JP2023083857A - Terminal device and transfer method of print setting - Google Patents

Abstract

To realize a terminal device etc. allowing the setting of a user to be transferred easily between the terminal devices.SOLUTION: A terminal device comprises: a control unit which executes a print job based on a print setting in an image forming device; and a storage unit which stores a registry. The terminal device acquires user information from the registry, acquires information on the print setting from the registry on the basis of the user information, and stores the user information and the information on the print setting in a specific key in the registry.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a terminal device and the like.

For example, when a terminal device in which a driver for controlling an image processing device is installed has a different driver for controlling the image processing device installed, a driver setting that enables the user to reduce the trouble of setting the driver. A method invention has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-293771 A

However, in the conventional technology, it was not taken into consideration that each setting set for each user in the terminal device before migration is handed over to another terminal device.

An object of the present disclosure is to implement a terminal device or the like in which user settings can be easily transferred between terminal devices.

A terminal device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit that executes a print job based on print settings in an image forming apparatus, and a storage unit that stores a registry, the control unit acquires user information from the registry, The print setting information is obtained from the registry based on the user information, and the user information and the print setting information are stored in a specific key in the registry.

A method of migrating print settings according to the present disclosure is a method of migrating print settings of a printer driver, in which user information is acquired from the registry of a first terminal device, and the user information and print settings in the first printer driver are acquired. acquiring and outputting the information of the user; acquiring the output user information and the print setting information in the second terminal device; and acquiring the acquired print setting information in the second terminal device and reflecting the print settings of the second printer driver based on the setting information.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to implement a terminal device or the like in which user settings can be easily transferred between terminal devices.

It is a figure for explaining the whole system in a 1st embodiment. 3 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an outline of processing in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a registry in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a registry in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a registry in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a registry in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation example (screen example) in the first embodiment; It is a figure for explaining the processing flow in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a system in a third embodiment; FIG.

An embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following descriptions.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1.1 Overall configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for schematically explaining the entire system in this embodiment. For example, a terminal device 10 and an image forming device 20 are connected to the system 1 via a network NW. One or a plurality of terminal devices 10 and image forming devices 20 can be connected to the system 1 .

The network NW is mainly composed of a LAN (Local Area Network). LAN includes wired LAN and wireless LAN. In the case of wireless LAN, for example, the terminal device 10 may be connected to the network NW via an access point. Also, the network NW may be remotely connected via the Internet.

Also, the terminal device 10 and the image forming device 20 may be directly connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 20 and the terminal device 30 may communicate with each other using a communication means different from the network NW (for example, direct WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc.). good.

At least two terminal devices 10 are provided. For example, FIG. 1 has a first terminal device 12 and a second terminal device 14 . Here, the first terminal device 12 and the second terminal device 14 may have the same configuration, and will be described as a terminal device 10 when collectively representing these devices.

[1.2 Functional configuration]
Next, the functional configuration of each device will be described.

[1.2.1 Terminal device]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG.

The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the terminal device 10 as a whole. The control unit 100 implements various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 110 . The control unit 100 is composed of one or more control devices and control circuits, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and SoC (System on a Chip).

The storage unit 110 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 10 . The storage unit 110 may be a recording device capable of temporary storage such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive) made up of a semiconductor memory, or a HDD (Hard Drive) made up of a magnetic disk. (Disk Drive) and other non-temporary recording devices. In addition, although the storage unit 110 has one configuration for convenience of explanation, it is used for an area (main storage area) used for program execution, an area (auxiliary storage area) for storing programs and data, and a cache. It may be configured as a separate device for each application, such as a region.

The storage unit 110 of this embodiment may store a printer driver 112 , a setting database (DB) 114 , a migration file 116 and authentication information 118 .

The printer driver 112 is software that controls the image forming apparatus 20 connected via the communication unit 150 . The printer driver 112 executes print jobs and scan jobs based on instructions from other applications. The printer driver 112 stores setting information for each user in the setting DB 114 .

The setting DB 114 is a database that stores various settings in the terminal device 10 . For example, the setting DB 114 is a registry when the terminal device 10 is running Windows (registered trademark). Also, when the terminal device 10 is running another OS, the setting DB 114 is, for example, a setting file for each device (for example, a setting file stored in /etc). In this embodiment, the setting DB 114 is described as a registry.

The migration file 116 is a file created when migrating user settings to another terminal device. The migration file 116 may be stored, for example, in the storage unit 110, or may be stored in an external storage device (eg, USB memory).

The authentication information 118 stores the authentication information of the user of the terminal device 10 . For example, by referring to the authentication information 118 , the control unit 100 can identify the current user of the terminal device 10 and perform authentication when using the terminal device 10 .

The display unit 130 is a functional unit for displaying images and characters. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL panel, or the like. The display unit 130 may be a single display device, or may include a display device connected to the outside.

The operation unit 140 receives operation input from the user. For example, the operation unit 140 is composed of hardware keys and software keys.

The communication unit 150 is a functional unit for connecting with a network. For example, it is configured with an interface that can be connected to a wired LAN, wireless LAN, or LTE network. By connecting the communication unit 150 to the network, it is connected to another device or an external network.

The connection unit 160 connects the terminal device 10 and other devices. For example, the connection unit 160 is a USB interface to which a USB memory or the like is connected. In addition, the connection unit 160 may also include near field communication such as NFC (Near field communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Also, the communication unit 150 and the connection unit 160 may be configured integrally. For example, it may be provided as one wireless communication interface, and a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

[1.2.2 Image forming apparatus]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20. As shown in FIG.

The control unit 200 is a functional unit for controlling the image forming apparatus 20 as a whole. The control unit 100 is composed of one or more control devices and control circuits, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and SoC (System on a Chip).

Further, the control unit 200 can implement each function by reading out the program stored in the storage unit 210 and executing the process.

The storage unit 210 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 . The storage unit 210 includes a recording device capable of temporary storage such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive) configured with a semiconductor memory, and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) configured with a magnetic disk, for example. (Disk Drive) and other non-temporary recording devices. In addition, although the storage unit 210 has one configuration for convenience of explanation, it is used for an area (main storage area) used for program execution, an area (auxiliary storage area) for storing programs and data, and a cache. It may be configured as a separate device for each application, such as a region. Storage unit 210 stores setting information 212 and authentication information 214 .

The setting information 212 stores settings when the image forming apparatus 20 executes a job. For example, it stores setting information (for example, paper type, single-sided/double-sided printing, closing method, etc.) related to the print job that is used when the control unit 200 executes the print job. It also stores setting information (for example, image resolution, monochrome/color, file format, etc.) related to the scan job that is used when the control unit 200 executes the scan job. In the present embodiment, information (print setting information) related to print settings set by the printer driver 112 of the terminal device 10 may be received and set.

The authentication information 214 is information used for user authentication in the image forming apparatus 20 . For example, it stores identification information for identifying users and passwords. The control unit 200 refers to the authentication information 214 and authenticates the user who uses the image forming apparatus 20 . In this embodiment, information regarding user authentication may be received from the printer driver 112 of the terminal device 10 and authenticated.

The display unit 220 is a functional unit for displaying images and characters. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL panel, or the like. The display unit 220 may be a single display device, or may include a display device connected to the outside.

The operation unit 230 receives operation input from the user. For example, the operation unit 230 is composed of hardware keys and software keys. The operation unit 230 also includes task keys for executing tasks such as FAX transmission and image reading, and a cancel key for canceling operations. The operation unit 230 may also include physical operation keys such as a task key, a stop key, a power key, and a power saving key. The terminal device 30 may use an externally connected display device instead of the display unit 220 .

The image input unit 240 reads an image (document) and outputs it as image data. The image input unit 240 is configured by a general scanner (image input device). The image input unit 240 may input image data from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may receive images via a network.

The image forming section 245 forms an image. For example, the image forming section 245 forms the image data output from the image input section 240 as an image on a record.

The communication unit 250 is a functional unit for connecting with a network. For example, it is configured with an interface that can be connected to a wired LAN, wireless LAN, or LTE network. By connecting the communication unit 250 to the network, it will be connected to other devices and external networks.

The connection unit 260 connects the image forming apparatus 20 and other devices. For example, the connection unit 260 is a USB interface to which a USB memory or the like is connected. In addition, the connection unit 260 may also include near field communication such as NFC (Near field communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Also, the communication unit 250 and the connection unit 260 may be configured integrally. For example, it may be provided as one wireless communication interface, and may use a wireless LAN or Bluetooth.

[1.3 Outline of processing]
Next, an overview of the processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows, for example, a first terminal device 12 (transfer source terminal device) in which settings (print settings) for printing in the image forming apparatus 20 are stored, and a second terminal device to which the print settings are transferred. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a terminal device 14 (a terminal device of migration destination).

The first terminal device 12 stores a setting DB that stores information related to hardware and software settings. In FIG. 4, a registry 1202 is stored as an example of the setting DB. The registry stores multiple settings. In general, the registry 1202 stores information such as settings in pairs of keys and values. When an application or driver software is executed, the first terminal device 12 designates a key and reads or writes a value corresponding to the key. A key may be simply referred to as a key or may be referred to as a registry key.

The entire registry may have a hierarchical structure of keys. For example, an application or driver software can refer to a lower key by designating a file system path from the upper level. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the method of specifying the keys is an example, and the explanation is simplified for convenience of explanation.

For example, in FIG. 4, the registry 1202 contains setting information for each user. For example, the registry 1202 stores authentication setting information as settings related to authentication for the first user. The registry 1202 also stores print setting information as information related to printing set by the first user. Here, the authentication setting information and the print setting information may be stored in different locations (layers) as different keys. Therefore, the first terminal device 12 reads the keys of locations corresponding to the authentication setting information and the print setting information regarding the first user from the entire registry, and sets, for example, "PrintDriverData" as a new key as a specific key. (upper key) and writes to the registry 1202 .

A specific key here means a specific key in the registry 1202 . The registry of this embodiment may have a key for migrating print settings to a location different from the location where normal keys and values are stored.

Similarly, the first terminal device 12 reads the information to be migrated from the registry 1202 and writes it to a specific key (where "PrintDriverData" is the key). As a result, for example, all information necessary for the image forming apparatus 20 may be stored in a location corresponding to the specific key.

Then, the first terminal device 12 executes a process of outputting (exporting) the contents saved in the specific key (“PrintDriverData”). At this time, for example, a migration file 1210 may be generated as an external file. A migration file 1210 is a file containing specific keys (key and value). Also, the specific key included in the migration file 1210 may be in a format obtained by extracting a part of the registry or in a text file format.

Subsequently, the migration file 1210 is read in the second terminal device 14, which is the migration destination. The second terminal device 14 reads the keys and values contained in the migration file 1210 into the registry 1402 of its own device and writes them to the location of the specific key in the registry 1402 .

As a result, the setting information (authentication setting information and print setting information) for each user is stored in the specific key of the registry of the second terminal device 14 that is the migration destination. That is, the setting information is transferred from the first terminal device 12 to the second terminal device 14 .

If the second terminal device 14 has a specific key, the printer driver 112 makes print settings based on the specific key. For example, if there is print setting information of a user who matches the logged-in user of the second terminal device 14, the print setting information is read and reflected in the print settings. Further, if there is no print setting information that matches the logged-in user, the second terminal device 14 may manually read the print setting information of another user without automatically reflecting it.

5 to 8 are schematic diagrams of the registry. FIG. 5 is a screen capture when the registry is displayed, and FIGS. 6 to 8 are excerpts of the necessary parts of the registry. 5A, 5B, 7, and 8, respectively.

FIG. 5(a), ie, FIG. 6, describes a state in which a user using the image forming apparatus 20 is identified. For example, FIG. 6 hierarchically shows keys (subkeys) on the left side. Also, the right side shows the value contained in the currently selected key. Also, the names and attributes of the values are displayed.

In FIG. 6, "S1125-1001" is selected as a key (subkey). The key selected in D10 indicates each user.

Also, on the right side, each value included in the key is displayed. Here, one of the values is "C:\Users\us01". Therefore, the control unit 100 can refer to the D12 portion and identify the user name from the value corresponding to this key.

The registry may also include user names and passwords as values in the above keys. The registry may also store keys and values containing user information (authentication settings information) in other keys (eg, where the OS runs).

FIG. 5B shows information about the image forming apparatus 20 as registry information. Referring to FIG. 7 corresponding to FIG. 5B, the key designated by D20 in FIG. there is Here, when D22 is selected, control unit 100 determines that image forming apparatus 20 (D22) indicating "SP MFP001" has been selected.

FIG. 5C shows information about the settings of the image forming apparatus 20 as registry information. Referring to FIG. 8 corresponding to FIG. 5C, D30 shows that the contents set by a certain user in the image forming apparatus 20 are stored as values associated with the keys.

That is, the control unit 100 reads the settings of the user (for example, the currently logged-in user or the user selected as the user to be migrated) from information (registry keys and values) included in the registry. becomes possible.

Then, the control unit 100 collectively writes the user name and settings (for example, print settings) to the registry as values of other keys. For example, the control unit 100 writes a user name (authentication setting information) and a print setting (print setting information) to a key or value subordinate to a specific key (for example, key “ProntDriverData”).

The control unit 100 exports a migration file 1210 used for migration, including the keys and values under the specific key (“ProntDriverData”) of the written registry.

In this way, by properly referencing the registry, the control unit 100 can export not only the driver but also the values and parameters used for the settings as print settings set for each user for migration. It becomes possible.

Further, another terminal device can import the exported information based on the authentication setting information written in the specific key and the print setting information. As a result, settings can be easily transferred from the source terminal device (first terminal device 12) to the destination terminal device (second terminal device 14). That is, the setting of the first printer driver in the first terminal device 12 can be transferred to the setting of the second printer driver in the second terminal device 14 .

[1.4 Flow of processing]
[1.4.1 Import/export processing]
The processing flow of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. First, the control unit 100 allows the user to select whether to “export” or “import” the user settings (step S102).

First, the process when the user selects "export" will be described (step S102; export). First, the control unit 100 acquires a user name (step S104).

Here, in order for the control unit 100 to acquire the user name, for example, in the terminal device 10 (the first terminal device 12), it may be specified from the logged-in user name. Also, the control unit 100 may acquire the user name selected by the user. Here, one or a plurality of user names can be acquired when the user selects one.

Subsequently, the control unit 100 acquires print settings for each user (step S106). Here, the control unit 100 may acquire the print settings for one user (for example, the currently logged-in user). Further, the control unit 100 may acquire print settings for a plurality of selected users.

For example, when the currently logged-in user can be identified, the control unit 100 acquires the print settings of the logged-in user, and when the currently logged-in user cannot be identified, for example, the user You may choose a username.

Subsequently, the control unit 100 associates the acquired user name with the print settings and writes them in the registry (step S108). Based on the user, the control unit 100 collectively acquires the setting information and the like of the corresponding device. Here, the control unit 100 outputs the acquired user name and information about the user as authentication setting information, and outputs information about the print setting as print setting information to the specific key.

Then, the control unit 100 outputs to a migration file, which is a file for migration, based on the specific key (the key written in step S108) (step S110). This may be done by setting and storing subkeys respectively for the names of predetermined keys. Subkeys may be set for each user or may be set for each device (for example, each image forming device) below a predetermined key. Also, the control unit 100 may output the migration file to an external storage device such as a USB memory, or to a storage device connected to a network. Also, the control unit 100 may output to a storage device on the cloud.

Also, in step S102, when the user selects "import" (step S102; import), the control unit 100 reads the migration file (step S120).

For example, when the user selects a migration file to import, the control unit 100 reads the selected migration file. Then, the control unit 100 writes the key and value included in the migration file to the specific key of the registry (step S122).

[1.4.2 Driver processing]
Next, the process of setting print settings from the registry by the printer driver 112 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the control unit 100 opens a UI (user interface), which is a setting screen of the printer driver 112 (step S152). The setting screen of the printer driver 112 is a screen that is displayed, for example, by selecting the properties of a printer when printing with an application, or by selecting a printer and selecting the properties of the selected printer in the operating system. .

When import is selected from the UI of the printer driver 112 (step S154; Yes), the control unit 100 refers to the registry (step S156). Then, if a user who matches the login user of the terminal device 10 (the second terminal device 14 that is the migration destination) exists in the specific key of the registry, the control unit 100 reads the print setting information from the registry (step S158; Yes→step S160). Then, the control unit 100 reflects the setting of printing based on the key and value read from the specific key of the registry (step S162). For example, when double-sided printing is set to ON from a specific key in the registry, the control unit 100 sets double-sided printing to ON in the printer driver 112 .

Further, when a user who matches the login user in the terminal device 10 (the second terminal device 14 that is the migration destination) does not exist in the predetermined key of the registry, the control unit 100 may allow the user to be selected (step S158). ; No→step S164).

For example, the control unit 100 displays a list of candidate users based on users existing in the registry. Then, the user using the printer driver 112 selects a candidate user from among the displayed list of candidate users. The control unit 100 reads the print setting information (registry key and value) corresponding to the selected candidate user from the specific key of the registry, and reflects it in the print setting of the printer driver 112 (step S164; Yes→step S160→step S162). ).

Note that the control unit 100 may select another user even when a user who logs in to the terminal device 10 and a user who matches the user exist in the registry.

Further, in the processing flow of FIG. 10, in step S154, the print setting information is read from the registry after the import is selected, but this may be done automatically. For example, without executing step S154, the registry may be referred to in step S156, and if a specific key exists, the print setting information may be read from the specific key of the registry and reflected in the print settings.

[1.5 Operation example]
Next, an operation example will be described. FIG. 11 is an example of a display screen W100 displayed on the terminal device 10 when the processing in this embodiment is executed. The display screen W100 is displayed on part or the whole of the display unit 130 of the terminal device 10 as a "print setting migration tool".

Here, a button B102 for executing export of print settings and a button B104 for executing import of print settings are arranged on the display screen W100. The user selects the button B102 on the first terminal device 12, which is the migration source. Also, the user selects the button B104 on the second terminal device 14, which is the migration destination.

An OK button B106 for executing the selected process and a cancel button B108 for canceling the process are arranged. After selecting the button B102 or the button B104, the user selects the OK button B106. When the OK button B106 is selected, the control unit 100 executes print setting export processing or import processing. Each process may be executed when the button B102 or the button B104 is selected. Also, when there is no data to be imported, the button B104 may not be selected.

FIG. 12A shows an example of the display screen W120 when the print settings have been exported. The display screen W120 has an area R122 for displaying users (for example, user names for identifying users) included in the registry and an area R124 for displaying user names to be exported.

Here, the user selects the user name displayed in area R122. Control unit 100 displays the user corresponding to the selected user name in area R124 as a user to be exported. At this time, control unit 100 may move and display the user name from area R122 to area R124.

Alternatively, after the user selects a user name displayed in region R122 and selects the add button B122, the selected user name may be displayed in region R124. Alternatively, after the user selects the user name displayed in the area R124 and selects the delete button B124, the selected user name may be displayed in the area R122.

That is, the user can easily add or delete user names to be exported. Moreover, addition/deletion of users using the display screen W120 may be performed by other methods. For example, the user may double-click the user name displayed in the area R122 or the area R124 or perform a long tap operation. Further, the user may perform an operation such as dragging and dropping the displayed user name between the area R122 and the area R124.

Then, when the user presses the OK button, the control unit 100 generates and outputs a migration file including one or more selected user settings (for example, print settings).

FIG. 12B is an example of the display screen W140 when the print settings are imported. The display screen W140 is a screen for selecting a migration file. Any method may be used for the file selection screen as long as the migration file can be selected. For example, the display screen W140 is a file selection screen used in a general OS (Windows (registered trademark)). A list of drives and folders is displayed in area R142. A region R144 displays a list of files included in the selected drive and folder.

When the user selects the migration file and selects the OK button, the registry keys and values containing necessary information (for example, user information and user settings) are read from the migration file, and the second terminal Write as a device 14 registry key.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which the printer driver 112 manually imports print settings from the registry. FIG. 13A is a display screen W160 showing an example of a user interface displayed by the printer driver 112. FIG. Here, the display screen W160 may be displayed, for example, when printer properties are selected. Also, the display screen W160 may be displayed by executing the software of the printer driver 112 .

For example, button B162 is a button for instructing execution of import. When the button B162 is selected, for example, the display screen W180 of FIG. 13(b) is displayed. On the display screen W180, a list of users who have print settings that can be imported is displayed in an area R182. For example, when one user is selected by the user and the OK button is selected, the print settings corresponding to the second user are read from the registry and reflected in the settings of the printer driver 112 .

In this way, the user may specify print settings to be set for the printer driver 112 . Also, the print settings to be set for the printer driver 112 may be the print settings of the corresponding user based on the user who has logged in to the terminal device 10 .

Thus, according to the present embodiment, not only the printer driver 112 but also the printer driver 112 can be It is also possible to take over the set contents.

[2. Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which settings to be migrated are selected from the printer driver 112 . The functional configuration and processing flow of this embodiment are generally the same as those of the first embodiment, and only the points of difference will be described as necessary.

FIG. 14 replaces the operation flow of FIG. Here, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same processes as in FIG. 9, and the description thereof is omitted.

For example, after acquiring print setting information for each user, the control unit 100 may select print settings to be exported to the migration file (step S202). That is, the control unit 100 displays the print settings on the display unit 130 of the first terminal device 12, which is the migration source. The user selects a setting item to be transferred as the print setting to the second terminal device 14, which is the transfer destination, from among the displayed print settings. In addition to the item names of the print settings, the specific content of the print settings may be displayed on the screen.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to select and transfer the necessary print settings from the first terminal device 12, which is the transfer source, to the second terminal device 14, which is the transfer destination.

[3. Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, for example, the case where the image forming apparatuses 20 connected to the first terminal device 12 and the second terminal device 14 are different will be described.

For example, FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing the system 3 in this embodiment. System 3 includes a first image forming device 22 and a second image forming device 24 . Here, the first terminal device 12 is first connected to the first image forming device 22 . At this time, a case where the print settings of the first image forming apparatus 22 are exported and exported as the print settings of the second image forming apparatus 24 will be described.

Note that the import/export may be executed by the same first terminal device 12 . Alternatively, the import may be performed by the first terminal device 12 and the export may be performed by a device different from the second terminal device 14 .

If the first image forming apparatus 22 and the second image forming apparatus 24 are of the same manufacturer or the same model, they can be migrated without causing any particular problems.

However, if the two image forming apparatuses are models of other manufacturers or have different functions, the print settings cannot be transferred as they are.

Therefore, the conversion table is further stored in the terminal device 10 (the first terminal device 12) that executes the process of exporting the file.

An example of the conversion table is shown in FIG. 15(b). The conversion table stores information about the registry for each model, for example, for each function. For example, in FIG. 15B, in the first image forming apparatus 22 (for example, model name “MP2501”), the location of the double-sided printing registry key and the meaning of the value included in the registry key are stored. Also, registry keys and values corresponding to the same double-sided printing can be stored for a plurality of models. In FIG. 15B, the model name of the second image forming apparatus 24 and the meaning of the registry key and value corresponding to each function are stored.

Therefore, when importing, the control unit 100 reads the print settings of the first image forming apparatus 22 from the registry with reference to the conversion table. When exporting, the control unit 100 references the conversion table and writes the print settings of the second image forming apparatus 24 to the registry.

By doing so, when transferring the print settings, it is possible to appropriately transfer the print settings even between different image forming apparatuses.

[4. Modification]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and designs and the like within the scope of the scope of the claims can be applied without departing from the gist of the present invention. include.

In the above-described embodiment, the case of migrating the print settings of the printer driver of the image forming apparatus 20 has been described, but other settings can also be applied. For example, scanner device settings and network settings (wireless LAN settings) may be migrated by referring to the registry of the first terminal device 12 . Also, settings of applications such as a chat service and a browser that can be executed in the first terminal device 12 may be migrated.

That is, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, regardless of the print settings of the image forming apparatus 20, the settings stored in the registry (management DB) of the terminal device 10 can be transferred to another terminal device. Become.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, the setting information is once written to the specific key, but it may be directly output to the migration file. The transfer source first terminal device 12 exports print setting information to be transferred to a transfer file. Further, if the migration file exists, the second terminal device 14 of the migration destination may read the migration file and automatically reflect it as the print settings. Also, the second terminal device 14 of the migration destination may read the migration file according to the user's selection. That is, in this case, the migration file is used instead of the specific key.

In addition, the program that operates in each device in the embodiment is a program that controls the CPU and the like (a program that causes the computer to function) so as to implement the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, then stored in various ROM and HDD storage devices, and read and corrected by the CPU as necessary. • Writing is performed.

Also, when distributed to the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium for distribution, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, of course, the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present invention.

1 system 10 terminal device 100 control unit 102 authentication unit 110 storage unit 112 printer driver 114 setting DB
116 migration file 118 authentication information 130 display unit 140 operation unit 150 communication unit 160 connection unit 20 image forming apparatus 200 control unit 210 storage unit 212 setting information 214 authentication information 220 display unit 230 operation unit 240 image input unit 245 image forming unit 250 communication Part 260 connection part

Claims (5)

a control unit that executes a print job based on print settings in an image forming apparatus;
a storage unit that stores a registry,
The control unit
Get the user's information from the registry,
obtaining the print setting information from the registry based on the user information;
A terminal device, wherein the user information and the print setting information are stored in a specific key in the registry. 2. When the same user as a logged-in user of the terminal device is stored in the specific key, the control unit acquires print setting information of the user from the specific key. The terminal device described in . information of a plurality of users and information of print settings are stored in the specific key;
3. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires information on print settings of the selected user. 4. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the user information and the print setting information stored in the specific key to a file. A method for migrating print settings of a printer driver, comprising:
acquiring user information from the registry of the first terminal device, acquiring and outputting the user information and print setting information in the first printer driver;
obtaining, in a second terminal device, the output information of the user and the information of the print settings;
a step of reflecting, in the second terminal device, print settings of a second printer driver based on the acquired print setting information;
How to migrate print settings, including

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