JP6119507B2 - Program development support apparatus and program development support method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to technology for supporting development by an information processing apparatus of a control program that defines display operations on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to technology for supporting confirmation of an operation screen to be displayed on an operation panel.

According to Patent Document 1, the image forming apparatus has a browser function, and screen data is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus by the browser function.
According to Patent Document 2, various application programs are used in the image forming apparatus. In the development of such an application program, various operation confirmation tests relating to the application program are performed by a simulator that executes not only an actual image forming apparatus but also the operation of the image forming apparatus using software.

  When performing a confirmation test of an image displayed on the operation panel by the browser function of the image forming apparatus using such a prior art, information such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) is used instead of the actual image forming apparatus. The image to be displayed on the operation panel is confirmed by the processing device.

JP 2008-37105 A JP 2013-4007 A JP 2010-39815 A

  However, when the browser function of the information processing apparatus and the browser function of the image forming apparatus are of different types or different versions, the layout of the screen displayed by each browser function may be different. For example, even if it is confirmed that an image is displayed as designed using the browser function of the information processing device, if the image is actually displayed on the operation panel using the browser function of the image forming device, the image is operated. It may protrude from the panel, or the frame around the character may overlap the character. For this reason, there is a problem that the information processing apparatus cannot be used for confirmation of an operation screen in the image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problem, the present invention records a program development support apparatus, a program development support method, and a computer program that enable an information processing apparatus to be used for confirmation of an operation screen in an image forming apparatus It is an object to provide a recording medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a program development support apparatus that supports development by an information processing apparatus of a control program that defines a display operation on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus, wherein A plurality of model identifiers indicating the model of the image forming apparatus and an acquisition unit for acquiring the control program; and a plurality of browser functions having different specifications, each for rendering an image to be displayed on the operation panel according to the control program. Browser determining means for determining whether or not there is a browser means having a browser function having the same specification as the browser function of the image forming apparatus indicated by the model identifier among the plurality of browser means; If it is determined by the browser determination means that the image is present, the image Control means for generating image data by drawing according to the control program by the browser means having a browser function of the same specification as the browser function of the forming apparatus, and the information processing for displaying the generated image data Transmission means for transmitting to the apparatus.

  According to this aspect, since the image data drawn and generated according to the control program is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus can display the same image as that to be displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that the information processing apparatus can be used for confirming the operation screen on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus.

  Here, the program development support apparatus further includes an internal command determination unit that determines whether or not the control program includes an internal command that requests an operation specific to the image forming apparatus, and the internal command includes Simulation means for simulating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the internal command and generating a second control program for defining a display operation on the operation panel immediately after the operation when it is determined that the operation is included. The control means further causes the browser means to draw according to the second control program to generate second image data, and the transmission means further displays the generated second image data. Therefore, it may be transmitted to the information processing apparatus.

  According to this aspect, the second image data obtained by simulating the operation of the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the information processing apparatus in accordance with an internal command included in the control program. As a result, the information processing apparatus can display the same image as that to be displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, even when an internal command is included in the control program, the information processing apparatus can be used for confirming the operation screen on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus.

  Here, the acquisition means further acquires license information indicating permission / inhibition of use of display items included in the control program from the information processing apparatus, and the program development support apparatus further acquires the license information according to the acquired license information. , Permission determination means for determining whether or not use is permitted for the display items included in the control program, and alternative display item acquisition means for acquiring a substitute display item when it is determined that use is not permitted And replacement means for replacing the display item with the acquired alternative display item, and the control means causes the replacement means to replace the display item with the acquired alternative display item, and the browser means. The image data including the alternative display item may be generated.

According to this aspect, when the use of display items included in the control program is not permitted, the display items are replaced with alternative display items. As a result, the display item license is not violated.
Here, the program development support device or the external server device holds the alternative display item, and the alternative display item acquisition means acquires the alternative display item from the program development support device or the external server device. May be.

  Here, the browser determination unit stores a model identifier indicating a model of a plurality of image forming apparatuses in association with the plurality of browser units, and the model stored by the acquired model identifier. It may be determined whether or not the browser means is present by determining whether or not it matches any of the identifiers. Further, the acquisition unit acquires a browser identifier indicating a browser type and a version number of the image forming apparatus as the model identifier, and the browser determination unit is associated with the plurality of browser units, respectively. Stores browser identifiers indicating the types and version numbers of browsers possessed by a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses, and determines whether or not the acquired browser identifier matches any of the stored browser identifiers Thus, it may be determined whether or not the browser means is present.

According to these aspects, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a browser unit having a browser function having the same specifications as the browser function of the image forming apparatus.
Here, the program development support apparatus is a computer system including a storage unit that stores a computer program and a processor that executes the computer program. The program development support apparatus includes a processor that executes the computer program. By executing, the acquisition unit, the plurality of browser units, the browser determination unit, the control unit, and the transmission unit are operated, and the storage unit corresponds to the plurality of browser units and has a plurality of different specifications. A plurality of virtual client programs each including the browser program, and the browser determination unit includes a browser program included in the image forming apparatus indicated by the model identifier among the plurality of virtual client programs. And determining whether or not there is a virtual client program that includes the browser program included in the image forming apparatus, and using the browser program included in the virtual client program in the execution state. The image may be drawn according to the control program.

According to this aspect, the browser means can be realized by an executing browser program.
Here, the program development support apparatus further operates the internal command determination unit and the simulation unit when the processor executes the computer program, and the storage unit stores the virtual simulation program, Stored in correspondence with the simulation means, and when the virtual simulation program determines that the internal command is included, the virtual simulation program simulates the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the internal command, and It is a program for generating a second control program that defines the display operation on the operation panel immediately after the operation, and the control means may execute a virtual simulation program as the simulation means.

According to this aspect, the simulation means can be realized by the virtual simulation program in the execution state.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a program development support method used in a program development support apparatus that supports development by an information processing apparatus of a control program that defines a display operation on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus. An acquisition step of acquiring a model identifier indicating the model of the image forming apparatus and the control program from the processing device, and drawing an image to be displayed on the operation panel according to the control program, each having a browser function with different specifications A browser determination step for determining whether there is a browser step having a browser function having the same specification as the browser function of the image forming apparatus indicated by the model identifier among a plurality of browser steps and the plurality of browser steps And the browser judgment A control step for generating image data by drawing according to the control program by the browser step having a browser function of the same specification as the browser function of the image forming apparatus, A transmission step of transmitting the image data to the information processing apparatus for display.

  By using this method in the program development support apparatus, image data drawn and generated according to the control program is transmitted to the information processing apparatus. As a result, the information processing apparatus can display the same image as that to be displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that the information processing apparatus can be used for confirming the operation screen on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is a computer-readable recording computer program used in a program development support apparatus that supports development by an information processing apparatus of a control program that defines a display operation on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus An acquisition step of acquiring a model identifier indicating the model of the image forming apparatus and the control program from the information processing apparatus to the program development support apparatus, which is a computer-readable recording medium, and the operation according to the control program A plurality of browser steps each for drawing an image to be displayed on the panel and having browser functions of different specifications, and the same specification as the browser function of the image forming apparatus indicated by the model identifier among the plurality of browser steps Browser A browser determination step for determining whether or not there is a browser step having a function, and the browser step having a browser function having the same specifications as the browser function of the image forming apparatus if it is determined by the browser determination step By recording according to the control program, a computer program for executing a control step for generating image data and a transmission step for transmitting the generated image data to the information processing device for display is recorded. It is characterized by.

  By using this program in a program development support apparatus that is a computer, image data drawn and generated according to the control program is transmitted to the information processing apparatus. As a result, the information processing apparatus can display the same image as that to be displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that the information processing apparatus can be used for confirming the operation screen on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus.

1 shows an overall configuration of a program development support system 10. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of client PC (100). 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a program creation server device 200. FIG. A control program 221 generated by the program creation server device 200 is shown. The screen image displayed based on the control program 221 is shown. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a program development support device 300. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a virtual control device 400. FIG. An example of the data structure of the correspondence table 421 is shown. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a virtual server device 500. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a virtual client device 600. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a virtual simulator 700. FIG. A screen 741 for displaying a message generated by the virtual simulator 700 is shown. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an external server device 800. FIG. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram (part 1) illustrating an operation of the program development support system 10; Continue to FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (part 2) illustrating the operation of the program development support system 10; Continuing to FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram (part 3) illustrating the operation of the program development support system 10;

1. Embodiment A program development support system 10 as an embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
1.1 Program development support system 10
As shown in FIG. 1, the program development support system 10 includes a client PC (100), a cloud system 30, and an external server device 800. The cloud system 30 includes a program creation server device 200 and a program development support device 300. The client PC (100), the external server device 800, the program creation server device 200, and the program development support device 300 are connected via the network 20 represented by the Internet.

  The user creates a control program by connecting to the program creation server apparatus 200 via the network 20 using the client PC (100). Here, the control program defines the display operation on the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multi-Functional Peripheral, hereinafter referred to as MFP) and the internal processing of the MFP, and is a markup language HTML (HyperText Markup Language). ). The MFP is an apparatus that integrates the functions of each apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, and a scanner.

When the creation of the control program is completed, the user uses the client PC (100) to request the program development support apparatus 300 from the program creation server apparatus 200 to generate a preview image of the control program.
As shown in FIG. 1, the program development support apparatus 300 is virtually composed of a virtual control device 400, a virtual server device 500, a virtual client device 600, and a virtual simulator 700. The virtual control device 400, the virtual server device 500, the virtual client device 600, and the virtual simulator 700 provide the program development support service 40.

  The virtual control device 400 controls the virtual server device 500, the virtual client device 600, and the virtual simulator 700. The virtual client device 600 draws an image to be displayed on the MFP according to the control program, and generates image data from the drawn image. In addition, the virtual simulator 700 simulates the actual operation of the MFP and generates a control program that defines the display operation on the operation panel of the MFP. The program development support apparatus 300 transmits image data to the client PC (100). The client PC (100) receives the image data and displays the received image data.

1.2 Client PC (100)
As shown in FIG. 2, the client PC (100) includes a microprocessor 101, a ROM (102), a RAM (103), a hard disk device 104, a communication unit 105, and an input / output control unit 106. A monitor 107 and a keyboard 108 are connected to the input / output control unit 106. The microprocessor 101, ROM (102), RAM (103), hard disk device 104, communication unit 105 and input / output control unit 106 are connected via a bus 109.

(1) Hard disk device 104, ROM (102) and RAM (103)
The hard disk device 104 stores a browser application program (hereinafter referred to as a browser application) 121 and other computer programs. The browser application 121 is a computer program for performing a display operation in accordance with a control program described in HTML. The other computer program is an operating system, a computer program for connecting to a network and communicating with other terminal devices.

Further, the hard disk device 104 stores license information 122 indicating whether or not display items included in the control program are permitted. If the license information 122 indicates permission to use the display item, the display item can be used. On the other hand, when the license information 122 indicates prohibition of use of the display item, the display item cannot be used.
An example of the display item is a font. As an example, the license information 122 includes a font identification name that identifies a font. When the display is performed by the control program, the use of the font identified by the font identification information included in the license information is permitted. Use of the font identified by the font identification information not included in the license information is not permitted.

The display items may be a still image and a moving image. As an example, when the license information 122 includes identification information for identifying these still images or moving images, use of these still images or moving images is permitted.
The license information may include a license number, font identification information, license issue date, expiration date, and signature data. The license number is an identification number that uniquely identifies the license information. The font identification information is as described above. The expiration date indicates a time limit during which the license information can be used. For example, it is designated as up to October 31, 2015. The signature data is obtained by public key cryptography for a combination of license number, font identification information, license issuance date and expiration date using a private key (private key) assigned to the issuer of the license for the font. This is signature data generated by applying a digital signature. Note that a device that confirms the validity of the license, for example, a virtual client device 600 described later, verifies the validity of the license information by using a public key corresponding to the private key. If the verification is successful, it is determined that the license is correct. If verification fails, the license is determined to be invalid.

A ROM (102) and a RAM (103) are semiconductor memories for storing data and programs.
(2) Microprocessor 101
The microprocessor 101 operates according to a computer program. In particular, the microprocessor 101 causes the browser application 121 to be executed in response to an instruction to start the browser application 121 by the user. Thereby, the microprocessor 101 puts the browser into an execution state.

(3) Communication unit 105
The communication unit 105 transmits / receives information to / from other devices via the network 20.
Specifically, the communication unit 105 transmits a program creation request received from the user and information for program creation to the program creation server device 200 via the network 20. Further, the communication unit 105 transmits a control program preview request to the program creation server device 200 via the network 20 in accordance with a user instruction. The communication unit 105 also designates a URL and transmits the MPF model ID and license information to the program development support apparatus 300.

  Further, the communication unit 105 receives from the program creation server device 200 information for creating the program and a completion notification indicating that the creation of the control program has been completed. Further, the communication unit 105 receives a URL indicating the location of the program development support apparatus 300 on the network 20 from the program creation server apparatus 200 via the network 20. Further, the communication unit 105 receives a message, a frame, and image data from the program development support apparatus 300.

(4) Input / output control unit 106, monitor 107, and keyboard 108
The input / output control unit 106 is connected to a monitor 107 and a keyboard 108.
The monitor 107 displays various information.
The keyboard 108 receives input from the operator. Specifically, the keyboard 108 receives an instruction to start the browser application 121, a program creation request, information for program creation, and a control program preview request from the user. The keyboard 108 accepts an instruction to transmit an MPF model ID and license information along with the URL designation from the user.

(5) Browser in Execution State The keyboard 108 receives an instruction to start the browser application 121 from the user, and then the microprocessor 101 executes the browser application 121 stored in the hard disk device 104. As a result, the browser enters the execution state in the client PC (100).

A browser in the execution state (hereinafter referred to as a PC browser) and the program creation server device 200 transmit and receive information via the network 20. As a result, a control program is created in the program creation server device 200.
In addition, the browser of the PC receives a completion notification indicating that the creation of the control program is completed from the communication unit 105 via the network 20. Upon receiving the completion notification, the browser of the PC transmits a control program preview request to the program creation server device 200 via the communication unit 105 and the network 20 in accordance with a user instruction.

The browser of the PC receives a URL indicating the location of the program development support apparatus 300 in the network 20 from the program creation server apparatus 200 via the network 20 and the communication unit 105.
Further, the browser of the PC accepts an input of the MFP model ID indicating the MFP model from the user. Further, the license information 122 indicating whether or not the display item included in the control program is permitted is read from the hard disk device 104. Further, the browser of the PC designates the received URL and transmits the input MFP model ID and the read license information to the program development support apparatus 300 via the communication unit 105 and the network 20.

Further, the browser of the PC receives a message indicating that the MFP model is not included in the correspondence table 421 from the program development support apparatus 300 via the network 20 and the communication unit 105. Next, the browser of the PC displays the received message.
The browser of the PC receives the frame from the program development support apparatus 300 via the communication unit 105. Here, the frame is a frame of an image to be displayed in the browser of the PC. Next, the browser of the PC displays the frame by outputting the frame to the monitor 107 via the input / output control unit 106.

Further, the browser of the PC receives image data from the virtual client device 600 via the virtual control device 400. Next, the browser of the PC displays the image data by outputting the image data to the monitor 107 via the input / output control unit 106.
1.3 Program creation server device 200
As shown in FIG. 3, the program creation server device 200 includes a web service interface unit 201, a service user interface unit 202, a preview control unit 203, a storage unit 204, a communication unit 205, an HTML editor unit 206, and an IWS command generation unit 207. It is configured.

  Specifically, the program creation server device 200 is a computer system including a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk device, and the like. A computer program is stored in the hard disk device. The program creation server apparatus 200 achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating according to the computer program.

(1) Storage unit 204
For example, the storage unit 204 includes a hard disk device and includes an area for storing the control program 221. The control program 221 is a program created by the user of the client PC (100) using the client PC (100) and the program creation server device 200.

(2) Web service interface unit 201, service user interface unit 202, and communication unit 205
The communication unit 205 transmits / receives information to / from other devices via the network 20.
The web service interface unit 201 enables the functions of the program creation server device 200 to be used with other devices via the communication unit 205 and the network 20 using World Wide Web related technology.

The service user interface unit 202 provides a user interface to the HTML editor unit 206 and the preview control unit 203.
(3) HTML editor unit 206 and IWS command generation unit 207
The HTML editor unit 206 creates a control program described based on HTML for the user of the client PC (100) via the service user interface unit 202, the web service interface unit 201, the communication unit 205, and the network 20. Provides editor functions such as update, edit and delete.

The HTML editor unit 206 accepts a program creation request via the communication unit 205, the web service interface unit 201, and the service user interface unit 202. When receiving the request, the HTML editor unit 206 transmits and receives information to and from the client PC (100), and starts creating a control program.
The HTML editor unit 206 stores in the storage unit 204 a control program that has been subjected to operations such as creation, update, editing, and deletion.

When the creation of the control program is completed, the HTML editor unit 206 generates a completion notification indicating that the creation of the control program is completed. Next, the HTML editor unit 206 transmits a completion notification indicating that the creation of the control program is completed to the client PC (100) via the network 20.
The IWS command generation unit 207 generates an IWS (Internal Web Service) command included in the control program.

An example of the control program is shown in FIG. The control program 221 shown in FIG. 4 is written in HTML. A screen display operation including a plurality of input fields for setting scanning conditions and operation buttons for scanning operation is defined. As shown in this figure, the control program 221 includes a plurality of tags.
Of these tags, the tag 222 includes “scan.py” as an internal command to be described later. “Scan.py” is a command for requesting the MFP to scan.

  The control program 221 may include designation of the font type of characters to be displayed. As fonts, there are paid fonts that require a fee when used, and free fonts that do not require a fee. When a paid font is specified as the font, permission to use the paid font is required. The license information described above permits use of paid fonts. That is, when the license information includes font identification information for identifying the paid font, use of the paid font is permitted.

The control program 221 may include designation of still images and moving images to be displayed. As with fonts, there are still images and moving images that require a fee when used, and those that do not require a fee. In the case of using a still image or a moving image for which compensation is required, the permission is indicated by the license information as in the case of the font.
FIG. 5 shows an image of a screen displayed on the operation panel of the MFP based on the control program 221. A screen 261 shown in FIG. 5 includes input fields 262, 263, 264, and 265 for setting conditions for scanning, and operation buttons 266 for scanning operation.

  The input field 262 is a field for inputting an e-mail address. The input field 263 is a field for setting a resolution when performing scanning. The input field 264 is a field for setting a file type when the scanned document is filed. The input field 265 is a field for setting the scan surface of the document. One side or both sides are set.

(4) Preview control unit 203
The preview control unit 203 receives a preview request from the client PC (100) via the network 20, the communication unit 205, the web service interface unit 201, and the service user interface unit 202.
Upon receiving the preview request, the preview control unit 203 reads the control program 221 that has been created from the storage unit 204. Next, the preview control unit 203 develops the read control program through the service user interface unit 202, the web service interface unit 201, the communication unit 205, and the network 20 together with an instruction to generate a control program preview screen. It transmits to the support apparatus 300.

  When receiving the preview request, the preview control unit 203 reads a URL indicating the location of the program development support apparatus 300 in the network 20 from the inside. Next, the read URL is transmitted to the client PC (100) via the service user interface unit 202, the web service interface unit 201, the communication unit 205, and the network 20.

1.4 Program development support device 300
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the program development support apparatus 300 includes a microprocessor 301, a ROM (302), a RAM (303), a hard disk device 304, and a communication unit 305. The microprocessor 301, ROM (302), RAM (303), hard disk device 304, and communication unit 305 are connected via a bus 309.

(1) Hard disk device 304, ROM (302) and RAM (303)
The hard disk device 304 includes a virtual server application program (hereinafter referred to as a virtual server application) 331, a virtual control application program (hereinafter referred to as a virtual control application) 333, a virtual simulator application program (hereinafter referred to as a virtual simulator application). 334 and other computer programs are stored. The virtual server application 331, the virtual control application 333, and the virtual simulator application 334 will be described later.

The other computer program is an operating system, a computer program for connecting to a network and communicating with other terminal devices.
A ROM (302) and a RAM (303) are semiconductor memories for storing data and programs.
(2) Microprocessor 301
The microprocessor 301 operates according to each computer program.

  The virtual server application 331, the virtual control application 333, and the virtual simulator application 334 are virtually executed by the microprocessor 301, so that the virtual server apparatus 500, the virtual control apparatus 400, and the virtual simulator 700 are virtually realized. . The virtual server device 500, the virtual control device 400, and the virtual simulator 700 will be described later.

Note that the virtual server application 331, the virtual control application 333, and the virtual simulator application 334 are executed immediately after the program development support apparatus 300 is turned on, and the virtual server apparatus 500, the virtual control apparatus 400, and the virtual simulator are executed. 700 becomes an execution state.
(3) Communication unit 305
The communication unit 305 transmits / receives information to / from other devices via the network 20.

1.5 Virtual control device 400
As described above, the virtual control device 400 is a device that is virtually realized when the virtual control application 333 enters the execution state in the program development support device 300.
As shown in FIG. 7, the virtual control device 400 includes a control unit 401, a browser determination unit 402, a storage unit 404, a communication unit 405, and an execution unit 406.

The control unit 401, the browser determination unit 402, the communication unit 405, and the execution unit 406 are virtually realized when the microprocessor 301 executes the virtual control application 333.
(1) Storage unit 404
The storage unit 404 is realized by the hard disk device 304.

As shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 404 stores a correspondence table 421 and virtual client application programs (hereinafter referred to as virtual client applications) 431, 432,.
When one of the virtual client applications 431, 432,... Is executed by the microprocessor 301, one of the virtual client devices 600,. The virtual client devices 600,... Will be described later.

The correspondence table 421 includes a plurality of pieces of correspondence data as shown in FIG. Each correspondence data includes a virtual client ID and one or more MFP model IDs. The virtual client ID is an identifier that identifies a virtual client application. The MFP model ID is an identifier for identifying the MFP model.
The correspondence table 421 includes correspondence data 424 as shown in FIG. The correspondence data 424 includes a virtual client ID (422) “1” and an MFP model ID (423) “1001”. Correspondence data 424 indicates that the browser program having the same specifications as the browser program included in the virtual client device is included in the MFP identified by the MFP model ID (423) “1001”. In other words, the correspondence data 424 indicates that a browser function having the same specifications as the browser function included in the virtual client device is included in the MFP identified by the MFP model ID (423) “1001”. The virtual client device is virtually realized by executing the virtual client application identified by the virtual client ID (422) “1”.

(2) Browser determination unit 402
The browser determination unit 402 determines whether there is a browser having the same specification as the browser of the MFP indicated by the MFP model ID from among a plurality of browsers as described below.
The browser determination unit 402 receives the MFP model ID from the control unit 401.

Next, the browser determination unit 402 determines whether or not the correspondence table 421 includes the same MFP model ID as the received MFP model ID.
When determining that the same MFP model ID as the received MFP model ID is not included in the correspondence table 421, the browser determination unit 402 sets the MFP model ID in the correspondence table 421 via the communication unit 405 and the network 20. A message indicating that it is not included is transmitted to the client PC (100).

  When determining that the same MFP model ID as the received MFP model ID is included in the correspondence table 421, the browser determination unit 402 corresponds to the same MFP model ID as the received MFP model ID from the correspondence table 421. The virtual client ID to be read is read. Thereby, a virtual client application is selected. Next, the browser determination unit 402 outputs the read virtual client ID to the execution unit 406.

(3) Execution unit 406
The execution unit 406 receives the virtual client ID from the browser determination unit 402. Next, the execution unit 406 reads the virtual client application identified by the received virtual client ID among the virtual client applications 431, 432,... Stored in the storage unit 404. Next, the virtual client application that has been read out is activated to enter an execution state. As a result, the virtual client device 600 enters an execution state. Thus, the virtual client device 600 is virtually realized.

(4) Communication unit 405
The communication unit 405 transmits / receives information to / from the client PC (100), and transmits / receives information to / from the program creation server device 200. The communication unit 405 transmits / receives information to / from the virtual server device 500 and transmits / receives information to / from the virtual client device 600.

(5) Control unit 401
The control unit 401 receives a control program from the program creation server device 200 together with an instruction to generate a control program preview screen. Next, the control unit 401 transmits the received control program to the virtual server device 500.
The control unit 401 receives an MFP model ID and license information from the client PC (100). Next, the control unit 401 outputs the MFP model ID to the browser determination unit 402.

  When the browser determination unit 402 determines that the same MFP model ID as the received MFP model ID is included in the correspondence table 421, the control unit 401 transmits the client PC via the communication unit 405 and the network 20. A frame is transmitted to (100). Here, the frame is a frame of an image to be displayed in the browser being executed on the client PC (100).

The control unit 401 specifies a control program by outputting a program identification number for identifying a control program to the virtual client device 600. Further, the control unit 401 outputs the MFP model ID and license information to the virtual client device 600.
The control unit 401 causes the virtual client application in the running state, that is, the virtual client device 600 to draw according to the control program using a browser program included in the virtual client device 600 and generate image data.

1.6 Virtual server device 500
As described above, the virtual server device 500 is a device that is virtually realized when the virtual server application 331 enters the execution state in the program development support device 300.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the virtual server device 500 includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 504, and a communication unit 505.

The control unit 501 and the communication unit 505 are virtually realized by the microprocessor 301 executing the virtual server application 331.
(1) Storage unit 504
The storage unit 504 includes a hard disk device 304. The storage unit 504 includes an area for storing the control program 521.

(2) Control unit 501
The control unit 501 receives a control program from the virtual control device 400 via the communication unit 505. Next, the received control program is written in the storage unit 504 as the control program 521.
In addition, the control unit 501 receives a program identification number for identifying a control program from the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 505. Next, the control unit 501 reads the control program identified by the received program identification number from the storage unit 504. Next, the read control program is transmitted to the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 505.

(3) Communication unit 505
The communication unit 505 transmits / receives information to / from the virtual control device 400 and from / to the virtual client device.
1.7 Virtual client device 600
As described above, the virtual client device 600 is a device that is virtually realized when one of the virtual client applications 431, 432,...

As shown in FIG. 10, the virtual client device 600 includes a control unit 601, an image data generation unit 602, a simulator control unit 603, a storage unit 604, a communication unit 605, a replacement determination unit 606, an image replacement unit 607, and browser control. Part 608. The simulator control unit 603 includes an internal command determination unit 611.
The control unit 601, the image data generation unit 602, the simulator control unit 603, the communication unit 605, the replacement determination unit 606, the image replacement unit 607, the browser control unit 608, and the internal command determination unit 611 are configured by the microprocessor 301 as a virtual client application. It is virtually realized by executing any one of 431, 432,.

(1) Storage unit 604
The storage unit 604 includes a hard disk device 304. The storage unit 604 includes an area for storing the control program 631, the browser application 632, and the image data 634.
The control program 631 is a control program received from the virtual server device 500.

The browser application 632 is a browser application program that performs a display operation in accordance with a control program written in a markup language.
The image data 634 is data representing an image drawn by a browser in which the browser application 632 is in an execution state.
(2) Simulator control unit 603
The simulator control unit 603 includes an internal command determination unit 611.

The internal command determination unit 611 determines whether or not the control program stored in the storage unit 604 includes an internal command that requests an operation specific to the MFP, as described below.
The internal command includes, for example, a command requesting printing, a command requesting scanning, and a command requesting transmission by facsimile. Another example of the internal command is a command for acquiring the remaining amount of toner held by the MFP, and another example is a command for acquiring the remaining number of sheets set in the MFP.

The internal command determination unit 611 holds a command list 651 describing these internal commands in advance.
The internal command determination unit 611 checks whether the command included in the control program matches the internal command described in the command list 651. Thus, it is determined whether or not an internal command is included in the control program.

  When it is determined that the control program includes an internal command that requests an operation unique to the MFP, the simulator control unit 603 sends a simulation request to the virtual simulator 700 via the communication unit 605. Send. Further, the simulator control unit 603 transmits a tag including an internal command in the control program to the virtual simulator 700 via the communication unit 605 together with the MFP model ID received by the browser control unit 608. When the control program includes an internal command, the control program may be transmitted to the virtual simulator 700.

When it is determined that the control program does not include an internal command that operates according to the state of the MFP, the simulator control unit 603 does not transmit a simulation request to the virtual simulator 700.
When the replacement determination unit 606 determines that a replacement area exists in the control program, the simulator control unit 603 determines whether the virtual simulator 700 holds a replacement image as follows. judge.

  The simulator control unit 603 previously holds a list including a display item identifier indicating a display item and a replacement image identifier indicating a replacement image stored in the virtual simulator 700 in association with each other. The simulator control unit 603 uses this list to determine whether or not a display item identifier indicating a display item included in the control program is included in the list. When a display item identifier indicating a display item included in the control program is included in this list, the simulator control unit 603 determines that the virtual simulator 700 holds a replacement image.

When the simulator control unit 603 determines that the virtual simulator 700 holds a replacement image, the simulator control unit 603 transmits a replacement image request to the virtual simulator 700 via the communication unit 605.
When the simulator control unit 603 determines that the virtual simulator 700 does not hold a replacement image, the simulator control unit 603 transmits a replacement image request to the external server device 800 via the communication unit 605 and the network 20.

When the replacement determination unit 606 determines that no replacement area exists in the control program, the simulator control unit 603 does not acquire the replacement image.
(3) Replacement determination unit 606
When the license information is transmitted from the virtual control device 400 to the virtual client device 600, the replacement determination unit 606 receives the license information from the browser control unit 608.

The replacement determination unit 606 determines whether or not a replacement area exists in the control program 631 stored in the storage unit 604 using the received license information as described below.
The replacement determination unit 606 extracts a font identification name from the control program 631 stored in the storage unit 604. Next, it is determined whether or not the extracted font identification name is included in the license information.

  When it is determined that the extracted font identification name is not included in the license information, or when the replacement determination unit 606 has not received the license information, the replacement determination unit 606 determines that a replacement area exists. In other words, the replacement determination unit 606 determines that the license information has not been acquired for the display item included in the control program, or if the use is not permitted by the acquired license information. It is determined that a replacement area exists in the control program.

  When it is determined that the extracted font identification name is included in the license information, the replacement determination unit 606 determines that there is no replacement area. In other words, when the replacement determination unit 606 determines that use is permitted for the display item included in the control program based on the acquired license information, there is no replacement area in the control program. judge.

(4) Image replacement unit 607
The image replacement unit 607 receives a replacement image from the virtual simulator 700 or from the external server device 800. When the replacement image is received from the virtual simulator 700 or from the external server device 800, the image replacement unit 607 replaces the display item included in the control program with the received replacement image.

(5) Browser control unit 608
The browser control unit 608 determines that there is a browser having the same specification as the browser of the MFP indicated by the MFP model ID from among a plurality of browsers by the browser determination unit 402 of the virtual control device 401 as described below. In this case, image data is generated by causing the virtual client device 600 having a browser function having the same specifications as the browser function of the MFP to perform drawing according to the control program.

The browser control unit 608 activates the browser application 632 stored in the storage unit 604 and puts it into an execution state.
Also, the browser control unit 608 receives a program identification number for identifying a control program from the virtual control device 400. Next, the received program identification number is transmitted to the virtual server device 500 under the control of the control unit 601. Also, the browser control unit 608 receives the MFP model ID and license information from the virtual control device 400. The received license information is output to the replacement determination unit 606, and the received MFP model ID is output to the simulator control unit 603.

Further, the browser control unit 608 receives a control program from the virtual server device 500 via the communication unit 605. Next, the received control program is written in the storage unit 604.
Also, the browser control unit 608 receives a control program for status display from the virtual simulator 700 via the communication unit 605. Furthermore, the browser control unit 608 stores the execution status browser in the storage unit 604. In accordance with the stored control program 631 and the control program received from the virtual simulator 700, control is performed so as to draw an image to be displayed on the operation panel of the MPF.

(6) Image data generation unit 602
The image data generation unit 602 generates image data from an image drawn by the browser. Next, the communication unit 605 transmits the image data to the client PC (100) via the virtual control device 400.
(7) Control unit 601
The control unit 601 designates a control program by outputting a program identification number for identifying a control program to the virtual server device 500 via the communication unit 605.

(8) Communication unit 605
The communication unit 605 transmits and receives information to and from the virtual control device 400, between the virtual server device 500, between the virtual simulator 700, and with the external server device 800.
The communication unit 605 transmits the image data generated by the image data generation unit 602 to the client PC (100) via the virtual control device 400.

1.8 Virtual Simulator 700
As described above, the virtual simulator 700 is a device that is virtually realized when the virtual simulator application 334 enters the execution state in the program development support device 300.
As shown in FIG. 11, the virtual simulator 700 includes a control unit 701, an MFP simulation unit 702, a storage unit 704, and a communication unit 705. The control unit 701, the MFP simulation unit 702, and the communication unit 705 are virtually realized by the microprocessor 301 executing the virtual simulator application 334.

(1) Storage unit 704
The storage unit 704 includes a hard disk device 304. The storage unit 704 includes an area for storing the tag 731 and the replacement image 732.
A tag 731 is a part of the control program received from the virtual server device 500 by the virtual client device 600 and includes an internal command.

The replacement image 732 is an image to be replaced with respect to display items included in the control program.
(2) MFP simulation unit 702
The MFP simulation unit 702 receives a request, an MFP model ID, and a tag from the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 705. Next, the MFP simulation unit 702 simulates the operation in the MFP indicated by the MFP model ID in accordance with the internal command included in the received tag. Note that the MFP does not request an actual operation, and the MFP does not actually operate.

As shown in FIG. 11, the MFP simulation unit 702 includes a protocol control unit 711, an MFP function control unit 712, a fax unit 713, a scan unit 714, and a print unit 715.
The protocol control unit 711 processes the received tag according to the protocol. The MFP function control unit 712 controls the fax unit 713, the scan unit 714, and the print unit 715. The fax unit 713 simulates the facsimile function of the MFP, the scan unit 714 simulates the scan function of the MFP, and the print unit 715 simulates the print function of the MFP.

  As an example, when the internal command is a command requesting scanning of a document, the scan unit 714 performs a simulated document scanning according to the internal command. At this time, the Scan unit 714 checks setting items at the time of scanning. For example, when the set resolution does not exist in the type of the set file format, it is determined that the setting is incorrect, and a control program that displays a message indicating the setting is generated is generated. This control program defines a display operation on the operation panel of the MFP immediately after the operation by the internal command, and is a control program for displaying a state described in a markup language.

An example of the screen displayed by the control program generated in this way is shown in FIG.
A screen 741 shown in FIG. 12 includes a message indicating that the setting is invalid.
For example, the scan unit 714 detects, as an example, a shortage of memory for storing simulated scanned data, and generates a control program that displays a message indicating the shortage of memory. This control program is described in a markup language.

  For example, when the MFP indicated by the MFP model ID has a scan function with resolutions of 100 dpi × 100 dpi, 200 dpi × 200 dpi, and 400 dpi × 400 dpi, 100 dpi × 100 dpi, 200 dpi × 200 dpi, 300 dpi × 300 dpi, and 400 dpi. When a resolution option of × 400 dpi is set, the scan unit 714 checks a setting item at the time of scanning, determines that the setting is incorrect, and displays a control program that displays a message indicating that the setting is incorrect Generate. This control program is described in a markup language.

As another example, when the internal command is a command for requesting printing, the Print unit 715 performs printing in a simulated manner in accordance with the internal command. Next, as an example, the print unit 715 detects a paper out in a simulated manner and generates a control program that displays a message indicating the paper out. This control program is described in a markup language.
As another example, when the internal command is a command for requesting transmission of a document by facsimile, the fax unit 713 attempts to transmit the document in a simulated manner according to the internal command. Next, as an example, the fax unit 713 detects, as a simulation, that the transmission destination is in a call and generates a control program that displays a message indicating that the call is in progress. This control program is described in a markup language.

  As another example, when the internal command is a command for acquiring the remaining amount of toner held by the MFP, the Print unit 715 acquires the remaining amount of toner of the MFP in a simulated manner in accordance with the internal command. For example, the print unit 715 generates a random number, and calculates the remaining amount of toner based on the generated random number. Next, if the remaining amount of acquired toner is less than 20%, the print unit 715 generates a control program that displays a message indicating that. This control program is described in a markup language.

  As another example, when the internal command is a command for acquiring the remaining number of sheets set in the MFP, the print unit 715 acquires the remaining number of sheets in a simulated manner in accordance with the internal command. For example, the Print unit 715 generates a random number, and calculates the remaining number based on the generated random number. Next, if the remaining number of acquired sheets is less than 10%, the Print unit 715 generates a control program that displays a message to that effect. This control program is described in a markup language.

Next, the MFP simulation unit 702 transmits the generated control program to the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 705.
(3) Control unit 701
The control unit 701 receives a replacement image request from the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 705. Next, when receiving the request, the control unit 701 reads the replacement image 732 from the storage unit 704 in response to the request. Next, the control unit 701 transmits the read replacement image to the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 705.

(4) Communication unit 705
The communication unit 705 transmits / receives information to / from the virtual control device 400 and from / to the virtual client device 600.
1.9 External server device 800
As shown in FIG. 13, the external server device 800 includes a control unit 801, a storage unit 804, and a communication unit 805.

  Specifically, the external server device 800 is a computer system including a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk device, and the like. A computer program is stored in the hard disk device. The external server device 800 achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating according to the computer program.

(1) Storage unit 804
The storage unit 804 is constituted by a hard disk device as an example. The storage unit 804 stores a replacement image 831. The replacement image 831 is an image to be replaced with respect to the display items included in the control program.
(2) Control unit 801
The control unit 801 receives a replacement image request from the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 805.

Next, when receiving the request, the control unit 801 reads the replacement image 831 from the storage unit 804 in response to the request. Next, the control unit 801 transmits the read replacement image to the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 805.
(3) Communication unit 805
The communication unit 805 transmits / receives information to / from the virtual client device 600 via the network 20.

1.10 Operation of Program Development Support System 10 The operation of the program development support system 10 will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams shown in FIGS.
The keyboard 108 of the client PC (100) receives an instruction to start the browser application 121 from the user. Next, the microprocessor 101 executes the browser application 121. As a result, the browser enters the execution state in the client PC (100) (step S101).

  Next, the keyboard 108 receives a request for creating a control program from the user. Next, the communication unit 105 transmits the received request to the program creation server device 200 via the network 20 (step S102). The HTML editor unit 206 of the program creation server device 200 receives a program creation request from the client PC (100) via the network 20, the communication unit 205, the web service interface unit 201, and the service user interface unit 202 (step S102). ).

Next, the client PC (100) and the program creation server device 200 transmit and receive information via the network 20, and the HTML editor unit 206 of the program creation server device 200 creates a control program (steps S103 and S104). , S105, S106,...
When the creation of the control program is completed, the HTML editor unit 206 generates a completion notification indicating that the creation of the control program is completed. Next, the generated completion notification is transmitted to the client PC (100) via the network 20 (step S107). The communication unit 105 receives a completion notification via the network 20 (step S107).

  Upon receiving the completion notification, the browser in the execution state of the client PC (100) transmits a control program preview request to the program creation server device 200 via the communication unit 105 and the network 20 in accordance with a user instruction. (Step S108). The preview control unit 203 of the program creation server device 200 receives a preview request from the client PC (100) via the network 20, the communication unit 205, the web service interface unit 201, and the service user interface unit 202 (step S108).

  Next, when a preview request is received, the preview control unit 203 of the program creation server device 200 develops a control program that has been created through program development via the service user interface unit 202, the web service interface unit 201, and the communication unit 205. It transmits with respect to the assistance apparatus 300 (step S109). The control unit 401 of the virtual control device 400 receives the control program via the communication unit 405 (step S109). Next, the control unit 401 transmits the received control program to the virtual server device 500 (step S110). The communication unit 505 of the virtual server device 500 receives the control program from the virtual control device 400 (step S110), and writes the received control program in the storage unit 504 (step S111).

  Next, when receiving a preview request, the preview control unit 203 of the program creation server device 200 reads a URL indicating the location of the program development support device 300 in the network 20 from the inside. Next, the read URL is transmitted to the client PC (100) via the service user interface unit 202, the web service interface unit 201, and the communication unit 205 (step S112). The browser in the execution state on the client PC (100) receives the URL from the program creation server device 200 via the network 20 and the communication unit 105 (step S112).

  Next, the browser in the execution state on the client PC (100) accepts an input of the MFP model ID indicating the MFP model from the user. In addition, the license information 122 indicating whether or not to use the display items included in the control program is read from the hard disk device 104. Next, the browser in the execution state on the client PC (100) designates the received URL, develops the MFP model ID that has received the input and the read license information via the communication unit 105 and the network 20, and develops a program. It transmits with respect to the assistance apparatus 300 (step S113). The browser determination unit 402 of the virtual control device 400 receives the MFP model ID and license information from the client PC (100) via the network 20 and the communication unit 405 (step S113).

  The browser determination unit 402 determines whether or not the MFP model ID that is the same as the received MFP model ID is included in the correspondence table 421 (step S114). When determining that the same MFP model ID as the received MFP model ID is not included in the correspondence table 421 (“None” in step S115), the browser determination unit 402 via the communication unit 405 and the network 20 A message indicating that the MFP model ID is not included in the correspondence table 421 is transmitted to the client PC (100) (step S116). The browser in the execution state on the client PC (100) receives a message from the program development support apparatus 300 via the network 20 and the communication unit 105 (step S116). Next, the browser running on the client PC (100) displays the received message (step S117). Next, the browser running on the client PC (100) ends the process.

  When it is determined that the same MFP model ID as the received MFP model ID is included in the correspondence table 421 stored in the storage unit 404 (“Yes” in step S115), the control unit 401 communicates with the communication unit 405. The frame is transmitted to the client PC (100) via the network 20 (step S118). The frame is a frame of an image to be displayed in the browser in an execution state on the client PC (100). The browser running in the client PC (100) receives the frame from the program development support apparatus 300 via the communication unit 105 (step S118). Next, the browser displays a frame (step S119).

  When it is determined that the same MFP model ID as the received MFP model ID is included in the correspondence table 421 stored in the storage unit 404 (“Yes” in step S115), the browser determination unit 402 From 421, a virtual client ID corresponding to the same MFP model ID as the received MFP model ID is read. Thereby, a virtual client application is selected (step S120). Next, the browser determination unit 402 outputs the read virtual client ID to the execution unit 406. The execution unit 406 receives the virtual client ID, reads the virtual client application identified by the received virtual client ID from the storage unit 404, and activates the read virtual client application to be in an execution state (step S121). As a result, the virtual client device 600 enters an execution state.

  Next, the control unit 401 specifies a control program by outputting a program identification number for identifying the control program to the virtual client device 600 (step S122). The browser control unit 608 of the virtual client device 600 receives the program identification number from the virtual control device 400 (step S122). Next, the control unit 401 outputs the MFP model ID and license information to the virtual client device 600 (step S123). The browser control unit 608 of the virtual client device 600 receives the MFP model ID and license information from the virtual control device 400 (step S123).

  Next, the control unit 601 of the virtual client device 600 specifies a control program by outputting a program identification number for identifying the control program to the virtual server device 500 via the communication unit 605 (step S124). ). Next, the control unit 501 receives a program identification number from the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 505 (step S124). Next, the control unit 501 reads the control program identified by the program identification number received from the storage unit 504 (step S125). Next, the read control program is transmitted to the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 505 (step S126). Next, the browser control unit 608 of the virtual client device 600 receives the control program from the virtual server device 500 via the communication unit 605 (step S126).

The internal command determination unit 611 of the simulator control unit 603 determines whether or not the control program includes an internal command for requesting an operation specific to the MFP (step S127).
When it is determined that the control program includes an internal command for requesting an operation unique to the MFP (“Yes” in step S127), the simulator control unit 603 determines the simulation request, the MFP model ID, and the control program. The tag including the internal command is transmitted to the virtual simulator 700 via the communication unit 605 (step S128). The MFP simulation unit 702 of the virtual simulator 700 receives the request, the MFP model ID, and the tag from the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 705 (step S128).

Next, the MFP simulation unit 702 operates the MFP indicated by the MFP model ID in a simulated manner in accordance with the internal command included in the received tag. Next, a display operation on the operation panel of the MFP immediately after the operation by the internal command is defined, and a control program for displaying a state described in a markup language is generated (step S129).
Next, the MFP simulation unit 702 transmits the generated control program for status display to the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 705 (step S130). The browser control unit 608 of the virtual client device 600 receives a control program for displaying a state from the virtual simulator 700 via the communication unit 605 (step S130).

When it is determined that the control program does not include an internal command requesting an operation unique to the MFP (“None” in step S127), the simulator control unit 603 sends a simulation request to the virtual simulator 700. Do not send.
Next, the replacement determination unit 606 determines whether a replacement area exists in the control program (step S131).

  When it is determined that a replacement area exists in the control program (“Yes” in step S131), the simulator control unit 603 determines whether a replacement image exists in the virtual simulator 700 (step S132). . If the simulator control unit 603 determines that a replacement image exists in the virtual simulator 700 (“Yes” in step S132), the simulator control unit 603 transmits a request for the replacement image to the virtual simulator 700 via the communication unit 605. (Step S133). The control unit 701 of the virtual simulator 700 receives a replacement image request from the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 705 (step S133).

  Next, when receiving the request, the control unit 701 reads the replacement image 732 from the storage unit 704 in response to the request (step S134). Next, the control unit 701 transmits the read replacement image to the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 705 (step S135). Next, the image replacement unit 607 of the virtual client device 600 receives the replacement image from the virtual simulator 700 via the communication unit 605 (step S135).

  When the simulator control unit 603 determines that there is no replacement image in the virtual simulator 700 (“No” in step S132), the simulator control unit 603 sends a request for the replacement image to the external server device 800 via the communication unit 605 and the network 20. (Step S136). The control unit 801 of the external server device 800 receives a replacement image request from the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 805 (step S136).

  Next, when receiving the request, the control unit 801 reads the replacement image 831 from the storage unit 804 in response to the request (step S137). Next, the control unit 801 transmits the read replacement image to the virtual client device 600 via the communication unit 805 (step S138). Next, the image replacement unit 607 of the virtual client device 600 receives the replacement image from the external server device 800 via the communication unit 605 (step S138).

When the replacement image is received from the virtual simulator 700 or from the external server device 800, the image replacement unit 607 replaces the display item included in the control program with the received replacement image (step S139).
When the replacement determination unit 606 of the virtual client device 600 determines that there is no replacement area in the control program (“No” in step S131), the simulator control unit 603 acquires the replacement image described above. Do not do.

Next, the image data generation unit 602 of the virtual client device 600 generates image data from the image drawn by the browser (step S140). Next, the communication unit 605 transmits the image data to the client PC (100) via the virtual control device 400 (steps S141 to S142).
The client PC (100) receives image data from the virtual client device 600 via the virtual control device 400 (steps S141 to S142). Next, the browser in the execution state on the client PC (100) outputs the image data to the monitor 107 via the input / output control unit 106, thereby displaying the image data (step S143).

2. Other Modifications Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, it is not limited to the above embodiment. You may make it show below.
(1) In the program development support system 10 described above, the client PC (100) and the program creation server device 200 are configured by different devices. However, the configuration is not limited.

The client PC (100) and the program creation server device 200 may be integrally configured by a single device.
(2) In the program development support system 10 described above, the virtual control device 400 holds the correspondence table 421 shown in FIG. The browser determination unit 402 receives the MFP model ID from the client PC (100). Next, the browser determination unit 402 determines whether or not the correspondence table 421 includes the same MFP model ID as the received MFP model ID. Thereby, it is determined whether or not there is a virtual client application having the same browser function as that of the MFP.

However, the configuration is not limited.
The correspondence data stored in the correspondence table 421 may include a virtual client ID, a browser type, and a version number instead of the virtual client ID and the MFP model ID.
Here, the virtual client ID is identification information for identifying the virtual client application. The browser type and version number indicate the browser type and version number of the virtual client application.

  The browser determination unit 402 receives the browser type and version number of the MFP from the client PC (100). Next, the browser determination unit 402 determines whether or not the correspondence table 421 includes the same type and version number as the received browser type and version number. Thus, it is determined whether or not there is a virtual client application having the same browser type and version number as the browser type and version number of the MFP.

(3) In the above embodiment, the virtual client device 600 generates image data. The generated image data is transmitted to the client PC (100) via the virtual control device 400. The client PC (100) displays image data.
However, the configuration is not limited.
The virtual client device 600 may generate image data and compress the generated image data with high efficiency. Thus, the virtual client device 600 generates compressed image data. As an example, the compressed image data is generated based on JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). The generated compressed image data is transmitted to the client PC (100) via the virtual control device 400. The client PC (100) decompresses the compressed image data, generates original image data, and displays the generated image data.

(4) In the above embodiment, the program development support device 300 virtually generates the virtual control device 400, the virtual server device 500, the virtual client device 600, and the virtual simulator 700. However, the configuration is not limited.
The cloud system 30 may include a control device 400a, a server device 500a, a client device 600a, and a simulator 700a instead of the program development support device 300.

  The control device 400a, the server device 500a, the client device 600a, and the simulator 700a are not computer programs that operate on the program development support device 300, respectively. The control device 400a, the server device 500a, the client device 600a, and the simulator 700a are devices composed of substantial elements as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 10, and 11, respectively.

The control device 400a, the server device 500a, the client device 600a, and the simulator 700a are each a computer system that includes a storage unit that stores a computer program and a processor that executes the computer program.
(5) As described above, the program development support apparatus can use the information processing apparatus for confirming the operation screen in the MFP. However, it is not limited to this. The program development support apparatus may be used for confirming an operation screen in a printer, a copier, a facsimile, a scanner, or the like.

(6) As described above, each device is a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory. The memory may store a computer program, and the microprocessor may operate according to the computer program.
Here, the computer program is configured by combining a plurality of instruction codes indicating instructions for the computer in order to achieve a predetermined function.

The computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a Blu-ray disk, and a semiconductor memory. Good.
The computer program may be transmitted via an electric communication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, a data broadcast, or the like.

The computer program may be executed by another independent computer system by recording the computer program on the recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring the computer program via a network or the like.
(7) The above embodiment and the above modifications may be combined.

  The program development support apparatus according to the present invention has an excellent effect that the information processing apparatus can be used for confirming an operation screen in the image forming apparatus, and controls the display operation on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. This is useful as a technology for supporting development by the information processing apparatus, particularly as a technology for supporting confirmation of an operation screen to be displayed on the operation panel.

10 Program Development Support System 20 Network 30 Cloud System 100 Client PC
101 Microprocessor 102 ROM
103 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 104 Hard disk device 105 Communication part 106 Input / output control part 107 Monitor 108 Keyboard 200 Program creation server apparatus 201 Web service interface part 202 Service user interface part 203 Preview control part 204 Storage part 205 Communication part 206 HTML editor part 207 IWS command generation part 300 Program development support device 301 Microprocessor 302 ROM
303 RAM
304 hard disk device 305 communication unit 400 virtual control device 401 control unit 402 browser determination unit 404 storage unit 405 communication unit 406 execution unit 500 virtual server device 501 control unit 504 storage unit 505 communication unit 600 virtual client device 601 control unit 602 image data generation Unit 603 Simulator control unit 604 Storage unit 605 Communication unit 606 Replacement determination unit 607 Image replacement unit 608 Browser control unit 611 Internal command determination unit 700 Virtual simulator 701 Control unit 702 MFP simulation unit 704 Storage unit 705 Communication unit 711 Protocol control Unit 712 MFP function control unit 713 Fax unit 714 Scan unit 715 Print unit 800 External server device 801 Control unit 804 Storage unit 805 Communication unit

Claims (10)

A program development support apparatus that supports development by an information processing apparatus of a control program that defines display operations on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus,
An acquisition means for acquiring a model identifier indicating the model of the image forming apparatus and the control program from the information processing apparatus;
A plurality of browser means for drawing an image to be displayed on the operation panel according to the control program and having browser functions of different specifications;
Browser determining means for determining whether or not there is a browser means having a browser function of the same specification as the browser function of the image forming apparatus indicated by the model identifier among the plurality of browser means;
Control means for generating image data by drawing according to the control program by the browser means having a browser function of the same specification as the browser function of the image forming apparatus when the browser determination means determines that the image data exists; ,
A program development support apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the generated image data to the information processing apparatus for display. The program development support device further includes:
Internal command determination means for determining whether or not the control program includes an internal command for requesting an operation specific to the image forming apparatus;
When it is determined that the internal command is included, the operation of the image forming apparatus is simulated according to the internal command, and a second control program that defines the display operation on the operation panel immediately after the operation is generated Including
The control means further generates second image data by causing the browser means to draw according to the second control program,
The program development support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit further transmits the generated second image data to the information processing apparatus for display. The acquisition means further acquires license information indicating permission / inhibition of use of display items included in the control program from the information processing apparatus,
The program development support device further includes:
Permission determination means for determining whether or not use is permitted for the display item included in the control program, based on the acquired license information;
An alternative display item acquisition means for acquiring an alternative display item when it is determined that the use is not permitted;
Replacement means for replacing the display item with the acquired alternative display item,
The control unit causes the replacement unit to replace the display item with the acquired alternative display item, and causes the browser unit to generate the image data including the alternative display item. The program development support apparatus described in 1. The program development support device or the external server device holds the alternative display item,
The program development support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the alternative display item acquisition unit acquires the alternative display item from the program development support apparatus or an external server device. The browser determination unit stores a model identifier indicating a model of a plurality of image forming apparatuses in association with the plurality of browser units, and any of the model identifiers stored in the acquired model identifier. The program development support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the browser means is present by determining whether or not it matches. The acquisition unit acquires a browser identifier indicating a browser type and a version number of the image forming apparatus as the model identifier,
The browser determination unit stores a browser identifier indicating the type and version number of a browser included in a plurality of image forming apparatuses in association with the plurality of browser units, and the acquired browser identifier is stored. The program development support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the browser means is present by determining whether or not the browser identifier matches one of the browser identifiers. The program development support device is a computer system including a storage unit that stores a computer program and a processor that executes the computer program,
The program development support apparatus operates the acquisition unit, the plurality of browser units, the browser determination unit, the control unit, and the transmission unit when the processor executes the computer program,
The storage means stores a plurality of virtual client programs each including a plurality of browser programs with different specifications corresponding to the plurality of browser means,
The browser determination unit determines whether a virtual client program including a browser program included in the image forming apparatus indicated by the model identifier exists from among a plurality of virtual client programs,
The control means causes the virtual client program including a browser program included in the image forming apparatus to be in an execution state, and draws according to the control program using a browser program included in the virtual client program in the execution state. The program development support apparatus according to claim 2. The program development support device further operates the internal command determination unit and the simulation unit by causing the processor to execute the computer program,
The storage means stores a virtual simulation program corresponding to the simulation means,
When it is determined that the internal command is included, the virtual simulation program simulates the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the internal command, and defines a display operation on the operation panel immediately after the operation. 2 is a program that generates a control program,
The program development support apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit puts a virtual simulation program into an execution state as the simulation unit. A program development support method used in a program development support device that supports development by an information processing device of a control program that defines a display operation on an operation panel of an image forming device,
Obtaining a model identifier indicating the model of the image forming apparatus and the control program from the information processing apparatus;
A plurality of browser steps for drawing an image to be displayed on the operation panel according to the control program and having browser functions of different specifications,
A browser determination step for determining whether or not there is a browser step having a browser function of the same specification as the browser function of the image forming apparatus indicated by the model identifier among the plurality of browser steps;
A control step for generating image data by drawing according to the control program by the browser step having a browser function of the same specification as the browser function of the image forming apparatus when it is determined by the browser determination step; ,
A program development support method comprising: a transmission step of transmitting the generated image data to the information processing apparatus for display. A computer-readable recording medium recording a computer program used in a program development support apparatus that supports development by an information processing apparatus of a control program that defines a display operation on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus,
In the program development support device that is a computer,
Obtaining a model identifier indicating the model of the image forming apparatus and the control program from the information processing apparatus;
A plurality of browser steps for drawing an image to be displayed on the operation panel according to the control program and having browser functions of different specifications,
A browser determination step for determining whether or not there is a browser step having a browser function of the same specification as the browser function of the image forming apparatus indicated by the model identifier among the plurality of browser steps;
A control step for generating image data by drawing according to the control program by the browser step having a browser function of the same specification as the browser function of the image forming apparatus when it is determined by the browser determination step; ,
A recording medium recording a computer program for executing a transmission step of transmitting the generated image data to the information processing apparatus for display.

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