WO2013147159A1 - Maintenance program, computer-readable recording medium on which maintenance program is stored, setting value overwrite method, information processing device, and maintenance system - Google Patents

Maintenance program, computer-readable recording medium on which maintenance program is stored, setting value overwrite method, information processing device, and maintenance system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013147159A1
WO2013147159A1 PCT/JP2013/059531 JP2013059531W WO2013147159A1 WO 2013147159 A1 WO2013147159 A1 WO 2013147159A1 JP 2013059531 W JP2013059531 W JP 2013059531W WO 2013147159 A1 WO2013147159 A1 WO 2013147159A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
setting value
unit
image forming
forming apparatus
item
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Application number
PCT/JP2013/059531
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
金鉉俊
Original Assignee
京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社
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Publication of WO2013147159A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013147159A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
    • G03G15/5016—User-machine interface; Display panels; Control console
    • G03G15/502—User-machine interface; Display panels; Control console relating to the structure of the control menu, e.g. pop-up menus, help screens
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
    • G03G15/5075—Remote control machines, e.g. by a host
    • G03G15/5079—Remote control machines, e.g. by a host for maintenance
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H04N1/00464—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus using browsers, i.e. interfaces based on mark-up languages
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00962—Input arrangements for operating instructions or parameters, e.g. updating internal software
    • H04N1/00973—Input arrangements for operating instructions or parameters, e.g. updating internal software from a remote device, e.g. receiving via the internet instructions input to a computer terminal
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00025—Machine control, e.g. regulating different parts of the machine
    • G03G2215/00109—Remote control of apparatus, e.g. by a host
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0094—Multifunctional device, i.e. a device capable of all of reading, reproducing, copying, facsimile transception, file transception

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a maintenance program, a computer-readable recording medium storing the maintenance program, a setting value rewriting method, an information processing apparatus, and a maintenance system, and more particularly, to store a level of operation by an operation mechanism of an image forming apparatus.
  • the present invention relates to a technique for changing the set value.
  • firmware which is a program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus, is stored in an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (see Patent Document 1 below).
  • the firmware stores an operation range indicating an operation range by an operation mechanism provided in the image forming apparatus.
  • This firmware determines the operation level of the operation mechanism according to the set value set by the operator within the operation range, and controls the operation of the operation mechanism.
  • the set value can be set for each of a plurality of items that can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus.
  • the set value that has been set is stored in a storage area such as a memory provided in the image forming apparatus.
  • the operation mechanism when a problem occurs in the operation of the image forming apparatus, for example, the reference position of the image forming area with respect to the recording paper is deviated, the reference area of the original reading during the scanning operation is deviated, and the printing reference density is deviated from the original density.
  • the operator can change the setting values of the above items.
  • the appropriate operation level of the operation mechanism is determined by cooperation with other related operation mechanisms, it is difficult for the operator to select and set an appropriate setting value accurately. If the operator sets an inappropriate setting value, the operation mechanism may not operate normally.
  • the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem.
  • a setting value for determining the operation level of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus is determined by the operation mechanism.
  • the purpose is to enable accurate change to a value that ensures normal operation.
  • the maintenance program causes the information processing apparatus to function as a display screen control unit, a set value receiving unit, and a set value output unit.
  • the display screen control unit causes the browser to display image data provided in association with each item whose setting value can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus as an instruction receiving image on the display unit of the information processing apparatus.
  • the setting value receiving unit is set to the item associated with the image data of the instruction receiving image based on an operation of an operator based on the instruction receiving image displayed on the display unit by the browser.
  • a value is received from the operator for each item within a numerical value range that is further limited from a numerical value range that allows the image forming apparatus to normally perform an operation on the item.
  • the set value output unit outputs the set value received by the set value receiving unit and an item to which the set value is applied to the image forming apparatus.
  • the set value accepting unit receives the set value in the image forming apparatus within a range of numerical values that are further restricted from within a range of numerical values that cause the image forming apparatus to normally perform an operation on the item. Since the setting value of each item that can be adjusted is received from the operator, and the setting value output unit outputs the received setting value of each item to the image forming apparatus, the predetermined numerical value is set.
  • the information processing apparatus or the maintenance program is installed by setting the range for each item within a limited range in which the normal operation is performed within the operation range of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus. Using the information processing apparatus, it is possible to output an appropriate setting value that ensures normal operation to the image forming apparatus.
  • the setting value stored so far can be rewritten to the output setting value.
  • the operation mechanism is changed to an inappropriate value for performing an abnormal operation. Can be prevented.
  • the operation mechanism operates abnormally without creating a new firmware for operation control generally used in the image forming apparatus and changing the operation range itself. The situation where the value is changed to an inappropriate value can be prevented.
  • the setting value that determines the operation level of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus is set to a value that ensures the normal operation of the operation mechanism. It becomes possible to change it accurately.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a maintenance system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of creating a maintenance program according to the application.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the computer and the image forming apparatus constituting the maintenance system.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of creating a maintenance program according to the application.
  • FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing processing for rewriting the set values of the above items related to the operation of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus from the computer in the maintenance system.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a maintenance system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of creating a maintenance program according to the application.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus and a USB memory used in the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of internal configurations of the image forming apparatus and the USB memory according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing for rewriting set values for each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a usage pattern in the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of rewriting set values for each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a maintenance system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the maintenance system 1 includes a computer 2 and an image forming apparatus 3.
  • the computer 2 is an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
  • a maintenance program 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the computer 2.
  • the maintenance program 5 is installed through a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB memory, or via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (local area network).
  • the image forming apparatus 3 will be described by taking a multifunction machine having an operation mechanism such as a copy, a printer, a fax, and a scanner as an example.
  • the image forming apparatus 3 can perform data communication with the computer 2.
  • Firmware that is a program for controlling each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 is installed in a mask ROM on the control board of the image forming apparatus 3 or a flash memory interfaced to the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the control unit of the image forming apparatus 3 controls the operation of each operation mechanism by operating according to the firmware.
  • the maintenance program 5 described above is a set value of items realized by the operation of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3, for example, destination setting, toner area code, high altitude mode setting, drum refresh setting, and recording paper by the image forming unit.
  • the setting value as a rewriting candidate is output to the image forming apparatus It is a program to do.
  • This set value is a value used to determine the operation level of each operation mechanism that operates in the image forming apparatus in order to realize the content indicated by the item.
  • the maintenance program 5 includes an operation adjustment program for each item whose set value can be adjusted.
  • the operation adjustment program has image data and a control program.
  • the image data is data used as an image to be displayed on the display unit 24 (see FIG. 3) of the computer 2, and is created, for example, in XML format data.
  • the tagged text portion is interpreted by the XML parser unit 7 (see FIG. 3) provided in the computer 2, so that the browser 8 provided in the computer 2 (FIG. 3). ) Is converted into a drawing format suitable for the display unit 24 and displayed on the display unit 24.
  • the image data is, for example, image data that displays the name of the associated item, and the XML parser unit serves as an instruction receiving image for receiving a setting value change instruction for the item from the operator. 7 and browser 8 to display on display unit 24.
  • the image based on the image data is displayed on the display unit 24 of the computer 2 by the browser 8 via the XML parser unit 7, so that the drawing format converted by the XML parser unit 7 can be changed.
  • the display unit 24 of the computer 2 can display the same image data as another type of device (for example, an image forming device, a mobile device, etc.). It is possible to display in a drawing format different from other devices. That is, even when the maintenance program 5 is installed in another device, the drawing format converted by the XML parser unit provided in the installation destination device is adapted to the performance of the browser and display unit of the device. If the same format is used, even if the same image data is used in each device, an image based on the image data can be displayed on the display unit in a different rendering format for each device.
  • the display unit 24 of the computer 2 having a large display screen with high resolution displays a large image consisting of detailed graphic display, and the display unit having a small display screen with these low resolutions in an image forming apparatus or mobile device. Can be displayed as a small image with a simplified display.
  • the control program is associated with image data provided in the same operation adjustment program.
  • the control program includes a process related to display of the image data, a process of receiving input of setting values of items associated with the image data from the operator, and the received setting values of the image forming apparatus 3 Has a function of performing a process of outputting to a processing unit for performing rewriting.
  • the setting values of the above items are converted into control values for the operation of one or more operation mechanisms.
  • the above item is the printing reference density, an operation mechanism that requires an operation for changing the printing density, for example, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum (charging potential by the charging device), the developing bias of the developing device, the transfer
  • the control program receives respective control values for the transfer bias of the apparatus, the exposure amount of the exposure apparatus, and the like. That is, in this example, the control value is a charging voltage value by the charging device, a developing bias value of the developing device, a transfer bias value of the transfer device, an exposure amount value of the exposure device, or the like.
  • Which operation mechanism the control program accepts as its set value is determined according to the above item, for example, selected by the manufacturer through experiments or the like, and incorporated as a function of the control program.
  • the maintenance program 5 is created by incorporating one or a plurality of operation adjustment programs in which image data and control programs for each item are packaged.
  • an operation adjustment program for each item is stored in the management server or the like.
  • the manufacturer or the like is used for maintenance of the image forming apparatus 3, for example, an end user who does not have knowledge about the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3, a maintenance person (service person) having maintenance work capability of the image forming apparatus 3, Depending on which person, such as a sales company or dealer that needs to maintain the image forming apparatus 3 according to the customer's application, or a manufacturing worker having the ability to manufacture the image forming apparatus 3, uses the maintenance program 5. That is, the type and number of items are selected according to the level of the user of the maintenance program 5, and the operation adjustment program corresponding to the selected item is assembled to create the maintenance program 5.
  • the manufacturer or the like selects the items that allow the setting value to be changed / adjusted according to the application, and creates the maintenance program 5 by collecting the operation adjustment programs corresponding to the selected items.
  • a maintenance program 5 is created in which the items for which the setting value is allowed to be changed / adjusted according to each of the end user, maintenance person, sales company or dealer, and manufacturing worker. Is possible.
  • the image forming apparatus 3 receives the setting value output from the computer 2 and the setting value rewriting information indicating the item to which the setting value is applied, and the items indicated by the setting value rewriting information have been stored so far.
  • the set value is rewritten to a new set value included in the set value rewriting information.
  • the operation control firmware controls the operation of the operation mechanism in accordance with the setting values set for the respective items. Rewriting of the setting values is only performed for each item stored in the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the setting value of the item is rewritten, and the firmware itself is not rewritten.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the computer 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 constituting the maintenance system 1. It should be noted that the illustration and description will be focused on the configuration related to the present invention.
  • the computer 2 includes a control unit 20 that controls the overall operation of the computer 2, a ROM 21, a RAM 22, an HDD (Hard disk drive) 23, a display unit 24, a communication interface 25, and an input unit 26. . These units can transmit / receive data or signals to / from each other via a CPU bus.
  • the ROM 21 stores an operation program for basic operations of the computer 2.
  • the RAM 22 is used as an operation area of the control unit 20.
  • the HDD 23 stores various programs to be operated on the computer 2 and various data to be stored in the storage area.
  • the maintenance program 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed (stored) in the HDD 23.
  • the control unit 20 operates as the maintenance control unit 210 including the display screen control unit 201, the set value receiving unit 202, and the set value output unit 203 by operating according to the maintenance program 5.
  • the display unit 24 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays an instruction receiving image based on the image data, an operation guide for an operator who operates the computer 2, and the like.
  • LCD Liquid Crystal Display
  • the communication interface 25 is an interface for performing data communication with the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the communication method between the communication interface 25 and the image forming apparatus 3 is described as being based on a USB cable connection.
  • the communication method between the communication interface 25 and the image forming apparatus 3 is not limited to this.
  • the input unit 26 includes a keyboard, a mouse pointer, and the like, and can be operated by the operation mechanism in the image forming apparatus 3, such as a destination setting, a toner area code, a high altitude mode setting, a drum refresh setting, and an image forming unit.
  • the operator accepts input of setting values for items such as the reference position of the print area with respect to the recording paper, the reference area for document reading in the scanning operation by the image reading section, and the print reference density of the image forming section.
  • the control unit 20 includes a CPU and the like, and includes a control unit 200, a maintenance control unit 210, and a display control unit 220.
  • the control unit 20 operates as a maintenance control unit 210 corresponding to each operation adjustment program by operating according to each operation adjustment program included in the maintenance program 5 installed in the HDD 23. For this reason, when the maintenance program 5 has an operation adjustment program for each of the plurality of items described above, the control unit 20 functions as the maintenance control units 210 corresponding to the number of operation adjustment programs.
  • the maintenance control unit 210 can also be configured by a hardware circuit, regardless of the operation based on the maintenance program 5. The same applies to each embodiment unless otherwise specified. However, in the first embodiment, the maintenance control unit 210 will be described as being realized by the operation of the control unit 20 based on the maintenance program 5.
  • the control unit 200 controls the operation of the entire computer 2.
  • the maintenance control unit 210 controls processing necessary for performing maintenance of the image forming apparatus 3 connected to the computer 2.
  • Each maintenance control unit 210 includes a display screen control unit 201, a set value receiving unit 202, and a set value output unit 203.
  • the display screen control unit 201 stores items of image data associated with items that can be adjusted in set values in the image forming apparatus 3 and are set as adjustment targets of the operation adjustment program.
  • This image data is image data indicating the name of the associated item.
  • the browser 8 described later displays an image indicated by the screen data on the display unit 24 as an instruction reception image.
  • the setting value receiving unit 202 is set to the item associated with the image data as the instruction receiving image based on the operation of the operator based on the instruction receiving image displayed on the display unit 24 by the browser 8.
  • a value is received from the operator within a predetermined numerical range.
  • the predetermined numerical range is set so that the operations corresponding to the above items by the respective operation mechanisms of the image forming apparatus 3 are normally performed even when various users change the setting values as will be described later.
  • the numerical value range is further limited by the manufacturer or the like within the numerical value range set so that each operation mechanism of the apparatus 3 normally performs the operation corresponding to the above item.
  • the limited numerical value range is preset in the set value receiving unit 202 by the creator of the maintenance program 5, for example, the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1.
  • the manufacturer or the like has a person who performs maintenance of the image forming apparatus 3, for example, an end user who does not have knowledge about the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3, and has a maintenance work capability of the image forming apparatus 3. Any one of a maintenance person (service person), a sales company or a dealer who needs to maintain the image forming apparatus 3 according to the customer's application, a manufacturing worker having the ability to manufacture the image forming apparatus 3, etc.
  • the predetermined numerical range which is a range of values for which change of the set value is permitted, is within an operation range in which each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 can operate (in FIG. 1 ”to“ 10 ”) (in FIG.
  • the high altitude mode setting range of the user is set to“ 3 ”to“ 6 ”, and the high The mode setting range "1" to is set to "8") that is, it is possible to variously manage the scope that allows the settings changed according to the knowledge level and permissions of the user.
  • the set value output unit 203 outputs to the image forming apparatus 3 set value received by the set value receiving unit 202 and set value rewrite information indicating items to which the set value is applied.
  • the set value output unit 203 communicates with the image forming apparatus 3 via the communication interface 25.
  • the set value output unit 203 encrypts the set value rewrite information including data in the XML format and outputs the encrypted information.
  • the output of the setting value rewriting information by the setting value output unit 203 is not limited to the XML format, but in the present embodiment, the case of the XML format will be described as an example.
  • the display control unit 220 controls the image display operation by the display unit 24.
  • the display control unit 220 includes a browser 8 and an XML parser unit 7.
  • the XML parser unit 7 interprets the image data in the XML format included in the display screen control unit 201 and converts it into data having a drawing format adapted to the display unit 24.
  • the browser 8 causes the display unit 24 to display the image data as an instruction reception image using the converted data.
  • the image forming apparatus 3 includes a control unit 30, a display unit 35, an image forming unit 36, an image reading unit 37, a communication interface 38, and an operation unit 47.
  • the communication interface 38 is an interface for performing data communication with the computer 2.
  • the control unit 30 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls operation of the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the control unit 30 includes a mask ROM (or flash memory).
  • Firmware that is a program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 is installed in the mask ROM.
  • the control unit 30 functions as the set value information acquisition unit 31 and the control unit 32 by operating according to the firmware.
  • the set value information acquisition unit 31 acquires the above set value rewrite information output from the computer 2 via the communication interface 38.
  • the set value information acquisition unit 31 includes a security unit 311 and an XML parser unit 312.
  • the mask ROM stores programs for operating the control unit 30 as these units.
  • the control unit 30 functions as the security unit 311 and the XML parser unit 312 by operating according to the programs.
  • the security unit 311 performs encryption processing and decryption processing in the SSL format used for data communication with the computer 2.
  • the security unit 311 decrypts the encrypted data such as the SSL format acquired from the computer 2, and performs encryption processing on the data to be output to the computer 2 using the SSL or the like.
  • the XML parser unit 312 interprets the XML format data decrypted by the security unit 311 and converts it into a data format that can be handled by the control unit 32.
  • the control unit 32 is in charge of controlling each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the control unit 32 includes, for example, an OS and an Entity, and performs process input / output management and the like according to the contents indicated by the data after interpretation by the XML parser unit 312.
  • the control unit 32 functions as a set value storage unit 321, an operation control unit 322, and a set value change unit 323.
  • the set value storage unit 321 includes, for example, a charging voltage value necessary for the operation of each operation mechanism such as a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and a paper transport mechanism forming the image forming unit 36.
  • Control values such as the amount of exposure light, development bias, transfer bias, fixing temperature, and paper transport roller rotation speed are stored as set values that determine the operation level of each operation mechanism.
  • the operation control unit 322 controls the operation of each operation mechanism provided in the image forming apparatus 3, for example, the image forming unit 36, the image reading unit 37, and the like.
  • the operation control unit 322 controls the operation of each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 using each setting value stored in the setting value storage unit 321. Note that the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 whose operation is controlled by the operation control unit 322 is not limited to the image forming unit 36 and the image reading unit 37.
  • the setting value changing unit 323 receives the setting value rewriting information acquired from the computer 2 by the setting value information acquiring unit 31, and the acquired setting value for each operation mechanism stored in the setting value storage unit 321 is acquired. The setting value corresponding to the item indicated by the setting value rewriting information is changed to the setting value indicated by the setting value rewriting information.
  • the image forming unit 36 is a mechanism for forming an image on a recording medium. As described above, the image forming unit 36 includes, for example, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and a paper transport mechanism.
  • the image reading unit 37 includes a scanner that reads a document image.
  • the operation unit 47 includes a numeric keypad, a start key for inputting an image formation execution instruction, and the like, and receives various operation instructions for the image forming apparatus 3 from an operator.
  • FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing processing for rewriting the setting values of the above items relating to the operation of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 from the computer 2 in the maintenance system 1.
  • the maintenance program 5 is installed in the computer 2.
  • the operator when acquiring the maintenance program 5 from the management server 9 through the network, the operator operates the input unit 26 of the computer 2.
  • the operator inputs, for example, a password distributed in advance into the input unit 26 of the computer 2.
  • the operator inputs a download instruction for the maintenance program 5 to the input unit 26 of the computer 2 (S1), starts the download program installed in the HDD 23 of the computer 2 (S2), and uses this download program to manage the management server.
  • 9 is accessed and a download request for the maintenance program 5 is transmitted from the computer 2 (S3).
  • the management server 9 searches the storage unit 5 for the download request and retrieves the maintenance program 5 (S4), and transmits the maintenance program 5 to the computer 2 (S5). As a result, the maintenance program 5 is downloaded to the computer 2, and the maintenance program 5 is installed in the HDD 23 of the computer 2 (S6).
  • the operator connects one end of the USB cable to the communication interface 25 of the computer 2 (S7) and connects the other end of the USB cable to the communication interface 38 of the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the control unit 20 when the operator inputs an instruction for starting the maintenance program 5 from the input unit 26 (S8), the control unit 20 starts the maintenance program 5 (S9).
  • the control unit 20 functions as the maintenance control unit 210 having the display screen control unit 201, the set value receiving unit 202, and the set value output unit 203.
  • the XML parser unit 7 interprets, for example, XML format image data stored in each display screen control unit 201 of each operation adjustment program included in the maintenance program 5 and is adapted to display on the display unit 24. Convert the image data to the rendered format.
  • the browser 8 displays each image data after the conversion on the display unit 24 as an instruction receiving image (S10).
  • An example of the display screen of the display unit 24 in this case is shown as a display screen D1 in FIG.
  • FIG. 6 shows an example in which the maintenance program 5 has an operation adjustment program for each item of the print reference area, the read reference area, and the print reference density.
  • the display screen control unit 201 of the maintenance control unit 210 that causes the display unit 24 to display the setting value reception screen D2 shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 24 by the XML parser unit 7 and the browser 8 (S12).
  • the set value receiving unit 202 receives the input of the set value (S14). At this time, the set value receiving unit 202 receives the input of the set value only within the predetermined numerical range described above.
  • the setting value output unit 203 outputs the setting value rewriting information indicating the setting value and the item to which the setting value is applied to the image forming apparatus 3 from the communication interface 25 as encrypted XML data. (S15).
  • information to be communicated is encrypted by an SSL method or the like. It is preferable to transmit and receive after converting.
  • the set value output unit 203 encrypts the set value rewrite information by the SSL method or the like and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the security unit 311 acquires the encrypted setting value rewriting information via the communication interface 38, the setting value rewriting information is decrypted.
  • the item indicated by the decoded set value rewriting information and the set value for the item are interpreted by the XML parser unit 312.
  • the setting value changing unit 323 uses the item indicated by the setting value rewriting information and the setting value for the item, among the setting values stored in the setting value storage unit 321, the acquired setting value rewriting.
  • the setting value of the item indicated by the information is rewritten to the setting value indicated by the setting value rewriting information (S16).
  • the operation adjustment program further functions as an unillustrated set value confirmation unit that acquires the set value from the image forming apparatus.
  • the maintenance control unit 210 of the control unit 20 of the computer 2 further sets the set value. It is good also as what operate
  • the set value confirming unit Receives the confirmation instruction, requests the image forming apparatus 3 to transmit the setting value information of the item after being rewritten in S16 via the communication interface 25 (S18).
  • the operation control unit 322 reads out the setting value stored at this time from the setting value storage unit 321 and indicated by the setting value transmission request, and stores the information of the read setting value. Then, the data is transmitted to the computer 2 via the communication interface 38 (S19). Thereafter, in the computer 2, the setting value confirmation unit acquires the setting value information of the item sent from the image forming apparatus 3, and causes the display unit 24 to display the setting value of the item (S20). In this case, the operator can not only output the set values of the above items but also check whether or not the set values have been rewritten as scheduled in the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the operator operates the computer 2 in which the maintenance program 5 is installed, so that each item used when operating each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 is limited to the predetermined numerical range. It is possible to permit the operator to rewrite the set value. For this reason, it is possible to output only the appropriate setting values that ensure the normal operation of the image forming apparatus 3 from the computer 2 to the image forming apparatus 3. In the image forming apparatus 3, it is possible to rewrite the setting value stored so far to the appropriate setting value that is output.
  • the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 is normally set by the operator. A situation where a set value that does not operate is set is prevented.
  • the rewritable range of setting values stored in the firmware can be changed without creating or rewriting firmware for operation control generally used in the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the setting that determines the operation level of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 when the operation adjustment of the image forming apparatus 3 becomes necessary It becomes possible to accurately change the value to a value that ensures normal operation by the operation mechanism.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus 3 and the USB memory used in the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • symbol is attached
  • the maintenance program 5 is stored in a portable storage medium 6 (hereinafter referred to as USB memory 6) such as a USB memory.
  • USB memory 6 is connected to the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the image forming apparatus 3 obtains setting value rewriting information on the above items of the image forming apparatus 3 by the control unit 30 accessing and operating the maintenance program 5 in the USB memory 6, and setting of each item Change the value.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 and the USB memory 6 in the second embodiment. The description of the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment is omitted.
  • the image forming apparatus 3 includes a display unit 35, a set value information acquisition unit 31, a control unit 32, a USB interface 39, an image forming unit 36, an image reading unit 37, and an operation unit 47.
  • the control unit 30 further functions as the maintenance control unit 330.
  • the set value information acquisition unit 31 includes a browser 314 instead of the security unit 311.
  • the USB memory 6 has a maintenance program 5 stored in an internal storage area.
  • the control unit 30 when the user connects the USB memory 6 to the USB interface 39 of the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 30 recognizes the USB memory 6.
  • the control unit 30 reads the maintenance program 5 stored in the USB memory 6 and operates according to the maintenance program 5 (activates the maintenance program 5).
  • the control unit 30 functions as a maintenance control unit 330 including the display screen control unit 331, the set value receiving unit 332, and the set value output unit 333.
  • the display screen control unit 331, the set value receiving unit 332, and the set value output unit 333 have the same functions as the display screen control unit 201, the set value receiving unit 202, and the set value output unit 203 described in the first embodiment.
  • the control unit 30 functions as a maintenance control unit 330 corresponding to the number of operation adjustment programs, as in the first embodiment.
  • the display screen control unit 331 causes the display unit 35 to display the screen data stored in the display screen control unit 331 on the display unit 35 by the browser 314 and the XML parser unit 312 provided in the setting value acquisition unit 31.
  • each display screen control unit 331 of the maintenance control unit 330 corresponding to each operation adjustment program included in the maintenance program 5 causes the display unit 35 to display an instruction reception image.
  • the setting value reception unit 332 is an item associated with the image data as the designated instruction reception image. Accept setting value for.
  • the set value output unit 333 outputs the set value received by the set value receiving unit 332 and the set value rewrite information indicating the item to which the set value is applied to the XML parser unit 312 of the set value information acquiring unit 31.
  • the XML parser unit 312 interprets the set value rewriting information having an XML data format.
  • the set value change unit 323 acquires the set value rewrite information from the set value output unit 333, and among the set values of each item stored in the set value storage unit 321, the setting of the item indicated by the set value rewrite information The value is rewritten and changed to the setting value indicated by the setting value rewriting information.
  • the XML parser unit 312 converts the acquired image data in the XML format into a drawing format suitable for the performance of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3, such as resolution and display screen size. To do. Thereby, even if the resolution and display screen size of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3 are smaller than the display unit 24 of the computer 2 as in the first embodiment, the visibility for the user can be ensured.
  • FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of rewriting set values for each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 in the second embodiment.
  • the USB memory 6 storing the maintenance program 5 is distributed to the operator.
  • the control unit 30 provided in the image forming apparatus 3 recognizes the USB memory 6, and the maintenance stored in the USB memory 6 is performed.
  • the program 5 is activated (S22).
  • the control unit 30 functions as a maintenance control unit 330 including the display screen control unit 331, the set value receiving unit 332, and the set value output unit 333.
  • the display screen control unit 331 causes the display unit 35 to display an instruction reception image by the browser 314 and the XML parser unit 312 (S23).
  • the XML parser unit 312 converts the acquired image data in the XML format into a drawing format suitable for the performance of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3.
  • An example of the display screen of the display unit 24 in this case is shown in FIG.
  • the display screen D3 of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3 is generally narrower than the display unit 24 provided in the computer 2, but the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3 is displayed on the XML parser unit 312.
  • the display screen D3 shown in FIG. By converting the image data according to the performance of the image, even if the resolution and display screen size of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3 are smaller than the display unit 24 of the computer 2, the display screen D3 shown in FIG. In this way, a display that does not impair the visibility to the user is ensured.
  • the display screen control unit 331 of the maintenance control unit 330 corresponding to the item causes the display unit 35 to display the setting value reception screen D4 shown in FIG. 12 by the XML parser unit 312 and the browser 314 (S25).
  • This set value reception screen D4 has a drawing format converted according to the performance of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3 in the same manner as the display screen D3.
  • the set value receiving unit 332 receives the input of the set value (S27). At this time, the set value receiving unit 332 receives the input of the set value only within the predetermined numerical range described above.
  • the setting value output unit 333 outputs the setting value rewrite information indicating the setting value and the item to which the setting value is applied to the XML parser unit 312 of the setting value information acquisition unit 31.
  • the setting value changing unit 323 acquires the setting value rewriting information from the XML parser unit 312, and among the setting values of each item stored in the setting value storage unit 321, the setting value of the item indicated by the setting value rewriting information Is rewritten and changed to the set value indicated by the set value rewrite information (S28).
  • the control unit 30 operates by accessing the maintenance program 5 stored in the image forming apparatus 3 shown as the second embodiment, that is, the connected USB memory 6, so that the display screen control unit 331,
  • the image forming apparatus 3 functioning as a maintenance control unit 330 having a set value receiving unit 332 and a set value output unit 333 is an example of an information processing device in the claims.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a usage pattern in the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • symbol is attached
  • the maintenance program 5 is installed in advance in a storage medium such as a mask ROM 41 provided in the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 3 or an HDD (not shown).
  • FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 in the third embodiment.
  • control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 performs an operation in accordance with the maintenance program 5 installed in the mask ROM 39 or a storage medium such as an HDD (not shown) to thereby execute the maintenance program 5.
  • Each of the included operation adjustment programs functions as a maintenance control unit 330 having a display screen control unit 331, a set value receiving unit 332, and a set value output unit 333.
  • the image forming apparatus 3 includes a display unit 35, a maintenance control unit 330, a set value information acquisition unit 31, a control unit 32, an image forming unit 36, and an image reading unit. 37 and an operation unit 47. Display of image data, reception of setting value rewriting information, and change of setting value rewriting information by these units of the image forming apparatus 3 are the same as in the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process for rewriting set values for each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 in the third embodiment.
  • the maintenance program 5 is already installed in the mask ROM 41 of the image forming apparatus 3.
  • the control unit 30 activates the maintenance program 5 (S32). Accordingly, the control unit 30 performs maintenance according to the operation according to the maintenance program 5, and includes a display screen control unit 331, a set value receiving unit 332, and a set value output unit 333 for each operation adjustment program included in the maintenance program 5. It functions as the control unit 330.
  • the control unit 32 displays a message requesting the operator to input a password on the display screen of the display unit 35.
  • the control unit 32 determines that the password input by the touch panel function of the display unit 35 or the operation of the operation unit 47 by the operator matches the password stored in the maintenance program 5 in advance, the control unit 30 The maintenance program 5 is started.
  • the control unit 32 authenticates the password with the completion of the login. May be omitted.
  • the XML parser unit 312 of the setting value information acquisition unit 31 interprets the image data of the display screen control unit 331 of each operation adjustment program included in the maintenance program 5, and a drawing format adapted to display on the display unit 35.
  • the browser 314 displays the converted image data on the display unit 35 as an instruction receiving image (S33).
  • the display screen of the display unit 35 in this case is the same as that shown in FIG.
  • the display screen control unit 331 of the maintenance control unit 330 corresponding to the item receives the setting value reception similar to the setting value reception screen D4 illustrated in FIG. 12 on the display unit 35 by the XML parser unit 312 and the browser 314. A screen is displayed (S35).
  • the set value receiving unit 332 receives the input of the set value (S37). At this time, the set value receiving unit 332 receives the input of the set value only within the predetermined numerical range described above.
  • the setting value output unit 333 outputs the setting value rewrite information indicating the setting value and the item to which the setting value is applied to the XML parser unit 312 of the setting value information acquisition unit 31.
  • the setting value changing unit 323 acquires the setting value rewriting information from the XML parser unit 312, and among the setting values of each item stored in the setting value storage unit 321, the setting value of the item indicated by the setting value rewriting information Is rewritten and changed to the set value indicated by the set value rewrite information (S38).
  • the setting values of the items of the image forming apparatus 3 can be adjusted without using the computer 2 or the USB memory 6.
  • the maintenance program 5 shown as the third embodiment is installed in advance in a storage medium such as the mask ROM 41 or an HDD (not shown), and the control unit 30 operates according to the maintenance program 5, whereby the display screen control unit 331.
  • the image forming apparatus 3 that functions as the maintenance control unit 330 having the set value receiving unit 332 and the set value output unit 333 is an example of an information processing device in the claims.
  • the maintenance program 5 includes an operation adjustment program corresponding to each item, and the control unit 20 of the computer 2 or the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 operates according to the operation adjustment program.
  • Each of the operation adjustment programs that is, for each item, functions as a display screen control unit, a set value receiving unit, and a set value output unit.
  • the maintenance program 5 is a display screen control unit.
  • a setting value receiving program that causes the information processing apparatus to function as a setting value receiving unit that receives each setting value for an item corresponding to each operation adjustment program
  • the information processing device functions as a set value output unit that outputs each set value received for A set value output program to be a program including. That is, the maintenance program 5 does not have a set value receiving unit and a set value output unit for each item, but a set value receiving unit and a set value output unit that collectively receive or output set values for all items. It is good also as a program which has.
  • the maintenance program 5 may be subjected to encryption processing such as SSL that makes the analysis of the maintenance program 5 impossible.
  • encryption processing such as SSL that makes the analysis of the maintenance program 5 impossible.
  • the maintenance program 5 may be subjected to processing for setting the expiration date of the maintenance program 5 by a known means. As a result, it is possible to avoid the permanent use of the created maintenance program, and to reduce the possibility of unauthorized use in the case where the maintenance program is swept into the hands of a third party.
  • XML format data is used as the data format of image data or the like included in the operation adjustment program.
  • the data format is not limited to the XML format, and other data is used. It is also possible to use a format.
  • FIGS. 1 to 15 are only one embodiment of the present invention, and the configurations and processes of the present invention are not limited thereto. Various modifications and alterations of this invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. In addition, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

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Abstract

A computer (2) comprises a display unit (24), and a browser (8). A maintenance program (5) makes the computer (2) function as: a display screen control unit (201) which makes the display unit (24) display as a direction receiving image with the browser (8), image data in which are made to correspond and are disposed each of a plurality of items with adjustable setting values in the image forming unit (3); a setting value receiving unit (202) which, on the basis of an operation by an operator on the basis of the direction receiving image, receives within a predetermined range of numerical values the setting values which are set for the items which are made to correspond in the instruction receiving image; and a setting value output unit (203) which outputs to the image forming device (3) the received setting values and the items to which the setting values are applied.

Description

メンテナンスプログラム、メンテナンスプログラムを記憶したコンピューター読取可能な記録媒体、設定値書換方法、情報処理装置、及びメンテナンスシステムMaintenance program, computer-readable recording medium storing maintenance program, setting value rewriting method, information processing apparatus, and maintenance system
　本発明は、メンテナンスプログラム、メンテナンスプログラムを記憶したコンピューター読取可能な記録媒体、設定値書換方法、情報処理装置、及びメンテナンスシステムに関し、特に、画像形成装置の動作機構による動作のレベルを定めるために記憶している設定値を変更する技術に関する。 The present invention relates to a maintenance program, a computer-readable recording medium storing the maintenance program, a setting value rewriting method, an information processing apparatus, and a maintenance system, and more particularly, to store a level of operation by an operation mechanism of an image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a technique for changing the set value.
　従来、複合機等の画像形成装置には、当該画像形成装置の動作を制御するためのプログラムであるファームウェアが記憶されている（下記特許文献１参照）。ファームウェアには、画像形成装置が備える動作機構による動作の範囲を示す動作範囲が記憶されている。このファームウェアは、操作者により当該動作範囲内で設定された設定値に従って動作機構の動作レベルを定め、当該動作機構の動作を制御する。なお、設定値は、画像形成装置において調整が可能とされている複数の項目のそれぞれについて設定可能とされている。設定された設定値は、画像形成装置が備えるメモリー等の記憶領域に保存される。 Conventionally, firmware, which is a program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus, is stored in an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (see Patent Document 1 below). The firmware stores an operation range indicating an operation range by an operation mechanism provided in the image forming apparatus. This firmware determines the operation level of the operation mechanism according to the set value set by the operator within the operation range, and controls the operation of the operation mechanism. Note that the set value can be set for each of a plurality of items that can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus. The set value that has been set is stored in a storage area such as a memory provided in the image forming apparatus.
　ここで、画像形成装置の動作に不具合が生じた場合、例えば、記録紙に対する画像形成領域の基準位置がずれる、スキャン動作時における原稿読取の基準領域がずれる、印刷基準濃度が本来の濃度から外れる等の不具合が生じた場合は、これら各項目について、不具合を解消できるように設定値を設定し直す必要が生じる。画像形成装置に備えられるメンテナンスモードによれば、操作者が上記項目の設定値を変更することが可能である。しかしながら、動作機構の適切な動作レベルは、関連する他の動作機構との連携等により定まるため、操作者が適切な設定値を的確に選択して設定することは困難である。操作者が、不適切な設定値を設定してしまうと、動作機構が正常に動作しないおそれがある。 Here, when a problem occurs in the operation of the image forming apparatus, for example, the reference position of the image forming area with respect to the recording paper is deviated, the reference area of the original reading during the scanning operation is deviated, and the printing reference density is deviated from the original density. When a problem such as this occurs, it is necessary to reset the setting values for these items so that the problem can be resolved. According to the maintenance mode provided in the image forming apparatus, the operator can change the setting values of the above items. However, since the appropriate operation level of the operation mechanism is determined by cooperation with other related operation mechanisms, it is difficult for the operator to select and set an appropriate setting value accurately. If the operator sets an inappropriate setting value, the operation mechanism may not operate normally.
特開２０１１－１４５９４７号公報JP 2011-145947 A
　本発明は、上記の問題を解決するためになされたもので、画像形成装置の動作調整が必要となったときに、画像形成装置の動作機構の動作レベルを定める設定値を、当該動作機構による正常な動作が確保される値に的確に変更できるようにすることを目的とする。 The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem. When the operation adjustment of the image forming apparatus is necessary, a setting value for determining the operation level of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus is determined by the operation mechanism. The purpose is to enable accurate change to a value that ensures normal operation.
　本発明の一局面に係るメンテナンスプログラムは、表示画面制御部と、設定値受付部と、設定値出力部として、情報処理装置を機能させる。 The maintenance program according to one aspect of the present invention causes the information processing apparatus to function as a display screen control unit, a set value receiving unit, and a set value output unit.
　前記表示画面制御部は、画像形成装置において設定値の調整が可能とされている項目毎に対応付けて設けられた画像データを、ブラウザーにより情報処理装置の表示部に指示受付用画像として表示させる。 The display screen control unit causes the browser to display image data provided in association with each item whose setting value can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus as an instruction receiving image on the display unit of the information processing apparatus. .
　前記設定値受付部は、前記ブラウザーが前記表示部に表示させる前記指示受付用画像に基づく操作者の操作に基づいて、当該指示受付用画像の画像データに対応付けられた前記項目に設定する設定値を、前記項目毎に、画像形成装置に前記項目に対する動作を正常に行わせる数値の範囲内から更に制限された数値の範囲内において、操作者から受け付ける。 The setting value receiving unit is set to the item associated with the image data of the instruction receiving image based on an operation of an operator based on the instruction receiving image displayed on the display unit by the browser. A value is received from the operator for each item within a numerical value range that is further limited from a numerical value range that allows the image forming apparatus to normally perform an operation on the item.
　前記設定値出力部は、前記設定値受付部に受け付けられた設定値及び当該設定値が適用される項目を前記画像形成装置に出力する。 The set value output unit outputs the set value received by the set value receiving unit and an item to which the set value is applied to the image forming apparatus.
　本発明では、設定値受付部が、上記項目毎に、画像形成装置に前記項目に対する動作を正常に行わせる数値の範囲内から更に制限された数値の範囲内において、画像形成装置において設定値の調整が可能とされている各項目の設定値を操作者からそれぞれに受け付け、設定値出力部が、当該受け付けられた各項目の設定値を画像形成装置に出力するので、上記予め定められた数値の範囲を、例えば、画像形成装置の動作機構の動作範囲内において、正常な動作を行う制限された一定範囲に、項目毎に設定することにより、情報処理装置、又は当該メンテナンスプログラムがインストールされた情報処理装置を用いて、画像形成装置に対して、正常な動作が確保される適切な設定値を出力することが可能になる。画像形成装置においては、当該出力されてくる設定値に、それまでに記憶していた設定値を書き換えることが可能になる。これにより、画像形成装置の動作に不具合が生じて調整が必要になったときに、操作者が設定値を変更する場合であっても、動作機構が異常な動作を行う不適切な値に変更される事態を防止できる。 In the present invention, for each item, the set value accepting unit receives the set value in the image forming apparatus within a range of numerical values that are further restricted from within a range of numerical values that cause the image forming apparatus to normally perform an operation on the item. Since the setting value of each item that can be adjusted is received from the operator, and the setting value output unit outputs the received setting value of each item to the image forming apparatus, the predetermined numerical value is set. For example, the information processing apparatus or the maintenance program is installed by setting the range for each item within a limited range in which the normal operation is performed within the operation range of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus. Using the information processing apparatus, it is possible to output an appropriate setting value that ensures normal operation to the image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus, the setting value stored so far can be rewritten to the output setting value. As a result, even if the operator changes the setting value when a malfunction occurs in the operation of the image forming apparatus and the operator needs to change the setting value, the operation mechanism is changed to an inappropriate value for performing an abnormal operation. Can be prevented.
　また、画像形成装置において一般的に用いられている動作制御用のファームウェアを新たに作成して、上記動作範囲自体を変更する等の作業を行わなくても、上記動作機構が不正常な動作を行う不適切な値に変更される事態を防止できる。 In addition, the operation mechanism operates abnormally without creating a new firmware for operation control generally used in the image forming apparatus and changing the operation range itself. The situation where the value is changed to an inappropriate value can be prevented.
　従って、本発明によれば、画像形成装置の動作調整が必要となったときに、画像形成装置の動作機構の動作レベルを定める設定値を、当該動作機構による正常な動作が確保される値に的確に変更することが可能になる。 Therefore, according to the present invention, when it is necessary to adjust the operation of the image forming apparatus, the setting value that determines the operation level of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus is set to a value that ensures the normal operation of the operation mechanism. It becomes possible to change it accurately.
図１は、本発明の第１実施形態に係るメンテナンスシステムを示す図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a maintenance system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図２は、用途に応じたメンテナンスプログラムの作成例を示す図である。FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of creating a maintenance program according to the application. 図３は、メンテナンスシステムを構成するコンピューター及び画像形成装置の構成の概略を示すブロック図である。FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the computer and the image forming apparatus constituting the maintenance system. 図４は、用途に応じたメンテナンスプログラムの作成例を示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of creating a maintenance program according to the application. 図５は、メンテナンスシステムにおいて、画像形成装置の動作機構の動作に関する上記項目の設定値をコンピューターから書き換える処理を示すシーケンス図である。FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing processing for rewriting the set values of the above items related to the operation of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus from the computer in the maintenance system. 図６は、表示部の表示画面の一例を示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit. 図７は、表示部の表示画面の一例を示す図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit. 図８は、本発明の第２実施形態で用いられる画像形成装置及びＵＳＢメモリーを示す図である。FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus and a USB memory used in the second embodiment of the present invention. 図９は、第２実施形態においての画像形成装置及びＵＳＢメモリーの内部構成の概略を示すブロック図である。FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of internal configurations of the image forming apparatus and the USB memory according to the second embodiment. 図１０は、第２実施形態において画像形成装置の各動作機構についての設定値を書き換える処理を示すシーケンス図である。FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing for rewriting set values for each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment. 図１１は、表示部の表示画面の一例を示す図である。FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit. 図１２は、表示部の表示画面の一例を示す図である。FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit. 図１３は、本発明の第３実施形態における使用形態を示す図である。FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a usage pattern in the third embodiment of the present invention. 図１４は、第３実施形態においての画像形成装置の内部構成の概略を示すブロック図である。FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. 図１５は、第３実施形態において画像形成装置の各動作機構についての設定値を書き換える処理を示すシーケンス図である。FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of rewriting set values for each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment.
　本発明の一局面に係るメンテナンスプログラム、メンテナンスプログラムを記憶したコンピューター読取可能な記録媒体、設定値書換方法、情報処理装置、及びメンテナンスシステムについて図面を参照して説明する。図１は本発明の第１実施形態に係るメンテナンスシステムを示す図である。 A maintenance program according to one aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium storing the maintenance program, a setting value rewriting method, an information processing apparatus, and a maintenance system will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a maintenance system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
　本発明の第１実施形態に係るメンテナンスシステム１は、コンピューター２と、画像形成装置３とを備える。 The maintenance system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a computer 2 and an image forming apparatus 3.
　コンピューター２は、本発明に係る情報処理装置の一例である。コンピューター２には、本発明の一実施形態に係るメンテナンスプログラム５がインストールされる。メンテナンスプログラム５のインストールは、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭ、ＤＶＤ－ＲＯＭ、ＵＳＢメモリー等の記録媒体を介して、又はインターネットやＬＡＮ（local area network）等のネットワークを通じたダウンロード等により行われる。 The computer 2 is an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. A maintenance program 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the computer 2. The maintenance program 5 is installed through a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB memory, or via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (local area network).
　画像形成装置３は、本実施形態では、コピー、プリンター、ファクス、スキャナー等の動作機構を備えた複合機を例にして説明する。画像形成装置３は、コンピューター２との間でデータ通信が可能とされている。画像形成装置３の制御基板上のマスクＲＯＭ、又は画像形成装置３にインターフェイス接続されたフラッシュメモリ等には、当該画像形成装置３の各動作機構を制御するプログラムであるファームウェアがインストールされている。画像形成装置３の制御部は、当該ファームウェアに従って動作することで、各動作機構の動作を制御する。 In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 3 will be described by taking a multifunction machine having an operation mechanism such as a copy, a printer, a fax, and a scanner as an example. The image forming apparatus 3 can perform data communication with the computer 2. Firmware that is a program for controlling each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 is installed in a mask ROM on the control board of the image forming apparatus 3 or a flash memory interfaced to the image forming apparatus 3. The control unit of the image forming apparatus 3 controls the operation of each operation mechanism by operating according to the firmware.
　上記のメンテナンスプログラム５は、画像形成装置３の動作機構による動作で実現される項目の設定値、例えば、仕向地設定、トナーエリアコード、高地モード設定、ドラムリフレッシュ設定、画像形成部による記録紙に対する印刷領域の基準位置、画像読取部によるスキャン動作における原稿読取の基準領域、又は画像形成部の印刷基準濃度等の項目の設定値を書き換えるために、書換候補とする設定値を画像形成装置に出力するプログラムである。この設定値は、項目が示す内容を実現するために画像形成装置において動作する各動作機構の動作レベルを定めるために用いられる値である。 The maintenance program 5 described above is a set value of items realized by the operation of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3, for example, destination setting, toner area code, high altitude mode setting, drum refresh setting, and recording paper by the image forming unit. In order to rewrite the setting values of items such as the reference position of the print area, the original reading reference area in the scanning operation by the image reading unit, or the print reference density of the image forming unit, the setting value as a rewriting candidate is output to the image forming apparatus It is a program to do. This set value is a value used to determine the operation level of each operation mechanism that operates in the image forming apparatus in order to realize the content indicated by the item.
　メンテナンスプログラム５は、図１に示すように、設定値の調整が可能な項目毎に動作調整プログラムを備える。 As shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance program 5 includes an operation adjustment program for each item whose set value can be adjusted.
　動作調整プログラムは、画像データと、制御プログラムとを有する。画像データは、コンピューター２の表示部２４（図３参照）に表示する画像として用いられるデータであり、例えばＸＭＬ形式のデータで作成される。ＸＭＬ形式のデータで作成された画像データは、タグ付けされたテキスト部分が、コンピューター２に備えられるＸＭＬパーサー部７（図３参照）により解釈されることで、コンピューター２が備えるブラウザー８（図３）により表示部２４に適応した描画形式に変換されて表示部２４に表示される。この画像データは、例えば、対応付けられている上記項目の名称を表示する画像データであり、操作者から上記項目についての設定値の変更指示を受け付けるための指示受付用画像として、上記ＸＭＬパーサー部７及びブラウザー８により表示部２４に表示される。 The operation adjustment program has image data and a control program. The image data is data used as an image to be displayed on the display unit 24 (see FIG. 3) of the computer 2, and is created, for example, in XML format data. In the image data created with the XML format data, the tagged text portion is interpreted by the XML parser unit 7 (see FIG. 3) provided in the computer 2, so that the browser 8 provided in the computer 2 (FIG. 3). ) Is converted into a drawing format suitable for the display unit 24 and displayed on the display unit 24. The image data is, for example, image data that displays the name of the associated item, and the XML parser unit serves as an instruction receiving image for receiving a setting value change instruction for the item from the operator. 7 and browser 8 to display on display unit 24.
　このように、ＸＭＬパーサー部７を介して、上記画像データに基づく画像をブラウザー８によりコンピューター２の表示部２４に表示させることにより、ＸＭＬパーサー部７によって変換される上記描画形式を当該コンピューター２の表示部２４に適応した形式に設定させておけば、他の種別の装置（例えば、画像形成装置、モバイル機器等）と共通の画像データを用いたとしても、コンピューター２の表示部２４には、他の装置とは異なる描画形式での表示が可能になる。すなわち、他の装置に当該メンテナンスプログラム５をインストールする場合であっても、当該インストール先の装置に備えられるＸＭＬパーサー部によって変換される上記描画形式を、当該装置のブラウザーや表示部の性能に適応した形式に設定しておけば、それぞれの装置において同一の上記画像データを用いたとしても、装置毎に異なる描画形式で画像データに基づく画像を表示部に表示することが可能である。 In this way, the image based on the image data is displayed on the display unit 24 of the computer 2 by the browser 8 via the XML parser unit 7, so that the drawing format converted by the XML parser unit 7 can be changed. If the format adapted to the display unit 24 is set, the display unit 24 of the computer 2 can display the same image data as another type of device (for example, an image forming device, a mobile device, etc.). It is possible to display in a drawing format different from other devices. That is, even when the maintenance program 5 is installed in another device, the drawing format converted by the XML parser unit provided in the installation destination device is adapted to the performance of the browser and display unit of the device. If the same format is used, even if the same image data is used in each device, an image based on the image data can be displayed on the display unit in a different rendering format for each device.
　例えば、高解像度で大きな表示画面を有するコンピューター２の表示部２４では、詳細なグラフィック表示からなる大きな画像を表示させ、画像形成装置やモバイル機器では、これらの低解像度で小さな表示画面を有する表示部には、表示が簡素化された小さな画像として表示させる等が可能になる。 For example, the display unit 24 of the computer 2 having a large display screen with high resolution displays a large image consisting of detailed graphic display, and the display unit having a small display screen with these low resolutions in an image forming apparatus or mobile device. Can be displayed as a small image with a simplified display.
　また、上記制御プログラムは、同一の動作調整プログラムに備えられている画像データと対応付けられている。制御プログラムは、当該画像データの表示に関する処理、当該画像データに対応付けられている項目の設定値の入力を操作者から受け付ける処理、及び、当該受け付けた設定値を画像形成装置３の当該設定値の書換を行う処理部に出力する処理を行う機能を有する。 The control program is associated with image data provided in the same operation adjustment program. The control program includes a process related to display of the image data, a process of receiving input of setting values of items associated with the image data from the operator, and the received setting values of the image forming apparatus 3 Has a function of performing a process of outputting to a processing unit for performing rewriting.
　なお、上記項目の設定値は、１つ又は複数の動作機構の動作についての制御値に変換される。例えば、上記項目が印刷基準濃度である場合、当該印刷濃度変更のために動作が必要となる動作機構、例えば、感光体ドラムの表面電位(帯電装置による帯電電位)、現像装置の現像バイアス、転写装置の転写バイアス、露光装置の露光量等について、制御プログラムは、それぞれの制御値を受け付ける。すなわち、この例で言えば、制御値は、帯電装置による帯電電圧値、現像装置の現像バイアス値、転写装置の転写バイアス値、露光装置の露光量の値等である。制御プログラムが、どの動作機構の動作についての制御値を上記設定値として受け付けるかは、上記項目に応じて設定され、例えば、製造者が実験等により選択し、制御プログラムの機能として組み込む。 Note that the setting values of the above items are converted into control values for the operation of one or more operation mechanisms. For example, when the above item is the printing reference density, an operation mechanism that requires an operation for changing the printing density, for example, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum (charging potential by the charging device), the developing bias of the developing device, the transfer The control program receives respective control values for the transfer bias of the apparatus, the exposure amount of the exposure apparatus, and the like. That is, in this example, the control value is a charging voltage value by the charging device, a developing bias value of the developing device, a transfer bias value of the transfer device, an exposure amount value of the exposure device, or the like. Which operation mechanism the control program accepts as its set value is determined according to the above item, for example, selected by the manufacturer through experiments or the like, and incorporated as a function of the control program.
　このように項目毎の画像データ及び制御プログラムをパッケージ化した動作調整プログラムが１つ又は複数組み込まれて、メンテナンスプログラム５が作成される。例えば、管理サーバー等には、各項目についての動作調整プログラムが記憶されている。製造者等は、画像形成装置３のメンテナンスを行う用途、例えば、画像形成装置３の構成について知識を有していないエンドユーザー、画像形成装置３のメンテナンス作業能力を有するメンテナンス者（サービスパーソン）、顧客の用途に応じて画像形成装置３をメンテナンスする必要がある販社又はディーラー、画像形成装置３を製造する能力を有する製造作業者等、のいずれの人物が当該メンテナンスプログラム５を使用するかに応じて、すなわち、メンテナンスプログラム５の使用者のレベルに応じて、項目の種別や数を選択し、当該選択した項目に対応する動作調整プログラムを集合させてメンテナンスプログラム５を作成する。 Thus, the maintenance program 5 is created by incorporating one or a plurality of operation adjustment programs in which image data and control programs for each item are packaged. For example, an operation adjustment program for each item is stored in the management server or the like. The manufacturer or the like is used for maintenance of the image forming apparatus 3, for example, an end user who does not have knowledge about the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3, a maintenance person (service person) having maintenance work capability of the image forming apparatus 3, Depending on which person, such as a sales company or dealer that needs to maintain the image forming apparatus 3 according to the customer's application, or a manufacturing worker having the ability to manufacture the image forming apparatus 3, uses the maintenance program 5. That is, the type and number of items are selected according to the level of the user of the maintenance program 5, and the operation adjustment program corresponding to the selected item is assembled to create the maintenance program 5.
　すなわち、製造者等は、このように用途に応じて、設定値の変更・調整を許可する項目を選択し、選択した項目に対応する動作調整プログラムを集合させてメンテナンスプログラム５を作成することにより、図２に示すように、上記エンドユーザー、メンテナンス者、販社又はディーラー、製造作業者の各者に応じて、設定値の変更・調整を許可する項目を異ならせたメンテナンスプログラム５を作成することが可能である。 In other words, the manufacturer or the like selects the items that allow the setting value to be changed / adjusted according to the application, and creates the maintenance program 5 by collecting the operation adjustment programs corresponding to the selected items. As shown in FIG. 2, a maintenance program 5 is created in which the items for which the setting value is allowed to be changed / adjusted according to each of the end user, maintenance person, sales company or dealer, and manufacturing worker. Is possible.
　なお、画像形成装置３は、コンピューター２から出力されてくる設定値及び当該設定値が適用される項目を示す設定値書換情報を受信し、この設定値書換情報が示す項目についてそれまで保存されていた設定値を、当該設定値書換情報に含まれる新たな設定値に書き換える。画像形成装置３において、動作制御用のファームウェアは、各項目について設定されている設定値に従って動作機構を動作制御するが、当該設定値の書換は、あくまでも、画像形成装置３が記憶している各項目の設定値を書き換えるものであって、ファームウェア自体を書き換えるものではない。 Note that the image forming apparatus 3 receives the setting value output from the computer 2 and the setting value rewriting information indicating the item to which the setting value is applied, and the items indicated by the setting value rewriting information have been stored so far. The set value is rewritten to a new set value included in the set value rewriting information. In the image forming apparatus 3, the operation control firmware controls the operation of the operation mechanism in accordance with the setting values set for the respective items. Rewriting of the setting values is only performed for each item stored in the image forming apparatus 3. The setting value of the item is rewritten, and the firmware itself is not rewritten.
　以下、本発明の実施形態をより具体的に説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically.
　図３は、メンテナンスシステム１を構成するコンピューター２及び画像形成装置３の構成の概略を示すブロック図である。なお、本発明に関係する構成を中心に図示及び説明を行う。 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the computer 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 constituting the maintenance system 1. It should be noted that the illustration and description will be focused on the configuration related to the present invention.
　最初に、コンピューター２の構成を説明する。コンピューター２は、コンピューター２の全体的な動作制御を司る制御ユニット２０と、ＲＯＭ２１と、ＲＡＭ２２と、ＨＤＤ（Hard disk drive）２３と、表示部２４と、通信インターフェイス２５と、入力部２６とを備える。これら各部は、互いにＣＰＵバスによりデータ又は信号の送受信が可能とされている。 First, the configuration of the computer 2 will be described. The computer 2 includes a control unit 20 that controls the overall operation of the computer 2, a ROM 21, a RAM 22, an HDD (Hard disk drive) 23, a display unit 24, a communication interface 25, and an input unit 26. . These units can transmit / receive data or signals to / from each other via a CPU bus.
　ＲＯＭ２１は、コンピューター２の基本動作についての動作プログラムを記憶する。ＲＡＭ２２は、制御ユニット２０の動作領域等として用いられる。 The ROM 21 stores an operation program for basic operations of the computer 2. The RAM 22 is used as an operation area of the control unit 20.
　ＨＤＤ２３は、その記憶領域に、当該コンピューター２で動作させる各種のプログラムや、保存対象とされる各種データ等を記憶する。また、ＨＤＤ２３には、本発明の一実施形態に係る上記メンテナンスプログラム５がインストール（記憶）される。制御ユニット２０は、メンテナンスプログラム５に従って動作することで、表示画面制御部２０１、設定値受付部２０２、及び設定値出力部２０３を有するメンテナンス制御部２１０として機能する。 The HDD 23 stores various programs to be operated on the computer 2 and various data to be stored in the storage area. The maintenance program 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed (stored) in the HDD 23. The control unit 20 operates as the maintenance control unit 210 including the display screen control unit 201, the set value receiving unit 202, and the set value output unit 203 by operating according to the maintenance program 5.
　表示部２４は、ＬＣＤ（Liquid Crystal Display）等からなり、上記画像データに基づく指示受付用画像、当該コンピューター２を操作する操作者に対する操作案内等が表示される。 The display unit 24 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays an instruction receiving image based on the image data, an operation guide for an operator who operates the computer 2, and the like.
　通信インターフェイス２５は、画像形成装置３との間でデータ通信を行うためのインターフェイスである。本実施形態では、通信インターフェイス２５及び画像形成装置３間の通信方式は、ＵＳＢケーブルの接続によるものとして説明する。但し、通信インターフェイス２５及び画像形成装置３間の通信方式はこれに限定されない。 The communication interface 25 is an interface for performing data communication with the image forming apparatus 3. In the present embodiment, the communication method between the communication interface 25 and the image forming apparatus 3 is described as being based on a USB cable connection. However, the communication method between the communication interface 25 and the image forming apparatus 3 is not limited to this.
　入力部２６は、キーボードやマウスポインター等から構成され、画像形成装置３において動作機構による動作が可能な項目、例えば、仕向地設定、トナーエリアコード、高地モード設定、ドラムリフレッシュ設定、画像形成部による記録紙に対する印刷領域の基準位置、画像読取部によるスキャン動作における原稿読取の基準領域、画像形成部の印刷基準濃度等の項目の設定値の入力等を、操作者から受け付ける。 The input unit 26 includes a keyboard, a mouse pointer, and the like, and can be operated by the operation mechanism in the image forming apparatus 3, such as a destination setting, a toner area code, a high altitude mode setting, a drum refresh setting, and an image forming unit. The operator accepts input of setting values for items such as the reference position of the print area with respect to the recording paper, the reference area for document reading in the scanning operation by the image reading section, and the print reference density of the image forming section.
　制御ユニット２０は、ＣＰＵ等から成り、制御部２００、メンテナンス制御部２１０、及び表示制御部２２０を備えている。 The control unit 20 includes a CPU and the like, and includes a control unit 200, a maintenance control unit 210, and a display control unit 220.
　制御ユニット２０は、ＨＤＤ２３にインストールされているメンテナンスプログラム５が有する各動作調整プログラムに従って動作することで、それぞれの動作調整プログラムに対応したメンテナンス制御部２１０として機能する。このため、メンテナンスプログラム５が、上述した複数の項目毎に動作調整プログラムを有している場合、制御ユニット２０は、動作調整プログラムの数だけのメンテナンス制御部２１０として機能する。尚、メンテナンス制御部２１０は、メンテナンスプログラム５に基づく動作によらず、それぞれハード回路により構成することも可能である。以下、特に触れない限り、各実施形態について同様である。但し、本第１実施形態では、メンテナンス制御部２１０は、メンテナンスプログラム５に基づく制御ユニット２０の動作により実現されるものとして説明する。 The control unit 20 operates as a maintenance control unit 210 corresponding to each operation adjustment program by operating according to each operation adjustment program included in the maintenance program 5 installed in the HDD 23. For this reason, when the maintenance program 5 has an operation adjustment program for each of the plurality of items described above, the control unit 20 functions as the maintenance control units 210 corresponding to the number of operation adjustment programs. Note that the maintenance control unit 210 can also be configured by a hardware circuit, regardless of the operation based on the maintenance program 5. The same applies to each embodiment unless otherwise specified. However, in the first embodiment, the maintenance control unit 210 will be described as being realized by the operation of the control unit 20 based on the maintenance program 5.
　制御部２００は、コンピューター２全体の動作制御を司る。 The control unit 200 controls the operation of the entire computer 2.
　メンテナンス制御部２１０は、コンピューター２に接続されている画像形成装置３のメンテナンスを行うために必要な処理の制御を行う。 The maintenance control unit 210 controls processing necessary for performing maintenance of the image forming apparatus 3 connected to the computer 2.
　各メンテナンス制御部２１０は、表示画面制御部２０１、設定値受付部２０２、及び設定値出力部２０３を備えている。 Each maintenance control unit 210 includes a display screen control unit 201, a set value receiving unit 202, and a set value output unit 203.
　表示画面制御部２０１は、画像形成装置３において設定値の調整が可能な項目であって、動作調整プログラムの調整対象として設定されている項目に対応付けられた画像データを記憶している。この画像データは、当該対応付けられた項目の名称等を示す画像データである。表示画面制御部２０１が有する画面データは、後述するブラウザー８が、当該画面データの示す画像を指示受付用画像として表示部２４に表示する。 The display screen control unit 201 stores items of image data associated with items that can be adjusted in set values in the image forming apparatus 3 and are set as adjustment targets of the operation adjustment program. This image data is image data indicating the name of the associated item. As for the screen data that the display screen control unit 201 has, the browser 8 described later displays an image indicated by the screen data on the display unit 24 as an instruction reception image.
　設定値受付部２０２は、ブラウザー８が表示部２４に表示させる指示受付用画像に基づく操作者の操作に基づいて、当該指示受付用画像としての画像データに対応付けられている項目に設定する設定値を、予め定められた数値の範囲内において、操作者から受け付ける。予め定められた数値の範囲は、後述するように様々な使用者が設定値を変更した場合でも画像形成装置３の各動作機構による上記項目に対応する動作が正常に行われるように、画像形成装置３の各動作機構に上記項目に対応する動作を正常に行わせるように設定された数値の範囲内において、製造者等によって更に制限された数値の範囲である。当該制限された数値の範囲は、メンテナンスプログラム５の作成者、例えば画像形成装置１の製造者によって、設定値受付部２０２に予め設定されている。 The setting value receiving unit 202 is set to the item associated with the image data as the instruction receiving image based on the operation of the operator based on the instruction receiving image displayed on the display unit 24 by the browser 8. A value is received from the operator within a predetermined numerical range. The predetermined numerical range is set so that the operations corresponding to the above items by the respective operation mechanisms of the image forming apparatus 3 are normally performed even when various users change the setting values as will be described later. The numerical value range is further limited by the manufacturer or the like within the numerical value range set so that each operation mechanism of the apparatus 3 normally performs the operation corresponding to the above item. The limited numerical value range is preset in the set value receiving unit 202 by the creator of the maintenance program 5, for example, the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1.
　図４に示すように、製造者等は、画像形成装置３のメンテナンスを行う人物、例えば、画像形成装置３の構成について知識を有していないエンドユーザー、画像形成装置３のメンテナンス作業能力を有するメンテナンス者（サービスパーソン）、顧客の用途に応じて画像形成装置３をメンテナンスする必要がある販社又はディーラー、画像形成装置３を製造する能力を有する製造作業者等、のいずれの人物が当該メンテナンスプログラムを使用するかに応じて、設定値の変更を許可する値の範囲である上記予め定められた数値の範囲を、画像形成装置３の各動作機構が動作可能な動作範囲内（図４では「１」～「１０」）において異ならせて設定する（図４では、ユーザーの高地モード設定範囲を「３」～「６」に、サービスパーソンの高地モード設定範囲を「１」～「８」に設定している）ことで、使用者の知識レベルや権限に応じて設定値変更を許可する範囲を様々に管理することが可能になる。 As shown in FIG. 4, the manufacturer or the like has a person who performs maintenance of the image forming apparatus 3, for example, an end user who does not have knowledge about the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3, and has a maintenance work capability of the image forming apparatus 3. Any one of a maintenance person (service person), a sales company or a dealer who needs to maintain the image forming apparatus 3 according to the customer's application, a manufacturing worker having the ability to manufacture the image forming apparatus 3, etc. The predetermined numerical range, which is a range of values for which change of the set value is permitted, is within an operation range in which each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 can operate (in FIG. 1 ”to“ 10 ”) (in FIG. 4, the high altitude mode setting range of the user is set to“ 3 ”to“ 6 ”, and the high The mode setting range "1" to is set to "8") that is, it is possible to variously manage the scope that allows the settings changed according to the knowledge level and permissions of the user.
　設定値出力部２０３は、設定値受付部２０２に受け付けられた設定値及び当該設定値が適用される項目を示す設定値書換情報を画像形成装置３に出力する。設定値出力部２０３は、通信インターフェイス２５を介して当該画像形成装置３との通信を行う。例えば、設定値出力部２０３は、当該画像形成装置３への設定値書換情報の出力時には、ＸＭＬ形式のデータからなる設定値書換情報をＳＳＬ形式等により暗号化した上で出力する。当該設定値出力部２０３による設定値書換情報の出力は、ＸＭＬ形式には限定されないが、本実施形態では、ＸＭＬ形式による場合を例にして説明する。 The set value output unit 203 outputs to the image forming apparatus 3 set value received by the set value receiving unit 202 and set value rewrite information indicating items to which the set value is applied. The set value output unit 203 communicates with the image forming apparatus 3 via the communication interface 25. For example, when the set value rewriting information is output to the image forming apparatus 3, the set value output unit 203 encrypts the set value rewrite information including data in the XML format and outputs the encrypted information. The output of the setting value rewriting information by the setting value output unit 203 is not limited to the XML format, but in the present embodiment, the case of the XML format will be described as an example.
　表示制御部２２０は、表示部２４による画像表示動作を制御する。表示制御部２２０は、ブラウザー８とＸＭＬパーサー部７とを備える。ＸＭＬパーサー部７は、表示画面制御部２０１が有するＸＭＬ形式の画像データを解釈して、表示部２４に適応した描画形式
となるデータに変換する。ブラウザー８は、当該変換されたデータを用いて、当該画像データを指示受付用画像として表示部２４に表示させる。 The display control unit 220 controls the image display operation by the display unit 24. The display control unit 220 includes a browser 8 and an XML parser unit 7. The XML parser unit 7 interprets the image data in the XML format included in the display screen control unit 201 and converts it into data having a drawing format adapted to the display unit 24. The browser 8 causes the display unit 24 to display the image data as an instruction reception image using the converted data.
　続いて、画像形成装置３の構成を説明する。 Subsequently, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described.
　画像形成装置３は、制御ユニット３０と、表示部３５と、画像形成部３６と、画像読取部３７と、通信インターフェイス３８と、操作部４７とを備える。 The image forming apparatus 3 includes a control unit 30, a display unit 35, an image forming unit 36, an image reading unit 37, a communication interface 38, and an operation unit 47.
　通信インターフェイス３８は、コンピューター２との間でデータ通信を行うためのインターフェイスである。 The communication interface 38 is an interface for performing data communication with the computer 2.
　制御ユニット３０は、ＣＰＵ、ＲＯＭ、及びＲＡＭ等からなり、画像形成装置３の動作制御を司る。制御ユニット３０は、マスクＲＯＭ（又はフラッシュメモリー）を備える。当該マスクＲＯＭに、画像形成装置３を動作制御するプログラムであるファームウェアがインストールされている。制御ユニット３０は、当該フェームウェアに従って動作することにより、設定値情報取得部３１及び制御部３２として機能する。 The control unit 30 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls operation of the image forming apparatus 3. The control unit 30 includes a mask ROM (or flash memory). Firmware that is a program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 is installed in the mask ROM. The control unit 30 functions as the set value information acquisition unit 31 and the control unit 32 by operating according to the firmware.
　設定値情報取得部３１は、通信インターフェイス３８を介して、コンピューター２から出力されてくる上述した設定値書換情報を取得する。 The set value information acquisition unit 31 acquires the above set value rewrite information output from the computer 2 via the communication interface 38.
　設定値情報取得部３１は、セキュリティー部３１１と、ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２とを備える。上記マスクＲＯＭには、これら各部として制御ユニット３０を動作させるプログラムが記憶されており、制御ユニット３０は、当該プログラムに従って動作することにより、これらセキュリティー部３１１と、ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２として機能する。 The set value information acquisition unit 31 includes a security unit 311 and an XML parser unit 312. The mask ROM stores programs for operating the control unit 30 as these units. The control unit 30 functions as the security unit 311 and the XML parser unit 312 by operating according to the programs.
　セキュリティー部３１１は、上記コンピューター２とのデータ通信に用いられるＳＳＬ形式等の暗号化処理及び解読処理を行う。セキュリティー部３１１は、コンピューター２から取得されたＳＳＬ形式等の暗号化されたデータを解読し、また、コンピューター２への出力対象とするデータについては、当該ＳＳＬ等による暗号化処理を行う。 The security unit 311 performs encryption processing and decryption processing in the SSL format used for data communication with the computer 2. The security unit 311 decrypts the encrypted data such as the SSL format acquired from the computer 2, and performs encryption processing on the data to be output to the computer 2 using the SSL or the like.
　ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２は、上記セキュリティー部３１１で解読されたＸＭＬ形式のデータを解釈し、制御部３２での取り扱いが可能なデータ形式に変換する。 The XML parser unit 312 interprets the XML format data decrypted by the security unit 311 and converts it into a data format that can be handled by the control unit 32.
　制御部３２は、画像形成装置３の各動作機構の制御を担当する。制御部３２は、例えばＯＳ及びＥｎｔｉｔｙを備え、ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２による解釈後のデータが示す内容に従ったプロセス入出力の管理等を行う。制御部３２は、設定値記憶部３２１と、動作制御部３２２と、設定値変更部３２３として機能する。 The control unit 32 is in charge of controlling each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3. The control unit 32 includes, for example, an OS and an Entity, and performs process input / output management and the like according to the contents indicated by the data after interpretation by the XML parser unit 312. The control unit 32 functions as a set value storage unit 321, an operation control unit 322, and a set value change unit 323.
　設定値記憶部３２１は、例えば、画像形成部３６をなす帯電装置、露光装置、現像装置、転写装置、定着装置、及び用紙搬送機構等の各動作機構について、動作に必要な、帯電電圧値、露光光量、現像バイアス、転写バイアス、定着温度、及び用紙搬送ローラー回転速度等の各制御値を、当該各動作機構の動作レベルを定める設定値として記憶している。 The set value storage unit 321 includes, for example, a charging voltage value necessary for the operation of each operation mechanism such as a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and a paper transport mechanism forming the image forming unit 36. Control values such as the amount of exposure light, development bias, transfer bias, fixing temperature, and paper transport roller rotation speed are stored as set values that determine the operation level of each operation mechanism.
　動作制御部３２２は、画像形成装置３に備えられる各動作機構、例えば、画像形成部３６、画像読取部３７等を動作制御する。動作制御部３２２は、設定値記憶部３２１に記憶されている各設定値を用いて、画像形成装置３の各動作機構を動作制御する。なお、動作制御部３２２により動作制御される画像形成装置３の機構は、画像形成部３６及び画像読取部３７には限定されない。 The operation control unit 322 controls the operation of each operation mechanism provided in the image forming apparatus 3, for example, the image forming unit 36, the image reading unit 37, and the like. The operation control unit 322 controls the operation of each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 using each setting value stored in the setting value storage unit 321. Note that the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 whose operation is controlled by the operation control unit 322 is not limited to the image forming unit 36 and the image reading unit 37.
　設定値変更部３２３は、設定値情報取得部３１によってコンピューター２から取得された設定値書換情報を受け取り、設定値記憶部３２１に記憶されている各動作機構についての設定値のうち、当該取得した設定値書換情報が示す項目に対応する設定値を、当該設定値書換情報が示す設定値に変更する。 The setting value changing unit 323 receives the setting value rewriting information acquired from the computer 2 by the setting value information acquiring unit 31, and the acquired setting value for each operation mechanism stored in the setting value storage unit 321 is acquired. The setting value corresponding to the item indicated by the setting value rewriting information is changed to the setting value indicated by the setting value rewriting information.
　画像形成部３６は、記録媒体に対する画像形成を行う機構である。画像形成部３６は、上述したように、例えば、帯電装置、露光装置、現像装置、転写装置、定着装置、及び用紙搬送機構等により構成される。 The image forming unit 36 is a mechanism for forming an image on a recording medium. As described above, the image forming unit 36 includes, for example, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and a paper transport mechanism.
　画像読取部３７は、原稿画像を読み取るスキャナー等からなる。 The image reading unit 37 includes a scanner that reads a document image.
　操作部４７は、テンキー、及び画像形成実行指示が入力されるスタートキー等を有し、操作者から画像形成装置３についての各種の操作指示を受け付ける。 The operation unit 47 includes a numeric keypad, a start key for inputting an image formation execution instruction, and the like, and receives various operation instructions for the image forming apparatus 3 from an operator.
　次に、メンテナンスシステム１において、画像形成装置３の動作機構の動作に関する上記項目の設定値をコンピューター２から書き換える処理を説明する。図５はメンテナンスシステム１において、画像形成装置３の動作機構の動作に関する上記項目の設定値をコンピューター２から書き換える処理を示すシーケンス図である。 Next, a process of rewriting the setting values of the above items related to the operation of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 from the computer 2 in the maintenance system 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing processing for rewriting the setting values of the above items relating to the operation of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 from the computer 2 in the maintenance system 1.
　前提として、コンピューター２には、メンテナンスプログラム５がインストールされている。例えば、ネットワークを通じて管理サーバー９からメンテナンスプログラム５を取得する場合は、操作者がコンピューター２の入力部２６を操作する。ここで、操作者は、例えば予め配布されていたパスワードをコンピューター２の入力部２６に入力する。そして、操作者は、コンピューター２の入力部２６にメンテナンスプログラム５のダウンロード指示を入力し(Ｓ１)、コンピューター２のＨＤＤ２３にインストールされているダウンロードプログラムを起動させ(Ｓ２)、このダウンロードプログラムにより管理サーバー９のウェブサイトにアクセスし、メンテナンスプログラム５のダウンロード要求をコンピューター２から送信する(Ｓ３)。 As a premise, the maintenance program 5 is installed in the computer 2. For example, when acquiring the maintenance program 5 from the management server 9 through the network, the operator operates the input unit 26 of the computer 2. Here, the operator inputs, for example, a password distributed in advance into the input unit 26 of the computer 2. Then, the operator inputs a download instruction for the maintenance program 5 to the input unit 26 of the computer 2 (S1), starts the download program installed in the HDD 23 of the computer 2 (S2), and uses this download program to manage the management server. 9 is accessed and a download request for the maintenance program 5 is transmitted from the computer 2 (S3).
　管理サーバー９は、上記ダウンロード要求の対象となるメンテナンスプログラム５をその記憶部から検索して読み出し(Ｓ４)、当該メンテナンスプログラム５をコンピューター２に送信する（Ｓ５）。これによりコンピューター２にメンテナンスプログラム５がダウンロードされ、コンピューター２のＨＤＤ２３に当該メンテナンスプログラム５がインストールされる(Ｓ６)。 The management server 9 searches the storage unit 5 for the download request and retrieves the maintenance program 5 (S4), and transmits the maintenance program 5 to the computer 2 (S5). As a result, the maintenance program 5 is downloaded to the computer 2, and the maintenance program 5 is installed in the HDD 23 of the computer 2 (S6).
　次に操作者は、ＵＳＢケーブルの一端部をコンピューター２の通信インターフェイス２５に接続すると共に(Ｓ７)、当該ＵＳＢケーブルの他端部を画像形成装置３の通信インターフェイス３８に接続する。 Next, the operator connects one end of the USB cable to the communication interface 25 of the computer 2 (S7) and connects the other end of the USB cable to the communication interface 38 of the image forming apparatus 3.
　さらに、コンピューター２において、操作者が、入力部２６からメンテナンスプログラム５の起動指示を入力すると(Ｓ８)、制御ユニット２０は、メンテナンスプログラム５を起動させる(Ｓ９)。これにより、制御ユニット２０が、上記表示画面制御部２０１、設定値受付部２０２及び設定値出力部２０３を有するメンテナンス制御部２１０として機能する。 Further, in the computer 2, when the operator inputs an instruction for starting the maintenance program 5 from the input unit 26 (S8), the control unit 20 starts the maintenance program 5 (S9). Thereby, the control unit 20 functions as the maintenance control unit 210 having the display screen control unit 201, the set value receiving unit 202, and the set value output unit 203.
　この後、ＸＭＬパーサー部７が、メンテナンスプログラム５に含まれる各動作調整プログラムのそれぞれの表示画面制御部２０１に記憶されている例えばＸＭＬ形式の画像データを解釈し、表示部２４での表示に適応した描画形式に画像データを変換する。ブラウザー８は、当該変換後の各画像データを表示部２４に指示受付用画像として表示させる(Ｓ１０)。この場合における表示部２４の表示画面の一例を図６に表示画面Ｄ１として示す。図６には、メンテナンスプログラム５が、印刷基準領域、読取基準領域、及び印刷基準濃度の各項目の動作調整プログラムを有する例を示している。 Thereafter, the XML parser unit 7 interprets, for example, XML format image data stored in each display screen control unit 201 of each operation adjustment program included in the maintenance program 5 and is adapted to display on the display unit 24. Convert the image data to the rendered format. The browser 8 displays each image data after the conversion on the display unit 24 as an instruction receiving image (S10). An example of the display screen of the display unit 24 in this case is shown as a display screen D1 in FIG. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the maintenance program 5 has an operation adjustment program for each item of the print reference area, the read reference area, and the print reference density.
　この後、操作者が、入力部２６の操作により、表示部２４に表示されている指示受付画像のうち、設定値を変更する項目を示す指示受付画像を指定すると(Ｓ１１)、当該項目に対応するメンテナンス制御部２１０の表示画面制御部２０１は、ＸＭＬパーサー部７及びブラウザー８により、表示部２４に、図７に例を示す設定値受付画面Ｄ２を表示させる（Ｓ１２）。 Thereafter, when the operator designates an instruction acceptance image indicating an item whose setting value is to be changed among the instruction acceptance images displayed on the display unit 24 by operating the input unit 26 (S11), the corresponding item is displayed. The display screen control unit 201 of the maintenance control unit 210 that causes the display unit 24 to display the setting value reception screen D2 shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 24 by the XML parser unit 7 and the browser 8 (S12).
　ここで、操作者が、入力部２６を操作して、所望の設定値を入力すると（Ｓ１３）、設定値受付部２０２が当該設定値の入力を受け付ける（Ｓ１４）。このとき、設定値受付部２０２は、上述した予め定められた数値の範囲内においてのみ、設定値の入力を受け付ける。 Here, when the operator operates the input unit 26 to input a desired set value (S13), the set value receiving unit 202 receives the input of the set value (S14). At this time, the set value receiving unit 202 receives the input of the set value only within the predetermined numerical range described above.
　続いて、設定値出力部２０３は、当該設定値及び設定値が適用される項目を示す設定値書換情報を、画像形成装置３に対して、通信インターフェイス２５から、暗号化したＸＭＬデータで出力する(Ｓ１５)。なお、設定値出力部２０３による当該設定値書換情報の画像形成装置３への送信を含む、コンピューター２及び画像形成装置３間におけるデータ通信時には、通信の対象とされる情報をＳＳＬ方式等により暗号化した上で送受信することが好ましい。本実施形態では、設定値出力部２０３は、設定値書換情報をＳＳＬ方式等により暗号化した上で画像形成装置３に送信する。 Subsequently, the setting value output unit 203 outputs the setting value rewriting information indicating the setting value and the item to which the setting value is applied to the image forming apparatus 3 from the communication interface 25 as encrypted XML data. (S15). When data communication is performed between the computer 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 including transmission of the set value rewriting information to the image forming apparatus 3 by the set value output unit 203, information to be communicated is encrypted by an SSL method or the like. It is preferable to transmit and receive after converting. In the present embodiment, the set value output unit 203 encrypts the set value rewrite information by the SSL method or the like and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 3.
　画像形成装置３では、通信インターフェイス３８を介してセキュリティー部３１１が当該暗号化された設定値書換情報を取得すると、当該設定値書換情報を解読する。解読された設定値書換情報が示す項目及び当該項目についての設定値は、ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２により解釈される。 In the image forming apparatus 3, when the security unit 311 acquires the encrypted setting value rewriting information via the communication interface 38, the setting value rewriting information is decrypted. The item indicated by the decoded set value rewriting information and the set value for the item are interpreted by the XML parser unit 312.
　設定値変更部３２３は、上記設定値書換情報が示す項目及び当該項目についての設定値を用いて、設定値記憶部３２１に記憶されている各項目の設定値のうち、当該取得した設定値書換情報が示す項目の設定値を、当該設定値書換情報が示す設定値に書き換える（Ｓ１６）。 The setting value changing unit 323 uses the item indicated by the setting value rewriting information and the setting value for the item, among the setting values stored in the setting value storage unit 321, the acquired setting value rewriting. The setting value of the item indicated by the information is rewritten to the setting value indicated by the setting value rewriting information (S16).
　なお、動作調整プログラムが、更に画像形成装置から上記設定値を取得する図略の設定値確認部として機能し、これに基づいて、コンピューター２の制御ユニット２０のメンテナンス制御部２１０が、更に設定値確認部として動作するものとしてもよい。この場合、上記Ｓ１６の後、操作者によるコンピューター２の入力部２６の操作により、画像形成装置３で書き換えられた上記項目の設定値の確認指示が入力されると（Ｓ１７）、設定値確認部が当該確認指示を受け付けて、画像形成装置３に対してＳ１６で書き換えられた後の上記項目の設定値の情報を送信することを通信インターフェイス２５を介して要求し（Ｓ１８）、画像形成装置３においては、例えば動作制御部３２２が設定値記憶部３２１から、この時点で記憶されている設定値であって、上記設定値送信要求が示す設定値を読み出して、当該読み出した設定値の情報を、通信インターフェイス３８を介してコンピューター２に送信する（Ｓ１９）。この後、コンピューター２では、設定値確認部が、画像形成装置３から送られてきた上記項目の設定値の情報を取得して、当該項目の設定値を表示部２４に表示させる（Ｓ２０）。この場合、操作者は、上記項目の設定値を出力しただけではなく、画像形成装置３において設定値の書換が予定通りに行われたか否かを確認することができる。 The operation adjustment program further functions as an unillustrated set value confirmation unit that acquires the set value from the image forming apparatus. Based on this, the maintenance control unit 210 of the control unit 20 of the computer 2 further sets the set value. It is good also as what operate | moves as a confirmation part. In this case, after the above S16, when an instruction to confirm the set value of the item rewritten by the image forming apparatus 3 is input by the operator operating the input unit 26 of the computer 2 (S17), the set value confirming unit Receives the confirmation instruction, requests the image forming apparatus 3 to transmit the setting value information of the item after being rewritten in S16 via the communication interface 25 (S18). For example, the operation control unit 322 reads out the setting value stored at this time from the setting value storage unit 321 and indicated by the setting value transmission request, and stores the information of the read setting value. Then, the data is transmitted to the computer 2 via the communication interface 38 (S19). Thereafter, in the computer 2, the setting value confirmation unit acquires the setting value information of the item sent from the image forming apparatus 3, and causes the display unit 24 to display the setting value of the item (S20). In this case, the operator can not only output the set values of the above items but also check whether or not the set values have been rewritten as scheduled in the image forming apparatus 3.
　なお、Ｓ１７～Ｓ２０の処理においても、コンピューター２及び画像形成装置３間におけるデータ通信時には、通信の対象とされる情報をＳＳＬ方式等により暗号化した上で送受信することが好ましい。 Even in the processes of S17 to S20, it is preferable to transmit and receive after encrypting information to be communicated by the SSL method or the like during data communication between the computer 2 and the image forming apparatus 3.
　これにより、メンテナンスプログラム５がインストールされたコンピューター２を操作者が操作することで、上記予め定められた数値の範囲内に制限して、画像形成装置３の各動作機構の動作時に用いられる各項目の設定値の書き換えを操作者に許可することが可能となる。このため、画像形成装置３に対して、コンピューター２からは、画像形成装置３の正常な動作が確保される適切な設定値のみを出力することが可能になる。画像形成装置３においては、当該出力されてくる適切な設定値に、それまでに記憶していた設定値を書き換えることが可能になる。 As a result, the operator operates the computer 2 in which the maintenance program 5 is installed, so that each item used when operating each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 is limited to the predetermined numerical range. It is possible to permit the operator to rewrite the set value. For this reason, it is possible to output only the appropriate setting values that ensure the normal operation of the image forming apparatus 3 from the computer 2 to the image forming apparatus 3. In the image forming apparatus 3, it is possible to rewrite the setting value stored so far to the appropriate setting value that is output.
　このため、画像形成装置３の動作に不具合が生じて、当該不具合を解消可能な新たな設定値を設定し直す必要が生じたときに、操作者により、画像形成装置３の動作機構が正常に動作しない設定値が設定されてしまう事態が防止される。また、画像形成装置３において一般的に用いられている動作制御用のファームウェアの作成や書換をせずに、ファームウェア内に記憶されている設定値の書換可能範囲等を変更することができる。 For this reason, when a malfunction occurs in the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 and it is necessary to reset a new set value that can solve the malfunction, the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 is normally set by the operator. A situation where a set value that does not operate is set is prevented. In addition, the rewritable range of setting values stored in the firmware can be changed without creating or rewriting firmware for operation control generally used in the image forming apparatus 3.
　従って、本実施形態に係るメンテナンスプログラム５、コンピューター２、又はメンテナンスシステム１によれば、画像形成装置３の動作調整が必要となったときに、画像形成装置３の動作機構の動作レベルを定める設定値を、当該動作機構による正常な動作が確保される値に的確に変更することが可能になる。 Therefore, according to the maintenance program 5, the computer 2, or the maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment, the setting that determines the operation level of the operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 when the operation adjustment of the image forming apparatus 3 becomes necessary. It becomes possible to accurately change the value to a value that ensures normal operation by the operation mechanism.
　また、本実施形態によれば、画像形成装置３の機能について設定値の調整が必要となったときに、コンピューター２から新たな設定値を出力することにより、画像形成装置３の各機能について設定値調整を早期に行うことができ、当該設定値調整を個別の画像形成装置３毎に調整できる。さらに、画像形成装置３のファームウェアの書換が不要であることから、工数を減らして早期に当該設定値の調整を行うことができる。 In addition, according to the present embodiment, when adjustment of setting values is necessary for the functions of the image forming apparatus 3, settings are made for the respective functions of the image forming apparatus 3 by outputting new setting values from the computer 2. The value adjustment can be performed early, and the set value adjustment can be adjusted for each individual image forming apparatus 3. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to rewrite the firmware of the image forming apparatus 3, it is possible to adjust the setting value early by reducing the number of steps.
　次に、本発明の第２実施形態を説明する。図８は、本発明の第２実施形態で用いられる画像形成装置３及びＵＳＢメモリーを示す図である。なお、第１実施形態と同様の構成又は処理については同一の符号を付して説明を省略する。 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus 3 and the USB memory used in the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the structure or process similar to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.
　本発明の第２実施形態では、メンテナンスプログラム５は、ＵＳＢメモリー等の携帯型記憶媒体６（以下、ＵＳＢメモリー６という）に記憶されている。ＵＳＢメモリー６は、画像形成装置３に接続される。画像形成装置３は、制御ユニット３０が当該ＵＳＢメモリー６内のメンテナンスプログラム５にアクセスして動作することで、当該画像形成装置３の上記項目についての設定値書換情報を取得し、各項目の設定値を変更する。 In the second embodiment of the present invention, the maintenance program 5 is stored in a portable storage medium 6 (hereinafter referred to as USB memory 6) such as a USB memory. The USB memory 6 is connected to the image forming apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 3 obtains setting value rewriting information on the above items of the image forming apparatus 3 by the control unit 30 accessing and operating the maintenance program 5 in the USB memory 6, and setting of each item Change the value.
　図９は第２実施形態においての画像形成装置３及びＵＳＢメモリー６の内部構成の概略を示すブロック図である。なお、第１実施形態の図３で示した構成と同様の構成は説明を省略する。 FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 and the USB memory 6 in the second embodiment. The description of the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment is omitted.
　画像形成装置３は、第１実施形態の構成と同様に、表示部３５、設定値情報取得部３１、制御部３２、ＵＳＢインターフェイス３９、画像形成部３６、画像読取部３７、及び操作部４７を備える。但し、第２実施形態では、制御ユニット３０は、更に、メンテナンス制御部３３０として機能する。また、設定値情報取得部３１は、セキュリティー部３１１に代えて、ブラウザー３１４を備える。 Similar to the configuration of the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a display unit 35, a set value information acquisition unit 31, a control unit 32, a USB interface 39, an image forming unit 36, an image reading unit 37, and an operation unit 47. Prepare. However, in the second embodiment, the control unit 30 further functions as the maintenance control unit 330. The set value information acquisition unit 31 includes a browser 314 instead of the security unit 311.
　ＵＳＢメモリー６は、内部の記憶領域に、メンテナンスプログラム５が記憶されている。 The USB memory 6 has a maintenance program 5 stored in an internal storage area.
　第２実施形態では、ユーザーによりＵＳＢメモリー６が画像形成装置３のＵＳＢインターフェイス３９に接続されると、制御ユニット３０はＵＳＢメモリー６を認識する。制御ユニット３０が、当該ＵＳＢメモリー６に記憶されているメンテナンスプログラム５を読み込み、当該メンテナンスプログラム５に従って動作する（メンテナンスプログラム５を起動させる）。これにより、制御ユニット３０が、表示画面制御部３３１、設定値受付部３３２及び設定値出力部３３３を有するメンテナンス制御部３３０として機能する。これら表示画面制御部３３１、設定値受付部３３２及び設定値出力部３３３は、第１実施形態で示した表示画面制御部２０１、設定値受付部２０２及び設定値出力部２０３と同様の機能を有する。制御ユニット３０は、第１実施形態と同様に動作調整プログラムの数に応じたメンテナンス制御部３３０として機能する。 In the second embodiment, when the user connects the USB memory 6 to the USB interface 39 of the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 30 recognizes the USB memory 6. The control unit 30 reads the maintenance program 5 stored in the USB memory 6 and operates according to the maintenance program 5 (activates the maintenance program 5). Thereby, the control unit 30 functions as a maintenance control unit 330 including the display screen control unit 331, the set value receiving unit 332, and the set value output unit 333. The display screen control unit 331, the set value receiving unit 332, and the set value output unit 333 have the same functions as the display screen control unit 201, the set value receiving unit 202, and the set value output unit 203 described in the first embodiment. . The control unit 30 functions as a maintenance control unit 330 corresponding to the number of operation adjustment programs, as in the first embodiment.
　表示画面制御部３３１は、当該表示画面制御部３３１に記憶している画面データを、設定値取得部３１に備えられるブラウザー３１４及びＸＭＬパーサー部３１２により、表示部３５に指示受付画像として表示させる。この場合、メンテナンスプログラム５に含まれている各動作調整プログラムに対応するメンテナンス制御部３３０のそれぞれの表示画面制御部３３１が、指示受付画像を表示部３５に表示させる。 The display screen control unit 331 causes the display unit 35 to display the screen data stored in the display screen control unit 331 on the display unit 35 by the browser 314 and the XML parser unit 312 provided in the setting value acquisition unit 31. In this case, each display screen control unit 331 of the maintenance control unit 330 corresponding to each operation adjustment program included in the maintenance program 5 causes the display unit 35 to display an instruction reception image.
　設定値受付部３３２は、表示部３５に表示された指示受付用画像が操作者によるタッチパネル機能の操作で指定されると、当該指定された指示受付画像としての画像データに対応付けられている項目についての設定値を受け付ける。 When the instruction reception image displayed on the display unit 35 is designated by an operation of the touch panel function by the operator, the setting value reception unit 332 is an item associated with the image data as the designated instruction reception image. Accept setting value for.
　設定値出力部３３３は、設定値受付部３３２に受け付けられた設定値及び当該設定値が適用される項目を示す設定値書換情報を設定値情報取得部３１のＸＭＬパーサー部３１２に出力する。ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２は、ＸＭＬデータ形式からなる当該設定値書換情報を解釈する。 The set value output unit 333 outputs the set value received by the set value receiving unit 332 and the set value rewrite information indicating the item to which the set value is applied to the XML parser unit 312 of the set value information acquiring unit 31. The XML parser unit 312 interprets the set value rewriting information having an XML data format.
　設定値変更部３２３は、設定値出力部３３３から上記設定値書換情報を取得し、設定値記憶部３２１に記憶されている各項目の設定値のうち、当該設定値書換情報が示す項目の設定値を、当該設定値書換情報が示す設定値に書き換えて変更する。 The set value change unit 323 acquires the set value rewrite information from the set value output unit 333, and among the set values of each item stored in the set value storage unit 321, the setting of the item indicated by the set value rewrite information The value is rewritten and changed to the setting value indicated by the setting value rewriting information.
　この第２実施形態では、ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２は、当該画像形成装置３の表示部３５の性能、例えば解像度、表示画面サイズ等に適した描画形式に、上記取得されたＸＭＬ形式の画像データを変換する。これにより、画像形成装置３の表示部３５の解像度や表示画面サイズが上記第１実施形態のようなコンピューター２の表示部２４より小さくても、ユーザーに対する視認性を確保できる。 In the second embodiment, the XML parser unit 312 converts the acquired image data in the XML format into a drawing format suitable for the performance of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3, such as resolution and display screen size. To do. Thereby, even if the resolution and display screen size of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3 are smaller than the display unit 24 of the computer 2 as in the first embodiment, the visibility for the user can be ensured.
　次に、第２実施形態において、画像形成装置３の各動作機構についての設定値を書き換える処理を説明する。図１０は、第２実施形態において画像形成装置３の各動作機構についての設定値を書き換える処理を示すシーケンス図である。 Next, a process for rewriting set values for each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of rewriting set values for each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 in the second embodiment.
　前提として、メンテナンスプログラム５が記憶されているＵＳＢメモリー６が操作者に配布されている。操作者が当該ＵＳＢメモリー６を画像形成装置３のＵＳＢインターフェイス３９に接続すると（Ｓ２１）、画像形成装置３に備えられる制御ユニット３０がＵＳＢメモリー６を認識し、ＵＳＢメモリー６に記憶されているメンテナンスプログラム５を起動させる(Ｓ２２)。これにより、制御ユニット３０が、表示画面制御部３３１、設定値受付部３３２及び設定値出力部３３３を有するメンテナンス制御部３３０として機能する。 As a premise, the USB memory 6 storing the maintenance program 5 is distributed to the operator. When the operator connects the USB memory 6 to the USB interface 39 of the image forming apparatus 3 (S21), the control unit 30 provided in the image forming apparatus 3 recognizes the USB memory 6, and the maintenance stored in the USB memory 6 is performed. The program 5 is activated (S22). Thereby, the control unit 30 functions as a maintenance control unit 330 including the display screen control unit 331, the set value receiving unit 332, and the set value output unit 333.
　この後、表示画面制御部３３１が、ブラウザー３１４及びＸＭＬパーサー部３１２により、表示部３５に指示受付画像として表示させる(Ｓ２３)。ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２は、当該画像形成装置３の表示部３５の性能に適した描画形式に、上記取得されたＸＭＬ形式の画像データを変換する。この場合における表示部２４の表示画面の一例を図１１に示す。画像形成装置３の表示部３５の表示画面Ｄ３は、一般的に、コンピューター２に設けられる表示部２４よりも狭小であることが多いが、ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２に、画像形成装置３の表示部３５の性能に応じて上記画像データの変換を行わせることにより、画像形成装置３の表示部３５の解像度や表示画面サイズがコンピューター２の表示部２４より小さくても、図１１に示す表示画面Ｄ３のように、ユーザーに対する視認性を阻害しない表示が確保される。 Thereafter, the display screen control unit 331 causes the display unit 35 to display an instruction reception image by the browser 314 and the XML parser unit 312 (S23). The XML parser unit 312 converts the acquired image data in the XML format into a drawing format suitable for the performance of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3. An example of the display screen of the display unit 24 in this case is shown in FIG. The display screen D3 of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3 is generally narrower than the display unit 24 provided in the computer 2, but the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3 is displayed on the XML parser unit 312. By converting the image data according to the performance of the image, even if the resolution and display screen size of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3 are smaller than the display unit 24 of the computer 2, the display screen D3 shown in FIG. In this way, a display that does not impair the visibility to the user is ensured.
　この後、操作者が、表示部３５に備えられるタッチパネル機能等により、表示部３５に表示されている指示受付画像のうち、設定値の変更を希望する項目を示す指示受付画像を指定すると(Ｓ２４)、当該項目に対応するメンテナンス制御部３３０の表示画面制御部３３１は、ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２及びブラウザー３１４により、表示部３５に、図１２に例を示す設定値受付画面Ｄ４を表示させる（Ｓ２５）。この設定値受付画面Ｄ４は、表示画面Ｄ３と同様に、画像形成装置３の表示部３５の性能に応じて変換された描画形式からなる。 Thereafter, when the operator designates an instruction acceptance image indicating an item whose setting value is desired to be changed from among the instruction acceptance images displayed on the display unit 35 by a touch panel function or the like provided in the display unit 35 (S24). The display screen control unit 331 of the maintenance control unit 330 corresponding to the item causes the display unit 35 to display the setting value reception screen D4 shown in FIG. 12 by the XML parser unit 312 and the browser 314 (S25). . This set value reception screen D4 has a drawing format converted according to the performance of the display unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 3 in the same manner as the display screen D3.
　ここで、操作者が、表示部３５に備えられるタッチパネル機能又は操作部４７の操作により所望の設定値を入力すると（Ｓ２６）、設定値受付部３３２が当該設定値の入力を受け付ける（Ｓ２７）。このとき、設定値受付部３３２は、上述した予め定められた数値の範囲内においてのみ、設定値の入力を受け付ける。 Here, when the operator inputs a desired set value by the touch panel function provided in the display unit 35 or the operation of the operation unit 47 (S26), the set value receiving unit 332 receives the input of the set value (S27). At this time, the set value receiving unit 332 receives the input of the set value only within the predetermined numerical range described above.
　続いて、設定値出力部３３３は、当該設定値及び設定値が適用される項目を示す設定値書換情報を、設定値情報取得部３１のＸＭＬパーサー部３１２に出力する。設定値変更部３２３は、ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２から上記設定値書換情報を取得し、設定値記憶部３２１に記憶されている各項目の設定値のうち、当該設定値書換情報が示す項目の設定値を、当該設定値書換情報が示す設定値に書き換えて変更する（Ｓ２８）。 Subsequently, the setting value output unit 333 outputs the setting value rewrite information indicating the setting value and the item to which the setting value is applied to the XML parser unit 312 of the setting value information acquisition unit 31. The setting value changing unit 323 acquires the setting value rewriting information from the XML parser unit 312, and among the setting values of each item stored in the setting value storage unit 321, the setting value of the item indicated by the setting value rewriting information Is rewritten and changed to the set value indicated by the set value rewrite information (S28).
　以上説明したように、第２実施形態によると、操作者が画像形成装置３に対してＵＳＢメモリー６を接続することで、コンピューター２を用いることなく、画像形成装置３の各項目についての設定値の調整を行うことができる。 As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the operator connects the USB memory 6 to the image forming apparatus 3, setting values for each item of the image forming apparatus 3 without using the computer 2. Adjustments can be made.
　なお、本第２実施形態として示す画像形成装置３、すなわち、接続されたＵＳＢメモリー６に記憶されているメンテナンスプログラム５にアクセスして動作することにより、制御ユニット３０が、表示画面制御部３３１、設定値受付部３３２及び設定値出力部３３３を有するメンテナンス制御部３３０として機能する画像形成装置３は、特許請求の範囲における情報処理装置の一例となる。 The control unit 30 operates by accessing the maintenance program 5 stored in the image forming apparatus 3 shown as the second embodiment, that is, the connected USB memory 6, so that the display screen control unit 331, The image forming apparatus 3 functioning as a maintenance control unit 330 having a set value receiving unit 332 and a set value output unit 333 is an example of an information processing device in the claims.
　次に、本発明の第３実施形態を説明する。図１３は本発明の第３実施形態における使用形態を示す図である。なお、第１又は第２実施形態と同様の構成又は処理について同一符号を付しては説明を省略する。 Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a usage pattern in the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure or process similar to 1st or 2nd embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
　本発明の第３実施形態では、メンテナンスプログラム５は、画像形成装置３の制御ユニット２０に備えられるマスクＲＯＭ４１又は図略のＨＤＤ等の記憶媒体に予めインストールされている。 In the third embodiment of the present invention, the maintenance program 5 is installed in advance in a storage medium such as a mask ROM 41 provided in the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 3 or an HDD (not shown).
　図１４は、第３実施形態においての画像形成装置３の内部構成の概略を示すブロック図である。 FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 in the third embodiment.
　第３実施形態では、画像形成装置３の制御ユニット３０が、上記マスクＲＯＭ３９又は図略のＨＤＤ等の記憶媒体にインストールされているメンテナンスプログラム５に従った動作を行うことによって、当該メンテナンスプログラム５に含まれる動作調整プログラム毎に、表示画面制御部３３１、設定値受付部３３２及び設定値出力部３３３を有するメンテナンス制御部３３０として機能する。 In the third embodiment, the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 performs an operation in accordance with the maintenance program 5 installed in the mask ROM 39 or a storage medium such as an HDD (not shown) to thereby execute the maintenance program 5. Each of the included operation adjustment programs functions as a maintenance control unit 330 having a display screen control unit 331, a set value receiving unit 332, and a set value output unit 333.
　第３実施形態では、第２実施形態の場合と同様に、画像形成装置３は、表示部３５、メンテナンス制御部３３０、設定値情報取得部３１、制御部３２、画像形成部３６、画像読取部３７、及び操作部４７を備える。画像形成装置３のこれら各部による画像データの表示、設定値書換情報の受付、設定値書換情報の変更は、第２実施形態の場合と同様である。 In the third embodiment, as in the case of the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a display unit 35, a maintenance control unit 330, a set value information acquisition unit 31, a control unit 32, an image forming unit 36, and an image reading unit. 37 and an operation unit 47. Display of image data, reception of setting value rewriting information, and change of setting value rewriting information by these units of the image forming apparatus 3 are the same as in the second embodiment.
　第３実施形態において、画像形成装置３の各動作機構についての設定値を書き換える処理を説明する。図１５は、第３実施形態において画像形成装置３の各動作機構についての設定値を書き換える処理を示すシーケンス図である。 In the third embodiment, a process of rewriting set values for each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process for rewriting set values for each operation mechanism of the image forming apparatus 3 in the third embodiment.
　前提として、メンテナンスプログラム５は画像形成装置３のマスクＲＯＭ４１にインストール済みである。操作者が、表示部３５に備えられるタッチパネル機能等により、メンテナンスプログラム５の起動指示を入力すると（Ｓ３１）、制御ユニット３０がメンテナンスプログラム５を起動させる(Ｓ３２)。これにより、制御ユニット３０は、メンテナンスプログラム５に従った動作により、当該メンテナンスプログラム５に含まれる動作調整プログラム毎に、表示画面制御部３３１、設定値受付部３３２及び設定値出力部３３３を有するメンテナンス制御部３３０として機能する。 As a premise, the maintenance program 5 is already installed in the mask ROM 41 of the image forming apparatus 3. When the operator inputs an activation instruction for the maintenance program 5 using a touch panel function or the like provided in the display unit 35 (S31), the control unit 30 activates the maintenance program 5 (S32). Accordingly, the control unit 30 performs maintenance according to the operation according to the maintenance program 5, and includes a display screen control unit 331, a set value receiving unit 332, and a set value output unit 333 for each operation adjustment program included in the maintenance program 5. It functions as the control unit 330.
　なお、当該起動指示の入力時には、制御部３２が、表示部３５の表示画面に、操作者に対してパスワードの入力を求める旨のメッセージを表示させる。制御部３２が、操作者による表示部３５のタッチパネル機能又は操作部４７の操作等により入力されたパスワードが、予めメンテナンスプログラム５に記憶されているパスワードと一致すると判断した場合に、制御ユニット３０がメンテナンスプログラム５を起動させる。但し、画像形成装置３において、画像形成装置３の操作について、操作者にＩＤ又はパスワードを入力してのログインを求める場合は、制御部３２は、当該ログインが完了したことをもって、上記パスワードの認証を省略してもよい。 Note that when the activation instruction is input, the control unit 32 displays a message requesting the operator to input a password on the display screen of the display unit 35. When the control unit 32 determines that the password input by the touch panel function of the display unit 35 or the operation of the operation unit 47 by the operator matches the password stored in the maintenance program 5 in advance, the control unit 30 The maintenance program 5 is started. However, in the image forming apparatus 3, when the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 is requested to log in by inputting an ID or password to the operator, the control unit 32 authenticates the password with the completion of the login. May be omitted.
　この後、設定値情報取得部３１のＸＭＬパーサー部３１２が、メンテナンスプログラム５に含まれる各動作調整プログラムの表示画面制御部３３１の画像データを解釈し、表示部３５での表示に適応した描画形式に画像データを変換すると、ブラウザー３１４が、当該変換後の各画像データを表示部３５に指示受付用画像として表示させる(Ｓ３３)。この場合における表示部３５の表示画面は上記図１１と同様である。 Thereafter, the XML parser unit 312 of the setting value information acquisition unit 31 interprets the image data of the display screen control unit 331 of each operation adjustment program included in the maintenance program 5, and a drawing format adapted to display on the display unit 35. When the image data is converted, the browser 314 displays the converted image data on the display unit 35 as an instruction receiving image (S33). The display screen of the display unit 35 in this case is the same as that shown in FIG.
　この後、操作者が、表示部３５に備えられるタッチパネル機能等により、表示部３５に表示されている指示受付画像のうち、設定値の変更を希望する項目を示す指示受付画像を指定すると(Ｓ３４)、当該項目に対応するメンテナンス制御部３３０の表示画面制御部３３１は、ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２及びブラウザー３１４により、表示部３５に、図１２に例を示す設定値受付画面Ｄ４と同様の設定値受付画面を表示させる（Ｓ３５）。 Thereafter, when the operator designates an instruction reception image indicating an item whose setting value is desired to be changed among the instruction reception images displayed on the display unit 35 by a touch panel function or the like provided on the display unit 35 (S34). ), The display screen control unit 331 of the maintenance control unit 330 corresponding to the item receives the setting value reception similar to the setting value reception screen D4 illustrated in FIG. 12 on the display unit 35 by the XML parser unit 312 and the browser 314. A screen is displayed (S35).
　ここで、操作者が、表示部３５に備えられるタッチパネル機能又は操作部４７の操作により所望の設定値を入力すると（Ｓ３６）、設定値受付部３３２が当該設定値の入力を受け付ける（Ｓ３７）。このとき、設定値受付部３３２は、上述した予め定められた数値の範囲内においてのみ、設定値の入力を受け付ける。 Here, when the operator inputs a desired set value by the touch panel function provided in the display unit 35 or the operation of the operation unit 47 (S36), the set value receiving unit 332 receives the input of the set value (S37). At this time, the set value receiving unit 332 receives the input of the set value only within the predetermined numerical range described above.
　続いて、設定値出力部３３３は、当該設定値及び設定値が適用される項目を示す設定値書換情報を、設定値情報取得部３１のＸＭＬパーサー部３１２に出力する。設定値変更部３２３は、ＸＭＬパーサー部３１２から上記設定値書換情報を取得し、設定値記憶部３２１に記憶されている各項目の設定値のうち、当該設定値書換情報が示す項目の設定値を、当該設定値書換情報が示す設定値に書き換えて変更する（Ｓ３８）。 Subsequently, the setting value output unit 333 outputs the setting value rewrite information indicating the setting value and the item to which the setting value is applied to the XML parser unit 312 of the setting value information acquisition unit 31. The setting value changing unit 323 acquires the setting value rewriting information from the XML parser unit 312, and among the setting values of each item stored in the setting value storage unit 321, the setting value of the item indicated by the setting value rewriting information Is rewritten and changed to the set value indicated by the set value rewrite information (S38).
　これにより、操作者が画像形成装置３を操作することで、画像形成装置３の各項目の設定値の調整を、コンピューター２やＵＳＢメモリー６を用いることなく行うことができる。 Thus, when the operator operates the image forming apparatus 3, the setting values of the items of the image forming apparatus 3 can be adjusted without using the computer 2 or the USB memory 6.
　なお、本第３実施形態として示す、メンテナンスプログラム５がマスクＲＯＭ４１又は図略のＨＤＤ等の記憶媒体に予めインストールされ、制御ユニット３０が、当該メンテナンスプログラム５に従って動作することで、表示画面制御部３３１、設定値受付部３３２及び設定値出力部３３３を有するメンテナンス制御部３３０として機能する画像形成装置３は、特許請求の範囲における情報処理装置の一例となる。 The maintenance program 5 shown as the third embodiment is installed in advance in a storage medium such as the mask ROM 41 or an HDD (not shown), and the control unit 30 operates according to the maintenance program 5, whereby the display screen control unit 331. The image forming apparatus 3 that functions as the maintenance control unit 330 having the set value receiving unit 332 and the set value output unit 333 is an example of an information processing device in the claims.
　なお、本発明は上記実施の形態の構成に限られず種々の変形が可能である。例えば、上記各実施形態では、メンテナンスプログラム５は、各項目に対応する動作調整プログラムを備え、コンピューター２の制御ユニット２０、又は画像形成装置３の制御ユニット３０が当該動作調整プログラムに従って動作することで、動作調整プログラム毎に、すなわち、項目毎に、表示画面制御部、設定値受付部、及び設定値出力部として機能するものとしたが、これに代えて、メンテナンスプログラム５は、表示画面制御部としてのみ機能する動作調整プログラムを項目毎に備え、さらに、各動作調整プログラムに対応する項目についての各設定値を受け付ける設定値受付部として情報処理装置を機能させる設定値受付プログラムと、当該各項目について受け付けられた各設定値を出力する設定値出力部として情報処理装置を機能させる設定値出力プログラムとを備えるプログラムとしてもよい。すなわち、メンテナンスプログラム５は、設定値受付部及び設定値出力部を項目毎に有するのではなく、全ての項目の設定値の受付又は出力を一括して担当する設定値受付部及び設定値出力部を有するプログラムとしてもよい。 It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the maintenance program 5 includes an operation adjustment program corresponding to each item, and the control unit 20 of the computer 2 or the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 operates according to the operation adjustment program. Each of the operation adjustment programs, that is, for each item, functions as a display screen control unit, a set value receiving unit, and a set value output unit. Instead, the maintenance program 5 is a display screen control unit. A setting value receiving program that causes the information processing apparatus to function as a setting value receiving unit that receives each setting value for an item corresponding to each operation adjustment program The information processing device functions as a set value output unit that outputs each set value received for A set value output program to be a program including. That is, the maintenance program 5 does not have a set value receiving unit and a set value output unit for each item, but a set value receiving unit and a set value output unit that collectively receive or output set values for all items. It is good also as a program which has.
　また、上記メンテナンスプログラム５は、当該メンテナンスプログラム５の解析を不可能にするＳＳＬ等の暗号化処理が行われていてもよい。この暗号化処理を行うことで、メンテナンスプログラムの作成者に無断で、第三者や部外者等により、作成後の当該メンテナンスプログラムの内容が変更される等の事態を防止する。 Further, the maintenance program 5 may be subjected to encryption processing such as SSL that makes the analysis of the maintenance program 5 impossible. By performing this encryption processing, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the content of the maintenance program after the creation is changed by a third party or an outsider without permission of the creator of the maintenance program.
　また、メンテナンスプログラム５には、当該メンテナンスプログラム５の使用期限を設定する処理が公知の手段により施されていてもよい。これにより、作成されたメンテナンスプログラムが永続的に使用されることを避け、当該メンテナンスプログラムが流転して第三者の手に渡った場合における無断使用の可能性を低減することが可能である。 In addition, the maintenance program 5 may be subjected to processing for setting the expiration date of the maintenance program 5 by a known means. As a result, it is possible to avoid the permanent use of the created maintenance program, and to reduce the possibility of unauthorized use in the case where the maintenance program is swept into the hands of a third party.
　また、上記各実施形態では、動作調整プログラムに含まれる画像データ等のデータ形式としてＸＭＬ形式のデータを用いる例を用いて説明しているが、データ形式はＸＭＬ形式に限定されず、他のデータ形式を用いることも可能である。 In each of the above-described embodiments, description has been made using an example in which XML format data is used as the data format of image data or the like included in the operation adjustment program. However, the data format is not limited to the XML format, and other data is used. It is also possible to use a format.
　なお、図１乃至図１５を用いて上記各実施形態に示した構成及び処理は、本発明の一実施形態に過ぎず、本発明の構成及び処理はこれに限定されるものではない。本発明の範囲及び趣旨から逸脱することなく本発明の様々な修正形態及び変更形態が、当業者には、明らかとなり得る。また、本発明は、本明細書に記載した例示的な実施形態に限定されないことが理解されるべきである。 The configurations and processes shown in the above embodiments using FIGS. 1 to 15 are only one embodiment of the present invention, and the configurations and processes of the present invention are not limited thereto. Various modifications and alterations of this invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. In addition, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

Claims (7)

  1. 　画像形成装置において設定値の調整が可能とされている項目毎に対応付けて設けられた画像データを、ブラウザーにより情報処理装置の表示部に指示受付用画像として表示させる表示画面制御部と、
    　前記ブラウザーが前記表示部に表示させる前記指示受付用画像に基づく操作者の操作に基づいて、当該指示受付用画像の画像データに対応付けられた前記項目に設定する設定値を、前記項目毎に、画像形成装置に前記項目に対する動作を正常に行わせる数値の範囲内から更に制限された数値の範囲内において、操作者から受け付ける設定値受付部と、
    　前記設定値受付部に受け付けられた設定値及び当該設定値が適用される項目を前記画像形成装置に出力する設定値出力部と
    して前記情報処理装置を機能させるメンテナンスプログラム。     A display screen control unit that displays image data provided in association with each item whose setting value can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus as an instruction receiving image on a display unit of the information processing apparatus by a browser;
    Based on the operation of the operator based on the instruction reception image displayed on the display unit by the browser, a setting value set in the item associated with the image data of the instruction reception image is set for each item. A setting value receiving unit that receives from an operator within a numerical value range that is further restricted from within a numerical value range that causes the image forming apparatus to normally perform an operation on the item;
    A maintenance program that causes the information processing apparatus to function as a setting value output unit that outputs the setting value received by the setting value receiving unit and an item to which the setting value is applied to the image forming apparatus.
  2. 　前記画像データは、前記情報処理装置に備えられるデータ変換部によって、前記情報処理装置の前記表示部に対応した描画形式に変換可能なデータ形式とされている請求項１に記載のメンテナンスプログラム。 The maintenance program according to claim 1, wherein the image data is in a data format that can be converted into a drawing format corresponding to the display unit of the information processing apparatus by a data conversion unit provided in the information processing apparatus.
  3. 　前記設定値出力部から前記設定値及び当該設定値が適用される項目を前記画像形成装置に出力した後に、当該画像形成装置に対して、当該画像形成装置に記憶されている当該項目についての設定値を要求し、当該画像形成装置から取得した当該項目についての設定値を、前記表示部に表示させる設定値確認部として、更に前記情報処理装置を機能させる請求項１に記載のメンテナンスプログラム。 After the setting value output unit outputs the setting value and the item to which the setting value is applied to the image forming apparatus, the setting for the item stored in the image forming apparatus is performed for the image forming apparatus. The maintenance program according to claim 1, further causing the information processing apparatus to function as a setting value confirmation unit that requests a value and displays a setting value for the item acquired from the image forming apparatus on the display unit.
  4. 　情報処理装置を、
    　画像形成装置において設定値の調整が可能とされている項目毎に対応付けて設けられた画像データを、ブラウザーにより情報処理装置の表示部に指示受付用画像として表示させる表示画面制御部と、
    　前記ブラウザーが前記表示部に表示させる前記指示受付用画像に基づく操作者の操作に基づいて、当該指示受付用画像の画像データに対応付けられた前記項目に設定する設定値を、前記項目毎に、画像形成装置に前記項目に対する動作を正常に行わせる数値の範囲内から更に制限された数値の範囲内において、操作者から受け付ける設定値受付部と、
    　前記設定値受付部に受け付けられた設定値及び当該設定値が適用される項目を前記画像形成装置に出力する設定値出力部と
    して機能させるメンテナンスプログラムを記憶したコンピューター読取可能な記録媒体。     Information processing device
    A display screen control unit that displays image data provided in association with each item whose setting value can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus as an instruction receiving image on a display unit of the information processing apparatus by a browser;
    Based on the operation of the operator based on the instruction reception image displayed on the display unit by the browser, a setting value set in the item associated with the image data of the instruction reception image is set for each item. A setting value receiving unit that receives from an operator within a numerical value range that is further restricted from within a numerical value range that causes the image forming apparatus to normally perform an operation on the item;
    A computer-readable recording medium storing a maintenance program that functions as a setting value output unit that outputs a setting value received by the setting value receiving unit and an item to which the setting value is applied to the image forming apparatus.
  5. 　画像形成装置において設定値の調整が可能とされている項目毎に対応付けて設けられた画像データを、ブラウザーにより情報処理装置の表示部に指示受付用画像として表示させる画面表示ステップと、
    　前記ブラウザーが前記表示部に表示させる前記指示受付用画像に基づく操作者の操作に基づいて、当該指示受付用画像の画像データに対応付けられた前記項目に設定する設定値を、前記項目毎に、画像形成装置に前記項目に対する動作を正常に行わせる数値の範囲内から更に制限された数値の範囲内において、操作者から受け付ける設定値受付ステップと、
    　前記設定値受付ステップで受け付けられた設定値及び当該設定値が適用される項目を前記画像形成装置に出力する設定値出力ステップと
    を有する設定値書換方法。     A screen display step of displaying image data provided in association with each item for which setting values can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus as an instruction receiving image on a display unit of the information processing apparatus by a browser;
    Based on the operation of the operator based on the instruction reception image displayed on the display unit by the browser, a setting value set in the item associated with the image data of the instruction reception image is set for each item. A setting value receiving step for receiving from the operator within a numerical value range that is further restricted from within a numerical value range that allows the image forming apparatus to normally perform an operation on the item;
    A set value rewriting method comprising: a set value received in the set value accepting step and a set value output step for outputting an item to which the set value is applied to the image forming apparatus.
  6. 　表示部と、
    　前記表示部への表示を行うブラウザーと、
    　画像形成装置において設定値の調整が可能とされている項目毎に対応付けて設けられた画像データを、ブラウザーにより情報処理装置の表示部に指示受付用画像として表示させる表示画面制御部と、
    　前記ブラウザーが前記表示部に表示させる前記指示受付用画像に基づく操作者の操作に基づいて、当該指示受付用画像の画像データに対応付けられた前記項目に設定する設定値を、前記項目毎に、画像形成装置に前記項目に対する動作を正常に行わせる数値の範囲内から更に制限された数値の範囲内において、操作者から受け付ける設定値受付部と、
    　前記設定値受付部に受け付けられた設定値及び当該設定値が適用される項目を前記画像形成装置に出力する設定値出力部とを備えた情報処理装置。     A display unit;
    A browser for displaying on the display unit;
    A display screen control unit that displays image data provided in association with each item whose setting value can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus as an instruction receiving image on a display unit of the information processing apparatus by a browser;
    Based on the operation of the operator based on the instruction reception image displayed on the display unit by the browser, a setting value set in the item associated with the image data of the instruction reception image is set for each item. A setting value receiving unit that receives from an operator within a numerical value range that is further restricted from within a numerical value range that causes the image forming apparatus to normally perform an operation on the item;
    An information processing apparatus comprising: a setting value received by the setting value receiving unit; and a setting value output unit that outputs an item to which the setting value is applied to the image forming apparatus.
  7. 　情報処理装置及び画像形成装置を備えたメンテナンスシステムであって、
    　前記情報処理装置は、
    　表示部と、
    　前記表示部への表示を行うブラウザーと、
    　画像形成装置において設定値の調整が可能とされている項目毎に対応付けて設けられた画像データを、ブラウザーにより情報処理装置の表示部に指示受付用画像として表示させる表示画面制御部と、
    　前記ブラウザーが前記表示部に表示させる前記指示受付用画像に基づく操作者の操作に基づいて、当該指示受付用画像の画像データに対応付けられた前記項目に設定する設定値を、前記項目毎に、画像形成装置に前記項目に対する動作を正常に行わせる数値の範囲内から更に制限された数値の範囲内において、操作者から受け付ける設定値受付部と、
    　前記設定値受付部に受け付けられた設定値及び当該設定値が適用される項目を前記画像形成装置に出力する設定値出力部とを備え、
    　前記画像形成装置は、
    　当該画像形成装置において設定値の調整が可能な予め定められた数の項目の設定値を記憶する設定値記憶部と、
    　前記設定値記憶部に記憶されている前記各項目の設定値に従って、当該画像形成装置に備えられる動作機構を動作させる動作制御部と、
    　前記情報処理装置から出力されてくる前記項目の設定値を取得する設定値情報取得部と、
    　前記設定値記憶部に記憶されている設定値を、前記設定値情報取得部によって取得された前記項目の設定値に変更する設定値変更部とを備えるメンテナンスシステム。     A maintenance system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus,
    The information processing apparatus includes:
    A display unit;
    A browser for displaying on the display unit;
    A display screen control unit that displays image data provided in association with each item whose setting value can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus as an instruction receiving image on a display unit of the information processing apparatus by a browser;
    Based on the operation of the operator based on the instruction reception image displayed on the display unit by the browser, a setting value set in the item associated with the image data of the instruction reception image is set for each item. A setting value receiving unit that receives from an operator within a numerical value range that is further restricted from within a numerical value range that causes the image forming apparatus to normally perform an operation on the item;
    A setting value output unit that outputs the setting value received by the setting value receiving unit and an item to which the setting value is applied to the image forming apparatus;
    The image forming apparatus includes:
    A setting value storage unit that stores setting values of a predetermined number of items that can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus;
    An operation control unit that operates an operation mechanism provided in the image forming apparatus according to the setting value of each item stored in the setting value storage unit;
    A setting value information acquisition unit for acquiring a setting value of the item output from the information processing apparatus;
    A maintenance system comprising: a setting value changing unit that changes the setting value stored in the setting value storage unit to the setting value of the item acquired by the setting value information acquisition unit.
PCT/JP2013/059531 2012-03-30 2013-03-29 Maintenance program, computer-readable recording medium on which maintenance program is stored, setting value overwrite method, information processing device, and maintenance system WO2013147159A1 (en)

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