JP6261370B2 - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, control method therefor, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for managing setting information of an image forming apparatus.

In recent years, some image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and multi-function machines have a plurality of functions, and various optional products can be mounted accordingly. The number of setting items to be set or adjusted increases according to the increase in functions and optional items of the image forming apparatus. For this reason, for example, it may take a long time from the installation in the office to the start of use.
For example, before installing the image forming apparatus in the office, the so-called pre-installation kitting is performed in which the function is activated in advance according to the user's request, optional items are installed, and their setting and adjustment operations are collectively performed by the seller. May be performed. In the kitting operation, setting / adjustment is performed based on conditions ordered by the user in advance or setting information acquired from an image forming apparatus (for example, a replacement target machine) already installed at the user. For example, it is assumed that an image forming apparatus that has been set and adjusted in kitting before installation is shipped. However, even in this case, setting and adjustment may be required again after installation due to the influence of vibration, temperature change, humidity change, etc. when the apparatus is carried in or out.

Re-setting and adjustment after installation is a manual operation, which requires a lot of time and labor. Thus, setting information of the image forming apparatus may be sent to a predetermined medium, and the setting information may be diverted to another image forming apparatus and reflected on the image apparatus.
On the other hand, the setting information of the image forming apparatus includes unique setting information corresponding to each configuration of the image forming portion, the image processing portion, and the installed device, and common values such as initial values of functions common between models or an address book. It is subdivided into setting information. In addition, for example, setting information corresponding to an apparatus configuration can be correctly reflected only between image forming apparatuses having the same apparatus configuration, and is applied between image forming apparatuses having different apparatus configurations. I can't. That is, it is necessary to appropriately distinguish the unique setting information from the common setting information.

  From the standpoint of distinguishing setting information, there is a method in which transmission permission and reception permission are fixedly managed for each setting item using an update flag, and only setting information common to other image forming apparatuses is transmitted and received. . However, in recent years, there is a problem that setting information related to licenses and security cannot be transferred between image forming apparatuses having the same model and apparatus configuration.

  For such a problem, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 temporarily holds the received setting information of the other apparatus, and acquires the identification information of the other apparatus from the held setting information. Further, the image forming apparatus compares the identification information of the other apparatus and the identification information of the own apparatus, and determines an import level for reflecting the setting value of the setting information of the held other apparatus on the own apparatus. That's it. Further, the identification information for determining the import level includes the model management number and machine management number, firmware version, destination information, accessory connection information, license information, and the like.

JP 2012-226661 A

In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the import level is determined so that import is permitted if there is no contradiction between the identification information of the own apparatus and the other apparatus, and if there is a contradiction in the identification information, the import level is determined. Is done.
However, in actual operation, there may occur a case in which it is desired to import the setting information even when there is a contradiction in the identification information, that is, even when they do not match. For example, when importing the setting information of another device in which a predetermined optional product is mounted to the own device in a state where it is not mounted, the setting information regarding the option is not imported. Therefore, after the optional product is mounted on the own device, it becomes necessary to import the setting information related to the optional product from another device.
In addition, there is a state where the user has purchased a license for activating a predetermined function, but the function is not yet activated in the own apparatus. If setting information is imported from another device in this state, setting information related to the function is not imported even though a license is purchased. Therefore, after enabling the function in the own device, it becomes necessary to import the setting information from another device again. In these cases, there still remains a problem that the work costs of the user and the seller are generated.

  According to the present invention, when setting information is imported, if it does not affect other setting items, it is possible to import even the setting information of a function that is not yet effective in the device itself or an optional product that is not installed. The main object is to provide an image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that reflects setting information of another apparatus as setting information of the own apparatus, and includes identification information that uniquely identifies the other apparatus and information including the setting information of the other apparatus. Receiving means for receiving, storage means for storing data defining the presence / absence of the influence of one setting item included in the setting information of the own device on another setting item as a dependency between the setting items, and The received identification information of the other device and the identification information of the own device are compared based on a predetermined condition, thereby determining an import level when the setting information of the other device is reflected in the setting information of the own device. Determining means; and reflecting means for reflecting the setting information of the other apparatus in the setting information of the own apparatus in accordance with the import level determined by the determining means, wherein the determining means includes identification information of the other apparatus. If the identification information of the own device does not match, the data stored in the storage means is referred to, and when it is determined that there is no dependency between setting items, the import level is set to the other device. The level is determined to permit the reflection of information.

  According to the present invention, if the setting item does not affect other setting items when the setting information is imported, the setting information of the function that is not yet enabled in the own device or the optional product that is not installed. Can even be imported. Therefore, it becomes possible to activate these functions or start using them immediately after mounting optional items, and it is possible to improve usability, convenience, and the like.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an entire image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 3 is a module diagram illustrating an example of each functional unit realized in the image forming apparatus. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information of an image forming apparatus. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the table in which the information required for the setting of the import level of each setting item was stored. (A), (b), (c), (d) is a figure which shows an example of the table which prescribed | regulated the specific decision logic of the import level. The figure which shows an example of the table in which the information which prescribed | regulated the dependence relationship between the setting items in the setting information of the own apparatus was stored. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus different from the processing procedure shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the case of an image forming apparatus that reflects the setting information of another apparatus as the setting information of the own apparatus will be described as an example. An image forming apparatus that determines an import level indicating an import mode for each setting item included in the setting information and reflects the setting information of another apparatus in the setting information of the own apparatus according to the import level will be described. The import mode is a mode in which, for example, import is permitted for the same model management number (SN), or import is permitted for the same product series.

[Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system S including an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming system S includes image forming apparatuses 102 and 103, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) storage 104, a remote user environment PC (personal computer) 105, distribution servers 106 and 109, a router 107, and a license server 110. . Note that devices (equipment) groups included in the image forming system S are connected to each other via the network line 101 and the Internet network 108.

The image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 are, for example, multi-function machines, which read a document, process image data obtained by reading, and output a copy. The image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 also receive and print out PDL (page description language) data generated by the client computer via the network line 101.
The image data read by the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 is transmitted to a device such as a file server / mail server included in the image forming system S via the network line 101. The image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 are also configured to be operable as an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) server. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 are different in configuration such as functions installed therein and optional items (hereinafter referred to as functions) mounted therein. .

The USB storage 104 is a kind of detachable storage device and can store various data. The remote user environment PC 105 is, for example, a PC equipped with a web browser. The remote user environment PC 105 accesses the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 operating as an HTTP server, and imports setting information (setting items and setting values thereof) via content displayed on the display screen.
The distribution server 106 is connected to a management target device group including the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 via the network line 101. The distribution server 106 also performs communication necessary for device management such as export and import of management target device identification information and setting information. For this communication, a known protocol such as HTTP, Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) can be used. The router 107 is a device for connecting the network line 101 and the Internet network 108.

  The distribution server 109 has a function equivalent to that of the distribution server 106 and is connected to the network line 101 via the Internet network 108 and the router 107. The distribution server 109 is connected to a device group to be managed including the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103, and performs communication necessary for device management such as export and import of information including identification information and setting information thereof. . For this communication, a known protocol such as HTTP, SOAP, or FTP can be used. The license server 110 is a server for managing a license for enabling a predetermined function of the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the license server 110 manages the license purchase (acquisition) status for each image forming apparatus or for each user. In the description of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the function can be used by enabling the function in the image forming apparatus after the user purchases a license. This is because there may be a difference between the timing of purchasing the license and the timing of enabling the function.

Here, it is possible to distribute the setting value even with only one of the distribution server 109 and the distribution server 106. For example, based on the management method of the user destination, the case where the distribution server is arranged on the intranet and the case where the distribution server is arranged on the Internet can be properly used. In addition, it is possible to obtain license information of devices to be managed (image forming apparatus 102 and image forming apparatus 103) by communicating with the license server 110. In this case, license information is transmitted from the license server 110 to the distribution server 106 or the distribution server 109. The license information can also be stored in a local storage such as the USB storage 104, for example.
Further, the image forming apparatus 103 (102) can directly export the setting information and the like to the USB storage 104 connected to the image forming apparatus without using the distribution servers 106 and 109 and the remote user environment PC 105. The setting information and the like stored in the USB storage 104 in this way can be imported as appropriate into other image forming apparatuses.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. Each component device (block) of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 indicates a module, and an arrow between the blocks indicates a flow of data or instructions. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 102 will be taken up as a representative and the description will proceed.

The image forming apparatus 102 includes a controller unit 201, a printing unit 207, a reading unit 209, an operation panel 210, and a line I / F (interface) 212.
The controller unit 201 controls each component device of the image forming apparatus 102. The controller unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 204. The ROM 204 has an area for storing various programs (program ROM) and an area for storing various data (data ROM). The controller unit 201 includes a printing unit I / F 206, a reading unit I / F 208, a MODEM 211, a USB I / F 215, a network I / F 218, and a USB HOST 230. Each functional unit is connected to each other via the system bus 205.

  The CPU 202 comprehensively controls each functional unit by reading various control programs stored in the program area of the ROM 204 into the RAM 203 and executing them. Note that the compressed data stored in the program area of the ROM 204 may be decompressed and expanded in the RAM 203 and executed. Further, various control programs described above may be stored in a compressed state / uncompressed state in a hard disk drive (HDD) not shown. Further, in the data area of the ROM 204, the CPU 202 stores non-volatile information such as device information of the image forming apparatus 102, user phone book information, department management information, and the like. These pieces of information are read by the CPU 202 as necessary and updated as necessary.

The network I / F 218 mediates mutual communication with the distribution server 106 and the remote user environment PC 105 connected to the network line 220. Network I / F
218 and the network line 220 are connected via a communication cable such as a LAN cable 219. The MODEM 211 is connected to the public line 214 via the line I / F 212 and mediates mutual communication with other image forming apparatuses, facsimile apparatuses, telephones, and the like (not shown). The line I / F 212 and the public line 214 are connected via a telephone line 213. The USB I / F 215 is an interface for the CPU 202 to read / write data from / to the USB storage 104. The USBHOST 230 is an interface for the CPU 202 to read / write data from / to the external memory 231.

  A printing unit I / F 206 is an interface for outputting an image signal to the printing unit 207 which is a printer engine. A reading unit I / F 208 is an interface for receiving an image signal read by a reading unit 209 that is a scanner engine. The CPU 202 processes the image signal received via the reading unit I / F 208, and outputs the processed image signal as a recording image signal to the printing unit I / F 206, so that an image obtained by reading is printed.

  The operation panel 210 is, for example, a touch panel display, and presents various information to the user or accepts an operation input from the user based on an instruction from the CPU 202. In the description, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the case where the reading unit 209 and the printing unit 207 are provided inside the image forming apparatus 102 has been described as an example. In addition, one or both of the reading unit 209 and the printing unit 207 can be arranged outside the image forming apparatus 102.

FIG. 3 is a module diagram illustrating an example of each functional unit realized by the CPU 202 of the image forming apparatus 102 executing a predetermined software program stored in the program ROM.
A device setting DB (database) 301 illustrated in FIG. 3 stores setting information (setting items and setting values) of the image forming apparatus 102. The device setting DB 301 is stored in the data ROM in order to handle nonvolatile setting values of the setting items.
The setting item reflection unit 302 reflects the setting information of the other device in the device setting DB 301 according to the import level determined by the import level determination unit 303 described later. As described above, the setting item reflecting unit 302 functions as a reflecting unit that reflects setting information of another apparatus on setting information of the own apparatus (here, the image forming apparatus 102) according to the determined import level.

  The storage control unit 307 reads data stored in the USB storage 313 which is an example of a storage device, and writes data. Various types of information read from the USB storage 313 (for example, identification information of other devices, setting information, license information, etc.) are stored in the received data storage unit 313. At that time, the received data is stored in the received data storage unit 313 in association with information (for example, an identifier) indicating that it has been received via the storage control unit 307. The storage control unit 307 has a function of deleting various data stored in the USB storage 313.

The first receiving unit 314 acquires identification information and setting information of other devices from the distribution server 106 and the distribution server 109, and acquires license information from the license server 110. Each piece of acquired information is stored in the received data storage unit 313 in association with information indicating that it has been acquired via the first receiving unit 314.
The second receiving unit 315 operates as an HTTP server, for example, accesses the image forming apparatus 103 and acquires identification information and setting information of the image forming apparatus 103 via content. Each piece of acquired information is stored in the received data storage unit 313 in association with information indicating that it has been acquired via the second receiving unit 315.
As described above, the storage control unit 307, the first receiving unit 314, and the second receiving unit 315 function as receiving means for receiving the identification information and setting information of other devices.

The license information acquisition unit 304 acquires information related to the license necessary for determining the import level by the import level determination unit 303 from various information stored in the reception data storage unit 313.
The setting information acquisition unit 305 acquires setting information necessary for import level determination by the import level determination unit 303 from information stored in the reception data storage unit 313.
The identification information acquisition unit 306 acquires identification information necessary for the import level determination by the import level determination unit 303 from the information stored in the received data storage unit 313.
The import level table storage unit 309 (hereinafter also referred to as the storage unit 309) stores a table in which various information necessary for the import level determination by the import level determination unit 303 is defined.
The dependency relationship table storage unit 310 (hereinafter also referred to as the storage unit 310) stores a table in which the dependency relationship for each setting item necessary for the import level determination by the import level determination unit 303 is defined.
The identification information storage unit 311 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the storage unit 311) stores the identification information of the own apparatus (here, the image forming apparatus 102) acquired by the acquisition unit 312.
The reception data storage unit 313, the import level table storage unit 309, the dependency table storage unit 310, and the identification information storage unit 311 are each formed in a predetermined storage area on the RAM 203 or the ROM 204.

The import level determination unit 303 refers to information acquired by the license information acquisition unit 304, the setting information acquisition unit 305, and the identification information acquisition unit 306, and information stored in the storage unit 309, the storage unit 310, and the storage unit 311. To determine the import level.
Hereinafter, details of the identification information, the setting information, and the import level will be described.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 311 or identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 306. The identification information 401 shown in FIG. 4 includes an identification information item field in which each item of identification information is stored and a value field in which the value of the item is stored. The identification information is for uniquely identifying the image forming apparatus. For example, the contents of the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 are different.
In the identification information shown in FIG. 4, the “model management number” indicating the type of device is “MFPA series”, and the “machine management number” unique to the device is “No. 12345”. The “firmware version” indicating the version of the firmware installed in the apparatus is “Ver1.2”, and the “destination information” indicating the destination of the apparatus is “Japan, Japanese”. In addition, “accessory connection information” indicating an optional product attached to the image forming apparatus is in a state where the finisher 1 is “connected (ON)” and the feeder 1 is “not connected (OFF)”. The “license information” indicating whether the function of the image forming apparatus is valid or invalid is in a state where the function 1 is “ON (valid)” and the function 2 is “OFF (invalid)”.

As described above, the identification information in this embodiment includes the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 306 from the received data storage unit 313 (identification information of another device) and the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 311 (self There are two types of device identification information). These two types of identification information are compared, and the import level in each setting item is determined by the import level determination unit 303 according to whether or not the two types of identification information match as a result. Further, according to the import level determined by the import level determination unit 303, the setting information of the other device is reflected for each setting item as the setting information of the own device.
The specific configuration of the import level table and the import level determination logic will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a table storing information necessary for setting the import level of each setting item. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table defining a specific import level determination logic.
The import level table 501 shown in FIG. 5 is configured to include a large item field that stores types of functions and the like possessed by the own apparatus, and a setting item field that stores these setting items. The import level table 501 also has an import level field in which the determined import level is stored. In FIG. 5, for example, the item “function 1 / installation item A” stores a value (import level) determined based on the determination logic shown in FIG. In this way, the import level table 501 is configured. Details of the decision logic will be described later.

Here, it is assumed that “function 1” and “function 2” stored in the large item field shown in FIG. 5 are activated by the user purchasing a license for these functions. Naturally, the setting items A, B, and C of “Function 1” and the setting items D and E of “Function 2” have no meaning unless the respective functions are activated by license purchase. .
The setting items F and G of “Finisher 1” stored in the large item field are items related to the finisher 1 which is an optional product. The setting items H and I of “Feeder 1” stored in the large item field are items related to the feeder 1 which is an optional product. Therefore, of course, these setting items have no meaning unless the corresponding optional items are mounted on the apparatus.

The setting values of the setting items (setting items A to I) are imported according to the import level determined by the import level determination unit 303. Note that the import level values in this embodiment are defined as follows, for example, as level 0, level 1, level 2, and level 3.
Level 0: Not inherited (not imported).
Level 1: Import is permitted if the model management number (SN) is the same.
Level 2: Permit import if the same model.
Level 3: Permitted to import if the same product series.
Note that the import levels (levels 0 to 3) for each setting item can be preset with default values that are applied during normal import.

The determination logic 601 illustrated in FIG. 6A is referred to when determining the import levels for the setting items A, B, and C of “Function 1”. In the decision logic 601, the import level is specified by comparing whether the firmware version is new or old and whether the destination information and the license information match or do not match each other. Specifically, the level value of the import level is determined depending on which of the decision logic 601 satisfies case 1, case 2, and case 3.
In case 1, the firmware version included in the identification information of the own device is newer than the firmware version included in the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 306, and valid license information regarding function 1 is matched. . When this condition is satisfied, the import level is determined as “level 1”.
In addition, in case 2, in addition to the conditions in case 1, the matching of the destination information is a condition. When this condition is satisfied, the import level is determined as “level 3”.
In case 3, the valid license information regarding function 1 does not match. When this condition is satisfied, the import level is determined to be “level 0” regardless of whether other conditions are satisfied. That is, the setting value of the setting item in this case is not imported as the setting information of the own device. This is because, for example, setting values of setting items related to functions that are not enabled in the own device generally do not need to be imported.

  The determination logic 602 shown in FIG. 6B is referred to when determining the import level for the setting items D and E of “Function 2”, and each of the determination logics 602 is based on the conditions of the case 1 to the case 3 similarly to the determination logic 601. The import level of the setting item is determined.

The determination logic 603 illustrated in FIG. 6C is referred to when determining the import level for the setting items F and G of “Finisher 1”. In the decision logic 603, the import level value is specified by comparing whether the destination information and the accessory connection information match or do not match the condition. Specifically, the import level is determined depending on which of the determination logic 603, Case 1, Case 2, or Case 3 is satisfied.
In case 1, the condition is that the destination information and the accessory connection information match. When this condition is satisfied, the import level is determined to be “level 2”.
In case 2, the accessory connection information does not match. When this condition is satisfied, the import level is determined to be “level 0” regardless of whether other conditions are satisfied. That is, the setting value of the setting item in this case is not imported as the setting information of the own device. This is because, for example, setting values of setting items related to optional items that are not installed in the own device generally do not need to be imported.

  The determination logic 604 shown in FIG. 6D is referred to when determining the import level for the setting items H and I of “Feeder 1”, and based on the conditions of Case 1 and Case 2 as in the case of the determination logic 603, The import level of the setting item is determined.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table in which information defining a dependency relationship between setting items in the setting information of the own device is stored. Note that the dependency between setting items indicates whether one setting item included in the setting information has an influence on another setting item.
The dependency relationship table 701 shown in FIG. 7 is configured to include a large item field in which information indicating the type of function or the like possessed by the own device is stored, and a setting item field in which information indicating these setting items is stored. The dependency table 701 also stores device status information indicating the status (ON: enabled, OFF: disabled) of the device (for example, function 1, finisher 1, etc.) when the setting value of the setting item is referred to. Has a field. For example, the setting value of the setting item may be referred to when the device is in an ON state, or may be referred to when the device is in an OFF state. The dependency relationship table 701 also has a dependency item field in which information indicating the dependency relationship between setting items is stored. The dependency relationship table 701 also has an import level field for storing the import level.

Here, each of “function 1”, “function 2”, “finisher 1”, and “feeder 1” stored in the large item field shown in FIG. 7 is “function” stored in the large item field shown in FIG. 1 ”,“ Function 2 ”,“ Finisher 1 ”, and“ Feeder 1 ”. Further, the setting items A to I stored in the setting item field shown in FIG. 7 correspond to the setting items A to I stored in the setting item field shown in FIG.
Further, as illustrated in FIG. 7, in the dependency relationship table 701, the description is made assuming that the setting items D and E of “function 2” are in a relationship depending on the setting item A of “function 1”.

In the dependency relationship table 701, for example, the setting value of the setting item D of “mechanism 2” is referred to when the “function 2” is ON, and the setting value of the setting item D of “function 2” is “function 1”. The relationship that affects the setting value of the setting item A is shown. For this reason, when setting item D is an import target in a state where “function 2” is not enabled in the own apparatus, consistency with the setting value (setting item A) of “function 1” having a dependency relationship cannot be achieved. There will be a contradiction.
However, if a license for activating “function 2” has already been acquired based on the license information held by the license server 110, it can be handled that “function 2” is activated. Does not occur. That is, it is easily predicted that the function 2 will be activated recently. In such a case, it becomes possible to set the setting item D of “Function 2” as an import target, that is, permit (permit) reflection of the setting information of the other device corresponding thereto.

  Specifically, the import level of the setting item D in this case is determined to be “level 3”, unlike the case 3 (level 0) of the determination logic 602 shown in FIG. By determining in this way, even if “Function 2” is not yet activated in the own apparatus, the setting information of the other apparatus corresponding to this is reflected. As a result, the “function 2” can execute an operation of referring to the setting value of the setting item D immediately after the function 2 is activated in the own device.

  Further, for example, the setting value of the setting item F of “Finisher 1” is referred to when the “Finisher 1” is in an ON state, that is, a state where the “Finisher 1” is attached. However, the setting value of the setting item F of “Finisher 1” has no dependency relationship with other setting items. Therefore, even if “Finisher 1” is not attached to the own apparatus, the setting item F can be imported, that is, the setting information of the corresponding apparatus can be allowed to be reflected.

  Specifically, the import level of the setting item F in this case is determined to be “level 3”, unlike the case 2 (level 0) of the determination logic 603 shown in FIG. By determining in this way, even if “Finisher 1” is not yet installed in the own apparatus, the setting information of the corresponding other apparatus is reflected. As a result, “Finisher 1” can execute an operation of referring to the setting value of the setting item F immediately after the “finisher 1” is mounted on the own apparatus. For “Feeder 1”, the import level is determined in the same manner as in “Finisher 1”.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 102. Each process described below is mainly executed by the import level determining unit 303 and the setting item reflecting unit 302 based on an instruction from the CPU 202. It is assumed that each component device of the image forming system S is already activated, and the functions and the like that the image forming apparatus 102 has are referred to the set values in the ON state. Also, it is assumed that the setting information of the image forming apparatus 103 which is another apparatus is imported to the image forming apparatus 102 which is the own apparatus, and the received data storage unit 313 stores information such as identification information and setting information of the image forming apparatus 103. Assume that it has already been stored.

The CPU 202 acquires the identification information of the own device via the acquisition unit 312 and stores the acquired identification information in the identification information storage unit 311 (S801).
The CPU 202 acquires identification information (of another device) from the received data storage unit 313 via the identification information acquisition unit 306 (S802).
The CPU 202 acquires setting information (of another device) from the received data storage unit 313 via the setting information acquisition unit 305 (S803).

The CPU 202 compares the identification information acquired via the identification information acquisition unit 306 with the setting information stored in the identification information storage unit 311, and imports the setting values of other devices depending on whether or not they match. Check the conditions. Specifically, the CPU 202, via the import level determination unit 303, whether the setting value of the other device to be imported is the setting value of the setting item related to the deactivated function or the like that is not activated in the own device. It is determined whether or not (S804).
That is, the identification information of the own device acquired in the process of step S801 and the device status field of the dependency relationship table 701 are referred to, and the setting value is referred to in what state the function of the own device is. Identify what to do.

  If it is determined that the setting value of the setting item related to the function or the like in the non-activated state (S804: Yes), the CPU 202 can determine whether there is a dependency in the setting item via the import level determination unit 303, that is, whether import is permitted. It is determined whether or not (S805). Specifically, the determination is made by referring to the dependency item field (FIG. 7) of the dependency relationship table 701. Otherwise (S804: No), the CPU 202 determines the import level based on the information stored in the import level table 501 via the import level determination unit 303. Thereafter, the CPU 202 reflects the setting value of the other device to be imported in the device setting DB 301 according to the determined import level via the setting item reflecting unit 302 (S806).

  If the CPU 202 determines that the import cannot be permitted (S805: No), the CPU 202 determines the import level based on the information stored in the import level table 501 via the import level determination unit 303. Thereafter, the CPU 202 reflects the setting value of the other device to be imported in the device setting DB 301 according to the determined import level via the setting item reflecting unit 302 (S806).

  If the CPU 202 determines that the import can be permitted (S805: Yes), the CPU 202 determines the import level based on the information stored in the dependency relationship table 701 via the import level determination unit 303. Thereafter, the CPU 202 reflects the setting value of the other device to be imported in the device setting DB 301 according to the determined import level via the setting item reflecting unit 302 (S807).

  The CPU 202 determines whether there is a setting value to be imported next (S808). When the CPU 202 determines that there is a setting value to be imported next (S808: Yes), the CPU 202 returns to the process of step S804. If not (S808: No), the series of processing ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 102 different from the processing procedure illustrated in FIG. The main difference from the processing procedure shown in FIG. 8 is that the import level is determined according to whether or not a license for enabling the function has already been purchased in the function that has not yet been enabled in the device itself. Is a point.

The CPU 202 acquires the identification information of the own device via the acquisition unit 312 and stores the acquired identification information in the identification information storage unit 311 (S901).
The CPU 202 acquires identification information (of another device) from the received data storage unit 313 via the identification information acquisition unit 306 (S902).
The CPU 202 acquires setting information (of another device) from the received data storage unit 313 via the setting information acquisition unit 305 (S903).

The CPU 202 compares the identification information acquired via the identification information acquisition unit 306 with the setting information stored in the identification information storage unit 311, and imports the setting values of other devices depending on whether or not they match. Check the conditions. Specifically, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the setting value of the other device to be imported is the setting value of the setting item related to the deactivated function that is not activated in the own device via the import level determination unit 303. Is discriminated (S904).
That is, the identification information of the own device acquired in the process of step S801 and the device status field of the dependency relationship table 701 are referred to, and the setting value is referred to in what state the function of the own device is. To identify.

  If it is determined that the setting value of the setting item related to the function in the non-activated state is not present (S904: No), the CPU 202 determines the import level based on the information stored in the import level table 501 via the import level determination unit 303. To do. Thereafter, the CPU 202 reflects the setting values of the other devices to be imported in the device setting DB 301 according to the determined import level via the setting item reflecting unit 302 (S910). Otherwise (S904: Yes), the process proceeds to step S905.

The CPU 202 determines which input I / F (the line I / F 212 and the network I / F shown in FIG. 2) the setting information acquired in the process of step S903.
218, USB I / F 215), it is determined whether it is stored in the received data storage unit 313 (S905). Specifically, the information (identifier) indicating which one of the first receiving unit 314, the second receiving unit 315, and the storage control unit 307 is used for is referred to and determined.

  If the CPU 202 determines in step S905 that the license information has been received via the storage control unit 307, the CPU 202 determines whether the license information is stored in the local storage (USB storage) (S909). Specifically, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the license information has been acquired via the license information acquisition unit 304. If it is determined that the license information is not stored (S909: No), the CPU 202 determines the import level based on the information stored in the import level table 501 via the import level determination unit 303. Thereafter, the CPU 202 reflects the setting values of the other devices to be imported in the device setting DB 301 according to the determined import level via the setting item reflecting unit 302 (S915). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S911. Otherwise (S909: Yes), the process proceeds to step S907.

  If the CPU 202 determines in step S905 that the license information has been received via the first reception unit 314, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the license information has been acquired from the received data storage unit 313 via the license information acquisition unit 304 (step S905). S906). When the license information cannot be acquired (S906: No), the CPU 202 determines the import level based on the information stored in the import level table 501 via the import level determination unit 303. Thereafter, the CPU 202 reflects the setting value of the other device to be imported in the device setting DB 301 according to the determined import level via the setting item reflecting unit 302 (S914). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S911. Otherwise (S906: Yes), the process proceeds to step S907.

  If the CPU 202 determines in step S905 that the data has been received via the second reception unit 315, the CPU 202 determines the import level based on the information stored in the import level table 501 via the import level determination unit 303. Thereafter, the CPU 202 reflects the setting value of the other device to be imported in the device setting DB 301 according to the determined import level via the setting item reflecting unit 302 (S914). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S911.

  Based on the license information acquired through the license information acquisition unit 304, the CPU 202 determines whether or not a license for enabling the function of the own device corresponding to the setting value of the other device to be imported has been purchased. (S911). Specifically, for example, the CPU 202 makes an inquiry to the license server 110 via the network I / F 218 and makes a determination based on the inquiry. If the license has not yet been purchased (S907: No), the CPU 202 proceeds to the process of step S914. Otherwise (S907: Yes), the CPU 202 determines the import level based on the information stored in the dependency relationship table 701 via the import level determination unit 303. Thereafter, the CPU 202 reflects the setting value of the other device to be imported in the device setting DB 301 according to the determined import level via the setting item reflecting unit 302 (S908). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S911.

  Here, for example, it is assumed that the setting item of the own device corresponding to the setting value of the other device to be imported is the setting item D (FIG. 7). In this case, reflecting the setting value of the other device to the setting item D of the function 2 of the own device that has not yet been activated affects the setting value of the setting item A (FIG. 7) of the function 1. become. However, in the process of step S906, it is determined that a license has already been purchased. Therefore, the setting value D of the other apparatus corresponding to this is imported to the setting item D of function 2 (FIG. 7).

The CPU 202 determines whether there is a setting value to be imported next (S911). If the CPU 202 determines that there is a setting value to be imported next (S911: Yes), the process returns to step S904. If not (S911: No), it is determined whether the license information is stored on the local storage (S912).
If the CPU 202 determines that the license information is stored (S912: Yes), the CPU 202 deletes the license information from the local storage via the storage control unit 307 (S913). If not (S912: No), and after the process of step S913 ends, the CPU 202 ends the series of processes.

  As described above, in a series of processes, for example, when setting information is received from the distribution servers 106 and 109 via the first receiving unit 314, the subsequent processes are performed depending on whether or not a license is purchased in the setting item to be imported. Different. As a result, an appropriate import level is determined even when the setting item affects other setting items.

  In addition, when setting information is received via the second receiving unit 315, that is, from an HTTP server, inquiring license information may not always be safe. For this reason, when the setting value is imported, the default import level is controlled.

  If setting information is received from the USB storage via the storage control unit 307, whether or not the license information exists on the storage and the license of the setting item to be imported has been purchased. The subsequent processing differs depending on Thus, control is performed so that an appropriate import level is applied even when the setting item affects other setting items. Note that in order to prevent outflow of license information due to the loss of the local storage (USB storage), the license information that has been normally accessed is controlled to be deleted from the storage.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment, when importing setting information of another device, the import level is determined according to the dependency between the setting items. As a result, if the setting item does not affect other setting items when importing the setting information, it is the setting information of the function that has not yet been enabled in the device itself, or the option product that is not installed. Can also be imported. Therefore, it becomes possible to activate these functions or start using them immediately after mounting optional items, and it is possible to improve usability, convenience, and the like.

  Further, the identification information of the other apparatus (image forming apparatus 103) is compared with the identification information of the own apparatus (image forming apparatus 102), and as a result, the function activated in the other apparatus is activated in the own apparatus. In some cases, it is determined that there is a dependency between setting items. Even in such a case, if a license for enabling the function has already been purchased (acquired), the setting value can be imported. Therefore, it is possible to execute a function that refers to a setting value that is imported immediately after the function is activated, and it is possible to improve usability and convenience.

  In addition, depending on whether the storage control unit 307, the first reception unit 314, or the second reception unit 315 has received the information including the identification information and the setting information, the license acquisition status reference method, The handling method is changed. Thereby, both user convenience and security can be achieved.

Further, the present invention may be a method including a procedure of each process performed in the above-described image forming apparatus.
Further, the present invention may be a computer program for causing a computer to execute each processing procedure performed in the above-described image forming apparatus. This computer program can be distributed via various recording media or a network. The computer program can be executed by being installed in a computer having a storage device such as a ROM, thereby realizing the above-described image forming apparatus.

  The embodiment described above is for explaining the present invention more specifically, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Network line, 102, 103 ... Image forming apparatus, 104 ... USB storage, 105 ... Remote user environment PC, 106, 108 ... Internet network, 109 ... Distribution server, 107 ... Router, 110 ... License server, S ... Image forming system.

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus that reflects setting information of another apparatus as setting information of the own apparatus,
Receiving means for receiving identification information for uniquely identifying the other device and information including setting information of the other device;
Storage means for storing data defining whether or not one setting item included in the setting information of the device has an effect on another setting item as a dependency between the setting items;
The received identification information of the other device and the identification information of the own device are compared based on a predetermined condition, thereby determining an import level when the setting information of the other device is reflected in the setting information of the own device. A decision means to
Reflecting means for reflecting the setting information of the other apparatus in the setting information of the own apparatus according to the import level determined by the determining means,
The determination means refers to the data stored in the storage means when the identification information of the other device and the identification information of the own device do not match, thereby determining that there is no dependency between setting items. Sometimes the import level is determined to be a level that allows the setting information of the other device to be reflected,
Image forming apparatus. The identification information includes information indicating the function of the device together with license information indicating whether the function is valid or invalid,
The determination means is characterized in that the identification information of the other device does not match the identification information of the own device when the license information does not match.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The determination means refers to the data stored in the storage means when the identification information of the other device and the identification information of the own device do not match in the license information for the function, and thereby, between the setting items. If it is determined that there is a dependency relationship, it is further determined whether a license for enabling the function in the own device has already been acquired, and the import level is determined according to the determination result. Characterized by the
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The determination means compares the identification information of the other device with the identification information of the own device, and as a result, the function enabled in the other device is not enabled in the own device, and , When it is determined that there is a dependency between the setting items, and when it is determined that a license for enabling the function in the own device has been acquired, the import level of the function is set to the other The level is determined to permit the reflection of the setting information of the device,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. The receiving means further receives information indicating a license acquisition status for a function of the own device from a license server connected to the own device via a network;
The determining means determines the import level based on information indicating the acquisition status of the license received by the receiving means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. The receiving means receives information indicating a license acquisition status for a function of the device from a storage device connected to the device, and receives the information indicating the license acquisition status from the storage device after the reception. Characterized by erasing,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. When the receiving unit receives information including identification information and setting information from another device functioning as an HTTP server connected to the own device via a network, the determining unit includes the identification information of the other device. The license acquisition status is not confirmed even if the identification information of the device does not match.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus that reflects setting information of another apparatus as setting information of the own apparatus,
Receiving identification information for uniquely identifying the other device and information including setting information of the other device;
Storing data that defines the presence or absence of the influence of one setting item included in the setting information of the device as a dependency between the setting items;
The received identification information of the other device and the identification information of the own device are compared based on a predetermined condition, thereby determining an import level when the setting information of the other device is reflected in the setting information of the own device. And a process of
Reflecting the setting information of the other device in the setting information of the own device according to the determined import level,
The step of determining the import level refers to data defining a dependency relationship between the setting items when the identification information of the other device and the identification information of the own device do not match, and thereby between the setting items. When it is determined that there is no dependency, the import level is a step of determining a level that allows the setting information of the other device to be reflected,
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus.   A computer program for causing an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to function. An image forming system that reflects setting information of another image forming apparatus connected to a network as setting information of the own apparatus,
The device itself
Receiving means for receiving identification information for uniquely identifying the other image forming apparatus and information including setting information of the other apparatus;
Storage means for storing data defining whether or not one setting item included in the setting information of the device has an effect on another setting item as a dependency between the setting items;
Import when the received identification information of the other image forming apparatus is compared with the identification information of the own apparatus based on a predetermined condition, thereby reflecting the setting information of the other apparatus in the setting information of the own apparatus. A determination means for determining the level;
Reflecting means for reflecting the setting information of the other apparatus in the setting information of the own apparatus according to the import level determined by the determining means,
The determination unit refers to the data stored in the storage unit when the identification information of the other image forming apparatus and the identification information of the own apparatus do not match, and there is no dependency between the setting items. When determining that the import level is a level that allows the reflection of the setting information of the other device,
Image forming system.