JP2018160236A - Information processor, control method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide, in a system capable of acquiring setting information corresponding to a user from an external unit, a mechanism that reflects the setting information quickly and appropriately without hindering operation of a user.SOLUTION: An information processor acquires synchronous data related to an authenticated user from a setting value management server 110 being an external unit, and determines whether or not a screen related to the synchronous data is displayed in a display part when the acquisition of the synchronous data is completed. The information processor reflects the synchronous data to the screen when accepting prescribed operation from the user if the screen related to the synchronous data is displayed in the display part. Meanwhile, the information processor reflects the synchronous data when displaying the screen in the display part, if the screen related to the synchronous data is not displayed in the display part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

  A technology is known in which information processing apparatuses such as a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to be able to communicate with each other via a network share personal setting information for each of the users of the plurality of information processing apparatuses. . For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for copying and holding personal setting information for sharing in each information processing apparatus, and sharing (synchronizing) the information between the information processing apparatuses.

  There is also known an image forming apparatus capable of having personal setting information set for each user so that each user can easily use the image forming apparatus. For example, Patent Document 2 proposes an image forming apparatus that acquires and reflects personal setting information stored in a server when the user logs in. Specifically, each image forming apparatus reflects the acquired personal setting information when the user's personal setting information can be acquired from the server within a set period after the user logs in. On the other hand, each image forming apparatus does not reflect the acquired personal setting information when the personal setting information of the user cannot be acquired from the server within a set period after the user logs in. Thus, time is not spent for user login.

JP 2009-225368 A JP 2016-10005 A

  However, the above prior art has the following problems. For example, in the information processing apparatus according to the above-described prior art, when waiting for synchronization of personal setting information from the server, the login process may take time. When collecting and reflecting personal setting information from the server when the user logs in, for example, due to the size of the personal setting information or the limitation of the network bandwidth, the login time may vary depending on the load status of the server or the network. There is a possibility of hanging.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus according to the related art cannot reflect the contents of the latest personal setting information managed by the server when the setting information cannot be acquired from the server within the set period. On the other hand, if the contents of the setting information are reflected at the timing when the acquisition of the setting information from the server is completed, the contents of the latest personal setting information can be reflected, but there are the following problems.

  In other words, after the user logs in to the information processing apparatus, when receiving the setting information from the server in the middle of executing the operation on the information processing apparatus, if the received setting is reflected immediately, User settings are overwritten with received settings. For example, if the default value of the duplex printing setting is received from the server before the copy is executed after the user sets the duplex printing setting of the copy to be executed, the default value is immediately reflected. The copy process intended by the user cannot be executed. If the timing for reflecting the setting is incorrect, the job is processed with the setting not intended by the user, or the user needs to ask the user to redo the setting.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. In a system that can acquire setting information corresponding to a user from an external device, the setting can be performed quickly and suitably without obstructing the user's operation. The purpose is to provide a mechanism for reflecting information.

  The present invention is an information processing apparatus, an authentication unit for authenticating a user, an acquisition unit for acquiring synchronization data related to a user authenticated by the authentication unit from an external device, and acquisition of the synchronization data by the acquisition unit Is completed, a determination means for determining whether or not a screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit, and if a screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit, the user performs a predetermined operation. When received, the synchronization data is reflected on the screen, and if the screen related to the synchronization data is not displayed on the display unit, control means for reflecting the synchronization data when the screen is displayed on the display unit; It is characterized by providing.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the system which can acquire the setting information corresponding to a user from an external device, a setting information can be reflected promptly and suitably, without inhibiting a user's operation.

The figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the system which concerns on one Embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the setting value management server which concerns on one Embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment. FIG. The figure which shows an example of a function structure etc. of the setting value management server which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the setting information which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the registration user management table which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the master setting information which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the login screen which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the main menu screen which concerns on one Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a copy screen according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the MFP related to the system according to the embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the notification screen which concerns on one Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the MFP that performs synchronization completion notification in the system according to the embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the selection screen which concerns on one Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the MFP that performs synchronous immediate reflection determination in the system according to the embodiment.

  An embodiment of the present invention is shown below. The individual embodiments described below will help to understand various concepts, such as superordinate concepts, intermediate concepts and subordinate concepts of the present invention. Further, the technical scope of the present invention is established by the claims, and is not limited by the following individual embodiments.

<First Embodiment>
<System configuration>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, a configuration example of a system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This system includes a setting value management server 110, an MFP 120a, and an MFP 120b. The setting value management server 110, the MFP 120a, and the MFP 120b are connected to each other via the network 100 so that they can communicate with each other. Although the system according to the present embodiment includes two MFPs, the MFP 120a and the MFP 120b, the system may include three or more MFPs. Hereinafter, the MFP 120 a and the MFP 120 b are collectively referred to as the MFP 120.

  Each of the MFPs 120 is an information processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus having a plurality of types of functions (copy, FAX, etc.), and stores therein setting information for each user who uses the apparatus. The setting information is information that is used when the information processing apparatus such as the MFP 120 executes various functions. For example, the setting information includes information on fonts and sizes of characters displayed on a display and the like, information on print processing, and the like. In this embodiment, the setting value management server 110 and the MFP 120 manage setting information for each user (for each individual), for each group, for each device, and the like. Hereinafter, setting information managed for each user (for each individual) is referred to as personal setting information.

  In the present embodiment, the system performs personal setting information synchronization processing between the MFP 120 and the setting value management server 110. In the setting information synchronization process, either the setting information held by the MFP 120 or the setting information held by the setting value management server 110 is updated in accordance with the other setting information that is newer (latest) setting information. It is processing.

  The setting value management server 110 is an information processing apparatus such as a PC or a server apparatus that manages master data of personal setting information used by the MFP 120. Master data is data that is the basis of setting information managed by the system. When the setting value management server 110 confirms the update of the personal setting information from the MFP 120, if there is the latest personal setting information different from the personal setting information held by the MFP 120, the setting value management server 110 sends the latest information via the network 100. The personal setting information is transmitted to the MFP 120. When the retained personal setting information is changed, the MFP 120 transmits the changed personal setting information to the setting value management server 110 via the network 100. When setting value management server 110 receives the changed personal setting information from MFP 120, setting value management server 110 updates the value of the master data of the personal setting information with the value of the received changed personal setting information. Further, when the MFP 120 receives the latest setting information from the setting value management server 110, the received personal setting information value can be promptly and suitably received without disturbing the user operation. Update with the value of personal setting information.

  For example, when the personal setting information of the MFP 120 a is changed, the MFP 120 a transmits the changed personal setting information to the setting value management server 110. Then, the setting value management server 110 updates the master data of the personal setting information with the received personal setting information after the change, and transmits the personal setting information corresponding to the updated master data to the MFP 120b. The MFP 120b reflects the received personal setting information in the stored information.

<Configuration of MFP>
Next, a hardware configuration example of the MFP 120 that is the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The MFP 120 may include other components (for example, an optical disk drive, a paper feeding device, etc.) other than those shown in FIG. Further, the hardware configuration of the MFP 120 may be a hardware configuration different from that of FIG. 2 that provides the same effect as that of the present embodiment.

  Each MFP 120 includes a system control unit 200, a touch panel 218, a display 219, a storage device 220, a scanner 221, and a printer 222. The system control unit 200 includes a CPU 211, a RAM 212, a ROM 213, an input control I / F (interface) 214, a display control I / F 215, a storage device I / F 216, and a communication I / F controller 217. The CPU 211, the RAM 212, the ROM 213, the input control I / F 214, the display control I / F 215, the storage device I / F 216, and the communication I / F controller 217 are connected via the system bus 210 so that they can communicate with each other. A scanner 221 and a printer 222 are connected to the system bus 210. Each element connected to the system bus 210 can exchange data with each other via the system bus 210.

  The CPU 211 is a central processing unit such as a central processing unit that performs processing such as control of the MFP 120 and calculation / processing of data. The RAM 212 is a volatile memory such as a Random Access Memory, and is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 211. The ROM 213 is a non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory, and stores various programs and various data used for the operation of the CPU 211 in predetermined areas.

  The CPU 211 executes, for example, a program stored in the ROM 213 to control each unit of the MFP 120 using the RAM 212 as a work memory. The program executed by the CPU 211 is not limited to the program stored in the ROM 213, and the CPU 211 may execute the program stored in the storage device 220.

  The input control I / F 214 receives an operation by a user via an input device such as the touch panel 218, generates a control signal corresponding to the received operation, and supplies the control signal to the CPU 211. For example, the input control I / F 214 is connected to a character information input device such as a keyboard, a hard key for directly inputting a numerical value, or a pointing device such as a touch panel 218 as an input device that receives a user operation. The touch panel 218 is, for example, an input device that is configured in a planar manner and outputs coordinate information corresponding to a touched position. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the MFP 120 is described as being configured to be connected to the touch panel 218 as an input device, but may be configured to be connected to another input device such as a keyboard. The CPU 211 controls each element of the MFP 120 according to a program based on a control signal generated and supplied by the input control I / F 214 in accordance with a user operation performed on the input device. Thereby, the CPU 211 can perform processing according to the user's operation.

  The display control I / F 215 outputs a display signal for displaying an image on a display device (display unit) such as the display 219. For example, the CPU 211 supplies the generated display control signal to the display control I / F 215 according to the program. The display control I / F 215 generates a display signal based on the display control signal and outputs the display signal to the display 219. For example, the display control I / F 215 causes the display 219 to display a GUI screen constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on a display control signal generated by the CPU 211.

  The touch panel 218 may be configured integrally with the display 219. For example, the touch panel 218 may be configured such that the light transmittance does not hinder the display of the display 219, and may be attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display 219. By doing so, the input coordinates on the touch panel 218 and the display coordinates on the display 219 are associated with each other. Accordingly, the MFP 120 can configure a GUI as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display 219.

  The storage device I / F 216 is connected to a storage device 220 configured by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory. The CPU 211 reads data from the storage device 220 and writes data to the storage device 220. The CPU 211 may use the storage device 220 instead of the RAM 212 or the ROM 213. Further, the storage device 220 is not limited to one, and may be configured by a plurality of different types of storage devices.

  Based on the control of the CPU 211, the communication I / F controller 217 performs communication with the network 100 including various networks such as a LAN, the Internet, wired, and wireless. Various devices such as a PC, another MFP, a printer, and a server are connected to the network 100 so as to be communicable with the MFP 120. The CPU 211 also communicates with an external authentication server via the communication I / F controller 217.

  The scanner 221 reads a document based on the control of the CPU 211 and generates image data corresponding to the read document. For example, the CPU 211 instructs the scanner 221 to perform a scanning process according to a user instruction input via the input control I / F 214. The scanner 221 reads a document placed on a document table or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), converts it into digital data, and generates image data. The scanner 221 stores the generated image data in the storage device 220 via the storage device I / F 216.

  The printer 222 prints image data stored in the storage device 220 based on the control of the CPU 211. For example, the CPU 211 instructs the printer 222 to perform print processing according to a user instruction input via the input control I / F 214 or a command input from an external device via the communication I / F controller 217. . The printer 222 reads the image data from the storage device 220, converts it into a printable data format, and prints it on a paper document. The CPU 211 executes processing based on a program stored in the ROM 213 or the storage device 220, thereby realizing processing in a flowchart described below.

<Configuration of setting value management server>
Next, a hardware configuration example of the setting value management server 110 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The setting value management server 110 may include other hardware components (for example, an optical disk drive) other than the hardware components shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 3 has the same effect as FIG. Different hardware configurations may be used.

  The setting value management server 110 includes a system control unit 300, an operation device 318, a display 319, and a storage device 320. The system control unit 300 includes a CPU 311, a RAM 312, a ROM 313, an input control I / F 314, a display control I / F 315, a storage device I / F 316, and a communication I / F controller 317. The CPU 311, the RAM 312, the ROM 313, the input control I / F 314, the display control I / F 315, the storage device I / F 316, and the communication I / F controller 317 are connected via the system bus 310 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

  The CPU 311 is a central processing unit that controls each device and calculates / processes data. The RAM 312 is a volatile memory and functions as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and work area of the CPU 311. The ROM 313 is a nonvolatile memory, and stores various programs executed by the CPU 311 and various data in respective set areas. The CPU 311 controls each element of the setting value management server 110 using the RAM 312 as a work memory, for example, according to a program stored in the ROM 313. The CPU 311 may execute not only the program stored in the ROM 313 but also the program stored in the storage device 320. The CPU 311 executes processing based on a program stored in the ROM 313 or the storage device 320, thereby realizing functions and processing described later.

  The input control I / F 314 receives an operation by a user via an input device such as the operation device 318, generates a control signal corresponding to the operation, and supplies the control signal to the CPU 311. For example, the input control I / F 314 is connected to an operation device 318 configured as a character information input device such as a keyboard, a hard key for directly inputting a numerical value, or a pointing device such as a touch panel as an input device that receives a user operation. Is done. The CPU 311 controls each element of the setting value management server 110 according to a program based on a control signal generated and supplied by the input control I / F 314 in response to a user operation performed on the input device. Thereby, the CPU 311 can perform processing according to the user operation.

  The display control I / F 315 outputs a display signal for displaying an image on a display device such as the display 319. For example, the CPU 311 supplies the generated display control signal to the display control I / F 315 according to the program. The display control I / F 315 generates a display signal based on the display control signal and outputs the display signal to the display 319. For example, the display control I / F 315 causes the display 319 to display a GUI screen constituting the GUI based on a display control signal generated by the CPU 311.

  The storage device I / F 316 is connected to a storage device 320 configured by, for example, an HDD or a flash memory. The CPU 311 reads data from the storage device 320 and writes data to the storage device 320. The CPU 311 may use the storage device 320 instead of the RAM 312 or the ROM 313.

  The communication I / F controller 317 performs communication with the network 100 configured by various networks such as a LAN, the Internet, wired, and wireless based on the control of the CPU 311. Various devices such as a PC, an MFP, a printer, and a server are connected to the network 100 so as to be communicable with the set value management server 110.

  In the present embodiment, the setting value management server 110 is described as a server device, but may be an MFP having a hardware configuration similar to that of the MFP 120.

<Functional configuration of MFP>
Next, an example of the functional configuration of each MFP 120 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Each of the MFPs 120 includes a display operation control unit 401, an authentication control unit 402, a setting information control unit 403, and a communication control unit 404 as functional configurations. Each functional component of each MFP 120 can exchange information with each other. The MFP 120 may include functional components other than the functional components shown in FIG. 4 (for example, a print control unit that controls print processing or the like). Further, the MFP 120 may have a functional configuration different from that of FIG. 4 that provides the same effect as the MFP 120 of the present embodiment. Programs for realizing the functions of the respective functional components shown in FIG. 4 are stored in the ROM 213 and the like. The programs are expanded in the RAM 212 as necessary when starting up or using the functions, and are executed by the CPU 211. The MFP 120 has one or more functions such as copy, scan, and fax. The functions and operations of the MFP 120 are realized by functional components that control the functions and operations. For example, the MFP 120 has functional components of a copy control unit, a scan control unit, and a transmission control unit for each function of copying, scanning, and information transmission. In addition to the functional components shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 120 includes functional components for functions and operations related to the processing of the MFP 120.

  The display operation control unit 401 controls the input control I / F 214 and the display control I / F 215 based on the control of the CPU 211. For example, the display operation control unit 401 displays an image on the display 219 via the display control I / F 215 or the touch panel 218 via the input control I / F 214 based on an instruction from another functional component. The operation information input by the user is acquired.

  Based on the control of the CPU 211, the authentication control unit 402 executes an authentication process for authenticating a user, and determines whether the operator of the MFP 120 is a valid user of the MFP 120. Hereinafter, executing authentication processing for the operator of the MFP 120 and starting a session in the case of a valid user is referred to as login. In addition, the authentication control unit 402 manages a database (hereinafter referred to as a user information DB 410) that stores user information mounted in the storage device 220. The user information is information for specifying a user, such as a user identifier, a user name, a domain name, a password, and other information accompanying the user.

  The authentication control unit 402 performs user authentication based on user information stored in the user information DB 410 inside the MFP 120. However, the authentication control unit 402 connects to an external authentication server via the communication I / F controller 217, entrusts a user authentication process to the connected external authentication server, and receives an authentication result from the external authentication server. By acquiring, user authentication processing may be executed. The authentication control unit 402 exchanges authentication information with an external authentication server using a known technique.

  In the following, when a user finishes using the MFP 120 and ends the user's session is referred to as logout. Further, the authentication control unit 402 provides functions such as a function of registering and deleting a user and updating user information. Further, the authentication control unit 402 may provide a group function. A group is a collection of a plurality of users, and the authentication control unit 402 can register a plurality of groups. A user can belong to zero or more groups. The authentication control unit 402 also provides functions such as group registration and deletion, group information update, user belonging to a group, and user withdrawal from a group. The authentication control unit 402 stores, in the user information DB 410, an identifier that uniquely identifies a user (hereinafter, a user identifier) and an identifier that uniquely identifies a group (hereinafter, a group identifier). The user information DB 410 is recorded in the storage device 220.

  The setting information control unit 403 has a function of registering, obtaining, changing, etc. device setting information and personal setting information. Device setting information is one type of setting information, and is setting information that is referred to by all users. On the other hand, personal setting information is setting information that is referred to only by each user.

  The setting information control unit 403 may have a function of registering, acquiring, changing, etc., group setting information. The group setting information is setting information that can be referenced only by users belonging to each group. For example, the setting information control unit 403 may use group setting information of a group to which each user belongs instead of the individual setting information of each user. Further, the setting information control unit 403 may manage setting information of a type other than personal setting information, device setting information, and group setting information (for example, client group setting information determined for each group of client devices). Good.

  The setting information control unit 403 manages a database that stores setting information implemented in the storage device 220 (hereinafter, setting information DB 420). The setting information control unit 403 receives an input from the user via the touch panel 218 or a request from the communication control unit 404 or the like, and accesses the setting information stored in the setting information DB 420 on the storage device 220. At this time, the setting information control unit 403 accesses the setting information corresponding to each of the device setting information, the personal setting information, and the group setting information depending on which of the inputs is input.

  The communication control unit 404 performs processing for the setting value management server 110 via the communication I / F controller 217 according to an instruction from the setting information control unit 403. The communication control unit 404 performs control for acquiring and registering the latest setting information stored in the setting value management server 110 and notifying the setting value management server 110 of information updated by the MFP 120. The communication control unit 404 communicates with the setting value management server 110 using a known technique such as a communication protocol such as WebAPI.

<Functional configuration of setting value management server>
Next, a functional configuration example of the setting value management server 110 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The setting value management server 110 includes a display operation control unit 501, a master setting information control unit 502, and a communication control unit 503. Each functional component of the setting value management server 110 can exchange information with each other. The set value management server 110 may include a functional component other than the functional components shown in FIG. 5 (for example, an operation input control unit that controls input from an input device). Further, the setting value management server 110 may have a functional configuration different from that of FIG. 5 that exhibits the same effect as the setting value management server 110 of the present embodiment. Programs for realizing the functions of the respective functional components in FIG. 5 are stored in the ROM 313 and the like, and are loaded into the RAM 312 as necessary when starting up or using the functions, and executed by the CPU 311. The setting value management server 110 includes functional components for functions and operations related to processing of the setting value management server 110 in addition to the functional components shown in FIG. The setting value management server 110 includes, for example, functional components for controlling user authentication processing.

  The display operation control unit 501 controls the input control I / F 314 and the display control I / F 315 based on the control of the CPU 311. For example, the display operation control unit 501 displays an image on the display 319 via the display control I / F 315 based on an instruction from another functional component, or displays the image on the operation device 318 via the input control I / F 314. Get information entered by the user.

  Master setting information control unit 502 has a function for integrating, registering, obtaining, and changing setting information handled by MFP 120 as a client. The master setting information control unit 502 manages a master setting information DB 510 that stores the master data of the setting information of all the MFPs 120 mounted in the storage device 320. The master setting information control unit 502 receives a request from the MFP 120 via the communication I / F controller 317 and the communication control unit 503, and accesses the setting information stored in the master setting information DB 510.

  The communication control unit 503 transmits the latest setting information stored in the setting value management server 110 to the MFP 120 via the communication I / F controller 317 according to an instruction from the master setting information control unit 502. Further, the communication control unit 503 performs control for registering the setting information updated by the MFP 120 in the master setting information DB 510. The communication control unit 503 uses a known technique such as a communication protocol such as WebAPI in communication with the MFP 120.

<Setting information management table>
Next, an example of the setting information management table 600 stored in the setting information DB 420 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The setting information management table 600 stores setting information for a target as a set of information on the target, a key for specifying what the information is, and a value of the information. The MFP 120 manages setting information using a setting information management table 600 as shown in FIG. Setting information stored in the setting information management table 600 is expressed by hierarchical information. The setting information includes information on the hierarchical structure of the target 601, the key 602, and the value 603.

  The target 601 is information for specifying which target (predetermined user, device, group, etc.) the setting information is the setting information. The target 601 is also information for specifying the type of the setting information, such as whether the setting information is device setting information, personal setting information, or group setting information. The target 601 is a user identifier that is an identifier that identifies an individual user in the case of personal setting information, and a group identifier that is an identifier that identifies an individual group in the case of group setting.

  The example of FIG. 6 shows a state in which personal setting information of user A, personal setting information of user B, device setting information, and group setting information of group 1 are stored. In the example of FIG. 6, the target 601 is that user identifiers of users A and B are “user A” and “user B”, device identification information is “device”, and group identifier of group 1 is “group 1”. It has become. The identifier of the device, user, or group is not limited to the description of the target name such as “device”, “user A”, etc. For example, the target such as “a13ab” described under “user A” in FIG. It may be a character string or the like that can uniquely identify. An example of processing when the user identifier is a character string such as “a13ab” will be described later in the personal setting information acquisition processing and personal setting information registration / update processing in FIG.

  A key 602 is information for specifying what setting the setting information is for which function. The combination of the target 601 and the key 602 identifies which function setting information of which subject (device, user, group, etc.) is the setting information. The value of the setting information corresponding to the target 601 and the key 602 is stored in the value 603. In the example of FIG. 6, the value 603 for the target 601 “user A” and the key 602 “display setting-display language” is “Japanese”. The value of the setting information of the key 602 “display setting—display language” being “Japanese” means that the device displays information in Japanese on the display unit to the user. That is, for the user A, the display language displayed on the display unit by the device is Japanese. Further, the value 603 corresponding to the key 602 “display setting-display language” in the object 601 “user B” is “Chinese”. The value 603 for the target 601 “user B” and the key 602 “copy-default setting” is “color mode: black and white, duplex: duplex → duplex, document type: character”. Here, the default setting for copying indicates a setting value that is initially set when the operation of the copy application is started.

  The setting information DB 420 stores personal setting information by the number of users. On the other hand, the setting information DB 420 stores only one device setting information. This is because, for each MFP 120, the device setting information to be used is only the device setting information for itself. In the case of the example of FIG. 6, the value 603 corresponding to the key 602 “display setting-display language” of the device setting information is “English”.

  Regarding the group setting information of the target 601 “group 1”, the value 603 for the key 602 “group address book-group address 1” is “g1@abc.com”. For example, assume that user A and user B belong to group 1. User A and user B can log in to MFP 120 as user A or user B and refer to group address 1, but user C who does not belong to group 1 cannot refer to it.

  The personal setting information key 602 and the device setting information key 602 may be common or not common. When the personal setting information and the device setting information have a common key 602, the setting information control unit 403 uses the value corresponding to the device setting information key 602 as the initial value of the value 603 corresponding to the personal setting information key 602. 603 can be used. The setting information control unit 403 can use the value of the device setting information as the initial value of the newly registered user personal setting information. In the example of FIG. 6, the personal setting information of the user C is not registered, and the setting information control unit 403 newly registers the personal setting information of the user C. In this case, the setting information control unit 403 uses a value 603 for the key 602 “display setting—display language” of the personal setting information of the user C, and a value 603 for the key 602 “display setting—display language” of the device setting information. It can be determined as “English”.

  When the user logs in, the setting information control unit 403 searches the setting information management table 600 for the same target 601 as the user identifier specified by the login. Then, the setting information control unit 403 reads the retrieved personal setting information and reflects the read personal setting information on each function / operation of the MFP 120. Therefore, the user can use MFP 120 customized according to the registered personal setting information for the user. Also, the setting information control unit 403 reads the device setting information from the setting information management table 600 and reflects it on each function / operation of the MFP 120 when the user logs out. Therefore, the MFP 120 provides each function / operation reflecting the device setting information when the user is not logged in.

<Registered user management table>
Next, an example of a registered user management table 700 for managing users registered in the MFP 120 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The registered user management table 700 is stored in the setting information DB 420. When the user is registered in the MFP 120, the setting information control unit 403 adds the registered user information to the registered user management table 700, generates personal setting information about the registered user, and generates the generated personal setting information. Is added to the setting information management table 600. In other words, the user registered in the registered user management table 700 is a target user who stores personal setting information in the MFP 120. The registered user management table 700 includes a user identifier 701, a last synchronization date and time 702, a size 703, a user name 704, a domain name 705, and a last login date and time 706.

  The user identifier 701 is an identifier that uniquely identifies a user without overlapping with other users in all of the MFPs included in the plurality of MFPs 120. For example, the setting information control unit 403 may generate, as an identifier, a character string obtained by combining the user name and the domain name, a hash value generated from the user name and the domain name, which is input at the time of login. .

  The final synchronization date and time 702 is information on the date and time that is associated with the user identifier 701 for each registered user and the communication control unit 404 acquires and reflects the latest personal setting information of each user from the setting value management server 110. . In the present embodiment, each of the setting value management server 110 and the MFP 120 uses synchronized time information. In this embodiment, the setting information control unit 403 uses the date and time when the setting information is received from the setting value management server 110 as the last synchronization date and time 702, but other date and time may be used as the last synchronization date and time 702. For example, the setting information control unit 403 may set the date and time when the setting information in the setting information management table 600 is updated based on the setting information received from the setting value management server 110 as the final synchronization date and time 702.

  The size 703 is information indicating the data size of the personal setting information of each user. A user name 704, a domain name 705, and a last login date / time 706 are information on the user name, the domain name, and the last login date / time of the MFP 120 corresponding to the user identifier 701, respectively. Each time the MFP 120 logs in, the setting information control unit 403 updates the last login date and time 706 for the logged-in user with information on the date and time when the login was performed. The last login date and time 706 for a user who has only been registered in the MFP 120 and has not logged in to the MFP 120 is 0.

  In the present embodiment, the registered user management table 700 includes a user name 704 and a domain name 705. However, the setting information control unit 403 can acquire the user name and the domain name from the user identifier, for example, when the user identifier is a character string obtained by combining the user name and the domain name. The setting information control unit 403 can acquire the user name and domain name by inquiring the authentication control unit 402 about the user name and domain name corresponding to the user identifier. In such a case, the registered user management table 700 may not include the user name 704 and the domain name 705.

  The setting information control unit 403 may acquire the last login date and time 706 by inquiring the authentication control unit 402 about the last login date and time for the user name and domain name. In that case, the registered user management table 700 may not include the last login date and time 706. In addition, since the registered user management table 700 includes the user name 704 and the domain name 705 and does not include the user identifier 701, the setting information control unit 403 generates the user name 704 and the domain name 705 when the user identifier is required. May be. Further, the setting information control unit 403 may inquire the user ID to the authentication control unit 402 based on the user name 704 and the domain name 705.

<Master setting information management table>
Next, an example of the master setting information management table 800 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The master setting information management table 800 is a table that stores master data of setting information, and is stored in the master setting information DB 510 of the setting value management server 110. The master data of the setting information stored in the master setting information management table 800 is expressed by hierarchical information as in the setting information of the setting information management table 600 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the master data of the setting information is referred to as master setting information. The master setting information includes a target 801, a key 802, and a value 803 corresponding to the target 601, the key 602, and the value 603, respectively. Details of the target 801, the key 802, and the value 803 are the same as those of the target 601, the key 602, and the value 603, respectively.

  Unlike the setting information management table 600, the master setting information management table 800 further includes a last update date and time 804 indicating when each value 803 is updated. The value of the target 801 may be a character string indicating the name of the target such as “user A” or “device”, or may be a character string that uniquely specifies the target such as “a13ab”, or the subject can be uniquely specified. Any information can be used. Processing when the value of the target 801 is “a13ab” will be described in the following personal setting information acquisition processing, personal setting information registration, and update processing.

(Personal setting information acquisition process)
First, a process in which the MFP 120 acquires the latest personal setting information of the user stored in the setting value management server 110 will be described.

  When the user inputs information necessary for authentication such as a user name and password to the MFP 120, the authentication control unit 402 performs authentication processing for confirming the validity of the input information and executes user login processing to the MFP 120. To do. Assume that the user identifier of the user who has logged into the MFP 120 is “a13ab”. When the authentication control unit 402 confirms the validity of the user and completes the login process, the authentication control unit 402 requests the setting information control unit 403 for setting information of the user identifier “a13ab”.

  The setting information control unit 403 acquires the last synchronization date and time 702 “2016/01/15 13:28:40” of the user corresponding to the user identifier 701 “a13ab” from the registered user management table 700 stored in the setting information DB 420. . The setting information control unit 403 sends the last synchronization date “2016/01/15 13:28:40” from the setting value management server 110 to the communication control unit 404 from the personal setting information of the user with the user identifier “a13ab”. Instruct to get updated after that. The communication control unit 404 performs the following processing via the network 100 using the communication I / F controller 217. That is, the communication control unit 404 requests the setting value management server 110 to acquire personal setting information updated after “2016/01/15 13:28:40” for the user A corresponding to the user identifier “a13ab”. .

  Upon receiving a request from the MFP 120, the communication control unit 503 of the setting value management server 110 analyzes the received request. Further, the communication control unit 503 returns to the master setting information control unit 502 personal setting information updated after the last synchronization date “2016/01/15 13:28:40” of the user identifier “a13ab”. To instruct.

  The master setting information control unit 502 stores the master setting information stored in the master setting information DB 510 for the personal setting information updated after the last synchronization date “2016/01/15 13:28:40” of the user identifier “a13ab”. A search is performed from the management table 800. The last update date and time in the MFP 120 with the user identifier “a13ab” is “2016/01/15 13:28:40”. The master setting information control unit 502 includes a set of the target 801, the key 802, and the value 803 whose target 801 includes “a13ab” and whose last update date / time 804 is “2016/01/15 13:28:40” or later. Search for.

  In the example of FIG. 8, the master setting information control unit 502 searches for a set in which the target 801 is “user A (a13ab)”, the key 802 is “display setting-initial screen”, and the value 803 is “copy”. Become. The master setting information control unit 502 searches for a plurality of sets when there are a plurality of sets that match the conditions. If there is no data updated after the designated last synchronization date and time, the search result by the master setting information control unit 502 is none.

  The master setting information control unit 502 transmits to the communication control unit 503 information on the searched target 801, key 802, and value 803 and the date and time of the time when the search process was executed. For example, it is assumed that the date and time when the search processing by the master setting information control unit 502 is performed is 2016/03/16 13:41:59.

  The communication control unit 503 transmits the user identifier, key, value, and search date / time information corresponding to the information received from the master setting information control unit 502 to the MFP 120. In this embodiment, the information transmitted to the MFP 120 includes the user identifier “a13ab”, the key “display setting-initial screen”, the value “copy”, and the search date “2016/03/16 13:41:59”. "

  In the MFP 120, the communication control unit 404 receives user identifier, key, value, and search date / time information from the setting value management server 110, and analyzes the received information. The communication control unit 404 sends the user identifier (a13ab), key (display setting-initial screen), value (copy), search date and time (2016/03/16 13: received from the setting value management server 110 to the setting information control unit 403. 41:59). Then, the communication control unit 404 instructs the setting information control unit 403 to update the personal setting information.

  The setting information control unit 403 updates the personal setting information stored in the setting information management table 600 stored in the setting information DB 420 based on the information passed from the communication control unit 404. For example, the setting information control unit 403 updates the values corresponding to the user identification (a13ab) and key (display setting-initial screen) received from the communication control unit 404 with the received (copy). For example, the setting information control unit 403 updates the value 603 in which the target 601 includes (a13ab) and the key 602 is (display setting-initial screen) with (copy).

  The communication control unit 404 further sets the last synchronization date and time of the user identifier “a13ab” of the registered user management table 700 stored in the setting information DB 420 to the search date and time (2016/03/16 13:41: 59).

  As described above, the personal setting information of the user A of the MFP 120 a is updated in synchronization with the latest state of the setting value management server 110. The setting information control unit 403 passes the personal setting information of the user A to the functional components for the respective functions of the MFP 120 a and transfers control to the display operation control unit 401. The display operation control unit 401 displays a screen after login in which the personal setting information of the user identifier “a13ab” is reflected.

  The above processing is an example of processing in which the MFP 120 acquires the latest personal setting information of the user stored in the setting value management server 110 when the user logs in to the MFP 120. Further, the MFP 120 instructs the setting value management server 110 to explicitly synchronize the personal setting information, for example, and sends the latest setting information from the setting value management server 110 at a timing other than when the login is performed. May be obtained. Further, for example, the setting value management server 110 may instruct the MFP 120 to explicitly synchronize the personal setting information, and the setting value management server 110 may transmit the latest personal setting information to the MFP 120.

(Registration and update processing of personal setting information)
Next, a process in which the setting value management server 110 registers and updates the personal setting information of the user updated by the MFP 120 will be described. In the process described below, it is assumed that the login process of the MFP 120 of the user whose user identifier is “a13ab” described in the personal setting information acquisition process has been completed. When the user performs an operation for changing the personal setting information of the user via the touch panel 218, the setting information control unit 403 changes the personal setting information of the user based on the performed operation.

  For example, the setting information control unit 403 changes the personal setting information by the following process. That is, the setting information control unit 403 changes the personal setting information based on the user operation through the personal setting information change screen displayed by the display operation control unit 401 (not shown) used for changing the personal setting information. To do. For example, based on the user operation information, the setting information control unit 403 changes the initial screen displayed after login, or changes the copy print setting to double-sided print setting. The personal setting information change screen is, for example, a screen including names of setting items that can be changed and radio buttons indicating a plurality of options of setting information corresponding to each setting item. The user can change the setting information on the setting item by selecting one of a plurality of radio buttons indicating options of the setting item on the personal setting information changing screen.

  For the functional components for which the personal setting information has been changed, the display operation control unit 401 receives the changed user identifier “a13ab” and the value specified by the user for the setting information control unit 403. Here, the value designated by the user is, for example, a set of a key 602 and a value 603. As an example, assume that a user with a user identifier “a13ab” designates “personal address book-personal address 1” as the key 602 and “xxx@yyy.co.jp” as the value 603. The setting information control unit 403 confirms whether or not the user identifier “a13ab” exists in the registered user management table 700. When the user identifier “a13ab” does not exist in the registered user management table 700, the setting information control unit 403 registers information about the user with the user identifier “a13ab” in the registered user management table 700. At this time, the setting information control unit 403 registers the user identifier 701, the user name 704, the domain name 705, and the last login date and time 706 of the registered user, but items other than these are undecided and are blank (or Value 0). In the example of FIG. 7, since the user identifier “a13ab” is registered in the registered user management table 700, the setting information control unit 403 does not register a new user.

  Further, the setting information control unit 403 includes a key 602 (personal address book-personal address 1) designated by the user in the personal setting information whose target 601 is “a13ab” stored in the setting information management table 600. Check whether or not. If the setting information control unit 403 confirms that it does not exist, the setting information control unit 403 registers the key 602 (personal address book-personal address 1) in the personal setting information whose target 601 is “a13ab”. In the example of FIG. 6, since the key 602 of “personal address book-personal address 1” is registered in the personal setting information whose target 601 is “a13ab”, the setting information control unit 403 does not newly register the key 602. .

  Then, the setting information control unit 403 sets the value 603 corresponding to the target 601 “a13ab” and the key 602 “personal address book-personal address 1” in the setting information management table 600 to “xxx @ yyy. co.jp ". In the example of FIG. 6, the setting information control unit 403 changes the value 603 of the target 601 “a13ab” and the key 602 “personal address book—personal address 1” from “aaa@abc.com” to “xxx@yyy.co.jp”. To "". When the values of the target 601 and the key 602 specified by the user do not exist in the setting information management table 600, the setting information control unit 403 registers the newly specified information.

  When the setting information control unit 403 completes the update processing of the setting information management table 600, the setting information control unit 403 returns a response indicating that the update has been completed to the functional component that requested the update. Also, the setting information control unit 403 indicates to the setting value management server 110 that the value of “personal address book-personal address 1” of the user identifier “a13ab” is “xxx@yyy.co.jp”. Send information. Then, the setting information control unit 403 instructs the setting value management server 110 to update the setting information managed by the setting value management server 110 based on the transmitted information.

  The communication control unit 404 performs the following processing via the network 100 using the communication I / F controller 217. The communication control unit 404 transmits an instruction to update the value of the key “personal address book-personal address 1” of the user identifier “a13ab” to “xxx@yyy.co.jp” to the setting value management server 110. .

  The communication control unit 503 of the setting value management server 110 receives an instruction to update setting information from the MFP 120. The communication control unit 503 analyzes the received request. Then, the communication control unit 503 sends to the master setting information control unit 502 the value 803 of “personal address book-personal address 1” as the key 802 whose target 801 in the master setting information management table 800 is “a13ab”, “xxx @ yyy.co.jp "is instructed to update. The master setting information control unit 502 sets the value 803 corresponding to the target 801 (a13ab) and key 802 (personal address book-personal address 1) to “xxx @ yyy” with respect to the master setting information management table 800 of the master setting information DB 510. .Co.jp ". The update here is the same processing as the update of the setting information management table 600 in the MFP 120.

  After updating the personal setting information corresponding to the target 801 (a13ab) in the master setting information management table 800, the master setting information control unit 502 performs the following processing. That is, the master setting information control unit 502 acquires the current time in the setting value management server 110, and adds the acquired time information to the last update date and time 804 corresponding to the updated value 803. The master setting information control unit 502 transmits information indicating that the update process has been completed to the communication control unit 503. The communication control unit 503 transmits information indicating that the update processing of the setting value management server 110 has been completed to the MFP 120.

  When the communication control unit 404 of the MFP 120 receives information indicating that the update of the personal setting information is completed from the setting value management server 110, the communication control unit 404 completes the update process. When an error occurs in the setting information registration, update, and acquisition processing, the MFP 120 and the setting value management server 110 may perform processing set as error processing. For example, when an error occurs, the MFP 120 and the setting value management server 110 may display an error on each display unit.

<Login screen>
Next, an example of a login screen 900 used for a user login to the MFP 120 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When receiving a user login, the display operation control unit 401 displays a login screen 900 on the display 219.

  The login screen 900 includes a user name input form 901, a password input form 902, and a login button 903. The user inputs a user name in the user name input form 901 via the touch panel 218 or the like, inputs a password in the password input form 902, and then selects a login button 903.

  When the authentication control unit 402 detects selection of the login button 903, the authentication control unit 402 acquires the character strings input to the user name input form 901 and the password input form 902 from the display operation control unit 401, and based on the acquired character strings, Perform user authentication. Of course, the authentication method is not limited to this, and other authentication methods such as a form of acquiring user information from a non-contact type IC card may be used. Alternatively, an external server that performs authentication may be separately provided, the acquired user information may be notified to the external server, and the authentication result performed by the external server may be received.

<Main menu screen>
Next, an example of a main menu screen according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When the user's login is confirmed, the display operation control unit 401 displays the main menu screen 1000 on the display 219.

  The main menu screen 1000 includes link buttons 1001a to 1001h for each application in the MFP 120. That is, the link buttons 1001a to 1001h are buttons for selecting a service that the MFP 120 provides to the login user. The display operation control unit 401 receives an operation on the link button via the touch panel 218. Note that each of these applications may be selectable via a direction button or a determination key of a hardware button provided separately. For example, when the link button 1001 a to the copy application is selected, a copy screen 1100 described later is displayed on the display 219. Further, the selectable application may be displayed in accordance with the login user's authority and restriction information. In this case, a link button corresponding to an application that cannot be currently used by the logged-in user may be displayed in gray so as not to be selected.

  The left menu 1002 includes a user information display area 1003 and shortcut buttons 1004 for each application. The user information display area 1003 is an area for displaying user identification information of a user who has successfully logged in on the login screen 900. The example of FIG. 10 indicates that “user B” is logging in. By selecting the shortcut button 1004 in the same manner as the link buttons 1001a to 1001h to each application, it is possible to transition to each function screen. In the example of FIG. 10, the shortcut button 1004 is registered as the shortcut button, but a plurality of shortcut buttons that can be registered in the left menu 1002 may exist.

<Copy screen>
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, it is an example of the copy screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. For example, when the link button 1001 a is selected on the main menu screen 1000, the display operation control unit 401 displays the copy screens 1100 and 1110 on the display 219.

  On the copy screens 1100 and 1110, the user can specify print settings relating to output such as finisher settings such as imposition and stapling on paper, and image quality settings such as density. In the screen example of FIG. 11, the set keys are expressed in reverse video. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about each mode which is not directly related to this invention.

  A screen 1100 shows an example of a copy screen that does not reflect the setting value of the copy default setting of user B managed by the setting value management server 110. Reference numeral 1101 denotes a finishing key, which is a function that supports finishing of output copy sorting and staples. In the screen 1100, “group” is set as the finishing function, and the key is highlighted.

  A screen 1110 shows a copy screen in a state where, among the setting information managed by the setting value management server 110, the setting value of the user B copy default setting is synchronized with the MFP 120 and the setting information is reflected on the display 219. . Reference numeral 1102 denotes a double-sided key, which is used when setting the double-sided mode. In the screen 1110, “double-sided to double-sided” is set as the duplex mode, which represents that the key is highlighted. A document type key 1103 is used to select a document type corresponding to a document and change image processing for optimal image reproduction. On the screen 1110, “character” is set as the document type mode, and the key is highlighted.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, when the logged-in user is the user B as described above, the screen 1110 is displayed on the display 219 promptly and suitably without hindering the user operation. For example, when the setting information unique to the user B acquired from the setting value management server 110 is reflected on the copy screen at the stage where the user has started the operation, for example, during the operation of performing the copy setting, the user operation up to that point Will be wasted. Alternatively, a copy result unintended by the user is output. In order to avoid such an operation / setting not intended by the user, the MFP 120 according to the present embodiment performs the following control.

<Synchronous control>
Next, processing for synchronizing setting information from the setting value management server 110 to the MFP 120 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Specifically, in the state where user B is logged in, the default setting of the copy updated after the last synchronization date in the master setting information management table 800 managed by the setting value management server 110 is synchronized with the MFP 120. A process of reflecting the display on the display 219 will be described as an example. Each operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 120 executing a control program. This flowchart is started in a state where a user operation can be received from the touch panel 218 via the input control I / F 214.

  In step S <b> 1201, the CPU 211 receives a user authentication operation from the login screen 900 displayed on the display 219 by the display operation control unit 401, and determines whether the login is successful by the authentication control unit 402. If the login is successful, the process proceeds to S1202. On the other hand, if the login fails, the process returns to S1201 to repeat the process.

  In step S1202, the CPU 211 causes the setting information control unit 403 to obtain information about the last synchronization date and time 702 corresponding to the user identifier 701 identical to the user identifier authenticated in step S1201 from the registered user management table 700 stored in the setting information DB 420. To get. For example, if the login of the user B is successful in S1201, “2016/02/01 17:53:31” is acquired as the last synchronization date and time 702 corresponding to the user identifier 3c85e of the registered user management table 700 in S1202.

  In step S <b> 1203, the CPU 211 causes the setting information control unit 403 to request the setting value management server 110 to synchronize the personal setting information via the communication control unit 404. For example, the communication control unit 404 transmits an acquisition request for information on the last synchronization date and time 702 of the user B acquired in S1202 to the setting value management server 110.

  In step S1204, the CPU 211 receives the setting information requested for acquisition in step S1203 from the setting value management server 110 via the communication control unit 404, and starts synchronization with the MFP 120. The received setting information is stored in the setting information DB 420 via the setting information control unit 403 of the MFP 120. Specifically, the value 803 “color mode: black and white, double-sided: double-sided → double-sided, document type: text” corresponding to the key 802 (copy-default setting) of the master setting information management table 800 is set from the setting value management server 110. Received and stored in the setting information DB 420 of the MFP 120.

  In step S <b> 1205, the CPU 211 determines whether the setting information control unit 403 has completed the synchronization from the setting value management server 110 to the MFP 120. If the synchronization is completed, the process proceeds to S1206. On the other hand, if the synchronization has not been completed, the process of S1205 is repeated until the synchronization is completed.

  In step S <b> 1206, the CPU 211 causes the setting information control unit 403 to read the setting information stored in the setting information DB 420 through the synchronization process with the MFP 120 in step S <b> 1204 and store the setting information in a temporary storage area for setting information. The setting information temporary storage area is an area for temporarily storing setting information to be referred to when the setting information is reflected on the display 219. The temporary storage area for the setting information may be secured using the storage device 220, the RAM 212, or the ROM 213. Specifically, the setting information control unit 403 reads the copy default setting of the user B stored in the setting information DB 420 in the process of S1204, and stores it in the temporary storage area for setting information.

  In step S <b> 1207, the CPU 211 causes the setting information control unit 403 to check whether the screen related to the setting information synchronized with the display 219 is displayed when the synchronization is completed in step S <b> 1205. If a screen related to the synchronized setting information is displayed, the process advances to S1208. On the other hand, if the screen related to the synchronized setting information is not displayed, the process proceeds to S1209.

  The method for confirming the display of the screen related to the synchronized setting information is determined based on whether the screen displayed on the display 219 matches the category of the key 602 of the setting information management table 600 of the synchronized setting information. Specifically, the setting information control unit 403 displays the screen displayed on the display 219 because the category of the key 602 is “copy” when the setting information synchronized in S1205 is the default setting for copying. Determine if it is in the “Copy” category. For example, when the copy screen 1100 is displayed on the display 219 when the synchronization is completed, the screen category relating to the copy function is determined to be “copy”, and thus the process proceeds to S1208. On the other hand, when the main menu screen 1000 is displayed on the display 219, since it is not a screen related to the copy application, it is determined that it is not included in the “copy” category, and the process proceeds to S1209. Here, the display screen related to the copy default setting, which is the synchronized setting information, is cited as the copy screen 1100, but the display related to the synchronized setting information is not limited to this one screen, and may be another screen.

  In step S <b> 1208, the CPU 211 determines whether the display operation control unit 401 has performed an operation to reset the display of the screen while the screen related to the synchronized setting information is displayed. If a reset operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S1210. On the other hand, when the reset operation is not performed, the process of S1208 is repeated. Here, the reset operation indicates an operation for returning the setting information reflected on the display 219 to an initial value. For example, a reset key provided on an operation unit (not shown) of the MFP 120 is pressed by the user, or an operation for automatically setting the value of the setting information to an initial value after a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, the pressing of the reset key has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited, and a predetermined operation by the user may be applied as an operation corresponding to the pressing of the reset key. In other words, in the present invention, if a screen related to the synchronized setting information (here, the copy screen) is already displayed at the timing when the synchronization is completed, the predetermined operation by the user is accepted and the synchronized setting information is reflected. The process proceeds to S1210 and S1211 described later. This is because there is a possibility that the user is performing a setting operation via a screen that is already displayed, and the user operation is used as a trigger to avoid an unintended operation or setting. Therefore, the trigger reflecting the synchronized setting information need not be limited to pressing the reset key, but is described as an example only.

  In step S <b> 1209, the CPU 211 determines whether the display operation control unit 401 has started display of a screen related to the synchronized setting information, that is, a copy screen here. When the display of the screen regarding the synchronized setting information is started, the process proceeds to S1210. On the other hand, if the display of the screen related to the synchronized setting information is not started, the process of S1209 is repeated. Specifically, when the user selects the link button 1001a while the main menu screen 1000 is displayed and displays the copy screen 1100 related to the copy default setting, which is the synchronized setting information, the process proceeds to S1210. To proceed. On the other hand, when the display of the copy screen 1100 is not started, the processing of S1209 is repeated. Here, since the screen related to the synchronized setting information is not displayed at the timing when the synchronization is completed, it is not necessary to use a predetermined operation from the user as a trigger as in S1208. Therefore, since it is only necessary to reflect the synchronized setting information when a screen related to the synchronized setting information is newly displayed, the display timing of the screen is determined instead of detecting a user operation.

  In step S1210, the CPU 211 uses the setting information control unit 403 to acquire the setting information stored in the setting information temporary storage area in step S1206. Subsequently, in S1211, the CPU 211 causes the display operation control unit 401 to display a copy screen reflecting the synchronized setting information acquired in S1210 on the display 219, and ends the process. Specifically, the copy screen 1110 in which the default setting “color mode: black and white, double-sided: double-sided → double-sided, document type: text” of “user B” obtained from the temporary storage area of the setting information is reflected on the display 219. Is displayed. In step S1210, the CPU 211 desirably deletes the acquired setting information from the temporary storage area when the reflection is completed.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus acquires the synchronization data related to the authenticated user from the setting value management server 110 that is an external apparatus, and when the acquisition of the synchronization data is completed, the screen (function It is determined whether a setting screen or the like is displayed on the display unit. Furthermore, if a screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit, the information processing apparatus reflects the synchronization data on the screen when a predetermined operation is received from the user. On the other hand, if the screen regarding synchronous data is not displayed on the display unit, the information processing apparatus reflects the synchronous data when displaying the screen on the display unit. Thereby, in the system which can acquire the setting information corresponding to the user from the external device, the setting information can be reflected promptly and suitably without obstructing the user's operation. Here, the system related to copy setting information has been described, but the synchronization processing of other setting information can be controlled in the same manner.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a configuration for notifying the user of the timing at which synchronization is completed is included. First, an example of a notification screen displayed when synchronization from the setting value management server 110 to the MFP 120 according to the present embodiment is completed will be described with reference to FIG.

  The notification screen 1300 is a screen for notifying the user of the completion of synchronization displayed on the display 219 at the timing when the synchronization of the setting information is completed. The message display area 1301 is an area for displaying a message for notifying the user of the timing at which data synchronized with the notification of completion of synchronization is reflected on the display 219. Here, it is notified that the synchronization data is reflected when the reset key is pressed. Here, as an example, the trigger that reflects the synchronization data is the pressing of the reset key. However, as in the first embodiment, there is no intention to limit to the above operation, and the method reflects the user's intention. I just need it.

<Notification screen display control>
Next, with reference to FIG. 14, in addition to the first embodiment described above, a processing procedure for displaying the notification screen 1300 on the display 219 when the screen regarding the setting information synchronized when the synchronization is completed is described. To do. Each operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 120 executing a control program. In the following, the same steps as those in the flowchart of FIG. 12 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof is omitted.

  If it is determined that the screen related to the setting information synchronized with the display 219 is displayed when the synchronization is completed in S1207, the process proceeds to S1401. In step S <b> 1401, the CPU 211 causes the display operation control unit 401 to display a notification screen 1300 on the display 219. Specifically, if the synchronized setting information is a default setting for copying and the copy screen 1100 is displayed on the display 219 as a screen related to the synchronized setting information, the display operation control unit 401 displays the copy screen 1100. A notification screen 1300 is displayed above. The notification screen 1300 includes a close button (not shown), and the notification screen 1300 may be controlled to be closed by selecting the close button. Alternatively, the notification screen 1300 may be automatically closed after being displayed for a certain period of time.

  As described above, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the MFP 120 according to the present embodiment further displays a notification screen 1300 for notifying the user that the synchronization of the setting information has been completed. Display at time. Thereby, control can be performed according to the user's intention. In this embodiment, as an example, the system related to copy setting information has been described. However, the synchronization processing of other setting information may be the same.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above embodiment, a description is given of a process of reflecting setting information synchronized when the user operation is reset without immediately reflecting the setting information when the user operation is in progress when the synchronization of the setting information is completed. did. As a specific example, when the copy default settings are synchronized with the MFP 120, the copy screen 1100 is displayed on the display 219 and the user does not reflect the default settings of the synchronized copy while performing operations related to copying. Reflect by reset operation. Thereby, the setting information can be reflected promptly without hindering the user's operation.

  On the other hand, the setting information may be immediately reflected even when the user is operating. For example, if the setting information related to the display language is not reflected promptly upon completion of synchronization, the user must continue the operation in an unfamiliar language, which is inconvenient. For this reason, it is desirable to immediately reflect the setting information such as the display language on the operation unit when synchronization is completed. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether the type of the synchronized setting information is an immediate reflection target, and if it should be reflected immediately, it is immediately reflected on the operation unit when synchronization is completed, and if it should not be reflected immediately Similar to the above embodiment, for example, the reflection is performed when the operation is reset.

<Selection screen for immediate reflection>
First, with reference to FIG. 15, an example of a selection screen for selecting according to a user operation whether to immediately reflect setting information according to the present embodiment will be described. The selection screen 1500 is a screen for allowing the user to select valid / invalid for each item of the synchronization timing of whether the synchronized setting information is immediately reflected on the display 219 or when a predetermined operation is performed by the user. Items 1501 and 1502 are setting information to be immediately reflected. In the example of FIG. 15, the item 1501 is a display language and the item 1502 is an example of accessibility, but there may be other items. In addition, for items that are not here, it is assumed that immediate reflection is OFF.

  Items 1501 and 1502 can select ON (valid) or OFF (invalid) for immediate reflection, respectively. There may also be a mode in which items are selected ON or OFF collectively. In the example of FIG. 15, the item 1501 represents a state in which the immediate reflection ON is selected. An item 1502 represents a state in which immediate reflection OFF is selected. When ON is selected, a control that is immediately reflected at the timing when the synchronization is completed is selected as the synchronization timing. On the other hand, when OFF is selected, a synchronization operation is selected as a synchronization timing when a predetermined operation from the user after the synchronization is completed, that is, when a reset key is pressed is received. Here, the method of allowing the user to select whether or not to set the immediate reflection has been described, but it may be defined in advance in a setting information table to be synchronized.

<Synchronous control>
Next, referring to FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not the setting information is a target of immediate reflection when synchronization according to the present embodiment is completed, and the processing procedure for performing the immediate reflection or the reflection at the time of reset according to the determination result Will be described. Each operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16 is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 120 executing a control program. In the following, the same steps as those in the flowchart of FIG. 12 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof is omitted.

  If it is determined in S1205 that the synchronization is completed, the process advances to S1601, and the CPU 211 determines whether the synchronized setting information is a target of immediate reflection on the display 219 by the setting information control unit 403. Specifically, the setting information control unit 403 refers to the synchronization timing for each item selected on the selection screen 1500, and determines whether or not the target item is an immediate reflection target. If the synchronized setting information is not a target for immediate reflection, the CPU 211 advances the process to step S1206. On the other hand, when the synchronized setting information is a target of immediate reflection, the CPU 211 advances the process to S1602. For example, when the item 1501 of the selection screen 1500 is set to ON and the synchronized setting information is a display language, it is determined that the item is to be reflected immediately. On the other hand, when the synchronized setting information is a copy, since it is not defined in the selection screen 1500, it is determined that it is not an object of immediate reflection.

  In step S <b> 1602, the CPU 211 acquires setting information from the setting information DB 420 by the setting information control unit 403 when the synchronized setting information is a target of immediate reflection. Then, the CPU 211 advances the process to S1211, reflects the synchronized setting information on the display screen (here, the copy screen) of the display 219, and ends the process.

  As described above, when synchronization is completed, the MFP 120 according to the present embodiment performs synchronization at the timing when the setting item to be synchronized is an immediate target item or when a predetermined operation is received from the user. Is determined, and synchronous control is performed. Thereby, finer synchronization control according to the setting item can be performed. In the present embodiment, the “display language” has been described as an example of the setting information to be reflected immediately, but other setting information may be used. For example, since it is difficult to continue the operation in a state where the setting information is not reflected in the setting information related to accessibility, the setting information may be immediately reflected when synchronization is completed.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  100: Network, 110: Setting value management server, 120: MFP, 200: System control unit, 211: CPU, 212: RAM, 213: ROM, 214: Input control I / F, 215: Display control I / F, 216 : Storage device I / F, 217: communication I / F controller, 218: touch panel, 219: display, 220: storage device, 221: scanner, 222: printer, 300: system control unit, 311: CPU, 312: RAM, 313: ROM, 314: Input control I / F, 315: Display control I / F, 316: Storage device I / F, 317: Communication I / F controller, 318: Operation device, 319: Display, 320: Storage device

Claims (11)

An information processing apparatus,
An authentication means for authenticating the user;
Acquisition means for acquiring synchronization data relating to a user authenticated by the authentication means from an external device;
When acquisition of the synchronization data is completed by the acquisition unit, a determination unit that determines whether a screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit;
If the screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit, the synchronization data is reflected on the screen when a predetermined operation is received from the user, and the screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit. For example, the information processing apparatus includes a control unit that reflects the synchronization data when the screen is displayed on the display unit.   When the determination unit determines that the screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit, the acquisition of the synchronization data is completed, and the synchronization data is reflected by performing the predetermined operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for displaying on the display unit that the information is to be performed. As a synchronization timing for each item of the synchronization data, further comprising selection means for selecting to reflect immediately or invalidally when the acquisition of the synchronization data is completed,
The control means includes
Even when the screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit, if the selection means effectively selects to immediately reflect the target item of the synchronization data, the synchronization data is included in the synchronization data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization data is immediately reflected on a screen concerned.   The selection means displays a selection screen for enabling or disabling immediate reflection for each item of the synchronization data on the display unit, and responds to a user operation input via the selection screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein valid or invalid is selected for each item. A storage unit that stores a table that defines a last synchronization date and time that is associated with an identifier of each registered user and that synchronizes information related to the user,
The acquisition means transmits the identifier of the user authenticated by the authentication means and the last synchronization date and time of the table stored in the storage means to the external device, and from the last synchronization date and time corresponding to the user 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein synchronization data updated later in the external apparatus is acquired from the external apparatus. 6.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the acquisition unit temporarily stores the synchronization data acquired from the external device in the storage unit.   The control means reflects the synchronization data using the synchronization data temporarily stored in the storage means, and deletes the synchronization data temporarily stored in the storage means when reflected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.   The information according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined operation is a press of a reset key for resetting a setting performed by a user via a screen related to the synchronization data. Processing equipment. The information processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus,
9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen related to the synchronization data is a setting screen for a function provided by the image processing apparatus. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus,
An authentication step in which the authentication means authenticates the user;
An acquisition unit that acquires synchronization data related to the user authenticated in the authentication step from an external device;
When the determination unit completes acquisition of the synchronization data in the acquisition step, a determination step of determining whether a screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit;
If a screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit, the control unit reflects the synchronization data on the screen when a predetermined operation is received from a user, and the screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit. If not displayed, a control step of reflecting the synchronization data when the screen is displayed on the display unit is executed. A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an information processing apparatus, wherein the control method includes:
An authentication step in which the authentication means authenticates the user;
An acquisition unit that acquires synchronization data related to the user authenticated in the authentication step from an external device;
When the determination unit completes acquisition of the synchronization data in the acquisition step, a determination step of determining whether a screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit;
If a screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit, the control unit reflects the synchronization data on the screen when a predetermined operation is received from a user, and the screen related to the synchronization data is displayed on the display unit. If not displayed, the program executes a control step of reflecting the synchronization data when the screen is displayed on the display unit.

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