JP2010034655A - Device setting alteration system, network device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an device setting alteration system for enabling an alteration based on importance of a setting item, and to provide network device and a program. <P>SOLUTION: The device setting alteration system has: a device main unit for requesting an alteration in setting to the network device; a client device that is connected to the network device via a network and requests the alteration in setting to the network device; a priority determination section for determining which alteration in setting should have higher priority between an alteration in setting by the device main unit and an alteration in setting by the client device according to the content of the alteration in setting to the network device; and a processing execution section for preventing an alteration in setting that has been determined not to have higher priority by the priority determination section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device setting change system, a network device, and a program that can change setting items of a network device.

This type of system is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) together with a network device (for example, an image forming apparatus) and a client apparatus (for example, a PC (Personal Computer)), and the image forming apparatus is a PC. Various services are provided upon request.
Here, the setting change of the image forming apparatus can be executed from the PC in addition to the operation panel.

  And when a plurality of PCs are connected to a network and there is a setting change by one PC, a technology is disclosed that rejects the setting change by the other PC (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-318904 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, the relationship between the setting change by one PC and the setting change by the other PC is merely shown, and the relationship between the setting change by the operation panel and the setting change by the PC is intended. Not. Therefore, the specific criteria for which setting change has priority is not clear.

  More specifically, the setting items of the image forming apparatus include various items having different importance, such as a setting item that requires an authentication ID and a setting item that needs to be shared by a plurality of image forming apparatuses. As in the above-described technique, there is a problem that it is difficult to change the setting items in accordance with the importance of the setting items simply by adopting the setting change by which PC.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a device setting change system, a network device, and a program that can solve the above-described problems and can change the setting items in accordance with the importance of the setting items.

  To achieve the above object, a device setting change system according to the present invention includes a device main body that requests a setting change for a network device, and a client that is connected to the network device via a network and requests a setting change for the network device. Device. Further, the device setting change system includes a priority determination unit that determines which setting change is to be given priority among the setting change by the device main body and the setting change by the client device according to the content of the setting change for the network device. And a process execution unit that prevents a setting change by a person who has not determined that the determination unit has priority.

According to the device setting change system of the present invention, the network device and the client device are connected via the network, and both the device main body and the client device are configured to be able to request a setting change for the network device.
Here, according to the content of the setting change for the network device, the setting change by either one of the setting change by the device main body and the setting change by the client device has priority. And when the setting change by this one is given priority, the setting change by the other is blocked.

  Therefore, even if a change in the same setting item is requested almost simultaneously from the device main body and the client device, it becomes clear which setting change is effective. Moreover, which setting change is effective is determined according to the contents of the setting change for the network device. As a result, it is possible to make a change in accordance with the importance of the setting item as compared with the conventional case in which the criterion for which setting change has priority is not clarified.

In the device setting change system of the present invention, the priority determination unit, when the content of the setting change for the network network device is a setting item that requires an authentication ID, regardless of whether the setting is being changed by the client device or not. You may make it give priority to the setting change by an apparatus main body.
With such a configuration, when the content of the setting change for the network device is a setting item requiring an authentication ID, the setting change by the device main body is given priority, and the setting change by the client device is prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the authentication device from passing through the client device, which contributes to improving the reliability of the system.

  In the device setting change system of the present invention, when the content of the setting change for the network device is not a setting item requiring an authentication ID, a data analysis unit for determining whether or not the setting change by the client device is in progress is added, and this data analysis unit If it is determined that the setting change by the client device is in progress, the setting change by the device main body may be prevented.

With such a configuration, if the content of the setting change does not require an authentication ID, it is possible to change the setting by the device main body while ensuring the setting change by the client device, but not changing the setting by the client device. Become.
In the device setting change system of the present invention, the priority determination unit determines whether the setting change by the device main body is being performed when the content of the setting change for the network device is a setting item that needs to be shared by a plurality of network devices. Regardless, the setting change by the client device may be prioritized.

  With such a configuration, when the content of the setting change for the network device is a setting item that needs to be shared by a plurality of network devices, the setting change by the client device is given priority and the setting change by the device main body is prevented. . Therefore, setting changes for all network devices can be performed promptly and reliably, contributing to the improvement of system reliability.

  In the device setting change system according to the present invention, whether the priority determination unit is changing the setting by the device main body or another client device when the content of the setting change for the network device is not a setting item that needs to be shared by a plurality of network devices. A data analysis unit for determining whether or not the data analysis unit determines that a setting change by the apparatus main body or another client device is being changed may be prevented from being changed by the client device. .

With such a configuration, when the content of the setting change does not need to be shared by a plurality of network devices, the setting by the device main body and the client device is ensured while ensuring the setting change by the device main body or another client device. If it is not being changed, the setting can be changed by the device body.
The network device of the present invention is connected to a client device via a network, and any setting change between the setting change by the device main body and the setting change by the client device is changed according to the contents of the setting change for the network device. A priority determination unit that determines whether to give priority; and a process execution unit that prevents a setting change by a person who has not determined that the priority determination unit has priority.

  According to the network device of the present invention, even if a change of the same setting item is requested almost simultaneously from the device main body and the client device, it becomes clear which setting change is effective. In addition, since which setting change is effective is determined according to the contents of the setting change for the network device, the setting item can be changed according to the importance of the setting item.

  The device setting change program of the present invention has a device main body and causes a computer of the network device to execute setting change for a network device connected to a client device via a network. This device setting change program changes the setting from either one of the setting change from the device itself or the setting change from the client device connected via the network according to the contents of the setting change for the network device. Let the computer execute a priority procedure and a procedure for preventing a setting change from the other when the setting change from the one is given priority.

  According to the program of the present invention, even if the same setting item is requested to be changed almost simultaneously from the device main body and the client device, it becomes clear which setting change is effective. In addition, which setting change is effective is determined according to the contents of the setting change for the network device, and can be changed in accordance with the importance of the setting item.

  According to the present invention, it becomes clear which setting change is effective even when the change of the same setting item is requested almost simultaneously from the apparatus main body and the client device. In addition, it is possible to change the setting item in accordance with the importance.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a device setting change system according to the present embodiment. A system 1 is configured using a network 2 such as a LAN, and includes image forming apparatuses (network devices) 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and Remote PCs (client devices) 6 are respectively connected to the network 2.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus. This image forming apparatus is a digital multifunction peripheral, which is a so-called multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as MFP). Here, the MFPs 4, 4a, 4b, and 4c have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the configuration of the MFP 4 will be described unless otherwise specified. The MFP 4 is connected to the network 2 via the network interface 26 and further connected to a public line. The MFP 4 executes various operations in accordance with program instructions.

The MFP 4 has a controller 10. The MFP 4 further includes an HDD 32, a network interface 26, a FAX communication unit 24, a scanner unit 22, a print engine 20, an operation panel 28, and a memory 30, which are connected to the controller 10 via a bus.
The HDD 32 is a hard disk drive, and sequentially stores various electronic files such as data read by the scanner unit 22, data transmitted from the remote PC 6, and data received by the FAX communication unit 24. In addition to the various electronic files described above, the HDD 32 stores the address book, customer information, and the like of each user who operates the remote PC 6.

The network interface 26 receives data transmitted from the remote PC 6. Further, the network interface 26 transmits data stored in the HDD 32 to the other party via the network 2.
The FAX communication unit 24 is connected to a telephone line or a network, and receives data transmitted by facsimile from the outside. Conversely, the data stored in the HDD 32 is transmitted by facsimile to the other party.

The scanner unit 22 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) that conveys a document to an image reading position, and sequentially reads images of a plurality of documents.
The print engine 20 prints data stored in the HDD 32 on paper.
The MFP 4 is connected to a paper supply unit that supplies paper (not shown), a post-processing device that performs sorting, punching, stapling, and the like on printed paper.
The operation panel (device main body) 28 has buttons for touch operation. The operation panel 28 can accept a user's touch operation and provide various services to the remote PC 6 or the like, and can change the setting of the MFP 4. Then, the operation content of the user received by the operation panel 28 is notified to the controller 10. Further, the operation panel 28 displays a message to the user using character information, a guidance image, and the like.

The memory 30 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and stores setting data and various programs associated with printing.
Various operations of the MFP 4 are controlled by the controller 10. The controller 10 is an element that functions as a computer, and has hardware resources such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 10 uses the hardware resources to execute a predetermined program and operates the print engine 20, the scanner unit 22, and the FAX communication unit 24 described above.

  The controller 10 includes a priority determination unit 12, a data analysis unit 14, and a process execution unit 16. The controller 10 of this embodiment gives priority to setting change by either one of setting change by the operation panel 28 and setting change by the remote PC 6, and prevents setting change by the other.

  Specifically, the controller 10 receives a setting change request from the operation panel 28 via the bus. Further, the controller 10 also receives a setting change request from the remote PC 6 via the network interface 26. Here, the setting change request from the operation panel 28 and the remote PC includes a command for changing the setting, an identifier of the setting item to be changed, and its setting contents (setting value, setting character string, etc.).

  Note that “setting change by the operation panel 28” means that the setting content included in the setting change request is reflected on the MFP 4 for the setting item that is the target of the setting change request from the operation panel 28. Similarly, “setting change by the remote PC 6” means that the setting content included in the setting change request is reflected on the MFP 4 for the setting item that is the target of the setting change request from the remote PC 6.

  The priority determination unit 12 of the controller 10 determines whether the setting item to be changed in the MFP 4 corresponding to the setting change request is a setting item that requires an authentication ID, or a setting that needs to be shared by each MFP in the same network 2 Determine if it is an item. Based on the determination result, it is determined which of the setting change by the operation panel 28 and the setting change by the remote PC 6 is prioritized.

The priority determination unit 12 outputs the determination result to the data analysis unit 14. The data analysis unit 14 currently manages whether there is a setting change request from the operation panel 28 or the remote PC 6, and outputs the management result to the process execution unit 16.
Next, when the priority determination unit 12 gives priority to the setting change by either the operation panel 28 or the remote PC 6, the processing execution unit 16 reflects the prioritized setting change in the memory 30 or the HDD 32 as needed. To do. At the same time, the setting change by the other not prioritized is prevented.

Hereinafter, an operation according to the present embodiment of the MFP 4 configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 3 shows a process for causing the controller 10 of the MFP 4 to execute a setting change for the MFP 4, and is a flowchart when a setting change request is received from the operation panel 28.

First, in step S301 of FIG. 3, the data analysis unit 14 waits until there is a setting change request from the operation panel 28 of the MFP 4, and if there is a setting change request from the operation panel 28, the process proceeds to step S302.
Subsequently, in step S <b> 302, the priority determination unit 12 determines whether or not priority should be given to the setting change by the operation panel 28 according to the setting item corresponding to the setting change request from the operation panel 28. Then, if the content of the setting change this time is a setting item that requires an authentication ID, for example, counter clear or data deletion of the HDD 32, that is, if it is determined Yes, whether or not the setting change by the remote PC 6 is in progress. Regardless, it is determined that the setting change by the operation panel 28 is prioritized, and the process proceeds to step S303.

  Here, “setting change by remote PC 6” means that there is an intermittent setting change request from remote PC 6 before and after the setting change request from operation panel 28 this time. In the present embodiment, when there is a setting change request from the operation panel 28, a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) from a setting change request from the remote PC 6 (excluding a setting change request whose setting contents are not reflected in the MFP 4). ) Refers to a state that has not elapsed. In this case, a setting change request from the remote PC 6 is generated only once and a predetermined time has not elapsed. However, since there is a possibility that the next setting change request is made from the remote PC 6 within a predetermined time, in this embodiment, such a case is also regarded as “setting change by the remote PC 6”.

  In step S303, the process execution unit 16 reflects the setting change by the operation panel 38 on the MFP 4 and ends the process. Here, the processing execution unit 16 changes the setting contents for the setting items that require an authentication ID such as counter clear and data deletion. For example, if the counter is cleared, the count value in the memory 30 is changed to “000000”, and if the data is erased, the list of image data taken into the HDD 32 from the scanner unit 22 or the remote PC 6 is changed.

On the other hand, if there is a setting change request from the operation panel 28 in step S302 described above, but it is determined that the setting change this time does not give priority to the setting change by the operation panel 28, that is, if it is determined No, step S304 is performed. Proceed to
In step S304, the data analysis unit 14 determines whether or not the setting is being changed by the remote PC 6. If the setting is not being changed by the remote PC 6, that is, if it is determined No, the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, the process execution unit 16 reflects the setting change by the operation panel 38 on the MFP 4 and ends the process. Here, the processing execution unit 16 changes the setting contents of setting items that do not require an authentication ID, such as manual sheet setting and document size registration. For example, the manual paper size in the memory 30 is changed for manual paper setting, and the original size in the memory 30 is changed for original size setting.

In step S304, if the data analysis unit 14 determines that the setting is being changed by the remote PC 6, that is, if it is determined Yes, the process proceeds to step S305.
In step S <b> 305, the process execution unit 16 prevents setting changes from the operation panel 28. Further, the process execution unit 16 displays a message “Setting is currently being changed from the remote PC” on the operation panel 28, prompts the user to abandon the setting change by the operation panel 28, and ends the process. To do.

When the data analysis unit 14 determines Yes in step S304, the MFP 4 executes processing when it is determined Yes in step S502 described later or No in step S504.
By the way, the remote PC 6 can change the settings of the MFPs 4, 4a, 4b, and 4c. Some setting items that can be changed by the remote PC 6 may need to be shared by the plurality of MFPs. For example, a common address book or customer information is applicable. When the remote PC 6 transmits a common setting change request to each MFP, the setting can be changed all at once. As described above, when setting is changed for a setting item that needs to be shared by a plurality of MFPs, setting change by the remote PC 6 may be prioritized.

FIG. 4 shows a process for causing the controller 10 of the MFP 4 to execute a setting change for the MFP 4, and is a flowchart when there is a setting change request from the remote PC 6.
First, in step S500 of FIG. 4, the data analysis unit 14 stands by until a setting change request is received from the remote PC 6. If there is a setting change request from the remote PC 6, the process proceeds to step S501.

In step S501, the data analysis unit 14 determines whether or not a setting item that needs to be shared by the plurality of MFPs 4, 4a, 4b, and 4c is being changed by another remote PC (not shown). If the setting is not being changed by another remote PC, that is, if it is determined No, the process proceeds to step S502.
Note that “setting change by another remote PC” means that there is an intermittent setting change request from another remote PC before and after the setting change request from the remote PC 6 this time. In the present embodiment, when there is a setting change request from the remote PC 6, a predetermined time (for example, 1) from a setting change request from another remote PC (excluding a setting change request whose setting contents are not reflected in the MFP 4). Min) Refers to the state that has not elapsed. In this case, a setting change request from another remote PC is generated only once and a predetermined time has not elapsed. However, since there is a possibility that the next setting change request is made from another remote PC within a predetermined time, in this embodiment, the data analysis unit 14 also states that “setting change by another remote PC”. It shall be determined.

  Subsequently, in step S502, the priority determination unit 12 determines whether or not the setting change by the remote PC 6 should be given priority according to the setting item for the setting change request from the remote PC 6. Then, when the content of the setting change this time is a setting item that needs to be shared by a plurality of MFPs 4, 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c, for example, update, deletion, or addition of an address book or customer information, that is, it is determined as Yes In some cases, it is determined that the setting change by the remote PC 6 is prioritized regardless of whether or not the setting is being changed by the operation panel 28, and the process proceeds to step S503.

  Note that “setting change by the operation panel 28” means a state in which there is an intermittent setting change request from the operation panel 28 before and after the setting change request from the remote PC 6 this time. In this embodiment, when there is a setting change request from the remote PC 6, a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) from a setting change request from the operation panel 28 (excluding a setting change request whose setting contents are not reflected in the MFP 4). ) Refers to a state that has not elapsed. In this case, a setting change request from the operation panel 28 is generated only once and a predetermined time has not elapsed. However, since there is a possibility that the next setting change request is made from the operation panel 28 within a predetermined time, in this embodiment, the data analysis unit 14 also determines that “setting is being changed by the operation panel 28” in such a case. Shall.

  In step S503, the process execution unit 16 reflects the setting change by the remote PC 6 on the MFP 4 and ends the process. Here, the process execution unit 16 changes the setting contents of setting items that need to be shared by a plurality of MFPs 4, 4a, 4b, and 4c, such as change, deletion, or addition of address book and customer information. For example, an e-mail address in the HDD 32 is updated for the address book, and a customer telephone number in the HDD 32 is updated, deleted or added for the customer information.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 described above that the operation panel 28 is accessed, but the content of the current setting change does not prioritize the setting change by the operation panel 28, that is, if it is determined No, the process proceeds to step S504.
In step S504, the data analysis unit 14 determines whether or not the setting is being changed by the operation panel 28. When the setting is not being changed by the operation panel 28, that is, when it is determined No, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S <b> 503, the process execution unit 16 reflects the setting change by the remote PC 6 on the MFP 4 and ends the process. Here, the processing execution unit 16 changes the setting contents of setting items set for each MFP, such as manual sheet setting and document size registration. For example, the manual paper size in the memory 30 is changed for manual paper setting, and the original size in the memory 30 is changed for original size setting.

In step S504, if the data analysis unit 14 determines that the setting is being changed by the operation panel 28, that is, if it is determined Yes, the process proceeds to step S505.
As described above, when it is determined Yes in step S501 or step S504, the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, the process execution unit 16 prevents a setting change by the remote PC 6. Further, the process execution unit 16 generates a request for displaying a message indicating that the setting change has been prevented. The network interface 26 transmits a display request to the remote PC 6 whose setting change has been prevented, and displays a message such as “Currently changing the setting from the panel (or remote PC)” on the application screen of the remote PC 6. Then, the user is prompted to give up the setting change by the operation panel 28, and the process is terminated.

When the data analysis unit 14 determines Yes in step S504, the MFP 4 executes the process when it is determined Yes in step S302 described above or No in step S304.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the MFP 4 and the remote PC 6 are connected via the network 2, and the operation panel 28 and the remote PC 6 of the MFP 4 are both configured to be able to request the setting change of the MFP 4. Yes.

Here, depending on the content of the setting change of the MFP 4, when the setting change by either one of the setting change by the operation panel 28 or the setting change by the remote PC 6 is prioritized, the setting change by the other is blocked. The
If the priority determination unit 12 does not determine that both the setting change by the operation panel 28 and the setting change by the remote PC 6 are prioritized, that is, if it is determined No in step S302 and step S502, an earlier setting change is performed. The request is adopted.

  Therefore, even if the same setting item is changed almost simultaneously, it becomes clear which setting change of the operation panel 28 or the remote PC 6 is effective, and which setting change is effective. Is determined according to the contents of the setting change of the MFP 4. As a result, the relationship between the remote PC and the remote PC is merely shown, and moreover, the importance of the setting item is more important than the conventional standard in which specific setting change is prioritized. Changes can be made accordingly.

  Further, when the content of the setting change of the MFP 4 is a setting item requiring an authentication ID, for example, when the setting item is highly important, such as clearing the counter and erasing the data in the HDD 32, the authentication is prevented from passing through. There is a need to. Therefore, in this case, setting change by the operation panel 28 is prioritized and setting change by the remote PC 6 is prevented, which contributes to improving the reliability of the system 1.

  Further, when the content of the setting change of the MFP 4 is a setting item that needs to be shared by a plurality of MFPs 4, 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, for example, the address book and customer information are shared so as to be updated, added or deleted. If the setting item has a large specific gravity, it is necessary to change the setting of all MFPs (MFPs 4, 4a, 4b and 4c) on the same network 2 promptly and reliably. In this case, the setting change by the remote PC 6 is prioritized and the setting change by the operation panel 28 is prevented. This also contributes to improving the reliability of the system 1.

If the data analysis unit 14 described above is provided, the current and past accesses can also be managed, so that the management data can be effectively used as other management information.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the above-described MFP 4 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and the present invention is naturally applicable to a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to network equipment other than the image forming apparatus, for example, ATM (Automatic Teller Machine), ticket vending machines, and the like.

In addition, when an authentication ID for changing the setting is necessary among the setting items and there is a setting item shared by a plurality of network devices, either the setting change by the device main body or the setting change by the client device for the item Can be prioritized or set in the network device in advance.
If it is determined that setting change by one of the device main body and the client device is not prioritized, it may be determined that priority is given to setting change by the other.

  Further, when priority is not given to setting changes by the device main body, setting changes by the operation panel may be prevented only when setting changes by the client device are being performed for the same setting items as the setting change request from the device main body. In addition, when priority is not given to the setting change by the client device, the setting change by the client device is prevented only when the setting change by the device main body or another client device is being performed for the same setting item as the setting change request from the client device. May be.

  Further, another network device connected via a network to a network device whose setting is to be changed may be used as a client device.

It is a block diagram of the apparatus setting change system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of MFP of FIG. It is a flowchart regarding the setting change by the controller of FIG. It is a flowchart regarding the setting change by other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 device setting change system 2 network 4, 4a, 4b, 4c MFP (network device)
6 Client device (remote PC)
10 Controller (computer)
12 Priority Determination Unit 16 Process Execution Unit 28 Operation Panel (Equipment Body)

Claims (7)

A device body that requests a setting change for a network device;
A client device connected to the network device via a network and requesting a setting change for the network device;
A priority determination unit that determines which setting change is to be given priority among the setting change by the device main body and the setting change by the client device according to the content of the setting change for the network device;
A process execution unit for preventing a setting change by a person who has not determined that the priority determination unit has priority;
A device setting change system comprising: The device setting change system according to claim 1,
When the content of the setting change for the network device is a setting item that requires an authentication ID, the priority determination unit changes the setting by the device body regardless of whether the setting is being changed by the client device. A device setting change system characterized by priority. The device setting change system according to claim 2,
When the content of the setting change for the network device is not a setting item that requires an authentication ID, the data analysis unit for determining whether the setting change by the client device is in progress,
When the data analysis unit determines that the setting change by the client device is being performed, the device setting change system is configured to prevent the setting change by the device main body. A device setting change system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the content of the setting change for the network device is a setting item that needs to be shared by the plurality of network devices, the priority determination unit, regardless of whether the setting is being changed by the device main body or not A device setting change system characterized in that setting change by a client device is given priority. The device setting change system according to claim 4,
A data analysis unit for determining whether the setting change by the device main body or another client device is being performed when the content of the setting change for the network device is not a setting item that needs to be shared by a plurality of the network devices; ,
A device setting change system, wherein when the data analysis unit determines that a setting change is being performed by the device main body or another client device, the setting change by the client device is prevented. A network device having a device body and connected to a client device via a network,
A priority determination unit that determines which setting change is to be given priority among the setting change by the device main body and the setting change by the client device according to the content of the setting change for the network device,
A network device, comprising: a process execution unit that prevents a setting change by a person who has not determined that the priority determination unit has priority. A program for causing a computer of a network device to execute a setting change for a network device having a device body and connected to a client device via a network,
According to the content of the setting change for the network device, a procedure for giving priority to the setting change by either one of the setting change by the device main body and the setting change by the client device connected via the network;
A device setting change program for causing the computer to execute a procedure for preventing setting change by the other when setting change by the one is prioritized.

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