Network information setting method, network information setting system, portable terminal, and program

Abstract

To enable network information to be set in each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses while preventing the same network information from being duplicated and set in the plurality of image forming apparatuses.SOLUTION: A network information setting method for setting network information in a plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d includes a storage step for storing a plurality of pieces of network information in a device, a connection step for connecting one image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and the device in a communicable manner, a setting step for selecting one piece of network information without attached use prohibition information among the plurality of pieces of network information in a state with the device connected to the one image forming apparatus and setting the one piece of network information in the one image forming apparatus, and an attachment step for attaching use prohibition information to the one piece of network information set in the one image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a network information setting method, a network information setting system, a mobile terminal, and a program. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique for setting network information for a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Background Art

[0002] A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server that automatically assigns an IP address to a device connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) is known. The DHCP server automatically assigns an IP address that is not used by other devices when a device connected to the network is started up.

[0003] An image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) installed in an office can also have its IP address automatically set by a DHCP server. However, the automatic setting of the IP address by the DHCP server is performed every time the device is started up. Therefore, when the power on / off operation of the image forming apparatus is frequently performed, the IP address of the image forming apparatus may change each time. When the IP address of the image forming apparatus changes, an information processing apparatus such as a PC connected to the network cannot send a print job to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is preferable to fix the IP address of the image forming apparatus by manual operation.

[0004] Conventionally, in order to reduce the burden of setting network information such as an IP address for an image forming apparatus, a method of storing network information in an external storage device such as a USB memory has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). In this conventional technique, when an external storage device is connected to an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus determines whether network information is stored in the external storage device. If network information is stored, the image forming apparatus automatically performs network setting based on the network information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, multiple image forming apparatuses may be carried into and installed in an office at the same time. In this case, network information must be set for the multiple image forming apparatuses. At this time, it is necessary to avoid the same network information from being set for the multiple image forming apparatuses in duplicate.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to set network information for each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses while preventing the same network information from being set for the plurality of image forming apparatuses in duplicate. The present invention provides a network information setting method, a network information setting system, a mobile terminal, and a program for achieving such an object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a network information setting method for setting network information for a plurality of image forming apparatuses, including a saving step of saving a plurality of network information in a device, a connecting step of communicably connecting one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the device, a setting step of selecting, while the device is connected to the one image forming apparatus, one network information to which prohibited use information is not given from among the plurality of network information and setting the one network information for the one image forming apparatus, and an imparting step of imparting the prohibited use information to the one network information set for the one image forming apparatus.

[0009] The invention according to claim 2 is configured such that, in the network information setting method of claim 1, the device is a mobile terminal capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus on a one-to-one basis.

[0010] The invention according to claim 3 is configured such that, in the network information setting method of claim 1, the device is an external storage device detachable from the image forming apparatus.

[0011] The invention according to claim 4 is configured such that, in the network information setting method of claim 1, the network information includes an IP address.

[0012] The invention according to claim 5 is configured such that, in the network information setting method of claim 4, the network information further includes a subnet mask, a default gateway address, and a DNS server address.

[0013] The invention according to claim 6 is configured such that, in the network information setting method of claim 1, the setting step includes a display step of displaying a list of the plurality of network information, and a reception step of receiving selection of the one network information by a user from among the plurality of network information displayed in the list.

[0014] The invention according to claim 7 is configured such that, in the network information setting method of claim 6, the display step displays the network information to which the use-prohibited information is attached in a display mode different from that of the network information to which the use-prohibited information is not attached.

[0015] The invention according to claim 8 is configured such that, in the network information setting method of claim 6 or 7, the reception step does not receive selection of the network information to which the use-prohibited information is attached by the user.

[0016] The invention according to claim 9 is a configuration characterized in that, in the network information setting method according to claim 6, in the display step, the network information selected by the user is displayed in a display mode different from that of the unselected network information.

[0017] The invention according to claim 10 is a configuration characterized in that, in the network information setting method according to claim 1, when the device is connected to the one image forming apparatus, if one network information to which the use prohibition information is given among the plurality of network information is already set in the one image forming apparatus, a deletion step of deleting the network information set in the one image forming apparatus and releasing the use prohibition information given to the one network information is further included.

[0018] The invention according to claim 11 is a network information setting system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a device that stores a plurality of network information. The device selects one network information to which the use prohibition information is not given from among the plurality of network information and sets it in the one image forming apparatus while the device is in a communicable state with one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and gives the use prohibition information to the one network information.

[0019] The invention according to claim 12 is a configuration characterized in that, in the network information setting system according to claim 11, the device is a portable terminal capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus on a one-to-one basis.

[0020] The invention according to claim 13 is a configuration characterized in that, in the network information setting system according to claim 12, the portable terminal includes a display unit that displays a list of the plurality of network information and an operation unit that receives a selection of the one network information by the user from among the plurality of network information displayed in the list.

[0021] The invention according to claim 14 is configured such that, in the network information setting system of claim 13, the display unit displays the network information with the usage prohibition information in a display mode different from that of the network information without the usage prohibition information.

[0022] The invention according to claim 15 is configured such that, in the network information setting system of claim 13 or 14, the operation unit does not accept selection of the network information with the usage prohibition information by the user.

[0023] The invention according to claim 16 is configured such that, in the network information setting system of claim 13, the display unit displays the network information selected by the user in a display mode different from that of the unselected network information.

[0024] The invention according to claim 17 is configured such that, in the network information setting system of claim 12, when the mobile terminal establishes a connection state in which the mobile terminal can communicate with the one image forming apparatus, if one network information with the usage prohibition information among the plurality of network information is already set in the one image forming apparatus, the mobile terminal deletes the network information set in the one image forming apparatus and releases the usage prohibition information given to the one network information, and is provided with a setting control unit.

[0025] The invention according to claim 18 further includes a server device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal in the network information setting system of claim 12, 13, 14, 16 or 17, and the mobile terminal is configured to acquire and store the plurality of network information from the server device.

[0026] The invention according to claim 19 is a mobile terminal capable of communicating with one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, comprising: a storage unit that stores a plurality of network information; and a setting unit that, in a state where communication with the one image forming apparatus is possible, selects one network information to which prohibited use information is not assigned from among the plurality of network information and sets it in the one image forming apparatus, and an assigning unit that assigns the prohibited use information to the one network information.

[0027] The invention according to claim 19 is a program executed on a mobile terminal capable of communicating with one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the program causing the mobile terminal to execute: a storage step of storing a plurality of network information; a setting step of selecting, in a state where communication with the one image forming apparatus is possible, one network information to which prohibited use information is not assigned from among the plurality of network information and setting it in the one image forming apparatus; and an assigning step of assigning the prohibited use information to the one network information.

Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to set network information for each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses while preventing the same network information from being redundantly set in the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, elements common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0031] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network information setting system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This network information setting system 1 is a network system installed in, for example, an office. The network information setting system 1 includes a server device 2, a mobile terminal 5, and a plurality of image forming devices 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. In FIG. 1, four image forming devices 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are shown, but the number of image forming devices 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is not limited to four, and may be two or more. The server device 2, the mobile terminal 5, and each of the image forming devices 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) installed in an office, for example.

[0032] The server device 2 manages the network information of each device installed in an office, for example. The server device 2 includes a storage device 3. Network management information 4 is stored in the storage device 3.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the network management information 4. The network management information 4 is information for managing the usage status of a plurality of network information used in an office. Network information of devices connected to the network is registered in the network management information 4. That is, IP address 4a, subnet mask 4b, default gateway address 4c, and DNS (Domain Name System) server address 4d are registered as network information in the network management information 4. Further, the network management information 4 includes a usage status 4e indicating whether network information such as the IP address 4a has already been used. Furthermore, when the network information is being used, the network management information 4 includes a network name 4f indicating the device in which the network information is set. The server device 2 manages the network information in the office by registering and managing these information in the network management information 4.

[0034] The mobile terminal 5 is a type of device 7 that acquires a plurality of network information from the server device 2 and sets unique network information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. For example, the mobile terminal 5 is a terminal device composed of a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. carried by a user. The mobile terminal 5 stores and remembers the plurality of network information acquired from the server device 2. When the user holds the mobile terminal 5 and moves near each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, the mobile terminal 5 becomes in a state where wireless communication with each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is possible. The wireless communication in this case is not communication via a network such as a LAN, but one-to-one wireless communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication). The mobile terminal 5 sets unique network information for each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d using the wireless communication connection state with each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d.

[0035] The image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are composed of, for example, MFPs, and have a scanning function, a printing function, and a copying function. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. The image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d include a control unit 10, a storage unit 13, a connection interface 15, a wireless communication unit 16, an operation panel 17, a scanner unit 20, a printer unit 21, and a network interface 22. These units are connected to a bus 24 and can input and output data to and from each other.

[0036] The control unit 10 includes a hardware processor 11 and a memory 12, and controls the operations of each unit via a bus 24. The hardware processor 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and reads and executes the firmware 14 stored in the storage unit 13. The firmware 14 is the basic software of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, and is a computer program executable by the hardware processor 11. The memory 12 stores temporary information and the like generated when the hardware processor 11 executes the firmware 14.

[0037] The storage unit 13 is a non-volatile storage device composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). Various data and information are stored in the storage unit 13 in addition to the above-mentioned firmware 14.

[0038] The connection interface 15 is an interface for attaching and connecting an external storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. When an external storage device is connected to the connection interface 15, the control unit 10 can read the information stored in the external storage device via the bus 24.

[0039] The wireless communication unit 16 is an interface for performing one-to-one wireless communication with an external device such as a mobile terminal 5. Even when not connected to a network such as a LAN, the control unit 10 can perform wireless communication with an external device such as the mobile terminal 5 via this wireless communication unit 16.

[0040] The operation panel 17 is a user interface when the user uses the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. The operation panel 17 includes a display unit 18 and an operation unit 19. The display unit 18 is composed of, for example, a color liquid crystal display. The display unit 18 displays various operation screens operable by the user. The operation unit 19 is composed of, for example, a touch screen arranged on the screen of the display unit 18. The operation unit 19 receives the user's operation on the operation screen.

[0041] The scanner unit 20 optically reads an image of a document and generates image data. For example, the scanner unit 20 operates when executing a scan job or a copy job, and reads an image of a document set by a user.

[0042] The printer unit 21 forms an image on a sheet such as printing paper and outputs the print. For example, the printer unit 21 operates when executing a copy job or a print job, and forms and outputs an image designated as a print target on a sheet.

[0043] The network interface 22 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d to a network such as a LAN and performs network communication. The network interface 22 is configured by, for example, a network interface card (NIC) or the like.

[0044] In order for the network interface 22 to communicate via the network, network information 23 such as an IP address needs to be set in the network interface 22. Therefore, when the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are installed in an office, the network information 23 is set for the network interface 22.

[0045] The image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d having the above configuration may be carried into and installed in an office at the same time. In this case, the network information is set for each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d almost simultaneously. The mobile terminal 5 sets unique network information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile terminal 5 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 33, a display unit 36, an operation unit 37, a communication interface 38, and a wireless communication unit 39, and these are configured to be connected to a bus 40.

[0047] The control unit 30 includes a hardware processor 31 and a memory 32, and controls the operations of each unit via a bus 40. The hardware processor 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and reads and executes a program 34 stored in the storage unit 33. The program 34 is application software for setting network information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, and is a computer program executable by the hardware processor 31. The memory 32 stores temporary information and the like generated when the hardware processor 31 executes the program 34.

[0048] The storage unit 33 is a non-volatile storage device composed of, for example, a solid state drive (SSD). The program 34 is stored in the storage unit 33 in advance. Further, a plurality of network information 35 acquired from the server device 2 is stored in the storage unit 33. Note that the storage unit 33 can store various data and information in addition to the program 34 and the network information 35.

[0049] The display unit 36 displays an operation screen operable by the user. The display unit 36 is composed of, for example, a color liquid crystal display. For example, when the program 34 is executed in the mobile terminal 5 and the mobile terminal 5 can perform one-to-one wireless communication with each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, the display unit 36 displays an operation screen. The operation screen is a screen for setting network information for the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d that are communication partners.

[0050] The operation unit 37 receives an operation on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 36. The operation unit 37 is composed of, for example, a touch screen.

[0051] The communication interface 38 communicates with the server device 2 via a network by performing wireless communication with a wireless LAN router according to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard.

[0052] The wireless communication unit 39 performs one-to-one wireless communication based on standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and NFC (Near Field Communication). For example, when network information 23 is not set in the network interfaces 22 of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, the mobile terminal 5 cannot communicate with each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d via the communication interface 38. Therefore, the mobile terminal 5 establishes a connection state enabling one-to-one wireless communication with the wireless communication units 16 of the respective image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d by the wireless communication unit 39, and communicates with each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the mobile terminal 5. The hardware processor 31 of the control unit 30 causes the control unit 30 to function as a server communication unit 41 and a setting control unit 42 by executing a program 34.

[0054] The server communication unit 41 communicates with the server device 2 via the communication interface 38. The server communication unit 41 accesses the server device 2 based on an instruction by the user. The server communication unit 41 downloads a plurality of network information 35 for setting in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d from the server device 2. When the server communication unit 41 acquires the plurality of network information 35 from the server device 2, it stores the plurality of network information 35 in the storage unit 33.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33. This network information 35 includes an IP address 35a, a subnet mask 35b, a default gateway address 35c, and a DNS server address 35d. Further, the network information 35 includes items for describing use-prohibited information 35e and a network name 35f.

[0056] The usage prohibition information 35e is an item for describing usage prohibition information to prevent the same network information from being set in other image forming apparatuses when the network information 35 is set in one image forming apparatus. That is, the usage prohibition information described in the usage prohibition information 35e is information indicating that the corresponding network information has already been set and used in one image forming apparatus. Note that in the state immediately after the network information 35 is downloaded and acquired from the server device 2, the item of the usage prohibition information 35e corresponding to each network information is blank.

[0057] The network name 35f is an item for describing information that can identify the image forming apparatus in which the corresponding network information is set. For example, it is preferable to describe information such as the installation location of the image forming apparatus in which the corresponding network information is set in the item of the network name 35f. Note that in the state immediately after the network information 35 is downloaded and acquired from the server device 2, the item of the network name 35f corresponding to each network information is blank.

[0058] Returning to the description of FIG. 5. The setting control unit 42 sets unique network information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. The setting control unit 42 includes a display control unit 43, an operation reception unit 44, a setting unit 45, and an assignment unit 46.

[0059] The display control unit 43 displays an operation screen for setting network information on the display unit 36.

[0060] The operation reception unit 44 receives a user's operation on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 36 by the display control unit 43. That is, the operation reception unit 44 receives the user's operation detected by the operation unit 37.

[0061] The setting unit 45 establishes a connection state that enables wireless communication with each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d via the wireless communication unit 39, and sets network information in each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d. At this time, the setting unit 45 selects one network information item from among the plurality of network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33 to which use prohibition information is not assigned. Then, the setting unit 45 sets the selected one network information item in one of the image forming apparatuses that has established a connection state by wireless communication.

[0062] When the network information is set by the setting unit 45, the granting unit 46 assigns use prohibition information to the network information and updates the network information 35. That is, the granting unit 46 updates the network information 35 by describing use prohibition information in the item of use prohibition information 35e of the network information set in the image forming apparatus.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence for sequentially setting network information for a plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a and 9b. First, the mobile terminal 5 accesses the server device 2 and requests transmission of the network information 35 (process P1). In accordance with the request from the mobile terminal 5, the server device 2 extracts unused network information 35 from the network management information 4 and transmits the plurality of network information 35 to the mobile terminal 5 (process P2). Thereby, the plurality of network information 35 that can be set in the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a and 9b is stored in the mobile terminal 5.

[0064] When the network information 35 is stored in the mobile terminal 5, the user moves the mobile terminal 5 to the vicinity of one of the image forming apparatuses 9a. When the mobile terminal 5 detects that it is possible to perform wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 9a via the wireless communication unit 39, the mobile terminal 5 transmits a connection request to the image forming apparatus 9a (process P3). When the image forming apparatus 9a receives the connection request from the mobile terminal 5, the image forming apparatus 9a returns a connection response (process P4). Thereby, the mobile terminal 5 and the image forming apparatus 9a establish a connection state in which they can communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0065] When the image forming apparatus 9a establishes a connection state with the mobile terminal 5, it notifies the mobile terminal 5 of the setting state of the network information (process P5). At this time, if the network information 23 is not set in the network interface 22 of the image forming apparatus 9a, the image forming apparatus 9a notifies the mobile terminal 5 that the network information 23 is not set.

[0066] When the network information 23 is not set in the image forming apparatus 9a, the mobile terminal 5 selects one network information to be set in the image forming apparatus 9a (process P6). That is, the mobile terminal 5 selects one network information not given usage prohibition information from among the plurality of network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33. Thereafter, the mobile terminal 5 transmits a setting command including the selected one network information to the image forming apparatus 9a (process P7). At this time, the setting command to be transmitted includes, as network information, an IP address, a subnet mask, a default gateway address, and a DNS server address.

[0067] When the image forming apparatus 9a receives a setting command from the mobile terminal 5, it performs a setting process of network information based on the setting command (process P8). That is, the image forming apparatus 9a sets an IP address, a subnet mask, a default gateway address, and a DNS server address for the network interface 22 based on the network information received from the mobile terminal 5. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 9a becomes capable of communicating via a network such as a LAN. Also, at this time, the network information to be set is information unique to the image forming apparatus 9a. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 9a sets the same network information in the network interface 22 also when restarting. When the image forming apparatus 9a sets the network information, it transmits a setting completion notification to the mobile terminal 5 (process P9).

[0068] When the mobile terminal 5 receives the setting completion notification from the image forming apparatus 9a, it attaches use-prohibited information to the network information set in the image forming apparatus 9a and updates the network information 35 (process P10). Thus, the setting of the network information for the first image forming apparatus 9a is completed.

[0069] Next, the user moves to the vicinity of another image forming apparatus 9b while holding the mobile terminal 5. When the mobile terminal 5 detects that it can perform wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 9b via the wireless communication unit 39, it transmits a connection request to the image forming apparatus 9b (process P11). When the image forming apparatus 9b receives the connection request from the mobile terminal 5, it returns a connection response (process P12). Thereby, the mobile terminal 5 and the image forming apparatus 9b establish a connection state in which they can communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0070] When the image forming apparatus 9b establishes a connection state with the mobile terminal 5, it notifies the mobile terminal 5 of the setting state of the network information (process P13). At this time, if the network information 23 is not set in the network interface 22 of the image forming apparatus 9b, the image forming apparatus 9b notifies the mobile terminal 5 that the network information 23 is not set.

[0071] When the network information 23 is not set in the image forming apparatus 9b, the mobile terminal 5 selects one network information to be set in the image forming apparatus 9b (process P14). That is, the mobile terminal 5 selects one network information that has not been given use-prohibited information from among the plurality of network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33. Thereafter, the mobile terminal 5 transmits a setting command including the selected one network information to the image forming apparatus 9b (process P15). At this time, similar to the above, the setting command to be transmitted includes, as the network information, an IP address, a subnet mask, a default gateway address, and a DNS server address.

[0072] When the image forming apparatus 9b receives a setting command from the mobile terminal 5, it performs setting processing of network information based on the setting command (process P16). That is, the image forming apparatus 9b sets an IP address, a subnet mask, a default gateway address, and a DNS server address for the network interface 22 based on the network information received from the mobile terminal 5. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 9b becomes capable of communicating via a network such as a LAN. Also, at this time, the network information to be set is information unique to the image forming apparatus 9b. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 9b sets the same network information for the network interface 22 also when restarting. When the image forming apparatus 9b sets the network information, it transmits a setting completion notification to the mobile terminal 5 (process P17).

[0073] When the mobile terminal 5 receives the setting completion notification from the image forming apparatus 9b, it attaches usage prohibition information to the network information set in the image forming apparatus 9b and updates the network information 35. Thus, the setting of the network information for the second image forming apparatus 9b is completed. Note that the same operation is repeated also when setting network information for the third and subsequent image forming apparatuses 9c, 9d.

[0074] When the user sets network information for all of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, the user instructs the mobile terminal 5 to end the setting process. Then, the mobile terminal 5 accesses the server apparatus 2 and requests an update of the network management information 4 (process P19). At this time, the mobile terminal 5 transmits the plurality of network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33 to the server apparatus 2.

[0075] The server device 2 updates the network management information 4 in accordance with a request from the mobile terminal 5. Usage prohibition information is attached to the network information set for each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d by the mobile terminal 5. The server device 2 determines whether usage prohibition information is attached to the network information 35 received from the mobile terminal 5, and rewrites and updates the usage state 4e of the network information to which the usage prohibition information is attached to "in use". Therefore, the server device 2 can manage the plurality of network information registered in the network management information 4 separately into network information that can be used and network information that cannot be used.

[0076] Next, the operation of the mobile terminal 5 will be described. FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of a processing procedure performed in the mobile terminal 5. This processing is performed by the hardware processor 31 of the mobile terminal 5 executing the program 34. That is, this processing is performed by an application by the program 34 being launched in the mobile terminal 5.

[0077] When the mobile terminal 5 launches an application, it first activates the server communication unit 41. As shown in FIG. 8, the server communication unit 41 accesses the server device 2 (step S10), and acquires a plurality of network information 35 from the server device 2 (step S11). The server communication unit 41 stores the acquired plurality of network information 35 in the storage unit 33 (step S12).

[0078] When a plurality of network information 35 is stored in the storage unit 33, the mobile terminal 5 activates the setting control unit 42. Then, the setting control unit 42 executes a setting process of setting network information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d (step S13).

[0079] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed processing procedure of the setting process. When the setting process is started, the mobile terminal 5 activates the wireless communication unit 39 and searches for an image forming apparatus capable of one-to-one wireless communication around the mobile terminal 5 (step S20). The mobile terminal 5 performs the search until one image forming apparatus capable of wireless communication is detected (step S21). For example, when the user moves near the image forming apparatus 9a while holding the mobile terminal 5, the mobile terminal 5 detects the image forming apparatus 9a as an apparatus capable of wireless communication. When the image forming apparatus 9a capable of wireless communication is detected (YES in step S21), the mobile terminal 5 transmits a connection request to the detected image forming apparatus 9a (step S22). Thereafter, the mobile terminal 5 receives a connection response from the image forming apparatus 9a and waits until it becomes communicable with the image forming apparatus 9a (step S23).

[0080] When it becomes communicable with the image forming apparatus 9a, the setting control unit 42 determines whether or not the network information is not set based on the setting state of the network information notified from the image forming apparatus 9a (step S24). When the network information of the image forming apparatus 9a is not set, the setting control unit 42 activates the display control unit 43, the operation reception unit 44, and the setting unit 45. Then, the setting control unit 42 selects one network information to be set in the image forming apparatus 9a from among the plurality of network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33 (step S25). At this time, the setting control unit 42 may automatically select network information to which the use prohibition information is not given. Further, the setting control unit 42 may receive a selection operation by the user and select network information to which the use prohibition information is not given based on the operation by the user.

[0081] The display control unit 43 causes the display unit 36 to display an operation screen G1 as shown in FIG. 10. A list of a plurality of network information 35 is displayed on this operation screen. When displaying this list, the display control unit 43 displays the network information with usage prohibition information and the network information without usage prohibition information in different display modes. In FIG. 10, as an example, two pieces of network information 51 with usage prohibition information are displayed in a grayed-down manner, and the other network information 52 without usage prohibition information is displayed in a non-grayed-down manner. Also, on the operation screen G1, a setting button B1 for setting the network information selected by the user and an automatic button B2 for automatically setting the network information are displayed. When the user selects the network information by himself / herself and sets it in the image forming apparatus 9a, the setting button B1 is operated in a state where one piece of network information is selected from the list. Also, when causing the mobile terminal 5 to automatically set the network information, the user operates the automatic button B2.

[0082] For example, when the user selects the network information by himself / herself, on the operation screen G1, the user may select one piece of network information from among the network information 52 in a non-grayed-down manner. The network information 52 in a non-grayed-down manner does not have usage prohibition information attached thereto. Therefore, by selecting the network information 52 in a non-grayed-down manner, the user can set unique network information in the image forming apparatus 9a.

[0083] The operation reception unit 44 receives the user's operations on the operation screen G1 shown in FIG. 10. For example, when the user performs an operation of selecting one network information from a list, the operation reception unit 44 receives the selection operation by the user. At this time, the operation reception unit 44 does not receive the user's selection operation on the network information 51 that is grayed out. That is, the operation reception unit 44 receives the selection operation by the user on the network information 52 to which the use prohibition information is not given. When one network information is selected by the user, the display control unit 43 displays the network information selected by the user in a display mode different from that of the unselected network information on the operation screen G1. In FIG. 10, as an example, the network information 53 selected by the user is displayed in a highlighted manner, and the network information 52 not selected by the user is displayed in a non-highlighted manner. Therefore, the user can determine whether his / her selection operation is appropriately reflected on the operation screen G1.

[0084] Also, when the automatic button B2 is operated by the user, the setting unit 45 automatically selects one network information from among a plurality of network information 52 to which the use prohibition information is not given. When one network information is automatically selected by the setting unit 45, the display control unit 43 may display the network information 53 automatically selected on the operation screen G1 in a highlighted mode as described above.

[0085] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 9, when one network information is selected as described above, the setting unit 45 sets the one network information 53 in the image forming apparatus 9a. That is, the setting unit 45 transmits a setting command including the selected one network information 53 to the image forming apparatus 9a (step S26). The image forming apparatus 9a sets the one network information selected on the portable terminal 5 based on the setting command. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, network information 23 that does not overlap with other image forming apparatuses 9b, 9c, and 9d is set in the network interface 22 of the image forming apparatus 9a. When the network information 23 is set, the image forming apparatus 9a transmits a setting completion notification to the portable terminal 5.

[0086] After transmitting the setting command, the setting unit 45 waits until a setting completion notification is received from the image forming apparatus 9a (step S27). When the setting completion notification is received (YES in step S27), the setting unit 45 causes the granting unit 46 to function. Then, the granting unit 46 grants use prohibition information to the network information 35 set in the image forming apparatus 9a among the plurality of network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33 (step S28). Then, the granting unit 46 updates the network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33 (step S29). At this time, the granting unit 46 may accept an input operation of a network name by the user and further assign a network name to the network information. In this case, it is preferable that information regarding the installation location of the image forming apparatus in which the network information is set is assigned as the network name. When the setting process of the network information for the image forming apparatus 9a is completed, the setting control unit 42 disconnects the communication state with the image forming apparatus 9a (step S30).

[0087] Next, the setting control unit 42 determines whether or not the setting process for the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d has been completed (step S31). For example, the setting control unit 42 determines that the setting has been completed when instructed by the user to end the setting. On the other hand, when the user instructs to search for the next image forming apparatus, the setting control unit 42 determines that the setting process has not yet been completed. If the setting process has not been completed (NO in step S31), the process by the mobile terminal 5 returns to step S20. Then, the mobile terminal 5 repeats the processes of steps S20 to S30 described above. As a result, the mobile terminal 5 sets unique network information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d. On the other hand, when it is determined that the setting process has been completed (YES in step S31), the setting process (step S13) by the mobile terminal 5 ends.

[0088] Return to the flowchart of FIG. 8. When the mobile terminal 5 finishes the setting process (step S13), it functions the server communication unit 41 again. The server communication unit 41 accesses the server device 2 again (step S14). When accessing the server device 2, the server communication unit 41 transmits an information update request (step S15). At this time, the server communication unit 41 transmits the plurality of network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33 to the server device 2.

[0089] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of network information 35 transmitted from the mobile terminal 5 to the server device 2. As shown in FIG. 11, the network information 35 transmitted from the mobile terminal 5 to the server device 2 is information in which the setting states for each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are reflected. That is, use-prohibited information is given to the network information 35 set in the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. Further, a network name input by the user is given to the network information 35 set in the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. By providing the network information 35 as shown in FIG. 11 from the mobile terminal 5 to the server device 2, the server device 2 can identify the network information set in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. Further, the server device 2 can identify the network name given to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. Therefore, the server device 2 can update the network management information 4 based on the information received from the mobile terminal 5.

[0090] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the network management information 4 after being updated in the server device 2. When the server device 2 receives the network information 35 as shown in FIG. 11, the server device 2 updates the network management information 4 in FIG. 6 as shown in FIG. 12. That is, the server device 2 adds information indicating that it is in use to the item of the use state 4e of the network information to which the use-prohibited information is given. Further, the server device 2 adds a network name to the network information set in each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. Therefore, the network management information 4 is managed as information that can grasp which of the plurality of network information is in use and where it is being used.

[0091] Incidentally, when the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d installed in the office reach a predetermined service life, they become targets for replacement and are removed from the office. At this time, the network information set in the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d is deleted from the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d. Also, even when the predetermined service life has not elapsed, the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d may be moved to another location. In this case, the network information set in the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d is once deleted and then reset to information suitable for the network environment at the destination of the move.

[0092] The portable terminal 5 described above can also be used when deleting the network information set in the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d. For example, in step S24 of the flowchart in FIG. 9, the portable terminal 5 may already have network information set in the image forming apparatus 9a that is the communication partner. In that case, the portable terminal 5 deletes the network information set in the image forming apparatus 9a.

[0093] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for deleting network information set in the mobile terminal 5 in the image forming apparatus. This processing procedure is performed, for example, when it is determined NO in step S24 of FIG. 9. When network information is set in the image forming apparatus 9a in which the connection state has been established in the mobile terminal 5 (NO in step S24), the mobile terminal 5 reads out a plurality of network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33 (step S35). The mobile terminal 5 determines whether there is network information identical to the network information set in the image forming apparatus 9a among the plurality of network information 35 read from the storage unit 33 (step S36). When there is identical network information among the plurality of network information 35 read from the storage unit 33 (YES in step S36), the mobile terminal 5 deletes the network information set in the image forming apparatus 9a (step S37). For example, the mobile terminal 5 causes the image forming apparatus 9a to delete the network information by transmitting a deletion command for the network information to the image forming apparatus 9a. Thereafter, the mobile terminal 5 releases the use prohibition information given to the network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33 (step S38). That is, when deleting the network information of the image forming apparatus 9a, the mobile terminal 5 releases the use prohibition information given to the network information 35 stored in the storage unit 33. Further, when a network name is given to the network information 35 deleted from the image forming apparatus 9a, the mobile terminal 5 deletes the network name. Thereby, the mobile terminal 5 can manage the network information deleted from the image forming apparatus 9a as network information 35 that can be set in other image forming apparatuses.

[0094] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an update example of network information 35 managed in the mobile terminal 5. For example, assume that the network information of the IP address "192.168.24.101" surrounded by the dashed line frame in FIG. 14 has already been set in the image forming apparatus 9a. In this case, the mobile terminal 5 deletes the network information set in the image forming apparatus 9a from the image forming apparatus 9a. Then, the mobile terminal 5 releases the use prohibition information attached to the network information 35 of the IP address "192.168.24.101" shown in FIG. 14, and further deletes the network name. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the network information 35 of the IP address "192.168.24.101" is rewritten to the unused state.

[0095] Thereafter, the mobile terminal 5 transmits the network information 35 shown in FIG. 14 to the server device 2. The server device 2 can update the network management information 4 based on the network information 35 received from the mobile terminal 5, thereby changing and managing the network information of the IP address "192.168.24.101" to the unused state.

[0096] Note that, in the determination in step S36, there may be no network information identical to the network information set in the image forming apparatus 9a among the plurality of network information 35 read from the storage unit 33. In that case (NO in step S36), the mobile terminal 5 does not execute the processes of steps S37 and S38.

[0097] As described above, the network information setting system 1 of the present embodiment uses the mobile terminal 5 as a device 7 for setting network information for each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d. This mobile terminal 5 stores a plurality of network information 35 in the storage unit 33. Then, while being communicably connected to one image forming apparatus 9a, the mobile terminal 5 selects one network information to which use prohibition information is not given from among the plurality of network information 35 and sets it in the one image forming apparatus 9a. When the network information is set in the one image forming apparatus 9a, the mobile terminal 5 gives use prohibition information to the one network information set in the one image forming apparatus 9a. The same processing is performed when setting network information in the other image forming apparatuses 9b, 9c, and 9d.

[0098] When the mobile terminal 5 sets one network information in one image forming apparatus 9a, by giving use prohibition information to the network information, it is possible to manage so as not to duplicate the same network information in the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d.

[0099] Also, the use prohibition information given to the network information can be released later. For example, when the image forming apparatus 9a is removed or moved, the mobile terminal 5 deletes the network information set in the image forming apparatus 9a. At this time, the mobile terminal 5 releases the use prohibition information given to the deleted network information, making it possible to set the network information in another image forming apparatus 9b, 9c, or 9d.

[0100] Also, when the mobile terminal 5 sets network information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, it displays a list of the network information 35 on the display unit 36. At this time, the mobile terminal 5 displays the network information to which the use prohibition information is attached in a display mode different from that of the network information to which the use prohibition information is not attached. Therefore, when the user selects the network information to be set for one image forming apparatus 9a, the user can exclude and select the network information to which the use prohibition information is attached. Further, even if the user attempts to select the network information to which the use prohibition information is attached, the mobile terminal 5 does not accept such a selection operation. Therefore, the mobile terminal 5 can prevent the same network information from being duplicated and set in the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d.

[0101] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the mobile terminal 5 is used as the device 7 for setting network information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d has been described. In the present embodiment, an example in which an external storage device 6 such as a USB memory is used as the device 7 for setting network information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d will be described.

[0102] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the network information setting system 1 in the second embodiment of the present invention. This network information setting system 1 includes a server device 2, an external storage device 6, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. In FIG. 15, four image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are shown. However, similar to the first embodiment, the number of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is not limited to four, and may be two or more.

[0103] The external storage device 6 is detachable from each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, and stores a plurality of network information 35. For example, the external storage device 6 is attached to an information processing device such as a PC (not shown). The information processing device stores the plurality of network information 35 acquired from the server device 2 in the external storage device 6. The plurality of network information 35 stored in the external storage device 6 is the same as that shown in FIG. 6 and the like. The user sequentially attaches the external storage device 6 storing the plurality of network information 35 to the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and sets the network information.

[0104] The control unit 10 of each of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d causes the hardware processor 11 to execute the firmware 14, thereby functioning in the same manner as the mobile terminal 5 described in the first embodiment.

[0105] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. The control unit 10 functions as a setting control unit 42 when the hardware processor 11 executes the firmware 14. The setting control unit 42 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. For example, when the external storage device 6 is connected to the image forming apparatus 9a, the setting control unit 42 reads out the plurality of network information 35 stored in the external storage device 6.

[0106] The display control unit 43 displays an operation screen G7 as shown in FIG. 17 on the display unit 18 of the operation panel 17. A list of the plurality of network information 35 stored in the external storage device 6 is displayed on this operation screen G7. Note that the display mode of the plurality of network information on the operation screen G7 is the same as that in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, since the network information is displayed on the display unit 18 of the operation panel 17, a lot of information included in the network information can be displayed. For example, not only the IP address but also the subnet mask, the default gateway address, and the DNS server address can be displayed on the display unit 18.

[0107] Also, on the operation screen G7, a setting button B1 for setting the network information selected by the user and an automatic button B2 for automatically setting the network information are displayed. Therefore, the user can select automatic setting or manual setting of the network information by operating the operation screen G7.

[0108] Also, the setting unit 45 sets the automatically selected network information or the network information specified by the user to the network interface 22. The imparting unit 46 imparts use-prohibited information to the network information 35 set in the network interface 22. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 9a prevents the same network information from being set in other image forming apparatuses 9b, 9c, 9d.

[0109] When the setting of the network information for the image forming apparatus 9a is completed, the user removes the external storage device 6 from the connection interface 15 of the image forming apparatus 9a. Then, the user attaches the external storage device 6 to another image forming apparatus 9b. The image forming apparatus 9b functions the setting control unit 42 in the same manner as described above and sets the network information to the network interface 22. Note that the configurations and operations other than those described above in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0110] As described above, the network information setting system 1 of the present embodiment uses the external storage device 6 as a device 7 for setting network information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d. The external storage device 6 stores a plurality of network information 35 in the storage unit 33. In a state where the external storage device 6 is connected to one image forming apparatus 9a, the image forming apparatus 9a selects one network information from among the plurality of network information stored in the external storage device 6. The image forming apparatus 9a sets the selected network information in the network interface 22. The same applies when setting network information for the other image forming apparatuses 9b, 9c, and 9d. Therefore, the network information setting system 1 of the present embodiment exhibits the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0111] Note that the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d of the present embodiment may be configured not to include the wireless communication unit 16 that performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5.

[0112] (Modification example) As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration examples described in the above embodiments. Various modification examples can be applied to the above-described embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, several modification examples related to the present invention will be described.

[0113] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are configured by an MFP or the like and have a scanning function, a printing function, and a copying function has been described. However, the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are not necessarily limited to those having a plurality of functions such as a scanning function, a printing function, and a copying function. For example, the image forming apparatuses 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d may be configured to have only a printing function.

[0114] In addition, in the first embodiment, an example was given in which the program 34 is pre-installed in the mobile terminal 5. However, the program 34 is not limited to being pre-stored in the mobile terminal 5. For example, the program 34 may be an object of transaction by itself. In this case, the program 34 may be provided in a manner that can be downloaded via a network such as the Internet. Also, the program 34 may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a USB memory.

[0115] The same applies to the firmware 14 described in the second embodiment. That is, the firmware 14 may be an object of transaction by itself.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0116] 1 Network information setting system 2 Server device 5 Mobile terminal (device) 6 External storage device (device) 7 Device 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d Image forming apparatus 30 Control unit 33 Storage unit 34 Program 35 Network information 36 Display unit 37 Operation unit 39 Wireless communication unit 41 Server communication unit 42 Setting control unit 43 Display control unit 44 Operation reception unit 45 Setting unit 46 Granting unit

Claims

1. A network information setting method for setting network information in a plurality of image forming apparatuses, comprising: a saving step of saving a plurality of network information in a device; a connecting step of communicably connecting one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the device; a setting step of selecting, from among the plurality of network information, one network information to which prohibited use information is not assigned and setting the one network information in the one image forming apparatus while the device is connected to the one image forming apparatus; an assigning step of assigning the prohibited use information to the one network information set in the one image forming apparatus; The network information setting method, characterized by comprising the above steps.

2. The network information setting method according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is a portable terminal capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus on a one-to-one basis.

3. The network information setting method according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is an external storage device detachable from the image forming apparatus.

4. The network information setting method according to claim 1, characterized in that the network information includes an IP address.

5. The network information setting method according to claim 4, characterized in that the network information further includes a subnet mask, a default gateway address, and a DNS server address.

6. The setting step includes: a display step of displaying a list of the plurality of network information; a reception step of receiving a user's selection of the one network information from among the plurality of network information displayed in the list; The network information setting method according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the above steps.

7. The network information setting method according to claim 6, characterized in that in the display step, the network information to which the prohibited use information is assigned is displayed in a display mode different from that of the network information to which the prohibited use information is not assigned.

8. The network information setting method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that in the reception step, a user's selection of the network information to which the prohibited use information is assigned is not received.

9. The network information setting method according to claim 6, wherein the display step displays the network information selected by the user in a display mode different from that of the unselected network information.

10. When the device is connected to the one image forming apparatus, if one network information to which the use prohibition information is given among the plurality of network information is already set in the one image forming apparatus, a deletion step of deleting the network information set in the one image forming apparatus and releasing the use prohibition information given to the one network information, The network information setting method according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

11. A plurality of image forming apparatuses, A device that stores a plurality of network information, Comprising, The device selects one network information to which use prohibition information is not given from among the plurality of network information and sets it in the one image forming apparatus while being communicable with one image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and gives the use prohibition information to the one network information. A network information setting system characterized by the above.

12. The network information setting system according to claim 11, wherein the device is a portable terminal that can communicate with the image forming apparatus on a one-to-one basis.

13. The portable terminal, A display unit that displays a list of the plurality of network information, An operation unit that accepts selection of the one network information by the user from among the plurality of network information displayed in the list, The network information setting system according to claim 12, comprising the above.

14. The network information setting system according to claim 13, wherein the display unit displays the network information to which the use prohibition information is given in a display mode different from that of the network information to which the use prohibition information is not given.

15. The network information setting system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the operation unit does not accept selection of the network information to which the use prohibition information is given by the user.

16. The network information setting system according to claim 13, wherein the display unit displays the network information selected by the user in a display mode different from that of the unselected network information.

17. The mobile terminal When the mobile terminal establishes a connectable state with the one image forming apparatus, if one network information among the plurality of network information to which the use prohibition information is given is already set in the one image forming apparatus, a setting control unit that deletes the network information set in the one image forming apparatus and releases the use prohibition information given to the one network information The network information setting system according to claim 12, characterized by comprising the same.

18. A server device communicable with the mobile terminal further comprising The network information setting system according to claim 12, 13, 14, 16 or 17, wherein the mobile terminal acquires and stores the plurality of network information from the server device.

19. A mobile terminal communicable with one image forming apparatus among a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a storage unit that stores a plurality of network information; a setting unit that selects one network information among the plurality of network information to which the use prohibition information is not given and sets it in the one image forming apparatus in a state communicable with the one image forming apparatus; an imparting unit that imparts the use prohibition information to the one network information A mobile terminal characterized by comprising the same.

20. A program executed in a mobile terminal communicable with one image forming apparatus among a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the program causing the mobile terminal to a storage step of storing a plurality of network information; a setting step of selecting one network information among the plurality of network information to which the use prohibition information is not given and setting it in the one image forming apparatus in a state communicable with the one image forming apparatus; an imparting step of imparting the use prohibition information to the one network information A program characterized by causing the above to be executed.

Images