JP2016187115A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology that enables a user to more easily perform setting processing on a plurality of image forming apparatuses having different apparatus configurations.SOLUTION: One apparatus (parent apparatus) of a plurality of MFPs (image forming apparatuses) 10 acquires an item to be set (setting item designated by user as item to be set by using a screen for designating item) (S13, S14), and determines whether the parent apparatus 10a includes a setting screen corresponding to the item to be set (S21). When the parent apparatus 10a does not includes the setting screen, the parent apparatus 10a transmits, to a child apparatus to be set 10b (child apparatus on which setting processing related to item to be set is to be performed) of the plurality of MFPs 10, a request to transmit a setting screen for a child apparatus stored in the child apparatus to be set (S31, S35). The parent apparatus 10a receives the setting screen for a child apparatus (S32, S36), and transmits setting information received by using the setting screen for a child apparatus (S33, S37) to the child apparatus to be set 10b (S35).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) and a related technique, and more particularly to a setting technique of the image forming apparatus.

  When the MFP is introduced, setting processing related to various setting items related to the MFP is performed by a service person or the like.

  For example, a setting process in which a service person inputs setting contents regarding various setting items while looking at a setting screen displayed on the operation panel of the MFP can be performed.

  By the way, when setting processing of a plurality of MFPs using such a technique, it is necessary to perform a setting operation on each of the plurality of MFPs.

  In such a setting operation, common setting contents are basically set in a plurality of MFPs. However, some of the plurality of MFPs may have optional configurations (for example, a finisher and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) that are not provided in other MFPs. In such a case, it is required to make settings according to the device configuration of each MFP.

  On the other hand, there is a technique for collectively setting a plurality of MFPs having different device configurations (see Patent Document 1). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes a technique for pre-constructing virtual data related to each MFP in a server or the like in order to set a plurality of MFPs having different device configurations.

JP 2012-250370 A

  However, when using the technique of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it takes a relatively long time to generate virtual data relating to each MFP in advance (first).

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of performing setting processing relating to a plurality of image forming apparatuses having different apparatus configurations more easily.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus which is one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting an image forming system, for specifying an item for specifying a setting item. Item acquisition means for acquiring a setting target item that is a setting item specified as a setting target by a user using a screen, and a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, the one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses A determination unit that determines whether or not a parent device that is a device has; and when the parent device does not have the setting screen that corresponds to the setting target item, of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, A child device that is a setting screen stored in the setting target child device and corresponding to the setting target item for a setting target child device that is a child device that should perform setting processing related to the setting target item A communication means for requesting transmission of a setting screen for receiving and receiving the setting screen for the slave device, and transmitting setting information received using the setting screen for the slave device to the setting target slave device. It is characterized by that.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a transmission request for device configuration information of each device is transmitted to each device other than the parent device among the plurality of image forming devices. The apparatus further comprises device configuration acquisition means for acquiring the device configuration information of each of the devices returned in response to the transmission request.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, a specifying means for specifying the setting target child device from the plurality of image forming devices based on the device configuration information of each of the devices. Is further provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the parent device itself has the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, a setting operation using the setting screen is performed. Accepting and setting the setting content based on the setting information input by the setting operation with respect to the setting target item of the parent device, and transmitting the setting information to the setting target child device, the same as the setting content The content is set with respect to the setting target item of the setting target child device.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, common setting contents are set in setting items corresponding to a common apparatus configuration of the plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting one group. And a determination means for determining the plurality of image forming apparatuses to be the processing target device for simultaneous initial setting processing for setting individual setting contents in setting items corresponding to different device configurations. To do.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the determination unit is configured on the condition that the determination target apparatus is an image forming apparatus that exists in the same subnetwork as the parent apparatus. It is determined that the parent device and the determination target device belong to the same group relating to the simultaneous initial setting process.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the determining means stores permission information indicating that the determination target device permits the setting process by the simultaneous initial setting process. It is determined that the user belongs to the same group related to the simultaneous initial setting process.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, an item designation screen for designating setting items is provided on a computer built in an image forming apparatus that is one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system. A step of acquiring a setting target item that is a setting item specified by the user as a setting target; and b) a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item on the one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A step of determining whether or not a certain parent device has; c) when the parent device does not have the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, the setting among the plurality of image forming apparatuses It is a setting screen stored in the setting target child device for a setting target child device that is a child device that should perform setting processing related to the target item, and is a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item. Transmitting a device setting screen transmission request; d) receiving the child device setting screen transmitted from the setting target child device in response to the transmission request; and e) the child device setting. And transmitting the setting information received using the screen to the setting target child device.

  The invention according to claim 9 is an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein a parent apparatus which is one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is an item specifying screen for specifying setting items. An item acquisition unit that acquires a setting target item that is a setting item specified as a setting target by a user using a setting screen, and a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, the one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses Determining means for determining whether or not the parent apparatus has, and when the parent apparatus does not have the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, the setting among the plurality of image forming apparatuses For a child device that is a setting device stored in the setting object child device and is a setting screen corresponding to the setting object item, for a setting object child device that is a child device that should perform setting processing related to the object item Communication means for requesting transmission of a fixed screen and receiving the setting screen for the slave device, and transmitting setting information received using the setting screen for the slave device to the setting target slave device, The setting target child device performs setting processing related to the setting target item based on setting information received from the parent device.

  The invention according to claim 10 is an image forming system, comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an external terminal, wherein the external terminal is one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A first communication means for establishing a communication connection in the remote operation mode operating as a remote operation device with the parent device, and an operation screen received from the parent device during the communication connection in the remote operation mode are displayed. And an operation means for receiving a user operation on the operation screen, wherein the operation means displays an item designation screen that is an operation screen received from the parent device and is an operation screen for designating a setting item. And accepting a user operation on the item designation screen, wherein the first communication means is a setting item designated as a setting target by the user using the item designation screen. First information related to an elephant item is transmitted to the parent device, and the parent device receives the first information from the external terminal and the setting target based on the first information. Item acquisition means for acquiring an item; and determination means for determining whether or not the parent device has a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, wherein the second communication means includes the setting target When the parent device does not have the setting screen corresponding to an item, the setting target child device that is a child device that should perform setting processing related to the setting target item among the plurality of image forming devices A setting screen stored in the setting target child device, which is a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, requesting transmission of the setting screen for the child device, receiving the setting screen for the child device, and for the child device Set the setting screen to the external terminal And the setting information received from the external terminal by using the slave device setting screen is transmitted from the external terminal, the setting information is transmitted to the setting target child device, and the setting target child is transmitted. The apparatus performs a setting process on the setting target item based on the setting information received from the parent apparatus.

  According to the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, even if the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item does not exist in the parent device, the setting screen for the child device that exists in the setting target child device is displayed. It is transmitted to the parent device, and a setting operation using the child device setting screen can be performed. Accordingly, it is possible to more easily perform setting processing regarding setting items that do not exist in the parent device among a plurality of image forming apparatuses and exist in other devices. As a result, it is possible to more easily perform setting processing regarding a plurality of image forming apparatuses having different apparatus configurations.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of an image forming apparatus (MFP). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a device configuration of a plurality of MFPs. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a parent device (parent MFP). 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a child device (child MFP). 6 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example in the image forming system. It is a figure which shows an example of an apparatus structure information table. It is a figure which shows the screen for item specification (menu screen). It is a figure which shows the setting screen for child devices. It is a figure which shows the setting screen (detailed setting screen) for child devices. It is a figure which shows the image forming system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows operation of a system concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows operation of a system concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of an external terminal.

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

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. Overview>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 (10a, 10b, 10c). Here, an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) is exemplified as the image forming apparatus 10.

  The MFPs 10 can be connected to each other using various communication technologies. For example, various network communications (wireless LAN and / or wired LAN) are used for communication between the plurality of MFPs 10.

<1-2. Configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the MFP 10.

  The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multi-function device) having a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a controller 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating each part of the above in a complex manner.

  The image reading unit 2 is a processing unit that optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 and generates image data of the document (also referred to as a document image or a scanned image). is there. The image reading unit 2 is also referred to as a scanning unit.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints out an image on various media such as paper based on data related to a print target.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Specifically, the communication unit 4 includes a facsimile communication unit 4y that performs facsimile communication. Further, the communication unit 4 can perform various network communications. Specifically, the communication unit 4 includes a network communication unit 4x that performs network communication (IEEE 802.11 or the like). The network communication unit 4x includes a transmission unit 4a and a reception unit 4b. The network communication unit 4x can perform wireless communication and wired communication.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

  The operation unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a that receives an operation input to the MFP 10 and a display unit 6b that displays and outputs various types of information.

  The MFP 10 is provided with a substantially plate-like operation panel unit 6c (see FIG. 1). Further, the operation panel unit 6c has a touch panel 25 (see FIG. 1) on the front side thereof. The touch panel 25 functions as a part of the operation input unit 6a and also functions as a part of the display unit 6b. The touch panel 25 is configured by embedding various sensors and the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and can display various information and accept various operation inputs from an operator.

  The controller 9 is a control device that is built in the MFP 10 and controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing predetermined software programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as programs) stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM) in the CPU. Note that the program (specifically, a program module group) is recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, and may be installed in each device via the recording medium, or may be installed on each device via a network or the like. May be installed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 9 acquires the communication control unit 11, the input control unit 12, the display control unit 13, the item acquisition unit 15, the determination unit 16, and the device configuration by executing the above program. Various processing units including the unit 17, the specifying unit 18, and the determining unit 19 are realized.

  The communication control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls communication operations with other devices in cooperation with the communication unit 4 and the like. The communication control unit 11 includes a transmission control unit that controls a transmission operation of various data and a reception control unit that controls a reception operation of various data.

  The input control unit 12 is a control unit that controls an operation input operation to the operation input unit 6a (the touch panel 25 or the like). For example, the input control unit 12 controls an operation for receiving an operation input (such as a designation input from the user) on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 25.

  The display control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls a display operation in the display unit 6b (the touch panel 25 or the like). The display control unit 13 causes the touch panel 25 to display an operation screen (remote operation screen) for operating the MFP 10.

  The item acquisition unit 15 is a processing unit that acquires a setting item (setting target item) specified as a setting target by the user using an item specifying screen for specifying a setting item.

  The determination unit 16 is a processing unit that determines whether one device (parent device) of the plurality of MFPs 10 has a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item.

  The device configuration acquisition unit 17 is a processing unit that acquires device configuration information of a plurality of MFPs 10.

  The specifying unit 18 is a processing unit that specifies a setting target child device (described later) from a plurality of MFPs based on the device configuration information of each MFP 10.

  The determination unit (also referred to as a group configuration device determination unit) 19 is a processing unit that determines a plurality of MFPs (a plurality of MFPs constituting a group) that are to be processed devices of the “simultaneous initial setting process”. The “simultaneous initial setting process” is an initial setting process that is simultaneously executed for a plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting one group. In this simultaneous initial setting process, common setting contents are set for setting items corresponding to a common apparatus configuration among a plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting one group, and different apparatus configurations are supported. Individual setting contents are set in the setting items to be set.

  In this embodiment, the basic configuration of the plurality of MFPs 10 is the same, and the plurality of MFPs 10 have many common device configurations. However, some of the MFPs 10 have a device configuration that does not exist in other devices. That is, some devices and other devices have different device configurations.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, among the three MFPs 10a, 10b, and 10c, the MFP 10b has an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), but the other two MFPs 10a and 10c have ADFs. Does not have. Of the three MFPs 10a, 10b, and 10c, the MFP 10c has a finisher (post-processing device), but the other two MFPs 10a and 10b do not have a finisher. Further, the MFPs 10b and 10c have an additional paper feed tray (additional paper feed tray), but the MFP 10a does not have an additional paper feed tray.

<1-4. Operation>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP 10a (parent device (described later)), and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP 10b (child device (described later)). FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation example in this system. Hereinafter, the operation of the system 1 will be described with reference to these drawings.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that group configuration information regarding a plurality of MFPs is stored in advance in the storage unit 5 of the MFP 10a (parent device). The group configuration information is information indicating which MFP 10 forms one group. For example, the group configuration information includes information (device identification numbers and / or IP addresses) of a plurality of MFPs 10a, 10b, 10c belonging to the same group.

  In this embodiment, an administrator (operator or the like) designates a specific MFP (10a in this case) as a “parent device” (an apparatus among a plurality of MFPs 10 that performs a main setting operation). As previously determined. The “parent device” (parent MFP) is also expressed as a representative device (representative MFP).

  First, at a certain point in time, an operator (a service person or the like) operates the parent apparatus 10a to perform “initial setting processing” (specifically, simultaneous setting processing (simultaneous initial setting processing) for a plurality of MFPs 10 belonging to a group). To start.

  In response to the start operation of the initial setting operation process, the parent device 10a determines a plurality of MFPs (a plurality of MFPs constituting a group) to be processed devices of the “batch initial setting process” based on the group configuration information. To do. The parent device 10a identifies other MFPs (also referred to as child devices or child MFPs) 10b and 10c among the plurality of MFPs 10 belonging to the same group as the parent device 10a. Then, the parent device 10a transmits a transmission request for device configuration information of each of the child devices 10b and 10c to each of the child devices (step S11 (FIG. 4)). In response to the transmission request, the child devices 10b and 10c return the device configuration information 220 and 230 (FIG. 7) of the child devices 10b and 10c to the parent device 10a (steps S41 and S42 (FIG. 5)). The parent device 10a aggregates the device configuration information 210 (FIG. 7) of the own device and the device configuration information 220 and 230 received from each child device, and generates the device configuration information table 200 (see FIG. 7) (step S12). ). As shown in FIG. 7, the device configuration information table 200 stores information (device configuration information) related to the device configuration (see FIG. 4) of each MFP 10 as described above.

  In this way, the parent device 10a acquires device configuration information of each device.

  Thereafter, in accordance with a user operation (operation by the operator), the process proceeds to step S13 after several screen transitions. In step S13, an item designation screen (menu screen for item designation) 310 is generated, and the item designation screen 310 (see FIG. 8) is displayed on the touch panel 25 of the parent device 10a. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an item designation screen 310 for designating setting items.

  This item designation screen 310 is a call key (button) for calling each setting screen (also referred to as a detailed setting screen) of four setting items (“ADF”, “finisher”, “network”, “power saving”). ) 311-314. The item designation screen 310 is generated based on a similar designation screen (item designation screen (not shown) for the parent device 10a) stored in the parent device 10a.

  Here, in normal processing in an operation mode (normal operation mode) other than the above-described simultaneous initial setting mode, the parent device 10a displays a screen (item specification screen 390 for the parent device 10a) that is substantially the same as the item specification screen 310. (Not shown)) is displayed. However, since the parent device 10a itself does not have an ADF, the call key 311 related to “ADF” is grayed out (invalidated) on the item designation screen 390 for the parent device 10a. Similarly, since the parent apparatus 10a itself does not have a finisher and an additional sheet feeding tray (additional sheet feeding tray), on the item designation screen 390 for the parent apparatus 10a, the call keys 312 and “ The call key 313 regarding the “additional paper feed tray” is also grayed out (invalidated). That is, the item designation screen 390 for the parent device 10a has a state where the call keys 311, 312, and 313 are invalidated.

  On the other hand, the item designation screen 310 has a state in which all the call keys 311 to 314 are activated. Specifically, the parent device 10a specifies the item (for the simultaneous initial setting mode) by returning the call keys 311, 312, and 313 from the gray-out state (selectable state) to the normal state (selectable state). Screen 310 is generated. According to the item designation screen 310, designation of each item corresponding to all the call keys 311 to 314 can be received.

  In step S13, the parent device 10a displays the item designation screen 310 generated in this way on the touch panel 25, and waits for key input to the item designation screen 310.

  In the next step S14, it is determined whether or not there is a key input. If it is determined that a key input has been made, the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S <b> 21, a key input content determination process, a branch process based on the determination result, and the like are performed.

  Specifically, when any of the call keys 311 to 314 in the item designation screen 310 is pressed by the user (operator), the parent device 10a identifies the pressed key (operation target key). At the same time, it is determined that the setting item corresponding to the operation target key (button) is designated as the setting target item by the user. In other words, the parent device 10a acquires a setting item (setting target item) specified as a setting target by the user using the item specifying screen 310. Further, the parent device 10a determines the setting screen related to the setting target item as the next display target screen (transition destination setting screen). For example, when the call key 311 is pressed, the parent device 10a acquires the item “ADF” as the setting target item and determines the setting screen regarding the setting target item “ADF” as the transition destination setting screen. Alternatively, when the call key 314 is pressed, the parent device 10a acquires the item “power saving” as the setting target item and determines the setting screen related to the setting target item “power saving” as the transition destination setting screen. .

  Then, the parent device 10a determines whether or not the parent device 10a itself has a transition destination setting screen (a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item specified on the item specifying screen 310).

  When it is determined that the parent device 10a has a transition destination setting screen, a setting process (step S22) using the transition destination setting screen is performed.

  For example, when the setting screen related to the setting target item “power saving” is determined as the transition destination setting screen, the transition destination setting screen (setting screen related to the setting target item “power saving”) is stored in the storage unit 5 of the parent device 10a. And the process of step S22 is executed. More specifically, when the call key 314 is pressed, the parent device 10a acquires the item “power saving” as a setting target item and displays a setting screen related to the setting target item “power saving” as a transition destination setting screen. Determine as. Then, it is determined that the transition destination setting screen exists in the storage unit 5 of the parent device 10a, and the setting process (step S22) using the transition destination setting screen is performed.

  Specifically, the parent device 10a displays a transition destination setting screen (such as a “power saving” setting screen) stored in the storage unit 5 of the parent device 10a itself on the touch panel 25, and uses the transition destination setting screen. Accept the set operation. Then, the setting content based on the setting information input by the setting operation is set for the setting target item of the parent device 10a. The parent device 10a determines all the child devices 10b and 10c other than the own device among the plurality of MFPs 10 as setting target child devices, and transmits the setting information to the setting target child devices 10b and 10c. The setting target child devices 10b and 10c respectively set the same setting contents as the setting contents in the parent device 10a as the setting contents of the setting target child devices 10b and 10c with respect to the setting target item. In other words, the parent device 10a transmits the setting information regarding the setting target item to the child devices 10b and 10c, so that the setting target child device 10b has the same content as the setting content in the parent device 10a with respect to the setting target item. , 10c as the setting contents.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the parent device 10a does not have the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, the child device stored in the child device is linked with the child device (10b or 10c). Setting processing using the setting screen (steps S31 to S38, etc.) is performed.

  For example, when the setting screen related to the setting target item “ADF” is determined as the transition destination setting screen, the transition destination setting screen (setting screen related to the setting target item “ADF”) exists in the storage unit 5 of the parent device 10a. It is determined that no, and processing such as steps S31 to S38 is executed. Hereinafter, such an operation will be described.

  In step S <b> 31, the parent device 10 a specifies a setting target child device that is a child device to perform setting processing related to the setting target item among the plurality of MFPs 10 based on the device configuration information table 200 (FIG. 7) and the like. Then, the parent device 10a requests the setting target child device to transmit a setting screen for a child device that is a setting screen stored in the setting target child device and corresponding to the setting target item. To do.

  For example, when the setting screen related to the setting target item “ADF” is determined as the transition destination setting screen, the child device 10b having “ADF” is specified as the setting target child device. Then, the parent device 10a requests the child device 10b to transmit a child device setting screen (a setting screen for the child device 10b that is a setting screen related to the setting target item) stored in the child device 10b. . Below, the case where the transmission request | requirement of the setting screen for child devices is transmitted with respect to the child device 10b is illustrated.

  The child device 10b that has received the transmission request for the child device setting screen from the parent device 10a receives the child device setting screen 320 (see FIG. 9) stored in the storage unit 5 of the child device 10b. And the child device setting screen 320 is transmitted to the parent device 10a (steps S43 and S44) (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Thus, even if the child device setting screen 320 does not exist in the parent device 10a, the parent device 10a can obtain the child device setting screen 320.

  When the parent device 10a receives the child device setting screen 320 from the child device 10b (step S32), the parent device 10a displays the child device setting screen 320 (FIG. 9) on the touch panel 25 (step S33). . Then, the parent device 10a waits for a key input to the child device setting screen 320.

  In step S34, it is determined whether or not there is a key input. If it is determined that a key input has been made, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, the parent device 10a determines the contents of the key input, and transmits setting information based on the key input (setting information received using the child device setting screen 320) to the child device 10b. The setting information may be coordinate information (touch coordinates) of an operation position by a user operation, or may be a setting value corresponding to the touch coordinates.

  For example, when the “mounting” setting key 321 in the operation image 320 is pressed, the coordinate information (touch coordinates) of the pressing operation position may be transmitted as setting information, or the touch coordinates may be included in the touch coordinates. A setting value determined based on (“attachment (with ADF)”) may be transmitted as setting information.

  Alternatively, when the “resolution” setting key 324 in the operation image 320 is pressed, the coordinate information (touch coordinates) of the pressing operation position may be transmitted as setting information, or the touch coordinates may be included in the touch coordinates. A screen transition command (transition command to the “resolution” detailed setting screen) determined based on this may be transmitted as setting information. Note that the setting information in this case also functions as a transmission request for the child device setting screen (transition destination screen) regarding “resolution”.

  By transmitting such setting information to the child device 10b, the parent device 10a causes the setting target child device 10b to perform setting processing based on the setting information regarding the setting target item of the setting target child device.

  Specifically, when receiving the setting information from the parent device 10a, the child device 10b proceeds from step S45 to step S46, and executes processing according to the setting information.

  For example, when the “mounting” setting key 321 is pressed in the operation image 320, the child device 10b determines that the setting item “ADF” relating to the child device 10b (own device) is based on the setting information from the parent device 10a. The setting of “presence / absence of presence / absence” is set to “attachment (with ADF)” (step S46). In other words, the child device 10b executes the setting process based on the setting information regarding the setting target item “ADF presence / absence” of the own device 10b.

  Alternatively, when the “resolution” setting key 321 is pressed in the operation image 320, the child device 10b displays next based on the setting information (touch coordinates or screen transition command) from the parent device 10a. It is determined that a transmission request for a power setting screen (transition destination setting screen (detailed setting screen 330 of “resolution”)) has been accepted. When only the touch coordinates are included in the setting information, pressing the “resolution” setting key corresponding to the touch coordinates (the coordinate value of the pressed position) is a transition command to the “resolution” detailed setting screen 330. The child device 10b may determine that there is. Then, the slave device 10b extracts the “resolution” detailed setting screen (slave device setting screen) 330 (FIG. 10) stored in the slave device 10b from the storage unit 5 of the slave device 10b, and the detailed setting screen. 330 is transmitted to the parent device 10a (step S46). Note that FIG. 6 shows an operation example when the new transition destination screen 330 is returned from the child device 10b to the parent device 10a in this way.

  When the parent device 10a receives the new transition destination screen 330 (step S36), the parent device 10a displays the new transition destination screen 330 on the touch panel 25 (step S37). If it is determined in step S38 that the operation has not yet been completed, the process returns to step S34.

  In step S34, for example, when the setting key 332 (“200 × 200 dpi”) is pressed, setting information (information corresponding to pressing of the setting key 332) is transmitted from the parent device 10a to the child device 10b. (Step S35). Then, when receiving the setting information (step S45), the child device 10b sets the setting content of the setting item “ADF resolution” to “200 × 200 dpi” based on the setting information (step S46). Thereafter, after the determination process in step S47, the process returns to the determination process in step S51 (, S43, S45).

  Thereafter, the same operation is repeated. When the child device 10c is a setting target device, the child device 10c performs the same operation as that of the child device 10b described above.

  Then, the setting operation is ended based on, for example, an operation completion request from the slave device side. Specifically, when the child devices 10b and 10c detect that all setting operations have been completed, the slave devices 10b and 10c determine that an operation completion request should be made, and the process proceeds from step S47 to step S48. In step S48, the child devices 10b and 10c transmit an operation completion request to the parent device 10a, and the setting operation ends. Further, when receiving the operation completion request from the child devices 10b and 10c (step S38), the parent device 10a ends the setting operation.

  Alternatively, the setting operation can be ended in response to a setting completion operation from the MFP 10a side. For example, when an operation completion key (not shown) is pressed on a certain operation screen (such as a child device setting screen) displayed on the touch panel 25 of the parent device 10a, setting information ( Touch coordinates or an end command) is transmitted from the parent device 10a to the child devices 10b and 10c (step S35). Based on the setting information, the slave devices 10b and 10c determine that the setting operation should be terminated and determine that an operation completion request should be made, and the process proceeds from step S47 to step S48. In step S48, the slave devices 10b and 10c transmit an operation completion request to the parent device 10a, and finish (complete) the setting operation. Further, when receiving the operation completion request from the child devices 10b and 10c (step S38), the parent device 10a ends the setting operation.

  The setting operation is also completed when it is determined that the operation completion key is pressed at another timing (step S15).

  As described above, the setting process in the simultaneous initial setting mode is completed.

  According to the first embodiment as described above, one device (parent device) 10a among a plurality of MFPs (image forming devices) 10 constituting the image forming system 1 displays the item designation screen (menu screen) 310. A setting target item that is a setting item designated as a setting target by the user is acquired (S13, S14), and it is determined whether or not the parent device 10a has a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item ( S21). When the parent device 10 a does not have a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, the parent device 10 a performs the setting target child device (child device that should perform setting processing related to the setting target item) 10 b among the plurality of MFPs 10. Then, a transmission request for a slave device setting screen (a setting screen stored in the setting target child device and corresponding to the setting target item) is transmitted (S31, S35). Then, the parent device 10a receives the child device setting screens 320 and 330 (S32 and S36), and sets the setting information (S33 and S37) received using the child device setting screens 320 and 330 as the setting target child. It transmits to the apparatus 10b (S35).

  Therefore, even if the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item does not exist in the parent device 10a, the child device setting screen existing in the child device 10b is transmitted to the parent device 10a, and the child device setting screen is displayed. A setting operation using can be performed. That is, the parent device 10a can more easily perform setting operations related to setting items that are setting operations in child devices other than the parent device 10a and do not exist in the parent device 10a. As a result, it is possible to more easily perform setting processing regarding a plurality of image forming apparatuses having different apparatus configurations.

  In particular, in response to the setting target item being specified using the item specifying screen 310, the setting target screen corresponding to the setting target item is transmitted from the setting target child device to the parent device 10a. That is, each setting target screen (320, 330, etc.) is transmitted to the parent device 10a when used (upon request). If all the setting target screens related to the child device are generated in a batch for the first time, it takes a relatively long time. However, according to the above embodiment, only the necessary setting target screens are individually transmitted. Therefore, each transmission process requires a relatively short time (small time loss) and is efficient. Also, since only the setting screen that the operator wants to use is transmitted from the child devices (10b, 10c) to the parent device 10a as necessary, a process for preparing in advance the screen that is not actually used in the parent device 10a ( (Useless processing) can be omitted. Also from this viewpoint, it is possible to shorten the processing time (preparation time and total processing time).

  In particular, since the setting operation in the parent device 10a is performed using the child device setting screen as it is, it is not necessary for the parent device 10a to newly generate the setting screen.

<2. Second Embodiment>
In the said 1st Embodiment, although each operation screen is displayed on the touch panel 25, it is not limited to this. Each operation screen may be displayed on the touch panel 75 of the external terminal 50 connected to the parent device 10a through a network communication (remote panel connection). In the second embodiment, such an aspect will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the image forming system 1 includes an external terminal 50 in addition to the plurality of MFPs 10. The external terminal 50 and each MFP 10 can be connected to each other using various communication technologies. For example, for communication between the MFP 10 and the external terminal 50, communication using various wireless LANs (IEEE 802.11 or the like) can be used.

  The external terminal 50 is a device (remote operation device) for remotely operating the MFP 10 (image forming device). The external terminal 50 is an information input / output terminal device (information terminal) capable of network communication with the MFP 10. Here, a smartphone is illustrated as the external terminal 50. However, the external terminal 50 may be a tablet type terminal or a personal computer. The external terminal 50 may be a portable terminal (mobile terminal) or a stationary terminal.

  As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 14, the external terminal 50 includes a communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, an operation unit 56, a controller 59, and the like. Realize the function.

  The communication unit 54 can perform various network communications. The network communication unit 54 includes a transmission unit 54a and a reception unit 54b.

  The storage unit 55 includes a storage device such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory. In the storage unit 55, for example, various operation fixed screens (more specifically, image data in detail) transmitted from the parent device 10a are temporarily stored.

  The operation unit 56 includes an operation input unit 56a that receives an operation input to the external terminal 50, and a display unit 56b that displays and outputs various types of information. In the external terminal 50, a touch panel 75 (see FIG. 1) configured by embedding various sensors or the like in a liquid crystal display panel is provided. The touch panel 75 functions as a part of the operation input unit 56a and also functions as a part of the display unit 56b. In particular, the operation unit 56 displays an operation screen (such as a setting screen) received from a parent device (such as the MFP 10a) during communication connection in a remote operation mode (described later) and accepts a user operation on the operation screen.

  The controller 59 in FIG. 14 is a control device that is built in the external terminal 50 and controls the external terminal 50 in an integrated manner. The controller 59 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 59 executes various processing units (communication control unit 61, communication controller 61, and the like) by executing predetermined software programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as programs) stored in the storage unit 55 (semiconductor memory or the like) in the CPU. An input control unit 62 and a display control unit 63). Note that the program (specifically, a program module group) is recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, and may be installed in each device via the recording medium, or may be installed on each device via a network or the like. May be installed.

  The external terminal 50 is installed with a program for remotely operating the MFP 10 (remote operation program) and the like. The external terminal 50 can remotely operate the parent device 10a by executing a remote operation program or the like.

  First, the external terminal 50 shifts the operation mode of the external terminal 50 to a remote operation mode (also referred to as a remote panel mode) that operates as a remote operation device of the parent device 10a by executing a remote operation program or the like. In this remote operation mode, a direct communication connection (remote panel connection) is established only with one device (parent device) among a plurality of MFPs 10, and an operation screen (specifically, an image thereof is displayed) from the one device. Data) and remotely operating the parent device 10a using the operation screen. In the remote operation mode, various setting operations on the parent device 10a can be performed using an operation screen from the parent device 10a. It is also possible to perform various setting operations on other devices 10b and 10c (not only the parent device 10a) among the plurality of MFPs 10 using the operation screen transmitted from the parent device 10a.

  12 and 13 are timing charts showing the operation of the system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 differ from FIG. 6 in that the operation screen display process and the user operation acceptance process for the operation screen are performed by the external terminal 50 (touch panel 75) instead of the MFP 10 (touch panel 25). .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, after the item designation screen 310 is generated in step S <b> 13, the item designation screen 310 is transmitted from the parent device 10 a to the external terminal 50 and displayed on the external terminal 50. (Step S63). Then, when key input to the item designation screen 310 is accepted by the external terminal 50 (step S64), setting information is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the parent device 10a. Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, the process of step S21 and the like by the parent device 10a are performed.

  In addition, a setting screen for a parent device and a setting screen for a child device are also displayed on the external terminal 50.

  For example, the child device setting screen 320 transmitted from the child device 10b to the parent device 10a is further transferred to the external terminal 50, and is displayed on the operation unit 56 (more specifically, the touch panel 75) of the external terminal 50 (FIG. 11). Is displayed (step S65 (FIG. 13)). When key input to the child device setting screen 320 is accepted by the external terminal 50 (step S66), setting information is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the parent device 10a. After that, as in the first embodiment, setting information is transmitted from the parent device 10a to the child device 10b.

  Thereafter, similar processing is performed. For example, the child device setting screen 330 transmitted from the child device 10b to the parent device 10a is further transferred to the external terminal 50 and displayed on the operation unit 56 (more specifically, the touch panel 75) of the external terminal 50 ( Step S67). When key input to the child device setting screen 330 is accepted by the external terminal 50 (step S68), the setting information is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the parent device 10a. Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, setting information is transmitted from the parent device 10a to the child device 10b, and setting processing based on the setting information is performed in the child device 10b.

  The same applies to the setting screen for parent device. The parent device setting screen is displayed on the external terminal 50, and operation input information (setting information) for the parent device setting screen is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the parent device 10a. Based on the setting information, the parent device 10a executes the setting process of the parent device 10a itself, transfers the setting information to the other setting target child devices 10b and 10c, and the child devices 10b and 10c. To execute the setting process.

  According to the operation as described above, even when the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item does not exist in the parent device 10a, the child device setting screen that exists in the child device 10b is transmitted to the parent device 10a. Then, a setting operation using the child device setting screen can be performed (on the external terminal 50). That is, the parent device 10a and the external terminal 50 can more easily perform setting operations related to setting items that are related to child devices other than the parent device 10a and that do not exist in the parent device 10a. As a result, it is possible to more easily perform setting processing regarding a plurality of image forming apparatuses having different apparatus configurations.

<3. Modified example>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, in step S31, a single child device is specified as the setting subject child device from among the plurality of MFPs 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, instead of a single child device, a plurality of child devices (for example, child devices 10b and 10c) may be specified as setting target devices. In this case, a transmission request for the slave device setting screen may be transmitted to at least one of the plurality of slave devices.

  More specifically, when the setting process regarding the setting item of the additional paper feed tray is performed, the parent device 10a identifies both the child devices 10b and 10c having the additional paper feed tray as the setting target devices. Then, the parent device 10a may transmit a transmission request for the child device setting screen to one device 10b of the plurality of child devices. Here, the child device setting screen stored in the child device 10b and the child device setting screen stored in the child device 10c are screens having the same contents.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, group configuration information related to a plurality of MFPs is stored in advance in the storage unit 5 of the MFP 10a (parent device), and other MFPs 10 belonging to the same group are subordinate based on the group configuration information. Although it is specified as a device, it is not limited to this.

  For example, among a plurality of sub-networks existing in the company or the like, MFPs existing in the same sub-network as the sub-network to which the parent device 10a belongs may be determined as MFPs belonging to the same group. Specifically, on the condition that the determination target device is an MFP that exists in the same subnetwork as the parent device 10a, the parent device 10a (determination unit 19) determines that the parent device 10a and the determination target device are connected simultaneously. It may be determined (determined) to belong to the same group related to the initial setting process. In other words, the MFP existing in the same subnetwork as the subnetwork to which the parent device 10a belongs may be specified as the child device.

  The plurality of sub-networks are identified from each other by the network address part of the IP address of each host and managed as different networks. For example, the upper 24 bits (from the first octet to the third octet) of the IP address (specifically, the private IP address) of each host indicate the network address portion, and the lower 8 bits (fourth octet) indicate the host address portion. . A unique address (subnet address) is set in each of the plurality of sub-networks in the network address section, and the plurality of sub-networks are identified from each other by the subnet address. The host address part is used to identify individual hosts in the subnetwork.

  Further, in addition to (or instead of) the conditions related to the same subnetwork, the determination target device stores permission information (for example, permission flag = “ON”) of the setting process by the simultaneous initial setting process. When the condition is satisfied, the parent device 10a (determination unit 19) may determine (determine) that the parent device 10a and the determination target device belong to the same group related to the simultaneous initial setting process. Good.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the parent device 10a transmits a transmission request for device configuration information of each device to each device other than the parent device 10a among the plurality of MFPs 10 constituting the group. The device configuration information (for each device) returned in response is acquired, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, device configuration information of a plurality of MFPs 10 constituting a group may be stored in advance in another computer, and the parent device 10a may acquire the device configuration information from the other computer. Alternatively, the parent device 10a stores in advance device configuration information of a plurality of MFPs 10 constituting the group in the storage unit 5 of the parent device 10a itself, and extracts (acquires) the device configuration information from the storage unit 5. You may do it.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, when the setting process related to the setting target item is completed using a relatively lower setting screen (for example, 330) among the plurality of setting screens (320, 330, etc.) hierarchized, The setting screen (item designation screen) (for example, 310) may be automatically displayed again on the touch panel 25 (or touch panel 75). According to this, the operability of the user can be improved as compared with the case where the operation screen is sequentially switched by manual operation from the relatively lower setting screen 330 to the highest setting screen (item specifying screen) 310. Can do.

1 image forming system 10 MFP (image forming apparatus)
10a Parent device 10b, 10c Child device 25 Touch panel 50 External terminal 200 Device configuration information table 310 Item designation screen (menu screen)
320 Child device setting screen 330 Child device setting screen (detailed setting screen)

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus that is one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting an image forming system,
Item acquisition means for acquiring a setting target item that is a setting item specified as a setting target by the user using an item specifying screen for specifying a setting item;
Determining means for determining whether or not a parent device which is the one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses has a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item;
When the parent apparatus does not have the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, for a setting target child apparatus that is a child apparatus that should perform setting processing related to the setting target item Requesting transmission of a setting screen for a child device that is a setting screen stored in the setting target child device and corresponding to the setting target item, and receiving the setting screen for the child device, Communication means for transmitting the setting information received using the child device setting screen to the setting target child device;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The device configuration of each device that has transmitted a transmission request for device configuration information of each device to each device other than the parent device among the plurality of image forming devices and has returned in response to the transmission request Device configuration acquisition means for acquiring information,
An image forming apparatus further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
A specifying unit for specifying the setting target child device from the plurality of image forming devices based on the device configuration information of each of the devices;
An image forming apparatus further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
When the parent device itself has the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, it accepts a setting operation using the setting screen, and sets the setting content based on the setting information input by the setting operation. Set for the setting target item of the device,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the setting information is transmitted to the setting target child device, and the same content as the setting content is set for the setting target item of the setting target child device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
Simultaneously setting common setting contents for setting items corresponding to a common apparatus configuration of the plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting one group and setting individual setting contents for setting items corresponding to different apparatus configurations. A determination unit that determines the plurality of image forming apparatuses to be the target apparatus for the initial setting process;
An image forming apparatus further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.
The determination unit is configured such that the parent device and the determination target device are in the same group related to the simultaneous initial setting process on the condition that the determination target device is an image forming device existing in the same subnetwork as the parent device. An image forming apparatus characterized in that it is determined to belong to The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
The determination means that the determination target device belongs to the same group related to the simultaneous initial setting process on the condition that the permission information indicating that the setting process by the simultaneous initial setting process is permitted is stored. Determining an image. In a computer built in the image forming apparatus which is one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system,
a) acquiring a setting target item that is a setting item specified as a setting target by the user using an item specifying screen for specifying the setting item;
b) determining whether a parent device which is the one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses has a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item;
c) A setting target child device that is a child device that should perform setting processing related to the setting target item among the plurality of image forming apparatuses when the parent device does not have the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item. In response to this, a step of transmitting a transmission request for a setting screen for a child device that is a setting screen stored in the setting target child device and corresponding to the setting target item;
d) receiving the child device setting screen transmitted from the setting target child device in response to the transmission request;
e) transmitting the setting information received using the child device setting screen to the setting target child device;
A program for running An image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses,
A parent device, which is one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses,
Item acquisition means for acquiring a setting target item that is a setting item specified as a setting target by the user using an item specifying screen for specifying a setting item;
Determining means for determining whether or not a parent device which is the one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses has a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item;
When the parent apparatus does not have the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, for a setting target child apparatus that is a child apparatus that should perform setting processing related to the setting target item Requesting transmission of a setting screen for a child device that is a setting screen stored in the setting target child device and corresponding to the setting target item, and receiving the setting screen for the child device, Communication means for transmitting the setting information received using the child device setting screen to the setting target child device;
With
The image forming system, wherein the setting target child device performs setting processing related to the setting target item based on setting information received from the parent device. An image forming system,
A plurality of image forming apparatuses;
An external terminal,
With
The external terminal is
A first communication unit that establishes a communication connection in a remote operation mode that operates as a remote operation device of a parent device that is one of the plurality of image forming devices, with the parent device;
An operation means for displaying an operation screen received from the parent device and receiving a user operation on the operation screen during communication connection in the remote operation mode;
Have
The operation means displays an item designation screen that is an operation screen for designating a setting item received from the parent device and accepts a user operation on the item designation screen;
The first communication means transmits, to the parent device, first information related to a setting target item that is a setting item specified as a setting target by a user using the item specifying screen.
The parent device is
Second communication means for receiving the first information from the external terminal;
Item acquisition means for acquiring the setting target item based on the first information;
Determination means for determining whether or not the parent device has a setting screen corresponding to the setting target item;
With
The second communication means includes
When the parent apparatus does not have the setting screen corresponding to the setting target item, among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, for a setting target child apparatus that is a child apparatus that should perform setting processing related to the setting target item Requesting transmission of a setting screen for a child device, which is a setting screen stored in the setting target child device and corresponding to the setting target item, and receiving the setting screen for the child device, While sending the setting screen for the slave device to the external terminal,
Receiving the setting information received from the external terminal using the slave device setting screen at the external terminal, and transmitting the setting information to the setting target slave device;
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the setting target child device performs setting processing related to the setting target item based on the setting information received from the parent device.

Images