Setup program and setup method

Abstract

To provide a setup technology for an application program suitable for an image processing device having a specific function.SOLUTION: An installer 22 can be executed by a CPU 11 of a PC 1, and is a program for installing an image processing application 23 to be used for controlling an MFP 3. The installer 22 causes the CPU 11 to specify a model of the MFP 3 and determine whether the specified model is compatible with a specific function. Further, the installer 22 causes the CPU 11 to execute processing for installing an image processing application 23 that can be compatible with the specific function in the PC 1 if it is determined that the model of the MFP 3 is compatible with the specific function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a technique for setting up, in an information processing device, an application program used to control an image processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for selecting and using an appropriate application program for controlling an image processing device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for an information processing device that can be equipped with a plurality of control programs capable of executing control processing corresponding to the functions of an image forming device, which acquires information indicating the model of the image forming device, and selects the latest version of the control program from among the versions of the plurality of control programs corresponding to the model indicated by the acquired information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-078745 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an image processing device has a certain specific function, in order to perform processing related to the specific function from the information processing device, the application program operated by the information processing device must also support the specific function. The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not mention whether the setup of the application program operated by the information processing device supports the specific function, and there is room for improvement in the setup of the application program in the information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The setup program developed for the purpose of solving this problem is executable by a computer of an information processing device, and is a setup program that installs an application program used to control an image processing device, and is configured to cause the computer to execute a specification process for identifying the model of the image processing device to be controlled, and a first judgment process for determining whether the model identified in the specification process is compatible with a specific function, and further, if it is determined in the first judgment process that the model is compatible with the specific function, to cause the computer to execute a process for installing the application program compatible with the specific function into the information processing device.

[0006] According to the setup program disclosed in this specification, the computer of the information processing device determines whether the image processing device to be controlled supports a specific function, and if the image processing device to be controlled supports the specific function, executes a process for installing an application program compatible with the specific function, whereby an application program suitable for the image processing device having the specific function is set up in the information processing device.

[0007] An information processing device incorporating the above-mentioned setup program, a computer-readable storage medium storing the setup program, and a setup method for realizing the functions of the setup program are also novel and useful. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, a setup technology for an application program suitable for an image processing device having a specific function is realized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a PC. [Diagram 2] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a setup process. [Diagram 3]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting information. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a response process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, a program executed on a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a "PC").

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the PC1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The PC1 is an example of an information processing device, and the CPU 11 is an example of a computer. The PC1 also includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13 and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, which are electrically connected to the controller 10. Note that the controller 10 in Fig. 1 is a collective term for hardware and software used to control the PC1, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually present in the PC1.

[0012] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the programs read from the memory 12 and based on the user's operation. The memory 12 stores programs such as various application programs (hereinafter, referred to as "apps") and various data. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. The buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory. Note that an example of the memory 12 is not limited to a ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into the PC 1, but may also be a storage medium that can be read and written by the CPU 11, such as a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.

[0013] The user IF 13 includes hardware for displaying a screen for notifying the user of information and hardware for accepting operations by the user. The user IF 13 may be a combination of a display capable of displaying information and a mouse or keyboard having an input acceptance function, or may be a touch panel having a display function and an input acceptance function.

[0014] The communication IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with an external device. The communication standards of the communication IF 14 are Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, etc. The PC 1 may include a plurality of communication IFs 14 corresponding to a plurality of communication standards. The PC 1 of this embodiment may be connectable to the Internet via the communication IFs 14, and may be able to use various cloud services via the Internet.

[0015] The PC 1 of this embodiment can be connected to a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter, referred to as "MFP") 3 and a server 4 via a communication IF 14, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. The MFP 3 is a device that has at least one of an image forming function and an image reading function and is capable of executing image processing. The MFP 3 is an example of an image processing device. The server 4 is, for example, a cloud server, and various programs and data provided by a vendor of the MFP 3 are stored. The server 4 stores, for example, the latest version of an image processing application 41.

[0016] 1, an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21 and an installer 22 are stored in the memory 12 of the PC 1. The installer 22 includes setting information 25. An image processing application program (hereinafter referred to as "image processing application") 23 may also be stored in the memory 12 of the PC 1.

[0017] The OS 21 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), or Android (registered trademark). The installer 22 is a program for installing the image processing application 23 in the PC 1. The installer 22 is an example of a setup program. The installer 22 includes setting information 25. The image processing application 23 is a program for performing image processing using a device having an image processing function. The image processing application 23 is an example of an application program.

[0018] Next, the procedure of the setup process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 2. The setup process is executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 upon receipt of an execution instruction from the installer 22. Note that each process in the following description and each processing step in the flowchart basically indicate processing by the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program such as the installer 22.

[0019] In this specification, a procedure of the installer 22 that sets up the image processing application 23 as a program for using the MFP3 will be described. That is, a program to be set up by the installer 22 is the image processing application 23, and a device to be set up is the MFP3. The image processing application 23 is a program having a function of transmitting an instruction to execute image processing such as scanning or printing to a device such as the MFP3 based on an instruction from a user, for example.

[0020] The CPU 11 acquires model information indicating the model of the MFP 3, which is a device to be set up (S101). S101 is an example of a specification process and an example of a specification step. The CPU 11 may connect to the MFP 3 and acquire the model information from the MFP 3, or may accept a user input specifying the model of the device to be set up at the user IF 13 of the PC 1. The CPU 11 may also search for connectable devices, display a list of devices that have responded, and accept a user selection from the list. If the installer 22 has model information of devices that can use the image processing application, the CPU 11 may acquire model information from the installer 22, display the list, and accept a user selection.

[0021] Based on the acquired model information, the CPU 11 determines whether the MFP 3 supports a specific function of the image processing application (S102). S102 is an example of a first determination process and an example of a first determination step. The specific function is a function that can be executed by a combination of a function of the image processing application in the PC 1 and an image processing function in the device.

[0022] The specific function may be, for example, a function that is not included in the functions of a conventional model device and is executable by a new model device. Also, the specific function may be a function that is not included in an old version of an image processing app and is added to a new version of an image processing app. The specific function may be, for example, a function that causes the device to execute a specific process based on an instruction from PC1, or a function that is executable by PC1 based on the result of the process in the device.

[0023] The specific function may also be a function of assigning a shortcut key to information of a newly settable workflow. A workflow is a series of processes including input and output processes of image data, and is executed in cooperation between a device and image processing application 23. For example, a workflow that causes a device to read an image of a document and transmits the obtained image data from the device to PC1 has been available for some time. In contrast, when a workflow that performs a predetermined process on image data at the device or PC1 in addition to reading and transmitting the image data becomes newly settable, a function of assigning information of the workflow to a shortcut key is an example of a specific function.

[0024] A shortcut key is a key that is displayed on an operation panel of a device such as the MFP3 and can accept user operations. When the MFP3 accepts an operation on the shortcut key, it executes processing based on information on the associated workflow. The specific function may be, for example, a combination of a function for displaying a shortcut key for accepting an instruction to execute a workflow on the operation panel of the device, and information on the processing of the workflow that is executed by the device and the PC1 when an operation on the shortcut key is accepted.

[0025] The new workflow may be, for example, a workflow including a procedure of having a device read an image of a document in response to an instruction from PC1, having the device transmit the acquired image data to PC1, processing the transmitted image data in PC1, and transmitting the processed image data to another device designated in advance.The new workflow may be, for example, a workflow including a procedure of having a device read an image of a document in response to an instruction from PC1, having the device transmit the acquired image data after processing it in a predetermined method in the device, and transmitting the transmitted image data from PC1 to another device designated in advance.

[0026] The specific function is not limited to a general-purpose latest function, and may be a function that is available in an individual environment. The specific function may be a function that is available in a specific environment of the PC 1, for example, when the OS 21 of the PC 1 is a specific version, a specific language, or a specific region setting. The specific function may be a function customized for a specific user.

[0027] The CPU 11 makes the determination of S102 based on, for example, the setting information 25 included in the installer 22. The setting information 25 is stored in the memory 12 in association with, for example, an application to be installed by the installer 22. The setting information 25 includes, for example, each piece of information such as an application name 251, a specific function support version 252, a specific function support model 253, and a supported OS 254, as shown in FIG.

[0028] The application name 251 is the name of the application to be installed by this installer 22, i.e., the image processing application 23. The specific function support version 252 is information indicating a version that supports the specific function among the versions of the application of the application name 251. The specific function support model 253 is information indicating a model that supports the specific function among the devices to be set up. The supported OS 254 is information indicating an OS that can support the specific function among the OSs incorporated in the device on which the installer 22 is executed.

[0029] Then, if the model of the MFP3 indicated by the model information acquired in S101 is a model capable of supporting the specific function indicated by specific function support model 253, CPU 11 determines in S102 that it is compatible. Note that specific function support model 253 may be information that lists specific models. In this case, if the model of the MFP3 is included in the model group indicated by specific function support model 253, CPU 11 determines that it is compatible. Alternatively, specific function support model 253 may be information of a predetermined model, and may be information indicating all models higher than that information. In this case, if the model of the MFP3 is a model equal to or higher than the model indicated by specific function support model 253, CPU 11 determines that it is compatible.

[0030] When it is determined that the MFP 3 supports the specific function of the image processing application 23 (S102: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the image processing application 23 has been installed in the PC 1 (S105). For example, the CPU 11 determines whether or not an application having the same name as the name indicated by the application name 251 of the setting information 25 is stored in the memory 12.

[0031] When it is determined that the image processing application 23 is already installed in the PC 1 (S105: YES), the CPU 11 acquires version information of the latest image processing application (S106). There are multiple versions of the image processing application. The CPU 11 acquires, for example, from the server 4, the version information of the latest version of the image processing application 41 prepared in the server 4.

[0032] The CPU 11 further acquires information indicating the version of the installed image processing application 23, for example, via the OS 21, and compares the acquired version information with the version information of the latest image processing application 41 acquired in S106. The CPU 11 then determines whether the installed image processing application 23 is the latest version (S107). S107 is a process for determining whether an image processing application of a newer version than the installed image processing application 23 can be installed, and is an example of a second determination process.

[0033] Note that the fact that the installed image processing application 23 is not the latest version means that a newer version of the image processing application 41 than the installed image processing application 23 is prepared on the server 4 or the like in a state that can be acquired from the PC 1. On the other hand, the fact that the installed image processing application 23 is the latest version means that the version of the image processing application 23 installed on the PC 1 is the same as the version of the latest version of the image processing application 41. When an installed image processing application 23 is present, by checking whether a newer version of the image processing application 41 than the installed image processing application 23 is available, wasteful processing such as re-installing the same version of the image processing application can be avoided.

[0034] When it is determined that the installed image processing application 23 is not the latest version (S107: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not to install the latest version of the image processing application 41 (S111). For example, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a screen inquiring whether or not to install the image processing application 41 corresponding to the specific function, and accepts the user's selection. S111 in this case is an example of a first selection process. The CPU 11 may notify that the specific function will be available if the latest version of the image processing application 41 is installed.

[0035] There may be a possibility that some users would like to continue using the already installed image processing application 23. Since the CPU 11 confirms with the user before executing the installation, it is possible to perform the installation according to the user's intention.

[0036] When it is determined that the image processing application 23 is not installed on the PC 1 (S105: NO), or when it is determined that the latest version of the image processing application 41 is to be installed (S111: YES), the CPU 11 installs the latest version of the image processing application 41 (S115). S115 is an example of a process for installation. Note that S115 may include not only the installation of the image processing application 41, but also a procedure for accepting a selection by the user regarding the installation. The CPU 11 may be capable of accepting, for example, the selection of the image processing application 41 to be installed, the designation of a destination for saving the image processing application 41, and settings regarding the creation of an icon.

[0037] For example, the CPU 11 obtains the latest version of the image processing application 41 from the server 4 and installs it on the PC 1. The latest version of the image processing application 41 may be included in the installer 22. In that case, the CPU 11 may install the image processing application 41 included in the installer 22. Note that even if it is determined that the image processing application 23 is not installed on the PC 1 (NO in S105), the CPU 11 may accept a user's selection as to whether or not to install the image processing application 41.

[0038] When the installation of S115 is completed, the CPU 11 judges whether or not the image processing application 41 installed in the PC 1 supports the specific function (S116). S116 after the installation of S115 is completed is an example of a fifth judgment process. The CPU 11 judges whether or not the version of the installed image processing application supports the specific function based on, for example, the specific function support version 252 of the setting information 25.

[0039] For example, if the installation is not completed normally in S115 or if the user selects an image processing application of a version that is not the latest version during installation, the installed image processing application may not be the latest version and may not support the specific function. In addition, there may be multiple types of image processing application 41 that can be installed, and the user may be able to select the type during installation. The multiple types of image processing application 41 may include, for example, a standard type, a simple type with some limited functions, and a professional type with advanced functions added for developers. Even if the installation of the latest version of image processing application 41 is completed normally, CPU 11 checks whether the installed image processing application 41 supports the specific function, and therefore can avoid the execution of inappropriate processing such as setting an unavailable function.

[0040] Furthermore, when it is determined that the installed image processing application 23 is the latest version (S107: YES), the CPU 11 also performs the determination of S116. S116 when the determination is YES in S107 is an example of the fourth determination process. When the installed image processing application 23 is the latest version, there is no image processing application newer than the installed image processing application 23, so installing the image processing application 41 is a wasteful process.

[0041] However, even if the latest version of the image processing application 23 is properly installed, if the environment of the PC 1, such as the version of the OS 21, does not support the specific function, the PC 1 may not be able to support the specific function. For example, if the OS 21 of the PC 1 is not included in the supported OS 254 of the setting information 25, the CPU 11 determines that the specific function cannot be used. By making the determination of S116 based on the setting information 25 of the installer 22, the CPU 11 can eliminate subsequent unnecessary processing.

[0042] When it is determined that the installed image processing application 23 or the installed image processing application 41 supports the specific function (S116: YES), the CPU 11 executes a corresponding process (S118). The corresponding process is a process for making settings for using the specific function. When the installed image processing application 23, 41 supports the specific function, the installer 22 executes a process related to the specific function, thereby promoting the use of the specific function.

[0043] The procedure of the correspondence processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 4. CPU 11 communicates with MFP3, which is a device to be controlled, and inquires of MFP3 whether or not the specific function is supported (S201). S201 is an example of confirmation processing. Specifically, CPU 11 causes PC 1 to transmit one of commands related to the specific function to MFP3, for example, and requests a response signal from MFP3.

[0044] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the MFP 3 can support the specific function based on the response signal received from the MFP 3 (S202). If the signal received from the MFP 3 is a signal indicating that the MFP 3 supports the specific function, the CPU 11 determines in S202 that the MFP 3 can support the specific function.

[0045] For example, in S201, the CPU 11 transmits a command for enabling a specific function. An MFP3 that supports the specific function can respond with an appropriate signal to the received command. On the other hand, an MFP3 that does not support the specific function does not respond with an appropriate signal. By performing subsequent processing related to the specific function after confirming whether the MFP3, which is the device to be controlled, is actually capable of supporting the specific function, the possibility of an error occurring in processing related to the specific function can be reduced.

[0046] When it is determined that the MFP 3 cannot support the specific function (S202: NO), the CPU 11 determines (S205) whether or not to update the firmware of the MFP 3. The firmware of the MFP 3 is an example of a program embedded in a device to be controlled.

[0047] In the setup process of this embodiment, the CPU 11 has already confirmed in S102 that the model of the MFP3 supports the specific function. If an appropriate signal corresponding to the specific function cannot be received in S202 despite this, the version of the firmware of the MFP3 may be old, or an error may have occurred in part of the firmware. If the MFP3 to be controlled does not actually support the specific function, it is highly likely that the specific function can be supported by updating the firmware built into the MFP3. The CPU 11 may, for example, receive a user's selection as to whether or not to update the firmware.

[0048] When it is determined that the firmware of the MFP3 is to be updated (S205: YES), the CPU 11 transmits an instruction to update the firmware to the MFP3 (S206). S206 is an example of a process for updating a program incorporated in a device to be controlled. Based on the instruction received in S206, the MFP3 obtains, for example, the latest firmware from the server 4 and updates the firmware. The CPU 11 may obtain, for example, the latest firmware for the MFP3 from the server 4 and transmit it to the MFP3. This makes it highly likely that the MFP3 will be able to support the specific function. Note that after updating the firmware, the CPU 11 may proceed to S201 and check again whether or not the specific function is supported.

[0049] After S206, or when it is determined that the MFP 3 is capable of supporting the specific function (S202: YES), the CPU 11 accepts user settings related to various parameters used in the specific function (S211). For example, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a screen for accepting settings related to the specific function, and accepts user input.

[0050] Examples of settings that can accept user input include the type of image processing included in the specific function, parameters used in the image processing included in the specific function, a destination of image data included in the specific function, and assignment of the specific function to a shortcut key. CPU 11 may also be able to accept settings for the display form of the shortcut key of the specific function to be displayed on the operation panel of MFP 3, for example, selection of an image to be displayed on the shortcut key.

[0051] Based on the settings received in S211, the CPU 11 transmits an instruction to the MFP 3 to write settings related to the specific function (S212). Based on the instruction received in S212, the MFP 3 stores the settings related to the specific function in the memory of the MFP 3 as function setting information. For example, when the MFP 3 receives information indicating parameters used in image processing included in the specific function, the MFP 3 stores the parameters in the memory. S211 and S212 are an example of processing related to the specific function.

[0052] Since the installer 22 can write parameters of the specific functions to the MFP 3, the use of the specific functions is promoted. For example, when the image processing application 41 is installed, the installer 22 writes the parameters following the installation, so that the user can easily use the specific functions. Also, when a specific function becomes available in the installed image processing application 23, the installer 22 accepts the setting of the parameters of the specific function, so that the user can easily use the specific function. Note that the installer 22 may also store information on the specific functions used by the image processing applications 23 and 41 in the memory 12 of the PC 1. Also, the image processing applications 23 and 41 may write parameters of the specific functions to the MFP 3.

[0053] After S212, or when it is determined not to update the firmware of the MFP 3 (S205: NO), the CPU 11 ends the handling process and returns to the setup process. For example, when the CPU 11 receives a user's selection to reject the firmware update, the CPU 11 ends the handling process without updating the firmware or setting a specific function.

[0054] Returning to the explanation of the setup process in Fig. 2, in the setup process, after the corresponding process is executed in S118, the setup process ends.

[0055] On the other hand, if the installed image processing application 23 is not the latest version (S107: NO) but it is determined not to install the latest version of the image processing application 41 (S111: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the version of the installed image processing application 23 is compatible with the specific function based on the specific function support version 252 of the setting information 25 (S121). S121 is an example of a third determination process. Note that, if there are multiple versions of the image processing application 23 that are compatible with the specific function, the multiple versions may be listed in the specific function support version 252 of the setting information 25.

[0056] When it is determined that the version of the installed image processing application 23 is not compatible with the specific function (S121: NO), the CPU 11 accepts a selection of whether or not to use the specific function (S122). S122 is an example of a second selection process. For example, the CPU 11 displays on the user IF 13 an introduction to a specific function that is not available in the current version but will be available if the latest version of the image processing application 41 is installed, and accepts a user's selection of whether or not to use the specific function.

[0057] Then, when the selection of using the specific function is accepted (S122: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S115 and installs the latest version of the image processing application 41 as described above. Even if the user responded in S111 that the installation of the latest version of the image processing application 41 is unnecessary, there is a possibility that the user does not know that the model of the MFP 3 being used supports the specific function. The CPU 11 notifies the user that the specific function is available, and installs the latest version of the image processing application 41 after confirming whether the specific function is being used, thereby promoting the use of the specific function.

[0058] On the other hand, when it is determined that the version of the installed image processing application 23 is compatible with the specific function (S121: YES), the CPU 11 also accepts the selection of whether or not to use the specific function (S123). In S123, the CPU 11 notifies the user that the specific function is available in the installed image processing application 23, and accepts the user's selection of whether or not to use the specific function.

[0059] Then, when the selection of using the specific function in the installed image processing application 23 is accepted (S123: YES), the CPU 11 executes a corresponding process (S125). S125 is the same process as S118. By the corresponding process of S125, parameters of the specific function are written to the MFP 3.

[0060] After S125, the CPU 11 ends the setup process. Note that, if the specific function is available in the installed image processing application 23 and the specific function has been used, the CPU 11 may skip S123 and S125 and end the setup process.

[0061] On the other hand, if the CPU 11 receives a selection not to use the specific function in the installed image processing application 23 (S122: NO or S123: NO), or if it determines that the installed image processing application 41 does not support the specific function (S116: NO), the CPU 11 ends the setup process. Note that, if the CPU 11 receives a selection not to use the specific function, the CPU 11 may execute, for example, a process related to a function that can be supported by the installed image processing application 23. Also, if the installed image processing application 41 does not support the specific function, the CPU 11 may prompt the user to re-execute the installation.

[0062] Furthermore, when it is determined that the model of the MFP 3 does not support the specific function (S102: NO), the CPU 11 installs an image processing application compatible with the model of the MFP 3 (S131). After S131, the CPU 11 ends the setup process. In this case, the CPU 11 may determine whether to reinstall the image processing application 23 based on whether the image processing application 23 has already been installed, or may determine whether to install the application based on a user selection.

[0063] If the model of MFP3 does not support the specific function, the specific function cannot be used even if the latest version of image processing application 41 is installed. If the model of MFP3 does not support the specific function, even if image processing application 23 is already installed, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the installed image processing application 23 supports the specific function. Installer 22 does not cause CPU 11 to execute unnecessary processing, thereby eliminating unnecessary processing.

[0064] Note that in S131, the CPU 11 may install the latest version of the image processing application 41 and perform setup for functions available in the model of the MFP 3. Furthermore, if the MFP 3 is a different model, the CPU 11 may notify that a specific function will be available.

[0065] As described above in detail, the installer 22 of this embodiment causes the CPU 11 of the PC 1 to determine whether the MFP 3, which is a device to be controlled, supports a specific function. If the MFP 3 supports the specific function, the installer 22 causes the CPU 11 to execute a process for installing an image processing application 41 that supports the specific function. As a result, the image processing applications 23, 41 suitable for the MFP 3 having the specific function are set up in the PC 1.

[0066] It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification can be naturally improved and modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, instead of the PC1, a tablet computer or a smartphone may be used. In addition, the device to be controlled that is connected to the PC1 is not limited to an MFP, but may be a printer dedicated to printing, a copier, a FAX machine, a scanner, or any other device capable of executing image processing.

[0067] Also, for example, the determination in S107 of the setup process may not be performed. That is, even if the installed image processing application 23 is the latest version, the CPU 11 may reinstall and overwrite the image processing application 41. However, if the latest version of the image processing application 23 is already installed, unnecessary processing can be avoided by not reinstalling the image processing application 41.

[0068] Also, for example, step S111 of the setup process may be omitted. In other words, if the installed image processing application 23 is not the latest version, the CPU 11 may automatically install the image processing application 41 without asking the user.

[0069] Also, for example, step S116 of the setup process may be omitted. When the latest version of the image processing application 41 is installed, the CPU 11 may proceed to the corresponding process of step S118.

[0070] Also, for example, step S205 of the response process may be omitted. In other words, if the MFP 3 is a model that supports a specific function and does not respond with an appropriate signal to a command for the specific function, the CPU 11 may automatically update the firmware.

[0071] In addition, in any of the flowcharts disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be changed as desired or the processes can be executed in parallel, as long as no contradiction occurs in the process content.

[0072] The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as ASIC, or a combination of these. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various forms, such as a recording medium having a program for executing the processes recorded thereon, or a method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 PC 3 MFP 11 CPU

Claims

1. A setup program executable by a computer of an information processing device to install an application program used to control an image processing device, The computer includes: A process of identifying a model of an image processing device to be controlled; a first determination process for determining whether or not the model identified in the identification process supports a specific function; Run the command, The computer further comprises: when it is determined in the first determination process that the application program is compatible with the specific function, a process is executed for installing the application program compatible with the specific function into the information processing device. The setup program is configured to:

2. 2. The setup program according to claim 1, The computer includes: when it is determined in the first determination process that the application program corresponds to the specific function, a second determination process is executed to determine whether the application program is already installed in the information processing device and whether a newer version of the application program than the already installed application program can be installed; The computer further comprises: when it is determined in the second determination process that the application program is not installed in the information processing device, or when it is determined that a newer version of the application program than the installed application program can be installed, a process is executed to install the application program compatible with the specific function in the information processing device. The setup program is configured to:

3. 3. The setup program according to claim 2, The computer includes: When it is determined in the first determination process that the application program is not compatible with the specific function, the second determination process is not executed, and a process for installing the application program compatible with the model identified in the identification process in the information processing device is executed. The setup program is configured to:

4. 3. The setup program according to claim 2, The computer includes: when it is determined in the second determination process that a newer version of the application program than the installed application program can be installed, before installing the application program in the information processing device, a first selection process is executed in which a selection of whether or not to install the application program is received via a user interface of the information processing device; when a selection to install the application program is accepted in the first selection process, a process is executed to install the application program compatible with the specific function in the information processing device. The setup program is configured to:

5. 5. The setup program according to claim 4, The computer executes a third determination process for determining whether or not the application program already installed in the information processing device corresponds to the specific function when a selection of not installing the application program is accepted in the first selection process; executing a second selection process for receiving, via the user interface of the information processing device, a selection as to whether or not to use the specific function, when it is determined in the third determination process that the installed application program does not support the specific function; when a selection of using the specific function is accepted in the second selection process, a process is executed for installing the application program compatible with the specific function into the information processing device. The setup program is configured to:

6. 3. The setup program according to claim 2, The computer includes: executes a fourth determination process for determining whether the application program installed in the information processing device corresponds to the specific function, when it is determined in the second determination process that the application program has already been installed in the information processing device and that a newer version of the application program than the installed application program cannot be installed; The computer further comprises: When it is determined in the fourth determination process that the application program corresponds to the specific function, a process related to the specific function is executed. The setup program is configured to:

7. 7. The setup program according to claim 6, In the fourth determination process, version information of the application program compatible with the specific function is acquired, and based on the version of the application program installed in the information processing device, it is determined whether the application program is compatible with the specific function. The setup program is configured to:

8. 7. The setup program according to claim 6, The computer includes: When it is determined in the fourth determination process that the application program corresponds to the specific function, execute a confirmation process of communicating with the image processing device to be controlled and requesting a signal indicating that the image processing device to be controlled supports the specific function from the image processing device to be controlled; When the signal indicating that the specific function is supported is received in the confirmation process, a process related to the specific function is executed. The setup program is configured to:

9. 9. The setup program according to claim 8, The computer includes: When the signal indicating that the specific function is supported is not received in the confirmation process, a process of updating a program installed in the image processing device to be controlled is performed. The setup program is configured to:

10. 7. The setup program according to claim 6, In the process related to the specific function, input of parameters used for the specific function is accepted, and the accepted parameters are written to the image processing device to be controlled. The setup program is configured to:

11. 2. The setup program according to claim 1, The computer includes: When the application program is installed, the application program executes a process related to the specific function. The setup program is configured to:

12. 12. The setup program according to claim 11, The computer includes: when the application program is installed, before executing a process related to the specific function, a fifth determination process is executed to determine whether or not the installed application program corresponds to the specific function; When it is determined in the fifth determination process that the device corresponds to the specific function, a process related to the specific function is executed. The setup program is configured to:

13. 12. The setup program according to claim 11, In the process related to the specific function, input of parameters used for the specific function is accepted, and the accepted parameters are written to the image processing device to be controlled. The setup program is configured to:

14. 2. The setup program according to claim 1, the specific function includes a function of assigning a shortcut key associated with a workflow indicating a series of processes including a specific input process and a specific output process to the image processing device, and one of the specific input process and the specific output process included in the workflow is image processing; The setup program is configured to:

15. 1. A setup method for installing an application program used to control an image processing apparatus in an information processing apparatus, comprising: a step of identifying a model of an image processing device to be controlled; a first determination step of determining whether the model identified in the identification step supports a specific function; a step of executing a process for installing the application program compatible with the specific function in the information processing device when it is determined in the first determination step that the application program is compatible with the specific function; Including, The setup method is as follows:

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