JP2016110267A - Information processor, server device, control method for information processor, control method for server device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor, a server device, a control method of the information processor, a control method of the server device and a program for specifying and distributing synchronizable function setting information adapted to the function information of the information processor as a request source.SOLUTION: A server device which communicates with a plurality of information processors is configured to acquire and register function setting information set by each information processor in storage means, and to, when receiving a request for the function setting information to be synchronized from any information processor S1101, acquire executable function setting information from the information processor as a request source S1102, and to distribute the synchronizable function setting information to the information processor as the request source from the acquired function setting information and the registered function setting information S1111: Yes, S1113.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device, a server device, a control method for the information processing device, a control method for the server device, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, information processing apparatuses such as image forming apparatuses have various functions, and operations performed by users have become complicated. For this reason, the time required for setting becomes longer. Some functions are repeatedly used. On the other hand, there is a function in which the user's operation content is stored as favorite setting information, and the registered setting information can be easily reused when the user performs a call operation.
Further, in a configuration in which an image forming apparatus and a server are connected to a network, a function is known in which setting information registered by a user is held on the server and user setting information is synchronized with another image forming apparatus. With this synchronization function, the user can reuse favorite setting information from any image forming apparatus. Furthermore, when the setting information includes a function that is not supported by the synchronization destination, a process for correcting the setting value of the function that is not supported to a setting value that can be used is performed.
However, by performing the correction process, the setting information registered as a favorite setting at the synchronization source becomes setting information that is not intended by the user at the synchronization destination, and is a setting that is difficult to use.
Therefore, it is desired that the setting information not intended by the user is not synchronized.

JP 2006-33470 A

In the technique proposed in Patent Literature 1, when setting information of a device is transmitted in order to synchronize the information in a plurality of devices, the setting information to be transmitted is limited when the password setting is included. Further, the distribution source device determines whether a password is set in the transmission target setting information, and when it is determined that the password is set, excludes a part or all of the setting information from the transmission target, Send to the destination device.
As a result, in the distribution source device, it is possible to prevent the box setting information from being distributed unnecessarily for the box for which the password is set. Thereby, it is possible to provide a user-friendly box setting information distribution system.
However, since the distribution source device controls the distribution according to the contents of the setting information, the function support of the distribution destination device is not taken into consideration, and an appropriate distribution determination cannot be made.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to process information that can be acquired and used from a server device for synchronizable function setting information adapted to function information that can be executed. Is to provide a device.
Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a server device that can identify and distribute synchronizable function setting information adapted to the function information of the requesting information processing apparatus.

The information processing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.
An information processing apparatus that communicates with a server apparatus, a transmission means for transmitting function setting information for specifying a set function to the server apparatus, and a request means for requesting distribution of the function setting information registered in the server apparatus And an acquisition means for acquiring function setting information determined to be synchronizable at the delivery destination from the function setting information registered in the server device, and a display means for displaying the acquired function setting information. Features.
The server device of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.
A server device that communicates with a plurality of information processing devices, and obtains function setting information set in each information processing device, and registers and manages the setting information in a storage unit, and synchronizes from any information processing device Receiving means for receiving a distribution request for function setting information; and distribution means for distributing function setting information that can be synchronized from the received function setting information and registered function information to a distribution destination information processing apparatus. And

According to the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to acquire and use synchronizable function setting information adapted to function information that can be executed from a server apparatus.
According to the server device of the present invention, synchronizable function setting information adapted to the function information of the requesting information processing apparatus can be identified and distributed.

It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the system containing a server apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a setting server. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure of the operation part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows UI screen displayed on a touchscreen display. It is a figure which shows UI screen displayed on a touchscreen display. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting information table which manages the registered setting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a function support management table. It is a figure which shows UI screen displayed on a touchscreen display. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of a server apparatus. It is a figure which shows UI screen displayed on a touchscreen display. It is a figure which shows the table which sets a synchronous judgment skip object function. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of a server apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of a server apparatus.

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a system including a server device according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, in this example, a setting server 100 and MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 101 and 102 are connected via a network 1003. Note that FIG. 1 shows an example for explanation in the present embodiment, and other components may be included, or a configuration having the same effect as the present embodiment may be included. Needless to say.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the setting server 100 illustrated in FIG.
In FIG. 2, a CPU 111, RAM 112, ROM 113, input control I / F 114, display control I / F 115, external memory I / F 116, and communication I / F controller 117 are connected to a system bus 110. Each unit connected to the system bus 110 is configured to be able to exchange data with each other via the system bus 110.
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 is a device that controls each device and calculates / processes data. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 is a volatile memory, and is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 111.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 113 is a non-volatile memory, and stores image data, other data, various programs for operating the CPU 111, and the like in predetermined areas.

  The CPU 111 controls each unit of the setting server 100 using the RAM 112 as a work memory, for example, according to a program stored in the ROM 113. The program for operating the CPU 111 is not limited to being stored in the ROM 113 but may be stored in the external memory 120.

  The input control I / F 114 receives a user operation, generates a control signal corresponding to the operation, and supplies the control signal to the CPU 111. In this example, the input control I / F 114 includes a keyboard 118 and a mouse 119 as input devices that accept user operations.

  The CPU 111 controls each unit of the setting server 100 according to a program based on a control signal generated and supplied by the input control I / F 114 in accordance with a user operation performed on the input device. Thereby, the operation according to the user operation can be performed by the setting server 100.

  The display control I / F 115 outputs a display signal for displaying an image on the display 121. For example, the CPU 111 supplies the generated display control signal to the display control I / F 115 according to the program. The display control I / F 115 generates a display signal based on the display control signal and outputs the display signal to the display 121. For example, the display control I / F 115 causes the display XXX to display a GUI screen constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on a display control signal generated by the CPU 111.

  The external memory I / F 116 can be loaded with an external memory 120 such as an HDD, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, a flash memory, a memory card, or the like. Based on the control of the CPU 111, data is read from the attached external memory 120 and data is written to the external memory 120. Depending on the configuration, the external memory 120 may be used instead of the ROM 113.

  The communication I / F controller 117 performs communication with various networks such as LAN, the Internet, wired, and wireless based on the control of the CPU 111. Various devices such as a PC, an MFP, a printer, and a server are connected to the network 1003 so that they can communicate with the setting server 100.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 101 and the MFP 102 illustrated in FIG. In the present exemplary embodiment, an image forming apparatus and a composite image forming apparatus are included as an example of the information processing apparatus. In the following description, the MFP 101 and the MFP 102 are taken as an example.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 311 denotes a CPU which controls devices connected to the system bus 310 by executing control programs stored in the ROM 313 and the external memory 320. Reference numeral 312 denotes a RAM which functions as a work memory for the CPU 311. Reference numeral 317 denotes a communication I / F controller that performs communication processing with devices that can communicate via the network 1003. An input control I / F 314 controls input / output with the touch panel display 323. Reference numeral 315 denotes a display control I / F that controls display on the touch panel display 323.
Reference numeral 316 denotes an external memory interface which controls data writing to and data reading from the external memory 320. Reference numeral 321 denotes a scanner which reads an image of a document with a reading unit (not shown) and stores the read image data in the RAM 312 or the external memory 320. A printer 322 prints an image on recording paper based on the image data developed in the RAM 312. The engine format may be an ink jet method or a laser beam method. This example is a general configuration of the MFP, and other optional devices such as an ADF and a sheet post-processing apparatus may be connected.

  In FIG. 3, a scanner 321 reads an original and generates image data based on the control of the CPU 311. For example, the CPU 311 causes the scanner 321 to perform a scanning process according to a user instruction input via the input control I / F 314. The scanner 321 reads a document placed on a document table or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), converts it into digital data, and generates image data. Then, the scanner 321 stores the generated image data in the external memory 320 via the external memory I / F 316.

  The printer 322 prints image data stored in the external memory 320 based on the control of the CPU 311. For example, the CPU 311 causes the printer 322 to perform print processing according to a user instruction input via the input control I / F 314 or a command input from an external device via the communication I / F controller 317. . The printer 322 reads the image data from the external memory 320, converts it into a printable data format, and prints it on a paper document.

The touch panel display 323 has an integrated touch panel and display, and is connected to the input control I / F 314 and the display control I / F 315. The touch panel is configured such that light transmittance does not hinder display on the display, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display.
Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel are associated with the display coordinates on the display. Thereby, on the touch panel display 323, a GUI can be configured as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation unit 324 shown in FIG. In this example, the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 4, the touch panel display 323 has a touch panel sheet pasted on a liquid crystal and displays a system operation screen and soft keys. When the displayed key is pressed, the position information is transmitted to the CPU 311.

  A start key 402 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key 402, there is a green and red two-color LED 403, which indicates whether or not the start key 402 can be used. A stop key 404 functions to stop an operation in operation. The numeric keypad 405 is composed of a group of buttons of numbers and letters, and instructs setting of the number of copies and switching of the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 401. A user mode key 406 is pressed when device setting is performed.

5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating an example of a UI screen displayed on the touch panel display 323 illustrated in FIG. In particular, the UI screen shown in FIG. 5 is a copy job setting screen for specifying job settings for the copy function. The user can set an arbitrary function from the copy job setting screen 500.
In the UI screen example of FIG. 5, icons for color mode, magnification, paper selection, finishing, duplex, density, and document type are displayed and settings can be changed. However, other function settings not shown here are set. Can also be changed. By pressing a frequently used setting button 501, a setting information registration screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 can be opened and a setting information registration operation can be performed. In FIG. 6, the job setting registration operation for the copy function has been described, but it goes without saying that the registration operation can be performed not only for the copy function but also for other functions.

The UI screen shown in FIG. 6 is a setting information registration screen for registering setting information.
In FIG. 6, on the setting information registration screen 600, by selecting any of the setting information buttons 601a to 601i and further selecting the registration button 602, function setting information set on the copy job setting screen 500 is used as a shortcut. Can be saved. Further, when calling the saved setting information, the saved setting information can be called by selecting the setting information buttons 601a to 601i in which the setting information is registered and selecting the OK button 606. The name change button 603 is a button for changing the name of the setting information button by selecting the setting information buttons 601a to 601i and further selecting the name changing button 603. The delete button 604 is a button for deleting the setting information registered in the selected setting information buttons 601a to 601i.
In the example of FIG. 6, the setting information button 601a is named “Meeting Material”, the setting information button 601b is “bookbinding”, the setting information button 601c is “Eco Setting”, and the setting information button 601d is “Saddle Stitch”. This indicates that the setting information is registered. The setting information buttons 601e to 601i represent a state in which setting information is not registered. A cancel button 605 is a button for closing the setting information registration screen 600 by selecting the cancel button 605. Although FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which nine setting information can be registered, a configuration in which nine or more setting information can be registered may be used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a setting information table for managing setting information registered on the setting information registration screen 600 shown in FIG. In this example, when setting information is registered on the setting information registration screen 600, the setting information is registered in the setting information table 700 and stored in the ROM 113 of the MFP 101 or MFP 102. Here, the ROM 113 and the like are constituted by a rewritable memory medium. At this time, the same setting information table 700 is transmitted to the setting server 100 and is centrally managed as function setting information that can be executed by each of the MFPs 101 and 102. Note that the registration destination may be the external memory 120.
In the example of FIG. 7, the setting information registered in the setting information button 601a on the setting information registration screen 600 is registered in the setting information 701a in the setting information table 700. The setting information 701a indicates that the setting information “specific: meeting material” and “color: full color, double-sided: single-sided to double-sided, finishing: stapler, bookbinding: no setting” is registered.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function support management table.
In FIG. 8, a function support management table 800 manages function support information for each device. The function support management table 800 is composed of models 801a to 801d and functions 802a to 802d. For example, in the MFP 101 (801a), the duplex function 802b is “supported”. In the MFP 102 (801b), the bookbinding function 802d is set to “no support”.
Further, in the MFP 103, the saddle stitch function of the finishing function 802c is “supported with conditions”. Conditional support indicates that the device supports the function, but there are states that can be used and states that cannot be used depending on the condition.
For example, the saddle stitch setting of the finishing function enables the saddle stitch function to be used when a finisher that enables the saddle stitch function is attached to the device. On the other hand, when the finisher that enables the saddle stitching function is not attached to the device, the saddle stitching function is disabled.
Therefore, the saddle stitch setting of the finishing function indicates that the support conditions change depending on the finisher mounting configuration. Here, the example of “support with condition” is given by taking the saddle stitch setting of the finishing function as an example, but the condition may be different depending on the function. The function support management table 800 is stored in the ROM 113 area of each device.
In the example of FIG. 8, support information for a plurality of devices is described, but when stored in each device, only the support information for the stored devices is managed by the function support management table 800. Alternatively, the setting server 100 may collectively manage support information for all devices. When collectively managed by the setting server 100, the support information of all devices is collectively managed in the function support management table 800 as in the example of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen displayed on the touch panel display 323 illustrated in FIG. This example is a screen example of a synchronization selection screen for allowing the user to select whether synchronization is possible or not when synchronizing setting information including a conditional support function.
In FIG. 9, when the setting server 100 determines to distribute the setting information to the synchronization destination device, if it is determined that the setting information includes the conditional support function, the liquid crystal display unit 401 of the synchronization destination device The synchronization selection screen 900 is displayed. The synchronization selection screen 900 displays a list of conditional support functions 901 included in the setting information, and warns the user that there is a function restriction. When the No button 902 is selected by the user's operation, the setting information is not distributed to the synchronization destination device. Also, when the Yes button 903 is selected by the user's operation, the setting information is distributed to the synchronization destination device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This example is a processing example for explaining processing in which the information processing apparatus transmits setting information to the setting server. In the example of FIG. 10, processing in which the MFP 101 receives a setting information registration instruction from the user and transmits the registered setting information to the setting server 100 will be described. Each operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is realized by the CPU 311 of the MFP 101 executing a control program.
In step S1000, the MFP 101 starts in a state where it can accept a setting operation from the user. In S1000, in S1001, the CPU 311 displays the copy job setting screen 500 on the touch panel display 323 of the operation unit 324.
In step S1002, the CPU 311 receives a setting information setting operation by a user operation. An arbitrary function is set on the copy job setting screen 500 by a user operation.

In step S1003, the CPU 311 accepts a setting information registration operation by a user operation. When a frequently used setting button 501 on the copy job setting screen 500 is selected by a user operation, a setting information registration screen 600 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 401 of the operation unit.
Further, when any of the setting information buttons 601a to 601i is selected on the setting information registration screen 600 and the registration button 602 is selected, the CPU 311 performs an operation for registering the setting information set in S1002. In the registration operation, the setting information is written into the setting information table 700, and the setting information table 700 is stored in the ROM 113 of the MFP 101.

In step S <b> 1004, the CPU 311 transmits the setting information registered in step S <b> 1003 to the setting server 100. Specifically, at the timing when the setting information registration operation in S1003 is completed, the CPU 311 transmits the setting information table 700 stored in the ROM 113 of the MFP 101 to the setting server 100, and the setting information table to the ROM 113 of the setting server 100. 700 is stored.
The timing at which the setting information is transmitted to the setting server 100 is not limited to when the setting information registration operation is completed, but may be another timing such as when a logout process is performed by the user. In step S <b> 1005, the CPU 311 ends the process related to transmission of setting information to the setting server 100.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of the server apparatus according to the present embodiment. This example is a processing example in which the setting server 100 determines the synchronization of the setting information. In the example of FIG. 11, when the setting server 100 receives a synchronization instruction, processing for acquiring information of the function support management table 800 from the distribution destination device and controlling distribution according to the support information will be described. Here, processing in which the setting server 100 receives a synchronization instruction from the MFP 102 and distributes setting information to the MFP 102 will be described. Each operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is realized by the CPU 111 of the setting server 100 executing a control program.

In step S <b> 1100, the setting server 100 starts this processing in a state where a synchronization request (distribution request) can be received from the MFP 102. In S1100, the user's setting information is stored in the ROM 113 of the setting server 100.
In step S <b> 1101, the CPU 111 of the setting server 100 receives a synchronization instruction from the MFP 102.

  In step S1102, the function support management table 800 of the MFP 102 of the synchronization destination device is acquired. At this time, the function support information regarding the MFP 102 is registered in the function support management table 800 shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 1103, the CPU 111 refers to the distribution target setting information table 700 stored in the setting server 100 and acquires a function list registered in the setting information. In S1104, the CPU 111 acquires the first function from the function list acquired in S1103.

In step S1105, the CPU 111 determines whether the function has been acquired in step S1104 or S1107. If the CPU 111 determines that the function has been acquired, the process advances to step S1106 to check whether synchronization is possible.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines in step S1105 that the function cannot be acquired, the process advances to step S1113. Here, the case where the CPU 111 determines that the function cannot be acquired means that the function up to the last function in the function list acquired in S1103 is acquired and the synchronization availability check of all functions is completed.

In step S <b> 1106, the CPU 111 determines whether the synchronization target MFP 102 supports the function acquired in step S <b> 1104 or S <b> 1107 using the function support management table 800 acquired in step S <b> 1102. Then, the CPU 111 refers to the function support management table 800 and determines whether the function is supported by the MFP 102. If the CPU 111 determines that the function is supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1107 to acquire the next function in the function list, and the process in step S1105 is repeated.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines in step S1106 that the function is not supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1108.

In step S <b> 1108, the CPU 111 determines whether the synchronization destination MFP 102 is supported with conditions using the function support management table 800 acquired in step S <b> 1102. If the CPU 111 determines that the function is conditionally supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1109.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines in step S1108 that the function is not conditionally supported in the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1112, and the CPU 111 does not distribute setting information to the MFP 102.
In step S <b> 1109, if the function is conditional support in the MFP 102 based on the determination in step S <b> 1108, the CPU 111 transmits display data for displaying the synchronization selection screen 900 on the touch panel display 323 of the operation unit 324 of the MFP 102. The setting server 100 makes an inquiry to the user of the MFP 102 through this step. In step S <b> 1110, the CPU 111 receives a response result indicating whether synchronization is possible or not by a user operation on the synchronization selection screen 900 displayed on the MFP 102.

In step S1111, the CPU 111 determines distribution of the setting information to the MFP 102 according to the reception result in step S1110. If the CPU 111 determines that the reception result is “synchronize”, the process advances to step S1113 to distribute the setting information to the MFP 102, and the information in the setting information table 700 stored in the ROM 113 of the setting server 100 is displayed in the MFP 102. Distributed to the ROM 113.
At that time, the CPU 111 does not delete the setting information table 700 stored in the ROM 113 of the setting server 100.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that the reception result is “not synchronized”, the process advances to step S1112, and the CPU 111 does not distribute the setting information to the MFP 102. In step S <b> 1114, the CPU 111 ends the process related to the synchronization determination of the setting information.

  In the synchronization determination process, the setting information table 700 in FIG. 7 and the function support management table 800 in FIG. 8 are used for the distribution process in each case of “supported”, “not supported”, and “conditional support”. A specific example will be described. As a premise, a case will be described in which the setting information table 700 of FIG. 7 is stored in the setting server 100 and setting information is distributed from the setting server 100 to the MFP 102.

In step S1102, the function support management table 800 related to the MFP 102 is acquired. The function support information 801b of the MFP 102 includes “support” for the stapler of the function 802a, duplex function 802b, and finishing function 802c corresponding to the color mode, “no support” for the bookbinding function 802d, and “conditional” for the saddle stitching function 802c. "Support".
In step S <b> 1103, the function list “color, duplex, finish, bookbinding” of the setting information 701 a to 701 d is acquired from the setting information table 700. Further, in S1104 or S1107, the functions “color”, “double-sided”, “finishing”, and “binding” are acquired in order from the top of the list from the function list acquired in S1103. However, when the setting content of the function is not set, the function is not acquired. Then, the synchronization determination is performed in S1106 to S1113 for the function acquired in S1104 or S1107.

  In the “conference material” of the setting information 701a, “color: full color, double-sided: single-sided → double-sided, finishing: stapler” is registered in the setting information. When the function support information 801b of the MFP 102 is viewed, all the functions registered in the “conference material” of the setting information 701a are “supported”, so the “conference material” of the setting information 701a is distributed to the MFP 102.

  In the setting information 701b, “bookbinding” has registered therein “color: full color, double-sided: double-sided → double-sided, finishing: stapler, bookbinding: set”. Looking at the function support information 801 b of the MFP 102, since the bookbinding function 802 d is “no support”, the “bookbinding” of the setting information 701 b is not distributed to the MFP 102.

  The “eco setting” of the setting information 701c is considered when “color: black and white, double-sided: double-sided → double-sided, finishing: eco-binding” is registered in the setting information. When the function support information 801b of the MFP 102 is viewed, all the functions registered in the “eco setting” of the setting information 701c are “supported”, so the “eco setting” of the setting information 701c is distributed to the MFP 102.

  In the setting information 701d, “saddle stitching” has “color: full color, double-sided: double-sided → double-sided, finishing: saddle-stitching” registered in the setting information. When the function support information 801b of the MFP 102 is viewed, the saddle stitching of the finishing function 802c is “conditional support”, and thus the user determines whether or not synchronization is possible in S1109 to S1113. If “Synchronize” is selected in S1111, “saddle stitching” in the setting information 701d is distributed to the MFP 102. On the other hand, if “Do not synchronize” is selected in S <b> 1111, “saddle stitching” in the setting information 701 d is not distributed to the MFP 102.

FIG. 12 shows a setting information registration screen 1200 of the MFP 102 after the setting information is distributed, reflecting the above result.
11, the “conference material” of the setting information 701a and the “eco setting” of the setting information 701c are distributed to the MFP 102, and the setting information 1201a and the setting information 1201c are displayed as “conference” on the setting information registration screen 1200 after the setting information is distributed. Display reflecting “data” and “eco-setting”.
Since “binding” of the setting information 701b is not distributed to the MFP 102, the setting information registration screen 1200 after the setting information is distributed displays a state in which no setting information 1201b is set. In addition, when “synchronous binding” is selected in the setting information 701d and “synchronize” is selected by the user's synchronization availability selection, the setting information registration screen 1200 after the setting information is distributed reflects “saddle stitching” in the setting information 1201d. Display. Furthermore, since “saddle stitching” of the setting information 1201d is distributed with conditional support, the information may be displayed in a display state with a mark 1202 indicating that it is conditional setting information.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a table for setting the synchronization determination skip target function of the setting information according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 13, the decision skip target function table 1300 is a table that can be arbitrarily changed by the user when it is desired to be able to distribute even setting information including functions not supported by the model in the function support management table 800. is there. For example, when setting information “color mode: full color, double-sided: double-sided → double-sided” is distributed to a device that does not support full color, according to the function support management table 800, if the full color is “not supported”, the setting information Do not deliver. However, if you want to give priority to duplex settings, you need to ignore the color mode support information.
Therefore, by setting “color mode” in the determination skip target function table 1300, the process is performed with the color mode as a determination skip target when determining function support. The determination skip target function table 1300 can be changed from any device and is stored in the ROM 113 of the setting server 100.
The example of FIG. 13 shows a state where the color mode 1301a and the finish 1301b are set as the determination skip target functions in the determination skip target function table 1300.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of the server apparatus according to the present embodiment. This example is a processing example for performing synchronization determination when setting a determination skip target table. In the example of FIG. 14, a process of acquiring information of the function support management table 800 and the determination skip target function table 1300 and controlling the distribution of setting information when the setting server 100 receives a synchronization instruction will be described. Here, processing in which the setting server 100 receives a synchronization instruction from the MFP 102 and distributes setting information to the MFP 102 will be described. Each operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 is realized by the CPU 111 of the setting server 100 executing a control program.

  In step S <b> 1400, the CPU 111 of the setting server 100 starts in a state where a synchronization instruction can be received from the MFP 102. In S1400, the user's setting information is stored in the ROM 113 of the setting server 100. In step S <b> 1401, the CPU 111 of the setting server 100 receives a synchronization instruction from the MFP 102.

In step S1402, the CPU 111 acquires the function support management table 800 of the MFP 102 serving as the synchronization destination device. At this time, function support information regarding the MFP 102 is registered in the function support management table 800. In step S <b> 1403, the CPU 111 acquires the determination skip target function table 1300 stored in the ROM 113 of the setting server 100.
In step S <b> 1404, the CPU 111 refers to the distribution target setting information table 700 stored in the setting server 100 and acquires a function list registered in the setting information. In step S1405, the CPU 111 acquires the first function from the function list acquired in step S1404.

In step S1406, the CPU 111 determines whether the function has been acquired in step S1405 or S1409. If the CPU 111 determines that the function has been acquired, the process advances to step S1407.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that the function cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to S1415. Here, the case where the functions cannot be acquired indicates that the functions up to the last function in the function list acquired in S1404 have been acquired, and the synchronization availability check for all functions has been completed.

In step S1407, the CPU 111 determines whether the function acquired in step S1405 or S1409 is a skip target item using the determination skip target function table 1400 acquired in step S1403. If the CPU 111 determines that the function is to be skipped, the process advances to step S1409 to acquire the next function in the function list, and the process in step S1406 is repeated.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines in step S1407 that the function is not a skip target, the process advances to step S1408.

In step S1408, the CPU 111 determines whether the synchronization target MFP 102 supports the function acquired in step S1405 or S1409 using the function support management table 800 acquired in step S1402. If the CPU 111 determines that the function is supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1409 to acquire the next function in the function list, and the CPU 111 repeats the process of step S1406.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines in step S1408 that the function is not supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1410.

In step S <b> 1410, the CPU 111 determines whether the synchronization destination MFP 102 is supported with conditions using the function support management table 800 acquired in step S <b> 1402. If the CPU 111 determines that the function is conditionally supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1411.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines in step S1410 that the function is not conditionally supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1414, and the CPU 111 does not distribute setting information to the MFP 102.
If it is determined in step S1411 that the function is conditional support in the MFP 102 in step S1410, display data for displaying the synchronization selection screen 900 is transmitted to the touch panel display 323 of the operation unit 324 of the MFP 102. As a result, the synchronization selection screen 900 is displayed on the touch panel display 323 of the operation unit 324 of the MFP 102.
In step S <b> 1412, the CPU 111 receives a result of selection of whether or not synchronization is possible by a user operation on the synchronization selection screen 900.

In step S <b> 1413, the CPU 111 determines distribution of the setting information to the MFP 102 according to the reception result in step S <b> 1412. If the CPU 111 determines that the reception result is “synchronize”, the process advances to step S 1415 to distribute the setting information to the MFP 102.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that the reception result is “not synchronized”, the process advances to step S1414, and the CPU 111 does not distribute the setting information to the MFP 102.
In step S <b> 1416, the CPU 111 ends the process related to the setting information synchronization determination process when the determination skip function is set.

  In the synchronization determination process, regarding the distribution process when the function determination skip target function table is set, the setting information table in FIG. 7, the function support management table 800 in FIG. 8, and the determination skip target function table 1300 in FIG. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. As a premise, a case will be described in which the setting information table 700 of FIG. 7 is stored in the setting server 100 and setting information is distributed from the setting server 100 to MFPs other than the MFPs 101 and 102. In the present embodiment, the setting server 100 is function setting information set by a plurality of information processing apparatuses, MFPs 101 and 102, and centrally manages the function setting information transmitted from the MFPs 101 and 102. When frequently used buttons are selected from MFPs other than the MFPs 101 and 102, the function setting information managed in a centralized manner is displayed in a list so as to be synchronized with the distribution destination MFP. At that time, if the setting server 100 determines that the function setting information is function setting information that cannot be set in association with the function information of the distribution destination MFP, the setting server 100 performs control so that the function setting information is not included in the list display. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which it is determined whether or not the MFP 102 can synchronize with function setting information of another MFP, and the setting server 100 controls whether or not the function setting information centrally managed by the MFP 101 is transmitted.

  The acquisition of the function support management table, the function list, and the function acquisition are the same as those in FIG. In step S1403, the CPU 111 acquires the determination skip target function table 1300. In the determination skip target function table 1300, the color mode 1301a and the finish b are set as the determination skip target functions. In the function support information of the MFP 102 (801d) in the function support management table 800, the full color setting of the function 802a corresponding to the color mode is in a state of “no support”. However, since the color mode 1301a is set in the determination skip target function table 1300, the CPU 111 determines that the function is a determination skip target in S1407, and as a result, all the setting information 701a to 701d is distributed to the MFP 102. .

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of the server apparatus according to the present embodiment. This example is a processing example in which synchronization determination is performed when the setting function includes an adjustment function. The setting values of the adjustment function that adjusts the image quality such as color adjustment, density, and contrast are the setting values that need to be adjusted for each device. Therefore, when the settings are distributed to other devices, the setting values may not be appropriate. There is sex. Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 15, when the setting server 100 receives a synchronization instruction, a process for controlling not to distribute setting information including the adjustment function when the adjustment information is included in the setting information will be described. . Here, processing in which the setting server 100 receives a synchronization instruction from the MFP 102 and distributes setting information to the MFP 102 will be described. Each operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15 is realized by the CPU 111 of the setting server 100 executing a control program.

  In step S <b> 1500, the setting server 100 starts in a state where it can accept a synchronization instruction from the MFP 102. In S1500, user setting information for synchronization with the setting server 100 is stored.

  In step S <b> 1501, the CPU 111 of the setting server 100 receives a synchronization instruction from the MFP 102. In step S1502, the function support management table 800 of the MFP 102 of the synchronization destination device is acquired. At this time, function support information regarding the MFP 102 is registered in the function support management table 800. In step S1503, the CPU 111 refers to the distribution target setting information table 700 stored in the ROM 113 of the setting server 100, and acquires a function list registered in the setting information. In step S1504, the CPU 111 acquires the first function from the function list acquired in step S1505.

In step S1505, the CPU 111 determines whether the function has been acquired in step S1504 or S1508. If the CPU 111 determines that the function has been acquired, the process advances to step S1506.
On the other hand, when the CPU 111 determines that the function cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to S1514. Here, the case where the function cannot be acquired indicates that the functions up to the last function in the function list acquired in S1504 have been acquired, and the synchronization availability check for all functions has been completed.

  In step S1506, the CPU 111 determines whether the function acquired in step S1504 or S1508 is an adjustment function for adjusting an image. If the CPU 111 determines that the function is an adjustment function for adjusting an image, the process advances to step S1515 to end the process without distributing the setting information to the MFP 102. On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that the adjustment function is not an image adjustment function, the process advances to step S1507. Here, the adjustment system function for adjusting an image includes adjustment of image quality density and the like.

  In step S1507, the CPU 111 determines whether the synchronization target MFP 102 supports the function using the function support management table 800 acquired in step S1502 for the function acquired in step S1504 or S1508. If the CPU 111 determines that the function is supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1508, and the CPU 111 acquires the next function in the function list and repeats the process in step S1505. On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that the function is not supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1509.

In step S <b> 1509, the CPU 111 determines whether the synchronization destination MFP 102 is supported with conditions using the function support management table 800 acquired in step S <b> 1502. If the CPU 111 determines that the function is conditionally supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S1510.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that the function is conditionally not supported by the MFP 102, the process advances to step S <b> 1513, and the CPU 111 does not distribute setting information to the MFP 102.
In step S <b> 1510, when the function is conditional support in the MFP 102, the CPU 111 transmits display data for displaying the synchronization selection screen 900 on the touch panel display 323 of the operation unit 324 of the MFP 102. As a result, the synchronization selection screen 900 is displayed on the touch panel display 323 of the operation unit 324 of the MFP 102.
In step S <b> 1511, the CPU 111 receives the result of the selection of whether or not synchronization is possible through the operation of the user of the MFP 102 via the synchronization selection screen 900.

In step S <b> 1512, the CPU 111 determines distribution of the setting information to the MFP 102 according to the reception result in step S <b> 1511. If the CPU 111 determines that the reception result is “synchronize”, the process advances to step S1514 to distribute the setting information to the MFP 102.
On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that the reception result is “not synchronized”, the process advances to step S1513, and the CPU 111 does not distribute the setting information to the MFP 102.
In step S1515, the CPU 111 ends the process related to the synchronization determination process when the setting function includes the adjustment function.

  The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

100 Setting server 101, 102 MFP

Claims (14)

An information processing device that communicates with a server device,
Transmitting means for transmitting function setting information for specifying a set function to the server device;
Request means for making a distribution request for the function setting information registered in the server device;
Acquisition means for acquiring function setting information determined to be synchronizable at the delivery destination from the function setting information registered in the server device;
Display means for displaying the acquired function setting information;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   2. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the display unit acquires and displays a list of function setting information including function setting information acquired from another information processing apparatus centrally managed by the server apparatus. apparatus.   2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling a display state of the function setting information to be displayed in accordance with whether or not the acquired synchronizable function setting information is conditional. Receiving means for receiving a screen for inquiring whether to synchronize specific function setting information with restrictions on the function setting information acquired from the server device;
Response means for responding to the server device with a request to be accepted from the user with respect to the inquiry screen;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus includes an image forming apparatus and a composite image forming apparatus. A server device that communicates with a plurality of information processing devices,
Management means for acquiring function setting information set in each information processing apparatus and registering and managing the function setting information in the storage means;
Receiving means for receiving a function setting information distribution request to be synchronized from any one of the information processing devices;
Distribution means for distributing function setting information that can be synchronized from the received function setting information and registered function information to an information processing apparatus that is a distribution destination;
A server device comprising: A determination means for determining whether or not specific function setting information can be conditionally synchronized from the received function setting information and registered function information;
Inquiry means for inquiring to the information processing apparatus of the delivery destination whether to include in the function setting information that can be synchronized the specific function setting information to be synchronized with the condition,
The server apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: Control means for controlling delivery of the specific function setting information to be synchronized with the condition based on information returned from the information processing apparatus as a delivery destination in response to the inquiry;
The server apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:   The server apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the function information is an adjustment function that adjusts an image quality of the information processing apparatus.   The server apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information processing apparatus includes an image forming apparatus and a composite image forming apparatus. A method of controlling an information processing apparatus that communicates with a server apparatus,
A transmission step of transmitting function setting information for specifying a set function to the server device;
A requesting step for requesting delivery of function setting information registered in the server device;
An acquisition step of acquiring function setting information determined to be synchronizable at a delivery destination from the function setting information registered in the server device;
A display process for displaying the acquired function setting information on the display means;
An information processing apparatus control method comprising: A method for controlling a server device that communicates with a plurality of information processing devices,
A registration step of acquiring function setting information set in each information processing apparatus and registering it in the storage means;
An acquisition step of acquiring function information executable from each information processing device;
A management step of registering and managing the acquired function information in the storage means;
A receiving step of receiving a function setting information distribution request to be synchronized from any of the information processing devices;
A distribution step of distributing function setting information that can be synchronized from the received function setting information and the registered function information to an information processing apparatus of a distribution destination;
A control method for a server device, comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the information processing apparatus according to claim 11.   A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling a server device according to claim 12.

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