JP2008084067A - Information processor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor and a program, capable of changing setting of function or the like according to an individual characteristic without accumulating information for each individual. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor receives, for at least one setting item related to operation, input of respective set values, receives, for a group of received set values, input of identification information for identifying the group of set values, and stores the received identification information and group of set values in association with each other. In response to a setting instruction with designation of identification information related to a group of set values, the processor performs, based on a group of set values specified by the designated identification information, setting of each setting item related to the set values contained in the group. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

  In recent years, many information processing apparatuses such as personal computer systems (personal computers), scanners, printers, and the like have been widely used. Among such information processing devices, for example, a so-called multifunction device having multiple functions such as a scanner, printer, copying machine, facsimile, etc. Some are also served.

In Patent Document 1, as a method of changing settings related to functions of a multifunction device or the like in accordance with individual characteristics, an identification unit for identifying an operator who operates an information device without requiring an input operation, and an operation for each operator Disclosed is a system including an operation history storage unit that stores a history, and a unit that sets an operation environment corresponding to the operator identified by the identification unit with reference to the operation history stored by the operation history storage unit Has been.
JP 2000-259307 A

  On the other hand, in recent years, there is a desire to avoid the accumulation of information for each individual from the viewpoint of protecting personal information. Under such a background, there is a demand for a technique for changing function settings of an information processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral according to individual characteristics without accumulating information for each individual.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus and program capable of changing settings such as functions in accordance with individual characteristics without accumulating information for each individual. One of them.

  An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, for at least one setting item related to an operation, identifies a set of setting values with respect to the set of received setting values and a unit that receives input of setting values. Means for accepting input of identification information to be received, means for storing the received identification information in association with a set of setting values, and a setting instruction specifying the identification information relating to the set of setting values. And setting means for setting each setting item related to the setting value included in the set based on the set of setting values specified by the information.

  Here, the setting means includes a setting instruction that specifies a plurality of pieces of identification information relating to a set of setting values, and a setting included in each of the sets based on each set of setting values specified by the specified identification information. Each setting item related to the value may be set.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program, wherein the information processing apparatus accepts an input of setting values for at least one setting item related to operation, and the set of the received setting values According to a procedure for accepting input of identification information for identifying a set of set values, a procedure for storing the received identification information and a set of set values in association with each other, and a setting instruction designating identification information related to the set of set values And a setting procedure for setting each setting item related to the setting value included in the set based on the set of setting values specified by the specified identification information.

  According to the present invention, settings such as functions can be changed in accordance with individual characteristics without accumulating information for each individual.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An information processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, a multifunction machine illustrated in FIG. 1, and includes a scanner unit 10, a controller unit 20, and a printer unit 30. The controller unit 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an interface unit 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, and a communication unit 26. Here, the case where the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is a multi-function machine will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and examples of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment include a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a personal digital device. It may be a portable terminal including an assistant (PDA), a single printer, a copying machine, or the like.

  The scanner unit 10 is a flatbed scanner, optically reads a document placed on a reading surface, and outputs image data obtained as a result of the reading to the controller unit 20.

  The control unit 21 of the controller unit 20 is a program control device such as a CPU, and operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 according to the present embodiment controls the scanner unit 10 according to a user instruction input from the operation unit 24 to acquire the image data of the document, and the acquired image data is transmitted via the communication unit 26. Performs transmission processing and realizes the scanner function. In addition, the image data and the image formation instruction are received via the communication unit 26, and the printer unit 30 is instructed to print the image data in accordance with the image formation instruction, thereby realizing the printer function. Further, the image data of the original read by the scanner unit 10 is output to the printer unit 30 to realize a function as a copying machine.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 21 further accepts input of setting values for at least one setting item related to the operation of the multifunction peripheral as the information processing apparatus, and sets the set value of the accepted setting values (set). On the other hand, identification information such as a name is attached according to the designation of the user and stored in the storage unit 22. Then, the setting of the information processing apparatus is changed in accordance with a specification for calling the stored set value set. The specific processing contents of the control unit 21 will be described in detail later.

  The storage unit 22 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a disk device such as a hard disk, and the like. The storage unit 22 stores a program executed by the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 also operates as a work memory for the control unit 21.

  The interface unit 23 is connected to the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 30. The control unit 21 exchanges information with the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 30 via the interface unit 23.

  The operation unit 24 includes a touch panel including a transparent electrode superimposed on the display unit 25, a keypad, and the like. The operation unit 24 transmits the content of the operation performed by the user to the control unit 21. The display unit 25 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays information according to an instruction input from the control unit 21. The printer unit 30 forms an image on a medium such as paper in accordance with an instruction input from the controller unit 20.

  Here, the specific processing contents of the control unit 21 will be described. When activated, the control unit 21 starts execution of a program that displays a user interface, and displays a user interface on the display unit 25 that accepts instructions such as reading by the scanner unit 10 and copying.

  The control unit 21 operates in parallel (multitasking) with the above-described program, accepts an image formation instruction via the communication unit 26, controls the printer unit 30 according to the accepted image formation instruction, and instructs the designated image. Start the execution of the program that forms.

  In addition to these programs, the storage unit 22 stores in advance various programs such as an enlarged display program for enlarging and displaying an image to be displayed on the display unit 25. The control unit 21 executes each program. By doing so, various functions such as enlarging the image displayed on the display unit 25 are provided.

  In the present embodiment, preset values set in advance or set values designated by the user are used in each program such as a scanner function, a copying function, a printer function, and an enlarged display function. For example, when the copy function includes a function for copying an image of an original by enlarging / reducing, an initial setting value of the enlargement / reduction ratio is designated as a setting item. When the control unit 21 receives an instruction to enlarge / reduce the original image while executing a program for realizing the copy function, the control unit 21 displays a user interface for setting the enlargement / reduction rate on the display unit 25. At the same time, the specified initial value is initially displayed as the set value of the enlargement / reduction ratio. The user may use this initial value as it is to copy the original with enlargement / reduction, or change the enlargement / reduction ratio.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 21 stores a setting value for a setting item designated by the user in response to an instruction from the user that the setting value related to the operation of the information processing apparatus should be held. Stored and stored in the unit 22.

[Create Setting Value Set]
For example, when receiving an instruction from the user to hold a setting value related to at least one setting item, the control unit 21 starts the process shown in FIG. 2 and first specifies a set (set) of setting values. Information input is requested (S1). In the present embodiment, the set of setting values held here may be provided to other users of the multifunction machine 1. Therefore, this information may be a name for identifying a group of users who prefer to use the set of setting values. For example, “A district, myopia / presbyopia group” may be input.

Based on the information input here, the control unit 21 generates identification information for identifying a set of setting values (S2). For example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a device as a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) of the multifunction device 1 may be used. As a specific example, if the control unit 21 also operates as a web server, the URL of the web server (here,
http://xyz.jp/) is connected to the input information to generate identification information such as http://xyz.jp/A district, myopia / presbyopia group.

  Furthermore, the control part 21 calculates | requires the input of the set of the setting values linked | related with this identification information (S3). As a specific example, the user is requested to input a set of setting items and setting values. For example, the user may set a setting value for specifying an enlarged display program for enlarging and displaying an image to be displayed on the display unit 25 for the setting item of “program activation”, and may issue an instruction to activate the enlarged display program. . As settings relating to the operation of the enlarged display program, a setting item for setting a portion to be enlarged and a setting value such as coordinate information defining the portion may be input. Further, for example, for setting items for the initial value of the enlargement / reduction ratio when copying with enlargement / reduction, settings without starting up the program may be performed, such as inputting a setting value for the enlargement ratio.

  When the control unit 21 receives an input of a set value set from the user, the control unit 21 associates the identification information with the input set value set, and holds them in the storage unit 22 as shown in FIG. 3 (S4). . Further, the control unit 21 presents identification information to the user (S5). Here, the identification information may be displayed as a character string, for example, or may be transmitted to a designated destination by e-mail as a link to a URL. Further, the printer unit 30 may form an image describing the identification information. The image at this time may be a computer-readable code image such as a barcode.

  Further, the information presented to the user here is not identification information but may be a separately issued group identifier. When the group identifier is issued in this way, a table in which the group identifier is associated with the identification information (or set value set) is stored in the storage unit 22.

  Further, the control unit 21 receives designation of an icon (a mark image) from the user in association with the set of setting values, and associates the designated icon with the set of setting values (or identification information). This icon may also be presented to the user in step S5. Here, the icon image may be read from the scanner unit 10, for example, or a plurality of icon candidates may be stored in advance in the storage unit 22 as icon candidates so that the user can select from the candidates. It may be left. In this case, an icon once selected in association with another group (set value set) may not be selected.

  Further, the control unit 21 may accept a description by the user for the set value. For example, for a set of set values such as “A district, myopia / presbyopia group”, the user can explain the main part of the screen to be enlarged for myopia and presbyopia. Enter. The control unit 21 stores the information of the explanatory text in the storage unit 22 in association with each set value set (or identification information thereof).

[Use set value set]
A user who uses the multifunction machine 1 as the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment calls and uses a set of setting values created by himself or another user. That is, the control unit 21 initially starts a predetermined program (such as a program for realizing a scanner function, a copying function, or a printer function), and sets a preset value as a default value for each program. The setting value is stored in the work memory of the storage unit 22. For example, when the default value of the enlargement / reduction ratio when copying with enlargement / reduction is defined as “100%” and stored in the storage unit 22, the control unit 21 enlarges / reduces the default value. As a setting item indicating the initial value of the reduction ratio, it is copied to the work memory and used as a setting value.

  The control unit 21 receives input of identification information (or group identifier) as information for specifying a set of setting values, and holds the information in association with the identification information (or identification information associated with the group identifier). A set of setting values is read from the storage unit 22.

  Then, if an instruction to start the program is included with reference to the set of setting values, the instructed program is started. If a setting value associated with a setting item related to program operation settings is included, the setting item is included in the set of setting values read here instead of the setting value stored in the work memory. Overwrite the setting value. For example, when the initial value of the enlargement / reduction ratio at the time of copying with enlargement / reduction is stored in the work memory as “100%”, the set value read here includes the enlargement / reduction ratio If the setting value of “200%” is included as an initial value setting item, the control unit 21 copies this setting value to the work memory as a setting item indicating that the initial value of the enlargement / reduction ratio is set. To do.

  In this state, when the user performs an operation for copying with enlargement / reduction, “200%” is set as the initial value of the enlargement / reduction rate.

[Search set value set]
The control unit 21 receives an input to search for a set of setting values from the user and a keyword as a search key, and stores the keyword in the identification information or group stored in the storage unit 22. Search from the identifier or the information of the input explanation. As a result of the search, if information including the keyword is found, a list of set values associated with the information may be displayed on the display unit 25, and the set of set values to be used may be selected.

[Specifying multiple setting value sets]
Further, the control unit 21 may receive designation of a set of a plurality of setting values as a set of setting values to be used. In this case, the control unit 21 determines a setting value for each setting item as follows.

  That is, the control unit 21 checks whether or not there are a plurality of setting values associated with the setting item for each setting item included in the specified set of setting values. As a specific example, in “A district, myopia / presbyopia group”, the initial value of enlargement / reduction ratio is set to “200%” and the initial value of paper size is set to “B4”. Assume that the initial value of the paper size is set to “A4” as “Group”.

  In this case, if the user designates both “A district, myopia / presbyopia group” and “A district, sales group”, the initial value of the enlargement / reduction ratio is “A district, myopia / presbyopia group”. Only the set value is included, but it is determined that the paper size includes the set value.

  The control unit 21 uses the setting value for the setting item regarding the setting value of the setting item included in only one of the plurality of designated set values.

  In addition, when a set of a plurality of set values includes a plurality of set item setting values, one of them is selected based on a predetermined (or separately specified) selection condition. The selected setting value is used for the setting item.

  Here, the selection condition may be, for example, a condition for selecting a high-priority order predetermined for each set of set values. In this case, the priority information of the set value set is stored in the storage unit 22 in advance.

  Further, the priority order information may be changed depending on, for example, a time zone. In addition, a user who designates a set of a plurality of setting values may determine the priority order when performing the designation (for example, it may be determined according to the designation order). Thus, when the user designates the priority order, it is not always necessary to store the priority order of the set value set in the storage unit 22 in advance.

  Further, the control unit 21 may record a past use history, and set the priority order here based on the use history. Here, for example, for each setting item, the usage history is recorded in the storage unit 22 in association with a setting value actually used in the past (setting value actually used by the user) and the number of times of use. Just keep it. For example, when the value actually used as the paper size setting value is recorded as “A4” 100 times, “B4” 10 times, etc., the most frequently set value (or the most) The set value closest to the set value) is selectively used.

  Furthermore, one piece of identification information may be generated in association with a set of a plurality of setting values. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 21 stores a list of individual identification information in a set of a plurality of setting values in association with the identification information in the storage unit 22. When the identification information is designated, the control unit 21 acquires a plurality of identification information associated with the identification information, and refers to a set of a plurality of setting values associated with the acquired identification information. Then, the setting is performed as described above.

[Example of multiple devices]
Further, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 according to the present embodiment are connected via a communication means such as a network so that they can communicate with each other, and a set of setting values generated by any one of the information processing apparatuses 1 is stored. You may make it usable with the other information processing apparatus 1.

  In this case, the control unit 21 of each information processing device 1 receives a request for a set of set values specified by the information together with information for specifying a set of set values from the other information processing devices 1 and requests the set. The set of set values is read from the storage unit 22 and transmitted to the requesting information processing apparatus 1.

  For example, as described above, when the identification information of the set value set includes the URL of the information processing apparatus 1 that holds the set value set, control on the side that requests the set value set The unit 21 may make a request for the URL as it is. In response to the request, the control unit 21 that receives the request may return a set of setting values according to the protocol indicated in the URL.

  The control unit 21 on the request side receives the set of set values transmitted in response to the request, refers to the set of set values, and performs the same processing as when read from the storage unit 22 already described. Can be done. That is, if an instruction to start a program is included in the received set of set values, the instructed program is started. If a setting value associated with a setting item related to the operation setting of the program is included, the setting item is included in the set value received here instead of the setting value stored in the work memory. Overwrite the set value. For example, when the initial value of the enlargement / reduction ratio when copying with enlargement / reduction is stored in the work memory as “100%”, the set / reset ratio received here is added to the enlargement / reduction ratio If the setting value of “200%” is included as an initial value setting item, the control unit 21 copies this setting value to the work memory as a setting item indicating that the initial value of the enlargement / reduction ratio is set. To do.

[Example of storing in the server]
Further, instead of exchanging a set of setting values between the information processing apparatuses 1, a file server that can communicate with the information processing apparatus 1 is provided, and the set of setting values is stored in association with the identification information in the file server. May be. In addition, the file server or the like stores identification information (or an icon designated in association with the identification information) and refers to the identification information or the like stored in the file server or the like. When a set of values is designated, a set of set values may be acquired from another information processing apparatus 1 or itself using a URL included in the identification information based on the designated identification information.

[When using with non-compatible devices]
When a set of setting values is shared among a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 in this way, even if the settings are available in the information processing apparatus 1 on the side that created the set of setting values, the set of setting values In some cases, the information processing apparatus 1 on the side of using the URL includes settings that cannot be used. In consideration of such a case, when there is an unusable set item / set value set included in the specified set value set, the control unit 21 displays that fact on the display unit 25. Etc. to inform the user. And it is good also as ignoring the group of the said setting item and setting value, and setting using another setting item and setting value.

  For example, in the information processing apparatus 1 that does not have an image forming function in color, a set of setting values including settings of “color setting” and setting value “color” are set as setting items set in the other information processing apparatus 1. When received, the control unit 21 on the side that has received the set of setting values controls not to use the setting item.

[Effective range of set value set]
Further, the effective range may be set for the set of created setting values. Here, the effective range may be set as a geographical and temporal condition. For example, a user who has created a set of set values can use the set name of a device that can use the set of set values as a valid range, and characteristics (processing speed, paper that can be handled). Specify the maximum size). The control unit 21 that has received the specification of the effective range stores the information of the effective range in association with the set of setting values that are the target of specification.

  When the control unit 21 receives a request for the set of setting values from another information processing apparatus 1, the control unit 21 transmits the requested set of setting values and information on the effective range to the request source. Then, when the control unit 21 of the information processing apparatus 1 that is the request source receives information on the effective range, the control unit 21 checks whether or not the own apparatus satisfies the condition defined by the effective range. For example, when the model name is defined as “XYZ” as the effective range, if the device itself is “XYZ”, the setting using the set value received together with the information on the effective range is executed. If the own apparatus is not “XYZ”, the set value set received together with the effective range information is discarded, and the user is informed that it cannot be used.

  The valid range may be a calendar (expiration date, available day of the week, month, period, etc.) or time. In this case, the control unit 21 that has received the effective range information determines whether or not the effective range condition is satisfied based on information such as a calendar chip or a clock built in the apparatus, Is satisfied, the setting using the set of setting values received together with the information on the effective range is executed.

  Further, the effective range condition may be determined according to the use frequency, the number of users, and the like. In this case, the control unit 21 of the information processing apparatus 1 that holds a set of setting values to which a valid range condition is attached reads the number of times that the set value is set (sent) and the frequency (per day). Count the number of times) and record it. Then, when the number of times and the frequency do not satisfy the condition defined as the effective range, control is performed so that reading and transmission are not performed.

  For example, when the number of users is set to “up to 100 people”, the set of set values is read until the number of reading (or transmission) reaches “100”. When the number of reading (or transmission) exceeds “100”, the fact that the set value is not read out is notified that the set value is out of the effective range.

[Another usage example]
Moreover, the information processing apparatus 1 of this Embodiment can also be utilized as follows, for example. That is, as a program that can be executed by the control unit 21, a program (designated image) that reads image data from a designated location (may be a location that can be acquired via a network or the like) and forms the read image data. Print program) is stored in the storage unit 22.

  Further, the setting value for specifying the specified image printing program is associated with the setting item for starting the program. Then, identification information with “product guidance” is set. Further, the setter stores image data for product guidance as the image data in a designated place.

  If it does in this way, the user who specified the "product guidance" will be able to acquire the printed image of the product guidance. In this case, the company logo of the seller of the product listed in the product guide may be used as the icon.

[effect]
According to the present embodiment, setting of functions and the like can be changed in accordance with individual characteristics by using a set of setting values designated and stored as a group without accumulating information for each individual.

It is a block diagram showing an example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure showing the operation example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of holding | maintenance of the set of the setting values of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing showing the information holding example at the time of assigning identification information to the set of the some setting value of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus, 10 Scanner part, 20 Controller part, 21 Control part, 22 Storage part, 23 Interface part, 24 Operation part, 25 Display part, 26 Communication part, 30 Printer part.

Claims (3)

Means for accepting input of setting values for at least one setting item related to operation;
Means for accepting input of identification information for identifying the set of set values for the set of accepted set values;
Means for associating and storing the received identification information and a set of set values;
Setting means for setting each setting item related to a setting value included in the set based on a set of setting values specified by the specified identification information in accordance with a setting instruction specifying identification information related to the set of setting values When,
An information processing apparatus comprising:   In accordance with a setting instruction that specifies a plurality of pieces of identification information related to a set of setting values, the setting means sets the setting values included in each of the sets based on the set of setting values specified by the specified identification information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each setting item is set. In the information processing device,
A procedure for accepting input of setting values for at least one setting item related to operation,
A procedure for accepting input of identification information for identifying the set of set values for the set of received set values;
A procedure for associating and storing the received identification information and a set of setting values;
A setting procedure for setting each setting item related to a setting value included in the set based on a set of setting values specified by the specified identification information according to a setting instruction specifying the identification information related to the set of setting values When,
A program characterized in that is executed.

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