JP2012104920A - Image forming apparatus, processing method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus with a mechanism capable of distributing a setting file and easily introducing an application operating on a multifunction machine.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus to which an external storage device can be connected determines, at the time of activation of an application stored in the image forming apparatus, whether or not there is a setting file referred to by the application, temporally interrupts the activation of the application in the case that there is no setting file, determines whether or not the external storage device is connected to the apparatus, obtains, from the external storage device, the setting file in which setting information for the application to refer to is stored, in the case that it is determined that the external storage device is connected, activates the application by using the obtained setting file, and transmits the obtained setting file to another image forming apparatus in order to activate an application of the other image forming apparatus.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of distributing a setting file, a processing method thereof, and a program.

  In recent years, in order to realize usage in accordance with user needs from basic usage of multifunction devices, applications for multifunction devices have been installed in multifunction devices to realize functions other than the basic functions of multifunction devices. It is coming.

  Therefore, in the setting of the application of the multifunction device, the setting is changed via the network, or the setting is changed from the screen of the multifunction device.

  For example, there are cases where dozens of multifunction devices are introduced at the time of initial installation. In this case, it is necessary to set each application one by one, which is a great time. A method of acquiring information from the server is conceivable.

  Various techniques such as Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are conceivable as techniques for fetching setting information into a multifunction peripheral.

JP 2004-78392 A JP 2008-269323 A

  However, the method of acquiring the setting information from the server as in Patent Document 1 requires setting each multifunction device as to which server is to be referred to. It took a lot of time to set up the system.

  In addition, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a method for sending setting information from a client terminal to a multifunction peripheral requires preparing a client terminal for delivering the setting information and operating an application for sending the setting information on the client terminal. Since the operation is complicated for a simple user, it is desired to easily set the application of the multifunction peripheral.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to determine whether or not an external storage device in which a setting file is stored is connected when an application is started in the image forming apparatus. Provide a mechanism that facilitates the introduction of applications that operate on multifunction peripherals by allowing the application of the image forming device to operate as an application that distributes the setting file to distribute the setting file referenced by the application to other image forming devices It is to be.

  In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an image forming apparatus to which an external storage device can be connected, and whether or not there is a setting file referred to by the application when the application stored in the image forming apparatus is activated. A determination unit that determines whether there is no setting file, and a determination unit that determines whether or not the external storage device is connected when the determination unit determines that there is no setting file. And a setting for acquiring a setting file storing setting information to be referred to by an application from the external storage device when the connection determination unit determines that the external storage device is connected. An application that starts an application using a file acquisition unit and the setting file acquired by the setting file acquisition unit And ® down activation means, in order to start the application of the other image forming apparatus, the configuration file acquired by the setting file acquisition unit, and a sending means for sending to the other image forming apparatus.

  A setting file receiving unit for receiving a setting file from another image forming apparatus and a setting received by the setting file receiving unit when the connection determining unit determines that the external storage device is not connected; The storage means for storing the file and the application starting means start the application using the setting file stored in the storage means.

When the connection determination unit determines that the external storage device is not connected, the setting file reception port of the image forming apparatus is opened to receive the setting file from another image forming apparatus. And a port setting means for opening a setting file transmission port of the image forming apparatus in order to transmit the setting file to another image forming apparatus when it is determined that the external storage device is connected. It is characterized by.

  The interruption means displays a standby screen for receiving a setting file, and when there is an instruction to start the application with the initial setting on the standby screen, the setting file is stored according to the initial setting held by the application. It further comprises a setting file creating means for creating.

  In addition, the application starting unit may start initial setting of the application using the setting file created by the setting file creating unit.

  The application may be an application that can be installed in the image forming apparatus in order to realize a function different from a function that the image forming apparatus has in advance.

  According to the present invention, when an application is started in the image forming apparatus, it is determined whether or not an external storage device storing a setting file is connected. If the external storage device is stored, the image formation is performed. Since the application of the apparatus operates as an application for distributing the setting file, the setting file referred to by the application is distributed to other image forming apparatuses, and the introduction of the application that operates on the multifunction peripheral is facilitated.

The figure which shows the system configuration | structure of a setting information delivery system The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the multi-function device 100 The figure which shows the software block of the multi-function device 100 The figure which shows the function structure of the multi-function device 100 The figure which shows the flowchart of the multi-function device 100 Image diagram showing configuration file Image showing host name file Image diagram showing pre-launch screen

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the setting information distribution system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The multi-function device 100 is communicably connected to another multi-function device 100 via a network. In the present embodiment, there are two multifunction devices, but the number of multifunction devices is not limited to two, and an environment in which two or more multifunction devices are connected may be used.

  An application is installed in the multifunction device 100 using the multifunction device. Although the (parent) application 110 and the (child) application 120 are the same application, there is a relationship between a parent that distributes the setting and a child that receives the setting. In addition, the application described in the present embodiment is provided in the multifunction device in order to realize a function (for example, an extended function using scan or print) different from the function (scan or print) that the multifunction device has in advance. It is an application that can be installed. More specifically, among the print jobs stored in the HDD 204, an application that displays a print job of a user who has logged in to the multifunction peripheral 100 on the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral and immediately prints the selected print job on the multifunction peripheral. and so on.

  In the present embodiment, 110 and 120 shown in the figure are explicitly set as a parent and a child, respectively, which is determined as a parent is determined by the connection of an external storage device (for example, a USB memory) at the time of activation. Specifically, a multifunction peripheral to which an external storage device (for example, a USB memory) is connected becomes a parent.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the controller unit that controls the multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the controller unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 216 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 214 functioning as an image input device and a printer 212 functioning as an image output device, and is connected to a LAN or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN). By doing so, image data and device information are input and output.

  In the controller unit 216, 201 is a CPU, which is a processor for controlling the entire system. A RAM 202 is a system network memory for the CPU 201 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 203 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 204 stores various programs for controlling the system (including application programs that can be installed in the multifunction peripheral), setting information (setting files) referenced by the application programs, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 207 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 208 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 208 to the operation unit 208. The operation unit I / F 207 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 208 to the CPU 201. Note that the operation unit 208 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes a network interface (Network I / F) which is connected to a network (LAN) and inputs / outputs data. Reference numeral 206 denotes a modem (MODEM) which is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  An external interface (external I / F) 218 is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, for reading an IC card required for authentication Card reader 219 is connected to external I / F unit 218. The CPU 201 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 219 via the external I / F 218, and can acquire information read from the IC card.

  An external storage device 220 (for example, a USB memory) is connected to the external I / F unit 218. The CPU 201 can control, for example, reading of setting information (setting file) from the external storage device 220 via the external I / F 218 and acquire information stored in the external storage device 220. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 209.

  An image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F) 220 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 209 and an image bus 215 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 215 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 215.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 210 expands vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 211 connects the printer 212 and the controller unit 216, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 213 connects the scanner 214 and the controller unit 216, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 217 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 217 performs rotation of image data and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for binary image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 214 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 208, the CPU 201 gives an instruction to the scanner 214, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 212 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 201. Note that the printer unit 212 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and there is a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 208 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 208 displays an operation screen of the system, and when the displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F. This is transmitted to the CPU 201 via 207. The operation unit 208 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 208 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 208 serves to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 208 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 219 reads information stored in the IC card (for example, Sony FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 201, and reads the read information via the external I / F 218. The CPU 201 is notified.

  With the configuration as described above, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 214 to the LAN 700 and print out the print data received from the LAN by the printer 212.

  Further, the image data read from the scanner 214 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 206, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer 212.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of software blocks in the multifunction peripheral 100 of FIG.

  The premise of the environment in the multi function device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The additionally provided software operating environment is called an application platform 2009 (hereinafter also referred to as a platform). The platform 2009 includes an interpreter and a set of application programming interfaces (hereinafter referred to as API) and a framework group. This platform 2009 provides what should be a kind of pseudo-OS or computing platform for the software running on it.

  The interpreter sequentially reads, interprets and executes a series of instruction sequences including instructions included in a predetermined instruction set. When this instruction set is regarded as equivalent to an instruction set for a hardware CPU, the interpreter is sometimes called a virtual machine. The API group and framework group operate on the software operating environment to access various resource groups abstracted from resources and hardware resources provided by the real-time OS (2010) inherent in the lower layer of the software operating environment. Provide for software to do.

  The resources include an instruction execution context by a processor, various inputs / outputs (I / O) including a memory, a file system, and a network interface. In particular, the instruction execution context can independently manage the instruction execution context on the interpreter independently of the multitask mechanism provided by the actual CPU and the real-time OS. Similarly, the memory can also provide its own memory management for the software operating environment.

  Since the software (application) operating on the platform is sequentially read and interpreted and executed by the interpreter, there is a possibility that operations that adversely affect the system can be excluded by monitoring the instruction sequence during these processes. In addition, access to various resources from software on the software execution environment indirectly manipulates the resources via APIs and frameworks provided by the platform, so operations that adversely affect the system in this process can be excluded. .

  Therefore, the approach of providing a hierarchy of software execution environments consisting of an interpreter, API group, and framework group inside the firmware is basically the operation of software in the firmware of a low-cost embedded system that should be configured statically and fixedly. It is very effective for introducing partial characteristics. On the platform 2009, application 1 (2005) to application 2 (2006) are arranged. These applications 1 and the like are executed using the platform API.

  Next, the relationship of the functions in each terminal in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Since each function will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart described later, an outline of functions described in various terminals will be described here.

  The application operation unit (111/121) is a function that executes a main function for each installed application. The application operation unit 111 on the (parent) application receives the application operation setting (setting information) read from the external storage device by the setting distribution unit 112 and stores it in an area referred to by the application. It also reads application operation settings (setting information) and operates the main functions of the application. The main function is a function to send scan data executed by an application to a predetermined server, a list of print jobs stored in the server, and a print instruction for the print job selected in the list to the server. Functions.

  The setting distribution unit (112) acquires a setting file from the external storage device attached to the multifunction peripheral 100 and passes it to the application operation unit 111. In addition, it has a function of transmitting the acquired setting file to a (child) application operating on the multifunction peripheral 100 described in the host file in the external storage device.

  The setting reception unit (122) receives the setting file transmitted from the setting distribution unit 112 in the (parent) application 110, and notifies the application operation unit 121 in the application.

  Next, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In Step 500, the CPU 201 activates the (parent) application 110 or the (child) application 120 in accordance with power-on (when activated) of the multifunction peripheral 100. More specifically, the operating system starts up, and the application platform issues a start command to the application operating on the application platform using an API or the like.

  In Step 501, when the (parent) application 110 or the (child) application 120 is activated, the CPU 201 causes each application operation unit 111/121 to have a setting file in an area referred to by the application of the HDD 204 in the MFP 100. Determine whether or not. If the setting file exists, the process proceeds to Step 502. If the setting file does not exist, the process proceeds to Step 503.

  In Step 502, since the setting file exists, the application operating unit 111/121 is activated by the CUP 201 and the application operating unit 111/121 reads the setting file and starts up. In the present embodiment, the processing is terminated when the setting file is read and started. However, even when the setting file exists, it is determined whether the external storage device is mounted. If there is a setting file, the process proceeds to Step 512. If there is no attachment, the processing can be terminated.

  This makes it easy to distribute a configuration file to a newly installed sub-multifunction device, with a multi-function device that already has a configuration file and can start an application as the parent multi-function device. .

  FIG. 6 is an image diagram of the setting file. Although the setting file differs for each application, for example, a print job is accumulated in the multifunction device, a list of print jobs of a user who has logged in to the multifunction device is displayed on the operation unit 208, and the selected print job is output to the printer unit 212. In the case of such a storage type print application, the following setting information is held as a setting file.

  As setting 1 (Key 1), an identification number of an area (box) of the HDD 204 in which the print job is stored. Setting 2 (Key 2), box password, Setting 3 (Key 3), whether or not to delete the print job after printing (ON / OFF), Setting 4 (Key 4), log in to the MFP on the print job list screen Whether to display the user name (ON / OFF), setting 5 (Key 5), whether to display the button A on the print job list screen (ON / OFF), and the like.

  In Step 503, since the setting file does not exist, the (parent) application 110 or (child) application 120 causes the setting distribution unit 112 or the setting reception unit 122 to display a pre-start screen by the CPU 201. When the pre-start screen is displayed, the application temporarily interrupts reading the setting file and performing various settings. The setting distribution unit 112 or the setting reception unit 122 displays a UI as illustrated in FIG. 4 and enters a setting information distribution / reception standby state. FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 208 by the (child) application 120.

  In Step 504, the CPU 201 determines whether the setting distribution unit 112 or the setting reception unit 122 is attached to the multifunction device 100 with an external storage device (for example, a USB memory) in which the setting file is stored. At this time, as a reference for determining whether the file existing in the external storage device is its own setting file, for example, it is determined whether there is an application name in the file name or a unique application ID exists. I do.

  In Step 505, the CPU 201 causes the setting distribution unit 112 to read (acquire) the setting file from the external storage device.

  In Step 506, the setting distribution unit 112 causes the CPU 201 to save the setting information stored in the read setting file in a predetermined location that is referenced by the application in the HDD 204 of the multifunction peripheral 100. As in Step 502, the setting file is read and the application is started. Also, the display of the pre-start screen in FIG. 8 is canceled.

  In Step 507, the CPU 201 acquires the host name file of the child multi-function peripheral to which the settings are distributed from the external storage device by the CPU 201. An image diagram of the host name file is shown in FIG. The host name file describes the IP address and host name of the delivery destination, and the setting file is delivered to the destination. In the present embodiment, the configuration file is configured to be transmitted to the delivery destination described in the host name file of FIG. 7. It is also possible to configure so that the setting file is transmitted to a multi-function peripheral that can be connected to a setting reception port described later.

  In Step 508, the CPU 201 causes the setting distribution unit 112 to repeat the processing from Step 509 to Step 511 as the setting distribution processing for the number of hosts acquired in Step 507.

  In Step 509, the CPU 201 causes the setting distribution unit 112 to connect to the setting reception port in which the same application of the child multifunction peripheral is open. Which port is opened is determined in advance for each application, and is described in, for example, an application program, a host name file, or a setting file. At this time, it is assumed that the setting reception unit 122 of the child multifunction device is waiting for delivery of the setting by opening a port unique to the application.

  In Step 510, the CPU 201 determines whether the connection to the port in Step 509 has been successful. If the connection is successful, the process proceeds to Step 511. If the connection fails, the process returns to the repetition process.

  In Step 511, the CPU 201 transmits the setting file written (saved) in the HDD 204 in Step 506 to the setting receiving unit 122 in the child multifunction peripheral.

  In Step 512, since the CPU 201 determines that no external storage device is attached, the setting reception unit 122 opens the application-specific setting reception port as the (child) application 120. Which port to open is determined in advance for each application, and is described in the program, for example.

  In Step 513, the CPU 201 waits for the setting file to be distributed from the setting distribution unit 112 of the (parent) application 110 by the CPU 201.

  In Step 514, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the application operation unit 121 has pressed the initialization button on the pre-start screen shown in FIG. If it is determined that the initialization button has been pressed, the process proceeds to Step 515. If it is determined that the initialization button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 518.

  In Step 515, the CPU 201 closes the setting reception port opened in Step 512 by the CPU 201.

  In Step 516, the CPU 201 causes the application operation unit 121 to store the initial setting determined by the application as a setting file in a predetermined area of the HDD 204 on the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In Step 517, the CPU 201 notifies the application operation unit 121 that the setting reception unit 122 is activated with initial settings. Upon receiving the notification, the application operation unit 121 reads a setting file at a predetermined location in the HDD of the multifunction peripheral 100, executes activation according to the setting, and displays an application screen. Also, the display of the pre-start screen in FIG. 8 is canceled. As a result, the application can be started with the application default setting.

  In Step 518, when a setting file is transmitted from the setting distribution unit 112 of the (parent) multifunction device to the dedicated port without pressing the [Initialize] button in Step 514, the CPU 201 causes the setting reception unit 122 to move from the parent multifunction device 100. Receive configuration file.

  In Step 519, the CPU 201 causes the setting reception unit 122 to save the setting file received in Step 518 in a predetermined location in the HDD 204 of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In Step 520, when the setting is normally saved in Step 519, the setting reception unit 122 closes the setting reception port opened in Step 512 by the CPU 201.

  In Step 521, the setting reception unit 122 issues a start notification after receiving the setting to the application operation unit 121 by the CPU 201. Upon receiving the activation notification, the application operation unit 121 reads and activates a setting file at a predetermined location in the HDD 204 of the multifunction peripheral 100. The setting file read at this time is the setting file saved by the setting receiving unit 122 in Step 519. Also, the display of the pre-start screen in FIG. 8 is canceled.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, in the present embodiment, when an application stored in the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) is started up in a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) to which an external storage device can be connected, When it is determined whether there is a setting file to be referred to by the application, and when it is determined that there is no setting file, the activation of the application is temporarily interrupted, and it is determined whether the external storage device is connected, When it is determined that the external storage device is connected, a setting file storing setting information to be referred to by the application is acquired from the external storage device, and an application is acquired using the acquired setting file. In order to start the application of another multifunction device (image forming device), the acquired setting file is transferred to the other multifunction device ( And it transmits to the image forming apparatus).

  Further, when it is determined that the external storage device is not connected, a setting file is received from another multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus), the received setting file is stored, and the stored setting file is used. Start the application.

  In addition, when it is determined that the external storage device is not connected, a setting file reception port of the multi-function peripheral (image forming apparatus) to receive a setting file from another multi-function peripheral (image forming apparatus) When it is determined that the external storage device is connected, the setting file transmission port of the image forming apparatus is opened to transmit the setting file to another image forming apparatus.

  In addition, when the activation is interrupted, a standby screen (pre-startup screen) for receiving the setting file is displayed, and the application holds when there is an instruction to start the application with initial settings on the standby screen Create a configuration file according to the initial settings.

  Further, when starting up the application, the application is initially set up using the created setting file.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) is activated, it is determined whether or not the external storage device storing the setting file is connected, and the external storage device stores it. If the application of the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) operates as an application that distributes the setting file, the setting file referred to by the application is distributed to the other multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus), and the composite Introduction of applications that run on the machine becomes easy.

  More specifically, for example, an installation that must be set to one unit by distributing the contents set by one multi-function device (master device) to a plurality of multi-function devices (slave devices). Time can be saved.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  The program in the present invention is a program that can be executed by a computer in the processing method of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, and the storage medium of the present invention stores a program in which the computer can execute the processing method in FIG. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each apparatus in FIG.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 MFP 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 HDD
208 Operation unit 220 External storage device

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus to which an external storage device can be connected,
Determination means for determining whether or not there is a setting file referred to by the application when the application stored in the image forming apparatus is activated;
An interrupting means for temporarily interrupting the activation of the application when the determination means determines that there is no setting file;
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the external storage device is connected;
A setting file acquisition unit that acquires a setting file in which setting information to be referred to by an application is stored from the external storage device when the connection determination unit determines that the external storage device is connected. When,
Using the setting file acquired by the setting file acquiring means, application starting means for starting an application;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit a setting file acquired by the setting file acquisition unit to another image forming device to activate an application of the other image forming device. A setting file receiving means for receiving a setting file from another image forming apparatus when the connection determining means determines that the external storage device is not connected;
Storage means for storing the setting file received by the setting file receiving means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the application activation unit activates an application using a setting file stored in the storage unit. When the connection determination unit determines that the external storage device is not connected, the setting file reception port of the image forming apparatus is opened to receive the setting file from another image forming apparatus, And a port setting unit that opens a setting file transmission port of the image forming apparatus to transmit the setting file to another image forming apparatus when it is determined that the external storage device is connected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The interruption means displays a standby screen for receiving a setting file,
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting file creating unit configured to create a setting file according to an initial setting held by the application when an instruction to start the application with an initial setting is given on the standby screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the application starting unit starts initial setting of an application using the setting file created by the setting file creating unit.   6. The application according to claim 1, wherein the application is an application that can be installed in the image forming apparatus in order to realize a function different from a function that the image forming apparatus has in advance. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. An image forming apparatus processing method to which an external storage device can be connected,
A determination step of determining whether or not there is a setting file referred to by the application when the application stored in the image forming apparatus is activated;
An interruption step of temporarily suspending the activation of the application when it is determined in the determination step that there is no setting file;
A connection determination step of determining whether or not the external storage device is connected;
A setting file acquisition step of acquiring, from the external storage device, a setting file in which setting information to be referred to by an application is stored when it is determined in the connection determination step that the external storage device is connected When,
Using the setting file acquired in the setting file acquiring step, an application starting step of starting an application;
And a transmission step of transmitting the setting file acquired in the setting file acquisition step to the other image forming apparatus in order to activate an application of the other image forming apparatus. A program executable by an image forming apparatus to which an external storage device can be connected,
The image forming apparatus;
Determination means for determining whether or not there is a setting file referred to by the application when the application stored in the image forming apparatus is activated;
An interrupting means for temporarily interrupting the activation of the application when the determination means determines that there is no setting file;
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the external storage device is connected;
A setting file acquisition unit that acquires a setting file in which setting information to be referred to by an application is stored from the external storage device when the connection determination unit determines that the external storage device is connected. When,
Using the setting file acquired by the setting file acquiring means, application starting means for starting an application;
A program that causes a setting file acquired by the setting file acquisition unit to function as a transmission unit that transmits to another image forming device in order to activate an application of another image forming device.

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