JP6801431B2 - Electronic device setting device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device setting device and a program for a user to easily check and change the setting values of a plurality of electronic devices.

When the same job is executed using multiple electronic devices (for example, MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)), some of the setting values related to the functions used to execute the job are for each multifunction device. The same output may not be obtained due to the difference.

In this case, the user confirms and changes the setting values that are different from each other, but it is necessary to search for the setting screen for changing the setting value for each multifunction device. Further, it is conceivable to copy all the setting values of one multifunction device to all the setting values of other multifunction devices, but there is a problem that the setting values that do not need to be changed are changed.

Therefore, as for the confirmation of the set value, as in Patent Document 1, a technique of reading the print condition setting data of the first and second printers selected on the driver selection screen from the registry and comparing each setting item is disclosed. ing. Further, for changing the setting value, a utility such as an application for setting the MFP is known.

JP-A-2007-2003304

However, Patent Document 1 is a technique for comparing the printing conditions of a plurality of drivers of one MFP by displaying them side by side and making the user recognize the difference in settings, and confirms the setting values of a plurality of electronic devices. is not.

Also, when a utility is used to change the setting value, the UI (user interface) of the utility and the UI of the actual electronic device are usually different, so for users who are unfamiliar with the utility, the utility setting items There was a possibility that the relationship between the and the actual MFP setting items could not be understood. As a result, there is a risk of inputting a setting value different from the setting value desired by the user.

The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and is an electronic device for confirming a difference in a set value between a plurality of electronic devices and changing the set value by using a user interface that is easy for the user to use. It is intended to provide equipment setting devices and programs.

The gist of the present invention for achieving such an object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A display unit that displays Web panels of a plurality of electronic devices,
A setting value acquisition unit that acquires the setting values of the plurality of electronic devices from each electronic device,
A comparison unit that compares the setting values of electronic devices acquired by the setting value acquisition unit for each setting item and detects setting items of setting values that differ between the electronic devices.
An operation unit that accepts the selection of one of the setting items of the setting value having a difference detected by the comparison unit, and
A display control unit that simultaneously displays each Web panel of the plurality of electronic devices corresponding to the one setting item selected by the operation unit on the display unit together with the setting value of the one setting item.
Have,
The operation unit is an electronic device setting device, characterized in that it accepts a change in a setting value of the one setting item from any of the Web panels of the plurality of electronic devices displayed simultaneously on the display unit.

In the above invention, a setting item of a setting value having a difference among a plurality of electronic devices is detected, and a Web panel corresponding to one selected setting item among the detected setting items sets the setting item. Displayed with the value. Then, the electronic device setting device receives an instruction from the user to change the setting value of the selected setting item via the Web panel.

[2] The display control unit is
A list of setting items of the setting values having the difference is displayed on the display unit.
When the operation unit accepts the selection of the one setting item from the list, each Web panel of the plurality of electronic devices corresponding to the one setting item is simultaneously displayed together with the setting value of the one setting item. The electronic device setting device according to [1], wherein the display is displayed on the display unit.

In the above invention, the setting items of the detected different setting values are displayed as a list. Then, when a specific setting item is selected from the list , each Web panel of a plurality of electronic devices corresponding to the specific setting item is simultaneously displayed together with the setting value of the setting item.

[3] The operation unit receives setting item identification information that specifies a setting item of a setting value to be compared by the comparison unit.
The comparison unit is characterized in that the setting values of the setting items specified by the setting item specific information are compared for each setting item, and the setting values having a difference between the electronic devices are detected [1]. Alternatively, the electronic device setting device according to [2].

In the above invention, only the set values of the setting items specified by the setting item specific information are compared.

[4] The electronic device setting device according to [3], wherein the setting item specific information is a keyword.

[5] The setting value acquisition unit sets setting values of setting items related to the function of each electronic device used to execute a job submitted to any one of the plurality of electronic devices. Obtained from each electronic device,
The comparison unit is characterized in that the setting values of the setting items of each electronic device related to the function are compared for each setting item, and the setting values having a difference between the electronic devices are detected [1]. ] Or the electronic device setting device according to [2].

In the above invention, only the setting values of the setting items related to the function of each electronic device used to execute the job submitted to the electronic device are compared.

[6] The electronic device setting device according to [5], wherein the job is selected from a job list of each electronic device.

In the above invention, one job is selected from the job list recorded in each electronic device, and the setting values of the setting items related to the function of each electronic device used to execute the selected job are compared. Will be done.

[7] When the image quality button is operated, the operation unit accepts the selection of one image quality setting item from the image quality setting items related to the image quality of the print function of the electronic device .
The setting value acquisition unit acquires the setting value of one image quality setting item whose selection has been accepted by the operation unit from the plurality of electronic devices.
The display control unit simultaneously displays each Web panel of the plurality of electronic devices corresponding to the one image quality setting item selected by the operation unit on the display unit together with the setting value of the image quality setting item. Further, a setting guide for setting the setting value of the one image quality setting item is displayed on the display unit.
The operating unit is characterized by Ru to obtain acceptance to change settings of the one of the image quality setting item from any one of the Web panel simultaneously displayed the plurality of electronic devices on the display unit [1] to The electronic device setting device according to any one of [6].

In the above invention, the Web panel corresponding to the image quality setting item related to the image quality of the print function is displayed together with the setting value of the image quality setting item, and further, the setting guide for setting the setting value is displayed. Then, an instruction to change the set value is given with reference to the displayed setting guide.

[8] The information processing device is executed by an information processing device having a display unit that displays Web panels of a plurality of electronic devices and an operation unit that accepts operations on the Web panel displayed on the display unit. A program that functions as the electronic device setting device according to any one of 1] to [7].

According to the electronic device setting device and the program according to the present invention, it is possible to confirm the difference in the set value between a plurality of electronic devices and change the set value by using a user interface that is easy for the user to use.

The schematic diagram of the electronic device setting system which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the PC as the electronic device setting device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the Web panel application and setting call tool stored in a PC. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the multifunction device. It is a flowchart which shows the process (setting call process) which calls the setting value of each multifunction device and displays the setting value of the selected setting item on the corresponding Web panel. It is explanatory drawing which showed the screen transition of the operation panel by the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the Web panel of each multifunction device displayed in step S112. It is a flowchart which shows the process (setting call process) which calls the setting value of the multifunction device related to a predetermined job, and displays the setting value of the selected setting item on the corresponding Web panel. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed the screen transition of the operation panel by the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the setting value specifying process. It is a flowchart which shows the process (image quality improvement process) for calling the setting value related to the image quality of each multifunction device, and changing the setting value by using the corresponding Web panel. It is explanatory drawing which showed the screen transition of the operation panel by the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an electronic device setting system 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device setting system 5 can communicate between a PC (Personal Computer) 10 as an electronic device setting device and a plurality of multifunction devices 40 as electronic devices through a wireless or wired network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) 3. It is configured by connecting to.

The PC 10 is a computer device such as a terminal that manages the multifunction device 40. In particular, the PC 10 sets each multifunction device 40 based on the operation on the Web panel displayed by communicating with the multifunction device 40.

The multifunction device 40 has a copy job that optically reads the original and prints a duplicate image on the recording paper, a scan job that saves the image data of the read original as a file and sends it to an external device, and sends it from the PC. It has a function to execute jobs such as a print job that prints an image related to the data on a recording paper and outputs it, and a facsimile transmission job that transmits image data according to a facsimile procedure. In addition, each multifunction device 40 has a function (Web panel function) of transmitting data for displaying the Web panel on the PC 10 to the PC 10.

In the present embodiment, each multifunction device 40 transmits data for displaying a Web panel having a different user interface on the PC 10. The different user interfaces of the Web panel are, for example, the arrangement and shape of buttons and tabs displayed on the Web panel, the names of the setting items to be set via the Web panel, and the setting items to be displayed on the Web panel. The hierarchical structure and the like are different for each multifunction device 40.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a PC 10 as an electronic device setting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The PC 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that comprehensively controls the operation of the PC 10. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a non-volatile memory 14, a hard disk device 15, a network communication unit 16, an operation panel 20, an authentication unit 23, and the like are connected to the CPU 11 via a bus.

The CPU 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like on the OS (Operating System) program.

Various programs are stored in the ROM 12, and each function of the PC 10 is realized by the CPU 11 executing various processes according to these programs.

The RAM 13 is used as a work memory or the like that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 11 executes processing based on a program.

The non-volatile memory 14 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information and the like.

The hard disk device 15 is a large-capacity non-volatile storage device, and stores various programs and data. Further, the hard disk device 15 stores the Web panel application 30 and the setting calling tool 31 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later.

The network communication unit 16 fulfills a function of communicating with various devices, mobile terminals, and the like through the network. In particular, the network communication unit 16 receives data for displaying the Web panel of each multifunction device 40, and transmits a job, a setting instruction of a specific setting item, or the like to each multifunction device 40. Further, the network communication unit 16 functions as a setting value acquisition unit that acquires the setting values of the plurality of multifunction devices 40 from each multifunction device 40 by communicating with each multifunction device 40.

The operation panel 20 includes an operation unit 21 and a display unit 22. The display unit 22 functions to display various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The display unit 22 includes a liquid crystal display and a driver thereof. The operation unit 21 functions to receive various operations from the user. The operation unit 21 includes various hard switches such as a start button and a numeric keypad, and a touch screen provided on the display surface of the display unit 22. The touch screen detects the coordinate position where the display surface of the display unit 22 is touch-operated with a touch pen, a finger, or the like.

In particular, the display unit 22 displays the Web panel based on the data for displaying the Web panel received from each multifunction device 40. Further, the operation unit 21 accepts an operation on the displayed Web panel by displaying the Web panel on the display unit 22.

The authentication unit 23 authenticates the user who uses the PC 10. Regarding user authentication, for example, the authentication unit 23 performs user authentication based on the information (ID, password, etc.) required for user authentication entered into the PC 10 by the user.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the Web panel application 30 and the setting calling tool 31 stored in the PC 10.

The Web panel application 30 is an application for displaying the Web panel of each multifunction device 40 on the operation panel 20. When the PC 10 receives data for displaying the Web panel of each multifunction device 40 from each multifunction device 40, the Web panel application 30 causes the Web panel of each multifunction device 40 to be displayed on the operation panel 20.

These Web panels have the same user interface as the setting screen displayed on the operation panel 48 (see FIG. 4) of the multifunction device 40. As a result, the user can operate the Web panel displayed on the PC 10 in the same manner as the setting screen displayed on the operation panel 48 of the multifunction device 40.

The setting calling tool 31 is a tool for calling the setting values set in each multifunction device 40, confirming the difference in the setting values of the plurality of multifunction devices 40, and assisting in changing the setting values. The setting calling tool 31 includes a related table 32, a setting calling function 33, a job list display instruction function 34, a setting value difference display function 35, an image quality category selection function 36, an image quality category setting display instruction function 37, and an image quality. It has a guide display function 38.

The related table 32 is a table for specifying the setting items to be compared with the setting items from all the setting items of each multifunction device 40. The related table 32 stores the keywords for specifying the setting items to be compared with the setting items and the setting items of each multifunction device 40 in association with each other. Then, when a predetermined keyword is input, the setting items related to the keyword are specified with reference to the related table 32.

The setting calling function 33 calls the setting values of predetermined setting items from each multifunction device 40 as a setting value acquisition unit by an operation from the user, and further, as a display control unit, a Web panel corresponding to the predetermined setting items. , It has a function of displaying on the operation panel 20 together with the called setting value.

The job list display instruction function 34 has a function of calling a list of jobs (job list) input to each multifunction device 40 for each multifunction device 40 and displaying the job list on the operation panel 20 as a display control unit. ..

The setting value difference display function 35, as a comparison unit, has a function of comparing the setting values of the same setting items of each multifunction device 40 called by the setting calling function 33 and detecting the difference in the setting values of the setting items. Have. Further, the set value difference display function 35 has a function of displaying the set value in which the difference is detected and the set item thereof on the operation panel 20 as a display control unit when the difference in the set value is detected.

The image quality category selection function 36 accepts selection of categories (for example, density, contrast, brightness, etc.) related to the image quality of the image formed when the multifunction device 40 executes a print job or the like via the operation unit 21. Has a function.

The image quality category setting display instruction function 37 has a function as a display control unit to display a Web panel for adjusting setting values of setting items corresponding to the category selected by using the image quality category selection function 36.

The image quality guide display function 38 has a function as a display control unit to display guidance for adjusting setting values of setting items related to image quality.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the multifunction device 40. The multifunction device 40 has a CPU 41 that comprehensively controls the operation of the multifunction device 40. The CPU 41 has a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a non-volatile memory 44, a hard disk device 45, an image reading unit 46, an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder) 47, an operation panel 48, a network communication unit 52, an image processing unit 53, and a printer. A unit 54, a facsimile communication unit 55, an authentication unit 56, and the like are connected.

The CPU 41 is based on an OS program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like on the OS program. Further, the CPU 41 creates data for displaying the Web panel of its own device on the operation panel 20 of the PC 10.

Various programs are stored in the ROM 42, and each function of the multifunction device 40 is realized by the CPU 41 executing various processes according to these programs.

The RAM 43 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data or an image memory for storing image data when the CPU 41 executes processing based on a program.

The non-volatile memory 44 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information and the like. In particular, the non-volatile memory 44 stores the setting values of various setting items of the own machine.

The hard disk device 45 is a large-capacity non-volatile storage device, and stores various programs and data in addition to print data and image data. Further, the hard disk device 45 stores a list of jobs submitted to the own machine.

The image reading unit 46 functions to optically read the original and acquire image data. The image reading unit 46 includes, for example, a light source that irradiates the document with light, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light and reads the document for one line in the width direction, and sequentially shifts the reading position of each line in the length direction of the document. An optical path consisting of a moving unit to be moved, a lens or mirror that guides the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, and a conversion unit that converts the analog image signal output by the line image sensor into digital image data. And so on.

The automatic document transport unit 47 has a function of feeding out and transporting the originals set on the platen one by one in order from the highest one, passing the reading position of the image reading unit 46, and discharging the paper to a predetermined paper ejection position. Fulfill. The image reading unit 46 has a function of reading a document placed on a platen glass and a function of sequentially reading a document conveyed by the automatic document conveying unit 47.

The operation panel 48 includes an operation unit 49 and a display unit 50. The display unit 50 functions to display various operation screens, setting screens, and the like, and its configuration is the same as that of the display unit 22 of the operation panel 20 provided in the PC 10. In the present embodiment, the user interface such as the operation screen and the setting screen displayed by the display unit 50 is the same user interface as the Web panel of the own device to be displayed on the operation panel 20 of the PC 10. The operation unit 49 functions to receive various operations from the user, and its configuration is the same as that of the operation unit 21 of the operation panel 20 provided in the PC 10.

The network communication unit 52 functions to communicate with various devices, mobile terminals, and the like through the network. In particular, the network communication unit 52 communicates with the PC 10, transmits data for displaying the Web panel of the own device to the PC 10, and receives a setting request for the own device from the PC 10. Further, when the multifunction device 40 receives the setting call request from the PC 10, the network communication unit 52 functions to transmit the set value of the setting item specified in the setting call request to the PC 10.

The image processing unit 53 performs processing such as enlargement / reduction and rotation of an image, rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, compression / decompression processing of image data, and the like.

The printer unit 54 functions to form an image on the recording paper according to the image data. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photoconductor drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and image formation is performed by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. Image formation may be performed by other methods.

The facsimile communication unit 55 fulfills a function of transmitting and receiving image data through a device having a facsimile function and a telephone line. In particular, the facsimile communication unit 55 transmits image data to another device having a facsimile function by executing a facsimile transmission job set in the own device.

The authentication unit 56 authenticates the user who uses the multifunction device 40. Further, the authentication method may be any method using a password, a fingerprint, a vein, or the like.

Next, an example of the schematic operation of the electronic device setting system 5 according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process (setting call process) of calling the set value of each multifunction device 40 and displaying the set value of the selected setting item on the corresponding Web panel. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen transition of the operation panel 20 by processing the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the PC 10 receives the activation instruction of the setting calling tool 31 from the user, the PC 10 activates the setting calling tool (step S101 in FIG. 5). When the setting calling tool 31 is activated, the PC 10 displays the IP address input screen 60 for inputting the IP addresses of the two multifunction devices 40 to be compared with each other by the setting calling tool 31 as shown in FIG. 6A. Displayed on the operation panel 20. The IP address input screen 60 is provided with two IP address input fields 61 and a connection button 62.

When the PC 10 receives the input of the IP addresses of the two multifunction devices 40 to be set and compared and the pressing of the connection button 62 from the user (step S102 in FIG. 5), the input IP addresses are assigned. It connects to the multifunction device 40 so as to be communicable (step S103; Yes). Then, the PC 10 uses the setting calling tool 31 to display the setting item input screen 70 on the operation panel 20 as shown in FIG. 6 (b) (step S104 in FIG. 5). The setting item input screen 70 is provided with a keyword input field 71.

The keyword to be input in the keyword input field 71 is the setting item specifying information for specifying the setting item to be set and compared among all the setting items of each multifunction device 40. This keyword includes, for example, "print", "scan", "image quality", and the like.

When the PC 10 accepts the input of a predetermined keyword from the user and further accepts the pressing of the OK button 72 (step S105; Yes), the PC 10 refers to the related table 32 (FIG. 6 (c)) and is related to the keyword. The setting item to be set is specified (step S106 in FIG. 5). For example, when "image quality" is input as a predetermined keyword, setting items such as "density", "contrast", and "brightness" related to "image quality" are specified.

After that, the PC 10 calls the setting value of the setting item specified in step S106 from each multifunction device 40 communicably connected in step S103 (step S107).

Then, the PC 10 compares the set values of the same setting item in each multifunction device 40 called in step S107 by the set value difference display function 35, and determines whether or not there is a difference between the set values ( Step S108). When it is determined that there is no difference in the set values in all the setting items specified in step S106 (step S108; No), the operation panel 20 displays that there is no difference in the set values of the specified setting items. Above (step S109), this process ends.

When the PC 10 determines that there is a difference between the set values (step S108; Yes), the set value difference display function 35 provides a list display screen of the setting items having a difference in the set values as shown in FIG. 6 (d). 80 is displayed on the operation panel 20 (step S110 in FIG. 5).

When the PC 10 receives the selection of one setting item from the displayed list from the user (step S111; Yes), the Web panel of each multifunction device 40 corresponding to the selected setting item is shown in FIG. 6 (e). 90 and 100 are displayed together with the set values set in each multifunction device 40 (step S112 in FIG. 5).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a Web panel of each multifunction device 40 displayed in step S112. In the case of FIG. 7, a list of setting items having different setting values is displayed, and the setting item "edge enhancement" is selected in step S111, and the Web panel of each multifunction device 40 corresponding to "edge enhancement" is displayed. Has been done.

Then, when the PC 10 receives the change of the set value of one multifunction device 40 from the user (step S113; Yes), the PC 10 gives an instruction to change the set value to the multifunction device 40 based on the changed set value (step S113; Yes). S114).

After that, when the PC 10 receives the update instruction of the Web panel from the multifunction device 40, the PC 10 displays the updated Web panel whose set value has been changed on the operation panel 20 (step S115), and ends this process.

As a result, it is possible to easily confirm the difference between the set values of the two multifunction devices 40 and change the set values.

Next, another example of the schematic operation of the electronic device setting system 5 according to the present embodiment will be described.

8 and 9 are flowcharts showing a process (setting call process) of calling the setting value of the multifunction device 40 related to a predetermined job and displaying the setting value of the selected setting item on the corresponding Web panel. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen transition of the operation panel 20 by processing the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

First, when the PC 10 receives the activation instruction of the setting calling tool 31 from the user, the PC 10 activates the setting calling tool (step S201 in FIG. 8). When the setting calling tool 31 is activated, the PC 10 displays the IP address input screen 60 for inputting the IP addresses of the two multifunction devices 40 to be compared with each other by the setting calling tool 31 as shown in FIG. 6A. Displayed on the operation panel 20.

When the PC 10 receives the input of the IP addresses of the two multifunction devices 40 to be set and compared and the pressing of the connection button 62 from the user (step S202 in FIG. 8), the input IP addresses are assigned. It connects to the multifunction device 40 so as to be communicable (step S203; Yes). Then, the PC 10 uses the setting calling tool 31 to display the setting item input screen 110 on the operation panel 20 as shown in FIG. 10A (step S204 in FIG. 8). The setting item input screen 110 is provided with a job comparison button 112 in addition to the keyword input field 111.

When the PC 10 receives the press of the job comparison button 112 (step S205; Yes), the job list display instruction function 34 of the setting calling tool 31 causes each multifunction device connected in step S203 as shown in FIG. 10 (b). The Web panels 120 and 121 showing the list of jobs submitted to 40 are displayed on the operation panel 20 (step S206 in FIG. 8). This list also includes jobs that have been run, jobs that are running, and jobs that are waiting to run.

At this time, the user selects one job from the Web panel 120 (or the Web panel 121), and performs a drag-and-drop operation to move the selected job to the Web panel 121 (or the Web panel 120). Do. When the PC 10 receives this drag-and-drop operation (step S207; Yes), the PC 10 performs a set value specifying process (step S208).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a set value specifying process.

First, the PC 10 specifies the job information of the job selected from the drag and drop operations received in step S207 (step S301).

Then, the PC 10 grasps the execution processing content of the job from the specified job information and determines the setting information related to the job (step S302). Here, the setting information related to the job is, for example, a setting item of a function used when executing the job, a setting value of the setting item currently set in each multifunction device 40, and the like. For example, when the job is a print job, the setting values of the print function setting items (for example, color / monochrome settings, paper settings, edge enhancement settings, etc.) and the print function setting items currently set in each multifunction device 40. (For example, color printing, A4 printing, edge enhancement on, etc.) corresponds to the setting information related to the job.

After that, the PC 10 uses the setting calling function 33 of the setting calling tool 31 to input the multifunction device 40 to which the job selected at the time of the drag & drop operation received in step S207 is input and the job moved by the drag & drop operation. Instruct the multifunction device 40 corresponding to the Web panel to be moved to transmit the setting information related to the job to the PC 10 (step S303).

When the PC 10 receives the setting information related to the job (step S209 in FIG. 8; Yes), the setting value difference display function 35 compares the setting values of the same setting items in each multifunction device 40 from the setting information. , It is determined whether or not there is a difference between the set values (step S210). When it is determined that there is no difference in the setting values in all the setting items related to the job (step S210; No), the operation panel 20 is displayed to the effect that there is no difference in the setting values of the setting items related to the job. After that (step S211), this process ends.

When the PC 10 determines that there is a difference between the set values (step S210; Yes), the set value difference display function 35 provides a list display screen of the setting items having a difference in the set values as shown in FIG. 10 (c). The 130 is displayed on the operation panel 20 (step S212 in FIG. 9).

When the PC 10 receives the selection of one setting item from the displayed list from the user (step S213; Yes), the Web panel of each multifunction device 40 corresponding to the selected setting item is shown in FIG. 11 (d). 140 and 150 are displayed together with the set values set in each multifunction device 40 (step S214 in FIG. 9).

Then, when the PC 10 receives the change of the set value of one multifunction device 40 from the user (step S215; Yes), the PC 10 gives an instruction to change the set value to the multifunction device 40 based on the changed setting value (step S215; Yes). S216).

After that, when the PC 10 receives the update instruction of the Web panel from the multifunction device 40, the PC 10 displays the updated Web panel whose set value has been changed on the operation panel 20 (step S217), and ends this process.

As a result, when the same job is executed by two multifunction devices 40, it is possible to easily confirm the difference in the set value related to the job and change the set value in the multifunction devices 40.

Next, the schematic operation of the electronic device setting system 5 for changing the setting value related to the image quality in each multifunction device 40 will be described.

When two or more multifunction devices 40 execute the same print job, in general, if the setting values of the functions used to execute the print job are the same in each multifunction device 40, the same printed matter is obtained. Be done.

However, even if the set values of the functions used to execute the print job are the same, the image quality of the printed matter may vary due to individual differences between the multifunction devices 40.

Therefore, the electronic device setting system 5 according to the present embodiment performs a process for changing the settings related to the image quality for each multifunction device 40 when the above individual differences occur.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process (image quality improvement process) for calling a set value related to the image quality of each multifunction device 40 and changing the set value using the corresponding Web panel. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen transition of the operation panel 20 by processing the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the PC 10 receives the activation instruction of the setting calling tool 31 from the user, the PC 10 activates the setting calling tool (step S401 in FIG. 12). When the setting calling tool 31 is activated, the PC 10 displays the IP address input screen 60 for inputting the IP addresses of the two multifunction devices 40 to be compared with each other by the setting calling tool 31 as shown in FIG. 6A. Displayed on the operation panel 20.

When the PC 10 receives the input of the IP address of the two multifunction devices 40 to be set and compared and the pressing of the connection button 62 from the user (step S402 in FIG. 12), the input IP address is assigned. It connects to the multifunction device 40 so as to be communicable (step S403; Yes). Then, the PC 10 uses the setting calling tool 31 to display the setting item input screen 160 on the operation panel 20 as shown in FIG. 13 (a) (step S404 in FIG. 12). The setting item input screen 160 is provided with an image quality button 162 in addition to the keyword input field 161.

When the PC 10 receives the pressing of the image quality button 162 (step S405; Yes), the image quality category selection screen 170 is displayed on the operation panel 20 as shown in FIG. 13 (b) (step S406 in FIG. 12).

At this time, the PC 10 uses the image quality category selection function 36 of the setting calling tool 31 to select one category from the pull-down menu 171 of the image quality category selection screen 170 from the user (in the case of FIG. 13B, “contrast”). Then, the press of the OK button 172 is accepted (step S407; Yes). Then, the PC 10 calls the setting values classified into the selected category by the setting calling function 33 from each of the multifunction devices 40 communicably connected in step S403 (step S408).

After that, the PC 10 is set to the Web panels 180 and 181 of each multifunction device 40 corresponding to the selected category in each multifunction device 40 as shown in FIG. 13C by the image quality category setting display instruction function 37. It is displayed together with the set value (step S409 in FIG. 12).

At the same time, the PC 10 displays the setting guide screen 190 by the image quality guide display function 38 as shown in FIG. 13 (d) (step S410).

Then, when the PC 10 receives the change of the set value of one multifunction device 40 from the user (step S411; Yes), the PC 10 gives an instruction to change the set value to the multifunction device 40 based on the changed setting value (step S411; Yes). S412).

After that, when the PC 10 receives the update instruction of the Web panel from the multifunction device 40, the PC 10 displays the updated Web panel whose set value has been changed on the operation panel 20 (step S413), and ends this process.

As a result, when two or more multifunction devices 40 execute the same print job, even if the image quality of the printed matter may vary due to individual differences between the multifunction devices 40, the setting values related to the image quality can be easily set. Can be changed to.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those shown in the embodiments, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Is also included in the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the set values of the multifunction devices 40 are compared / changed by connecting to the two multifunction devices 40, but the number of the multifunction devices to be compared may be three or more.

In the present embodiment, the multifunction device 40 displays a Web panel having a different user interface on the PC 10, but a plurality of electronic devices may display the same user interface on the electronic device setting device. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, when the multifunction device 40 to be set and compared is connected to the PC 10, the IP address of the multifunction device 40 to be set and compared is input, but the information for identifying the multifunction device 40 is used. If there is, the name, ID number, model number, etc. of each multifunction device 40 may be used. Further, when inputting information for specifying the multifunction device 40, the information may be input using a pull-down menu or the like.

Similarly, in the present embodiment, the keyword is input as the setting item specific information in step S105, but the setting item specific information may be input by using a pull-down menu or the like that lists several types of setting items.

In FIG. 10B, the setting values of the setting items related to the selected job are compared / changed by moving the selected job by dragging and dropping. However, the selected job and the setting comparison are performed. Any type of operation can be used as long as the target two or more multifunction devices 40 can be identified.

Further, in the present embodiment, the electronic device has been described as the multifunction device 40, but the electronic device is an electronic device for displaying the Web panel on the electronic device setting device, and a plurality of electronic devices to be compared with each other have common setting items. As long as you do, it doesn't matter what kind of electronic device you have, such as a copier or a facsimile machine.

Further, the present invention may be a program that causes an information processing device to function as an electronic device setting device.

5 ... Electronic device setting system 3 ... LAN
10 ... PC
11 ... CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
14 ... Non-volatile memory 15 ... Hard disk device 16 ... Network communication unit 20 ... Operation panel 21 ... Operation unit 22 ... Display unit 23 ... Authentication unit 30 ... Web panel application 31 ... Setting call tool 32 ... Related table 33 ... Setting call function 34 ... Job list display instruction function 35 ... Set value difference display function 36 ... Image quality category selection function 37 ... Image quality category setting display instruction function 38 ... Image quality guide display function 40 ... Multifunction device 41 ... CPU
42 ... ROM
43 ... RAM
44 ... Non-volatile memory 45 ... Hard disk device 46 ... Image reading unit 47 ... Automatic document transfer unit 48 ... Operation panel 49 ... Operation unit 50 ... Display unit 52 ... Network communication unit 53 ... Image processing unit 54 ... Printer unit 55 ... Facsimile communication unit 56 ... Authentication unit 60 ... IP address input screen 61 ... IP address input field 62 ... Connection button 70 ... Setting item input screen 71 ... Keyword input field 72 ... OK button 80 ... List display screen 90 ... Web panel 100 ... Web panel 110 ... Setting item input screen 111 ... Keyword input field 112 ... Job comparison button 120 ... Web panel 121 ... Web panel 130 ... List display screen 140 ... Web panel 150 ... Web panel 160 ... Setting item input screen 161 ... Keyword input field 162 ... Image quality button 170 ... Image quality category selection screen 171 ... Pull-down menu 172 ... OK button 180 ... Web panel 181 ... Web panel 190 ... Setting guide screen

Claims (8)

A display unit that displays the Web panels of multiple electronic devices,
A setting value acquisition unit that acquires the setting values of the plurality of electronic devices from each electronic device,
A comparison unit that compares the setting values of electronic devices acquired by the setting value acquisition unit for each setting item and detects setting items of setting values that differ between the electronic devices.
An operation unit that accepts the selection of one of the setting items of the setting value having a difference detected by the comparison unit, and
A display control unit that simultaneously displays each Web panel of the plurality of electronic devices corresponding to the one setting item selected by the operation unit on the display unit together with the setting value of the one setting item.
Have,
The operating unit, the electronic device setting apparatus characterized by Ru to obtain acceptance to change settings of the one setting item from any one of the Web panels of the plurality of electronic devices that are simultaneously displayed on the display unit. The display control unit
A list of setting items of the setting values having the difference is displayed on the display unit.
When the operation unit accepts the selection of the one setting item from the list, each Web panel of the plurality of electronic devices corresponding to the one setting item is simultaneously displayed together with the setting value of the one setting item. The electronic device setting device according to claim 1, wherein the display is displayed on the display unit. The operation unit receives setting item identification information that specifies a setting item of a setting value to be compared by the comparison unit.
Claim 1 is characterized in that the comparison unit compares the setting values of the setting items specified by the setting item specific information for each setting item, and detects the setting values having a difference between the electronic devices. Or the electronic device setting device according to 2. The electronic device setting device according to claim 3, wherein the setting item specific information is a keyword. The setting value acquisition unit sets setting values of setting items related to the functions of each electronic device used to execute a job submitted to any one of the plurality of electronic devices. Obtained from
The claim is characterized in that the comparison unit compares the setting values of the setting items of each electronic device related to the function for each setting item, and detects the setting values having a difference between the electronic devices. The electronic device setting device according to 1 or 2. The electronic device setting device according to claim 5, wherein the job is selected from a job list of each electronic device. When the image quality button is operated, the operation unit accepts selection of one image quality setting item from the image quality setting items related to the image quality of the print function of the electronic device .
The setting value acquisition unit acquires the setting value of one image quality setting item whose selection has been accepted by the operation unit from the plurality of electronic devices.
The display control unit simultaneously displays each Web panel of the plurality of electronic devices corresponding to the one image quality setting item selected by the operation unit on the display unit together with the setting value of the image quality setting item. Further, a setting guide for setting the setting value of the one image quality setting item is displayed on the display unit.
The operating part 1 through claim, wherein the Ru obtain accept change settings of the one of the image quality setting item from any one of the Web panels of the plurality of electronic devices that are simultaneously displayed on the display unit The electronic device setting device according to any one of 6. It is executed by an information processing device having a display unit for displaying Web panels of a plurality of electronic devices and an operation unit for receiving an operation on the Web panel displayed on the display unit, and the information processing device is referred to from claim 1 to 1. A program that functions as the electronic device setting device according to any one of 7.