First image forming apparatus, second image forming apparatus, information transmission method, and setting method

Abstract

To enhance convenience in setting a setting value in image forming apparatuses.SOLUTION: According to one aspect of the present invention, a first image forming apparatus 1 comprises a storage unit 11, a communication unit 14, and a transmission processing unit 10b. The storage unit 11 stores a setting value 11a. The communication unit 14 communicates with a second image forming apparatus 2 via NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) communication. The transmission processing unit 10b transmits setting value information, which is information regarding the setting value 11a, to the second image forming apparatus 2 via a data communication path established through the NAN communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a first image forming apparatus, a second image forming apparatus, an information transmission method, and a setting method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for setting printer settings, in which a host computer acquires printer setting values ​​from a selected printer and transmits the acquired setting values ​​to the target printer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-117843 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the setting method described in Patent Document 1, when the setting values ​​are sent from the selected printer to the target printer, they must go through a host computer, leaving room for improvement in terms of convenience. Therefore, there is a need for the development of technology that improves the convenience of setting setting values ​​in an image forming device such as a printer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first image forming device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a memory unit that stores a setting value, a communication unit that communicates with a second image forming device via NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) communication, and a transmission processing unit that transmits setting value information, which is information regarding the setting value, to the second image forming device via a data communication path established by the NAN communication.

[0006] A second image forming device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a setting unit that sets a setting value, a communication unit that communicates with a first image forming device via NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) communication, and a receiving processing unit that receives first setting value information, which is information regarding the setting value of the first image forming device, via a data communication path established by the NAN communication, and the setting unit sets the setting value based on the first setting value information.

[0007] An information transmission method according to one embodiment of the present invention involves a first image forming device having a memory unit for storing setting values ​​and a communication unit for communicating with a second image forming device via NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) communication, and transmitting setting value information, which is information relating to the setting values, to the second image forming device via a data communication path established by the NAN communication.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a setting method is provided in which a second image forming device having a communication unit that communicates with a first image forming device via NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) communication receives first setting value information, which is information regarding setting values ​​of the first image forming device, via a data communication path established by the NAN communication, and the second image forming device sets the setting values ​​of the second image forming device based on the first setting value information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a system including a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 2 is a flow chart for explaining an example of a setting process executed in the system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the system including the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a setting process executed in the system of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] This is a flow diagram continuing from FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image presented in the setting process of FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system configuration for explaining an application example of the setting process of FIGS. 4 and 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of the apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is merely an example for explaining the embodiment of the present invention. Also, not all of the components described in the embodiment of the present invention are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] (Embodiment) [System configuration] A system including a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of such a system.

[0012] 1, a system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first image forming apparatus 1 and a second image forming apparatus 2. The first image forming apparatus 1, the second image forming apparatus 2, and other image forming apparatuses described below can all be printers, scanners, facsimile machines, and multifunction machines equipped with multiple functions including at least an image forming function. Furthermore, when each image forming apparatus is an apparatus that forms an image on a medium, that is, a printing apparatus, the printing method is not important, and various printing methods such as inkjet printing and laser printing can be applied.

[0013] The system 100 is configured to transmit setting value information, which is information on the setting values ​​11a of the first image forming apparatus 1, from the first image forming apparatus 1 to the second image forming apparatus 2. Then, the second image forming apparatus 2 sets the setting values ​​of the second image forming apparatus 2 based on the received setting value information. Below, configuration examples of the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 2 will be described in detail.

[0014] [Configuration of first image forming apparatus 1] 1, the first image forming apparatus 1 can include a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, and a communication unit 14. Although not shown, the first image forming apparatus 1 includes a portion related to image formation.

[0015] The control unit 10 may include a transmission processing unit 10b (described later) in order to execute a transmission process of transmitting setting value information related to the setting values ​​11a stored in the storage unit 11 to the second image forming apparatus 2 via the communication unit 14. Hereinafter, this setting value information is referred to as first setting value information.

[0016] The control unit 10 can be configured to include, for example, a calculation processing device such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, and the like. The control unit 10 can also be configured as a system on a chip (SoC). As can be seen from these examples, the control unit 10 can be configured to store the control program in an executable state. However, the control unit 10 can be configured to store the control program as a circuit configuration such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or can be configured as a dedicated circuit. The transmission processing unit 10b and the publishing processing unit 10a described later can be implemented as the above programs. The above programs can include programs for the calculation processing device to realize the functions of the publishing processing unit 10a and the transmission processing unit 10b while cooperating with the storage unit 11, the display unit 12, the operation unit 13, and the communication unit 14.

[0017] The storage unit 11 is, for example, a storage device using a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory. The storage unit 11 stores a setting value 11a. The first setting value information can be the setting value 11a of the first image forming apparatus 1 itself, but it may be information that can be set as a setting value of the second image forming apparatus 2 when transmitted to the second image forming apparatus 2. The setting value 11a may be a value of at least one type of setting item among setting items whose values ​​can be set in the first image forming apparatus 1, but may include values ​​for multiple types of setting items.

[0018] The setting value 11a may be a setting value stored as a parameter in a storage device in the control unit 10. In that case, the storage unit 11 may be a part of the storage device in the control unit 10. This is not limiting, and a part of the memory included in the control unit 10 may be regarded as the storage unit 11. In other words, the storage unit 11 can also be regarded as a part of the control unit 10.

[0019] The setting items that can be set as the setting value 11a include, for example, setting items for network (NW) settings such as LAN (Local Area Network) and setting items for paper settings related to paper as a medium to be printed. The NW settings can include setting items such as SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password. The SSID can be defined by a MAC (Media Access Control) address. The paper settings can include setting items such as paper size, paper material, paper tray from which the paper is supplied, and output tray to which the paper is output. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, an example will be given in which the setting value 11a of the first image forming apparatus 1 includes values ​​of setting items for these NW settings and paper settings, but the setting value 1a is not limited to this. Various examples of setting items will be described later.

[0020] The display unit 12 is a part for displaying a user interface image (UI image) for operating the first image forming apparatus 1, and is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, etc. The display unit 12 may also be configured to include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display.

[0021] The operation unit 13 is a part that accepts operations by a user of the first image forming apparatus 1, and can also be called an operation acceptance unit. The operation unit 13 can be realized by, for example, one or more of physical buttons, a touch panel mounted on the display unit 12, a pointing device, and a keyboard. In a configuration in which the operation unit 13 includes a touch panel, the display unit 12 and the touch panel can also be called the operation panel of the first image forming apparatus 1.

[0022] Although not shown, the first image forming apparatus 1 can include a setting unit that sets the setting value 11a. This setting unit displays a UI image for setting on the display unit 12, accepts a user operation for inputting or selecting a setting value from the operation unit 13, and sets the setting value based on the content of the user operation.

[0023] The communication unit 14 is a part capable of communicating with the second image forming apparatus 2 through NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) communication, and can be configured with a communication interface capable of such NAN communication. As will be described later, the first image forming apparatus 1 transmits the first setting value information to the second image forming apparatus 2 via the data communication path established by this NAN communication.

[0024] The above NAN communication can be realized by the Wi-Fi Aware function defined by the Wi-Fi (registered trademark; the same applies below) Alliance, and the following explanation assumes that Wi-Fi Aware communication is used as NAN communication. Wi-Fi is the name of a wireless LAN that uses the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard and its derived standards.

[0025] In addition, the communication unit 14 may be configured to be capable of wireless communication other than NAN communication so that wireless communication with an external device is possible for purposes other than the transmission of the first set value information. Examples of such external devices include information processing devices such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone, and servers. In this case, the communication unit 14 may function as a NAN communication unit under the control of the control unit 10 including the transmission processing unit 10b. For example, the communication unit 14 may be configured as a Wi-Fi interface compatible with Wi-Fi Aware, and the communication may be switched between normal Wi-Fi communication and NAN communication functioning as a NAN communication unit under the control of the control unit 10. The first image forming apparatus 1 may include a communication interface for communicating with an external device via a wire.

[0026] A detailed configuration of the control unit 10 will be described. The transmission processing unit 10b of the control unit 10 performs a process of transmitting first setting value information, which is information related to the setting value 11a, to the second image forming device 2 via a data communication path established by NAN communication in the communication unit 14. For example, the transmission processing unit 10b causes the communication unit 14 to function as a NAN communication unit to establish a data communication path and performs a process of transmitting the first setting value information to the second image forming device 2.

[0027] In preparation for transmitting the first setting value information, that is, as an initial setting for NAN communication, for example, the publishing processing unit 10a publishes a setting porting service that transmits the first setting value information. Before publishing, the communication unit 14 forms a cluster with an adjacent device, in this example, the second image forming device 2. In this way, the first image forming device 1 operates as a publisher. On the other hand, the second image forming device 2 operates as a subscriber.

[0028] The published service is a service for porting the setting values ​​11a from the first image forming apparatus 1 to the second image forming apparatus 2, and is therefore referred to as a setting porting service. Publishing the setting porting service can mean the transmission, distribution, provision, etc. of the setting porting service. Publishing performed by the publishing processing unit 10a is publishing for providing the setting porting service to other devices. Note that the provision of this setting porting service to the second image forming apparatus 2 does not necessarily erase the setting values ​​of the first image forming apparatus 1, but may erase them. This setting porting service may also be referred to as a setting duplication service, a setting copy service, a setting value utilization service, etc.

[0029] Next, a data communication path for NAN communication is established. When it is detected that the second image forming apparatus 2 has discovered the published setting porting service, the transmission processing unit 10b may cause the communication unit 14 to establish a data communication path with the second image forming apparatus 2 by NAN communication. Here, the communication unit 14 or the transmission processing unit 10b can detect that the setting porting service has been discovered by the second image forming apparatus 2 by detecting that the second image forming apparatus 2 has responded with a message to the published setting porting service. Alternatively, the communication unit 14 or the transmission processing unit 10b may detect that the setting porting service has been acquired by the second image forming apparatus 2, i.e., discovered, by detecting that the second image forming apparatus 2 has subscribed to the setting porting service.

[0030] Establishing a data communication path for NAN communication between the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 2, specifically between the communication unit 14 and the communication unit 24, means generating a bidirectional Wi-Fi Aware network connection and establishing a data communication path between them. Hereinafter, the bidirectional Wi-Fi Aware network connection is simply referred to as an Aware connection. In the Aware connection, IP (Internet Protocol) communication is used.

[0031] Alternatively, when the transmission processing unit 10b detects that the second image forming device 2 has selected the published setting porting service for use, it may cause the communication unit 14 to establish a data communication path for NAN communication with the first image forming device 1.

[0032] Then, the transmission processing unit 10b may transmit the first setting value information to the image forming apparatus that has subscribed to the setting porting service by NAN communication with an established data communication path, that is, by an Aware connection. Here, the explanation is given on the assumption that the image forming apparatus that has subscribed to the setting porting service is the second image forming apparatus 2. Subscribing to the setting porting service may mean using the setting porting service.

[0033] Furthermore, the publishing processing unit 10a may stop publishing the setting porting service if there is no image forming device that has subscribed to the setting porting service for a predetermined period of time after publishing the setting porting service. By employing such timeout processing, it is possible to reduce the power and load required for publishing, which is part of the initial setting of NAN communication. Alternatively, when such a condition is met, the control unit 10 may not only stop publishing, but also stop the Wi-Fi Aware function. By employing such timeout processing, it is possible to reduce the power and load required for the initial setting of NAN communication.

[0034] [Configuration of second image forming device 2] 1, the second image forming apparatus 2 can include a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. Although not shown, the second image forming apparatus 2 includes a portion related to image formation.

[0035] The control unit 20 may be equipped with a receiving processing unit 20b and a setting processing unit 20d described below in order to receive first setting value information from the first image forming device 1 via the communication unit 24 and execute a setting process to set it in the memory unit 21.

[0036] The control unit 20 can be configured to include, for example, a calculation processing unit, a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, and the like, similar to the control unit 10. The control unit 20 can also be configured as an SoC. As can be seen from these examples, the control unit 20 can be configured to store the control program in an executable state. However, the control unit 20 can be configured to store the control program as a circuit configuration like an FPGA, or can be configured as a dedicated circuit. The reception processing unit 20b and the setting processing unit 20d, as well as the subscribe processing unit 20a and the notification processing unit 20c described later, can be implemented as the above programs. The above programs can include programs for the calculation processing unit to realize the functions of the subscribe processing unit 20a, the reception processing unit 20b, the notification processing unit 20c, and the setting processing unit 20d while cooperating with the storage unit 21, the display unit 22, the operation unit 23, and the communication unit 24.

[0037] The storage unit 21 is, like the storage unit 11, a storage device such as a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory. The storage unit 21 does not store the setting values ​​of the second image forming apparatus 2, or stores default setting values. As will be described later, in the second image forming apparatus 2, based on the first setting value information received from the first image forming apparatus 1, the setting values ​​of the second image forming apparatus 2 are stored in the storage unit 21, or the default setting values ​​are updated.

[0038] The configurations of the display unit 22, operation unit 23, and communication unit 24 are basically the same as the configurations of the display unit 12, operation unit 13, and communication unit 14 in the first image forming apparatus 1, respectively, and a description thereof will be omitted. For example, the display unit 22 is a part for displaying a UI image for operating the second image forming apparatus 2. The operation unit 23 is a part for accepting operations by a user of the second image forming apparatus 2. The communication unit 24 is configured to be able to communicate with the first image forming apparatus 1 via NAN communication.

[0039] A detailed configuration of the control unit 20 will be described. The reception processing unit 20b of the control unit 20 performs a process of receiving first setting value information, which is information about setting values ​​of the first image forming device 1, via a data communication path established by NAN communication in the communication unit 24. For example, the reception processing unit 20b causes the communication unit 24 to function as a NAN communication unit to establish a data communication path and performs a process of receiving the first setting value information from the first image forming device 1.

[0040] In preparation for receiving the first setting value information, that is, as an initial setting for NAN communication, for example, the subscribe processing unit 20a subscribes to the setting porting service published by the first image forming device 1. Here, subscribing can mean using the setting porting service. Furthermore, before subscribing, the communication unit 24 forms a cluster with an adjacent device, in this example, the first image forming device 1.

[0041] Next, a data communication path for NAN communication is established. When the setting porting service published by the first image forming device 1 is found, the reception processing unit 20b may establish a data communication path for NAN communication with the first image forming device 1. Here, when the first image forming device 1, which is a publisher, enters the Wi-Fi reception range of the communication unit 24, the communication unit 24 or the reception processing unit 20b may detect that the setting porting service has been found, i.e., acquired. Thereafter, the communication unit 24 or the reception processing unit 20b may transmit some kind of message to the first image forming device 1. As an alternative process, the communication unit 24 or the reception processing unit 20b may detect that the setting porting service has been acquired, i.e., discovered, by detecting that the subscribe processing unit 20a has subscribed to the setting porting service published by the first image forming device 1.

[0042] Then, the reception processor 20b may receive the first setting value information from the first image forming apparatus 1, which is the image forming apparatus that has published the setting porting service, through NAN communication in which a data communication path has been established, that is, through an Aware connection.

[0043] The setting processing unit 20d will be described. The second image forming apparatus 2 includes a setting unit that sets a setting value. This setting unit is configured to be able to set the setting value based on first setting value information. In other words, this setting unit reflects the setting value indicated by the first setting value information as the setting value of the second image forming apparatus 2 based on the first setting value information. The setting processing unit 20d and the storage unit 21 are an example of this setting unit.

[0044] The setting processing unit 20d stores the setting values ​​of the second image forming apparatus 2 in the storage unit 21 based on the first setting value information received from the first image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the setting processing unit 20d updates the default setting values ​​of the second image forming apparatus 2 based on the first setting value information received from the first image forming apparatus 1.

[0045] As described above, the transmission processing unit 10b transmits the first setting value information to the second image forming apparatus 2 by NAN communication with a data communication path established. This first setting value information may be a command instructing to update the setting value with the setting value 11a included in the setting value information. In this case, the setting processing unit 20d can reflect the setting value by executing the command received by the reception processing unit 20b.

[0046] The setting unit in the second image forming apparatus 2 may be configured to display a UI image for setting on the display unit 22 and to receive a user operation for inputting or selecting a setting value from the operation unit 23. In this case, the setting unit in the second image forming apparatus 2 sets the setting value based on the content of the user operation. As a result, in the second image forming apparatus 2, the setting can be changed even after it has been set based on the first setting value information.

[0047] The subscribe processing unit 20a may also subscribe to search for a setting porting service that transmits the first setting value information. In this case, if there is no image forming device that publishes a setting porting service that transmits the first setting value information for a predetermined period after the start of the search, the subscribe processing unit 20a may stop subscribing to the setting porting service. The case where there is no image forming device that publishes the setting porting service may refer to the case where the second image forming device 2 cannot find an image forming device that publishes the setting porting service. By employing such a timeout process, it is possible to reduce the power and load required for subscribing for the search, which is part of the initial setting of the NAN communication. Alternatively, when such a condition is satisfied, the control unit 20 may not only stop the subscription, but also stop the Wi-Fi Aware function. By employing such a timeout process, it is possible to reduce the power and load required for the initial setting of the NAN communication.

[0048] In the above example, it has been explained on the premise that when a setting porting service is found, the setting porting service is automatically used without the permission of the user of the second image forming device 2. However, the second image forming device 2 may be configured to include a notification unit as described below, and to use the setting porting service only after obtaining the user's permission through a user operation on the operation unit 23.

[0049] This notification unit notifies the user when the communication unit 24 or the reception processing unit 20b discovers a setting porting service published by the first image forming apparatus 1. The notification unit can be configured, for example, by the notification processing unit 20c and the display unit 22. The notification processing unit 20c can perform the above notification by causing the display unit 22 to display a UI image indicating the discovery of the setting porting service. Alternatively, the notification unit can be configured by the notification processing unit 20c and an audio output unit configured by a speaker or the like (not shown), and the above notification can be performed by audio output.

[0050] The operation unit 23 accepts a user operation to use the setting porting service notified by the notification unit. For example, a UI image to be displayed on the display unit 22 is not only displayed to indicate the discovery of the setting porting service, but is also configured to accept a user operation as to whether or not to approve the use of the setting porting service. This allows the operation unit 23 to accept such a user operation.

[0051] The reception processing unit 20b may perform an Aware connection only when this user operation is received. In this manner, the reception processing unit 20b may cause the communication unit 24 to establish a data communication path for NAN communication with the first image forming device 1 when the setting porting service published by the first image forming device 1 is selected for use.

[0052] Furthermore, when the reception processing unit 20b completes receiving the first setting value information, the communication unit 24 may disconnect the data communication path of the NAN communication. Alternatively, when the setting processing unit 20d completes setting the setting value based on the first setting value information, the reception processing unit 20b may cause the communication unit 24 to disconnect the data communication path of the NAN communication. By disconnecting the data communication path when the setting value can be reflected or when the setting value has been reflected, the second image forming device 2 can reduce the power and load required to maintain the data communication path. Alternatively, when such a condition is satisfied, the reception processing unit 20b or the control unit 20 may stop the Wi-Fi Aware function. By employing such a timeout process, the power and load required for the NAN communication can be reduced.

[0053] [Example of setting process] An example of the setting process executed in the system 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of such a setting process. As a premise, it is assumed that the setting value 11a has already been set in the first image forming apparatus 1 as described above, and that the setting value in the second image forming apparatus 2 remains at the default value.

[0054] First, in the first image forming apparatus 1, when the control unit 10 receives a user operation to enable the Wi-Fi Aware function from the operation unit 13, or automatically when the power is turned on, Wi-Fi Aware is activated (step S10). Hereinafter, the activated Wi-Fi Aware will be simply referred to as Aware. The activated Aware refers to, for example, a program that realizes the Wi-Fi Aware function in the first image forming apparatus 1 and an API used to exchange information between the program and the communication unit 14, which is the hardware of Wi-Fi Aware. Note that API is an abbreviation for Application Programming Interface.

[0055] Thereafter, when the control unit 20 of the second image forming apparatus 2 receives a user operation to enable the Wi-Fi Aware function from the operation unit 23, or automatically when the power is turned on, the second image forming apparatus 2 starts Aware (step S11). The started Aware refers to, for example, a program that realizes the Wi-Fi Aware function in the second image forming apparatus 2 and an API used to exchange information between the program and the communication unit 24, which is the hardware of Wi-Fi Aware.

[0056] After the processes of steps S10 and S11, the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 2 form a cluster (step S12). Note that the order of steps S10 and S11 does not matter.

[0057] After the cluster is formed, the first image forming device 1 in which the setting value 11a has been set operates as a publisher, and the second image forming device 2 in which the setting value has not been set operates as a subscriber. Specifically, the publishing processing unit 10a of the first image forming device 1 publishes a setting porting service (step S13). This publishing can mean the transmission or distribution of the setting porting service. Then, the subscribing processing unit 20a of the second image forming device 2 subscribes to the setting porting service (step S14). This subscribing can mean a search for the setting porting service. In this case, the second image forming device 2 searches for the setting porting service, and in step S15 described later, the setting porting service published by the first image forming device 1 is discovered.

[0058] In steps S13 and S14, the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 2 may both determine whether the setting value has been set and decide the operation based on the result. That is, the control units 10 and 20 may both perform automatic control such as determining whether the setting value has been set and operating as a publisher if it is determined that the setting value has been set, and operating as a subscriber if it is determined that the setting value has not been set. However, in both the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 2, whether to operate as a publisher or a subscriber may be determined by a user operation.

[0059] Next, as a result of the above-mentioned search, the second image forming apparatus 2 discovers the setting porting service of the first image forming apparatus 1 (step S15).

[0060] When the second image forming apparatus 2 discovers a setting porting service as in step S15, it automatically transmits a message to that effect to the first image forming apparatus 1, which is the publisher. Then, the first image forming apparatus 1 receives the message and automatically establishes an Aware connection with the second image forming apparatus 2 (step S16). Note that when the second image forming apparatus 2 discovers a setting porting service, the second image forming apparatus 2 may take the initiative in automatically establishing an Aware connection with the first image forming apparatus 1.

[0061] In step S16, the Aware connection may be established by, for example, NAN pairing, but it is sufficient if a data communication path is established between the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 2, that is, a link for the setting porting service is established. Therefore, the Aware connection may be established by a method other than NAN pairing.

[0062] In step S16, a data communication path may be established for encrypted communication using a password. In other words, the established data communication path may be a communication path encrypted by a password. This can enhance security.

[0063] The password may be set in advance by the first image forming apparatus 1 for the setting porting service to be published. Alternatively, the password may be set in advance by the second image forming apparatus 2 for the setting porting service to be subscribed to. In either case, an encrypted data communication path can be established without user operation. However, the password may be one input by user operation for the setting porting service in either the first image forming apparatus 1 or the second image forming apparatus 2.

[0064] Also, an example has been given in which, when the second image forming apparatus 2 discovers a setting porting service as in step S15, an Aware connection is automatically established. However, in the system 100, the user may be notified of this discovery by displaying a UI image on at least one of the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 2, for example. For example, this notification can be made by the notification processing unit 20c displaying a UI image including a button for establishing an Aware connection on the display unit 22. The Aware connection may be executed only when the user, in response to this notification, selects a button for establishing an Aware connection included in this image.

[0065] If an aware connection is made in step S16, i.e., if a data communication path is established, the transmission processing unit 10b of the first image forming apparatus 1 transmits first setting value information regarding the setting value 11a to the second image forming apparatus 2 via the data communication path (step S17).

[0066] The receiving process unit 20b of the second image forming apparatus 2 receives the first setting value information transmitted in step S17 and passes it to the setting process unit 20d. The setting process unit 20d reflects the setting value 11a in the setting value of the second image forming apparatus 2 based on the received first setting value information (step S18). This reflection of the setting value can be performed, for example, by changing the default setting value stored in the storage unit 21 to the setting value 11a.

[0067] This completes the transfer of the first setting information from the first image forming apparatus 1 to the second image forming apparatus 2 and the reflection of the first setting information in the setting values ​​of the second image forming apparatus 2.

[0068] As described above, in the system 100, the first image forming apparatus 1, for which setting has been completed, and the second image forming apparatus 2, for which setting has not been completed, are Aware-connected, and the setting values ​​11a of the first image forming apparatus 1 are transmitted to the second image forming apparatus 2 and are reflected in the settings of the second image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, the second image forming apparatus 2 can quickly complete setting, improving the convenience of setting the setting values.

[0069] After the process of step S18, either the first image forming device 1 or the second image forming device 2 may take the initiative in disconnecting the Aware connection and terminating the setting porting service (step S19). After that, both the first image forming device 1 and the second image forming device 2 terminate Aware (steps S20 and S21). In this way, the processes of steps S20 and S21 can be performed immediately after the process of step S19.

[0070] In addition, with the Wi-Fi Aware function, even if a data communication path for a service is already established, the service or other services can be published, and a data communication path with other terminals can be established. Therefore, the first image forming device 1 can perform processing for porting setting values ​​in parallel for multiple image forming devices. Note that the parallel processing here actually means, for example, processing in a time-division manner.

[0071] For this reason, the above-mentioned timeout process may be applied to the processes in steps S20 and S21. For example, if there are no other image forming devices that have subscribed to the setting porting service for a predetermined period of time, such as five minutes, after the Aware connection, the Wi-Fi Aware function may be stopped.

[0072] As described above, in the setting process in system 100, first image forming apparatus 1 equipped with storage unit 11 and communication unit 14 executes the following information transmission method, and second image forming apparatus 2 equipped with communication unit 24 executes the following setting method. That is, in this information transmission method, first image forming apparatus 1 transmits first setting value information to second image forming apparatus 2 via a data communication path established by NAN communication in communication unit 14. In the above setting method, second image forming apparatus 2 receives first setting value information, which is information on setting values ​​11a of first image forming apparatus 1, via the data communication path established by NAN communication in communication unit 24, and sets setting values ​​of second image forming apparatus 2 based on the first setting value information.

[0073] [Variations] In the above configuration example, the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 2 are assumed to be of the same model, or of the same manufacturer, and are at least compatible in terms of settings. Based on this assumption, at least a part of the setting values ​​11a of the first image forming apparatus 1, that is, the setting values ​​of the common setting items, can be used as the setting values ​​of the second image forming apparatus.

[0074] However, even if the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 2 are models that are not compatible in terms of settings as they are, the first image forming apparatus 1 can transmit, as the first setting value information, first setting value information that has been converted into values ​​that can be used as setting values ​​of the second image forming apparatus 2. This makes it possible for the second image forming apparatus 2 to reflect the converted values ​​as setting values ​​based on the received first setting value information, in other words, to port the setting values.

[0075] The second image forming device 2 may select a setting porting service published by a compatible image forming device from among a plurality of types of image forming devices having a function of transmitting first setting value information similar to that of the first image forming device 1. In this case, the second image forming device 2 may search for a setting porting service published by a compatible image forming device. The second image forming device 2 becomes able to reflect the setting values ​​by the setting porting service.

[0076] [Various examples of setting items] In the case where the first image forming apparatus 1 has a printing function, the following are examples of setting items that may be included in the setting values ​​11a. In this case, the setting items include, for example, the following setting items (1) to (25) in addition to the NW settings. However, the following setting items are merely examples, and in this embodiment, any item can be set from various setting items including the following setting items and setting items related to the NW settings. Of course, the setting items will differ depending on the functions of the first image forming apparatus 1.

[0077] (1) Paper position detection settings (gap detection, BM detection, no detection, etc.) The detection settings differ depending on the paper. Gap detection is related to detecting the gap between labels on label paper, and BM detection is related to detecting the black mark BM (black mark) that indicates the mark printing position set on the back of the backing paper. Also, "No detection" is for paper that does not have marks for position detection, such as receipt paper.

[0078] (2) Paper feed adjustment (auto-cut position, print start position) The auto-cut position is a setting value for the position on the paper where the cutter will cut (sever), and the print start position is a setting for the position on the label paper where printing will start after, for example, the gap detection.

[0079] (3) Paper feed operation settings (operation when power is turned on and cover is opened) Set the paper feed operation when the power is turned on, when the paper is replaced (when the cover is opened), etc. For example, when starting from the top of a label paper, align the top of the label with the head position (feed operation). Or, set the feed operation when the position of the roll paper changes.

[0080] (4) Notification settings (buzzer, LED notification, paper difference error notification) For example, you can set it to sound a buzzer when an error occurs, to blink an LED when the ink is low (near-end), to notify an error when the paper set is different from the paper placed in the paper feeder, etc. LED is an abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode.

[0081] (5) Enable / disable operation panel buttons This setting determines whether to enable or disable detection of panel buttons such as the feed button (paper feed) and cut button (paper cut) provided on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus.

[0082] (6) Settings for when dead pixels occur (operation mode when dead pixels occur, invalid logo registration) These are settings for operating modes such as performing cleaning when missing dots occur during printing due to clogged nozzles, etc., and settings for registering an invalid logo that prints "Invalid" or "NG" on paper on which printing has failed.

[0083] (7) Start position, launch position This is mainly set at the time of shipment from the factory. (8) Gap Adjustment This is mainly set at the time of shipment from the factory.

[0084] (9)I / F settings This setting is related to switching of external communication interfaces such as LAN and USB (Universal Serial Bus). Note that USB is a registered trademark.

[0085] (10) Maintenance counter This setting is related to the counters that count the number of printed lines, the number of ink discharges, the number of cuts, etc., to inform the user when maintenance such as cleaning or part replacement is required. There are cumulative counters that cannot be reset, and counters that can be reset. (11) Error Pattern This sets the notification pattern when an error occurs, and sets the number of times the LED flashes, etc. (12) Buzzer count Set the number of times the buzzer will sound when an error occurs, etc. (13) Reprint enable / disable setting This setting determines whether or not to discard paper on which missing dots occur and reprint the next page.

[0086] (14) Communication settings (communication conditions) (15) Paper switching (continuous paper / single sheet paper / FF paper, etc.) (16) Font (selection) (17) Pitch (paper feed)

[0087] (18)EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) This setting determines which of the DIP switch and memory switch settings has priority. (19) Clear the cumulative number of printed lines (20) Paper feed position adjustment (21) Tear-off adjustment This setting on a manual cutter sends the paper to a position that makes it easier for the user to cut.

[0088] (22)Paper thickness adjustment When the paper thickness changes, the pressure applied to the paper is changed. (23) Emulation Selection This setting allows you to execute commands from other models that have different command systems. (24) Paper Feed Method Selection (25) Language Selection

[0089] The above items (1) to (25) are setting items that depend on each model. The above items (15), (18), etc. are set on the main body side of the image forming apparatus, and the settings are stored in the storage unit 11 of the first image forming apparatus 1, etc., and are transmitted to the second image forming apparatus 2. Note that items (1) to (3) etc. are setting items related to the control of the print mechanism in the image forming apparatus, and item (4) etc. are setting items related to notifications according to the status of the image forming apparatus. Also, the above setting items (1) to (6) can be set on a setting tool using a setting screen displayed on the display unit of an information processing device such as a PC or smartphone (not shown) connected to the first image forming apparatus 1, and can be set in the first image forming apparatus 1 by referring to the screen.

[0090] [Advantages of this embodiment] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience when setting a setting value in an image forming apparatus. Such an effect will be described below with reference to a specific example.

[0091] For example, there is a situation where a general user of the first image forming device 1 buys a second image forming device 2 as a new image forming device and replaces the first image forming device 1 with the second image forming device 2. In other words, this situation is a situation where an image forming device is replaced. This situation will be referred to as the first situation and will be described. In an environment where image formation such as printing was possible with the first image forming device 1, which is an old image forming device, it can be said that image formation such as printing is possible with the new second image forming device 2 by setting the same setting value 11a as that of the first image forming device 1 to the new second image forming device 2. However, it is time-consuming to manually set the same setting value 11a as that of the second image forming device 2. In particular, it is difficult for general users to set NW settings such as Wi-Fi connection settings, and it can be said that it is difficult to set the new second image forming device 2. In addition, as another method, a method of exporting the setting value 11a of the old first image forming device 1 as a file to a PC or the like in advance and importing it to the new second image forming device 2 can be adopted. However, even with the above other methods, it is necessary to temporarily configure the network settings to connect to the network, which is a complicated procedure and difficult for general users.

[0092] Another scenario is when an operator at an agency that sells image forming devices initializes multiple image forming devices, that is, when kitting multiple image forming devices. This scenario will be described as the second scenario. Kitting is generally performed after connecting the target image forming devices to a temporary network, but since connecting to a network itself is time-consuming, this is a poor work efficiency.

[0093] In contrast, in the present embodiment, in the first and second scenes, a general user, an operator such as an agency, etc., can complete the setting of one or more second image forming apparatuses 2 only by a user operation of activating the Wi-Fi Aware function. For example, in the first and second scenes, temporary network connection is not required, and setting information can be easily transmitted and received even without a network connection, and setting values ​​based on the setting information can be reflected. In particular, in the second scene, the effect of eliminating the need for temporary network connection is obtained for multiple target image forming apparatuses. Therefore, in the second scene, the more target image forming apparatuses there are, the shorter the kitting work time can be. Furthermore, if a new second image forming apparatus 2 is configured to automatically activate the Wi-Fi Aware function when it is first started, even the user operation of activating Aware is not required. Note that in the present embodiment, even in a configuration requiring the permission of the user of the second image forming apparatus 2, a simple user operation of permission is added, so that the setting of one or more second image forming apparatuses 2 can be easily completed.

[0094] (Other configuration examples) [System configuration] Another configuration example of a system including a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of such a system. The other configuration example shown in Fig. 3 (hereinafter, configuration example A) will be described with a focus on differences from the configuration example described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. However, various examples of the configuration examples and modified examples described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 can also be applied to configuration example A.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 3, system 100A according to configuration example A includes a first image forming apparatus 1A having at least the functions of a first image forming apparatus 1, a second image forming apparatus 2A having at least the functions of a second image forming apparatus 2, and a third image forming apparatus 3.

[0096] [Configuration of First Image Forming Apparatus 1A] The publishing processing unit 10a in the configuration example A publishes a plurality of setting porting services, each of which transmits different first setting value information. In this case, the transmission processing unit 10b in the configuration example A transmits the first setting value information corresponding to the selected setting porting service to an image forming device that has selected one of the plurality of setting porting services published by the publishing processing unit 10a for use. Here, the explanation is given on the assumption that the image forming device that selected the setting porting service is the second image forming device 2. Note that, at the time of selection, at least a subscription to the setting porting service related to the selection is also performed. The other configurations of the first image forming device 1A are basically the same as those of the first image forming device 1.

[0097] [Configuration of second image forming apparatus 2A] The subscribe processing unit 20a in the configuration example A subscribes to a plurality of setting porting services that transmit different first setting value information published by the first image forming apparatus 1A. The operation unit 23 in the configuration example A accepts a user operation to select one of the plurality of setting porting services for use.

[0098] The receiving processor 20b in the configuration example A receives the first setting value information corresponding to the one setting porting service selected by the operation unit 23 from the first image forming device 1A that has published the one setting porting service, via the established data communication path for NAN communication. When the setting porting service published by the first image forming device 1A is selected for use, the receiving processor 20b may cause the communication unit 24 to establish a data communication path for NAN communication with the first image forming device 1A. Note that, even in the configuration example A, the receiving processor 20b may cause the communication unit 24 to establish a data communication path for NAN communication with the first image forming device 1A when the setting porting service published by the first image forming device 1A is found.

[0099] Furthermore, the control unit 10 in the configuration example A may include a publish processing unit 20e similar to the publish processing unit 10a. When the setting processing unit 20d completes setting of the setting values ​​based on the first setting value information, the publish processing unit 20e publishes a setting porting service that transmits second setting value information, which is information related to the setting values. The setting porting service published here is a service that is assumed to be used by an image forming device other than the first image forming device 1A and the second image forming device 2A, as exemplified by the third image forming device 3.

[0100] The second image forming apparatus 2A can transmit the second setting value information to the third image forming apparatus 3 by including a transmission processing unit 20f similar to the transmission processing unit 10b of the first image forming apparatus 1A. Here, the third image forming apparatus 3 is an image forming apparatus that has subscribed to the setting porting service published by the publishing processing unit 20e, or that has subscribed and selected for use. The initial setting of the NAN communication for transmitting the second setting value information from the second image forming apparatus 2A to the third image forming apparatus 3, the establishment of a data communication path for the NAN communication, the transmission of the second setting value information, and the like are similar to the corresponding processing for transmitting the first setting value information from the first image forming apparatus 1A to the second image forming apparatus 2A. The other configurations of the second image forming apparatus 2A are basically similar to those of the second image forming apparatus 2.

[0101] [Configuration of the third image forming device 3] Although a description of the third image forming apparatus 3 will be omitted, the third image forming apparatus 3 can have a similar configuration to the second image forming apparatus 2 or the second image forming apparatus 2A.

[0102] [Example of setting process] An example of the setting process executed in the system 100 of Fig. 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of the setting process, and Fig. 5 is a flow diagram continuing from Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a UI image presented in the setting process of Figs. 4 and 5.

[0103] Steps S30 to S32 in Fig. 4 are the same as steps S10 to S12 in Fig. 2. Instead of step S13 in Fig. 2, the publishing processing unit 10a publishes three services: an all settings porting service, a NW settings porting service, and a paper settings porting service (steps S32, S33, and S34).

[0104] The all setting porting service is a service for porting all of the setting values ​​11a that can be ported by the first image forming apparatus 1A. The network setting porting service is a service for porting setting values ​​for network settings among the setting values ​​11a that can be ported by the first image forming apparatus 1A. The paper setting porting service is a service for porting setting values ​​for paper settings among the setting values ​​11a that can be ported by the first image forming apparatus 1A.

[0105] Also, instead of step S14 in Fig. 2, the subscribe processing unit 20a is the same as S12. Instead of step S13 in Fig. 2, the publish processing unit 10a subscribes to three services, the full setting porting service, the NW setting porting service, and the paper setting porting service (steps S36, S37, and S38). Here, subscribing can mean searching, as in step S13.

[0106] Next, as a result of the above-mentioned search, the second image forming apparatus 2A discovers the three setting porting services of the first image forming apparatus 1A (step S39).

[0107] In the system 100A, at least one of the first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 2A notifies the user of this discovery by displaying a UI image or the like (step S40). Here, an example is given in which such notification is made in the second image forming apparatus 2A. For example, this notification is made by the notification processing unit 20c displaying a UI image including a button for making an Aware connection on the display unit 22. However, this UI image includes buttons for making an Aware connection for three setting porting services. In this way, the reception processing unit 20b can accept a selection made by a user operation on the UI image (step S41).

[0108] An example of such a UI image is the UI image 60 shown in Fig. 6. The UI image 60 includes a radio button group 61, an OK button 62, and a Cancel button 63. The radio button group 61 includes a radio button for each of three setting porting services. The user can select the setting porting service they wish to use from the radio button group 61, turn on the radio button, and select the OK button 62 to select the one setting porting service indicated by the turned on radio button. Note that if the Cancel button 63 is selected, the process can be terminated.

[0109] The receiving processor 20b accepts the selection of a setting porting service by the user operation in this way, and establishes an Aware connection for the selected setting porting service (step S42). For example, when the receiving processor 20b discovers three setting porting services in step S39 and accepts the selection of one setting porting service in step S41, it automatically transmits a message to that effect to the first image forming device 1A, which is the publisher. Then, the first image forming device 1A receives the message and automatically establishes an Aware connection with the second image forming device 2A. Note that when the second image forming device 2A discovers setting porting services and one setting porting service is selected, the second image forming device 2A may automatically establish an Aware connection with the first image forming device 1A.

[0110] Furthermore, if the second image forming apparatus 2A discovers three setting porting services in step S39, it can automatically establish an Aware connection to one of the predetermined setting porting services. However, in this example, there are multiple setting porting services. Therefore, if the second image forming apparatus 2A discovers a setting porting service and automatically establishes an Aware connection, it is sufficient to determine in advance which setting porting service the second image forming apparatus 2A will establish an Aware connection to. Alternatively, in steps S36 to S38, the subscribe processing unit 20a may search for only the predetermined setting porting service, rather than searching for all three setting porting services.

[0111] Also, in step S42, a data communication path may be established by, for example, NAN pairing or another method, as in step S16. Also, in step S42, a data communication path for performing encrypted communication using a password may be established, as in step S16. The password may be set in advance by the first image forming device 1A for the setting porting service to be published. Alternatively, the password may be set in advance by the second image forming device 2A for the setting porting service to be subscribed to. In either case, a different password may be used for each setting porting service to be published, or a common password may be used. Also, the password may be input by a user operation to the setting porting service in either the first image forming device 1A or the second image forming device 2A.

[0112] When an aware connection is established in step S42, that is, when a data communication path is established, the transmission processing unit 10b of the first image forming apparatus 1A transmits first setting value information regarding the setting values ​​11a to the second image forming apparatus 2A via the data communication path (step S43). However, the first setting value information transmitted in step S43 is the first setting value information regarding the setting values ​​for the selected setting porting service among the setting values ​​11a.

[0113] The receiving process unit 20b of the second image forming apparatus 2A receives the first setting value information transmitted in step S43 and passes it to the setting process unit 20d. The setting process unit 20d reflects the setting value 11a in the setting value of the second image forming apparatus 2A based on the received first setting value information, similar to step S18 (step S44). However, in step S44, the setting value of the second image forming apparatus 2A is reflected as the setting value of the second image forming apparatus 2A, which is indicated by the received first setting value information among the setting values ​​11a.

[0114] This completes the transfer of the first setting information from the first image forming apparatus 1A to the second image forming apparatus 2A and the reflection of the first setting information in the setting values ​​of the second image forming apparatus 2A.

[0115] As described above, in the system 100A, the configured first image forming apparatus 1A and the unconfigured second image forming apparatus 2A are Aware-connected, and first setting information regarding setting values ​​required by the user among the setting values ​​11a of the first image forming apparatus 1A can be transmitted to the second image forming apparatus 2. Then, the second image forming apparatus 2 can reflect the setting values ​​indicated by the received first setting information in its own setting values. Therefore, the second image forming apparatus 2A can quickly complete the settings desired by the user, improving convenience when setting setting values.

[0116] After the process of step S44, either the first image forming apparatus 1A or the second image forming apparatus 2A may take the initiative in disconnecting the Aware connection and terminating the target setting porting service (step S45).

[0117] Thereafter, the first image forming device 1A terminates Aware (step S47) if no data communication is established for a predetermined period (step S46). Although not shown, it is possible that the second image forming device 2A first selects the NW setting porting service, completes porting of the NW setting values, and then selects the paper setting porting service. The first image forming device 1A can handle such a case by waiting for a predetermined period. After step S45, the second image forming device 2A also terminates Aware (step S48).

[0118] Next, similar to step S31, Aware is started in the second image forming apparatus 2A (step S49). Then, similar to the processing executed by the first image forming apparatus 1A in steps S33 to S35, the publishing processing unit 20e of the second image forming apparatus 2A publishes three services, an all settings porting service, a NW settings porting service, and a paper settings porting service (steps S50, S51, S52). This allows, for example, the third image forming apparatus 3 to use the services published by the second image forming apparatus 2A.

[0119] In this case, the transmission processing unit 20f transmits the second setting value information for the selected setting porting service to the third image forming apparatus 3 via the established data communication path. Other than that, the processing between the second image forming apparatus 2A and the third image forming apparatus 3 is similar to the processing between the first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 2A, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] In the above example, the second image forming device 2A temporarily stops Aware and then starts it again. However, instead of stopping and starting, the second image forming device 2A may operate as a publisher based on a user operation or automatically. In this case, the radio wave area that can be reached by the Wi-Fi Aware function is the radio wave area of ​​both the first image forming device 1A and the second image forming device 2A after the settings are made, so that the radio wave area is wider than the radio wave area of ​​only the first image forming device 1A, and it becomes possible to provide services over a wider range. In particular, by setting the predetermined period in step S46 to be longer, it becomes possible to provide services over a wider range for a longer period.

[0121] After publishing in steps S50 to S52, if no data communication is established for a predetermined period of time (step S53), the second image forming apparatus 2A may terminate Aware (step S54).

[0122] [Variations] In the configuration example A, an example was given in which the multiple setting porting services that are published and subscribed to are three: an all-settings porting service, a network settings porting service, and a paper settings porting service. However, the setting porting services that are published and subscribed to may be setting porting services for any setting item. For example, the setting porting services that are published and subscribed to may be setting porting services for each setting item. Alternatively, the setting porting services that are published and subscribed to may be setting porting services for a predetermined combination of multiple setting items.

[0123] Also, the second image forming device 2A may select a setting porting service published by a compatible image forming device from among a plurality of types of image forming devices having a function of transmitting the first setting value information similar to that of the first image forming device 1A. In this case, if the compatible models are displayed when the setting porting service is published, the user can select the setting porting service by operation. Alternatively, the first image forming device 1A may publish information including the compatible models. Then, the second image forming device 2A may search for a setting porting service published by a compatible image forming device. The second image forming device 2A can reflect the setting value by the setting porting service. In this case, the setting porting service published in steps S33 to S35 may be one for each image forming device.

[0124] In the configuration example A, the system 100A including three image forming apparatuses has been described. As can be seen from the above description, in this embodiment, the system can also include four or more image forming apparatuses.

[0125] An example of such a system will be given with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration example for explaining an application example of the setting process of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. For example, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 7 (hereinafter, configuration example B), as in configuration example A, first, the first image forming device 1A publishes a plurality of setting porting services, the second image forming device 2A selects one of the setting porting services, and reflects the setting values ​​by data communication via the established data communication path. Thereafter, as in configuration example A, the second image forming device 2A publishes a plurality of setting porting services, the third image forming device 3 selects one of the setting porting services, and reflects the setting values ​​by data communication via the established data communication path. In parallel with these processes, the fourth image forming device 4, which has formed a cluster with at least the first image forming device 1A, selects one of the setting porting services published by the first image forming device 1A, and reflects the setting values ​​by data communication via the established data communication path. Thereafter, even if, for example, a fifth image forming device 5 newly joins the cluster, the setting values ​​can be reflected in the same manner.

[0126] In addition, in the configuration example B, only one setting porting service may be published for some or all of the publishing. In other words, the configuration example B can be similarly applied to the configuration examples described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0127] [Effects of other configuration examples (configuration examples A and B)] The configuration examples A and B described in FIG. 3 to FIG. 7 can also achieve the same effects as the example described using FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Furthermore, in the configuration examples A and B, one of the multiple setting porting services can be selected by a user operation, so that the setting values ​​desired by the user can be reflected. Furthermore, in the configuration examples A and B, the setting porting service can be provided from the second image forming device 2A after the setting values ​​have been reflected. Therefore, in this case, by continuing to publish the setting porting service from the first image forming device 1A, the radio wave area can be expanded, and the service can be provided in a wider range. This allows multiple image forming devices placed over a particularly wide area to be kitted at once, and the kitting work time can be shortened.

[0128] (Other variations) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, each image forming apparatus may be any apparatus capable of realizing the functions described above.

[0129] Each of the devices provided in the system according to the above-described embodiment may have, for example, the following hardware configuration. Here, the devices refer to the first image forming device 1, 1A, the second image forming device 2, 2A, the third image forming device 3, the fourth image forming device 4, and the fifth image forming device, as well as an information processing device and a server, in the examples of Figures 1, 3, and 7. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the devices.

[0130] 8 may include a processor 1001, a memory 1002, and an interface 1003. The interface 1003 may include, for example, a communication interface, an interface with an input / output device, etc., as required depending on the device.

[0131] The processor 1001 may be, for example, a CPU, a GPU, or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) also called a microprocessor. The processor 1001 may include a plurality of processors. The memory 1002 is, for example, configured by a combination of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The functions of each device are realized by the processor 1001 reading a program stored in the memory 1002 and executing the program while exchanging necessary information via the interface 1003. For example, if the device 1000 is an image forming device that transmits setting value information, the program may include a program for causing the processor 1001 to execute the transmission process of the setting value information as described above. For example, if the device 1000 is an image forming device that receives setting value information, the program may include a program for causing the processor 1001 to execute the setting process as described above.

[0132] Moreover, the above-mentioned program includes a set of instructions (or software code) for making the computer perform one or more functions described in the embodiment when the program is loaded into the computer. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, the computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology. By way of example and not limitation, the computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, the transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagating signals.

[0133] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and naturally includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that may be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1...first image forming apparatus, 1A...first image forming apparatus, 2...second image forming apparatus, 2A...second image forming apparatus, 3...third image forming apparatus, 4...fourth image forming apparatus, 5...fifth image forming apparatus, 10...control unit, 10a...publishing processing unit, 10b...transmission processing unit, 11...storage unit, 11a...setting value, 12...display unit, 13...operation unit, 14...communication unit, 20...control unit, 20a...subscribe processing unit, 20b...receiving processing unit, 20c ...Notification processing unit, 20d...setting processing unit, 20e...publishing processing unit, 20f...transmission processing unit, 21...memory unit, 22...display unit, 23...operation unit, 24...communication unit, 60...UI image, 61...radio button group, 62...OK button, 63...cancel button, 100...system, 100A...system, 100B...system, 1000...device, 1001...processor, 1002...memory, 1003...interface.

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores the setting value; a communication unit that communicates with the second image forming apparatus by Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) communication; a transmission processing unit that transmits setting value information, which is information related to the setting value, to the second image forming apparatus via the data communication path established by the NAN communication; A first image forming apparatus comprising:

2. A publishing processing unit that publishes a setting porting service that transmits the setting value information, the transmission processing unit transmits the setting value information to an image forming apparatus that has subscribed to the setting porting service published by the publishing processing unit as the second image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The method further includes a publishing processing unit that publishes a plurality of setting porting services each of which transmits different setting value information; the transmission processing unit transmits, to an image forming apparatus that has selected, as the second image forming apparatus, one of the plurality of setting porting services published by the publishing processing unit for use, the setting value information corresponding to the selected setting porting service; The first image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. The data communication path is a communication path encrypted by a password. The first image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When it is detected that the second image forming apparatus has found the setting porting service published by the publishing processing unit, the transmission processing unit causes the communication unit to establish a data communication path for NAN communication with the second image forming apparatus.

4. The first image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

6. When it is detected that the second image forming apparatus has selected for use the setting porting service published by the publishing processing unit, the transmission processing unit causes the communication unit to establish a data communication path for the NAN communication between the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus.

4. The first image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

7. the publishing processing unit stops publishing the setting porting service if there is no image forming device that has subscribed to the setting porting service for a predetermined period of time after publishing the setting porting service; 4. The first image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

8. A setting unit for setting a set value; a communication unit that communicates with the first image forming apparatus by Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) communication; a reception processing unit that receives first setting value information, which is information regarding setting values ​​of the first image forming apparatus, via the data communication path established by the NAN communication; Equipped with The setting unit sets the setting value based on the first setting value information. Second image forming device.

9. a subscribing processing unit that subscribes to a setting porting service published by the first image forming apparatus; the receiving processing unit receives the first setting value information from the first image forming apparatus that has published the setting porting service subscribed to by the subscribing processing unit. The second image forming apparatus according to claim 8 .

10. a subscribing processing unit that subscribes to a plurality of setting porting services published by the first image forming apparatus, each of which transmits different first setting value information; an operation receiving unit that receives a user operation to select one of the plurality of setting porting services for use; Further equipped with the reception processing unit receives the first setting value information corresponding to the one setting porting service selected by the operation reception unit from the first image forming apparatus that has published the one setting porting service; The second image forming apparatus according to claim 8 .

11. The data communication path is a communication path encrypted by a password. The second image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. when a setting porting service published by the first image forming apparatus is found, the reception processing unit causes the communication unit to establish a data communication path for the NAN communication with the first image forming apparatus.

10. The second image forming apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

13. the reception processing unit causes the communication unit to establish a data communication path for the NAN communication with the first image forming device when a setting porting service published by the first image forming device is selected for use.

10. The second image forming apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

14. the reception processing unit causes the communication unit to disconnect the data communication path of the NAN communication when the reception of the first setting value information is completed or when the setting unit completes setting the setting value based on the first setting value information. The second image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

15. a publishing processing unit that publishes a setting porting service that transmits second setting value information, which is information regarding the setting value, through the NAN communication in the communication unit when the setting unit completes setting of the setting value based on the first setting value information; The second image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising:

16. A first image forming apparatus includes a storage unit for storing a setting value and a communication unit for communicating with a second image forming apparatus by a Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) communication, and transmits setting value information, which is information related to the setting value, to the second image forming apparatus via a data communication path established by the NAN communication. How information is transmitted.

17. a second image forming apparatus including a communication unit that communicates with a first image forming apparatus by NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) communication, receives first setting value information, which is information related to setting values ​​of the first image forming apparatus, via a data communication path established by the NAN communication; the second image forming apparatus sets a setting value of the second image forming apparatus based on the first setting value information; How to set it up.

Images