JP2011066660A - Device for executing processing according to setting information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device capable of executing proper processing in a situation in which a master device is not present on a network. <P>SOLUTION: A determining part 34 determines whether or not a designated multifunctional machine that is designated as a master device in a print setting group is present on the network when print setting information in a setting information storage area 26 is to be changed by a user. A changing part 36 designates the multifunctional machine 10 itself as a master device, and changes the print setting information according to a user's instruction when it is not determined that the designated multifunctional machine is present on the network. A supplying part 38 transmits changed print setting information to another multifunctional machine 110, etc., in the print setting group. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a device that executes processing according to setting information. In particular, the present invention relates to a device used in a system in which setting information is shared among a plurality of devices.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which setting information is shared among a plurality of devices connected to a network. In this system, one device among a plurality of devices connected to the network is designated as a master device. When the setting information changing operation is performed by the user in the master device, the master device supplies the changed setting information to other devices. Thereby, setting information is shared among a plurality of devices connected to the network. On the other hand, when a setting information change operation is performed by a user on a specific device other than the master device, the specific device permits the current master device to become a master device. Ask. When permission is obtained from the master device, the specific device designates itself as a new master device, and changes its setting information in accordance with a user instruction. The specific device supplies the changed setting information to other devices.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-31982 JP-A-11-346288 JP-A-6-274288 JP 2007-86892 A

  For example, a situation where the power of the master device is turned off, a situation where a communication failure occurs in the master device, or the like may occur. In such a situation, the master device does not exist on the network. Patent Document 1 does not take into account the situation where the master device does not exist on the network. The present specification discloses a device capable of executing appropriate processing in a situation where a master device does not exist on a network.

  The technology disclosed in the present specification is embodied as a first device used in a system including M devices (M is an integer of 2 or more) connected to a network. The first device includes a memory, an execution unit, a determination unit, a change unit, and a supply unit. The memory stores the first type of setting information shared among the M devices. The execution unit executes the first type of processing according to the first type of setting information in the memory. When the first type setting information in the memory is to be changed by the user, the determination unit determines that the first type designated device designated as the first type master device among the M devices is A first determination process for determining whether or not the network exists is executed. In the first case where it is determined in the first determination process that the first type designated device does not exist, the changing unit designates the first device as the first type master device, and in accordance with a user instruction, The first type of setting information is changed. The supply unit supplies the changed first type setting information to other devices on the network among the M devices. According to this configuration, in a situation where the first type master device does not exist on the network, the first device can designate itself as the first type master device. For this reason, the first device can change its own first type of setting information in accordance with a user instruction, and supply the changed first type of setting information to other devices. As a result, the changed first type setting information can be shared between a plurality of devices (the first device and the other devices described above).

  The first type of setting information may include date and time information indicating the creation date and time of the first type of setting information. The determination unit is further included in two or more first type setting information currently stored in two or more devices existing on the network among the M devices in the first case. Of the two or more pieces of date and time information, it may be determined whether or not the date and time information included in the first type setting information in the memory is the latest date and time information. The changing unit may designate the first device as the first type master device when it is determined that the date and time information included in the first type setting information in the memory is the latest date and time information. . According to this configuration, the first device can designate itself as the first type master device when the latest first type setting information is stored in the first device.

  The first device is a second device of the two or more devices when the date information included in the first type of setting information in the memory is determined not to be the latest date information. A designation notification for designating the second device that currently stores the first type of setting information including the latest date and time information among the two or more pieces of date and time information as the first type of master device, You may further provide the 1st transmission part which transmits to a device. The changing unit further changes the first type of setting information in the second device according to the user's instruction, and changes the first type of setting information in the memory to the first type of changed information in the second device. You may change into setting information. According to this configuration, in a situation where the first type master device does not exist on the network, the first device uses the second device storing the latest first type setting information as the first type master device. Can be specified. Moreover, the first device changes the first type of setting information in the second device according to the user's instruction, and further changes the first type of setting information in its own memory after the change in the second device. Change to the first type of setting information. As a result, the changed first type setting information is shared among a plurality of devices (first device and second device).

  The changing unit further changes the first type setting information in the first type specified device according to a user instruction when it is determined in the first determination process that the first type specified device exists. In addition, the first type of setting information in the memory may be changed to the first type of setting information after the change in the first type of designated device. According to this configuration, in a situation where the first type master device exists on the network, the first device changes the first type setting information in the first type master device in accordance with a user instruction, The first type setting information in its own memory is changed to the changed first type setting information in the first type master device. As a result, the changed first type setting information is shared between a plurality of devices (first device and first type master device).

  The determination unit may further execute a second determination process for determining whether or not the first type of designated device exists on the network when the first device is activated. The changing unit may further specify the first device as the first type master device in the second case where it is determined in the second determination process that the first type designated device does not exist. In the second case, the first device further sends a master device notification indicating that the first device is designated as the first type of master device to the other of the M devices on the network. You may provide the 2nd transmission part transmitted to this device. According to this configuration, in a situation where the first type master device does not exist on the network when the first device is activated, the first device can designate itself as the first type master device. Moreover, the first device can notify other devices that it is designated as the first type of master device.

  The first type of setting information may include date and time information indicating the creation date and time of the first type of setting information. Further, in the second case, the determination unit is included in two or more first type setting information currently stored in two or more devices existing on the network among the M devices. Of the two or more pieces of date and time information, it may be determined whether or not the date and time information included in the first type setting information in the memory is the latest date and time information. The change unit may designate the first device as the first type master device when it is determined that the date information included in the first type setting information in the memory is the latest date information. According to this configuration, the first device can designate itself as the first type master device when the latest first type setting information is stored in the first device.

  The first device is a third device of the two or more devices when the date / time information included in the setting information in the memory is not the latest date / time information. In the above date and time information, a designation notification for designating the third device that currently stores the first type of setting information including the latest date and time information as the first type of master device is transmitted to the third device. A third transmitter may be further included. The changing unit may further change the first type of setting information in the memory to the first type of setting information in the third device. According to this configuration, in a situation where the first type master device does not exist on the network when the first device is activated, the first device replaces the third device storing the latest first type setting information with the first device. It can be specified as one type of master device. In addition, the first device changes the first type of setting information in its own memory to the latest first type of setting information in the third device. As a result, the latest first type setting information is shared between a plurality of devices (first device and third device).

  The first type of setting information may include date and time information indicating the creation date and time of the first type of setting information. The change unit further includes date and time information included in the first type setting information in the first type designated device when it is determined in the second judgment process that the first type designated device exists. Is newer than the date and time information included in the first type setting information in the memory, the first type setting information in the memory is changed to the first type setting information in the first type designated device. May be. According to this configuration, when the first device is activated, the first device changes the first type setting information in its own memory to the latest first type setting information in the first type designated device. . As a result, the latest first type setting information is shared between a plurality of devices (the first device and the first type designated device).

  The first device is a first type of master device of the first device when the first device is designated as the first type of master device at least one of when the first device is activated and when it is terminated. There may be further provided a canceling unit that cancels the designation as. For example, when the power of the first device is turned off and another device is designated as the first type master device, and then the power of the first device is turned on, the first device and the other devices described above are designated. A situation may occur in which both devices are designated as the first type master device. That is, a situation may occur in which a plurality of devices are simultaneously designated as the first type master device. According to the above configuration, since the designation of the first device as the first type master device is canceled at least at the time of starting and ending the first device, a plurality of devices can be simultaneously connected to the first device. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of the situation that the device is designated as one type of master device.

  The first device may further include a grouping unit. The memory may further store the second type of setting information. The execution unit may further execute the second type of processing according to the second type of setting information in the memory. The grouping unit groups M devices that should share the first type of setting information among a plurality of devices connected to the network as a first group, and the second type of the plurality of devices. N devices (N is an integer of 2 or more) that should share the setting information may be grouped as a second group. In this case, one of the M devices belonging to the first group is designated as the first type of master device, and one of the N devices belonging to the second group is designated as the first device. , May be designated as the second type master device. The determination unit further includes a second type designated device that is designated as the second type master device among the N devices when the second type setting information in the memory is to be changed by the user. May be present on the network. The changing unit further designates the first device as the second type master device when it is determined that the second type designated device does not exist, and the second type in the memory according to a user instruction. The setting information may be changed. The supply unit may further supply the changed second type setting information to other devices on the network among the N devices. According to this configuration, a first group of M devices that should share the first type of setting information and a second group of N devices that should share the second type of setting information are provided, For each group, one device in the group can be designated as the master device.

  A control method and a computer program for realizing the first device are also novel and useful.

1 shows an example of the configuration of a setting information sharing system. An example of a structure of a setting information storage area is shown. The flowchart of a share setting process is shown. The flowchart of a setting change process is shown. FIG. 5 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 4. FIG. The flowchart of a designation | designated notification reception process is shown. The flowchart of a starting process is shown. The flowchart of a master device notification reception process is shown. The flowchart of a setting information reference process is shown.

(Example)
(System configuration)
Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a setting information sharing system 2 of the present embodiment. The setting information sharing system 2 includes a LAN 4 and a plurality of multi-function devices 10, 110, 210, and 310. Each multi-function device 10 and the like are all connected to the LAN 4 and can communicate with each other via the LAN 4.

(Configuration of multi-function device)
The configuration of the multi-function device 10 will be described. All of the multi-function devices 110, 210, and 310 have the same configuration as that of the multi-function device 10. The multi-function device 10 has multi-functions such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and an e-mail communication function. The multi-function device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a network interface 16, a print execution unit 18, a scan execution unit 20, a memory 22, and a control unit 30. The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the multi-function device 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The network interface 16 is connected to the LAN 4. The print execution unit 18 includes a printing mechanism such as an inkjet head method or a laser method, and performs printing in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 30. The scan execution unit 20 includes a scan mechanism such as a CIS or CCD, and generates image data by scanning a scan target. The memory 22 stores a program 24. The memory 22 includes a setting information storage area 26. The control unit 30 executes processing according to the program 24 in the memory 22. When the control unit 30 executes processing according to the program 24, the functions of the units 32 to 48 are realized.

(Setting information storage area)
The configuration of the setting information storage area 26 will be described. 2 shows the configuration of the setting information storage areas 26, 126, 226, and 326 of the multi-function devices 10, 110, 210, and 310, respectively. The setting information storage areas 26, 126, 226, and 326 store print setting information 60, 160, 260, and 360, and scan setting information 70, 170, 270, and 370, respectively. Hereinafter, the information stored in the setting information storage area 26 of the multi-function device 10 will be mainly described. The print setting information 60 stored in the setting information storage area 26 is associated with a master flag 64, identification information 66, and priority order 68. Furthermore, the master flag 74, the identification information 76, and the priority order 78 are associated with the scan setting information 70.

  As described above, the print setting information 60 is associated with each piece of information 64-68. This means that the multi-function device 10 shares the print setting information 60 with other multi-function devices 110 and the like. Also for the print setting information 160, 260, 360 of the multi-function devices 110, 210, 310, the master flags 164, 264, 364, the identification information 166, 266, 366, and the priority orders 168, 268, 368 are associated. ing. That is, each multi-function device 110 and the like share print setting information with other multi-function devices. In this embodiment, the print setting information 60 and the like are shared among the four multi-function devices 10 and the like. Hereinafter, the four multi-function devices 10 that share the print setting information 60 and the like are referred to as “print setting groups”. 2 is information that can be referred to by each of the four multi-function devices 10 belonging to the print setting group. For example, the multi-function device 10 can refer to information 160 to 168 of other multi-function devices 110.

  The print setting information 60 is information indicating various settings such as print paper size, print quality, number of colors (monochrome, color), and the like. The print setting information 60 includes date / time information 62 indicating the date / time when the print setting information 60 was created. For example, when four multifunction devices 10 belonging to the print setting group store the same print setting information, the date information 62, 162, 262, and 362 of the four multifunction devices 10 are the same. Indicates the date and time.

  The master flag 64 is flag information indicating whether or not the multi-function device 10 is a master device. When the master flag 64 is “ON”, it indicates that the multi-function device 10 is designated as a master device in the print setting group (four multi-function devices 10 or the like). Conversely, when the master flag 64 is “OFF”, it means that the multi-function device 10 is not designated as a master device in the print setting group. The identification information 66 includes information for identifying the print setting group (“group 1”) and information for identifying the multi-function device 10 within the print setting group (“−1”) (“group 1-”). 1 "). The priority order 68 indicates the priority order of the multi-function device 10 within the print setting group. The priority order 68 designates the multi-function device 10 as a new master device in the print setting group when the designated multi-function device designated as the master device in the print setting group does not exist on the network. Show the ranking for. Note that the case where the designated multi-function device does not exist on the network means, for example, that the designated multi-function device designated as the master device (for example, 10) is in the power OFF state, This means that a communication failure has occurred.

  Scan setting information 70, 170, 270 stored in the multi-function devices 10, 110, 210 includes master flags 74, 174, 274, identification information 76, 176, 276, and priority levels 78, 178, respectively. 278. That is, each multi-function device 10, 110, 210 shares scan setting information with other multi-function devices. On the other hand, a master flag or the like is not associated with the scan setting information 370 stored in the multi-function device 310. That is, the multi-function device 310 does not share scan setting information with other multi-function devices. Therefore, in this embodiment, the scan setting information 70 and the like are shared among the three multi-function devices 10, 110, and 210. Hereinafter, the three multi-function devices 10 and the like that share the scan setting information 70 and the like are referred to as “scan setting groups”. Note that each piece of information within the range indicated by C2 in FIG. 2 is information that can be referred (acquired) by each of the three multi-function devices 10 belonging to the scan setting group.

  The scan setting information 70 is information indicating various settings such as scan resolution and the number of colors. The scan setting information 70 includes date / time information 72 indicating the creation date / time when the scan setting information 70 was created. The master flag 74, the identification information 76, and the priority order 78 are the same information as the above information 64-68. As is apparent from the identification information 76, the scan setting group identification information ("group 2") is different from the print setting group identification information ("group 1"). Hereinafter, the master flag, the identification information, and the priority order associated with the print setting information (or scan setting information) may be collectively referred to as “related information”.

(Processes executed by multi-function devices)
Next, each process executed by the control unit 30 of the multi-function device 10 will be described in detail. Note that the control units (not shown) of the other multi-function devices 110, 210, and 310 also execute processing in the same manner as the control unit 30 of the multi-function device 10.

(Setting release process)
The user operates the operation unit 12 of the multi-function device 10 to select whether or not to open the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 to other multi-function devices 110 or the like. When the disclosure is selected, the control unit 30 sets a print setting disclosure flag (not shown) associated with the print setting information 60 to “ON”. In this case, the other multi-function device 110 or the like can refer to (acquire) the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10. The reference to the print setting information is realized by the following method. For example, the multi-function device 110 transmits a predetermined request for referring to the print setting information 60 and the related information 64-68 to the multi-function device 10. When the predetermined request is received, the multi-function device 10 confirms whether or not the print setting disclosure flag associated with its own print setting information is set to “ON”. When it is confirmed that “ON” is set, the multi-function device 10 transmits the print setting information 60 and the related information 64-68 to the multi-function device 110. As a result, the multi-function device 110 can refer to (acquire) the print setting information 60 and the related information 64-68. In reference to the scan setting information, a predetermined request for referring to the scan setting information and related information is transmitted. Except for this point, it is the same as the reference of the print setting information.

  On the other hand, when it is selected not to disclose the print setting information 60, the control unit 30 sets the print setting disclosure flag associated with the print setting information 60 to “OFF”. In this case, the other multi-function device 110 or the like cannot refer to (acquire) the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10. Similarly, the user operates the operation unit 12 of the multi-function device 10 to select whether or not to disclose the scan setting information 70 of the multi-function device 10 to other multi-function devices 110 or the like. The control unit 30 sets the scan setting disclosure flag associated with the scan setting information 70 to “ON” or “OFF” according to the user's selection. Further, as in the case of the multi-function device 10, the user can select whether or not to release the print setting information in each of the other multi-function devices 110, 210, and 310, and can also scan the scan setting information. You can choose whether or not to make it public. In the example of FIG. 2, the print setting information of the four multi-function devices 10, 110, 210, and 310 is disclosed (see range C1), and the scan setting information of the three multi-function devices 10, 110, and 210 is stored. Published (see range C2). Note that the scan setting information of the multi-function peripheral 310 is not disclosed (that is, the scan setting flag is “OFF”).

(Sharing setting process)
Next, the sharing setting process will be described with reference to FIG. The user performs a predetermined start operation on the operation unit 12 of the multi-function device 10. When the predetermined start operation is performed, the control unit 30 of the multi-function device 10 displays a predetermined selection screen on the display unit 14 until the type of setting information to be grouped is selected by the user. Wait (S10). On the selection screen, the type name (“print setting”, “scan setting”, etc.) of the setting information published by the multi-function device 10 is displayed. The user operates the operation unit 12 to select one type name from among a plurality of type names displayed on the display unit 14. For example, when “print setting” is selected by the user, the control unit 30, among the three multi-function devices 110 other than the multi-function device 10, the multi-function device that discloses the print setting information. A group is specified (S12). Specifically, first, the control unit 30 broadcasts a specific command. As a result, each multi-function device 110, 210, 310 returns its own node name and the type name of the setting information disclosed by itself to the multi-function device 10. Accordingly, the control unit 30 can specify the three node names of the three multi-function devices 110, 210, and 310 that disclose the print setting information. The control unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display the identified three node names.

  By operating the operation unit 12, the user sequentially selects a plurality of node names corresponding to a plurality of multi-function devices that should share print setting information from among the three node names displayed on the display unit 14. select. In this embodiment, all three node names corresponding to the three multi-function devices 10 and the like are selected by the user. In this case, the grouping unit 48 groups the multi-function device 10 and the three multi-function devices 110 corresponding to the three node names selected by the user as a print setting group (S16). That is, four multi-function devices 10 and the like are grouped. In S16, the grouping unit 48 sets a master flag 64 indicating “ON” and “Group 1” for the print setting information 60 (see FIG. 2) of the multi-function peripheral 10 that is executing the sharing setting process of FIG. The identification information 66 indicating “−1” is associated with the priority 68 indicating “1”. Next, the grouping unit 48 transmits a master flag indicating “OFF”, identification information, and priority to each of the three multi-function devices 110 selected by the user. The three pieces of identification information transmitted to the three multi-function devices 110 and the like each include “group 1” and unique numbers (“−2”, “−3”, etc.). The three priorities transmitted to the three multi-function devices 110 and the like are determined according to the order selected by the user. The grouping unit 48 determines the priority “2” for the first selected multi-function device, and priorities “3” and “4” for the second and third selected multi-function devices, respectively. Is determined. Each multi-function device 110 or the like associates a master flag transmitted from the multi-function device 10 with identification information and priority with respect to its print setting information (that is, stores related information). As is clear from the above description, the identification information of each of the four multi-function devices 10 and the like indicates “group 1”. This means that the four multi-function devices 10 and the like are grouped as group 1 (print setting group).

  Next, the control unit 30 transmits the print setting information 60 of the multi-function peripheral 10 itself designated as the master device to each multi-function peripheral 110 belonging to the print setting group (S18). Each multi-function device 110 or the like changes its print setting information (160 or the like in FIG. 2) to the print setting information of the multi-function device 10. As a result, the four multifunction devices 10 belonging to the print setting group store the same print setting information.

  In S10, when “scan setting” is selected by the user, the control unit 30 performs the same process as when “print setting” is selected. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the three multi-function devices 10, 110, and 210 are grouped as a scan setting group.

  Subsequently, the setting change process will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. First, the user selects the type of setting information to be changed (for example, “print setting”) by operating the operation unit 12 of the multi-function device 10. When this selection operation is executed, the control unit 30 starts the process of S20 of FIG. In the following description, a case where the print setting is selected will be described as an example. When the scan setting is selected, the same process is executed.

  In S20, the determination unit 34 (see FIG. 1) determines whether the multi-function device 10 itself is a master device in the print setting group. The determination unit 34 reads the value of the master flag 64 associated with the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 itself. If the value is set to “ON”, the determination unit 34 determines YES in S20, If the value is set to “OFF”, NO is determined in S20.

  If YES in S20, the control unit 30 locks the change of the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 itself (S22). The lock in S22 prohibits the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 from being changed by another multi-function device 110 or the like. Next, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display a screen requesting input of the change contents of the print setting information 60. The user operates the operation unit 12 while referring to the screen to input an instruction (for example, print paper size “A4”) indicating a new print setting desired by the user. In this case, the changing unit 36 (see FIG. 1) changes the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 itself to new print setting information in accordance with an instruction input by the user (S24). The change unit 36 generates date / time information indicating the date / time when S24 is executed, and writes the date / time information in the changed print setting information. Next, the control unit 30 transmits a master device notification to other multi-function devices 110 and the like belonging to the print setting group (S26). The master device notification includes identification information 66 (“group 1-1”) associated with the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 itself. As a result, the control unit such as each multi-function device 110 executes a master device notification reception process (see FIG. 8) described later. When S26 ends, the control unit 30 releases the lock of S22 (S28), and ends the setting change process.

  On the other hand, in the case of NO in S20, the determination unit 34 determines whether or not the designated multi-function device designated as the master device in the print setting group exists on the network (S30). First, the determination unit 34 attempts to refer to print setting information and related information of each multi-function peripheral 110 in the print setting group. That is, the determination unit 34 transmits the predetermined request for referring to the print setting information and the related information to each multi-function device 110 or the like. If the multi-function device that receives the predetermined request is in the ON state and the multi-function device can communicate normally via the LAN 4, the multi-function device prints its own print. The setting information and related information are transmitted to the multi-function device 10. If the designated multi-function device designated as the master device in the print setting group transmits its print setting information and related information to the multi-function device 10, the multi-function device 10 is “ON”. The master flag indicating is received. In this case, the determination unit 34 determines YES in S30. On the other hand, when the power of the multi-function device that receives the predetermined request is in the OFF state, or when the multi-function device cannot communicate normally, the print setting information and the Related information is not sent. Therefore, if the designated multi-function device is in a power-off state or the like, the multi-function device 10 does not receive the master flag indicating “ON”. In this case, the determination unit 34 determines NO in S30.

  If YES in S30, the determination unit 34 determines whether the date / time information of the designated multi-function device is the latest (S32). Specifically, the determination unit 34 specifies the date / time information 62 included in the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 itself, and prints each multi-function device (including the designated multi-function device) obtained in S30. Specify the date and time information included in the setting information. In S32, the determination unit 34 determines whether the date / time information of the designated multi-function device is the latest among the plurality of specified date / time information. It should be noted that YES is also determined in S32 when a plurality of multi-function devices including the designated multi-function device have the latest date and time information.

  If YES in S32, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the print setting information of the designated multi-function device can be changed (S34). For example, in the designated multi-function device, when the change of the print setting information is locked by the process of S22, the control unit 30 determines NO in S34. Information indicating whether or not the change of the print setting information is locked is obtained from the designated multi-function device together with the print setting information and related information in S30. If NO in S34, the control unit 30 displays on the display unit 14 that the print setting information cannot be changed (S36), and ends the setting change process.

  In the case of YES in S34, the control unit 30 locks the change of the print setting information of the designated multi-function device (S38). Specifically, the control unit 30 transmits a command instructing to lock the change of the print setting information to the designated multi-function device. This lock prohibits the print setting information of the designated multi-function device from being changed by a multi-function device other than the multi-function device 10. Next, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display a screen for requesting input of the change contents of the print setting information. The user operates the operation unit 12 to input an instruction indicating a new print setting desired by the user. The changing unit 36 changes the print setting information of the designated multi-function device (master device) according to the instruction input by the user (S40). Specifically, the changing unit 36 transmits new print setting information (including new date / time information) corresponding to the instruction input by the user to the designated multi-function device. As a result, the print setting information in the designated multi-function device is changed to new print setting information. The designated multi-function device transmits a master device notification to other multi-function devices (including the multi-function device 10) belonging to the print setting group when its print setting information is changed to new print setting information. . The control unit 30 waits until receiving the master device notification (S42). When the master device notification is received, the control unit 30 executes a master device notification reception process (see FIG. 8) described later (S44). Next, the control unit 30 transmits a command instructing to release the lock in S38 to the designated multi-function device (S46), and ends the setting change process.

  If NO in S30, the process proceeds to S60 in FIG. In S60, the determination unit 34 determines whether the date and time information of the multi-function device 10 itself is the latest using the same method as in S32 of FIG. In the case of YES in S60, the changing unit 36 changes the master flag 64 associated with the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 itself to “ON” (S62). As a result, the multi-function device 10 is newly designated as the master device of the print setting group. Subsequently, the control part 30 performs the process of S64-S70. The processes of S64 to S70 are the same as S22 to S28 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if NO in S60, the process proceeds to S80. In addition, also when S32 of FIG. 4 is NO, it progresses to S80. In S80, the first transmission unit 40 (see FIG. 1) is a multi-function device having the latest date and time information in the print setting group and has the highest priority (hereinafter, “specific multi-function”). Called a "functional machine"). Specifically, the first transmission unit 40 first identifies all the multi-function devices having the latest date and time information based on the print setting information of each multi-function device obtained in S30. When only one multi-function device is specified here, the multi-function device is the specific multi-function device. On the other hand, for example, when two or more multi-function devices are specified, the first transmission unit 40 performs the above two or more multi-function devices based on the related information of each multi-function device obtained in S30. Among the functional devices, the multi-functional device having the highest priority is identified. For example, when the multi-function device 110 (priority 168 = “2”) and the multi-function device 310 (priority 68 = “4”) are specified, the multi-function device having the priority “2”. 110 is identified. The multi-function device specified here is the specific multi-function device. The first transmission unit 40 transmits a designation notification for designating as a new master device to the specific multi-function device. The designation notification includes identification information 66 (group 1-1) of the multi-function device 10 that is the transmission source. The specific multi-function device executes a designation notification receiving process (see FIG. 6) described later. As a result, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the specific multi-function device is designated as a new master device. When S80 ends, the control unit 30 stands by until a master device notification is received (S82). If YES in S82, the control unit 30 executes a master device notification reception process (see FIG. 8) described later (S84). When S84 ends, the process returns to S34 in FIG.

  Next, the designation notification reception process will be described with reference to FIG. For example, the multi-function device 110 transmits a designation notification to the multi-function device 10 by executing the processing of S80 described above. In this case, the control unit 30 of the multi-function device 10 executes a designation notification reception process. The control unit 30 identifies which type of setting information is specified based on identification information (for example, “Group 1-2”) of the transmission source included in the specification notification. The determination unit 34 determines whether the date / time information 62 of the multi-function device 10 is the latest in the print setting group (S100) In the process of S100, the determination unit 4 acquires print setting information and related information from each multi-function device 110, etc., similarly to the processing of S30 of Fig. 4. Next, the determination unit 34 determines the date and time information 62 of the multi-function device 10 itself, Based on the date / time information 162 and the like included in the print setting information of the function device 110 and the like, it is determined whether the date / time information 62 of the multi-function device 10 itself is the latest.

  In the case of YES in S100, the changing unit 36 changes the master flag 64 of the multi-function device 10 itself to “ON” (S102). Thereby, the multi-function device 10 itself is designated as a new master device in the print setting group. Next, the control unit 30 transmits a master device notification to other multi-function peripherals 110 and the like belonging to the print setting group (S104), and ends the designation notification receiving process.

  On the other hand, in the case of NO in S100, the control unit 30 is a multi-function device having the latest date / time information in the print setting group based on the print setting information and related information of each multi-function device 110 obtained in S100. Therefore, the multi-function device having the highest priority is identified, and a designation notification is transmitted to the multi-function device (S106). The process of S106 is the same as S80 of FIG. The processing of S108 and S110 executed following S106 is the same as S82 and S84 of FIG.

  Next, a startup process executed when the power of the multi-function device 10 is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. The activation process is executed for each type of setting information stored in the setting information storage area 26. That is, first, the activation process (the processes of S130 to S150) is executed for the print setting information, and then the activation process (the processes of S130 to S150) is executed for the scan setting information. In the following, a description will be given by taking an example of a startup process executed for print setting information.

  The determination unit 34 determines whether or not the multi-function device 10 itself is designated as a master device in the print setting group, similarly to S20 of FIG. 4 (S130). If YES in S130, the canceling unit 46 (see FIG. 1) changes the master flag 64 associated with the print setting information 60 from “ON” to “OFF” (S132). If S132 is completed, or if NO in S130, the process proceeds to S133.

  In S133, the determination unit 34 acquires the print setting information and the related information from each multi-function device 110 and the like as in S30 of FIG. 4, and the designated multi-function device designated as the master device in the print setting group is obtained. Is present on the network. If YES in S133, the determination unit 34 determines whether or not the date / time information of the designated multi-function device is the latest (S134), as in S32 of FIG. If YES in S134, the process proceeds to S136. On the other hand, if NO in S133 or S134, the process proceeds to S140.

  In S136, the determination unit 34 determines whether the date / time information 62 of the multi-function device 10 itself is older than the date / time information of the designated multi-function device obtained in S133. In the case of YES here, the changing unit 36 changes the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 itself to the print setting information of the designated multi-function device obtained in S133 (S138). When S138 is completed, or when S136 is NO, the activation process is terminated.

  In S140, the determination unit 34 determines the multi-function device based on the date / time information 62 of the multi-function device 10 itself and the date / time information 162 included in the print setting information of each multi-function device 110 obtained in S133. It is determined whether the date / time information 62 of 10 itself is the latest. The process of S140 is the same as S60 of FIG. In the case of YES in S140, the changing unit 36 changes the master flag 64 of the multi-function device 10 to “ON” (S142). Next, the second transmission unit 42 (see FIG. 1) transmits a master device notification to other multi-function devices 110 and the like belonging to the print setting group (S144). When S144 ends, the control unit 30 ends the activation process. On the other hand, if NO at S140, the process proceeds to S146.

  In S146, the third transmission unit 44 (see FIG. 1) has a multi-function having the latest date and time information in the print setting group based on the print setting information and related information of each multi-function peripheral 110 obtained in S133. A multi-function device having the highest priority is identified, and a designation notification is transmitted to the multi-function device (S146). The process of S146 is the same as S80 of FIG. The processes of S148 and S150 executed after S146 are the same as S82 and S84 of FIG.

  Next, the master device notification reception process executed in S44 of FIG. 4, S84 of FIG. 5, S110 of FIG. 6, and S150 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the master device notification includes identification information (for example, “group 1-2”) of the transmission source. The control unit 30 specifies what type of setting information the master device notification relates to from the identification information included in the master device notification (S170). Hereinafter, a case where a master device notification regarding print setting information (that is, a master device notification including identification information of “group 1”) is received will be described as an example. When a master device notification about scan setting information is received, the same processing is executed.

  Next, the determination unit 34 transmits the predetermined request for referring to the print setting information and the related information to the master device notification transmission source (that is, the designated multi-function device). In response to the predetermined request, the designated multi-function device transmits its print setting information and related information to the multi-function device 10. Thereby, the determination unit 34 acquires the print setting information and related information of the designated multi-function device. Next, the determination unit 34 determines whether the date / time information 62 of the multi-function device 10 itself is older than the date / time information included in the print setting information of the designated multi-function device (S172). In the case of YES in S172, the changing unit 36 changes the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 itself to the print setting information of the designated multi-function device acquired in S172 (S174). When S174 is completed, or when S172 is NO, the control unit 30 ends the master device notification reception process.

  For example, when the multi-function device 110 receives the master device notification transmitted from the multi-function device 10 in S26 of FIG. 4, the multi-function device 110 executes the master device notification reception process of FIG. In this case, the multi-function device 110 transmits the predetermined request for referring to the print setting information and the related information to the multi-function device 10 in S172. As a result, the supply unit 38 (see FIG. 1) of the multi-function device 10 transmits (supplies) the print setting information 60 and related information 64-68 of the multi-function device 10 itself to the multi-function device 110.

  Next, the setting information reference process will be described with reference to FIG. The user transmits a print execution instruction to the multi-function device 10 using a terminal device (not shown). In this case, the control unit 30 executes setting information reference processing for executing printing.

  The determination unit 34 first determines whether or not the multi-function device 10 itself is a master device in the print setting group by the same method as S20 in FIG. 4 (S180). If YES in S180, the execution unit 32 refers to (reads) the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 itself (S186). On the other hand, in the case of NO in S180, the determination unit 34 determines whether or not the designated multi-function device exists on the network, similarly to S30 in FIG. 4 (S182). In the case of NO in S182, the execution unit 32 refers to the print setting information 60 of the multi-function device 10 itself (S186). In the case of YES in S182, the execution unit 32 refers to (acquires) the print setting information of the designated multi-function device (S184). The execution unit 32 causes the print execution unit 18 to print the image represented by the print data included in the print execution instruction according to the various settings indicated by the print setting information in S184 or S186.

  The user inputs a scan execution instruction to the multi-function device 10 by operating the operation unit 12. In this case, the control unit 30 executes setting information reference processing for executing scanning. In this case, scan setting information is referred to in S184 or S186. The execution unit 32 causes the scan execution unit 20 to perform scanning according to various settings indicated by the scan setting information in S184 or S186.

  The examples have been described in detail. When the setting information (print setting information 60 or scan setting information 70) in the setting information storage area 26 is to be changed by the user, the determination unit 34 is the master device in the group (print setting group or scan setting group). It is determined whether or not the designated multi-function device designated as is present on the network (S30 in FIG. 4). Further, when it is determined that the designated multi-function device does not exist on the network (S30: NO), the determination unit 34 has the latest date / time information (date / time information 62 or date / time information 72) of the multi-function device 10 itself. It is determined whether or not there is (S60 in FIG. 5). When it is determined that the date and time information of the multi-function device 10 itself is the latest (S60: YES), the changing unit 36 designates the multi-function device 10 itself as a master device (S62) and, according to the user's instruction, The setting information in the multi-function device 10 is changed (S64). Next, the control unit 30 transmits a master device notification to other multi-function devices 110 in the group (S68). As a result, the other multi-function device 110 or the like executes the master device notification reception process of FIG. 8, and the supply unit 38 of the multi-function device 10 responds to a request from the other multi-function device 110 or the like. Send the changed setting information. As a result, the changed setting information is shared among a plurality of multi-function devices.

  In addition, when it is determined that the date / time information of the multi-function device 10 itself is not the latest (S60: NO in FIG. 5), the first transmission unit 40 stores the specific multi-function device that stores the latest setting information. Is sent as a master device of the group (S80). In this case, the master device notification transmitted from the specific multi-function device is received (S82: YES), and the changing unit 36 changes the setting information in the multi-function device 10 in the master device notification receiving process of S84. The setting information is changed to the setting information in the specific multi-function device (S174 in FIG. 8). In S40 of FIG. 4 executed after S84, the changing unit 36 changes the setting information in the specific multi-function device (master device) according to the user's instruction (S40). The change unit 36 changes the setting information in the multi-function device 10 to the changed setting information in the specific multi-function device (master device) in the master device notification reception process of S44 executed after S40. Change (S174 in FIG. 8). As a result, the changed setting information is shared among a plurality of multi-function devices.

  If it is determined that the designated multi-function device (master device) exists on the network (S30 in FIG. 4: YES), the changing unit 36 sets the setting information in the designated multi-function device according to the user's instruction. Is changed (S40). The change unit 36 changes the setting information in the multi-function device 10 to the changed setting information in the specified multi-function device in the master device notification reception process of S44 executed after S40 (S174 in FIG. 8). ). As a result, the changed setting information is shared among a plurality of multi-function devices.

  The determination unit 34 further determines whether or not a designated multi-function device exists when the multi-function device 10 is activated (S130 and S133 in FIG. 7). When it is determined that there is no designated multi-function device (S133: NO), the determination unit 34 further determines whether the date and time information of the multi-function device 10 itself is the latest (S140). When the date / time information of the multi-function device 10 itself is the latest (S140: YES), the changing unit 36 designates the multi-function device 10 itself as a master device (S142). Further, the second transmission unit 42 transmits the master device notification to other multi-function devices 110 in the group (S144). According to this configuration, the multi-function device 10 can designate itself as a master device in a situation where the designated multi-function device does not exist on the network when the multi-function device 10 is activated. Moreover, the multi-function device 10 can notify the other multi-function devices 110 in the group that it is designated as the master device.

  In addition, when it is determined that the date and time information of the multi-function device 10 itself is not the latest (S140: NO in FIG. 7), the third transmission unit 44 stores the specific multi-function device that stores the latest setting information. Is transmitted as a master device (S146). In this case, the master device notification transmitted from the specific multi-function device is received (S148: YES), and the changing unit 36 changes the setting information in the multi-function device 10 in the master device notification receiving process of S150. The setting information is changed to the setting information in the specific multi-function device (S174 in FIG. 8). The multi-function device 10 can change its own setting information to the latest setting information.

  Further, the changing unit 36 further determines that there is a designated multi-function device (S133: YES), and the date / time information of the designated multi-function device is based on the date / time information of the multi-function device 10 itself. If it is also new (S136: YES), the setting information in the multi-function device 10 is changed to the setting information in the designated multi-function device (S138). As a result, the latest setting information is shared among a plurality of multi-function devices.

  In addition, when the multi-function device 10 is designated as a master device when the multi-function device 10 is activated, the release unit 46 releases the designation as the master device of the multi-function device 10 (S132 in FIG. 7). According to said structure, it can suppress that the condition where the some multi-function apparatus in one group is designated as a master device simultaneously is generated.

  As is clear from the above description, the four multi-function devices 10 to 310 included in the print setting group and the three multi-function devices 10 to 210 included in the scan setting group are respectively M pieces of the present invention. It is an example of a device and N devices. Further, the print setting information and the scan setting information in the embodiment are examples of the first type setting information and the second type setting information of the present invention, respectively. The process for causing the print execution unit 18 to execute printing and the process for causing the scan execution unit 20 to execute scanning are examples of the first type process and the second type process, respectively. Further, S30 in FIG. 4 and S133 in FIG. 7 are examples of the first determination process and the second determination process, respectively. Therefore, the case of NO in S30 of FIG. 4 and the case of NO in S133 of FIG. 7 are examples of the first case and the second case of the present invention, respectively.

The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.
(1) Instead of the setting information reference process (see FIG. 9), the following configuration may be adopted. That is, the execution unit 32 of the multi-function device 10 regardless of whether or not the multi-function device 10 itself is a master device and whether or not the print setting information of the master device can be referred to. The setting information may be referred to.

  (2) The control unit 30 may start the setting change process (see FIGS. 4 and 5) triggered by input of new setting information desired by the user. This modification is also included in the configuration of “the case where the first type setting information (or the second type setting information) in the memory is to be changed by the user” of the present invention.

  (3) In S18 of FIG. 3, the control unit 30 may transmit a master device notification to the multi-function device 110 in the group instead of the setting information of the multi-function device 10 itself. In this case, the multi-function device 110 or the like executes the master device notification reception process of FIG. 8 and acquires the setting information of the multi-function device 10. On the other hand, in S26 of FIG. 4, S104 of FIG. 6, and S144 of FIG. 7, the control unit 30 transfers the setting information of the multi-function device 10 itself to other multi-function devices 110 belonging to the group instead of the master device notification. You may send it.

  (4) The processing executed by the release unit 46 in S130 and S132 of FIG. 7 may be executed when an operation for turning off the power of the multi-function device 10 is executed by the user. Further, it may be executed both when the power of the multi-function device 10 is turned on and when an operation for turning off the power of the multi-function device 10 is executed.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

  2: setting information sharing system, 4: LAN, 10: multi-function device, 12: operation unit, 14: display unit, 16: network interface, 18: print execution unit, 20: scan execution unit, 22: memory, 24: Program, 26: setting information storage area, 30: control unit, 32: execution unit, 34: determination unit, 36: change unit, 38: supply unit, 40: first transmission unit, 42: second transmission unit, 44: third transmission unit, 46: release unit, 48: grouping unit

Claims (10)

A first device used in a system including M (M is an integer of 2 or more) devices connected to a network,
A memory for storing first type setting information shared among the M devices;
An execution unit that executes a first type of processing according to the first type of setting information in the memory;
When the first type setting information in the memory is to be changed by a user, a first type designated device designated as a first type master device among the M devices is A determination unit that executes a first determination process for determining whether or not the network exists;
In the first case where it is determined in the first determination process that the first type designated device does not exist, the first device is designated as the first type master device, and according to an instruction from the user, A changing unit for changing the first type of setting information in the memory;
A first device comprising: a supply unit configured to supply the changed first type setting information to other devices existing on the network among the M devices. The first type of setting information includes date and time information indicating the creation date and time of the first type of setting information,
In the first case, the determination unit further includes two or more first type setting information currently stored in two or more devices existing on the network among the M devices. In the two or more pieces of date and time information included, it is determined whether or not the date and time information included in the first type of setting information in the memory is the latest date and time information,
The changing unit designates the first device as the first type of master device when the date / time information included in the first type of setting information in the memory is determined to be the latest date / time information. The first device of claim 1. When it is determined that the date / time information included in the first type of setting information in the memory is not the latest date / time information, the second device among the two or more devices, the two or more A designation notification for designating the second device that currently stores the first type of setting information including the latest date and time information as the first type of master device. A first transmitter for transmitting to the device;
The changing unit further changes the first type of setting information in the second device according to an instruction from the user, and changes the first type of setting information in the memory in the second device. The first device according to claim 2, wherein the first device is changed to the first type setting information later.   The changing unit further includes a first type in the first type designated device according to the instruction from the user when it is determined in the first judgment process that the first type designated device exists. And changing the first type of setting information in the memory to the changed first type of setting information in the first type of designated device. The 1st device as described in any one of these. The determination unit further executes a second determination process for determining whether the first type of designated device exists on the network when the first device is activated.
The changing unit further specifies the first device as the first type master device in a second case where it is determined in the second determination process that the first type designated device does not exist,
The first device further includes:
In the second case, a master device notification indicating that the first device is designated as the first type of master device is sent to another of the M devices on the network. The 1st device as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4 provided with the 2nd transmission part to transmit. The first type of setting information includes date and time information indicating the creation date and time of the first type of setting information,
The determination unit further includes, in the second case, two or more first type setting information currently stored in two or more devices existing on the network among the M devices. In the two or more pieces of date and time information included, it is determined whether or not the date and time information included in the first type of setting information in the memory is the latest date and time information,
The changing unit designates the first device as the first type of master device when the date / time information included in the first type of setting information in the memory is determined to be the latest date / time information. The first device according to claim 5. When it is determined that the date and time information included in the setting information in the memory is not the latest date and time information, the third device of the two or more devices and the two or more date and time information A designation notification for designating the third device that currently stores the first type of setting information including the latest date and time information as the first type of master device is transmitted to the third device. A third transmission unit;
The first device according to claim 6, wherein the changing unit further changes the first type of setting information in the memory to the first type of setting information in the third device. The first type of setting information includes date and time information indicating the creation date and time of the first type of setting information,
The changing unit further includes a case where it is determined in the second determination process that the first type designated device is present, and the first type setting information in the first type designated device is included. When the date and time information included is newer than the date and time information included in the first type of setting information in the memory, the first type of setting information in the memory is changed into the first type of designated device. The first device according to claim 5, wherein the first device is changed to the first type of setting information.   When the first device is designated as the first type master device at least at the time of starting and ending the first device, as the first type master device of the first device The first device according to claim 1, further comprising a release unit that cancels the designation. A grouping unit,
The memory further stores second type setting information;
The execution unit further executes a second type of processing according to the second type of setting information in the memory,
The grouping unit groups the M devices that should share the first type of setting information among a plurality of devices connected to the network as a first group, and Among them, N devices (where N is an integer of 2 or more) that should share the second type of setting information are grouped as a second group,
One of the M devices belonging to the first group is designated as the first type of master device;
One of the N devices belonging to the second group is designated as a second type of master device;
The determination unit is further designated as the second type master device among the N devices when the second type setting information in the memory is to be changed by the user. Determine whether two types of designated devices exist on the network;
The change unit further designates the first device as the second type master device when it is determined that the second type designated device does not exist, and the memory is designated according to an instruction from the user. Change the setting information of the second type in
The said supply part further supplies the said 2nd type setting information after a change to the other device which exists on the said network among the said N devices, The any one of Claim 1 to 9 Device described in.

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