JP2013020348A - Cooperation application, image forming apparatus, and update method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cooperation application that can be updated as necessary without impairing convenience of a user.SOLUTION: A cooperation application includes a UI unit for implementing a user interface in an information processor, and a control unit for causing the information processor to execute cooperative processing, each of which is independently configured. The UI unit implements the user interface in the information processor in such a manner that the user interface can select whether or not to validate a change of a function that changes in association with the update of the application.

Description

  The present invention relates to a cooperative application, an image forming apparatus, and an update method, and more particularly, to a cooperative application to be updated, an image forming apparatus that performs the update, and an update method thereof.

  An image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, or a complex machine such as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals) is used in an information processing apparatus included in the image forming apparatus.

  If the firmware (F / W) of the image forming apparatus is upgraded in such a usage situation, the image forming apparatus and the printer must be updated together with the printer cooperation application such as the printer driver installed in the information processing apparatus. There may be various problems such as that some functions cannot be used without matching with the application, and new functions of the image forming apparatus cannot be used.

  Therefore, the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-056608 (Patent Document 1), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-227990 (Patent Document 2), and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-235939 (Patent Document 3) are used. Thus, conventionally, when the F / W of the image forming apparatus is updated, the version of the printer cooperation application is automatically updated along with the update of the F / W.

JP 2009-056608 A JP 2006-227990 A JP 2006-235739 A

  However, when the printer driver is automatically updated in accordance with the F / W update of the image forming apparatus as described above, the operability of UI (user interface) or the like may change greatly depending on the contents of the update. The output image may differ from the conventional one due to changes in the driver language output method. For this reason, some users may wish to use an existing printer cooperation application without updating even when the F / W of the image forming apparatus is updated. There was a problem that it might be inconvenient for such users.

  In addition, if you continue to use the previous printer driver without updating, there is a problem that you may not be able to use new functions or use some of the existing functions.

  In addition, even if bugs in the existing function implementation are improved by the update, if you continue to use the previous printer driver without updating, you will not be able to benefit from it, that is, the bug etc. will not be solved. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a cooperative application, an image forming apparatus, and an update method that can be upgraded as needed without impairing the user-friendliness. It is said.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, the cooperative application is an application for causing the information processing apparatus to execute processing in cooperation with the function of the image forming apparatus, and is configured independently. A UI unit for causing the information processing apparatus to implement a user interface, and a processing unit for causing the information processing apparatus to execute linked processing. The UI unit has a function that changes in the information processing apparatus by updating the application. In addition, the user interface is further realized so as to select whether or not to enable the change of the function.

  Preferably, the UI unit further causes the information processing apparatus to realize an interface representing a function that changes to the user interface of the application before the update, and changes in accordance with a prescribed operation input to the interface representing the changing function. Calls and executes processing set according to information for updating the application regarding the function.

  More preferably, the UI unit further causes the information processing apparatus to realize a user interface for selecting whether or not to enable the change according to a specified operation input with respect to the interface representing the changing function, The change is validated in response to a prescribed operation input to the user interface.

  Preferably, the UI unit further causes the information processing apparatus to realize a user interface for selecting whether or not to enable the change according to a specified operation input with respect to the interface representing the function to be changed. The function is deleted from the information for updating the application in accordance with a prescribed operation input to the interface.

  Preferably, the processing unit causes the information processing apparatus to execute the function of the application before the update when executing a function other than the function that changes, and to update the application when the function that changes is executed. Perform the changing functions involved.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming operation in cooperation with the information processing apparatus, and detecting means for detecting a firmware version of the image forming apparatus; Cooperation from the acquisition means for acquiring the version of the cooperative application for executing processing linked to the image forming apparatus installed in the information processing apparatus, the version of the firmware, and the version of the cooperative application of the information processing apparatus A specifying unit for specifying update information for upgrading the application and a transmission unit for transmitting the update information to the information processing apparatus are provided. The update information includes a UI unit for causing the information processing apparatus to implement a user interface and a processing unit for causing the information processing apparatus to execute linked processing, which are configured independently of each other.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the update method is an application update method for executing processing linked to the function of the image forming apparatus in the information processing apparatus, and the step of inputting application update information; The step of displaying an object representing a changing function among the functions provided by the application before the update by the update information on the display screen of the application before the update, and receiving a prescribed operation input for the object, A step to display a screen for selecting whether or not to enable the change of the function, and if a selection to enable the change of the function is accepted, a display indicating the changed function is further added to the display screen of the application before the update. And displaying.

  Preferably, upon receiving an operation input instructing execution of the changed function, the update method executes a function based on information on the changed function included in the update information, and executes a function other than the changed function. When an operation input to be instructed is received, a step of executing the instructed function included in the application before update is further provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to upgrade the cooperation application as necessary without impairing the user-friendliness.

1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a general MFP as a specific example of a hardware configuration of an MFP included in an image forming system. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a general PC as a specific example of a hardware configuration of a PC included in the image forming system. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of operation in an image forming system. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a printer driver screen on a PC in each state illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a printer driver screen on a PC in each state illustrated in FIG. 4. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer driver as a cooperative application and a relationship between firmware of an MFP. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer driver as a cooperative application and a relationship between firmware of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the content of difference information. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the information of the control added to UI contained in difference information. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a process flow in a printer driver when a new function is added to the printer driver based on difference information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a display screen of a printer driver. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a function structure of PC. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of an MFP. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the image forming system. 16 is a flowchart showing a specific flow of processing for adding a newly added function in step S211 of FIG. 15 to the display screen.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system 1 includes an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 100 as an image forming apparatus that can communicate via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network), and an information processing apparatus. PC (personal computer) 200 and server 500. The image forming apparatus is not limited to the MFP, and may be a printer, a scanner, a copier, or the like.

  Server 500 transmits information necessary for upgrading the firmware to MFP 100. The PC 300 is installed with an application for executing processing linked to the function of the MFP 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a linked application). By executing the application, the PC 300 outputs a control signal to the MFP 100, and An image forming operation is executed. Examples of the cooperative application include a printer driver and a scanner application.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a general MFP as a specific example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 100.

  Referring to FIG. 2, as an example, MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 that is an arithmetic device for overall control, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11 for storing programs executed by CPU 10. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 for functioning as a work area when the CPU 10 executes the program, and a scanner 13 for optically reading a document placed on a document table (not shown) to obtain image data. A printer 14 for fixing the image data on the printing paper, an operation panel 15 for displaying information and receiving an operation input to the MFP 100, and a memory 16 for storing the image data as a file. And a network controller 17 for controlling communication via the network. .

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a general PC as a specific example of the hardware configuration of the PC 300.

  Referring to FIG. 3, as an example, PC 300 includes a CPU 30 that is an arithmetic device for overall control, a ROM 31 for storing a program executed by CPU 30, and a work area when the CPU 30 executes the program. A RAM 32 for functioning as a memory, a memory 33 for storing image data as a file or other information, a display device 34 for displaying information, and an input for accepting an operation input to the PC 300 It includes a device 35 and a network controller 36 for controlling communication over the network.

  The server 500 may also be configured with a general PC. Therefore, a specific example of the hardware configuration may be the same as the general PC hardware configuration shown in FIG.

<Overview of operation>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the operation in the image forming system 1. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing specific examples of the printer driver screen in the PC 300 in each state shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 4, as an initial state, for example, it is assumed that firmware of version 1.0 is installed in MFP 100. At this time, when a printer driver as an example of a cooperative application installed in the PC 300 is activated, a screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

  When information for updating the firmware is transmitted from the server 500 to the MFP 100, the MFP 100 updates the firmware using the information. As a result, it is assumed that the firmware of MFP 100 has been updated from version 1.0 to version 2.0.

  At this time, the MFP 100 checks the version of the printer driver installed in the PC 300 by communicating with the PC 300 and transmits updated information to the PC 300. This information includes, for example, position information, text, image data, and the like.

  FIG. 6 shows a specific example of a screen when the versioned printer driver is activated on the PC 300 that has versioned the printer driver using this information. Referring to FIG. 6, in PC 300, when the printer driver is versioned, the functions that were available before the upgrade cannot be used due to the consistency between the firmware of MFP 100 after the upgrade and the printer driver. There is. When such a function exists, the functional part is masked and displayed on the PC 300 screen. By doing so, the problem that conventional functions cannot be used by updating the printer driver is avoided.

  Further, when a new function is added, the functional part is displayed in a display mode different from the other parts on the screen of the PC 300. In the example of FIG. 6, a “paper tray-specific paper setting” function is newly added, and the item is displayed in a light color. Further, when an operation input selected by the input device 35 such as a mouse over the item is received, it is possible to select whether to enable or disable the function. By enabling the functions, some functions can be used without upgrading the entire driver.

  In the example of FIG. 6, a pop-up screen for confirming whether or not to add the function is displayed by moving the mouse over the display indicating the “paper tray-specific paper setting” function displayed in light color. It is possible to select whether to enable the function or upgrade the entire driver.

<Printer driver configuration>
7 and 8 are diagrams showing the relationship between the configuration of the printer driver as a cooperative application and the firmware of the MFP for realizing the above operation.

  As described above, when upgrading the printer driver, difference information from the previous version is transmitted from the MFP 100 to the PC 300. Therefore, hereinafter, this information is also referred to as “difference information”.

  FIG. 7 shows a case where the versions of both the printer driver and the MFP firmware are 1.0, and FIG. 8 shows a case where the MFP firmware is upgraded to version 2.0. .

  Referring to FIG. 7, in order to realize the above-described operation, the difference information includes a UI unit for realizing the UI (User Interface) of the printer driver and language processing for making the language processable by the MFP. It is divided into a language processing section for performing.

  The UI part includes a part that overlays an existing function that can be used in the previous version, and an element of a new function. The overlay part displays a new function on the display screen of the existing printer driver, and passes the processing to the UI of the new function as necessary. That is, referring to FIG. 7, the UI unit performs a process of displaying an additional UI such as a button on the display screen of the previous version of the printer driver before the version upgrade based on information such as the display position. Embedded processing unit. The embedding function processing unit executes processing corresponding to input by an input device such as mouse-over or click, and calls an application designated by a program such as a previously specified DLL.

  The language processing unit is configured separately from the UI unit in order to ensure compatibility with the previous version of the printer driver before the version upgrade. The new function of the language processing unit is provided by a program that is different from the function of the language processing unit before the upgrade, such as provided by DLL, and is not configured to update the function of the language processing unit before the upgrade. .

  Referring to FIG. 8, when the firmware of MFP 100 is upgraded to version 2.0, for example, difference information necessary for upgrading the printer driver is transmitted from MFP 100 to PC 300. As the difference information, appropriate information is transmitted to the PC 300 in consideration of the firmware version of the MFP 100 and the printer driver version of the PC 300 by bidirectional exchange of information between the MFP 100 and the PC 300.

  In this example, the difference information is transmitted from MFP 100 to PC 300, but may be transmitted from another device such as server 500, for example.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the content of the difference information. Referring to FIG. 9, the difference information includes information related to information to be displayed by being embedded in the display screen of the printer driver before the upgrade (embedded display information to the driver), and an update part of the language processing unit (language processing update) Part) and an update part (UI update part) of the UI part.

  The embedded display information to the driver includes the display position and message of parts (objects) such as buttons, and the contents of processing. Specifically, referring to FIG. 9, information for identifying the base version of the printer driver before upgrading (base driver version) and information for identifying the version of the printer driver after upgrading (Difference driver version), information for identifying the firmware version corresponding to the version printer driver of the MFP 100 (firmware firmware version), and information for adding a new function to the screen of the printer driver before the upgrade ( Control information to be added to the UI). Details of the control information added to the UI are shown in FIG.

  Each of the language processing update unit and the UI update unit is configured as an independent program such as a DLL file.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the control information to be added to the UI includes, for example, information (display coordinates) for specifying the position where the presentation object of the function is displayed, and specific contents of the object (display control type). Or a character string to be displayed on the object (display character string), presence / absence of an icon corresponding to the function, or a message to be displayed when a specific operation such as a mouse over is performed on the object (message at mouse over) ), A program to be called when a specific operation such as a click on the object is received, a method (call DLL or method when the button is clicked), or the object at the initial display before accepting the validity / invalidity of the function Display mode (transmission of initial display) and the object Etc. specified layer for displaying (display layer).

  When the difference information of the printer driver is acquired in the PC 300, the CPU 30 of the PC 300 embeds an object (in this example, a button) representing a new function in the screen of the printer driver before upgrading, based on FIG. 9 and FIG. To display. At that time, the display mode shown in FIG.

  When the operation defined in FIG. 10 (mouse over in this example) is received for the object in the state displayed in this way, the CPU 30 displays a message defined in FIG. A display example at this time is shown in FIG. That is, in this example, a message for selecting whether to activate the new function is displayed. When the activation is selected here, the CPU 30 activates the function and activates an object (a button in this example) representing the function.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a flow of processing in the printer driver when a new function is added to the printer driver based on difference information. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of the display screen of the printer driver at that time. In FIG. 11, a portion surrounded by a dotted line corresponds to difference information for upgrading the version of the printer driver from version 1.0 to version 2.0.

  Referring to FIG. 11, an object (button or the like) representing a function added by the embedded display information to the driver included in the difference information is additionally displayed on the screen of the printer driver before the upgrade, and the object By accepting the prescribed operation, the UI update unit is notified of the calling of the prescribed program.

  As described above, the UI update unit is configured by a program such as a DLL file, and the program is executed in response to an operation for display based on the embedded display unit information, and a new function is called.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the screen of the printer driver when a button related to the added function is pressed. FIG. 12 shows a specific example of a screen displayed when the “paper tray specific paper setting” function added in the screen of FIG. 6 is validated and a button representing the function is pressed.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in this case, the UI updating unit configured by a program displays a new pop-up screen on the screen of the printer driver by executing the program, and sets the paper setting for each paper feed tray. Accept.

  Referring again to FIG. 11, the control signal based on the operation received by the UI presented by the UI update unit (in the case of the example of FIG. 12, a pop-up screen) is updated by the UI update unit (version 1. 0) or a language processing update unit after version upgrade (version 2.0). Then, data in a format that can be processed by the MFP 100 such as a script language generated by processing by each processing unit is transmitted to the MFP 100 and passed to the firmware of the MFP 100. Here, the data generated by the language processing unit (version 1.0) before the version upgrade of the printer driver is passed to the firmware of the MFP 100 before the version upgrade (version 1.0), and after the version upgrade of the printer driver The data generated by the (version 2.0) language processing update unit is transferred to the upgraded firmware (version 2.0).

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the PC 300 for realizing the above operation. Each function shown in FIG. 13 is a function mainly formed on the CPU 30 when the CPU 30 of the PC 300 reads out a program stored in the ROM 31 or the like and executes it while developing it in the RAN 32. However, at least a part may be realized by a hardware configuration such as an electric circuit.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the memory 33 stores a printer driver storage unit 331 which is an area for storing a printer driver as a cooperative application, and settings based on user operation inputs regarding added functions. A setting storage unit 332.

  Further, referring to FIG. 13, the CPU 30 includes an operation input unit 301 for accepting an operation input from the input device 35, and difference information that is information for upgrading the printer driver from the MFP 100 via the network controller 36. An information input unit 302 for receiving an input, a storage unit 303 for storing the input difference information in the printer driver storage unit 331, and a function added based on a UI update unit included in the difference information is displayed on the display device. 34 for performing notification on the screen displayed on the screen 34 and processing for enabling the function added based on the operation input from the user, and storing the setting in the setting storage unit 332 The printer driver and its activation processor 305 and the printer driver based on the operation input from the user Processing the reading unit 306 for reading the settings from the memory 33, the display processing unit 307 for processing the UI unit of the printer driver to display the screen on the display device 34, and the language processing unit of the printer driver The language processing unit 308 for expressing image data in a language that can be executed by the MFP 100 based on an operation input on the screen and generating a command for executing image formation, and the image data and the command to the network controller 36. And an output unit 309 for performing processing to be transmitted to the MFP 100.

  In the case of the above example, the notification unit 304 displays on the printer driver screen a button representing a “paper tray specific paper setting” function, which is a function added in the display mode defined in FIG. Notify the addition of functions.

  When the activation processing unit 305 receives a mouse over the button in accordance with the rules of FIG. 10, the activation processing unit 305 displays a message for selecting whether to activate the function as shown in FIG. 6, and activates the function according to the selection. .

  When the setting that the function is enabled is stored in the setting storage unit 332, the display processing unit 307 displays the screen of the printer driver before the upgrade based on the information in FIGS. An object (in this example, a button) representing a new function is added and displayed. That is, based on the embedded display information on the driver, an object representing a new function is additionally displayed on the screen of the printer driver before upgrading.

  When receiving an operation input to the button, the display processing unit 307 and the language processing unit 308 call and execute a program set based on the embedded display information to the driver. That is, the display processing unit 307 displays a pop-up screen as shown in FIG. 12 based on the UI update unit. When the language processing unit 308 acquires input information for image forming processing, the language processing unit 308 calls a language processing unit before version upgrade (version 1.0) or a language processing unit after version upgrade (version 2.0), A command for executing the image forming process is generated.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the MFP 100 for upgrading a printer driver as a cooperative application installed in the PC 300 according to the version of its own firmware. Each function shown in FIG. 14 is a function mainly formed on the CPU 10 when the CPU 10 of the MFP 100 reads out a program stored in the ROM 11 or the like and executes it while developing it in the RAM 12. However, at least a part may be realized by a hardware configuration such as an electric circuit.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the memory 16 has a version information storage unit 161 that is an area for storing information for specifying its own firmware version, and the relationship between the firmware version and the printer driver version. A correspondence table storage unit 162, which is an area for storing a correspondence table for specifying difference information for upgrading the printer driver, is included. Here, as an example, the difference information is stored in a table format according to the relationship between the firmware version and the printer driver version, but the present invention is not limited to the table format. In addition, although information for specifying the version of its own firmware is stored, the version may be directly detected from the firmware.

  Further, referring to FIG. 14, the CPU 10 detects the information input unit 101 for accepting input of information specifying the version of the printer driver installed from the PC 300 via the network controller 17 and the version of its own firmware. Referring to the detection unit 102 for performing the above and the above correspondence table, the printer driver installed in the PC 300 is upgraded from the version of its own firmware and the version of the printer driver installed in the PC 300. A determination unit 103 for determining necessary difference information and an output unit 104 for transmitting the difference information to the PC 300 via the network controller 17 are included.

  The information input unit 101 may accept input of information specifying the version of the printer driver by making a request to the PC 300 at a predetermined timing or an instructed timing, or the PC 300 automatically at a predetermined timing. You may receive the input of the information transmitted from.

<Operation flow>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the image forming system 1. The left side of FIG. 15 shows the operation in the PMF 100, and the right side shows the operation in the PC 300. Each of the functions is realized by the CPUs 10 and 30 reading out the programs stored in the ROMs 11 and 31 and executing the programs while developing them in the RAMs 12 and 32 to exhibit the functions shown in FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 15, when CPU 10 upgrades its own firmware in step S <b> 101, it detects the version after the upgrade in step S <b> 103.

  In step S105, information for specifying the version of the printer driver as the cooperation application installed in the PC 300 is acquired. Here, the printer driver is activated in the PC 300, and in step S201, the CPU 30 transmits information specifying the printer driver version to the MFP 100 according to a predetermined timing or a predetermined instruction input, whereby the MFP 100 acquires the information. An example is shown.

  In step S107, the CPU 10 refers to the correspondence table, determines appropriate difference information for upgrading the printer driver of the PC 300, and determines execution of version upgrade of the printer driver in step S109. Then, the difference information determined in step S111 is transmitted to the PC 300.

  Here, an example is shown in which the PC 300 is notified in advance of the upgrade in step S109. When the notification is received (YES in step S203), in step S205, the CPU 30 receives the difference information transmitted from the MFP 100, thereby acquiring the difference information and developing it in step S207. In step S209, a display regarding the newly added function is performed on the display screen of the printer driver before the version upgrade based on the UI update unit of the difference information, and the user is notified of the addition of the function. In step S211, the CPU 30 executes a process of adding the newly added function to the display screen based on the user's selection.

  Of course, the flow of FIG. 15 is an example, and is not limited to this flow. For example, the upgrade may be executed by transmitting the difference information without notifying the upgrade in advance in step S109.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a specific flow of the process of adding the newly added function in step S211 to the display screen. Here, a specific flow will be described along the example used earlier.

  Referring to FIG. 16, in the state where the button representing the function newly added as shown in FIG. 6 in step S209 is displayed in a light color on the display screen of the printer driver before the version upgrade, When a mouse-over operation on the button is accepted (YES in step S301), in step S303, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 30 determines whether or not to activate the update information for adding the function in a pop-up. Displays a screen for selection and accepts a selection operation.

  When the user operation is to activate the function and add it to the display screen (YES in step S305), in step S307, the CPU 30 displays the button displayed in light color in step S209 according to the operation shown in FIG. As shown in the above, the image is displayed in a normal display mode.

  In the case of selecting not to add the function here, the CPU 30 may delete the information related to the function from the difference information and apply the difference information to the existing printer driver.

  By the way, existing functions may be deleted in addition to adding functions by version upgrade. In this case, in step S209, the CPU 30 displays, on the display screen of the existing printer driver, an object representing a function to be deleted by version upgrade in a display mode different from that of other function objects. When a prescribed operation input such as mouse over is received in step S301, the CPU 30 displays a screen on which whether or not the function can be deleted can be selected and accepts a selection operation in step S303.

  When the user operation in step S303 permits such deletion of the function (NO in step S305 and YES in S309), in step S307, the CPU 30 selects a function to be deleted according to the operation. The displayed object (for example, a button) is not displayed on the display screen.

<Effect of Embodiment>
As described above, in this embodiment, the cooperative application is configured to be divided into a UI part and a part that performs processing in the application, for example, independent programs. Therefore, a new function can be added without affecting the existing processing part before upgrading. In addition, since the UI part is to be displayed by adding a part of the updated part to the conventional UI (display screen, etc.), it is possible to display according to the new function without greatly changing the display screen before the upgrade. Can do. That is, it is possible to select and display or activate a function change such as an additional function, a deletion of the function, or a changed specification while maintaining the function and display before the upgrade.

  Therefore, compared with the conventional method of performing a full version upgrade of the program, a large change in operability can be suppressed, and user convenience is not impaired. In addition, since the processing part such as the output method of the existing driver language is not greatly changed, it is possible to suppress functional differences such as a different output image from the conventional one, and the user's usability is not impaired. In other words, the cooperation application can be upgraded as needed without impairing the user-friendliness.

  Such cooperative applications or difference information is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card. It can also be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  Note that the program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1 Image forming system 10, 30 CPU, 11, 31 ROM, 12, 32 RAM, 13 Scanner, 14 Printer, 15 Operation panel, 16, 33 Memory, 17, 36 Network controller, 34 Display device, 35 Input device, 101 , 302 Information input unit, 102 detection unit, 103 determination unit, 104, 309 output unit, 161 version information storage unit, 162 correspondence table storage unit, 301 operation input unit, 303 storage unit, 304 notification unit, 305 validation processing unit 306 reading unit, 307 display processing unit, 308 language processing unit, 331 printer driver storage unit, 332 setting storage unit, 500 server.

Claims (8)

An application for causing an information processing apparatus to execute processing linked to the function of an image forming apparatus,
A UI unit configured to independently implement a user interface in the information processing apparatus, and a processing unit configured to cause the information processing apparatus to execute the linked processing,
The UI unit further causes the information processing apparatus to further realize in the user interface whether or not to enable the change of the function for the function that changes due to the update of the application.   The UI unit further causes the information processing apparatus to realize an interface representing the changing function in the user interface of the application before the update, and according to a prescribed operation input to the interface representing the changing function, The cooperative application according to claim 1, wherein the cooperative application is called and executed with respect to the function that changes according to information for updating the application.   The UI unit further causes the information processing apparatus to realize a user interface for selecting whether to enable the change according to a specified operation input for the interface representing the changing function, The cooperative application according to claim 2, wherein the change is validated in accordance with a prescribed operation input to the interface.   The UI unit further causes the information processing apparatus to realize a user interface for selecting whether to enable the change according to a specified operation input for the interface representing the changing function, The cooperative application according to claim 2, wherein the function is deleted from information for updating the application in accordance with a prescribed operation input to the interface.   The processing unit causes the information processing apparatus to execute a function of the application before the update when executing a function other than the changing function, and updates the application when executing the changing function. The cooperative application according to claim 1, wherein the function that changes included in a part is executed. An image forming apparatus capable of image forming operation in cooperation with an information processing apparatus,
Detection means for detecting the firmware version of the image forming apparatus;
An acquisition means for acquiring a version of a cooperative application for executing processing in cooperation with the image forming apparatus installed in the information processing apparatus;
From the firmware version and the version of the cooperative application of the information processing apparatus, a specifying unit for specifying update information for upgrading the cooperative application;
Transmission means for transmitting the update information to the information processing apparatus,
The update information includes an UI unit configured to cause the information processing apparatus to implement a user interface, and a processing unit configured to cause the information processing apparatus to execute the linked processing, each configured independently. apparatus. In an information processing apparatus, an application update method for executing processing linked with a function of an image forming apparatus,
Inputting update information of the application;
Displaying, on the display screen of the pre-update application, an object representing a changing function among the functions provided by the pre-update application according to the update information;
Receiving a prescribed operation input for the object, displaying a screen for selecting whether to enable the change in the function; and
An update method comprising: a step of further adding and displaying a display representing the changed function on a display screen of the application before the update when a selection for enabling the change of the function is received. When receiving an operation input instructing execution of the changed function, executing the function based on information on the changed function included in the update information;
The update method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of executing the instructed function included in the application before the update when an operation input instructing execution of a function other than the changed function is received.

Images