Electronic device, control method of electronic device, and control program of electronic device

Abstract

To solve the problem that a printer driver cannot be installed or started when a protection printing mode is valid.SOLUTION: An electronic device in which software capable of installing a printer driver is installed, the electronic device comprising: an installer configured to perform installation processing of the printer driver; a communication unit configured to communicate with an image forming apparatus corresponding to the printer driver via a network; a secure printing mode setting unit configured to receive a setting as to whether a predetermined secure printing mode is to be enabled; and a control unit configured to control the installer, the communication unit, and the secure printing mode setting unit, wherein when the installer is activated, the control unit determines whether the secure printing mode is enabled, and when the secure printing mode is enabled, the control unit causes the display unit to display a message indicating that the printer driver provided by a third party cannot be installed or activated because the secure printing mode is enabled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electronic device, a control method for an electronic device, and a control program for an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device that has built-in software capable of installing a printer driver for printing from an external digital multifunction device, a control method for an electronic device, and a control program for an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a function has been used in which a printer driver for printing from an external digital multifunction peripheral is downloaded from a server or the like via a network to an electronic device such as a personal computer (PC) or a tablet terminal and then installed.

[0003] In relation to such technology, in the past, in order to avoid the hassle and mistakes that would occur if each client user were to configure various printer driver settings, a printer driver has been known that has a means for saving initial parameter settings in the system at the time of installation, a means for operating depending on the saved parameters, a means for saving parameter changes made by the user, a means for processing parameter change requests made by external programs, a means for the installer to install the printer driver, and a means for customizing parameter data used by the printer driver by issuing a change request to the printer driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-209195 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By the way, since the Windows printing system is often targeted by attackers due to malware such as Stuxnet and PrintNightmare, Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP) will be introduced in Windows 11 24H2 (Build 26016) to improve security.

[0006] When WPP is enabled, you will no longer be able to use third-party vendor printer drivers, and will only be able to use the OS's standard IPP class driver. In this case, even if the user installs a printer driver made by the vendor, the user may not be able to use the printer driver, and even if the printer driver is installed, the user may not be able to start the printer driver.

[0007] In this case, the user must investigate the reason why the printer driver cannot be installed or started, which increases the hurdle for the user to set up a printing environment and reduces convenience.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an electronic device, a control method for an electronic device, and a control program for an electronic device that prevent a decrease in user convenience, such as an inability to install or start a printer driver, when protected print mode is enabled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to this disclosure, there is provided an electronic device incorporating software capable of installing a printer driver, the electronic device comprising: an installer that performs installation processing for the printer driver; a communication unit that communicates with an image forming device corresponding to the printer driver via a network and sends and receives various data; a protected print mode setting unit that accepts a setting as to whether a predetermined protected print mode should be enabled; a memory unit that stores the setting; a display unit that displays various information to the user; and a control unit that controls the installer, the communication unit, the protected print mode setting unit, the memory unit, and the display unit, wherein when the installer is started, the control unit determines whether the protected print mode is enabled, and if the protected print mode is enabled, causes the display unit to display a message indicating that the printer driver provided by a third party cannot be installed or started because the protected print mode is enabled. Furthermore, according to this disclosure, there is provided a control method for an electronic device incorporating software capable of installing a printer driver, the control method comprising a communication step of communicating with an image forming device corresponding to the printer driver via a network and sending and receiving various data, an installation step of performing an installation process for the printer driver, a protected print mode setting step of receiving a setting as to whether a predetermined protected print mode should be enabled, a storage step of storing the setting, and a display step of displaying various information to a user, wherein when performing the installation process for the printer driver in the installation step, it is determined whether the protected print mode is enabled, and if the protected print mode is enabled, a message is displayed in the display step to inform the user that the printer driver provided by a third party cannot be installed or started because the protected print mode is enabled. Furthermore, according to this disclosure, there is provided a control program for an electronic device having software capable of installing a printer driver built into a processor of the electronic device, the control program having a communication step of communicating with an image forming device corresponding to the printer driver via a network and sending and receiving various data, an installation step of performing an installation process for the printer driver, a protected print mode setting step of receiving a setting as to whether a predetermined protected print mode should be enabled, a storage step of storing the setting, and a display step of displaying various information to the user, wherein when performing the installation process for the printer driver in the installation step, it is determined whether the protected print mode is enabled, and if the protected print mode is enabled, a message is displayed in the display step indicating that the printer driver provided by a third party cannot be installed or started because the protected print mode is enabled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, whether or not protected print mode is enabled is determined when installing a printer driver, and if enabled, a message is displayed indicating that a printer driver provided by a third party cannot be installed or started, thereby realizing an electronic device, an electronic device control method, and an electronic device control program that are more user-friendly than conventional devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system including a user terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the user terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a printer driver installation process in the electronic device shown in FIG. [Figure 5]1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information message displayed on a display unit of the user terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is an example of a printer driver setting flag stored in a storage unit of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is an example of a printer driver installation completion message displayed on the display unit of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a printer driver selection process in the user terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printer driver selection screen displayed on a display unit of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function difference screen of a printer driver displayed on a display unit of the user terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a printer driver installation process in the user terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an installation process of an IPP class driver in the user terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a PSA candidate model displayed on a display unit of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 14] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of all PSA candidate models displayed on the display unit of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a vendor driver installation process in the user terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of candidate models for a vendor driver displayed on a display unit of the user terminal shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In this disclosure, an "image forming device" is a device that forms and outputs an image, such as a copier with a copying function, such as a printer that uses an electrophotographic method to form an image with toner, or an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that also has functions other than copying.

[0013] Regarding "Install printer driver," the printer driver may be downloaded from an external server or the like and installed, or the printer driver obtained via a USB memory or the like may be installed.

[0014] Further, preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0015] The electronic device according to this disclosure may further include an operation unit that accepts user operations, and when the protected printing mode is enabled, the control unit may display on the display unit a message indicating that the protected printing mode must be disabled in order to install and start the printer driver provided by a third party, and a setting screen for disabling the protected printing mode, and the operation unit may accept the user's operation to disable the protected printing mode.

[0016] In this way, if the protected print mode is enabled when the printer driver is installed, a message indicating that the protected print mode must be disabled in order to install and start a printer driver provided by a third party and a setting screen for disabling the protected print mode are displayed and the user's operation is accepted, thereby realizing an electronic device that is more user-friendly than conventional devices.

[0017] In the electronic device according to this disclosure, the control unit may not permit installation and activation of the printer driver provided by a third party when the protected print mode is enabled.

[0018] In this way, if the protected print mode is enabled when the printer driver is installed, the installation and startup of the printer driver are not permitted, thereby realizing an electronic device that is more user-friendly than ever before.

[0019] In the electronic device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may cause the display unit to display a selection screen for selecting the printer driver that can be installed when the protected print mode is disabled.

[0020] In this way, if the protected print mode is disabled when installing a printer driver, a selection screen for installing an installable driver is displayed, thereby realizing an electronic device that is more user-friendly than ever before.

[0021] In the electronic device according to this disclosure, when the protected print mode is disabled, the control unit may cause the display unit to display on the selection screen both the printer driver provided by the third party and the IPP class driver so that both can be selected.

[0022] In this way, if the protected print mode is disabled when installing the printer driver, the selection screen for the printer driver to be installed will display both printer drivers provided by third parties and IPP class drivers as selectable options, thereby realizing electronic devices that are more user-friendly than ever before.

[0023] In the electronic device disclosed herein, when the protected printing mode is disabled and there are multiple printer drivers that can be installed on the selection screen, the control unit may display differences in the functions of the printer drivers on the display unit.

[0024] In this way, if the protected print mode is disabled when installing the printer driver and there are multiple printer drivers that can be installed on the selection screen, the differences in the functions of the printer drivers are displayed, thereby realizing an electronic device that is more user-friendly than before.

[0025] This disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0026] [Embodiment 1] <Schematic Configuration of Image Forming System 100> The configuration of an image forming system 100 including a user terminal 2 as an example of an electronic device of this disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] This disclosure is not limited to PCs, but can also be applied to any type of electronic device that has software and an OS that can install programs, such as smartphones, tablet devices, and electronic whiteboards.

[0028] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system 100 including a user terminal 2 according to the present disclosure.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes digital multifunction peripherals 1A, 1B, and 1C (hereinafter collectively referred to as digital multifunction peripheral 1), a user terminal 2, and a server 4, all of which are connected to one another via a network 3.

[0030] The digital multifunction peripheral 1 is a device that receives a print job from a user terminal 2 and outputs an image.

[0031] The user terminal 2 is a terminal that downloads a printer driver for printing on the digital multifunction peripheral 1 from the server 4, installs the driver, and transmits a print job to the digital multifunction peripheral 1.

[0032] The network 3 is a network such as a LAN or a dedicated communication line that connects the digital multifunction peripherals 1A, 1B, and 1C and the user terminal 2, and may be either wired or wireless.

[0033] The server 4 provides the user terminal 2 with a printer driver for printing with the digital multifunction peripheral 1 .

[0034] <Outline of Digital MFP 1> Next, the schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes a control unit 10, an image data acquisition unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a storage unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, a paper feed unit 16, and an operation panel 17.

[0036] Each component of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 will be described below.

[0037] The control unit 10 controls the digital multifunction peripheral 1 in an integrated manner and consists of at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one RAM (Random Access Memory), at least one ROM (Read only memory), various interface circuits, etc.

[0038] The control unit 10 monitors and controls all loads such as the detection of each sensor, motor, clutch, operation panel 17, etc., in order to control the overall operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 1.

[0039] The image data acquisition unit 11 is a part that acquires image data received from the user terminal 2 via the network 3 . The image data acquisition unit 11 detects and reads an original placed on a platen or an original conveyed from an original tray, and generates image data.

[0040] The image forming unit 12 is a part that prints out the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit 11 and processed by the image processing unit 14 onto paper.

[0041] The storage unit 13 is an element or storage medium that stores information, control programs, etc., necessary to realize various functions of the digital multifunction peripheral 1. For example, a storage medium such as a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, a hard disk, a flash storage unit, or an SSD (Solid State Drive) is used. The program and the data may be stored in different devices, such as by configuring the area for storing data as a hard disk drive and the area for storing the program as a flash memory unit.

[0042] The image processing unit 14 converts the image data input from the image data acquisition unit 11 into an appropriate electrical signal based on the analysis results of job commands such as printing obtained from the user terminal 2 or job commands such as printing input from the operation unit 172, and processes the image data so that it is suitable for output such as enlargement / reduction.

[0043] The communication unit 15 is a part that communicates with external devices such as the user terminal 2 via the network 3, and transmits and receives data to and from these external devices.

[0044] The paper feed unit 16 includes a paper feed cassette and a manual feed tray, and transports the paper stored therein to the image forming unit 12 . It should be noted that different paper feed cassettes are used to store paper according to the size and type of paper.

[0045] The operation panel 17 is composed of a display panel made up of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel such as a capacitive type that is placed on top of the display panel and detects the position touched by a finger, and is equipped with a display unit 171 and an operation unit 172.

[0046] The display unit 171 is a part that displays various types of information. The display unit 171 is a display device such as a monitor or line display, which is configured by, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an EL display, and which displays electronic data such as the processing status of the operating system and application software. The control unit 10 displays the operation and status of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 through the display unit 171.

[0047] The operation unit 172 is an interface for operating the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and is a part that receives commands from the user. The entire operation unit 172 does not have to be compatible with touch panel operation, and a part or the entire operation unit 172 may be configured as physical keys independent of the display unit 171.

[0048] <Overview of User Terminal 2> Next, the schematic configuration of the user terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 2 of this disclosure includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, an image processing unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, an operation unit 25, an installer 26, and a protected print mode setting unit 27.

[0050] The control unit 20 controls the user terminal 2 in an integrated manner, and is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, various interface circuits, and the like.

[0051] The storage unit 21 is an element or storage medium that stores information, control programs, and the like required to realize various functions of the user terminal 2. For example, a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, a hard disk, a flash storage unit, an SSD, or other storage medium may be used. The storage unit 21 stores data for the printer driver.

[0052] The image processing unit 22 is a part that converts image data to be displayed on the display unit 24 into an appropriate electrical signal based on an operation instruction from the operation unit 25, and performs processing suitable for output such as enlargement and reduction.

[0053] The communication section 23 is a section that communicates with the digital multifunction peripheral 1 via the network 3 and transmits and receives data.

[0054] The display unit 24 is a part that displays various information of the user terminal 2.

[0055] The operation unit 25 is an interface for operating the user terminal 2, and is a part that receives commands from the user.

[0056] The installer 26 is a part that installs the printer driver for the digital multifunction peripheral 1.

[0057] The protected print mode setting unit 27 is a part that sets whether to enable or disable a predetermined protected print mode. When the protected print mode is enabled, third-party printer drivers cannot be used, and only the OS standard IPP class driver can be used.

[0058] <Procedure for installing the printer driver on user terminal 2> Next, the flow of the printer driver installation process in the user terminal 2 of this disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, it is assumed that a printer driver for printing in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is downloaded from the server 4 and installed by an installer 26 that has been downloaded to the user terminal 2 in advance. The same applies when a printer driver for printing on the multifunction device 1 is acquired and installed from a USB memory or the like (not shown). FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a printer driver installation process in the user terminal 2 shown in FIG.

[0060] In step S1 of FIG. 4, the control unit 20 of the user terminal 2 starts up the installer 26 that has been downloaded in advance (step S1).

[0061] Next, in step S2, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the WPP in the OS settings is enabled (step S2).

[0062] If the WPP in the OS settings is not enabled (if the determination in step S2 is No), the control unit 20 performs the process of step S11 in FIG. 8 (described later).

[0063] On the other hand, if the WPP in the OS settings is enabled (if the determination in step S2 is Yes), in step S3, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 171 to display a predetermined information message indicating the setting status of the WPP (step S3).

[0064] This information message includes information such as, for example, that WPP is enabled, that the vendor driver cannot be installed, that even if the vendor driver can be installed, the vendor driver may not start, and that WPP must be disabled to install the vendor driver.

[0065] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information message displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 5, the title "Windows Protected Print Mode is enabled" is displayed together with a check box on the display unit 24. In addition, a message saying "To install the vendor driver, uncheck the check box and select OK (This will restart the computer)" and an "OK" button are also displayed.

[0067] If the user wants to install the vendor driver, he or she unchecks the check box and then selects the "OK" button.

[0068] Next, in step S4 of FIG. 4, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the WPP check box has been selected (step S4).

[0069] If the WPP check box is selected (if the determination in step S4 is Yes), in step S5, the control unit 20 reverses the WPP check setting (step S5). That is, the control unit 20 changes the state of the WPP check box to OFF if it is ON, and changes it to ON if it is OFF. Thereafter, the control unit 20 performs the determination in step S6.

[0070] On the other hand, if the WPP check box is not selected (determination at step S4 is No), at step S6, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the OK button is selected (step S6).

[0071] If the OK button is not selected (if the determination in step S6 is No), the control unit 20 returns the process to the determination in step S4.

[0072] On the other hand, if the OK button is selected (if the determination in step S6 is Yes), in step S7, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the WPP check is ON (step S7).

[0073] If the WPP check is not ON (if the determination in step S7 is No), in step S8, the control unit 20 cancels the WPP in the OS settings (step S8). At this time, the control unit 20 may display on the display unit 24 the setting procedure for canceling the WPP in the OS settings.

[0074] In the following step S9, the control unit 20 executes a reboot to cancel the WPP in the OS settings (step S9), and then returns the process to step S1.

[0075] On the other hand, if the WPP check is ON (if the determination in step S7 is Yes), in step S10, the control unit 20 sets the IPP class driver setting flag ON in preparation for installation of the IPP class driver (step S10).

[0076] FIG. 6 shows an example of the printer driver setting flag stored in the storage unit 21 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 6, the IPP class driver is set to "OFF" and the vendor driver is set to "ON."

[0077] 4, the control unit 20 executes the installation of the printer driver (step S25). Details of the printer driver installation process will be described later in the description of steps S101 to S106 in FIG.

[0078] When the installation of the printer driver is completed, in step S26, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 24 to display a message indicating that the installation of the printer driver is complete (step S26), and then ends the process.

[0079] FIG. 7 is an example of a printer driver installation completion message displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the message "Driver installation is complete" is displayed on the display unit 24.

[0080] <Procedure for selecting a printer driver on user terminal 2> Next, the flow of the printer driver selection process in the user terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a printer driver selection process in the user terminal 2 shown in FIG.

[0081] If WPP is not enabled in the OS settings, the printer driver must be installed by the installer 26, and a selection screen for an installable printer driver is displayed to allow the user to make a selection.

[0082] In step S11 of FIG. 5, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 24 to display a predetermined printer driver selection screen (step S11).

[0083] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printer driver selection screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 9, together with the message "Please select which one to install," options "IPP class driver (PSA)," "vendor driver," and "both" are displayed on the display unit 24. In the example of Fig. 9, "vendor driver" is selected and displayed in reverse video.

[0084] When the user selects the desired printer driver and then selects the "OK" button, the selected printer driver is installed. If the user selects the "Cancel" button, the printer driver selection process is canceled. Furthermore, if the user selects the "Display Functional Differences" button, a screen (described later in FIG. 10) can be displayed that displays the functional differences between the IPP class driver and the vendor driver.

[0085] Next, in step S12 of FIG. 8, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the function difference display button has been selected (step S12).

[0086] If the function difference display button is selected (if the determination in step S12 is Yes), in step S13, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 24 to display a function difference screen that compares and displays details of the functions of each printer driver (step S13).

[0087] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function difference screen of the printer drivers displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 10, for each of the WPP class driver (PSA) and the vendor driver, it is displayed whether (1) full bleed printing and (2) poster printing are available (◯) or unavailable (×). When the user selects the "OK" button at the bottom right of the function difference screen, the function difference screen disappears and the screen returns to the printer driver selection screen.

[0088] Next, in step S14 of FIG. 8, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the OK button has been selected (step S14). If the OK button is selected (if the determination in step S14 is Yes), the control unit 20 returns the process to step S11. On the other hand, if the OK button is not selected (if the determination in step S14 is No), the control unit 20 returns the process to the determination in step S14.

[0089] Next, if the function difference display button is not selected in step S12 (if the determination in step S12 is No), in step S15, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a printer driver is selected (step S15).

[0090] If a printer driver has not been selected (if the determination in step S15 is No), the control unit 20 makes a determination in step S18 (described later).

[0091] If a printer driver is selected (if the determination in step S15 is Yes), the selected printer driver is displayed in reverse video so that it can be visually recognized (step S16). The selected printer driver may be surrounded by a frame of a particular color or highlighted so that the selected printer driver can be visually recognized.

[0092] In the following step S17, the unselected printer drivers are displayed in the normal manner (step S17). Note that unselected printer drivers may be displayed in gray.

[0093] Next, in step S18, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the cancel button has been selected (step S18).

[0094] If the cancel button is selected (if the determination in step S18 is Yes), the control unit 20 ends the installation of the printer driver.

[0095] On the other hand, if the cancel button has not been selected (if the determination in step S18 is No), in step S19, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a printer driver has been selected (step S19). If the printer driver has not been selected (if the determination in step S19 is No), the control unit 20 returns the process to step S11. On the other hand, if the printer driver has been selected (if the determination in step S19 is Yes), the control unit 20 causes the display unit 24 to display an OK button in step S20 (step S20).

[0096] In the following step S21, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the OK button has been selected (step S21). If the OK button is not selected (if the determination in step S21 is No), the control unit 20 returns the process to step S11.

[0097] On the other hand, if the OK button is selected (if the determination in step S21 is Yes), the control unit 20 determines in step S22 which printer driver has been selected (step S22).

[0098] If the IPP class driver is selected (if the determination in step S22 is IPP), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S10 in FIG.

[0099] If both the IPP class driver and the vendor driver are selected (if both are selected in step S22), the control unit 20 turns on the vendor driver setting flag in step S23. Thereafter, the control unit 20 performs the process of step S10 in FIG.

[0100] If a vendor driver is selected (if the determination in step S22 is that the driver is vendor-made), in step S24, the control unit 20 turns on the vendor driver setting flag (step S24). Thereafter, the control unit 20 performs the process of step S25 in FIG.

[0101] <Procedure for installing the printer driver on user terminal 2> Next, the flow of the printer driver installation process in the user terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the printer driver installation process in the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1, and corresponds to the process in step S25 in FIG.

[0102] In step S101 of FIG. 11, the control unit 20 searches for the digital multifunction peripheral 1 connected via the network 3 (step S101).

[0103] Next, in step S102, the control unit 20 preferentially identifies the digital multifunction peripherals 1 that are compatible with the installer 26 as candidate models (step S102).

[0104] Next, in step S103, the control unit 20 determines whether the IPP class driver setting flag is ON or not (step S103).

[0105] When the IPP class driver setting flag is ON (when the determination in step S103 is Yes), in step S104, the control unit 20 executes the installation process of the IPP class driver (step S104). Details of the installation process of the IPP class driver will be described later in the explanation of FIG. 11.

[0106] On the other hand, when the IPP class driver setting flag is OFF (when the determination in step S103 is No), in step S105, the control unit 20 determines whether the vendor - made driver setting flag is ON (step S105).

[0107] When the vendor - made driver setting flag is ON (when the determination in step S105 is Yes), in step S106, the control unit 20 executes the installation process of the vendor - made driver (step S106). Details of the installation process of the vendor - made driver will be described later in the explanation of FIG. 12.

[0108] On the other hand, when the vendor - made driver setting flag is OFF (when the determination in step S105 is No), the control unit 20 ends the process.

[0109] <Procedure of the IPP class driver installation process> Next, based on FIGS. 12 to 14, the flow of the IPP class driver installation process will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the installation process of the IPP class driver in the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1, and corresponds to the process of step S104 in FIG. 11.

[0110] In step S201 of FIG. 12, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the digital multifunction machine 1 corresponding to the installer 26 as a PSA - use plugin candidate (step S201).

[0111] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the PSA - use candidate models displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 13, three PSA candidate models, "MX-0000," "SL-XXXX," and "PA-1234," are displayed on the display unit 24 along with the message, "Please select the model of the PSA plug-in." There is also a "Show all models" button at the bottom right of the screen.

[0112] Next, in step S202 of FIG. 12, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the digital multifunction peripheral 1 has been selected (step S202).

[0113] If the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is not selected (No in step S202), the control unit 20 determines in step S203 whether the display button for all models has been selected (step S203).

[0114] If the display all models button is selected (if the judgment in step S203 is Yes), in step S204, the control unit 20 displays all the searched digital multifunction peripherals 1 on the display unit 24 (step S204), and then returns the processing to the judgment in step S202. On the other hand, if the display button for all models has not been selected (if the determination in step S203 is No), the process returns to the determination in step S202.

[0115] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of all PSA candidate models displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. In the example of Figure 14, all candidate PSA models "MX-0000," "SL-XXXX," "PA-1234," "MX-XXXX," and "MZ-AAAA" are displayed on the display unit 24 along with the message "Please select the model of the PSA plug-in."

[0116] On the other hand, if the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is selected in step S202 of FIG. 12 (if the determination in step S202 is Yes), in step S205, the control unit 20 requests device identification information from the selected digital multifunction peripheral 1 via the communication unit 23 (step S205).

[0117] In the following step S206, the control unit 20 determines whether the communication unit 23 has received the device identification information from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 (step S206).

[0118] If the communication unit 23 receives device identification information from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 (if the judgment in step S206 is Yes), in step S207, the control unit 20 stores the device identification information in the memory unit 21 and installs the PSA plug-in in the IPP class driver (step S207).

[0119] In the next step S208, the control unit 20 enables the IPP class driver in which the PSA plug-in is installed to be used (step S208), and ends the process.

[0120] On the other hand, if the communication unit 23 has not received the device specifying information from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 (if the determination in step S206 is No), the control unit 20 returns the process to the determination in step S206.

[0121] <Vendor driver installation procedure> Next, the flow of the vendor driver installation process will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a vendor driver installation process in the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1, and corresponds to the process in step S105 in FIG.

[0122] In step S301 of FIG. 15, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the digital multifunction peripherals 1 that are compatible with the installer 26 as candidates to be used for setting the vendor driver (step S301).

[0123] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of candidate models for a vendor driver displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. In the example of Figure 16, the display unit 24 displays three candidate models for the driver from the vendor, "MX-0000," "SL-XXXX," and "PA-1234," along with the message "Please select the model of the PSA plug-in."

[0124] Next, in step S302 of FIG. 15, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the digital multifunction peripheral 1 has been selected (step S302).

[0125] If the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is not selected (if the determination in step S302 is No), the control unit 20 returns the process to the determination in step S302 (step S302).

[0126] On the other hand, if the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is selected (if the determination in step S302 is Yes), in step S303, the control unit 20 requests the selected digital multifunction peripheral 1 via the communication unit 23 for information to be set in the vendor driver (step S303). The settings of the vendor driver include, for example, whether double-sided printing is possible and settings for punching functions.

[0127] In the following step S304, the control unit 20 determines whether the communication unit 23 has received information to be set in the vendor driver from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 (step S304).

[0128] If the communication unit 23 receives information to be set in the vendor driver from the digital multifunction device 1 (if the judgment in step S304 is Yes), in step S305, the control unit 20 stores the setting information in the memory unit 21, and configures the vendor driver based on the setting information installed in the vendor drive and stored in the memory unit 21 (step S305).

[0129] In the following step S306, the control unit 20 enables the installed vendor driver to be used (step S306), and then ends the process.

[0130] On the other hand, if the communication unit 23 has not received the information to be set in the vendor driver from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 (if the determination in step S304 is No), the control unit 20 returns the process to the determination in step S304.

[0131] In this way, whether or not the protected print mode is enabled is determined when the printer driver is installed, and if enabled, a message is displayed indicating that the printer driver provided by a third party cannot be installed or started, and a setting screen for disabling the protected print mode in order to install and start the printer driver is displayed and the user's operation is accepted, thereby realizing a user terminal 2 that is more user-friendly than conventional ones.

[0132] Preferred aspects of the present disclosure include any combination of the above-described aspects. In addition to the above-described embodiments, various modifications of this disclosure are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not belonging to the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include all modifications within the scope of the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C: Digital multifunction device, 2: User terminal, 3: Network, 4: Server, 10, 20: Control unit, 11: Image data acquisition unit, 12: Image forming unit, 13, 21: Storage unit, 14, 22: Image processing unit, 15, 23: Communication unit, 16: Paper feed unit, 17: Operation panel, 24, 171: Display unit, 25, 172: Operation unit, 26: Installer, 27: Protected print mode setting unit, 100: Image forming system

Claims

1. An electronic device incorporating software that can install a printer driver, an installer that performs an installation process for the printer driver; a communication unit that communicates with an image forming apparatus corresponding to the printer driver via a network and transmits and receives various data; a protected print mode setting unit that accepts a setting as to whether a predetermined protected print mode should be enabled; a storage unit that stores the settings; a display unit that displays various information to the user; a control unit that controls the installer, the communication unit, the protected print mode setting unit, the storage unit, and the display unit; The electronic device is characterized in that, when the installer is launched, the control unit determines whether the protected printing mode is enabled or not, and if the protected printing mode is enabled, displays a message on the display unit indicating that the printer driver provided by a third party cannot be installed or launched because the protected printing mode is enabled.

2. further comprising an operation unit for receiving user operations, 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the control unit, when the protected printing mode is enabled, causes the display unit to display a message indicating that the protected printing mode must be disabled in order to install and launch the printer driver provided by a third party, and a setting screen for disabling the protected printing mode, and the operation unit accepts the user's operation to disable the protected printing mode.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit does not permit installation and activation of the printer driver provided by a third party when the protected print mode is enabled.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a selection screen for selecting the printer driver that can be installed when the protected print mode is disabled.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4 , wherein, when the protected print mode is disabled, the control unit causes the display unit to display on the selection screen the printer driver provided by the third party and an IPP class driver so that both can be selected.

6. 6. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein when the protected printing mode is disabled and there are multiple printer drivers that can be installed on the selection screen, the control unit displays differences in the functions of the printer drivers on the display unit.

7. A method for controlling an electronic device incorporating software capable of installing a printer driver, comprising: a communication step of communicating with an image forming apparatus corresponding to the printer driver via a network and transmitting and receiving various data; an installation step of performing an installation process for the printer driver; a protected print mode setting step for receiving a setting as to whether a predetermined protected print mode should be enabled; a storing step of storing the setting; a display step of displaying various information to a user; When performing the installation process of the printer driver in the installation step, it is determined whether the protected print mode is enabled, and if the protected print mode is enabled, a message is displayed in the display step indicating that the printer driver provided by a third party cannot be installed or started because the protected print mode is enabled.

8. A control program for an electronic device in which software capable of installing a printer driver is installed in a processor of the electronic device, a communication step of communicating with an image forming apparatus corresponding to the printer driver via a network and transmitting and receiving various data; an installation step of performing an installation process for the printer driver; a protected print mode setting step for receiving a setting as to whether a predetermined protected print mode should be enabled; a storing step of storing the setting; a display step of displaying various information to a user; A control program for an electronic device, characterized in that when performing the installation process of the printer driver in the installation process, it is determined whether the protected printing mode is enabled, and if the protected printing mode is enabled, a message is displayed in the display process to the effect that the printer driver provided by a third party cannot be installed or started because the protected printing mode is enabled.

Images