JP2011229032A - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience of a user who performs setting operations on an apparatus.SOLUTION: An electronic device that performs electronic processing based on input data comprises a procedure information storage section which stores procedure information describing an operation procedure, a setting information storage section which stores setting information for an apparatus, a procedure forming section which generates procedure information that incorporates the setting information in the procedure information read from the procedure information storage section, and an apparatus setting section which updates or sets the setting information of the setting information storage section based on input data which specifies update or a setting of the setting information incorporated in the procedure information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device that supports user operations.

  When a conventional electronic device has complicated functions and settings like a multifunction device, the user refers to an operation procedure attached when purchasing the device or an online manual posted on the vendor's website. While trying to operate. The operation of the device while referring to such a procedure manual is very troublesome, and in consideration of this trouble, a program operable on the web server and the web is installed in the device. Some devices access a Web server of a device via a Web browser and operate an electronic device while referring to an operation procedure (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-248657 (paragraph “0012” to paragraph “0016”, FIG. 1)

  However, in the conventional technology described above, before using an electronic device, it is necessary to make various settings for the device according to the installation environment and the usage environment. For example, the menu configuration for making settings necessary for the installation of the apparatus is complicated, and the user has to find a desired setting item from the menu configuration. Therefore, the electronic device menu configuration is obtained remotely from a personal computer and software for supporting the use of the electronic device for setting is provided. The name of the menu itself is a technical term for the device such as a function name. For this reason, there is a problem that the setting operation of the apparatus is difficult for a user who does not have sufficient knowledge and does not sufficiently satisfy the user's convenience.

  An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem and to improve the convenience of a user who performs setting work of an apparatus.

  Therefore, the present invention is an electronic device that performs electronic processing based on input data, and includes a procedure manual information storage unit that stores procedure manual information describing an operation procedure, and setting information that stores setting information of the device A storage unit, a procedure manual forming unit that generates procedure manual information in which the setting information is incorporated into the procedure manual information read from the procedure manual information storage unit, and updating or setting of the setting information embedded in the procedure manual information. And a device setting unit that updates or sets the setting information in the setting information storage unit based on the instructed input data.

  According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user who performs the setting operation of the apparatus.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the connection form of the multifunction machine and PC in the first embodiment The block diagram which shows the structure of PC in a 1st Example Explanatory drawing which shows the data table which stores the setting information in 1st Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the menu structure of the multifunctional device in the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the keyword database in a 1st Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the file data of the manual original in a 1st Example Explanatory drawing of the manual display screen in 1st Example Explanatory drawing of the manual display screen in 1st Example Explanatory drawing of the program start screen in the first embodiment The flowchart which shows the whole process of the program in a 1st Example Flowchart showing manual display processing in the first embodiment Flowchart showing setting processing in the first embodiment The flowchart which shows the keyword search process in 1st Example Explanatory drawing of the apparatus selection screen in 1st Example Explanatory drawing of the initial page data of the manual in the first embodiment Explanatory drawing of the initial page screen of the manual in the first embodiment Explanatory drawing of the manual screen which performs apparatus setting in 1st Example Explanatory drawing of manual data for performing device setting in the first embodiment Explanatory drawing of the keyword search screen in 1st Example Explanatory drawing which shows the connection form of the multifunctional device, PC, and server in 2nd Example Block diagram showing the configuration of a multifunction machine according to the second embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the server in 2nd Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the storage form of the manual original on the server in 2nd Example Explanatory drawing of manual original data on the server in the second embodiment The flowchart which shows the process of the multifunctional machine at the time of the manual update in 2nd Example The flowchart which shows the process of the server at the time of the manual acquisition request in 2nd Example

  Embodiments of an electronic device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection form between the multifunction machine and the PC in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, a multifunction device 100 as an electronic device that performs electronic processing based on input data, and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC” as an information terminal) that transmits and receives operation instructions and the like between the multifunction device 100. 200) is connected with the network 300, and the user operates the PC 200 to specify the display of a manual as a procedure manual for explaining the operation method of the multifunction device 100, the operation of the multifunction device 100, and the like. The setting value can be set.

  Here, the connection form between the MFP 100 and the PC 200 is USB (Universal Serial Bus) as a connection method, local connection using a parallel port, or network connection using a LAN (Local Area Network) environment. However, the connection form is not limited as long as the MFP 100 and the PC 200 are connected to be communicable with each other.

  Next, the configuration of the multifunction machine will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, the multi-function device 100 includes a ROM (Read Only) for storing software.
Memory) 10, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 19 for storing various information as a database, RAM (Random Access Memory) 23 as a work area, composite based on software and various information stored in the storage unit The control unit is configured by a control unit that controls the entire machine 100 and a control unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) as a calculation unit. In the present embodiment, the configuration for realizing the document reading function, image forming function, copying function, etc., which the multifunction peripheral 100 normally has is not directly related to the present invention, so that the description thereof will be omitted.

  The ROM 10 stores in advance a Web server 11 that outputs various information to the display unit of the PC 200 and receives various information input from the operation unit of the PC 200, and a setting unit 12 that performs various settings of the multifunction peripheral 100. .

  The HDD 19 stores in advance a manual original 20 as procedure manual information describing a manual (procedure manual), a keyword group 21 in which word data in the manual is stored, and setting information 22 as setting values of the multifunction peripheral 100. Therefore, the HDD 19 functions as a procedure manual information storage unit that stores procedure manual information and a setting information storage unit that stores setting information.

  The RAM 23 secures a storage area as a work area for performing data expansion when the setting unit 12 performs processing.

  The setting unit 12 of the ROM 10 includes a request analyzing unit 13, a manual searching unit 14, a keyword searching unit 15, a device setting unit 16, a manual forming unit 17, a data transmitting unit 18, and the like.

  The request analysis unit 13 receives input data 1 such as a manual acquisition request, a keyword transfer request, and a device setting request input from the operation unit of the PC 200 from the PC 200 and calls each process by the received input data 1. is there.

  The manual retrieval unit 14 retrieves the manual original 20 stored in the HDD 19 according to an instruction from the request analysis unit 13, copies the manual original 20 to the data development area 24 in the RAM 23, It is what you call.

  The keyword search unit 15 serving as a procedure manual search unit, in response to an instruction from the request analysis unit 13, all contents in the manual original 20 (procedure manual describing a series of operation procedures) based on words extracted from the instructed keyword. (Manual data as information) is searched, the keyword group 21 stored in the HDD 19 is extracted, the keyword group 21 is copied to the data development area 24 in the RAM 23, and extracted from the keyword group 21. Based on the related word, all the contents in the manual original 20 are searched, the content including the word or the related word is extracted, and the manual forming unit 17 is called.

  In response to an instruction from the request analysis unit 13, the device setting unit 16 acquires the setting information 22 stored in the HDD 19, copies the setting information 22 to the data development area 24 in the RAM 23, and sets the manual forming unit 17. It is what you call. Further, the setting information 22 stored in the HDD 19 is set or updated according to an instruction from the request analysis unit 13.

  The manual forming unit 17 as the procedure manual information forming unit is displayed on the display unit of the PC 200 based on the manual original 20, the keyword group 21, or the setting information 22 copied and stored in the data development area 24 in the RAM 23. Generate manual data as procedure manual information to be displayed.

  The data transmission unit 18 transmits the manual data generated by the manual formation unit 17 to the PC 200.

  The Web server 11 exchanges various information with the Web browser of the PC 200 so that the MFP 100 can be operated with the Web browser of the PC 200. In this embodiment, manual data and setting information are stored in the PC 200. Send and receive to and from.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a data table for storing setting information in the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram visualizing the setting information 22 of the multifunction peripheral 100 stored in the HDD 19.

  In FIG. 4, the setting information 22 includes an index 60 and a parent index 61 as identifiers, a menu setting item 62 as device information, and record information of a value 63 as a setting value. The value 63 is a menu setting item 62. It is set for each. Note that the explanation 64 explains the record information of the main setting information 22 in describing the present embodiment, and is not included in the actual setting information 22.

  The index 60 is for identifying each menu setting item 62, and the parent index 61 indicates the index 60 to which each menu setting item 62 belongs. The index 60 and the parent index 61 indicate the hierarchical structure of the menu. It is composed.

  The menu setting item 62 indicates a setting item of the MFP 100. For example, “device setting” indicating a root item of the device setting menu, “serial number” indicating the serial number (No.) of the device, It consists of an “apparatus name” indicating the name.

  A value 63 indicates a setting value set in each menu setting item 62. For example, “AABBCC112233” is set in “Serial number”, and “XXXX” is set in “Device name”.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the menu configuration of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment. The menu configuration is visualized in a hierarchical structure based on the data table storing the setting information 22 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the menu structure forms a hierarchical structure. The hierarchical structure includes an index 60 of each menu setting item 62 shown in FIG. 4 and a parent index 61 indicating the index 60 to which the menu setting item 62 belongs. Indicated by

  For example, the “serial number” 66 of the menu setting item 62 whose index 60 is “51” shown in FIG. 4 is “device setting” whose parent index 61 is “50” because the parent index 61 is “50”. The “use protocol” 69 of the menu setting item 62 which is defined as a lower layer of 65 and whose index 60 is “56” is “profile” whose parent index 61 is “55” because the parent index 61 is “55”. The “profile 001” 68 of the menu setting item 62 that is defined as a lower layer of “001” 68 and the index 60 is “55” has a parent index 61 of “54”, and therefore the parent index 61 is “50”. It is defined as a layer below “register profile” 67.

  Thus, the index 60 and the parent index 61 assigned for each menu setting item 62 are provided, and the hierarchical structure of the menu shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the keyword database in the first embodiment, in which the keyword group 21 stored in the HDD 19 is visualized.

  In FIG. 6, a keyword 81 is a word described in a manual, and an index 80 is an identifier for identifying the keyword 81.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the file data of the manual original in the first embodiment, and visualizes the file data of the manual original 20 stored in the HDD 19.

  In FIG. 7, a manual original 20 is composed of a title 90 and content 91 as an explanatory text to be displayed on the manual. The content 91 includes procedures that differ depending on the OS (Operating System) of the PC 200 for each OS (92 / 93).

  8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams of a manual display screen according to the first embodiment, and are output images of a screen in which the manual original 20 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit of the PC 200. FIG. FIG. 8 shows an output image when the OS of the PC 200 is “OS1”, and FIG. 9 shows an output image when the OS of the PC 200 is “OS2”.

  Next, the configuration of the PC 200 will be described based on the block diagram showing the configuration of the PC in the first embodiment of FIG.

  In FIG. 3, a PC 200 includes an HDD 30 for storing software and various information, a storage unit including a RAM 50 as a work area, control means and calculation means for controlling the entire PC 200 based on the software and various information stored in the storage unit. It is comprised by control parts, such as CPU (not shown).

  The HDD 30 is a storage device that includes a manual viewer 40 that is a program (software) described in the present embodiment, OS information 48 as environment information, and a manual storage area 49 for storing manuals received from the multifunction peripheral 100. .

  In the RAM 50, an area 51 for data expansion when the manual viewer 40 performs processing is secured.

  The manual viewer 40 includes an event processing unit 41, a request analysis unit 42, a connection destination device designation unit 43, an OS information acquisition unit 44, a transmission command generation unit 45, a data transmission / reception unit 46, and a file display unit 47.

  When the event processing unit 41 receives a user operation event 3 such as manual viewer activation, device search, manual display, keyword search, device setting, and manual viewer termination as a request, the event processing unit 41 notifies the request analysis unit 42 of the request. .

  The request analysis unit 42 receives a request from the event processing unit 41 and calls each process according to each request.

  In response to a device search request, the connection destination device specifying unit 43 searches for a multifunction device 100 that is a device search target from the multifunction devices 100 connected to the network. At this time, the connection destination device specifying unit 43 transmits a device search command as an output 4 to the multifunction device to the multifunction device 100 connected to the network. In addition, the search result is received as input 5 from the multifunction device 100.

  The OS information acquisition unit 44 acquires the OS information 48 of the PC 200 and calls the transmission command generation unit 45.

  The transmission command generation unit 45 generates a command as instruction data for the multifunction peripheral 100 in response to a manual display, keyword search, or device setting request instructed by the OS information acquisition unit 44 or the request analysis unit 42.

  The data transmission / reception unit 46 transmits a manual display request, a keyword search request, and a device setting request, which are commands generated by the transmission command generation unit 45, to the multifunction device 100 as an output 4 to the multifunction device 100, and the multifunction device 100. Reply information as a response to the command and a manual file are received as input 5 from the multi-function device 100. When receiving the manual data from the multi-function device 100, the data transmitting / receiving unit 46 stores the manual data in the manual storage area 49 and calls the file display unit 47.

  The file display unit 47 extracts manual data from the manual storage area 49 and displays the manual data on the display unit as an output 6 for the user. Therefore, the user can browse the manual data displayed on the display unit as a manual of the multifunction device 100.

  Here, the startup screen displayed by the manual viewer 40 will be described based on the explanatory diagram of the program startup screen in the first embodiment of FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the user can select a desired operation from the operation menu 110 such as “select printer”, “manual display”, “keyword search”, etc. displayed on the startup screen. . Further, when referring to the operation method and the meaning of the icon on the screen, the help of the manual viewer 40 can be displayed by clicking the help 111. When the manual viewer 40 is terminated, the manual viewer 40 can be terminated by clicking the stop 112.

  The operation of the above configuration will be described.

  First, the processing performed by the manual viewer 40 of the PC 200 shown in FIG. 3 will be described according to the step indicated by S in the flowchart showing the overall processing of the program in the first embodiment of FIG. 11 with reference to FIG.

  S1a: When the manual viewer 40 of the PC 200 is activated by a user operation, the request analysis unit 42 displays the activation screen illustrated in FIG. 10 on the display unit, and the OS information acquisition unit 44 acquires the OS information 48.

  S2a: When the start screen of the manual viewer 40 is displayed, the request analysis unit 42 performs a process of selecting a multifunction device based on an instruction from the user to select a device (“Select Printer” on the start screen shown in FIG. 10). . FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a device selection screen in the first embodiment. On this device selection screen 113, the user selects a target broadcast address (for example, a network printer) or IP address for specifying a search range 114 of the multifunction device. The user clicks on the search button 115 to execute the search.

  The search method for the selected MFP will be described by taking a search method from the network as an example. As a search method for the network printer, an SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) protocol is used, and an MIB owned by a device on the network is used. An object identifier for acquiring an object identifier (OID) from a database of (Management Information Base) and acquiring a model name and vendor information for a device on the network based on a broadcast address designated by the user (OID) is acquired, it is determined whether or not it is a device that can be supported, and only the devices that can be supported are displayed in a list 116 to inform the user.

  It is assumed that the user selects a target device from the devices displayed on the list display 116.

  S3a: The transmission command generation unit 45 that has received an instruction when a device is selected by a user operation performs an echo command (for example, “¥ x1b% − 12345X @ PJL ECHO YYYYY Manual Viewer \ r \ n \ x1b% -12345X "), and requests the data transmitter / receiver 46 to perform processing.

  The data transmitting / receiving unit 46 transmits the command requested by the transmission command generating unit 45 to the selected multi-function device, receives echo reply information (for example, “@PJL ECHO YYYYY Manual Viewer”) from the multi-function device, and Start connection with the MFP.

  S4a: When the connection with the multifunction device is started, the event processing unit 41 waits for an operation by the user, and when manual display is selected on the screen displayed on the display unit, the process proceeds to S5a and the setting is selected. The process proceeds to S6a, and if keyword search is selected, the process proceeds to S7a.

  Note that the selection of the setting is performed by selecting various setting items incorporated in the manual display screen displayed on the display unit. When the cancel button 112 is selected, the process of the manual viewer 40 is terminated.

  S5a: When manual display is selected in S4a and the event processing unit 41 receives a menu selection event for manual display, the request analysis unit 42 first acquires the OS information 48 acquired by the OS information acquisition unit 44 and a command for manual acquisition. To generate the transmission command generation unit 45.

  The transmission command generation unit 45 notifies the OS information 48 (for example, “PJL SET MANUALVIEWER OSINFO =“ OS1 ””) and a manual acquisition command (for example, “PJL GET MANUAL NAME =“ Manual.html ””). Are generated and notified to the data transmitting / receiving unit 46.

  Here, the key “OSINFO” of “PJL SET MANUALVIEWER OSINFO =“ OS1 ”” is an instruction key for designating OS information as environment information of the PC 200. In this embodiment, “OS1” is designated. Is shown. Also, “PJL GET MANUAL NAME =“ Manual. The “NAME” key of “html” ”is an instruction key for designating the file name of the manual file received from the multifunction peripheral. In this embodiment,“ Manual.html ”is designated.

  The data transmitting / receiving unit 46 transmits the command generated by the transmission command generating unit 45 to the selected multifunction device, receives the manual file “Manual.html” generated by the multifunction device, and stores it in the manual storage area 49 of the HDD 30. The manual file is saved and the file display unit 47 is called.

  The file display unit 47 displays the manual file stored in the manual storage area 49 on the screen, shifts the processing to S4a, and waits for the next operation by the user.

  S6a: When the device setting is selected in S4a and the event processing unit 41 receives the device setting menu selection event, the request analysis unit 42 sets the transmission command generation unit 45 to generate a command for performing the device setting. call.

  The transmission command generation unit 45 generates a device setting command (for example, “@PJL SET DEVICESETTING ID = 60 VALUE =“ TESTSERVER ¥ SCANDATA ””) and notifies the data transmission / reception unit 46.

  Here, the key “ID” of “@PJL SET DEVICESETTING ID = 60 VALUE =“ TESTSERVER ¥ SCANDATA ”” is an index number indicating the device setting, and corresponds to the index 60 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a “target URL” (URL: Uniform Resource Locator) in which the index 60 shown in FIG. 4 is “60” is designated. A key “VALUE” is a value set by the apparatus and an input value from the user. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which “TESTSERVER ¥ SCANDATA” is input by the user.

  The data transmitting / receiving unit 46 transmits the command generated by the transmission command generating unit 45 to the selected multifunction device, reflects the new setting value to the multifunction device, and updates the updated manual file “Manual.html”. Then, the manual file is stored in the manual storage area 49 of the HDD 30 and the file display unit 47 is called.

  The file display unit 47 displays the manual file stored in the manual storage area 49 on the screen (S5a), shifts the process to S4a, and waits for the next operation by the user.

  S7a: When keyword search is selected in S4a and the event processing unit 41 receives a keyword search menu selection event, the request analysis unit 42 sets a transmission command generation unit 45 to generate a command for performing keyword search. call.

  The transmission command generation unit 45 generates a keyword search command (for example, “@PJL SET MANUALVIEWER KEYWORD =“ scan ”NAME =“ Result.html ””) and notifies the data transmission / reception unit 46.

  Here, “@PJL SET MANUALVIEWER KEYWORD =“ scan ”NAME =“ Result. The key “KEYWORD” of “html” ”is an instruction key for designating a keyword. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a user inputs and designates“ scan ”as a keyword. The key “NAME” is an instruction key for designating the file name of the keyword search result received from the MFP. In this embodiment, “Result.html” is designated.

  The data transmitting / receiving unit 46 transmits the command generated by the transmission command generating unit 45 to the selected multifunction device, receives a manual including the specified keyword from the multifunction device as a manual file “Manual.html”, The manual file is stored in the manual storage area 49 and the file display unit 47 is called.

  The file display unit 47 displays the manual file stored in the manual storage area 49 on the screen (S5a), shifts the process to S4a, and waits for the next operation by the user.

  Next, referring to FIG. 1 according to the step represented by S in the flowchart showing the manual display processing in the first embodiment of FIG. 12, the processing performed by the multi-function peripheral having received the manual display instruction in S5a of FIG. While explaining.

  S1b: The request analysis unit 13 of the multi-function device 100 first determines whether to acquire a new manual or to re-acquire it after updating by device setting. If the command received from the PC 200 is a manual display command, the request analysis unit 13 determines that the command is new and shifts the process to S2b. If the command is a device setting command, the request analysis unit 13 determines that re-acquisition after the update and proceeds to S6b. Transition.

  S2b: When the request analysis unit 13 determines that a new manual is to be acquired, the manual search unit 14 searches the HDD 19 to extract the manual original 20 as a manual template, and the manual original 20 is used for data expansion in the RAM 23. Temporarily store in area 24.

  S3b: Next, the request analysis unit 13 determines whether or not an OS-specified command (for example, “PJL SET MANUALVIEWER OSINFO =“ OS1 ””) is received, and the presence / absence of OS information, that is, a condition depending on the OS version The presence or absence of is determined. If it is determined that there is OS information, the process proceeds to S4b. If it is determined that there is no OS information, the process proceeds to S6b.

  S4b: If it is determined that there is OS information, the request analysis unit 13 shifts the processing to the manual forming unit 17, and the manual forming unit 17 opens the manual original 20 temporarily stored in the data development area 24, and FIG. Based on the identifier “OS1” of the file data shown in FIG. 5, the presence / absence of content specialized for the OS of the PC 200 is determined, and when content specialized for the OS is detected, content other than the content specialized for OS information is excluded. A copy file, that is, a copy file of content including the specified OS information is created, and the process proceeds to S6b.

  S5b: On the other hand, when the content specific to the OS cannot be detected, the manual forming unit 17 clears the OS information and does not perform the filter operation of the manual original 20 by the OS version. In this case, all contents are displayed regardless of the OS information.

  S6b: When the generation of the copy file is completed, the request analysis unit 13 calls the device setting unit 16 and acquires the setting information 22 corresponding to the setting value embedding portion of the manual original 20.

  Here, the embedded portion is defined in the file data of the manual original 20, and in the example shown in FIG. 16, the “TYPE” element is “DEVICE”, and the “FUNC” element is “VALUESET”. The part defined as

  In this embodiment, an acquisition target is an “ID number” defined by a “SET” element, and the ID number is an index 60 as an identifier of device information in the device setting information table shown in FIG. The value corresponds to. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 16, since “SET = 51”, the ID number is “51”, and “AABBCC112233” is acquired as the setting information of “serial number” whose index 60 is “51”.

  S7b: After acquiring the setting information, the manual forming unit 17 shifts the processing, and the manual forming unit 17 embeds the acquired setting information in [%% VALUE %%] in the text of the copy file. Generate. FIG. 17 shows an example of the generated content, and the part in which the setting information is embedded is “Product serial number is“ AABBCC112233 ”. " In this way, the manual forming unit 17 generates manual data incorporating the setting information.

  S8b: The generated manual is transmitted by the data transmission unit 18 via the Web server 11 to the PC 200 in a file format with the file name “Manual.html”, and the manual display process of the multifunction peripheral 100 is terminated.

  Next, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 18 according to the step represented by S in the flowchart showing the setting process in the first embodiment of FIG. 13 for the process performed by the multifunction device that has received the setting instruction in S6a of FIG. While explaining.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a manual screen for performing device settings in the first embodiment. Preparation for saving scan data of a document read by the multifunction device 100 by a user operation in a user's own PC or a shared folder on a server. The screen for doing is shown. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which “TESTSERVER ¥ SCANDATA” is set in “target URL” 121 which is not set by the user on this screen, and an instruction for the setting is received.

  Note that the screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the display unit of the PC 200, and is a screen displayed when various setting items incorporated in the manual display screen already displayed on the display unit of the PC 200 are selected. is there. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of manual data for device setting. Furthermore, it is assumed that the profile name 117, the protocol 118, the port number 119, and the user name 120 are already set.

  S1c: The request analysis unit 13 of the multifunction device 100 determines whether or not the setting can be performed by itself, and waits until the setting can be performed when it is determined that the setting cannot be performed. Here, the state in which the setting cannot be performed is a state in which the apparatus is operating by another operation such as printing or scanning.

  S2c: When determining that the setting is possible, the request analysis unit 13 analyzes the command “@PJL SET DEVICESETTING ID = 60 VALUE =“ TESTSERVER ¥ SCANDATA ”” received from the PC 200, and the ID = embedded in the command = An instruction to update (or set) the setting content of 60 to “TESTSERVER ¥ SCANDATA” is notified to the device setting unit 16.

  Upon receiving the update instruction, the device setting unit 16 sets character string data “TESTSERVER ¥ SCANDATA” as a setting value for the setting of the target URL with ID = 60 (index is 60) in the data table storing the setting information 22. Write.

  S3c: The device setting unit 16 compares the setting value written in the setting information 22 with the received setting value, and determines whether or not the setting value has been updated. If it is determined that the update is successful, the setting process is terminated. If it is determined that the update is not successful, the process proceeds to S4c.

  S4c: The device setting unit 16 that has determined that the update has not been successful determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed since the update of the set value, and the predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that it has not been performed, the process proceeds to S3c, and monitoring of whether or not the setting value has been successfully updated is continued. If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S5c.

  S5c: The apparatus setting unit 16 that has determined that the predetermined time has elapsed has terminated the process on the assumption that the update of the set value has failed.

  When a new setting value is set and this setting process is completed, the new setting value is set in the multifunction peripheral 100. Therefore, the manual viewer of the PC 200 again displays the manual display shown in S5a of FIG. 11 in order to update the manual. Process.

  Next, the process performed by the multi-function peripheral that has received the keyword search instruction in S7a of FIG. 11 is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 20 according to the step represented by S in the flowchart of the keyword search process in the first embodiment of FIG. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a keyword search screen in the first embodiment, and shows a screen that accepts an input of a keyword to be searched by a user operation. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a keyword 122 “scan” is input by a user operation on this screen, and an instruction to search (123) the keyword 122 is received. This screen is displayed on the display unit of the PC 200.

  S1d: The request analysis unit 13 of the MFP 100 receives the command “@PJL SET MANUALVIEWER KEYWORD =“ scan ”NAME =“ Result. html "" is analyzed, and the keyword "scan" is notified to the keyword search unit 15. If the keyword is separated by a blank (hexadecimal “20”), the keyword search unit 15 repeats the following processing up to S9d for each word that is divided and extracted.

  S2d: The keyword search unit 15 searches all contents in the manual original 20 based on the extracted words.

  S3d: The keyword search unit 15 shifts the process to S4d when the content including the word can be found, and shifts the process to S5d when the content cannot be found.

  S4d: The keyword search unit 15 that has found the content including the word temporarily stores and accumulates the content name in the storage unit, proceeds to S8d, and continues the search for the next content.

  S5d: When the content including the word cannot be found in S3d, the keyword search unit 15 extracts the index of the word that matches the word from the keyword database shown in FIG. Based on the word, all contents in the manual original 20 are searched again.

  S6d: The keyword search unit 15 proceeds to S4d when the content including the word can be found, and proceeds to S7d when the content cannot be found.

S7d: The keyword search unit 15 performs a search based on all words of the index numbers before and after the extracted index. (S5d-S7d)
S8d: The keyword search unit 15 repeatedly performs the processes of S3d to S7d, and searches for all content files in the manual original 20 based on the extracted words.

  S9d: The keyword search unit 15 repeatedly performs the search process (S2d to S8d) for each word extracted from the keyword, and when the search process for each extracted word is completed, the process proceeds to S10d.

  S10d: The keyword search unit 15 that has completed the search processing for each extracted word for all content files, sets the content file data corresponding to the content name in the data development area 24 based on the stored content name. Save and end the keyword search process.

  When the keyword search process is completed, the manual forming unit 17 of the multifunction peripheral 100 generates manual data based on the content file data stored in the data expansion area 24 and notifies the data transmitting unit 18 of the manual data. In addition, the manual formation part 17 shall incorporate the setting information 22 in the manual data to produce | generate similarly to S6b of FIG.

  The data transmission unit 18 transmits the notified manual data to the PC 200 as the file name “Manual.html” via the Web server 11 and causes the display unit of the PC 200 to display the manual.

  As described above, the user can select a target multifunction device, and can refer to a manual for the multifunction device, an operation procedure optimal for the OS environment of the user's own PC, and a desired manual using keywords. Therefore, the user can refer to only necessary information.

  In addition, the user can know the current setting status of the MFP and the setting items that have not been set in real time from the contents of the operation procedures described in the manual, and set the unset items from the manual. The operation can be performed. In addition, the setting change operation can be performed on the setting items that have already been set from the manual.

  In particular, before using the multi-function device 100, it is possible to facilitate setting operations when various settings corresponding to the installation environment and the use environment are performed on the multi-function device 100, thereby improving user convenience. Can do.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, it is possible to refer to a manual of a multifunction machine selected by the user, an operation procedure adapted to the OS environment of the personal computer operated by the user, and a desired manual using keywords. As a result, the user convenience can be improved.

  In addition, the current setting status is displayed in the manual of the MFP, and settings can be performed from the screen that displays the manual for items that have not been set or whose settings are to be changed. The effect that it can be improved is obtained.

  The configuration of the second embodiment is such that a multifunction machine, a PC and a server are communicably connected via the Internet. Note that parts similar to those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection form of the multifunction machine, the PC and the server in the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 21, the multifunction peripheral 100, the PC 200, and the server 500 access each other via the Internet, so that the functions described in this embodiment can be used.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment.

  22, the manual search unit 25 communicates with the server 500 shown in FIG. 21, that is, notifies the server 500 of a manual acquisition request, receives a manual original as a response from the server 500, and sends it to the HDD 19. The manual original 20 to be saved is updated.

  The configuration of the multi-function device 100 is different from the configuration of the first embodiment in that the manual search unit 25 is different from the configuration of the first embodiment. Since the configuration of the PC 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server in the second embodiment.

  23, the server 500 includes an HDD 510 for storing software and various types of information, a storage unit comprising a RAM 515 as a work area, control means for controlling the entire server 500 based on the software and various types of information stored in the storage unit, and It is comprised by control parts, such as CPU which is not shown in figure as a calculating means.

  The HDD 510 stores in advance a manual distribution program 511 for distributing a manual original 514 to the multifunction peripheral 100 in response to a request from the multifunction peripheral 100 and an updated manual original 514.

  In the RAM 515, a data expansion area 516 is secured as a memory area for performing data expansion when the manual distribution program 511 performs processing.

  The manual search unit 512 of the manual distribution program 511 receives the request from the multifunction peripheral 100, extracts the manual original 514 from the HDD 510, and temporarily stores the extracted manual original 514 in the data expansion area 516.

  The manual distribution unit 513 transmits the manual original 514 stored in the data expansion area 516 to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage form of the manual original on the server in the second embodiment. In the manual original 514 of the HDD 510 of the server 500 shown in FIG. 23, a folder is formed for each product name 520. In this folder, the original manual 521 for the product is stored.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of manual original data on the server in the second embodiment, and illustrates the manual original 514 of the HDD 510 of the server 500 shown in FIG. The manual original 514 is provided with a version 530, and version management can be performed by the version 530. In addition, the point updated from the manual original 20 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to “OS3” 531 as a new OS.

  The operation of the above configuration will be described.

  First, the process at the time of manual update performed by the manual search unit 25 of the MFP 100 shown in FIG. 22 is changed to the step represented by S in the flowchart of the process of the MFP at the time of manual update in the second embodiment of FIG. Therefore, description will be made with reference to FIG.

  S1e: The manual search unit 25 of the multifunction peripheral 100 monitors the elapse of a preset update period (for example, one month), and when the update period elapses, the process proceeds to S2e.

  S2e: The manual search unit 25 acquires the device name of the multifunction peripheral 100 (index = 52 shown in FIG. 4) as the product name from the setting information 22.

  S3e: The manual search unit 25 that has acquired the device name acquires the version number of the manual from the setting information 22.

  S4e: The manual search unit 25 that has acquired the device name and the manual version number transmits a URL for manual search to the server 500 (for example, http: //Server001/Manuals/default.html? Model = XXXX & V = 1.0). ) Is transmitted, and it is inquired whether or not the manual has been updated. If it is determined that the manual has been updated, the process proceeds to S5e. If it is determined that the manual has not been updated, the manual original 20 is not updated. This process ends.

  Here, in the above URL, the “Model” key indicates the product name, and the “V” key indicates the version number.

  S5e: The manual retrieval unit 25 that has determined that the manual has been updated downloads (transfers) the manual original 521 shown in FIG. 24 updated on the server 500 from the server 500, and downloads the manual original 521. Update to

  Next, the manual acquisition request processing performed by the server 500 shown in FIG. 23 is referred to FIG. 23 according to the step represented by S in the flowchart showing the server processing at the time of manual acquisition request in the second embodiment of FIG. While explaining.

  S1f: The manual search unit 512 of the server 500 that has received a manual search URL (for example, http: //Server001/Manuals/default.html? Model = XXXX & V = 1.0) as a manual acquisition request from the multi-function peripheral 100, The product name (for example, XXXX) is extracted from the URL for manual search, the folder of the product name (for example, XXX520) shown in FIG. 24 is traced from the manual original 514 of the HDD 510, and the manual original 521 is acquired (detected). The process proceeds to S2f. If the manual original 521 cannot be acquired (detected), the fact is notified to the multifunction peripheral 100 and the process is terminated.

  S2f: The manual search unit 512 that has acquired the manual original 521 opens the manual original 521, acquires the version number 530 of the manual original shown in FIG. 25, and extracts the version of the manual original 521 and the version extracted from the manual search URL. The number is compared to determine whether the version number has been updated.

  For example, the version number 530 of the manual original 521 shown in FIG. 25 is “2.0”, and the version number of the URL for manual search received from the multifunction peripheral 100, that is, the manual original stored in the HDD 19 of the multifunction peripheral 100. Since the version number of 20 is “1.0”, it is determined that the manual stored in the server 500 has been updated.

  S3f: When it is determined that the manual stored in the server 500 has been updated, the manual distribution unit 513 of the server 500 downloads the manual original 521 to the multifunction peripheral 100 and distributes the manual original 521 to the multifunction peripheral 100. To finish the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S2f that the manual stored in the server 500 has not been updated, the manual distribution unit 513 terminates the process without downloading the original manual 521 to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In this way, by automatically updating the manual original in the multifunction peripheral, the user can always refer to the latest version of the manual.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the manual original stored in the server is downloaded to the multifunction peripheral, and the manual original in the multifunction peripheral is automatically updated, thereby adding to the effects of the first embodiment. The user can always refer to the latest version of the manual.

  In the first and second embodiments, the electronic apparatus has been described as a multifunction peripheral. However, the electronic apparatus may be a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, or the like, without being limited thereto. good.

10 ROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Web server 12 Setting part 13, 42 Request analysis part 14 Manual search part 15 Keyword search part 16 Apparatus setting part 17 Manual formation part 18 Data transmission part 19, 30 HDD
20 Manual original 21 Keyword group 22 Setting information 23, 50 RAM
24, 51 Data development area 25 Manual search part 40 Manual viewer 41 Event processing part 43 Connection destination device designation part 44 OS information acquisition part 45 Transmission command generation part 46 Data transmission / reception part 47 File display part 48 OS information 49 Manual storage area 100 MFP 200 PC
300 network 500 server

Claims (7)

An electronic device that performs electronic processing based on input data,
A procedure manual information storage unit for storing procedure manual information describing an operation procedure;
A setting information storage unit for storing setting information of the device;
A procedure manual forming unit that generates procedure manual information in which the setting information is incorporated into the procedure manual information read from the procedure manual information storage unit;
And an apparatus setting unit that updates or sets the setting information in the setting information storage unit based on the input data instructed to update or set the setting information incorporated in the procedure manual information. Electronic equipment. In claim 1,
The input data includes a keyword,
The procedure manual information storage unit is searched based on the keyword, and includes a procedure manual search unit that extracts procedure manual information including the keyword,
The electronic device characterized in that the procedure manual forming unit generates procedure manual information in which the setting information is incorporated into the procedure manual information extracted by the procedure manual search unit. In claim 1 or claim 2,
The input data includes environment information of an information terminal that operates the electronic device,
The electronic device characterized in that the procedure manual forming unit reads procedure manual information including the environment information from the procedure manual information storage unit. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The electronic device is characterized in that the setting information is a setting value set for each piece of device information. In claim 4,
The electronic device characterized in that the procedure manual information includes an identifier of the device information and a setting value associated with the identifier. In claim 5,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the procedure manual forming unit generates the procedure manual information by associating an identifier of the device information with a setting value. In any one of Claims 1-5,
The electronic device is characterized in that the procedure manual information stored in the procedure manual information storage unit is transferred from a server and updated.

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