JP2009225376A - Information processing apparatus or and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus for reducing operation error and of securely reproducing the same constitution with other equipment with a simplified operation. <P>SOLUTION: Element information of a changeable element in second equipment is read via a memory device or a network interface connected with first equipment. A difference of the element information is predetermined by comparing read element information of second requirement with element information of changeable in first equipment element stored in a memory part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method for restoring a module configuration and data.

  In recent years, in functions such as multi-function printers (MFPs) and laser printers (LPs), software module options, software development kits (SDKs), function additions, setting changes, screen customization, etc. (configuration information, Change of setting information, screen information, etc.) is possible.

  For example, in the image forming apparatus and the control method thereof disclosed in Patent Document 1, data stored in the image forming apparatus is backed up to an external storage device so that it can be restored, thereby performing maintenance work on a plurality of image forming apparatuses. It is simplified.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 manages the setting information of the image forming apparatus by enabling backup and / or restoration of the setting information on the portable storage medium.

JP 2007-089158 A JP 2007-128493 A

  However, due to the complexity of the above-described addition of functions, change of setting contents, screen customization, etc. (change of configuration information, setting information, screen information, etc.), conventional techniques (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2) have trouble. It was difficult to reproduce the support at the time of occurrence and the same configuration with other devices.

  Specifically, for example, when reconstructing a problem that occurs only in the combination of the additional modules A / B / E / G / X and analyzing the cause for the configuration information, the configuration information of these modules is accurately After grasping it, it was necessary to install all the modules A / B / E / G / X for the device for reproduction, which was troublesome.

  As for setting information, there are a wide variety of setting contents by users and services, so all setting information is printed out to make the same setting contents, and the setting information can be checked with human eyes and accurately reproduced. Work to reflect was necessary, took a lot of time and was inefficient.

  Furthermore, with regard to screen information, when providing remote support for devices whose button layout or arrangement order has been changed according to the user's usage environment, the screen (item) actually displayed is accurate. If it cannot be grasped, the correct operation procedure cannot be instructed to the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of reducing erroneous operations with a simple operation and reliably reproducing the same configuration with other devices. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus including at least a control unit and a storage unit, and the storage unit can be changed in the first device. Element information storage means for storing element information of various elements, and the control unit can change element information of elements that can be changed in the second device via a storage device or a network interface connected to the first device. And the element information of the second device read by the reading unit is compared with the element information of the first device stored in the storage unit to identify a difference. And a specifying means. Here, the first device may be the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus described above, the element information of the second device read by the reading unit is configuration information of a module of the second device. Features.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus described above, in order to reproduce the module configuration of the second device on the first device based on the difference specified by the specifying unit. When it is determined that the necessary module is insufficient, the necessary module is downloaded to the first device via the storage device connected to the first device or the network interface. It is characterized by that.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is the information processing apparatus described above, wherein a user is currently activated on the second device from the configuration information of the second device read by the reading unit. By selecting at least one of all the modules, a program downloaded to the first device corresponding to the module of the configuration information to be reproduced is narrowed down.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus described above, the element information of the second device read by the reading unit is setting information referred to by a module of the second device. It is characterized by that.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is the information processing apparatus described above, wherein setting items unique to the second device are targets from the setting information of the second device read by the user by the reading unit. Selecting the setting items of the setting information to be reproduced by selecting at least one of all the setting items of the setting information of the second device that is different from the initial value as the outside To do.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus described above, the element information of the second device read by the reading unit displays a user interface provided by the second device. Screen information.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus described above, screens that cannot be changed as display contents from the screen information of the second device read by the reading unit by the user are specified as excluded. By selecting the screen, the display content of the screen information to be reproduced is narrowed down.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus including at least a control unit, and the control unit re-transmits element information of elements in the device via a storage device or a network interface connected to the device. It has a writing means for writing in a readable format. Here, the device may be the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that in the information processing apparatus described above, the element information written by the writing means is configuration information of a module of the device.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention is the information processing apparatus described above, wherein the configuration information written by the writing unit by the user is at least one of all the modules currently activated on the device. To narrow down the program of the device corresponding to the module of the configuration information to be written out.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the information processing apparatus described above, the element information written by the writing means is setting information referred to by a module of the device.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is the information processing apparatus described above, wherein the setting information that is written by the writing unit by the user is not included in the setting information unique to the device. The setting items of the setting information to be written out are narrowed down by selecting from at least one of all setting items of the setting information having a difference from the initial value.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the information processing apparatus described above, the element information written by the writing means is screen information for displaying a user interface provided by the device. To do.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus described above, the screen information written by the writing unit is selected from a specific screen by excluding screens that cannot be changed as display contents. Thus, the display contents of the screen information to be written out are narrowed down.

  The information processing method of the present invention is an information processing method executed in an information processing apparatus including at least a control unit and a storage unit, and the storage unit includes element information of elements that can be changed in the first device. Read the element information of the changeable element in the second device via the storage device or network interface connected to the first device, which is executed in the control unit A step of specifying a difference by comparing the element information of the second device read in the step and the reading step with the element information of the first device stored in the storage unit It is characterized by including these.

  An information processing method of the present invention is an information processing method executed in an information processing apparatus including at least a control unit, and element information of an element in a device executed in the control unit is connected to the device. And a writing step of writing in a format that can be read again via a storage device or a network interface.

  According to the present invention, the element information of the changeable element in the second device is read via the storage device or network interface connected to the first device, and the read element information of the second device is Since the difference is specified by comparing with the element information of the first device stored in the storage unit, the element information of the changeable element in the second device is determined based on the specified difference. As a result, the element information of the second device can be reproduced on the first device, no manual work or visual confirmation is required, the operation is simplified, and the same information is ensured. There is an effect that can be reproduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the read element information of the second device is the configuration information of the module of the second device, the configuration information of the module of the second device is read and interpreted, and the second information The same configuration as the first device can be reproduced in the first device. As a result, manual operation and visual confirmation are not required, the operation is simplified, and the same information can be reliably reproduced. There is an effect.

  Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that the module necessary for reproducing the module configuration of the second device in the first device is insufficient based on the identified difference, Necessary modules are downloaded to the first device via the storage device or network interface connected to the device. First, the missing modules in the device can be read from the network or storage device and downloaded. As a result, even when the first device has a shortage of modules, the same configuration as that of the second device can be reliably reproduced.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the user can select at least one of all modules that are currently activated on the second device from the configuration information of the second device read by the user. Since the programs to be downloaded to the first device corresponding to the module of the certain configuration information are narrowed down, only the information that meets the specific condition among the read information of the second device is the target of reproduction in the first device. As a result, there is no need to prepare multiple files that record the information to be read, and the time and effort required for creating and managing the file can be eliminated, the amount of information to be read can be reduced, and the reading time can be shortened. There is an effect. Further, by limiting to modules that are actually activated and operating, the amount of information to be read can be further reduced, and the reading time can be further shortened.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the read element information of the second device is the setting information referred to by the module of the second device, the setting information of the second device is read and interpreted, and the second information The same settings as the first device can be reproduced on the first device, and can be linked to the loaded configuration information. As a result, manual operation and visual confirmation are not required, and operation is simplified. There is an effect that the same information as that of the second device can be reliably reproduced on the first device.

  Further, according to the present invention, the setting items unique to the second device are excluded from the setting information of the second device that has been read, and all the setting information of the setting information of the second device that is different from the initial value is excluded. By selecting at least one of the items, the setting items of the setting information to be reproduced are narrowed down. Therefore, only information that meets a specific condition among the information read from the second device is reproduced on the first device. As a result, there is no need to prepare multiple files that record the information to be read, and it is possible to save time and effort to create and manage the file, to reduce the amount of information to be read, and to shorten the reading time. There is an effect that can be. Further, by limiting to information that needs to be changed, it is possible to further reduce the amount of information to be read and further reduce the reading time.

  According to the present invention, since the read element information of the second device is screen information for displaying a user interface provided by the second device, the screen information of the second device is read. Interpretation, the same user interface as the second device can be reproduced on the first device, and can also be linked with the read configuration information, so that no manual or visual confirmation is required, The operation is simplified, and the same information can be reliably reproduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, the screen information that cannot be changed from the screen information of the second device read by the user is excluded from the display, and the screen information to be reproduced is displayed by selecting a specific screen. Since the contents are narrowed down, it is not necessary to prepare multiple files that record the information to be read, and it is possible to save time and effort for creating and managing the file, reducing the amount of information to be read, and shortening the reading time. . Further, by limiting to information that needs to be changed, it is possible to further reduce the amount of information to be read and further reduce the reading time.

  Further, according to the present invention, the element information of the element in the device is written in a readable format via a storage device or a network interface connected to the device, so that the element information in the device is written in a readable format. As a result, there is no need for manual or visual confirmation, the operation is simplified, and the same information can be reliably reproduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, the element information to be written is the module module configuration information, so that the element information in the apparatus can be written out in a readable format, and as a result, it can be confirmed manually or visually. Is not required, the operation is simplified, and the same information can be reliably reproduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, the configuration information written by the user is selected from at least one of all the modules currently activated on the device, thereby corresponding to the module of the configuration information to be written. Since the device program is narrowed down, only the information that meets the specific conditions can be exported, and as a result, there is no need to prepare multiple files that record the exported information. It is possible to save time for creation and management, reduce the amount of information to be written, and shorten the writing time. Further, by limiting to modules that are actually activated and operating, it is possible to further reduce the amount of information to be written and further reduce the writing time.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the element information to be written is the setting information that is referenced by the module of the device, the written setting information can be read and interpreted to reproduce the same setting contents. It can also be linked with the written configuration information, and as a result, there is no need for manual or visual confirmation, the operation is simplified, and the same information can be reliably reproduced.

  According to the present invention, the setting information written by the user is excluded from the setting items unique to the device, and the setting information is selected from at least one of all setting items of the setting information that are different from the initial value. Since the setting items of the setting information to be exported are narrowed down, only the information that meets the specific conditions can be exported, and as a result, multiple files that record the exported information This eliminates the need to prepare a file, eliminates the need for file creation and management, reduces the amount of information to be written, and shortens the writing time. Further, by limiting to information that needs to be changed, the amount of information to be written can be further reduced, and the writing time can be further shortened.

  According to the present invention, the element information to be written is screen information for displaying the user interface provided by the device. Therefore, the written screen information is read and interpreted to reproduce the same user interface. It can also be linked to the exported configuration information, which eliminates the need for manual and visual confirmation, simplifies operation, and ensures that the same information can be reproduced. The effect of becoming.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the screen information written by the user is excluded from the screens that cannot be changed as the display contents, and the display contents of the screen information to be written are narrowed down by selecting from specific screens. , It is possible to export only the information that meets certain conditions from among the read information. As a result, it is not necessary to prepare multiple files that record the written information. In addition, the amount of information to be written can be reduced, and the writing time can be shortened. Further, by limiting to information that needs to be changed, the amount of information to be written can be further reduced, and the writing time can be further shortened.

  In general, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce erroneous operations with a simple operation and to reliably reproduce the same configuration on other devices.

  Referring to the accompanying drawings, the best mode of an information processing apparatus and an information processing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to “configuration information”, “setting information”, “element information” of elements that can be changed in a device. This will be described in detail in the order of “screen information”. In the present embodiment, MFP / LP is described as an example of a device, but the present invention is not limited to this. Here, the device may be the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

  The information processing apparatus of the present embodiment includes a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM, an external storage device such as an HDD and a CD drive device, and a display device such as a display device. It has an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

[Configuration Information]
First, “configuration information” that is element information of elements that can be changed in a device will be described. Here, FIGS. 1-5 is a figure which shows an example of the structure pattern of the structure information concerning this Embodiment.

  The “configuration information” of the software module is information specifying what kind of software module is operating on a device such as an MFP / LP. The following is an example of the software module configuration installed in a device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, “configuration pattern 1” is a basic configuration (before a user adds an option or customizes) when a device is shipped from a factory, and includes software modules BaseA to G. At this time, BaseD to G are provided as removable software modules as standard. On the other hand, Base A to C cannot be removed, and are the minimum necessary software modules indispensable for the operation of the device. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, lines connecting modules indicate dependency relationships, and software modules (for example, BaseF, G, etc.) hanging from the lower level (right side in FIGS. 1 to 5) When the software module (for example, BaseD) on the left side in FIG. 5 is removed, it means that they are removed together. Conversely, lower modules (for example, BaseF, G, etc.) can be attached to and detached from upper modules (for example, BaseD, etc.) alone, but when there is no upper module, a set (for example, BaseD, F, G, etc.) must be added.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, “configuration pattern 2” is the minimum configuration when removable software modules BaseD to G are removed. Thus, the configuration information may have a configuration with fewer software modules than when shipped from the factory.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, “configuration pattern 3” is a configuration in which a software module I is added to the basic configuration. Such a configuration is used when the user adds an option later or sells the basic configuration with an additional function.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, “configuration pattern 4” is a configuration in which the software module BaseE is removed from the basic configuration and the software module H is added instead. Such a configuration is used when the user replaces the option with an alternative function of BaseE.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, “configuration pattern 5” is a configuration when software modules I, J, K, and L are further added to configuration pattern 4. Thus, an example is shown in which the module configuration becomes complex after modules are added / deleted / replaced in accordance with the user's usage environment.

  Also, the configuration information shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, that is, the software module installed in the device has several states as shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of configuration information according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the configuration information includes items such as “module name, version, activation state, activation state, and dependent module”. In FIG. 6, the module name is an item indicating the module name, such as “display control, module management, image editing, print control, color processing, FAX transmission control, FAX transmission history management”, and the like. “Version” is an item indicating the version of the module, for example, “1.00, 1.01, 1.03” or the like. The activated state is an item indicating whether the module can be used, and is, for example, “activated, deactivated” or the like. The activation state is an item indicating whether the module is being activated, for example, “activation, stop” or the like. Further, the dependent module is an item indicating the name of the module that is higher in the module and has a dependency relationship. For example, the color processing module depends on the image editing module, and the FAX transmission history management module indicates the FAX. Depends on the transmission control module.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention reproduces configuration information closer to the purpose by designating the state shown in FIG. 6 when reproducing the above-described configuration information with another device. The state of FIG. 6 will be described below with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a change in the state of the configuration information according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, if the software module does not exist, the installation starts from the uninstalled state (1). The installed software module is stored on a storage medium such as an HDD. However, in order to prevent unauthorized use of a paid software module, the software module cannot be used unless it is activated (2). ). However, this step may be automatically skipped if it is free. When the activation ends normally, the software is started (3), and the software module added for the first time is in an operating state.

  The user can freely stop / start the software module in the installed state (4 to 5). Also, when it is no longer used, the contractual use can be suspended by performing deactivation (6). If it becomes unnecessary, the software module itself stored on the storage medium such as the HDD can be deleted by performing uninstallation (7).

  In addition, in FIG. 7, the part drawn with a dotted line is a flow in the case of performing the processing of the steps in a single operation instead of operating each step in the middle, considering the user's usability. It is. In actual operation, it is desirable to perform processing so that the target operation is completed with fewer steps.

  When reproducing the configuration information, among the configuration information shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, “reproduce only the activated module” or “reproduce all installed modules”, etc. An operation instruction corresponding to the purpose of the user is assumed.

  Subsequently, a change in the state of the configuration information illustrated in FIG. 7 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a configuration information change process during installation or uninstallation. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of configuration information update processing during activation or deactivation. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the configuration information update process at the time of starting or stopping.

  In FIG. 8, the information processing apparatus includes a display control unit (UI) 10 having functions of a display unit and an input unit, and a module corresponding to a control unit having functions of a reading unit, a specifying unit, and a writing unit of the present invention. The management unit 20, the program storage unit 30 having a function of a storage device, and the communication unit 40 having a function of a communication control interface unit are connected to a download server 50 of an external device so as to be communicable via a network. .

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the display control unit 10 instructs the module management unit 20 to install a necessary software module in accordance with a user instruction (step SA-1). Then, the module management unit 20 requests the communication unit 40 to download a necessary software module (step SA-2), and the communication unit 40 issues a download request to the download server 50 (step SA-3). Then, the download server 50 transfers the software module program requested to be downloaded to the communication means 40 (step SA-4), and the communication means 40 transfers the program to the module management means 20 (step SA-5). . Then, the module management unit 20 writes the downloaded program into the program storage unit 30 (step SA-6), and updates the configuration information (step SA-7). Then, the module management unit 20 transmits a configuration information update completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SA-8) to notify the user that the installation is completed. As mentioned above, the process of step SA-1 to step SA-8 is the detail of the process of (1) step in FIG.

  Further, according to the user's instruction, the display control unit 10 instructs the module management means 20 to uninstall an unnecessary software module (step SA-9). Then, the module management unit 20 deletes unnecessary software module programs from the program storage unit 30 (step SA-10), and updates the configuration information (step SA-11). Then, the module management unit 20 transmits a configuration information update completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SA-12) to notify the user that the uninstallation has been completed. The processes in steps SA-9 to SA-12 are the details of the process in step (7) in FIG.

  9, the information processing apparatus includes a display control unit (UI) 10 having functions of a display unit and an input unit, and a module corresponding to a control unit having functions of a reading unit, a specifying unit, and a writing unit of the present invention. The management unit 20, the storage unit 32 having the function of the storage device, and the communication unit 40 having the function of the communication control interface unit are communicably connected to the activation server 52 of the external device via the network. .

  As shown in FIG. 9, first, in accordance with a user instruction, the display control unit 10 instructs the module management means 20 to activate a software module to be made available (step SB-1). Then, the module management unit 20 requests the communication unit 40 to activate the software module to be made available (step SB-2), and the communication unit 40 issues an activation request to the activation server 52 (step SB-3). . Then, the activation server 52 issues a certificate permitting use of the software module requested to be activated and transfers the certificate to the communication unit 40 (step SB-4). The communication unit 40 transmits the certificate to the module management unit 20. Is transferred (step SB-5). Then, the module management unit 20 writes the permitted certificate in the storage unit 32 (step SB-6) and updates the configuration information (step SB-7). Then, the module management unit 20 transmits a configuration information update completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SB-8) to notify the user that activation has been completed. As mentioned above, the process of step SB-1-step SB-8 is the detail of the process of (2) step in FIG.

  Further, according to the user's instruction, the display control unit 10 instructs the module managing means 20 to deactivate the software module to be disabled (step SB-9). Then, the module management unit 20 requests the communication unit 40 to deactivate the software module to be disabled (step SB-10), and the communication unit 40 issues a deactivation request to the activation server 52 (step SB-). 11). Then, the activation server 52 permits the communication means 40 to deactivate the software module requested to be deactivated (step SB-12), and the communication means 40 notifies the module management means 20 of the deactivation permission (step SB-12). SB-13). Then, the module management unit 20 deletes the certificate permitted to be activated from the storage unit 32 (step SB-14), and updates the configuration information (step SB-15). Then, the module management unit 20 transmits a configuration information update completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SB-16) to notify the user that the deactivation has been completed. As described above, the processing of step SB-9 to step SB-16 is the details of the processing of step (6) in FIG.

  10, the information processing apparatus includes a display control unit (UI) 10 having functions of a display unit and an input unit, and a module corresponding to a control unit having functions of a reading unit, a specifying unit, and a writing unit of the present invention. The management unit 20 includes a program storage unit 30 having a function of a storage device, a storage unit 32, and a start / stop target program 34.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, in accordance with a user instruction, the display control unit 10 instructs the module management means 20 to activate a software module to be used (step SC-1). Then, the module management means 20 requests the storage means 32 to confirm the certificate that proves that the software module to be used is permitted to be activated (step SC-2), and the storage means 32 confirms the certificate. (Step SC-3). Then, after confirming the certificate, the storage unit 32 permits the module management unit 20 to start the software module (step SC-4). Then, the module management means 20 reads the software module of the program to be used from the program storage means 30 (Step SC-5), and simultaneously starts the start / stop target program 34 (Step SC-6). Then, the module management unit 20 updates the configuration information (step SC-7), transmits a configuration information update completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SC-8), and the activation has been completed for the user. To inform. As mentioned above, the process of step SC-1-step SC-8 is the detail of the process of (3) or (5) step in FIG.

  Further, according to the user's instruction, the display control unit 10 instructs the module management means 20 to stop the software module that is not used (step SC-9). Then, the module management means 20 requests the start / stop target program 34 to prepare for stop (step SC-10), and the start / stop target program 34 permits the module management means 20 to stop after completing the stop preparation. (Step SC-11). Then, the module management means 20 stops the start / stop target program 34 (step SC-12) and updates the configuration information (step SC-13). Then, the module management unit 20 transmits a configuration information update completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SC-14) to notify the user that the stop has been completed. The processes in steps SC-9 to SC-14 are the details of the process in step (4) in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14, examples of screens when writing and reading configuration information are shown. Here, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that displays a list of configuration information according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for selecting a device to which the configuration information is written according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for selecting a device from which configuration information is read according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for selecting configuration information to be reproduced according to the embodiment.

  When writing out, as shown in FIG. 11, a module to be written out is selected from a screen displaying a list of configuration information. When the “select all” button (MB-4) is pressed, all installed modules are selected. When the “release all” button (MB-5) is pressed, all selections are released. When the “selecting active” button (MB-6) is pressed, all modules whose current active state is “active” are selected. Also, by pressing the check box (MB-9) in this state, selection or cancellation can be switched for each individual module.

  If the module list cannot be displayed on one screen, the display can be switched by pressing the page turning button “↑” (MB-7) or the page turning button “↓” (MB-8).

  When the export target is determined, the “write” button (MB-2) is pressed to confirm the target, and a screen for selecting a device to be written is displayed as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, for example, an externally connected HDD (MC-4) connected via an interface such as an SD card (MC-3) or USB, a server (MC-5) connected via a network, and the like are selected. When the “execute” button (MC-2) is pressed, the writing process is actually started. Here, when the cancel button (MC-1) is pressed, the determined write destination device is canceled.

  At the time of reading, as shown in FIG. 11, when a “read” button (MB-1) is pressed from a screen displaying a list of configuration information, a screen for selecting a reading source device is displayed as shown in FIG. Similarly, when a device is selected (MD-3 to MD-5) and the “OK” button (MD-2) is pressed, a list of read configuration information is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, when the cancel button (MD-1) is pressed, the selected device is cancelled. Then, a target for actually reproducing the module configuration is selected on the screen as shown in FIG. When the “select all” button (ME-3) is pressed, all modules of the read configuration information are selected. When the “release all” button (ME-4) is pressed, all selections are released. When the “select active” button (ME-5) is pressed, all modules whose active state at the time of writing is “active” are selected. Further, by pressing the check box (ME-8) in this state, selection / cancellation can be switched for each individual module.

  If the module list cannot be displayed on one screen, the display can be switched by pressing the page turning button “↑” (ME-6) or the page turning button “↓” (ME-7).

  In the screen shown in FIG. 14, the current configuration information and the read configuration differences are displayed in the rightmost column (ME-9). If the module is currently installed, its version is displayed, and if it is not installed, “N / A” is displayed. In addition, modules with different configurations are displayed as icons so that you can see them.

  Further, after the reading target is determined, the target is determined by pressing the “execute” button (ME-2), and the reading process is actually started. Here, when the cancel button (ME-1) is pressed, the determined reading target is canceled.

  Next, processing by the screen operations for writing and reading the configuration information shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the configuration information writing process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the configuration information reading process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the configuration difference determination process according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 15, the information processing apparatus includes a display control unit (UI) 10 having functions of a display unit and an input unit, and a module corresponding to a control unit having functions of a reading unit, a specifying unit, and a writing unit of the present invention. The management unit 20 is communicably connected to an SD card 36 having a function of a storage device of an external device. Note that the write destination is not limited to the SD card 36, and may be, for example, an externally connected HDD connected via an interface such as a USB, or a server connected to a network.

  As shown in FIG. 15, first, the display control unit 10 requests the module management unit 20 to acquire a list of configuration information as shown in FIG. 11 in accordance with a user instruction (step SD-1). Then, the module management unit 20 notifies the display control unit 10 of a list of configuration information as shown in FIG. 11 (step SD-2). Then, in accordance with the user's instruction, the display control unit 10 selects a write target as shown in FIG. 12 (step SD-3), and requests the module management means 20 to write configuration information regarding the selected target module. (Step SD-4). Then, the module management means 20 writes the configuration information to the SD card 36 (step SD-5), and after the writing is completed, sends a completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SD-6), and the user is written out. Inform it of completion. The above is the process of writing configuration information.

  In FIG. 16, the information processing apparatus includes a display control unit (UI) 10 having functions of a display unit and an input unit, and a module corresponding to a control unit having functions of a reading unit, a specifying unit, and a writing unit of the present invention. The SD card includes a management unit 20, a program storage unit 30 having a function of a storage device, and a communication unit 40 having a function of a communication control interface unit. The information processing apparatus is an SD card having a function of a storage device of an external device. 36 is communicably connected directly to the download server 50 of the external device via a network.

  As shown in FIG. 16, first, the display control unit 10 requests the module management unit 20 to acquire a list of configuration information as shown in FIG. 11 in accordance with a user instruction (step SE-1). Then, the module management unit 20 notifies the display control unit 10 of a list of configuration information as shown in FIG. 11 (step SE-2). Then, according to the user's instruction, the display control unit 10 requests the module management means 20 to read the configuration information from the reading source device selected on the screen as shown in FIG. 13 (step SE-3). Then, for example, when the SD card (MD-3) is selected on the screen as shown in FIG. 13, the module management means 20 reads the configuration information from the SD card 36 (step SE-4) and completes the reading. Thereafter, the result of reading the configuration information is transmitted to the display control unit 10 (step SE-5).

  Further, the display control unit 10 selects the reproduction target as shown in FIG. 14 in accordance with the user's instruction (step SE-6), and requests the module management means 20 to reproduce the configuration information regarding the selected target module. (Step SE-7). Then, as shown in the rightmost column (ME-9) of FIG. 14, the module management means 20 determines the current configuration information and the read configuration difference (step SE-8).

  Here, the configuration difference determination processing in step SE-8 in FIG. 16 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, first, the module management means 20 corresponding to the control unit having functions of the reading means, specifying means, and writing means of the present invention compares the configuration information to be reproduced with the current configuration information (step SF-1), it is determined whether or not all the configuration information has been determined (step SF-2). Then, when the determination of the configuration information is completed (step SF-2: Yes), the module management unit 20 determines whether there is a module that does not exist in the configuration information to be reproduced (step SF-11) and reproduces it. If there is a module that does not exist in the configuration information (step SF-11: Yes), the corresponding program is deleted (step SF-12), and if there is no module that does not exist in the configuration information to be reproduced (step SF-11: step SF-11). No), the process is terminated as it is.

  Further, when the determination of the configuration information is not completed (step SF-2: No), the module management unit 20 reads information on the next module (step SF-3), and whether or not there is a dependency relationship with respect to the module. Is determined (step SF-4). If the module management unit 20 determines that there is no dependency (step SF-4: No), the module management unit 20 proceeds to step SF-8, and if it determines that there is a dependency (step SF-4: Yes), it is determined whether or not the same version of the dependent module exists (step SF-5). If the module management unit 20 determines that the same version exists (step SF-5: Yes), the module management unit 20 proceeds to step SF-8, and if it determines that the same version does not exist (step SF-5). : No), download the program of the dependent module (step SF-6), and return to the determination of the information of the original module (step SF-7). Then, the module management means 20 determines whether or not the same module exists (step SF-8). If the same module exists (step SF-8: Yes), it is determined whether or not they are the same version. If it is determined (step SF-9) and it is determined that the same version exists, the process returns to step SF-2. Also, the module management unit 20 determines that the same module does not exist in step SF-8 (step SF-8: No), or determines that the same version does not exist in step SF-9 ( Step SF-9: No), the program is downloaded (step SF-10), and the process returns to step SF-2.

  Returning to FIG. 16 again, when it is determined to download the program of the dependent module or the like in the configuration difference determination process in step SE-8, the module management unit 20 requests the communication unit 40 to download the necessary software module. The communication means 40 issues a download request to the download server 50 (step SE-10). Then, the download server 50 transfers the software module program requested to be downloaded to the communication means 40 (step SE-11), and the communication means 40 transfers the program to the module management means 20 (step SE-12). . Then, the module management unit 20 writes the downloaded program into the program storage unit 30 (step SE-13) and updates the configuration information (step SE-14). When it is determined that there is a module that does not exist in the configuration information to be reproduced in the configuration difference determination process in step SE-8, the module management unit 20 deletes the corresponding program from the program storage unit 30 (step SE-15). ), The configuration information is updated (step SE-16). Then, the module management unit 20 transmits a configuration information update completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SE-17) to notify the user that the reading has been completed. The above is the configuration information reading process.

  This completes the description of “configuration information” that is element information of elements that can be changed in the device.

[Setting information]
Next, “setting information” that is element information of elements that can be changed in the device will be described. Here, FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information according to the present embodiment.

  “Setting information” means, for example, as a static parameter of a software module that operates on a device such as an MFP / LP, a user or a service (person who provides the product) makes various adjustments according to the usage environment. It is information that went.

  As illustrated in FIG. 18, the setting information includes, for example, “mainly setting item names, identifiers, setting ranges, setting values, initial values” and the like. The initial value is mainly used when returning to the set value when shipped from the factory. In FIG. 18, an identifier is an identifier such as a number corresponding to the name of an item to be set mainly, for example, “001-0001, 001-0002, 002-0001, 003-0001, 004-0001” or the like. . The name is mainly the name of an item to be set, such as “tray 1 paper size, user name display, date / time display, IP address, device name, scanner skew correction”, and the like. The setting range is a setting range of each item to be set. For example, “0: A4 horizontal, 1: A4 vertical, 2: B5 horizontal, 3: B5 vertical, 4: A3 vertical, 5: B4 vertical (paper Size), 0: OFF, 1: ON (user name display), XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX (IP address), arbitrary character string (device name), 0 to 255 (scanner skew correction). The set value is a set value of each set item. For example, “1 (paper size), 0 (user name display), 192.168.1.100 (IP address), 8F-image (device name) ), 7 (scanner skew correction) "and the like. The initial value is an initial value of each item to be set. For example, “0 (paper size), 1 (user name display), 0.0.0.0. (IP address), unset (device name) ), 7 (scanner skew correction) "and the like. The rightmost device-specific column in FIG. 18 contains a setting value indicating whether the information is unique to the device, for example, “not unique, unique”.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, the setting information is various, such as selection type, ON / OFF instruction, input of a certain range of numerical values, special character input such as a character string or IP address, etc. It is. Also, it is divided into items that have factory setting values and changes and items that do not.

  For example, like the setting information shown in identifiers 003-0001 and 003-0002 in FIG. 18, the setting information related to the IP address and the device name includes items that have meaning only in this device. For example, even if the IP address is reproduced by another device, it cannot be used unless it matches the IP address in the range determined in the network environment, and an item that may not be reproduced (or an item that should not be reproduced) ) Is also present.

  Further, as indicated by identifiers 004-0001 in FIG. 18, the setting information related to scanner skew correction may be adjusted inherent to the device at the time of shipment from the factory. There is no.

  Next, setting information writing and reading processing will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the setting information writing process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of setting information reading processing according to the present embodiment. Although not shown, the screen operations for writing and reading the configuration information shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 can be similarly used in the setting information, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 19, the information processing apparatus includes a display control unit (UI) 10 having functions of a display unit and an input unit, and a setting corresponding to a control unit having functions of a reading unit, a specifying unit, and a writing unit of the present invention. The information management unit 22 is communicably connected to an SD card 36 having a function of a storage device of an external device. Note that the write destination is not limited to the SD card 36, and may be, for example, an externally connected HDD connected via an interface such as a USB, or a server connected to a network.

  As shown in FIG. 19, first, the display control unit 10 requests the setting information management unit 22 to acquire a list of setting information in accordance with a user instruction (step SG-1). And the setting information management means 22 notifies the list of setting information to the display control part 10 (step SG-2). Then, according to the user's instruction, the display control unit 10 selects a write target (step SG-3), and requests the setting information management unit 22 to write setting information regarding the selected target setting information (step SG). -4). Then, the setting information management means 22 writes the setting information to the SD card 36 (step SG-5), and after the writing is completed, sends a completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SG-6) and writes it to the user. Inform that is complete. The above is the setting information writing process.

  20, the information processing apparatus is configured in the same manner as in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, first, the display control unit 10 requests the setting information management unit 22 to obtain a list of setting information in accordance with a user instruction (step SH-1). And the setting information management means 22 notifies the list of setting information to the display control part 10 (step SH-2). Then, according to the user's instruction, the display control unit 10 requests the setting information management unit 22 to read the setting information from the selected reading source device (for example, the SD card 36). Then, the setting information management unit 22 reads the setting information from the SD card 36 (step SH-4), and after the reading is completed, transmits the setting information reading result to the display control unit 10 (step SH-5).

  Further, the display control unit 10 selects a reproduction target according to the user's instruction (step SH-6), and requests the setting information management unit 22 to reproduce the setting information regarding the selected target setting information (step SH). -7). Then, the setting information management unit 22 determines the difference in the setting that has been read from the current setting information (step SH-8). Note that the setting difference determination process in step SH-8 is basically the same as the process in FIG. Then, the setting information management unit 22 updates the setting information (Step SH-9). Then, the setting information management unit 22 transmits a setting information update completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SH-10) to notify the user that the reading has been completed. The above is the setting information reading process.

  This concludes the description of “setting information” that is element information of elements that can be changed in the device.

[Screen Information]
Finally, “screen information” that is element information of elements that can be changed in the device will be described. Here, FIGS. 21 to 25 are diagrams illustrating an example of an image pattern of screen information according to the present embodiment.

  “Screen information” is information relating to a screen displayed on a user interface (UI) (for example, an operation unit, an operation panel, a web user interface, etc.) provided by a device such as an MFP / LP. The purpose is to display a screen that is the same as or similar to the screen displayed by a device using these. An example is shown below.

  As shown in FIG. 21, “screen pattern 1” is a basic configuration when the device is shipped from the factory (before the user adds an option or customizes it). It is assumed that button items (in this example, copy (MA-1), FAX transmission (MA-2), and stored document (MA-3)) displayed on the screen are turned ON / OFF by customization. However, since this is a button for using some function from the beginning, it is desirable to turn it on / off in conjunction with the availability of the function.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 22, “screen pattern 2” is a modification in which the button display of FAX transmission is turned OFF with respect to the basic configuration, and the button of the stored document is arranged at that position instead. These are changed according to the user's usage environment and preferences. In addition, since it is desirable that the FAX transmission button be linked with the availability of the FAX transmission function, the button display is automatically turned OFF when, for example, an option module having the FAX function becomes unavailable (stopped). There is.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 23, “screen pattern 3” is obtained by adding a mail transmission button (MA-4) to the basic configuration. Since this is also considered as a button for calling the mail transmission function, it is desirable that the button display is automatically turned ON when the mail transmission function becomes available (in an activated state).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 24, “screen pattern 4” is obtained by changing the button color and font size of the mail transmission function with respect to screen pattern 3. For example, in FIG. 24, for example, the mail transmission button (MA-4) has a larger font size and a changed button color. This assumes that customization is performed for the added functions and frequently used functions so that the related screen items are highlighted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 25, “screen pattern 5” is obtained by arranging a fixed graphic image (MA-5) at the lower right of the screen with respect to screen pattern 4. In FIG. 25, for example, the graphic image (MA-5) has “XX company (company name)” arranged at the lower right of the screen. This assumes that such customization is performed when a character string that is particularly appealing in the user's usage environment, or when a brand logo is entered in an OEM or the like.

  As described above, since the screen provided by the MFP / LP is assumed to be changed according to the use environment / preference of the user, ON / OFF of button display, arrangement, color, character size, arbitrary Information such as items being added is required.

  Moreover, the information regarding the screen (namely, screen information) displayed on the user interface which the apparatus shown in FIGS. 21-25 provides is information as shown in FIGS. Here, FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are diagrams showing examples of screen arrangement positions according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the screen information includes, for example, “screen type, screen element, display, character size, background color, arrangement, changeability”, and the like. The screen type is an item indicating the type of screen displayed on the user interface, such as “menu screen, copy screen”. The screen element is an item indicating a screen element displayed on the user interface. For example, a “copy button, FAX transmission button, stored document button, mail transmission button, logo image, set number display, document type button” , Density selection slider, mass document button, tray 1 button, duplex printing button, etc. The display is an item indicating whether or not each screen element is displayed on each screen type, for example, “Yes” or “No”. The character size is an item indicating the size of the character to be displayed, such as “12 pt, 16 pt”. Further, as shown by the rice mark 1 in FIG. 26, the background color is an item indicating the background color of the screen to be displayed, and is, for example, “standard, light blue, green” or the like. As for the background color, in this embodiment, the default background color is determined for each screen element, which is expressed as a standard. Only when the default is changed, the actual color name (for example, light blue) is set. In addition, as shown by the rice mark 2 in FIG. 26, the arrangement is an item indicating the arrangement position. For example, “(1, 1), (1, 2), (2, 1), (2, 2) Etc. With regard to the layout, in this embodiment, the designation method of the layout position of the screen element is selected from layouts determined in advance for each screen type as shown in FIGS. Note that the user can set whether or not to change the screen information.

  Next, screen information writing and reading processing will be described below with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG. Here, FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the screen information writing process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a screen information reading process according to the present embodiment. Although not shown, the screen operations for writing and reading the configuration information shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 can be used in the screen information in the same manner, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  29, the information processing apparatus includes a display control unit (UI) 10 having functions of a display unit and an input unit, and a screen corresponding to a control unit having functions of a reading unit, a specifying unit, and a writing unit of the present invention. The information management unit 24 is communicably connected to an SD card 36 having a function of a storage device of an external device. Note that the write destination is not limited to the SD card 36, and may be, for example, an externally connected HDD connected via an interface such as a USB, or a server connected to a network.

  As shown in FIG. 29, first, the display control unit 10 requests the screen information management unit 24 to acquire a list of screen information in accordance with a user instruction (step SI-1). Then, the screen information management unit 24 notifies the display control unit 10 of a list of screen information (step SI-2). Then, in accordance with the user's instruction, the display control unit 10 selects a target to be written out (step SI-3), and requests the screen information management unit 24 to write out screen information regarding the selected target screen information (step SI). -4). Then, the screen information management means 24 writes the screen information to the SD card 36 (step SI-5), and after the writing is completed, sends a completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SI-6) and writes it to the user. Inform that is complete. The above is the screen information writing process.

  In FIG. 30, the information processing apparatus is configured in the same manner as in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 30, first, the display control unit 10 requests the screen information management unit 24 to acquire a list of screen information in accordance with a user instruction (step SJ-1). Then, the screen information management unit 24 notifies the display control unit 10 of a list of screen information (step SJ-2). Then, according to the user's instruction, the display control unit 10 requests the screen information management unit 24 to read the screen information from the selected reading source device (for example, the SD card 36) (step SJ-3). Then, the screen information management unit 24 reads the screen information from the SD card 36 (step SJ-4), and transmits the screen information reading result to the display control unit 10 after the reading is completed (step SJ-5).

  Further, the display control unit 10 selects a reproduction target according to the user's instruction (Step SJ-6), and requests the screen information management unit 24 to reproduce the screen information regarding the selected target screen information (Step SJ). -7). Then, the screen information management means 24 determines the difference between the current screen information and the read screen (step SJ-8). Note that the screen difference determination process in step SJ-8 is basically the same as the process in FIG. Then, the screen information management unit 24 updates the screen information (Step SJ-9). Then, the screen information management unit 24 transmits a screen information update completion notification to the display control unit 10 (step SJ-10) to notify the user that the reading has been completed. The above is the screen information reading process.

  This completes the description of “screen information” that is element information of elements that can be changed in the device.

It is a figure which shows an example of the structure pattern of the structure information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure pattern of the structure information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure pattern of the structure information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure pattern of the structure information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure pattern of the structure information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure information concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the change of the state of the structure information concerning this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the change process of the configuration information at the time of installation or uninstallation. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the update process of the structure information at the time of activation or deactivation. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the update process of the structure information at the time of starting or stopping. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which displays the list of the structure information concerning embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which selects the device of the structure information writing destination concerning embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which selects the device of the structure information reading origin concerning embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which selects the structure information to reproduce | regenerate concerning embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the write-out process of the structure information concerning this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the reading process of the structure information concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the structure difference determination process concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information concerning this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the write-out process of the setting information concerning this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the reading process of the setting information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image pattern of the screen information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image pattern of the screen information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image pattern of the screen information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image pattern of the screen information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image pattern of the screen information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen information concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the arrangement position of the screen concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the arrangement position of the screen concerning this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the writing-out process of the screen information concerning this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the reading process of the screen information concerning this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Display control unit (UI)
20 module management means 22 setting information management means 24 screen information management means 30 program storage means 32 storage means 34 start / stop target program 36 SD card 40 communication means 50 download server 52 activation server

Claims (17)

An information processing apparatus including at least a control unit and a storage unit,
The storage unit
Comprising element information storage means for storing element information of changeable elements in the first device;
The control unit
Reading means for reading element information of changeable elements in the second device via the storage device or network interface connected to the first device;
Identifying means for identifying a difference by comparing the element information of the second device read by the reading means with the element information of the first device stored in the storage unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the element information of the second device read by the reading unit is configuration information of a module of the second device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
When it is determined that the module necessary for reproducing the module configuration of the second device in the first device is insufficient based on the difference specified by the specifying means, the first device The information processing apparatus, wherein the necessary module is downloaded to the first device via the storage device or the network interface connected to the device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
When the user selects at least one of all the modules currently activated on the second device from the configuration information of the second device read by the reading unit, An information processing apparatus that narrows down programs to be downloaded to the first device corresponding to the module of the configuration information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the element information of the second device read by the reading unit is setting information referred to by a module of the second device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,
A setting item unique to the second device is excluded from the setting information of the second device read out by the reading means by the user, and the setting information of the second device having a difference from the initial value is excluded. An information processing apparatus that narrows down the setting items of the setting information to be reproduced by selecting at least one of all setting items. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the element information of the second device read by the reading unit is screen information for displaying a user interface provided by the second device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,
The display of the screen information to be reproduced is selected by selecting a specific screen as a screen that cannot be changed as display content from the screen information of the second device read by the reading means by the user. An information processing apparatus characterized by narrowing down contents. An information processing apparatus having at least a control unit,
The control unit
An information processing apparatus comprising: writing means for writing element information of an element in a device in a format readable by a storage device or a network interface connected to the device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the element information written by the writing means is configuration information of a module on the device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10,
When the user selects the configuration information written by the writing means from at least one of all the modules that are currently activated on the device, the user can select the configuration information to be written. An information processing apparatus characterized by narrowing down the program of the corresponding device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the element information written by the writing means is setting information referred to by a module of the device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12,
By selecting the setting information written by the writing means by the user from at least one of all the setting items of the setting information that is different from the initial value as a setting item unique to the device, An information processing apparatus characterized by narrowing down the setting items of the setting information to be written out. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the element information written by the writing unit is screen information for displaying a user interface provided by the device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14,
Narrow down the display contents of the screen information to be written by selecting the screen information written by the writing means from a specific screen, excluding screens that cannot be changed as display contents. An information processing apparatus. An information processing method executed in an information processing apparatus including at least a control unit and a storage unit,
The storage unit
Comprising element information storage means for storing element information of changeable elements in the first device;
Executed in the control unit,
A step of reading element information of changeable elements in the second device via a storage device or network interface connected to the first device;
A specifying step for identifying a difference by comparing the element information of the second device read in the reading step with the element information of the first device stored in the storage unit;
An information processing method comprising: An information processing method executed in an information processing apparatus including at least a control unit,
Executed in the control unit,
An information processing method comprising a step of writing out element information of elements that can be changed in a device in a format that can be re-read via a storage device or a network interface connected to the device.

Images