-side document file. Further, among synchronization setting information described later, information stored in the terminal 100 may be referred to as terminal-side synchronization setting information, and information stored in the server 200 may be referred to as server-side synchronization setting information.

  The MFP 300 has a scanner function, a facsimile function, a copying function, a function as a printer, a data communication function, and a server function. MFP 300 includes a control unit 310, a communication unit 320, a storage unit 330, an operation unit 340, a display unit 350, and an image forming unit 360.

  The control unit 310 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. A control unit 310 controls the entire MFP 300.

  The communication unit 320 communicates with an external device via the network 400 using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP according to an instruction from the control unit 310.

  The storage unit 330 stores various types of information. The storage unit 330 temporarily stores a document file to be printed acquired from the terminal 100 or the server 200.

  Operation unit 340 accepts various operations from the user of MFP 300.

  Display unit 350 displays various types of information to the user of MFP 300.

  The image forming unit 360 is roughly composed of a toner image forming unit, a fixing device, a paper transport unit, and the like. The image forming unit 360 forms (prints) an image on a sheet by, for example, electrophotography. The image forming unit 360 is configured to synthesize four color images by a so-called tandem method and form a color image on a sheet. The toner image forming unit includes a photoconductor provided for each color of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), and an intermediate in which a toner image is transferred (primary transfer) from the photoconductor. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer belt and a transfer unit that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt to a sheet (secondary transfer). The fixing device has a heating roller and a pressure roller. The fixing device conveys the sheet on which the toner image is formed between the heating roller and the pressure roller, and heats and presses the sheet. As a result, the fixing device melts the toner adhering to the paper and fixes it on the paper to form an image on the paper. The paper transport unit includes a paper feed roller, a transport roller, and a motor that drives them. The paper transport unit feeds paper from the paper feed cassette and transports the paper inside the MFP 300 casing. The paper transport unit discharges the paper on which the image is formed from the housing of the MFP 300 to a paper discharge tray or the like.

  Operation unit 340 accepts various operations from the user of MFP 300.

  Display unit 350 displays various types of information to the user of MFP 300.

  The terminal 100 only needs to communicate with each of the server 200 and the MFP 300, and may be, for example, a tablet, a smartphone, or a PC. The server 200 only needs to execute document file synchronization processing and synchronization status synchronization processing, and may be a PC, for example. The image forming apparatus forms an image by an electrophotographic system or an electrostatic recording system, and may be a facsimile machine, a copier, a printer, or the like in addition to the MFP.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the synchronization setting information stored in each of the terminal 100 and the server 200.

  Referring to FIG. 2, each of terminal 100 and server 200 stores synchronization setting information for each document file to be synchronized. The synchronization setting information is typically a text file, and includes the synchronization interval of the document file, the latest synchronization time of the document file, the latest synchronization time of the synchronization status, and the synchronization status.

  The document file synchronization interval is a time interval (30 minutes in FIG. 2) for performing the document file synchronization processing when the terminal 100 and the server 200 synchronize the document file synchronization processing at a constant time interval. The latest synchronization time of the document file is the latest time when the synchronization processing of the document file was performed (the time when the synchronization processing of the document file was last performed, 10:00 in FIG. 2). The latest synchronization time of the synchronization status is information (10:15 in FIG. 2) indicating the latest time when synchronization processing of synchronization status was performed (time when synchronization processing of synchronization status was last performed).

  Here, the synchronization status is information indicating the location of the latest version of the document file. The synchronization status is represented as [0], [1], or [2]. [0] indicates that the document file synchronization processing has been completed, and the terminal-side document file and the server-side document file have the same contents and are the latest version. [1] indicates that the document file synchronization processing has not been completed, the terminal-side document file is the latest version, and the server-side document file is the old version. [2] indicates a state in which the document file synchronization processing has not been completed, the server-side document file is the latest version, and the terminal-side document file is the old version.

  The synchronization status may be information regarding whether or not the document file is the latest version. Specifically, the synchronization status in the terminal-side synchronization setting information may be information regarding whether or not the terminal-side document file is the latest version. The synchronization status in the server-side synchronization setting information may be information regarding whether or not the server-side document file is the latest version.

  The synchronization setting information may further include synchronization destination information. The synchronization destination information is information relating to the location of the document file at the synchronization destination, and is information including an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the synchronization destination. The synchronization destination is the server 200 in the synchronization setting information stored in the terminal 100, and the terminal 100 in the synchronization setting information stored in the server 200.

  Subsequently, a synchronization process executed by the terminal 100 and the server 200 in the present embodiment will be described.

  3 to 5 are diagrams for explaining the synchronization processing executed by the terminal 100 and the server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 3 to 5, 7 to 9, 11, 13, and 15 of the present application, a relatively new version of a document file is denoted as “Ver2.0”, and a relatively old version This document file is described as “Ver1.0”.

  Referring to FIG. 3, as an initial state of this document management system, the version of the document file held by terminal 100 is the same as the version of the document file held by server 200, both of which are version 1. 0. In this state, the synchronization status in the terminal-side synchronization setting information and the synchronization status in the server-side synchronization setting information are both [0] (the terminal-side document file and the server-side document file are in the latest version). .

  Referring to FIG. 4, the user of terminal 100 edits the terminal-side document file and overwrites and saves the edited terminal-side document file. As a result, the terminal side document file is updated to the latest version of the document file (process PR1).

  When the terminal side document file is updated, the terminal 100 updates the synchronization status of the terminal side synchronization setting information. As a result, the synchronization status of the terminal side synchronization setting information is updated from [0] to [1] (the terminal side document file is the latest version and the server side document file is the old version) (process PR2). .

  When the synchronization status of the terminal-side synchronization setting information is updated, the terminal 100 and the server 200 immediately perform synchronization status synchronization processing (process PR3). As a result, the synchronization status of the server side synchronization setting information is updated from [0] to [1] (process PR4). Note that the document file synchronization process is not performed during the synchronization process of the synchronization status. For this reason, the server-side document file is not updated, and remains a version 1.0 (old version) document file. Since only the synchronization status number is updated in the synchronization status synchronization process, the time required for the synchronization status synchronization process is much shorter than the time required for the document file synchronization process.

  Referring to FIG. 5, terminal 100 and server 200 perform document file synchronization processing at a predetermined timing. As a result, the server-side document file is updated to the latest version of the document file, and has the same contents as the terminal-side document file (process PR5). The timing of the document file synchronization process is arbitrary, may be a fixed time interval, may be a fixed time, or may be a timing when an instruction to execute the document file synchronization process is received. The timing when the terminal 100 is in a specific state (for example, being charged) may be used.

  When the terminal-side document file or the server-side document file is updated, the terminal 100 and the server 200 perform synchronization status synchronization processing. As a result, the synchronization statuses of the terminal-side synchronization setting information and the server-side synchronization setting information are updated from [1] to [0] (process PR6).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a synchronization process executed by the terminal 100 and the server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the control unit 110 of the terminal 100 and the control unit 210 of the server 200 determine whether or not the terminal-side document file or the server-side document file has been updated (S1).

  If it is determined in step S1 that the terminal-side document file or the server-side document file has been updated (YES in S1), the control units 110 and 210 perform synchronization status synchronization processing. The control unit 210 updates the synchronization status of the terminal-side synchronization setting information, and the control unit 210 updates the synchronization status of the server-side synchronization setting information (S3), and the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that neither the terminal-side document file nor the server-side document file is updated (NO in S1), the control units 110 and 210 proceed to the process of step S5.

  In step S5, the control units 110 and 210 determine whether it is the timing of the document file synchronization processing (S5).

  If it is determined in step S5 that it is the timing of document file synchronization processing (YES in S5), the control units 110 and 210 perform document file synchronization processing (S7). Subsequently, the control units 110 and 210 perform synchronization processing of synchronization status (S9), and proceed to the processing of step S1. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S5 that it is not the timing of the document file synchronization process (NO in S5), the control units 110 and 210 proceed to the process of step S1.

  Next, in the present embodiment, an operation of the document management system when the MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from the server 200 will be described.

  In the following description, the instruction accepted by the MFP 300 is not limited to a document file pull-print execution instruction. At least a document file stored in one of the terminal 100 and the server 200 is stored. Any instruction may be used.

  FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the document management system when the MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of the document file in the server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the user of MFP 300 logs in to server 200 through MFP 300, moves to a desired path in server 200, specifies a document file to be printed, and stores the document file stored in server 200. A pull print execution instruction (which may be a document file that is not a synchronization target) is issued. Hereinafter, a pull print of a document file stored in the server 200 may be referred to as a pull print from the server 200. The pull print execution instruction from the server 200 is an example of a document file acquisition instruction stored in the server 200.

  When receiving the pull print execution instruction from the server 200, the MFP 300 determines whether or not the document file to be printed is a synchronization target. The server side synchronization setting information of the server side document file to be printed is requested (pull print is requested) (process PR11).

  When receiving a server synchronization setting information transmission request from MFP 300, server 200 transmits server-side synchronization setting information to MFP 300. As a result, the MFP 300 acquires server-side synchronization setting information (process PR12). Note that the server 200 may transmit only the synchronization status of the server-side synchronization setting information to the MFP 300.

  The MFP 300 refers to the synchronization status of the received server side synchronization setting information. The MFP 300 determines whether or not the server-side document file is the latest version based on the synchronization status of the received server-side synchronization setting information, and acquires the latest version of the document file based on the determination result.

  In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the synchronization status indicates that the server-side document file is the latest version (when the synchronization status is [0] or [2]). In this case, the MFP 300 recognizes that the server-side document file is the latest version without confirming the version of the terminal-side document file. The MFP 300 requests the server 200 to transmit a server-side document file (process PR13). Server 200 transmits the server-side document file to MFP 300 in accordance with the request (process PR14). Thereafter, the MFP 300 prints the acquired server-side document file.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 8, as a result of referring to the synchronization status of the server-side synchronization setting information received by the MFP 300 after the process PR12 shown in FIG. 7, the synchronization status indicates that the server-side document file is an old version, and the terminal-side document Assume that the file indicates the latest version (when the synchronization status is [1]). In this case, the MFP 300 recognizes that the server-side document file is an old version without confirming the version of the terminal-side document file. The MFP 300 switches the request destination of the document file transmission from the server 200 to the terminal 100. The MFP 300 requests the terminal 100 to transmit a terminal side document file (pull print of the document file stored in the terminal 100) (process PR13). Hereinafter, a pull print of a document file stored in the terminal 100 may be referred to as a pull print from the terminal 100. The pull print execution instruction from the terminal 100 is an example of a document file acquisition instruction stored in the terminal 100.

  When the MFP 300 acquires a terminal-side document file from the terminal 100 as a result of the request of the process PR13 (process PR14), the MFP 300 prints the acquired terminal-side document file.

  By the way, when the request for the process PR13 shown in FIG. 8 is made and the print application on the terminal 100 side is not activated, the terminal 100 cannot respond to the request from the MFP 300. The terminal side document file cannot be obtained. Therefore, when the MFP 300 cannot acquire the terminal-side document file from the terminal 100, the document management system may perform the operation shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 9, when MFP 300 cannot acquire the terminal-side document file from terminal 100 as a result of the request of processing PR 13 (for example, when the print application of terminal 100 does not respond) (processing PR 14), MFP 300 transmits to server 200. On the other hand, it requests to perform document file synchronization processing and to transmit the server-side document file (pull print from the server 200) after the document file synchronization processing (PR15).

  When the server 200 receives a request from the MFP 300, the terminal 100 and the server 200 perform document file synchronization processing. As a result, the server-side document file is updated to the latest version of the document file (process PR16). When the document file synchronization processing is performed, the terminal 100 and the server 200 immediately perform synchronization status synchronization processing. As a result, the respective synchronization statuses of the terminal side synchronization setting information and the server side synchronization setting information are updated from [1] to [0] (process PR17). After the document file synchronization processing, the server 200 transmits the server-side document file updated to the latest version to the MFP 300 (processing PR18). Thereafter, the MFP 300 prints the acquired server-side document file.

  In the process PR15, instead of the process described above, the MFP 300 may request the transmission of the document file by making a pure print request to the server 200. In this case, in the process PR16, the server 200 that has received the request forcibly confirms that the server-side document file is an old version, and then forcibly performs a document file synchronization process with the terminal 100, thereby The server side document file may be transmitted to the MFP 300 after the synchronization process.

  In the above-described example, the case where the MFP 300 receives a pull print execution instruction from the server 200 has been described. Even when the MFP 300 receives a pull print execution instruction from the terminal 100, the document management system performs substantially the same operation as the above-described example by the terminal 100 performing the processing performed by the server 200.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of MFP 300 when MFP 300 accepts an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from server 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 10, when control unit 310 of MFP 300 receives a pull print execution instruction from server 200 from the user of MFP 300 (S101), whether the document file to be pulled is a synchronization target (S101). It is determined whether or not synchronization is set (S103).

  If it is determined in step S103 that the document file to be pulled is a synchronization target (YES in S103), the control unit 310 instructs the server 200 of the server-side document file to be printed. The server side synchronization setting information is requested to be transmitted (S105), and the server side synchronization setting information is received from the server 200 (S107). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S103 that the document file to be pulled is not a synchronization target (NO in S103), the control unit 310 proceeds to the process of step S111.

  Following the processing in step S107, the control unit 310 determines whether or not the server-side document file is the latest version based on the synchronization status of the server-side synchronization setting information (S109).

  If it is determined in step S109 that the server side document file is the latest version (YES in S109), the control unit 310 requests the server 200 to transmit the document file (server side document file) (S111). A document file is received from the server 200 (S113). Thereafter, the control unit 310 prints the received document file (S115) and ends the process.

  If it is determined in step S109 that the server-side document file is an old version (NO in S109), the control unit 310 requests the terminal 100 to transmit the terminal-side document file (S121). Next, the control unit 310 determines whether or not a terminal-side document file is received from the terminal 100 (S123).

  If it is determined in step S123 that the terminal-side document file has been received from the terminal 100 (YES in S123), the control unit 310 prints the received document file (S115) and ends the process.

  If it is determined in step S123 that the terminal-side document file is not received from the terminal 100 (NO in S123), the control unit 310 performs document file synchronization processing on the server 200 and document file synchronization processing. After that, it is requested to transmit the server side document file (S125). Next, the control unit 310 proceeds to the process of step S113 and receives a server document file from the server 200 (S113).

  The document management system according to the present embodiment changes a document transmission (transfer) process, which is a process of transmitting a document file to the MFP 300, in accordance with the synchronization status of the document file to be printed, and sets the acquisition destination of the document file. It is to switch.

  According to the present embodiment, the MFP 300 can confirm whether the server-side document file is the latest version by confirming the server-side synchronization setting information, so the version of the terminal-side document file can be confirmed. The latest version of the document file can be acquired from the terminal 100 or the server 200 and printed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time required to print the latest version of the document file and improve convenience.

  In addition, when only the terminal-side document file is the latest version, if there is no response from the terminal 100, the MFP 300 requests the server 200 to perform document file synchronization processing, whereby the latest version of the document file. Can be acquired from the server 200.

  Furthermore, it is not necessary to construct a dedicated system that extends to the terminal side outside the server as the document management system. When a request for transmitting a document file is received from the MFP 300 while using an existing widely-spread server / terminal synchronization method, the latest version of the document file can be transmitted to the MFP 300. Thereby, a simple existing resource can be utilized and the convenience of the user can be improved.

  [Second Embodiment]

  In the present embodiment, the operation of the document management system when MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from terminal 100 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the document management system when the MFP 300 accepts an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from the terminal 100 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the user of MFP 300 moves to a desired path in terminal 100 through MFP 300, designates a document file to be printed, and pull-prints from terminal 100 (the document file to be printed is (It may be one that is not subject to synchronization).

  When receiving the pull print execution instruction from the terminal 100, the MFP 300 determines whether or not the document file to be printed is a synchronization target. Then, a request for transmission of the terminal side synchronization setting information of the terminal side document file to be printed is made (pull print is requested) (process PR11).

  When receiving a request for transmission of terminal synchronization setting information from MFP 300, terminal 100 transmits terminal-side synchronization setting information to MFP 300 (process PR12). Note that the terminal 100 may transmit only the synchronization status of the terminal-side synchronization setting information to the MFP 300.

  The MFP 300 refers to the synchronization status of the received terminal side synchronization setting information. The MFP 300 determines whether or not the terminal-side document file is the latest version based on the synchronization status of the received terminal-side synchronization setting information, and acquires the latest version of the document file based on the determination result.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the synchronization status indicates that the terminal-side document file is an old version and the server-side document file is the latest version (when the synchronization status is [2]). . In this case, the MFP 300 acquires path information, which is information regarding the location of the server-side document file in the server 200, from the terminal 100 (process PR13). The MFP 300 switches the request destination of the document file transmission from the terminal 100 to the server 200. Based on the acquired path information, the MFP 300 requests the server 200 to transmit a server side document file (processing PR14). The MFP 300 acquires a server side document file from the server 200 (process PR15), and executes printing of the acquired server side document file.

  Since the configuration of the document management system and the operation of the document management system other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of MFP 300 when MFP 300 accepts an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from terminal 100 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 12, when control unit 310 of MFP 300 receives a pull print execution instruction from terminal 100 from the user of MFP 300 (S201), whether the document file to be pulled is a synchronization target (S201). It is determined whether or not synchronization is set (S203).

  In step S203, if it is determined that the document file to be pulled is a synchronization target (YES in S203), the control unit 310 instructs the terminal 100 of the terminal side document file to be printed. The terminal side synchronization setting information is requested to be transmitted (S205), and the terminal side synchronization setting information is received from the terminal 100 (S207). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the document file to be pulled is not a synchronization target (NO in S203), the control unit 310 proceeds to the process in step S211.

  Following the processing of step S207, the control unit 310 determines whether the terminal-side document file is the latest version based on the synchronization status of the terminal-side synchronization setting information (S209).

  If it is determined in step S209 that the terminal-side document file is the latest version (YES in S209), the control unit 310 requests the terminal 100 to transmit the document file (terminal-side document file) (S211). A document file is received from the terminal 100 (S213). Thereafter, the control unit 310 prints the received document file (S215) and ends the process.

  If it is determined in step S209 that the terminal-side document file is an old version (NO in S209), the control unit 310 receives the path information of the server 200 from the terminal 100 (S221), and based on the received path information. The server 200 is requested to transmit the server side document file (S225). Next, the control unit 310 acquires a server-side document file from the server 200 (S227), proceeds to the process of step S215, prints the received document file (S215), and ends the process.

  The latest smartphones and tablets have a large panel size, and the installed MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) is also accelerated. On the other hand, old smartphones and tablets have a small panel size, and the processing speed of the installed MPU is slow. For this reason, older smartphones and tablets are inferior to the latest smartphones and tablets in terms of operability and operation processing speed. Accordingly, when the terminal-side document file is an old version and the terminal 100 is composed of an old smartphone or tablet, the terminal 100 and the server 200 are the document file in view of operability and operation processing speed on the terminal side. It is preferable that the MFP 300 acquires the latest version of the document file from the server 200 (performs a pull print from the server 200), rather than performing the synchronization process and transmitting the document file on the terminal side after the synchronization process of the document file to the MFP 300. .

  According to the present embodiment, when the terminal side document file is an old version, the MFP 300 obtains path information, which is information related to the location of the server side document file in the server 200, from the terminal 100, and the latest version from the server 200. Get the document file. Accordingly, when the terminal-side document file is an old version, the MFP 300 can quickly obtain the latest version of the document file from the server 200 even when the terminal 100 is made of an old smartphone or tablet.

  [Third Embodiment]

  In the first and second embodiments, an example in which the MFP 300 is a main subject of control has been described. In the following third and fourth embodiments, an example will be described in which the terminal 100 and the server 200 (update management apparatus) are the subject of control. That is, in this example, the MFP 300 does not have a function of switching the request destination of the document file transmission based on the synchronization status. The MFP 300 has only a pull print request, which is a minimum function, and the terminal 100 and the server 200 have a function of switching a document file transmission request destination based on the synchronization status.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the document management system when the MFP 300 accepts a document file pull-print execution instruction from the server 200 in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the user of MFP 300 logs in to server 200 through MFP 300, moves to a desired path in server 200, specifies a document file to be printed, and performs pull printing (print printing) from server 200. The target document file may not be a synchronization target).

  Upon receiving a pull print execution instruction from the server 200, the MFP 300 requests the server 200 to transmit a document file that is to be printed and is stored in the server 200 (from the server 200). Request pull-printing) (process PR11).

  Upon receiving a request for transmission of the latest version of the document file, the server 200 determines whether the document file to be printed is a synchronization target. If the document file is a synchronization target, Reference is made to the synchronization status of the server-side synchronization setting information in the server-side document file to be printed (process PR12). The server 200 determines whether or not the server-side document file is the latest version based on the synchronization status of the stored server-side synchronization setting information, and based on the determination result, the server 200 sets the latest version of the document file to the MFP 300. Send to.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the synchronization status indicates that the server-side document file is an old version and the terminal-side document file is the latest version (when the synchronization status is [1]). . In this case, the server 200 forcibly performs (starts) document file synchronization processing with the terminal 100. As a result, the server-side document file is updated to the latest version of the document file (process PR13). When the document file synchronization processing is performed, the terminal 100 and the server 200 immediately perform synchronization status synchronization processing. As a result, the synchronization statuses of the terminal-side synchronization setting information and the server-side synchronization setting information are updated from [1] to [0] (process PR14). After the document file synchronization process, the server 200 transmits the server-side document file updated to the latest version to the MFP 300 (process PR15). Thereafter, the MFP 300 prints the acquired server-side document file.

  In the above-described example, the case has been described where the server 200 receives a pull print request from the MFP 200 from the MFP 300. Even when the terminal 100 receives a pull print request from the terminal 100 from the MFP 300, the document management system performs substantially the same operation as the above-described example by the terminal 100 performing the processing performed by the server 200. .

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the server 200 when the MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from the server 200 in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 14, when control unit 210 of server 200 receives a pull print request from server 200 from MFP 300 (S301), whether the document file to be printed is a synchronization target (synchronization is set). Whether or not) (S303).

  If it is determined in step S303 that the document file to be printed is a synchronization target (YES in S303), the control unit 210 determines whether the server-side document file is the latest version (S305). ). The determination process in step S305 is performed based on the synchronization status of the server-side synchronization setting information in the server-side document file to be printed.

  If it is determined in step S303 that the document file to be pulled is not a synchronization file (NO in S303), the control unit 310 proceeds to the process of step S307.

  If it is determined in step S305 that the server-side document file is the latest version (YES in S305), the control unit 210 transmits the document file (server-side document file) to the MFP 300 (S307), and the process ends.

  If it is determined in step S305 that the server-side document file is an old version (NO in S305), the control unit 210 performs document file synchronization processing with the terminal 100 (S309), and document file synchronization processing is performed. The subsequent server-side document file is transmitted to the MFP 300 (S307), and the process ends.

  According to the present embodiment, the server 200 can determine whether the server-side document file is the latest version by checking the server-side synchronization setting information. The latest version of the document file can be transmitted to the MFP 300 without confirmation.

  [Fourth Embodiment]

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the document management system when the MFP 300 accepts an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file from the terminal 100 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 15, the user of MFP 300 moves to a desired path in terminal 100 through MFP 300, designates a document file to be printed, and pull-prints from terminal 100 (the document file to be printed is (It may be one that is not subject to synchronization).

  Upon receiving a pull print execution instruction from the terminal 100, the MFP 300 requests the terminal 100 to transmit the latest document file that is a document file to be printed (the pull print from the terminal 100 is performed). Request) (process PR11).

  When receiving a request for transmission of the latest version of the document file, the terminal 100 determines whether or not the document file to be printed is a synchronization target. Reference is made to the synchronization status of the terminal side synchronization setting information in the terminal side document file (process PR12). The terminal 100 and the server 200 determine whether the terminal-side document file is the latest version based on the synchronization status of the stored terminal-side synchronization setting information, and based on the determination result, the latest version of the document The file is transmitted to the MFP 300.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the synchronization status indicates that the terminal-side document file is an old version and the server-side document file is the latest version (when the synchronization status is [2]). . In this case, terminal 100 notifies MFP 300 that the document file cannot be transmitted in a pseudo manner (cancel transmission request) (process PR13). The terminal 100 also transmits path information (URL), which is information regarding the location of the server-side document file in the server 200, to the MFP 300, and instructs the MFP 300 to perform a pull print (URL print) from the server 200 based on the path information (processing). PR14). When the MFP 300 receives a command from the terminal 100, the MFP 300 switches the document file transmission request destination from the terminal 100 to the server 200. Based on the acquired path information, the MFP 300 requests the server 200 to transmit the server side document file (pull print from the server 200) (process PR15). The MFP 300 acquires a server-side document file from the server 200 (process PR16) as one of the pull-print processing flows according to the URL print command (step PR16), and prints the acquired server-side document file.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the terminal 100 and the server 200 when the MFP 300 receives an instruction to execute pull-printing of a document file of the terminal 100 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 16, when control unit 110 of terminal 100 accepts a pull print request from terminal 100 from MFP 300 (S401), whether the document file to be printed is a synchronization target (synchronization is set). It is determined whether or not (S403).

  If it is determined in step S403 that the document file to be printed is a synchronization target (YES in S403), the control unit 110 determines whether or not the terminal-side document file is the latest version (S405). ). The determination process in step S405 is performed based on the synchronization status of the terminal-side synchronization setting information in the terminal-side document file to be printed.

  If it is determined in step S403 that the document file to be pulled is not a synchronization target (NO in S403), the control unit 110 proceeds to the process in step S407.

  If it is determined in step S405 that the terminal-side document file is the latest version (YES in S405), the control unit 110 transmits the document file (terminal-side document file) to the MFP 300 (S407), and the process ends.

  If it is determined in step S405 that the terminal-side document file is an old version (NO in S405), the control unit 110 cancels the pull print request (S409), the server 200 path information, and the URL print command. Is transmitted to the MFP 300 (S411). Subsequently, the control unit 210 of the server 200 determines whether or not a pull print request from the server 200 has been received from the MFP 300 (S413). The control unit 210 repeats the process of step S413 until it is determined that a pull print request from the server 200 has been received from the MFP 300.

  If it is determined in step S413 that a pull print request from the server 200 has been received from the MFP 300 (YES in S413), the control unit 210 transmits a server-side document file from the server 200 to the MFP 300 (S415), and ends the process. To do.

  According to the present embodiment, when the terminal side document file is an old version, the terminal 100 notifies the MFP 300 of cancellation of the pull print request, notifies the MFP 300 of the path information of the server 200, The MFP 300 is instructed to perform pull printing from the server 200. Accordingly, when the terminal-side document file is an old version, the MFP 300 can quickly obtain the latest version of the document file from the server 200 even when the terminal 100 is made of an old smartphone or tablet.

  [Others]

  In the first and second embodiments, an example in which the MFP 300 is the main subject of control for the MFP 300 to acquire the latest version of the document file has been described. In the third and fourth embodiments, the example in which the main body of control for the MFP 300 to acquire the latest version of the document file is the terminal 100 and the server 200 has been described. Further, the terminal 100, the server 200, and the MFP 300 may share functions, and may cooperate with each other so that the MFP 300 acquires the latest version of the document file.

  The processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or may be performed using a hardware circuit. It is also possible to provide a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment, and record the program on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, or a memory card and provide it to the user. You may decide to do it. The program is executed by a computer such as a CPU. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  The above-described embodiment is to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

100, 1100 Terminal 110, 210, 310 Control unit 120, 220, 320 Communication unit 130, 230, 330 Storage unit 140, 340 Operation unit 150, 350 Display unit 160, 240 Synchronization unit 200, 1200 Server 300 MFP (Multifunction Peripheral)
360 Image forming unit 400, 1400 Network PR1, PR2, PR3, PR4, PR5, PR6, PR11, PR12, PR13, PR14, PR15, PR16, PR17, PR18, PR101, PR102

Claims (14)

An update management device that communicates with a counterpart device, wherein each of the update management device and the counterpart device is a document file to be synchronized and information regarding whether or not the document file is the latest version. Storing a certain synchronization status, and the update management device,
When the document file stored in the update management device is updated to a new version of the document file, the document file stored in the counterpart device is changed to the document stored in the update management device. The synchronization status stored in the update management device is updated to information indicating that the document file is the latest version without being synchronized with the file, and the synchronization status stored in the counterpart device is updated. First status updating means for updating to information indicating that the document file is not the latest version;
Synchronization means for synchronizing the document file stored in the counterpart device with the document file stored in the update management device after being updated by the first status update means;
When synchronized by the synchronization means, the synchronization status stored in each of the update management device and the counterpart device is indicated by the latest version of the document file stored in the update management device and the counterpart device. An update management apparatus comprising: a second status update unit that updates information indicating that there is. The synchronization status indicates that the version of the document file stored in each of the update management device and the counterpart device is:
A first state in which both of the document files stored in the update management device and the counterpart device are the latest version;
A second state in which the document file stored in the counterpart device is the latest version and the document file stored in the update management apparatus is not the latest version; and the document file stored in the update management apparatus The update according to claim 1, wherein the update is information indicating whether the document file is a latest version and the document file stored in the counterpart device is in a third state that is not the latest version. Management device. Request accepting means for accepting a transmission request for the document file stored in the update management apparatus from an image forming apparatus by the update management apparatus;
Whether or not the document file stored in the update management apparatus is the latest version based on the synchronization status stored in the update management apparatus when the transmission request is received by the request reception means Version discriminating means for discriminating,
The update management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a file transmission unit configured to transmit the latest version of the document file to the image forming apparatus based on a determination result by the version determination unit. When the version determination unit determines that the document file stored in the update management device is not the latest version, the synchronization unit stores the document file stored in the update management device in the counterpart device. Synchronized with the document file
The update management according to claim 3, wherein the file transmission unit transmits the document file stored in the update management apparatus from the update management apparatus to the image forming apparatus after being synchronized by the synchronization unit. apparatus. The update management device is a terminal, and the counterpart device is a server;
If the version determination unit determines that the document file stored in the terminal is not the latest version, a cancellation unit that cancels the transmission request from the image forming apparatus;
When the cancel unit cancels the path information, which is information on the location of the document file in the server, and the document file print command based on the path information are transmitted from the terminal to the image forming apparatus. The update management apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a print command transmission unit. An image forming apparatus that communicates with the update management apparatus according to claim 1,
Information acquisition means for acquiring the synchronization status stored in the update management device from the update management device when receiving an instruction to acquire the document file stored in the update management device;
Version determination means for determining whether or not the document file stored in the update management device is the latest version based on the synchronization status acquired by the information acquisition means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a file acquisition unit that acquires the latest version of the document file based on a determination result by the version determination unit.   When the version determination unit determines that the document file stored in the update management apparatus is not the latest version, the partner device is requested to transmit the document file stored in the partner device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a file transmission request unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the file acquisition unit acquires the document file stored in the counterpart device from the counterpart device. The update management apparatus is server, the partner device is terminus,
When the version determination unit determines that the document file stored in the server is not the latest version, the file transmission request unit transmits the document file stored in the terminal to the terminal. Request and
When transmission is requested by the file transmission requesting unit, when the document file stored in the terminal is not received from the terminal, the server stores the document file stored in the server. The apparatus further comprises synchronization request means for requesting synchronization with the document file stored in the terminal and transmission of the document file stored in the server after synchronization. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The synchronization request means requests the server to perform a pull print from the server, thereby synchronizing the document file stored in the server with the document file stored in the terminal; The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the document file stored in the server is requested to be transmitted after synchronization. The update management unit is terminus, the partner device is server,
Path information acquisition means for acquiring path information, which is information relating to the location of the document file in the server, from the terminal when the version determination means determines that the document file stored in the terminal is not the latest version; In addition,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the file transmission requesting unit requests the server to transmit the document file stored in the server based on the path information. Setting that determines whether or not the document file that has received the acquisition instruction is a synchronization target when an instruction to acquire the document file stored in one of the update management apparatus and the counterpart device is received It further comprises a discrimination means,
When the setting determination unit determines that the document file that has received the acquisition instruction is synchronously set, the information acquisition unit displays the synchronization status stored in the one device from the one device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is acquired. A control program for an update management apparatus that communicates with a counterpart device, wherein each of the update management device and the counterpart device includes a document file to be synchronized and whether or not the document file is the latest version And a synchronization status that is information about the control program,
When the document file stored in the update management device is updated to a new version of the document file, the document file stored in the counterpart device is changed to the document stored in the update management device. The synchronization status stored in the update management device is updated to information indicating that the document file is the latest version without being synchronized with the file, and the synchronization status stored in the counterpart device is updated. A first status update step for updating to information indicating that the document file is not the latest version;
A synchronization step of synchronizing the document file stored in the counterpart device with the document file stored in the update management device after being updated in the first status update step;
When synchronization is performed in the synchronization step, the synchronization status stored in each of the update management device and the counterpart device is indicated by the latest version of each of the document files stored in the update management device and the counterpart device. A control program for an update management apparatus, which causes a computer to execute a second status update step for updating information indicating that it is present. A control program for an image forming apparatus that communicates with the update management apparatus according to claim 1,
An information acquisition step of acquiring the synchronization status stored in the update management device from the update management device when receiving an instruction to acquire the document file stored in the update management device;
A version determination step for determining whether or not the document file stored in the update management device is the latest version based on the synchronization status acquired in the information acquisition step;
A control program for an image forming apparatus, which causes a computer to execute a file acquisition step for acquiring the latest version of the document file based on a determination result obtained by the version determination step.