Information processing device, information processing program, and information processing system

Abstract

To reflect and change either a user set value or the current set value as a set value of the user in the case that the user is switched.SOLUTION: An information processing device including a user registration part 50a, a current set value storage part 50f, and a set difference extraction part 50g includes a display part 50k, a selection part 50 for displaying a set item extracted by the set difference extraction part 50g to have difference, a user set value corresponding to the set item and the current set value in the display part 50k, and receiving a selection instruction as to whether to reflect the user set value in the current set value to store it in a current set value storage part 50f, and a set reflection part 50c for reflecting either the user set value or the current set value as a set value to store it in the current set value storage part 50f on the basis of a selection result received by a selection part 50b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing program, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in an information processing device such as a multifunction peripheral (MPF) used by multiple users, a technique is known in which the setting values ​​desired by the user corresponding to the setting items are saved for each user, and when a certain user uses the MPF, if the current setting value corresponding to the setting item differs from the user setting value, the setting items with the difference are displayed in a list and can be changed all at once to the saved user setting value. Patent document 1 discloses a technology in which, in a printer driver installed on a personal computer, the difference between the initial value of the driver's setting items and the setting value changed based on the user's operation is detected, information about the setting items with differences is displayed, and the user is allowed to further change the setting values ​​of the setting items with differences or to return them to their initial values.

[0003] Incidentally, when multiple users use one MFP, each user may change the setting values ​​to suit his or her intended purpose. However, since it is assumed that the settings values ​​set on an MFP are set to the settings values ​​necessary to operate the MFP, if the settings values ​​changed by user A are not in line with user B's intended use, user B must change the settings set by user A to the settings most suitable for user B before using the MFP. In this case, there is a problem that a user who is not familiar with how to operate the MFP has difficulty in changing (returning) the setting values ​​to the ones the user desires to use. In such cases, the more users there are and the more settings they have changed, the more time and effort it takes for users to change (revert) settings to values ​​that suit their purposes. Also, each user needs to remember the settings they want to use.

[0004] Furthermore, MFPs generally provide a backup and restore function that backs up registered setting data and restores it as necessary. However, there is a problem in that it takes time and effort to execute the restore function every time the MPF user changes, which reduces work efficiency. Conventionally, when multiple users use one MPF, the above-mentioned problems have not been taken into consideration. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and its purpose is to change either the user setting value or the current setting value when the user is switched, to reflect that user's setting value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an information processing device comprising: a user registration unit that registers, for each user, setting items for executing a specified function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items; a current setting value storage unit that stores current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items; and a setting difference extraction unit that extracts setting items with differences when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value, characterized in that the information processing device comprises: a display unit; a selection unit that displays, on the display unit, the setting items with differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit, the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting values, and accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value storage unit; and a setting reflection unit that reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value and stores it in the current setting value storage unit based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when a user is switched, either the user setting value or the current setting value is reflected as the setting value of the new user and changed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an authentication server connected via a network. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a functional block diagram showing functions installed in an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A is a table T1 managed by a current setting value storage unit provided in the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a table T2 managed by a user registration unit. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation performed when saving a setting value by the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 shows a flowchart when a setting value is restored by the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram showing a transition of a screen when restoring a setting value to one registered by a user in a user registration unit, in the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of a selection screen for accepting a user's operation by the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of a modified example of the selection screen in which check boxes are removed from the selection screen shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram showing a screen transition when performing user registration via a setting list screen by the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for sharing information between MFPs in an information processing apparatus according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for sharing information in an authentication server in an information processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a screen in an information processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which temporarily displays setting items and setting values ​​that are different from the current setting values ​​among the information registered by the user, and indicates that the settings will be made unconditionally with the user's consent. [Figure 14] 13 is a mode selection screen for reflecting setting values ​​registered by a user in an information processing device according to a modified example of the first or second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention has the following configuration in order to change, when a user is switched, either a user setting value or a current setting value so as to reflect the setting value of the new user. In other words, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device equipped with a user registration unit that registers setting items for executing a specified function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items for each user, a current setting value memory unit that stores current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and a setting difference extraction unit that extracts setting items with differences when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value, and is characterized in having a display unit, a selection unit that displays the setting items with differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit, the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting values ​​on the display unit, and accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit, and a setting reflection unit that reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value and stores it in the current setting value memory unit based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit. With the above configuration, when a user is switched, either the user setting value or the current setting value can be reflected as the setting value of the new user and changed. The features of the present invention described above will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. described in the embodiments are merely illustrative examples and do not intend to limit the scope of the present invention. The above-mentioned features of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an authentication server connected via a network. In the system shown in FIG. 1, an MFP 1, which is an example of an information processing device, and an authentication server 10 are connected via a network N. When a user sets a user name (user ID) and password in the MFP 1, the user name and password are transmitted to the authentication server 10 via the network N, and the MFP 1 is authenticated by the authentication server 10. The authentication server 10 returns a permission notice to the MFP1 when the pair of the user name and password received from the MFP1 has been registered beforehand, and returns a non-permission notice to the MFP1 when the pair of the user name and password has not been registered beforehand. The information processing device is, for example, an image forming device (MFP), and when it receives a permission notification from the authentication server 10, it provides the user with the functions desired by the user (copy function, scanner function, printer function, facsimile function, etc.).

[0011] <Information processing device> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus (MFP) which is an example of an information processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus is configured with an MFP1, and includes a controller 110, a short-range communication circuit 120, an engine control unit 130, an operation panel 140, a network I / F 150, and a connection I / F unit 160. Of these, the controller 110 has a CPU 101 which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 102, a north bridge (NB) 103, a south bridge (SB) 104, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 106, a local memory (MEM-C) 107 which is a storage unit, an HDD controller 108, and a HD 109 which is also a storage unit, and is configured such that the NB 103 and the ASIC 106 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 121. Of these, the CPU 101 is a control unit that performs overall control of the MFP 1. The NB 103 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 101 with the MEM-P 102, the SB 104, and the AGP bus 121, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 102, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0012] The MEM-P102 is composed of a ROM 102a which is a memory for storing programs and data for implementing the various functions of the controller 110, and a RAM 102b which is used for developing the programs and data, and as a drawing memory during memory printing, etc. The programs stored in the RAM 102b may be configured to be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD in the form of an installable or executable file. The SB104 is a bridge for connecting the NB103 to a PCI device and a peripheral device. The ASIC106 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing purposes having hardware elements for image processing, and plays the role of a bridge connecting the AGP bus 121, the PCI bus 122, the HDD controller 108, and the MEM-C107. The ASIC106 is composed of a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC106, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C107, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that rotate image data using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 131 and the printer unit 132 via the PCI bus 122. The ASIC106 may be connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface.

[0013] The MEM-C 107 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HD 109 is a storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. The HD 109 controls the reading and writing of data from and to the HD 109 under the control of the CPU 101. The AGP bus 121 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphic processing, and by directly accessing the MEM-P 102 at high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can be made faster. Further, the short-distance communication circuit 120 includes a short-distance communication circuit 120a. The short-distance communication circuit 120 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth.

[0014] Furthermore, the engine control unit 130 is composed of a scanner unit 131 and a printer unit 132. The operation panel 140 has a display unit 140a composed of a panel such as a touch panel that displays current setting values ​​and a selection screen, etc., and receives input from an operator, and an operation unit 140b consisting of a numeric keypad that receives setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density setting conditions, a start key that receives a copy start instruction, etc. The controller 110 controls the entire MFP1, and controls, for example, drawing, communication, input from the operation panel 140, etc. The scanner unit 131 or the printer unit 132 includes an image processing unit such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0015] The MFP 1 can successively switch among the document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function by using an application switching key on the operation panel 140. When the document box function is selected, the MFP 1 enters the document box mode, when the copy function is selected, the MFP 1 enters the copy mode, when the printer function is selected, the MFP 1 enters the printer mode, and when the facsimile mode is selected, the MFP 1 enters the facsimile mode. The network I / F 150 is an interface for performing data communication using the external network N1. The short-range communication circuit 120 and the network I / F 150 are electrically connected to the ASIC 106 via the PCI bus 122. The controller 110 receives commands issued through an operation panel 140 or commands issued by an external device, and executes the processing of a job specified by the command.

[0016] <Function block diagram> FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing functions installed in the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <User Registration> The user registration unit 50a stores the setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items in association with each user. The setting items include paper settings, copy settings, FAX settings, etc. The paper settings include detailed settings such as paper size and print direction. The user registration unit 50a registers, for each user, setting items for executing a predetermined function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items. The user registration unit 50a stores the setting items and the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items in a table T2 that manages the setting items in association with each user.

[0017] <Selection section> The selection unit 50b displays on the display unit 50k the setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting values, and accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. In the selection section 50b, the user selects the setting items that he or she wishes to save. Selection can be made by adding a check box or an icon to each setting item. The selection unit 50b displays on the display unit 50k the setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting values ​​and current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and a correction button for receiving instructions regarding correction. The selection unit 50b displays a setting value other than the user setting value and the current setting value on the display unit 50k, and accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the other setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f.

[0018] <Settings reflection section> The setting reflecting unit 50c reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as the setting value based on the selection result received by the selecting unit 50b, and stores it in the current setting value storage unit 50f. This allows the setting reflecting unit 50c to reflect the contents stored in the current setting value storage unit 50f to the device. When a selection is received for the modification button, the setting reflecting unit 50c reflects the user setting value displayed corresponding to the modification button in the current setting value and stores the reflected value in the current setting value storage unit 50f. The setting reflecting unit 50c reflects the different setting value in the current setting value based on the selection result received by the selecting unit 50b, and stores the reflected value in the current setting value storage unit 50f. The setting reflection unit 50c may be configured to not perform processing by the selection unit 50b, but to reflect the user setting value corresponding to the setting item extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value, onto the current setting value, and store it in the current setting value storage unit 50f.

[0019] <List display section> The list display section 50d displays a list of the contents registered by the user in the user registration section 50a. This list displays the setting items, the current setting values, and the user setting values, and allows the user to move to a setting change screen for each item. On the setting change screen, the user setting value, the current setting value, and a different setting value can be selected. <Authentication section> The authentication unit 50e stores a plurality of pairs of user names and passwords, and issues a permission notice and performs authentication when the user inputs a user name and password pair that matches one of the stored user name and password pairs. When the authentication unit 50e issues a permission notice, the user is allowed to log in, whereas when it issues a non-permission notice, the user is logged out.

[0020] <Current setting value storage section> The current setting value storage section 50f stores the current setting value corresponding to the setting item. The current setting value is stored in the current setting value storage unit 50f. After the setting value is reflected in the user setting value, when the user logs out, the current setting value can be reset. The current setting value can also be registered as the user setting. The current setting value storage unit 50f is configured with storage media such as the ROM 102a, the RAM 102b, and the HD 109. <Setting difference extraction part> The setting difference extraction unit 50g compares the current setting value corresponding to the setting item read from the current setting value storage unit 50f with the user setting value corresponding to the setting item read from the user registration unit 50a, and if there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value, extracts the setting item that has the difference. The results of the differences extracted by the setting difference extraction section 50g are displayed in a list display section 50d. Setting items that are not selected in the selection section 50b are not subject to registration in the user registration section 50a.

[0021] <Storage section> The memory unit 50i includes a table T1, which is managed by the current setting value memory unit 50f, in which setting items and corresponding current setting values ​​are associated with each other and managed, and a table T2, which is managed by the user registration unit 50a, in which setting items and corresponding user setting values ​​are associated with each other for each user and managed. The storage unit 50i is configured with storage media such as the ROM 102a, the RAM 102b, and the HD 109. <Mode selection section> The mode selection unit 50j receives an instruction to select either the display selection mode or the non-display mode. <Display section> The display unit 50k includes a display unit 140a configured with a panel such as a touch panel that accepts input from an operator, as shown in Fig. 2. The display unit 50k displays a screen including various areas, various check boxes, various buttons, messages, menus, and the like.

[0022] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and a device such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or a conventional circuit module designed to execute each function described above.

[0023] FIG. 4(a) is a table T1 managed by a current setting value memory unit 50f provided in an information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4(b) is a table T2 managed by a user registration unit. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the current setting value storage unit 50f manages setting items and corresponding current setting values ​​in association with each other in a table T1 stored in the storage unit. The user registration unit 50a manages the setting items and the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items in a table T2 stored in the storage unit 50i in association with each user, as shown in Fig. 4(b). Note that the table T2 shown in Fig. 4(b) registers and manages users A, B, C, etc.

[0024] <Action when saving settings> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation performed when saving a setting value by the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, since the selection screen G11 shown in FIG. 8 is related to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the screen contents will be explained correspondingly together with the explanation of the flowchart. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the process in which a user logs in, changes settings, and registers setting values ​​corresponding to specific setting items in the user registration unit 50a. The following processing is carried out when changing the setting value. In step S102, the authentication unit 50e issues a permission notice and performs authentication when the user name and password accepted for login by the user's operation match any one of a plurality of pairs of user names and passwords stored. In step S103, a setting menu is entered.

[0025] <Loop 1> In step S104, it is declared that the processing to be repeatedly performed in loop 1 will be processing until the setting change operation is completed. In step S105, a user operation to instruct whether or not to change the setting value is accepted. If there is an instruction to change the setting value, the process proceeds to step S106, whereas if there is an instruction not to change the setting value, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S106, the current setting value storage unit 50f stores the setting value in the storage unit 50i to reflect the setting value. In step S107, the setting difference extraction unit 50g sets a setting value change flag indicating that the setting value has been changed (setting value change flag=1), and the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the system accepts a user operation on the check boxes CB1 to CB4 arranged on the selection screen G11 shown in Fig. 8, and determines whether or not there is a tap instruction. If there is an instruction to tap the check boxes CB1 to CB4, the system proceeds to step S109, whereas if there is an instruction not to tap the check boxes CB1 to CB4, the system proceeds to step S110. If there is an instruction to tap the check boxes CB1 to CB4, in step S109, the check boxes CB1 to CB4 are updated to display check marks in the check boxes CB1 to CB4, and the process proceeds to step S110. Here, in the example of the selection screen G11 shown in Fig. 8, check marks are displayed in the check boxes CB1, CB2, and CB4. In step S110, loop 1 ends. In the figure, loop 1 (S104 to S110) represents the operation of changing settings by the user. When the user changes a setting value, that setting value is reflected in the device and the change in setting value is simultaneously recorded. Furthermore, the user can also turn on / off check boxes provided for each setting item, and by turning a check box on, the corresponding setting item can be registered in the user registration section 50a.

[0026] <Loop 2> In step S111, it is declared that the process to be repeatedly performed in loop 2 is to process the last setting item. In step S112, the setting difference extraction unit 50g receives a user operation on the check boxes CB1 to CB4 arranged on the selection screen G11 shown in Fig. 8, and determines whether or not there is a tap instruction. If there is an instruction to tap the check boxes CB1 to CB4, the process proceeds to step S114, whereas if there is an instruction not to tap the check boxes, the process proceeds to step S113. In step S114, it is determined whether the setting value change flag is set (setting value change flag=1). In step S115, the list display section 50d displays a pop-up for inquiring about updating settings regarding user registration. If there has been a change, a pop-up screen G12 is displayed to ask the user whether or not to update the user setting value corresponding to the currently changed setting item and save it in the current setting value storage section 50f. Next, the process proceeds to step S116. In step S116, the selection unit 50b determines whether or not a user registration setting update is required. That is, as shown in Fig. 8, the pop-up screen G12 displays, for example, a message saying "There is a favorite item whose settings have been changed. Do you want to save the settings?" along with a "Yes" button B51 and a "No" button B52. If the "No" button B52 is pressed by the user and the user registration setting is not to be updated, the process proceeds to step S121. On the other hand, if the "Yes" button B51 is pressed by the user and the user registration setting is to be updated, the process proceeds to step S117. In the figure, loop 2 (S111 to S113) determines whether or not any of the setting items set as user settings in loop 1 by the user checking (turning ON) the setting items that need to be changed among the check boxes CB1 to CB4 have been changed.

[0027] <Loop 3> In step S117, the setting reflecting unit 50c declares that the process to be repeatedly performed in loop 3 will be the process up to the end of the setting items. In step S118, the setting reflecting unit 50c accepts a user operation to instruct whether or not to tap the check boxes CB1 to CB4. If there is an instruction to tap the check boxes CB1 to CB4, the process proceeds to step S119, whereas if there is an instruction not to tap the check boxes CB1 to CB4, the process proceeds to step S120. In step S119, the setting reflecting unit 50c updates the setting values ​​corresponding to the user's setting items by storing them in the current setting value storage unit 50f in association with the user name. This process is performed when the user selects "Save" in the above popup.

[0028] Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 has been described with reference to the selection screen G11 shown in FIG. 8, but it may be described with reference to the selection screen G21 shown in FIG. 9 instead of the selection screen G11 shown in FIG. A selection screen G21 shown in FIG. 9 shows a selection screen obtained by removing the check boxes CB1 to CB4 from the selection screen shown in FIG.

[0029] <Restore settings> FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a process for restoring setting values ​​by the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the operation from when the user logs in to the MFP 1 until the setting values ​​previously saved in the user registration unit 50a are restored will be described. In addition, since the flow chart shown in FIG. 6 relates to the login screen G1 and list display screen G2 shown in FIG. 7, the screen contents will be explained correspondingly together with the explanation of the flow chart. In step S201, when a user sets a user name (user ID) and password on the login screen G1 shown in Fig. 7, the authentication unit 50e accepts login when the login button B1 is pressed. Here, the authentication unit 50e stores a plurality of pairs of user names and passwords, and issues a permission notice and performs authentication when the pair of user name and password acquired from the login screen G1 matches any one of the plurality of pairs of user name and password stored. In step S205, the selection unit 50b judges whether or not the change button B24 has been tapped on the list display screen G2 shown in Fig. 7. If the change button B24 has not been tapped, the process returns to step S205. On the other hand, if the change button B24 has been tapped, the process proceeds to step S210. When the change button B24 is tapped, in step S210, the setting reflecting unit 50c reflects the setting items and their setting values ​​associated with the user name and stores them in the current setting value storage unit 50f. As a result, the user setting values ​​are set in the MFP.

[0030] According to the first embodiment, the MFP1 displays the setting items with differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting values ​​on the display unit 50k, and the selection unit 50b accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value storage unit 50f. The setting reflection unit 50c reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as the setting value based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit 50b, and stores it in the current setting value storage unit 50f. In this way, when a user is switched, either the user setting value or the current setting value can be reflected as the setting value of the new user and changed.

[0031] <Screen state transition> FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram showing a transition of a screen when restoring the setting values ​​registered by the user in the user registration section in the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <Login screen> First, a login screen G1 shown in FIG. 7 includes a username input field R1, a password input field R2, and a login button B1. When a username and password are entered into input fields R1 and R2, respectively, on login screen G1 and login button B1 is pressed, MFP1 transmits the username and password acquired from input fields R1 and R2 to authentication server 10 via communications network N. The authentication server 10 returns a permission notice to the MFP1 when the pair of the user name and password received from the MFP1 has been registered beforehand, and returns a non-permission notice to the MFP1 when the pair of the user name and password has not been registered beforehand. When the MFP 1 receives a permission notification from the authentication server 10, the login screen G1 displayed on the display unit 140a transitions to a list display screen G2. In the above description, the authentication server 10 is used to authenticate a pair of a user name and a password. However, the authentication unit 50e may be configured to authenticate the pair of a user name and a password and, when a permission notice is issued, transition from the login screen G1 to the list display screen G2.

[0032] <List display screen> The setting difference extraction unit 50g compares the current setting value corresponding to the setting item read from the current setting value storage unit 50f with the user setting value corresponding to that setting item included in the user registration information, and extracts the setting item that has the difference if there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value. The selection unit 50b displays on the display unit 50k the setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting values, and accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. The setting items and setting values ​​extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g are sent to the list display unit 50d, which displays a list display screen G2 on the display unit 50k. 7, display areas R21-R23 displaying setting items and setting values, and Modify buttons B21-B23 and a Change button B24 are displayed for the display areas R21-R23. More specifically, the display areas R21-R23 display the current setting values ​​for the setting items and the setting values ​​registered by the user. It should be noted that the list display screen G2 displays a list of items that have been registered by the user A and whose setting values ​​have been changed. When the edit button B22 on the list display screen G2 is pressed, the screen transitions to an edit screen G3.

[0033] According to the first embodiment, the setting reflection unit 50c does not perform processing by the selection unit 50b, but reflects the user setting value corresponding to the setting item extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value, to the current setting value and stores it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. This allows the user setting value corresponding to the setting item extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value to be reflected in the current setting value and stored in the current setting value memory unit 50f.

[0034] <Correction screen> The correction screen G3 shown in FIG. 7 displays examples of setting items such as "Tray setting," "Current setting value: B," and "User setting value: Y," and further displays a "Do not change" button B31, a "Different setting value" button B32, and a "Change" button B33 at the bottom of the screen. When it is not necessary to change the setting value registered by the user, the "Do not change" button B31 is selected to leave the current setting value as it is and not to change it to the user registered value. When the "Other Setting Value" button B32 is selected, it is also possible to change the setting value to a value other than the user registration. When the "Change" button B33 is selected, the "Current setting: B" for the "Tray setting" can be changed to "User setting: Y".

[0035] According to the first embodiment, the selection unit 50b displays on the display unit 50k the setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting value and current setting value corresponding to the setting items, and a Modify button B22 for receiving instructions regarding modification. When a selection is received for the Modify button B22, in addition to the user setting value and current setting value corresponding to the setting item, a Change button B33 for receiving instructions regarding change is displayed on the display unit 50k. When a selection is received for the Change button B33, the setting reflection unit 50c reflects the user setting value in the current setting value and stores it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. As a result, when a selection is received for the change button B33, the user setting value is reflected in the current setting value, so that the setting value can be changed to reflect the user's setting value.

[0036] According to the first embodiment, the selection unit 50b accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect a setting value other than the user setting value and the current setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f, and the setting reflection unit 50c reflects the other setting value in the current setting value based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit 50b and stores it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. This allows the setting value to be changed to a setting value other than the current setting value and the user setting value by reflecting another setting value in the current setting value based on the selection result received by the selection unit 50b.

[0037] When the change button B24 arranged on the list display screen G2 shown in FIG. 7 is pressed, the screen transitions to the confirmation screen G4.

[0038] <Confirmation screen G4> In addition to the message "The following settings have been changed," the confirmation screen G4 shown in FIG. 7 also displays an area R41 representing "Copy settings: X," an area R42 representing "FAX settings: Z," and an "OK" button B41. When the "OK" button B41 is selected, "Copy Settings: X" and "FAX Settings: Z" are newly added and can be changed. The confirmation screen G4 shows the changed settings, other than the "Tray Settings" for which the "Do Not Change" button B31 was selected on the modification screen G3, to the settings registered by the user.

[0039] <Selection screen (part 1)> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of a selection screen for accepting a user's operation by the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The selection unit 50b displays on the display unit 50k the setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting values, and accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. Selection screen G11 includes setting item areas R51 to R54 that display current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and check boxes CB1 to CB4 that accept checks by the user for each setting item in the setting item areas R51 to R54. When the check boxes CB1 to CB4 are checked in response to a user operation, the setting items and setting values ​​corresponding to the check boxes are registered in the user registration unit 50a. In the example shown on the selection screen G11, it is shown that the print size, print direction, and paper type have been checked by the user. If the setting of a setting item registered by the user has been changed, a pop-up screen G12 for confirming whether or not to change the setting value is displayed on the display unit 50k. <Pop-up screen> The pop-up screen G12 displays, for example, a message saying "There is a favorite item whose settings have been changed. Do you want to save the settings?" along with a "Yes" button B51 and a "No" button B52 for accepting a user operation.

[0040] <Selection screen (part 2)> FIG. 9 shows a second example of a modified selection screen in which the check boxes are removed from the selection screen shown in FIG. The setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting values ​​are displayed on the display unit 50k, and the selection unit 50b accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. The selection screen G21 has setting item areas R61 to R64 arranged therein, each of which displays a current setting value corresponding to a setting item. When a setting item area R61 to R64 is pressed and held for, for example, five seconds, a selection of a setting item is accepted, and the setting item and setting value are registered in the user registration unit 50a. In the selection screen G21, the setting item areas R61 and R64 have been pressed and held, and as a result, print size and paper type have been selected as setting items. The background color of the selected setting item area R61, R64 is changed to a darker color, so that the user can visually confirm that he or she has selected the setting item area. The setting items and setting values ​​changed in response to user operations are registered in the user registration unit 50a without changing the layout of the selection screen.

[0041] <Settings list screen> FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram showing screen transitions when user registration is performed via the setting list screen by the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a setting list screen G31, a user registration edit screen G32, and a user registration edit screen G33 displayed by the list display unit 50d described above. Incidentally, the setting values ​​that have already been registered by the user are associated with the registered user and registered (stored) in the user registration unit 50a. <Settings list screen> The setting list screen G31 has setting item regions R71 to R74 and user registration edit buttons B71 to B74 arranged to the right of the setting item regions R71 to R74. The setting list screen G31 displays a setting item area that displays setting items and setting values, and at least one edit button that accepts a selection when editing the setting value displayed in the setting item area. The setting list screen G31 displays only the user setting values ​​currently being operated. When any one of the user registration edit buttons B71 to B74 is pressed here, the screen transitions to the user registration edit screen G32. Furthermore, by using the setting list screen G31, it becomes possible to register a user for each setting.

[0042] <User registration and editing screen> The first user registration editing screen G32 includes setting value areas R81 to R83 that display the setting values ​​registered by the user, a share check box CB81 that indicates that the setting values ​​set by the user are to be shared with all users, and an add button B81 that indicates the addition of a new user registration. The first user registration edit screen G32 displays an add button representing the addition of a new setting value when one of the edit buttons is selected. By using the first user registration edit screen G32, multiple user registrations can be made for one user. When the add button B81 is pressed here, the screen transitions to the user registration edit screen G33. <User registration and editing screen> In the second user registration edit screen G33, in addition to the contents displayed in the user registration edit screen G32, a setting item area R94 for performing new user registration is arranged. A message meaning "not set" is displayed in the setting item area R94. When the Add button is selected, the second user registration editing screen G33 displays a new setting item area for inputting a setting value corresponding to the setting item, and also displays a registration button indicating that a new registration will be made when the new setting item area has been edited. When the register button B91 is selected on the second user registration edit screen G33, the user registration unit 50a registers the setting value input in the new setting item area as a user setting value. The user registration unit 50a enables a plurality of different user setting values ​​to be registered for each user with respect to setting items for executing a predetermined function. In addition, a user can register more than one setting value. By pressing the Add button B81 again, a new unset setting item area R94 will be displayed, allowing the user to register multiple new user setting values ​​in the user registration section 50a.

[0043] According to the first embodiment, the list display unit 50d displays a setting list screen G31 that displays at least one or more setting item areas that display setting items and setting values ​​and edit buttons that accept selections when editing the setting values ​​displayed in the setting item areas, a first user registration edit screen G32 that displays an add button that indicates adding a new setting value when one of the edit buttons is selected, and a second user registration edit screen G33 that displays a new setting item area for inputting a setting value corresponding to the setting item when the add button is selected, and a register button that indicates new registration when the new setting item area is edited, in response to an operation. When the register button B91 is selected on the second user registration edit screen G33, the user registration unit 50a registers the setting value input in the new setting item area as a user setting value. This allows the setting value input in the new setting item area to be registered as the user's setting value.

[0044] According to the first embodiment, the user registration unit 50a enables a plurality of different user setting values ​​to be registered for each user with respect to setting items for executing a predetermined function. This allows a plurality of different user setting values ​​to be registered for each user for a setting item for executing a predetermined function, thereby making it possible to use the plurality of different user setting values ​​appropriately.

[0045] <Share checkbox> The user registration and editing screen G32 and the user registration and editing screen G33 have a share check box CB81 and an Add button B81 that indicate sharing. When the share check box CB81 is checked and the Add button B81 is pressed, the user setting value registered at that time is associated with all users and can be used by any user as a shared user setting value. When one of the edit buttons B71 to B74 is selected, the first user registration edit screen G31 displays a share button B81 which indicates that the setting value for the corresponding setting item is to be registered as the setting value for all users. When the share button B81 is selected, the user registration unit 50a registers the user setting value for the setting item for all users. When the share button B81 is selected, the user registration unit 50a gives only the administrator the authority to register the user setting value for the setting item for all users. Also, it is preferable to configure this shared check box CB81 so that it is displayed only when the administrator is logged in, and it is preferable to configure so that only the administrator can add shared user setting values. When the above-mentioned share check box CB81 is checked and the add button B81 is pressed, the setting reflecting unit 50c reflects the setting value in the table T2 of each user managed in the storage unit 50f.

[0046] According to the first embodiment, when one of the edit buttons B71 to B74 is selected, the first user registration editing screen G31 displays a share button B81 indicating that the setting value for the setting item corresponding to the selected edit button is to be registered as a user setting value for all users, and when the share button B81 is selected, the user registration unit 50a registers the user setting value for the setting item corresponding to the selected edit button for all users. In this way, when the share button B81 is selected, the user setting value for the setting item is registered for all users, so that all users can share and use the setting item.

[0047] According to the first embodiment, when the sharing button B81 is selected, the user registration unit 50a gives only the administrator the authority to register all user setting values for the setting items corresponding to the selected editing button for all users. By giving the authority only to the administrator in this way, it is possible to prevent users other than the administrator from making unauthorized changes.

[0048] <Information sharing between MFPs> FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of sharing information between MFPs in an information processing apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. When there is only one MFP used by the user, a user registration unit for each user may be arranged and stored inside the MFP. However, in an environment where a plurality of MFPs are arranged, in a mode where each user freely uses each MFP, there is a problem that the information registered by the user can be used only by the MFP equipped with the user registration unit 50a, and other MFPs cannot be used. Therefore, a configuration is provided that enables sharing of user authentication and information registered by users between MFPs. As shown in FIG. 11, two MFPs 1-1 and 1-2 are provided, and the network I / Fs 150 provided in both are connected via a communication cable. Note that instead of the network I / F 150, it may be configured to be connected via the short-range communication circuit 120.

[0049] <Procedure for information sharing (Part 1)> [1] The user inputs a user ID and a password to MFP 1-1 and performs a login. That is, when the user name and password received for login by the operation of the user match any one of the plurality of sets of stored user names and passwords, the authentication unit 50e issues a permission notification for authentication. At this time, MFP 1-1 checks whether there is user-registered information for the user. Since the user registration unit 50a stores setting values ​​corresponding to the user's setting items in association with the user name, the MFP 1-1 designates a user name and judges whether data corresponding to this user name is stored in the user registration unit 50a. [2] In the MFP 1-1, if no user-registered information is found in the user registration unit 50a, the MFP 1-1 inquires of the connected MFP 1-2 whether or not there is user-registered information relating to the user ID. [3] In the MFP 1-2, if user-registered information is found in the user registration unit 50a, the MFP 1-2 notifies (transmits) the user-registered information to the MFP 1-1 that made the inquiry. Here, the MFP 1-1 adds the user registration information received from the MFP 1-2 to the table T2 of the storage unit 50i by storing it therein.

[0050] <Information sharing via authentication server> FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for sharing information in an authentication server in an information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the MFP 1 is provided with a user registration unit 50a, and is configured to acquire registered information from the user registration unit 50a of the MFP 1. In contrast, the second embodiment is characterized in that the authentication server 10 is provided with a user registration unit 10a, and is configured to acquire registered information from the user registration unit 10a. As shown in Fig. 1, an authentication server 10 is provided that manages logins using user IDs, and the authentication server 10 determines whether or not a user can log in by specifying the user ID and password. Also, a configuration is provided in which user-registered information is stored in the authentication server 10 in association with the user ID.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 12, the information processing system includes an MFP 1 and an authentication server 10 connected via a communication network N, and the server 10 includes a user registration unit 10a and a control unit 10b. The user registration unit 10a registers setting items for executing a predetermined function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items in association with user information. When the control unit 10b receives user information from the MFP 1, the control unit 10b acquires user registration information corresponding to the received user information from the user registration unit 10a and transmits the acquired user registration information to the MFP 1.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 12, the MFP 1 includes an information transmission unit 50m and an information reception unit 50n. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, the MFP 1 includes a current setting value storage unit 50f, a setting difference extraction unit 50g, a display unit 50k, a selection unit 50b, and a setting reflection unit 50c. The current setting value storage unit 50f stores the current setting value corresponding to the setting item. The information transmitting unit 50m transmits the user information to the server. The information receiving unit 50n receives user registration information corresponding to the user information from the server. The setting difference extraction unit 50g compares the current setting value corresponding to the setting item read from the current setting value storage unit 50f with the user setting value corresponding to that setting item included in the user registration information, and extracts the setting item that has the difference if there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value. The selection unit 50b displays on the display unit 50k the setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting values, and accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. The setting reflecting unit 50c reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as the setting value based on the selection result received by the selecting unit 50b, and stores it in the current setting value storage unit 50f.

[0053] <Information sharing procedure (part 2)> [1] The authentication unit 50e of the MFP1 executes login when the user inputs a user ID and password to the MFP1. [2] The authentication unit 50e of the MFP1 sends the accepted user ID and password to the authentication server 10, and requests authentication permission. If the user name and password received from the MFP 1 match any one of a plurality of stored user name and password pairs, the authentication server 10 issues a permission notice and performs authentication. [3] If the authentication server 10 is able to authenticate the user name and password received from the MFP 1, it returns user registration information stored in association with the user name to the requested MFP 1. As a modified example, authentication may be performed by the MFP 1, and the MFP 1 may request the user name and user registration information from the server, and return the user registration information relating to the user. As another variation, multiple user names and user registration information may be stored in a server other than authentication server 10, authentication may be performed by authentication server 10, and the user registration information may be returned from the other server. According to another embodiment, when a user is switched, either the user setting value or the current setting value can be reflected as the setting value of the new user and changed.

[0054] According to the second embodiment, there is provided an information processing system in which an MFP1 (information processing device) and a server 10 are connected via a communication network N, in which the server 10 uses a user registration unit 10a to register setting items for executing a specified function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items in association with user information, and when a control unit 10b receives user information (user ID and password) from the MFP1, the control unit 10b controls the server 10 to obtain user registration information corresponding to the user information from the user registration unit 10a and transmit it to the MFP1. In the MFP1, a current setting value memory unit 50f stores a current setting value corresponding to a setting item, an information transmitting unit 50m transmits user information to a server, an information receiving unit 50n receives user registration information corresponding to the user information from the server, a setting difference extraction unit 50g compares the current setting value corresponding to the setting item read from the current setting value memory unit 50f with the user setting value corresponding to the setting item included in the user registration information, and if there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value, extracts the setting item with the difference, and displays the setting item with the difference extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting value corresponding to the setting item, and the current setting value on a display unit 50k, a selection unit 50b accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f, and a setting reflection unit 50c reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit 50b, and stores it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. In this way, when a user is switched, either the user setting value or the current setting value can be reflected as the setting value of the new user and changed.

[0055] <Unconditional setting> FIG. 13 shows a screen in an information processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which temporarily displays setting items and setting values ​​that are different from the current setting values ​​among the information registered by the user, and indicates that the settings can be made unconditionally with the user's consent. [1] When a user inputs a user name and password on the login screen G41 of the MFP1 and presses the login button B101, the user logs in. That is, the authentication unit 50e issues a permission notice and performs authentication when the user name and password accepted for login by the user's operation match any one of a plurality of pairs of user names and passwords stored.

[0056] [2] After issuing a permission notification, the MFP 1 displays screen G42. On the screen G42, there are displayed areas R101 and R102 for displaying the setting items and setting values ​​with which there are differences, and an OK button B102 for indicating permission. The contents of the screen G42 are extracted as follows. The setting difference extraction unit 50g compares the current setting value corresponding to the setting item read from the current setting value storage unit 50f with the user setting value corresponding to that setting item included in the user registration information, and extracts the setting item that has the difference if there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value. The setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g and the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items are displayed on the display unit 50k, and the selection unit 50b accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. A message "The following setting items are different from the currently set values. Do you want to change all setting items to the user-registered setting values?" is displayed on screen G42 shown in FIG. When the OK button B102 is pressed, the user setting values ​​for the setting items with differences are reflected in the current setting values ​​and are stored in the current setting value storage unit 50f. This allows the setting items with differences to be changed to the user's setting values ​​all at once.

[0057] <Mode selection screen> FIG. 14 shows a mode selection screen for reflecting setting values ​​registered by the user in an information processing device according to the modified example of the first or second embodiment of the present invention. In the first and second embodiments, the user can select for each setting item that is different on the displayed screen. In contrast, the present modified example is characterized in that the user can select either the display selection mode or the non-display mode. That is, the mode selection screen G51 is provided with a check box CB111 for selecting a display selection mode which indicates that selection is to be made for each displayed setting item, and a check box CB112 for selecting a non-display mode which indicates that setting is to be made collectively in a non-display state.

[0058] The mode selection unit 50j accepts an instruction to select either a check box CB111 for selecting a display selection mode or a check box CB112 for selecting a non-display mode. Note that the check boxes CB111 and CB112 display the last checked item as valid (perform exclusive display). When the display selection mode is selected by the mode selection unit 50j, the setting item extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting value corresponding to the setting item, and the current setting value are displayed on the display unit 50k, and the selection unit 50b accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f, and the setting reflection unit 50c reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as the setting value based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit 50b, and stores it in the current setting value memory unit 50f.

[0059] On the other hand, when the non-display mode is selected by the mode selection unit 50j, the user setting value corresponding to the setting item when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g is reflected in the current setting value and stored in the current setting value storage unit 50f. In other embodiments, the setting value for the setting item may be automatically reflected without the user selecting it, which is likely to be a disadvantage when the user wants to select the setting value they want to reflect each time. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the user can select the desired operation for each user, either by having to select each time (display selection mode) or by having the operation automatically reflected without the need for selection (non-display mode).

[0060] According to this modified example, the mode selection unit 50j accepts a selection instruction to select either a check box CB111 for selecting the display selection mode or a check box CB112 for selecting the non-display mode. When the display selection mode is selected by the mode selection unit 50j, the setting item extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting value corresponding to the setting item, and the current setting value are displayed on the display unit 50k. The selection unit 50b accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value storage unit 50f. Based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit 50b, the setting reflection unit 50c reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value and stores it in the current setting value storage unit 50f. When the non-display mode is selected by the mode selection unit 50j, the user setting value corresponding to the setting item in the case where there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g is reflected in the current setting value and stored in the current setting value storage unit 50f. This makes it possible to selectively use processing corresponding to the display selection mode and processing corresponding to the non-display mode according to the selection desired by each user.

[0061] <Summary of the functions and effects of the embodiment> <First aspect> The information processing device (MFP1) of this embodiment is an information processing device equipped with a user registration unit 50a that registers setting items for executing a specified function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items for each user, a current setting value memory unit 50f that stores current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and a setting difference extraction unit 50g that extracts setting items with differences when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value, and is characterized in having a display unit 50k, a selection unit 50b that displays the setting items with differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting values ​​on the display unit 50k, and accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f, and a setting reflection unit 50c that reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value and stores it in the current setting value memory unit 50f based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit 50b. According to this aspect, when the user is switched, either the user setting value or the current setting value can be reflected as the setting value of the new user and changed.

[0062] <Second aspect> In the information processing device of this embodiment, the selection unit 50b displays on the display unit 50k the setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting value and current setting value corresponding to the setting items, and a modification button for receiving instructions regarding modification, and when a selection is received on the modification button, in addition to the user setting value and current setting value corresponding to the setting item, a change button B33 for receiving instructions regarding change is displayed on the display unit 50k, and when a selection is received on the change button B33, the setting reflection unit 50c reflects the user setting value in the current setting value and stores it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. According to this aspect, when the selection of the change button B33 is accepted, the user setting value is reflected in the current setting value, so that the setting value can be changed to reflect the user's setting value.

[0063] <Third aspect> In the information processing device of this embodiment, the selection unit 50b accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect a setting value other than the user setting value and the current setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value memory unit 50f, and the setting reflection unit 50c reflects the other setting value in the current setting value based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit 50b and stores it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. According to this embodiment, the setting value can be changed to a setting value other than the current setting value and the user setting value by reflecting another setting value in the current setting value based on the selection result received by the selection unit 50b.

[0064] <Fourth aspect> The information processing device of this embodiment is equipped with a list display unit 50d that displays in response to an operation: a setting list screen G31 that displays a setting item area that displays setting items and setting values, and at least one edit button that accepts a selection when editing the setting value displayed in the setting item area; a first user registration editing screen G32 that displays an add button indicating that a new setting value is added when one of the edit buttons is selected; and a second user registration editing screen G33 that displays a new setting item area for inputting a setting value corresponding to the setting item when the add button is selected, and displays a register button indicating that a new registration is made when the new setting item area has been edited.The user registration unit 50a is characterized in that, when a register button B91 is selected on the second user registration editing screen G33, it registers the setting value input in the new setting item area as a user setting value. According to this aspect, the setting value input in the new setting item area can be registered as the user setting value.

[0065] <Fifth aspect> In the information processing device of this aspect, the user registration unit 50a is characterized in that it allows a plurality of different user setting values ​​to be registered for each user with respect to setting items for executing a predetermined function. According to this aspect, by making it possible to register a plurality of different user setting values ​​for each user with respect to a setting item for executing a predetermined function, it is possible to use the plurality of different user setting values ​​appropriately.

[0066] <Sixth aspect> In the information processing device of this embodiment, the first user registration editing screen G31 displays a share button B81, which indicates that, when one of the edit buttons B71 to B74 is selected, the setting value for the setting item corresponding to the selected edit button is registered as a setting value for all users, and the user registration unit 50a is characterized in that, when the share button B81 is selected, the user registration unit 50a registers the user setting value for the setting item corresponding to the selected edit button for all users. According to this aspect, when the share button B81 is selected, the user setting value for the setting item is registered for all users, so that the setting item can be shared and used by all users.

[0067] <Seventh aspect> In the information processing device of this embodiment, the user registration unit 50a is characterized in that, when the share button B81 is selected, it gives only the administrator the authority to register user setting values ​​for the setting item corresponding to the selected edit button for all users. According to this aspect, by giving authority only to the administrator, it is possible to prevent users other than the administrator from making changes without reason.

[0068] <Eighth aspect> In the information processing device of this embodiment, the setting reflection unit 50c does not perform processing by the selection unit 50b, but reflects the user setting value corresponding to the setting item extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value, to the current setting value and stores it in the current setting value memory unit 50f. According to this embodiment, when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting value corresponding to the setting item can be reflected in the current setting value and stored in the current setting value memory unit 50f.

[0069] <Ninth aspect> In the information processing device of this aspect, a mode selection unit 50j is provided that receives a selection instruction of either a check box CB111 for selecting a display selection mode or a check box CB112 for selecting a non-display mode. When the display selection mode is selected by the mode selection unit 50j, the setting item extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting value corresponding to the setting item, and the current setting value are displayed on the display unit 50k. The selection unit 50b receives a selection instruction of whether to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value storage unit 50f. Based on the selection result received by the selection unit 50b, the setting reflection unit 50c reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value and stores it in the current setting value storage unit 50f. When the non-display mode is selected by the mode selection unit 50j, the user setting value corresponding to the setting item when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g is reflected in the current setting value and stored in the current setting value storage unit 50f. According to this aspect, it is possible to selectively use the process corresponding to the display selection mode and the process corresponding to the non-display mode in accordance with the selection desired by each user.

[0070] <Tenth aspect> The information processing program of this embodiment is an information processing program for causing a computer to execute a user registration step of registering, for each user, setting items for executing a specified function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, a current setting value storage step of storing current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and a setting difference extraction step of extracting setting items that have differences when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value.The information processing program executes a selection step of displaying, on a display unit, the setting items with differences extracted by the setting difference extraction step, the user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting values, and accepting a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value storage step, and a setting reflection step of reflecting either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value and storing it in the current setting value storage step based on the selection result accepted in the selection step. According to this aspect, when the user is switched, either the user setting value or the current setting value can be reflected as the setting value of the new user and changed.

[0071] <Eleventh aspect> In the information processing system of this embodiment, an information processing device and a server 10 are connected via a communication network N, and the server 10 includes: The information processing device includes a user registration unit 10a that registers setting items for executing a predetermined function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items in association with user information, and a control unit 10b that, when receiving user information from an information processing device, acquires user registration information corresponding to the user information from the user registration unit 10a and controls the information processing device to transmit the user registration information. The information processing device includes a current setting value storage unit 50f that stores current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, an information transmission unit 50m that transmits the user information to a server, an information reception unit 50n that receives the user registration information corresponding to the user information from the server, and an information reception unit 50n that receives the user registration information corresponding to the user information from the server. a setting difference extraction unit 50g which extracts setting items having a difference when there is a difference between the setting values; a display unit 50k; a selection unit 50b which displays the setting items having a difference extracted by the setting difference extraction unit 50g, the user setting value corresponding to the setting items, and the current setting value on the display unit 50k, and which accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store it in the current setting value storage unit 50f; and a setting reflection unit 50c which reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as the setting value and stores it in the current setting value storage unit 50f based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit 50b. According to this aspect, when the user is switched, either the user setting value or the current setting value can be reflected as the setting value of the new user and changed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...MFP, 10...authentication server, 10a...user registration section, 10b...control section, 50a...user registration section, 50b...selection section, 50c...setting reflection section, 50d...list display section, 50e...authentication section, 50f...storage section, 50f...current setting value storage section, 50g...setting difference extraction section, 50i...storage section, 50j...mode selection section, 50k...display section, 50m...information transmission section, 50n...information reception section, 101...CPU, 102a...ROM, 102b...RAM, 110...controller, 121...AGP bus, 122...PCI bus, 130...engine control section, 131...scanner section, 132...printer section, 140...operation panel, 140a...display section, 140b...operation section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0073] [Patent Document 1] JP2015-118588A

Claims

1. a user registration unit that registers, for each user, setting items for executing a predetermined function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items; a current setting value storage unit that stores a current setting value corresponding to the setting item; a setting difference extraction unit that extracts a setting item having a difference when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value, A display unit; a selection unit that displays the setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit, and the user setting values ​​and current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items on the display unit, and receives a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting values ​​in the current setting values ​​and store them in the current setting value storage unit; and a setting reflection unit that reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit and stores the value in the current setting value memory unit.

2. the selection unit displays on the display unit the setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit, the user setting values ​​and current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items, and a correction button for receiving an instruction for correction; when a selection is received for the correction button, a change button for receiving an instruction for change is displayed on the display unit in addition to the user setting value and a current setting value corresponding to the setting item; 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, when a selection is received for the change button, the setting reflecting unit reflects the user setting value in a current setting value and stores the reflected value in a current setting value storage unit.

3. the selection unit accepts a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect a setting value different from the user setting value and a current setting value in the current setting value storage unit, 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the setting reflecting unit reflects the different setting value in the current setting value based on the selection result received by the selecting unit, and stores the reflected value in the current setting value storage unit.

4. a setting list screen displaying at least one setting item area displaying setting items and setting values, and an edit button for accepting a selection when editing the setting value displayed in the setting item area; a first user registration edit screen that displays an add button representing adding a new setting value when one of the edit buttons is selected; a list display unit that displays a second user registration edit screen in response to an operation, the second user registration edit screen displaying a new setting item area for inputting a setting value corresponding to the setting item when the add button is selected, and a registration button indicating that a new registration is to be performed when the new setting item area is edited; 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the user registration unit registers the setting value inputted in the new setting item area as a user setting value when the registration button is selected on the second user registration editing screen.

5. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user registration section enables a plurality of different user setting values ​​to be registered for each user with respect to setting items for executing a predetermined function.

6. the first user registration and editing screen displays a share button indicating that, when one of the edit buttons is selected, a setting value for a setting item corresponding to the selected edit button is to be registered as all user setting values; 5 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the user registration unit, when the share button is selected, registers, for all users, a user setting value for a setting item corresponding to the selected edit button.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, when the share button is selected, the user registration unit gives only an administrator the authority to register user setting values ​​for the setting item corresponding to the selected edit button for all users.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting reflection unit does not perform processing by the selection unit, but reflects the user setting value corresponding to the setting item extracted by the setting difference extraction unit when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value to the current setting value and stores it in a current setting value memory unit.

9. a mode selection unit that accepts a selection instruction for either a display selection mode or a non-display mode; when a display selection mode is selected by the mode selection unit, the setting item extracted by the setting difference extraction unit, and the user setting value and a current setting value corresponding to the setting item are displayed on the display unit, the selection unit receives a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting value in the current setting value and store the current setting value in the current setting value storage unit, and the setting reflection unit reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value based on the selection result received by the selection unit, and stores the setting in the current setting value storage unit; An information processing device as described in claim 8, characterized in that when a non-display mode is selected by the mode selection unit, the user setting value corresponding to the setting item extracted by the setting difference extraction unit when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value is reflected in the current setting value and stored in the current setting value memory unit.

10. On the computer, a user registration step of registering setting items for executing a predetermined function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items for each user; a current setting value storage step of storing a current setting value corresponding to the setting item; a setting difference extraction step of extracting a setting item having a difference when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value, a selection step of displaying the setting items having the differences extracted by the setting difference extraction step, and the user setting values ​​and current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items on a display unit, and receiving a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting values ​​in the current setting values ​​and store them in the current setting value storage step; and a setting reflection step of reflecting either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value based on the selection result received in the selection step and storing the value in the current setting value storage step.

11. An information processing system in which an information processing device and a server are connected via a communication network, The server, a user registration unit that registers setting items for executing a predetermined function and user setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items in association with user information; a control unit that, when receiving user information from the information processing device, acquires user registration information corresponding to the user information from the user registration unit and controls the information processing device to transmit the user registration information to the information processing device; The information processing device includes: a current setting value storage unit that stores a current setting value corresponding to the setting item; an information transmitting unit that transmits user information to the server; an information receiving unit that receives user registration information corresponding to the user information from the server; a setting difference extraction unit that extracts a setting item having a difference when there is a difference between the current setting value and the user setting value; A display unit; a selection unit that displays the setting items having differences extracted by the setting difference extraction unit, and the user setting values ​​and current setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items on the display unit, and receives a selection instruction as to whether or not to reflect the user setting values ​​in the current setting values ​​and store them in the current setting value storage unit; and a setting reflection unit that reflects either the user setting value or the current setting value as a setting value based on the selection result accepted by the selection unit and stores the value in the current setting value memory unit.

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