JP4301265B2 - Network device and network system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network device used by being connected to a communication network.

  Communication (transmission and / or reception) of electronic mail is widely performed between a plurality of network devices connected to the Internet or the like. In order to communicate electronic mail using a network device, it is necessary to store various types of communication setting data in the network device. For example, data specifying an e-mail communication server, data specifying a user, password, data specifying a user authentication method, and the like need to be stored in a network device. The network device communicates electronic mail using the stored communication setting data. The following Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a network device.

JP 2000-330890 A

When the user wants to change the communication setting data stored in the network device, the user inputs new communication setting data to the network device. The network device stores new communication setting data, and executes a communication function (e-mail communication function in the above example) using the new communication setting data.
As described above, the communication setting data includes many types of data. For this reason, an artificial input error may occur. At the stage of inputting the communication setting data, the network device cannot determine whether or not the communication setting data functions normally. Even if communication setting data that does not function normally is input to the network device, the communication setting data does not function normally until the communication function is tried using the communication setting data. I can't know. When trying a communication function using new communication setting data, the network device cannot execute the communication function using old communication setting data that has been functioning normally. For this reason, the network device cannot execute the communication function when communication setting data that does not function normally is input.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of suppressing the occurrence of an event in which a network device cannot execute a communication function.

The present invention is a network device that is used by being connected to a communication network and that executes a communication function using the communication network. The network device includes input means for inputting communication setting data for executing the communication function, storage means capable of storing communication setting data of at least three patterns, and stored in the storage means. A communication unit that executes the communication function using communication setting data of the first pattern, and a state in which the communication unit can execute the communication function using communication setting data of the first pattern For each of the communication setting data of the second and third patterns stored in the storage means while maintaining the communication function, whether or not the communication function can be executed using the communication setting data Communication test means. The storage means can continuously store the communication setting data of the second and third patterns that have been tested by the communication test means. Whether or not the communication test means can execute the communication function by using the communication setting data for each of the communication setting data of the second and third patterns when a retest instruction is input. Retest. The communication means stops using the communication setting data of the first pattern when the retest result that the communication function can be executed only for the second pattern is obtained, The communication setting data of the second pattern from which the test result is obtained is used.
The content of another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 simply shows the configuration of a network apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 merely illustrates the configuration of another embodiment of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is not limitedly interpreted by the contents of FIG. 1 and the following description related thereto. The technical scope of the present invention is objectively determined by the matters described in the claims.
The network device 10 is used by being connected to a communication network, and executes a communication function using the communication network. The network device 10 includes an input unit 12, a storage unit 14, a communication unit 16, and a communication test unit 18. The input unit 12 inputs communication setting data for executing a communication function. The communication setting data may be input by a user operating an operation panel provided in the network device 10. The communication setting data may be input in advance by the manufacturer of the network device 10. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the input unit 12 may input the communication setting data output from the terminal device 30.
The storage unit 14 can store communication setting data of at least two patterns. In the example of FIG. 1, communication setting data of the first pattern and communication setting data of the second pattern are stored.
The communication unit 16 executes the communication function using the communication setting data of one pattern (for example, the communication setting data of the first pattern) stored in the storage unit 14.
The communication test means 18 maintains the state in which the communication means 16 can execute the communication function using the communication setting data of one pattern described above, while the communication of the other pattern stored in the storage means 14 It is tested whether the communication function can be executed using the setting data (for example, the communication setting data of the second pattern).

  The communication unit 16 can execute the communication function by using the first pattern communication setting data stored in the storage unit 14. For example, an email can be sent and / or received. The communication test means 18 can test whether or not the second-pattern communication setting data functions normally. The user can test the communication setting data of the second pattern before instructing the communication unit 16 to use the communication setting data of the second pattern. For example, when a test result that the second pattern communication setting data does not function normally is obtained, the user can prohibit the communication unit 16 from using the second pattern communication setting data. . According to the present technology, it is possible to prevent an event in which communication setting data that does not function normally is used by the communication unit 16. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an event in which the network device cannot execute the communication function.

In the conventional network device, when new communication setting data does not function normally, it is necessary for the user to instruct the network device to communicate using the communication setting data that functions normally. For example, it is necessary to modify new communication setting data or re-enter old communication setting data that has been functioning normally. Even when old communication setting data that has been functioning normally is stored in the network device, it is necessary to instruct the network device to use the old communication setting data. It may take time to perform these operations. In the conventional network device, there is a possibility that a state where the communication unit cannot execute the communication function is maintained for a long time.
On the other hand, the network device 10 of the present invention is in a state where the communication means 16 can execute the communication function using the communication setting data of the first pattern even when testing the communication setting data of the second pattern. Maintained. “The state in which the communication unit 16 can execute the communication function is maintained” includes any of the following events.
(1) In one form of this invention, the communication means 16 and the communication test means 18 are combined by one control apparatus. In this case, the communication unit 16 executes the interrupt process and executes the communication function using the first pattern communication setting data even while the communication test unit 18 tests the second pattern communication setting data. Is programmed to do so.
(2) While the communication test means 18 is testing the communication setting data of the second pattern, the communication means 16 may not be able to execute the communication function. The communication means 16 is programmed to continue to use the communication setting data of the first pattern when a test result indicating that the communication setting data of the second pattern does not function normally is obtained. That is, after the test result is obtained, the communication means 16 automatically uses the first pattern communication setting data even if the user does not instruct to use the first pattern communication setting data. To do. Note that the communication unit 16 may continue to use the communication setting data of the first pattern when the test result that the communication setting data of the second pattern functions normally is obtained. The use of the communication setting data of the pattern may be stopped and the communication setting data of the second pattern may be used.
(3) The communication means 16 and the communication test means 18 are configured by separate control devices. The communication means 16 and the communication test means 18 can execute processing simultaneously in parallel.
According to the network device of the present invention, even when the communication test unit 18 executes a test, a state in which the communication unit 16 can execute the communication function is maintained. For this reason, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of an event in which the communication unit 16 cannot execute the communication function for a long time.

Further, the storage unit 14 described above can continuously store the communication setting data of the second pattern. This “continuously storing” includes any of the following events (1) and (2).
(1) For example, the storage unit 14 continuously stores the communication setting data of the second pattern even after the test is executed by the communication test unit 18. In this case, for example, when retesting the second pattern communication setting data input by the user when the first test is executed, the user needs to re-enter the second pattern communication setting data. There is no. The network device 10 can be easily retested.
(2) For example, the manufacturer of the network device 10 can store the communication setting data of the second pattern in the storage unit 14 in advance. This case also corresponds to the storage unit 14 continuously storing the communication setting data of the second pattern. The user can execute a test on the communication setting data of the second pattern without inputting the communication setting data of the second pattern to the network device 10.
When the network device 10 of the present invention is used, it is expected that the burden of input work of communication setting data by the user is reduced.
Note that the above “continuous storage” does not mean that the storage is permanent. For example, in the case of the above (1), the storage unit 14 continuously stores the communication setting data of the second pattern until the retest is executed after the test is completed, and the retest is performed. When executed, the communication setting data of the second pattern may be deleted.

As described above, it is preferable that the storage unit 14 continuously stores the communication setting data of the second pattern in which the communication test is executed by the communication test unit 18.
In this case, the input means 12 inputs a retest instruction. The retest command may be input by a user operating an operation panel provided in the network device 10. That is, an operation unit that allows a user to input a retest command may be added to the network device 10. Further, the input unit 12 may input a retest instruction output from the terminal device 30.
When the retest command is input, the communication test means 18 retests whether the communication function can be executed using the communication setting data of the second pattern.

The storage unit 14 has a storage area 14b for storing the second pattern of communication setting data while the communication test unit 18 executes the test. It is preferable that the storage area 14b also serves as a storage area for continuously storing the communication setting data of the second pattern that has been tested by the communication test means 18.
According to this configuration, the storage area required for the storage unit 14 can be reduced.

The storage unit 14 may be capable of accumulating and storing two or more patterns of communication setting data that have been tested by the communication test unit 18.
According to this configuration, it is possible to easily perform a retest on the communication setting data of each pattern that has been tested in the past.

The retest command may include information for specifying at least one pattern of communication setting data from two or more patterns of communication setting data that have been tested by the communication test means 18. In this case, when the retest command is input, the communication test means 18 re-checks whether the communication function can be executed using the communication setting data corresponding to the specific information included in the retest command. You may make it test.
The user can select communication setting data to be retested from a plurality of patterns of communication setting data that have been tested in the past.

On the other hand, when a retest command is input, the communication test means 18 communicates with each of the two or more patterns of communication setting data that have been tested by the communication test means 18 using the communication setting data. You may retest whether the function can be performed.
In this case, the communication unit 16 stops using the communication setting data of the first pattern when a retest result indicating that the communication function can be executed only for the communication setting data of one pattern is obtained. The communication setting data obtained from the retest result may be used.
According to this configuration, the communication setting data used by the communication unit 16 is automatically updated.

The network device 10 preferably further includes an output unit 22 that outputs a test result (or a retest result) of the communication test unit 18.
According to this configuration, the user can know the test result. Note that “output” here includes displaying the test result on the network device 10, outputting the test result to another device, and the like.

Further, the first code or the second code may be added to the communication setting data. The storage means 14 may have a first storage area 14a and a second storage area 14b. When the communication setting data to which the first code is added is input, the storage unit 14 stores the communication setting data in the first storage area 14a, and the communication setting data to which the second code is added is input. In this case, the communication setting data may be stored in the second storage area 14b.
In this case, the communication unit 16 executes the communication function using the communication setting data stored in the first storage area 14a. The communication test means 18 tests whether or not the communication function can be executed using the communication setting data stored in the second storage area 14b.

In this specification, the following network system is disclosed. The network system includes at least one terminal device and a network device that is communicably connected to the terminal device, is connected to a communication network, and executes a communication function using the communication network. The terminal device continuously stores the communication setting data of the second and third patterns, and the communication setting data of the second and third patterns stored in the terminal storage unit Terminal side output means for outputting to the network device. The network apparatus is different from the network side input means for inputting the second and third pattern communication setting data outputted from the terminal side output means, and the second and third pattern communication setting data. A network-side storage unit capable of storing communication setting data of the first pattern, and executing the communication function using the communication setting data of the first pattern stored in the network-side storage unit And the second stored in the network-side storage unit while maintaining a state in which the communication unit can execute the communication function using the communication setting data of the first pattern. For each of the communication setting data of the third pattern, the communication function can be executed using the communication setting data. A communication test means for testing whether or not that. Whether or not the communication test means can execute the communication function by using the communication setting data for each of the communication setting data of the second and third patterns when a retest instruction is input. Retest. The communication means stops using the communication setting data of the first pattern when the retest result that the communication function can be executed only for the second pattern is obtained, The communication setting data of the second pattern from which the test result is obtained is used.
The following network systems are also useful. The network system 2 includes at least one terminal device 30 and a network device 10 that is communicably connected to the terminal device 30. The network device 10 is connected to a communication network and executes a communication function using the communication network.
The terminal device 30 includes a storage unit 32 and an output unit 36. The storage unit 32 can continuously store communication setting data of a predetermined pattern (for example, communication setting data of the second pattern in FIG. 1). The output unit 36 outputs the second pattern communication setting data stored in the storage unit 32 to the network device 10.
The network device 10 includes an input unit 12, a storage unit 14, a communication unit 16, and a communication test unit 18. The input unit 12 inputs the communication setting data of the second pattern output from the terminal side output unit 36. The storage unit 14 can store communication setting data of the second pattern and communication setting data of a different pattern (for example, communication setting data of the first pattern in FIG. 1). The communication means 16 executes the communication function using the first pattern communication setting data stored in the network side storage means 14. The communication test unit 18 uses the first pattern communication setting data to maintain the state in which the communication unit 16 can execute the communication function, and the second pattern communication stored in the network-side storage unit 14. Test whether the communication function can be executed using the setting data.
According to this system 2, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an event in which the network device 10 cannot execute the communication function. Further, according to this system 2, it is possible to reduce the load of input work of communication setting data by the user.

It is preferable that the terminal side storage unit 32 continuously stores the communication setting data of the second pattern that has been tested by the communication test unit 18.
According to this configuration, when the second pattern communication setting data is retested by the network device 10, the user does not need to re-input the second pattern communication setting data.
In the case of this configuration, terminal side input means 34 for inputting a retest command may be added to the terminal device 30. When the retest command is input, the terminal side output unit 36 outputs the communication setting data of the second pattern to the network device 10.

The terminal-side storage unit 32 may be capable of accumulating and storing two or more patterns of communication setting data that have been tested in the past by the communication test unit 18.
According to this configuration, it is possible to easily perform a retest on the communication setting data of each pattern that has been tested in the past.

The retest command may include information for specifying at least one pattern of communication setting data from two or more patterns of communication setting data that have been tested by the communication test means 18. In this case, when a retest command is input, the terminal-side output unit 36 outputs communication setting data corresponding to the specific information included in the retest command to the network device 10.
The user can select communication setting data to be retested from a plurality of patterns of communication setting data that have been tested in the past.

On the other hand, when a retest command is input, the terminal side output unit 36 may output each of the two or more patterns of communication setting data that have been tested by the communication test unit 18 to the network device 10. .
In this case, whether or not the communication test means 18 can execute the communication function for each of the two or more patterns of communication setting data output from the terminal-side output means 36 using the communication setting data. Retest.
When the communication unit 16 obtains a retest result indicating that the communication function can be executed only for the communication setting data of one pattern, the communication unit 16 stops using the communication setting data of the first pattern and performs the retest. You may utilize the communication setting data from which the result was obtained.
According to this configuration, the communication setting data used by the communication unit 16 is automatically changed.

  In the network system 2, it is preferable to add to the network device 10 an output unit 22 that outputs a test result (or a retest result) of the communication test unit 18.

Here, the main features of the techniques described in the following examples are summarized.
(Mode 1) A network device is a multifunction device that is connected to the Internet and used. This multifunction device has at least a scanner device and a printing device. This multifunction device functions as an Internet facsimile machine.
(Mode 2) The multi-function peripheral is communicably connected to a plurality of terminal devices. The multi-function device inputs an e-mail communication command (transmission command and / or reception command) output from each terminal device, and executes an e-mail communication process (transmission processing and / or reception processing) according to the input communication command. .
(Mode 3) The terminal device stores software for inputting communication setting data for the multifunction peripheral. The user can easily input the communication setting data by starting the software.
(Mode 4) When a test result (or a retest result) indicating that execution is impossible is obtained, the multi-function peripheral has a storage area for storing the cause. The multi-function peripheral outputs the above cause.

(Mode 5) The communication setting data includes data for specifying a server for communicating (transmitting and / or receiving) an electronic mail.
(Mode 6) The network device outputs a signal to a server included in the communication setting data and monitors the response, thereby testing whether or not an electronic mail can be communicated using the server.
(Mode 7) The communication setting data includes a user ID and a password. The network device communicates an e-mail using the server by determining whether or not the user ID and password included in the communication setting data are registered in the server included in the communication setting data. Test if you can.
(Mode 8) The communication setting data includes data for specifying the user authentication method. The network device determines whether the user authentication method included in the communication setting data matches a user authentication method that can be executed by the server included in the communication setting data. Test whether you can communicate.
(Mode 9) The communication setting data includes data for specifying the user authentication method. If the user authentication method included in the communication setting data is SMTP-AUTH, the network device acquires a list of SMTP-AUTH authentication mechanisms that can be executed by the e-mail transmission server included in the communication setting data, and Sending an email using the email sending server by causing the email sending server to perform user authentication preferentially from the authentication mechanism group included in the list with the highest security level. Test if you can.
(Mode 10) The communication setting data includes a mail address of a test mail transmission destination. The network device uses the e-mail transmission server included in the communication setting data to attempt to transmit an e-mail to the e-mail address included in the communication setting data, thereby using the e-mail transmission server. Test whether you can send mail.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 simply shows the configuration of the network system 40 of the present embodiment. The network system 40 includes a multi-function device 50, a terminal device 70, a POP3 server 80, an SMTP server 82, and the like.

(Configuration of MFP)
The multi-function device 50 includes a scanner device 52, a control device 54, a storage device 56, a display device 58, an operation device 60, a printing device 62, an input / output port 64, and the like.
The scanner device 52 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). The scanner device 52 scans a document and generates image data.
The control device 54 is configured by a CPU or the like. The control device 54 comprehensively controls each process executed by the multi-function device 50.
The storage device 56 includes a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, and the like. The storage device 56 stores a program executed by the control device 54 and temporarily stores data used in the process of executing the program. The storage device 56 of this embodiment includes a main setting data storage area 56a, a sub setting data storage area 56b, a temporary storage area 56c, and the like. The main setting data storage area 56a stores communication setting data actually used for e-mail communication. The sub setting data storage area 56b stores test communication setting data. Specific contents of the communication setting data will be described later in detail. In the following, communication setting data actually used for email communication is referred to as “main setting communication setting data”, and test communication setting data is referred to as “sub setting communication setting data”. " The temporary storage area 56c can temporarily store various data. For example, image data scanned by the scanner device 52 can be stored.
The display device 58 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like. The display device 58 can display various data.
The operating device 60 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various information to the multi-function device 50 by operating the operation device 60.
The printing device 62 prints the image data created by the scanner device 52 on a printing medium. As will be described in detail later, the multi-function device 50 can communicate electronic mail. The printing device 62 can print the content of the received e-mail on a print medium.

An Internet line 96 a is connected to the input / output port 64. The multi-function device 50 is connected to the Internet 90 via the Internet line 96a. A LAN line 92 is connected to the input / output port 64. The LAN line 92 is connected to the terminal device 70. The multi-function device 50 and the terminal device 70 are communicably connected via a LAN line 92.
In FIG. 2, only one terminal device 70 is shown. However, there are actually a plurality of terminal devices 70. The multi-function device 50 is communicably connected to each of the plurality of terminal devices 70 via a LAN line 92. Each terminal device 70 is also connected to the Internet 90. Therefore, the multi-function device 50 and the terminal device 70 are communicably connected via the Internet 90.
The input / output port 64 can input / output various data via the Internet or via a LAN. The input / output port 64 can transmit or receive e-mail, for example. The input / output port 64 can input commands and data (for example, communication setting data) output from the terminal device 70 via the LAN.

(Configuration of terminal device)
The terminal device 70 includes a control device 72, a display device 74, an operation device 76, a storage device 77, an input / output port 78, and the like.
The control device 72 comprehensively controls each process executed by the terminal device 70. The display device 74 can display various information. The user can input various information to the terminal device 70 by operating the operation device 76. The storage device 77 can store various data. For example, the storage device 77 continuously stores the communication setting data for sub-setting even after a later-described transmission test and reception test are executed by the multi-function device 50.
A LAN line 92 and an Internet line 96 b are connected to the input / output port 78. The LAN line 92 is connected to the multi-function device 50. The terminal device 70 is connected to the Internet 90 via the Internet line 96b.
The input / output port 78 can input / output various data via the Internet or via a LAN. The input / output port 78 can transmit or receive e-mail, for example. The input / output port 78 can output commands and data (for example, communication setting data) to the multi-function device 50 via the LAN.

(Server configuration)
The POP3 server 80 is connected to the Internet 90. The POP3 server 80 is a server for receiving electronic mail. The electronic mail transmitted to the multi-function device 50 and the terminal device 70 is temporarily stored in the POP3 server 80. The multi-function device 50 and the terminal device 70 can receive the e-mail stored in the POP3 server 80 by accessing the POP3 server 80.
The SMTP server 82 is connected to the Internet 90. The SMTP server 82 is a server for transmitting electronic mail. The multi-function device 50 and the terminal device 70 can send e-mails using the SMTP server 82.

(Type of data output from each device)
Next, the types of signals and data communicated among the terminal device 70, the multi-function device 50, the SMTP server 82, and the POP3 server 80 will be described. FIG. 3 shows signals and data communicated between the devices 50, 70, 80 and 82.
The terminal device 70 can output an e-mail transmission command to the multi-function device 50 (A1). When receiving the transmission command, the multi-function device 50 executes an e-mail transmission process (A2). The multi-function device 50 executes a TCP connection to the SMTP server 82. Next, the multi-function device 50 outputs the user ID, password, and the like to the SMTP server 82. When the SMTP server 82 requests user authentication by SMTP-AUTH, the SMTP server 82 performs user authentication using the user ID and password. When the user authentication of the SMTP server 82 is successful, the multi-function device 50 outputs the text of the e-mail to the SMTP server 82. The multi-function device 50 stores, for example, image data scanned by the scanner device 52 (see FIG. 2). This image data is transmitted by electronic mail. The multi-function device 50 can send an e-mail via the SMTP server 82 through these processes. If the SMTP server 82 does not request user authentication by SMTP-AUTH, the user authentication process by the SMTP server 82 is skipped. If the SMTP server 82 does not have the SMTP-AUTH function but has the POP before SMTP function, the POP3 server 80 performs user authentication. These user authentications will be described in detail later.
In this embodiment, the above-mentioned e-mail transmission command is sent from the terminal device 70 to the multi-function device 50 via the LAN line 92 (see FIG. 2). The multi-function device 50 and the SMTP server 82 communicate signals and data using the Internet line 96a.

The terminal device 70 can output an email reception command to the multi-function device 50 (B1). When receiving the reception command, the multi-function device 50 executes an e-mail reception process (B2). The multi-function device 50 executes a TCP connection to the POP3 server 80 and outputs a user ID and password to the POP3 server 80. This is the same as the above-described e-mail transmission process. The POP3 server 80 temporarily stores an e-mail transmitted to the multi-function device 50. When the user authentication is successful, the POP3 server 80 transmits the stored electronic mail to the multi-function device 50. When the multi-function device 50 receives the e-mail, the multi-function device 50 prints the content of the e-mail by the printing device 62.
In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned e-mail reception command is sent from the terminal device 70 to the multi-function device 50 via the LAN line 92 (see FIG. 2). The multi-function device 50 and the POP3 server 80 communicate signals and data using the Internet line 96a.

The terminal device 70 can output communication setting data (transmission setting data and reception setting data) for main setting to the multi-function device 50 (C1).
The contents of the communication setting data will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The terminal device 70 stores setting data input software. When this software is activated, the window 100 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display device 74 (see FIG. 2). The user can input communication setting data for the multi-function device 50 into the window 100 using the operation device 76 (see FIG. 2). In the following description, it is assumed that communication setting data is input using a mouse and a keyboard.
The communication setting data includes transmission setting data used when sending an e-mail and reception setting data for receiving the e-mail. The window 100 has an area 102 for inputting transmission setting data and an area 104 for inputting reception setting data.

The transmission setting data includes a plurality of setting items 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120.
The setting item 110 is an address for specifying the SMTP server 82.
The setting item 112 is data for specifying the user authentication method of the SMTP server 82. The user authentication method of the SMTP server 82 is selected from “no authentication”, “SMTP-AUTH”, and “POP before SMTP”.
The setting items 114 and 116 are data input when SMTP-AUTH is selected. The setting item 114 is data for specifying a user name. The setting item 116 is a password. The user name and password are used when the SMTP server 82 performs user authentication.
The setting item 118 is an e-mail address of the terminal device 70. As described above, the system 40 includes a plurality of terminal devices 70. Each terminal device 70 has a unique electronic mail address. In the setting item 118, an e-mail address of the terminal device 70 that outputs transmission setting data to the multi-function device 50 is input.
The setting item 120 is an e-mail address of a test mail transmission destination. This setting item 120 is required only for transmission setting data for sub-setting. That is, when the main setting transmission setting data is input, the setting item 120 is blanked.

The reception setting data includes a plurality of setting items 130, 132, 134, 136.
The setting item 130 is an address that identifies the POP3 server 80.
The setting item 132 is data for specifying a user name. The setting item 134 is a password. The user name and password are used when the POP3 server 80 executes user authentication.
The setting item 136 is data for specifying the user authentication method of the POP3 server 80. The user authentication method of the POP3 server 80 is selected from “POP3 authentication” and “APOP authentication”. When the setting item 136 is clicked and checked (the state shown in FIG. 4), it means that APOP authentication is selected. When the setting item 136 is blank, it means that POP3 authentication is selected.

The window 100 has a plurality of buttons 106, 108, 122, 124, 138, 140.
When the update button 106 is clicked, the communication setting data (transmission setting data and reception setting data) input in the window 100 is output to the multi-function device 50 (see C1 in FIG. 3). A code for specifying the main setting is added to the communication setting data. When receiving the communication setting data to which the main setting code is added, the multi-function device 50 stores the communication setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a.
When the cancel button 108 is clicked, the communication setting data input in the window 100 is deleted. In this case, communication setting data is not output.

When the transmission test button 122 is clicked, the transmission setting data input in the window 100 is output to the multi-function device 50 (D1 in FIG. 3). A code for specifying the sub-setting is added to the transmission setting data. Note that when POP before SMTP is selected in the setting item 112 of FIG. 4, not only transmission setting data but also reception setting data (setting items 130 to 136) are output to the multi-function device 50. This point will be described in detail later.
When receiving the transmission setting data to which the sub-setting code is added, the multi-function device 50 stores the transmission setting data in the sub-setting data storage area 56b. The multi-function device 50 executes the transmission test process using the transmission setting data stored in the sub-setting data storage area 56b (D2). The multi-function device 50 obtains a transmission test result by communicating with the SMTP server 82 (D3). The transmission test result is output to the terminal device 70 (D4).

The terminal device 70 according to the present embodiment continuously stores the transmission setting data output to the multi-function device 50 by the processing of D1 in FIG. 3 by the storage device 77 (see FIG. 2). That is, the terminal device 70 stores transmission setting data for which a transmission test has been executed in the past.
When the transmission retest button 124 is clicked, transmission setting data for which a transmission test has been executed in the past is output to the multi-function device 50 again. When the multi-function device 50 receives the re-outputted transmission setting data, the multi-function device 50 executes the transmission setting data transmission test again.
In the case of the present embodiment, the processing executed by each device 50, 70, 82 when the transmission retest button 124 is clicked is substantially the same as D1 to D4 described above. For this reason, in FIG. 4, the processing when the transmission retest button 124 is clicked is not shown.

  When the reception test button 138 is clicked, the reception setting data input in the window 100 is output to the multi-function device 50 (E1 in FIG. 3). The reception setting data is added with a code specifying that it is for sub-setting. When receiving the reception setting data to which the sub-setting code is added, the multi-function device 50 stores the reception setting data in the sub-setting data storage area 56b. The multi-function device 50 executes the reception test process using the reception setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b (E2). The multi-function device 50 obtains a reception test result by communicating with the POP3 server 80 (E3). The reception test result is output to the terminal device 70 (E4).

The terminal device 70 continuously stores the reception setting data output to the multi-function device 50 by the processing of E1 in FIG. 3 by the storage device 77 (see FIG. 2). That is, the terminal device 70 stores transmission setting data for which a reception test has been executed in the past.
When the reception retest button 140 is clicked, reception setting data for which a reception test has been executed in the past is re-output to the multi-function device 50. When receiving the re-output reception setting data, the multi-function device 50 executes the reception test of the reception setting data again.
In the case of the present embodiment, the processing executed by each device 50, 70, 80 when the reception retest button 140 is clicked is substantially the same as E1 to E4 described above. For this reason, in FIG. 4, the processing when the reception retest button 140 is clicked is not shown.

(Main processing of terminal device)
Next, details of processing executed by the terminal device 70 will be described in detail. The following processing is executed by the control device 72 (see FIG. 2) of the terminal device 70.
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of main processing executed by the terminal device 70. The user can input various information using the operation device 76 (see FIG. 2). The terminal device 70 monitors whether information is input by the user (S1). When information is input (YES in S1), processing according to the type of information is executed.
The terminal device 70 determines whether or not the information input in S1 is an instruction to send an e-mail from the multi-function device 50 (S2). If YES in S2, the terminal device 70 outputs an e-mail transmission command to the multi-function device 50 (S3). This step corresponds to A1 in FIG. The terminal device 70 returns to S1 after finishing S3.
In the case of NO in S2, the terminal device 70 determines whether or not the information input in S1 is an instruction to receive an email by the multi-function device 50 (S4). If YES in S4, the terminal device 70 outputs an email reception command to the multi-function device 50 (S5). This step corresponds to B1 in FIG. The terminal device 70 returns to S1 after finishing S5.

If NO in S4, the terminal device 70 determines whether or not the information input in S1 is an instruction to execute an e-mail transmission test in the multi-function device 50 (S6). This step is determined as YES when the transmission test button 122 is clicked after the transmission setting data is input to the window 100 (see FIG. 4).
If YES in S6, the terminal device 70 outputs a transmission test command to the multi-function device 50 (S7). Next, the terminal device 70 outputs the transmission setting data to the multi-function device 50 (S8). A sub-setting code is added to the transmission setting data. This step of S8 corresponds to D1 in FIG. If POP before SMTP is selected in the setting item 112 of FIG. 4, not only transmission setting data but also reception setting data is output to the multi-function device 50 in S8. Therefore, when the user selects POP before SMTP, the user must also input data in the setting items 130 to 136 of the reception setting data.
When the processes of S7 and S8 are executed, the transmission test process is executed by the multi-function device 50. When S8 ends, the terminal device 70 inputs the transmission test result output from the multi-function device 50 (S9). The terminal device 70 displays the transmission test result on the display device 74 (see FIG. 2) (S10). The user can know the transmission test result. The terminal device 70 returns to S1 after finishing S10.

In the case of NO in S6, the terminal device 70 determines whether or not the information input in S1 is an instruction to execute an e-mail reception test in the multi-function device 50 (S11). This step is determined to be YES when the reception test button 138 is clicked after the reception setting data is input to the window 100 (see FIG. 4).
If YES in S11, the terminal device 70 outputs a reception test command to the multi-function device 50 (S12). Next, the terminal device 70 outputs the reception setting data to the multi-function device 50 (S13). A sub-setting code is added to the reception setting data. This step of S13 corresponds to E1 in FIG. When the processes of S12 and S13 are executed, the reception test process is executed by the multi-function device 50. When S13 ends, the terminal device 70 inputs the reception test result output from the multi-function device 50 (S14). The terminal device 70 displays the reception test result on the display device 74 (see FIG. 2) (S15). The user can know the reception test result. The terminal device 70 returns to S1 after finishing S15.

In the case of NO in S11, the terminal device 70 determines whether or not the information input in S1 is an instruction to update the communication setting data for main setting in the multi-function device 50 (S16). This step is determined to be YES when the update button 106 is clicked after the transmission setting data and the reception setting data are input to the window 100 (see FIG. 4).
If YES in S16, the terminal device 70 outputs a setting update command to the multi-function device 50 (S17). Next, the terminal device 70 outputs the transmission setting data and the reception setting data to the multi-function device 50 (S18). A code for main setting is added to these communication setting data. This step of S18 corresponds to C1 in FIG. When the process of S18 is executed, the multi-function device 50 updates the communication setting data for main setting. The terminal device 70 returns to S1 after finishing S18.
In the case of NO in S16, the terminal device 70 determines whether or not the information input in S1 is an instruction to cancel the communication setting data (S19). This step is determined to be YES when the cancel button 108 is clicked in the window 100 (see FIG. 4). If YES in S19, the process returns to S1.

On the other hand, in the case of NO in S19, the terminal device 70 proceeds to S20 in FIG. In S20, it is determined whether or not the information input in S1 is an instruction to execute a transmission retest. The storage device 77 of the terminal device 70 stores transmission setting data output to the multi-function device 50 in the past by the process of S8 (see FIG. 5). In the present embodiment, only one pattern of transmission setting data output by the previous processing of S8 is stored. That is, the storage device 77 stores only the transmission setting data for which the transmission test was most recently executed. By clicking the transmission retest button 124 (see FIG. 4), the user can execute a retest on transmission setting data for which a transmission test has been executed in the past. Since the transmission setting data for the retest is stored in the storage device 77, the user does not need to re-input the transmission setting data for the retest.
S20 is determined as YES when the transmission retest button 124 is clicked. If YES in S20, the terminal device 70 outputs a transmission retest command to the multi-function device 50 (S21). Next, the terminal device 70 outputs the transmission setting data stored in the storage device 77 to the multi-function device 50 (S22). A sub-setting code is added to the transmission setting data.
When the processes of S21 and S22 are executed, the transmission test process is executed by the multi-function device 50. That is, a transmission retest is executed. When S22 ends, the terminal device 70 inputs the transmission retest result output from the multi-function device 50 (S23). The terminal device 70 displays the transmission retest result on the display device 74 (see FIG. 2) (S24). The user can know the transmission retest result. The terminal device 70 returns to S1 after finishing S24.

In the case of NO in S20, the terminal device 70 determines whether or not the information input in S1 is an instruction to execute a reception retest (S25). The storage device 77 of the terminal device 70 stores reception setting data that has been output to the multi-function device 50 in the past by the process of S13 (see FIG. 5). In the present embodiment, only one pattern of reception setting data output by the previous processing of S13 is stored. That is, the storage device 77 stores only the reception setting data for which the reception test was most recently executed. By clicking the reception retest button 140 (see FIG. 4), the user can execute a retest on reception setting data for which a reception test has been executed in the past. Since the reception setting data for the retest is stored in the storage device 77, the user does not need to re-input the reception setting data for the retest.
S25 is determined as YES when the reception retest button 140 is clicked. If YES in S25, the terminal device 70 outputs a reception retest instruction to the multi-function device 50 (S26). Next, the terminal device 70 outputs the reception setting data stored in the storage device 77 to the multi-function device 50 (S27). A sub-setting code is added to the reception setting data.
When the processes of S26 and S27 are executed, the reception test process is executed again by the multi-function device 50. When S27 ends, the terminal device 70 inputs the reception retest result output from the multi-function device 50 (S28). The terminal device 70 displays the reception retest result on the display device 74 (see FIG. 2) (S29). The user can know the reception retest result. The terminal device 70 returns to S1 after finishing S29.
If NO in S25, another process corresponding to the information input in S1 is executed (S30). Since the other processing executed here is a known processing executed by a PC or the like, detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Main processing of MFP)
Next, details of processing executed by the multi-function device 50 will be described in detail. The following processing is executed by the control device 54 (see FIG. 2) of the multi-function device 50.
FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of main processing executed by the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not the e-mail transmission command output from the terminal device 70 has been input (S50). If YES in S50, the multi-function device 50 executes an e-mail transmission process (S51). The multi-function device 50 executes the e-mail transmission process using the transmission setting data stored in the main setting data storage area 56a. For example, the multi-function device 50 stores image data scanned by the scanner device 52 (see FIG. 2). This image data is transmitted by electronic mail. The transmission destination of the electronic mail may be set in advance in the multi-function device 50 or may be included in an electronic mail transmission command output from the terminal device 70. The electronic mail is transmitted to the transmission destination via the SMTP server 82. The step of S51 corresponds to A2 in FIG.
The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not an e-mail reception command output from the terminal device 70 has been input (S52). If YES in S52, the multi-function device 50 executes an e-mail receiving process (S53). The multi-function device 50 executes the e-mail reception process using the reception setting data stored in the main setting data storage area 56a. The multi-function device 50 can receive an e-mail stored in the POP3 server 80 by accessing the POP3 server 80. The step of S53 corresponds to B2 of FIG. The multi-function device 50 prints the contents of the received e-mail using the printing device 62 (see FIG. 2).

The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not the transmission test command output from the terminal device 70 has been input (S54). If YES in S54, the multi-function device 50 inputs the transmission setting data output from the terminal device 70 (S55). A sub-setting code is added to the transmission setting data. The multi-function device 50 can recognize that it is transmission setting data for sub-setting. The step of S55 corresponds to D1 in FIG. Note that, as described above, in S8 of FIG. 5, when POP before SMTP is selected in the setting item 112 of FIG. 4, both transmission setting data and reception setting data are output. In this case, in S55, both transmission setting data and reception setting data are input.
The multi-function device 50 stores the input transmission setting data in the sub-setting data storage area 56b (S56). When both the transmission setting data and the reception setting data are input in S55, the multi-function device 50 stores both the transmission setting data and the reception setting data in the sub setting data storage area 56b. Next, the multi-function device 50 executes a transmission test process (S57). The contents of the transmission test process will be described in detail later. When the transmission test process is executed, a transmission test result is obtained. The multi-function device 50 outputs the transmission test result to the terminal device 70 (S58). The transmission test result is input by the terminal device 70 (S9 in FIG. 5). The process of S58 corresponds to D4 in FIG.
The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not the reception test command output from the terminal device 70 has been input (S59). If YES in S59, the multi-function device 50 inputs the reception setting data output from the terminal device 70 (S60). A sub-setting code is added to the reception setting data. The multi-function device 50 can recognize that it is reception setting data for sub-setting. Step S60 corresponds to E1 in FIG. The multi-function device 50 stores the input reception setting data in the sub setting data storage area 56b (S61). Next, the multi-function device 50 executes a reception test process (S62). The contents of the reception test process will be described in detail later. When the reception test process is executed, a reception test result is obtained. The multi-function device 50 outputs the reception test result to the terminal device 70 (S63). The reception test result is input by the terminal device 70 (S14 in FIG. 5). The process of S63 corresponds to E4 in FIG.

  The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not the setting update command output from the terminal device 70 has been input (S64). If YES in S64, the multi-function device 50 inputs the communication setting data output from the terminal device 70 (S65). A code for main setting is added to the communication setting data. The multi-function device 50 can recognize that it is communication setting data for main setting. This communication setting data includes both transmission setting data and reception setting data. Step S65 corresponds to C1 in FIG. The multi-function device 50 stores the input communication setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a (S66). As a result, the communication setting data used in the e-mail transmission process of S51 and the e-mail reception process of S53 is updated. The multi-function device 50 can communicate e-mails using the updated communication setting data.

If NO in S64, the multi-function device 50 proceeds to S67 in FIG. In S67, it is determined whether or not the transmission retest command output from the terminal device 70 is input. If YES in S67, the multi-function device 50 inputs the transmission setting data output from the terminal device 70 (S68). A sub-setting code is added to the transmission setting data. The transmission setting data input in S68 is obtained by performing a transmission test process in the past. On the other hand, the transmission setting data input in S55 (see FIG. 7) is newly input to the terminal device 70 by the user and the transmission test process is not executed. The processes of S69 to S71 are the same as the processes of S56 to S58 described above. For this reason, explanation about S69-S71 is omitted.
If NO in S67, the multi-function device 50 proceeds to S72. In S72, it is determined whether or not the reception retest command output from the terminal device 70 has been input. In the case of YES in S72, the multi-function device 50 inputs the reception setting data output from the terminal device 70 (S73). A sub-setting code is added to the reception setting data. The reception setting data input in S73 is obtained by performing a reception test process in the past. On the other hand, the reception setting data input in S60 (see FIG. 7) is newly input to the terminal device 70 by the user and the reception test process is not executed. The processing of S74 to S76 is the same as the processing of S61 to S63 described above. For this reason, explanation about S74-S76 is omitted.
If NO in S72, the multi-function device 50 returns to S50 (see FIG. 7). The multi-function device 50 can input various information (commands) in addition to the above-described commands. For example, the multi-function device 50 can input a command for instructing to scan a document using the scanner device 52, a command for instructing to print image data using the printing device 62, and the like. The multi-function device 50 can execute various processes (scan process, print process, etc.) in addition to the processes shown in FIGS.

(MFP transmission test process)
The contents of the transmission test process (S57 in FIG. 7 or S70 in FIG. 8) executed by the multi-function device 50 will be described in detail. In the transmission test process in S57 of FIG. 7, the transmission setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b in S56 is used. In the transmission test process of S70 in FIG. 8, the transmission setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b in S69 is used.
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the transmission test process. The multi-function device 50 analyzes the transmission setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b in S56 of FIG. 7 (or S69 of FIG. 8) (S100). It is determined whether or not an invalid input value exists in the transmission setting data (S102). For example, if no data is input to the setting items 110, 112, etc. in the window 100 of FIG. 4, NO is determined in S102. In the case of NO in S102, the multi-function device 50 stores the information “input value invalid” as a transmission test result (S104). This information is stored in the temporary storage area 56c.
If YES in S102, the multi-function device 50 determines whether or not the authentication method included in the transmission setting data is “POP before SMTP” (S106). This step is determined to be YES when “POP before SMTP” is selected in the setting item 112 of FIG. In the case where S106 is YES, the multi-function device 50 executes the POP before SMTP process (S108). Hereinafter, POP before SMTP is simply referred to as “PbS”. If NO in S106, the process proceeds to S114.

PbS authentication will be briefly described. The PbS authentication is for performing user authentication using the POP3 server 80 when the SMTP server 82 does not have a user authentication function. In order to perform PbS authentication, a database (hereinafter referred to as a shared database) that can be accessed by both the SMTP server 82 and the POP3 server 80 is incorporated into the system 40.
First, the multi-function device 50 accesses the POP3 server 80. The multi-function device 50 outputs the reception setting data (setting items 130, 132, 134, 136 in FIG. 4) to the POP3 server 80. The POP3 server performs user authentication based on the received reception setting data. When the user authentication is successful, the POP3 server 80 stores information indicating that the user authentication is successful for the multi-function device 50 in the shared database.
The multifunction device 50 accesses the SMTP server 82 after outputting the reception setting data to the POP3 server 80. In other words, the multi-function device 50 outputs to the SMTP server 82 information instructing to send an e-mail. In this case, the SMTP server 82 accesses the shared database and acquires information indicating whether or not the user authentication for the multi-function device 50 is successful. If the user authentication is successful for the multi-function device 50, the SMTP server 82 permits transmission of an e-mail.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the PbS process. In the PbS process, an e-mail reception test is executed (S150). In the reception test process, user authentication is performed by the POP3 server 80 using the reception setting data stored in the sub-setting data storage area 56b. When PbS is selected in the setting item 112 in FIG. 4, both transmission setting data and reception setting data are input in S55 (see FIG. 7). Accordingly, in S56, both transmission setting data and reception setting data are stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b. In the reception test process in S150, the reception setting data input in S55 is used. The contents of the reception test process will be described in detail later.
When the reception test process is executed, a reception test result is obtained. The reception test result is stored in the temporary storage area 56c. The multi-function device 50 determines whether or not the reception test result is “success” (S152). If YES here, the information “success” is stored as the PbS processing result. This information is stored in the temporary storage area 56c. On the other hand, if NO in S152, it means that the reception test process was unsuccessful. As will be described in detail later, the cause of unsuccessfulness is stored in the reception test process. If NO in S152, the reception test result (cause of unsuccess) is stored as the PbS processing result (S156). The reception test result is stored in the temporary storage area 56c.

When the PbS process (S108) in FIG. 9 is completed, it is determined whether or not the PbS process result is “success” (S110). In the case of NO here, the multi-function device 50 stores the PbS processing result (cause of unsuccess) as a transmission test result (S112). The PbS processing result is stored in the temporary storage area 56c. If YES in S110, the process proceeds to S114.
In S <b> 114, the multi-function device 50 accesses the SMTP server 82. The multi-function device 50 attempts a TCP connection to the SMTP server 82. If this is successful, YES is determined in S116. If YES in S116, the process proceeds to S120. On the other hand, when the SMTP server 82 is not functioning normally (for example, when the SMTP server 82 does not return a SYN / ACK signal), the multi-function device 50 cannot execute a TCP connection to the SMTP server 82. In this case, NO is determined in S116. In the case of NO in S116, the multi-function device 50 stores the information “SMTP server connection failure” as the transmission test result (S118). This information is stored in the temporary storage area 56c.
If YES in S116, the multi-function device 50 determines whether or not the authentication method included in the transmission setting data is “SMTP-AUTH” (S120). This step is determined to be YES when “SMTP-AUTH” is selected in the setting item 112 of FIG. In the case of YES in S120, the multi-function device 50 executes the SMTP-AUTH process (S122).

The SMTP-AUTH will be briefly described. As described above, some SMTP servers do not have a user authentication function. On the other hand, there is also an SMTP server having a user authentication function. User authentication performed by the SMTP server is called SMTP-AUTH. The SMTP server allows sending an email if user authentication is successful.
In SMTP-AUTH, user authentication is performed using a user name and password (setting items 114 and 116 in FIG. 4) included in transmission setting data. The multi-function device 50 outputs the user name and password to the SMTP server 82. In the SMTP server 82, a user name and a password that are permitted to send an e-mail are registered. When the user name and password output from the multi-function device 50 are registered in the SMTP server 82, the SMTP server 82 permits the e-mail transmission from the multi-function device 50 via the SMTP server 82.

It is known that there are a plurality of types of user authentication methods. For example, “PLAIN”, “LOGIN”, “CRAM-MD5”, and the like exist. These are called authentication mechanisms. Some SMTP servers can execute multiple authentication mechanisms, while others can execute only one authentication mechanism.
In CRAM-MD5, the password output from the multi-function device 50 to the SMTP server 82 is encrypted. In PLAIN and LOGIN, the password is not encrypted. In PLAIN, the user name and password are sent to the SMTP server 82 at the same time. In LOGIN, only the user name is sent to the SMTP server 82 first, and when the user name is registered in the SMTP server 82, the password is sent to the SMTP server 82.
CRAM-MD5 has the highest security level among the above three authentication mechanisms because the password is encrypted. The next highest security level is LOGIN. The one with the lowest security level is PLAIN.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the SMTP-AUTH process. The multi-function device 50 acquires an ESMTP extended option list by sending an EHLO command to the SMTP server 82 (S170). In S170, various information is exchanged between the multi-function device 50 and the SMTP server 82. For example, when the SMTP server 82 has a function of executing SMTP-AUTH, the SMTP server 82 outputs a list of authentication mechanisms that can be executed by itself to the multi-function device 50.
The multi-function device 50 checks whether or not the SMTP server 82 supports SMTP-AUTH (S172). In the case of NO here, the multi-function device 50 stores the information “SMTP server authentication method difference” as the SMTP-AUTH processing result (S174). This information is stored in the temporary storage area 56c. If YES in S172, the multi-function device 50 acquires a list of authentication mechanisms that can be executed by the SMTP server 82 (S176). Next, the multi-function device 50 initializes the authentication mechanism execution list (S178). This list is stored in the temporary storage area 56c. In S178, the previously acquired list is deleted.
The multi-function device 50 identifies an authentication mechanism (group) that can be executed by itself from the authentication mechanism (group) acquired in S176. The multi-function device 50 stores the specified authentication mechanism (s) in the authentication mechanism execution list (S180). That is, the specified authentication mechanism (group) is stored in the temporary storage area 56c. Next, the multi-function device 50 rearranges the authentication mechanisms (group) stored in the authentication mechanism execution list in descending order of security level (S182). For example, when PLAIN, LOGIN, and CRAM-MD5 are included in the authentication mechanism execution list, they are arranged in the order of CRAM-MD5, LOGIN, and PLAIN.

The multi-function device 50 determines whether there is an authentication mechanism that is not used for user authentication in the authentication mechanism execution list (S184). That is, it is determined whether there is an authentication mechanism that is not used in the process of S188 described later. In the case of YES here, the multi-function device 50 selects the one with the highest security level from the authentication mechanism (group) that is not executing the user authentication (S186). In the above example, CRAM-MD5 is selected. The multi-function device 50 outputs the user name and password (setting items 114 and 116 in FIG. 4) included in the transmission setting data to the SMTP server 82 using the authentication mechanism selected in S186. As a result, the SMTP server 82 executes SMTP-AUTH (S188). The SMTP server 82 outputs the SMTP-AUTH result to the multi-function device 50.
The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not a code indicating that the SMTP-AUTH is successful has been input (S190). In the case of YES here, the multi-function device 50 stores the information “success” as the SMTP-AUTH processing result (S192). This information is stored in the temporary storage area 56c. After finishing the processing of S192, the multi-function device 50 ends the SMTP-AUTH processing.
On the other hand, in the case of NO in S190, the multi-function device 50 stores the information “SMTP server authentication failure” as the SMTP-AUTH processing result (S194). This information is stored in the temporary storage area 56c. After finishing S194, the multi-function device 50 returns to S184, and determines whether there is another authentication mechanism that has not been used yet. If the SMTP-AUTH executed using another authentication mechanism is successful (YES in S190), the SMTP-AUTH processing result stored as “SMTP server authentication failure” for an authentication mechanism with a higher security level. Is updated to “success” (S192).

When the SMTP-AUTH process (S122) in FIG. 9 ends, it is determined whether the SMTP-AUTH process result is “success” (S124). In the case of NO here, the multi-function device 50 stores the SMTP-AUTH processing result (“SMTP server authentication method difference” or “SMTP server authentication failure”) as a transmission test result (S126). That is, the cause of unsuccessfulness is stored as a transmission test result. The transmission test process result is stored in the temporary storage area 56c.
If NO in S120 or YES in S124, the multi-function device 50 executes the process of S128. If NO in S120, it means that “no authentication” is selected in the setting item 112 of FIG. In this case, user authentication is not performed for transmission of the e-mail.
In S128, an attempt is made to send a test mail. As shown in FIG. 4, the transmission setting data includes the mail address of the setting item 118 and the mail address of the setting item 120. An attempt is made to send a test email to both of these email addresses. The test mail is transmitted via the SMTP server 82. The SMTP server 82 outputs to the multi-function device 50 a code indicating that the transmission of the test mail has been successful or a code indicating that the transmission of the test mail has failed.
The multi-function device 50 monitors whether the test mail has been successfully transmitted (S130). The multi-function device 50 determines YES when a code indicating successful transmission is input, and determines NO when a code indicating that transmission has failed is input. In the case of YES in S130, the multi-function device 50 stores the information “transmission success” as the transmission test result (S132). On the other hand, if NO in S130, the multi-function device 50 stores information “transmission failure” as a transmission test result (S134). These transmission test results are stored in the temporary storage area 56c. When the MFP 50 executes the process of S132 or S134, it disconnects the connection with the SMTP server 82 (S136).

  As described above, when the transmission test process ends, the multi-function device 50 outputs the transmission test result to the terminal device 70 (S58 in FIG. 7 or S71 in FIG. 8). The information stored as the transmission test result includes “invalid input value” (S104), “PbS processing result (cause of unsuccess)” (S112), “SMTP server connection failure” (S118), “SMTP server authentication method difference” ”(S174),“ SMTP server authentication failure ”(S194),“ Transmission success ”(S132), and“ Transmission failure ”(S134). Information corresponding to the transmission test result is displayed on the display device 74 of the terminal device 70 (see FIG. 2). The user can know the transmission test result. In particular, if the transmission test is unsuccessful, the cause is displayed. The user can improve the transmission setting data based on the cause of the failure.

(Reception test processing for multifunction devices)
Next, the contents of the reception test process (S62 in FIG. 7, S75 in FIG. 8, or S150 in FIG. 10) executed by the multi-function device 50 will be described in detail. In the reception test process in S62 of FIG. 7, the reception setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b in S61 is used. In the reception test process in S75 of FIG. 8, the reception setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b in S74 is used. Further, in the reception test process in S150 of FIG. 10, the reception setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b in S56 of FIG. 7 is used (PbS in the transmission setting data (see the setting item 112 of FIG. 4). ) Is selected).

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of the reception test process. The multi-function device 50 analyzes the reception setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b in S61 of FIG. 7 (S74 of FIG. 8, S56 of FIG. 7) (S200). It is determined whether or not an invalid input value exists in the reception setting data (S202). In the case of NO in S202, the multi-function device 50 stores the information “invalid input value” as the reception test result (S204). This information is stored in the temporary storage area 56c. If YES in S202, the process proceeds to S206.
In S206, the multi-function device 50 accesses the POP3 server 80. The multi-function device 50 tries TCP connection to the POP3 server 80. If it is successful, YES is determined in S208. If YES in S208, the process proceeds to S212. On the other hand, when the POP3 server 80 is not functioning normally (for example, when the POP3 server 80 does not return a SYN / ACK signal), the multi-function device 50 cannot execute a TCP connection to the POP3 server 80. In this case, NO is determined in S208. In the case of NO in S208, the multi-function device 50 stores the information “POP3 server connection failure” as a reception test result (S210). This information is stored in the temporary storage area 56c.
If YES in S208, the multi-function device 50 determines whether or not the authentication method included in the reception setting data is “APOP” (S212). This step is determined as YES when “APOP” is selected in the setting item 136 of FIG. 4, and is determined as NO when “APOP” is not selected. In the case of NO in S212, the multi-function device 50 executes normal POP3 authentication processing (S214). On the other hand, if YES in S212, the multi-function device 50 executes APOP authentication processing (S216).

The user authentication of the POP3 server will be briefly described. The POP3 server 80 executes user authentication using the user name and password (setting items 132 and 134 in FIG. 4) included in the reception setting data. The multi-function device 50 outputs the user name and password to the POP3 server 80. In the POP3 server 80, a user name and a password that are permitted to receive an e-mail are registered. When the user name and password output from the multi-function device 50 are registered in the POP3 server 80, the POP3 server 80 permits the multi-function device 50 to receive an e-mail.
Some POP3 servers can execute both normal POP3 authentication and APOP authentication, and some servers can execute only normal POP3 authentication. In the APOP authentication, a password output from the multi-function device 50 to the POP3 server 80 is encrypted. For this reason, it can be said that this is an authentication method with a high security level. In normal POP3 authentication, the password is not encrypted.

In S <b> 214, the multi-function device 50 outputs the user name and password included in the reception setting data to the POP3 server 80. This password is not encrypted. When the user name and password are registered in the POP3 server 80, the POP3 server 80 outputs a code indicating that the user authentication is successful to the multi-function device 50. If at least one of the user name and password is not registered in the POP3 server 80, the POP3 server 80 outputs a code indicating that the user authentication has failed to the multi-function device 50. When the code indicating that the user authentication is successful is input, the multi-function device 50 determines YES in S218. When the code indicating that the user authentication has failed is input, the multi-function device 50 determines NO in S218.
In S <b> 216, the multi-function device 50 outputs the user name and password included in the reception setting data to the POP3 server 80. This password is encrypted. The POP3 server 80 outputs an error code to the multi-function device 50 when APOP authentication cannot be executed (when only POP3 authentication can be executed). When the error code is input, the multi-function device 50 determines NO in S218. When the user name and password are registered in the POP3 server 80, the POP3 server 80 outputs a code indicating that the user authentication is successful to the multi-function device 50. If at least one of the user name and password is not registered in the POP3 server, the POP3 server 80 outputs a code indicating that user authentication has failed to the multi-function device 50. When the code indicating that the user authentication is successful is input, the multi-function device 50 determines YES in S218. When the code indicating that the user authentication has failed is input, the multi-function device 50 determines NO in S218.
In the case of NO in S218, the multi-function device 50 stores the information “user authentication failure” as the reception test result (S220). On the other hand, if YES in S218, the multi-function device 50 stores the information “success” as the reception test result (S222). The reception test result is stored in the temporary storage area 56c. When executing the process of S220 or S222, the multi-function device 50 disconnects from the POP3 server 80 (S224).

  As described above, when the reception test process ends, the multi-function device 50 outputs the reception test result to the terminal device 70 (S63 in FIG. 7 or S76 in FIG. 8). The information stored as the reception test result is any of “input value invalid” (S204), “POP3 server connection failure” (S210), “user authentication failure” (S220), and “success” (S222). is there. Information corresponding to the reception test result is displayed on the display device 74 (see FIG. 2) of the terminal device. The user can know the reception test result. In particular, if the reception test is unsuccessful, the cause is displayed. The user can improve the reception setting data based on the cause of the failure.

  In the multi-function device 50 according to the present embodiment, an e-mail can be communicated using communication setting data for main setting. The user can store communication setting data for sub-setting in the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 can test (transmission test and / or reception test) whether or not the communication setting data for the sub-setting functions normally. The user can test the communication setting data before storing the new communication setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a. For example, when a test result indicating that the new communication setting data does not function normally is obtained, the user can prohibit the communication setting data from being stored in the main setting data storage area 56a. According to the multi-function device 50 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an event in which communication setting data that does not function normally is stored in the main setting data storage area 56a. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an event in which the multi-function device 50 cannot execute the e-mail communication function.

In the multi-function device 50 of the present embodiment, an e-mail transmission process (S51 in FIG. 7), a reception process (S53), a transmission test process (S57 or S70), and a reception test process (S62 or S75) are performed by one control device 54. Executed. As far as the flow charts of FIGS. 7 and 8 are viewed, it appears that the control device 54 executes the above-described processes in series. However, if the control device 54 of this embodiment inputs an e-mail transmission instruction or reception instruction while the transmission test process (S57 or S70) or the reception test process (S62 or S75) is being executed, these tests are performed. It is programmed to interrupt the process and execute the e-mail transmission process (S51) or the reception process (S53). That is, the multi-function device 50 can communicate e-mails from the start to the end of the test process.
The multi-function device 50 is shared by a plurality of terminal devices. For example, test processing may be instructed by a first terminal device (for example, 70), and e-mail communication may be instructed by the second terminal device while the test processing is being executed. Even in this case, the multi-function device 50 can communicate an e-mail based on an instruction from the second terminal device.
The multi-function device 50 performs a communication test (transmission test, transmission retest, reception test, or reception retest) on the communication setting data (transmission setting data or reception setting data) stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b. After the execution, the communication setting data stored in the main setting data storage area 56a is continuously used. After the test result is obtained, the multi-function device 50 automatically transmits the communication setting data even if the user does not instruct to use the communication setting data stored in the main setting data storage area 56a. Can be used.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 shows an outline of other embodiments. In the first embodiment described above, communication setting data for which a test has been executed in the past is stored by the terminal device 70. For this purpose, “terminal device” is described in the column of “device for storing test settings” in FIG. In the first embodiment, the terminal device 70 continuously stores only one pattern of communication setting data (transmission setting data and reception setting data). For this reason, “1” is written in the “number of stored patterns” column of FIG. Each embodiment described below can be easily understood with reference to FIG.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the storage device 77 (see FIG. 2) of the terminal device 70 stores the transmission setting data for which the transmission test was previously performed, but the transmission setting data for which the transmission test was previously performed. Do not remember. In contrast, the storage device 77 of the present embodiment accumulates and stores transmission setting data of a plurality of patterns (all patterns may have an upper limit) for which transmission tests have been executed in the past.
In the first embodiment, the storage device 77 stores the reception setting data for which the reception test was executed last time, but does not store the reception setting data for which the reception test was executed before that time. The storage device 77 of the present embodiment accumulates and stores reception setting data of a plurality of patterns (all patterns may have an upper limit) for which a reception test has been executed in the past.

(Main processing of terminal device)
In the present embodiment, the content of the main process of the terminal device 70 is different from that of the first embodiment. In particular, the content of the processing after S19 (the processing of FIG. 6) is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of processing after S19 of the terminal device main processing. S320 to S323 in FIG. 14 are the same as S20 to S23 in FIG. For this reason, description about S320-S323 is abbreviate | omitted.
In S324, it is determined whether there is any other transmission setting data stored. The storage device 77 stores a plurality of patterns of transmission setting data for which transmission tests have been executed in the past. In S322, one pattern of transmission setting data is output to the multi-function device 50. In S324, it is determined whether there is transmission setting data that has not been output in S322. In the case of YES here, the terminal device 70 returns to S322 and outputs the transmission setting data that has not been output to the multi-function device 50.
If NO in S324, it means that the transmission setting data of all patterns stored in the storage device 77 has been output to the multi-function device 50. If NO in S324, the multi-function device 50 determines whether there is only one transmission setting data whose transmission retest result is “successful transmission” (S325). When there are two or more transmission setting data whose transmission retest results are “transmission successful” (NO in S325), the process proceeds to S334. The contents of S334 will be described later. Note that if there is no transmission setting data whose transmission retest result is “transmission successful”, NO is determined in S325. In this case, the terminal device 70 displays the transmission retest result and skips S334 and S335.
On the other hand, if YES in S325, the transmission retest result is displayed (S326).

FIG. 15 shows an example of a display screen displayed in S326. This display screen includes an area 200 indicating a number for specifying transmission setting data with a good test result, a box 202 for instructing to update the transmission setting data, a selection box 204, and an OK button 206. Yes. When the box 202 is checked, the number displayed in the area 200 is displayed in the selection box 204. When the OK button 206 is clicked in this state, S335 in FIG. 14 is executed.
In S <b> 335, the transmission setting data having the number displayed in the area 200 is output to the multi-function device 50. A code indicating that it is for main setting is added to the transmission setting data. For this reason, the multi-function device 50 stores the transmission setting data output in S335 in the main setting data storage area 56a. Thereby, the transmission setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a is updated.
Note that if the OK button 206 is clicked in a state where the box 202 in FIG. 15 is not checked, S335 is skipped.
The box 202 in FIG. 15 may not be displayed. When there is only one transmission setting data whose transmission retest result is “transmission successful”, the multi-function device 50 may output the transmission setting data to the multi-function device 50 without fail. In this case, the transmission setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a is always updated.

S327 to S333 in FIG. 14 are different from S320 to 326 in that they are processing for reception retest, but the processing content is almost the same as S320 to 326. For this reason, description of S327-S333 is abbreviate | omitted.
Next, details of S334 executed after S325 and S332 will be described in detail. Below, the content of S334 performed after S332 is demonstrated.
FIG. 16 shows an example of the display screen displayed in S334. This display screen includes an area 210 indicating each number for specifying reception setting data with a good test result, a box 212 for instructing to update the reception setting data, a selection box 214, and an OK button 216. It is out. The user selects a number in the selection box 214 with the box 212 checked. In the selection box 214, any number displayed in the area 210 is selected. When the OK button 216 is clicked, the process of S335 is executed. In S335, the reception setting data of the number selected in the selection box 214 is output to the multi-function device 50. A code indicating that it is for main setting is added to the reception setting data. The multi-function device 50 stores the reception setting data output in S335 in the main setting data storage area 56a. Thereby, the reception setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a is updated.
Note that if the OK button 216 is clicked in a state where the box 212 in FIG. 16 is not checked, the process of S335 is skipped.

(Third embodiment)
As in the second embodiment, the storage device 77 (see FIG. 2) of this embodiment accumulates a plurality of patterns of communication setting data (transmission setting data and reception setting data) that have been tested in the past. Remember.
In addition, when the retest command (transmission retest command or reception retest command) is input, the terminal device 70 according to the second embodiment described above receives all the communication setting data for which the test has been executed in the past. (See FIG. 14). On the other hand, the terminal device 70 according to the present embodiment outputs only the communication setting data of one selected pattern to the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 performs a retest on the communication setting data of the selected pattern.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a window 240 displayed on the terminal device 70 of the present embodiment. Window 240 is substantially the same as window 100 of FIG. The window 240 differs from the window 100 of FIG. 4 in that it has boxes 250 and 252.
When a number is entered in the box 250, the terminal device 70 displays transmission setting data (transmission setting data for which a transmission test has been executed in the past) corresponding to the number in the setting items 110 to 120. The user can confirm the content of the transmission setting data for which a transmission test has been executed in the past. When the transmission retest button 124 is clicked in this state, the transmission setting data displayed in the setting items 110 to 120 is output to the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 performs a transmission retest on the transmission setting data output from the terminal device 70.
When a number is entered in box 252, terminal device 70 displays reception setting data corresponding to the number (reception setting data for which a reception test has been executed in the past) on setting items 130 to 136. When the reception retest button 140 is clicked in this state, the reception setting data displayed in the setting items 130 to 136 is output to the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 performs a reception retest on the reception setting data output from the terminal device 70.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, communication setting data for which a test has been executed in the past is stored by the terminal device 70. On the other hand, in this embodiment, communication setting data for which a test has been executed in the past is stored by the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 stores communication setting data for which a test was executed last time. The sub-setting data storage area 56b of the multi-function device 50 includes a storage area for storing transmission setting data while the test is executed, and a storage area for storing the transmission setting data continuously after the test. I also use it.

(Main processing of terminal device)
In the present embodiment, the content of the main process of the terminal device 70 is different from that of the first embodiment. In particular, the content of the processing after S19 (the processing of FIG. 6) is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 18 shows a flowchart after S19 of the terminal device main process. S420 to S424 in FIG. 18 are substantially the same as S20 to S24 in FIG. However, in this embodiment, the process for outputting the transmission setting data (the process corresponding to S22 in FIG. 6) is not executed between S421 and S423. This is because the terminal device 70 does not store transmission setting data for which a transmission test has been executed in the past.
S427 to S432 are almost the same as S25 to S30 in FIG. However, in the present embodiment, the process of outputting the reception setting data (the process corresponding to S27 in FIG. 6) is not executed between S428 and S430. This is because the terminal device 70 does not store reception setting data for which a reception test has been executed in the past.
In the present embodiment, the user of the terminal device 70 can input a command to the terminal device 70 to instruct to update the storage contents of the main setting data storage area 56a of the multi-function device 50. In this case, the terminal device 70 outputs a setting change command to the multi-function device 50. Even if the terminal device 70 outputs the setting change command, the terminal device 70 does not output the communication setting data. This is different from the setting update command (S17, S18 in FIG. 5).

(Main processing of MFP)
In the present embodiment, the content of the main process of the multi-function device 50 is different from that of the first embodiment. In particular, the content of the processing after S66 (the processing of FIG. 8) is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 19 shows a flowchart after S66 of the MFP main process. When receiving a transmission retest command (YES in S467), the multi-function device 50 reads the transmission setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b (S468). Next, the multi-function device 50 executes a transmission test process using the transmission setting data read in S468 (S470). S470 and the next S471 are the same as S70 and S71 of FIG.
S472 to S476 differ from S467 to S471 in that they are processing for reception retest, but the processing content is almost the same as S467 to S471. For this reason, description of S472-S476 is abbreviate | omitted.
The multi-function device 50 monitors whether a setting change command has been input (S477). If YES in S477, the multi-function device 50 stores the communication setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b in the main setting data storage area 56a (S478). Thereby, the communication setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a is updated.
There are two types of setting update commands: an instruction to update only transmission setting data, an instruction to update only reception setting data, and an instruction to update both. The multi-function device 50 updates the transmission setting data and / or the reception setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a based on the input setting update command.

(5th Example)
In each of the above embodiments, the user inputs a retest command to the terminal device 70. In this case, a retest instruction is output from the terminal device 70 to the multi-function device 50, and the re-test is executed by the multi-function device 50. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a retest command is directly input to the multi-function device 50 when the operation device 60 (see FIG. 2) of the multi-function device 50 is operated by the user.

FIG. 20 shows how the display content of the display device 58 (see FIG. 2) of the multi-function device 50 changes when a retest command is input to the multi-function device 50.
When the operation device 60 of the multi-function device 50 is operated, “LAN setting” is displayed (reference numeral 300). When the operation device 60 is further operated, “E-mail setting” is displayed (reference numeral 302). When the operation device 60 is further operated, “E-mail transmission retest” is displayed (reference numeral 304). When the set key of the operation device 60 is operated in this state, a transmission retest command is input to the multi-function device 50. Thereby, a transmission test is executed. While the transmission test is being executed, “E-mail transmission test in progress” is displayed (reference numeral 306). When the transmission test is completed, a transmission test result (transmission retest result) is displayed. In the example of FIG. 20, “E-mail transmission test OK” is displayed (reference numeral 308).
Note that although an example in which a transmission retest command is input has been described in FIG. 20 described above, a reception retest command is also input in the same manner.

(Main processing of MFP)
In the present embodiment, the content of the main process of the multi-function device 50 is different from that of the first embodiment. In particular, the content of the processing after S66 (the processing of FIG. 8) is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart after S66 of the MFP main process. The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not a transmission retest operation has been executed by the user (S567). That is, the multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not a transmission retest command is input by operating the operation device 60. If YES in S567, the process proceeds to S568. S568 and S570 are the same as S468 and S470 of FIG. In S571, the transmission retest result is displayed on the display device 58 (see FIG. 2) (see reference numeral 308 in FIG. 20). If the transmission retest result is not good, the content of the transmission retest result (the cause of unsuccess) is printed by the printing device 62 (see FIG. 2).
S572 to S576 differ from S567 to S571 in that they are processing for reception retest, but the processing content is almost the same as S567 to S571. For this reason, description of S572-S576 is abbreviate | omitted.
The user can instruct to update the storage contents of the main setting data storage area 56a by operating the operation device 60 of the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not this setting update operation has been executed by the user (S577). If YES in S577, the multi-function device 50 stores the communication setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b in the main setting data storage area 56a (S578). As a result, the communication setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a is updated. S578 is the same as S478 in FIG.

(Sixth embodiment)
The sub-setting data storage area 56b of the multi-function device 50 accumulates and stores a plurality of patterns of communication setting data that have been tested in the past. In this embodiment, a retest command is output from the terminal device 70 to the multi-function device 50. When receiving a retest command, the multi-function device 50 executes a retest for each of all the communication setting data.

(Main processing of terminal device)
In the present embodiment, the content of the main process of the terminal device 70 is different from that of the first embodiment. In particular, the content of the processing after S19 (the processing of FIG. 6) is different from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 22 shows a flowchart after S19 of the terminal device main process.
In the case of YES in S620 of FIG. 22, the terminal device 70 outputs a transmission retest instruction to the multi-function device 50 (S621). Next, the terminal device 70 inputs a transmission retest result (S622). The terminal device 70 determines whether or not the next transmission retest result has been input (S624). If YES here, the process returns to S622.
If NO in S624, it means that all transmission retest results have been input. In the case of NO in S624, the multi-function device 50 determines whether there is only one transmission setting data whose transmission retest result is “transmission success” (S625). If there are two or more transmission setting data whose transmission retest result is “transmission successful” (NO in S625), the process proceeds to S634. Note that if there is no transmission setting data whose transmission retest result is “transmission successful”, NO is determined in S625. In this case, the terminal device 70 displays the transmission retest result and skips S634 and S635.
In S634, setting numbers corresponding to two or more transmission setting data with good transmission test results are displayed. For example, the display screen illustrated in FIG. 16 is displayed. The terminal device 70 outputs the setting number selected by the user to the multi-function device 50 (S635). Accordingly, the multi-function device 50 stores the transmission setting data corresponding to the setting number in the main setting data storage area 56a.
On the other hand, in the case of YES in S625, the terminal device 70 displays a setting number corresponding to one transmission setting data whose transmission retest result is good (S626). For example, the display screen illustrated in FIG. 15 is displayed. The terminal device 70 outputs the setting number to the multi-function device 50 (S635).
S627 to S633 differ from S620 to S626 in that they are processing for reception retest, but the processing content is almost the same as S620 to S626. For this reason, description of S627-S633 is abbreviate | omitted.

(Main processing of MFP)
In the present embodiment, the content of the main process of the multi-function device 50 is different from that of the first embodiment. In particular, the content of the processing after S66 (the processing of FIG. 8) is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 23 shows a flowchart after S66 of the MFP main process. S667 to S671 are the same as S467 to S471 in FIG. The multi-function device 50 determines whether or not the transmission setting data that has not been read in S668 exists in the sub-setting data storage area 56b (S671 ′). If YES here, the flow returns to S668 to read other transmission setting data. If NO in S671 ′, it means that the transmission retest has been executed for all transmission setting data.
S672 to S676 ′ are different from S667 to S671 ′ in that they are processing for reception retest, but the processing contents are almost the same as S667 to S671 ′. For this reason, description of S672-S676 'is abbreviate | omitted.
The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not the setting number output from the terminal device 70 in S635 of FIG. 22 has been input (S677). In the case of YES here, the multi-function device 50 reads transmission setting data or reception setting data corresponding to the input setting number from the sub setting data storage area 56b (S678). Next, the multi-function device 50 stores the transmission setting data or the reception setting data read in S678 in the main setting data storage area 56a (S679). As a result, the transmission setting data or the reception setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a is updated.

(Seventh embodiment)
The sub-setting data storage area 56b of the multi-function device 50 accumulates and stores a plurality of patterns of communication setting data that have been tested in the past. In this embodiment, the user inputs a retest command to the terminal device 70. The user can select one communication setting data for executing the retest. The terminal device 70 outputs a setting number corresponding to the selected communication setting data to the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 performs a retest on the selected communication setting data.

(Main processing of terminal device)
In the present embodiment, the content of the main process of the terminal device 70 is different from that of the first embodiment. In particular, the content of the processing after S19 (the processing of FIG. 6) is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 24 shows a flowchart after S19 of the terminal device main process. S720 to S724 are substantially the same as S20 to S24 in FIG. However, in this embodiment, instead of executing the process of outputting the transmission setting data (S22), the setting number of the transmission setting data selected by the user is output to the multi-function device 50 (S722).
S725 to S730 are substantially the same as S25 to S30 in FIG. However, in this embodiment, instead of executing the process of outputting the reception setting data (S27), the setting number of the reception setting data selected by the user is output to the multi-function device 50 (S727).
In the present embodiment, the user of the terminal device 70 can input a command to the terminal device 70 to instruct to update the storage contents of the main setting data storage area 56a of the multi-function device 50. In this case, the terminal device 70 outputs the setting number of the communication setting data and the setting update command to the multi-function device 50.

(Main processing of MFP)
In the present embodiment, the content of the main process of the multi-function device 50 is different from that of the first embodiment. In particular, the content of the processing after S66 (the processing of FIG. 8) is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart after S66 of the MFP main process. S767 to S771 are almost the same as the contents of S67 to S71 of FIG. However, in this embodiment, instead of executing the process of inputting the transmission setting data (S68), the process of inputting the setting number of the transmission setting data selected by the user is executed (S768). Further, instead of executing the process of storing the transmission setting data in the sub setting data storage area 56b (S69), the process of reading the transmission setting data corresponding to the setting number input in S768 from the sub setting data storage area 56b. This is executed (S769). The transmission setting data read in S769 is used in the transmission test process in S770.
S772 to S776 are different from S767 to S771 in that they are processes for reception retest, but the processing contents are almost the same as S767 to S771. For this reason, description of S772-S776 is abbreviate | omitted.
The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not the setting number of transmission setting data or reception setting data and the setting update command have been input (S777). In the case of YES here, the multi-function device 50 reads transmission setting data or reception setting data corresponding to the input setting number from the sub setting data storage area 56b (S778). Next, the multi-function device 50 stores the transmission setting data or the reception setting data read in S778 in the main setting data storage area 56a (S779). As a result, the transmission setting data or the reception setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a is updated.

(Eighth embodiment)
The sub-setting data storage area 56b of the multi-function device 50 accumulates and stores a plurality of patterns of communication setting data that have been tested in the past. In the present embodiment, a retest command is directly input to the multi-function device 50 when the operation device 60 (see FIG. 2) of the multi-function device 50 is operated by the user.

(Main processing of MFP)
In the present embodiment, the content of the main process of the multi-function device 50 is different from that of the first embodiment. In particular, the content of the processing after S66 (the processing of FIG. 8) is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 26 shows a flowchart after S66 of the MFP main process. When an operation for instructing a transmission retest is executed (YES in S867), the process proceeds to S868. S868 and S870 are the same as S468 and S470 of FIG. The multi-function device 50 determines whether or not the transmission setting data that has not been read in S868 is stored in the sub-setting data storage area 56b (S871). If YES here, the process returns to S868, and transmission setting data that has not yet been read is read.
If NO in S871, it means that the transmission retest has been executed for all the transmission setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b. In the case of NO in S871, the multi-function device 50 determines whether or not there is only one transmission setting data whose transmission retest result is “successful transmission” (S872). If YES here, the transmission retest result is displayed on the display device 58 (see FIG. 2) (S873). Next, S877 is executed. In S877, the storage content of the main setting data storage area 56a is updated to one transmission setting data with a good transmission retest result.

  FIG. 27 shows how the display content of the display device 58 changes. “LAN setting” (reference numeral 400), “E-mail setting” (reference numeral 402), “E-mail transmission retest” (reference numeral 404), and “e-mail transmission test in progress” (reference numeral 406) are displayed in this order. As described above, when there is only one transmission setting data with a good transmission retest result (YES in S872), the transmission setting data in the main setting data storage area 56a is updated (S877). . In this case, reference numeral 408 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 27, “E-mail transmission setting: set to 2” is displayed. This means that the transmission retest result is good only for the transmission setting data of the setting number “2”, and the transmission setting data is stored in the main setting data storage area 56a. If the set key is operated while the reference numeral 408 is displayed, the display returns to the “E-mail setting” display screen (reference numeral 410).

In the case of NO in S872 of FIG. 26, the multi-function device 50 displays the transmission retest result on the display device 58 (see FIG. 2) (S874). If there are two or more transmission setting data with good transmission retest results, a selection screen is displayed on the display device 58 (S875). The user can select one of two or more pieces of transmission setting data having a good transmission retest result. The multi-function device 50 inputs the selected setting number (S876). The multi-function device 50 updates the stored contents of the main setting data storage area 56a to the transmission setting data of the selected setting number (S877).
Note that if there is no transmission setting data with a good transmission retest result, NO is determined in S872. In this case, S875 to S877 are skipped.

  FIG. 28 shows how the display screen of the display device 58 changes. Reference numerals 420 to 426 are the same as reference numerals 400 to 406 in FIG. When there are two or more pieces of transmission setting data whose transmission retest result is good (NO in S872), reference numeral 428 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 28, “E-mail transmission test OK is 2 or 3” is displayed. Next, a selection screen 430 is displayed (S876). Next, it is displayed in S877 that the stored contents of the main setting data storage area 56a have been updated to the selected transmission setting data (reference numeral 432). When the set key is operated while the screen of reference numeral 432 is displayed, the display returns to the display screen of “E-mail setting” (reference numeral 434).

  26 differs from S867 to S877 in that it is a process for reception retest, but the processing content is almost the same as S867 to S877. For this reason, description of S878-S887 is abbreviate | omitted.

(Ninth embodiment)
The sub-setting data storage area 56b of the multi-function device 50 accumulates and stores a plurality of patterns of communication setting data that have been tested in the past. In the present embodiment, a retest command is directly input to the multi-function device 50 when the operation device 60 (see FIG. 2) of the multi-function device 50 is operated by the user. The user can select one communication setting data for executing the retest. When receiving a retest command, the multi-function device 50 performs a retest on the selected communication setting data.

(Main processing of MFP)
In the present embodiment, the content of the main process of the multi-function device 50 is different from that of the first embodiment. In particular, the content of the processing after S66 (the processing of FIG. 8) is different from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 29 is a flowchart after S66 of the MFP main process.
When an operation for instructing a transmission retest is executed (YES in S967), the process proceeds to S968. The multi-function device 50 inputs the setting number selected by the user (S968). Next, the multi-function device 50 reads transmission setting data corresponding to the setting number input in S968 (S969). In S970, a transmission test process is executed using the transmission setting data read in S969. The multi-function device 50 displays the transmission retest result on the display device 58 (see FIG. 2) (S971). If the transmission retest result is not good, the transmission retest result (the cause of unsuccess) is printed by the printing device 62.

  FIG. 30 shows how the display screen of the display device 58 changes. Reference numerals 520 to 524 are the same as reference numerals 400 to 404 in FIG. When the set key is operated while the screen of reference numeral 524 is displayed, a screen for selecting transmission setting data for executing transmission retest is displayed (reference numerals 526 and 528). When transmission setting data is selected and a set key is input (YES in S967), a screen indicated by reference numeral 530 is displayed. On the screen indicated by reference numeral 532, it is displayed that the transmission retest result was good.

Note that S972 to S976 in FIG. 29 differ from S967 to S971 in that they are processing for reception retest, but the processing content is almost the same as S967 to S971. For this reason, description of S972-S976 is abbreviate | omitted.
The user can instruct to update the storage contents of the main setting data storage area 56a by operating the operation device 60 of the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not this setting update operation has been executed by the user (S977). If YES is obtained in S977, the multi-function device 50 inputs the setting number of the transmission setting data selected by the user from the plurality of transmission setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b (S978). Next, the multi-function device 50 inputs the setting number of the reception setting data selected by the user from the plurality of reception setting data stored in the sub setting data storage area 56b (S979). The multi-function device 50 updates the stored contents of the main setting data storage area 56a to the transmission setting data and the reception setting data corresponding to the setting numbers input in S978 and S979.

  FIG. 31 shows how the display screen of the display device 58 changes. Reference numerals 540 to 542 are the same as reference numerals 400 to 402 in FIG. If the controller device 60 (see FIG. 2) is further operated while the screen of reference numeral 542 is displayed, “E-mail transmission / reception setting update” is displayed (reference numeral 544). If the set key is operated while this screen is displayed, a screen for selecting the setting number of the transmission setting data is displayed (reference numeral 546). When the setting number of the transmission setting data is selected and the set key is operated, a screen for selecting the setting number of the reception setting data is displayed (reference numerals 548 and 550). When the setting number of the reception setting data is selected and the set key is operated, the above-described processing of S978 to S980 is executed, and the screen denoted by reference numeral 522 is displayed.

Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.
(1) When the multi-function device 50 of the first embodiment inputs an e-mail communication command (sending command or receiving command) between the start and end of the communication test (sending test or receiving test), Execute interrupt processing to communicate email. However, the multi-function device 50 may not execute interrupt processing. The multi-function device 50 can automatically execute e-mail transmission processing and reception processing after the communication test is completed. In other words, the multi-function device 50 uses the communication setting data for main setting even if the user does not instruct to perform transmission processing or communication processing using the communication setting data that functions normally. The transmission process and the communication process can be continuously executed.
(2) A control device for executing e-mail communication processing (S51, S53 in FIG. 7) and a control device for executing communication test processing (S57, S62, S70, S75) are configured separately. May be. In this case, the two control devices can execute the communication process and the communication test process in parallel.
(3) The multi-function device 50 and the servers 80 and 82 may be connected by a LAN line.
(4) In the first embodiment, communication setting data is sent from the terminal device 70 to the multi-function device 50 using the LAN line 92 (see FIG. 2). However, communication setting data may be sent from the terminal device 70 to the multi-function device 50 via the Internet 90. That is, the terminal device 70 may transmit the communication setting data by e-mail. In this case, the multi-function device 50 identifies the communication setting data described in the e-mail by analyzing the e-mail.
(5) The technical features of the multi-function device 50 can be applied to other network devices. For example, a personal computer, a server, a telephone (including a mobile phone) and the like can be used.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

The block diagram of the network apparatus of this invention is shown. The network system of an Example is shown. The figure for demonstrating the signal and data which are exchanged between each apparatus is shown. The window for inputting communication setting data is shown. The flowchart of the main process of a terminal device is shown. The flowchart of the main process of a terminal device is shown (continuation of FIG. 5). 2 shows a flowchart of a main process of the multifunction machine. The flowchart of the main process of a multifunction machine is shown (continuation of FIG. 7). The flowchart of a transmission test process is shown. The flowchart of a POP before SMTP process is shown. The flowchart of an SMTP-AUTH process is shown. The flowchart of a reception test process is shown. The figure which summarized the outline of each Example is shown. The flowchart of the main process of a terminal device is shown (2nd Example). An example of the display screen of a transmission retest result is shown. An example of the display screen of a transmission retest result is shown. The window for inputting communication setting data is shown (3rd Example). The flowchart of the main process of a terminal device is shown (4th Example). 2 shows a flowchart of a main process of the multifunction machine. This shows how the display screen of the MFP changes. 9 shows a flowchart of main processing of the multifunction machine (fifth embodiment). The flowchart of the main process of a terminal device is shown (6th Example). 2 shows a flowchart of a main process of the multifunction machine. The flowchart of the main process of a terminal device is shown (7th Example). 2 shows a flowchart of a main process of the multifunction machine. 9 shows a flowchart of a main process of the multifunction machine (eighth embodiment). This shows how the display screen of the MFP changes. This shows how the display screen of the MFP changes. 9 shows a flowchart of main processing of the multifunction machine (ninth embodiment). This shows how the display screen of the MFP changes. This shows how the display screen of the MFP changes.

Explanation of symbols

10: network device 12: input means 14: storage means 16: communication means 18: communication test means 22: output means 30: terminal device 32: storage means 34: input means 36: output means 40: network system 50: multifunction device 52 : Scanner device 54: Control device 56: Storage device 56 a: Main setting data storage region 56 b: Sub setting data storage region 56 c: Temporary data storage region 58: Display device 60: Operating device 62: Printing device 70: Terminal device 72: Control device 74: Display device 76: Operation device 77: Storage device 80: POP3 server 82: SMTP server

Claims (6)

A network device that is used by being connected to a communication network and that executes a communication function using the communication network.
Input means for inputting communication setting data for executing the communication function;
Storage means capable of storing communication setting data of at least three patterns;
Communication means for executing the communication function using communication setting data of the first pattern stored in the storage means;
The communication settings of the second and third patterns stored in the storage means while maintaining the state in which the communication means can execute the communication function using the communication setting data of the first pattern For each data , comprising a communication test means for testing whether the communication function can be executed using the communication setting data ,
It said storage means, Ri can der that you continue to store communication setting data of the second and third pattern test is performed by the communication test means,
Whether or not the communication test means can execute the communication function by using the communication setting data for each of the communication setting data of the second and third patterns when a retest instruction is input. Retest and
The communication means stops using the communication setting data of the first pattern when the retest result that the communication function can be executed only for the second pattern is obtained, A network apparatus characterized by using communication setting data of the second pattern from which a test result is obtained . 2. The network device according to claim 1 , further comprising operation means for allowing a user to input a retest command . The network device according to claim 1 or 2, which is communicably connected to at least one terminal device.
It said input means, wherein the to Rene Ttowaku device to enter the retest instruction output from the terminal device. The storage means has a storage area for storing communication setting data of the second and third patterns while a test is executed by the communication test means,
Claim 1 the storage area, characterized in that it also serves as a storage area for storing communication setting data continue to the second and third pattern test is performed by the communication test means any network device 3. At least one terminal device;
A network device that is communicably connected to the terminal device, is connected to a communication network, and performs a communication function using the communication network;
The terminal device
Terminal side storage means for continuously storing communication setting data of the second and third patterns;
Terminal output means for outputting communication setting data of the second and third patterns stored in the terminal storage means to the network device;
The network device is:
Network side input means for inputting communication setting data of the second and third patterns output from the terminal side output means;
Network side storage means capable of storing the communication setting data of the second and third patterns and the communication setting data of the first pattern different from the second and third patterns;
Communication means for executing the communication function using communication setting data of the first pattern stored in the network-side storage means;
The second and third patterns stored in the network-side storage unit while maintaining the state in which the communication unit can execute the communication function using the communication setting data of the first pattern For each of the communication setting data, having a communication test means for testing whether the communication function can be executed using the communication setting data,
Whether or not the communication test means can execute the communication function by using the communication setting data for each of the communication setting data of the second and third patterns when a retest instruction is input. Retest and
The communication means stops using the communication setting data of the first pattern when the retest result that the communication function can be executed only for the second pattern is obtained, Using the communication setting data of the second pattern from which the test result is obtained
A network system characterized by this. The terminal device further includes terminal side input means for inputting a retest instruction,
6. The network system according to claim 5, wherein the terminal side output unit outputs the communication setting data of the second and third patterns to the network device when a retest command is input.

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