JP2013143659A - Image processing apparatus, information setting system, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the number of un-updated setting items included in setting information on an update target when the acquisition destination of the setting information is set to be an information processing apparatus.SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus comprises: first storage means which stores setting information containing a set value for each setting item of each function; second storage means which stores one or more pieces of identification information on the image processing apparatus representing the acquisition destination of the setting information; transmission means which transmits an acquisition request of the setting information to one image processing apparatus represented by the identification information stored in the second storage means; reception means which receives setting information from the image processing apparatus being the transmission destination of the acquisition request; and update control means which performs control to update the setting information stored in the first storage means with the setting information received by the reception means and control to transmit the acquisition request to another image processing apparatus represented by the identification information stored in the second storage means if setting information after the update includes an un-updated setting item.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an information setting system, a program, and a recording medium that acquire and set setting information from another apparatus.

  In recent years, with the increase in the number of functions of image processing apparatuses, settings for operating each function are increasing. As a result, when a new image processing apparatus is introduced or an application is updated, device settings become complicated, increasing the burden on the administrator.

  For this problem, there is a technique that does not require a setting operation for each image processing apparatus. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a server holds setting information for each image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus acquires setting information corresponding to its own device from the server, and registers the acquired setting information. Has been.

  However, in the prior art, a server that holds setting information is provided, and setting information can be acquired only from this server. Also, when considering setting information from an image processing apparatus without providing a server from the viewpoint of cost, the setting information does not exist in the acquisition destination image processing apparatus, or the setting information of the acquisition destination image processing apparatus There is a problem that the number of setting items included is smaller than the number of setting items of the setting information to be updated. That is, when the setting information acquisition destination is the image processing apparatus, there is a problem that there are setting items that are not updated among the setting items included in the setting information to be updated.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and when setting information is acquired from an image processing apparatus, the number of unupdated setting items included in setting information to be updated is reduced. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an information setting system, a program, and a recording medium.

  An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first storage unit that stores setting information including setting values for each setting item of each function, and identification information of the image processing apparatus that indicates an acquisition destination of the setting information. A plurality of second storage means for storing, a transmission means for transmitting the setting information acquisition request to one image processing device indicated by the identification information stored in the second storage means, and a transmission destination of the acquisition request A receiving unit that receives the setting information from the image processing apparatus, and the setting information received by the receiving unit is controlled to update the setting information stored in the first storage unit. And update control means for controlling the acquisition request to be transmitted to another image processing apparatus indicated by the identification information stored in the second storage means when there is an unupdated setting item in the information.

  According to the present invention, when the setting information acquisition destination is an image processing apparatus, the number of unupdated setting items included in the setting information to be updated can be reduced.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information setting system in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The block diagram which shows an example of the function of an update control means. The figure which shows an example of preference information. The figure which shows an example of the identification information of a parent apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of registration processing of a parent device according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the input screen of a parent apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the acquisition destination confirmation screen of preference information. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of preference information acquisition processing according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the preference information of a parent apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the preference information of a child apparatus. The figure which shows reflection by the preference information of the parent apparatus. The figure which shows reflection by the preference information of the parent apparatus 3. FIG. The sequence diagram which shows an example of the acquisition process of preference information by chain | strand specification. The sequence diagram which shows an example of a notification process when there exists an unupdated setting item. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of preference information setting processing (part 1) in the second embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the suitability judgment process (the 1) of a parent's acquisition destination. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of preference information setting processing (part 2) in the second embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the suitability judgment processing (the 2) of a parent's acquisition destination. The sequence diagram which shows an example of the process which sets the preference information produced with the parent apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the information of each setting item contained in preference information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information setting system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of an information processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of information processing apparatus. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of preference information setting processing according to the third embodiment.

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

[Example 1]
<System>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information setting system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the information setting system, a plurality of image processing apparatuses 1 to 5 are connected via a network. Each image processing apparatus can perform data communication with other image processing apparatuses. The image processing apparatus is, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or a printer.

  The image processing apparatus 1 has, for example, a scan function, a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like mounted in one housing. The image processing device 3 is, for example, a laser printer.

  In the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus 1 transmits a setting information acquisition request for operating the apparatus to the image processing apparatus 2, for example.

  Here, the setting information is also referred to as preference information. The preference information is, for example, one file and is information including setting values for each setting item of each function. The image processing apparatus 1 sets the apparatus using the acquired preference information and performs processing of each function.

  The image processing apparatus 1 can set a plurality of preference information acquisition destinations. The image processing apparatus 1 is also referred to as one image processing apparatus when there is an unupdated setting item even if the setting information is updated using the setting information acquired from the one image processing apparatus set as the acquisition destination. Setting information is acquired from another different image processing apparatus, and unupdated setting items are reduced.

  The image processing device on the side (acquisition source) that acquires preference information is called a child image processing device or child device, and the image processing device on the side from which preference information is acquired (acquisition destination) is the parent image processing device or Called parent device.

<Hardware>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The hardware of the image processing apparatus 1 includes an engine unit 70 including a controller 10, an operation panel 20, a facsimile control unit (FCU) 30, a plotter 40, a scanner 50, and other hardware 60.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, ASIC 15, NB 12, SB 16, MEM-P 13-1, MEM-C 13-2, HDD (hard disk drive) 13-3, NIC (network interface controller) 14-1, USB device 14-2, IEEE 1394. It has a device 14-3 and a Centronics device 14-4.

  The CPU 11 is an IC for various information processing. The ASIC 15 is an IC for various image processing. The NB 12 is a north bridge of the controller 10. The SB 16 is a south bridge of the controller 10. The MEM-P 13-1 is a system memory of the image processing apparatus 1. The MEM-C 13-2 is a local memory of the image processing apparatus 1. The HDD 13-3 is a storage for the image processing apparatus 1.

  The NIC 14-1 is a controller for network communication using a MAC address. The USB device 14-2 is a device for providing a USB standard connection terminal. The IEEE 1394 device 14-3 is a device for providing a connection terminal of the IEEE 1394 standard. The Centronics device 14-4 is a device for providing a Centronics specification connection terminal.

  The operation panel 20 is hardware for an operator to input to the image processing apparatus 1 and hardware for an operator to obtain an output from the image processing apparatus 1.

  The FCU 30 stores the received fax data and performs transmission / reception of fax data in accordance with the normal G3 standard. The FCU 30 may further include G3 standard and G4 standard as options. The plotter 40 performs a printing process. The scanner 50 reads a document and generates document data.

  Note that the image processing apparatus 1 does not necessarily require the scanner 50, the FCU 30, or the like. The image processing apparatuses 2 to 5 have the same hardware as the image processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2, but are not necessarily the same as the hardware shown in FIG. 2. Further, when the description is made using the hardware of the image processing apparatuses 2 to 5, the description will be made using the reference numerals shown in FIG.

<Function>
Next, functions of each image processing apparatus will be described. Here, the function of the image processing apparatus 1 which is a child image processing apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 1 includes an update control unit 101, a communication control unit 102, a setting control unit 103, an information storage unit 104, an operation unit 105, a mail control unit 106, a setting value management unit 107, and an authentication control. Means 108 are included.

  The operation unit 105 is realized by, for example, the operation panel 20, and the information storage unit 104 is realized by, for example, the HDD 13-3. Further, the communication control unit 102 is realized by, for example, the NIC 14-1, and the other configuration can be realized by, for example, the CPU 11. The configuration other than the information storage unit 104 can be implemented as a module.

  The update control unit 101 detects a predetermined trigger and controls setting and updating of preference information. The predetermined trigger may be an operation by the administrator, when the power is turned on (at startup), periodically, change of preference information, occurrence of device abnormality, or the like.

  The update control unit 101 controls the preference information acquisition request using the communication control unit 102, or controls the update of the preference information in the own device using the preference information acquired from the communication control unit 102. To do.

  Further, the update control unit 101 determines whether or not the image processing apparatus as the acquisition destination input using the operation unit 105 is appropriate as the acquisition destination. Appropriate as an acquisition destination means satisfying a predetermined condition such as whether it has the same specifications as the image processing apparatus that is the acquisition source or is different from the acquisition destination that has already been set.

  The communication control unit 102 controls communication with an external device connected via a network. For example, the communication control unit 102 transmits a preference information acquisition request (for example, a download request) to the image processing apparatus 2 or receives preference information from the image processing apparatus 2 in response to an instruction from the update control unit 101. That is, the communication control unit 102 functions as a transmission unit and a reception unit.

  The setting control means 103 controls the setting of preference information to the own device. The setting control unit 103 also controls registration or change of the parent device from which the preference information is acquired.

  The information storage unit 104 stores preference information set in the device, identification information of the parent device, and the like. For example, the information storage unit 104 includes a first storage unit 141 that stores preference information and a second storage unit 142 that stores identification information of the parent device. The first storage unit 141 and the second storage unit 142 may be different storage devices or different areas of one storage device. The identification information of the parent device is a URL or an IP address.

  The operation unit 105 receives an operation from the user and displays a screen to the user. For example, when the administrator instructs to update the preference information, the operation unit 105 notifies the update control unit 101 to that effect. For example, when the acquisition destination of the preference information is input from the user, the operation unit 105 notifies the setting control unit 103 of identification information indicating the acquisition destination.

  The mail control unit 106 controls mail transmission to the user. For example, the mail control unit 106 transmits a mail describing preference setting failure and the cause of the failure to a registered transmission destination.

  The set value management means 107 changes the set value by the user's device (device) operation. The user operates the device using the operation means 105. The authentication control means 108 performs user authentication processing and manages login user authentication information.

  Since the image processing apparatus 1 has the above configuration, when it is updated using the preference information acquired from one image processing apparatus, if there is an unupdated setting item, the profile acquired from the other image processing apparatus is used. It can be supplemented using reference information.

(Update control means)
Next, the configuration of the update control unit 101 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the update control unit 101. The update control unit 101 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes an acquisition control unit 111 and a determination unit 112.

  The acquisition control unit 111 reads and acquires the identification information of the image processing apparatus as the acquisition destination stored in the information storage unit 104, and issues a preference information acquisition request (download request) to the image processing apparatus according to the priority order. And control to transmit via the communication means 102.

  When the preference information is updated, the acquisition control unit 111 is notified that there is an unupdated setting item from the setting control unit 103, and acquires the preference information to the next priority image processing apparatus. The request is controlled to be transmitted via the communication unit 102.

  In addition, when updating the preference information, the setting control unit 103 grasps which setting item is updated and which setting item is not updated, and if there is an unupdated setting item, acquires that fact. Tell the control means 111.

  Thereby, an unupdated setting item can be complemented from preference information of another image processing apparatus.

  The determination unit 112 acquires the identification information of the acquisition destination image processing apparatus input by the operation unit 105 and determines whether or not the image processing apparatus is appropriate as the acquisition destination. For example, the determination unit 112 requests the communication control unit 102 to acquire model information from the image processing apparatus indicated by the identification information acquired from the operation unit 105.

The determination unit 112 acquires the model information of the image processing apparatus received by the communication control unit 102 and determines whether the acquisition destination is appropriate based on the model information. The determination unit 112 determines that the acquisition destination is inappropriate as, for example,
-When the image processing device indicated by the identification information cannot be connected-When the acquisition destinations overlap-When the device configuration of the acquisition destination is completely different from the device configuration of the acquisition destination that has already been set or is another setting target is there.

  This is to prevent obtaining similar preference information many times. Another reason is to register another image processing apparatus having as many setting items that have not been set after the first update of the preference information as an acquisition destination. By including the determination unit 112, it is possible to prevent registration of an image processing apparatus inappropriate as an acquisition destination. Note that the determination unit 112 is not necessarily required.

<Data structure>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of preference information. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the preference information is a single file in which setting values for operating the device are collected. For example, auto-off time, low power transition time, Ethernet (registered trademark), preheat transition time,・ ・ Includes each setting item of driver encryption key. The preference information is stored in the first storage unit 141.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, an example of setting values is shown for each setting item of the preference information. The setting value of the preference information is set in each image processing apparatus 1. The image processing apparatus 1 operates each function based on the setting value of the preference information.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information of the parent device. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, a URL is associated as identification information of the parent device. The identification information may be an IP address, for example. Further, if the image processing apparatus holds data in which the name of the image processing apparatus on the network is associated with the URL or IP address, the name of the image processing apparatus may be stored as the identification information of the parent apparatus. . The identification information of the parent device is stored in the second storage unit 142.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the information setting system in the first embodiment will be described. First, processing for determining whether an image processing apparatus set as an acquisition destination is appropriate and registering the acquisition destination will be described.

<< Parent device registration process >>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a parent device registration process according to the first embodiment. In step S <b> 101 shown in FIG. 7, a user (for example, a system administrator) inputs identification information of the parent device using the operation unit 105 of the child device 1. This is because the operation unit 105 can acquire the identification information of the parent device by the user operating the acquisition destination input screen of the parent device.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input screen of the parent device. In the example shown in FIG. 8, two URLs of the parent device are input by the user. The URL of the parent device input using this input screen is acquired by the operation means 105. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the URL input order is a priority order, and preference information is acquired in the order of the first acquisition destination and the second acquisition destination, for example. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 8, only the second acquisition destination is displayed, but the third acquisition destination and later may be input.

  In step S102, the operation unit 105 determines which of the OK button and the cancel button has been pressed. If the OK button is pressed (step S102-OK), the process proceeds to step S103. If the cancel button is pressed (step S102-Cancel), the registration process is terminated. Further, it is assumed that identification information of the image processing apparatus 2 is input as the first acquisition destination and the image processing apparatus 3 is input as the second acquisition destination.

  In step S103, the determination unit 112 acquires model information acquired from the image processing apparatus indicated by the input identification information. The model information is, for example, spec information.

  In step S104, the determination unit 112 determines whether the input image processing apparatus is appropriate as an acquisition destination. The appropriate determination is as described above. For example, if the input image processing apparatus cannot be connected, it is determined as inappropriate.

  If it is determined that the acquisition destination is appropriate (step S104—YES), the process proceeds to step S107. If it is determined that the acquisition destination is inappropriate (step S104—NO), the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S <b> 105, the determination unit 112 requests the operation unit 105 to notify the confirmation screen. Upon receiving this request, the operation unit 105 displays a preference information acquisition destination confirmation screen.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preference information acquisition destination confirmation screen. The example illustrated in FIG. 9 illustrates a case where the first acquisition destination is inappropriate as the acquisition destination of preference information. For example, when the URL input as the first acquisition destination cannot be connected, the screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 7, in step S106, the operation unit 105 determines which of the OK button and the cancel button is pressed. If the OK button is pressed (step S106-OK), the process proceeds to step S107. If the cancel button is pressed (step S106-cancel), the process returns to step S101.

  In step S <b> 107, the determination unit 112 notifies the setting control unit 103 of registration permission. When notified of registration permission from the determination unit 112, the setting control unit 103 sets and registers the identification information of the acquisition-destination parent device acquired from the operation unit 105 in the second storage unit 142.

  This prevents registration of an image processing apparatus that is not suitable as an acquisition destination.

<< Preference information acquisition process >>
Next, preference information acquisition processing according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of preference information acquisition processing according to the first embodiment. The configuration of the image processing apparatuses 2 and 3 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

  In step S201 illustrated in FIG. 10, the update control unit 101 detects a preference information import request based on a predetermined trigger. The predetermined trigger is, for example, an import operation by an administrator, a periodic operation when the own apparatus is activated, or the like.

  In step S <b> 202, the update control unit 101 acquires parent device information from the information storage unit 104, and issues a preference information acquisition request to the communication control unit 102. This acquisition request is a download request.

  In step S <b> 203, the communication control unit 102 issues a preference information acquisition request to the parent device 2. Here, it is assumed that the parent device 2 is registered as the first acquisition destination.

  In step S204, when receiving the preference information acquisition request, the communication control unit 202 of the parent device 2 notifies the update control unit 201 of the acquisition request.

  In step S205, the update control unit 201 requests the setting control unit 203 to acquire preference information.

  In steps S206 and S207, the setting control unit 203 reads and acquires preference information from the information storage unit 204 (first storage unit 241).

  In step S <b> 208, the setting control unit 203 outputs preference information to the update control unit 201.

  In step S <b> 209, the update control unit 203 outputs preference information to the communication control unit 202.

  In step S <b> 210, the communication control unit 202 transmits preference information to the child device 1.

  In step S <b> 211, the communication control unit 102 of the child device 1 outputs the preference information received from the parent device 2 to the update control unit 101.

  In step S212, the update control unit 101 requests the setting control unit 103 to set preference information.

  In step S213, the setting control unit 103 updates the preference information stored in the information storage unit 104 (first storage unit 141) using the preference information acquired from the parent device 2.

  In step S214, the update control unit 101 requests the setting control unit 103 to confirm the reflection of preference information. Reflection confirmation is processing for confirming whether all setting items of the preference information have been updated.

  In steps S215 and S216, the setting control unit 103 confirms the reflection of the preference information stored in the information storage unit 104. For example, reflection information is provided for each setting item of the preference information stored in the information storage unit 104 so that a setting item whose value is reflected (updated) and a setting item whose value is not reflected can be distinguished.

  In step S217, the setting control unit 103 notifies the update control unit 101 of the reflection result.

  In step S218, when the update control unit 101 detects that there is an unupdated setting item from the reflection result, the update control unit 101 controls to acquire preference information from another image processing apparatus. For example, the update control unit 101 notifies the communication control unit 102 to issue a preference information acquisition request to the second acquisition destination stored in the second storage unit 142.

  In step S219, the communication control unit 102 issues a preference information acquisition request to the parent device 3. Here, it is assumed that the parent device 3 is registered as the second acquisition destination.

  In step S220, when receiving the preference information acquisition request, the communication control means 302 of the parent device 3 notifies the update control means 301 of this acquisition request.

  In step S221, the update control unit 301 requests the setting control unit 303 to acquire preference information.

  In steps S222 and S223, the setting control unit 303 reads and obtains preference information from the information storage unit 304 (first storage unit 341).

  In step S224, the setting control unit 303 outputs preference information to the update control unit 301.

  In step S225, the update control unit 303 outputs preference information to the communication control unit 302.

  In step S226, the communication control unit 302 transmits preference information to the child device 1.

  In step S227, the communication control unit 102 of the child device 1 outputs the preference information received from the parent device 3 to the update control unit 101.

  In step S228, the update control unit 101 requests the setting control unit 103 to set preference information. At this time, the update control unit 101 performs control to update using setting values only for setting items that are not updated (not reflected). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the same setting item from being updated twice.

  In step S229, the setting control unit 103 updates the preference information stored in the information storage unit 104 (first storage unit 141) using the preference information acquired from the parent device 3.

  In step S230, the update control unit 101 requests the setting control unit 101 to confirm the reflection of the preference information.

  In steps S231 and S232, the setting control unit 103 checks the reflection of the preference information stored in the information storage unit 104.

  In step S233, the setting control unit 103 notifies the update control unit 101 of the reflection result. For example, when the update control unit 101 detects that all setting items have been reflected (updated), the update control unit 101 ends the preference information setting process.

  Thereby, when there is an unupdated setting item, preference information can be acquired from the acquisition destination stored in the second storage unit 142, and the update of the unupdated setting item can be complemented.

(Concrete example)
Next, the update of the preference information will be described using a specific example. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of preference information of the parent device. FIG. 11A shows the preference information of the parent device 2. FIG. 11B shows the preference information of the parent device 3.

  As shown in FIG. 11, preference information is created for each device, and the settings of the device are managed as one file. The preference information can be referenced / edited by using a tool on a PC (Personal Computer).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, since there is a difference in the device configuration and supported functions depending on the model, there is a difference in the preference information for each device. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the preference information of the parent device 2 does not have setting items such as “sort” and “punch” of copying compared to the preference information of the parent device 3. The parent apparatus 3 has no FAX setting item.

  Further, when the number of setting items in the parent device is smaller than the number of setting items that can be set in the child device 1, the setting values of setting items that do not exist in the parent device are not changed or updated. Therefore, setting items that have not been updated are complemented with preference information of other parent devices.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of preference information of the child device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the reflection information is associated with the preference information, and this reflection information is all “x”. For example, when a preference information import request is detected, the setting control means 103 initializes the reflection information and sets “x” for all items. Note that “x” indicates not reflected (not updated), and “◯” indicates reflected (updated).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating reflection by the preference information of the parent device 2. The example shown in FIG. 13 shows reflection information when the preference information of the child device 1 is updated using the preference information of the parent device 2. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, there is an unreflected (unupdated) setting item whose reflection information is “x”. Thereby, the update control means 101 (acquisition control means 111) acquires preference information from another parent apparatus, and determines that it is necessary to complement.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating reflection by the preference information of the parent device 3. The example illustrated in FIG. 14 illustrates reflection information when the preference information of the child device 1 is updated using the preference information of the parent device 3. The example illustrated in FIG. 14 indicates that all the setting items of the preference information of the child device 1 are reflected. In addition, the update control unit 101 performs control so that only setting values of setting items that are not reflected are updated.

<< Preference information acquisition processing by chain specification >>
Next, processing for acquiring preference information in a chain with the acquisition source of the parent device will be described. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of preference information acquisition processing by chain designation. The processing in steps S301 to S317 shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the processing in step S217 shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 318, the update control unit 101 performs designation (chain designation) to trace to the parent device 3 that is the acquisition destination of the parent device 2 when transmission control of the preference information acquisition request is performed.

  In step S 319, the communication control unit 102 transmits a preference information acquisition request to the parent device 2 together with chain designation.

  In steps S320 and S321, when the communication control unit 202 confirms that there is a chain designation, the communication control unit 202 acquires identification information (for example, URL) of the acquisition destination stored in the information storage unit 204. Here, it is assumed that the identification information of the parent device 3 is acquired as an acquisition destination.

  In step S <b> 322, the communication control unit 202 issues a preference information acquisition request to the parent device 3.

  The processing in steps S323 to S328 is the same as the processing in steps S220 to S225 shown in FIG.

  In step S329, the communication control unit 302 transmits preference information to the parent device 2.

  In step S330, the communication control unit 202 of the parent device 2 transfers preference information received from the parent device 3 to the child device 1.

  Since the process of step S331-S337 is the same as the process of step S227-S233 shown in FIG. 10, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Thus, the child device 1 may hold the identification information of at least one parent device as an acquisition destination by performing chain designation at the time of requesting acquisition of preference information. The parent device 2 goes to obtain preference information from the parent device 3 only when there is a chain designation.

《Notification processing when there are setting items that have not been updated》
Next, notification processing when preference information setting processing has been performed using preference information of a plurality of image processing apparatuses, but setting items that have not been updated will be described. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification processing when there is an unupdated setting item.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, it is assumed that there are setting items that have not been updated even if the preference information of the parent device 2 and the parent device 3 is updated.

  The processing in steps S401 to S433 shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the processing in steps S201 to S233 shown in FIG. 10, and the difference is that the update control means 101 confirms that there is an unupdated setting item in step S433. That is.

  In step S434, the update control unit 102 notifies the mail control unit 106 that there are unupdated setting items.

  In step S435, the mail control unit 106 transmits, for example, an email to the administrator that there is an unupdated setting item. The mail control means 106 holds the administrator's mail address.

  In addition to the mail control unit 106, the operation unit 105 may be used to notify that there is an unupdated setting item on the display unit, or there is an unupdated setting item on the screen of the management tool of the apparatus. May be notified.

  Thereby, even if the update process is performed using the preference information of a plurality of image processing apparatuses, it is possible to notify the administrator that there is an unupdated setting item.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the setting information acquisition destination is the image processing apparatus, the number of unupdated setting items included in the setting information to be updated can be reduced.

[Example 2]
Next, an information setting system according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, when there is no preference information in the acquisition destination that first transmitted the acquisition request, the child device 1 acquires the preference information held by the acquisition destination parent device and performs the update process.

<System>
The information setting system according to the second embodiment is the same as the system shown in FIG.

<Hardware>
The hardware of each image processing apparatus is the same as the hardware shown in FIG.

<Function>
The functions of the image processing apparatus 1 are the same as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and will be described using the same reference numerals. Further, the functions of the image processing apparatuses 2 to 3 will be described when the operations are described with reference numerals shown in FIGS.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the information setting system in the second embodiment will be described. First, the setting registration process of the parent device will be described.

<< When obtaining preference information from the device from which the parent device is acquired (part 1) >>
FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of preference information setting processing (part 1) according to the second embodiment. In the processing illustrated in FIG. 17, the parent device acquires preference information from the device that is the acquisition destination of the own device, and the child device acquires and sets the preference information acquired from the acquisition destination of the parent device. It is processing.

  The processes in steps S501 to S506 shown in FIG. 17 are the same as the processes in steps S201 to S206 shown in FIG.

  In step S507, the setting control unit 203 knows that there is no preference information in the information storage unit 204.

  In step S508, the setting control unit 203 notifies the update control unit 201 that there is no preference information.

  In step S509, the update control unit 201 controls the communication control unit 202 to make a preference information acquisition request to the parent device 3 registered as the acquisition destination of the own device.

  In step S <b> 510, the communication control unit 202 transmits a preference information acquisition request to its own parent device 3.

  The processing of steps S511 to S516 is the same as the processing of steps S220 to S225 shown in FIG. 10 except that the acquisition source of the acquisition request is the parent device 2, and the transmission destination of the preference information is the parent device 2. That is.

  In step S517, the communication control unit 302 of the parent apparatus 3 transmits preference information to the parent apparatus 2.

  In step S518, the communication control unit 202 of the parent device 2 transmits the preference information received from the parent device 3 to the child device 1.

  The processes of steps S519 to S525 are the same as the processes of steps S211 to S217 shown in FIG. 10, and the difference is that the update process is performed based on the preference information of the parent device 3. After step S525, if all the setting items are reflected, the setting process is terminated. If all the setting items are not reflected, control is performed so that preference information is acquired at the second acquisition destination. .

(Processing to determine suitability as acquisition source by parent device)
Next, the suitability determination process as an acquisition destination by the parent device 2 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example (part 1) of determining whether or not to acquire a parent. The parent device 2 may determine whether or not the parent device 3 is appropriate as an acquisition destination of the child device 1. This process is suitably performed after step S508.

  In step S601, the update control unit 201 of the parent device 2 acquires the specifications (for example, device configuration) of the child device 1 acquired by the communication control unit 202.

  In step S602, the update control unit 201 acquires the specification of the parent device 3 acquired by the communication control unit 202.

  In step S <b> 603, the update control unit 201 compares the specifications of the child device 1 and the parent device 3.

  In step S <b> 604, the update control unit 201 determines that the parent device 3 is appropriate as the acquisition source of the child device 1 if the specs match, for example, a predetermined number or more. The update control unit 201 determines that the parent device 3 is inappropriate as an acquisition destination of the child device 1 if the number of matching specifications is less than the predetermined number. If it is determined to be appropriate (step S604—YES), the process proceeds to step S605, and if it is determined to be inappropriate (step S605—NO), the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S605, the update control unit 201 controls to send a preference information acquisition request to its parent (acquisition source) device.

  In step S606, the update control unit 201 controls the child device 1 to notify that there is no preference information and that its parent is inappropriate as the acquisition source of the preference information.

  Thereby, the parent device 2 can determine whether or not its own parent is suitable as an acquisition destination before acquiring the preference information when there is no preference information.

<< When obtaining preference information from the device from which the parent device is acquired (part 2) >>
FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of preference information setting processing (part 2) according to the second embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 19 is a process in which the child device acquires the identification information of the acquisition destination set in the parent device, and the child device directly accesses the acquisition destination of the parent device to acquire and set preference information. is there.

  The processes in steps S701 to S708 shown in FIG. 19 are the same as the processes in steps S501 to S508 shown in FIG.

  In step S709, the update control unit 201 controls the communication control unit 202 to transmit an error to the child device 1.

  In step S710, the communication control unit 202 notifies the slave device 1 of an error indicating that preference information cannot be acquired.

  In step S711, the communication control unit 102 of the child device 1 notifies the update control unit 101 of the error notification received from the parent device 2.

  In step S712, the update control unit 101 (acquisition destination control unit 111) requests the communication control unit 102 to make an acquisition request for identification information (for example, URL) of the acquisition destination.

  In step S 713, the communication control unit 102 transmits an identification information acquisition request indicating the acquisition source of the parent device 2 to the parent device 2.

  In steps S <b> 714 and S <b> 715, the communication control unit 202 of the parent device 2 reads out and acquires the identification information of the parent device set as the acquisition destination from the information storage unit 204.

  In step S716, the communication control unit 202 transmits the identification information of the image processing apparatus set as the parent of the own apparatus to the child apparatus 1.

  In step S717, the communication control unit 102 of the child device 1 notifies the update control unit 101 of the identification information of the acquisition source of the parent device 3.

  In step S <b> 718, the update control unit 101 requests the communication control unit 102 to obtain preference information based on the acquired identification information of the parent device 3.

  The processes in steps S719 to S733 are the same as the processes in steps S219 to S233 shown in FIG. 10, and the difference is that the preference information is updated for the first time instead of the second time. As a result, the number of times of transmission of the preference information is reduced, and the communication path is not burdened.

(Appropriateness judgment process as an acquisition destination by a child device)
Next, the suitability determination process as the acquisition source of the parent device by the child device 1 will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example (part 2) of determining whether or not a parent is an acquisition destination. The child device 1 may determine whether or not the parent device 3 is appropriate as an acquisition destination of the child device 1. This process is suitably performed after step S717.

  In step S801, the update control unit 101 of the child device 1 acquires identification information (for example, URL) of the parent device 3 that is the acquisition destination of the parent device 2.

  In step S <b> 802, the update control unit 101 acquires the specification of the parent device 3 further of the parent device 2 acquired by the communication control unit 102.

  In step S803, the update control unit 101 compares the specifications of its own child device 1 and parent device 3.

  In step S804, the update control unit 101 determines that the parent device 3 is appropriate as the acquisition source of the child device 1 if the specifications match, for example, a predetermined number or more. The update control unit 101 determines that the parent device 3 is inappropriate as the acquisition destination of the child device 1 if the number of matching specifications is less than the predetermined number. If it is determined to be appropriate (step S804—YES), the process proceeds to step S805, and if it is determined to be inappropriate (step S804—NO), this process is terminated.

  In step S <b> 805, the update control unit 101 controls to transmit a preference information acquisition request to the parent device 3 that is the acquisition destination of the parent device 2.

  Thereby, when there is no preference information in the parent device 2, the child device 1 determines whether or not the parent device 3 that is the acquisition destination of the parent device 2 is suitable as the acquisition destination before acquiring the preference information. can do.

<< Setting the preference information created on the parent device >>
Next, a process for acquiring and setting preference information created by the parent device when the parent device does not hold preference information will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for setting preference information created by the parent device. The processing in steps S901 to S904 shown in FIG. 21 is the same as the processing in steps S201 to S204 shown in FIG.

  In step S905, when the update control unit 201 confirms that there is no preference information in the own device, the update control unit 201 requests the setting control unit 203 to create preference information.

  In step S906, when the setting control unit 203 is requested to create preference information, the setting control unit 203 creates preference information by setting the setting values of the setting items of each function stored in the information storage unit 204 as one file. To do.

  The setting control unit 203 holds, for example, each setting item included in the preference information, searches the information storage unit 204 for a setting value corresponding to this setting item, and stores each searched setting value in one file. To.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of information on each setting item included in the preference information. As shown in FIG. 22, the setting control means 203 holds each setting item. The setting control means 203 creates preference information including setting values corresponding to the setting items shown in FIG. The created preference information is temporarily stored in the information storage means 204, for example.

  Returning to FIG. 21, the processing in steps S907 to S922 is the same as the processing in steps S205 to 220 in FIG.

  In step S923, when the update control unit 301 confirms that there is no preference information, the update control unit 301 requests the setting control unit 303 to create preference information.

  In step S924, when the setting control unit 303 is requested to create preference information, the setting control unit 303 creates preference information by setting the setting values of the setting items of each function stored in the information storage unit 304 as one file. To do. The creation method is the same as in step S906.

  The processing in steps S925 to S937 is the same as the processing in steps S221 to S233 shown in FIG.

  Accordingly, the parent device creates preference information when the parent device does not have the preference information, and the child device can acquire and update the latest preference information created by the parent device. In addition, the parent device can efficiently use the capacity of the storage unit by creating and temporarily storing preference information every time a request for obtaining preference information is received. Further, the child device can surely acquire the preference information of the device designated as the parent device.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, even when there is no preference information in the parent device, the child device can acquire the preference information.

[Example 3]
Next, an information setting system according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, preference information created by an image processing apparatus is exported to an information processing apparatus (for example, an external server), and the image processing apparatus can issue a preference information acquisition request to the information processing apparatus. is there.

<System>
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information setting system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, in the information setting system, image processing apparatuses 1 to 5 and an information processing apparatus 6 are connected via a network. The information processing device 6 is, for example, an external server device having a storage unit. The information processing device 6 holds a preference information file created by the image processing device.

  When the information processing apparatus 6 receives a preference information acquisition request from each image processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus 6 transmits the preference information to each image processing apparatus.

<Hardware>
<Image processing device>
The hardware of each of the image processing apparatuses 1 to 5 is the same as that shown in FIG.

《Information processing device》
FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the information processing apparatus 6 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, the information processing apparatus 6 includes a control unit 81, a main storage unit 82, an auxiliary storage unit 83, an external recording device I / F unit 84, a network I / F unit 86, an input unit 87, and a display unit 88. Have These components are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to transmit and receive data.

  The control unit 81 is a CPU that controls each device, calculates data, and processes in the computer. The control unit 81 is an arithmetic device that executes a program stored in the main storage unit 82, receives data from the input device or the storage device, calculates and processes the data, and outputs the data to the output device or the storage device.

  The main storage unit 82 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as an OS and application software that are basic software executed by the control unit 81. It is.

  The auxiliary storage unit 83 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and is a storage device that stores data related to application software or the like.

  The external recording device I / F unit 84 is an interface between the information processing device 6 and a recording medium 85 (for example, flash memory, SD card, etc.) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). .

  In addition, a predetermined program is stored in the recording medium 85, and the program stored in the recording medium 85 is installed in the information processing apparatus 6 via the external recording apparatus I / F unit 84, and the installed predetermined program is It can be executed by the information processing device 6.

  The network I / F unit 86 has a communication function connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. This is an interface between the device and the information processing apparatus 6.

  The input unit 87 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input, various function keys, and the like, and a mouse and a slice pad for performing key selection on the display screen of the display unit 88. The input unit 87 is a user interface for a user to give an operation instruction to the control unit 81 or input data.

  The display unit 88 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and performs display according to display data input from the control unit 81. Note that the information processing apparatus 6 does not necessarily include the input unit 87 and the display unit 88.

<Configuration>
<Image processing device>
The configuration of each image processing apparatus is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 3 and will be described using the same reference numerals. The image processing apparatuses 2 and 4 will be described assuming that the reference numerals shown in FIG.

《Information processing device》
FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus 6. In the example illustrated in FIG. 25, the information processing apparatus 6 includes a communication control unit 601, an authentication control unit 602, an information management unit 603, and an information storage unit 604. The information storage unit 604 is realized by the auxiliary storage unit 83, for example, and the authentication control unit 602 and the information management unit 603 can be realized by the main storage unit 82 as the control unit 81 and work memory, for example. The communication control unit 601 can be realized by the network I / F unit 86, for example. Configurations other than the information storage unit 604 can be implemented as modules.

  A communication control unit 601 controls communication with each image processing apparatus connected via a network. For example, the communication control unit 601 receives a preference information acquisition request from the image processing apparatus 1. Further, the communication control unit 601 transmits preference information to the image processing apparatus 1.

  The communication control unit 601 receives preference information exported from the image processing apparatus. That is, the communication control unit 601 functions as a transmission unit and a reception unit.

  When the communication control unit 601 acquires authentication information, the authentication control unit 602 performs an authentication process using the authentication information. For example, in the authentication process, the acquired device ID is verified, or the user account and password are verified. The communication control unit 601 transmits the authentication result to the image processing apparatus 1.

  When the communication control unit 601 receives a preference information acquisition request, the information management unit 603 reads the preference information from the information storage unit 604. Also, the information management unit 603 writes the information storage unit 604 when the communication control unit 601 receives the preference information.

  The information storage unit 604 stores preference information that is commonly set in each image processing apparatus connected to the network. The information storage unit 604 stores preference information exported from the image processing apparatus.

  The information processing device 6 may be used in an auxiliary role when preference information cannot be acquired by the image processing device.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the information setting system in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of preference information setting processing according to the third embodiment.

  In step S1001 shown in FIG. 26, when the update control unit 401 detects a predetermined trigger, the update control unit 401 requests the setting control unit 403 to create preference information. The predetermined trigger is periodically or when instructed by an administrator.

  In step S1002, the setting control unit 403 searches each setting value stored in the information storage unit 404 and creates one file as preference information. The creation method is the same as step S906 shown in FIG.

  In step S1003, the update control unit 401 requests the setting control unit 403 to acquire the created preference information.

  In steps S1004 and S1005, the setting control unit 403 reads and acquires the preference information from the information storage unit 404.

  In step S1006, the setting control unit 403 outputs preference information to the update control unit 401.

  In step S1007, the update control unit 401 requests the communication control unit 402 to transmit the preference information to the information processing apparatus 6 set as the export destination of the preference information.

  In step S1008, the communication control unit 402 exports preference information to the information processing apparatus 6. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 6 can hold the latest preference information created by the image processing apparatus.

  The processing in steps S1010 to S1026 is the same as the processing in steps S201 to 217 shown in FIG.

  In step S1027, the update control unit 101 requests the communication control unit 102 to make an acquisition request for preference information, for example, to the information processing apparatus 6 set as the second acquisition destination.

  In step S <b> 1028, the communication control unit 102 issues a preference information acquisition request to the information processing apparatus 6.

  In step S <b> 1029, the communication control unit 102 receives preference information created by the image processing device 4 from the information processing device 6.

  In step S1030, the communication control unit 102 transmits preference information to the update control unit 101.

  The processing in steps S1031 to S1036 is the same as the processing in steps S228 to S233 shown in FIG. 10, and the difference is that the preference information acquired from the information processing device 6 is used.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the preference information created by the image processing apparatus can be held in the external server, and the image processing apparatus can also acquire the preference information from the external server.

[Modification]
A program executed in the image processing apparatus of each embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It is recorded on a readable recording medium and provided.

  Further, the program executed by the image processing apparatus of each embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The program executed by the image processing apparatus of each embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Further, the program executed by the image processing apparatus of each embodiment may be configured to be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the image processing apparatus of each embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units. As actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads out the program from the HDD and executes the program. Of the means, one or more means are loaded onto the RAM, and one or more means are generated on the RAM.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example as it is, A component can be deform | transformed and embodied in the range which does not deviate from the summary in an implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Image processing device 6 Information processing device 11 CPU
13-1 MEM-P
13-2 MEM-C
13-3 HDD
101 update control means 102 communication control means 103 setting information control means 104 information storage means 105 operation means 106 mail control means 107 setting value management means 108 authentication means 111 acquisition control means 112 determination means 141 first storage means 142 second storage means

JP 2008-72318 A

Claims (10)

First storage means for storing setting information including setting values for each setting item of each function;
Second storage means for storing one or more pieces of identification information of the image processing apparatus indicating the acquisition destination of the setting information;
Transmitting means for transmitting an acquisition request for the setting information to one image processing apparatus indicated by the identification information stored in the second storage means;
Receiving means for receiving the setting information from an image processing apparatus which is a transmission destination of the acquisition request;
When the setting information received by the receiving means is controlled to update the setting information stored in the first storage means, and there is an unupdated setting item in the updated setting information, the second storage means Update control means for controlling to transmit the acquisition request to another image processing apparatus indicated by the stored identification information;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The update control means includes
When the identification information of the image processing apparatus is stored as the acquisition destination object in the second storage unit, based on the model information acquired from the image processing apparatus, whether the image processing apparatus is appropriate as the acquisition destination The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising determination means for determining whether or not. The update control means includes
The setting information stored in the first storage unit is controlled by using only the setting values of the unupdated setting items among the setting information of the other image processing apparatus received by the receiving unit. Item 3. The image processing apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. The update control means includes
When the one image processing apparatus does not hold the setting information, the setting information acquired from the predetermined image processing apparatus set as the acquisition destination of the setting information for the one image processing apparatus is used. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the updating of setting information stored in the first storage unit is controlled. The update control means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein setting information of the predetermined image processing apparatus acquired by the one image processing apparatus is acquired. The update control means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein identification information of the predetermined image processing apparatus is acquired from the one image processing apparatus, and the acquisition request is made to the predetermined image processing apparatus based on the identification information. The update control means includes
When controlling the transmission of the acquisition request to the transmission unit, the transmission unit is specified to trace to a predetermined image processing apparatus that is an acquisition destination of the one image processing apparatus, and setting information acquired from the predetermined image processing apparatus is used. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the update of the setting information stored in the first storage unit is controlled. An information setting system comprising a plurality of image processing devices connected via a network,
One image processing device is
First storage means for storing setting information including setting values for setting items of each function;
Second storage means for storing identification information of the image processing apparatus indicating the acquisition destination of the setting information;
A transmission unit that transmits the setting information acquisition request to another image processing device indicated by the identification information stored in the second storage unit when acquiring the setting information;
Receiving means for receiving the setting information created by the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus that is the transmission destination of the acquisition request;
When the setting information received by the receiving means is controlled to update the setting information stored in the first storage means, and there is an unupdated setting item in the updated setting information, the second storage means Update control means for controlling to transmit the acquisition request to another image processing apparatus indicated by the stored identification information;
An information setting system comprising: An image processing apparatus comprising: a first storage unit that stores setting information including setting values for setting items of each function; and a second storage unit that stores identification information of the image processing apparatus that indicates an acquisition destination of the setting information. A program for executing the program,
A transmission step of transmitting an acquisition request for the setting information to one image processing apparatus indicated by the identification information stored in the second storage unit;
A receiving step of receiving the setting information from an image processing apparatus that is a transmission destination of the acquisition request;
The received setting information is controlled to update the setting information stored in the first storage unit, and when there is an unupdated setting item in the updated setting information, it is stored in the second storage unit An update control step for controlling to transmit the acquisition request to another image processing apparatus indicated by the identification information;
A program with   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 9 is recorded.

Images