JP2016088085A - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, program, and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of notifying that a setting is changed through a remote operation.SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus includes: a storage part configured to store a setting of various functions of the image processing apparatus; first receiving means configured to receive, through a network, operation information for changing the setting stored in the storage part; changing means configured to change the setting stored in the storage part on the basis of the operation information received by the first receiving means; second receiving means configured to receive, through an input part provided in the image processing apparatus, a display operation of displaying the setting stored in the storage part; and notifying means configured to notify, when the second receiving means receives the display operation after the setting is changed by the operation information, that the setting has been changed by the operation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program, and an image processing system.

  In recent years, setting operations related to each function have become complicated as information processing apparatuses become more sophisticated. In order to make maximum use of such an information processing apparatus, the user needs to be familiar with each function and setting operation of the information processing apparatus. However, a user unfamiliar with the information processing apparatus may cause an error by deleting a necessary setting or performing an inappropriate setting.

  Regarding the above-described problem, a technique is known in which setting contents are changed remotely or a user is instructed remotely by performing a remote operation on the information processing apparatus of the user. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-256301 discloses a technique in which a user terminal that has received a remote operation stores an operation method that has received the remote operation.

  In an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP), a service person often visits a customer and maintains an image processing apparatus installed at the customer. Also in such an image processing apparatus, since the setting operation accompanying the increase in functionality is becoming complicated, the support by the remote operation described above is effective.

  However, in the related art disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like, when the printing apparatus is remotely operated, the service person can remotely operate unless there is contact from a party such as a remote operation operator or an MFP user (owner). It is impossible to grasp that the operation has been performed. Also, the service person cannot know the contents changed by remote operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program, and an image processing system capable of notifying that settings have been changed by remote operation. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention changes the setting stored in the storage unit via a network and a storage unit that stores settings of various functions of the image processing apparatus. Provided in the image processing apparatus, a first receiving unit that receives operation information to be performed, a changing unit that changes the setting stored in the storage unit based on the operation information received by the first receiving unit. A second receiving unit that receives a display operation for displaying the setting stored in the storage unit via the input unit, and the second receiving unit when the setting is changed by the operation information. When receiving the display operation, the image processing apparatus includes notification means for notifying that the setting has been changed by the operation information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to notify that a setting has been changed by a remote operation.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the remote operation terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the serviceman terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the image processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification destination table according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change content table according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an MFP setting screen having pop-ups and icons displayed on the operation panel according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change content screen displayed on the operation panel according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification setting processing executed by the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of setting processing executed by the MFP and the remote operation terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification processing executed by the MFP and the serviceman terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification processing executed by the MFP according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program, and an image processing system will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, a case where the image processing apparatus is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral (hereinafter referred to as MFP)) will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Note that a multifunction peripheral is an apparatus having at least two functions among a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image processing system 1000 according to the embodiment. The image processing system 1000 according to the embodiment includes an MFP 1, a remote operation terminal 2, a serviceman terminal 3-1, a serviceman terminal 3-2,..., And a serviceman terminal 3-N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1). Is provided. Hereinafter, when the serviceman terminal 3-1, the serviceman terminal 3-2,... And the serviceman terminal 3-N are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the serviceman terminal 3. Note that the image processing system 1000 may include a plurality of MFPs 1 and remote operation terminals 2.

  The MFP 1, the remote operation terminal 2, and the service person terminal 3 are connected to each other via a network 4 such as the Internet. The connection to the network 4 may be either a wired or wireless communication method. Alternatively, the connection to the network 4 may be a communication method combining wired and wireless.

  The MFP 1 is an image processing apparatus installed in a user's office. The remote operation terminal 2 is an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer installed in a service center or the like corresponding to an inquiry from a user. Upon receiving an inquiry from the user, the remote operation operator uses the remote operation terminal 2 to check the state and settings of the user's MFP 1 connected via the network 4, and to make settings as necessary. Perform the remote operation to be changed. Thereby, the person who performs the remote operation responds to an inquiry from the user.

  The serviceman terminal 3 is a tablet terminal or the like carried by a serviceman who visits a user who uses the MFP 1 and maintains the MFP 1. The serviceman terminal 3 is not limited to a tablet terminal. For example, the serviceman terminal 3 may be a general personal computer or the like.

  Next, details of the MFP 1, the remote operation terminal 2, and the serviceman terminal 3 will be described.

  First, an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes a main body unit 10 and an operation unit 20. The main unit 10 implements various functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function. The operation unit 20 receives information according to a user operation. The information corresponding to the user operation is, for example, a signal indicating the coordinate value of the screen.

  The main body 10 and the operation unit 20 are connected to each other via a connection IF 16, a dedicated communication path 30, and a connection IF 26 so as to communicate with each other. The communication path 30 can use, for example, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but it does not matter whether it is wired or wireless. Further, the communication path 30 is not limited to the USB, and any standard can be adopted.

  When the communication path 30 is wireless, the main body unit 10 and the operation unit 20 are provided with short-range wireless communication units such as an infrared communication unit, an RF (Radio Frequency) communication unit, and a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, for example. Alternatively, the main unit 10 and the operation unit 20 have a wireless LAN communication function such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and communicate with each other via the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) access point 31 and the network 4 shown in FIG. can do.

  The main body 10 performs an operation according to the operation received by the operation unit 20. The main unit 10 can also communicate with an external device such as a mobile terminal (not shown in FIG. 1) and a client PC (personal computer), and performs an operation according to an instruction (such as a print instruction) received from the external device. You can also

  First, the hardware configuration of the main body unit 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14, a communication IF 15, a connection IF 16, and An engine unit 17 is provided. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, HDD 14, communication IF 15, connection IF 16 and engine unit 17 are connected to each other via a system bus 18.

  The CPU 11 comprehensively controls the operation of the main body unit 10. The CPU 11 executes a program stored in the ROM 12 or the HDD 14 using the RAM 13 as a work area (work area). Thereby, the CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the main body unit 10 and realizes various functions such as the above-described copy function, scanner function, fax function, and printer function.

  The communication IF 15 is an interface for connecting to the network 4. The connection IF 16 is an interface for communicating with the operation unit 20 via the communication path 30.

  The engine unit 17 is hardware that performs processing other than general-purpose information processing and communication for realizing a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function. The engine unit 17 includes, for example, a scanner that reads an image of a document such as a document, a document, or a slip, a plotter that performs printing on a sheet material such as paper, and a FAX unit that performs fax communication. The engine unit 17 may further include hardware for realizing specific options such as a finisher for sorting printed sheet materials and an ADF (automatic document feeder) for automatically feeding a document.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the operation unit 20 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation unit 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a flash memory 24, a communication IF 25, a connection IF 26, an operation panel 27, and an external connection IF 28. The CPU 21, the ROM 22 that stores programs, the RAM 23 that functions as a work memory, the flash memory 24, the communication IF 25, the connection IF 26, the operation panel 27, and the external connection IF 28 are connected to each other via a system bus 29. The flash memory 24 stores a program and various types of information described later.

  The CPU 21 comprehensively controls the operation of the operation unit 20. The CPU 21 executes a program stored in the ROM 22 or the flash memory 24 using the RAM 23 as a work area (work area). Thereby, CPU21 controls the operation | movement of the operation part 20 whole, and the display of the information (image) according to the input received from the user is implement | achieved.

  The communication IF 25 is an interface for connecting to the network 4. The connection IF 26 is an interface for communicating with the main body 10 via the communication path 30.

  The operation panel 27 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD) equipped with a touch panel function for displaying various information. The operation panel 27 accepts various inputs in accordance with user operations and displays various types of information (for example, information in accordance with accepted operations, information indicating the operation status of the MFP 1, information indicating setting status, etc.). .

  The operation panel 27 is not limited to the liquid crystal display device. The operation panel 27 may be composed of, for example, an organic EL display device equipped with a touch panel function. The operation panel 27 may further include hardware keys (buttons), lamps, and the like. Alternatively, the operation panel 27 may include a hardware key (button), a lamp, or the like instead of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) equipped with a touch panel function.

  The external connection IF 28 is an interface such as NFC (Near Field Communication) used to connect to the mobile terminal.

  Next, the software configuration of the MFP 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the MFP 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body unit 10 includes an application layer 101, a service layer 102, and an OS layer 103. The entities of the application layer 101, the service layer 102, and the OS layer 103 are various software stored in the ROM 12, the HDD 14, and the like. The CPU 11 provides various functions by executing these software.

  The software of the application layer 101 is application software that operates hardware resources to provide a predetermined function (in the following description, it may be simply referred to as “application”). Examples of the application include a copy application for providing a copy function, a scanner application for providing a scanner function, a fax application for providing a fax function, a printer application for providing a printer function, and the like.

  The software of the service layer 102 is software that is interposed between the application layer 101 and the OS layer 103 and provides an interface for allowing the application to use hardware resources included in the main body unit 10. More specifically, the software of the service layer 102 is software that provides a function of accepting operation requests for hardware resources and arbitrating operation requests. The operation request received by the service layer 102 is a request such as reading by a scanner or printing by a plotter.

  The software of the service layer 102 provides an interface function not only to the application layer 101 of the main body unit 10 but also to the application layer 201 of the operation unit 20. That is, the application layer 201 (application) of the operation unit 20 can also realize a function using hardware resources (for example, the engine unit 17 of FIG. 2) of the main body unit 10 through the interface function of the service layer 102. .

  The software of the OS layer 103 is basic software (operating system) for providing a basic function for controlling hardware included in the main body unit 10. The software of the service layer 102 converts a hardware resource use request from various applications into a command interpretable by the OS layer 103 and passes the command to the OS layer 103. The hardware resource performs an operation in accordance with the request of the application when the command is executed by the software of the OS layer 103.

  Similarly, the operation unit 20 includes an application layer 201, a service layer 202, and an OS layer 203. The application layer 201, the service layer 202, and the OS layer 203 included in the operation unit 20 are similar to the main body unit 10 in terms of the hierarchical structure.

  However, the functions provided by the application of the application layer 201 and the types of operation requests that can be accepted by the service layer 202 are different from those of the main body unit 10. The application in the application layer 201 is software that provides a UI (user interface) function for performing operations and display mainly regarding functions (copy function, scanner function, fax function, and printer function) included in the main body unit 10. The application in the application layer 201 may be software for operating a hardware resource included in the operation unit 20 to provide a predetermined function.

  In the embodiment, the software of the OS layer 103 of the main body unit 10 and the software of the OS layer 203 of the operation unit 20 are different from each other in order to maintain the independence of functions. That is, the main body unit 10 and the operation unit 20 operate independently of each other with different operating systems. For example, Linux (registered trademark) can be used as the software of the OS layer 103 of the main body unit 10. The software of the OS layer 203 of the operation unit 20 can use Android (registered trademark).

  As described above, in MFP 1 according to the embodiment, main unit 10 and operation unit 20 operate on different operating systems, and therefore communication between main unit 10 and operation unit 20 is performed between processes in a common apparatus. This is not communication but communication between different devices. The communication between different devices is, for example, an operation (command communication) for transmitting information received from the operation unit 20 (instruction contents from the user) to the main body unit 10, or the main body unit 10 notifies the operation unit 20 of an event. Operation etc. Here, the operation unit 20 can use the functions of the main body unit 10 by performing command communication to the main body unit 10. The event notified from the main unit 10 to the operation unit 20 is, for example, an operation execution status in the main unit 10, information set in the main unit 10, or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the main body unit 10 and the operation unit 20 operate independently from each other with different operating systems. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main body unit 10 and the operation unit 20 are operated with the same operating system. It may be a form that operates.

  In the above-described embodiment, the power supply to the operation unit 20 is performed from the main body unit 10 via the communication path 30, but the power control of the operation unit 20 is the power control of the main body unit 10. It may be performed separately (independently). For example, when the operation unit 20 can be detached from the main body unit 10, the operation unit 20 stores the power supplied from the main body unit 10 via the communication path 30 in the secondary battery. When the operation unit 20 is detached from the main body unit 10, the operation unit 20 operates using the power stored in the secondary battery to communicate with the main body unit 10.

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the remote operation terminal 2 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the remote operation terminal 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the remote operation terminal 2 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, an HDD 44, a display unit 45, an input unit 46, and a communication IF 47. The remote operation terminal 2 implements various functions such as displaying the screen of the operation panel 27 received from the MFP 1 and receiving an input for remotely operating the MFP 1. The CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, HDD 44, display unit 45, input unit 46, and communication IF 47 are connected to each other via a system bus 48.

  The CPU 41 comprehensively controls the operation of the remote operation terminal 2. The CPU 41 executes a program stored in the ROM 42 or the HDD 44 using the RAM 43 as a work area (work area). As a result, the CPU 41 controls the overall operation of the remote operation terminal 2, displays the screen of the operation panel 27 received from the MFP 1 described above on the display unit 45, and various functions such as accepting an input for remotely operating the MFP 1. To realize.

  The display unit 45 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD). The display unit 45 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device. The display unit 45 may be composed of, for example, an organic EL display device. Display unit 45 displays the screen of operation panel 27 received from MFP 1.

  The input unit 46 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. Input unit 46 receives input of operation information for remotely operating MFP 1.

  The communication IF 47 is an interface for connecting to the network 4.

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the serviceman terminal 3 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the serviceman terminal 3 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the serviceman terminal 3 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a flash memory 54, an operation panel 55, and a communication IF 56. The serviceman terminal 3 implements various functions such as receiving the settings of the MFP 1 changed by remote operation from the MFP 1 and displaying the changed settings of the MFP 1. The CPU 51, RAM 52, ROM 53, flash memory 54, operation panel 55, and communication IF 56 are connected to each other via a system bus 57.

  The CPU 51 comprehensively controls the operation of the serviceman terminal 3. The CPU 51 executes a program stored in the ROM 53 or the flash memory 54 using the RAM 52 as a work area (work area). As a result, the CPU 51 controls the overall operation of the serviceman terminal 3, receives the settings of the MFP 1 changed by the above-described remote operation from the MFP 1, and displays various functions such as displaying the changed settings of the MFP 1. Realize.

  The operation panel 55 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD) equipped with a touch panel function. The operation panel 55 accepts various inputs according to user operations and displays various information. In addition, operation panel 55 displays the settings of MFP 1 changed by remote operation. The operation panel 55 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device. The operation panel 55 may be composed of, for example, an organic EL display device equipped with a touch panel function.

  The communication IF 56 is an interface for connecting to the network 4.

  Next, an example of functional blocks of each device of the image processing system 1000 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the image processing system 1000 according to the embodiment. For convenience, FIG. 6 mainly illustrates the functions according to the embodiment, but the functions of each device of the image processing system 1000 are not limited to these.

  The CPU (11 or 21) of the MFP 1 executes a program stored in a storage device (for example, ROM 12, HDD 14, ROM 22, flash memory 24, etc.), so that the first reception unit 110, the change unit 120, and the storage The control unit 130, the second reception unit 140, the notification unit 150, the display control unit 160, and the change notification control unit 170 are realized.

  The CPU 41 of the remote operation terminal 2 implements a transmission unit 210, a display control unit 220, and an input control unit 230 by executing a program stored in a storage device (for example, ROM 42, HDD 44, etc.).

  The CPU 51 of the serviceman terminal 3 implements a change notification control unit 310 and a display control unit 320 by executing a program stored in a storage device (eg, ROM 53, flash memory 54, etc.).

  The flash memory 24, which is a storage unit, stores setting information 241, a notification destination table T1, and a change content table T2. Note that the setting information 241, the notification destination table T1, and the change content table T2 may be stored in a storage medium other than the flash memory 24. For example, the setting information 241, the notification destination table T 1, and the change content table T 2 may be stored in the HDD 14 of the main body unit 10.

  The setting information 241 stores settings for various functions of the MFP 1.

  Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the notification destination table T1 according to the embodiment. The notification destination table T1 stores notification destination information indicating a notification destination that notifies that the setting information 241 has been changed when the setting information 241 is changed. The notification destination information stores a notification destination name, notification destination details, and notification necessity. The notification destination name is the name of the notification destination. The notification destination details are detailed information indicating the notification destination. For example, the notification destination details include a mail address of the notification destination. The necessity of notification is a setting of necessity of notification. That is, the notification necessity is information in which whether or not notification is required is registered. The MFP 1 notifies the notification destination registered that notification is necessary for notification necessity. On the other hand, the MFP 1 does not notify the notification destination registered as not requiring notification in the necessity of notification. The necessity of notification may be set for each notification destination, or may be set for all notification destinations at once. Alternatively, the necessity of notification may be set for each group when the notification destination can be divided for each group. The notification destination information of the notification destination table T1 shown in FIG. 7 records the notification destination name “serviceman A”, the email address “serviceA@abcd.co.jp” as the notification destination details, and the notification necessity “necessary”. doing. Further, in the other notification destination information, a notification destination name “serviceman B”, a mail address “serviceB@abcd.co.jp”, and notification necessity “unnecessary” are recorded as notification destination details. Note that the email address is registered in the notification destination details shown in FIG. 7, but the notification destination details may be other than the email address.

  Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the change content table T2 according to the embodiment. The change content table T2 stores change content information indicating content related to the change of the setting information 241 when the setting information 241 is changed. The change content information includes the execution date and time, the implementer, and the change content. The implementation date / time is date / time information indicating the date / time when the setting is changed. The practitioner is information that can identify the practitioner who changed the setting information 241 by remote operation using the remote operation terminal 2. The changed content is information indicating the changed content. The change content further includes a setting item, a setting before change, and a setting after change. The setting item is information indicating an item whose setting has been changed. The setting before change is information indicating the setting content before the change. The post-change setting is information indicating the setting content after the change. The change content information of the change content table T2 shown in FIG. 8 indicates that the supporter who is the implementer on the implementation date “2015/05/23 11:56:43” changes the setting item “volume setting” from “50” to “ 100 ”. In addition, another change content information is the implementation date "2015/05/25 12:12:23" The implementer "Support B" changed the setting item "Print Quality" from "High Quality" to "Standard" It shows that. Note that year, month, date, hour, minute, and second are recorded as the implementation date and time shown in FIG. However, not all of these may be recorded for the implementation date. In addition, the implementation date and time may be recorded to a unit of less than 1 second, or may be expressed in other units indicating the date and time.

  The first receiving unit 110 of the MFP 1 starts a remote operation application and receives a remote operation from the remote operation terminal 2 connected via the network 4. When the first reception unit 110 receives a remote operation request from the remote operation terminal 2, the first reception unit 110 returns a remote operation enable response. Further, when receiving a transmission request for screen information to be displayed on the operation panel 27 from the remote operation terminal 2, the first reception unit 110 returns the screen information. As a result, the remote operation terminal 2 displays screen information on the display unit 45 and accepts input of operation information for remotely operating the MFP 1. Then, the first receiving unit 110 serving as the first receiving unit receives the operation information stored in the flash memory 24 of the remote operation terminal 2 via the network 4.

  The changing unit 120 that is a changing unit changes the setting information 241 stored in the flash memory 24 of the MFP 1 based on the operation information received by the first receiving unit 110.

  The storage control unit 130 starts recording the operation content of the changing unit 120 when the first accepting unit 110 transmits a remote operable response. When the first receiving unit 110 receives a remote operation end request, the storage control unit 130 ends the operation content recording. Then, the storage control unit 130 determines whether or not the setting information 241 has been changed when the recording of the operation content is finished. When it is determined that the setting information 241 has been changed, the storage control unit 130 causes the change content table T2 to store change content information indicating content related to the change of the setting information 241.

  Note that the storage control unit 130 may record information other than the content related to the change of the setting information 241. For example, the storage control unit 130 may store a history of remotely operated content. In this case, the storage control unit 130 can also store, for example, a case where the remote operation operator refers to the setting without changing the setting. Thereby, the service person can grasp | ascertain that it was operated remotely.

  A second receiving unit 140 serving as a second receiving unit receives an input for operating the MFP 1 from an input unit such as the operation panel 27 provided in the MFP 1. More specifically, the second accepting unit 140 accepts, for example, an operation for demonstrating the function of the MFP 1 or an operation for a serviceman to maintain the MFP 1. When the service person maintains the MFP 1, the second reception unit 140 receives a display operation for displaying the setting information 241 stored in the flash memory 24 based on the operation input from the operation panel 27. The service person refers to the setting information 241 displayed on the operation panel 27 and maintains the MFP 1 in consideration of the state of the MFP 1 and the user's request. Note that the second receiving unit 140 may receive an operation from an input device other than the operation panel 27.

  The notification unit 150 notifies the change unit 120 that the setting information 241 stored in the flash memory 24 has been changed. More specifically, for example, the notification unit 150 controls the display control unit 160 and the change notification control unit 170 included in the notification unit 150 to notify the contents regarding the change of the setting information 241 changed by the change unit 120. Specifically, the notification unit 150 serving as a notification unit uses the operation information when the second reception unit 140 receives a display operation after the setting information 241 stored in the flash memory 24 is changed by the operation information. Notify that the setting information 241 has been changed.

  When the second receiving unit 140 receives an operation after the setting information 241 is changed by the changing unit 120, the display control unit 160 displays on the operation panel 27 that the setting information 241 has been changed. For example, the display control unit 160 displays a pop-up indicating that the setting has been changed on the setting screen of the MFP 1.

  Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an MFP setting screen G1 having a pop-up G11 and an icon G12 displayed on the operation panel 27 of the embodiment. The MFP setting screen G1 is a screen for setting various functions that the MFP 1 has. The MFP setting screen G1 shown in FIG. 9 has a pop-up G11 indicating that the setting has been changed. The pop-up G11 notifies the user that the setting has been changed by displaying a message “The setting of the MFP 1 has been changed by remote operation.” The notification indicating that the setting has been changed is not limited to the display of the pop-up G11, but may be a form in which a figure, a mark, or the like is displayed. Alternatively, the notification may be made by voice.

  Then, when an operation of tapping the pop-up G11 on the MFP setting screen G1 is input, the display control unit 160 displays the contents regarding the change of the setting information 241 changed by the changing unit 120 on the operation panel 27 that is a display unit. Notify by displaying. Here, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the change content screen G2 displayed on the operation panel 27 of the embodiment. The change content screen G2 is a screen that displays information included in the change content information. That is, the change content screen G2 is a screen that displays content related to the change of the setting information 241 changed based on the operation information received from the remote operation terminal 2 by the change notification control unit 170. And the display control part 160 alert | reports by displaying on the change content screen G2 before and after the change of the setting information 241 which the change part 120 changed as the content regarding the change of the setting information 241. FIG. Moreover, the display control part 160 alert | reports by displaying the date which changed the setting information 241 which the change part 120 changed as the content regarding the change of the setting information 241 on the change content screen G2. The change content screen G2 may be displayed when an operation of tapping the icon G12 or the like is input.

  When the setting information 241 is changed by the operation information, the change notification control unit 170 causes the communication IF 25 that is a communication unit to transmit change content information indicating content related to the change of the setting information 241 changed by the changing unit 120. Inform. Specifically, when the remote operation end request is received and the recording of the operation content is ended, the change notification control unit 170 is registered from the notification destination information stored in the notification destination table T1 that the notification is necessary. The service person terminal 3 is extracted. Then, the change notification control unit 170, when the notification is required in the notification necessity setting, notifies the change content information using the serviceman terminal 3 registered as necessary for the notification necessity as a notification destination. The data is transmitted to the communication IF 25. On the other hand, the change notification control unit 170 does not transmit the change content information to the serviceman terminal 3 that is registered as unnecessary for notification necessity. Note that the communication unit is not limited to the communication IF 25. For example, the communication unit may be a communication IF 15 provided in the main body unit 10.

  The transmission unit 210 of the remote operation terminal 2 remotely operates the MFP 1 connected to the network 4 via the network 4. The transmission unit 210 transmits a remote operation request to the MFP 1 when the MFP 1 is remotely operated. When receiving a remote operable response indicating that remote operation is permitted, the transmission unit 210 transmits a screen information transmission request displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20 to the remote operation terminal 2. Then, the transmission unit 210 receives screen information from the MFP 1. When a remote operation operator inputs operation information using the input unit 46 while referring to the screen information, the transmission unit 210 serving as a transmission unit stores setting information stored in the flash memory 24 of the MFP 1 connected to the network 4. Operation information to be changed by remote operation is sent to the MFP 1.

  The display control unit 220 causes the display unit 45 to display the screen information received from the MFP 1 by the transmission unit 210.

  The input control unit 230 receives an input for generating operation information via the input unit 46. When a remote operator inputs a remote operation of MFP 1 to input unit 46 while referring to display unit 45 on which screen information of operation panel 27 of MFP 1 is displayed, input control unit 230 displays the operation information according to the input. Generate.

  The change notification control unit 310 of the service person terminal 3 receives change content information from the MFP 1 via the network 4.

  Display control unit 320 causes operation panel 55 to display change content information received from MFP 1. Thereby, the service person can grasp | ascertain the setting changed by remote operation.

  Next, notification setting processing executed by the MFP 1 according to the embodiment in accordance with a program will be described. In the notification setting process, the MFP 1 sets a notification destination to be notified when the MFP 1 is remotely operated.

  FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification setting processing executed by the MFP 1 according to the embodiment.

  First, the MFP 1 displays a notification destination setting screen (not shown) on the operation panel 27 (step S11). Next, the MFP 1 receives an input for setting a notification destination (step S12).

  Next, the MFP 1 accepts an input for setting necessity of notification to the notification destination (step S13). Next, the MFP 1 registers the set notification destination information in the notification destination table T1 (step S14). As described above, the MFP 1 executes the notification setting process.

  Next, setting processing executed by the MFP 1 and the remote operation terminal 2 according to the embodiment according to a program will be described. In the setting process, the remote operation terminal 2 changes the setting information 241 in which the settings of the MFP 1 are stored by remote operation.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of setting processing executed by the MFP 1 and the remote operation terminal 2 according to the embodiment.

  First, the first reception unit 110 of the MFP 1 activates a remote operation application (step S21). Next, the transmission unit 210 of the remote operation terminal 2 transmits a remote operation request to the MFP 1 (step S22).

  The first reception unit 110 of the MFP 1 that has received the remote operation request transmits a remote operation enable response to the remote operation terminal 2 (step S23). Next, the storage control unit 130 of the MFP 1 sets the recording start of the operation content related to the remote operation (step S24).

  Next, the transmission unit 210 of the remote operation terminal 2 transmits a screen request for requesting reception of a screen displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20 to the MFP 1 (step S25). The first receiving unit 110 of the MFP 1 that has received the screen request transmits screen information to be displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20 to the remote operation terminal 2 (step S26).

  Next, the display control unit 220 of the remote operation terminal 2 displays the received screen information on the display unit 45 (step S27). Next, the input control unit 230 of the remote operation terminal 2 accepts operation information input to the input unit 46 by the remote operation operator (step S28).

  Next, the transmission unit 210 of the remote operation terminal 2 transmits the input operation information to the MFP 1 via the network 4 (step S29). The changing unit 120 of the MFP 1 performs a remote operation based on the received operation information (step S30). Next, the storage control unit 130 of the MFP 1 stores the contents related to the performed remote operation (step S31).

  Next, when the remote operation ends, the transmission unit 210 of the remote operation terminal 2 transmits a remote operation end request to the MFP 1 (step S32). Receiving the remote operation end request, the storage control unit 130 of the MFP 1 sets the recording end of the operation content related to the remote operation (step S33). As described above, the MFP 1 and the remote operation terminal 2 execute the setting process.

  Next, notification processing executed by the MFP 1 and the serviceman terminal 3 according to the embodiment according to a program will be described. The MFP 1 transmits the change content information to the service person terminal 3 when the setting is changed by a remote operation.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification processing executed by the MFP 1 and the serviceman terminal 3 according to the embodiment. In the sequence diagram, “alt” indicates a conditional branch.

  First, the storage control unit 130 of the MFP 1 determines whether or not the setting information 241 of the flash memory 24 has been changed. If it is determined that the setting information 241 has been changed, the remote control content is saved (step S41).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the necessity of notification to the serviceman terminal 3 is registered. When the notification necessity is registered, the change notification control unit 170 of the MFP 1 stores the notification destination table T1. The change content information is transmitted to the notification destination stored in the notification destination information (step S42).

  Next, when the change content information is received, the display control unit 320 of the serviceman terminal 3 displays the change content information on the operation panel 55 (step S43).

  On the other hand, when it is not necessary to notify the serviceman terminal 3, the MFP 1 performs no special processing. Even when the setting information 241 is not changed by a remote operation, the MFP 1 performs no special processing. As described above, the MFP 1 and the serviceman terminal 3 execute the notification process.

  Next, notification processing executed by the MFP 1 according to the embodiment in accordance with a program will be described. In the notification process, the MFP 1 notifies that the setting information 241 has been changed by a remote operation.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification processing executed by the MFP 1 according to the embodiment. In the sequence diagram, “alt” indicates a conditional branch.

  First, the second reception unit 140 of the MFP 1 receives an operation input by the service person via the operation panel 27 (step S51). Next, the MFP 1 displays the MFP setting screen G1 in accordance with the input operation (step S52).

  Next, when the setting information 241 has been changed by remote operation, the display control unit 160 of the MFP 1 displays the icon G12 having the pop-up G11 on the MFP setting screen G1 (step S53).

  Next, the display control unit 160 of the MFP 1 displays the change content screen G2 when detecting an input for selecting the pop-up G11 by a tap or the like (step S54).

  On the other hand, when no input for selecting the pop-up G11 is detected, the MFP 1 performs no special processing. Even when the setting information 241 is not changed by a remote operation, the MFP 1 performs no special processing. As described above, the MFP 1 executes the notification process.

  As described above, according to the image processing system 1000 of the embodiment, when the MFP 1 receives operation information for remotely operating the MFP 1 from the remote operation terminal 2, the settings stored in the flash memory 24 according to the operation information. The information 241 is changed. Further, the MFP 1 stores change content information indicating the change content in the change content table T2. Then, when the MFP setting screen G1 is displayed, the MFP 1 displays a pop-up G11 for notification. Therefore, the MFP 1 can notify that the setting has been changed by remote operation.

  In addition, although several embodiment of this invention was described above, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  For example, the remote operation terminal 2 or the serviceman terminal 3 may have various functions and information that the MFP 1 has, or the remote operation terminal 2 may have various functions and information that the serviceman terminal 3 has. As described above, any device may have various functions and information of various devices.

  The functions (first reception unit 110, change unit 120, storage control unit 130, second reception unit 140, notification unit 150, display control unit 160, change notification control unit 170) of each unit of the MFP 1 described above are as follows. This is realized by the CPU (11 or 21) executing a program stored in a storage device (for example, ROM 12, HDD 14, ROM 22, flash memory 24, etc.), but is not limited to this. For example, the function of each unit of the MFP At least a part of them may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit (for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit).

  In addition, the functions (transmission unit 210, display control unit 220, input control unit 230) of each unit of the remote operation terminal 2 described above are executed by the CPU 41 executing a program stored in a storage device (for example, ROM 42, HDD 44, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least a part of the functions of each unit of the MFP may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit (for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit).

  In addition, the functions (change notification control unit 310, display control unit 320) of the respective units of the serviceman terminal 3 described above are executed by the CPU 51 in a program stored in a storage device (for example, the ROM 53, the flash memory 54, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least a part of the functions of each unit of the MFP may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit (for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit).

  A program executed in the image processing system (MFP 1, remote operation terminal 2, serviceman terminal 3, etc.) of the above-described embodiment is an installable format or executable format file, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk ( FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc. may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and provided via a network such as the Internet. Or you may comprise so that it may distribute. Various programs may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

1000 Image processing system 1 MFP
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Main body part 20 Operation part 24 Flash memory 241 Setting information T1 Notification destination table T2 Change content table 110 1st reception part 120 Change part 130 Storage control part 140 2nd reception part 150 Notification part 160 Display control part 170 Change notification control Unit 2 remote operation terminal 210 transmission unit 220 display control unit 230 input control unit 3 serviceman terminal 310 change notification control unit 320 display control unit

JP 2012-256301 A

Claims (9)

A storage unit for storing settings of various functions of the image processing apparatus;
First receiving means for receiving operation information for changing the setting stored in the storage unit via a network;
Changing means for changing the setting stored in the storage unit based on the operation information received by the first receiving means;
Second receiving means for receiving a display operation for displaying the setting stored in the storage unit via an input unit provided in the image processing apparatus;
A notification means for notifying that the setting has been changed by the operation information when the second receiving means has received the display operation after the setting has been changed by the operation information;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A display unit;
The informing means informs the display unit of the content related to the change in the setting changed by the changing means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A communication unit;
When the setting is changed by the operation information, the notification unit notifies the communication unit of the content related to the change of the setting changed by the changing unit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The notification means causes the communication unit to transmit the content related to the change of the setting when notification is registered in the notification necessity setting.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3. The notification means notifies the change before and after the change of the setting changed by the change means as the content related to the change of the setting.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The informing means informs the date and time when the changing means has changed the setting as the content related to the change in the setting.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A first receiving step for receiving operation information for changing the setting stored in a storage unit that stores settings of various functions of the image processing apparatus via the network;
A changing step for changing the setting stored in the storage unit based on the operation information received by the first receiving step;
A second receiving step of receiving a display operation for displaying the setting stored in the storage unit via an input unit provided in the image processing apparatus;
When the setting is changed by the operation information, a notification step for notifying that the setting is changed by the operation information when the second receiving step receives the display operation;
An image processing method comprising: A computer of an image processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores settings of various functions.
First receiving means for receiving operation information for changing the setting stored in the storage unit via a network;
Changing means for changing the setting stored in the storage unit based on the operation information received by the first receiving means;
Second receiving means for receiving a display operation for displaying the setting stored in the storage unit via an input unit provided in the image processing apparatus;
When the setting is changed by the operation information, when the second receiving unit receives the display operation, a notification unit that notifies that the setting has been changed by the operation information;
Program to function as. An image processing system comprising: an image processing device having a storage unit that stores settings of various functions; and an information processing device that changes the settings stored in the storage unit of the image processing device connected via a network. There,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A transmission unit that transmits operation information for changing settings of various functions stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus;
The image processing apparatus includes:
First receiving means for receiving the operation information transmitted from the transmitting means;
Changing means for changing the setting stored in the storage unit based on the operation information received by the first receiving means;
Second receiving means for receiving a display operation for displaying the setting stored in the storage unit via an input unit provided in the image processing apparatus;
A notification means for notifying that the setting has been changed by the operation information when the second receiving means has received the display operation when the setting has been changed by the operation information;
Image processing system.

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