Information processing device and control method for information processing device

Abstract

To prevent a function unintended by a user from being substantially invalidated by invalidating a function that uses a network port.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a control unit, an operation unit, a display unit, and a communication unit that provides a network port to connect to a network. The control unit receives an instruction to invalidate a first function via the operation unit, determines whether or not there is a second function that uses a network port used by the first function and is different from the first function, and determines whether or not to invalidate the network port based on a result of the determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, information processing apparatuses such as multi-function printers (MFPs), image forming apparatuses, and image processing apparatuses have various functions, but users do not always use all of these functions. For example, users of image forming apparatuses do not use all of the functions that the image forming apparatuses have, and there are also functions that are not used at all by some users. Some image forming apparatuses can disable such unused functions through settings.

[0003] On the other hand, when disabling the function of communicating using a network port in an image forming apparatus, some apparatuses improve security by disabling not only the function but also the network port used by the function. In this type of image forming apparatus, when disabling an unused function, the network port used by the function is also disabled.

[0004] By the way, multiple functions of an image forming apparatus may use the same network port. In this case, as a result of disabling the network port used by an unused function, other functions may also become unable to use that network port. As a result, functions that the user did not intend to disable may also be substantially disabled.

[0005] In relation to the present disclosure, Patent Document 1 describes a network connection terminal management system that includes "a plurality of network connection terminals for connecting terminals to a network" and "executes management for individually enabling or disabling the functions of the network connection terminals".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-129128 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] According to Patent Document 1, it is not considered that one network connection terminal is used by a plurality of functions. Therefore, when a certain function and the network connection terminal used by that function are disabled, there is a problem that other functions using the same network connection terminal become unusable, and Patent Document 1 does not disclose means for solving this problem.

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of preventing the invalidation of functions unintended by the user by invalidating functions using a network port. Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus including a control unit, an operation unit, a display unit, and a communication unit connected to a network and providing a network port, wherein the control unit receives an instruction to invalidate a first function via the operation unit, determines the presence or absence of a second function that uses the network port used by the first function and is different from the first function, and determines whether to invalidate the network port based on the result of the determination.

[0010] Further, the present disclosure provides a control method for an information processing apparatus that receives an instruction to invalidate a first function, determines the presence or absence of a second function that uses the network port used by the first function and is different from the first function, and determines whether to invalidate the network port based on the result of the determination. Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that can prevent the invalidation of functions unintended by the user by invalidating the functions using network ports.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] [1. First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an information processing system of the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 includes a server 3, a network 5, and an image forming apparatus 7. The image forming apparatus 7 communicates with the server 3 via the network 5 to provide various functions. Examples of such functions include AirPrint of Apple Inc. and Universal Print of Microsoft Corporation. Further, when there are a plurality of compatible devices on the same network, there is a function (print release function) of printing print data stored in an image forming apparatus set as a parent apparatus from an image forming apparatus set as a child apparatus.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure. The image forming apparatus 7 is an MFP (Multi-Function Printer / Peripheral) or a multifunction machine, and typically includes a copying function, an image scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. The image forming apparatus may further include other functions, for example, an e-mail transmission / reception function, a file server function, etc.

[0015] The display unit 11 displays images and characters. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, etc. The display unit 11 may be a single display device, or may further include a display device connected externally.

[0016] The operation unit 13 receives operation inputs from the user. For example, the operation unit 13 is composed of hardware keys or / and software keys. Also, the operation unit 13 includes operation keys such as task keys for instructing the execution of tasks such as FAX transmission and image reading, and a cancel key for instructing the cancellation of operations.

[0017] The image input unit 15 reads an image (document) and outputs it as image data. The image input unit 15 is composed of a general scanner (image input device). Also, the image input unit 15 may input image data from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may receive an image via a network.

[0018] The image forming unit 17 forms (prints) an image on a medium such as copy paper based on the image data. The printing method of the image forming unit 17 is arbitrary, and for example, it may be any of an inkjet printer, a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, etc. The image forming unit 17 may be a monochrome printer or a color printer. The image forming unit 17 may include a paper feeding mechanism for supplying the medium, a conveying mechanism for conveying the medium, a sorter mechanism for sorting the medium after the image is formed, etc.

[0019] The communication unit 19 is connected to a network. The communication unit 19 provides a network port for connecting to the network. For example, it is composed of an interface capable of connecting to a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. By connecting the communication unit 19 to the network, it will be connected to other devices or an external network. Additionally, the communication unit 19 may also be an interface for performing short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near field communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0020] The connection unit 21 connects the image forming apparatus to other devices. For example, the connection unit 21 is a USB interface to which a USB memory or the like is connected. Additionally, the connection unit 21 may be an interface such as HDMI (registered trademark) other than the USB interface.

[0021] The control unit 23 controls the entire image forming apparatus. The control unit 23 is composed of one or more control devices or control circuits, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes, or is composed of an SoC (System on a Chip) or the like.

[0022] Further, the control unit 23 can realize each function by reading out the program stored in the storage unit 25 and executing the process. In particular, the control unit 23 opens a network port for communicating with the server 3 via the network 5 using the communication unit 19. The control unit 23 realizes various functions by communicating with the server 3 using this network port. The network port is a virtual network connection terminal for identifying a program used when the control unit 23 communicates with an external device such as the server 3 through communication such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), but may also be a network connection terminal for connecting the image forming apparatus 7 to the network 5.

[0023] The storage unit 25 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus. The storage unit 25 includes one or more recording devices capable of temporary storage such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and non-temporary recording devices such as SSD (Solid State Drive) composed of semiconductor memory and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) composed of magnetic disk. Further, although the storage unit 25 is shown as one configuration for convenience of explanation, it may be configured as separate devices for each use, such as an area (main storage area) used for program execution, an area (auxiliary storage area) for storing programs and data, and an area for use as a cache.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a table stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure. The table 25a stores the correspondence between the functions provided by the image forming apparatus 7 and the network ports (denoted as NP in the figure) used by the functions. According to the table 25a, function A uses network port X, function B uses network ports X and Y, and function C uses network port Z.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The control unit 23 displays a function disabling screen on the display unit 11 (step S1). The function disabling screen is a screen that lists the functions that can be disabled. The user views the function disabling screen displayed on the display unit 11 and makes an input to instruct the function to be disabled via the operation unit 13. Based on this input, the control unit 23 receives an instruction for the function to be disabled (step S3). Here, the function instructed via the operation unit 13 is referred to as function α (or the first function).

[0026] The control unit 23 refers to the table 25a stored in the storage unit 25 and identifies the network port used by function α (step S5). Here, the network port used by function α is referred to as network port Q (NP Q).

[0027] Next, the control unit 23 refers to the table 25a and determines the presence or absence of a function other than function α that uses the network port (NP Q) specified in step S5 (step S7). Here, a function other than function α that uses network port Q is referred to as function β (or the second function).

[0028] If function β exists (step S9, yes), the control unit 23 disables function α while not disabling network port Q (step S11). The operation in this case is also referred to as the first option. That is, in this case, the control unit 23 maintains network port Q. The control unit 23 displays a message on the display unit 11 indicating that network port Q is to be maintained (step S13) and ends the series of operations. This message preferably displays that the reason for maintaining network port Q is to maintain the enabled state of function β. On the other hand, if function β does not exist (step S9, no), the control unit 23 disables both function α and network port Q (step S15) and ends the series of operations. The operation in this case is also referred to as the second option.

[0029] FIG. 5 is an example of a function disabling screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The function disabling screen 31 is an example of the screen displayed in step S1 of FIG. 4. The function disabling screen 31 has check boxes 33, 35, 37 and a disable button 39. The check boxes 33, 35, 37 are screen elements corresponding to function A, function B, and function C in order. The user of the image forming apparatus 7 looks at the function disabling screen 31 displayed on the display unit 11 and performs an operation of checking the check box corresponding to the function to be disabled by operating the operation unit 13. When the disable button 39 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 accepts the function corresponding to the check box that is checked at that time as the function to be disabled. In FIG. 5, since only the check box 33 corresponding to function A is checked, when the disable button 39 is operated in this state, the control unit 23 accepts function A as the function to be disabled.

[0030] FIG. 6 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The screen 41 is an example of the screen displayed in step S13 of FIG. 4. The screen 41 has a message box 43. The screen 41 is a screen in which the message box 43 is displayed over the function disabling screen 31. The message box 43 has a message 45 and an OK button 47. The message 45 indicates that the network port used by the function specified by the user as the function to be disabled has not been disabled, and the reason is that there is another function using the same network port. The OK button 47 is a screen element for receiving an operation via the operation unit 13 when the user finishes reading the message 45.

[0031] For example, when the table 25a in FIG. 3 is stored in the storage unit 25 and the user operates the disable button 39 in the state of the function disabling screen 31 in FIG. 5, the network port used by function A is network port X, and there is function B as another function using network port X. Therefore, the network port that has not been disabled as referred to in the message 45 in FIG. 6 is network port X.

[0032] According to the first embodiment, when there is another function that uses the same network port as the specific function designated by the user to be disabled, the specific function is disabled and the network port is not disabled. On the other hand, when there is no corresponding other function, both the specific function and the network port are disabled. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, for network ports not used by functions other than the function to be disabled, by disabling them together with the function to be disabled, security can be improved. On the other hand, for network ports used by functions other than the function to be disabled, the effective state can be maintained as it is, preventing functions unintended by the user from being disabled.

[0033] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described. The operation when function β exists in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment. Here, only the parts different from the first embodiment in terms of configuration and processing will be mainly described. In the second embodiment as well, the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 and the image forming apparatus 7 in FIG. 2 are used.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Steps S1 - S9 and S15 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted. In step S9, when function β exists (step S9, yes), the control unit 23 does not disable either function α or network port Q, that is, both function α and network port Q are maintained (step S21). The control unit 23 displays a message indicating that function α is maintained on the display unit 11 (step S23). At this time, it is preferable to display that the reason for maintaining the effective state of function α is to maintain the effective state of function β.

[0035] FIG. 8 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 51 is an example of the screen displayed in step S23 of FIG. 7. Screen 51 has a message box 53. Screen 51 is a screen in which message box 53 is displayed over function disabling screen 31. Message box 53 has a message 55 and an OK button 57. Message 55 indicates that the function specified by the user to be disabled has not been disabled, and the reason is that if that function is disabled, other functions will become unusable. OK button 57 is a screen element for receiving an operation via operation unit 13 when the user finishes reading message 55.

[0036] For example, when table 25a of FIG. 3 is stored in storage unit 25 and the user operates disable button 39 on function disabling screen 31 of FIG. 5, the network port used by function A is network port X, and there is a function B as another function using network port X. Therefore, in message 55 of FIG. 8, disabling function A means that function B will become unusable, so (even though an instruction to disable function A was received in step S3), function A was not disabled.

[0037] According to the second embodiment, when there is another function using the same network port as the specific function specified by the user to be disabled, the active states of both the specific function and the network port are maintained. On the other hand, when there is no corresponding other function, both the specific function and the network port are disabled. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent a function not intended by the user from becoming unavailable due to the network port of the function not intended by the user being disabled.

[0038] [3. Third Embodiment] The third embodiment will be described. The operation in the case where function β exists is different from that of the first embodiment. Here, only the different parts of the configuration and processing from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Also in the third embodiment, the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 and the image forming apparatus 7 in FIG. 2 are used.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Steps S1, S5 - S9 are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. In step S3, when the control unit 23 receives an input instructing a function to be disabled via the operation unit 13, it displays a response screen as shown in FIG. 10 described later.

[0040] In step S9, when function β exists (step S9, yes), the control unit 23 displays, on the display unit 11, a message asking whether to disable the network port (NP Q) specified in step S5 (step S31).

[0041] When an instruction input not to disable network port Q is received via the operation unit 13 (step S33, no), the control unit 23 disables function α and displays, on the display unit 11, a message indicating that network port Q is to be maintained (step S35), and while maintaining network port Q, disables function α (step S37) and ends the process.

[0042] When an instruction input to disable network port Q is received via the operation unit 13 (step S33, yes), the control unit 23 displays, on the display unit 11, a message indicating that functions α, β, and network port Q are to be disabled (step S39), and disables all of functions α, β, and network port Q (step S41) and ends the process.

[0043] In step S9, when function β does not exist (step S9, no), the control unit 23 displays a message indicating that both function α and network port Q are to be disabled on the display unit 11 (step S43), and disables both function α and network port Q (step S45).

[0044] FIG. 10(A) is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 61 is an example of the screen displayed in step S3 of FIG. 9. Screen 61 is displayed, for example, when the disable button 39 is operated with a check box corresponding to the function to be disabled checked in the function disable screen 31 of FIG. 5. Screen 61 has a message box 63, a message 65, an OK button 67, and a cancel button 69.

[0045] Message 65 is a message for confirming whether the function corresponding to the check box checked when the disable button 39 is operated may be disabled. When the OK button 67 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 receives an instruction indicating that the function may be disabled. When the cancel button 69 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 receives an instruction to cancel disabling the function.

[0046] FIG. 10(B) is another example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 71 is an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 11 in step S31 of FIG. 9. Screen 71 has a message box 73, a message 75, a yes button 77, and a no button 79.

[0047] Message 75 is a message having the following purpose. · Notify the user that there is a function B that uses the same network port (network port X) as function A that is being attempted to be disabled. · When disabling network port X, notify the user that function B will be disabled. · Ask the user whether to disable network port X.

[0048] When the "Yes" button 77 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 proceeds to "Yes" in step S33, assuming that it has received an instruction to disable network port Q. When the "No" button 79 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 proceeds to "No" in step S33, assuming that it has received an instruction not to disable network port Q.

[0049] FIG. 11(A) is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 81 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 11 in step S35 of FIG. 9. Screen 81 has a message box 83, a message 85, and an OK button 87.

[0050] Message 85 conveys to the user that function A has been disabled and that the network port (network port X) used by function A will be maintained. Message 85 preferably includes the fact that function B uses network port X as the reason for maintaining network port X. When the OK button 87 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 proceeds to the next step, assuming that the user has read message 85.

[0051] FIG. 11(B) is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 91 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 11 in step S39 of FIG. 9. Screen 91 has a message box 93, a message 95, and an OK button 97.

[0052] Message 95 notifies the user that Function A and the network port have been disabled, and as a result, Function B has been disabled. When the OK button 97 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 proceeds to the next step on the assumption that the user has read Message 95.

[0053] FIG. 12 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 101 is an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 11 in step S43 of FIG. 9. Screen 101 has a message box 103, a message 105, and an OK button 107. Message 105 notifies the user that Function A and the network port have been disabled. When the OK button 107 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 proceeds to the next step on the assumption that the user has read Message 105.

[0054] According to the third embodiment, when there is another function that uses the same network port as the specific function to be disabled (step S9, Yes), the user is asked whether to disable the network port (step S31). According to the user's response to the inquiry, it is possible to select whether to disable only the specific function (step S33, No) or to disable all of the specific function, other functions, and the network port (step S33, Yes).

[0055] [4. Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is partly different from the operation of the third embodiment. Here, only the different parts of the configuration and processing from the third embodiment will be mainly described. Also in the fourth embodiment, the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1 and the image forming apparatus 7 of FIG. 2 are used.

[0056] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The subsequent operations when the answer is "Yes" in step S33 are different from the flowchart of FIG. 9 and will be described with reference to FIG. 14 below.

[0057] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In step S33, when an instruction input to invalidate is received via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 invalidates both the function α for which an instruction to invalidate was received in step S3 and the network port Q used by the function α (step S53). The control unit 23 displays, on the display unit 11, a message for inquiring whether to display the setting screen of the network port of the function β that uses the network port Q (step S55). When an instruction input to display is received via the operation unit 13 in response to the message displayed in step S55 (step S57, Yes), the control unit 23 displays the setting screen of the network port related to the function β (step S59), accepts a change in the setting of the network port related to the function β (step S61), and ends the process. When an instruction input not to display is received via the operation unit 13 in response to the message displayed in step S55 (step S57, No), the control unit 23 ends the process as it is.

[0058] FIG. 15 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 111 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 11 in step S55 of FIG. 14. Screen 111 has a message box 113, a message 115, a yes button 117, and a no button 119.

[0059] Message 115 has the following purposes. · Notify the user that the function α specified for invalidation in step S3 and the network port Q used by the function α have been invalidated. · Notify the user that other functions β that use the network port Q have been invalidated. · Inquire of the user whether to open the setting screen of the network port related to the function β.

[0060] When the OK button 117 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S59, assuming that an instruction input to open the setting screen of the network port related to function β has been received (step S57, OK). When the NO button 119 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 ends the process, assuming that an instruction input not to open the setting screen of the network port related to function β has been received (step S57, NO).

[0061] FIG. 16(A) is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The screen 131 is an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 11 in step S59 of FIG. 14. The screen 131 is an example of a screen in a case where there is one function that uses the same network port Q as the function α to be disabled specified in step S3, and there are two network ports other than the network port Q used by the function (here, referred to as network ports 1 and 2). In addition, although means (radio buttons 135, 137, 143, 145) for switching the validity / invalidity of the network ports 1 and 2 are displayed on the screen 131, means (for example, radio buttons) for switching the validity and invalidity of the network port Q may be displayed on the screen 131. In this way, related network ports can be set collectively within one screen.

[0062] The screen 131 has areas 133 and 141. The area 133 has radio buttons 135, 137, and a function display 139. The area 141 has radio buttons 143, 145, and a function display 147. The screen 131 also has a registration button 149 and a cancel button 151.

[0063] Area 133 is an area related to network port 1. Radio buttons 135 and 137 are screen elements that, when operated via operation unit 13, cause either one of them to be in a selected state, and each indicates enabling / disabling network port 1. In FIG. 16(A), radio button 135 is in the selected state, and network port 1 is set to be enabled. Function display 139 displays other functions using network port 1. The display content of function display 139 is determined by control unit 23 based on table 25a. In FIG. 16, functions F and G are displayed as other functions using network port 1.

[0064] Area 141 is an area related to network port 2. Radio buttons 143 and 145 are screen elements that, when operated via operation unit 13, cause either one of them to be in a selected state, and each indicates enabling / disabling network port 2. In FIG. 16, radio button 145 is in the selected state, and network port 2 is set to be disabled. Function display 147 displays the usage status of network port 2 by other functions. The display content of function display 147 is determined by control unit 23 based on table 25a. Here, since there are no other functions using network port 2, it is displayed as "None".

[0065] When registration button 149 is operated via operation unit 13, control unit 23 enables or disables network ports 1 and 2 based on the selection states of radio buttons 135, 137, 143, and 145 at the time the operation is performed. When cancel button 151 is operated via operation unit 13, control unit 23 ends a series of processes without changing the enabled / disabled settings related to network ports 1 and 2.

[0066] FIG. 16(B) is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 161 is another example of the screen displayed on the display unit 11 in step S59 of FIG. 14. Screen 161 is an example of a screen in the case where there are a plurality of functions using the same network port Q as the function α to be invalidated specified in step S3. According to the screen 161 displayed as shown in FIG. 16(B), it can be seen that at least functions D and E are functions using the network port Q.

[0067] Screen 161 has a scroll bar 163 and a knob 165. Further, screen 161 has regions 167 and 169. Region 167 corresponds to function D and has radio buttons 171 and 173 and a function display 175. Region 169 corresponds to function E.

[0068] Screen 161 has a region even further below region 169. When the knob 165 of the scroll bar 163 is operated via the operation unit 13, the control unit 23 displays an unillustrated region below region 169 within screen 161. For example, by a scroll operation using the knob 165, the network port used by function E, radio buttons for setting the enable / disable of the network port, and function displays of other functions using the network port are displayed. Also, by a scroll operation using the knob 165, regions for functions other than functions D and E, such as functions F, G, H... etc. are displayed. The registration button 177 and the cancel button 179 are the same as the above-described registration button 149 and cancel button 151.

[0069] According to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the same effects as the third embodiment, by reviewing the setting of the network port related to function β, for example, the network port used only by function β can be invalidated to further improve security.

[0070] [5. Examples] FIG. 17(A) is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 181 is a more specific example of the function disabling screen 31 in FIG. 5. AirPrint, Universal Print, and Print Release on screen 181 respectively correspond to functions A, B, and C in the function disabling screen 31 in order. Screen 181 has check boxes 183, 185, and 187 corresponding to these functions. It also has a disabling button 189 corresponding to the disabling button 39.

[0071] FIG. 17(B) is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 191 is a more specific example of screen 61 in FIG. 10(A). In screen 191, AirPrint is used as function A. The OK button 197 and the cancel button 199 respectively correspond to the OK button 67 and the cancel button 69 in order.

[0072] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a table stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Table 201 corresponds to table 25a in FIG. 3. AirPrint, Universal Print, and Print Release in table 201 respectively correspond to functions A, B, and C in table 25a in order. In table 201, a plurality of network ports are stored in association as the network ports used by the function AirPrint. The same applies to the functions Universal Print and Print Release. The network ports used by the functions AirPrint, Universal Print, and Print Release may be the same or different. For example, both the functions AirPrint and Universal Print use HTTP and HTTPS as the Server Port.

[0073] FIG. 19(A) is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 211 is a more specific example of screen 111 in FIG. 15. In screen 211, AirPrint corresponds to function A in screen 111, and Universal Print corresponds to function B in screen 111. The yes button 217 and the no button 219 respectively correspond to the yes button 117 and the no button 119 in that order.

[0074] FIG. 19(B) is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Screen 231 is a more specific example of screen 161 in FIG. 16(B). Universal Print on screen 231 corresponds to function D on screen 161, and Print Release on screen 231 corresponds to function E on screen 161. HTTPS (Client) and IPP INFRA (Client) on screen 231 both correspond to network port 4 on screen 161. The function displays 241 and 247 on screen 231 correspond to the function display 175 on screen 161. The radio buttons 237 and 243 on screen 231 both indicate "enabled" and both correspond to the radio button 171 on screen 161. The radio buttons 239 and 245 on screen 231 both indicate "disabled" and both correspond to the radio button 173 on screen 161. Regions 233 and 235 respectively correspond to regions 167 and 169 on screen 161. The scroll bars 251 and knobs 253 on screen 231 correspond to the scroll bar 163 and knob 165 on screen 161. The registration button 255 and cancel button 257 on screen 231 respectively correspond to the registration button 177 and cancel button 179 on screen 161 in that order.

[0075] [6. Modification Example] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various changes are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means modified within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0076] In an embodiment, the program that operates in each device is a program that controls a CPU or the like (a program that causes a computer to function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. And the information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during its processing, and then stored in a storage device such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) or HDDs, and read by the CPU as needed for correction and writing.

[0077] Here, as the recording medium for storing the program, any of a semiconductor medium (for example, ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium or a magneto-optical recording medium (for example, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), a magnetic recording medium (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.) may be used. Also, by executing the loaded program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the functions of the present disclosure may be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0078] Also, when distributing on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium for distribution, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course also included in the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0079] 1 Information processing system 3 Server 5 Network 7 Image forming apparatus 11 Display unit 13 Operation unit 15 Image input unit 17 Image forming unit 19 Communication Department 21 Connection Department 23 Control Department 25 Memory Department 25a, 201 Table 31, 181 Function Invalidation Screen 33, 35, 37, 183, 185, 187 Checkbox 39, 189 Invalidation Button 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 131, 161, 191, 211, 231 Screen 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 193, 213 Message Box 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115, 195, 215 Message 47, 57, 67, 87, 97, 107, 197, 217 OK Button 69, 151, 179, 199, 219, 257 Cancel Button 77, 117 Yes Button 79, 119 No Button 133, 141, 167, 169, 233, 235 Area 135, 137, 143, 145, 171, 173, 237, 239, 243, 245 Radio Button 139, 147, 175, 241, 247 Function Display 149, 177, 255 Registration Button 163, 251 Scroll Bar 165, 253 Knob

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit, an operation unit, a display unit, and a communication unit that provides a network port for connecting to a network, wherein the control unit, receives an instruction to invalidate a first function via the operation unit, determines the presence or absence of a second function, which is a function using the network port used by the first function and is different from the first function, and determines whether to invalidate the network port based on the result of the determination. Information processing apparatus.

2. The control unit, displays, on the display unit, a message for inquiring whether to invalidate the network port based on the result of the determination, and determines whether to invalidate the network port based on an instruction input via the operation unit in response to the message. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the control unit invalidates the network port, the control unit invalidates the second function.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the control unit invalidates the second function, the control unit displays, on the display unit, a setting screen for setting another network port used by the second function.

5. The control unit determines whether to invalidate both the first function and the network port according to the result of the determination. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. When the first function and the network port are not invalidated, the control unit displays, on the display unit, a message regarding the reason for not invalidating the first function. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. A control method for an information processing apparatus, the method including receiving an instruction to invalidate a first function, determining the presence or absence of a second function, which is a function using the network port used by the first function and is different from the first function, and determining whether to invalidate the network port based on the result of the determination. Control method for an information processing apparatus.

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