JP6229743B2 - Data distribution system, data distribution method, data processing apparatus, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a data distribution system, a data distribution method, a data processing device, and a computer program.

  As a technique for distributing data to a plurality of devices, for example, there are techniques described in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an update data distribution system that logically connects a plurality of terminal devices so as to form a hierarchical network (tree structure) network. Update data is transferred from the distribution device (server) to the terminal device at the top of the hierarchical structure, and then the update data is sequentially transferred from the terminal device at the top to the terminal device at the lower layer. As described above, according to the distribution using the hierarchical network, it is possible to reduce the load on the server as compared with the distribution using the direct transfer from the server to each of the plurality of terminal devices.

  Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose techniques for distributing firmware update data of an MFP (Multi-functional Peripheral) via a hierarchical network.

  That is, Patent Document 2 discloses that an MFP having a plurality of transmission destinations connected to a lower layer determines the order of transmission to the plurality of transmission destinations based on the processing capacity of the plurality of transmission destinations. . In Patent Document 3, when a plurality of update data of different supported models are sequentially distributed, the number of MFPs that are in a receivable state is obtained, and the model with a larger number is distributed first. It is described that the order of distribution of a plurality of update data is determined.

JP 2007-334602 A JP 2014-107745 A JP 2014-068106 A

  Distribution is often performed when a data transmission destination device is executing processing other than distribution. For example, when the transmission destination is an MFP, communication processing for distribution may be performed in parallel with processing such as printing, document scanning, and facsimile communication. In many cases, communication processing for distribution is further performed in a high-load state in which a plurality of jobs are executed in parallel, such as performing facsimile communication while printing.

  If other processing is performed in parallel with the communication processing for distribution in any device during distribution through a hierarchical network, the overall processing capacity (system performance) of the device is reduced. Therefore, the data communication speed of distribution becomes slow. In particular, when a job using a communication line is executed, such as transmission of a scanned image or facsimile communication, the influence on the data communication speed of distribution is great. For this reason, there has been a problem that the time at which all devices in the network end the reception of data may be later than the scheduled end time.

  The technique of Patent Document 1 described above does not consider the processing capability of each device, and thus cannot solve the above problem. In the distribution according to the techniques of Patent Documents 2 and 3, transmission to a transmission destination having a high processing capability is performed, and then transmission to a transmission destination having a low processing capability is performed. This makes it possible to increase the number of devices that have finished receiving data at an arbitrary point in the middle of distribution as compared with the case of the technique of Patent Document 1 in which the transmission order is fixed. However, since the transmission to the transmission destination with a low processing capacity is only postponed, the time at which all the devices in the network end the reception of data is not necessarily early. In other words, the above problem could not be solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to shorten the time required for distribution by reducing the delay time of distribution by the network.

  In a data distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first device and a plurality of second devices are connected so as to form a hierarchical network having the first device as a vertex, and distributed from the first device. A data distribution system for distributing data to each of the plurality of second devices, wherein a first estimated time at which reception of the data is terminated in distribution by the network is estimated for each of the plurality of second devices. And a target setting means for setting a target time for completing the distribution of the data, based on a distribution completion time which is the latest time among the estimated first estimated times. After the start of distribution by the network, the reception of the data is terminated even if the first estimated time of the plurality of second devices exceeds a predetermined time. Delay detection means for detecting the presence of a reception delay device that is not, and when the presence of the reception delay device is detected, the data of the plurality of second devices according to the remaining time until the target time Transmitting the data to at least one of the unreceived devices that has not finished receiving the data from the received device that has finished receiving the data among the plurality of second devices. Connection switching means for switching the source.

  According to the present invention, the time required for distribution can be shortened by reducing the delay time of distribution by the network.

It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the data delivery system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of the multifunctional machine as a data processor. It is a figure which shows an example of the hierarchical structure after switching a transmission source. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of the data delivery system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of a display process part. It is a figure which shows the example of the schedule of delivery. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of delivery management information. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting of target time. It is a figure which shows the example of the state which the delivery delay produced. It is a figure which shows the example of the context before and the time which added margin time to 2nd estimation time, and target time. It is a figure which shows the example of switching of a transmission source. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of a process in a data delivery system. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st example of the flow of a connection switching process. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of the data delivery system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of a 2nd estimation part. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd example of the flow of a connection switching process. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd example of the flow of a connection switching process. It is a flowchart which shows the 4th example of the flow of a connection switching process.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a data distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The data distribution system 1 includes a plurality of multifunction peripherals 11, 12, 13,... 23, 24 as well shown in FIG. The multifunction peripherals 11 to 24 are MFPs that integrate functions such as a copier, a printer, an image reader, and a facsimile machine. In FIG. 1, the number of multifunction peripherals 11 to 24 is 14, but may be 3 or more.

  Each of the multifunction devices 11 to 24 can communicate with any other multifunction device among these multifunction devices 11 to 24. Further, it can also communicate with the server 5 shown in FIG. As a communication line, a LAN (Local Area Network) line, a WAN (Wide Area Network) line, the Internet, or the like is used.

  The data distribution system 1 is used, for example, when updating firmware installed in the multifunction peripherals 11-24. In this case, update data is provided from the server 5 to the data distribution system 1 as the data D1 to be distributed. Then, the data distribution system 1 distributes the data D1.

  When the data D1 is distributed, the multifunction peripherals 11 to 24 are arranged at each node of the tree-structured network. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, a hierarchical network (also referred to as a distribution tree) 2 having one of the multifunction devices 11 to 24 as a vertex (first device) is formed. Logically connected.

  In FIG. 1B, the logical network 2 has a four-layer structure in which the first layer on which the device that is the apex is arranged is the highest. The multifunction device 11 is the apex, and the remaining multifunction devices 12 to 24 are the second devices (lower layer devices) that acquire the data D1 via the apexes. Specifically, the multifunction machine 11 is in the first layer, the four multifunction machines 12 to 15 are in the second layer, the eight multifunction machines 16 to 23 are in the third layer, and the multifunction machine 24 is in the fourth layer. Is arranged.

  The data distribution system 1 distributes the data D1 from the multi-function device 11 at the top of the hierarchical structure to each of the multi-function devices 12 to 24 connected to the lower layer. In other words, the data D1 is downloaded to each of the plurality of multifunction devices 12 to 24 directly from the multifunction device 11 at the apex or via another multifunction device. Prior to the start of distribution, the multifunction peripheral 11 at the apex acquires data D1 from the server 5 in advance.

  The connection between MFPs related to the distribution order is as follows in detail.

  The top multifunction device 11 is connected to each of the second layer multifunction devices 12 to 15. Connection between the multifunction machine 11 and the multifunction machine 12 (# 1), connection between the multifunction machine 11 and the multifunction machine 13 (# 2), connection between the multifunction machine 11 and the multifunction machine 14 (# 3), and the multifunction machine 11 In the connection (# 4) with the multifunction device 15, the multifunction device 11 is a transmission source (parent device) of the data D1, and the multifunction devices 12 to 15 are transmission destinations (child devices) of the data D1.

  The second layer multifunction devices 12 to 15 are connected to two of the third layer multifunction devices 16 to 23, respectively. Connection between the multifunction machine 12 and each of the multifunction machines 16, 17 (# 5, # 6), connection between the multifunction machine 13 and each of the multifunction machines 18, 19 (# 7, # 8), and multifunction machine 14 and the multifunction machine In the connection (# 9, # 10) with each of 20, 21 and the connection (# 11, # 12) between each of the multifunction device 15 and each of the multifunction devices 22, 23, the multifunction devices 12 to 15 are transmission sources. The multifunction devices 16 to 23 are transmission destinations.

  One of the third layer multifunction devices 16 to 23 is connected to the fourth layer multifunction device 24. In the connection (# 13) between the multifunction machine 17 and the multifunction machine 24, the multifunction machine 17 is a transmission source and the multifunction machine 24 is a transmission destination.

  Of the multifunction devices 11 to 24 connected as described above, the second layer multifunction devices 12 to 15 and the third layer one multifunction device 17 are both a transmission source and a transmission destination. That is, the data D1 is relayed from the upper layer to the lower layer. The third-layer multifunction devices 16, 18 to 23 and the fourth-layer multifunction device 24 are transmission destinations but not transmission sources. That is, it is a device at the end of the path of data D1 from the upper layer to the lower layer.

  In the present embodiment, the multifunction peripherals 11 to 15 connected to a plurality of transmission destinations sequentially transmit the data D1 to the plurality of transmission destinations one by one. For example, the multifunction device 11 transmits to the multifunction device 13 after completing transmission to the multifunction device 12, transmits to the multifunction device 14 after completing transmission to the multifunction device 13, and terminates transmission to the multifunction device 14. Later, it is transmitted to the multifunction device 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and transmission to two or more transmission destinations can be performed in parallel.

  Further, when transfer (transmission / reception) in a certain connection is completed, transfer in another connection to be performed next is immediately performed. For example, when the transfer at the connection number # 1 is completed, the transfer at the connection number # 2 and the transfer at the connection number # 5 are performed in parallel. When the transfer with the connection with the connection number # 2 is completed, the transfer with the connection with the connection number # 7 and the transfer with the connection with the connection number # 3 are performed in parallel. When the transfer with the connection number # 5 is completed, the transfer with the connection with the connection number # 6 is performed. When the transfer with the connection with the connection number # 6 is completed, the transfer with the connection with the connection number # 13 is performed. Is called.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripherals 11 to 24 as the data processing device. In this embodiment, the multifunction peripherals 11 to 24 are of the same type and have the same hardware configuration. However, the format may be different as long as it can operate as a component of the data distribution system 1. The types of the multifunction devices 11 to 24 may be different from some of the other devices, and the types of all the multifunction devices 11 to 24 may be different from each other.

  2, each of the multifunction peripherals 11 to 24 includes a control unit 30, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 31, a scanner 32, a printer unit 33, a paper feeding unit 34, an operation panel 35, a facsimile unit 36, A network interface 37 and an auxiliary storage device 38 are provided. Hereinafter, functions of these units will be described with the MFP 11 as a representative.

  The control unit 30 is a main controller that is responsible for overall control of the multifunction machine 11 provided with the control unit 30. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 30a, a RAM 30b, and a ROM 30c, and includes software such as firmware.

  The ROM 30c stores a program (computer program) for controlling the automatic document feeder 31, the scanner 32, the printer unit 33, and the like so that the multifunction machine 11 operates as a copier, a facsimile machine, and an image reader. .

  In addition, a program for updating the firmware based on update data corresponding to the model of the multifunction machine 11 is stored.

  Further, a distribution program for operating the multifunction machine 11 as a component of the data distribution system 1 is stored. The distribution program may operate the multi-function peripheral 11 on which the distribution program is mounted as only the first device or the second device, or may operate as the first device or the second device according to the mode setting. It may be possible.

  These programs are loaded into the RAM 30b as necessary and executed by the CPU 30a.

  The automatic document feeder 31 conveys one or a plurality of document sheets set in a paper feed tray to a paper discharge tray, and optically reads an image of the document sheet during conveyance. The scanner 32 optically reads an image from a document sheet placed on the platen glass. The automatic document feeder 31 and the scanner 32 send image data representing the gradation value of each pixel of the read image to the control unit 30.

  The printer unit 33 is an image forming unit that prints an image on a sheet based on image data input from the control unit 30 in copying, network printing (PC printing), facsimile reception, and the like. The printer unit 33 forms a print image by electrophotography, for example. The paper feed unit 34 includes a paper feed cassette for storing paper, feeds the paper from the paper feed cassette, and supplies the paper to the printer unit 33.

  The operation panel 35 includes a touch panel display 35A that displays a screen for a user to input instructions or information, and a key input unit 35B on which hard keys such as a star key and a stop key are arranged. The operation panel 35 sends a signal corresponding to the input by the user to the control unit 30.

  The facsimile unit 36 exchanges image data with an external facsimile terminal using a protocol such as G3.

  The network interface 37 is an interface for communicating with devices such as a personal computer, a smartphone, and a USB memory that can be attached to and detached from the multifunction machine 11 via a communication line. In particular, in the distribution of the data D1, the network interface 37 is used for transferring the data D1 between the other multifunction peripherals 12 to 24 or the server 5.

  The auxiliary storage device 38 stores image data sent from the control unit 30, documents sent from an external device, and the like. As the auxiliary storage device 120, a hard disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive) is used.

  The multifunction peripherals 11 to 24 can receive or transmit the data D1 in parallel with processing such as reading using the scanner 32, printing using the printer unit 33, and facsimile communication using the facsimile unit 36.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the hierarchical structure after switching the transmission source.

  Referring also to FIG. 1, the data distribution system 1 starts the distribution of the data D1 by logically connecting the multifunction peripherals 11 to 24 as shown in FIG. The transmission source is switched for at least one multi-function device that is an unreceived device that has not finished receiving D1. In the example of FIG. 3, the connection of the connection number # 14 is set instead of the connection of the connection number # 3, so that the transmission source of the multifunction device 14 is changed from the first layer multifunction device 11 to the third layer multifunction device. 16 has been switched.

  By switching the transmission source, it is possible to prevent the time required for distribution by the network 2 from extending beyond a desired time. Hereinafter, a mechanism for switching the transmission source will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the data distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of the display processing unit 108. FIG. 6 shows an example of a delivery schedule Sc, FIG. 7 shows an example of the data configuration of the delivery management information J1, and FIG. 8 shows an example of setting the target time tz. Further, FIG. 9 shows an example of a state in which a delivery delay has occurred, and FIG. 10 shows an example of the anteroposterior relation between the time tg obtained by adding the margin time Tm to the second estimated time tf and the target time tz. Shows examples of source switching.

  In FIG. 4, the functional configuration of the data distribution system 1 is a configuration in a case where the multifunction device 11 that is the first device (vertex) centrally manages the states of the multifunction devices 12 to 24.

  The MFP 11 includes a processing capacity detection unit 101, a first estimation unit 102, a target setting unit 103, a delay detection unit 104, a second estimation unit 105, a connection switching unit 106, a third estimation unit 107, a display processing unit 108, And an input processing unit 109 and the like. These functions are realized by the hardware configuration described above and by the above-described distribution program being executed by the CPU 30a.

  Each of the multifunction devices 12 to 24 as the second device is provided with a reception / relay processing unit 201, a processing capability notification unit 202, and the like. These functions are realized by the hardware configuration described above in each of the multifunction peripherals 12 to 24, and by executing the above-described distribution program by the CPU 30a.

  The processing capability detector 101 detects the processing capability in receiving the data D1 for each of the plurality of second devices (multifunction devices 12 to 24). Details are as follows.

  The processing capability detection unit 101 detects the required time Td for receiving the data D1 by each of the multifunction peripherals 12 to 24 as the processing capability. For this purpose, predetermined information Dp is acquired from each of the multifunction peripherals 12 to 24 via the processing capability notification unit 202. Information Dp includes a communication speed (network speed) V of a communication line used for receiving data D1, a usage rate R that is an indicator of an operating state of a processor (CPU resource) that executes processing for reception, and a memory used for reception. The available memory capacity (free capacity) M is an index of the state of

  The processing capacity detection unit 101 calculates the required time Td for each connection of the connection numbers # 1 to # 13 based on the acquired information Dp. In this calculation, when the data D1 is acquired from the server 5, the data amount VD1 stored as a part of the distribution management information J1 is referred to as shown in FIG. The data amount VD1 is, for example, a file size.

  The required time Td is obtained by dividing the data amount VD1 of the data D1 by the communication speed V as a basic time, and multiplying the basic time by a coefficient (r, m) corresponding to each of the processor usage rate R and the memory capacity M. Calculated as a product. The coefficient (r) corresponding to the usage rate R is, for example, 1.0 when the usage rate R is 0%, and increases as the usage rate R increases. The coefficient (m) corresponding to the memory capacity M is, for example, 1.0 when the memory capacity M is 100%, and increases as the memory capacity M decreases. These coefficients (r, m) are determined based on the result of an experiment that measures the influence of the usage rate R and the memory capacity M on the time Td required for data transfer, or based on the result of calculation according to theory. .

That is, for example, under the following conditions, the basic time is about 200 seconds, and the estimated required time Td is about 336 seconds (6 minutes 36 seconds).
Data volume VD1: 200 Mbytes Communication speed V: About 8 Mbps
Destination coefficient (r): 1.2
Destination coefficient (m): 1.4
The processing capacity detection unit 101 detects the required time Td before the distribution of the data D1 is started. Based on the required time Td detected at this time, the first estimation unit 102 generates a delivery schedule Sc (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The processing capacity detection unit 101 also detects the required time Td at a predetermined time after the start of distribution. For example, it is detected when the end of reception at any of the connections is delayed, when the time for each period in the case where it is configured to detect periodically, etc.

  For each of the plurality of second devices (multifunction devices 12 to 24), the first estimation unit 102 uses the first estimated time te for ending the reception of the data D1 in the distribution by the network 2 illustrated in FIG. The estimation is based on the required time Td as the processing capability detected by the detection unit 101 and the distribution management information J1. Details are as follows.

  The first estimating unit 102 calculates the first estimated time te by adding the required time Td to the reception start time for each connection of the connection numbers # 1 to # 13. This calculation corresponds to estimating the first estimated time te because the required time Td is an estimated value.

  The reception start time of connection number # 1 is the start time of distribution by the network 2. In the present embodiment, this start time is assumed to be 0 hour 0 minute 0 second (00:00:00) for convenience. If the required time Td of the connection number # 1 in the schedule Sc shown in FIG. 7 is 5 minutes and 0 seconds, the first estimated time te of the connection number # 1 is 0: 5: 00.

  The first estimated time te of the connection number # 1 is the reception start time for each connection of the connection numbers # 2 and # 5. If the required times Td of the connection numbers # 2 and # 5 are 5 minutes 30 seconds and 7 minutes 0 seconds, the first estimated time te of the connection number # 2 is 0:10:30, and the connection number # The first estimated time te of 5 is 0:12:00.

  For other connections, the first estimation is performed as shown in the schedule Sc in FIG. 7 in such a manner that the required time Td of the connection is added to the first estimation time te of the predetermined connection to be received before that. Each time te is estimated. In FIG. 7, the first estimated times te estimated for each connection are sorted in ascending order. The schedule Sc is completed by estimating the first estimated time te for all connections.

  The required time Td and the first estimated time te in the schedule Sc are updated every time the required time Td is newly detected after the start of distribution.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the target setting unit 103 completes the distribution of the data D1 based on the distribution completion time tes, which is the latest time among the estimated first estimated times te. Delivery required time) tz is set. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a time obtained by adding a predetermined delay allowable time Tes to the delivery completion time tes is set as the target time tz.

  The allowable delay time Tes is a time set in consideration of the possibility that the respective states of the MFP and the communication line may fluctuate and delay the distribution. For example, the delay allowable time Tes is from the distribution start time to the distribution completion time tes. The time is the same as the time. In this case, the target time tz is a time (2 × Tes) that is twice the time (Tes) estimated to be required for distribution by the network 2 after the distribution is started. The target time tz is a distribution management index. In the schedule Sc of FIG. 7, the delivery completion time tes is the first estimated time te of the connection number # 12 and is 0:34:30. Therefore, the target time tz is 69 minutes after the start of distribution (1: 9: 00).

  The delay detection unit 104 may start the first estimated time te estimated for each of the plurality of second devices (multifunction devices 12 to 24) after starting the delivery by the network 2, even after the predetermined time Ta or more. The presence of a reception delay device, which is a second device that has not finished receiving data D1, is detected. The predetermined time Ta is, for example, 5 minutes and 0 seconds.

  The delay detection unit 104 is notified of the end of reception from the multifunction peripheral that has completed reception of the data D1. This notification is also made when reception is completed even when transmission to the lower layer is performed following reception. When the delay detection unit 104 is notified of the end of reception, the delay detection unit 104 adds the reception end time tew to the distribution management information J1. And the delay detection part 104 exists presence of a reception delay apparatus based on the presence or absence of additional writing of the present time, the 1st estimated time te of the schedule Sc, and the end time tew periodically, for example at intervals of about 1 minute. Is detected.

  In FIG. 9, when 15 minutes and 30 seconds have elapsed from the start of distribution (00:15:30), the transfer with the connection of connection numbers # 1 and # 5 ends as scheduled, and the connection of connection number # 6 Reception is in progress. However, in the connection of connection number # 2, the transfer has not ended even though 5 minutes have passed after 0:10:30 of the first estimated time te. In this case, the delay detection unit 104 recognizes the multifunction device 13 that is the transmission destination of the connection with the connection number # 2 as a reception delay device.

  When the presence of the reception delay device is detected, the second estimation unit 105 has not received the data D1 among the plurality of second devices (multifunction devices 11 to 24) (in FIG. 9). Recognize multifunction peripherals 13-15, 17-24). Then, the second estimated time tf is estimated based on the latest detected time (processing capability) Td detected for a specific unreceived device.

  The specific unreceived device is, for example, to receive data D1 next from the transmission source (multifunction device 11) of the reception delay device (multifunction device 13 in FIG. 9) that is currently receiving data D1. It is an unreceived device (multifunction device 14). The second estimated time tf is the time when reception of the data D1 ends in all of the specific unreceived device (multifunction device 14) and the unreceived devices (multifunction devices 20, 21) connected to the lower layer. . “Connected to the lower layer” means that when there is a layer below the layer immediately below, other than the own device is connected to the layers below the layer immediately below in order to become so-called descendants viewed from the own device. Means state.

  In the following description and illustration, it is assumed that the required time Td is not different from the time point when the schedule Sc is generated in order to avoid the description from becoming complicated.

  When the presence of the reception delay device is detected, the connection switching unit 106 ends the reception of the data D1 among the plurality of second devices according to the remaining time Tr from the current time to the target time tz. The transmission source is switched so that data D1 is transmitted from a received device that has finished receiving data D1 among a plurality of second devices to at least one of the unreceived devices.

  For example, the connection switching unit 106, when the time tg obtained by adding the margin time Tm to the second estimated time tf estimated by the second estimating unit 105 is after the target time tz, Switch the source of the receiving device.

  For example, the connection switching unit 106 performs a process of changing the connection in the distribution management information J1 as switching of the transmission source. That is, the connection before switching is canceled and the connection after switching is set. When the transmission source is switched, the content of the switching is notified to the transmission source before the switching, the transmission source after the switching, and the transmission destination (that is, a specific unreceived device). Upon receiving the notification, the transmission source updates the transmission destination information J3, and the transmission destination updates the transmission source information J2. That is, the notification from the multifunction machine 11 is an instruction to change the communication partner for the second device.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the reception delay apparatus that is currently receiving the data D1 is the multi-function device 13 related to the connection with the connection number # 2. The specific unreceived device is the multi-function device 14 that is in the same hierarchy as the multi-function device 13 and is to receive the data D1 from the multi-function device 11 next. In this case, the second estimation unit 105 receives the data D1 at the end of reception of the data D1 in all of the multifunction device 14 and the multifunction devices 20 and 21 connected to the lower layer, that is, at the end of the multifunction devices 14, 20, and 21. The time when the multi-function device 21 that is supposed to finish receiving the data D1 is estimated as the second estimated time tf. In the example of FIG. 9, the second estimated time tf is a time obtained by adding the total time required for reception Td in each connection of connection numbers # 3, # 9, and # 10 to the current time.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the total time required for reception Td in the connections of connection numbers # 3, # 9, and # 10 is 6 minutes 0 seconds, 7 minutes 30 seconds, and 7 minutes. It is the sum of 30 seconds and 21 minutes and 0 seconds.

  In FIG. 10A, since the current time is 0:15:30, the second estimated time tf is 0:36:30. The time tg obtained by adding the margin time Tm to this time is 1: 6: 30 when 66 minutes and 30 seconds have elapsed from the start of distribution. That is, the time tg is earlier than the target time tz, and there is a remaining time Tr of 2 minutes 30 seconds before the target time tz. Thus, when the time tg is earlier than the target time tz, the connection switching unit 106 does not switch the transmission source.

  However, at 0: 18: 0 when 2 minutes and 30 seconds, which is the remaining time Tr when the reception delay device is detected after the detection of the reception delay device, has elapsed, as shown in FIG. tg becomes the same time as the target time tz, and the remaining time Tr becomes zero. In this case, the connection switching unit 106 switches the transmission source of the multifunction peripheral 14 that is a specific unreceived device.

  At the time of 0: 18: 0, as shown in FIG. 11, the received devices that have finished receiving the data D1 and have not transmitted to the lower layer are the MFPs 12, 16, and 17. There are three. When there are a plurality of received devices that can be transmission sources, the connection switching unit 106 selects one of the plurality of received devices as a transmission source. At this time, it is preferable to select so that reception ends as soon as possible. Therefore, for example, the received device having the highest processing capability is selected and determined as the transmission source after switching. Alternatively, a received device whose usage rate R is 0% or an idle state close to it is selected with priority over a received device that is not in an idle state, and determined as a transmission source after switching.

  In the example of FIG. 11, the multifunction device 16 is selected and set as the transmission source for the multifunction device 14 instead of the multifunction device 11. That is, a connection with connection number # 14 is set instead of the connection with connection number # 3. With such switching of the transmission source, the network 2 shown in FIG. 1 is changed to a network 2a having a five-layer structure as shown in FIG.

  When there is no received device, the connection switching unit 106 determines an external device that holds the data D1 as a transmission source after switching. For example, the server 5 is determined as the transmission source. If the multifunction peripherals 12 to 24 are registered in advance in the server 5 as download destinations, the server 5 receives a download request from the multifunction peripheral 14 and transfers the data D1 to the multifunction peripheral 14. In addition, when providing one or more multifunction peripherals that are spare vertices different from the multifunction peripheral 11, data D1 is acquired from the server 5 at the spare vertices before starting the distribution, and the received device If no exists, a spare vertex may be determined as the transmission source.

  Furthermore, when there are a plurality of specific unreceived devices whose data D1 transmission sources are to be switched, the connection switching unit 106 switches the upper layer unreceived device in the hierarchical structure to the lower layer unreceived device. The transmission sources of a plurality of unreceived devices are switched so as to give priority. That is, generally, the higher the layer of the target unreceived device is, the greater the number of descendants thereof. Therefore, the upper layer unreceived device is caused to acquire the data D1 earlier than the lower layer unreceived device. Thereby, compared with the case where priority is given to the lower-layer non-receiving apparatus, the end of distribution is likely to be quickened.

  When the transmission source is switched by the connection switching unit 106, the third estimation unit 107 estimates a third estimated time th at which the distribution route after switching, that is, distribution by the network 2a in FIG. That is, the time when the reception of the data D1 ends in all the terminal devices after switching is estimated. In the case of the example of FIG. 11, reception at connection number # 14 starts from 0: 18: 0, and the total time required for reception Td at each connection of connection numbers # 14, # 9, and # 10 is Assuming that it is 21 minutes and 0 seconds, the third estimated time th is 0: 39: 0 when reception at the connection number # 10 ends.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the display processing unit 108 includes a route display unit 108a, an estimated time display unit 108b, and an actual time display unit 108c.

  When the transmission source is switched by the connection switching unit 106, the route display unit 108a displays the switched distribution route RU on the touch panel display 35. For example, an image obtained by diagrammatically connecting the network 2a shown in FIG. 3 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. Or you may display a transmission source and a transmission destination in a table | surface format like the schedule Sc shown in FIG. The screen displaying the route RU is configured so that the user can switch again. For example, when the network 2a is displayed graphically, the user drags an icon representing a multifunction device or draws a line indicating a desired connection from the multifunction device desired to be a transmission source to the transmission destination multifunction device. What is necessary is just to comprise so that a touch position may be slid.

  The estimated time display unit 108 b displays the third estimated time th estimated by the third estimating unit 107 on the touch panel display 35. The route RU and the third estimated time th are preferably arranged and displayed on the same screen.

  When the transmission source is switched by the connection switching unit 106, the actual time display unit 108c displays the actual time tw at which the distribution has actually ended on the touch panel display 35. The actual time tw is used as information for the administrator of the data distribution system 1 to evaluate the effect of switching the transmission source, for example.

  The input processing unit 109 receives an instruction to reswitch the route RU to the connection switching unit 106 by the user, and transmits the received instruction to the connection switching unit 106. At this time, the connection switching unit 106 switches the route RU again according to the received instruction from the user. Then, the route display unit 108a reflects the re-switching on the display of the route RU.

  On the other hand, the reception / relay processing unit 201 provided in the multifunction peripherals 12 to 24 as the second device performs reception and relay processing of the data D1. For example, when the reception / relay processing unit 201 receives a notification of completion of preparation for transmission from the transmission source, the reception / relay processing unit 201 returns a message indicating that reception is possible (download request) and starts reception. When reception ends, the delay detection unit 104 of the multifunction machine 11 is notified of the end of reception. When relaying, the transmission destination is notified of completion of preparation for transmission, and transmission is started when there is a reply that reception is possible. The reception / relay processing unit 201 appropriately acquires the transmission source information J2 and the transmission source information J3 indicating the transmission source and the transmission destination from the multifunction machine 11. The transmission source information J2 and the transmission source information J3 are part of the distribution management information J1.

  The processing capability notification unit 202 collects the communication speed V, the usage rate R of the CPU 30a as the processor, and the allocatable memory capacity M for the self apparatus which is a multifunction machine provided with the information, and stores them as information. Dp is notified to the processing capability detection unit 101 of the multifunction machine 11. The communication speed V can be obtained by, for example, measuring the time from sending a PING (ping) command to the transmission source and receiving a reply.

  The flowchart of FIG. 12 shows an example of the flow of processing in the data distribution system 1, and the flowchart of FIG. 13 shows the first example of the flow of connection switching processing. The example of FIG. 13 is an example in which the specific device is the unreceived device of (1) among (1) to (3) listed above.

  In FIG. 12, data D1 is acquired from the server 5 (# 31). The required time Td is detected as the processing capability of each of the multifunction devices 11 to 24 (# 32), and the first estimated time te is estimated for each of the multifunction devices 12 to 24 as the second device (# 33). Then, the target time tz is set (# 34), and distribution is started (# 35).

  In the period from the start of delivery to the completion of delivery, the end of reception by each of the multifunction devices 12 to 24 is detected based on the notification from the multifunction devices 12 to 24 (# 36).

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not there is a reception delay device (# 37). If there is a reception delay device (YES in # 37), connection switching processing is executed (# 38). If there is no reception delay device (NO in # 37), it is checked whether or not the distribution is completed (# 39).

  When the distribution is completed (YES in # 39), the process of the flow in FIG. If the distribution is not completed (NO in # 39), for example, after a predetermined time of about 1 to several minutes has elapsed (# 40), the process returns to step # 30. In the period until the delivery is completed, the reception end detection (# 36), the presence / absence check of the reception delay device (# 37), and the connection switching process (# 38) when the reception delay device exists are performed. Perform periodically.

  In FIG. 13, it is checked whether or not there is a specific unreceived device that is to receive data D1 next from the transmission source of the reception delay device (# 311). If there is no multifunction device that meets the conditions for a specific unreceived device (NO in # 311), the flow returns to the flow of FIG.

  If there is a multi-function machine that meets the conditions for a specific unreceived device (YES in # 311), the second estimated time tf is estimated to calculate the time tg (# 312), and the time tg is the target time tz. It is checked whether it is after (# 313).

  If the calculated time tg is not after the target time tz (NO in # 313), the flow returns to the flow of FIG. That is, the transmission source is not switched.

  If the calculated time tg is after the target time tz (YES in # 313), it is checked whether there is a received device that can be a transmission source (# 314). If there is a received device (YES in # 314), it is subsequently checked whether there are a plurality of received devices (# 315). If there are a plurality of received devices (YES in # 315), one of the received devices is selected (# 316), and the transmission source for the multifunction peripheral that is a specific unreceived device is selected as the received device. (# 317). If a plurality of received devices do not exist (NO in # 315), the transmission source is switched to that one received device (# 317).

If there is no received device (NO in # 314), the transmission source is switched to an external device having data D1 such as the server 5 (# 318).
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 14 shows an example of the functional configuration of the data distribution system 1b according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 15 shows an example of the functional configuration of the second estimation unit 105b.

  The hardware configuration of the data distribution system 1b is the same as the hardware configuration of the data distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Most of the functional configuration of the data distribution system 1b is the same as the functional configuration according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Differences in functional configuration are the following two points.

  The first difference is that the second estimation unit 105 is provided in the first device (multifunction device 11) in the example of FIG. 4 whereas the second estimation unit 105b in the example of FIG. Thus, it is a point comprised by the some sub estimation part 203 provided one each in several 2nd apparatuses (multifunction machine 12-24).

  The second difference is that the multifunction device 11 is provided with a connection switching unit 106b and an information providing unit 110, and the multifunction devices 12 to 24 are provided with a sub-estimation unit 203 and a switching request unit 204. The connection switching unit 106b is a function provided in place of the connection switching unit 106 of the first example.

  That is, the functional configuration of the data distribution system 1b according to the second embodiment causes each of the plurality of second devices to determine whether to switch the transmission source.

  14, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified. The connection switching unit 106b and the information providing unit 110 of the multi-function device 11 and the sub-estimation unit 203 and the switch requesting unit 204 of the multi-function devices 12 to 24 have the hardware configuration described above in each of the multi-function devices 11 to 24. The above distribution program is implemented by the CPU 30a.

  The information providing unit 110 of the multi-function device 11 provides information necessary for the estimation of the second estimated time tf, such as the required time Td detected by the processing capacity detection unit 101 and identification information indicating a reception delay device. This is provided to 24 sub-estimators 203. In addition, the information providing unit 110 notifies the set target time tz to each switching request unit 204 of the multifunction peripherals 12 to 24.

  The connection switching unit 106b checks the presence / absence of a received device when there is a request (inquiry) for switching the transmission source from any switching request unit 204 of the multifunction peripherals 12 to 24. Then, when there is a received device, the transmission source for the request source multifunction device is switched. At this time, the transmission source after switching is notified to the reception / relay processing unit 201 of the request source multifunction device.

  On the other hand, each sub-estimation unit 203 of each of the multifunction peripherals 12 to 24, when the own device that is the second device provided with the same or the second device connected to the upper layer of the own device is a reception delay device, The second estimated time tf is estimated with the device as a specific unreceived device. “Connected to the upper layer” means a state in which other than the own device is connected so as to become a so-called ancestor as viewed from the own device in order to a layer immediately above the layer immediately above.

Alternatively, the sub-estimation unit 203 receives the reception when the reception delay device is detected after the distribution by the network 2 is started and the reception delay device is any of the following (1) to (3): The second estimated time tf described above is estimated with the delay device as a specific unreceived device.
(1) Non-receiving device that is to receive data D1 next from the transmission source of the receiving delay device (2) Non-receiving device that is connected to the lower layer of the receiving delay device and is not a terminal device (3) The non-receiving device switching request unit 204 that is a delay device and a terminal device receives the margin time Tm at the second estimated time tf when the second estimated time tf is estimated by the sub-estimating unit 203 of the own device. To calculate a time tg. When the calculated time tg is after the target time tz, the connection switching unit 106b of the multifunction machine 11 is requested to switch the transmission source for the own apparatus.

  The basic flow of processing in the data distribution system 1b is the same as the flow shown in the flowchart of FIG. The data distribution system 1b executes the following connection switching process in step # 38 of FIG.

  The flowcharts of FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 show the second, third, and fourth examples of the flow of the connection switching process.

  The second example of FIG. 16 is an example in which a specific unreceived device is the unreceived device of (2) among (1) to (3) listed above.

  In FIG. 16, when the multi-function device 17 arranged in the third layer or lower and not the terminal device is notified from the multi-function device 11 that the presence of the reception delay device is detected, the reception delay device is the upper layer. It is checked whether or not the MFP 12 is connected to (# 321). If the reception delay device is not a multifunction device connected to the upper layer (NO in # 321), the flow returns to the flow of FIG.

  If the multi-function device 17 determines that the reception delay device is the multi-function device 12 connected to the upper layer (YES in # 321), all the multi-function devices 24 connected to the own device and the lower layer as a specific non-reception device. The time when reception of the data D1 ends is estimated as the second estimated time tf, and the time tg is calculated (# 322).

  When the calculated time tg is after the target time tz (YES in # 323), the multi-function device 17 that calculated the time tg requests the apex multi-function device 11 to switch the transmission source (# 324). If the time tg is not after the target time tz (NO in # 323), the process returns to the flow of FIG. That is, the reception delay device does not request switching of the transmission source. Therefore, the multifunction machine 11 does not switch the transmission source.

  The subsequent processing is the same as the processing of steps # 314 to # 318 in FIG. In other words, when there are received devices that can be transmission sources and there are a plurality of devices (YES in # 325 and YES in # 326), one of the received devices is selected (# 327), and switching is performed. The transmission source for the requested multifunction device is switched to the selected received device (# 328). If there are not a plurality of received devices (NO in # 326), the transmission source is switched to that one received device (# 328). If there is no received device (NO in # 325), the transmission source is switched to an external device having data D1 such as the server 5 (# 329).

  The third example of FIG. 17 is an example in which a specific unreceived device is the unreceived device of (3) among (1) to (3) listed above.

  In FIG. 17, when each of the multifunction devices 16, 18 to 24, which are the end devices, is notified from the multifunction device 11 that the presence of the reception delay device is detected, whether or not the reception delay device is its own device. Is checked (# 331). If the reception delay device is not its own device (NO in # 331), the flow returns to the flow of FIG.

  If the multifunction devices 16, 18 to 24 determine that the reception delay device is the own device (YES in # 331), the second estimation is performed for the time when the own device as the specific unreceived device ends the reception of the data D1. Estimated as time tf, and calculates time tg (# 332).

  When the calculated time tg is after the target time tz (YES in # 333), the apex multifunction device 11 is requested to switch the transmission source (# 334). If the time tg is not after the target time tz (NO in # 333), the process returns to the flow of FIG. That is, the reception delay device does not request switching of the transmission source. Therefore, the multifunction machine 11 does not switch the transmission source.

  The subsequent processing is the same as the processing in steps # 314 to # 318 in FIG. 13 and steps # 325 to # 329 in FIG. That is, when there are already received devices and the number of devices is plural (YES in # 335 and YES in # 336), one of the received devices is selected (# 337), and the reception delay for which switching is requested. The transmission source for the apparatus is switched to the selected received apparatus (# 338). If there are not a plurality of received devices (NO in # 336), the transmission source is switched to that one received device (# 338). If there is no received device (NO in # 335), the transmission source is switched to an external device having data D1 such as the server 5 (# 339).

  In the fourth example of FIG. 18, a specific unreceived device is selected as one of the unreceived devices from (1) to (3) above according to the order of the layers in which the reception delay devices exist. It is an example.

  In FIG. 18, first, it is checked whether or not the reception delay device is any one of the second layer MFPs 12 to 15 (# 341). If the check is YES, a connection switching process in which the connection switching process (first example) in FIG. 13 is partially changed is executed (# 342).

  In other words, in the connection switching process in step # 342, the process of estimating the second estimated time tf and calculating the time tg is received from the transmission source of the reception delay device instead of the multi-function machine 11 and then the data D1 is received. It is performed by a specific unreceived device that is a multifunction device to be performed.

  Further, when the calculated time tg is after the target time tz, the multifunction device 11 does not switch the transmission source voluntarily, but the specific unreceived device switches the transmission source for the own device to the multifunction device 11. The multifunction device 11 switches the transmission source in response to the request.

  Except for these points, the connection switching process in step # 342 is the same as the connection switching process (first example) in FIG.

  If NO in step # 341, that is, if the reception delay device is not the second-layer multifunction device 12-15, it is checked whether the reception delay device is the multifunction device 17 other than the terminal device (#). 343). If the check is YES, the connection switching process (second example) of FIG. 16 is executed (# 344). In this case, the specific unreceived device is the multi-function device 24 connected to the lower layer of the multi-function device 17.

  If NO in step # 343, that is, if the reception delay device is a terminal device (multifunction device 16, 17-24), the connection switching process (third example) in FIG. 17 is executed (# 345). In this case, the specific unreceived device is the reception delay device itself.

  According to the connection switching process of the fourth example of FIG. 18, the transmission source can be switched so as to give priority to the lower-layer multifunction peripherals with respect to the upper-layer multifunction peripherals. Compared to the case of the second example or the third example, it can be accelerated. Further, since there are many multifunction peripherals that can be specific unreceived devices as compared to the first example, the time at which distribution ends is often increased by switching the transmission source.

  According to the first embodiment or the second embodiment described above, it is possible to cause all the multifunction devices 11 to 24 in the networks 2 and 2a to finish receiving data by a predetermined target time tz. In other words, if the processing capability of each device decreases during delivery and reception delays, the delivery time is shortened to prevent the required time from becoming longer than the time assumed at the start of delivery. Can do.

  In the first embodiment described above, the multi-function devices 11 at the vertex manage the required time Td and the schedule Sc of the plurality of multi-function devices 11 to 24 in a unified manner. It may be managed manually or shared.

  A group of functions related to functions such as the processing capacity detection unit 101, the first estimation unit 102, the target setting unit 103, the delay detection unit 104, the second estimation unit 105, and the connection switching unit 106, that is, whether or not it is necessary to switch the transmission source. It is not always necessary to provide functions centrally in one multifunction device 11. That is, this group of functions may be distributed among the plurality of multifunction devices 11 to 24. Further, a management device separate from the multifunction peripherals 11 to 24 constituting the hierarchical network 2 may be provided as hardware of the data distribution system 1, and a group of functions may be provided in the management device.

  Furthermore, the third estimation unit 107, the display processing unit 108, and the input processing unit 109 may be provided in any one or a plurality of the multifunction peripherals 12 to 24 other than the apex. You may provide in a management apparatus.

  In the second embodiment described above, the multi-function device 11 at the apex detects the presence of the reception delay device and notifies all of the lower-layer multifunction devices 12 to 24 of the presence of the reception delay device. Alternatively, notification may be made only to the multi-function machine that satisfies the condition of the specific unreceived device among the multi-function machines 12 to 24 in the lower layer.

  Further, the multifunction device 11 at the apex need not necessarily detect the presence of the reception delay device, and may be detected by each of the multifunction devices 12 to 24 as the second device. That is, a configuration is adopted in which the delay detection unit 104 is a set of sub-detection units provided in the multifunction devices 12 to 24 so that the multifunction devices 12 to 24 can independently detect the presence of the reception delay device. can do.

  In the first embodiment or the second embodiment described above, when calculating the required time Td as the processing capability, the accuracy of the processing capability to be detected can be improved by taking into account the state of the transmission source. Specifically, a coefficient (r, m) corresponding to each of the usage rate R and memory capacity M of the transmission destination, and a coefficient (r, m) corresponding to each of the usage rate R of the transmission source and memory capacity M, The required time Td is calculated by multiplying the basic time.

  Times such as the allowable delay time Tes, the predetermined time Ta, and the margin time Tm are not limited to the illustrated length, and may be set as appropriate.

  The plurality of devices constituting the data distribution systems 1 and 1b are not limited to the multi-function devices 11 to 24, and the data for performing some processing for handling the data D1 such as storing, transferring, or converting the data D1 acquired by the distribution. Any processing device may be used.

  The data D1 may be other than update data. For example, video data, audio data, or multimedia content may be used. The data is not limited to data required by all the multifunction devices 11 to 24. That is, the data D1 may be data that a part of the multifunction peripherals 11 to 24 temporarily stores only for distribution and is discarded without being used when the distribution is completed.

  The configuration of each or each part of the data distribution systems 1 and 1b and the multi-function peripherals 11 to 24, the number of multi-function peripherals (data processing devices), processing contents, order or timing, the number of hierarchical layers, one The number of transmission destinations connected to the transmission source, connection timing, connection management method, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

1, 1b Data distribution system 2 Network 5 Server (external device)
11 MFP (first device, data processing device)
12-24 MFP (second device, data processing device)
101 Processing capacity detection unit (processing capacity detection means)
102 1st estimation part (1st estimation means)
103 Target setting unit (target setting means)
104 Delay detection unit (delay detection means)
105 2nd estimation part (2nd estimation means)
106, 106b Connection switching unit (connection switching means)
107 3rd estimation part (3rd estimation means)
108a Route display unit (route display means)
108b Estimated time display section (estimated time display means)
108c Actual time display section (actual time display means)
109 Input processing unit (input processing means)
203 Sub-estimator (sub-estimator, estimator)
D1 Data te First estimated time tes Distribution completion time tf Second estimated time tg Time tz Target time th Third estimated time tw Actual time Ta Predetermined time Td Required time (processing capacity)
Tm Margin time Tr Remaining time M Memory capacity (with memory status)
R usage rate (processor state)
V Communication speed RU route

Claims (19)

The first device and the plurality of second devices are connected so as to form a hierarchical network having the first device as a vertex, and data distributed from the first device is transmitted to each of the plurality of second devices. A data distribution system for distributing,
For each of the plurality of second devices, first estimation means for estimating a first estimated time to end reception of the data in distribution by the network;
A target setting means for setting a target time for completing the distribution of the data, based on a distribution completion time that is the latest time among the plurality of estimated first estimated times;
Delay detection for detecting the presence of a reception delay device that has not finished receiving the data even after the first estimated time of the plurality of second devices has passed a predetermined time or more after delivery via the network is started. Means,
When the presence of the reception delay device is detected, according to the remaining time until the target time, at least one of the plurality of second devices that has not finished receiving the data On the other hand, connection switching means for switching the transmission source so as to transmit the data from the received device that has finished receiving the data among the plurality of second devices,
A data distribution system comprising: The connection switching means is
The transmission source is switched to the non-receiving device that is to receive the data next from the transmission source of the reception delay device that is actually receiving the data,
The data distribution system according to claim 1. When the presence of the reception delay device is detected, the non-reception device that is to receive the data next from the transmission source of the reception delay device that is currently receiving the data. Second estimation means for estimating a second estimated time when reception of the data ends in all of the non-receiving device and the non-receiving device connected to the lower layer when the transmission of the data to the receiving device is started. Have
The connection switching means is
When the time obtained by adding a margin time to the second estimated time is after the target time, the transmission source is switched.
The data distribution system according to claim 2. Each of the plurality of second devices is
When the own device or the second device connected to the upper layer of the own device is the reception delay device, when the device starts transmitting the data to the own device and the device Sub-estimating means for estimating a second estimated time at which reception of the data ends in all of the unreceived devices connected to a lower layer;
The connection switching means is
When the time obtained by adding a margin time to the second estimated time is after the target time, the transmission source is switched.
The data distribution system according to claim 1. The connection switching means, when there are a plurality of the unreceived devices whose source is to be switched, is configured to prioritize switching for the upper layer unreceived device over switching for the lower layer unreceived device. Switch their source for the receiving device,
The data distribution system according to claim 1 or 4. The processing capacity of each of the plurality of second devices in the transmission / reception of the data, the data amount of the data, the communication speed of the communication line used to receive the data, the state of the processor executing the processing for reception It has processing capacity detection means for detecting based on the state of the memory used for reception,
The first estimating means estimates the first estimated time based on the detected processing capability;
The data distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The connection switching means, when there are a plurality of the received devices, to determine the received device having the highest processing capability among the plurality of received devices as a transmission source after switching,
The data distribution system according to claim 6. When there are a plurality of the received devices, the connection switching unit selects and switches a received device that is in an idle state in preference to a received device that is not in an idle state among the plurality of received devices. As determined by the later sender,
The data distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The connection switching means, when the received device does not exist, to determine the external device holding the data as the transmission source after switching,
The data distribution system according to claim 1. When the transmission source is switched by the connection switching unit, the display unit further includes a route display unit that displays a distribution route after switching.
The data distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. An input processing means for receiving an instruction to re-switch the route to the connection switching means by a user;
The connection switching unit performs the switching of the route again in accordance with the received instruction from the user.
The data distribution system according to claim 10. Third estimating means for estimating a third estimated time at which distribution by the network after switching is terminated when the transmission source is switched by the connection switching means;
An estimated time display means for displaying the estimated third estimated time;
The data distribution system according to claim 10 or 11. When the transmission source is switched by the connection switching unit, the system further includes an actual time display unit that displays an actual time when the distribution is actually finished.
The data distribution system according to claim 12. Each of the first device and the plurality of second devices has an image forming unit that prints an image on paper.
The data distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The first device and the plurality of second devices are connected so as to form a hierarchical network having the first device as a vertex, and data distributed from the first device is transmitted to each of the plurality of second devices. A data distribution method for distributing data to
For each of the plurality of second devices, estimate a first estimated time to end reception of the data in distribution by the network,
Based on a delivery completion time that is the latest time among the plurality of estimated first estimated times, a target time for completing the delivery of the data is set,
After starting distribution by the network, detecting the presence of a reception delay device that has not finished receiving the data even if the first estimated time of the plurality of second devices exceeds a predetermined time,
When the presence of the reception delay device is detected, according to the remaining time until the target time, at least one of the plurality of second devices that has not finished receiving the data On the other hand, the transmission source is switched so as to transmit the data from the received device that has finished receiving the data among the plurality of second devices.
A data distribution method characterized by the above. A data processing device connected to a plurality of other devices so as to form a hierarchical network for distributing data,
For each of the plurality of other devices, first estimation means for estimating a first estimated time to end reception of the data in distribution by the network;
A target setting means for setting a target time for completing the distribution of the data, based on a distribution completion time that is the latest time among the plurality of estimated first estimated times;
Delay detection means for detecting the presence of a reception delay device that has not finished receiving the data even after the first estimated time of the plurality of other devices has passed a predetermined time or more after starting distribution by the network. When,
When the presence of the reception delay device is detected, according to the remaining time until the target time, at least one of the plurality of other devices that have not finished receiving the data Connection switching means for switching the transmission source so as to transmit the data from the received device that has finished receiving the data among the plurality of other devices,
A data processing apparatus comprising: A data processing device connected to a plurality of other devices so as to form a hierarchical network for distributing data,
After the delivery by the network is started, a reception delay device that has not completed reception of the data even if the first estimated time for ending reception of the data has passed a predetermined time or more is detected, and the reception delay device Is the data processing device or another device connected to the upper layer of the data processing device, the second estimation that the reception of the data ends in all of the data processing device and other devices connected to the lower layer An estimation means for estimating the time;
When the time obtained by adding the margin time to the estimated second estimated time is after the target time set as the time at which the data distribution should be completed, the transmission source of the own apparatus is switched in advance. A switch requesting means for requesting the device defined in the request destination;
A data processing apparatus comprising: A computer program used in a data processing device connected to a plurality of other devices so as to form a hierarchical network for distributing data,
In the data processing device,
For each of the plurality of other devices, a first estimation process for estimating a first estimated time to end reception of the data in the distribution by the network is executed,
Based on a delivery completion time that is the latest time among the plurality of estimated first estimation times, a target setting process for setting a target time for completing the delivery of the data is executed,
Delay detection for detecting the presence of a reception delay device that has not finished receiving the data even after the first estimated time of the plurality of other devices has exceeded a predetermined time after the start of distribution by the network. Let the process run,
When the presence of the reception delay device is detected, according to the remaining time until the target time, at least one of the plurality of other devices that have not finished receiving the data A connection switching process for switching the transmission source so as to transmit the data from the received device that has finished receiving the data among the plurality of other devices,
A computer program characterized by the above. A computer program used in a data processing device connected to a plurality of other devices so as to form a hierarchical network for distributing data,
In the data processing device,
After the delivery by the network is started, a reception delay device that has not completed reception of the data even if the first estimated time for ending reception of the data has passed a predetermined time or more is detected, and the reception delay device Is the data processing device or another device connected to the upper layer of the data processing device, the second estimation that the reception of the data is completed in all of the data processing device and other devices connected to the lower layer Run the estimation process to estimate the time,
When the time obtained by adding the margin time to the estimated second estimated time is after the target time set as the time at which the data distribution should be completed, the transmission source of the data processing device is switched. To execute a switching request process for requesting a predetermined device.
A computer program characterized by the above.

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