JP4867714B2 - Function execution device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a function execution device that executes a predetermined function based on setting information.

  For example, multi-function devices that can execute a printing function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, a display function, and the like are widely known. The multi-function device can execute various functions based on setting information set by the user. For example, the print function can be executed based on setting information such as the paper size and print resolution. In addition, for example, a display function can be executed based on setting information such as a display language.

  A multi-function device may be shared by multiple users. For example, a multi-function device installed in a hotel guest room is shared by guests. In a multi-function device shared by a plurality of users, default setting information that is considered to be easy for many users to use is set by an administrator. For example, a multi-function device installed in a guest room of a hotel in the United States is expected to have a default display language set to English. However, it is difficult for guests who cannot understand English to use a multi-function device whose default display language is set to English, and the display language needs to be changed. For example, the guest can change the display language by operating the operation panel of the multi-function device.

  Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for changing a display language in a multi-function device. The user can connect his / her portable terminal to the multi-function device. The multi-function device changes the display language set for itself to the display language set for the mobile terminal. For example, a multi-function device whose display language is set to English changes the display language from English to Japanese when a mobile terminal whose display language is set to Japanese is connected.

JP-A-10-151840

  The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not disclose what the display language of the multi-function device will be after the mobile terminal is removed from the multi-function device to which the display language has been changed by connecting the mobile terminal. . This multi-function device may continue to be displayed in the changed display language even when the portable terminal is removed. In other words, even if the default setting information that is considered to be easy for many users to use is set in the conventional function execution device (multi-function device in the above example), the default setting information is changed to other setting information. May be lost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to realize a function execution device that can temporarily use another setting information without losing default setting information.

The present invention is a function execution device that executes a predetermined function based on setting information, and is stored in a setting information storage device that stores setting information for executing the predetermined function, and the setting information storage device Change permitting device that allows changing setting information to different setting information, history information storage device that stores setting information before change stored in setting information storage device before setting information is changed, and user An input device for inputting specific information, a user specific information storage device for storing first user specific information input to the input device, and a first user specific information stored in the user specific information storage device. When the user identification information 2 is input to the input device, the setting information stored in the setting information storage device is returned to the setting information before change stored in the history information storage device. A function executing device and a control device.
One form of the function execution device disclosed in the present specification executes a predetermined function based on setting information. “Setting information” means a code, a value, a program, or the like used when executing the predetermined function. Further, the content of the “predetermined function” is not particularly limited, and may be any function that is executed based on the setting information. For example, a print function, a scanner function, a copy function, an Internet communication function, an output function, other information processing functions, and the like can be employed. The content of the setting information varies depending on the type of function. For example, for the print function and copy function, the paper size, print magnification, number of copies, print resolution, and the like may be adopted as the setting information. For the scanner function, scan resolution, a storage location of scan data, and the like may be adopted as setting information. For the Internet communication function, an e-mail address, an Internet initial screen URL, or the like may be adopted as setting information. In addition, for an output function (for example, a display function or an audio output function), an output language (display language or audio output language), color, brightness, or the like may be adopted as setting information.

  The function execution device includes a setting information storage device, a change permission device, a history information storage device, an input device, a user identification information storage device, and a storage control device. The setting information storage device stores setting information for executing the predetermined function. The change permission device allows the setting information stored in the setting information storage device to be changed to another setting information. For example, the change permission device may include an operation device operated by a user. In this case, the user can change to desired setting information by operating the operating device. For example, the change permission device may allow the setting information stored in the setting information storage device to be changed to setting information sent from the outside. For example, as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the setting information may be changed to be sent from the mobile terminal. The history information storage device stores the pre-change setting information stored in the setting information storage device before the setting information is changed. The history information storage device may store the setting information before the change when the setting information is changed, or stores the setting information (the setting information before the change) in advance before the setting information is changed. May be.

  The input device inputs user specifying information. The “user specifying information” may be any information as long as it can specify a user who uses the function execution device. For example, any one or combination of a user name, an address, a telephone number, and the like may be used. For example, the input device may be an operation device operated by an administrator or a user. In this case, the administrator or the user can directly input the user specifying information to the multi-function device by operating the operation device. On the other hand, the input device may be an interface for inputting user specifying information sent from the outside. The user specifying information storage device stores user specifying information input to the input device. The storage control device stores the setting information stored in the setting information storage device when the user specifying information different from the user specifying information stored in the user specifying information storage device is input to the history information storage device. To the pre-change setting information stored in.

  By using the function execution device described above, the administrator can store default setting information that is considered to be easy for many users to use in the setting information storage device. Even when the default setting information is changed to another setting information by the user, the setting information before change (default setting information) is stored in the history information storage device, and the default setting information is not lost. The function execution device can return to the default setting information when the user identification information is changed. That is, the function execution device can return to the default setting information when the user changes. This function execution device can temporarily use another setting information without losing the default setting information.

Setting information may be changed multiple times by one user. For example, the user X may change the display language from English (default setting language) to Japanese and then change to Chinese. In this case, when used by another user Y, it is necessary to return the display language to English. In order to realize this, the following configuration may be adopted. That is, the history information storage device stores the setting information stored in the setting information storage device a plurality of times during a period from when the user specifying information is input to the input device to when another user specifying information is input to the input device. In the case of a change over a period of time, the oldest pre-change setting information may be stored at least. In this case, when the other user specifying information is input to the input device, the storage control device stores the setting information stored in the setting information storage device as the above-mentioned most stored in the history information storage device. The old pre-change setting information may be restored.
According to this configuration, even when the setting information is changed a plurality of times by one user, it can be restored to the default setting information.

In addition, in order to return to default setting information when setting information is changed in multiple times, you may employ | adopt the following structures. That is, the history information storage device stores the setting information stored in the setting information storage device a plurality of times during a period from when the user specifying information is input to the input device to when another user specifying information is input to the input device. When the information is changed over a period of time, all the pre-change setting information may be stored in chronological order. In this case, when the other user specifying information is input to the input device, the storage control device sets the setting information stored in the setting information storage device according to each of the following processes. You may return to information.
(1) Processing for returning to the newest pre-change setting information.
(2) Next, processing for returning to the new setting information before change.
(3) A process of repeating the process (2) until the oldest pre-change setting information is restored.

  The change permission device may have an operation device operated by a user. The user can change the default setting information stored in the setting information storage device to another setting information by operating the operation device. In this case, each device operates as follows. The setting information storage device can change and store the setting information (default setting information) stored in the setting information storage device into first setting information input by an operation on the operation device. In this case, the history information storage device stores the setting information before change stored in the setting information storage device before being changed to the first setting information. The storage control device, when the first setting information is stored in the setting information storage device, when user identification information different from the user identification information stored in the user identification information storage device is input to the input device, The first setting information stored in the setting information storage device is returned to the setting information before change stored in the history information storage device.

The administrator may change the default setting information stored in the setting information storage device. For example, the administrator may change the display language from English (default setting language) to Japanese. In this case, it is preferable to maintain the display language in Japanese even if the user changes. In order to realize this, the following configuration may be adopted. That is, the function execution device described above may be used by being connected to an information processing device. The setting information storage device may change and store the setting information stored therein by the second setting information output from the information processing device. In the state where the second setting information is stored in the setting information storage device, the storage control device, when user specifying information different from the user specifying information stored in the user specifying information storage device is input to the input device, The second setting information stored in the setting information storage device may be maintained.
This function execution device can determine whether to maintain or restore the setting information, depending on the tool used to change the setting information. That is, when the setting information is changed by an operation on the operating device (when the setting information is changed to the first setting information), the setting information is returned to the default setting information when the user is changed. On the other hand, when the setting information is changed by communication from the information processing apparatus (when the setting information is changed to the second setting information), the changed setting information (second setting information) is maintained even if the user is changed. The The administrator can change the default setting information of the function execution device by using the information processing device. The function execution device can maintain the changed default setting information even if the user changes.

The setting information storage device may change and store the second setting information stored therein by the third setting information input by operating the operation device. In this case, the history information storage device stores the second setting information stored in the setting information storage device before being changed to the third setting information. In a state where the third setting information is stored in the setting information storage device, the storage control device, when user specifying information different from the user specifying information stored in the user specifying information storage device is input to the input device, The third setting information stored in the setting information storage device is returned to the second setting information.
According to this configuration, when the default setting information is changed to the second setting information by the administrator and then changed to the third setting information by the user, it can be returned to the second setting information when the user changes.

The function execution device may execute a plurality of types of functions. In this case, the setting information storage device may store setting information for executing the function for each of a plurality of types of functions. The history information storage device may store pre-change setting information stored in the setting information storage device before the setting information for executing the function is changed for each of a plurality of types of functions. The storage control device stores each of a plurality of types of functions in the setting information storage device when user specification information different from the user specification information stored in the user specification information storage device is input to the input device. The setting information for executing the function is returned to the setting information before change for executing the function stored in the history information storage device.
According to this configuration, in order to return the setting information of each of the plural types of functions to the default setting information, it is sufficient to input one user specifying information to the function execution device.

A computer program for a function execution device that executes a predetermined function based on setting information is also useful. This computer program causes a computer mounted on the function execution device to execute the following processes.
(1) A process of storing setting information for executing the predetermined function in the first storage area.
(2) A process of changing the setting information stored in the first storage area to another setting information.
(3) A process of storing the pre-change setting information stored in the first storage area before the setting information is changed.
(4) A process of storing the user identification information input to the function execution device in the third storage area.
(5) When the user specifying information different from the user specifying information stored in the third storage area is input to the function execution device, the setting information stored in the first storage area is stored in the second storage area. Processing to return to the pre-change setting information.

  A system including the above function execution device is also useful. This system includes an information processing device and the function execution device connected to the information processing device so as to be communicable. The information processing device is stored in a first input device that inputs user specifying information, a first user specifying information storage device that stores user specifying information input to the first input device, and a first user specifying information storage device. And an output device for outputting user-specific information. The administrator can store the user specifying information of the user of the function execution device in the information processing device. This user identification information is output to the function execution device. The function execution device can execute a process of inputting user identification information and returning it to default setting information.

Here, the main features of the techniques described in the following examples are summarized.
(Mode 1) The history information storage device also serves as a user-specific information storage device.
(Mode 2) When the setting information stored in the setting information storage device is returned to the setting information before change by the storage control device, the setting information before change is deleted from the history information storage device.
(Mode 3) The function execution device is a multi-function device capable of executing a plurality of types of functions.
(Mode 4) The multi-function device is used in an environment shared by many users. For example, it is installed in a guest room of a hotel.
(Mode 5) The information processing apparatus is a server installed in a hotel. The server is communicably connected to a plurality of multi-function devices (multi-function devices in each guest room). The server stores data (user identification information) relating to guests in each guest room. The server outputs the user specifying information of the guest in the guest room to the multi-function device installed in each guest room.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a multi-function device system 10 of this embodiment. The multi-function device system 10 is realized in a hotel. The system 10 includes a front terminal 20, a server 30, and a plurality of multi-function devices 50a and 50b. Each device 20, 30, 50 a, 50 b can communicate with each other via a network wiring 45. One multi-function device (for example, 50a) is installed in one cabin. Although only two multi-function devices 50a and 50b are shown in FIG. 1, there are a number of multi-function devices corresponding to the number of guest rooms.

(Configuration of front terminal)
The front terminal 20 is installed at the front of the hotel. The front terminal 20 includes a keyboard 22 and a monitor 24. The hotel administrator (employee) can change the stored content of the server 30 by operating the keyboard 22.

(Server configuration)
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the server 30. The server 30 includes a guest information storage device 32, a setting file storage device 34, a control device 38, a print data storage device 40, and a network interface 42. The guest information storage device 32 stores guest information. FIG. 3 shows an example of the contents stored in the guest information storage device 32. The guest information storage device 32 corresponds to the room number (room number) 100, the guest name 102, the nationality 104, the stay period 106, the presence / absence of breakfast 108, and the presence / absence (and time) 110 of the wake-up call. I remember it. The stored contents of the guest information storage device 32 are updated by operating the keyboard 22 of the front terminal 20.

  The setting file storage device 34 shown in FIG. 2 stores a plurality of setting files 36a, 36b, 36c and the like. One setting file corresponds to one guest room. Each setting file 36a, 36b, 36c, etc. has a file name including the guest room number of the corresponding guest room. For example, the setting file 36a has a file name “601.cvs”. This means that it is a setting file corresponding to room 601. Each of the other setting files 36b and 36c has a file name including the room number of the corresponding guest room. In the following description, “36” is used as a symbol for collectively referring to the setting files 36a, 36b, 36c and the like. FIG. 4 shows an example of the contents stored in the setting file 36. The setting file 36 stores a plurality of items 120. For example, items 120 such as “User”, “Date”, “Menu”, and “File” exist. The name of the guest is set in “User”. In “Date”, the date and time of check-in is set. A language is set in “Menu”. In “File”, a file path of print data is set. The setting file 36 is not created by operating the keyboard 22 of the front terminal 20, but is created by the server 30. How the setting file 36 is created will be described in detail later.

  The control device 38 shown in FIG. 2 executes various processes according to a preset program and controls the operation of the server 30 in an integrated manner. The contents of the process executed by the control device 38 will be described in detail later. The print data storage device 40 stores print data for breakfast guidance. The print data storage device 40 stores print data described in a plurality of languages. A network wiring 45 is connected to the network interface 42. The server 30 can communicate with the front terminal 20 via the network interface 42. The server 30 can communicate with each of the multi-function devices 50a and 50b through the network interface 42.

(Configuration of multi-function device)
The multi-function devices 50a and 50b have the same configuration. In the following description, “50” is used as a generic symbol for the multi-function devices 50a, 50b and the like. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 includes a network interface 52, a printing device 54, a FAX device 56, a display device 58, an operation device 60, a setting information storage device 62, a history information storage device 64, a control device 66, and the like. A network wiring 45 is connected to the network interface 52. The multi-function device 50 can communicate with the server 30 via the network interface 52.

  The printing device 54 prints image data. The image data may be sent from the outside of the multi-function device 20 (for example, via the network wiring 45), or may be generated by a scanner (not shown). The FAX device 56 outputs the image data generated by the scanner to the outside as facsimile data. The FAX device 56 causes the printing device 54 to print the facsimile data sent from the outside. The display device 58 can display various information. The operation device 60 has a plurality of keys operated by a user (guest). The user can input various instructions and information to the multi-function device 50 by operating the operation device 60. For example, the user can change various setting information described later by operating the operation device 60.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the stored contents of the setting information storage device 62. As described above, the multi-function device 50 can execute a plurality of functions (display function, print function, FAX function, etc.). The setting information storage device 62 stores setting information for each of a plurality of functions. The setting information storage device 62 stores items 130, contents 132, and setting information 134 in association with each other. The item 130 means each function that can be executed by the multi-function device 50. In FIG. 6, display settings (display function) and print settings (print function) are illustrated as items 130. The contents 132 mean contents that can be set for each function. For example, as the display setting, “display language”, “brightness”, and the like are exemplified as the contents 132. Further, for example, with respect to print settings, “paper size”, “copy magnification”, and the like are exemplified as the contents 132. In the example of FIG. 6, setting information 134 “English” is set for the display language of the display setting. For example, setting information 134 “A4” is set for the paper size of the print setting. The user can change each setting information 134 by operating the operation device 60. For example, when the multi-function device 50 can display in English, Japanese, and Chinese, the user can set (change) one of the languages as the display language. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the display language “English” can be changed to “Japan”. In this case, various information (time, instruction to the user, etc.) is displayed in Japanese on the display device 58.

  The history information storage device 64 stores history information of various types of operations of the multi-function device 50. FIG. 7 shows an example of the contents stored in the history information storage device 64. The history information storage device 64 stores the content 140 and the user key 142 in association with each other. The user key 142 of this embodiment is the name of the user of the multi-function device 50. That is, the user key 142 is the name of the guest in the guest room where the multi-function device 50 is installed. The history information storage device 64 stores history information 150 to 166 of various operations in chronological order. In this embodiment, the history information becomes newer as it goes downward in FIG. How the history information is stored in the history information storage device 64 will be described in detail later.

(Processes executed by the server)
Next, the contents of processing executed by the server 30 will be described. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of processing executed by the server 30. As described above, the manager (the employee of the hotel) can update the stored contents of the guest information storage device 32 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) using the front terminal 20. For example, the information on the guest who has made a reservation in advance can be written in the guest information storage device 32 before the guest checks in the guest. In this case, when the guest checks in, the manager sends information indicating that the guest has checked in from the front terminal 20 to the server 30. In the present embodiment, the checked-in guest room number is sent from the front terminal 20 to the server 30. Thereby, the control device 38 of the server 30 determines YES in S10. In addition, for example, information on guests who have not made a reservation in advance can be written into the guest information storage device 32 by the administrator when the guest checks in. At the same time, the manager sends information (room number) indicating that the guest has checked in from the front terminal 20 to the server 30. Thereby, the control device 38 of the server 30 determines YES in S10.

  If YES in S10, the control device 38 creates a name setting file 36 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) including the checked-in guest room number (S12). For example, if the checked-in guest room number is room 602, a setting file 36 having a file name “602.csv” is created. Next, the control device 38 writes information in the setting file 36 created in S12 (S14). First, the control device 38 specifies information associated with the checked-in guest room number from the guest information storage device 32. For example, when the guest room number checked in in the example of FIG. 3 is room 602, the guest name “John Smith”, the nationality “US”, the stay period “2006/12 / 24-25”, the breakfast “present”, And the information that the wake-up call is “nothing” is specified. The control device 38 executes a process of writing in the setting file 36 based on the specified information.

  For example, when the information of the above example is specified, “John Smith” is written in “User” of the setting file 36 (see FIG. 4). In addition, the date and time of check-in (date and time determined to be YES in S10) is written in “Date” of the setting file 36. The control device 38 determines that the guest can understand English from the nationality of “US”. As a result, “English” is written in “Menu” of the setting file 36. On the other hand, for example, “Japan” is written in “Menu” for a nationality of “JP”, and “Chinese” is written in “Menu” for a nationality of “CN”. After writing “User”, “Date”, and “Menu” in the setting file 36, the control device 38 proceeds to S16.

  In S16, the control device 38 creates a file path of the print data based on the presence / absence of breakfast specified in S14 and the language of “Menu” of the setting file 36 written in S14. In the case of the above example, breakfast is “present” and “Menu” is “English”. In this case, the control device 38 writes the file path in which the print data for the breakfast guide written in English is stored in “File” of the setting file 36 (see FIG. 4). Also, for example, when breakfast is “present” and “Menu” is “Japan”, the file path storing the print data for breakfast guidance written in Japanese is written in the setting file 36. Become. The file path is an address storing print data for breakfast information. As described above, the breakfast guide print data described in each language is stored in the print data storage device 40. On the other hand, when breakfast is “none”, the file path of the print data is not created. After finishing S16, it returns to S10 and monitors check-in.

  The control device 38 monitors that the stored content of the guest information storage device 32 is changed (S18). In the case of YES here, the control device 38 opens the setting file 36 having a file name including the changed room number (S20). Next, the control device 38 reflects the changed contents (S22). For example, when the presence / absence 108 of breakfast associated with the guest room number 601 in FIG. 3 is changed from “No” to “Yes”, the file name setting file 36 including “601” is opened (S20). The file path of the print data for breakfast guidance is written in “File” of the setting file 36 (S22). When S22 ends, the process returns to S10.

(Processes executed by multi-function devices)
(Setting file monitoring process)
Next, the setting file monitoring process executed by the multi-function device 50 will be described. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the setting file monitoring process. The multi-function device 50 of each guest room periodically accesses the server 30 and executes a process of acquiring the file name setting file 36 including its own guest room number. For example, the multi-function device 50 installed in the guest room number 602 acquires the setting file 36 having the file name “602.csv”. When the control device 66 of the multi-function device 50 can acquire the setting file, it determines YES in S30. In this case, the process proceeds to S34. On the other hand, when the setting file 36 of the file name including its own guest room number does not exist in the server 30 (for example, when there is no guest), the control device 66 determines NO in S30. In this case, the process proceeds to S32.

  In S32, the control device 66 checks the user key 142 (see FIG. 7) of the history information storage device 64. If any user key exists, the control device 66 writes “User setting” in the content 140 of the history information storage device 64 and blanks out the user key 142 corresponding to the “User setting”. For example, when the history information 166 exists in the example of FIG. 7, “John Smith” exists in the user key 142 of the history information 166. In this case, the control device 66 writes “User setting” in the contents 140 of the column below the history information 166 and makes the user key 142 blank. After finishing S32, it progresses to S46 and waits for a fixed time.

In S <b> 34, the control device 66 opens the setting file 36 acquired from the server 30. Next, the control device 66 reflects the contents of the setting file 36 (S36). First, the control device 66 determines whether or not the name “User” in the setting file 36 matches the user key 142 in the history information storage device 64. Only when the two do not match, the control device 66 executes the following processes.
(1) The control device 66 writes “User setting” in the contents 140 of the history information storage device 64 and writes the name “User” of the setting file 36 in the user key 142 corresponding to the “User setting”. For example, when “User” in the setting file 36 is “John Smith” and “Yamada Jiro” exists in the user key 142 of the history information storage device 64 (see information 160 in FIG. 7, etc.), the control device 66 It is determined that the two do not match. In this case, the control device 66 writes “User setting” in the content 140 in the column below the history information 160 and also writes “John Smith” in the user key 142. The history information 162 in FIG. 7 is written according to this example.
(2) The control device 66 writes “use start date and time” in the contents 140 of the history information storage device 64. This “use start date and time” is specified from “Date” of the setting file 36. For example, in the case of the setting file 36 of FIG. 4, since “Date” is “2006/12/24 15:30”, the date and time is adopted as the “use start date and time”. The history information 164 in FIG. 7 is written according to this example. In the user key 142 corresponding to “use start date and time”, the name “User” of the setting file 36 (“John Smith” in this example) is written.

  Subsequently, the control device 66 determines whether or not the file path of the print data exists in the item “File” of the setting file 36 (S38). In the case of NO here, S40 to S44 are skipped and the process proceeds to S46. On the other hand, in the case of YES in S38, the control device 66 checks the history information storage device 64 and determines whether the file path existing in the setting file 36 has already been printed (S40). For example, when the history information 166 of FIG. 7 exists, the control device 66 determines YES in S40. In this case, S42 and S44 are skipped and the process proceeds to S46. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S <b> 40, the control device 66 acquires print data from the file path existing in the setting file 36. That is, the control device 66 acquires the print data (print data described in a language corresponding to the language of the file path) stored in the print data storage device 40 of the server 30. The control device 66 prints the print data (S42). In the case of the example in FIG. 4, the breakfast guide written in English is printed by the printing device 54 (see FIG. 5). The control device 66 writes in the history information storage device 64 that the processing of S42 has been executed (S44). The history information 166 in FIG. 7 is written by the process of S44. In the user key 142 of the history information 166, the name of “User” of the setting file 36 (“John Smith” in this example) is written. When S44 ends, the process proceeds to S46 and waits for a predetermined time.

(Setting change processing)
Next, the setting change process executed by the multi-function device 50 will be described. FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the setting change process. The guest operates the operation device 60 (see FIG. 5), and thereby sets the setting information 134 for the desired content 132 (for example, display language) stored in the setting information storage device 62 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Can be changed. The control device 66 monitors that an operation for instructing to change the setting information 134 is performed. When an operation for instructing to change the setting information 134 is performed, the control device 66 changes the setting information 134 (S50). For example, when an operation for instructing to change the display language from “English” to “Japan” is performed, the control device 66 changes the display language of the setting information storage device 62 to “Japan”. Next, the control device 66 writes in the history information storage device 64 that the setting information 134 has been changed (S52). The control device 66 writes which type of setting information 134 is changed from what to what.

  For example, the history information 154 in FIG. 7 means that the display language has been changed from “English” to “Japan”. In the user key 142, the same key as the user key 142 of the previous history information is written. For example, the user key “Yamada Jiro” of the previous history information 152 is written in the user key 142 of the history information 154. The history information 158 means that the display language has been changed from “Japan” to “Chinese”. In the user key 142 of the history information 158, the user key “Yamada Jiro” of the previous history information 156 is written. The history information 160 means that the paper size has been changed from “A4” to “B5”. The user key “Yamada Jiro” of the previous history information 158 is written in the user key 142 of the history information 160.

  Although not shown in the flowchart or the like, the control device 66 also executes the following processing. That is, the control device 66 monitors whether various functions (printing function, FAX function, telephone function, scanning function, copying function, etc.) of the multi-function device 50 are used by the guest. When the function of the multi-function device 50 is used, the control device 66 writes that fact in the history information storage device 64. For example, the history information 156 in FIG. 7 means that FAX transmission has been executed. The history information 156 includes a destination telephone number. Further, the user key “Yamada Jiro” of the previous history information 154 is written in the user key 142 of the history information 156. Even when another function is used, history information corresponding to the function is written.

(User key change processing)
Next, user key change processing executed by the multi-function device 50 will be described. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the user key change process. This process is executed when the user key 142 stored in the history information storage device 64 is changed. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the user key 142 of the history information 160 is “Yamada Jiro”, and the user key 142 of the history information 162 is “John Smith”. The control device 66 executes a user key change process when the history information 162 is written. Further, as described above, a blank may be set in the user key 142 in S32 of FIG. Also in this case, since the user key 142 has been changed, the control device 66 executes a user key change process.

  First, the control device 66 determines whether there is history information including the user key 142 before the change (S60). For example, at the time when the history information 162 of FIG. 7 is written, history information 150 to 160 including the user key “Yamada Jiro” before the change exists. In this case, the control device 66 determines YES in S60, and proceeds to S62. In S62, the control device 66 specifies the latest history information including the user key 142 before the change. In the case of the example in FIG. 7, history information 150 to 160 is arranged in chronological order so as to become newer downward. For this purpose, the control device 66 specifies the history information 160 in S62. Next, the control device 66 determines whether or not the history information specified in S62 means a setting change (S64). For example, when the history information 160 is specified in S62, the control device 66 determines YES in S64. In this case, the control device 66 executes a process for returning to the setting information before the change (S66). For example, when the history information 160 is specified in S62, the control device 66 returns the paper size setting information 134 (see FIG. 6) of the print setting from “B5” to “A4”. Following this, the control device 66 deletes the history information 160 from the history information storage device 64 (S68).

When S68 ends, the process returns to S60. The control device 66 determines again whether or not there is history information including the user key 142 before the change. For example, when the history information 160 is deleted in S68, history information 150 to 158 exists. Therefore, the control device 66 determines YES in S60 and specifies the newest history information 158 (S62). In this case, the control device 66 determines YES in S64 and returns the display language setting information 134 (see FIG. 6) of the display setting from “Chinese” to “Japan”. Following this, the control device 66 deletes the history information 158 (S68).
Subsequently, the control device 66 specifies the history information 156 (S62). The history information 156 does not mean a setting change. In this case, the control device 66 determines NO in S64 and skips S66. The control device 66 deletes the history information 156 (S68).
Next, the control device 66 specifies the history information 154 (S62). In this case, the control device 66 determines YES in S64, and returns the display language setting information 134 of the display setting from “Japane” to “English”. The control device 66 deletes the history information 154 (S68).
Next, the control device 66 specifies the history information 152 (S62). The history information 152 does not mean a setting change. In this case, the control device 66 determines NO in S64 and skips S66. The control device 66 deletes the history information 152 (S68).
Finally, the control device 66 specifies the history information 150 (S62). The history information 150 does not mean a setting change. In this case, the control device 66 determines NO in S64 and skips S66. The control device 66 deletes the history information 150 (S68). If the history information 150 is deleted, NO is determined in S60. Thereby, the user key change process is completed.

  The configuration of the multi-function device system 10 of the present embodiment has been described in detail. The administrator can store the default setting information considered to be easy for many guests to use in the setting information storage device 62 of each multi-function device 50. For example, when a hotel that implements the multi-function device system 10 exists in the United States, the administrator can set “English” as the default display language of each multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 stores the setting information (default setting information) before the change in the history information storage device 64 even when the default setting information is changed to another setting information by the guest. For this reason, the default setting information is not lost. The multi-function device 50 can return to the default setting information when the user key 142 is changed. When this system 10 is used, the guest can temporarily use different setting information without losing the default setting information.

  When the user key 142 changes, the multi-function device 50 returns each of the plurality of setting information 134 to the default setting information. In the example of FIG. 7, when “Yamada Jiro” is changed to “John Smith”, the display language is returned to “English” and the paper size is returned to “A4”. The administrator can return the plurality of types of setting information 134 of the multi-function device 50 to default setting information by updating the guest information storage device 32 of the server 30. When this system 10 is used, only one piece of information (user key) needs to be changed in order to return a plurality of types of setting information 134 to default setting information.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of multi-function devices 50 are centrally managed by one server 30. The administrator can return each of the plurality of multi-function devices 50 to the default setting information by updating the guest information storage device 32 of the server 30. A system 10 capable of easily managing a plurality of multi-function devices 50 is constructed.

(Second embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the administrator can change the setting information of the multi-function device 50 using the front terminal 20 (see FIG. 1). For example, the administrator can change the display language of the multi-function device 50. The server 30 performs the same operation as in the first embodiment. That is, the server 30 can execute the above-described process of FIG. The multi-function device 50 performs the same operation as in the first embodiment except for the user key change process (see FIG. 11). That is, the multi-function device 50 can execute the processes of FIGS. 9 and 10 described above.

  As described above, the setting information of the multi-function device 50 may be changed by the front terminal 20 (see FIG. 1). That is, the multi-function device 50 can input the setting information output from the front terminal 20 and change the storage content of the setting information storage device 62 to the input setting information. For example, when the display language “Chinese” is sent from the front terminal 20 to the multi-function device 50, the multi-function device 50 changes the display language of the setting information storage device 62 to “Chinese”. In this case, the multi-function device 50 writes history information in the history information storage device 64. An example of the history information is shown in the history information 256 of FIG. The multi-function device 50 includes information “Administrator language setting” indicating that the display language has been changed by the administrator, the display language “Japanease” before the change, and the display language “Chinese” after the change in the content 240. Write. As in the first embodiment, the user key “Yamada Jiro” of the previous history information 254 is written in the user key 242 of the history information 256.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the user can change the setting information by operating the operation device 60 (see FIG. 5) of the multi-function device 50. In this case, the history information in the history information storage device 64 (see history information 254, 258, 260, and 262 in FIG. 12) does not include the characters “Administrator”. Also, the history information 250, 252, 264, 266, 268 is written in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  User key change processing executed by the multi-function device 50 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the user key change process. The point that the user key change process is executed when the user key 242 stored in the history information storage device 64 is changed is the same as in the first embodiment. First, the control device 66 (see FIG. 5) specifies the oldest history information including the user key 242 before the change from the history information storage device 64 for each type of setting information (S80). For example, when this user key change process is executed by writing the history information 264 of FIG. 12, the control device 66 sets the user key “Yamada Jiro” before the change for each type of setting information. Identify the oldest history information including. In this example, the history information 260 is specified for the paper size, and the history information 262 is not specified. When there is history information (history information including “Administrator”) indicating that the setting information has been changed by the administrator, the control device 66 identifies the history information. In this example, history information 256 is specified for language setting. Regarding language setting, there is history information 254 older than the history information 256, but the history information 254 is not specified. The history information 250 also includes the characters “Administrator”. However, the history information 250 does not indicate that the setting information has been changed. For this reason, the control device 66 does not specify the history information 250 in S80.

  Subsequently, the control device 66 changes the storage content of the setting information storage device 62 based on each history information specified in S80 (S82). In the case of the example in FIG. 12, the history information 260 is specified in S80 for the paper size. In this case, the control device 66 returns the paper size “A3” (see the history information 262) in the setting information storage device 62 to the paper size “A4” before the change included in the history information 260. In the case of the example of FIG. 12, the history information 256 is specified for the display language in S80. The history information 256 indicates that the setting information has been changed by the administrator. In this case, the control device 66 returns the display language “Japane” (see history information 258) of the setting information storage device 62 to the changed display language “Chinese” included in the history information 256.

  Next, the control device 66 deletes each history information including the user key 242 before the change from the history information storage device 64 (S84). In the case of the example of FIG. 12, the history information 250 to 262 including the user key “Yamada Jiro” is deleted. Thereby, only the history information 264 including the changed user key “John Smith” remains in the history information storage device 64.

  The administrator can change the default setting information of the multi-function device 50 by using the front terminal 20. In this case, even if the user key 242 changes, the multi-function device 50 can maintain the changed default setting information (“Chinese” of the history information 256).

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. The above modifications are listed below.
(1) The multi-function device 50 may employ setting information of a type other than the setting information (display language, brightness, paper size, copy magnification, etc.) disclosed in the above embodiment.
(2) In the above embodiment, the user key is sent from the server 30 to the multi-function device 50. However, the user key may be sent from the front terminal 20 to the multi-function device 50 without going through the server 30. The user key may be input to the multi-function device 50 when the guest or administrator operates the operation device 60 of the multi-function device 50.
(3) The user key is not limited to the name of the guest (user). For example, the address or telephone number of the guest may 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.

1 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-function device system. The server configuration is shown. An example of the memory content of a guest information storage device is shown. An example of a setting file is shown. The configuration of the multi-function device is shown. An example of the storage content of a setting information storage device is shown. An example of the stored contents of the history information storage device is shown. The flowchart of the process which a server performs is shown. 6 shows a flowchart of a setting file monitoring process executed by the multi-function device. 3 shows a flowchart of setting change processing executed by the multi-function device. 6 is a flowchart of user key change processing executed by the multi-function device. An example of the contents stored in the history information storage device is shown (second embodiment). 6 shows a flowchart of a user key change process executed by the multi-function device (second embodiment).

Explanation of symbols

10: Multifunctional system 20: Front terminal
30: Server 50a, 50b: Multi-function device 52: Network interface 54: Printing device 56: FAX device 58: Display device 60: Operation device 62: Setting information storage device 64: History information storage device 66: Control device 134: Setting information 142: User keys 150 to 166: History information

Claims (9)

A function execution device that executes a predetermined function based on setting information;
A setting information storage device for storing setting information for executing the predetermined function;
A change permission device that allows the setting information stored in the setting information storage device to be changed to another setting information;
A history information storage device for storing the pre-change setting information stored in the setting information storage device before the setting information is changed;
An input device for inputting user-specific information;
A user identification information storage device for storing first user identification information input to the input device;
The setting information stored in the setting information storage device is recorded in the history when the second user specifying information different from the first user specifying information stored in the user specifying information storage device is input to the input device. A function execution device comprising: a storage control device that restores pre-change setting information stored in the information storage device. The history information storage device stores the setting information stored in the setting information storage device between the time when the first user specifying information is input to the input device and the time when the second user specifying information is input to the input device. In the case of multiple changes, the oldest pre-change setting information is stored at least,
The storage control device, when triggered by the second user specifying information input to the input device, sets the setting information stored in the setting information storage device before the oldest change stored in the history information storage device. The function execution device according to claim 1, wherein the function execution device is returned to the setting information. The history information storage device stores the setting information stored in the setting information storage device between the time when the first user specifying information is input to the input device and the time when the second user specifying information is input to the input device. When changing over multiple times, all pre-change setting information is stored in chronological order,
The storage control device takes the setting information stored in the setting information storage device as a trigger when the second user identification information is input to the input device.
(1) Processing to return to the latest pre-change setting information,
(2) Next, the process of returning to the new pre-change setting information,
(3) A process of repeating the process (2) until the oldest pre-change setting information is restored.
The function execution device according to claim 2, wherein the function information is restored to the oldest pre-change setting information. The change permission device has an operation device operated by a user,
The setting information storage device can change and store the setting information stored by itself into the first setting information input by an operation on the operation device,
The history information storage device stores the pre-change setting information stored in the setting information storage device before being changed to the first setting information,
The storage control device receives second user identification information different from the first user identification information stored in the user identification information storage device when the first setting information is stored in the setting information storage device. 4. The first setting information stored in the setting information storage device is returned to the setting information before change stored in the history information storage device. Function execution device. The function execution device according to claim 4, which is used by being connected to an information processing device,
The setting information storage device can change and store the setting information stored by itself into the second setting information output from the information processing device,
The storage control device receives second user identification information different from the first user identification information stored in the user identification information storage device in a state where the second setting information is stored in the setting information storage device. The function execution device is characterized in that the second setting information stored in the setting information storage device is maintained. The setting information storage device can change and store the second setting information stored therein by the third setting information input by an operation on the operation device,
The history information storage device stores the second setting information stored in the setting information storage device before being changed to the third setting information,
The storage control device receives second user identification information different from the first user identification information stored in the user identification information storage device when the third setting information is stored in the setting information storage device. 6. The function execution device according to claim 5, wherein the third setting information stored in the setting information storage device is returned to the second setting information when triggered by the input to the second setting information. The function execution device according to claim 1, which executes a plurality of types of functions,
The setting information storage device stores setting information for executing the function for each of a plurality of types of functions,
The history information storage device stores the setting information before change stored in the setting information storage device before the setting information for executing the function is changed for each of a plurality of types of functions.
Storage controller, in response to the second user identification information different from the first user identification information stored in the user specifying information storage device is input to the input device, for each of the plurality of types of functions, set A function execution device that returns setting information for executing the function stored in the information storage device to pre-change setting information for executing the function stored in the history information storage device. A computer program for a function execution device that executes a predetermined function based on setting information,
The computer program is stored in the computer mounted on the function execution device, and the following processes, that is,
Processing for storing setting information for executing the predetermined function in the first storage area;
A process of changing the setting information stored in the first storage area to another setting information;
A process of storing the pre-change setting information stored in the first storage area before the setting information is changed;
Storing the first user identification information input to the function execution device in a third storage area;
Setting information stored in the first storage area , triggered by the input of second user identification information different from the first user identification information stored in the third storage area to the function execution device, The computer program which performs the process which returns to the setting information before a change memorize | stored in the 2nd storage area. A function execution system comprising an information processing device and a function execution device that is communicably connected to the information processing device and executes a predetermined function based on setting information;
Information processing device
A first input device for inputting first user identification information;
A first user specifying information storage device for storing a first user identification information input to the first input device,
An output device and for outputting a first user identification information stored in the first user specifying information storage device,
Function execution device
A setting information storage device for storing setting information for executing the predetermined function;
A change permission device that allows the setting information stored in the setting information storage device to be changed to another setting information;
A history information storage device for storing the pre-change setting information stored in the setting information storage device before the setting information is changed;
A second input device for inputting the first user specifying information output from the information processing device;
A second user identification information storage device for storing the first user identification information input to the second input device;
Triggered by the second user identification information different from the first user identification information stored in the user specifying information storage device is input to the second input device, the setting information stored in the setting information storage device And a storage control device for returning to the setting information before change stored in the history information storage device.

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