JP2003216380A - Information processing system and processing controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently execute setting processing to various facsimile machines having different functions by using a computer system. <P>SOLUTION: At the time of installing a setting program for selecting and setting the function of the facsimile machine as a file in the hard disk of a computer system (S2000), the facsimile machine is made to transmit its own function data by the program (S1000), and the function data are stored in the hard disk. Thus, only the function data of the facsimile machine can be screen- displayed as the menu of the computer system by referring to the function data in the hard disk stored at setting the function. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention controls a plurality of other information processing devices such as a scanner device, a printer device, or a facsimile device from an information processing device such as a computer and adapts to the other information processing device. Belongs to the technical field of information processing apparatuses that process the processed information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an information processing apparatus for controlling information from one information processing apparatus such as a computer to a plurality of other information processing apparatuses such as a scanner apparatus, a printer apparatus or a facsimile apparatus. There is.

In this type of information processing apparatus, a function corresponding to the information processing function of each information processing apparatus to be controlled by the computer is configured because one computer controls a plurality of types of other information processing apparatuses. You need to make settings.

In the above-mentioned function setting, a computer stores a setting item (setting item name) which is conventionally set corresponding to each information processing device such as a scanner device or a printer device. When a scanner device is connected to, the stored setting items corresponding to the scanner device are displayed. When the setting contents of the item are input, the contents of all the input setting items are sent to the scanner device. Then, the function of the scanner device is set.

However, if the previously stored setting items are displayed on the computer to perform the function setting as described above, the contents of all the setting items must be input before the contents are transmitted. However, when an information processing apparatus having a large number of setting items is connected, it takes a considerable amount of labor and time to input the contents of the setting items, which may be inefficient.

Therefore, recently, for example, after the scanner device is connected to a computer, setting items stored in advance are displayed on the computer, and the current state of function setting in the scanner device (the current state of the contents of the function setting item) is all concerned. The device sends it to the computer, displays its contents, changes only the contents of the setting items that should be changed, and after the change is completed, the contents of all setting items (the contents of the changed setting items and the contents of the changed items are not changed). Including both the contents of the setting items that have been set) are transmitted to the scanner device.

On the other hand, among information processing apparatuses to be connected to a computer, there is an information processing apparatus in which information cannot be input using all character types but only a specific character type can be input. That is, for example, when the information processing apparatus to be connected is a facsimile apparatus, the number of keys for character input in the facsimile apparatus is smaller than that of a normal computer mainly for downsizing the key input unit, For example, only uppercase letters of the alphabet can be input, and some information described using lowercase letters of the alphabet cannot be input unless the inputter replaces it with uppercase letters.

[0008]

The above-mentioned conventional function setting from a computer has the following problems due to the above-mentioned configuration.

As a first problem, as described above, conventionally, after the information processing apparatus is connected to the computer, the setting items stored in advance in the computer are displayed and the function of the connected information processing apparatus is displayed. Since the setting status is displayed and the contents of all the setting items have been transmitted to the information processing apparatus after the contents of the setting items to be changed have been changed, the types of the setting items and the information processing stored in the computer in advance are stored. There is a problem in that correct function setting cannot be performed on the computer when the type of setting item to be actually set in the device is different.

That is, in the information processing apparatus to be connected to the computer, for example, even in the case of the same facsimile apparatus, the contents of items (for example, contents to be selected) to be set at the time of function setting depending on the country to be set are May be different. This is because, with regard to information processing apparatuses that use public facilities (for example, telephone lines) such as facsimile machines, restrictions differ from country to country. Then, if the contents of the item to be set are different and if the setting item contents stored in advance in the computer are applied, the contents to be actually set in the information processing device and the contents that can be set on the computer There is a case where and are incompatible.

A second problem is that since the contents of all the setting items have been transmitted to the information processing device after the contents of the setting items to be changed have been changed as described above, There was a problem that it took an unnecessary time to send the setting contents of.

Further, as a third problem, when the information processing apparatus capable of inputting only a specific character type (for example, only uppercase letters) as described above is remotely set from a computer, the above-mentioned information is set in the computer. In some cases, a character type other than the specific character type can be input, and in that case, even if the content of the setting item is input on the computer, it may not be accepted by the information processing device. Furthermore, the information entered on the computer and the information accepted by the information processing device become incompatible,
There is also a problem that the user who performs the function setting becomes complicated.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its problems are the contents of function setting in the information processing apparatus connected to the computer and the contents of actual function setting on the computer. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing system and an information processing apparatus that can perform function setting of the information processing apparatus and process information more efficiently as a whole, without causing incompatibility.

[0014]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides a second information processing device such as a multi-functional peripheral device for processing information and a second information processing device such as a personal computer. An information processing system including a first information processing device connected to an information processing device, wherein the first information processing device executes processing of the information by controlling the second information processing device from the first information processing device. The device is the second
An acquisition unit that acquires the setting status of the setting item in the information processing apparatus from the second information processing apparatus, and changes the setting of the setting item that should be changed from the setting status based on the acquired setting status. The changing means used for performing the setting and the transmitting means for transmitting the contents of the setting item changed by the changing means to the second information processing apparatus, the changing means for changing the setting. An input means operable by an operator, a first determination means for determining whether or not the input information input by the input means is a character type within a range acceptable by the second information processing apparatus; The second determination unit that determines whether the input information that has been input is a specific character type that can be accepted by the second information processing device, and the first determination unit, It is determined that the input information that has been input is a character type within a range that can be accepted by the second information processing apparatus, and the input information that has been input is accepted by the second information processing apparatus by the second determining means. When it is determined that the input character information is not a possible specific character type, the input information input by the conversion unit that converts the input character information into the specific character type and the first determination unit is accepted by the second information processing device. Message setting means for displaying a message prompting the operator to re-input when it is determined that the character type is not within the possible range, and the transmitting means includes the setting changed according to the processable specific character type. It is configured to send the content of the item to the second information processing device.

According to the operation of the invention described in claim 1, the acquisition means included in the first information processing apparatus acquires the setting status of the setting item in the second information processing apparatus from the second information processing apparatus. .

Then, the changing means included in the first information processing apparatus is used to change the setting of the setting item whose setting should be changed from the present setting situation, based on the obtained present setting situation.

Finally, the transmitting means included in the first information processing device transmits the contents of the changed setting item to the second information processing device.

At this time, the first determining means included in the changing means determines whether or not the input information input by the operator is a character type within a range that can be accepted by the second information processing apparatus, and then makes a second determination. The means determines whether or not the input information is a specific character type that can be accepted by the second information processing device.

Then, in the information converting means included in the changing means, the input information entered is a character type within a range in which the input information entered by the first determining means can be accepted by the second information processing device. If it is determined that the input information is not a specific character type that can be accepted by the second information processing device, the input information is determined by the second information processing device. Convert to a specific character type that can be accepted.

The message display means displays a message prompting the operator to re-input, when the first determination means determines that the input information is not a character type within a range acceptable by the second information processing apparatus. indicate.

Further, the setting changing means included in the changing means changes the content of the setting item whose setting is to be changed by using the converted specific character type that can be accepted.

As a result, the transmitting means transmits the contents of the setting item changed by the processable information to the second information processing device.

Therefore, based on the setting status of the second information processing apparatus, the function setting can be performed in the first information processing apparatus in a state that matches the current status of the second information processing apparatus.

Further, whether or not the input information input by the operator by the input means is within a range of character types that can be accepted by the second information processing device, and whether the input information is a specific character type that can be received by the second information processing device. It is determined that the input information is a character type in a receivable range, and the input information can be received by the second information processing device by the second determination means. If it is determined that it is not a specific character type, the input information is converted to a specific character type that can be accepted, and the contents of the setting items are changed using the converted specific character type, so only the necessary input information is converted to processable information. The setting change of the second information processing device can be performed accurately, reliably and quickly by changing the setting of the second information processing device. If the input information is determined not to be within the acceptable character type range in the second information processing device, the operator can immediately recognize that the input information is not within the acceptable character type range. By inputting, the setting of the second information processing device can be changed quickly.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 2 is the information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the character type of the range that can be accepted by the second information processing device is an alphabetic character. In the case where the specific character type that can be received by the second information processing device is uppercase, and the conversion unit inputs the input information that is an alphabetic character and is not an uppercase character, the input information that has been input is included. To uppercase.

According to the operation of the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1, the specific character type that can be accepted by the second information processing device is an uppercase character, and the conversion means Is configured to convert the input information input to uppercase when the input information is alphabetic characters and is not uppercase.

Therefore, the specific character type that the input information input by the operator by the input means can be accepted in the second information processing device is an uppercase letter, and the conversion means is configured so that the input information input is an alphabetic character. , And the input information is converted to upper case, the operator can perform the setting change operation even with the lower case input.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 3 is connected to a processing device for processing information, and a process for executing the processing of the information by controlling the processing device. In the control device, an acquisition unit that acquires the setting status of the setting item in the processing device from the processing device, and the setting change of the setting item that should be changed from the setting status based on the acquired setting status. And a transmission unit for transmitting the contents of the changed setting item to the processing device, the changing unit being operable by the operator to perform the setting change. Input means, and first determining means for determining whether or not the input information input by the input means is a character type within a range that can be accepted by the processing device. The input information received by the processing device is accepted by the second determination means for determining whether or not the input information input is a specific character type that can be accepted by the processing device, and the first determination means. When it is determined that the character type is within a possible range, and the second determining unit determines that the input information input is not a specific character type that can be accepted by the processing device, the input information is input. When the conversion unit for converting to a specific character type and the first determination unit determine that the input information input is not a character type that can be accepted by the processing device, a message prompting the operator to re-input is displayed. Using the message display means and the processable specific character type converted by the conversion means, the setting item whose setting is to be changed. A setting changing means for changing the contents, provided with a said transmission means,
The contents of the setting item changed by the processable specific character type are transmitted to the processing device.

After that, the acquisition means included in the processing control device acquires the setting status of the setting item in the processing device from the processing device.

Then, the changing means included in the processing control device is used to change the setting of the setting item whose setting should be changed based on the acquired setting status.

Finally, the transmission means included in the processing control device transmits the contents of the changed setting item to the processing device.

At this time, the first determining means included in the changing means determines whether or not the input information input by the operator is a character type within a range that can be accepted by the second information processing apparatus, and then makes a second determination. The means determines whether or not the input information is a specific character type that can be accepted by the processing device.

Then, in the information converting means included in the changing means, the input information inputted is judged by the first judging means to be the character type within a range in which the inputted input information can be accepted by the processing device. If the second determining unit determines that the input information that has been input is not a specific character type that can be accepted by the processing device, the input information is converted into a specific character type that is acceptable by the processing device.

The message display means displays a message prompting the operator to re-input, when the first determination means determines that the input information is not a character type within a range acceptable by the processing device.

Further, the setting changing means included in the changing means changes the content of the setting item whose setting is to be changed, by using the converted and accepted specific character type.

As a result, the transmitting means transmits the contents of the setting item changed by the processable information to the processing device.

Therefore, based on the setting status of the processing device, the function setting can be performed in the information processing device in a state matching the current status of the processing device.

Further, it is determined whether the input information input by the operator by the input means has a character type within a range receivable in the processing device, and whether the input information has a specific character type receivable in the processing device. When it is determined that the input information has a character type within an acceptable range, and the second determining unit determines that the input information that has been input is not a specific character type that can be accepted by the processing device. Since the input information is converted to a specific character type that can be accepted and the contents of the setting items are changed using the converted specific character type, it is accurate by converting only the necessary input information into processable information and changing the settings. The setting of the processing device can be surely and swiftly changed, and moreover, the input information is stored in the processing device by the first determining means. If it is determined that the character type is not within the acceptable range, a message prompting the operator to re-enter is displayed, so the operator immediately recognizes that the input information entered is not within the acceptable range. Therefore, the setting of the processing device can be changed quickly by re-inputting.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, a printer function of recording information to be recorded on a predetermined recording sheet, a scanner function of reading information such as an image, a copy function of recording information read by using the scanner function, and a scanner. Multi-function peripheral device with a facsimile function that sends and receives information read using functions to the outside via a telephone line and a so-called answering machine function that automatically records the message of the calling party. A computer such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) is connected and the multifunctional peripheral device is controlled from the personal computer to perform information recording, information reading, information transmission / reception with the outside, or information processing such as answering machine function operation. It is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus. In addition to the original facsimile function of recording the transmission information transmitted via the telephone line on the recording paper, the facsimile function may be used to temporarily record the transmission information and externally transmit it as necessary. It also includes a transfer function of transmitting to another facsimile machine (that is, transferring transmission information).

(I) Overall Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus First, the overall configuration of an information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied and its appearance will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the information processing apparatus S according to the embodiment includes the multifunctional peripheral device 1 having the facsimile function, the printer function, the copy function, the scanner function and the answering machine function, and the multifunctional peripheral device. 1 and a personal computer 30 connected to it.

In this structure, as shown in FIG. 1, a receiver 18 described later is provided on the side of the main body 6 of the multi-function peripheral device 1, and the operation panel 2 is provided on the upper front part of the main body 6.
Is provided. Further, a cassette mounting portion 3 for detachably mounting the recording paper cassette 5 holding the recording paper is formed on the upper rear surface of the main body 6, and a document to be read by using a scanner function is held in the center of the upper surface. A document table 4 is formed. Furthermore, the multi-function peripheral device 1
It is connected to the outside through a telephone line 24, and the facsimile function or the answering machine function can be operated using the telephone line 24.

On the other hand, the multifunctional peripheral device 1 having the above configuration
A personal computer 30 for controlling the computer is configured as an ordinary computer, and has a keyboard 31 for inputting information as shown in FIG. 1 and a mouse 32 for clicking (selecting and executing) an icon or button described later. And a flexible disk drive device 33A for reading the control program from a flexible disk 41 as a recording medium on which various control programs described later are recorded,
The display 34 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like for displaying a screen including a setting screen, which will be described later, and is connected to the multifunction peripheral device 1 by a connection cable 17.

Here, the above-mentioned icon is a display of an application program corresponding to each processing described later on the display 34, and indicates the program when a desired application program is selected and executed. This is for selecting and executing an icon by clicking the icon using the mouse 32 or the like.

Further, the above-mentioned button means the function setting etc. when executing a predetermined application program.
Each function setting process (“confirmation” or “cancel” or the like) is displayed as a pattern on the display 34, and the button corresponding to the desired function setting process is clicked by using the mouse 32 or the like. This is for executing the function setting process, and usually the button itself is iconized.

(II) Configuration and Operation of Multifunctional Peripheral Device Next, the internal configuration and operation of the multifunctional peripheral device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function peripheral device 1 is
CPU 10, ROM (Read Only Memory) 11, E
EPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmab)
leROM) 12 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 1
3, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15, the interface unit 16, the handset 18, and the NCU (Networ
k Control Unit) 19, the modem unit 20, the operation panel 2, the amplifier 21, the speaker 22, and the bus 23.
It is composed of and.

Next, the operation of each of the above parts of the multi-function peripheral device 1 will be described.

The NCU 19 outputs the facsimile information input via the telephone line 24 to the modem section 20, and outputs the voice information input via the telephone line 24 to the handset 18. Further, the NCU 19 sends out the information to be transmitted by facsimile output from the modem unit 20 to the telephone line 24, and also sends the voice information generated by the handset 18 to the telephone line 24.

Next, the modem section 20 performs a so-called modulation / demodulation operation. More specifically, the modem section 20 performs a demodulation operation on the facsimile information input from the NCU 19.
A digital signal corresponding to the facsimile information is output to the bus 23. The modem unit 20 also modulates the facsimile information from the bus 23 and outputs it to the NCU 19.

Under the control of the CPU 10, the scanner unit 14 reads information such as an image to be transmitted by facsimile when the multi-function peripheral device 1 functions as a facsimile device, outputs the information to the bus 23, and outputs the multi-function peripheral device 1 as well. Reads information such as an image to be copied when it functions as a copying apparatus and outputs it to the bus 23.

Under the control of the CPU 10, the printer unit 20 temporarily stores in the RAM 13 the received facsimile information input via the NCU 19 and the modem unit 20 when the multifunction peripheral device 1 functions as a facsimile device. After that, or directly on a predetermined recording sheet and output. In addition to this, the printer unit 20 receives information such as an image to be copied when the multi-function peripheral device 1 functions as a copying device from the bus 23 and records the information on the recording paper. Information input from the personal computer 30 when functioning as a printer device is stored in the bus 2
Receive from 3 and record on recording paper.

The operation panel 2 gives an instruction to the multi-function peripheral device 1 or displays an instruction operation or state for setting a predetermined state. The operation panel 2 is composed of only keys corresponding to uppercase letters of the alphabet and keys corresponding to numbers, and the information that can be input and processed from the operation panel 2 is information composed of only uppercase letters and numbers of the alphabet. Suppose it is only.

Next, the ROM 11 mainly includes the CPU 10.
Fax function, scanner function,
It is a read-only memory for storing a control program for realizing a printer function, a copy function, etc. Under the control of the CPU 10, necessary data and the like are stored in the bus 2.
Output via 3.

The EEPROM 12 stores information that should not be lost even when the power supply of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is turned off, for example, a destination telephone which is frequently facsimile-transmitted when the multi-function peripheral device 1 functions as a facsimile device. It is a non-volatile memory for storing numbers and so-called speed dial telephone numbers.

The RAM 13 is a readable / writable memory for performing operations such as temporarily storing necessary data under the control of the CPU 10, and specifically, the telephone line 24 and the NCU 19 as facsimile information. The data input via the telephone, the facsimile information to be transmitted to the outside via the telephone line 24, the information read by the scanner unit 14, and the like are temporarily stored, and are read at a predetermined timing under the control of the CPU 10.

The interface section 16 takes in the data and the like transmitted from the personal computer 30 connected via the connection cable 17 to the multi-function peripheral device 1, and
The interface operation for converting the information to be output from the multi-function peripheral device 1 to the personal computer 30 for the output is performed.

Under the control of the CPU 10, the amplifier 21 amplifies voice information such as a ringing tone or guidance voice to be output from the speaker 22 and outputs the amplified audio information to the speaker 22.

Finally, the CPU 10 controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned constituent members via the bus 23 based on the control program recorded in the ROM 11. Furthermore, the C
When a request signal Sq, which will be described later, is transmitted from the personal computer 30, the PU 10 sends back a setting item or the like necessary for setting the function of the scanner unit 14 or the like in the multifunction peripheral device 1 in response to the request signal Sq. If necessary, the setting status (current setting contents) of the setting item or the like is returned to the personal computer 30.

In the above configuration, when the answering machine function is executed, the so-called response message and the voice (message) of the caller input in advance for responding to the call received from the outside caller are stored in the RAM1.
3 is stored. Furthermore, these answering machine functions are CPU
It is governed and controlled by 10.

On the other hand, in the above structure, the transmission information for the transfer function is also stored in the RAM 13.

(III) Configuration and Overall Operation of Personal Computer Next, the configuration and general operation of the personal computer 30 will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the personal computer 3 of the embodiment is
Reference numeral 0 denotes a CPU 36, a ROM 39, a RAM 37, an input unit including the keyboard 31 and the mouse 32, an image processing unit 35, and the display 34 as a display unit.
The interface unit 38, the bus 40, and the external storage unit 33.

In this structure, the CPU 36 mainly performs the function setting process of the present invention shown in the flow chart described later.

A control program for controlling each constituent element of the personal computer 30 is stored in the ROM 2 in advance, and the control program is stored in the CPU 36 via the bus 40 as required at the request of the CPU 36. Output to.

Further, the RAM 37, under the control of the CPU 36, temporarily stores the data involved in the function setting processing described later, and if necessary, the bus 40 and the interface section 38.
To the multi-function peripheral device 1 via.

Further, under the control of the CPU 36, the image processing section 35 performs processing such as image composition for displaying necessary data together with an icon or a button which will be described later, and outputs the processing result to the display 34. Display data or icons.

The input section including the mouse 32 and the keyboard 31 selects the above-mentioned displayed data and operates the icons and the like displayed on the display 34 to display the data for the necessary function setting processing. Input to the CPU 36, the RAM 37, etc. via the bus 40.

Next, the interface section 38 uses the bus 4
The transmission data and the like output under the control of the CPU 36 via 0 are output to the multi-function peripheral device 1, and the reception data input from the multi-function peripheral device 1 is output to the bus 40.

Further, the external storage unit 33 is an HD (not shown).
The HDD device includes a D (Hard Disk Drive) device and a flexible disk drive device 33A, of which a control program corresponding to a process shown in a later-described flowchart for the function setting process in the CPU 36 is stored (installed) in advance. Is done, CPU3
In response to a request from 6, the control program is output to the RAM 37 via the bus 40 as needed. Further, in parallel with this, the external storage unit 33 saves data and the like as needed under the control of the CPU 36.

Finally, the bus 40 includes the CPU 36,
The components such as the ROM 39, the RAM 37, and the external storage unit 33 are connected to each other to transmit data.

Next, detailed configurations of the CPU 36 and the external storage unit 33 according to the present invention in the personal computer 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing each operation of the data flow and operation in the personal computer 30 when controlling the multi-function peripheral device 1 using the personal computer 30, and FIG. The scanner application unit 50, the printer application unit 54, the remote setup unit 58, the facsimile application unit 62, and the resource manager 66 are actually the scanner applications stored (installed) in the external storage unit 33, particularly in the HDD device. The respective functions are exhibited by operating the arithmetic processing unit in the CPU 36 based on the application programs corresponding to the respective units such as the unit 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the multi-function peripheral device 1 is remotely controlled from the personal computer 30, the personal computer 30
Uses the CPU 10 and the scanner unit 14 in the multi-function peripheral device 1 to perform the information reading function.
0 and a scanner control unit SC for controlling the scanner unit 14
In order to exert the information recording function by using the CPU 10 and the printer unit 15 in the multi-function peripheral device 1,
0 and printer control section PR for controlling printer section 15
And an inquiring means, a generating means for performing the function setting of the CPU 10, the scanner unit 14, the printer unit 15 and the like in the multi-function peripheral device 1 to exert the above answering machine function, transfer function, scanner function or printer function. A setup control unit RM as an acquisition unit, a change unit, a transmission unit, a determination unit, an information conversion unit, and a setting change unit, and a transfer function using the CPU 10, the NCU 19, and the scanner unit 14 or the printer unit 15 in the multifunction peripheral device 1. In order to exert the above-mentioned facsimile function including the CPU 10, N
A facsimile control unit FX for controlling the CU 19 and the scanner unit 14 or the printer unit 15, a remote setup unit described later, a resource manager 66 having a relay function between each application unit and the multifunction peripheral device 1, and a reception buffer 67. , Resource manager buffer 68
And a parallel port driver 69.

The scanner control section SC includes a scanner application section 50 and a scanner driver 51.
And a scanner reception buffer 52 and a scanner transmission buffer 53.

Further, the printer control section PR includes a printer application section 54 and a printer driver 55.
And a printer driver reception buffer 56 and a printer driver transmission buffer 57.

Furthermore, the setup control section RM
Is composed of a remote setup section 58, a remote setup data driver 59, a setup reception buffer 60, and a setup transmission buffer 61.

The facsimile control unit FX is composed of a facsimile application unit 62, a facsimile driver 63, a facsimile reception buffer 64, and a facsimile transmission buffer 65.

In the above structure, each buffer is actually provided in the RAM 37.

The parallel port driver 69 is actually provided in the interface section 38.

Next, the outline of the operation of each unit will be described.

First, the operation of the scanner control section SC will be described.

The scanner reception buffer 52 included in the scanner control section SC is provided with the scanner reception data Ssr (multifunction peripherals) sorted from the data received from the multi-function peripheral device 1 by the reception management process in the resource manager 66 described later. (Including information read by the scanner unit 14 of the apparatus 1) is temporarily stored and output to the scanner driver 51. Identification information (ID information flag) indicating that the received data Ssr for scanner is added to the received data Ssr for scanner by the resource manager 66. Then, the scanner driver 51
Performs a predetermined process on the scanner reception data Ssr and outputs the processed data to the scanner application unit 50. The scanner application unit 50 receiving the processing stores the scanner reception data Ssr in the external storage unit 33 and the scanner unit. A so-called viewer application program or the like for displaying the information read by 14 is activated and displayed on the display 34.

On the other hand, the scanner application section 5
Prior to processing such as 0, the scanner application unit 5
Data for controlling the scanner unit 14, which is output when the scanner function is executed from 0, is output from the scanner driver 51 as scanner transmission data Sst and temporarily stored in the scanner transmission buffer 53. Then, the scanner transmission data Sst read from the scanner transmission buffer 53 is packetized as described below by the transmission management process in the resource manager 66 described later, and ID information indicating that the scanner transmission data Sst is the scanner transmission data Sst. Parallel port driver 6 with flag added
9 is sent to the multifunction peripheral device 1 via the scanner unit 1
4 is used for operation control.

At this time, a remote setup process, which will be described later, is executed as a premise of the operation of the scanner control section SC described above.

Next, the operation of the printer control section PR will be described.

The printer driver reception buffer 56 included in the printer control section PR is provided with printer reception data Spr (multi-function) which is distributed from data received from the multi-function peripheral device 1 by a reception management process in a resource manager 66 described later. (Including data indicating the state of recording processing in the printer unit 15 of the peripheral device 1) is temporarily stored and output to the printer driver 55. The printer reception data Spr has an I indicating that it is the printer reception data Spr by the resource manager 66.
The D information flag is added. Then, the printer driver 55 displays the current operation status of the printer unit 15 on the basis of the printer reception data Spr.
The information is displayed on the screen or necessary notification is given to the printer application unit 54, and the printer application unit 54 receiving the notification performs a predetermined process corresponding to the printer application.

On the other hand, when the data to be recorded in the printer section 15 generated by the predetermined processing corresponding to the printer application and the printer function from the printer application section 54 are executed prior to the processing of the printer application section 54 and the like. The output data for controlling the printer unit 15 is output from the printer driver 55 as printer transmission data Spt and is temporarily stored in the printer transmission buffer 57. Then, the printer transmission data Spt read from the printer transmission buffer 57 is packetized as described below by the transmission management processing in the resource manager 66 described later, and ID information indicating that it is the printer transmission data Spt The flag is added and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral device 1 via the parallel port driver 69, and the operation of the printer unit 15 is controlled.

At this time, a remote setup process, which will be described later, is executed as a premise of the operation of the printer control section PR described above.

Next, the operation of the facsimile controller FX will be described.

The facsimile reception buffer 64 included in the facsimile control unit FX is provided with facsimile reception data Sfr (multifunction peripheral) sorted from the data received from the multi-function peripheral device 1 by the reception management process in the resource manager 66 described later. The information such as the information received via the telephone line 24 by the NCU 19 or the like of the apparatus 1 is temporarily stored and output to the facsimile driver 63. The facsimile reception data Sfr is included in the facsimile reception data Sfr by the resource manager 66.
An ID information flag indicating fr is added.
Then, the facsimile driver 63 performs a predetermined process on the reception data Sfr for facsimile and outputs it to the facsimile application unit 62, and the facsimile application unit 62 receiving this stores the reception data Sfr for facsimile in the external storage unit 33. At the same time, a log manager application program for managing the transmission / reception history of facsimile information is activated to display
Display the reception log etc. on the top.

On the other hand, the facsimile application section 6
The data to be transmitted by facsimile transmission and the control data output when the facsimile function is executed from No. 2 are input to the facsimile driver 63 and subjected to predetermined processing to become the transmission data Sft for facsimile, which is temporarily stored in the transmission buffer 65 for facsimile. Stored in. The facsimile transmission data Sft read from the facsimile transmission buffer 65 is packetized as described later by the transmission management process in the resource manager 66 described later, and ID information indicating that the facsimile transmission data Sft is transmitted. The flag is added and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral device 1 via the parallel port driver 69.
Facsimile transmission is performed via the facsimile function unit of the multi-function peripheral device 1 including the above.

At this time, the above-mentioned facsimile controller FX
As a precondition for the operation of, the remote setup process described below is executed.

When the transmission information recording function is set to operate so that the transmission information is stored in the RAM 13 for the transfer function in the remote setup process, the multi-function peripheral device 1 sends the transmission information to the printer. The data is recorded by the unit 15 and stored in the RAM 13, and when a request signal requesting the transfer of the transmission information is input from another external facsimile apparatus, the transmission information is transferred to the other facsimile apparatus.

Next, the operation of the setup controller RM will be described.

As described above, the setup controller RM
Is for remotely setting various function settings of the multifunction peripheral device 1 from the personal computer 30 prior to the operations of the scanner control unit SC, the printer control unit PR and the facsimile control unit FX. In this operation, the setup reception buffer 60 included in the setup control unit RM receives the setup reception data Srr (multifunction from the data received from the multi-function peripheral device 1 by the reception management process in the resource manager 66 described later). (Including the setting completion information in the function setting of the peripheral device 1) is temporarily stored and output to the remote setup data driver 59. The resource manager 66 adds an ID information flag indicating that the setup reception data Srr is the setup reception data Srr. Then, the remote setup data driver 59 performs a predetermined process on the setup reception data Srr and outputs the setup reception data Srr to the remote setup section 58.
Based on the setup reception data Srr, remote setup processing for function setting in the multi-function peripheral device 1 exemplified later is performed.

On the other hand, the data output from the remote setup section 58 for the function setting processing in the multi-function peripheral device 1 is the remote setup data driver 5
It is output from 9 as setup transmission data Srt,
It is temporarily stored in the setup transmission buffer 61. Then, the setup transmission data Srt read from the setup transmission buffer 61 is packetized as described later by the transmission management process in the resource manager 66 described later, and ID information indicating that it is the setup transmission data Srt. The flag is added and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral device 1 via the parallel port driver 69, and the function setting is performed.

Next, operations of the resource manager 66, the reception buffer 67 and the resource manager buffer 68 when the respective control units operate will be described.

First, the reception management process in the resource manager 66 will be described.

First, the personal computer 30 according to the present embodiment.
An aspect of data exchange between the multifunction peripheral device 1 and the peripheral device 1 will be outlined. In the present embodiment, when data is exchanged between the personal computer 30 and the multi-function peripheral device 1, the data is the data for the scanner unit 14 (scanner control unit SC
Related), data for the printer unit 15 (printer control unit PR
Related), data for the facsimile function unit (related to the facsimile control unit FX) including the NCU 19 and the like, and data for function setting (related to the setup control unit RM) are packetized and separated. That is, one packet contains one type of data, and at the beginning of the packet, the data amount of the data included in each packet and an ID information flag (scanner control unit) indicating the type of the data are included. SC related data, printer control PR related data,
A header describing an ID information flag indicating which data is included in the data related to the facsimile control unit FX or the data related to the setup control unit RM is added.

When receiving the data from the multi-function peripheral device 1, the resource manager 66 receives the packetized data via the parallel port driver 69 and stores it in the reception buffer 67. The contents of the header of each packet in the temporarily stored reception data Sr are identified, and the stored reception data Sr is related to the scanner reception data Ssr related to the scanner control section SC and the printer control section PR. It is divided into printer reception data Spr, facsimile reception data Sfr related to the facsimile control unit FX, and setup reception data Srr related to the setup control unit RM, and these are separated in time series and output. During this reception management process, the resource manager 66
The management message Smr is sent and received to and from the mobile phone 7 and the reception management process is performed.

On the other hand, in the transmission management processing in the resource manager 66, the scanner transmission data Sst and the printer transmission data Sst transmitted from the above-mentioned respective control units.
By dividing the pt, the facsimile transmission data Sft, and the setup transmission data Srt into packets each having a predetermined data amount, and outputting the ID information flags of the respective data from the resource manager 66 as the management message Smt. The ID information flag is described in the header of each packet, the packets are rearranged in time series, and the parallel port driver 69 is used as the transmission data St.
Output to. In addition to this, the resource manager 66
Outputs a later-described request signal Sq from the setup control unit RM to the multi-function peripheral device 1 as required.

In the operation of the resource manager 66, the resource manager buffer 68 temporarily stores the data required by the resource manager 66 during the reception management process and outputs it to the resource manager 66 at a predetermined timing.

Further, the parallel port driver 69 receives the reception data Sr from the multi-function peripheral device 1 and outputs it to the reception buffer 67, and outputs the transmission data St to the multi-function peripheral device 1.

As described above, by performing the transmission management processing and the reception management processing on the packetized data in the resource manager 66, for example, the facsimile function unit and the scanner unit 14 or the printer unit 15 are simultaneously (actually). Can be operated in a time-divisional manner, and therefore, in the multi-function peripheral device 1, for example, simultaneous operation is possible in which the data received from the facsimile is taken into the personal computer 30 and the data output from the personal computer 30 is printed out. It will be. (IV) Embodiment of Function Setting Process Next, a setup control unit RM corresponding to each control unit described above.
An embodiment of the function setting process (remote setup process) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

First, the initial function setting operation corresponding to the setup controller RM will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that the initial function setting operation described below is executed in the setup control unit RM, and normally, once immediately after the application software corresponding to the setup control unit RM and other control units is installed in the HDD device. It is the one that is only executed.

As shown in the flowchart in FIG. 5A, in the initial function setting process in the setup control unit RM, first, the resource manager 66 is activated (step S1), and then the remote setup unit 5 is started.
The setup control unit RM including 8 is activated (step S2). When the setup control unit RM is activated, after the command data for setup confirmation is stored in the setup transmission buffer 61 from the remote setup data driver 59, “There is transmission data”.
The message Mr for setting up is output to the resource manager 66, and the resource manager 66 receives this message.
Sends the command message in the setup transmission buffer 61 to the multi-function peripheral device 1, inquires whether the setup process is possible, and responds to the inquiry (whether the setup process is possible or not). ), The resource manager 66 stores the data of the response contents in the setup reception buffer 60, and then the setup message Mr of “reception data exists” is sent to the remote setup data driver 5
It is output to 9 to notify that the data of the above response contents should be fetched.

Here, the above processing using the setup confirmation command data and the setup message Mr is similarly performed in the other control units after the function setting processing of the embodiment. That is, the scanner controller SC,
From the printer control unit PR or the facsimile control unit FX to the scanner unit 14 and the printer unit 1 in the multifunction peripheral device 1.
5 or a facsimile function unit including the NCU 19 and the like is operated, after starting each control unit, the scanner confirmation command data and the scanner message Ms or the printer confirmation command from the driver in each control unit. Data and printer message Mp or facsimile confirmation command data and facsimile message M
f is output to the resource manager 66, and the resource manager 66 receiving this inquires of the multi-function peripheral device 1 whether or not processing corresponding to each control unit is possible, and a response corresponding to the inquiry. Based on the above, the resource manager 66 outputs the data including the response contents and each message Ms, Mp, and Mf to the corresponding driver, thereby starting the operation.

Next, the setup control section RM transmits to the multi-function peripheral device 1 the setting items to be set when setting the information processing function of the multi-function peripheral device 1 to the personal computer 30. The request signal Sq for instructing is issued by the resource manager 66 and the parallel port driver 6.
It is output via 9 (step S3). In the request in step S3, when there are a plurality of selection branches to be selected in the setting item, all the selection branches that can be selected are also requested to be transmitted.

When the request signal Sq is output to the multi-function peripheral device 1 (step S3), next, the request signal Sq.
The setting item and selection branch in the function setting of the multifunctional peripheral device 1 returned from the multifunctional peripheral device 1 corresponding to q are temporarily stored in a predetermined file in the HDD device (step S4), and the initial function The setting process ends.

Next, the function setting process in the actual setup processing unit RM after the completion of the initial function setting by the setup processing unit RM will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 5B.

As shown in FIG. 5B, when the remote setup process is actually executed after the initial function setting process is completed, first, the remote setup data driver 59 is activated and already saved. The setting items and selection branches that are present are read (step S5), and the personal computer 30 is read using the read setting items and selection branches.
In step S6, a display screen (setting screen) used when remotely setting the function of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is created. A specific example of the created setting screen will be described later.

When the setting screen is created (step S
6) Next, the setup control unit RM again outputs the request signal Sq to the multi-function peripheral device 1 via the resource manager 66, and this time, the multi-function peripheral device 1 of the setting item and the selection branch acquired in step S4. Command to transmit the setting status in step S7. Then, when each setting status is sequentially transmitted from the multi-function peripheral device 1 in response to the request signal Sq, it is temporarily stored in a predetermined file in the HDD device (step S8), and all settings are made. It is confirmed whether or not the setting status has been transmitted from the multifunctional peripheral device 1 regarding the item and the selection branch (step S
9) If there is a setting item and a selection branch that have not been transmitted (step S9; NO), the process returns to step S7 to make a request to transmit the setting status for the setting items and selection branches that have not been transmitted, and they have been transmitted. If there is no setting item or selection branch (step S9; YES), then the transmitted setting status is displayed on the installation screen, and whether or not there is a setting content change required. Whether or not it is confirmed based on the input from the mouse 32 (or the keyboard 31) (step S10). Then, if there is something that needs to be changed in the setting contents (step S10; YE
S) Then, necessary contents are changed, and the changed contents are temporarily stored in a predetermined change file of the HDD device (RAM 37 may be used) (step S11), and the process proceeds to step S12. The detailed processing in step S11 will be described later in detail.

On the other hand, if there is nothing that needs to be changed in the setting contents in the confirmation in step S10 (step S10; NO), the setting is made by the function setting currently executed in the personal computer 30 (setup control section RM). It is determined whether or not an instruction to transmit the contents described above to the multi-function peripheral device 1 is input from the mouse 32 (or the keyboard 31) (step S12). Then, when there is a transmission instruction (step S12; YES), it is next confirmed whether or not there is a setting item whose setting content has been changed (step S13), and when there is a setting item whose setting content has been changed (step S13). (Step S13; YES) Only the contents of the changed setting item are read from the change file of the HDD device and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral device 1 to change the function setting (step S14) and the process proceeds to step S17.

In the confirmation in step S13, if there is no setting item whose setting content has been changed (step S13; NO), there is no setting item whose setting has been changed, so the transmission operation to the multi-function peripheral device 1 is not performed. An error message to that effect is displayed on the display 34 (step S1
5) The operation proceeds to step S16 without performing the transmission operation to the multifunction peripheral device 1.

On the other hand, if there is no transmission instruction in the determination in step S12 (step S12; NO),
Next, it is determined whether or not an instruction to finish the function setting is input from the mouse 32 (or the keyboard 31) (step S16). Then, if the instruction to end the function setting is not input (step S16; NO), it is determined that there is another setting item to be changed in step S10.
Return to.

On the other hand, when the instruction to end the function setting is input (step S16; YES), the remote setup section 5 is terminated to end the remote setup process.
The operation of the setup control unit RM including 8 is stopped (step S17), and the process ends.

Next, the detailed operation of the setting change processing in step S11 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the setting change processing in step S11, first, the setting item to be changed is selected on the setting screen (step S20), and then the contents to be changed are changed to the keyboard 31. Is input (step S21). The information input in step S21 is a character type (alphabet or number) within a range that can be accepted by the multi-function peripheral device 1,
Moreover, it is determined whether or not the input is made in lower case (step S22). When the input information has a character type within a range that can be accepted by the multi-function peripheral device 1 and is input in lowercase letters (step S22;
YES), and then the information input in the lower case is converted into information of the same content formed in the upper case (step S2).
3) Go to step S26.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the input information is a character type outside the range that can be accepted by the multi-function peripheral device 1 or is input in capital letters (step S22; NO). ,next,
It is again confirmed whether or not the input information includes a character type outside the acceptable range in the multi-function peripheral device 1 (step S24), and if it includes a character type outside the acceptable range (step S24). (S24; YES) Display 3 displays an error message to that effect and prompts re-entry.
4 is displayed and the process returns to step S21 for re-input.

On the other hand, in the determination in step S24, when the character type outside the acceptable range is not included (step S24; NO), the input information is displayed on the corresponding setting item (step S26), The input information (changed value for changing the setting contents) in HD
Save in the above change file on the D device (step S2
7) It is confirmed whether the change is completed (step S28). When the change is completed (step S28; YES), the process proceeds to step S12, and when the setting is continuously changed (step S28; NO), step S20. Return to.

The contents of the setting items are changed by the operation shown in FIG.

Next, an example of the setting screen for setting the function of the multi-function peripheral device 1 created in step S6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

First, a setting screen for setting common items in the multi-function peripheral device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the setting screen for setting common items is, for example, a station name setting field 70 for setting a station name as a telephone terminal of the multifunction peripheral device 1.
, A station telephone number setting field 71 for setting a telephone number as a telephone terminal of the multifunction peripheral device 1, and a station FAX number setting column 72 for setting a telephone number as a facsimile terminal of the multifunction peripheral device 1. And a dial type setting field 73 for setting a line type (tone line or push line) in the telephone line 24 to which the multi-function peripheral device 1 is connected, and for setting and registering the current date and time. A date setting field 74, a paper size setting field 75 for setting the paper size used in the printer unit 15 of the multi-function peripheral device 1, and a confirmation corresponding to "OK" which is a button operated when the setting is completed. It is composed of a button 76 and a cancel button 77 corresponding to "Cancel" which is a button operated when canceling the setting.

Next, an example of the setting screen corresponding to the printer unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the printer unit 15
The setting screen corresponding to is, for example, a mode setting field 80 for selecting and setting the recording mode in the printer unit 15.
And a sleep time setting field 81 for setting a sleep time, which is the time from when the recording on the last recording sheet is completed to when the heater for fixing the toner is switched to the non-use state (low temperature state). , Confirm button 76 above
A confirmation button 83 corresponding to "OK" similar to the above and a cancel button 84 corresponding to "cancel" similar to the cancel button 77 are configured.

Note that the sleep time is set according to the country in which the maximum value of the sleep time is restricted depending on the country where the multi-function peripheral device 1 is installed (multi-function peripheral installed in the country. In the peripheral device 1, the maximum value of the sleep time is usually the limit value.) And in other countries (the multifunction peripheral device 1 installed in the country does not have the maximum sleep time value set). .) And the common setup control unit RM performs the remote setup processing of the information processing apparatus S in both of these countries.
It is for doing in.

Next, an example of a speed dial registration setting screen, which is a function setting screen when the multi-function peripheral device 1 is used as a normal telephone, will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the speed dial registration setting screen includes a dial selection field 90 for selecting whether to register a so-called speed dial or a one-touch dial, and a speed dial number for each speed dial number. A callee input field 91 for inputting a callee name and a phone number, and a confirm button 9 corresponding to "OK" similar to the confirm button 76 described above.
2 and a cancel button 93 corresponding to “cancel” similar to the cancel button 77.

Next, an example of a function setting screen when the multi-functional peripheral device 1 is used as a facsimile device will be described with reference to FIGS. 8B and 9A.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the setting screen for the facsimile function is, for example, the transmission information storage function (that is, the facsimile information (transmission information) transmitted via the telephone line 24 is stored in the RAM 13). Memorize temporarily,
Transmission information storage function ON / OFF setting field 100 for setting ON / OFF of the transmission information storage function for transferring to another facsimile device as necessary, and ON of the answering machine function in the multifunction peripheral device 1. An answering machine function ON / OFF setting field 101 for switching and setting ON / OFF, a confirmation button 102 corresponding to “OK” similar to the confirmation button 76, and “cancel” similar to the cancel button 77.
And a next page button 104 for viewing another setting screen for the facsimile function.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, another setting screen for the facsimile function is, for example, the telephone line 2
A line type setting field 110 for setting whether 4 is a dial line or a tone line, and a speaker on / off for setting the speaker 22 in the multifunction peripheral device 1 on or off.
An off setting field 111 and a line speed setting field 112 for setting the transmission / reception function of the multi-function peripheral device 1 to match the communication speed of the telephone line 24 in use.
And a speaker volume setting field 113 for setting the volume of the speaker 22, and a tone signal (busy tone signal (called "two-two" output from a telephone line when busy) in the NCU 19 when transmitting / receiving facsimile information). (Intermittent tone) or dial tone signal (continuous tone output from the telephone line before or after a call)
Tone signal detection setting field 114 for setting whether or not to detect, a confirmation button 115 corresponding to “OK” similar to the confirmation button 76, and “cancel” similar to the cancel button 77. And a cancel button 116 for canceling.

Finally, although not directly related to the present invention, an example of the setting screen corresponding to the scanner unit 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 9B. It should be noted that this setting screen is displayed to select under what conditions the scanner reading is to be executed when the scanner function is executed, and is displayed when the scanner driver 51 is started.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the scanner unit 14
The setting screen corresponding to, for example, the reading ability selection field 120 for selecting and setting the reading ability of the scanner unit 14, the confirmation button 121 for executing the scanner function for confirming the selected reading ability, and the scanner unit 14 When the selection branch of the resolution of cannot be displayed in the reading ability selection field 120 at a time,
Next page button 122 that is clicked when viewing the next screen
It is composed of and. In the case shown in FIG. 9B, the reading capability of the scanner unit 14 is 100 × 100d.
pi (dot per inch), 100 × 200 dpi, 20
0x200 dpi, 200x300 dpi and 300x
It will be possible to select from four types of 300 dpi. This selection branch is acquired by the processing in step S7.

As described above, according to the function setting process of the embodiment, the setting screen for information processing function setting in the multi-function peripheral device 1 is generated based on the setting current status of the multi-function information processing device 1. Since the function setting of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is performed based on the setting screen, the PC 3
At 0, the function setting can be performed in a state that matches the current state of the multi-function peripheral device 1.

Since only the contents of the setting items whose settings have been changed are transmitted to the multi-function peripheral device 1, the contents of all the setting items including the setting items whose settings have not been changed are transmitted in a shorter time. The transmission of the setting items to the multifunctional peripheral device 1 can be completed, and the setting of the information processing function in the multifunctional peripheral device 1 can be changed in a shorter time.

When the multi-function peripheral device 1 can process only uppercase information, the lowercase input information in the personal computer 30 is converted into uppercase information to change the setting, and only the result is converted to the multifunction peripheral device 1. Since it is output to, the contents of the setting items in the multi-function peripheral device 1 can be changed quickly and easily.

Further, since the input information in lower case is converted into upper case information and displayed on the display 34 to change the setting, the information displayed on the display 34 is directly transmitted to the multi-function peripheral device 1. As a result, the information displayed on the display 34 and the information used as the change content of the setting item in the multi-function peripheral device 1 do not become inconsistent.

Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the input information input in lowercase letters can be processed by the multi-function peripheral device 1, and when it is determined that the input information cannot be processed by the multi-function peripheral device 1, The input information is converted to upper case information, and the contents of the setting items are changed using the converted upper case information.Therefore, by converting only the necessary input information to upper case information and changing the settings, it is accurate and reliable. Moreover, the setting of the multi-function peripheral device 1 can be changed quickly.

The application program for carrying out each of the above-described embodiments is a flexible disk 41 or a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory).
The present invention can be applied to any computer as long as the computer can execute the application program, not limited to the personal computer 30, because the present invention can be recorded in a recording medium such as.

Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, an embodiment in which the multi-function peripheral device 1 is remotely controlled from the personal computer 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the computer controls another information processing device. Therefore, the present invention can be widely applied to the case of setting the function in the other information processing apparatus.

Furthermore, each of the above embodiments has the scanner unit 1.
4. The embodiment is directed to the multi-function peripheral device 1 integrally provided with the facsimile function unit including the printer unit 15 or the NCU 19, and the functions of the scanner unit 14 and the like are centrally managed from the personal computer 30 as peripheral devices. However, the present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus including a peripheral device such as a scanner device or a printer device alone.

[0143]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the function setting of the second information processing apparatus is performed based on the current setting status of the second information processing apparatus. In, the function setting can be performed in a state that matches the current state of the second information processing apparatus.

Furthermore, whether or not the input information input by the operator by the input means is within a range of character types that can be accepted by the second information processing device, and whether the input information is a specific character type that can be received by the second information processing device. It is determined that the input information is a character type in a receivable range, and the input information can be received by the second information processing device by the second determination means. If it is determined that it is not a specific character type, the input information is converted to a specific character type that can be accepted, and the contents of the setting items are changed using the converted specific character type, so only the necessary input information is converted to processable information. The setting change of the second information processing device can be performed accurately, reliably and quickly by changing the setting of the second information processing device. When the input information is determined not to be a character type within a range that can be accepted by the second information processing device, a message prompting the operator to re-input is displayed, so that the input information input by the operator is Since it is possible to immediately recognize that the character type is not within the acceptable range, it is possible to quickly change the setting of the second information processing device by re-inputting.

Therefore, the information processing can be performed by controlling the second information processing device more efficiently as a whole.

According to the invention of claim 2, claim 1
In addition to the effect of the invention described in (3), the specific character type that the input information input by the operator by the input unit can be accepted in the second information processing device is an uppercase letter, and the conversion unit is configured to input the input If the information is alphabetic characters and is not uppercase, the input information that has been input is converted to uppercase, and the operator can perform the setting change operation even with lowercase input.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the function setting of the processing device is performed based on the setting current status of the processing device, the function setting can be performed in a state that matches the current status of the processing device.

Further, it is determined whether the input information input by the operator by the input means has a character type within a range acceptable by the processing device, and whether the input information has a specific character type acceptable by the processing device. When it is determined that the input information has a character type within an acceptable range, and the second determining unit determines that the input information that has been input is not a specific character type that can be accepted by the processing device. Since the input information is converted to a specific character type that can be accepted and the contents of the setting items are changed using the converted specific character type, it is accurate by converting only the necessary input information into processable information and changing the settings. The setting of the processing device can be surely and swiftly changed, and moreover, the input information is stored in the processing device by the first determining means. If it is determined that the character type is not within the acceptable range, a message prompting the operator to re-enter is displayed, so the operator immediately recognizes that the input information entered is not within the acceptable range. Therefore, the setting of the processing device can be changed quickly by re-inputting.

Therefore, the information processing means can be controlled more efficiently as a whole to process the information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an overall configuration of an information processing device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the inside of a multi-function peripheral device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the inside of a personal computer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a personal computer.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a function setting process of the embodiment,
(A) is a flowchart showing an initial function setting operation, and (b) is a flowchart showing a function setting operation after the initial function setting.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of function setting change processing.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example (I) of a setting screen, FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen corresponding to general settings,
(B) is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen corresponding to the setting of the printer unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example (II) of a setting screen, FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen corresponding to speed dial registration, and FIG. 8B is a setting screen corresponding to setting of a facsimile function. It is a figure which shows the example (i) of.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example (III) of a setting screen, (a)
Is an example of the setting screen (i
It is a figure which shows i), (b) is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen corresponding to the setting of a scanner part.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multi-function peripheral device 2 ... Operation panel 3 ... Cassette mounting unit 4 ... Document table 5 ... Recording paper cassette 6 ... Main body 10, 36 ... CPU 11, 39 ... ROM 12 ... EEPROM 13, 37 ... RAM 14 ... Scanner unit 15 ... printer section 16, 38 ... interface section 17 ... connection cable 18 ... receiver 19 ... NCU 20 ... modem section 21 ... amplifier 22 ... speaker 23, 40 ... bus 24 ... telephone line 30 ... personal computer 31 ... keyboard 32 ... mouse 33 ... external Storage unit 33A ... Flexible disk drive device 34 ... Display 35 ... Image processing unit 41 ... Flexible disk 50 ... Scanner application unit 51 ... Scanner driver 52 ... Scanner reception buffer 53 ... Scanner transmission buffer 54 ... Printer application unit 55 ... Printer driver 56 ... Printer driver transmission buffer 58 ... Printer driver transmission buffer 58 ... Remote setup section 59 ... Remote setup data driver 60 ... Setup reception buffer 61 ... Setup transmission buffer 62 ... Facsimile application section 63 ... Facsimile driver 64 ... Facsimile reception buffer 65 ... Facsimile transmission buffer 66 ... Resource manager 67 ... Reception buffer 68 ... Resource manager buffer 69 ... Parallel port driver 70 ... Station name setting column 71 ... Station telephone number setting column 72 ... Station FAX number setting column 73 ... Dial type setting Column 74 ... Date setting column 75 ... Paper size setting column 76, 83, 92, 102, 115, 121 ... Confirm button 77, 84, 93, 103, 116 ... Cancel button 80 ... Mode setting column 8 1 ... Sleep time setting field 90 ... Dial selection field 91 ... Call destination input field 100 ... Transmission information storage function ON / OFF setting field 101 ... Answering machine function ON / OFF setting field 104 ... Next page button 120 ... Readability selection field 122 ... Next page button S ... Information processing device SC ... Scanner control unit PR ... Printer control unit RM ... Setup control unit FX ... Facsimile control unit Ssr ... Scanner reception data Sst ... Scanner transmission data Spr ... Printer reception data Spt ... Printer Transmission data Srr ... Setup reception data Srt ... Setup transmission data Sfr ... Facsimile reception data Sft ... Facsimile transmission data Smr, Smt ... Management message Sr ... Reception data St ... Transmission data Sq ... Request signal Ms ... Scanner message Mp ... Printer message Mr ... Setup message f ... message for facsimile

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5B021 AA05 BB01 BB04 BB08 CC05                       CC06                 5C062 AA05 AA14 AA16 AB20 AB23                       AB41 AB42 AC05 AC08 AC22                       AC34 AE15 AF02 AF03 AF06                       AF10

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A second information processing apparatus for processing information, and a first information processing apparatus connected to the second information processing apparatus, wherein the second information processing apparatus is controlled from the first information processing apparatus. In the information processing system that executes the processing of the information, the first information processing apparatus acquires the setting status of the setting item in the second information processing apparatus from the second information processing apparatus, and Based on the acquired setting status, the changing unit used for changing the setting of the setting item to be changed from the setting status, and the contents of the setting item changed by the changing unit are described above. Transmitting means for transmitting to the second information processing apparatus, wherein the changing means is an input means operable by an operator to change the setting, and the input means First determining means for determining whether or not the input information input by the second information processing device is a character type within a range acceptable by the second information processing device; and the input information input by the second information processing device The second determining means for determining whether or not the character type is possible, and the first determining means,
It is determined that the second information processing device has a character type within a range that can be received, and the second determination unit determines that the input information that has been input is not a specific character type that can be received by the second information processing device. When the input information is input, the conversion means for converting the input character information into a specific character type, and the input information input by the first determining means,
A message display unit that displays a message prompting the operator to re-input when it is determined that the character type is not within a range that can be accepted by the second information processing device, and a processable specific character type converted by the conversion unit. And a setting changing unit that changes the contents of the setting item that is a setting change target, and the transmitting unit sets the contents of the setting item changed by the processable specific character type to the second setting item. An information processing system characterized by transmitting to an information processing device. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the character types in the range receivable by the second information processing device include alphabetic characters, and the specific character type receivable by the second information processing device is uppercase. The information processing system, wherein the conversion means converts the input information input to uppercase when the input information input is alphabetic characters and is not uppercase. 3. A processing control device, which is connected to a processing device for processing information and executes the processing of the information by controlling the processing device, wherein the setting status of the setting item in the processing device is An acquisition unit that is acquired from a processing device, a change unit that is used to change the setting of the setting item whose setting should be changed based on the acquired setting present condition, and the changed setting item. Transmitting means for transmitting the contents of the above to the processing device, wherein the changing means is an input means operable by an operator to perform the setting change, and the input information input by the input means is First determining means for determining whether or not the character type is within a range acceptable in the processing device, and the input information input in the processing device A second judging means for judging whether only a specific character type that can be attached, by the first determination means, the inputted input information,
When it is determined that the character type is within a range that can be accepted by the processing device, and the second determining unit determines that the input information input is not a specific character type that is acceptable by the processing device, the input A converting unit that converts the input information that has been input into a specific character type; and the input information that has been input by the first determining unit,
When it is determined that the character type is not acceptable in the processing device, a message display unit for displaying a message prompting the operator to re-input, and a processable specific character type converted by the conversion unit are used to change the setting. Setting change means for changing the content of the setting item which is the target of, and the transmitting means transmits the content of the setting item changed by the processable specific character type to the processing device. Characterized processing control device.