JP6245141B2 - Information processing system and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system having an image forming apparatus and a mobile terminal, and an information processing method performed by the information processing system.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a multi function peripheral (MFP), or the like is known. The image forming apparatus provides one or more functions (printing function, copying function, scanner function, etc.) to the user, and allows the user to set a plurality of setting items related to the one or more functions.

  Examples of setting items include color selection at the time of printing, color balance adjustment, hue adjustment, and the like. Each setting item is provided with a plurality of setting values that can be selected by the user. For example, the setting values for color selection are a value indicating the full color mode, a value indicating the monochrome mode, and a value indicating the automatic color mode. The user can select whether to print in the full color mode, the monochrome mode, or the automatic color mode by changing the setting value of the color selection.

  In such an image forming apparatus that allows a user to set a plurality of setting items, in general, combinations of two setting values that cannot be set simultaneously (prohibited combinations) are defined in advance. Then, the image forming apparatus prevents two setting values that are a prohibited combination from being set simultaneously.

  For example, when the user is instructed to set the first setting value in the first setting item, if it is prohibited to set the first setting value, specifically, When the set value is a combination of other set values that are currently set (second set value) and prohibition, the image forming apparatus performs the following process. That is, when setting the first set value falls under the first priority prohibition, the image forming apparatus does not set the first set value. When setting the first setting value falls under the post-priority prohibition, the image forming apparatus sets the setting value of the setting item (second setting item) in which the second setting value is set. The first set value is set after changing to another set value that is not a combination of the first set value and the prohibition.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following device regarding prohibition of setting values set in setting items. That is, the device adds a first mark to notify the user of an option that conflicts with the original setting value but whose conflict is canceled by changing the setting value of another setting item. To do. In addition, the apparatus gives a second mark to options that cannot be resolved even if the setting values of other setting items are changed, and notifies the user of that.

JP 2000-227847 A

  As described above, when the setting of the first setting value falls under the post-priority prohibition, the image forming apparatus automatically sets the setting value of the second setting item as the first setting value and the prohibition. Change to another setting that does not result in a combination. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus can set the first setting value in the first setting item. The contents of the setting change (change of setting value) of the second setting item automatically performed by the image forming apparatus are notified to the user.

  However, when the setting value (second setting value) of the second setting item is automatically changed, the second setting value may be more important than the first setting value for the user. In this case, in order to return the setting value of the second setting item to the second setting value, the user operates the image forming apparatus himself and instructs the setting state of the image forming apparatus to set the first setting value. It is necessary to return to the previous state. However, this operation is complicated for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system that improves user convenience when setting of setting values instructed by a user falls under the prohibition. is there.

  An information processing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and a mobile terminal. The image forming apparatus causes the user to set a plurality of setting items related to one or more functions provided to the user. The mobile terminal is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a storage unit, a device control unit, and a device transmission unit. The storage unit indicates, for each combination of setting values of two setting items of the plurality of setting items, whether or not the two setting values related to the combination cannot be set simultaneously. The prohibition definition information is stored. When the apparatus control unit receives a first instruction from the user to set a first setting value in a first setting item of the plurality of setting items, the device control unit, based on the prohibition definition information And determining whether the first setting value is a combination of the setting value set in any one of the plurality of setting items other than the first setting item and the prohibition. . In the device transmission unit, when the result of the determination is affirmative, the first setting value is set to a second setting item other than the first setting item among the plurality of setting items. A notification indicating that the second set value and the prohibition are combined is transmitted to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a display unit and a terminal control unit. The terminal control unit causes the display unit to display information based on the notification when the notification is received from the image forming apparatus.

An information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method performed by an information processing system having an image forming apparatus and a mobile terminal. The image forming apparatus causes the user to set a plurality of setting items related to one or more functions provided to the user. The mobile terminal is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus performs the following (1), (2), and (3). The mobile terminal performs the following (4).
(1) Forbidden definition indicating whether each of the combinations of setting values of two setting items of the plurality of setting items is a forbidden combination in which the two setting values related to the combination cannot be set at the same time Store information.
(2) When a first instruction to set a first setting value in a first setting item of the plurality of setting items is received from the user, the first instruction is set based on the prohibition definition information. It is determined whether or not the set value of 1 is a combination of the set value set in any one of the plurality of setting items other than the first setting item and the prohibition.
(3) When the result of the determination is affirmative, the second setting item is set to a second setting item other than the first setting item among the plurality of setting items. A notification indicating that the set value is combined with the prohibition is transmitted to the mobile terminal.
(4) When the notification is received from the image forming apparatus, information based on the notification is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the information processing system which improves the convenience of a user when the setting of the setting value instruct | indicated by the user corresponds to prohibition is provided.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an example of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an example of prohibition definition information according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an example of change history information according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of processing performed by the mobile terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a first example of a display screen. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a second example of the display screen. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a third example of the display screen. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a fourth example of the display screen.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, all of the constituent elements described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solving means of the invention. The same code | symbol has shown the same component through several figures.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system 100 according to the embodiment.

  The information processing system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a mobile terminal 2. The image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile terminal 2 are communicably connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile terminal 2 may be connected by short-range wireless communication using radio waves, infrared rays, or the like, or may be connected by wire.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction machine, for example. The image forming apparatus 1 provides one or more functions to a user who operates the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “user”). Examples of functions (hereinafter referred to as “provided functions”) provided to the user by the image forming apparatus 1 include a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, and a FAX (facsimile) function.

  The image forming apparatus 1 causes the user to set a plurality of setting items related to one or more provided functions. Setting items related to the printing function include color selection, color balance adjustment, hue adjustment, and the like. Each setting item is provided with a plurality of setting values that can be selected by the user.

  The setting value for color selection includes, for example, a value indicating the full color mode (setting value “full color”), a value indicating the monochrome mode (setting value “black and white”), and a value indicating the automatic color mode (setting value “auto color”). It is. The user can select whether to print in the full color mode, the monochrome mode, or the automatic color mode by changing the setting value of the color selection. The automatic color mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether to print in the full color mode or the monochrome mode.

  Further, the setting value of color balance adjustment is, for example, a value indicating that color balance adjustment is performed (setting value “ON”) and a value indicating that color balance adjustment is not performed (setting value “OFF”). The user can select whether or not to perform color balance adjustment by changing the setting value of color balance adjustment. Further, the setting value of the hue adjustment is, for example, a value indicating that the hue adjustment is performed (setting value “ON”) and a value indicating that the hue adjustment is not performed (setting value “OFF”). The user can select whether or not to perform the hue adjustment by changing the setting value of the hue adjustment.

  The mobile terminal 2 is a portable device owned by the user, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. The mobile terminal 2 includes, for example, a display unit that is larger than the display unit of the image forming apparatus 1.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11 (device control unit), a storage unit 12, a data communication I / F (interface) unit 13 (device transmission unit), an operation unit 14, a document transport unit 15, an image A reading unit 16 and an image forming unit 17 are provided. The storage unit 12, the data communication I / F unit 13, the operation unit 14, the document conveyance unit 15, the image reading unit 16, and the image forming unit 17 are connected so as to be communicable with the control unit 11.

  The operation unit 14 includes a plurality of operation keys 141 and a touch panel 142. The operation key 141 is a hard key for the user to input information to the image forming apparatus 1. The operation keys 141 include, for example, a start key for instructing start of execution of various functions such as printing, and a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies to be printed. The touch panel 142 is an input / output device including a display unit that displays various information and a receiving unit that receives input from a user.

  The image forming apparatus 1 receives various instructions from the user via the operation unit 14. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 gives an instruction to set the first setting value to the first setting item among the plurality of setting items (hereinafter referred to as “first instruction”) via the operation unit 14. Accept from user.

  The storage unit 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a secondary storage device. The secondary storage device is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Various computer programs executed by the control unit 11 are stored in the ROM of the storage unit 12. When the control unit 11 loads various computer programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes them, the function of the control unit 11 is realized. The storage unit 12 stores prohibition definition information 3 and change history information 4.

  The prohibition definition information 3 is information defining two setting values that cannot be set simultaneously for each setting value of a plurality of setting items, that is, a combination of two setting values in a prohibition relationship. For example, the prohibition definition information 3 indicates whether or not each combination of setting values of two setting items of the plurality of setting items is a prohibition combination in which the two setting values related to the combination cannot be set simultaneously. Indicates.

  Forbidden combinations include first-priority prohibition combinations and second-priority prohibition combinations. In the first priority prohibition combination, a setting value that has already been set first (hereinafter referred to as “first setting value”) is preferentially set out of the two setting values that become the prohibition combination. In the post-priority prohibition combination, a setting value (hereinafter referred to as “post-setting value”) to be set later is preferentially set out of two setting values that become the prohibition combination. Details of the prohibition definition information 3 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The change history information 4 is information indicating a change history of each setting value for a plurality of setting items. Specifically, the change history information 4 indicates a setting value before the change and a setting value after the change for the setting item whose setting value is changed among the plurality of setting items. Details of the change history information 4 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 11 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. For example, the control unit 11 controls the image forming unit 17 to cause the image forming unit 17 to form an image on a sheet. Further, the control unit 11 controls the document transport unit 15 to cause the document transport unit 15 to transport the document. Further, the control unit 11 controls the image reading unit 16 to cause the image reading unit 16 to read an image of a document.

  In the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a first instruction from the user, the control unit 11 performs prohibition determination based on the prohibition definition information 3. Here, the prohibition determination is whether or not the first set value is a combination of a set value and a prohibition set in any one of the plurality of setting items other than the first setting item. It is a judgment of.

  In addition, when the result of the prohibition determination is affirmative, the control unit 11 specifically sets the first setting value to a second setting item other than the first setting item among the plurality of setting items. When it is determined that the combination of the second set value and the prohibition is set, the following processing is performed. That is, the control unit 11 determines that the first set value and the second set value are a combination of the first priority prohibition (when the setting of the first set value corresponds to the first priority prohibition), The first setting value is not set to the first setting item. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the first setting value and the second setting value are a combination of prohibition of post-priority (when the setting of the first setting value corresponds to prohibition of post-priority), After the setting value of the second setting item is changed to another setting value that is not a combination of the first setting value and the prohibition, the first setting value is set to the first setting item.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the second instruction from the mobile terminal 2, the control unit 11 sets the setting values of the first setting item and the second setting item based on the change history information 4. Then, the original setting value set before the first instruction is received is restored. That is, the control unit 11 returns the setting value of the first setting item to the setting value set in the first setting item before the first setting value is set. Moreover, the control part 11 returns the setting value of a 2nd setting item to a 2nd setting value. Here, the second instruction is to return the respective setting values of the first setting item and the second setting item to the original when the setting of the first setting value falls under the post-priority prohibition. Instructions.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the third instruction from the mobile terminal 2, the control unit 11 puts the setting value of the third setting item into a state where it cannot be changed. Here, the third instruction is an instruction to make the setting value of the third setting item of the plurality of setting items unchangeable.

  The data communication I / F unit 13 is an interface device for connecting to the mobile terminal 2. The data communication I / F unit 13 transmits various notifications to the mobile terminal 2 under the control of the control unit 11.

  For example, when the setting value of one setting item is changed under the control of the control unit 11, the data communication I / F unit 13 sends a notification indicating this (hereinafter referred to as “first notification”) to the mobile Transmit to terminal 2. In addition, the data communication I / F unit 13 transmits a second notification to the mobile terminal 2 when the prohibition determination result is affirmative under the control of the control unit 11. Here, the second notification is a notification indicating that the setting of the first set value falls under the prohibition, specifically, the first set value is a combination of the second set value and the prohibition. It is a notification indicating.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an example of the mobile terminal 2 according to the embodiment.

  The mobile terminal 2 includes a control unit 21 (terminal control unit), a storage unit 22, a data communication I / F unit 23 (terminal transmission unit), and an input / output unit 24 (display unit). The storage unit 22, the data communication I / F unit 23, and the input / output unit 24 are connected so as to be communicable with the control unit 21.

  The input / output unit 24 is, for example, a touch panel including a display unit that displays various information and a reception unit that receives input from the user. The mobile terminal 2 receives various instructions from the user via the input / output unit 24. For example, the mobile terminal 2 receives a second instruction and a third instruction from the user via the input / output unit 24.

  The storage unit 22 includes a ROM, a RAM, and a secondary storage device. The secondary storage device is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Various computer programs executed by the control unit 21 are stored in the ROM of the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 loads various computer programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes them, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 21. The prohibition definition information 5 is stored in the storage unit 22.

  The prohibition definition information 5 is, like the prohibition definition information 3 stored in the storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1, two setting values that cannot be set at the same time for each setting value of a plurality of setting items, that is, a prohibition relationship. Is information defining a combination of two setting values. For example, the prohibition definition information 5 is for each combination of setting values of two setting items of a plurality of setting items, whether or not the two setting values related to the combination cannot be set simultaneously. Indicates. In the present embodiment, the prohibition definition information 5 has the same configuration as the prohibition definition information 3 stored in the storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The control unit 21 is a CPU, for example. The control unit 21 controls the operation of the entire mobile terminal 2. For example, when the mobile terminal 2 receives the second notification from the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 21 causes the input / output unit 24 to display information based on the second notification. The information based on the second notification includes, for example, information indicating each of the first setting item, the first setting value, the second setting item, and the second setting value, the first setting value, and the second setting value. And the information indicating that the set value is a prohibited combination.

  The data communication I / F unit 23 is an interface device for connecting to the image forming apparatus 1. The data communication I / F unit 23 transmits various instructions to the image forming apparatus 1 under the control of the control unit 21.

  For example, in the case where the second notification is a notification indicating that the setting of the first setting value falls under the post-priority prohibition, when the mobile terminal 2 receives the second instruction from the user, the data communication I The / F unit 23 transmits the second instruction to the image forming apparatus 1 under the control of the control unit 21. When the mobile terminal 2 receives a third instruction from the user, the data communication I / F unit 23 transmits the third instruction to the image forming apparatus 1 under the control of the control unit 21.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an example of the prohibition definition information 3 according to the embodiment.

  The prohibition definition information 3 includes a field 31 in which data indicating whether or not each combination of setting values of two setting items among the plurality of setting items is a prohibition combination is stored.

  In the present embodiment, when the combination of the two setting values 32 and 33 (first setting value 32 and subsequent setting value 33) corresponding to one field 31 is not a prohibited combination, the field 31 has NULL data (value is (Data indicating that it is not stored) is stored (blank on the drawing). On the other hand, when the combination of the two setting values 32 and 33 corresponding to one field 31 is a prohibited combination, the field 31 has data indicating that, “Δ” or “×” in this embodiment. Stored.

  Data “Δ” indicates that the combination of the two setting values 32 and 33 is a combination of prohibition of the post-priority. That is, the data “Δ” indicates that the post-setting value 33 of the two setting values 32 and 33 is preferentially set. On the other hand, the data “x” indicates that the combination of the two setting values 32 and 33 is a combination of prohibition of the first priority. That is, the data “x” indicates that the previous setting value 32 of the two setting values 32 and 33 is set preferentially.

  For example, in the prohibition definition information 3 shown in FIG. 4, the color balance adjustment setting value “ON” as the preceding setting value 32 and the color selection setting value “black and white” as the following setting value 33 are the following priority prohibition. It shows that it is a combination. Therefore, when the prohibition definition information 3 is adopted, when the setting value “black and white” is instructed to be set in the color selection in a state where the setting value “ON” is set in the color balance adjustment, the color selection is performed. The setting value “black and white” is preferentially set. At this time, the setting value for color balance adjustment is changed to a setting value other than the setting value “ON”, that is, the setting value “OFF”.

  On the contrary, in the prohibition definition information 3 shown in FIG. 4, the color selection setting value “black and white” as the previous setting value 32 and the color balance adjustment setting value “ON” as the subsequent setting value 33 are prioritized. Indicates a combination of prohibitions. Therefore, when the prohibition definition information 3 is adopted, when the setting value “black and white” is set for the color selection and the setting value “ON” is instructed for the color balance adjustment, the color selection is performed. The setting value “black and white” is given priority and the setting is continued. Accordingly, at this time, the setting value “monochrome” for color selection is not set.

  In the present embodiment, each of a plurality of prohibition combinations defined by the prohibition definition information 3 is assigned an identification number (hereinafter referred to as “prohibition identification number”) that can uniquely identify the prohibition combination. The identification number is included in the second notification, for example. Based on the prohibition identification number included in the second notification and the prohibition definition information 5 stored in the storage unit 22, the mobile terminal 2, the content of the prohibition indicated by the second notification, that is, the preset value 32 and The post-setting value 33 is specified.

  The prohibition definition information 3 shown in FIG. 4 includes a field 31 for each combination of two setting values of the same setting item. In the present embodiment, one setting value is set for one setting item. Accordingly, in the field 31 relating to the combination of two setting values of the same setting item, data “Δ” indicating that the combination is a post-priority prohibition.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an example of the change history information 4 according to the embodiment.

  The change history information 4 is expressed in a table format, for example, as shown in FIG. The change history information 4 includes a data field of order 41 and a data field of change content 42. The change content 42 includes data indicating the content of the actual setting change, specifically, a setting item whose setting value has been changed, a setting value before the change of the setting item, and a setting value after the change. The data shown is stored. The order 41 stores data indicating the order in which the setting change indicated by the change content 42 has been performed.

  For example, in the change history information 4 illustrated in FIG. 5, after the color balance adjustment setting value is changed from the setting value “OFF” to the setting value “ON”, the color selection setting value is set from the setting value “automatic color”. This indicates that the value has been changed to “black and white”.

  Hereinafter, processing performed by the information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 performs the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. Further, the mobile terminal 2 performs the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

  First, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 has received a first instruction (an instruction to set the first setting value in the first setting item) from the user. (Step S101).

  When the image forming apparatus 1 has not received the first instruction from the user (step S101: NO), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S111.

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the first instruction from the user (step S101: YES), the control unit 11 performs prohibition determination based on the prohibition definition information 3 (step S102). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the first setting value is a combination of a setting value and a prohibition set in any setting item other than the first setting item among the plurality of setting items. Determine whether or not.

  When the result of the prohibition determination is negative, that is, when it is determined that the first setting value is not a combination of prohibition with the setting value set in any setting item other than the first setting item (step S102: NO), the control unit 11 sets the first setting value in the first setting item (step S103).

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 controls the data communication I / F 13 to transmit a first notification (a notification indicating that the setting value of one setting item has been changed) to the mobile terminal 2 (step S104). The first notification includes, for example, a setting item whose setting value has been changed (here, the first setting item), a setting value before the change, and a setting value after the change (here, the first setting value). Information indicating each of these is included. Then, the control part 11 advances a process to step S111.

  On the other hand, when the result of the prohibition determination is affirmative, specifically, when it is determined that the first setting value is a combination of the second setting value of the second setting item and the prohibition (step S102: YES). The control unit 11 performs the following processing according to whether the combination of the prohibition is a combination of the prohibition of the first priority or the combination of the prohibition of the post-priority.

  In other words, when the first setting value and the second setting value are a combination of prohibition of the first priority (step S105: NO), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S111. In other words, in this case, the control unit 11 does not set the first setting value to the first setting item.

  On the other hand, when the first set value and the second set value are a combination of prohibition of post-priority (step S105: YES), the control unit 11 sets the set value of the second set item as the second set value. Change to a setting value other than. Thereafter, the control unit 11 sets the first setting value in the first setting item (step S106).

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 controls the data communication I / F 13 to transmit the first notification to the mobile terminal 2 (step S107). The first notification transmitted here is the same as the first notification transmitted in step S103.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 controls the data communication I / F 13 to transmit a second notification (a notification indicating that the first setting value is a combination of the second setting value and the prohibition) to the mobile terminal 2. (Step S108). The second notification includes, for example, a prohibition identification number given to a prohibition combination of the first set value as the post-set value 33 and the second set value as the pre-set value 32.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 has received a second instruction (an instruction to restore the respective setting values of the first setting item and the second setting item) from the mobile terminal 2. Is determined (step S109).

  When the image forming apparatus 1 does not receive the second instruction from the mobile terminal 2 (step S109: NO), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S111.

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the second instruction from the mobile terminal 2 (step S109: YES), the control unit 11 performs the first setting item and the second setting item based on the change history information 4. Each set value is returned to the original set value (step S110). Specifically, the control unit 11 returns the setting value of the first setting item to the setting value set in the first setting item before the first setting value is set. Moreover, the control part 11 returns the setting value of a 2nd setting item to a 2nd setting value. Then, the control part 11 advances a process to step S111.

  In step S <b> 111, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 has received a third instruction (an instruction to make the setting value of the third setting item unchangeable) from the mobile terminal 2. .

  When the image forming apparatus 1 does not receive the third instruction from the mobile terminal 2 (step S111: NO), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S101 and repeats the process of the flowchart illustrated in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the third instruction from the mobile terminal 2 (step S111: YES), the control unit 11 puts the setting value of the third setting item into a state where it cannot be changed (step S112). As a result, the third setting item displayed on the operation unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 1 is grayed out, and the user cannot change the setting value of the third setting item. Thereafter, the control unit 11 advances the processing to step S101 and repeats the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the transmission of the second notification to the mobile terminal 2 is performed when the first setting value and the second setting value are a combination of prohibition of post-priority (step S105: YES). However, in addition to this case, it may be performed when the first set value and the second set value are a combination of prohibitions with priorities (step S105: NO).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of processing performed by the mobile terminal 2 according to the embodiment.

  First, the control unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 2 has received the first notification from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S201).

  When the mobile terminal 2 does not receive the first notification from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S201: NO), the control unit 21 advances the process to step S207.

  On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 2 receives the first notification from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S201: YES), the control unit 11 is information indicating that the setting value of one setting item has been changed (hereinafter referred to as “change”). Notification information ”) is displayed on the input / output unit 24 (step S202). The change notification information includes, for example, information indicating each of the setting item for which the setting has been changed and the setting value (the setting value after the change) set in the setting item.

  Here, FIG. 8A shows an example of a display screen including the change notification information 51 displayed on the input / output unit 24 of the mobile terminal 2. In the display screen shown in FIG. 8A, the change notification information 51 indicates that the setting value “ON” is set for the color balance adjustment. In addition, the display screen is provided with a button (hereinafter referred to as “first button”) 52 for instructing the user to display more detailed information (hereinafter referred to as “change detailed information”) regarding the change notification information 51. The change detailed information includes, for example, information indicating under what circumstances the setting value after the change notified in the first notification is automatically changed to another setting value.

  FIG. 8B shows an example of a display screen including change detailed information 53 displayed on the input / output unit 24 of the mobile terminal 2 when the first button 52 is pressed. In the display screen shown in FIG. 8B, the change detail information 53 indicates that the setting value of the color balance adjustment is changed to the setting value “OFF” when the setting value “monochrome” is set in the color setting. ing. In this way, by displaying the change detail information 53, the user can know what setting change is made and the setting value set this time is automatically changed. Therefore, the user can perform subsequent settings so that the setting value set this time is not changed.

  The change detail information 53 is created by the control unit 21 based on the prohibition definition information 5 stored in the storage unit 22, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the color balance adjustment setting value “ON” as the previous setting value 32 and the color selection setting value “black and white” as the subsequent setting value 33 are a combination of prohibition of the later priority. Based on the definition content of the prohibition definition information 5 that there is, the change detailed information 53 is created.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the description of the flowchart will be continued. After displaying the change notification information 51 on the input / output unit 24, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 2 has received the second notification from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S203).

  When the mobile terminal 2 does not receive the second notification from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S203: NO), the control unit 21 advances the processing to step S207.

  On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 2 receives the second notification from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S203: YES), the control unit 21 stores the prohibition identification number included in the second notification and the storage unit 22. Content of the prohibition indicated by the second notification, that is, the pre-set value 32 (here, the second set value of the second set item) and the post-set value 33 (here, The first setting value of the first setting item is specified.

  Then, the control unit 21 inputs and outputs information (hereinafter referred to as “prohibition notification information”) indicating that the setting of the first set value corresponds to the prohibition (in this embodiment, it corresponds to the post-priority prohibition). It is displayed on the unit 24 (step S204). In the present embodiment, the prohibition notification information includes a setting item (second setting item) whose setting value has been automatically changed by the image forming apparatus 1 and a setting value (second setting value) before the setting item is changed. , And information indicating each setting value after the setting item is changed.

  Here, FIG. 9A shows an example of a display screen including the prohibition notification information 54 displayed on the input / output unit 24 of the mobile terminal 2. In the display screen shown in FIG. 9A, the prohibition notification information 54 indicates that the setting value of the color balance adjustment is changed from the setting value “ON” to the setting value because the setting of the first setting value corresponds to the prohibition of post-priority. It is shown that it has been automatically changed to “OFF”. In addition, the display screen is provided with a button (hereinafter referred to as “second button”) 55 for instructing the user to display more detailed information (hereinafter referred to as “prohibited detailed information”) regarding the prohibition notification information 54.

  FIG. 9B shows an example of a display screen including prohibition detailed information 56 displayed on the input / output unit 24 of the mobile terminal 2 when the second button 55 is pressed. In the display screen shown in FIG. 9B, in the prohibition detailed information 56, since the color setting is set to the setting value “black and white”, the setting value of the color balance adjustment is changed from the setting value “ON” to the setting value “OFF”. It has been shown. Thus, the prohibition detailed information 56 is displayed, so that the user can know the reason why the previously set setting value has been automatically changed. Therefore, the user can know what kind of setting change should be performed to return the setting item whose setting value has been automatically changed to the original setting value.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the description of the flowchart will be continued. After displaying the prohibition notification information 54 on the input / output unit 24, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 2 has received the second instruction from the user (step S205). The second instruction is, for example, that the release button 57 displayed on the screen is pressed by the user on the display screen shown in FIG. 9B, or the prohibition notification is displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. This is done by swiping the display area of the information 54 by the user.

  When the mobile terminal 2 has not received the second instruction from the user (step S205: NO), the control unit 21 advances the process to step S207.

  On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 2 receives the second instruction from the user (step S205: YES), the control unit 21 controls the data communication I / F unit 23 to send the second instruction to the image forming apparatus 1. Transmit (step S206). Thereafter, the control unit 21 changes the display screen displayed on the input / output unit 24 from the display screen shown in FIG. 9A or the display screen shown in FIG. 9B to the display screen shown in FIG. Change to. And the control part 21 advances a process to step S207.

  In step S207, the control unit 21 determines whether the mobile terminal 2 has received a third instruction from the user. The third instruction is performed, for example, when the display area of the change notification information 51 is long pressed by the user on the display screen illustrated in FIG. 8A or FIG. 9A. For example, when the display area of the change notification information 51 indicating the color balance adjustment setting change is pressed for a long time, the third instruction is an instruction to make the color balance adjustment setting value unchangeable.

  When the mobile terminal 2 has not received the third instruction from the user (step S207: NO), the control unit 21 advances the processing to step S201 and repeats the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 2 receives the third instruction from the user (step S207: YES), the control unit 21 controls the data communication I / F unit 23 to send the third instruction to the image forming apparatus 1. Transmit (step S208). Thereafter, the control unit 21 advances the processing to step S201 and repeats the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As described above, the information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the first setting value setting corresponds to the post-priority prohibition and the setting value of the second setting item is automatically changed. In response to the instruction (2), the setting value of the second setting item can be returned to the original setting value (second setting value) set before the first instruction is received. Accordingly, in order to return the setting value of the second setting item to the second setting value, the user operates the image forming apparatus 1 himself and changes the setting state of the image forming apparatus 1 to the first setting value. There is no need to return to the state before the instruction. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the information processing system 100 can improve the convenience of the user when setting of the setting value instructed by the user falls under the prohibition.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information processing system 1 Image forming apparatus 11 Control part 12 Storage part 13 Data communication I / F part 14 Operation part 2 Mobile terminal 21 Control part 22 Storage part 23 Data communication I / F part 24 Input / output part 3 Prohibition definition information 4 Change History information

Claims (4)

An information processing system comprising: an image forming apparatus that allows a user to set a plurality of setting items related to one or more functions provided to a user; and a mobile terminal that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
For each combination of setting values of two setting items of the plurality of setting items, prohibition definition information indicating whether or not the two setting values related to the combination are prohibition combinations that cannot be set simultaneously is stored. A storage unit to
When the first instruction to set the first setting value in the first setting item among the plurality of setting items is received from the user, the first setting is performed based on the prohibition definition information. A device control unit for determining whether a value is a combination of a setting value set in any one of the plurality of setting items other than the first setting item and the prohibition;
Wherein when the result of the determination is affirmative, the first set value of the plurality of setting the first second non setting items of the setting the second set value that is set in the item of the items And a device transmission unit that transmits a notification indicating that the combination is prohibited to the mobile terminal,
The mobile terminal is
A display unit;
A terminal control unit that displays information based on the notification on the display unit when the notification is received from the image forming apparatus ;
In the combination of the prohibition, there is a combination of the prohibition of the first priority and the combination of the prohibition of the first priority,
The device controller is
When the first setting value and the second setting value are a combination of the first priority prohibition, the first setting value is not set to the first setting item,
When the first set value and the second set value are a combination of the post-priority prohibition, after changing the set value of the second set item, the first set item is changed to the first set item. Set the setting value of
The mobile terminal is
In the case where the notification is a notification indicating that the first setting value and the second setting value are a combination of the post-priority prohibition, the first setting item and the second setting item A terminal transmission unit that transmits the second instruction to the image forming apparatus when a second instruction to restore the respective setting values of the first instruction is received from the user.
Further comprising
The storage unit further stores change history information indicating a setting value before change and a setting value after change for a setting item in which a setting value of the plurality of setting items is changed,
When the device control unit receives the second instruction from the mobile terminal, the device control unit sets the setting value of the first setting item based on the change history information before the first setting value is set. An information processing system for returning to the setting value set in the first setting item and returning the setting value of the second setting item to the second setting value .   The information based on the notification includes information indicating each of the first setting item, the first setting value, the second setting item, and the second setting value, the first setting value, and the information The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising information indicating that the second set value is a combination of the prohibitions. When the terminal transmission unit receives a third instruction from the user to make a setting value of a third setting item out of the plurality of setting items unchangeable, the terminal transmission unit receives the third instruction. To the forming device,
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the device control unit is configured to make a setting value of the third setting item unchangeable when receiving the third instruction from the mobile terminal. An information processing method performed by an information processing system having an image forming apparatus that allows a user to set a plurality of setting items related to one or more functions provided to a user and a mobile terminal that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus. And
The image forming apparatus includes:
For each combination of setting values of two setting items of the plurality of setting items, prohibition definition information indicating whether or not the two setting values related to the combination are prohibition combinations that cannot be set simultaneously is stored. And
When the first instruction to set the first setting value in the first setting item among the plurality of setting items is received from the user, the first setting is performed based on the prohibition definition information. Determining whether the value is a combination of the set value and the prohibition set in any one of the plurality of setting items other than the first setting item;
Wherein when the result of the determination is affirmative, the first set value of the plurality of setting the first second non setting items of the setting the second set value that is set in the item of the items And a notification to the mobile terminal that indicates that the combination of the prohibition and
The mobile terminal is
When the notification is received from the image forming apparatus, information based on the notification is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal ,
In storing the prohibition definition information, the combination of the prohibition includes a combination of a first priority prohibition and a combination of a second priority prohibition,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Determining whether the first setting value is a combination of the setting value set in any one of the plurality of setting items other than the first setting item and the prohibition. In
When the first setting value and the second setting value are a combination of the first priority prohibition, the first setting value is not set to the first setting item,
When the first set value and the second set value are a combination of the post-priority prohibition, after changing the set value of the second set item, the first set item is changed to the first set item. Set the setting value of
The mobile terminal is
In the case where the notification is a notification indicating that the first setting value and the second setting value are a combination of the post-priority prohibition, the first setting item and the second setting item When the second instruction to restore the respective setting values of the first is received from the user, the second instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Storing the prohibition definition information, further storing change history information indicating a setting value before change and a setting value after change for the setting item in which the setting value of the plurality of setting items is changed;
Determining whether the first setting value is a combination of the setting value set in any one of the plurality of setting items other than the first setting item and the prohibition. When the second instruction is received from the mobile terminal, the setting value of the first setting item is changed based on the change history information before the first setting value is set. An information processing method of returning to the setting value set in the setting item and returning the setting value of the second setting item to the second setting value .

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