JP2019164526A - Information processing apparatus, information processing system, control method and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus adapted to perform an image forming output improved in convenience and reflected with a user-desired setting.SOLUTION: A plurality of information processing apparatuses update a setting value of first setting information based on an update instruction for updating the setting value of the first setting information that is setting information for the information processing apparatuses which update instruction has been inputted to the information processing apparatus by a user operation. A first information processing apparatus included in the plurality of information processing apparatuses sends the updated first setting information to another information processing apparatus. A second information processing apparatus included in the plurality of information processing apparatuses and different from the first information processing apparatus, when receiving second setting information that is setting information for the second information processing apparatus, determines whether or not the setting value of the first setting information corresponding to the second setting information satisfies a predetermined condition as to a final update time-of-day that is a time-of-day updated finally, and updates the setting value of the first setting information based on a setting value of the second setting information if the final update time-of-day satisfies the predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  In recent years, there has been a tendency to digitize information, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles used for outputting digitized information and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices. In an office environment, a system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses are connected via a network may be constructed to provide the above functions.

  In an image processing apparatus that constitutes such a system, a technique that uses the same setting is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, when the setting is updated in one image processing apparatus, the other image processing apparatus is requested to update the setting, and the updated setting is reflected in the other image processing apparatus. .

  In such a case, in other image processing apparatuses, the updated setting is reflected in response to a setting update request. Therefore, for example, when it is desired to temporarily change the setting in another image processing apparatus, it is necessary to change the updated setting again in response to the update request.

  Further, when the setting is updated in one image processing apparatus, the other image processing apparatus is requested to update the setting. Therefore, for example, in one image processing apparatus, when the user temporarily changes the setting and then the user returns the setting again, it is necessary to request the other image processing apparatus to update the setting again. .

  That is, when the setting of one image processing apparatus is updated, a complicated operation is required to perform the setting desired by the user in the other image processing apparatus, which may reduce convenience.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming output in which convenience is improved and settings desired by a user are reflected.

  In order to solve the above problems, an aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that shares setting information for controlling execution of processing with another information processing apparatus connected via a network. A first process execution control unit that controls execution of the process based on first setting information that is the setting information for the information processing apparatus, and an update instruction that updates a setting value of the first setting information. A first setting updating unit that updates a setting value of the first setting information based on the update instruction input to the information processing apparatus by a user operation, and the setting information for the other information processing apparatus. Determination that determines whether or not the last update date and time, which is the date and time when the setting value of the first setting information corresponding to the second setting information was last updated, satisfies a predetermined condition when two setting information is received Part and said If a final update date and time the predetermined condition is satisfied, characterized in that it comprises a second update setting unit for updating the set value of the first setting information based on the set value of the second setting information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform an image forming output in which convenience is improved and a setting desired by a user is reflected.

The figure which illustrated the operation mode of the information processing system concerning the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a software configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the software of the operating terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the function structure of the main control part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which illustrated the setting screen displayed on the operation terminal concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which illustrated the setting screen displayed on the information processor concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which illustrated the registration screen of the apparatus of the update object which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which illustrated the setting item update management table concerning the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a sequence chart showing a flow of processing for updating settings of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the setting update determination process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the update execution determination process which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an image processing system in which image forming apparatuses such as MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) and printers that perform print output are connected via a network will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation mode of an image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting image processing apparatuses 2 </ b> A, 2 </ b> B, and 2 </ b> C via a network 3. In the following description, when the image processing apparatuses 2A, 2B, and 2C are not distinguished, they are described as the image processing apparatus 2.

  The image processing system 1 may include an information processing device such as a server 4 or a PC 5 (Personal Computer) connected via the network 3. Note that the image processing apparatus 2 and the PCs 5 may be configured to include more than the number shown in FIG.

  The image processing apparatus 2 is an image forming apparatus having an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like, and an MFP that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, a copier, or a printer function only.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus 2 generates CMYK or monochrome drawing information based on the image information included in the command information transmitted from the PC 5, and executes an image forming output based on the generated drawing information. And functions as a monochrome printer.

  Furthermore, the image processing apparatus 2 is equipped with software for generating document data based on the image read by the scanner. The image processing apparatus 2 executes data transmission / reception with other image processing apparatuses 2 and the server 4 and the PC 5 via the network 3, and further displays setting screens 500 and 510 to be described later on the PC 5. Send the data.

  The server 4 includes a storage device that stores data received via the network 3. The image processing apparatus 2 and the PC 5 can store various data in the server 4 by connecting the network 3 to the server 4.

  The PC 5 may be realized by an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The PC 5 transmits and receives data to and from the image processing device 2 and the server 4 via the network 3. Further, the user of the image processing system 1 can change the paper setting, the network setting, and the like of the image processing apparatus 2 by operating the setting screens 500 and 510 displayed on the PC 5.

  The image processing system 1 may have a configuration that does not include the server 4 and the PC 5.

  Next, a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation terminal 20 is configured as a device that realizes an input / output function in the image processing device 2. In FIG. 2, a configuration in which the operation terminal 20 is attached to the image processing apparatus 2 will be described as an example.

  The image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as an information processing apparatus such as a general PC (Personal Computer) or a server. That is, the image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 31, a storage medium 41 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like. / F51 is connected via the bus 91. The image processing apparatus 2 includes an engine 81 for realizing a scanner, a printer, and the like.

  The CPU 11 is a calculation unit and controls the operation of the entire image processing apparatus 2. The RAM 21 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 11 processes information. The ROM 31 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The storage medium 41 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs (hereinafter, applications), and the like.

  The I / F 51 connects and controls the bus 91 and various hardware, the network 3, and the like. The operation terminal 20 connected to the image processing apparatus 2 is configured with a touch panel, hard keys, and the like, and functions as an operation display unit.

  In such a hardware configuration, the CPU 11 performs calculations in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 31 or a program read from the storage medium 41 to the RAM 21, thereby configuring the internal functions of the controller 100 described in FIG. 4. . A functional block that realizes the function of the image processing apparatus 2 is configured by a combination of the internal function of the controller 100 configured as described above and hardware.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation terminal 20 according to the present embodiment is connected to a CPU 12, a RAM 22, a ROM 32, a storage medium 42 such as a flash memory, and an I / F 52 via a bus 92. Further, it is connected to the image processing apparatus 2 and the network 3 via the I / F 52 to transmit and receive information. Furthermore, the input / output device 72 is an example of an operation receiving unit, and includes soft keys that are graphic information such as icons displayed on the touch screen and the setting screen 200. The external connection I / F 53 is an interface for connecting to a peripheral device such as an IC card reader.

  The CPU 12 is a calculation unit and controls the operation of the entire operation terminal 20. The RAM 22 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 12 processes information. The ROM 32 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The storage medium 42 is a nonvolatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS, various control programs, application programs (hereinafter referred to as applications), and the like.

  Note that, based on the operation of the application performed by the user via the screen of the operation terminal 20, for example, execution of functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2, such as execution of a print job or execution of scan, or printing at the time of printing The setting of conditions can be instructed for each item. Details of the mode for setting the printing conditions via the operation terminal 20 will be described later.

  The I / F 52 connects and controls the bus 92 and various hardware, the network 3 and the like. As described above, the input / output device 72 is a user interface for the user to confirm the state of the image processing device 2 received via the I / F 52 or for the user to input information to the image processing device 2. . In the present embodiment, the input / output device 72 is configured by a touch panel, and a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method, a capacitance method, or the like can be used as an operation principle method.

  In such a hardware configuration, the CPU 12 performs operations according to the program stored in the ROM 32 and the storage medium 42 in accordance with the program read out to the RAM 22, thereby configuring a control unit that controls the operation of the entire operation terminal 20. Is done. A functional block for controlling the operation of the operation terminal 20 is configured by a combination of the function of the control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  Next, a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus such as the server 4 or the PC 5 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus such as the server 4 or the PC 5 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an information processing apparatus such as the server 4 and the PC 5 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 33, and an HDD (Hard Disk). (Drive) 43 and I / F 54 are connected via a bus 93.

  In addition to the above configuration, the PC 5 is connected to an external device 83 such as a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an operation unit such as a keyboard via the I / F 54. The server 4 may be configured not to include the external device 83.

  The CPU 13 is a calculation means and controls the operation of the entire information processing apparatus such as the server 4 or the PC 5. The RAM 23 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 13 processes information. The ROM 33 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The HDD 43 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application program files, and the like.

  The I / F 54 connects and controls the bus 93 and various hardware and networks. The display unit 63 is a display device such as a display for the user to check the state of the PC 5. The operation unit 70 is an input device for a user to input information on the PC 5, and is configured with a touch panel, a hard key, and the like in the present embodiment.

  In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 33, the HDD 43, or an optical disk is read to the RAM 23, and the CPU 13 performs calculations according to these programs, whereby the software in the server 4 and the PC 5 is obtained. Each control unit is configured. Functional blocks for realizing the functions of the server 4 and the PC 5 are configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  Next, the functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the image processing apparatus 2 includes a controller 100, an ADF 101, a scanner unit 102, a paper discharge tray 103, a paper feed table 105, a print engine 106, a paper discharge tray 107, and a network I / F 108.

  The controller 100 includes a main control unit 110, an engine control unit 120, an image processing unit 130, an operation display control unit 140, and an input / output control unit 150. In FIG. 4, the electrical connection is indicated by a solid arrow, and the flow of a document or a document bundle is indicated by a broken arrow.

  The network I / F 108 is an interface for the image processing apparatus 2 to communicate with other devices via the network, and uses an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. The network I / F 108 can communicate using the TCP / IP protocol, and is realized by the I / F 51 shown in FIG.

  The controller 100 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a program stored in a non-volatile storage medium 41 such as a ROM 31, a non-volatile memory, or an optical disk is loaded into a volatile memory (hereinafter referred to as a memory) such as a RAM 21, and the CPU 11 operates according to the program. The controller 100 is configured by a software control unit configured as described above and hardware such as an integrated circuit. The controller 100 functions as a control unit that controls the entire image processing apparatus 2.

  The main control unit 110 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the controller 100 and functions as a process execution control unit that gives a command to each unit of the controller 100. The engine control unit 120 serves as a drive unit that controls or drives an image forming unit such as the print engine 106 and an image reading unit such as the scanner unit 102. The image processing unit 130 generates drawing information based on image information to be printed out under the control of the main control unit 110. The drawing information is information for drawing an image to be formed by the print engine 106 in the image forming operation.

  The image processing unit 130 processes image data input from the scanner unit 102 to generate image data. This image data is information stored in the storage area of the image processing apparatus 2 as a result of the scanner operation and transmitted to another information processing terminal or storage device via the network I / F 108.

  The operation display control unit 140 displays information on the display panel 109 or notifies the main control unit 110 of information input via the display panel 109. The input / output control unit 150 inputs information input via the network I / F 108 to the main control unit 110. The main control unit 110 also controls the input / output control unit 150 to access the network I / F 108 and other devices connected to the network via the network.

  When the image processing apparatus 2 operates as a printer, first, the input / output control unit 150 receives a print job via the network I / F 108. That is, the input / output control unit 150 functions as a print data acquisition unit. The input / output control unit 150 transfers the received print job to the main control unit 110. When receiving the print job, the main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 130 to generate drawing information based on document information or image information included in the print job.

  When drawing information is generated by the image processing unit 130, the engine control unit 120 controls the print engine 106 to execute image formation on the paper conveyed from the paper feed table 105 based on the generated drawing information. Let That is, the image processing unit 130, the engine control unit 120, and the print engine 106 function as a print output unit.

  As a specific aspect of the print engine 106, an image forming mechanism using an ink jet method, an image forming mechanism using an electrophotographic method, or the like can be used. A document on which image formation has been performed by the print engine 106 is discharged to a discharge tray 107.

  When the image processing apparatus 2 operates as a scanner, the operation display control unit 140 or input / output control is performed according to a user operation on the display panel 109 or a scan execution instruction input from an external apparatus via the network I / F 108. The unit 150 transfers the scan execution signal to the main control unit 110. The main control unit 110 controls the engine control unit 120 based on the received scan execution signal.

  The engine control unit 120 drives the ADF 101 and conveys the document S to be imaged set on the ADF 101 to the scanner unit 102 as described above. Further, the engine control unit 120 drives the scanner unit 102 and images (scans) a document conveyed from the ADF 101.

  If no original is set on the ADF 101 and the original is set directly on the scanner unit 102, the scanner unit 102 images the set original according to the control of the engine control unit 120. That is, the scanner unit 102 operates as an imaging unit, and the engine control unit 120 functions as a reading control unit.

  In the imaging operation, an imaging element such as a CCD included in the scanner unit 102 optically scans the document, and imaging information generated based on the optical information is generated. The engine control unit 120 transfers the imaging information generated by the scanner unit 102 to the image processing unit 130. The image processing unit 130 generates image information based on the imaging information received from the engine control unit 120 according to the control of the main control unit 110.

  Image information generated by the image processing unit 130 is acquired by the main control unit 110, and the main control unit 110 stores the image information in a storage medium attached to the image processing apparatus 2 such as the HDD 40. That is, the scanner unit 102, the engine control unit 120, and the image processing unit 130 work together to function as an image input unit. The image information generated by the image processing unit 130 is stored as it is in the HDD 40 or the like according to a user instruction or transmitted to an external device via the input / output control unit 150 and the network I / F 108.

  Further, when the image processing apparatus 2 operates as a copying machine, the image processing unit 130 generates drawing information based on the imaging information received by the engine control unit 120 from the scanner unit 102 or the image information generated by the image processing unit 130. To do. Based on the drawing information, the engine control unit 120 drives the print engine 106 as in the case of the printer operation. In addition, when the information formats of drawing information and imaging information are the same, it is also possible to use imaging information as drawing information as it is.

  The main control unit 110 acquires information input by the user via the operation terminal 20 from the operation display control unit 140 and executes parameters (settings) when executing various functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2. Value). FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing internal functions of the main control unit 110 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main control unit 110 includes a setting control unit 111 and a setting information storage unit 112. The setting control unit 111 controls parameters (setting values) when executing the functions of the image processing apparatus 2. Specifically, the setting control unit 111 determines whether to update a parameter (setting value) when executing various functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2.

  The setting information storage unit 112 is a storage unit that stores parameters (setting values) for executing various functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2. Parameters (setting values) for executing various functions mounted on the image processing apparatus 2 stored in the setting information storage unit 112 are updated by the setting control unit 111.

  Next, the functional configuration of the operation terminal 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the operation terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the operation terminal 20 includes a communication control unit 210, a display control unit 220, a terminal side setting control unit 230, and an operation control unit 240.

  The communication control unit 210 controls transmission / reception of information in the operation terminal 20 via the network 3. The display control unit 220 controls the display mode when the setting screen 200 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the input / output device 72.

  When the setting screen 200 is displayed on the input / output device 72, the terminal-side setting control unit 230 acquires the parameters (setting values) set in the image processing device 2 via the communication control unit 210. The display control unit 220 displays the setting screen 200 on the input / output device 72 based on the setting value information acquired by the terminal-side setting control unit 230.

  The operation control unit 240 outputs a signal based on an operation performed on the setting screen 200 displayed on the input / output device 72. By transmitting this signal to the controller 100 via the communication control unit 210, parameters (setting values) for executing various functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2 are set.

  With such a configuration, the image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment executes various functions mounted on the image processing apparatus 2 based on the set parameters (setting values).

  Next, a setting mode of parameters (setting values) when executing various functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen 200 for setting parameters (setting values) when executing various functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2 displayed on the operation terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. .

  FIG. 7 illustrates a setting screen 200 for setting parameters (setting values) when executing the functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the setting screen 200 includes a paper setting item 201, a color setting item 202, a magnification setting item 203, an aggregate print setting item 204, and a post-processing setting item 205.

  The paper setting item 201 is an item for setting which paper feed table 105 the paper stacked in is used. The color setting item 202 is an item for setting the reading quality when performing color or monochrome printing and scanner operation. The magnification setting item 203 is an item for setting at which magnification an image is printed.

  The aggregate print setting item 204 is an item for setting execution of aggregate print such as printing an image of two pages on one sheet. A post-processing setting item 205 is an item for setting execution of post-processing performed on a sheet after printing is completed, such as stapling, punching, and sorting.

  The operation terminal 20 transmits information input by the user to the image processing apparatus 2 via the network 3 for various items displayed on the setting screen 200.

  Note that parameters (setting values) for executing the functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2 can also be set from the PC 5. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen 500 for setting parameters (setting values) when executing various functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2 displayed on the PC 5 according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 8A shows a setting screen 500 for setting sheets stacked on the sheet feed table 105 of the image processing apparatus 2. The setting screen 500 is a screen displayed on the LCD 60 of the PC 5, and includes a paper setting item 501 for setting paper stacked in “paper tray 1” of the paper feed table 105, and “paper tray 2” of the paper feed table 105. ”And a priority tray setting item 503 for setting which tray of the paper feed table 105 is to be used preferentially.

  When a paper discharge destination setting tab 504 is clicked, a paper discharge tray 107 that is a paper discharge destination can be set.

  FIG. 8B shows a setting screen 510 for setting the network settings of the image processing apparatus 2. The setting screen 510 includes an environment setting item 511 in which information related to the network environment of the image processing apparatus 2 is displayed, and a communication setting item 512 for performing network settings such as an IP address and a subnet mask.

  When the IPv6 tab 513 or the DNS tab 514 is clicked, network settings relating to IPv6 or DNS can be performed via the displayed setting screen 510. The PC 5 transmits information input by the user to the image processing apparatus 2 via the network 3 for various items displayed on the setting screen 500 and the setting screen 510.

  With such a configuration, in the image processing system 1, the parameters set by the image processing apparatus 2 can be reflected to other image processing apparatuses connected via the network 3. Next, an aspect in selecting a device that reflects parameters will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a selection screen 2100 for selecting an apparatus that reflects parameters for executing the function of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the selection screen 2100 includes input boxes 2200 and 2300 for designating a device that reflects a parameter for executing the function of the image processing device 2.

  In the input boxes 2200 and 2300, for example, the IP addresses of the image processing apparatuses 2B and 2C connected to the same LAN (Local Area Network) as the image processing apparatus 2A can be selected and input.

  Note that the IP addresses of the image processing apparatus 2B and the image processing apparatus 2C may be manually input one by one. When connected to the same LAN, the IP addresses of the image processing device 2B and the image processing device 2C detected by SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) may be reflected in the input boxes 2200 and 2300.

  The selection screen 2100 is displayed on the operation terminal 20 or the PC 5. Then, a process of designating a device that reflects a parameter for executing the function of the image processing device 2 based on an operation signal input by the user operating the operation terminal 20 or the PC 5 on which the selection screen 2100 is displayed. Executed.

  The selection screen 2100 may be configured to be displayed on the operation terminal 20 or the PC 5 when processing for specifying a device that reflects a parameter for executing the function of the image processing device 2 is executed. Furthermore, a device that reflects parameters for executing the functions of the image processing device 2 is designated in advance from the selection screen 2100 displayed on the operation terminal 20 or the PC 5, and information on the designated device is stored in the setting information storage unit 112. The structure may be stored.

  In FIG. 9, the IP address of the image processing apparatus 2B is specified in the input box 2200 and the IP address of the image processing apparatus 2C is specified in the input box 2300 as apparatuses for reflecting the parameters for executing the functions of the image processing apparatus 2A.

  Next, the setting item update management table 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the setting item update management table 300 according to the present embodiment. The setting item update management table 300 is a data table stored in the setting information storage unit 112 in the image processing apparatuses 2A, 2B, and 2C.

  The setting item update management table 300 may be stored in the server 4. In such a case, the image processing apparatuses 2 </ b> A, 2 </ b> B, and 2 </ b> C execute the process described with reference to FIG. 10 with reference to the setting item update management table 300 stored in the server 4.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the setting item update management table 300 includes information indicating an ID 302, an update target 303, a last update type 304, a last update date and time 305, and a non-update period 306 for each setting item 301. Is done.

  In the setting item update management table 300, an ID 302 is assigned to each setting item 301. When the setting item 301 is called or written from the operation terminal 20 or the PC 5, the ID 302 assigned to the setting item 301 is assigned. specify.

  The setting item update management table 300 is configured to include an update target 303 as information for specifying a device that is a target for using a parameter set for itself for each ID 302. For example, when “printer discharge destination setting” is set in the setting item 301, only the apparatus equipped with the print function is the target of using this parameter. Accordingly, when “printer discharge destination setting” is set in the setting item 301, information for specifying “printer loaded machine” in the update target 303 is included.

  The paper size setting is a setting commonly used for the copy function and the print function. Therefore, when “paper tray 1 size setting” or “paper tray 2 size setting” is set in the setting item 301, the update target 303 includes information specifying “all” devices.

  The copy function is not installed in the printer but is a function installed in the multifunction peripheral. Therefore, when “copy discharge destination setting” is set in the setting item 301, the update target 303 includes information specifying “multifunction device”.

  The IP address assigned to each device is automatically assigned by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server when connecting to the network 3. Therefore, when “IP address automatic acquisition setting” is set in the setting item 301, this means that the DHCP server is requested to update the IP address. Contains information to specify.

  As the IP address, a unique address is assigned to each device. Therefore, when “IP address manual setting” is set in the setting item 301, an address that overlaps with an IP address with another apparatus cannot be set, and therefore the update target 303 is information specifying “only the own device”. .

  The subnet mask is a value indicating that the subnet mask is connected to the same LAN, and the subnet mask value can be changed at the same time if the devices are in the same subnet. Therefore, when “subnet mask manual setting” is set in the setting item 301, the update target 303 includes information for designating a device “within the same subnet”. Note that devices outside the same subnet may not have the same subnet 303 because they may have different subnet masks in the first place.

  In addition, the setting item update management table 300 includes a last update type 304 as information indicating what the previous change type is for each ID 302. When the parameter is changed by a user operation, the setting control unit 111 sets the last update type 304 to “operation”, and stores the last date and time when the parameter was changed in the last update date and time 305. When the update target 303 is “only the own device”, the last update type 304 is always “operation”, and the last update date and time 305 is not displayed.

  The setting item update management table 300 includes a non-update period 306 as information for determining a parameter non-update target period for each ID 302. The non-update period 306 includes information specifying any one of “none”, “indefinite”, and “any period from the last change date”. You can set a period of up to months.

  The initial value of the non-update period 306 is “none”, and the non-update period 306 can be set in units of days, hours, minutes, or seconds. Further, the setting values included in the setting item update management table 300 can be set, for example, by transmitting a user's arbitrary value to the image processing apparatus 2 via the PC 5.

  With such a configuration, the image processing system 1 executes processing for updating parameters by sharing the parameters set by the user with the image processing devices 2B and 2C in the image processing device 2A.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, a flow of processing executed in the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing for requesting parameter update from the image processing apparatus 2A to the image processing apparatuses 2B and 2C according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 2A that requests parameter update functions as the first information processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatuses 2B and 2C that perform parameter update in response to the request function as the second information processing apparatus. To do. Therefore, the main control unit 110 of the image processing apparatus 2A functions as a first process execution control unit.

  First, the user 6 of the image processing system 1 executes an operation for displaying the setting screen 200 from the operation terminal 20 (S101). When the operation of S101 is performed, the terminal-side setting control unit 230a transmits a request to display the setting screen 200 on the input / output device 72 to the setting control unit 111a (S102).

  The setting control unit 111a transmits a parameter (setting value) at the time of receiving the request of S102 to the terminal side setting control unit 230a (S103). The terminal-side setting control unit 230a causes the input / output device 72 to display the setting screen 200 reflecting the setting value received in S103 via the display control unit 220a (S104).

  The user 6 operates the displayed setting screen 200 and is mounted on the image processing apparatus 2 such as a paper setting item 201, a color setting item 202, a magnification setting item 203, an aggregate printing setting item 204, and a post-processing setting item 205. The parameter for executing the function is input (S105).

  It is assumed that, for example, a parameter for setting the size of the paper tray 2 is input in the paper setting item 201 by the processing of S105. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, in the size setting item of the paper tray 2, the ID 302 is “10002”, the update target 303 is “all”, the last update type 304 is “operation”, and the last update date and time 305 is “2018”. The parameters are set to “01/31 10:00: 00” and the non-update period 306 is “indefinite”.

  For example, when transmitting a print job from the PC 5 instead of the setting screen 200, the user 6 operates the setting screen 500 displayed on the PC 5 to set the paper setting item 501, the paper setting item 502, and the priority. The configuration may be such that parameters for executing functions mounted on the image processing apparatus 2 such as the tray setting item 503, the environment setting item 511, and the communication setting item 512 are transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2.

  The terminal-side setting control unit 230a acquires the parameters input by the user 6 in S105 via the operation control unit 240a. Then, the terminal-side setting control unit 230a sets a setting update determination that determines whether to update the settings of the image processing apparatus 2B and the image processing apparatus 2C, reflecting the setting item 301 in which the parameter is input in S105. The control unit 111a is requested (S106).

  The setting control unit 111a determines whether to reflect the parameters for executing the functions installed in the image processing apparatus 2A in the image processing apparatuses 2B and 2C according to the processing steps shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processing is executed (S107). FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of setting update determination processing according to the present embodiment.

  First, the setting control unit 111a updates the parameter for executing the function of the image processing apparatus 2 by reflecting the parameter input by the user 6 in S105 (S1201). Therefore, the setting control unit 111a functions as a first setting update unit that updates the setting value of the parameter for executing the function of the image processing apparatus 2 as the first setting information based on the update instruction of the user 6. The following description will be made assuming that the size setting of “paper tray 1” has been changed from A3 to A4 in S1201.

  The setting control unit 111a refers to the setting item update management table 300 stored in the setting information storage unit 112a, and whether the non-updating period 306 has passed for the information in which the setting item 301 is “paper tray 1 size setting”. It is determined whether or not (S1202). In the setting item update management table 300, the setting item 301: “paper tray 1 size setting” is information specified by the ID 302 of “10001”.

  ID 302: The non-update period 306 included in the information specified by “10001” is “none”. Therefore, the setting control unit 111a determines that the non-update period has elapsed in the process of S1202 (S1202 / YES).

  If the non-update period 306 included in the information identified by the ID 302: “10001” is “indefinite”, the setting control unit 111a has not passed the non-update period in the process of S1202. (S1202 / NO).

  If it is determined that the non-update period 306 has elapsed, the setting control unit 111a acquires information related to a device that reflects a parameter for executing the function of the image processing device 2A stored in the setting information storage unit 112b.

  Then, the setting control unit 111a determines that an update request for setting the size setting of “paper tray 1” to be updated to A4 is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2B and the image processing apparatus 2C (S1203). Therefore, the setting control unit 111a sets the setting information of the image processing devices 2B and 2C that are the second information processing devices based on the first setting information that is the setting information of the image processing device 2A that is the first information processing device. It functions as a setting update request unit that requests updating of values.

  If NO in S1202 or if the processing of S1203 is executed, the setting control unit 111a performs the final update in the information specified by the setting item 301: “paper tray 1 size setting” in the setting item update management table 300. The type 304 is changed to “manual” (S1204), and the date / time of the last update date / time 305 is updated (S1205).

  When the processing of S1203 is executed and the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 12 is finished, the setting control unit 111a issues an update request for setting the size setting of “paper tray 1” to A4, the image processing device 2B and the image processing device 2C. (S108). Accordingly, the setting control unit 111a functions as a setting information transmission unit.

  In the image processing apparatus 2B and the image processing apparatus 2C that have received the update request for setting the size setting of “paper tray 1” to A4, the update execution determination process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the update execution determination process according to this embodiment. Note that, in the image processing device 2B and the image processing device 2C, the processing of FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the image processing apparatus 2B is a multifunction peripheral and the image processing apparatus 2C is a printer.

  When receiving the update request for setting the size setting of “paper tray 1” to A4 (S109), the setting control unit 111b of the image processing apparatus 2B executes an update execution determination process (S110). Therefore, the setting control unit 111b includes a second setting updating unit that updates the second setting information based on the first setting information, and a date and time when the first setting information corresponding to the second setting information is updated. It functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the above is satisfied.

  In the update execution determination process, the setting control unit 111b refers to the information specified by the setting item 301: “paper tray 1 size setting” in the setting item update management table 300 stored in the setting information storage unit 112b. It is determined whether or not the update type 304 is “synchronous” (S1301).

  Therefore, the setting control unit 111b functions as a condition acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined condition corresponding to a setting item included in the second setting information that is setting information for the image processing apparatus 2B.

  When the final update type 304 is not “synchronous” (S1301 / NO), the setting control unit 111b refers to the information specified by the setting item 301: “paper tray 1 size setting”, and the non-update period 306 has elapsed. It is determined whether or not (S1302).

  Setting item 301: The non-update period 306 included in the information specified by “paper tray 1 size setting” is “none”. Therefore, the setting control unit 111b determines that the non-update period has elapsed in the processing of S1302 (S1302 / YES).

  If the non-update period 306 included in the information specified by the setting item 301: “paper tray 1 size setting” is “indefinite”, the setting control unit 111b performs non-update in the processing of S1302. It is determined that the period has not elapsed (S1302 / NO).

  When the last update type 304 is “synchronous” (S1301 / YES), or when it is determined that the non-update period 306 has elapsed (S1302 / YES), the setting control unit 111b displays the “paper tray” of the image processing apparatus 2B. It is determined that the size setting of “1” is updated to A4 (S1303).

  The setting control unit 111b sets the last update type 304 to “synchronized” in the information specified by the setting item 301: “paper tray 1 size setting” in the setting item update management table 300 (S1304), and the last update date and time 305. Is updated (S1305), and the update execution determination process is terminated.

  If it is determined in S1303 that the size setting of “paper tray 1” of the image processing apparatus 2B is changed to A4, the setting control unit 111b updates the size setting of “paper tray 1” of the image processing apparatus 2B to A4 (S111). ), The image processing apparatus 2A is notified that the size setting of “paper tray 1” has been updated (S112). Accordingly, the setting control unit 111b functions as a second update setting unit that updates the setting value of the setting information of the image processing device 2B that is the second information processing device based on the first setting information.

  Also in the image processing apparatus 2C, the setting control unit 111c executes processes similar to the processes from S109 to S112 in S113 to S116, respectively.

  Upon receiving the notification that the size setting of “paper tray 1” has been updated, the setting control unit 111a indicates that the size setting of “paper tray 1” of the image processing device 2B and the image processing device 2C has been updated to A4. The setting control unit 230a is notified (S117).

  Upon receiving the notification in S117, the terminal-side setting control unit 230a receives information that allows the user 6 to recognize the image processing apparatus 2B and the image processing apparatus 2C in which the size setting of “paper tray 1” has been updated to A4. 72 is displayed (S118), and this process is terminated.

  Note that when the image processing apparatuses 2B and 2C have a configuration having only one paper tray, information indicating that the paper tray 1 of the image processing apparatus 2A corresponds to the paper tray of the image processing apparatuses 2B and 2C. By defining in advance, the setting of “paper tray 1” of the image processing apparatus 2A can be reflected in the setting of the paper trays of the image processing apparatuses 2B and 2C.

  As described above, in the image processing system according to the present embodiment, whether or not the settings of other image processing devices are shared based on the elapsed time since the setting has been changed in the image processing devices configuring the system. Determine whether. Therefore, in an image processing apparatus in which settings are frequently changed, settings of other image processing apparatuses are difficult to be shared, so that the settings desired by the user can be reflected and image formation output can be executed.

  In the above description, an example in which setting update is requested to the image processing apparatuses 2B and 2C after the setting is updated in the image processing apparatus 2A has been described, but before the setting is updated in the image processing apparatus 2A. Alternatively, the image processing apparatuses 2B and 2C may be configured to request setting update. That is, even when the processing of S107 is executed after the processing of S108, the image formation output can be executed with the setting desired by the user reflected.

  At this time, the time when the setting of the image processing apparatus 2A is updated is not updated as the last update date 305 of the setting item update management table 300. Therefore, the image processing apparatuses 2B and 2C determine whether or not the non-update period 306 has elapsed at the timing when the information for setting the size setting of “paper tray 1” to A4 is received from the image processing apparatus 2A. To do.

  The configuration of the present invention can be applied to, for example, an image processing apparatus such as a projector or an electronic blackboard, or an information processing apparatus such as a PC or a server, in addition to an MFP or a printer, to reflect a setting desired by the user .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing system 2 Image processing apparatus 3 Network 4 Server 5 PC
11, 12, 13 CPU
21, 22, 23 RAM
31, 32, 33 ROM
41, 42, 43 Storage medium 51, 52, 53 I / F
91, 92, 93 Bus 100 Controller 110 Main control unit 111 Setting control unit 112 Setting information storage unit 120 Engine control unit 130 Image processing unit 140 Communication control unit 230 Terminal side setting control unit

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-031982

Claims (13)

An information processing apparatus that shares setting information for controlling execution of processing with another information processing apparatus connected via a network,
A first process execution control unit that controls execution of the process based on first setting information that is the setting information for the information processing apparatus;
An update instruction for updating a setting value of the first setting information, wherein the setting value of the first setting information is updated based on the update instruction input to the information processing apparatus by a user operation. And
The last update date and time when the setting value of the first setting information corresponding to the second setting information is last updated when the second setting information that is the setting information for the other information processing apparatus is received. A determination unit that determines whether or not satisfies a predetermined condition;
A second setting update unit that updates a setting value of the first setting information based on a setting value of the second setting information when the last update date satisfies the predetermined condition;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The determination unit
Whether or not the last update date and time of the setting value of the first setting information corresponding to the second setting information updated by the first setting update unit satisfies a predetermined condition when the update instruction is received The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is determined. A condition acquisition unit for acquiring the predetermined condition corresponding to the setting item included in the second setting information from the predetermined condition set for each of the plurality of setting items included in the setting information;
The determination unit
The last update date and time of the setting value of the first setting information corresponding to the second setting information updated based on the second setting information is included in the second setting information acquired by the condition acquisition unit The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the predetermined condition for the setting item to be set is satisfied. An information processing apparatus that shares setting information for controlling execution of processing with another information processing apparatus connected via a network,
A first process execution control unit that controls execution of the process based on first setting information that is the setting information for the information processing apparatus;
An update instruction for updating a setting value of the first setting information, wherein the setting value of the first setting information is updated based on the update instruction input to the information processing apparatus by a user operation. And
A determination unit that determines whether or not a last update date and time, which is a date and time when the setting value of the first setting information was last updated, satisfies a predetermined condition when the update instruction is received;
A setting update requesting unit for requesting an update of a setting value of the setting information of the other information processing device based on the first setting information when the last update date satisfies a predetermined condition;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The determination unit
When receiving the update instruction, the first setting update unit determines whether or not a last update date and time, which is a date and time when the setting value of the first setting information was last updated, satisfies a predetermined condition. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. A condition acquisition unit that acquires the predetermined condition corresponding to the setting item included in the first setting information from the predetermined condition set for each of the plurality of setting items included in the setting information;
The determination unit
When the update instruction is received, a last update date and time, which is a date and time when the setting value of the first setting information is last updated by the first setting update unit, is acquired by the condition acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein it is determined whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied for a setting item included in one setting information. The determination unit
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied based on an elapsed period from the last update date and time. An information processing system configured by a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network and sharing setting information for controlling execution of processing,
The plurality of information processing devices include:
A first process execution control unit that controls execution of the process based on first setting information that is the setting information for the information processing apparatus;
An update instruction for updating a setting value of the first setting information, wherein the setting value of the first setting information is updated based on the update instruction input to the information processing apparatus by a user operation. And
Including
The first information processing device included in the plurality of information processing devices includes:
A setting information transmitting unit that transmits the first setting information updated by the first setting updating unit to the other information processing apparatus;
A second information processing apparatus that is included in the plurality of information processing apparatuses and is different from the first information processing apparatus,
When the second setting information that is the setting information for the second information processing apparatus is received, the last update date and time that is the date and time when the setting value of the first setting information corresponding to the second setting information was last updated A determination unit that determines whether or not satisfies a predetermined condition;
A second update setting unit that updates a setting value of the first setting information based on a setting value of the second setting information when the last update date satisfies the predetermined condition;
An information processing system comprising: An information processing system configured by a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network and sharing setting information for controlling execution of processing,
The plurality of information processing devices include:
A first process execution control unit that controls execution of the process based on first setting information that is the setting information for the information processing apparatus;
An update instruction for updating a setting value of the first setting information, wherein the setting value of the first setting information is updated based on the update instruction input to the information processing apparatus by a user operation. And
Including
The first information processing device included in the plurality of information processing devices includes:
A determination unit that determines whether or not a last update date and time, which is a date and time when the setting value of the first setting information was last updated, satisfies a predetermined condition when the update instruction is received;
A setting update requesting unit for requesting an update of a setting value of the setting information of the other information processing device based on the first setting information when the last update date satisfies a predetermined condition;
Including
A second information processing apparatus that is included in the plurality of information processing apparatuses and is different from the first information processing apparatus,
An information processing system comprising: a second setting update unit configured to update a setting value of the setting information of the second information processing device based on the first setting information. A control method in an information processing system configured by a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network and sharing setting information for controlling execution of processing,
The plurality of information processing devices include:
An update instruction for updating a setting value of the first setting information, which is the setting information, for the information processing apparatus, based on the update instruction input to the information processing apparatus by a user operation. Update the setting value
The first information processing device included in the plurality of information processing devices includes:
Transmitting the updated first setting information to the other information processing apparatus;
A second information processing apparatus that is included in the plurality of information processing apparatuses and is different from the first information processing apparatus,
When the second setting information that is the setting information for the second information processing apparatus is received, the last update date and time that is the date and time when the setting value of the first setting information corresponding to the second setting information was last updated Determine whether or not
When the last update date satisfies the predetermined condition, the setting value of the first setting information is updated based on the setting value of the second setting information. A control method in an information processing system configured by a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network and sharing setting information for controlling execution of processing,
The plurality of information processing devices include:
An update instruction for updating a setting value of the first setting information, which is the setting information, for the information processing apparatus, based on the update instruction input to the information processing apparatus by a user operation. Update the setting value
The first information processing device included in the plurality of information processing devices includes:
When receiving the update instruction, it is determined whether or not the last update date and time, which is the date and time when the setting value of the first setting information was last updated, satisfies a predetermined condition,
When the last update date / time satisfies a predetermined condition, request update of the setting value of the setting information of the other information processing apparatus based on the first setting information,
A second information processing apparatus that is included in the plurality of information processing apparatuses and is different from the first information processing apparatus,
Based on the first setting information, the setting value of the setting information of the second information processing apparatus is updated. An information processing program configured by a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network and sharing setting information for controlling execution of processing,
In the plurality of information processing devices,
Controlling execution of the process based on first setting information that is the setting information for the information processing apparatus;
An update instruction for updating a setting value of the first setting information, wherein the setting value of the first setting information is updated based on the update instruction input to the information processing apparatus by a user operation;
And execute
In the first information processing device included in the plurality of information processing devices,
Transmitting the first setting information updated by the first setting updating unit that updates the setting value of the first setting information based on the update instruction to another information processing apparatus;
A second information processing device included in the plurality of information processing devices and different from the first information processing device;
When the second setting information that is the setting information for the second information processing apparatus is received, the last update date and time that is the date and time when the setting value of the first setting information corresponding to the second setting information was last updated Determining whether or not satisfies a predetermined condition;
Updating the setting value of the first setting information based on the setting value of the second setting information when the last update date satisfies the predetermined condition;
An information processing program for executing An information processing program configured by a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network and sharing setting information for controlling execution of processing,
In the plurality of information processing devices,
Controlling execution of the process based on first setting information that is the setting information for the information processing apparatus;
An update instruction for updating a setting value of the first setting information, wherein the setting value of the first setting information is updated based on the update instruction input to the information processing apparatus by a user operation;
And execute
In the first information processing device included in the plurality of information processing devices,
When receiving the update instruction, determining whether or not a last update date and time, which is a date and time when the setting value of the first setting information was last updated, satisfies a predetermined condition;
Requesting update of setting values of setting information of the other information processing apparatus based on the first setting information when the last update date satisfies a predetermined condition;
And execute
A second information processing device included in the plurality of information processing devices and different from the first information processing device;
An information processing program for executing a step of updating a setting value of setting information of the second information processing device based on the first setting information.