JP6938912B2 - Information processing equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program.

In Patent Document 1, a connect test, a login test, and a write test are performed in advance on the image data storage destination, and if an error occurs in these tests, a countermeasure corresponding to the error is presented. The image reading system is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-21920

Generally, when trying to add a function to a certain device later, a program such as an application program (hereinafter, simply abbreviated as an application) is installed. However, in a device called a so-called multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function, the application may not operate simply by installing the application.

Specifically, the installed application may not operate normally unless a process such as setting the operating state of a specific function in the multifunction device to be activated is executed.

Therefore, when installing an app, it is necessary to check the operating status of the functions that need to be in the activated state in order to operate the app, and to start it if it is not started. ..

However, since such an operation is complicated for a general user, it is necessary for a customer engineer or the like to go to the installation destination of the multifunction device to install the application. However, if a customer engineer or the like goes to the setting destination of the multifunction device to perform the work, the user will incur costs.

Therefore, when the app is installed by the installer, the operating status of the functions that need to be in the running state to operate the app is automatically checked, and if it is not started, the installer starts it. A method has been proposed to start installing the app after changing to.

In recent years, a web interface capable of giving print instructions and changing various setting contents to a multifunction device or the like by using a web browser installed in a terminal device such as a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a personal computer). The number of devices equipped with functions is increasing.

By using this Web interface function, it is possible to check the operating state of the function of the device on which the application is to be installed, or to change the operating state of various functions.

However, there are various devices in the target device for installing the application, and when trying to install the application on a device that does not support such a Web interface function, the Web interface function is used to specify a specific device in the target device. It may not be possible to check the operating status of the function.

Therefore, even if the function of the device on which the app is to be installed is in the activated state, which is the operating state required to operate the app, the customer engineer or the like will check the operating state of the function before installing the app. The work of confirming will occur.

Whether or not the device on which the application is to be installed supports the Web interface function may not be determined only by the model name of the device. Specifically, the support / non-support for the Web interface function may change depending on the version of the firmware installed in the device. In addition, since a firmware version having special specifications may be generated as the firmware version, it is difficult to accurately determine the compatibility status of the Web interface function simply by the model name of the device or the firmware version.

An object of the present invention is to provide an interface function for confirming the operating state of a function that needs to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to operate when the program is installed on the target device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device and a program capable of determining the operating state of the function even when the information processing device and the program are not provided.

[Information processing device]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the process of installing a program is executed, the first function and the operating state, which are required to be in a specific operating state in order to operate the program, are linked. An acquisition means for acquiring the operating state of the second function capable of determining the operating state of the first function according to the operating state by changing the operating state.
Based on the operation state of the acquired second feature by the acquisition unit, a determination unit configured to determine the operating state of the first function, the operating state of the determined first function by said determining means , An information processing apparatus including a process execution means for executing a process of installing a program when it is in a specific operating state necessary for the program to operate normally.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the operating state of the first function determined by the determining means is different from the specific operating state required to operate the program, the first function The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction means for instructing the operating state to be changed to a specific operating state necessary for operating the program.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the operating state of the first function becomes a specific operating state necessary for operating the program by the instruction by the instruction means, a process of installing the program is executed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a processing execution means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the operation state of the first function does not become the specific operation state necessary for operating the program even though the instruction by the instruction means is given. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a notification means for notifying that the process of installing the program cannot be executed.

The present invention according to claim 5 further includes a notification means for notifying that the process of installing the program cannot be executed when the operating state of the first function cannot be determined by the determination means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

The present invention according to claim 6 is any one of claims 1 to 5 for acquiring the operating state of the second function when the acquiring means cannot acquire the operating state of the first function. The information processing device described.

The invention according to claim 7, wherein the acquisition means, if it is not possible to obtain the operation state of the second function, any one of claims 1 to 5 for obtaining the operating state of the first function The information processing apparatus described.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the acquisition means has a plurality of second functions in which the first function and the operating state are linked, the acquiring means sequentially acquires the operating states of the plurality of second functions.
From claim 1, the determining means determines the operating state of the first function based on the operating state of the second function of any of the plurality of second functions acquired by the acquiring means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 5.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of first functions in which the determination means is required to be in a specific operating state in order to operate the program, the plurality of first functions. Judge the operating status of the function and
When the operating state of any one of the plurality of first functions is different from the specific operating state required for operating the program, the operating state of the first function is referred to as the above. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction means for instructing a change to a specific operating state necessary for operating the program.

The present invention according to claim 10, wherein the determining means is a advance based on the set priority order, the information processing apparatus sequentially determines claim 9, wherein the operating state of the plurality of first function.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the operating state of the first function, which is different from the specific operating state required to operate the program by the instruction by the instructing means, is the necessary specification. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 , further comprising a process execution means for executing a process of installing a program in the operating state of the above.

The present invention according to claim 12 is a case where the operating state of the first function does not become a specific operating state necessary for operating the program even though the instruction by the instruction means is given. Alternatively, if the determination means cannot determine the operating state of any one of the plurality of first functions, the notification means for notifying that the process of installing the program cannot be executed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , further comprising.

[program]
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when the process of installing a program is executed, the first function, which is required to be in a specific operating state in order to operate the program, and the operating state are linked. The acquisition step of acquiring the operating state of the second function capable of determining the operating state of the first function according to the operating state of the first function.
On the basis of the operating state of the the second function obtained in the obtaining step, a determination step of determining the operating state of the first function,
When the operating state of the first function determined in the determination step is a specific operating state necessary for the program to operate normally, the computer performs a process execution step of executing a process of installing the program. It is a program to be executed by.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a program is installed in a target device, an interface for confirming the operating state of a function that needs to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to operate. Even when the target device does not have the function, it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of determining the operating state of the function.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a program is installed in a target device, an interface for confirming the operating state of a function that needs to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to operate. It is possible to provide an information processing device capable of determining the operating state of the function and changing to a specific operating state if the target device does not have the function. can.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a program is installed in a target device, an interface for confirming the operating state of a function that needs to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to operate. Information processing that can determine the operating state of the function even if the target device does not have the function, and if it is not in a specific operating state, change it to a specific operating state and execute the installation process. Equipment can be provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a program is installed in a target device, an interface for confirming the operating state of a function that needs to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to operate. Even if the target device does not have the function, the operating state of the function is determined, and if it is not in a specific operating state, an instruction is given to change to a specific operating state, and the specific operating state is not obtained. Can be provided with an information processing device capable of informing the user that the installation process cannot be executed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, if it is not possible to determine the operating state of a function that needs to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to be installed to operate, that fact is determined. It is possible to provide an information processing device that can notify the user.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is a high possibility that the operating state of a function that needs to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to be installed to operate can be directly confirmed. Provided an information processing device capable of reducing the amount of processing for determining the operating state of the function as compared with the case of preferentially acquiring the operating state of the related function in which the function and the operating state are linked. can do.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when it is unlikely that the operating state of a function that needs to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to be installed to operate can be directly confirmed. , It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of reducing the amount of processing for determining the operating state of the function as compared with the case where the operating state of the function is preferentially acquired.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of related functions linked to the operating state of the function that needs to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to be installed to operate, all of them. It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of reducing the amount of processing for determining the operating state of the function as compared with the case of confirming the operating state of the related function.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of functions that need to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to be installed to operate, the operating state of any of the functions is specified. It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of giving an instruction to change to a specific operating state when the operating state is not.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of functions that need to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to be installed to operate, the operating state of each function is prioritized. It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of reducing the amount of processing until it is determined whether or not the program can be installed, as compared with the case of checking without providing.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of functions that need to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to be installed to operate, the operating state of any of the functions is specified. It is possible to provide an information processing device capable of changing to a specific operating state and executing an installation process when the operating state is not the same.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of functions that need to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to be installed to operate, the operating states of all the functions are confirmed. It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of reducing the amount of processing for determining the operating state of the function as compared with the case.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when a program is installed in a target device, an interface for confirming the operating state of a function that needs to be in a specific operating state in order for the program to operate. Even if the target device does not have the function, it is possible to provide a program capable of confirming the operating state of the function.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the image formation system of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware composition of the terminal apparatus 20 in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the terminal apparatus 20 in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of this installer 40. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation at the time of installation execution of the application in the terminal apparatus 20 of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed operation of the operation state confirmation process (step S101) of the confirmation target function in the flowchart of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation state confirmation table example for confirming that the digital certificate operation function is activated. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining an operation when the terminal device 20 installs an application on the image forming device 10 under certain conditions. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen for designating the device to be installed when the application is installed in the terminal device 20. It is a figure which shows the screen example which is displayed on the display part 32 from the start of the installation process of the application with respect to the image forming apparatus 10 to the completion of the installation process in the terminal device 20. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining an operation when the terminal device 20 installs an application on the image forming device 10 under certain conditions. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining an operation when the terminal device 20 installs an application on the image forming device 10 under certain conditions. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining an operation when the terminal device 20 installs an application on the image forming device 10 under certain conditions. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining an operation when the terminal device 20 installs an application on the image forming device 10 under certain conditions. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen for notifying the user that the installation process of an application cannot be executed when the operation state of the digital certificate operation function cannot be determined. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining an operation when the terminal device 20 installs an application on the image forming device 10 under certain conditions. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen for notifying the user that the installation process of an application cannot be executed when the operation state of the digital certificate operation function is not activated. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation state confirmation table used when installing another application. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation state confirmation table used when installing this application when there are a plurality of functions which are required to be in a certain operation state in order to start an application. When the application described with reference to FIG. 19 is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to the Web interface function, and the UI application installation function and the communication plug-in are further provided in the image forming apparatus 10. This is a sequence chart for explaining the operation when both of the two functions of the installation function are in the running state. When the application described with reference to FIG. 19 is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 does not correspond to an interface function such as a Web interface function and determines the operating state of the function to be confirmed. It is a sequence chart for explaining the operation when it cannot be done.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system of one embodiment of the present invention is composed of an image forming device 10 and a terminal device 20 connected to each other by a network 30. The terminal device 20 is a device such as a personal computer that generates print data and transmits the print data generated via the network 30 to the image forming device 10. The image forming apparatus 10 receives the print data transmitted from the terminal apparatus 20 and outputs an image corresponding to the print data on the paper. The image forming apparatus 10 is a so-called multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a printing (printing) function, a scanning function, a copying (copying) function, and a facsimile function.

Further, the terminal device 20 operates as an information processing device that executes a process of installing an application program on the image forming device 10.

An application program is a software program for realizing a specific service or function provided by an image forming apparatus or the like. Here, some application programs are pre-installed in an image forming apparatus or the like, and some can be added later by installing the application program in the image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, this application program is simply abbreviated as an application.

Next, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 20 in this embodiment is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 20 transmits and receives data to and from the image forming device 10 via the CPU 11, the memory 12, the storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive (HDD), and the network 30. It has an interface (IF) 14, a user interface (UI) device 15 including a touch panel or liquid crystal display and a keyboard. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 16.

The CPU 11 executes a predetermined process based on the control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13 to control the operation of the terminal device 20. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 has been described as reading and executing the control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13, but the program is stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and stored in the CPU 11. It is also possible to provide.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the terminal device 20 realized by executing the above control program.

As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 20 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 31, a display unit 32, a storage unit 33, a storage device 34, and a communication unit 35.

The storage device 34 stores an installer 40 including an application to be installed in the image forming device 10 which is a target device for installation (setup).

As shown in FIG. 4, the installer 40 includes an application 41 to be installed in the image forming apparatus 10 and an installation program 43 for executing a process for installing the application 41.

In the terminal device 20, the control unit 31 executes a process based on the installation program 43 to execute a series of processes for installing the application 41 in the image forming device 10.

The display unit 32 displays the progress of installation, the installation result, and the like to the user based on the control by the control unit 31. The storage unit 33 is a memory for temporarily storing various information during the installation process by the control unit 31. Further, the communication unit 35 executes a communication function for transmitting / receiving data to / from the image forming apparatus 10.

Here, in the image forming apparatus 10, in order to operate the installed application normally, it is necessary that a specific function (confirmation target function) is in a specific operating state, for example, being activated. do.

Therefore, the control unit 31 determines that the confirmation target function, which is required to be in the activated state in order to operate the application, is in the activated state before installing the application on the image forming apparatus 10. For example, confirmation is performed via the Web interface function described above.

However, when the image forming apparatus 10 does not support this Web interface function and the operating state of the confirmation target function cannot be confirmed, the control unit 31 has an interlocking function in which the confirmation target function and the operating state are linked. Get the operating status.

Here, the operating state of this interlocking function can be confirmed via another interface function without going through the Web interface function.

Then, the control unit 31 determines the operating state of the function to be confirmed based on the operating state of the interlocking function acquired in this way.

Here, the interlocking function is a function in which the operating state changes in conjunction with the operating state of the function to be confirmed, and the operating state having the interlocking function means that the operating state of the function to be confirmed is being activated. It is a function that is a sufficient condition for determining that there is.

For example, if the interlocking function is running, and the relationship is such that the confirmation target function is always running, just confirming that the interlocking function is running means that the confirmation target function is also running. Can be determined.

Specifically, the function to be confirmed is the digital certificate operation function, and in order to confirm the operating status of this digital certificate operation function, it is necessary to confirm that the registered digital certificate exists. The case where is described will be described.

However, in order to confirm the existence of this registered digital certificate, it is necessary to go through the Web interface function, and it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 10 to be installed does not support the Web interface function.

In such a case, if the control unit 31 can confirm that the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) communication function is activated (or enabled) by using another interface function, the registered electronic certification can be confirmed. It can be determined that the document also exists and the electronic certificate operation function is activated.

In other words, in order for the SSL communication function to be activated, it is a prerequisite that a registered digital certificate (SSL server certificate) exists, so it is possible to directly confirm the existence of the registered digital certificate. Even if this is not possible, the operating status of the digital certificate operation function can be indirectly determined simply by checking the operating status of the SSL communication function.

Note that the fact that the SSL communication function is running is a sufficient condition that the digital certificate operation function is running. Therefore, just confirming that the SSL communication function is not started is enough to operate the digital certificate. It cannot be determined that the function has not been started. That is, even if the SSL communication function is not activated, the registered digital certificate may exist.

Then, when the operating state of the determined confirmation target function is being activated, the control unit 31 executes a process of installing the application on the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 35.

In addition, when the operating state of the determined confirmation target function is different from the specific operating state required to operate the application, that is, when it is in the unstarted state, the control unit 31 determines the operating state of the confirmation target function. The image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to change the image during startup.

Then, when the operating state of the function to be confirmed is activated by the instruction to the image forming apparatus 10, the control unit 31 executes a process of installing the application on the image forming apparatus 10.

Further, if the operation state of the confirmation target function is not activated even though the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to change the operation state of the confirmation target function, the control unit 31 installs the application. The user is notified via the display unit 32 or the like that the processing to be performed cannot be executed.

The control unit 31 notifies the user via the display unit 32 or the like that the process of installing the application cannot be executed even when the operation state of the function to be confirmed cannot be determined.

In the above description, the control unit 31 has been described as acquiring the operating state of the interlocking function when the operating state of the confirmation target function cannot be acquired, but it is possible to acquire the operating state of the confirmation target function. If the probability of being able to do so is low, the operating state of the interlocking function may be acquired first, and if the operating state of the interlocking function cannot be acquired, the operating state of the function to be confirmed may be acquired.

When there are a plurality of interlocking functions in which the confirmation target function and the operating state are linked, the control unit 31 sequentially acquires the operating states of the plurality of interlocking functions according to a preset priority order, and the acquired plurality of interlocking functions. The operating state of the function to be confirmed may be determined based on the operating state of any of the interlocking functions.

Further, when there are a plurality of confirmation target functions that are required to be in a specific operation state in order to operate the application, the control unit 31 sets the operation states of the plurality of confirmation target functions in a preset priority order. Judgment is made sequentially based on.

Then, when the operating state of one of the plurality of confirmation target functions is not activated but not activated, the control unit 31 changes the operating state of the confirmation target function during activation. The image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to do so via the communication unit 35.

Then, when the operating state of the confirmation target function, which was not started, is being activated by the instruction to the image forming device 10, the control unit 31 executes a process of installing an application on the image forming device 10. ..

In addition, when the operation state of the confirmation target function is not activated even though the instruction is given to the image forming apparatus 10, or the operation state of one of the plurality of confirmation target functions is confirmed. If the determination cannot be made, the control unit 31 notifies the user via, for example, the display unit 32 that the process of installing the application on the image forming device 10 cannot be executed.

In the above, the operating state of the function to be confirmed is expressed as being activated / not activated, but this operating state also includes the case where the setting state of the function to be confirmed is enabled / disabled. do.

In addition, although the explanation was made using the case where it can be determined that the confirmation target function is activated when the interlocking function is activated, the interlocking function may be any one in which the confirmation target function and the operating state are interlocked. In some cases, it can be determined that the function to be confirmed is running when the interlocking function is not started.

Next, the operation when the terminal device 20 of the present embodiment executes the installation process of the application on the image forming device 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6.

When trying to install an application on the image forming apparatus 10, the control unit 31 first sets the current operating state of the function to be confirmed, which must be in the activated state in order for the application to operate, for example, a Web interface. Obtained from the image forming apparatus 10 using the function (step S101).

Then, when the operating state of the function to be confirmed can be confirmed (yes in step S102) and the confirmed operating state is in operation (yes in step S103), the terminal device 20 uses the image forming apparatus. Installation for 10 is started (step S104).

If the operating state of the function to be confirmed cannot be confirmed (no in step S102), the terminal device 20 cancels the installation on the image forming device 10 (step S107).

Further, when the operating state of the function to be confirmed can be confirmed (yes in step S102) and the confirmed operating state has not been activated (no in step S103), the image forming apparatus 10 in the terminal device 20 Is instructed to change the operating state of the function from the unstarted state to the running state (step S105).

Then, after this instruction is given, if it can be confirmed that the operating state of the function has been changed during activation (yes in step S106), the terminal device 20 starts the installation on the image forming device 10 (yes in step S106). Step S104).

If it cannot be confirmed that the operating state of the function has been changed during activation (no in step S106), the terminal device 20 cancels the installation on the image forming device 10 (step S107).

Next, the detailed operation of the operation state confirmation process (step S101) of the function to be confirmed in the flowchart of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the terminal device 20 acquires information on the operating state of the function to be confirmed by using, for example, the Web interface function (step S201).

Then, when the operating state of the confirmation target function can be acquired (yes in step S202), the terminal device 20 determines that the acquired operating state is the operating state of the confirmation target function and ends the process.

Further, when the operating state of the confirmation target function cannot be acquired due to the reason that the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function (no in step S202), the terminal device 20 is linked with the confirmation target function. The operating state of the related function is acquired from the image forming apparatus 10 by using an interface function other than the Web interface function (step S203).

Then, when the operating state of the related function in the image forming apparatus 10 can be acquired (yes in step S204), the terminal device 20 determines the operating state of the function to be confirmed based on the acquired operating state of the related function. And end the process (step S205).

Further, when the operating state of the related function in the image forming apparatus 10 cannot be acquired (no in step S204), and if there is another related function whose operating state has not been acquired (yes in step S206), the terminal device 20 acquires the operating state of the related function in the image forming apparatus 10 (step S203).

Then, when the operating states of all the related functions have been confirmed (no in step S206), the terminal device 20 ends the process.

In the terminal device 20, when a plurality of related functions exist, if the operating state of any one of the related functions can be acquired, the operating state of the function to be confirmed can be determined.

Next, the operation of the installation process of the terminal device 20 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to a specific example.

First, it will be described that it is necessary that the digital certificate operation function is activated in order for a certain application to be installed on the image forming apparatus 10 to operate.

Then, in order to confirm that the digital certificate operation function is activated, the operation state confirmation table as shown in FIG. 7 will be described as being stored in the terminal device 20.

Here, the digital certificate operation function is a function for operating a digital certificate issued by a certificate authority used in SSL communication or the like, and as shown in FIG. 7, it is confirmed whether or not there is a registered digital certificate. Then, if the registered digital certificate can be found, it can be determined that the digital certificate operation function is running.

Checking the existence of the registered digital certificate in this way corresponds to directly checking the operating status of the digital certificate operation function.

Then, for example, when the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function and the terminal apparatus 20 cannot confirm the presence or absence of the digital certificate in the image forming apparatus 10, the terminal apparatus 20 operates the SSL communication function. By checking the status, the operating status of the digital certificate operation function can be checked directly.

That is, this SSL communication function is a related function in which the operation state is linked with the digital certificate operation function, which is the function to be confirmed.

Then, in the operation status confirmation table example shown in FIG. 7, the confirmation priority of the confirmation process for the presence or absence of the registered digital certificate is set to No. 1, and the confirmation priority of the operation status confirmation process of the SSL communication function is 2. It is set as a number.

Then, when the application as described above is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to the Web interface function, and the electronic certificate operation function has already been activated in the image forming apparatus 10. The operation in the middle state will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.

First, when the installer 40 stored in the storage device 34 is started in the terminal device 20, the screen display as shown in FIG. 9 is performed, and a screen for designating the device to be installed is displayed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the user specifies the device by inputting the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the image forming device 10 on which the application is to be installed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the terminal device 20 inquires of the image forming device 10 of the existence of the registered digital certificate by using the Web interface function (step S301).

Here, since the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to the Web interface function, it understands the contents of the inquiry from the terminal device 20, that there is a registered digital certificate, that is, the digital certificate operation function is being activated. The fact is returned to the terminal device 20 (step S302).

As a result, the terminal device 20 starts the installation process of the application on the image forming device 10, and displays, for example, the screen as shown in FIG. 10 on the display unit 32 until the installation process is completed (step S303).

Next, when the application described above is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to the Web interface function, and the electronic certificate operation function is not activated in the image forming apparatus 10. The operation in the case of is described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.

The terminal device 20 inquires of the image forming device 10 of the presence or absence of the registered electronic certificate by using the Web interface function in the same manner as described in the flowchart of FIG. 8 (step S401).

Since the image forming apparatus 10 supports the Web interface function, it understands the contents of the inquiry from the terminal device 20 and indicates that there is no registered digital certificate, that is, the electronic certificate operation function has not been activated. Reply to the terminal device 20 (step S402).

Therefore, the terminal device 20 transmits an instruction to the image forming device 10 to activate the digital certificate function by generating and registering the digital certificate (step S403).
When the image forming apparatus 10 receives the instruction from the terminal apparatus 20, the image forming apparatus 10 executes an electronic certificate generation process in its own apparatus and registers the electronic certificate. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 returns to the terminal apparatus 20 that the digital certificate has been generated and registered (step S404).

Upon receiving the reply from the image forming apparatus 10, the terminal device 20 starts the process of installing the application on the image forming apparatus 10 (step S405).

Next, when the application described above is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function, but the electronic certificate operation function is being activated in the image forming apparatus 10. The operation in a certain case will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.

The terminal device 20 inquires of the image forming device 10 of the existence of the registered digital certificate by using the Web interface function in the same manner as described above (step S501).

However, since the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function, the inquiry content from the terminal device 20 cannot be understood, and an error indicating that the inquiry content cannot be understood is returned to the terminal device 20. (Step S502).

Then, in the terminal device 20, according to the operation state confirmation table shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 10 uses an interface function other than the Web interface to inquire about the operation state of the SSL communication function having the next confirmation priority. (Step S503).

In response to the inquiry from the terminal device 20, the image forming device 10 replies that the SSL communication function is being activated (step S504).

Then, by confirming that the SSL communication function is activated in the terminal device 20, it is determined that the registered digital certificate also exists, that is, the digital certificate operation function is activated (step S505). ..

As a result, the terminal device 20 starts the process of installing the application on the image forming device 10 (step S506).

Next, when the application described above is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function, and the electronic certificate operation function is not activated in the image forming apparatus 10. The operation in the case of is described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.

The terminal device 20 inquires of the image forming device 10 of the presence or absence of the registered digital certificate by using the Web interface function in the same manner as described above (step S601).

However, since the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function, the inquiry content from the terminal device 20 cannot be understood, and an error indicating that the inquiry content cannot be understood is returned to the terminal device 20. (Step S602).

Then, in the terminal device 20, according to the operation state confirmation table shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 10 uses an interface function other than the Web interface to inquire about the operation state of the SSL communication function having the next confirmation priority. (Step S603).

In response to the inquiry from the terminal device 20, the image forming device 10 replies that the SSL communication function is not activated (step S604).

Then, in the terminal device 20, by confirming that the SSL communication function is not activated, it is determined that the registered digital certificate does not exist, that is, the digital certificate operation function is not activated (step). S605).

Therefore, the terminal device 20 transmits an instruction to the image forming device 10 to activate the digital certificate function by generating and registering the digital certificate (step S606).

When the image forming apparatus 10 receives the instruction from the terminal apparatus 20, the image forming apparatus 10 executes an electronic certificate generation process in its own apparatus and registers the electronic certificate. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 returns to the terminal apparatus 20 that the digital certificate has been generated and registered (step S607).

Upon receiving the reply from the image forming apparatus 10, the terminal device 20 starts the process of installing the application on the image forming apparatus 10 (step S608).

Next, when trying to install the application described above on the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function, and further, for confirming the operating state of the SSL communication function from the outside. The operation when the interface function is not supported will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.

The terminal device 20 inquires of the image forming device 10 of the existence of the registered digital certificate by using the Web interface function in the same manner as described above (step S701).

However, since the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function, the inquiry content from the terminal device 20 cannot be understood, and an error indicating that the inquiry content cannot be understood is returned to the terminal device 20. (Step S702).

Then, in the terminal device 20, according to the operation state confirmation table shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 10 uses an interface function other than the Web interface to inquire about the operation state of the SSL communication function having the next confirmation priority. (Step S703).

However, since the image forming apparatus 10 does not support this interface function, the inquiry content from the terminal device 20 cannot be understood, and an error indicating that the inquiry content cannot be understood is returned to the terminal device 20. (Step S704).

Then, since there is no other function related to the digital certificate operation function, which is the function to be confirmed, it is determined that the terminal device 20 cannot determine the operating state of the digital certificate operation function, for example. A screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed to notify the user that the application installation process cannot be executed (step S705).

Next, when the application described above is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function, and the electronic certificate operation function is not activated in the image forming apparatus 10. Further, the operation when the image forming apparatus 10 does not correspond to the instruction for generating the electronic certificate from the terminal apparatus 20 will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.

The terminal device 20 inquires of the image forming device 10 of the existence of the registered digital certificate by using the Web interface function in the same manner as described above (step S801).

However, since the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function, the inquiry content from the terminal device 20 cannot be understood, and an error indicating that the inquiry content cannot be understood is returned to the terminal device 20. (Step S802).

Then, in the terminal device 20, according to the operation state confirmation table shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 10 uses an interface function other than the Web interface to inquire about the operation state of the SSL communication function having the next confirmation priority. (Step S803).

In response to the inquiry from the terminal device 20, the image forming device 10 replies that the SSL communication function is not activated (step S804).

Then, in the terminal device 20, by confirming that the SSL communication function is not activated, it is determined that the registered digital certificate does not exist, that is, the digital certificate operation function is not activated (step). S805).

Therefore, the terminal device 20 transmits an instruction to the image forming device 10 to activate the digital certificate function by generating and registering the digital certificate (step S806).

However, even if the image forming apparatus 10 receives the electronic certificate generation instruction from the terminal device 20, it does not correspond to the function of generating the electronic certificate in response to the generation instruction. The error is returned to the terminal device 20 (step S807).

Therefore, the terminal device 20 determines that the application installation process cannot be executed, displays a screen as shown in FIG. 17, for example, and notifies the user that the application installation process cannot be executed. (Step S808).

Further, FIG. 18 shows an example of an operation state confirmation table used when installing another application.

In the operation status confirmation table shown in FIG. 18, when it is necessary that the R / W (read / write) function to the HDD is activated (enabled state) in order for the application to be installed to operate. An example of is shown.

Then, in order to directly confirm that the R / W function for this HDD is being activated, it is sufficient to confirm that the operating state of the auxiliary storage device information management module is being activated. However, since it is necessary to use the Web interface function to check the operating status of the auxiliary storage device information management module, check the operating status of the auxiliary storage device information management module for devices that do not support the Web interface function. Can not do it.

Therefore, instead of checking the operating state of the auxiliary storage device information management module, the operating state of the R / W function to the HDD is determined by checking the operating state of the running application information management module.

Here, the fact that the operating state of the running application information management module is running is a sufficient condition that the operating state of the auxiliary storage device information management module is running.

Therefore, if the terminal device 20 can confirm that the operating state of the running application information management module is starting, it can determine that the operating state of the R / W function to the HDD is starting. ..

In particular, the state of a hardware device such as an HDD can often be confirmed by an interface function different from that of a Web interface such as a DB-API (Data Base-Application Programming Interface). Therefore, for a device or the like that does not support the Web interface function, it may be possible to confirm the operating state of a specific function by using another interface function such as DB-API.

Next, a case where there are a plurality of functions that are required to be in a specific operating state (setting state) in order to start the application will be described. FIG. 19 shows an example of an operation state confirmation table used when installing such an application.

In the operation status confirmation table shown in FIG. 19, when it is necessary that both the UI application installation function and the communication plug-in installation function are running in order for the application to be installed to operate. An example is shown.

Then, in order to directly confirm that the UI application installation function is running, it is sufficient to confirm that the operating state of the UI application setup control module is running. In addition, if it can be confirmed that the running application information management module is running, it is possible to indirectly confirm that the UI application installation function is running.

Further, in order to directly confirm that the communication plug-in installation function is running, it is sufficient to confirm that the operating state of the communication plug-in setup control module is running. Then, if it can be confirmed that the plug-in setup control module is running, it is possible to indirectly confirm that the communication plug-in installation function is running.

However, here, in order to check the operating status of the UI application setup control module and the communication plug-in setup control module, it is necessary that the device to be installed supports a new interface function such as a Web interface function.

Therefore, even if the inquiry processing of the operating state is performed, there is a high possibility that it will fail, and there is a high probability that the processing will be wasted.

Furthermore, since it is a condition when installing the application that both of the two functions to be confirmed are running, we first confirmed the functions that may not be running or the startup status may not be confirmed. It is possible to shorten the time until the final result of whether or not the application can be installed is confirmed.

For this reason, the confirmation priority when confirming the operating status of each module is set, and the plug-in setup control module, communication plug-in setup control module, running application information management module, and UI application setup control module. The settings are such that the operating status is checked in the order of.

Then, when the application as described above is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to the Web interface function, and the UI application installing function and the communication plug-in are further provided in the image forming apparatus 10. The operation when both of the two installation functions are in the activated state will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 20, the terminal device 20 inquires of the image forming device 10 of the operating state of the plug-in setup control module having the first confirmation priority by using the Web interface function (step S901). ).

Here, since the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to the Web interface function, it understands the contents of the inquiry from the terminal apparatus 20 and returns to the terminal apparatus 20 that the plug-in setup control module is running (). Step S902).

Therefore, the terminal device 20 determines that the communication plug-in installation function is being activated (step S903). As a result, it is no longer necessary to confirm the operating status of the communication plug-in setup control module having the second confirmation priority.
Therefore, the terminal device 20 inquires of the image forming device 10 of the operating state of the executing application information management module having the third confirmation priority by using the Web interface function (step S904).

Here, since the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to the Web interface function, it understands the contents of the inquiry from the terminal apparatus 20 and returns to the terminal apparatus 20 that the running application information management module is running. (Step S905).

Therefore, the terminal device 20 determines that the UI application installation function is being activated (step S906).

As a result, since it was confirmed that the two confirmation target functions are being activated, the terminal device 20 starts the application installation process on the image forming device 10 (step S907).

Next, when an application as described above is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 does not correspond to an interface function such as a Web interface function, and the operating state of the function to be confirmed is determined. The operation when this is not possible will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 21, the terminal device 20 inquires of the image forming device 10 of the operating state of the plug-in setup control module having the first confirmation priority by using the Web interface function (step S1001). ).

However, since the image forming apparatus 10 does not support the Web interface function, the inquiry content from the terminal device 20 cannot be understood, and an error indicating that the inquiry content cannot be understood is returned to the terminal device 20. (Step S1002).

Then, in the terminal device 20, according to the operation state confirmation table shown in FIG. 19, another interface function is used to inquire the image forming device 10 of the operation state of the communication plug-in setup control module having the second confirmation priority. (Step S1003).

However, since the image forming apparatus 10 does not support this interface function, the inquiry content from the terminal device 20 cannot be understood, and an error indicating that the inquiry content cannot be understood is returned to the terminal device 20. (Step S1004).

As a result, in the terminal device 20, since there is no other method for checking the operating status of the communication plug-in installation function, it is determined that this application cannot be installed, and the operating status of the UI application installation function is confirmed. Without doing so, the user is notified via the display unit 32 or the like that the application installation process cannot be executed, and the process ends (step S1005).

[Modification example]
In the above embodiment, the case where the terminal device 20 storing the installer 40 installs the application on the image forming device 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention is similarly applied even when the installer 40 is stored in the image forming apparatus 10 by a process such as downloading, and the installer 40 is started in the image forming apparatus 10 to install the application on the image forming apparatus 10. Can be done.

10 Image forming device 11 CPU
12 Memory 13 Storage device 14 Communication interface (IF)
15 User interface (UI) device 16 Control bus 20 Terminal device 30 Network 31 Control unit 32 Display unit 33 Storage unit 34 Storage device 35 Communication unit 40 Installer 41 App 43 Installation program

Claims (13)

When executing the process of installing a program, the first function, which is required to be in a specific operating state in order to operate the program, and the operating state change in conjunction with each other, depending on the operating state. An acquisition means for acquiring the operating state of the second function capable of determining the operating state of the first function, and
A determination means for determining the operating state of the first function based on the operating state of the second function acquired by the acquisition means.
When the operating state of the first function determined by the determining means is a specific operating state necessary for the program to operate normally, the process executing means for executing the process of installing the program and the process executing means.
Information processing device equipped with. When the operating state of the first function determined by the determining means is different from the specific operating state required to operate the program, the operating state of the first function is used to operate the program. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction means for instructing a change to a specific operating state necessary for the purpose. A claim further provided with a process execution means for executing a process of installing a program when the operation state of the first function becomes a specific operation state necessary for operating the program according to an instruction by the instruction means. Item 2. The information processing apparatus according to item 2. When the operating state of the first function does not become the specific operating state necessary for operating the program even though the instruction by the instruction means is given, the process of installing the program is executed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a notification means for notifying that the information processing cannot be performed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying that the process of installing the program cannot be executed when the operating state of the first function cannot be determined by the determination means. .. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the acquisition means acquires the operating state of the second function when the operating state of the first function cannot be acquired. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the acquisition means acquires the operating state of the first function when the operating state of the second function cannot be acquired. When there are a plurality of second functions in which the first function and the operating state are linked, the acquisition means sequentially acquires the operating states of the plurality of second functions.
From claim 1, the determining means determines the operating state of the first function based on the operating state of the second function of any of the plurality of second functions acquired by the acquiring means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 5. When there are a plurality of first functions that are required to be in a specific operating state in order to operate the program, the determining means determines the operating states of the plurality of first functions.
When the operating state of any one of the plurality of first functions is different from the specific operating state required for operating the program, the operating state of the first function is referred to as the above. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction means for instructing a change to a specific operating state necessary for operating the program. The information processing device according to claim 9 , wherein the determination means sequentially determines the operating state of the plurality of first functions based on a preset priority order. When the operating state of the first function, which is different from the specific operating state required to operate the program by the instruction by the indicating means, becomes the required specific operating state, the program. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 , further comprising a process execution means for executing the process of installing the device. When the operating state of the first function does not become a specific operating state necessary for operating the program even though the instruction is given by the indicating means, or when the plurality of first functions are operated by the determining means. Claims 9 to 11 further provided with a notification means for notifying that the process of installing the program cannot be executed when the operating state of any one of the functions of 1 cannot be determined. The information processing device described in any of the above. When executing the process of installing a program, the first function, which is required to be in a specific operating state in order to operate the program, and the operating state change in conjunction with each other, depending on the operating state. An acquisition step for acquiring the operating state of the second function capable of determining the operating state of the first function, and
On the basis of the operating state of the the second function obtained in the obtaining step, a determination step of determining the operating state of the first function,
When the operating state of the first function determined in the determination step is a specific operating state necessary for the program to operate normally, the process execution step of executing the process of installing the program and the process execution step.
A program that lets your computer run.

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