JP7524604B2 - Information processing device, system, method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, information processing devices such as image forming devices provide various functions (for example, functions realized by applications installed on the information processing device). Each function may require a specific setting item to have a specific setting value in order for the user to use the function. When such a function is added to the information processing device, the setting value of the specific setting item must be changed to the specific setting value.

Regarding settings when new functions are added, Patent Document 1 discloses that application installation control and setting changes to the application and information processing device are performed together.

However, in Patent Document 1, the user of the information processing device cannot know what setting changes have been made. In other words, the user does not know which function requires which setting item's setting value. As a result, the user may change the setting value required by a function to a different setting value, which may result in the user being unable to use that function.

Therefore, the present invention aims to notify the user of the setting values required for the functions of the information processing device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an installation unit that adds a function to the information processing device, and a display unit that displays a screen showing the setting values of the setting items required by the added function based on information about the function that requires the setting values of the setting items to be predetermined setting values.

According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the user of the setting values required for the functions of the information processing device.

1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a PC (server) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a setting value storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention (when managed in common); 4 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a setting value storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention (when managed separately); 4 is a diagram showing an example of data (permission/prohibition of setting changes) stored in a setting value storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data (permission/prohibition of setting changes) stored in a setting value storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a sequence diagram of a process for notifying a reason for a setting change according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of a process for notifying a reason for a setting change according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process for notifying a reason for setting change according to an embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a flowchart of a process for notifying the reason for setting change (when setting change is permitted or prohibited) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an example of a conventional setting screen. 11 is an example of a setting screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen (when setting changes are prohibited) according to an embodiment of the present invention; 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen (when setting changes are permitted) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

<Terminology>
"Function" refers to a function provided by an information processing device such as an image forming device. For example, the function is various functions provided by an application (also called application software or application program) of an information processing device such as an image forming device.
Functions provided by an information processing device include functions that require a specific setting item of the information processing device to be a specific setting value (i.e., the function is not executed unless the specific setting item is a specific setting value) and functions that do not require the specific setting item to be a specific setting value. When a function that requires the specific setting item to be a specific setting value is added to an information processing device, the setting value of the specific setting item needs to be changed to the specific setting value.

<System Configuration>
Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and a management server 20. The information processing device 10 and the management server 20 are communicatively connected via a communication network N. Each of them will be described below.

The information processing device 10 provides one or more functions (e.g., functions realized by an application installed in the information processing device 10). The information processing device 10 can notify the user of setting values required by the functions provided by the information processing device 10. For example, the information processing device 10 is an image forming device such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral/Product/Printer).

Incidentally, the information processing device 10 is not limited to an image forming device, so long as it is a device equipped with a communication function. The information processing device 10 may be, for example, a PJ (Projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a white board with an electronic blackboard function capable of mutual communication), an output device such as digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, industrial machinery, an imaging device, a sound collection device, medical equipment, a network home appliance, an automobile (Connected Car), a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game console, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a wearable PC, or a desktop PC.

The management server 20 can perform part of the process of notifying the user of the setting values required by the functions provided by the information processing device 10.

Note that in one embodiment, the management server 20 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other over any type of communication link, including a network, shared memory, etc., and perform the processing disclosed herein.

<Hardware Configuration>
The hardware configuration of an MFP, which is an example of the information processing device 10, and the hardware configuration of the management server 20 will be described below.

<<MPF>>
2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes a controller 110, a short-range communication circuit 120, an engine control unit 130, an operation panel 140, and a network I/F 150.

Of these, the controller 110 has a CPU 111, which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 112, a north bridge (NB) 113, a south bridge (SB) 114, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 116, a local memory (MEM-C) 117, which is a storage unit, an HDD controller 118, and a HD 119, which is also a storage unit, and is configured such that the NB 113 and the ASIC 116 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 121.

Of these, the CPU 111 is a control unit that performs overall control of the MFP 10. The NB 113 is a bridge that connects the CPU 111 with the MEM-P 112, the SB 114, and the AGP bus 121, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 112, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

The MEM-P 112 consists of a ROM 112a, which is memory for storing programs and data that realize the various functions of the controller 110, and a RAM 112b, which is used for expanding programs and data, and as a drawing memory during memory printing. The programs stored in the RAM 112b may be provided by recording them in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

SB114 is a bridge for connecting NB113 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. ASIC116 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing purposes that has hardware elements for image processing, and acts as a bridge connecting AGP bus 121, PCI bus 122, HDD 118, and MEM-C 117. This ASIC116 is composed of a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of ASIC116, a memory controller that controls MEM-C117, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that rotate image data using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between scanner unit 131 and printer unit 132 via PCI bus 122. In addition, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface may be connected to the ASIC 116.

MEM-C 117 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer. HD 119 is a storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. HD 119 controls the reading and writing of data from and to HD 119 under the control of CPU 111. AGP bus 121 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphic processing, and by directly accessing MEM-P 112 with high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can be made faster.

The short-range communication circuit 120 also includes a short-range communication circuit 120a. The short-range communication circuit 120 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The engine control unit 130 is further made up of a scanner unit 131 and a printer unit 132. The operation panel 140 has a panel display unit 140a, such as a touch panel, which displays the current settings and a selection screen and receives input from the operator, and an operation panel 140b consisting of a numeric keypad that receives settings for image formation conditions such as density settings and a start key that receives a copy start command. The controller 110 controls the entire MFP 10, and controls, for example, drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 140. The scanner unit 131 or the printer unit 132 includes an image processing unit such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

The MFP 10 can sequentially switch between the document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on the operation panel 140. When the document box function is selected, the document box mode is selected; when the copy function is selected, the copy mode is selected; when the printer function is selected, the printer mode is selected; and when the facsimile mode is selected, the facsimile mode is selected.

The network I/F 150 is an interface for data communication using the communication network N. The short-range communication circuit 120 and the network I/F 150 are electrically connected to the ASIC 116 via the PCI bus 122.

<<PC (Server)>>
Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a PC (server) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the PC (server) 20 is constructed by a computer, and includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a HD 204, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 205, a display 206, an external device connection I/F (Interface) 208, a network I/F 209, a data bus 210, a keyboard 211, a pointing device 212, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 214, and a media I/F 216.

Of these, the CPU 201 controls the operation of the entire PC (server) 20. The ROM 202 stores programs used to drive the CPU 201, such as IPL. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The HD 204 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 205 controls the reading or writing of various data from the HD 204 according to the control of the CPU 201. The display 206 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, character, or image. The external device connection I/F 208 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external device is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a printer. The network I/F 209 is an interface for data communication using the communication network N. The bus line 210 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3.

The keyboard 211 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 212 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving the cursor, etc. The DVD-RW drive 214 controls the reading and writing of various data from the DVD-RW 213, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that this is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R, etc. The media I/F 216 controls the reading and writing (storing) of data from the recording medium 215, such as a flash memory.

<Function block>
4 is a functional block diagram of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 1 can include an installation unit 101, an application unit 102, a setting unit 103, a display unit 104, and a setting value storage unit 105. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 can function as the installation unit 101, the application unit 102, the setting unit 103, and the display unit 104 by executing a program.

For example, the information processing device 10 may include an installation unit 101, an application unit 102, a setting unit 103, a display unit 104, and a setting value storage unit 105. Also, for example, the information processing device 10 may include the installation unit 101, the application unit 102, and the setting unit 103, and the management server 20 may include the display unit 104 and the setting value storage unit 105.

The installation unit 101 adds a function to the information processing device 10. For example, an installer plays the role of the installation unit 101. Specifically, the installation unit 101 (installer) adds the application unit 102 and makes it available (i.e., installs the application).

The application unit 102 provides various functions. For example, an application installed in the information processing device 10 performs the role of the application unit 102.

Specifically, when a function is added to the information processing device 10 (i.e., when an application is installed in the information processing device 10), the application unit 102 requests the setting unit 103 to change the setting value required by the added function (i.e., the installed application). In addition, the application unit 102 notifies the setting unit 103 that the added function requires the setting value of the setting item.

The setting unit 103 writes the setting value required by the added function (i.e., the installed application) to the setting value storage unit 105. The setting unit 103 also writes to the setting value storage unit 105 that the added function (i.e., the installed application) requires the setting value of the setting item.

The setting unit 103 also requests the display unit 104 to construct (draw) a setting screen. Specifically, the setting unit 103 reads the current setting values from the setting value storage unit 105. The setting unit 103 refers to the data stored in the setting value storage unit 105 and determines whether there is a function that requires the setting values of the setting items displayed on the setting screen to be predetermined setting values. The setting unit 103 refers to the data stored in the setting value storage unit 105 and determines whether the user is prohibited from changing the setting values of the setting items displayed on the setting screen or is permitted to change them.

The display unit 104 renders and displays a setting screen. The setting screen indicates for which function the setting value of each setting item is set (described in detail with reference to Figs. 14 to 16). Specifically, the display unit 104 displays a screen showing the setting values of the setting items required by the added function, based on information about functions that require the setting values of the setting items stored in the setting value storage unit 105 to be predetermined setting values.

The setting value storage unit 105 stores (memorizes) information about functions that require the setting value of a setting item to be a specified setting value (described in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6), and information about whether the setting value of a setting item is permitted or prohibited to be changed by the user (described in detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8).

Each function of the embodiments described in this specification can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

Figure 5 is an example of data (when managed in common) stored in the setting value storage unit 105 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the setting value storage unit 105 stores, for each setting item of the information processing device 10, the current setting value and a function (e.g., an application) that requires the setting value of that setting item to be a specified setting value.

The setting value storage unit 105 may store, for each setting item, the setting value required by the function and the setting value before the change (i.e., before the function was added). When the application is uninstalled, the setting value is restored to the setting value before the change.

Figure 6 is an example of data stored in the setting value storage unit 105 according to one embodiment of the present invention (when managed separately). As shown in Figure 6, for each setting item of the information processing device 10, the current setting value and a function (e.g., an application) that requires the setting value of that setting item to be a specified setting value may be stored in separate tables.

As in FIG. 5, the setting value storage unit 105 may store, for each setting item, a setting value required by the function and the setting value before the change (i.e., before the function was added). Note that the setting value before the change is restored when the application is uninstalled.

Figure 7 shows an example of data (permission/prohibition of setting changes) stored in the setting value storage unit 105 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, the setting value storage unit 105 stores information on whether to permit or prohibit users from changing the setting values for all setting items. For example, an administrator can set information on whether to permit or prohibit users from changing the setting values.

Figure 8 is an example of data (permission/prohibition of setting changes) stored in the setting value storage unit 105 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the setting value storage unit 105 may store information on whether to permit or prohibit the user from changing the setting value for each setting item. In Figure 8, permission/prohibition can be managed more flexibly than in the case of uniform management for all setting items as in Figure 7.

<Processing method>
The processing method will be described below with reference to FIGS.

Figure 9 is a sequence diagram of the process for notifying the reason for a setting change in one embodiment of the present invention.

In step 10 (S10), the user 100 instructs the installation unit 101 to add a function. Specifically, the user 100 instructs the installation unit 101 (installer) to install an application.

In step 11 (S11), the installation unit 101 adds the function instructed in S10. Specifically, the installation unit 101 (installer) installs the application (i.e., adds the application unit 102 and makes it available).

In step 12 (S12), the application unit 102 requests the setting unit 103 to change the setting value to one required by the application unit 102. At this time, the application unit 102 notifies the setting unit 103 that the application unit 102 requires the setting value of the setting item.

S12 may be executed immediately after the application is installed, or may be executed when the information processing device 10 is restarted after the application is installed.

In step 13 (S13), in response to the request in S12, the setting unit 103 writes the changed setting value to the setting value storage unit 105. In addition, in response to the notification in S12, the setting unit 103 writes to the setting value storage unit 105 that the application unit 102 requires the setting value of the setting item.

In step 14 (S14), the writing is completed.

In step 15 (S15), the user 100 instructs the setting unit 103 to start the setting process.

In step 16 (S16), the setting unit 103 reads the current setting value (i.e., the changed setting value written in S13) from the setting value storage unit 105 in response to the instruction in S15.

In step 17 (S17), reading is completed.

In step 18 (S18), the setting unit 103 requests the display unit 104 to construct (draw) a setting screen. Specifically, the setting screen is a screen that shows for which function the setting value of each setting item is set.

In step 19 (S19), the display unit 104 displays the setting screen drawn in response to the request in S18.

S19 may be executed immediately after the application is installed, or may be executed when the information processing device 10 is restarted after the application is installed.

Figure 10 is a sequence diagram of a process for notifying the reason for a setting change according to one embodiment of the present invention. Instead of S13 to S14 in Figure 9, S20 to S25 in Figure 10 may be executed. That is, as in Figure 9, the application unit 102 may notify that it needs the setting value for the setting item together with a request to change the setting value, or as in Figure 10, the application unit 102 may notify that it needs the setting value for the setting item separately from a request to change the setting value.

In step 20 (S20), the application unit 102 requests the setting unit 103 to change the setting value to the value required by the application unit 102.

In step 21 (S21), the setting unit 103 writes the changed setting value to the setting value storage unit 105 in response to the request in S20.

In step 22 (S22), the writing is completed.

In step 23 (S23), the application unit 102 notifies the setting unit 103 that the application unit 102 requires the setting value of the setting item of S20.

In step 24 (S24), in response to the notification in S23, the setting unit 103 writes to the setting value storage unit 105 that the application unit 102 requires the setting value of the setting item in S20.

In step 25 (S25), the writing is completed.

Figure 11 is a flowchart of the process for notifying the reason for a setting change according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In step 101 (S101), the display unit 104 displays a screen showing the current setting values of each setting item.

In step 102 (S102), the setting unit 103 determines whether or not there is a function that requires the setting of S101. If there is, the process proceeds to step 103, and if there is no function, the process ends.

In step 103 (S103), the display unit 104 displays the functions that require the settings in S102 on the screen in S101.

Figure 12 is a flowchart of the process for notifying the reason for a setting change (when a setting change is permitted or prohibited) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In step 201 (S201), the display unit 104 displays a screen showing the current setting values of each setting item.

In step 202 (S202), the setting unit 103 determines whether or not there is a function that requires the setting of S201. If there is, the process proceeds to step 203, and if there is no function, the process ends.

In step 203 (S203), the display unit 104 displays the functions that require the setting of S202 on the screen of S201.

In step 204 (S204), the setting unit 103 determines whether the user is prohibited from changing the settings in S201 or permitted to do so. If prohibited, the process proceeds to step 205, and if permitted, the process proceeds to step 206.

In step 205 (S205), the setting unit 103 performs control so that the user cannot change the settings. Furthermore, the display unit 104 displays on the screen of S201 a message indicating that the settings cannot be changed. Specifically, the display unit 104 displays a setting screen on which the setting values of the setting items required by the added function cannot be changed.

In step 206 (S206), the display unit 104 displays on the screen of S201 a message indicating that the function will become unavailable if the setting is changed. Specifically, after indicating that the added function will become unavailable, the display unit 104 displays a setting screen on which the setting values of the setting items required by the added function can be changed.

<User Interface>
Examples of screens displayed on the information processing device 10 or the management server 20 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

Figure 13 is an example of a conventional setting screen. As shown in Figure 13, the conventional setting screen did not clearly indicate which function the setting value of each setting item was set for. As a result, a user could change the setting value required by a function to a different setting value, which could result in the user being unable to use that function.

Figure 14 is an example of a setting screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 14, in one embodiment of the present invention, a screen can be displayed that shows which function (e.g., which application) the setting value of each setting item is set for.

Figure 15 is an example of a settings screen according to one embodiment of the present invention (when settings changes are prohibited). In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 15, a screen is displayed that indicates which function (e.g., which application) the setting value of each setting item is set for, and the settings can be made unchangeable (e.g., the setting value is displayed in gray). Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to clearly indicate that the settings cannot be changed, as shown in Figure 15.

Figure 16 is an example of a settings screen according to one embodiment of the present invention (when settings changes are permitted). In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 16, a screen is displayed that indicates which function (e.g., which application) the setting value of each setting item is set for, and it is possible to permit changes to the settings after clearly indicating that changing the settings will make the function unavailable. Specific screen transitions are described below.

In step 1001 (S1001), a screen is displayed that indicates which function (e.g., which application) the setting value of each setting item is set for, and that changing the setting will make the function unavailable. When user 100 inputs an instruction to change the setting value on the screen of S1001, the screen transitions to the screen of step 1002.

In step 1002 (S1002), a screen is displayed to obtain approval of the setting change from the user. When the user 100 inputs an instruction to approve the setting change on the screen of S1002, the screen transitions to the screen of step 1003.

In step 1003 (S1003), a screen showing the changed setting values is displayed.

＜Effects＞
Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, by notifying a user of the setting values required by a function provided by an information processing device, the user can be urged not to change the setting values required by the function to other setting values.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations shown here, including combinations of the configurations and other elements in the above-mentioned embodiments. These points can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

1 Information processing system 10 Information processing device 20 Management server 100 User 101 Installation unit 102 Application unit 103 Setting unit 104 Display unit 105 Setting value storage unit

JP 2017-004175 A

Claims (6)

an installation unit that adds a function to the information processing device;
a setting unit that sets a setting value of a setting item required by the added function based on information of the function that requires the setting value of the setting item to be a predetermined setting value;
a display unit that displays a screen showing setting values of setting items required by the added function ,
The information processing device , wherein the screen is a setting screen on which a setting value set by the setting unit can be changed after indicating that the added function will no longer be available. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a screen immediately after the function is added or when the information processing device is restarted after the function is added. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether to permit or prohibit a user from changing a setting value for each of the setting items is managed. An information processing system including an information processing device and a management server,
an installation unit that adds a function to the information processing device;
a setting unit that sets a setting value of a setting item required by the added function based on information of the function that requires the setting value of the setting item to be a predetermined setting value;
a display unit that displays a screen showing setting values of setting items required by the added function ,
An information processing system , wherein the screen is a setting screen on which a setting value set by the setting unit can be changed after indicating that the added function will no longer be available. A method executed by an information processing device, comprising:
adding a function to the information processing device;
setting a setting value of a setting item required by the added function based on information of the function requiring the setting value of the setting item to be a predetermined setting value;
displaying a screen showing setting values of setting items required by the added function ;
The method , wherein the screen is a setting screen that allows the user to change the setting value set in the setting step after indicating that the added function will no longer be available. an installation unit that adds a function to an information processing device;
a setting unit that sets a setting value of a setting item required by the added function based on information of the function that requires the setting value of the setting item to be a predetermined setting value;
a display unit that displays a screen showing the setting values of the setting items required by the added function ;
The program , wherein the screen is a setting screen on which a setting value set by the setting unit can be changed after indicating that the added function will no longer be available.

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