JP2009037322A - Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and control program for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for simplifying the operation of a user. <P>SOLUTION: If a newly-installed device is connected to a network environment and then the power is turned on (S101), the newly-installed device detects whether or not there exists an in-house machine communicatively connected on the network (S103). When detecting an installed in-house machine, the newly-installed device communicates with at least one or more installed in-house machines, and acquires desired setting parameters (S105). As for the parameters to be acquired, for example, a high ground-compatible setting parameter, a flicker processing parameter, a void-compatible parameter or the like are included. The acquired parameter is optimized (S107), and the optimized parameter is set as the parameter of the newly-installed device itself (S109). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that performs automatic setting control of apparatus parameters of the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and image formation The present invention relates to a device control program.

  It is known to configure a system environment by connecting an image forming apparatus (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), facsimile apparatus, copying machine, printer, etc.) to a network such as a LAN.

  In such a system, when the image forming apparatus is replaced or added, various setting parameters such as user setting parameters and service setting parameters are manually set according to the installation environment. In addition, in order to change the setting of the environment parameter in an environment where a plurality of devices are already installed, it is necessary to change the setting for each device.

  Patent Document 1 below discloses an image forming apparatus that communicates with other image forming apparatuses via a network, collects operation histories, and integrates operation histories of the own apparatus and other apparatuses. A desired setting is selected and used from the integrated operation history displayed on the operation panel. By sharing the operation history at the time of outputting an image with other image forming apparatuses, the user operation can be simplified.

Patent Document 2 below discloses an image forming apparatus that can shorten the time required for setting the same use environment (setting) as that of other copying machines when a digital copying machine is newly installed. Patent Document 2 describes that a dedicated setting screen is activated in an image forming apparatus when newly installed, and registration is performed by a user's selection operation. It also describes that the network address range of an existing device to be searched is designated. A search is performed when the address is not directly known.
JP 2005-297488 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-321040

  The initial manual setting in the prior art has a problem that it takes a considerable time and is troublesome when the user is not used to the operation.

  The environment setting that requires special operation by the service person needs to be performed every time an additional apparatus is installed or at a specific timing.

  When a company machine is replaced or added, it is conceivable to copy parameters from the same model or similar models having the same setting parameters connected via an inter-device network such as a LAN.

  However, even in this case, if there is no model having the same setting parameter on the network, the setting parameter cannot be copied, and it is necessary to manually set the parameter.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and can be easily set and an image forming apparatus capable of simplifying a user operation, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and An object of the present invention is to provide a control program for an image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus communicates with another image forming apparatus, and a set value set in the other image forming apparatus using the communication means. And a setting value generation means for generating at least one setting value suitable for the image forming apparatus based on a setting value set in another image forming apparatus obtained by using the obtaining means. And setting means for setting the setting value generated by the setting value generating means in its own device.

  Preferably, the setting value generation unit generates an optimum value to be set based on setting values obtained from at least two other image forming apparatuses.

  Preferably, the setting value generation unit generates an optimum value to be set based on a setting value obtained by selecting one image forming apparatus among at least two other image forming apparatuses.

  Preferably, the setting means automatically sets the value generated by the setting value generation means.

  Preferably, the setting means displays a plurality of values generated by the setting value generating means as selection candidates to be set.

  Preferably, the set value generation means preferentially selects a set value candidate close to the default value from a plurality of set value candidates.

  Preferably, the set value generation means preferentially selects a model value close to its own model from a plurality of set value candidates.

  Preferably, the setting value generation means preferentially selects a value having a new setting date and time from a plurality of setting value candidates.

  Preferably, the setting value generated by the setting value generating means is at least one of a high altitude correspondence parameter, a flicker correspondence setting parameter, and a white spot correspondence setting parameter.

  Preferably, the setting by the setting means is executed when the apparatus is installed in a network environment.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes setting value monitoring means for monitoring that the setting value of the other apparatus has been changed, and setting by the setting means is performed by changing the setting value of the other apparatus by the setting value monitoring means. It is executed when it is detected.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a setting value change notifying unit that announces to the other device that the setting value of the device has been changed using the communication unit, and the setting by the setting unit is a setting value of the other device. This is executed when it is detected that the setting value of another device has been changed based on the information from the change notification means.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an image forming apparatus communicates with another image forming apparatus, obtains a set value set in the other image forming apparatus, and obtains at a obtaining step. Based on the set values set in the other image forming apparatuses, the setting value generation step for generating at least one setting value suitable for the own apparatus, and the setting value generated in the setting value generation step are A setting step for setting the machine.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus control program communicates with another image forming apparatus to obtain a set value set in the other image forming apparatus, and an obtaining step. Based on the obtained setting value set in the other image forming apparatus, a setting value generation step for generating at least one setting value suitable for the apparatus itself, and the setting value generated in the setting value generation step, Causes the computer to execute the setting steps to be set on the own device.

  According to these inventions, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, a method for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a control program for the image forming apparatus that can be easily set and can simplify the user's operation. Become.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The image forming apparatus searches (or designates) an image forming apparatus (own machine) of the same manufacturer as the image forming apparatus via the network. The image forming apparatus acquires specific information set in advance from the company machine. The image forming apparatus obtains an optimized value from the acquired information and sets it. That is, the preset information is optimized and reflected in the setting value of the own device. Wired, wireless, light, etc. are used for communication between the image forming apparatuses.

  Thereby, a user's setting can be simplified with respect to the user who is using two or more company machines.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to the figure, an image forming apparatus includes a writing unit (print head) 103, a process unit unit 106, a transfer belt unit unit 102, toner cartridge units 107 to 110, paper feeding units 104 and 105, and a fixing unit. 101.

  The writing unit (print head) 103 includes a laser diode, a polygon motor, an SOS sensor, a mirror, and lenses. The writing unit 103 irradiates a laser beam onto the surface of the photosensitive member to which a bias potential of the process unit is applied. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  The process unit unit 106 is composed of four photoreceptor units for Y color, M color, C color, and K color. After forming a charging potential on the photoreceptor surface for each color, the photoreceptor is irradiated with laser light from the print head. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed, and toner supplied to each color is attached to the photosensitive member by the toner cartridge units 107 to 110 to form a visible image.

  The toner cartridge units 107 to 110 are composed of four toner cartridges for Y, M, C, and K colors, and supply toner for each color of the process unit unit.

  The transfer belt unit 2 includes a transfer belt, a transfer roller, a driving roller, a cleaning mechanism, and sensors. The transfer belt unit 2 transfers a visible image of Y, M, C, and K formed on the photosensitive member to the transfer belt, and is full color. A toner image is formed.

  The full color toner image formed on the transfer belt is transferred from the paper feeding units 104 and 105 onto the paper fed and conveyed by a secondary transfer unit (not shown).

  The fixing unit 101 includes a heating roller, a pressure belt, a heater lamp, a thermistor, and the like, and discharges paper by fixing the toner image transferred onto the paper by the secondary transfer unit to the paper by heat.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are arranged on the network.

  It is assumed that company machines A, B, and C and other company machines D and E are connected on a local network (LAN). FIG. 2 shows a state where the company machine X is newly installed in this network environment.

  Company machines can exchange information via a network, but information exchange cannot be performed with other company machines because of lack of control software compatibility.

  An information exchange network between image forming apparatuses can be realized by various communication methods such as a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, an infrared LAN, and a LAN using a commercial power line.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control device of the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus includes an image input unit (scanner) 1 that optically reads an arbitrary image and converts it into electronic data, and an image output unit (printer) 2 that prints the image data on a predetermined sheet. Moreover, it has ROM8, the work memory 9, and the control part 7 inside.

  Further, the image forming apparatus further temporarily receives image data input from the communication unit 10 that communicates with the outside through a LAN or a telephone line, and input from the image input unit 1 or externally via the communication unit 10. An image memory unit 3 to be stored, an operation / display unit 4 for performing various operation inputs and displaying various setting information related to the operation, a compression / decoding unit 5 for compressing and decoding image data, and an electronic A mailer (e-mail transmission / reception application) 6 that transmits and receives mail, a file conversion unit 12 that performs various file conversions such as a file format of image data and an e-mail file format, and an external interface unit 11 for external connection Prepare.

  In practice, the work memory 9 and the image memory unit 3 share the same volatile memory. The control unit 7 operates according to a software program stored in advance in the ROM 8 based on an operation signal given in response to a command from the operation / display unit 4. The execution procedure of the software program in the image processing apparatus will be described later.

  The image input unit 1 includes an image sensor such as a CCD, a slider control unit, various image processing control units, and the like, and optically reads a document and converts it into an electrical signal.

  The image output unit 2 includes an engine control unit such as a laser or an inkjet, various image processing control units, and the like, and creates an output image on a recording sheet from an electrical signal.

  The image memory unit 3 stores image data input from the image input unit 1 and image data input from the communication unit 10 and the external interface unit 11. Further, after the image data is compressed by the compression / decoding unit 5, the code data is stored.

  The operation / display unit 4 is a user interface unit including a numeric keypad, a start key, an LCD (liquid crystal display), and the like, and performs mode selection and simple key input operation.

  The compression / decoding unit 5 compresses the input image data as necessary, or decompresses the code data.

  The control unit 7 includes a CPU that controls the entire blocks 1 to 13 and peripheral circuits, and is connected via a system bus. The control unit 7 is connected to a ROM that stores control programs and control data, a RAM that is used for temporary storage of control variables, and the like.

  The communication unit 10 is connected to a network via a communication unit using a telephone line using a modem or NCU, or a LAN control unit (not shown), and transmits / receives image information and the like to / from other communication devices.

  The user authentication unit 13 holds / sets authentication information for each of a plurality of users.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating control executed by the image forming apparatus.

  This flowchart shows a control flow of a newly installed image forming apparatus in an environment where at least one information exchangeable company machine (image forming apparatus) is connected on the network. That is, it is a control flow executed by the company machine X in FIG.

  Referring to the figure, in step S101, it is assumed that the power is turned on after the newly installed device is connected to the network environment. In step S <b> 103, the newly installed device detects whether there is a company device that can communicate on the network.

  If there is no existing company machine on the net (NO in S103), the process proceeds to step S111. If an existing company machine is detected, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the newly installed device communicates with at least one existing company machine and acquires desired setting parameters.

  As parameters to be acquired, there are, for example, a high altitude setting parameter, a flicker processing parameter, and a whiteout corresponding parameter.

  Here, the high altitude setting parameter is a parameter for setting the toner transfer current optimum for the atmospheric pressure of the installation environment. The flicker processing parameter is a control change parameter that suppresses fluctuations in current consumption. Also, the whiteout correspondence parameter is a parameter for changing the whiteout level of the image. However, the acquired parameters are not limited to these high altitude corresponding parameters, flicker control parameters, and white spot corresponding parameters. It is possible to acquire control parameters that can be adjusted in a plurality of steps or steplessly. If setting parameters are obtained from one or a plurality of existing company machines, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In steps S107 and S109, if the existing in-house machine is the same model as the newly installed apparatus, the setting is completed simply by copying the setting parameters of the existing in-house apparatus to the newly installed apparatus. However, in many cases, the model is different between the existing company machine and the newly installed device. If the model is different, the printing speed and the type of toner used are different for each apparatus, so the parameters are not the same. Therefore, in step S107, parameter optimization is performed. The parameter optimization process will be described later. When the parameter optimization is completed, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, the parameters extracted by optimization are set and stored as parameters of the newly installed device itself. When the setting is completed, this control is terminated.

  If there is no existing company machine on the network (NO in S103), the parameter cannot be automatically acquired, so the process proceeds to step S111 and is handled by manual setting. Manual setting is performed using the operation panel of the apparatus (operation / display unit 4 in FIG. 3). Since the specific setting method is known, the description here is omitted.

  According to this flowchart, when there is an existing company machine in the connected network environment, the optimum environment parameters can be automatically set in the newly installed device. For this reason, it is possible to set the optimum image quality for the apparatus without bothering people.

  When executing the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is possible to leave the automatic setting completely to the device, and to exit without notifying the user that the optimum parameter has been automatically set, or to automatically set the optimum parameter. The user may be notified of this by displaying a message on the operation panel. Further, whether or not the obtained parameter may be set in the apparatus may be displayed on an operation panel or the like, and the user may select to execute the setting.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the parameter optimization processing (S107) of FIG.

  Here, the newly installed device (new machine X) obtains setting parameters from the existing machine A and existing machine B of different models, optimizes the information of the two setting parameters, and sets the optimum parameters of the new machine X. An example of processing to convert to is shown.

  The new machine X obtains information on the setting relationship between the environment and the parameters in the existing machine A and the existing machine B in advance before performing the optimization. It is assumed that the specific setting parameters of the existing machine A and the existing machine B are different as shown in the table of FIG.

  For example, in the table, the parameter of the existing machine A can be set in three stages of “1”, “7”, and “13” depending on the environment. In addition, the parameters of the existing machine B can be set in five stages of “1”, “5”, “9”, “13”, and “17” depending on the environment.

  On the other hand, the parameters of the new machine X are “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, “10”, “12”, “14”, “16”, “18” depending on the environment. This indicates that it is possible to set. That is, it is possible to deal with the environment in detail in the order of the existing machine A, the existing machine B, and the new machine X, and the parameters can be set with high accuracy.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a graph summarizing the relationship between the environment of FIG. 5 and the parameters.

  In the graph, the horizontal axis indicates the environment, and the vertical axis indicates the parameters of each device.

  For example, it is assumed that the parameter set for the existing machine A is “7” and the parameter set for the existing machine B is “5”.

  Since the parameter of the existing machine A is “7”, it can be understood that the environment is any one of [4], [5], and [6]. Further, since the parameter of the existing machine B is “5”, it can be seen that the environment is [3] or [4]. Therefore, it is estimated from the existing machine A and the existing machine B that the installation environment is [4] common to both machines. The new machine X compares the estimated environment with its own parameter table. Here, since the parameter “8” corresponds to the environment [4], it can be obtained as the optimum parameter.

  In the above-mentioned example, the parameter of the new machine can be specified as one parameter from the parameters of the two existing machines. However, the condition is not established when there is only one existing machine or there are multiple existing machines. In some cases, one parameter cannot be specified. In such a case, a value closer to the default that is less affected by the change may be extracted as the optimum value.

  Specifically, it is assumed that there is only the existing machine A and the parameter of the existing machine A is “7”. Since the parameter of the existing machine A is “7”, it can be understood that the environment is any of [4], [5] or [6].

  In FIG. 5, the default environment of the new machine X is [1] (the parameter is “2”). Therefore, the environment [4] close to the environment [1] is adopted. The new machine X is required to check the parameter “8” for the environment [4] as an optimum parameter in comparison with its own parameter table.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a specific example of the parameter optimization processing (S107) of FIG.

  Referring to the figure, in step S201, parameters set in existing machine A are acquired, and an environment is obtained based on the acquired parameters. In step S203, parameters set in the existing machine B are acquired, and an environment is obtained based on the parameters. If there is only one existing machine, the process in step S203 is skipped. If there are further existing machines, parameters are acquired from the existing machines, and the environment is obtained based on the parameters.

  In step S205, an overlapping portion of the environment obtained from the existing machine is selected. If a unique environment can be obtained, the selected environment is estimated as the installation environment, and parameters corresponding to the environment are set.

  If a unique environment cannot be obtained and only an environment with a certain extent can be obtained, an environment close to the default is set.

  [Modification 1]

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the environment and the parameters are recorded as a table has been described. The present invention can also be applied when the relationship between the environment and the parameter is registered by an approximate expression.

  For example, it is assumed that the approximate expression between the environment and the parameter in the existing machine is expressed by the following expression 1, and the approximate expression between the environment and the parameter in the new machine is expressed by the following expression 2.

    Y = ax + b [Y: parameter, x: environmental value, a, b: constant]

    K = cx + d [K: parameter, x: environmental value, c, d: constant] Equation 2

  Here, since the environmental value x is common to both machines, the parameter K of the new machine to be obtained is obtained by the following Equation 3.

    K = c · (Y−b) / a + d Equation 3

  If Formula 3 is used, the parameter of the new machine can be calculated from the parameter approximation formula of the existing machine and the new machine and the parameter setting value of the existing machine.

  [Modification 2]

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of a close-kin model list used in a modification of the parameter optimization process (S107) of FIG.

  This list is a list that defines which models have similar characteristics when there are a plurality of models in their own machine.

  By using this list, when there are a plurality of existing machines of different types on the network, a parameter to be preferentially selected can be determined from the acquired parameters. The determined parameter to be preferentially selected is adopted as the parameter of the own device.

  Specifically, when a plurality of in-house machines of different models are detected on the network, the model of the existing machine is specified by obtaining the model information of each. The identified model is compared with the close model list of FIG. 8, and one or more models close to the characteristics of the own device are selected.

  That is, the close model list shown in FIG. 8 is stored in advance in the new apparatus, and in this close model list, a parameter of a model having a small close order is selected as a parameter to be optimized.

  The obtained parameters are optimized by the method described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 and then set and stored as parameters of the own device.

  This modification is based on the determination that the parameter of the model designed closer to the own machine has less error than the parameter of the model having a different structure.

  In addition to the method of selecting parameters of a close-kind model, the parameter of the model with the latest parameter setting date and time may be preferentially adopted. In this method, a desired device can be selected from a plurality of existing machines on the network. This determination method is based on the determination that the newer the date and time at which a parameter is set, the higher the probability that it matches the actual environment.

  As an application, in order to improve the accuracy in parameter optimization, the parameter optimization method based on the parameter information of a plurality of models described in FIGS. You may combine the priority determination by a setting date.

  [Modification 3]

  In the above-described embodiment, the parameters are automatically set. However, a plurality of setting values (setting value candidates) listed as candidates based on the settings of the existing machine are displayed on the operation panel or the like, and the user May be selected.

  If the parameter affects the image, the user selects a setting value from the candidate setting values and executes test printing or the like. The user only needs to execute such trial printing using a plurality of setting value candidates and select a setting for obtaining a favorite image. Also in the method of allowing the user to select a setting value, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of the user setting by presenting the setting value candidates.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating control executed by the image forming apparatus according to the third modification.

  This notifies the user of the parameters and selects whether or not to adopt them.

  Steps S301 to S307, S313, and S315 in FIG. 9 are the same as the processes in steps S101 to S107, S109, and S111 in FIG. 4, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

  In step S309, the parameter extracted by the optimization is notified to the user using the operation panel of the apparatus, and an input as to whether to change the parameter is accepted.

  At this time, one parameter may be notified, or a plurality of candidates may be notified. When notifying a plurality of candidates, selection by a user of a parameter is accepted.

  In step S311, branch processing is executed in response to adoption, selection, or non-adoption of user parameters. In the case of adoption and selection, parameters extracted by optimization are set and stored in step S313. This control ends when the setting is complete.

  If not adopted in step S311, the process ends without changing the parameters.

  [Modification 4]

  In the modified example 4, when a setting parameter of a specific device is changed among a plurality of in-house devices already installed on the network, the change information is obtained by the other in-house device and the setting parameter of the own device is obtained. Is automatically updated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control executed by the image forming apparatus according to the fourth modification.

  In step S401, when the power of the company's own machine is turned on while connected to the network environment, in step S403, the apparatus detects the presence / absence of the company's own machine capable of communication on the network.

  If there is no existing company machine on the net (NO in S403), it is determined that there is no need to update, and the process is terminated. If an existing company machine can be detected (YES in S403), the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S405, communication with at least one existing company machine is performed to detect the presence or absence of a device whose setting parameter has been changed. If there is no device whose setting parameter has been updated (NO in S405), it is determined that updating is not necessary, and the process ends.

  If a device with an updated setting parameter is detected (YES in S405), the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S407, communication is performed with the company machine whose parameters have been changed, and desired setting parameters are acquired. Examples of parameters to be acquired include high altitude setting parameters and flicker processing parameters. If a parameter is acquired, it will transfer to step S409.

  In step S409, parameter optimization is performed. As the parameter optimization processing, those described with reference to FIGS. When the parameter optimization is completed, the process proceeds to step S411.

  In step S411, the parameters extracted by optimization are updated, set, and stored. This control ends when the setting is complete.

  According to this modification, when a new device is installed or when the setting parameters of a specific machine are changed after installation, the parameters of other in-house image forming devices are acquired, analyzed, optimized, and automatically set as the parameters of the own machine It becomes possible to do. The troublesome manual parameter setting by the user is eliminated, and the setting omission is prevented without the user being aware of it, and the optimum image forming conditions can be set.

  Further, the image forming apparatus may be provided with a function for an apparatus whose settings have been changed to announce a change to a different model or a function for monitoring changes in environmental parameters of other apparatuses. In this way, it is possible to change the parameter automatic setting even at a timing other than the time of installation.

  [Effects of the embodiment]

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment searches for or designates an in-house image forming apparatus of a different model connected via an inter-device network such as a LAN, sets high altitude correspondence, flicker (fluctuation in current consumption), etc. The information set by the user or the service person can be obtained from an existing separate device, the obtained parameters can be analyzed, optimized, and automatically set as the parameters of the own device.

  When a new device is installed, the device automatically sets the parameters, eliminating the troublesome settings and preventing setting omissions without the user having to be aware of it. It becomes.

  In addition, even when the setting information of other company machines connected via LAN after the installation is updated, if the device automatically resets the parameters, the troublesome resetting by the user is eliminated, It is possible to prevent an omission of setting without the user being aware of it, and to set an optimal image.

  [Others]

  The present invention can be implemented for an image forming apparatus such as an MFP, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine.

  Further, the processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or by using a hardware circuit.

  In addition, a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment can be provided, and the program is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card and provided to the user. You may decide to do it. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  In addition, it should be thought that the said embodiment is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are arranged on a network. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating control executed by the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of parameter optimization processing (S107) in FIG. 4; It is a figure which shows the graph which put together the relationship between the environment of FIG. 5, and a parameter. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a specific example of parameter optimization processing (S107) in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a close-kin model list used in a modification of the parameter optimization process (S107) of FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control executed by an image forming apparatus according to Modification 3. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control executed by the image forming apparatus according to Modification 4.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Image input unit (scanner) 2 Image output unit (printer) 3 Image memory unit 4 Operation / display unit 5 Compression / decoding unit 6 Mailer 7 Control unit 8 ROM 9 Work memory 10 Communication unit , 11 External interface unit, 12 file conversion unit, 13 user authentication unit.

Claims (14)

Communication means for communicating with other image forming apparatuses;
Using the communication means, obtaining means for obtaining setting values set in another image forming apparatus;
Setting value generation means for generating at least one setting value suitable for the own apparatus based on a setting value set in another image forming apparatus obtained by using the obtaining means;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a setting unit configured to set the setting value generated by the setting value generation unit in the own apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting value generation unit generates an optimum value to be set based on setting values obtained from at least two other image forming apparatuses.   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the setting value generation unit generates an optimum value to be set based on a setting value obtained by selecting one image forming apparatus among at least two other image forming apparatuses. Forming equipment.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit automatically sets the value generated by the setting value generation unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit displays a plurality of values generated by the setting value generation unit as selection candidates to be set.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting value generation unit preferentially selects a plurality of setting value candidates that are close to a default value.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting value generation unit preferentially selects a value of a model close to the own model from a plurality of setting value candidates.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting value generation unit preferentially selects a value having a new setting date and time from a plurality of setting value candidates.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting value generated by the setting value generating unit is at least one of a high altitude corresponding parameter, a flicker corresponding setting parameter, and a white spot corresponding setting parameter. 10.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting by the setting unit is executed when the apparatus is installed in a network environment. It further comprises setting value monitoring means for monitoring that the setting value of another device has been changed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting by the setting unit is executed when the setting value monitoring unit detects that a setting value of another apparatus has been changed. Using the communication means, further comprising a setting value change notification means for announcing to the other device that the setting value of the device has been changed,
The setting by the setting means is executed when it is detected that a setting value of another apparatus has been changed based on information from the setting value change notifying means of another apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An obtaining step of communicating with another image forming apparatus and obtaining a set value set in the other image forming apparatus;
A setting value generation step for generating at least one setting value suitable for the own apparatus based on the setting value set in the other image forming apparatus obtained in the obtaining step;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a setting step for setting the setting value generated in the setting value generation step in the own apparatus. An obtaining step of communicating with another image forming apparatus and obtaining a set value set in the other image forming apparatus;
A setting value generation step for generating at least one setting value suitable for the own apparatus based on the setting value set in the other image forming apparatus obtained in the obtaining step;
A control program for an image forming apparatus, which causes a computer to execute a setting step for setting the setting value generated in the setting value generation step in the apparatus itself.

Images