Information processing device and setting method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that requires initial settings but improves usability of the initial settings.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a display unit; a storage unit that associates a setting item with a setting value and stores it; and a control unit that acquires the setting value corresponding to the setting item from an external storage unit to set it to the setting value stored in the storage unit. The control unit displays a setting screen for setting an unset setting value on the display unit in a case where the setting value corresponding to a specific setting item among the setting items stored in the storage unit is unset.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, an information processing device is known that notifies the result of importing setting values ​​if the setting values ​​of the firmware before import have not changed to appropriate setting values ​​after specific setting values ​​have been set in updated firmware. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2018-063587 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device or the like that improves the usability of initial setup for an information processing device that requires initial setup, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device of the present disclosure comprises a display unit, a memory unit that stores setting items and setting values ​​in association with each other, and a control unit that acquires setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items from an external storage device and sets the setting values ​​stored in the memory unit, and when the setting value corresponding to a specific setting item among the setting items stored in the memory unit has not been set, the control unit displays a setting screen on the display unit for setting the unset setting value.

[0006] The setting method disclosed herein includes a display step, a storage step for storing setting items and setting values ​​in association with each other, and a control step for acquiring setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items from an external storage device and setting the setting values ​​stored in the storage step, and in the control step, if the setting value corresponding to a specific setting item among the setting items stored in the storage step has not been set, a setting screen is displayed in the display step for setting the unset setting value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, for example, it is possible to provide an information processing device or the like that improves the usability of the initial settings for an information processing device that requires initial settings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of system setting information, FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of job setting information, and FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of main processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the flow of an unconfigured determination process in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a software configuration in a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of non-recommended setting information in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a non-recommended determination process in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a software configuration in a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a password judgment process in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Generally, an information processing apparatus executes various settings of the information processing apparatus in a control unit. The control unit stores information for executing the various settings in a storage unit as setting information. The information processing apparatus can be provided in various devices, but can also be provided in devices that execute processing based on many settings, such as image forming apparatuses such as MFPs (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Products). In an image forming apparatus that includes an information processing apparatus, a user needs to perform many settings as initial settings when the image forming apparatus is first started up, such as in a factory default state.

[0010] It is a burden for the user to configure many settings like this. However, the user can, for example, store the configuration information of an existing image forming device in an external storage device and load it into a newly purchased image forming device to perform initial setup. By performing initial setup via import in this way, the user can easily complete the initial setup.

[0011] However, it is often the case that the image forming apparatus cannot correctly reflect the setting information imported from the external storage device due to differences in model or version, for example. Furthermore, problems such as missing required settings or setting unrecommended settings can occur when only the setting information imported from the external storage device is used. For example, if the image forming apparatus notifies the user that there is a problem with the imported setting information, the user must check each notification one by one. Here, for example, if the user overlooks the notification, there is a problem in that setting is missed or unrecommended settings are used.

[0012] An information processing device that solves these problems will be described below with reference to the following embodiments. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the invention described in the claims, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the following embodiments.

[0013] [1. First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described below. Note that the first embodiment will be described using the following as an example. In the following embodiment, a case will be described in which an information processing device of the present disclosure is applied to an image forming device, but the information processing device can also be applied to devices other than image forming devices.

[0014] [1.1 Overall System] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1 including an image forming apparatus 10 and an external storage device 20. As shown in FIG.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a device called a multifunction peripheral or an MFP. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job (print job), it can form an image on a recording medium, such as paper. The image forming apparatus 10 can execute jobs for a plurality of processes, such as copy processing, fax processing, scan processing, and print processing. The image forming apparatus 10 has an I / F (Interface) unit 180, and can be connected to various external devices via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port or the like.

[0016] The external storage device 20 may be a removable storage such as a USB memory, a portable HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a portable SSD (Solid State Drive). The external storage device 20 utilizes a standard available as a storage bus, such as USB, Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment), or NVMHCI (Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface), and is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 by being inserted into a USB port, for example, if the external storage device 20 is a USB memory.

[0017] Furthermore, the network (NW) connecting the image forming device 10 may be any communication line or communication system, such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network), the Internet, a public line network, mobile communications (e.g., mobile communications such as 4G / 5G / 6G), or a next-generation telephone network.

[0018] [1.2 Hardware Configuration] The hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to the drawings as a representative apparatus among the apparatuses included in the system 1. FIG.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 has a control unit 100, a storage 110 as a storage device (storage unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 120, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, an image forming unit 160, an image reading unit 165, a communication unit 170, and an I / F unit 180.

[0020] The control unit 100 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in a storage device (for example, storage 110 or ROM 120). The control unit 100 may be realized by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units), SoCs (System on a Chip)). The control unit 100 may also be configured by one or more control circuits.

[0021] The storage 110 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing programs and data. For example, the storage 110 may be configured as one or more storage devices such as an HDD or an SSD. The storage 110 may also be configured as an external storage device such as a USB memory that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10. The storage 110 may also be a storage area on the cloud, for example.

[0022] The ROM 120 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0023] The RAM 130 is a main memory that is mainly used when the control unit 100 executes processing. The RAM 130 is a rewritable memory that temporarily stores programs read from the storage 110 or the ROM 120, and data including results of the execution of processing.

[0024] The display unit 140 is a display device capable of displaying various types of information and various screens such as an execution screen. The display unit 140 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, an electrophoretic display, or other display device. The display unit 140 also includes an interface to which a display device can be connected. For example, the display unit 140 may be configured as an external display device connected via an HDMI (registered trademark) High-Definition Multimedia Interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or a Display Port.

[0025] The operation unit 150 is an operation device that can accept operation input from a user. For example, it may be software keys displayed on a touch panel integrated with the display unit 140, or hardware keys such as operation buttons. The operation unit 150 may also be an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The operation unit 150 may also include an interface (e.g., USB) to which an operation device can be connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be connected to a different operation device (e.g., a keyboard or a mouse) via an interface.

[0026] The image forming unit 160 forms an image, for example, on recording paper. The image forming unit 160 includes, for example, an image carrier, and forms a toner image on the image carrier and transfers the toner image on the image carrier onto recording paper to form an image. The image forming unit 160 may be configured as an image forming device such as a printer. The image forming unit 160 may also form an image electronically as an image file.

[0027] Image reading unit 165 reads an original (image) and outputs it as image data. Image reading unit 165 is, for example, a scanner, and may be a reading device using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor.

[0028] The communication unit 170 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, it may be a network interface that can provide a wired connection or a wireless connection. In this embodiment, communication with other devices is possible via a network NW.

[0029] The I / F unit 180 is an external bus interface that connects to various external devices. For example, it may be a serial bus interface or a multi-bus interface that can connect to the external storage device 20, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. In this embodiment, it can be connected to the external storage device 20 via a USB port.

[0030] The external storage device 20 is a general external storage device such as a USB memory, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the external storage device 20 includes at least a control unit, a memory unit (storage, ROM, RAM), and an I / F unit.

[0031] [1.3 Software Configuration] The main software configuration of each device included in the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(a) is a diagram showing the software configuration of the image forming device 10, and Fig. 3(b) is a diagram explaining the main software configuration of the external storage device 20. Note that the software configuration shown in Fig. 3 mainly describes the configuration required in this embodiment, and other configurations are omitted.

[0032] [1.3.1 Image forming device] First, a description will be given of the main software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the control unit 100 can realize an unconfigured determination unit 1010, an external storage device connection determination unit 1020, an import execution determination unit 1030, and a job execution unit 1035 by reading and executing programs stored in the memory unit (storage 110, ROM 120).

[0033] The non-setting determination unit 1010 determines, for example, whether a setting value corresponding to a setting item has not been set. Here, "not set" means, for example, that the setting value has not been changed from its initial value. The non-setting determination unit 1010 may determine that a setting value has not been set in the following cases, for example. - When a setting value that indicates no setting, such as "null", is stored If the setting value is the initial value (default setting value) When the setting value included in the setting information acquired from the external storage device 20 has not been changed from the initial value

[0034] The external storage device connection determination unit 1020 determines, for example, whether or not the external storage device 20 is connected to the I / F unit 180. For example, the external storage device connection determination unit 1020 may determine that the external storage device 20 is connected when it receives a signal from the I / F unit 180. Furthermore, the external storage device connection determination unit 1080 may determine that the connection of the external storage device 20 has been released (disconnected), or may determine that the external storage device 20 is not connected.

[0035] The import execution determination unit 1030 determines, for example, whether the user has selected to execute the import. Here, executing the import refers to the image forming apparatus 10 reflecting the setting information acquired from the external storage device 20 via the I / F unit 180 in the setting information of the image forming apparatus 10. The import execution determination unit 1030 may, for example, display a display screen (import execution screen) that allows the user to select whether to execute the import and inquires about the execution of the import, and determine whether to execute the import.

[0036] The job execution unit 1035 executes various jobs. For example, the job execution unit 1035 can execute various jobs such as a copy job, a scan job, and a print job. When the job execution unit 1035 executes a job, it can set initial settings for job execution by referring to the job setting information storage area 1120. Furthermore, the job execution unit 1035 stores the settings for executing the job in the job execution setting information storage area 1125 as job execution setting information.

[0037] The storage 110 also reserves an area for a setting information storage area 1105 that stores setting information. The setting information storage area 1105 stores setting information that indicates the settings of the image forming apparatus 10. The setting information includes system setting information, which is information on settings related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 10, and job setting information, which is information on initial settings for job execution when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job. The system setting information is stored in an area in the system setting information storage area 1110, and the job setting information is stored in an area in the job setting information storage area 1120.

[0038] Here, the system setting information includes information that is referenced when the image forming apparatus 10 operates, such as the model name, date and time, settings related to security (e.g., encryption method for wireless LAN, etc.) and network (e.g., information such as IP address and gateway address), administrator password, and paper feed tray settings. Examples of setting information for operating the image forming apparatus 10 may include setting information for power saving settings, language settings, and display brightness. The system setting information may further include attribute information.

[0039] 4(a) will be used to explain an example of the system setting information stored in the system setting information storage area 1110. The system setting information storage area 1110 stores a setting item (e.g., "administrator password"), a setting value (e.g., "null"), and an attribute (e.g., "TRUE") of the system setting information of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0040] Here, the attribute indicates whether the setting item is a "specific setting item" or something else. For example, the attribute may store "TRUE" if it indicates a specific setting item, or "FALSE" if it indicates something other than a "specific setting item." Here, the specific setting item may be, for example, a required item, which is a setting item that is essential for the image forming apparatus 10. A required item is a setting item that is necessary for the image forming apparatus 10 to operate.

[0041] Specific examples of required items may be setting items such as destination setting, date setting, network setting, administrator password, language setting, etc. Furthermore, although the setting value of the administrator password is set to null, for example, a default value may be set, or "0" may be stored as a value indicating that the password is not set.

[0042] Furthermore, the job setting information is, for example, initial setting information when the job execution unit 1035 of the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job. Specifically, it is initial setting information that is referenced when executing each job such as a copy job, a fax job, a scan job, or a print job, and stores setting items and setting values. An example of job setting information for a copy job is setting information such as paper size, copy magnification, and color / monochrome. Also, for a fax job, setting information is setting information such as resolution, communication speed, communication method, and the name and telephone number of the sender.

[0043] 4(b), an example of job setting information stored in the job setting information storage area 1120 will be described. The setting items (e.g., "monochrome / color") and setting values ​​(e.g., "color") of the job setting information of the image forming apparatus 10 are stored.

[0044] The job execution setting information storage area 1125 stores setting values ​​that the job execution unit 1035 sets when executing a job. For example, the job execution unit 1035 sets initial values ​​based on the setting values ​​of the job settings included in the setting information read from the job setting information storage area 1120, and stores the setting values ​​at the time of job execution together with the setting values ​​of the job settings set by the user in the job execution setting information storage area 1125. The job execution setting information may remain the setting values ​​stored in the job setting information, which are the initial values, or may be setting values ​​changed by the user, or may be setting values ​​newly set by the user.

[0045] [1.3.2 External storage device] Next, the main software configuration of the external storage device 20 will be described.

[0046] The storage unit of the external storage device 20 secures a setting information storage area 2110 for storing setting information. Here, the setting information is information including, for example, system setting information and job setting information that can be used by the image forming device 10, and stores setting items, setting values, and types.

[0047] An example of the setting information stored in the setting information storage area 2110 will now be described with reference to Fig. 4(c). The area stores setting items (e.g., "administrator password") that can be used in the image forming apparatus 10, setting values ​​(e.g., "admin"), and types (e.g., "system"). Here, the type may be information including, for example, "system" indicating that the information is system setting information and "job" indicating that the information is job setting information.

[0048] In this embodiment, the type indicating that the information is job setting information is "job," but for example, "copy," "fax," "scan," or "print" may be set for each job. The setting information storage area 2110 only needs to include at least setting values, such as a fixed-length data file, and may store setting items as needed. The setting information may be stored in a markup language such as XML. In this case, the setting information may store type information using attribute tags.

[0049] [1.4 Processing flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Note that each component described in Figure 2 or 3 may execute the processing of each step.

[0050] [1.4.1 Main Processing] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of the main processing of this embodiment.

[0051] First, the control unit 100 determines whether the external storage device 20 is connected (S102). If the control unit 100 determines that the external storage device 20 is connected, it acquires setting information from the external storage device 20 (S102; Yes→S104).

[0052] Next, the control unit 100 displays an import execution screen (S106), and then the control unit 100 determines whether or not to execute the import (S108).

[0053] Here, when the control unit 100 determines to execute the import, it reflects the setting information acquired from the external storage device 20 in the setting information stored in the setting information storage area 1105 (S108; Yes → S110). Here, the control unit 100 reads out the setting items stored in the system setting information storage area 1110 or the job setting information storage area 1120 based on the type (e.g., "system") stored in the acquired setting information. Next, the control unit 100 stores (reflects) the setting values ​​included in the acquired setting information in the setting items stored in the setting information storage area 1105 that match the setting items (e.g., "administrator password") stored in the acquired setting information.

[0054] Here, the control unit 100 may not store (reflect) the setting values ​​included in the acquired setting information in the setting information storage area 1105, for example, if there is an error in the setting values ​​included in the acquired setting information (for example, if the data type does not match, the setting value is an unsupported setting value, or the setting value is for an unavailable configuration).

[0055] Next, the control unit 100 executes import from the external storage device 20 to reflect the setting information, and then executes the non-setting determination process of FIG. 6 (S112).

[0056] If the control unit 100 determines that the external storage device 20 is not connected (S102; No) or that the import is not to be executed (S108; No), the control unit 100 displays an initial setting screen (S118).

[0057] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether to set only the required items or all the setting items in the initial setting (S120). The control unit 100 may make the determination based on, for example, a selection operation by the user. For example, when the control unit 100 determines that only the required items among the setting items are to be set, it executes a non-setting determination process (S120; Yes→S112).

[0058] On the other hand, when it is determined that all of the setting items are to be set, the control unit 100 executes an initial setting process (S120; No→S122). In the initial setting process, the control unit 100 displays the setting items on the display unit each time, and prompts the user to input setting values. The initial setting process may be realized, for example, by a wizard screen or the like for performing initial setting.

[0059] The control unit 100 stores the input setting values ​​as setting information in the setting information storage area 1105 (the system setting information in the system setting information storage area 1110 and / or the job setting information storage area 1120).

[0060] Next, the control unit 100 executes an unset determination process to determine whether or not there are any setting items that have not been set among the required setting items that have been set in the initial setting process (S122→S112).

[0061] [1.4.2 Unconfigured Detector Processing] 6 is a diagram showing a flow of the non-setting determination process of this embodiment. The control unit 100 reads out setting items from the setting information stored in the setting information storage area 1105 (S142). The control unit 100 may read out, for example, information on setting items, setting values, and attributes stored in the setting information storage area 1105. Specifically, the control unit 100 may read out setting items from, for example, the system setting information storage area 1110 or the job setting information storage area 1120 as the setting information storage area 1105.

[0062] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the read setting item is a required item (S144). For example, if the attribute read from the setting information storage area 1105 (for example, the system setting information in the system setting information storage area) is "TRUE," the control unit 100 determines that the corresponding setting item is a required item.

[0063] If the control unit 100 determines that the read setting item is a required item, it determines whether or not the setting value of the setting item has not been set (S144; Yes→S146). If the control unit 100 determines that the read setting item is not a required item, it proceeds to step S152 (S144; No→S152) which will be described later.

[0064] If the control unit 100 determines that the setting value of the required setting item has not been set, it displays a message to that effect (S146; Yes → S148). Here, the control unit 100 displays, for example, an input screen for inputting the setting value that has not been set. Note that if the control unit 100 determines that the setting value of the required setting item has not been set, it proceeds to step S152, which will be described later (S146; No → S152).

[0065] Next, the control unit 100 accepts the setting of the setting value input in S148 (S150). As a result, the control unit 100 stores (stores) the input setting value in the setting value corresponding to the setting item in the setting information storage area 1105.

[0066] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether there are any setting items that can be read (S152). When there are no more setting items that can be read, the control unit 100 ends the unset determination process (S152; No). On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that there are any setting items that can be read, it reads the next setting item (S152; Yes → S154).

[0067] [1.5 Example of operation] 7 and 8 are diagrams showing examples of display screens including messages displayed to the user as a result of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0068] (Screen description) 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W100 displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10. The display screen W100 is an example of a display screen when, for example, the external storage device 20 is connected and setting information stored in the external storage device 20 can be imported when the image forming apparatus 10 is first started up in a factory-shipped state.

[0069] Display screen W100 displays a message M100 stating, "You can import the settings. Do you want to import them?". Display screen W100 also displays a Yes button B100 and a No button B102. The Yes button B100 is a button for instructing the execution of importing the setting information stored in external storage device 20 to image forming device 10, and the No button B102 is a button for canceling the execution of importing the setting information stored in external storage device 20 to image forming device 10. When the Yes button B100 is selected, the import of the setting information is started, and when the No button B102 is selected, display screen W108 (initial wizard execution screen) of FIG. 8(a) described below is displayed.

[0070] 7(b) and 7(c) are diagrams showing examples of initial setting screens (display screens) displayed to a user when image forming apparatus 10 performs initial setting. FIG. 7(b) is an example of a display screen W102 for setting a language, displaying a message M102 saying, "Please select a language." Furthermore, display screen W102 displays, for example, a language setting input form F100 from which a language setting can be selected. For example, control unit 100 displays language setting input form F100 in a pull-down menu so that languages ​​such as English, Chinese, and Korean can be selected in addition to Japanese. Display screen W102 also displays a Next button B104. Next button B104 is a button for instructing the display of the next (next) display screen. When Next button B104 is selected, for example, display screen W104 shown in FIG. 7(c) (described later) is displayed.

[0071] FIG. 7(c) is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen (display screen) displayed on the display unit 140 when the image forming apparatus 10 performs initial setting. FIG. 7(c) is an example of a display screen W104 for setting an administrator password, and displays a message M104 saying, "Please set an administrator password." The display screen W104 also displays, for example, an administrator password input form F102 in which the administrator password can be entered. The display screen W104 also displays a next button B104 and a back button B106. The next button B104 is a button for instructing the display of the next (next) display screen, and the back button B106 is a button for instructing the display of the previous display screen. When the next button B104 is selected, for example, the display screen W106 shown in FIG. 7(d), which will be described later, is displayed. When the back button B106 is selected, for example, the display screen W102 shown in FIG. 7(b) is displayed.

[0072] 7(d) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W106 displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10. The display screen W106 is an operation screen that is normally displayed by the image forming apparatus 10, and allows the selection of a function (mode) related to job execution. The display screen W106 is also an example of a home screen (display screen) that is displayed when the initial settings of the image forming apparatus 10 are completed.

[0073] An area R100 of the display screen W106 displays icons for selecting functions (modes) related to the execution of various jobs, such as copy, fax, scan, etc. The display screen W106 is, for example, a home screen that is displayed on the display unit 140 when the initial settings are completed.

[0074] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W108 displayed on the display unit 140 when the image forming apparatus 10 performs initial settings. The display screen W108 is, for example, an example of a display screen displayed in S118 of FIG. 5. A message M106 saying "Run the initial wizard" is displayed on the display screen W108. The display screen W108 also displays an easy settings button B108 and a custom settings button B110. The easy settings button B108 is a button for instructing the execution of initial settings for some setting items (e.g., required setting items) that can be set in the initial settings. The custom settings button B110 is a button for instructing the execution of initial settings for more setting items (e.g., all setting items) that can be set in the initial settings than the easy settings. When the easy settings button B108 is selected, initial settings including, for example, language setting and administrator password setting are performed. When the custom settings button B110 is selected, initial settings including, for example, color setting in addition to language setting and administrator password setting are performed.

[0075] FIG. 8B shows an example of a setting screen (display screen) displayed on the display unit 140 when the image forming apparatus 10 performs initial settings. A message M108, "Please select color settings," is displayed. Furthermore, the display screen W110 displays, for example, a color setting input form F104 from which a color setting can be selected. When the user selects the color setting input form F104, the control unit 100 may, for example, display "monochrome" as an option in addition to color in a pull-down menu. Furthermore, the display screen W110 displays a next button B104 and a back button B106. The next button B104 is a button for instructing the display of the next (next) display screen, and the back button B106 is a button for instructing the display of the previous display screen. When the next button B104 is selected, for example, the display screen W106 shown in FIG. 7D is displayed. When the back button B106 is selected, for example, the display screen W108 shown in FIG. 8A is displayed.

[0076] (Example 1) As an operational example illustrating the first embodiment, a case where initial settings are performed for the following three setting items of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. Note that unless otherwise stated, the initial settings are performed under the same conditions throughout the operational example. Settings: "Language settings" Type: "System" Required: TRUE Default: "Japanese" Selectable settings: "Japanese", "English", "Chinese", "Korean", etc. Setting item: "Administrator password" Type: "System" Required: TRUE Initial value: "null" Setting item: "Monochrome / Color" Type: "Job" Default: "Color" Selectable settings: "Color" and "Monochrome"

[0077] Operation example 1 is an operation example in which setting information is not acquired from the external storage device 20. The user starts up the image forming apparatus 10 without connecting the external storage device 20. The control unit 100 first displays the display screen (initial setting screen) W108 of FIG. 8(a). When the user selects, for example, the Easy Setup button B108, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W102 of FIG. 7(b). When the user selects, for example, Japanese as the language setting in the language setting input form F100 and selects the Next button B104, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W104 of FIG. 7(c). Next, when the user enters, for example, “admin” as the administrator password in the administrator password input form F102 and selects the Next button B104, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W106 of FIG. 7(d). Note that when the user selects the Back button B106 in FIG. 7(c), the control unit 100 displays the display screen W102 of FIG. 7(b).

[0078] On the other hand, when the user selects the custom setting button B110 on the display screen W108 of Fig. 8(a), the control unit 100 displays the display screen W102 of Fig. 7(b) and the display screen W104 of Fig. 7(c), and then displays the display screen W110 of Fig. 8(b). When the user selects, for example, "Color" as the color setting in the color setting input form F104 and selects the Next button B104, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W106 of Fig. 7(d). Note that when the user selects the Back button B106 on Fig. 8(b), the control unit 100 displays the display screen W104 of Fig. 7(c).

[0079] In this way, when initial setup is performed without connecting the external storage device 20, the control unit 100 determines that the external storage device 20 is not connected and performs initial setup without importing. The control unit 100 displays an initial setup screen on the display unit 140. Note that the user may select, for example, to set only the required items. In this case, the control unit 100 performs initial setup only for the required items "Language Setting" and "Administrator Password" set to "TRUE," and determines that the settings for both "Language Setting" and "Administrator Password" are default values. The control unit 100 displays a dialog box to prompt the user to input settings for the required setting items determined to be unset. The control unit 100 stores "Japanese" as the setting value for the setting item "Language Setting" and stores "admin" as the setting value for the setting item "Administrator Password." Here, the control unit 100 stores the default value "Color" for the setting item "Monochrome / Color" and ends the initial setup.

[0080] (Example 2) Operation example 2 is an operation example in which "admin" is stored as the setting value for the setting item "administrator password" in the setting information of the external storage device 20, and "monochrome" is stored as the setting value for the setting item "monochrome / color."

[0081] In this case, the setting information of the external storage device 20 does not include a setting value for the setting item "language setting," which is a required setting item for the image forming device 10. Therefore, even if the setting information is imported from the external storage device 20 during the initial setting process of the image forming device 10, the setting value for "language setting" is not set, even though it is a required setting item.

[0082] Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 displays Fig. 7(b) to prompt the user to set the setting value for "language setting." Furthermore, in the second operation example, the image forming apparatus 10 can complete the initial setting process without displaying the setting screen (Figs. 7(c) and 8(b)) including the setting items whose setting values ​​are reflected by having already been imported.

[0083] (Example 3) Operation example 3 is an operation example in which "Japanese" is stored as the setting value for the setting item "language setting" in the setting information, and "admin" is stored as the setting value for the setting item "administrator password."

[0084] In this case, the setting information of the external storage device 20 includes all setting values ​​of setting items that are required by the image forming device 10. Therefore, the image forming device 10 imports the setting information from the external storage device 20, and the required setting values ​​are stored (reflected) in the setting information storage area 1105. Therefore, in the third operation example, the image forming device 10 can complete the initial setting process without displaying the setting screens (FIGS. 7(b), 7(c), and 8(b)) during the process.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the setting information acquired from the external storage device 20 includes system setting information and job setting information. However, for example, the setting information acquired from the external storage device 20 may include only system setting information.

[0086] 5 after S112. In this case, the setting information acquired from the external storage device 20 is stored in, for example, XML, and the control unit 100 acquires the setting information having attribute information related to the required items as attribute tags and temporarily stores the acquired setting information in the storage 110. Next, the control unit 100 executes the process of S112, and reflects the setting information acquired from the external storage device 20 in place of the setting information stored in the system setting information storage area 1110, thereby enabling the processing of S106 to S110 in the operation flow of FIG. 5 to be executed after S112.

[0087] [1.6 Effects, etc.] In this way, the control unit 100 determines which setting information items are required. Then, the control unit 100 determines whether the setting items determined to be required items have not been set. The control unit 100 notifies the user when the above two determinations are met. Since other notifications are considered to be of low importance, the control unit 100 does not notify the user. This allows the user to check only the notifications that are necessary, thereby reducing the effort required for checking. Furthermore, the user is less likely to overlook notifications, which prevents the user from missing required items.

[0088] Furthermore, if a USB memory or the like storing setting information (e.g., an import file) is inserted into the device at the time of initial startup, the user imports the setting information before displaying an initial setup screen such as a settings screen. The control unit 100 can change the initial setup screen to be displayed depending on the contents of the import, thereby reducing the user's operation time and preventing omission of setting required items. If the setting value of a required item has already been set by importing, the setting item can be skipped (omitted) on the initial setup screen, thereby reducing the user's operation time.

[0089] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below. The second embodiment is an embodiment that can notify the user when non-recommended setting values ​​are included in the setting information.

[0090] In the second embodiment, explanations of the same hardware and software configurations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0091] [2.1 Software Configuration] The main software configuration of each device in the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the image forming device 10. Note that the software configuration shown in Fig. 9 mainly describes the configuration required in this embodiment, and other configurations are omitted.

[0092] [2.1.1 Image forming device] First, we will explain the main software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 can realize a setting information determination unit 1040 by reading and executing a program stored in a memory unit (storage 110, ROM 120).

[0093] The setting information determination unit 1040, for example, determines whether or not a non-recommended setting value is stored among the setting values ​​corresponding to a setting item stored in the setting information storage area 1105, by comparing the setting values ​​with the setting values ​​stored in the non-recommended setting information storage area 1130. Here, a non-recommended setting value is, for example, a non-recommended setting value that is not recommended for a setting item from a security standpoint. Examples of non-recommended setting values ​​include setting values ​​that comply with old standards and setting values ​​in which vulnerabilities have been discovered.

[0094] The storage 110 stores the non-recommended setting values ​​for the above-mentioned setting items in the non-recommended setting information storage area 1130 as non-recommended setting information.

[0095] An example of non-recommended setting information stored in the non-recommended setting information storage area 1130 will now be described with reference to Fig. 10. The non-recommended setting information storage area 1130 stores a setting item (e.g., "TLS1.0 communication permitted") and a non-recommended setting value (e.g., "Yes") based on the setting information of the image forming apparatus 10. The non-recommended setting information storage area 1130 may also store a recommended setting value (e.g., "No") as necessary. Note that one or more values ​​may be stored for each setting value.

[0096] [2.2 Processing flow] [2.2.1 Deprecation Determination Process] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the non-recommended setting determination process in this embodiment. Fig. 11 shows the process executed after S112 in Fig. 5 of the first embodiment. By executing this process, the control unit 100 determines whether any of the setting values ​​set in the setting information is a non-recommended setting value. If any of the setting values ​​is a non-recommended setting value, the control unit 100 displays a warning or changes the non-recommended setting value to a recommended setting value. An example will be described below.

[0097] First, the control unit 100 reads out the setting information stored in the setting information storage area 1105 (S202). The control unit 100 determines whether the setting value of the setting item included in the setting information is a non-recommended setting value (S208).

[0098] Here, the control unit 100 may use the following method to determine whether the setting value of the setting item included in the setting information is a non-recommended setting value.

[0099] First, the control unit 100 reads out the non-recommended setting information from the non-recommended setting information storage area 1130.

[0100] Next, for example, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the setting items included in the setting information read in S202 are included in the setting items of the non-recommended setting information by comparison.

[0101] When the control unit 100 determines that the setting information contains a setting item included in non-recommended setting information, the control unit 100 determines whether the setting value is a non-recommended setting value using the setting information determination unit 1140. For example, the control unit 100 may determine that the setting value of a setting item in the setting information is a non-recommended setting value when the setting value included in the setting information matches the non-recommended setting value included in the non-recommended setting information. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may determine that the setting value is a non-recommended setting value when a setting value different from the recommended setting value (a setting value that does not match the recommended setting value) is set for the setting item.

[0102] If the control unit 100 determines that the setting value of the setting information is a non-recommended setting value, it notifies the user that the setting value is a non-recommended setting value and accepts a change of the setting value from the user (S208; Yes → S210). Furthermore, the control unit 100 may display, as a setting screen for setting (changing) the setting value, a display screen on the display unit 140 as a change confirmation screen, which allows the setting value to be changed to one including the recommended setting value read from the non-recommended setting information storage area 1130, for example.

[0103] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether an operation to change the setting value of the setting information to a recommended setting value has been performed (S212). If the control unit 100 determines that an operation to change the setting value of the setting information to a recommended setting value has been performed, the control unit 100 changes the setting value of the setting information to the recommended setting value included in the non-recommended setting information (S212; Yes → S214).

[0104] If the control unit 100 determines that an operation has been performed that does not change the setting value of the setting information to the recommended setting value, it displays a warning screen (display screen) including a notification that the setting value is not recommended (S212; No → S218).

[0105] Next, the control unit 100, for example, again accepts the setting change and determines whether or not to change the setting value to the recommended setting value (S220). If the setting value is to be changed to the recommended setting value, the control unit 100 changes the setting value to the recommended setting value (S220; Yes→S214).

[0106] If it is determined that the setting value is not a non-recommended setting value (S208; No), or if an operation that does not change the setting value to a recommended setting value has been performed (S220; No), the control unit 100 determines whether there are any setting items that can be read (S216). Here, the control unit 100 may perform a determination similar to that of S152 in the non-setting determination process, for example.

[0107] If the control unit 100 determines that there is a setting item that can be read, it reads the setting information, for example, the next setting item that has not been read from the setting information storage area 1105 (S216; Yes → S222). If the control unit 100 determines that there is no setting item that can be read, it ends the initial setting process (S216; No).

[0108] Note that the above-described operation flow is an example, and some of the processing may be performed differently. For example, in this embodiment, the processing is performed after the processing of S112, but the order of the flow may be changed and the processing may be performed before S112.

[0109] [2.3 Example of operation] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen including a message displayed to the user as a result of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0110] 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams showing examples of display screens displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10. The display screen W200 in Fig. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of a change confirmation screen (display screen) including a message that is displayed to the user when, for example, the setting information stored in the external storage device 20 includes an unrecommended setting value.

[0111] The display screen W200 displays a message M200 stating, "TLS 1.0 communication permission is set to the non-recommended "Yes." Would you like to change it to the recommended setting of "No?"" Additionally, the display screen W200 displays a Yes button B200 and a No button B202.

[0112] If the user selects the Yes button B200, the control unit 100 stores "No" as the setting value for the setting item "TLS1.0 communication permission" stored in the system setting information storage area 1110, and if there are other non-recommended setting values, for example, a display screen indicating that there are other non-recommended setting values ​​is displayed again. On the other hand, if the user selects the No button B202, the display screen W202 of FIG. 12(b) is displayed.

[0113] Display screen W202 in FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen. Display screen W202 displays a message M202 stating, "TLS 1.0 communication permission 'Yes' is a non-recommended setting. Would you like to change to the recommended setting?" Display screen W202 also displays a Yes button B200 and a No button B202. If the user selects the Yes button B200, the same processing as in FIG. 12(a) is executed. On the other hand, if the user selects the No button B202, for example, control unit 100 displays display screen W106, which is the home screen, if there are no other non-recommended setting values. Note that control unit 100 may repeatedly display the warning screen, for example, until the user changes the setting value to the recommended setting value.

[0114] [2.4 Effects, etc.] In this way, the control unit 100 determines whether the setting value is a non-recommended setting value. If the setting value is a non-recommended setting value, the control unit 100 notifies the user and displays a change confirmation screen that allows the user to change the setting value to a recommended setting value. This prevents the user from unknowingly applying (setting) a non-recommended setting value or operating the image forming apparatus with the non-recommended setting value. Therefore, for example, if the non-recommended setting value is a value that is not recommended from a security standpoint, the image forming apparatus is not exposed to security threats.

[0115] 3. Third Embodiment The third embodiment will be described below. This embodiment is capable of determining whether the password in the acquired setting information is a non-recommended setting value that does not satisfy the password policy, and of confirming the acquired password with the user.

[0116] In the third embodiment, the description of the same hardware and software configurations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0117] [3.1 Software Configuration] The main software configuration of each device in the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the image forming device 10. Note that the software configuration shown in Fig. 13 mainly describes the configuration required in this embodiment, and other configurations are omitted.

[0118] [3.1.1 Image forming device] First, we will explain the main software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the control unit 100 can realize a password policy determination unit 1050 by reading and executing a program stored in a memory unit (storage 110, ROM 120).

[0119] The password policy determination unit 1050 determines whether the setting values ​​of the password-related setting items satisfy the password policy. Here, the password policy is a condition for the characters that make up a password that is recommended from a security standpoint. For example, the password policy determination unit 1050 may determine that the setting values ​​satisfy the password policy in the following cases: The number of character types included in the setting value meets the specified number. For example, if the character type is set to include both alphabets and numbers and the setting value contains at least one alphabet and one number. The character length of the setting value is longer than the preset character length. For example, if the character length is set to 5 characters and the character length of the setting value is 6 characters or more. When the character types included in the setting value are characters that can be used by the image forming apparatus 10, for example, characters that do not include kanji characters or special characters

[0120] [3.2 Processing flow] 14 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the password judgment process in this embodiment. The password judgment process is executed after S112 in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.

[0121] First, the control unit 100 reads information on the setting item and the setting value of the administrator password from the setting items stored in the setting information storage area 1105 (S300).

[0122] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the administrator password has not been set (S302). The control unit 100 may make this determination by using the non-setting determination unit 1010 in the same manner as in S110, for example.

[0123] If the control unit 100 determines that the administrator password is not yet set, the password policy determination unit 1050 compares the password with the conditions (password policy) for the characters that make up the password and determines whether the password policy is met (S302; No → S304).

[0124] If it is determined that the password policy is not satisfied, the control unit 100 displays on the display unit 140 a display screen that includes a notice recommending a password change and allows the user to select whether to change the password (S304; No→S306).

[0125] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not to change the administrator password (S308). If the control unit 100 determines not to change the administrator password (S308; No), or if the control unit 100 determines that the password policy is satisfied (S304; Yes), the control unit 100 displays a confirmation input screen (display screen) on the display unit 140 where the user can input the administrator password, and accepts input from the user (S310).

[0126] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the passwords match (S312). For example, the control unit 100 compares the setting value of a setting item related to the administrator password with the value of the administrator password entered by the user on the confirmation input screen, and determines whether the two passwords match. If the control unit 100 determines that the passwords do not match, it displays a notice on the display unit 140 that the administrator passwords do not match (S312; No→S314).

[0127] Next, the control unit 100 displays a reset screen as a setting screen and accepts resetting (S316). Furthermore, if the control unit 100 determines that the administrator password should be changed, it displays the reset screen and accepts resetting (S308; Yes → S316). The control unit 100 displays, for example, a display screen on the display unit 140 as the reset screen, on which the user can input the administrator password. Here, when the user inputs the administrator password, the control unit 100 stores the administrator password input by the user as a setting value.

[0128] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the passwords match, it ends the password determination process (S312; Yes).

[0129] Note that the above-described operational flow is an example, and some different processing may be performed. In this embodiment, the operational flow of the password judgment processing in Fig. 14 has been described as processing executed after S112 in Fig. 5 of the first embodiment, but it may also be processing executed before S112 in Fig. 5, for example. Furthermore, the operational flow of the non-recommendation judgment processing in Fig. 11 of the second embodiment may be executed after the password judgment processing flow in Fig. 14 or between S112 and the operational flow of the password judgment processing in Fig. 14.

[0130] [3.3 Example of operation] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen including a message displayed to the user as a result of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0131] 15(a), 15(b), 15(c), and 15(d) are diagrams showing examples of display screens displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10. Display screen W300 in Fig. 15(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen including a message that is displayed to the user when, for example, the setting value of the administrator password included in the setting information stored in the external storage device 20 does not satisfy the password policy.

[0132] Display screen W300 displays message M300 stating, "The administrator password for the import file does not satisfy the password policy. Do you want to reset the administrator password?" Furthermore, display screen W300 displays a Yes button B300 and a No button B302. If the user selects the Yes button B300, control unit 100 displays display screen W306 of FIG. 15(d). On the other hand, if the user selects the No button B302, control unit 100 displays display screen W302 of FIG. 15(b).

[0133] 15(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen including a message that is displayed to the user when, for example, the administrator password setting value included in the setting information stored in the external storage device 20 satisfies the password policy. Display screen W302 displays a message M302 that reads, "Confirm administrator password. Please enter your password." Display screen W302 also displays an administrator password input form F300 in which the administrator password can be entered, and an OK button B304.

[0134] Here, the user enters the administrator password in the administrator password input form F300 and selects the OK button B304. If the administrator password entered by the user matches, for example, a setting value included in the setting information, and if a required item has not been set, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W106, which is the home screen. On the other hand, if the administrator password entered by the user does not match, for example, a setting value included in the setting information, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W304 of FIG. 15(c).

[0135] Display screen W304 in FIG. 15(c) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen including a message displayed to the user when, for example, the administrator password entered by the user does not match the setting value included in the setting information. Display screen W304 displays message M304 stating, "The administrator password in the import file does not match. The administrator password reset screen will be displayed." Furthermore, display screen W304 displays OK button B304. When the user selects OK button B304, control unit 100 displays display screen W306 in FIG. 15(d).

[0136] Display screen W306 in FIG. 15(d) is an example of a display screen containing a message that is displayed to the user when, for example, the administrator password entered by the user does not match the setting value included in the setting information, or when the user chooses to reset the administrator password.

[0137] The display screen W306 displays a message M306 saying "Please reset your administrator password." The display screen W306 also displays an administrator password input form F302 in which the administrator password can be entered, and a Next button B100. Here, the user enters the administrator password in the administrator password input form F302 and selects the Next button B100. For example, if the required items have not been set, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W106, which is the home screen.

[0138] In this embodiment, the password entered in each input form is hidden so that its details cannot be seen on the display screen (for example, by replacing it with "*"), but for example, the entered password may be displayed so that it can be seen on the display screen. Also, a switch button that allows the user to switch between displaying and hiding the password may be displayed on the display screen.

[0139] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the password policy for the administrator password is determined, but the present invention can also be applied to other passwords, for example.

[0140] [3.4 Effects, etc.] In this way, when storing a setting value such as a password, the control unit 100 can determine whether the password is an unrecommended setting value that does not satisfy the password policy. If the password does not satisfy the password policy, the control unit 100 notifies the user to that effect, so that the user will not unknowingly set a password that does not satisfy the password policy and operate the image forming apparatus with low security.

[0141] Furthermore, since the password can be re-entered for confirmation, the user can confirm the password stored in the setting information before setting it. For example, the user will no longer set an administrator password when they have forgotten it. The user will no longer have to re-run the initial settings or initialize the password because they have forgotten their password.

[0142] [4. Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope.

[0143] In the above-described embodiment, an image forming apparatus has been described as an example of an information processing apparatus. However, the information processing apparatus can also be applied to other devices. For example, examples of the information processing apparatus may include information processing apparatuses such as smartphones and tablets. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus may also be home appliances equipped with IoT functions (e.g., air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, etc.). Furthermore, the information processing apparatus is not limited to stationary devices, but may also be, for example, portable devices or in-vehicle devices. For example, the in-vehicle device may be a device such as a car navigation system.

[0144] Although the above-mentioned embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they can be combined to the extent possible. Furthermore, the present invention intends to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in the specification through amendments or divisional applications, etc.

[0145] In addition, the programs that run on each device in each embodiment are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0146] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc.

[0147] Furthermore, when distributing the program in the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server device is also included in the present disclosure.

[0148] Furthermore, the above-mentioned data may not be stored within the device, but may be stored in an external device and called up as needed. For example, the data may be stored in a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or on the cloud.

[0149] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the technologies disclosed in the specification. The configurations of the present disclosure for which a patent is sought are set forth in the appended claims, but it is not intended to exclude them from the technical scope on the grounds that they are not set forth in the claims.

[0150] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned specification, the statements "in the case of" and "when" are given as examples and are not intended to limit the configuration to the described contents. The disclosure also includes configurations that are not in these cases or situations, even if they would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them.

[0151] Furthermore, the order of the processes and data flow described in the specification is not limited to the order described. For example, the patent also discloses configurations in which some processes are deleted or the order is changed, and the patent holder intends to obtain rights to such configurations.

[0152] Furthermore, although the functions described in the embodiments are executed by each device, they may be realized by one device or may further utilize an external server.

[0153] Furthermore, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-described embodiments may be implemented or performed by an electrical circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The electrical circuit designed to perform the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electrical circuit may be composed of digital circuits or analog circuits. Furthermore, as advances in semiconductor technology emerge, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may utilize new integrated circuits based on that technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 10 Image forming device 20 External storage device 100 control section 110 Storage 120 ROM 130 RAM 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Image forming unit 165 Image reading unit 170 Communications Department 180 I / F section

Claims

1. A display unit; a storage unit that stores setting items and setting values ​​in association with each other; a control unit that acquires a setting value corresponding to the setting item from an external storage device and sets the setting value to the setting value stored in the storage unit; Preparation, When the setting value corresponding to a specific setting item among the setting items stored in the storage unit has not been set, the control unit displays a setting screen on the display unit for setting the setting value that has not been set. Information processing device.

2. The setting item further includes an attribute, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines that the setting item is a specific setting item based on the attribute, and displays the setting screen when the setting value corresponding to the specific setting item has not been set.

3. further comprising a job execution unit that executes a job, the setting items include system setting items that are setting items related to the system of the information processing device and job setting items that are setting items related to the job, The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines that a setting item corresponding to the system setting item is a required setting item based on the attribute, and displays the setting screen when the setting value corresponding to the required setting item has not been set.

4. the system setting items include at least a setting item related to either an administrator password setting item or a network setting item; The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit determines that the setting item of the administrator password and the setting item of the network are essential setting items.

5. the storage unit stores information about recommended setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items; 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein when the set setting values ​​include setting values ​​different from the recommended setting values, the control unit displays a setting screen on the display unit for setting the setting values ​​including the setting values ​​different from the recommended setting values.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit displays, as the setting screen, a confirmation screen that allows the user to change the set setting value from the set setting value to the recommended setting value.

7. the storage unit further stores information about non-recommended setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items; The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit displays the setting screen for a setting item whose setting value matches the non-recommended setting value.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines that the setting value is not set based on either a state in which the setting value is not stored or a state in which the setting value has not been changed from its initial value.

9. A display step; a storage step of storing the setting items and the setting values ​​in association with each other; a control step of acquiring a setting value corresponding to the setting item from an external storage device and setting the setting value to the setting value stored in the storage step; Including, In the control step, when the setting value corresponding to a specific setting item among the setting items stored in the storage step has not been set, the display step displays a setting screen for setting the setting value that has not been set. How to set it up.

Images