Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To transmit and receive setting information reflecting a setting intention even when setting information is not compatible between an export apparatus and an import apparatus.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises at least one processor. The processor includes an instruction of changing a setting value according to a condition applied to a first apparatus (an export machine 200) in setting information to input to other second apparatuses (import machines 300, 310, 320) in order to reflect setting at the first apparatus (the export machine 200) on the second apparatuses (the import machines 300, 310, 320).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that, when an import process is performed, references the display resources of a setting value editing display resource database of a reference device in addition to the setting value editing display resource database of its own device, which is the import destination device, and generates an import result report. Patent Document 2 discloses an information processing device that performs import or export processing according to import data or export data in which target items are specified, without changing the registered target items to be imported or exported. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-193787 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-004332 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an information processing system and an information processing program that can send and receive setting information that reflects setting intentions even if the setting information is not compatible between an exporting device and an importing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing system according to a first aspect includes at least one processor, and the processor includes, in setting information input to a second device in order to reflect settings in the first device in the second device, instructions for changing setting values ​​according to conditions applied to the first device.

[0006] In the information processing system according to a second aspect, in the configuration of the first aspect, the processor causes the first device to perform a process of outputting the setting information including the command.

[0007] In the information processing system of the third aspect, in the configuration of the second aspect, the processor causes the first device to read out an operation history related to the settings of the first device, and generates the command based on the contents of the read operation history.

[0008] In the information processing system of the fourth aspect, in the configuration of the second aspect, the processor causes the second device to perform a process of receiving the setting information including the command, and updates the setting of the second device based on the received setting information including the command.

[0009] An information processing system according to a fifth aspect is configured as the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor is capable of selecting one of the plurality of instructions, and includes the selected instruction in the setting information.

[0010] An information processing system according to a sixth aspect is the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the processor displays a selection screen on which the plurality of commands can be selected.

[0011] In the information processing system of the seventh aspect, in the configuration of the first aspect, when the processor receives a request to output setting information for the first device, it generates the command according to device information regarding the first device.

[0012] An information processing system according to an eighth aspect is the information processing system according to the seventh aspect, wherein the device information is at least one of a usage status and a hardware configuration of the first device.

[0013] In the information processing system according to a ninth aspect, in the configuration of the first aspect, the command is a command indicating permission for use of print output and external transmission, and the setting value indicates whether or not the permission for use is granted.

[0014] In an information processing system according to a tenth aspect, in the configuration of the first aspect, the command is a command indicating a transition time to a power consumption mode, and the setting value indicates a maximum value or a minimum value.

[0015] An information processing method according to an eleventh aspect performs processing in which setting information input to a second device in order to reflect settings in a first device in the second device includes instructions that change setting values ​​in accordance with conditions applied to the first device.

[0016] An information processing program according to a twelfth aspect causes a computer to perform a process in which setting information to be input into a second device in order to reflect settings in the first device in another second device includes an instruction to change a setting value according to conditions applied to the first device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, the information processing method of the eleventh aspect, and the information processing program of the twelfth aspect, even if there is no compatibility of setting information between the exporting device and the importing device, it is possible to send and receive setting information that reflects the setting intention.

[0018] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, it is possible to cause the first device to output the setting information after including an instruction in the setting information.

[0019] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, a command is generated based on the operation history related to the settings, so that the second device can receive the setting information of the first device that better reflects the setting intention.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, it is possible to cause the second device to perform settings that reflect the setting intention of the first device.

[0021] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects the setting intention of a selector such as a device administrator.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, a command can be selected on the selection screen.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects setting intentions according to the device.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects setting intentions according to the status of the device.

[0025] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, it is possible to transmit and receive setting information including setting according to purpose.

[0026] According to the information processing system of the tenth aspect, it is possible to transmit and receive setting information including settings according to purposes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an export machine according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an import machine according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power saving mode transition time setting menu. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power saving mode transition time setting menu when there is a shortcut. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of individual settings in a permitted service setting menu. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of settings based on purpose in a permitted service setting menu. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an export instruction screen using a web browser. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of an export process by the export machine. [Figure 10] 10A shows export data when there is no setting menu information, and FIG. 10B shows export data when there is setting menu information. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an import instruction screen using a web browser. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of an import process performed by an import machine. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an export instruction screen using a web browser. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an export instruction screen using a web browser. [Figure 15] 10A shows export data when there is no setting menu information, and FIG. 10B shows export data when there is setting menu information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] First Embodiment An information processing system and an information processing program according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings are the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and multiple components may exist.

[0029] Furthermore, descriptions of overlapping configurations and symbols in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be implemented by making appropriate modifications, such as omitting configurations, replacing them with different configurations, or combining one embodiment with various modified examples, within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0030] <Information Processing System> 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment includes an export device 200 as an example of a first device, three import devices 300, 310, and 320 as examples of second devices, and a PC (Personal Computer) 400. The export device 200, the three import devices 300, 310, and 320, and the PC 400 are connected to each other via a local network 110.

[0031] In this embodiment, the export device 200 and the three import devices 300, 310, and 320 are, for example, devices known as multifunction devices that have multiple functions such as a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. In this embodiment, for example, the export device 200 and the three import devices 300, 310, and 320 are not the same model, or have different option configurations, and therefore have different parameter configurations and setting value ranges.

[0032] In this embodiment, when exporting or importing setting information between devices with different parameter configurations or setting value ranges, even if the setting information is not compatible between the exporting device 200 and the importing devices 300, 310, and 320, it is possible to send and receive setting information that reflects the setting intention.

[0033] <pc> The PC 400 in the information processing system 100 of this embodiment is a terminal operated by an administrator of the information processing system 100, and is a personal computer according to known technology. When exporting or importing is performed between the exporting device 200, which is a management target, and at least one of the three importing devices 300, 310, and 320, which are also management targets, the PC 400 issues various instructions via a UI (User Interface) displayed on the screen of the PC 400. Specific instructions will be described in detail later.

[0034] <Export machine> Next, the export device 200 in the information processing system 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail. The export device 200 is a device known as a multifunction device that has multiple functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the export device 200 in this embodiment.

[0035] 2, the export device 200 includes a communication unit 201, an export control unit 202, a setting information storage unit 203, a setting menu unit 204, and a UI control unit 205. These functional components are connected via a control bus 206.

[0036] The communication unit 201 is a component for communicating with other devices such as the PC 400. Specifically, the communication unit 201 communicates with other devices using communication means such as wired, wireless, the Internet, an intranet, or a public line such as a telephone line. Note that the communication means may also be a communication means using sound, light, vibration, image, or the like. In this embodiment, as an example, the communication unit 201 communicates with the PC 400 and transfers received data to the export control unit 202.

[0037] Export control unit 202 receives received data transferred from communication unit 201. If the received data is an export information request, export control unit 202 transmits export information (described later) necessary for generating an export instruction to PC 400 via communication unit 201. On the other hand, if the received data is an export instruction, export control unit 202 generates export data including setting information from information stored in setting information storage unit 203 and transmits the export data to PC 400 via communication unit 201. When generating the export data, export control unit 202 can also receive setting menu information from setting menu unit 204. Note that setting menu information will be described in detail later.

[0038] The setting information storage unit 203 stores setting information of the export device 200. Here, the stored setting information is information received as a user instruction via the UI control unit 205 or the setting menu unit 204. It may also be information received via the export control unit 202. The setting information is information such as setting values ​​of various parameters set in the export device 200. Note that the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 203 can be read and rewritten as appropriate.

[0039] The setting menu unit 204 stores setting menu information, which will be described later, and provides the stored setting menu information based on a setting menu information acquisition request from the export control unit 202 and the UI control unit 205. The setting menu unit 204 also receives instructions from the user via the UI control unit 205 and instructs the setting information storage unit 203 to read or rewrite the setting information.

[0040] The UI control unit 205 controls input and output of user interface hardware (hereinafter referred to as UI H / W) that is configured by a liquid crystal display (LCD), LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes), a speaker, various keys, a touch panel, etc. In this embodiment, the UI control unit 205 provides instructions from the user via the UI H / W to the setting menu unit 204.

[0041] <Imported machine> Next, the import devices 300, 310, and 320 in the information processing system 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail. The import devices 300, 310, and 320 are so-called multifunction devices that have multiple functions, such as printing, scanning, copying, and facsimile functions. Note that the following description will mainly focus on the operation of the import device 300, but the import devices 310 and 320 also have the same configuration. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the import device 300 in this embodiment.

[0042] 3, the import device 300 includes a communication unit 301, an import control unit 302, and a setting information storage unit 303. These functional components are connected via a control bus 306.

[0043] The communication unit 301 is a component for communicating with other devices such as the PC 400. Specifically, the communication unit 301 communicates with other devices using communication means such as wired, wireless, the Internet, an intranet, or a public line such as a telephone line. Note that the communication means may also be communication means using sound, light, vibration, images, or the like. In this embodiment, as an example, the communication unit 301 communicates with the PC 400 and transfers received data to the import control unit 302.

[0044] The import control unit 302 receives the received data transferred from the communication unit 301. If the received data is an import information request, the import control unit 302 transmits import information, which is information necessary for generating an import instruction (described later), to the PC 400 via the communication unit 301. On the other hand, if the received data is an import instruction, the import control unit 302 receives export data via the communication unit 301 and stores it in the setting information storage unit 303.

[0045] The setting information storage unit 303 stores setting information of the import device 300. Here, the stored setting information is information such as user instructions and export data received via the import control unit 302. The setting information is information such as setting values ​​of various parameters set in the import device 300. Note that the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 303 can be read and rewritten as appropriate.

[0046] In this embodiment, although not shown, the import device 300 has components equivalent to the setting menu unit 204 and UI control unit 205 in the export device 200.

[0047] <How to set up> Next, we will explain various settings in the export device 200 and the import devices 300, 310, and 320. First, we will explain how to set the power saving mode transition time. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a power saving mode transition time setting menu.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the export device 200 and the import devices 300, 310, and 320 display a menu 500 for setting the power saving mode transition time on a display screen (not shown). Here, the power saving mode corresponds to the power consumption mode, which is a function for reducing the power consumption of the device and is a mode that the device switches to when it has not been used for a certain period of time. The power saving mode transition time is the time from when it is determined that the device is not being used until it switches to the power saving mode. Note that in this embodiment, as an example, in a device that displays the configuration of the menu 500, the power saving mode transition time can be set within a range of 5 minutes to 60 minutes. Note that the settable range of the power saving mode transition time may differ among multiple devices, or may be the same for some devices.

[0049] In the configuration of menu 500, when the device administrator sets the power saving mode transition time, by operating spin button 501, the desired time, such as "10" for example, is displayed in frame 502 adjacent to spin button 501. After the desired time is displayed, the device administrator touches, i.e., selects, OK button 503, and the power saving mode is set to the desired time displayed in frame 502. Note that when the device administrator touches Cancel button 504 displayed below OK button 503, for example, the desired time is canceled and the current set time is displayed in frame 502. Touching Cancel button 504 may also cause a transition to the home screen.

[0050] Here, if a device administrator wants to set the power saving mode transition time to "60 minutes," which is the maximum value that the device can support, he or she must repeatedly operate the spin button 501. Therefore, to reduce the complexity of operations, a configuration is provided in which shortcut keys are provided for setting the minimum and maximum values. Figure 5 shows an example of a power saving mode transition time setting menu when shortcuts are provided.

[0051] 5, the export device 200 and the import devices 300, 310, 320 display menus 510 and 520 for setting the power saving mode transition time on a display screen (not shown). Note that in the present embodiment, as an example, in devices that display the configuration of menus 510 and 520, the power saving mode transition time can be set within a range of 10 minutes to 50 minutes, which is different from the range of the power saving mode transition time that can be set in devices that display the configuration of menu 500 described above.

[0052] In the configuration of menu 510, when a device administrator sets the power saving mode transition time to "50 minutes," which is the maximum value that the device can support, they simply touch "Set Maximum" key 511. Also, in the configuration of menu 510, when a device administrator sets the power saving mode transition time to "10 minutes," which is the minimum value that the device can support, they simply touch "Set Minimum" key 512. Also, when the device administrator touches Cancel button 513, the current set time is reset, for example.

[0053] On the other hand, if the device administrator wants to set an arbitrary time, he or she touches the "Select numeric value on next screen" key 514 to display menu 520. The setting method in the configuration of menu 520 is the same as the configuration of menu 500 described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0054] In this way, when setting the power saving mode transition time, since the UI configurations are independent of each other, whether it is the configuration of menu 500 shown in FIG. 4 or the configurations of menus 510 and 520 shown in FIG. 5, only the information indicating the value indicating the power saving mode transition time becomes the setting information.

[0055] Next, a setting method for setting permitted services will be described. Table 1 below shows the configuration of setting information for a device that can set permitted services. Here, permitted services indicate services that are permitted for use in a device that can set whether or not to use each of the print, copy, and scan services. In this embodiment, as an example, permitted services can be set for all of the export device 200 and the import devices 300, 310, and 320.

[0056] [Table 1]

[0057] As shown in Table 1 above, the setting information names of print service availability, copy service availability, and scan service availability all have value ranges of "available" and "unavailable." In this embodiment, the setting information shown in Table 1 is stored in the setting information storage unit 203 of the export device 200 and the setting information storage unit 303 of the import device 300. The value range of each setting information is stored as "available" or "unavailable."

[0058] As an example of a means for setting whether or not a service is available in this way, there is a method in which the machine administrator can individually set whether or not a desired service is available. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of individual setting of the permitted service setting menu.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, the export device 200 and the import devices 300, 310, and 320 display a menu 530 on a display screen (not shown) for individually setting permitted services.

[0060] In the configuration of menu 530, when the device administrator sets permitted services, the permitted services are set by checking check boxes 531 displayed to the left of the service names "Print," "Copy," and "Scan." Check boxes 531 can be checked by touching inside the check boxes 531. Also, a checked check box 531 can be unchecked by touching inside the checked check box 531. In FIG. 6, the check boxes 531 for "Print" and "Copy" are checked. In other words, since "Print" and "Copy" have been selected, "Print" and "Copy" are permitted services.

[0061] In this way, with the services to be permitted for use selected, the device administrator can touch OK button 503 to set the services with check marks in check boxes 531, i.e., "Print" and "Copy," as permitted services. Note that, for example, the device administrator can clear the check mark in check box 531 by touching Cancel button 504 displayed below OK button 503.

[0062] In contrast to the individual settings described above, there is a setting method in which the device administrator indirectly sets the permitted services by setting them according to the purpose. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of setting according to the purpose of the permitted service setting menu.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 7, the export device 200 and the import devices 300, 310, 320 display a menu 540 on a display screen (not shown) for setting permitted services according to purpose.

[0064] In the configuration of menu 540, the device administrator can select "print output service" and "external transmission service" when setting the services that are permitted to be used. Specifically, the services that are permitted to be used are set by checking the check boxes 531 displayed to the left of "print output service" and "external transmission service." In FIG. 7, the check box 531 for "print output service" is checked. In other words, since "print output service" has been selected, "print output service" is the service that is permitted to be used.

[0065] 7, similarly to the configuration of menu 530 shown in Fig. 6, when a service to be permitted to be used is selected, the device administrator can touch OK button 503 to set the service with a check mark in check box 531 as the permitted service. Also, when the device administrator touches Cancel button 504, the check mark in check box 531 is cleared, for example.

[0066] In the configuration of menu 540 shown in Figure 7, if the device administrator has the objective of "allowing print output but prohibiting external transmission" in consideration of the risk of information leakage in the device's installation environment, it is possible to make a selection according to that objective and set a prohibition on the scan service, which is a service that indirectly performs external transmission.

[0067] In this way, when setting permitted services, since the UI configurations are independent of each other, whether the configuration is menu 530 shown in FIG. 6 or menu 540 shown in FIG. 7, the only setting information is information indicating "yes" or "no" for various permitted services.

[0068] <Export process> Next, the export process of the setting information in the export device 200 will be described.

[0069] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an export instruction screen 410 using a web browser. In this embodiment, as an example, the device administrator operates the PC 400 to connect to the export device 200 and display the export instruction screen 410 shown in Fig. 8 on a display screen (not shown) of the PC 400. Note that the means used for connection at this time may be general-purpose software such as a web browser as shown in Fig. 8, or dedicated connection software.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 8, when a web browser is used, the web browser installed in the PC 400 first sends an export information request to the export device 200, and receives export information, which is information necessary for generating an export instruction, from the export device 200 in response. Here, the "export information" is, for example, information necessary for displaying the export instruction screen 410 shown in Fig. 8, such as information such as the category of setting information and information such as the setting values ​​of various parameters currently set in the export device 200.

[0071] The web browser installed in the PC 400 then displays a screen for generating an export request. By operating this screen, the device administrator checks the checkboxes 411 for the setting information categories they wish to export, namely "Device Settings," "Network Settings," and "Security Settings," enters a save file name in the text box 412, and then touches the start button 413 to send an export instruction to the export device 200. Touching the back button 414 returns the user to the previous web browser screen.

[0072] In the present disclosure, selection of a setting information category is not an essential component, and therefore the following description will be omitted.

[0073] Next, a description will be given of the export process of the export device 200 that has received an export instruction.

[0074] In step S101, the export control unit 202 reads out a setting value from the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 203. Here, the setting information is specifically information indicating a list of parameters inside the export device 200. In the case of setting information for permitted services, the "setting value" is information indicating a value range, i.e., "possible" or "not possible," set for each setting information name, such as whether or not a print service is available, whether or not a copy service is available, and whether or not a scan service is available, as shown in Table 1, for example.

[0075] In the case of the power saving mode transition time, the "setting value" is, for example, information indicating the value of the power saving mode transition time, such as information indicating a set time such as "50 minutes." When multiple pieces of setting information are exported, the setting values ​​of the setting information are read in a predetermined order.

[0076] Next, in step S102, the export control unit 202 receives setting menu information of the setting information read in step S101 from the setting menu unit 204. Here, the "setting menu information" is information that supplements the intention behind setting the setting value read in step S101. For example, if the read setting value is the power saving mode transition time, the "setting menu information" is information indicating that the value is set by touching a "set maximum value" key 511 or a "set minimum value" key 512, which are shortcut keys for setting the maximum or minimum value in the menu 510 shown in FIG. 5.

[0077] Also, for example, if the read setting value indicates whether or not a permitted service is available, the "setting menu information" is information indicating that the value is set by menu 540 for setting according to purpose, as shown in FIG.

[0078] In this embodiment, as an example, an operation history related to the setting of a setting value is stored in the setting menu unit 204, and the setting menu unit 204 reads out the stored operation history to determine how the setting value was set. That is, the setting menu unit 204 can determine from the operation history whether the read setting value is a qualitative value set using the "Set Maximum Value" key 511 or the "Set Minimum Value" key 512, or a quantitative value set as an arbitrary time. Furthermore, the setting menu unit 204 can determine from the operation history whether the read setting value is a value set using the menu 530 for individual setting or a value set using the menu 540 for purpose-based setting. The export control unit 202 receives information indicating the intention behind the setting of the setting value as setting menu information.

[0079] If the setting menu information cannot be read in step S103, that is, if the setting menu information does not exist (step S103; NO), in step S104, the export control unit 202 outputs export data that directly describes the setting information name and setting value read in step S101 to the communication unit 201, as shown in Figure 10 (A).

[0080] That is, in the export data, "PowerSaveTime=50" indicates that the power saving mode transition time is 50 minutes. Also, "PrintService=Enable" indicates that the print service is available, "CopyService=Enable" indicates that the copy service is available, and "ScanService=Disable" indicates that the scan service is unavailable.

[0081] On the other hand, if the setting menu information can be read in step S103, i.e., if the setting menu information exists (step S103; YES), in step S105, the export control unit 202 generates a script as shown in Figure 10(B) based on the setting information read in step S101 and the setting menu information corresponding to the setting information read in step S102, and outputs it as export data.

[0082] The script shown in Fig. 10(B) is generated, for example, when the setting menu unit 204 reads out the operation history in which the "Set maximum value" key 511 shown in Fig. 5 was touched when setting the power saving mode transition time. That is, "PowerSaveTime.range.max()" indicates that the power saving mode transition time is the maximum value.

[0083] 10B is generated when, for example, the setting menu unit 204 operates the purpose setting menu 540 shown in Fig. 7 when setting permitted services. That is, "for s=Services.each do if s.Output.include(Output.DataSend) then s.set(Disable) else if s.Output.include(Output.PrintOut) then s.set(Enable) end end" indicates that the external transmission service is unavailable, but the print output service is available.

[0084] That is, in this embodiment, as an example, the export data includes setting information, and the export data includes data in which the setting information name and setting value are directly written as shown in Fig. 10(A), and data including the "script" generated as described above as shown in Fig. 10(B). As described above, in this embodiment, the "script" expresses the setting intention.

[0085] Next, in step S106, the export control unit 202 determines whether or not there is next setting information, and if there is next setting information (step S106; YES), the process proceeds to step S101 and repeats the processes from step S101 onwards. On the other hand, if there is no next setting information in step S106 (step S106; NO), the export control unit 202 ends the export process.

[0086] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, if there are multiple pieces of setting information, the export data may be output by the processing of steps S104 and S105 immediately for each piece of setting information, or may be output collectively for multiple pieces of setting information.

[0087] <Import process>

[0088] The following describes the export process of setting information in the import device 300. Note that, although the import device 300 will be described as an example below, the export process of setting information can also be performed for the import devices 310 and 320 in the same manner.

[0089] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an import instruction screen using a web browser. In this embodiment, as an example, the device administrator operates the PC 400 to connect to the import device 300 and display the import instruction screen 420 shown in Fig. 11 on the display screen (not shown) of the PC 400. Note that at this time, the same means as used for issuing the export instruction can be used as the means used for connection.

[0090] 11, when using a web browser, the web browser installed in the PC 400 first sends an import information request to the import device 300, and receives import information, which is information necessary for generating an import instruction, from the import device 300 in response. Here, the "import information" is, for example, information necessary for displaying the import instruction screen 420 shown in FIG.

[0091] The web browser installed in the PC 400 then displays a screen for generating an export request. The device administrator operates this screen to enter the name of the previously saved export file to be imported into a text box 412, and then touches a start button 413 to send an import instruction to the import device 300. Touching the back button 414 returns the user to the previous web browser screen.

[0092] Next, the import process of the import device 300 that has received an import instruction will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the import process by the import device 300. In this embodiment, as an example, the import device 300 is a different model that has functional differences from the export device 200 as shown in Table 2 below.

[0093] [Table 2]

[0094] In step S201, the import control unit 302 receives an export file containing multiple pieces of export data via the communication unit 301. Note that the processing in the subsequent steps involves processing the export data in the received export file, but for example, the processing in the subsequent steps may start after the entire export file is saved in the work memory of the import device 300 in step S201, or the subsequent steps may start each time an individual piece of export data is received.

[0095] Next, in step S202, the import control unit 302 reads the export data from the received export file, and in step S203 determines whether the read export data includes a script. If the export data does not include a script in step S203 (step S203; NO), in step S204 the import control unit 302 updates the setting values ​​of the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 303 according to the read setting values ​​shown in Fig. 10(A).

[0096] Specifically, as shown in Table 3 below, the setting value for the power saving mode transition time was 10 minutes before the import, but becomes 50 minutes after the import. Furthermore, the availability of the print service and the copy service remains unchanged, remaining "available," before the import, while the availability of the scan service was "available" before the import but becomes "unavailable" after the import. Furthermore, since the export device 200 does not have a setting value for whether the fax service is available, the availability of the fax service remains unchanged, remaining "available," before the import.

[0097] [Table 3]

[0098] On the other hand, if the export data contains a script in step S203 (step S203; YES), in step S205, the import control unit 302 processes the read script shown in Figure 10(B) and updates the setting values ​​of the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 303.

[0099] Specifically, as shown in Table 4 below, the setting value for the power saving mode transition time was 10 minutes before the import, but the script contains a command indicating the power saving mode transition time and instructs that the setting value should be set to the maximum value, so after the import, it becomes 60 minutes, which is the maximum value of the value range of the import device 300.

[0100] The script also specifies that the external transmission service is unavailable, but the print output service is available. Therefore, as shown in Table 4 below, the availability of the print output services, the print service and copy service, remains "available" before and after the import, with no change. On the other hand, the availability of the scan service and fax service, the external transmission services, was "available" before the import, but becomes "unavailable" after the import.

[0101] [Table 4]

[0102] That is, since the export device 200 does not have a setting value for whether the FAX service is available or not, if no script is included, there is no change before and after import and it remains "available," as shown in Table 3. In contrast, if export data including a script generated in the export device 200 is received, the export data includes information that "external transmission service is not available," and therefore the FAX service is not available.

[0103] In this embodiment, the above-described "script" corresponds to an "instruction" whose setting value changes according to the conditions applied to the export device 200. For example, the script shown in FIG. 10(B) includes an instruction to set the power-saving mode transition time to the maximum value and an instruction to disable the external transmission service but enable the print output service. That is, as shown in Table 2 above, if the value range of the power-saving mode transition time is, for example, "1 to 50 minutes" in the export device 200 and "5 to 60 minutes" in the import device 300, the maximum value is 50 minutes in the export device 200 but 60 minutes in the import device 300. That is, when the instruction to set the power-saving mode transition time included in the "script" is processed as described above, the setting value changes, becoming 50 minutes in the export device 200 but 60 minutes in the import device 300.

[0104] Furthermore, as described above, when a command included in the "script" that the external transmission service is unavailable but the print output service is available is processed, the print service availability and copy service availability are set to "available" in the export device 200, and the scan service availability is set to "unavailable." On the other hand, the print service availability and copy service availability are set to "available" in the import device 300, and the scan service availability and fax service availability are set to "unavailable." In other words, since the export device 200 does not have a setting value for fax service availability, if there is no "script," the import device 300 will maintain the current setting value of "available" for fax service availability. However, if there is a "script," the setting value will change from "available" to "unavailable."

[0105] Next, in step S206, the import control unit 302 determines whether or not there is next setting information, and if there is next setting information (step S206; YES), the process proceeds to step S202 and repeats the processes from step S202 onwards. On the other hand, if there is no next setting information in step S206 (step S206; NO), the import control unit 302 ends the import process.

[0106] <Action and effect> In the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the setting information input to the import device 300 to reflect the settings in the export device 200 in the import device 300 includes a "script" as an instruction for changing setting values ​​according to the conditions applied to the export device 200. Therefore, for example, if the "script" includes an instruction to set the power-saving mode transition time to its maximum value and an instruction to disable the external transmission service but enable the print output service, as described above, the power-saving mode transition time in the import device 300 can be set to 60 minutes, the maximum value for the import device 300, rather than 50 minutes, the maximum value for the export device 200. Furthermore, although the export device 200 does not have a setting value for whether or not the fax service is available, the import device 300 can update the fax service availability from "available" to "unavailable." In this way, even if the setting information is incompatible between the export device 200 and the import device 300, setting information reflecting the setting intent can be transmitted and received.

[0107] Furthermore, in the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the export device 200 is caused to perform a process of outputting setting information including a "script" as a command as export data, so that the export device 200 can include the "script" in the setting information and output it as export data.

[0108] Furthermore, in the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the export device 200 is caused to read out an operation history related to the settings of the export device 200 and generate a "script" based on the contents of the read operation history. Therefore, since the "script" is generated based on the operation history related to the settings, it is possible to cause the import device 300 to receive setting information of the export device 200 that more closely reflects the setting intention. Furthermore, since the operation history is stored inside the export device 200, it is not necessary to output the operation history to the outside.

[0109] Furthermore, in the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the import device 300 is caused to perform a process of receiving export data, which is setting information including a "script," and the settings of the import device 300 are updated based on the received export data. Therefore, the import device 300 can perform settings that reflect the setting intention of the export device 200.

[0110] Furthermore, in the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the "script" as a command includes a command indicating permission to use print output and external transmission, and the setting value indicates whether or not permission to use is granted. Therefore, since the "script" includes settings according to purpose, it is possible to send and receive setting information including settings according to purpose.

[0111] Furthermore, in the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the "script" as a command is a command indicating the power saving mode transition time, which is the transition time to the power consumption mode, and the setting value indicates the maximum or minimum value. Therefore, since the "script" includes a setting according to a purpose, it is possible to send and receive setting information including a setting according to a purpose.

[0112] Second Embodiment An information processing system and an information processing program according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment described above, the setting menu information was acquired from the operation history in the menu configuration of the export device 200, but in this embodiment, the setting menu information may be input by the device administrator (operator) at the time of export. Figures 13 and 14 are diagrams each showing an example of an export instruction screen using a web browser.

[0113] For example, in the first embodiment described above, after touching the start button 413 shown in FIG. 8, an export instruction screen 430 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on a display screen (not shown) to export the power saving mode transition time. In FIG. 13, the export instruction screen 430 displays the message, "The current setting value for the power saving mode transition time is the maximum value of 50 minutes. Do you want to export it as the maximum value? (Select 'No' if you want to export it at a fixed value of 50 minutes)." As described above, the setting values ​​of various parameters currently set in the export device 200 are received from the export device 200 as a response to an export information request made by a web browser installed in the PC 400. This enables the above display.

[0114] 13, if the "Yes" button 431 is touched, the setting value is exported as a qualitative maximum value, and if the "No" button 432 is touched, the setting value is exported as a quantitative 50 minutes. The data exported by touching the "Yes" button 431 is stored as setting menu information in the setting menu section 204 of the export device 200, for example.

[0115] 13, the touching of the "Yes" button 431 and the touching of the "No" button 432 are actions that influence the determination result of the processing in step S103 in the flowchart of Fig. 9 of the export device 200. In other words, when the "Yes" button 431 is touched, information that sets the setting value to the maximum value is stored as setting menu information in the setting menu unit 204 of the export device 200, and therefore the export data output from the export device 200 will include a script.

[0116] The export instruction screen 430 is a selection screen that allows the user to select between an instruction to export with the set value set to 50 minutes and an instruction to export with the set value set to the maximum value.

[0117] Also, for example, in the first embodiment described above, after touching the start button 413 shown in Fig. 8, an export instruction screen 440 shown in Fig. 14 is displayed on a display screen (not shown) in order to export the permitted services. In Fig. 14, the export instruction screen 440 displays "Please select the selection criteria for the permitted services." Also displayed are three selection criteria: "Judge for each service," "Input method criteria," and "Output method criteria," each of which has a check box 441 displayed on the left side and can be selected by touching the check box 441.

[0118] 14, when "Judge for each service" is selected, the setting values ​​are set individually, and when "Input method standard" and "Output method standard" are selected, the setting values ​​are set according to purpose. In other words, when "Input method standard" and "Output method standard" are selected, information indicating the setting according to purpose is stored as setting menu information in the setting menu section 204 of the export machine 200, for example.

[0119] 14, the checkbox 441 is checked, which determines the result of the process in step S103 in the flowchart of the export device 200 in FIG. 9. In other words, when "Input Method Standard" and "Output Method Standard" are selected, information indicating settings based on purpose is stored as setting menu information in the setting menu section 204 of the export device 200, and therefore the export data output from the export device 200 will include a script.

[0120] The export instruction screen 440 is a selection screen that allows the user to select between a command to export the setting values ​​as individual settings and a command to export the setting values ​​as settings by purpose.

[0121] <Action and effect> As described above, in the information processing system of this embodiment, one command can be selected from multiple commands, and the selected command is included in the setting information, i.e., the export data, so that setting information that reflects the setting intention of the selector, such as the equipment administrator, can be sent and received.

[0122] Furthermore, in the information processing system of this embodiment, the export instruction screens 430 and 440 are displayed as selection screens on which a plurality of commands can be selected, so that commands can be selected on the selection screens.

[0123] <Third embodiment> An information processing system and an information processing program according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Unlike the above-described embodiments, this embodiment acquires setting menu information based on device information about the export device 200. For example, the export device 200 stores, as setting information, size and paper quality settings for each tray and the tray priority order in the setting information storage unit 203, as shown in Table 5 below. Specifically, A4 recycled paper is set for Tray 1, and A4 plain paper is set for Tray 2, with the order of priority being Tray 1, Tray 2. Meanwhile, the import device 300 has A4 plain paper set for Tray 1, and A4 recycled paper set for Tray 2, as shown in Table 5 below.

[0124] [Table 5]

[0125] In this way, if the intention of setting the priority order in the export machine 200 is to use recycled paper first, followed by plain paper, when the export data including this setting information is output as is to the import machine 300 and reflected, the order of priority in the import machine 300 remains tray 1, tray 2. Therefore, the setting is such that plain paper is used first, followed by plain paper.

[0126] In this way, when export and import processes are performed between models that have differences in specifications, such as the type of paper stored in the tray as device information, differences between products, and changes in specifications within the same product, the settings that are transferred may differ from the intended settings.

[0127] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, information indicating the intention for setting the priority order, i.e., information indicating that recycled paper is used first and then plain paper, is stored as setting menu information in the setting menu section 204. Fig. 15(A) is a diagram showing export data when there is no setting menu information, and Fig. 15(B) is a diagram showing export data when there is setting menu information.

[0128] If the setting menu section 204 does not store information indicating the intention for setting the priority as setting menu information, the export data will reflect the contents of Table 5 above, as shown in Fig. 15(A). That is, "Tray1.media=A4_Recycled" indicates that "Tray 1 is A4 recycled paper," and "Tray2.media=A4_Plain" indicates that "Tray 2 is A4 plain paper." Also, "Tray.priority=Tray1_to_Tray2" indicates that "the priority is Tray 1, then Tray 2."

[0129] On the other hand, when information indicating the intention for setting the priority is stored as setting menu information in setting menu section 204 as in this embodiment, the export data will be "if(Current.Tray1.media==A4_Recycled&&Current.Tray2.media==A4_Plain)Tray.priority=Tray1_to_Tray2 else if(Current.Tray1.media==A4_Plain&&Current.Tray2.media==A4_Recycled)Tray.priority=Tray2_to_Tray1 end" as shown in Fig. 15(B). That is, the intention for setting the priority is reflected in the export data, which is "When Tray 1 holds A4 recycled paper and Tray 2 holds A4 plain paper, the order of priority is Tray 1, Tray 2; when Tray 1 holds A4 plain paper and Tray 2 holds A4 recycled paper, the order of priority is Tray 2, Tray 1."

[0130] <Action and effect> In the information processing system of this embodiment, when the export device 200 receives a request to output setting information from the PC 400, export data including a script is generated according to device information related to the export device 200. Therefore, it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects setting intentions according to the device.

[0131] Furthermore, in the information processing system of this embodiment, the device information is the usage status of the export device 200, so it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects settings according to the usage status of the device.

[0132] [Other embodiments] The information processing system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0133] In the above embodiment, a multifunction peripheral is used as an example of a device, but this is not limiting. An example of a device may be, for example, a printer that only performs print processing, or an image forming device other than a multifunction peripheral. Furthermore, an example of a terminal operated by an administrator of information processing system 100 is not limited to a PC, but may be a terminal such as a smartphone, or any other device capable of communication.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the export data is generated by the export device 200, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the export data may be generated by the PC 400 or the import devices 300, 310, and 320.

[0135] In addition, in the above embodiment, a "script" was used as an example of a "command," but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to a "script," and any format that can be interpreted by the import devices 300, 310, and 320 may be used.

[0136] In the third embodiment, the script is generated according to the usage status of the paper and trays of the export device 200, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the script may be generated according to the hardware configuration of the export device 200, such as the installed options, or the script may be generated according to both the usage status and the hardware configuration of the export device 200.

[0137] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0138] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by a single processor but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0139] Furthermore, the program for realizing the embodiment of the present invention can be provided not only by communication means but also by being stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0140] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0141] <Additional Notes> The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0142] (((1))) at least one processor; The processor: An information processing system in which setting information input to a second device to reflect settings in a first device in the second device includes instructions that change setting values ​​in accordance with conditions applied to the first device.

[0143] (((2))) The processor: The information processing system according to (((1))) causes the first device to perform a process of outputting the setting information including the command.

[0144] (((3))) The processor: causing the first device to read out an operation history related to settings of the first device; The information processing system according to (((1))) or (((2))) generates the command based on the contents of the read operation history.

[0145] (((4))) The processor: An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to ((3))), which causes a second device to perform a process of receiving the setting information including the command, and updates the setting of the second device based on the setting information including the received command.

[0146] (((5))) The processor: One of the instructions can be selected from a plurality of the instructions; The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to ((4))), wherein the selected command is included in the setting information.

[0147] (((6))) The processor: The information processing system according to (((5))) displays a selection screen on which the plurality of commands can be selected.

[0148] (((7))) The processor: When a request to output setting information of the first device is received, The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to ((6))) generates the command in accordance with device information relating to the first device.

[0149] (((8))) The information processing system according to ((7)), wherein the device information is at least one of a usage status and a hardware configuration of the first device.

[0150] (((9))) The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((8))), wherein the command is a command indicating permission to use print output and external transmission, and the setting value indicates whether or not the permission to use is granted.

[0151] (((10))) The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((9))), wherein the command is a command indicating a transition time of a power consumption mode, and the setting value indicates a maximum value or a minimum value.

[0152] (((11))) An information processing method for performing processing in which setting information input to a second device in order to reflect settings in a first device in the second device includes instructions that change setting values ​​in accordance with conditions applied to the first device.

[0153] (((12))) On the computer, In order to reflect the settings in a first device in another second device, a process is executed in which setting information to be input to the second device includes an instruction to change a setting value according to a condition applied to the first device. Information processing program.

[0154] The effects of the configuration described above will be described below.

[0155] According to the information processing system (((1))), even if the setting information is not compatible between the exporting device and the importing device, it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects the setting intention.

[0156] According to the information processing system (((2))), the first device can output the setting information after including an instruction.

[0157] According to the information processing system (((3))), a command is generated based on the operation history related to the settings, so that the second device can receive the setting information of the first device that more closely reflects the setting intention.

[0158] According to the information processing system (((4))), it is possible to make the second device perform settings that reflect the setting intention of the first device.

[0159] According to the information processing system of (((5))), it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects the setting intention of a selector such as a device administrator.

[0160] According to the information processing system (((6))), a command can be selected on the selection screen.

[0161] According to the information processing system of (((7))), it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects the setting intention according to the device.

[0162] According to the information processing system of (((8))), it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects the setting intention according to the device status.

[0163] According to the information processing system (((9))), it is possible to transmit and receive setting information including settings according to purpose.

[0164] According to the information processing system of (((10))), it is possible to transmit and receive setting information including settings according to purpose.

[0165] According to the information processing method (((11))), even if the setting information is not compatible between the exporting device and the importing device, it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects the setting intention.

[0166] According to the information processing program (((12))), even if the setting information is not compatible between the exporting device and the importing device, it is possible to transmit and receive setting information that reflects the setting intention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 100 Information Processing Systems 110 Local Network 200 Export Machine 201 Communications Department 202 Export Control Section 203 Setting information storage unit 204 Settings menu section 205 UI control section 206 Control Bus 300 Imported Machine 301 Communications Department 302 Import control section 303 Setting information storage unit 306 Control Bus 310 Imported Machine 320 Imported Machine 400 PC 410 Export Instruction Screen 411 Checkbox 412 Text Box 413 Start button 414 Back button 420 Import Instruction Screen 430 Export Instruction Screen 431 "Yes" button 432 "No" button 440 Export Instruction Screen 441 Checkbox 500 Menu 501 Spin Button 502 slots 503 OK button 504 Cancel button 510 Menu 511 "Set Maximum Value" key 512 "Set minimum value" key 513 Cancel button 514 "Select number on next screen" key 520 Menu 530 Menu 531 Checkboxes 540 Menu< / pc>

Claims

1. at least one processor; The processor: An information processing system in which setting information input to a second device to reflect settings in a first device in the second device includes instructions for changing setting values ​​in accordance with conditions applied to the first device.

2. The processor: The information processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising causing the first device to perform a process of outputting the setting information including the command.

3. The processor: causing the first device to read out an operation history related to settings of the first device; 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the command is generated based on the contents of the read operation history.

4. The processor: The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the second device is caused to perform a process of receiving the setting information including the command, and the setting of the second device is updated based on the setting information including the received command.

5. The processor: One of the instructions can be selected from a plurality of the instructions; 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the selected command is included in the setting information.

6. The processor: The information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein a selection screen is displayed on which the plurality of commands can be selected.

7. The processor: When a request to output setting information of the first device is received, The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the command is generated in response to device information relating to the first device.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7 , wherein the device information is at least one of a usage status and a hardware configuration of the first device.

9. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the command is a command indicating permission for use of print output and external transmission, and the setting value indicates whether or not the permission for use is valid.

10. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the command indicates a time period for transitioning to a power consumption mode, and the set value indicates a maximum value or a minimum value.

11. An information processing method that performs processing in which setting information input to a second device in order to reflect settings in a first device in the second device includes instructions that change setting values ​​in accordance with conditions applied to the first device.

12. On the computer, In order to reflect the settings in a first device in another second device, a process is executed in which setting information input to the second device includes an instruction to change a setting value according to a condition applied to the first device. Information processing program.

Images