JP2011154474A - Apparatus and system for processing information, customizing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control customizing operation of each UI part for each user. <P>SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus which is connected through a network to an image forming apparatus which stores a UI file containing UI parts having an attribute and operation program, is equipped with: an input means to input user information; a reading means to read the UI file; a control means to control customizable operation to the UI parts based on the level corresponding to input user information and the level assigned to the target UI parts to be customized; a display a means to display a customizable operation controlled by the control means; and a writing means to write the UI file in which the customized UI parts are reflected to the image forming apparatus after the UI parts are customized by the customizable operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a customization method, and a program.

  In recent years, when a user purchases an image forming apparatus, individual solutions are often provided simultaneously with the image forming apparatus so that the image forming apparatus can be used in an environment suitable for the user. In many cases, the solution (SE) (system engineer) of the sales company is to directly respond to the user after taking a meeting with the user.

  UI (User Interface) customization also assumes that the SE of the sales company makes changes in a way that matches the user's environment. For example, some users will be able to provide the customization in such a way that the scanned data should be placed in a folder, but if email transmission is prohibited, the button for email transmission settings will not be displayed. .

  Conventionally, in order to restrict the use of a function of an image forming apparatus according to a user or a setting, the function itself has been hidden. Also, by changing the button for executing the function or the size, position, color, etc. of the text according to the user or setting, it is possible to customize the UI to be easier to use. Conventional UI customization is realized by changing and displaying predetermined attributes (size, position, color, etc.) of UI parts.

  As customization related to the UI, in Patent Document 1, since many general users efficiently customize their own operation screens, each authenticated user can individually change the operation screen settings. A technique capable of setting a screen is disclosed.

  In recent years, UI customization in a wider range has been demanded. For example, new text describing the function may be added, the behavior of a UI assigned to an existing button may be changed, or a new button assigned a UI behavior may be added. These are difficult to realize in the category of changing a predetermined attribute of a UI component, and it is necessary to change the program itself.

  However, a problem arises if free customization by changing the program is permitted for all UI parts of the image forming apparatus. For example, in an application with an evaluation period or a license expiration date, a function is assumed in which a warning screen is displayed when the expiration date has passed. If the warning screen can be freely customized, the effect of the warning can be invalidated. Alternatively, it is assumed that the original application before customization displays a copyright information screen. If the copyright information screen can be freely customized, it is possible to prevent the copyright information from being displayed.

  On the other hand, if the user who has paid the license fee can be customized for each part, it will be possible to expand the range of business by acquiring the license fee according to the number of users. Could not realize customization control according to the user for each UI part.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a customization method, and a program capable of controlling a customization operation according to a user for each UI component. The purpose is to do.

  An information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing apparatus connected via an image forming apparatus that stores a UI file including a UI component having an attribute and an operation program, and inputs user information The UI component can be customized based on a reading means for reading the UI file from the image forming apparatus, a level corresponding to the input user information, and a level assigned to the UI component to be customized Control means for controlling various operations, display means for displaying the customizable operations controlled by the control means, and after the UI parts are customized by the customizable operations, the customized UI parts are Writing means for writing the reflected UI file to the image forming apparatus. That.

  An information processing system according to another aspect of the present invention is an information processing system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus connected via a network, and the image forming apparatus has attributes and an operation program. A storage unit configured to store a UI file including UI parts, wherein the information processing apparatus includes an input unit that inputs user information, a reading unit that reads the UI file from the image forming apparatus, and the input user information. Based on the corresponding level and the level assigned to the UI component to be customized, control means for controlling the customizable operation on the UI component, and the customizable operation controlled by the control means are displayed. After the UI part is customized by the display means and the customizable operation, The Mize been the UI file UI component is reflected and a writing detecting means writes the image forming apparatus.

  An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a display unit that displays a UI file including a UI component having an attribute and an operation program, an arrangement unit that controls the arrangement of the UI component included in the UI file, Attribute designation means for designating an attribute including a level for the UI component, program designation means for designating an operation program for the UI component, and writing means for writing the UI file to an image forming apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a customization method in an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus that stores a UI file including UI parts having attributes and an operation program via a network. Based on an input step of inputting information, a reading step of reading the UI file from the image forming apparatus, a level corresponding to the input user information, and a level assigned to a UI component to be customized, A control step for controlling a customizable operation on the UI component; a display step for displaying the customizable operation controlled by the control step; and the UI component is customized after the UI component is customized by the customizable operation. The UI file reflecting the UI parts is displayed as the image. It has a write output stage to write the forming apparatus.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention can be realized by a program that can be executed by a computer, and can also be realized by causing a computer to read a recording medium that records the program.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to control a customization operation corresponding to a user for each UI component.

The figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure which concerns on an Example. The block diagram which shows an example of the hardware of the information processing apparatus 1 which concerns on an Example. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the MFP 4, the information processing apparatus 1, and the server 3 in the embodiment. The figure which shows an example of UI file and UI component data in an Example. The figure which shows an example of the customization operation table in an Example. The figure which shows an example of the customization level table in an Example. The figure which shows the example 1 of an execution screen in an Example. The figure which shows the example 2 of an execution screen in an Example. The flowchart which shows an example of the customization process in an Example. The figure which shows an example of the function of the information processing apparatus 2 in an Example. The figure which shows arrangement | positioning movement of UI components. The figure which shows an example of the access level setting of UI components.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Example]
<System>
First, the information processing system 10 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a license management server 3 (an information processing apparatus, also simply referred to as a server) and information processing apparatuses 1 and 2 are connected to an image forming apparatus (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) 4 via a network. . The information processing apparatus 1 may be connected to the server 3.

  The information processing apparatus 1 customizes the UI of the MFP 4 and transmits the customized UI to the MFP 4. The information processing apparatus 2 creates a UI file of the MFP 4 and transmits the created UI file to the MFP 4. The server 3 manages the access level of the user who customizes the UI. The MFP 4 holds a UI file (a file constituting the UI screen of the MFP 4).

  The server 3 may be included in the MFP 4, and the information processing apparatus 2 may be included in the MFP 4. Further, the information processing apparatus 1 may be included in the MFP 4.

<Hardware>
The hardware of the information processing apparatuses 1 and 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The hardware of the information processing apparatus 2 is the same as that of the information processing apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13, a network I / F unit 14, an input unit 15, and a display unit. 16 and an external recording device I / F unit 17.

  The CPU 11 is a calculation unit that performs control of each device, calculation of data, and processing in the computer. The CPU 11 executes a program stored in the RAM 12, receives data from the input device or the storage device, calculates and processes the data, and outputs the data to the output device or the storage device.

  The RAM 12 is a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as an OS and application software that are basic software executed by the CPU 11.

  The HDD 13 is a storage device that stores data related to application software and the like.

  The network I / F unit 14 is connected via a network (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark)) such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. This is an interface between the information processing apparatus 1 and the MFP 4 or the like having a connected communication function.

  The input unit 15 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input, various function keys, and the like, a mouse for selecting keys on the display screen of the display unit 16, a slice pad, and the like. The input unit 15 is a user interface for a user to give an operation instruction to the CPU 11 or input data.

  The display unit 16 is configured by a CRT, an LCD, or the like, and displays according to display data input from the CPU 11.

  The external recording device I / F unit 17 is an interface between the information processing device 1 and a recording medium 18 (for example, a flash memory) connected via a data transmission path such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  Further, a predetermined program is stored in the recording medium 18, and the program stored in the recording medium 18 is installed in the information processing apparatus 1 via the external recording apparatus I / F unit 17, and the installed predetermined program is information It can be executed by the processing device 1.

  The information processing apparatus 1 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or the like, and in the example shown in FIG. 1, two information processing apparatuses and one MFP are connected. Not limited.

<Function>
The function of each device of the information processing system will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the MFP 4, the information processing apparatus 1, and the server 3 in the embodiment. First, the server 3 holds a license file in which the access level of the user who customizes the UI of the MFP 4 is defined. The access level indicates the authority of the user who can access the UI component. As the access level is higher, the user increases the number of operations for customizing UI parts.

  The MFP 4 includes a display unit 401, a storage unit 402, an authentication unit 403, a transmission unit 404, and a reception unit 405. A display unit 401 displays the UI of the MFP 4. The storage unit 402 stores information related to the UI of the MFP 4. The information regarding the UI includes a UI file, and the UI file has attributes and an operation program.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI file and UI component data in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the UI file has one or more UI parts, and the UI parts include attributes and operation programs.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the UI file includes UI component data 1, 2, 3,. The UI part data has attributes and an operation program. Attributes include part type, access level, coordinates, size, color, and the like. The operation program includes an operation when pressed, an operation when released, and the like.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the authentication unit 403 authenticates user information in order to limit transmission or reception of the UI file. The user information may be input using the operation panel of the MFP 4 or may be input by the information processing apparatus 1 and transmitted to the MFP 4. The authentication unit 403 may issue an instruction to permit transmission of the UI file by the transmission unit 404 and reception of the UI file by the reception unit 405 when the authentication is successful.

  In response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus 1, the transmission unit 404 reads a UI file stored in the storage unit 402 and transmits the UI file to the information processing apparatus 1. The receiving unit 405 writes the UI file received from the information processing apparatus 1 in the storage unit 402.

  The display unit 401 is realized by an operation panel, the storage unit 402 is realized by a RAM, the authentication unit 403 is realized by a CPU, and the transmission unit 404 and the reception unit 405 are realized by a network I / F. The

  Next, functions of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a display unit 101, a reading unit 102, an information input unit 103, an access control unit 104, a customization unit 105, and a writing unit 106. The display unit 101 displays information on UI parts, a screen for customizing UI information, and the like. The information input unit 103 receives input of user information of a user who customizes the UI screen. User information is input using a keyboard or the like. The input user information is output to the reading unit 102.

  The reading unit 102 acquires a UI file from the MFP 4 according to an instruction from the user. The reading unit 102 holds the acquired user information and accesses the server 3 to acquire an access level corresponding to the user information. The acquired access level of the user is held in the access control unit 104.

  Note that the reading unit 102 may transmit the user information input by the information input unit 103 to the MFP 4 before acquiring the UI file, and cause the MFP 4 to perform user authentication. If the authentication is successful, the reading unit 102 can acquire a UI file. If the authentication fails, user information may be input again by the information input unit 103. The reading unit 102 may access the server 3 through the MFP 4 or may directly access the server 3.

  The access control unit 104 holds the acquired user access level. The access control unit 104 controls an operation for customizing the UI component based on the level assigned to the UI component instructed by the user and the accelerator level of the user. The operation to be customized can be controlled by the following two methods.

(Customized operation table)
The access control unit 104 may control customizable operations based on the customization operation table. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the customization operation table in the embodiment. In the table shown in FIG. 5, the vertical indicates the user access level, and the horizontal indicates the UI component level. Further, the table shown in FIG. 5 is an example in which the authority is weaker as the level shown in the vertical direction is smaller, and the authority is stronger as the level shown in the vertical direction is larger. The table shown in FIG. 5 is an example in which the limit becomes weaker as the level shown horizontally becomes smaller, and the limit becomes stronger as the level shown horizontally increases.

  The customize operation table shown in FIG. 5 defines customizable operations for combinations of user access levels and levels assigned to UI components. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the user access level and the UI component level are set to five levels. However, the levels may not be the same, or may be other levels such as three levels or seven levels.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the customization operation is classified into “attribute editing”, “child component addition”, “program editing”, and “part deletion”, but other classifications may be added. The classification may be reduced.

  Further, in the user access level and UI component level, customizable operations are defined for each level, but customizable operations may be defined for a plurality of levels (for example, level 1 and level 2).

  When the UI component to be customized is instructed by the user on the UI component customization screen, the access control unit 104 displays the customization operation table shown in FIG. 5 according to the level of the instructed UI component and the instructed user's access level. To control (specify) customizable operations. The customizable operation controlled by the access control unit 104 is displayed on the display unit 101. Thus, the user can know the operation that can be customized for each UI component.

(Customization level table)
The access control unit 104 may control customizable operations based on the customization level table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the customization level table in the embodiment. The table shown in FIG. 6 shows an example of a table in which the levels of customization operations are ordered. The table shown in FIG. 6 shows an example in which the operation is restricted from the lower (5) operation, but may be determined to be restricted from the upper (1) operation.

  When the UI component to be customized is instructed by the user on the UI component customization screen, the access control unit 104 can subtract the instructed user's access level from the level of the instructed UI component, and can be customized according to the difference. Control various operations.

  For example, when the difference is 0 or less, the access control unit 104 can perform any of the operations “edit attribute”, “add child component”, “edit program”, and “delete component”. When the difference is 1, the access control unit 104 sets the operations other than the fifth “delete component” as customizable operations, and when the difference is 2, the fifth “delete component” and the fourth “program edit”. Operations other than are made customizable. When the difference is 4, the access control unit 104 sets the first “cannot be customized” and prohibits customization of the UI part. That is, the number of operations that can be customized decreases by the number of positive differences. When the difference is maximum, customization is impossible.

  According to the customization level table shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to freely set the access level of the user and the access level of the UI component, and it is possible to control the customizable operation according to the difference.

  The tables shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are stored in the RAM 11 or the ROM and are referred to by the access control unit 104.

  Returning to FIG. 1, when a UI component to be customized is instructed by the user, the customization unit 105 notifies the access control unit 104 of the instructed UI component. The customizing unit 105 enables customizable operations controlled by the access control unit 104. When the user performs a customizable operation on the UI component, the customization unit 105 reflects the customization on the UI component attribute and the operation program.

  When the user is instructed to end customization of the UI screen, the writing unit 106 writes (transmits) a UI file including UI parts reflecting the customization to the MFP 4.

  The display unit 101 is realized by the display unit 16 shown in FIG. 2, the reading unit 102 and the writing unit 106 are realized by the network I / F unit 14, and the information input unit 103 is realized by the input unit 15. The access control unit 104 and the customization unit 105 can be realized by the display unit 16 and the CPU 11.

  Next, an execution screen for customizing will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an execution screen example 1 in the embodiment. The execution screen shown in FIG. 7 has an area 701 for displaying user information, an area 702 for displaying the UI screen of the MFP 4 (in a thick line frame), and an area 703 for displaying UI component information.

  The user customizes the UI screen using the area 702. At this time, when the pointer (arrow) 704 is moved on the UI component to be customized or pressed on the UI component, information on the UI component is displayed in the area 703. In the area 701, “cannot be customized” is displayed based on the access level “1” of the user and the level “5” of the UI component. With reference to the table shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, the access control unit 104 can determine that this user cannot “customize” this UI component.

  According to the execution screen shown in FIG. 7, by specifying a UI component to be customized, a customizable operation corresponding to the UI component is displayed, and the user can grasp the customizable operation for each component.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an execution screen example 2 in the embodiment. The execution screen illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a UI screen of the MFP 4, an area 800 indicating deletion of UI parts, and an area 803 displaying UI parts that can be added.

  When the user drags the “Particular Settings” UI component 801 to the deletion area 800, for example, a balloon 802 indicating that deletion is possible is displayed on the display screen. With reference to the table shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, the access control unit 104 can determine that the user can delete the component for the UI component.

  In addition, when the user tries to add the “Staple” UI component 805 displayed in the area 803 to the UI screen and drags it onto the UI screen, for example, a balloon 806 indicating that it can be added is displayed on the display screen. The With reference to the table shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, the access control unit 104 can determine that the user can “add components” to this UI component.

  According to the execution screen illustrated in FIG. 8, the user can grasp whether or not the customization operation is possible in the UI screen customization operation by a balloon.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the system in the embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of customization processing in the embodiment. In step S <b> 101, the user to be customized inputs user information using the information input unit 103.

  In step S <b> 102, the information input unit 103 stores user information in the reading unit 102. In step S <b> 103, the user instructs the reading unit 102 of an application to be subjected to UI customization.

  In step S104, the reading unit 102 acquires an access level corresponding to the user information from the server 3 based on the stored user information. In step S <b> 105, the reading unit 102 stores the access level of the user in the access control unit 104.

  In step S <b> 106, the reading unit 102 reads and acquires a UI file from the MFP 4. In step S <b> 107, the reading unit 102 displays the UI file acquired from the MFP 4 on the display unit 101.

  In step S <b> 108, the user instructs the customization unit 105 about a UI component to be customized. In step S <b> 109, the customization unit 105 notifies the access control unit 104 of the level assigned to the instructed UI component.

  In step S110, the access control unit 104 specifies a customizable operation with reference to the table shown in FIG. 5 or 6 based on the stored user access level and the notified UI component level. The customizable operation is displayed on the display unit 101.

  In step S <b> 111, the user instructs the customization unit 105 to customize the UI component by a customizable operation displayed on the display unit 101. In step S112, the customization unit 105 causes the display unit 101 to display a UI screen reflecting the customization result. Steps S108 to S112 are repeated when there is a UI component to be customized.

  In step S113, the user instructs the customization unit 105 to end customization. In step S <b> 114, the customization unit 105 instructs the writing unit 106 to write a UI file including UI parts reflecting the customization result. In step S115, the writing unit 106 writes (transmits) the UI file reflecting the customization result to the MFP 4.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 can realize customization control according to the user for each UI component based on the access level determined by the license status of the user to be customized and the level determined for each UI component. it can.

(Create UI file)
Next, the information processing apparatus 2 that creates a UI file or UI component will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of the information processing apparatus 2 in the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the information processing apparatus 2 includes a display unit 201, a component placement unit 202, an attribute designation unit 203, a program designation unit 204, and a writing unit 205.

  The display unit 201 displays a UI creation screen of the MFP 4 or a UI component creation screen. The component placement unit 202 controls the placement of UI components that constitute the UI screen of the MFP 4. As for the UI component placement, the user can place the UI component at a position desired by the user by dragging and dropping the UI component.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating arrangement movement of UI parts. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the UI component 1101 is moved to a dotted frame. Using the screen shown in FIG. 11, the user can freely determine the arrangement of UI components.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the attribute designation unit 203 designates an attribute including a level for the UI component. The designation of the attribute may be a selection format or an input format. For example, for the level, numbers 1 to 5 may be displayed on the display unit 201 in a selection format, and the selected level may be set as an attribute.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of access level setting for UI components. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the user sets the access level (the level described above) to 3. In this way, the user can set the UI component level.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the program specifying unit 204 specifies an operation program for the UI component. The operation program refers to a program that indicates an operation when the UI component is pressed or released, for example.

  The writing unit 205 writes (transmits) a UI file including UI parts created or modified by the user to the MFP 4. The MFP 4 stores the UI file acquired from the information processing apparatus 2 in the storage unit 402. As a result, a UI file including UI parts for which levels are set can be stored in the MFP 4.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, first, the information processing apparatus 2 configures the data structure of the UI component with the attribute and the operation program. Next, the information processing apparatus 2 assigns a level necessary for customization for each UI component during UI development of the application. Next, the server 3 manages the license payment status of the application for each user, and the information processing apparatus 1 determines the access level held by the user according to the license payment status. Next, the information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the customization operation can be performed by comparing the level assigned to the predetermined component at the time of UI customization with the access level held by the user. When customization is possible, the result according to the customization content can be applied to the attribute of the UI component or the operation program. Thereby, according to the said Example, the customization operation according to the user can be controlled for every UI component.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Is possible.

  Note that the processing content described in the embodiments may be a program, and the computer may execute the program to cause the information processing apparatus to execute the above-described processing. It is also possible to record the program on a recording medium, cause the computer to read the recording medium on which the program is recorded, and cause the information processing apparatus to execute the processing described above.

1, 2, 3, 4 Information processing device 5, 6, 7 MFP
11 CPU
12 RAM
13 HDD
14 network I / F unit 15 input unit 16 display unit 17 external storage device I / F unit 101 display unit 102 reading unit 103 information input unit 104 access control unit 105 customization unit 106 writing unit 301 license file 401 display unit 402 storage unit 403 Authentication unit 404 Transmission unit 405 Reception unit 201 Display unit 202 Component placement unit 203 Attribute designation unit 204 Program designation unit 205 Writing unit

JP 2008-11220 A

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus that stores a UI file including a UI component having an attribute and an operation program via a network,
An input means for inputting user information;
Reading means for reading the UI file from the image forming apparatus;
Control means for controlling customizable operations on the UI component based on the level corresponding to the input user information and the level assigned to the UI component to be customized;
Display means for displaying the customizable operation controlled by the control means;
Writing means for writing a UI file reflecting the customized UI component to the image forming apparatus after the UI component is customized by the customizable operation;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The control means includes
The customizable operation based on a table in which an operation for customizing the UI component according to a combination of a level corresponding to the input user information and a level assigned to the UI component to be customized is defined. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is controlled. The control means includes
The customizable operation based on a table in which an operation for customizing the UI component according to a difference between a level corresponding to the input user information and a level assigned to the UI component to be customized is defined. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is controlled. An information processing system comprising an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus connected via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing a UI file including UI parts having attributes and operation programs;
The information processing apparatus includes:
An input means for inputting user information;
Reading means for reading the UI file from the image forming apparatus;
Control means for controlling customizable operations on the UI component based on the level corresponding to the input user information and the level assigned to the UI component to be customized;
Display means for displaying the customizable operation controlled by the control means;
Writing means for writing a UI file reflecting the customized UI component to the image forming apparatus after the UI component is customized by the customizable operation;
An information processing system comprising: The image forming apparatus includes:
Authentication means for performing authentication based on the user information acquired from the information processing apparatus;
A transmission means for transmitting the UI file from the storage means to the information processing apparatus when the authentication means has succeeded in authentication;
A receiving means for receiving a customized UI file from the information processing apparatus when the authentication means has succeeded in authentication;
An information processing system comprising: Display means for displaying a UI file including UI parts having attributes and operation programs;
Arrangement means for controlling the arrangement of UI parts included in the UI file;
Attribute designation means for designating an attribute including a level in the UI component;
Program specifying means for specifying an operation program for the UI component;
Writing means for writing the UI file to an image forming apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A customization method in an information processing apparatus connected via a network to an image forming apparatus that stores a UI file including a UI part having an attribute and an operation program,
An input stage for entering user information;
A reading step of reading the UI file from the image forming apparatus;
A control step of controlling a customizable operation on the UI component based on a level corresponding to the input user information and a level assigned to the UI component to be customized;
A display step for displaying the customizable operation controlled by the control step;
A writing step of writing a UI file reflecting the customized UI component to the image forming apparatus after the UI component is customized by the customizable operation;
Having customization method.   A program for causing a computer to execute the customization method according to claim 7.