printer

Abstract

To provide a technique for reducing user's time and effort related to setting of a parameter in a printer capable of performing control based on the set parameter.SOLUTION: The MFP1 can store a parameter set including a plurality of parameters in the memory 12, and for example, in a state where the external function parameter set 31 and the setting parameter set 32 are stored in the memory 12 as an inactive parameter set that cannot be used for controlling the MFP1, when the activation instruction-data 502 including an activation command instructing activation of the parameter set is received from the instruction server 5 via the communication IF14, the inactive parameter set is set as an activated parameter set that can be used for controlling the MFP1. Thereafter, the MFP1 performs control according to the plurality of parameters included in the activated parameter set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to printers, and more particularly to a technique for setting parameters in a printer. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known printers that can accept parameter inputs and can be controlled based on the parameters set by the user. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer having an external function that executes a series of processes combining various processes by sequentially receiving and processing a plurality of instruction data, and that accepts input of a name, a URL, and execution conditions as parameters used for the external function, receives instruction data from a server based on the parameters set by the inputs, and performs processing according to the instruction data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-23311 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires that multiple parameters used for external functions be input and set in advance into the printer. Setting each parameter is time-consuming for the user, and there is room for improvement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A printer designed to solve the above-mentioned problems is a printer equipped with a communication interface and a memory, and is capable of storing a parameter set including a plurality of parameters in the memory.When an inactive parameter set, which is a parameter set that cannot be used to control the printer, is stored in the memory, and an activation command instructing the activation of the parameter set is received from an external device via the communication interface, the printer executes an activation process, which converts the inactive parameter set into an activated parameter set, which is a parameter set that can be used to control the printer.After executing the activation process, the printer is configured to perform control in accordance with the plurality of parameters included in the activated parameter set.

[0006] The printer disclosed in this specification stores a parameter set containing multiple parameters in memory as an inactive parameter set in advance, and upon receiving an activation command from an external device, activates the inactive parameter set and subsequently performs control according to the multiple parameters included in the activated parameter set. This allows control according to the parameters without the user having to input them into the printer, thereby reducing the user's effort in setting up the printer.

[0007] An image processing system including the printer, a control method for realizing the functions of the printer, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are also novel and useful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The technology disclosed in this specification realizes a technology that reduces the user's effort in setting parameters in a printer that can be controlled based on set parameters. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a system including an MFP according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an activation procedure. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of a standby screen and a selection screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a parameter set for an external function. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting parameter set. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a confirmation process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of activation instruction data. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for parameter activation processing. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a function activation process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a parameter set for an external function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printer will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This specification discloses a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") having various functions including a printing function and a communication function.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, for example, MFP1 according to the embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. MFP1 also includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, a print engine 15, and a reading engine 16, which are electrically connected to the controller 10. MFP1 is an example of a printer. Note that the controller 10 in Fig. 1 is a general term for hardware and software used to control MFP1, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually present in MFP1.

[0012] The CPU 11 of the MFP 1 executes various processes in accordance with programs read from the memory 12 and based on user operations. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when the various processes are executed. As shown in Fig. 1, the memory 12 of the MFP 1 stores various programs including an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, an external function program 22, and an activation program 23, as well as various data including instruction server information 24 and activation information 25.

[0013] The external function program 22 is a program for causing the MFP 1 to execute an external function, which is a function of accessing an external server, receiving instruction data from the accessed external server, and executing processing in accordance with the received instruction data. The external function is an example of a specific function. The external function parameter set 221 is information for utilizing the function of the external function program 22, and multiple parameter sets can be registered, each associated with a unique registration ID. Note that when the MFP 1 is shipped from the factory, no parameter sets may be registered in the external function parameter set 221.

[0014] The external function program 22 is a program that not only causes the MFP 1 to execute an external function according to the external function parameter set 221, but also causes the MFP 1 to execute an external function according to the instruction server information 24. The instruction server information 24 is information that causes the MFP 1 to access an instruction server 5, which will be described later, based on the external function program 22.

[0015] Activation program 23 is a program for causing MFP1 to perform processing to change a deactivated parameter set included in activation information 25 into an activated parameter set. Note that a deactivated parameter set refers to a parameter set that is stored in memory 12 but is in a state where it cannot be used to control MFP1. An activated parameter set refers to a parameter set that has transitioned to a state where it can be used to control MFP1. A parameter set that is in a state where it can be used to control MFP1 is also called an activated parameter set.

[0016] The activation information 25 includes at least one of an external function parameter set 31, a setting parameter set 32, and a hidden function parameter set 33. The external function parameter set 31, the setting parameter set 32, and the hidden function parameter set 33 are each a parameter set including multiple parameters. The various parameter sets included in the activation information 25 are inactive parameter sets.

[0017] The instruction server information 24 and the activation information 25 are information stored in the MFP 1 before the MFP 1 is delivered to a user. The instruction server information 24 and the activation information 25 may be stored in memory 12, for example, during the manufacturing process of the MFP 1, or may be stored in memory 12 after the MFP 1 is manufactured and before it is shipped to a user. The instruction server information 24 and the activation information 25 may also be stored in memory 12 when the MFP 1 is upgraded. The instruction server information 24 and the activation information 25 may also be stored in memory 12 when a service technician performs maintenance after shipment.

[0018] Note that examples of memory 12 are not limited to ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into MFP 1, but may also be a storage medium that is readable and writable by CPU 11. For example, external memories such as USB memory and HDD connected to MFP 1, and memories and HDDs provided in devices connected to MFP 1 via communication IF 14 are also examples of memory 12. A buffer provided in CPU 11 is also an example of memory 12.

[0019] Computer-readable storage media are non-transitory media. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals carrying programs downloaded from servers on the Internet are computer-readable signal media, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0020] The user IF 13 includes, for example, a touch panel 131. The touch panel 131 is hardware that displays a screen for notifying the user of information and that accepts operations by the user. The touch panel 131 is an example of a liquid crystal panel. The user IF 13 may also include a liquid crystal panel or the like that has a screen display function but no operation acceptance function, and hardware buttons or the like that have an operation acceptance function. The user IF 13 and the touch panel 131 are examples of electronic devices.

[0021] The MFP1 also has an EWS (embedded web server function) as an example of a user interface. When the MFP1 receives access to the EWS from a browser on a personal computer, smartphone, or the like, it transmits web page data for displaying a screen on the browser. Furthermore, when the MFP1 receives information from the browser indicating an operation via a web page based on the transmitted web page data, it can execute processing according to the operation.

[0022] The communication IF 14 includes hardware that can be connected to the network 200 or an external device. The communication IF 14 includes functions that support communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Ethernet (registered trademark), and USB. The MFP 1 may be equipped with multiple communication IFs 14 that support multiple communication standards.

[0023] Print engine 15 includes a component for printing an image based on image data onto a print medium such as a sheet. The image forming method of print engine 15 is, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Print engine 15 is an example of an electronic device.

[0024] The reading engine 16 includes a configuration for scanning a document placed on a flatbed or a document placed on a document feeder and transported to a reading position, and generating scan data as the scanning result. The reading engine 16 is an example of an electronic device.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , the MFP 1 can be connected to a network 200 via a communication IF 14, and can be connected to servers such as an instruction server 5, a management server 6, and an instruction server 7 via the network 200. In response to access from the MFP 1 or the like using a predetermined URL, the instruction server 5, the management server 6, and the instruction server 7 can transmit to the MFP 1 or the like instruction data that instructs a predetermined process and that is stored in association with the URL. The instruction server 5, the management server 6, and the instruction server 7 may each be capable of transmitting multiple pieces of instruction data. The instruction server 5, the management server 6, and the instruction server 7 may each store instruction data to be transmitted. The various instruction data transmitted from the instruction server 5, the management server 6, and the instruction server 7 is information that can be analyzed by the external function program 22 of the MFP 1, and is, for example, an XML file prepared by a designer or the like of a system including the MFP 1 and the servers 5 to 7.

[0026] The system designer etc. of instruction server 5 may be, for example, the seller of MFP 1, or a designer or service person of the manufacturer or sales dealer of MFP 1. The system designer etc. of management server 6 may be, for example, a system administrator who manages a business system including MFP 1, or an administrator of the system vendor that provides management server 6. The system designer etc. of instruction server 7 may be, for example, a system administrator who manages a business system including MFP 1. Of course, examples of system designer etc. are not limited to those described above.

[0027] The instruction server 5 can transmit, for example, display instruction data 501 and activation instruction data 502, as shown in FIG. 1 . The display instruction data 501 is instruction data that instructs the MFP 1 or the like to display the selection screen shown in FIG. 3(B). The activation instruction data 502 is instruction data that instructs the MFP 1 or the like to activate a stored parameter set. Furthermore, the management server 6 can transmit management instruction data 601. The management instruction data 601 is instruction data that includes an instruction for managing the MFP 1 or the like. An instruction for managing the MFP 1 or the like is, for example, an instruction requesting transmission of information managed by the management server 6, such as the status of the MFP 1, to the management server 6. Information managed by the management server 6 is also referred to as management information. Note that instruction data instructing XX is also referred to as instruction data for instructing XX, instruction data including an instruction of XX, instruction data including an instruction for XX, etc.

[0028] Of course, the instruction server 5, management server 6, and instruction server 7 may be capable of transmitting instruction data other than the instruction data shown in Fig. 1. For example, the instruction servers 5 and 7 may be servers capable of transmitting instruction data for using various cloud services. Furthermore, each of the servers 5 to 7 is not limited to a single device, and may be an integrated unit or may be configured by a combination of multiple devices.

[0029] Furthermore, the MFP 1 may be connectable not only to the servers 5-7 prepared by a system designer or the like, but also to a function server prepared by a system administrator or the like of the company that has installed the MFP 1. For example, the system administrator or the like of the company that has installed the MFP 1 can create instruction data for use in the company and store it in a prepared function server. By accessing the function server, the MFP 1 of the company can acquire the instruction data created by the company's system administrator or the like and execute an operation based on the acquired instruction data in accordance with the external function program 22. The function that uses the function server prepared by the company's system administrator or the like is also an example of a specific function.

[0030] Next, the processing by the MFP 1 will be described. The following processing basically refers to CPU processing in accordance with instructions written in a program. In other words, processes such as "judging," "extracting," "selecting," "calculating," "deciding," "identifying," "acquiring," "receiving," and "control" in the following description represent CPU processing. CPU processing also includes hardware control using an OS API. In this specification, the operation of each program will be described without mentioning the OS. In other words, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "Program B controls Hardware C" may also mean that "Program B controls Hardware C using the OS API." Furthermore, CPU processing in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, it may be described as "performed by the CPU." Furthermore, CPU processing in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms, such as "performed by Program A."

[0031] In this specification, the terms "notification," "alert," "notification," "reply," "response," and "answer" are used not only to mean the transmission of information to a person, but also to mean communication or exchange of information between devices or between components within a device. Note that the components within a device include software.

[0032] Note that "obtaining" is used as a concept that does not require a request. In other words, the process of receiving data without the CPU requesting it is also included in the concept of "the CPU obtaining data." Furthermore, "data" in this specification is represented as a bit string that can be read by a computer. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats will be treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Furthermore, "requesting" and "instructing" are concepts that indicate outputting information indicating a request or an instruction to the other party. Furthermore, information indicating a request or an instruction will also be simply referred to as a "request" or "instruction."

[0033] Furthermore, the process by a CPU to determine whether information A indicates event B is sometimes conceptually described as "determining whether event B is true from information A." The process by a CPU to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C is sometimes conceptually described as "determining whether event B or event C is true from information A."

[0034] In addition, in this specification, a setting item may be simply referred to as a "setting." A setting value may be simply referred to as a "setting." A setting value may also be referred to as a "parameter." Furthermore, storing a setting value in a memory or the like may be simply referred to as a "setting." An operation for setting or an input for setting may be simply referred to as a "setting."

[0035] As described above, in the MFP 1 of the embodiment, activation information 25 including inactive parameter sets is stored in memory 12. The procedure for activating the parameter sets included in activation information 25 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0036] In a standby state, the MFP 1 displays a standby screen on the user IF 13 (A01). The MFP 1 displays the standby screen, which is a screen including multiple icons, and is capable of accepting user operations. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(A), the MFP 1 can display a standby screen 50 including a web icon 51. The standby screen is made up of multiple screens that can be switched between, and FIG. 3(A) is one of the multiple screens that make up the standby screen.

[0037] When the user operates the web icon 51 (A02), the MFP 1 transmits operation information indicating that the web icon 51 has been operated to the instruction server 5 (A03) based on the instruction server information 24 stored in the memory 12. Upon receiving the operation information indicating the operation on the web icon 51, the instruction server 5 transmits display instruction data 501 to the MFP 1 (A05).

[0038] The MFP 1 receives the display instruction data 501 from the instruction server 5 via the communication IF 14, and analyzes the received display instruction data 501 using the external function program 22, thereby displaying a selection screen 60 (A06), for example, as shown in Fig. 3(B) in accordance with the received display instruction data 501. The selection screen 60 includes activation icons 61 and 62. The activation icons 61 and 62 are icons for receiving activation instructions.

[0039] That is, the instruction server information 24 includes a URL for transmitting the display instruction data 501. It can also be said that the MFP 1 accesses the instruction server 5 in accordance with the instruction server information 24. The instruction server information 24 is an example of instruction destination information. The display instruction data 501 is instruction data that instructs the display of the selection screen 60, and is an example of first instruction data. Furthermore, an operation on the web icon 51 on the standby screen 50 is an operation that indicates an instruction to transmit operation information to the instruction server 5 based on the instruction server information 24, and is an example of a specific operation. Note that, for example, if the MFP 1 cannot connect to the instruction server 5 and cannot transmit A03, it is preferable that the MFP 1 display an error and return to displaying the standby screen 50.

[0040] In this way, MFP 1 pre-stores instruction server information 24, which is destination information for receiving display instruction data 501, which will be the initial instruction data, and when Web icon 51 is operated, it can receive display instruction data 501 using instruction server information 24. This allows MFP 1 to display selection screen 60 including activation icons 61 and 62 and accept a user selection, simplifying the user's work for activating a parameter set. Note that analysis of instruction data for activating display instruction data 501 and the like and processing based on the analysis results may be performed based on activation program 23.

[0041] 3(B) is an example of an icon for receiving an instruction to activate external function parameter set 31 from among activation information 25 stored in memory 12. External function parameter set 31 is, for example, as shown in Fig. 4(A), a parameter set including various parameters that can be registered in external function parameter set 221 of external function program 22 of MFP 1. Details of external function parameter set 31 will be described later.

[0042] 3(B) is an example of an icon for receiving an instruction to activate setting parameter set 32 ​​from among activation information 25 stored in memory 12. Setting parameter set 32 ​​is a parameter set including various parameters that can be set in MFP 1, as shown in Fig. 5(A), for example. Details of setting parameter set 32 ​​will be described later.

[0043] Note that activation information 25 of MFP 1 may store multiple types of external function parameter sets and multiple types of setting parameter sets. For example, MFP 1 may store a setting parameter set for enhancing security as a setting parameter set other than the eco mode parameter set. When multiple types of external function parameter sets and multiple types of setting parameter sets are stored, MFP 1 may display multiple activation icons 61 and multiple activation icons 62 corresponding to the respective parameter sets and be able to accept a user selection.

[0044] Furthermore, there may be multiple MFPs, each containing a different parameter set included in activation information 25. In this case, MFP 1 may transmit, in A03, information indicating the parameter set included in activation information 25 stored in memory 12 to instruction server 5. In this case, instruction server 5 may transmit, based on the received information, display instruction data 501 to MFP 1 for causing MFP 1 to display a selection screen including activation icons corresponding to each parameter set. MFP 1 may display the selection screen in accordance with the received display instruction data 501, and activate the parameter set corresponding to the activation icon selected via the displayed selection screen.

[0045] Furthermore, MFPs with different parameter sets included in activation information 25 may store different unique URLs as instruction server information 24. In this case, instruction server 5 simply transmits to the MFP display instruction data 501 for causing the MFP to display a selection screen including activation icons corresponding to the URL used for access, i.e., activation icons corresponding to each of the parameter sets included in activation information 25 of the MFP accessed using that URL. Furthermore, instruction server 5 may determine which selection screen including which activation icon to display on the MFP.

[0046] Furthermore, an MFP that does not store activation information 25 may store, as instruction server information 24, a URL different from that of an MFP that stores activation information 25. In this case, instruction server 5 simply transmits to the MFP display instruction data 501 for causing MFP 1 to display a selection screen that does not include an activation icon and that corresponds to the URL used for access. Furthermore, an MFP that does not store activation information 25 may transmit information indicating that it does not include activation information 25 to instruction server 5. In this case, instruction server 5 also simply transmits to the MFP display instruction data 501 for causing MFP 1 to display a selection screen that does not include an activation icon.

[0047] The user performs an operation to select one of multiple option icons on the displayed selection screen 60 (A11). If the MFP 1 determines that confirmation or authentication is required based on the icon selected by the user (opt: [Confirmation Required]), it executes a confirmation process (A12). For example, when the MFP 1 receives an operation on the activation icon 61, it determines that confirmation is required if the function that becomes executable by activating the selected external function parameter set 31 is a function that requires user confirmation or authentication before execution. Information indicating whether the function requires user confirmation or authentication before execution may be included in the external function parameter set 31. An activation icon indicating a parameter set that requires user confirmation or authentication is an example of a specific option.

[0048] The procedure of the confirmation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 6. This confirmation process is executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 based on the activation program 23.

[0049] The CPU 11 determines whether the selected parameter set to be activated is a parameter set for a function that requires consent to an EULA (End User License Agreement) (S101). If it determines that consent to the EULA is required (S101: YES), the CPU 11 displays a screen requesting consent to the EULA (S102) and receives input from the user (S103).

[0050] If it is determined that consent to the EULA is not required (S101: NO), or if input indicating consent to the EULA is received (S103: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether password authentication is required (S111). If it is determined that password authentication is required (S111: YES), the CPU 11 displays a screen for receiving password input (S112) and receives input from the user (S113). A password is an example of authentication information.

[0051] When the password input is accepted (S113: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the input password has been successfully authenticated (S115). S115 is an example of authentication processing. The CPU 11 makes the determination in S115 based on, for example, user information stored in the memory 12. The CPU 11 may transmit the password to an authentication server or the like accessible from the MFP 1 and receive the authentication result. Then, when it is determined that password authentication is not required (S111: NO) or when it is determined that authentication has been successful (S115: YES), the CPU 11 ends the confirmation processing and returns to the procedure of FIG. 2.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined that the authentication has failed (S115: NO), the CPU 11 displays a screen notifying the user of the authentication error (S121). The screen displayed in S121 is an example of a notification screen. The CPU 11 may also accept re-entry of the password.

[0053] After S121, or if an input indicating that the EULA is not agreed to is received (S103: NO), or if the input screen is closed without receiving a password input (S113: NO), the CPU 11 ends the activation procedure (S122). In this case, the CPU 11 does not continue the procedure of FIG. 2, and returns to displaying the standby screen 50.

[0054] In other words, if EULA agreement or password authentication is required and the confirmation process is not successful, the MFP 1 does not perform the activation procedure. By making EULA agreement and successful authentication a condition for activating an external function parameter set, it is possible to prevent a third party from inadvertently activating an inactive parameter set.

[0055] If the confirmation process in A12 is completed successfully, or if the selected activation icon is an icon indicating a function that does not require confirmation or authentication (opt:[confirmation successful or confirmation not required]), the MFP1 transmits operation information including information about the icon for which the operation was accepted in A11 to the instruction server 5 (A15). Based on the operation information, the instruction server 5 transmits activation instruction data 502, which is the next instruction data, to the MFP1 (A16). The activation instruction data 502 is an example of second instruction data.

[0056] The activation instruction data 502 is an XML file that can be analyzed by the activation program 23 of the MFP 1. For example, the activation instruction data 502 may include, as shown in FIG. <activatesettings>Specify command 521 and the parameter set to be activated. <settingnumber>7. It is an xml file that instructs the execution of processing and includes information 522. The names and values ​​of various tags may be any names and values ​​that can be analyzed by the activation program 23 that analyzes the instruction data, and are not limited to the example of FIG. <activatesettings>The command 521 is an example of an activation command, and the activation instruction data 502 is an example of instruction data including an activation command.

[0057] The MFP 1 has a function of receiving activation instruction data 502 from the instruction server 5 via the communication IF 14, and analyzing the received activation instruction data 502 using the activation program 23, thereby executing processing based on the activation command included in the activation instruction data 502. This function is an example of a specific function. The instruction server 5 that transmits the activation instruction data 502 is an example of an instruction server that is an external device.

[0058] Instead of performing the confirmation process before A15, the MFP 1 may include the entered password in the operation information and send it to the instruction server 5. For example, the instruction server 5 may send instruction data including an instruction to accept password entry, and the MFP 1 may accept the password entry according to the instruction data and send it to the instruction server 5. Furthermore, the instruction server 5 may send activation instruction data 502 including information on the received password to the MFP 1 in A16. In this case, the MFP 1 may perform password authentication processing based on the activation instruction data 502, as in S115, and continue the activation processing if the authentication is successful.

[0059] Furthermore, if the instruction server 5 has information for password authentication processing, the instruction server 5 can execute authentication processing based on the password received together with the operation information. Then, the instruction server 5 may transmit activation instruction data 502 to the MFP 1 if authentication is successful, and may transmit information indicating authentication failure to the MFP 1 if authentication is unsuccessful.

[0060] Returning to the explanation of the procedure in Figure 2, the MFP 1 performs the following based on the activation instruction data 502 received at A16: <settingnumber>Parameter activation processing is executed (A21) to activate the parameter set indicated in information 522. The procedure of the parameter activation processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. This parameter activation processing is executed by CPU 11 of MFP 1 based on activation program 23.

[0061] The CPU 11 determines whether the parameter set to be activated is the external function parameter set 31 or the setting parameter set 32 ​​(S201). For example, when an operation on the activation icon 61 is received on the selection screen 60 shown in FIG. 3(B), the parameter set to be activated is the external function parameter set 31, and the <settingnumber>The information 522 is included in the activation instruction data 502. When it is determined that the parameter set to be activated is the external function parameter set 31 (S201: external function parameter set), the CPU 11 executes function activation processing (S202).

[0062] The procedure of the function activation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. <settingnumber>The external function parameter set 31 to be activated, which is indicated in the information 522, i.e., an inactive parameter set, is read from the memory 12 (S301). Furthermore, the CPU 11 reads the external function parameter set 221 (see FIG. 1) that has been registered in the external function program 22, i.e., an active parameter set, from the memory 12 (S302).

[0063] Activating external function parameter set 31 means registering each parameter included in external function parameter set 31 as external function parameter set 221. In other words, external function parameter set 221 may store, as an active parameter set, a parameter set based on an already accepted registration instruction or a parameter set based on a previously activated external function parameter set 31.

[0064] Here, the external function parameter set 221 will be described. The MFP 1 can register the external function parameter set 221 in accordance with an instruction received via the user IF 13, separately from registering a parameter set through function activation processing, i.e., activating the external function parameter set 31. Specifically, the MFP 1 can receive an instruction to register the external function parameter set 221, for example, via a registration screen 70 displayed on a browser by the EWS. In response to access to the EWS from the browser, the MFP 1 returns web page data for displaying the registration screen 70 on the browser, as shown in FIG. 4(B), for example. Note that the MFP 1 may display the registration screen 70 on the touch panel 131 based on an operation on the touch panel 131. The registration screen 70 is an example of a setting screen.

[0065] The registration screen 70 is a screen that accepts input of a registration ID 71, a display name 72, a URL 73, and an execution condition 74. When the MFP 1 accepts a registration instruction by operating the registration button on the registration screen 70, the MFP 1 stores the information entered on the registration screen 70 in the external function parameter set 221. As described above, the MFP 1 can store multiple parameter sets in the external function parameter set 221. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , one parameter set including the registration ID 71, the display name 72, the URL 73, and the execution condition 74 is associated with one management ID and stored in one block, for example, block B1.

[0066] The management ID is information for identifying the block to be stored. The registration ID 71 and display name 72 are both information for identifying each parameter set. The URL 73 is information indicating the server to be accessed by the external function program 22. In reality, the URL 73 is often information indicating the resources owned by the accessed server, but for convenience it is also described as information indicating the server. The execution condition 74 is information indicating the timing at which the external function program 22 accesses the server. The execution condition may be information indicating every predetermined time, for example, every 8 hours. The execution condition may also be information indicating a certain time on a certain day of the week, when the power is turned on, etc.

[0067] The MFP 1 can also accept an instruction to switch the display of the registration screen 70 to the display of a screen for accepting an operation to specify a function setting 75. The function setting 75 is a setting that indicates whether or not to enable the use of the external function parameter set 221 for the external function. In other words, if the function setting 75 is on, the MFP 1 checks the execution conditions of the parameter set registered in the external function parameter set 221 based on the external function program 22, and if the execution conditions are met, performs processing to access the registered URL.

[0068] Next, the external function parameter set 31 will be described. The external function parameter set 31 is an inactive parameter set, and includes, for example, registration ID information 311, display name information 312, URL information 313, execution condition information 314, and function setting information 315, as shown in Fig. 4(A). Each piece of information in the external function parameter set 31 corresponds to each piece of information in the external function parameter set 221. Specifically, the registration ID information 311 corresponds to the registration ID 71, the display name information 312 corresponds to the display name 72, the URL information 313 corresponds to the URL 73, the execution condition information 314 corresponds to the execution condition 74, and the function setting information 315 corresponds to the function setting 75, respectively.

[0069] The CPU 11 determines whether or not a parameter set including the same display name as the display name indicated in the display name information 312 (see FIG. 4A) of the external function parameter set 31 has already been registered in the external function parameter set 221 (S311). If it is determined that the same display name has not already been registered (S311: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not a parameter set including the same URL as the URL indicated in the URL information 313 of the external function parameter set 31 has already been registered in the external function parameter set 221 (S312).

[0070] If it is determined that the same display name or the same URL has already been registered (S311: YES or S312: YES), the CPU 11 determines that a duplication error has occurred (S313). If the same display name or the same URL is stored in the external function parameter set 221, the CPU 11 does not register the duplicate parameter set in the external function parameter set 221.

[0071] If multiple parameter sets displayed with the same display name are registered in external function parameter set 221, the user may become confused. Also, if multiple parameter sets accessed using the same URL are registered in external function parameter set 221, processing on the server indicated by the URL may become complicated. When MFP 1 receives an instruction to activate external function parameter set 31 that has the same display name or the same URL as a parameter set already registered in external function parameter set 221, it issues an error and does not mark that parameter set as the activated parameter set, thereby preventing user confusion and complicated processing.

[0072] If it is determined that the same display name and the same URL have not already been registered (S312: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether parameter sets have already been registered in all of the blocks corresponding to each management ID (S315). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the external function parameter set 221 has 10 blocks, each with a unique management ID. In other words, there is an upper limit to the number of parameter sets that can be registered in the external function parameter set 221. The upper limit of the number of blocks, such as 10, is an example of a predetermined number. If it is determined that parameter sets have already been registered in all blocks and there are no free blocks (S315: YES), the CPU 11 determines that there is an ID full error (S316).

[0073] There is an upper limit to the number of parameter sets that can be registered in external function parameter set 221, and therefore there is also an upper limit to the number of external function parameter sets 31 that can be activated as parameter sets. This makes it possible to avoid a situation where a large number of parameter sets are activated and control based on the activated parameter sets becomes complicated.

[0074] If an error is determined in S313 or S316, the CPU 11 determines that activation has failed (S318) and ends the function activation process. In this case, the CPU 11 stops the process for activating the external function parameter set 31 and returns to the parameter activation process of FIG. 8.

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an empty block in which no parameter set is registered (S315: NO), the CPU 11 determines to use the management ID corresponding to that empty block (S321). Then, the CPU 11 associates each parameter included in the external function parameter set 31 with the determined management ID and stores it in one block of the external function parameter set 221, thereby registering it (S322). Furthermore, the CPU 11 sets the value of the function setting 75 of the external function to a value indicating ON based on the function setting information 315 of the external function parameter set 31 (S323). S322 and S323 are examples of activation processing. The MFP 1 stores activated parameter sets in memory 12 in block units, making it easy to manage the parameter sets.

[0076] For example, if block B2 shown in FIG. 10 is an empty block, CPU 11 determines the management ID to be "02" and writes the parameters included in external function parameter set 31 (see FIG. 4A), namely, registration ID information 311, display name information 312, URL information 313, and execution condition information 314, into block B2. That is, in S322, CPU 11 registers the multiple parameters included in external function parameter set 31 in the same manner as when a registration instruction is received on registration screen 70 (see FIG. 4B). Specifically, CPU 11 performs the same processing as when a registration instruction is received with registration ID information 311 entered as registration ID 71, display name information 312 as display name 72, URL information 313 as URL 73, and execution condition information 314 as execution condition 74.

[0077] If a parameter set whose execution condition is the same timing as the execution condition information 314 of the external function parameter set 31 has already been registered in the external function parameter set 221, the CPU 11 may not perform S322 and may instead treat it as an error. This may prevent the MFP 1 from executing the processes of multiple external functions at the same timing.

[0078] Furthermore, CPU 11 determines that activation has been successful (S325), terminates the function activation process, and returns to the parameter activation process of Fig. 8. If the value of function setting 75 is already a value indicating on, CPU 11 may skip S323. For convenience, the value of function setting 75 indicating on is also described as the function setting being on.

[0079] Here, the external function program 22 will be described. The external function program 22 is programmed to access the instruction server 7 based on the parameter set registered in the external function parameter set 221 only when the function setting is on. In other words, when the function setting is off, the external function program 22 does not make access based on the parameter set registered in the external function parameter set 221. Note that the external function program 22 is programmed to be able to access the instruction server 5 indicated by the instruction server information 24 regardless of whether the function setting 75 is on or off.

[0080] Since the function setting is turned on in S323, the MFP1 will access the external server indicated by the URL corresponding to the URL information 313 of the activated external function parameter set 31 based on the external function program 22 when the execution conditions corresponding to the execution condition information 314 of the external function parameter set 31 activated in S322 are satisfied.

[0081] For example, if a parameter set for periodic management is stored as an inactive external function parameter set 31, and the external function parameter set 31 is activated, the MFP 1 can execute a process of transmitting periodic management information to the management server 6 in accordance with the external function program 22. The external function parameter set 31 for management includes, for example, registration ID information 311 and display name information 312 indicating that the parameter set is for using the management server 6, URL information 313 indicating the resources of the management server 6, and execution condition information 314 indicating the timing to access the management server 6. If the parameter set is for periodic management, the execution condition information 314 includes information indicating a periodic timing, for example, every eight hours. Each parameter included in the external function parameter set 31 in this case is an example of a management parameter. The URL information 313 is an example of management destination information, and the execution condition information 314 is an example of condition information.

[0082] If activation of external function parameter set 31 for periodic management is successful, MFP 1 will access management server 6 indicated by activated URL information 313, i.e., URL 73, at the timing indicated by activated execution condition information 314, i.e., execution condition 74, in accordance with external function program 22. For example, if execution condition information 314 is information indicating periodic execution timing, MFP 1 will access management server 6 periodically.

[0083] As described above, the management server 6 is configured to transmit management instruction data 601 (see FIG. 1) to the MFP 1 that has accessed it. The MFP 1 receives the management instruction data 601 from the management server 6 in accordance with the external function program 22, and operates in accordance with the received management instruction data 601. For example, if the management instruction data 601 is instruction data that includes an instruction to transmit management information such as a status to the management server 6, the MFP 1 transmits its own information to the management server 6. The execution timing based on the execution condition 74 is an example of a condition for accessing the management server 6, and is an example of a predetermined access condition.

[0084] Note that a value indicating a user instruction can be registered as execution condition 74 in external function parameter set 221. When the value of function setting 75 is a value indicating ON and a parameter set whose execution condition 74 is a user instruction is registered in external function parameter set 221, MFP 1 accesses the server indicated by URL 73 of that parameter set on the condition that the user instruction is accepted. MFP 1 may display an icon corresponding to a parameter set whose execution condition 74 is a user instruction on the standby screen to accept the user instruction. In this case, MFP 1 may display a display name included in the parameter set in association with the icon. Furthermore, when multiple parameter sets whose execution condition 74 is a user instruction are registered, MFP 1 may display an icon for each parameter set. Furthermore, MFP 1 may display an icon corresponding to each registered parameter set on the standby screen regardless of the value of execution condition 74.

[0085] In this way, if activation is successful, external function parameter set 31 becomes an activated parameter set. Specifically, each parameter included in external function parameter set 31 is registered in external function parameter set 221 and becomes available for use in controlling MFP 1. After external function parameter set 31 is activated, MFP 1 becomes able to execute processing by external function program 22 based on each parameter included in external function parameter set 31.

[0086] For example, when managing MFP1 periodically using management server 6, the user can input each parameter on registration screen 70 (see FIG. 4(B)) and issue a registration instruction, thereby registering the parameters in external function parameter set 221. Meanwhile, in MFP1 of this embodiment, external function parameter set 31 including multiple parameters for accessing management server 6 is stored in advance in memory 12, so the user only needs to operate an icon for activating the parameter set, reducing the effort required for setting up to use management server 6.

[0087] Note that even after activating external function parameter set 31 through the function activation process and registering each parameter in external function parameter set 221, MFP 1 can accept an instruction to change the registered parameters by operating registration screen 70 via user IF 13. After activating external function parameter set 31 and registering each parameter in external function parameter set 221 in S322, if an instruction to display registration screen 70 related to this registered parameter set is accepted, MFP 1 displays registration screen 70 reflecting each registered parameter. Then, if input of a parameter different from the parameter currently being displayed for each setting item is accepted, the parameters of external function parameter set 221 are changed based on the entered parameter. Since the user can change and use some of the parameters included in external function parameter set 31 after activation, MFP 1 is easy to use.

[0088] Furthermore, the user can register their own parameter set by operating the registration screen 70. For example, the user may store instruction data in a server to which the MFP 1 can connect, and register parameters including a URL indicating that server in the external function parameter set 221. A designer of a system including the MFP 1 and each server can have the MFP 1 print or scan when the execution conditions are met by storing instruction data including, for example, a print command or a scan command in the server indicated by the URL of that parameter set.

[0089] Furthermore, the various instruction data stored in each server can include an instruction to acquire the next instruction data. The next instruction data is instruction data that is received after processing the instruction data currently being processed. For example, if the instruction data includes a URL for requesting transmission of the next instruction data, the MFP1 can receive the next instruction data by accessing the specified server using the URL included in the instruction data. A designer of a system including the MFP1 and each server can design a system that stores multiple pieces of instruction data in each server and has the MFP1 perform operations based on the instruction data, thereby executing a series of processes based on the multiple pieces of instruction data.

[0090] The external function parameter set 221 may be stored in a non-volatile storage area of ​​the memory 12 of the MFP 1, or may be stored in another storage medium accessible by the MFP 1. For example, the external function parameter set 221 may be stored in a USB memory connected to the MFP 1, an HDD of a personal computer or the like connected to the MFP 1, or network storage connected to the MFP 1. In either case, if the function setting is on, the MFP 1 can read the external function parameter set 221 from the storage location into RAM at startup or the like for use.

[0091] Returning to the description of the parameter activation process in Fig. 8, when it is determined that the parameter set to be activated is not the external function parameter set 31 but the setting parameter set 32 ​​(S201: setting parameter set), the CPU 11 reads out the specified setting parameter set 32 ​​(S211). For example, when an operation on the activation icon 62 is accepted on the selection screen 60 shown in Fig. 3(B), the parameter set to be activated is the setting parameter set 32. That is, at A15 in Fig. 2, information indicating the setting parameter set 32 ​​is sent to the instruction server 5, and the activation instruction data 502 (see Fig. 7) received by the MFP 1 at A16 contains information indicating the setting parameter set 32. <settingnumber>Information 522 is included.

[0092] Furthermore, the CPU 11 stores each parameter included in the read setting parameter set 32, for example, in a predetermined storage area of ​​the memory 12, thereby setting the parameter to a set state (S212). S212 is an example of an activation process.

[0093] The MFP 1 can store, for example, a parameter set for performing power saving settings that reduce the power consumption of the MFP 1, as setting parameter set 32. The eco mode parameter set, which is setting parameter set 32 ​​for power saving settings, includes, for example, panel setting information 321, power supply setting information 322, and sleep time information 323, as shown in Fig. 5(A). In this case, each parameter included in setting parameter set 32 ​​is an example of a power saving parameter.

[0094] Each parameter included in the panel setting information 321 of the setting parameter set 32 ​​is a parameter for reducing the power consumption of the touch panel 131. The panel setting information 321 may include a parameter for darkening the screen by turning off or dimming the backlight, a parameter for enabling backlight control, and a parameter indicating the timing for transitioning to these controls. The panel setting information 321 is an example of a parameter for reducing the power consumption of the touch panel 131.

[0095] The parameters included in the power setting information 322 of the setting parameter set 32 ​​are, for example, a parameter that enables control to automatically turn off the power of the MFP 1, and a parameter that indicates the period of no operation before automatically turning off the power of the MFP 1. The power setting information 322 is an example of a parameter for automatically turning off the power.

[0096] The parameters included in the sleep time information 323 of the setting parameter set 32 ​​are, for example, a parameter that enables control to put the print engine 15 into a sleep state, and a parameter that indicates the non-processing time before putting the print engine 15 into a sleep state. The sleep time information 323 is an example of a parameter for reducing the power consumption of the print engine 15.

[0097] The MFP 1 can provide a registration screen that accepts input of setting items corresponding to each parameter included in the setting parameter set via the user IF 132. For example, based on a user instruction, the MFP 1 can display a setting screen 81 that accepts panel settings, a setting screen 82 that accepts automatic power-off settings, and a setting screen 83 that accepts sleep time settings, as shown in Fig. 5(B). Setting screens 81 to 83 are examples of setting screens.

[0098] 5A, the CPU 11 activates the setting parameter set 32 ​​by setting each parameter included in the setting parameter set 32 ​​as each setting value in S212. Specifically, the CPU 11 sets each parameter included in the setting parameter set 32 ​​to the set state, in the same way as when a setting instruction is received by operating the setting screens 81 to 83.

[0099] By activating the setting parameter set 32, the user can set all the parameters at once without having to display the setting screens 81 to 83 or perform input operations on the setting screens 81 to 83. By making the setting parameter set 32 ​​an activated parameter set, multiple parameters for reducing power consumption are set, thereby reducing the effort required for setting to reduce power consumption.

[0100] Even if various parameters for power saving settings have already been set by user operations, the CPU 11 overwrites and sets the parameters in S212. As a result, even if various parameters have been changed by the user, the parameters included in the setting parameter set 32 ​​are set by operating the activation icon 62.

[0101] When all parameters included in setting parameter set 32 ​​have been set, CPU 11 determines that activation has been successful (S213). That is, after setting parameter set 32 ​​has been activated, MFP 1 is in a state in which each parameter included in setting parameter set 32 ​​has been set. Note that if the parameters could not be set for some reason, such as the power being turned off during the setting process, CPU 11 may determine that activation has failed instead of S213.

[0102] After the function activation process in S202 or after S212, the CPU 11 ends the parameter activation process and returns to the activation procedure in FIG.

[0103] Note that even after activating setting parameter set 32, MFP 1 can display setting screens 81-83 and can accept input to setting screens 81-83. When providing setting screens 81-83 after activating setting parameter set 32, MFP 1 displays them in a manner that reflects each parameter included in setting parameter set 32 ​​in the setting value of each setting item. If setting screens 81-83 accept input of a parameter other than each parameter of setting parameter set 32 ​​via user IF 13, MFP 1 thereafter performs control in accordance with the other parameter. Since the user can change and use some of the parameters included in setting parameter set 32 ​​after activation, MFP 1 is easy to use.

[0104] Returning to the explanation of the activation procedure in Figure 2, if the MFP1 determines that activation was successful (alt: [Success]) through the activation procedure, and if a restart is required (opt: [Restart Required]), it will restart (A31). This puts the various activated parameters into a state where they can be applied to the control of the MFP1.

[0105] On the other hand, if the activation procedure determines that activation has failed (alt:[Failed]), the MFP 1 transmits error information including information about the activation failure to the instruction server 5 (A32). Furthermore, the MFP 1 notifies the user via the user IF 13 that activation has failed (A33). The MFP 1 may also receive information showing a notification screen from the instruction server 5.

[0106] Next, the hidden function parameter set 33 will be described. The MFP 1 can store the hidden function parameter set 33 (see FIG. 1) as activation information 25. The hidden function parameter set 33 is a parameter set for enabling hidden functions that are disabled when the MFP 1 is shipped from the factory or when delivered. The hidden function parameter set 33 is a parameter set that includes multiple hidden function parameters. Examples of hidden function parameters include a parameter for enabling the paper size setting for extended long printing and a parameter for enabling a function for writing an operation log for debug mode to a USB memory.

[0107] When login is not accepted, the activation icon corresponding to hidden function parameter set 33 is not displayed on selection screen 60 (see FIG. 3(B)). MFP 1 may be able to accept an instruction to activate hidden function parameter set 33, for example, when login is accepted by an administrator or maintenance person of MFP 1, or when a predetermined instruction is accepted from a personal computer or the like connected to MFP 1.

[0108] 2, the MFP 1 transmits information indicating that the hidden function parameter set 33 is stored to the instruction server 5, together with information on the external function parameter set 31 and the setting parameter set 32. As a result, the MFP 1 receives, from the instruction server 5, display instruction data including information on an activation icon for accepting an instruction to activate the hidden function parameter set 33. By accepting an operation on this icon, the MFP 1 can receive, from the instruction server 5, activation instruction data for activating the hidden function parameter set 33.

[0109] The MFP 1 stores a parameter set including multiple parameters for enabling a hidden function in an inactive state as a hidden function parameter set 33, and can accept an instruction to activate the hidden function parameter set 33. If the hidden function parameter set 33 becomes an activated parameter set based on the instruction, the hidden function is enabled. The user only needs to perform an operation to activate the hidden function parameter set 33, which reduces the effort required for setting up the hidden function.

[0110] As described above in detail, the MFP 1 of the embodiment stores external function parameter set 31, configuration parameter set 32, and hidden function parameter set 33, which are parameter sets including a plurality of parameters, in memory 12 in advance as inactive parameter sets. Then, upon receiving activation instruction data 502 including an activation command from instruction server 5, MFP 1 activates the inactive parameter set, and thereafter performs control in accordance with the plurality of parameters included in the activated parameter set. This enables control in accordance with the parameters without the user having to input the parameters into MFP 1. This reduces the effort required for user configuration.

[0111] Furthermore, in the MFP1 of the embodiment, external function parameter set 31, which is a parameter set used for external functions, is prepared in advance as an inactive parameter set. When a user desires to use external function parameter set 31, the user operates activation icon 61, which causes activation instruction data 502 to be sent from instruction server 5 to MFP1, and external function parameter set 31 becomes an activated parameter set. Therefore, even a user who is not familiar with the external functions of MFP1 or how to set them can use a specific function according to that parameter set without having to input parameters for setting the external function.

[0112] It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to MFP1, but can also be applied to any device that has a printing function and a communication function via a network, such as a printer with a single printing function, a copier, or a fax machine.

[0113] In the embodiment, the MFP 1 receives activation instruction data 502 including the activation command from a server such as instruction server 5 via network 200. However, the data may be received from any external device that can be connected to the MFP 1 and that can transmit the activation instruction data. For example, the MFP 1 may receive the activation command from a personal computer or the like that has installed thereon an application program that can transmit the activation command. Furthermore, the same information as display instruction data 501 and activation instruction data 502 may be stored in a server other than instruction server 5.

[0114] In addition, in the embodiment, the destination to which operation information for web icon 51 (see FIG. 3(A)) is sent and the destination to which operation information for activation icons 61 and 62 (see FIG. 3(B)) is sent are both instruction server 5, but these may be different devices. Also, while an example has been shown in which activation icons 61 and 62 are included in selection screen 60, MFP 1 may display standby screen 50 including these icons. MFP 1 may, for example, be provided with information for displaying activation icons 61 and 62 in advance. In this case, MFP 1 does not need to receive display instruction data 501, and A03 and A05 in FIG. 2 are unnecessary.

[0115] Furthermore, in the embodiment, external function parameter set 31 is activated by storing each parameter in one block of external function parameter set 221 (see FIG. 1), but MFP 1 may associate a flag indicating whether or not each parameter set is activated, for example. MFP 1 may use a parameter set associated with a flag indicating activation for controlling itself, and may not use a parameter set not associated with a flag indicating activation for controlling itself.

[0116] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of multiple processes in any multiple steps can be changed or they can be executed in parallel as long as no contradiction occurs in the processing content.

[0117] The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by hardware such as a single CPU, multiple CPUs, or ASIC, or a combination thereof. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various ways, such as a recording medium on which a program for executing the processes is recorded, or a method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Printer 5 Instruction Server 6 Management Server 12 Memory 13 User Interface 131 Touch Panel 14 Communication Interface 15 Print Engine< / settingnumber> < / settingnumber> < / settingnumber> < / settingnumber> < / activatesettings> < / settingnumber> < / activatesettings>

Claims

1. a communication interface; Memory and A printer comprising: A parameter set including a plurality of parameters can be stored in the memory; When an activation command instructing activation of an inactive parameter set, which is the parameter set in a state in which it cannot be used to control the printer, is received from an external device via the communication interface while the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory, the activation process is a process of changing the inactive parameter set into an activated parameter set, which is the parameter set in a state in which it can be used to control the printer, After the activation process is performed, control is performed in accordance with the plurality of parameters included in the activated parameter set. The printer is configured as follows:

2. 2. The printer according to claim 1, a specific function of receiving instruction data instructing execution of a predetermined process from an instruction server via the communication interface, and executing the predetermined process in accordance with the received instruction data; When the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory, and instruction data including the activation command is received by the specific function from an instruction server that is the external device, the activation process is executed as the predetermined process. The printer is configured as follows:

3. 3. The printer according to claim 2, It has a user interface, The memory stores instruction destination information indicating the destination of an instruction server to which first instruction data, which is instruction data for instructing display of the selection screen, can be transmitted; accessing the instruction server using the instruction destination information in response to a specific operation being performed via the user interface; displaying the selection screen including a plurality of options on the user interface in accordance with the first instruction data received from the instruction server by the specific function; In response to the selection of one of the plurality of options, second instruction data, which is the next instruction data, can be received by the specific function in accordance with the received first instruction data, executes the activation process when the second instruction data including the activation command is received from an instruction server that is the external device while the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory. The printer is configured as follows:

4. 2. The printer according to claim 1, the parameter set includes a plurality of management parameters for accessing a management server, and the plurality of management parameters include management destination information indicating a destination of the management server; When the activation command is received from the external device via the communication interface while the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory, the activation process is executed, and in the activation process, the inactive parameter set including the plurality of management parameters is set as the activated parameter set; After the activation process is performed, if a predetermined access condition is satisfied, the management server is accessed using the management destination information included in the activated parameter set. The printer is configured as follows:

5. 5. The printer according to claim 4, the plurality of management parameters include the management destination information and condition information indicating an access condition that is a condition for accessing the management server; After the activation process is performed, if the access condition indicated in the condition information included in the activated parameter set is satisfied as the predetermined access condition, the management server is accessed using the management destination information included in the activated parameter set. The printer is configured as follows:

6. 5. The printer according to claim 4, a specific function of receiving instruction data instructing execution of a predetermined process from an instruction server via the communication interface, and executing the predetermined process in accordance with the received instruction data; When the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory, and instruction data including the activation command is received by the specific function from an instruction server that is the external device, the activation process is executed as the predetermined process; after the activation process is executed, if the predetermined access condition is satisfied, accessing the management server using the management destination information included in the activated parameter set; The printer is configured as follows:

7. 7. The printer according to claim 6, It has a user interface, The memory stores instruction destination information indicating the destination of an instruction server to which first instruction data, which is instruction data for instructing display of the selection screen, can be transmitted; accessing the instruction server using the instruction destination information in response to a specific operation being performed via the user interface; displaying the selection screen including a plurality of options on the user interface in accordance with the first instruction data received from the instruction server by the specific function; In response to the selection of one of the plurality of options, second instruction data, which is the next instruction data, can be received by the specific function in accordance with the received first instruction data, When the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory and the second instruction data including the activation command is received from an instruction server that is the external device, the activation process is executed; after the activation process is executed, if the predetermined access condition is satisfied, accessing the management server using the management destination information included in the activated parameter set; The printer is configured as follows:

8. 5. The printer according to claim 4, a predetermined number of blocks are provided in the memory, the parameter set can be stored in one of the predetermined number of blocks, and control can be performed in accordance with the parameter set stored in the block; When the activation command is received from the external device via the communication interface while the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory, the activation process is executed, and in the activation process, the inactive parameter set is made the activated parameter set by writing the inactive parameter set to one of the predetermined number of blocks; after the activation process is executed, if the predetermined access condition is satisfied, accessing the management server using the management destination information included in the activated parameter set written in one of the predetermined number of blocks; The printer is configured as follows:

9. 9. The printer according to claim 8, When the activation command is received from the external device via the communication interface while the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory, if any of the parameter sets stored in the block contains the same management address information as the management address information contained in the inactive parameter set, the activation process is not executed, and if no parameter set contains the same management address information as the management address information contained in the inactive parameter set, the activation process is executed; after the activation process is executed, if the predetermined access condition is satisfied, accessing the management server using the management destination information included in the activated parameter set written in one of the predetermined number of blocks; The printer is configured as follows:

10. 9. The printer according to claim 8, When the activation command is received from the external device via the communication interface while the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory, if there is no block in the predetermined number of blocks to which the parameter set is not written, the activation process is not executed, and if there is a block in the predetermined number of blocks to which the parameter set is not written, the activation process is executed; after the activation process is executed, if the predetermined access condition is satisfied, accessing the management server using the management destination information included in the activated parameter set written in one of the predetermined number of blocks; The printer is configured as follows:

11. 2. The printer according to claim 1, A setting screen for accepting input of setting items corresponding to parameters included in the parameter set can be provided, When the setting screen is provided after the activation process is executed, the setting screen is configured in a manner that reflects the plurality of parameters included in the activated parameter set in setting values ​​of the setting items, when input of another parameter is received via the setting screen for the setting item corresponding to the parameter included in the activated parameter set, control is performed in accordance with the another parameter. The printer is configured as follows:

12. 2. The printer according to claim 1, It has a user interface, receiving input of authentication information via the user interface based on a specific operation being performed via the user interface while the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory; executes the activation process when the authentication process based on the input authentication information is successful and the activation command is received from the external device via the communication interface; If the authentication process based on the input authentication information fails, the activation process is not executed. The printer is configured as follows:

13. 13. The printer according to claim 12, a specific function of receiving instruction data instructing execution of a predetermined process from an instruction server via the communication interface, and executing the predetermined process in accordance with the received instruction data; The memory stores instruction destination information indicating the destination of an instruction server to which first instruction data, which is instruction data for instructing display of the selection screen, can be transmitted; accessing the instruction server using the instruction destination information in response to the specific operation being performed via the user interface while the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory; displaying the selection screen including a plurality of options on the user interface in accordance with the first instruction data received from the instruction server by the specific function; accepting input of the authentication information via the user interface in response to a specific option being selected from the plurality of options; After receiving the input of the authentication information, the specific function is capable of receiving second instruction data including the activation command as next instruction data; If authentication based on the input authentication information is successful, execute the activation process in accordance with the second instruction data; If the authentication based on the input authentication information fails, the activation process is not executed, and a notification screen indicating the authentication failure is displayed on the user interface. The printer is configured as follows:

14. 2. The printer according to claim 1, Equipped with multiple electronic devices, the parameter set includes a plurality of power-saving parameters for reducing the power consumption of the printer; When the activation command is received from the external device via the communication interface while the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory, the activation process is executed, and in the activation process, the inactive parameter set including the plurality of power-saving parameters is set as the activated parameter set; After the activation process is performed, control is performed to reduce power consumption of at least one of the plurality of electronic devices in accordance with the plurality of power-saving parameters included in the activated parameter set. The printer is configured as follows:

15. 15. The printer according to claim 14, the electronic device includes a liquid crystal panel and a print engine; The power saving parameters include at least one of a parameter for reducing the power consumption of the liquid crystal panel, a parameter for reducing the power consumption of the print engine, and a parameter for automatically turning off the power supply. The printer is configured as follows:

16. 2. The printer according to claim 1, It has hidden features that are disabled at the time of shipment, the parameter set includes a plurality of hidden function parameters for enabling the hidden function; When the activation command is received from the external device via the communication interface while the inactive parameter set is stored in the memory, the activation process is executed, and in the activation process, the inactive parameter set including the plurality of hidden function parameters is set as the activated parameter set; After the activation process is performed, control based on the hidden function is enabled in accordance with the plurality of hidden function parameters included in the activated parameter set. The printer is configured as follows:

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