JP2007329845A - Image forming apparatus and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To register/refer to one program content from a plurality of image forming apparatuses independent of each individual. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus having a program function for registering a plurality of destinations and setting function contents in one registration key, the program contents are registered not only in a storage medium inside the image forming apparatus but also in a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus and called. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for registering and calling program contents not only in a storage medium in an image forming apparatus but also in a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a function of registering a destination and setting function content in one program registration key. However, in the program function, the setting contents are stored in a local storage medium of the image forming apparatus, and the contents cannot be referred to from other image forming apparatuses. Thus, for example, Patent Document 2 proposes a method of calling a user's customized menu from a personal information server.
JP 2003-298823 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24824

  However, in the above-described conventional example, personal authentication is required, and usability is poor.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object thereof is to enable registration / reference of a single program content from a plurality of image forming apparatuses without depending on an individual.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a program function for registering a plurality of destinations and setting function contents in one registration key, and the program contents are stored not only in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus but also in an image. It can be registered and called in a storage medium outside the forming apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when there is a function that cannot be used when calling the registered program content, the user is notified of the function that cannot be used by guidance. And

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the device setting changing method necessary for using a function that cannot be used, or the necessary software or option, It is characterized by informing the user of how to obtain it by guidance.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the contents of the called program cannot be used, other image forming that can be used around the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by searching for a device and notifying the user of the search result.

  5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, device settings necessary for using a function that cannot be used when the contents of the called program cannot be used. Inform users of how to change, or need software, options, and how to obtain them, or search for other image forming devices that can be used around them, or use them without calling up their functions. It is characterized in that the user can select whether to call only the functions that can be performed.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein another image forming apparatus can be used as a medium for storing program contents. .

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the program content is stored not only from the main body of the image forming apparatus but also from the PC in the storage medium outside the image forming apparatus. It can be edited remotely.

  An image forming apparatus according to claim 8 selects an image forming apparatus that permits registration and calling of program contents in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus. It is possible to do.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus, wherein the program contents are in an initial state when the set contents and the destination are reset. In the case of returning to, it is possible to replace the initial setting contents and the destination.

  An image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the setting contents and the destination that are in an initial state when the setting contents and the destination are reset are stored in the image forming apparatus. It is possible to select whether to call from a storage medium or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 11 is an image forming apparatus having a program function for registering a plurality of destinations and setting function contents in one registration key, and the program contents are only stored in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus. And registered in a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus and called.

  The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 12 is the image forming apparatus control method according to claim 11, wherein when there is a function that cannot be used when the registered program content is called, the function that cannot be used is used in the guidance. It is characterized by notifying the person.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect or the twelfth aspect of the present invention. It is a feature that informs the user by the guidance of various software and options and how to obtain them.

  The control method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 14 is the control method for an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the contents of the called program cannot be used around the image forming apparatus. A search is performed for other image forming apparatuses that can be used, and the search result is notified to the user.

  The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 15 uses a function that cannot be used when the contents of the called program cannot be used in the image forming apparatus control method according to any one of claims 11 to 14. How to change the device settings necessary for the product, or the necessary software, options, and how to obtain it, inform the user by guidance, or search for other image forming devices that can be used in the surroundings, or its function It is characterized in that the user can select whether to call only usable functions without calling.

  The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 16 is the image forming apparatus control method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein another image forming apparatus can be used as a medium for storing program contents. It is characterized by that.

  The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 17 is the image forming apparatus control method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the program content is stored in the image forming apparatus or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus. It is characterized in that it can be edited remotely not only from the image forming apparatus main body but also from a PC.

  The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 18 is the image forming apparatus control method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the program content is stored in the image forming apparatus or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus. It is possible to select an image forming apparatus that permits registration and calling.

  The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 19 is the image forming apparatus control method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the program content is stored in the image forming apparatus or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus. When resetting the setting contents and the destination, when returning to the initial state, the setting contents and the destination that are in the initial state can be replaced.

  The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 20 is the image forming apparatus control method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the setting content and the setting content that is in an initial state when the destination is reset. The destination can be selected from a storage medium in the image forming apparatus or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the contents of a program that the user always uses can be used by a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the convenience of the user is improved, and the use amount of the storage medium of each image forming apparatus is reduced. Thus, the cost can be reduced, and personal authentication is not required for registering / calling program contents, thereby improving usability.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 10 are a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus used in the embodiment of the present invention, a schematic diagram of an operation panel, and an operation screen.

  FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration example.

  The CPU 1 controls the entire apparatus. Under the control, the RAM 2, the ROM 3, the NVRAM 4, the panel control unit 5 and the operation panel 6, the engine control unit 7 and the scan / print engine 8, the disk driver 9 and the storage medium 10, There are an external I / F 11, a modem 12, a communication control unit 13, a remote storage medium 15, and a PC 16, which are connected via a data bus 14.

(1) The RAM is used as a temporary storage location.
(2) The ROM stores programs, fonts, and other static data.
(3) NVRAM stores non-volatile data.
(4) The panel control unit and the operation panel serve as an interface with the user.
(5) The engine control unit and the scan / print engine read the paper document and print on the transfer paper as an input / output unit for image data.
(6) The disk driver and the storage medium are used as a storage location for a large amount of image data and a storage location for a database.
(7) The external I / F enables communication with the outside of the main device using an interface such as Centronics.
(8) The modem is connected to a public telephone line and enables communication with an external device.
(9) The communication control unit is connected to a network such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or wireless LAN, and enables communication with an external device.
(10) Register the program contents and initial state contents in the external storage medium and call them.
(11) The PC edits the program contents and the initial state contents.
(12) The data bus performs communication between the CPU and devices and between various devices.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. 01 displays the destination and operation settings set in the image forming apparatus. When the 02 program key is pressed, the set contents can be registered and the set contents registered in the program can be called. By pressing the reset key 03, the current setting is cleared and the content selected as the default state is called.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a liquid crystal touch panel display of the operation panel 01 in FIG. When the user touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel, the key indicating the selected function is inverted in black. If the details of the function must be specified, the detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key. Thus, since the liquid crystal touch panel uses a dot display device, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display at that time. In FIG. 3, the upper middle part is a message area for displaying messages such as “I can fax” and “Please wait”, and below that, buttons for editing the destination information are arranged.

  On the right is a setting confirmation button for displaying and confirming all current settings and a transmission mode button for determining a transmission mode.

  The lower right is an extended transmission button for setting information associated with the transmission operation and a sender button for specifying a sender.

  On the left side of the screen is a scanning condition button for setting the character size and document size, an automatic density button for setting the density and a manual density bar, a document feed button for setting single-sided / double-sided originals, etc. This is a stored document designation button. Also, the middle is a destination button that can call a destination registered with one touch.

  FIG. 4 shows a program screen. When the program key 02 of FIG. 2 is pressed, it is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 01 of FIG.

  A corresponding program is registered in the program list button of P1. When the call button P2 is pressed and the program list button P1 is pressed, the program registered in P1 is called.

  Similarly, by pressing the P3 registration button and pressing the P1 program list button, the current setting is registered in the P1 program list button.

  When the P4 delete button is pressed and the P1 program list button is pressed, the contents registered in the P1 program list button are deleted.

  When the name change button P5 is pressed and the program list button P1 is pressed, the name displayed on the program list button P1 can be changed.

  Further, when the initial state registration button P6 is pressed, the initial state can be registered.

  Further, when the initial state selection button P7 is pressed, the storage medium for calling the initial state can be selected.

  FIG. 5 is an initial state registration screen. This is displayed when the initial state registration button P6 in FIG. 4 is pressed. Here, the storage medium for registering the contents of the initial state after reset is selected and registered.

  FIG. 6 is an initial state call destination selection screen. This is displayed when the initial state call destination selection button P7 in FIG. 4 is pressed. Here, it is possible to select a storage medium that calls the contents of the initial state after reset.

  FIG. 7 is a program content editing screen. The program is started from an image forming apparatus or a PC connected to a remote storage medium via a network, and the program contents are edited on the PC.

  FIG. 8 is an initial state editing screen. It is started from an image forming apparatus or a PC connected to a remote storage medium via a network, and the default state is edited on the PC.

  FIG. 9 is a screen for setting an image forming apparatus that permits registration / calling of a program. After selecting the program list of P1 in FIG. 4, the program permission device button of P8 is pressed. Alternatively, it is started from a PC connected to the image forming apparatus or a remote storage medium via a network.

  FIG. 10 is a screen for setting an image forming apparatus that permits registration / calling in the initial state. Pressing the initial state permission device button in P9 of FIG. Alternatively, it is started from a PC connected to the image forming apparatus or a remote storage medium via a network.

  FIG. 11 shows a screen with an unusable function. Displayed when there is a function that cannot be used when calling a program or initial state.

  FIG. 12 is an unusable function list screen. Displayed when “DFH 2. Unusable Function List Display Button” is pressed on the screen with unavailable functions in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a method list screen for enabling. “DFL2. Display method for enabling” button is pressed on the unusable function list screen of FIG. 12 or “DFM2. Display method for enabling” button is pressed on the usable device list screen of FIG. Display when

  FIG. 14 shows an available device list screen. 12 "DFL3. Search for devices that can be used in the surroundings" on the screen when unavailable functions list in FIG. 12, or "DFE2. Search button for devices that can be used in the surroundings" on the method list screen for enabling in FIG. "Is displayed when" "is pressed.

  Next, embodiments of each claim will be described.

  As an embodiment of the first to ninth to eleventh to nineteenth aspects, in the image forming apparatus, the user selects the “P3. Registration button” in FIG. 4 and the “P1. Program list” in FIG. Press “Button”. Alternatively, “P6. Initial state registration button” in FIG. 4 is pressed, “DR1. Storage medium” in FIG. 5 is selected, and “DR2.OK button” is pressed. Alternatively, the program content is edited from “16. PC” in FIG. 1 using “PE 1. Add button” or “PE 2. Delete button” in FIG. 7, and “PE 3. OK button” in FIG. 7 is pressed.

  Alternatively, the initial state content is edited from “16. PC” in FIG. 1 using “DE 1. Add button” or “DE 2. Delete button” in FIG. 8, and “DE 3. OK button” in FIG. 8 is pressed. Thus, “FW 1. Contents acquisition” in FIG. 15 is performed from “5. Panel control unit” in FIG. 1 or “16. PC” in FIG. 1, and the destination and setting function contents are acquired. Next, “FW2. Write destination acquisition” in FIG. 15 is performed. If the storage medium to be written is local, the write permission device information of “4. NVRAM” in FIG. 1 is used. The “FW3. Write permission determination” in FIG. 15 is performed using the write permission device information in “15. Remote storage medium” in FIG.

  Then, “FW4. Writable” in FIG. 15 is determined. If the storage medium to which writing is possible and the writing medium is local, “4. NVRAM” in FIG. For “15. Remote storage medium” in FIG. If writing is impossible, “FW6. Write prohibition screen display” in FIG. 15 is performed on “5. Panel control unit” in FIG. 1, and “Write prohibition screen” in FIG. 19 is fixed on “O2. Operation panel” in FIG. Display time and exit.

  In the image forming apparatus, the user selects “P2. Call button” in FIG. 4 and presses “P1. Program list button” in FIG. Or, “O3. Reset button” in FIG. 2 is pressed. Thus, if “FR1. Call destination acquisition” in FIG. 16 is performed and the program to be called or the initial state is held in the local storage medium, the call permission device information of “4. NVRAM” in FIG. If it is a remote storage medium, “FR2. Callability determination” of FIG. 16 is performed using the call permission device information of “15. Remote storage medium” of FIG. Then, “FW3. Callable” in FIG. 16 is determined. If the storage medium to be called is local when the call is possible, the call is “4. NVRAM” in FIG. “FR4. Data acquisition” in FIG. 16 is performed from “15. Remote storage medium”.

  If calling is impossible, “FR16. Call prohibition screen display” of FIG. 16 is performed on “5. Panel control unit” of FIG. 1, and “Call prohibition screen” of FIG. 20 is fixed to “02. Operation panel” of FIG. Display time and exit.

  Next, “FR5. Device status acquisition” in FIG. 16 is performed from “7. Engine control unit”, “9. Disk driver”, “13. Communication control unit” in FIG. “FR6. Unusable function determination” is performed. Then, “FR7. Unusable function present” in FIG. 16 is determined, and if there is an unusable function, “FR8. Unusable function present screen display” in FIG. 16 is displayed to “5. Panel control unit” in FIG. 11 is displayed on the “O2. Operation panel” in FIG. 2.

  Next, in “FR9. Select action” in FIG. 16, when the user selects “DFH1. Call only available function” button in FIG. 11, “FR15. Expand contents” in FIG.

  When the user selects “DFH2. Unusable Function List Display Button” in FIG. 11, “FR10. Unusable Function List Display” in FIG. 16 is performed on “5. Panel Control Unit” in FIG. “O2. Operation panel” displays the “unusable function list screen” of FIG. When the user selects “DFH 3. Call cancel button” in FIG.

  Next, in “FR11. Select action” in FIG. 16, when the user selects “DFL1. Call only available function” button in FIG. 12, “FR15. Expand contents” in FIG.

  When the user selects “DFL2. Display method for enabling” button in FIG. 12, “FR12. Display method for enabling screen” in FIG. 16 is displayed for “5. Panel control unit” in FIG. Then, the “usable method list screen” of FIG. 13 is displayed on “O2. Operation panel” of FIG. When the user selects “DFL3. Device search button that can be used around” in FIG. 12, “FR13. Usable device list screen display” in FIG. 16 is performed on “5. Panel control unit” in FIG. The “usable device list screen” of FIG. 14 is displayed on “02. Operation panel” of FIG. When the user selects “DFL4. Call cancel button” in FIG.

  Next, in “FR14. Action selection” in FIG. 16, when the user selects “DFE1. Button for calling only usable function” in FIG. 13 or “Button for calling only DFM1. Usable function” in FIG. “FR15. Content expansion” is completed.

  When the user selects “DFE 2. Search for devices that can be used around” in FIG. 13, “FR13. Usable device list screen display” in FIG. 16 is performed on “5. Panel control unit” in FIG. The “usable device list screen” of FIG. 14 is displayed on the “O2. Operation panel” of FIG.

  When the user selects “DFM2. Display method for enabling” button in FIG. 14, “FR12. Display method for enabling screen” in FIG. 16 is displayed for “5. Panel control unit” in FIG. Then, the “usable method list screen” of FIG. 13 is displayed on “O2. Operation panel” of FIG.

  When the user selects “DFE 3. Call cancel button” in FIG. 13 or “DFM 3. Call cancel button” in FIG.

Examples of claims 8 and 9 will be described below.
The user presses “P8. Program permission device button” in FIG. 4 or calls FIG. 9 from the PC “16.PC” in FIG. 1, and “PA1.Add button” “PA2.Delete button” “ Edit the image forming apparatus or storage medium that permits the program call / write using the “PA3.Add button” and “PA4.Delete button”, and press the “PA5.OK button” in FIG.

  Alternatively, the user presses “P9. Initial state permission device button” in FIG. 4 or calls “FIG. 10” from PC “16.PC” in FIG. 1, and “DA1.add button” “DA2.delete button” in FIG. "DA3. Add button" "DA4. Delete button" is used to edit the image forming apparatus or storage medium that is permitted to call / write in the initial state, and by pressing the "DA5.OK button" in FIG. “FA1. Device name acquisition” in FIG. 17 is performed from “5. Panel control unit” in FIG. 1 or “PC” in FIG. Next, if the device that permits the calling / writing of “FA2. Data writing” in FIG. 17 is edited locally, it is changed to “4. NVRAM” in FIG. 1 or remotely. This is performed for “15. Remote storage medium” in FIG. 1 via the network.

The embodiment of claim 10 will be described below.
The user presses “P7. Initial state call destination selection button” in FIG. 4 or calls “FIG. 6” from PC “16.PC” in FIG. 1, and calls using “DS1. Call destination button” in FIG. Select the destination and press the “DS2.OK button” in FIG. Thus, “FD1. Initial state call destination acquisition” in FIG. 18 is performed from “5. Panel control unit” in FIG. 1 or “PC” in FIG. 1, and the storage medium for calling the initial state is acquired. Next, if “FD2.Data write” in FIG. 18 is edited locally with respect to the initial state call destination, then “4. NVRAM” in FIG. 1, or if remotely edited, via the network. Then, it is performed for “15. Remote storage medium” in FIG.

The purpose and effect of each claim are described below.
Regarding the second aspect, in the conventional program function according to the first aspect, since a function that is not in the image forming apparatus cannot be registered in the program, there is no function that cannot be operated when the program is called. However, when one program content is shared by a plurality of image forming apparatuses having different device settings, software, and optional configurations, there may be a mismatch between the function to be called and the operable function. For this reason, if the functions that cannot be called are not known, the user does not know what kind of finish the manuscript and image he / she has attempted to process in the image forming apparatus, which is inconvenient. In addition to the effect of claim 1, when there is a function that cannot be used when calling the registered program contents, it is convenient that the user can know the function that cannot be used by the guidance.

  With respect to claim 3, in the program function according to claim 1 and claim 2, the function that could not be called is displayed and the user can use the function only by knowing the function. It is inconvenient. In addition to the effects of claim 1 or claim 2, the user can know by guidance how to change the settings necessary for using unusable functions, or the necessary software, options, and how to obtain them. And convenience for users.

  Regarding claim 4, with the program function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the function that could not be called and the coping method were known, and the setting was changed and the software and option configuration were changed. Therefore, it is inconvenient when the user is working urgently. 4. In addition to the effect described in any one of claims 1 to 3, if there is no other image forming apparatus that can use an unusable function around the image forming apparatus when the function of the called program content cannot be used. If the user can search and know the search result, the user can immediately obtain an alternative means and work efficiency is improved.

  With respect to claim 5, when a function cannot be called with the program function according to any one of claims 1 to 4, presentation of the function that could not be called for a user who does not have to call the function; It is not necessary to present a setting change method for calling, presentation of software and option acquisition methods, and search for peripheral image forming apparatuses. In addition to the effect described in any one of claims 1 to 4, when the function of the called program content cannot be used, it is necessary to inform the user of the function that cannot be used by guidance or to use the function that cannot be used. To find out if there are other image forming devices that can use functions that cannot be used in the surrounding area, or inform users of the necessary settings of software, options, and how to obtain them. If the user can select whether to call only usable functions without calling the functions, the worker can flexibly respond.

  Regarding the sixth aspect, the program function according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the program function stores only the program content in a special storage medium and uses it from a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Without it, it is inconvenient that you must always register the contents of the program you are using in a special storage medium. In addition to the effect described in any one of claims 1 to 5, if another image forming apparatus can be used as a medium for storing program contents, it is not necessary to prepare a storage medium again, and The contents of the program originally used by the user can be used as is in other image forming apparatuses, which is convenient.

  With respect to the seventh aspect, in the program function according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, editing of the program content is performed by overwriting and registering the setting on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus again. Take it. Further, when another user is using the image forming apparatus, it is inconvenient because the program contents cannot be edited. In addition to the effect described in any one of claims 1 to 6, if the program content can be edited by a remote PC, the program content can be freely changed even when other users are using the image forming apparatus. .

  With regard to claim 8, in the program function according to any one of claims 1 to 7, if an image forming apparatus capable of registering / calling the program contents cannot be selected and access from the image forming apparatus is permitted without restriction, security is achieved. I am anxious. In addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 7, security can be strengthened if a device that permits registration / calling of program contents can be selected.

  Regarding the ninth aspect, as in the case of the program function according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the initial state of the destination and setting function contents that the user normally uses cannot be used by a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Inconvenient. In addition to the effect described in any one of claims 1 to 8, it is convenient if the setting function contents that the user normally uses and the initial state of the destination can be used in a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the same manner as the program contents. .

  If the setting function contents and the initial state of the destination according to any one of claims 1 to 9 are called from a storage medium in the image forming apparatus or an external storage medium, it is possible to select the network. It is inconvenient because it cannot be reset at the time of malfunction. In addition to the effect described in any one of claims 1 to 9, if the setting function contents and the initial state of the destination can be called from a storage medium in the image forming apparatus or an external storage medium, a network malfunction Convenient to meet sometimes.

  Note that claims 11 to 20 are the same as above.

  Each of the above-described embodiments is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in an image forming apparatus having a program function for registering a plurality of destinations and setting contents in one registration key, the program contents are registered not only in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus but also in a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus. Can be applied to an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof.

It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation panel of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the liquid crystal touch panel display of the operation panel of 01 of FIG. 2 in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the program screen in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the initial state registration screen in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the initial state call destination selection screen in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the program content edit screen in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the initial state edit screen in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an image forming apparatus that permits registration / calling of a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an image forming apparatus that permits registration / calling of an initial state according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen with an unusable function in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the unusable function list screen in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the method list screen made available in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the apparatus list screen which can be used in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of registration / editing in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the call in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of permission apparatus selection in an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of the initial state call destination selection in the embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the write prohibition screen in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the call prohibition screen in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
2 RAM
3 ROM
4 NVRAM
5 Panel Control Unit 6 Operation Panel 7 Engine Control Unit 8 Scan / Print Engine 9 Disk Driver 10 Storage Medium 11 External I / F
12 MODEM 13 COMMUNICATION CONTROL UNIT 14 DATA BUS 15 REMOTE STORAGE MEDIUM 16 PC

Claims (20)

  In an image forming apparatus having a program function for registering a plurality of destinations and setting function contents in one registration key, the program contents are registered not only in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus but also in a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus, An image forming apparatus that can be called.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there is a function that cannot be used when calling the registered program content, the user is notified of the function that cannot be used by guidance.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a guidance is used to inform a user of a device setting change method necessary for using a function that cannot be used, or a necessary software or option, and a method for obtaining the software. An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the contents of the called program cannot be used, a search is made for other usable image forming apparatuses around the image forming apparatus, and the search result is obtained. An image forming apparatus that informs a user.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the contents of the called program cannot be used, a device setting change method required for using an unusable function, or necessary software and options The user chooses whether to obtain information about how to obtain it, or to search for other image forming devices that can be used in the surrounding area, or to call only available functions without calling those functions. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus can perform the operation.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein another image forming apparatus can be used as a medium for storing program contents. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that program contents can be edited not only from the main body of the image forming apparatus but also remotely from a PC.   8. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the image forming apparatus or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus that permits registration and calling of program contents can be selected.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus, wherein the program content is set to an initial state when the setting content and the destination are reset to the initial state when the destination is reset. An image forming apparatus that can be replaced with content and destination.   10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the setting contents and the destination are reset, the setting contents and the destination that are in an initial state are stored in the storage medium in the image forming apparatus and in the storage medium outside the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus characterized in that it can be selected from which of the above.   In an image forming apparatus having a program function for registering a plurality of destinations and setting function contents in one registration key, the program contents are registered not only in a storage medium in the image forming apparatus but also in a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus, A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus can be called.   12. The control method of an image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when there is a function that cannot be used when calling the registered program content, the user is notified of the function that cannot be used by guidance. Method.   13. The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a device setting change method necessary for using an unusable function, or a necessary software or option and a method for obtaining the same are used in the guidance. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, characterized by notifying a user.   14. The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 11, wherein when the called program content cannot be used, a search is made for other usable image forming apparatuses around the image forming apparatus. A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein a search result is notified to a user.   15. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the contents of the called program cannot be used, a method for changing a device setting necessary for using an unusable function, or a necessary method. Inform users about the software, options, and how to obtain them, or search for other image forming devices that can be used in the surrounding area, or use only the functions that can be used without calling those functions. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, wherein a user can select an image forming apparatus.   16. The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 11, wherein another image forming apparatus can be used as a medium for storing program contents.   The image forming apparatus control method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the program content is stored not only from the main body of the image forming apparatus but also from a PC remotely in the image forming apparatus or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus. A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus can be edited.   18. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein an image forming apparatus that allows registration and calling of program contents can be selected in the image forming apparatus or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus. A control method for an image forming apparatus.   19. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the program contents are returned to the initial state when the setting contents and the destination are reset in the image forming apparatus or a storage medium outside the image forming apparatus. In this case, the control method of the image forming apparatus can be replaced with the setting contents and the destination in the initial state.   20. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the setting contents and the destination that are in an initial state when the setting contents and the destination are reset are stored in the storage medium in the image forming apparatus and the image formation. A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein a storage medium outside the apparatus can be selected to be called.

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