Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus

Abstract

For example, an image forming apparatus or the like capable of appropriately setting setting values ​​is provided. [Solution] An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores setting values ​​corresponding to setting items, a control unit that executes control according to the setting values, a display unit, and an acquisition unit. The control unit stores a first setting value corresponding to a first setting item in the storage unit. The control unit acquires a second setting value using the acquisition unit, extracts setting items for which a first setting value different from the second setting value is stored from the first setting items, and displays an update screen on the display unit regarding whether or not the first setting value corresponding to the extracted setting item can be updated with the second setting value.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, image forming devices have become increasingly multifunctional. Accordingly, the number of setting items that require setting values ​​to operate the image forming device is increasing. For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a method has been proposed to reduce the workload of setting setting values. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2017-007249 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is, for example, to provide an image forming apparatus or the like that can appropriately set setting values. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides an image forming device including a memory unit that stores setting values ​​corresponding to setting items, a control unit that executes control in accordance with the setting values, a display unit, and an acquisition unit, wherein the control unit stores a first setting value corresponding to a first setting item in the memory unit, acquires a second setting value using the acquisition unit, extracts from the first setting items setting items for which the first setting value different from the second setting value is stored, and displays on the display unit an update screen regarding whether the first setting value corresponding to the extracted setting item can be updated with the second setting value.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a control method for an image forming device, which stores a first setting value corresponding to a first setting item, acquires a second setting value, extracts from the first setting items setting items for which the first setting value different from the second setting value is stored, and displays an update screen related to whether the first setting value corresponding to the extracted setting item can be updated with the second setting value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, for example, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus or the like that can appropriately set setting values. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an import process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is an example of an initial installation setting table. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of import data. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a confirmation screen displayed on the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a selection screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a notification screen displayed on an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Generally, one method for reducing the workload of setting values ​​is the initial setup wizard. Initial setup wizards are sometimes provided in response to legal reforms aimed at improving cybersecurity measures for IoT (Internet of Things) products. In this case, the initial setup wizard aims to allow users to smoothly configure security-related settings on the image forming device before starting to use the device.

[0010] One such technique is import processing, which is a process for setting multiple setting items all at once based on import data obtained from an external source.

[0011] However, when an import process is performed after the initial setup wizard is executed on an image forming device, the setting values ​​set in the initial setup wizard may be changed by the import process without the user realizing it. Generally, the setting values ​​set in the initial setup wizard include setting values ​​related to security protection, so it is not recommended to change the settings while the device is in use, except for special reasons such as changes to the installation environment or operation method.

[0012] An example of an image forming apparatus that solves one of these problems will be described in the following embodiment.

[0013] [1. First embodiment] [1.1 Configuration] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multi-Function Printer / Peripheral) or a multifunction peripheral, and typically includes a copy function, an image scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. The image forming apparatus 1 may also include other functions, such as an email sending / receiving function, a file server function, etc. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a display unit 3, an operation unit 5, an image forming unit 7, an image input unit 9, a communication unit 11, a connection unit 13, a control unit 15, and a storage unit 17.

[0014] The display unit 3 displays images and characters. For example, it is configured with a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) panel, etc. The display unit 3 may be a standalone display device, or may further include an externally connected display device.

[0015] The operation unit 5 accepts operation inputs from a user. For example, the operation unit 5 is configured with hardware keys and / or software keys. The operation unit 5 also includes operation keys such as task keys for instructing the execution of tasks such as sending a fax or scanning an image, and a stop key for instructing the cancellation of an operation. The operation unit 5 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 3. When configured as a touch panel, the operation unit 5 can detect a user's touch, tap, swipe, or other operation on an object displayed on the display unit 3, and acquire touch panel information such as coordinate positions and pressure-sensitive information. In this case, the touch panel can use a common input method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitive method.

[0016] The image input unit 9 reads an image (document) and outputs it as image data. The image input unit 9 is configured with a general scanner (image input device). The image input unit 9 may input image data from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may receive an image via a network.

[0017] The image forming unit 7 forms (prints) an image on a medium such as copy paper based on image data. The printing method of the image forming unit 7 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, an inkjet printer, a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, or the like. The image forming unit 7 may be a monochrome printer or a color printer. The image forming unit 7 may include a paper feed mechanism that supplies the medium, a transport mechanism that transports the medium, a sorter mechanism that sorts the medium after the image has been formed, and the like.

[0018] The communication unit 11 connects to a network. For example, it is configured with an interface that can connect to a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. When the communication unit 11 is connected to a network, it is connected to other devices and external networks. In addition, the communication unit 11 may be an interface that performs short-range wireless communication, such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0019] The connection unit 13 connects the image forming apparatus 1 to other devices. For example, the connection unit 13 is a USB interface to which a USB memory or the like is connected. Furthermore, the connection unit 13 may be an interface other than the USB interface, such as HDMI (registered trademark).

[0020] The control unit 15 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 15 is made up of one or more control devices and one or more control circuits, and is made up of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing, an SoC (System on a Chip), etc.

[0021] Furthermore, the control unit 15 can implement each function by reading out a program stored in the storage unit 17 and executing the process.

[0022] Specifically, control unit 15 functions as job control unit 15a by executing job control program 17a stored in storage unit 17, as display control unit 15b by executing display control program 17b, as initial installation wizard control unit 15c by executing initial installation wizard control program 17c, and as setting value import control unit 15d by executing setting value import control program 17e. Each of these functional units will be described below with reference to storage unit 17.

[0023] Here, "initial installation" refers to the work performed when installing an initialized image forming apparatus 1. For example, initial installation refers to the work performed on the image forming apparatus 1 when it is started for the first time after being installed, when it is started for the first time after the settings of the image forming apparatus 1 are reset (when it is started for the first time after initialization), etc.

[0024] Furthermore, "wizard processing" refers to processing in which the image forming apparatus 1 stores setting values ​​input by the user using one or more setting screens in the storage unit 17. The setting screen is a screen for accepting input of setting values ​​corresponding to one or more setting items from the user, and the one or more setting values ​​input by the user via the setting screen are stored in the setting storage area 17f of the storage unit 17 in association with the one or more setting items.

[0025] Furthermore, the "initial installation wizard process" is a wizard process executed during the initial installation of the image forming device 1. At the time of initial installation (first startup), the image forming device 1 stores initial setting values ​​(default setting values) as setting values ​​corresponding to one or more setting items. By executing the initial installation wizard process at the time of initial installation (first startup) of the image forming device 1, the user can select whether to use the initial setting values ​​as they are or change them. In the present disclosure, the setting values ​​set by the user for one or more setting items in the initial installation wizard process are referred to as "program setting values ​​(first setting values)."

[0026] The communication unit 11 or the connection unit 13 is also called an acquisition unit. When the communication unit 11 is an acquisition unit, the communication unit 11 receives import data from another information processing device connected via a network.

[0027] When the connection unit 13 is the acquisition unit, the connection unit 13 reads import data stored in an external storage device such as a USB memory connected to the connection unit 13. The import data includes setting values ​​associated with setting items to be updated in the import process. Here, the import process is a process of acquiring data from an external device and storing the data in, for example, the setting storage area 17f. The setting values ​​included in the import data are referred to as import setting values ​​(second setting values). The import data may be in a predetermined format that can be read by the image forming apparatus 1, such as a CSV (comma separated values) format, an XML (Extensible Markup Language) format, or a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format.

[0028] The storage unit 17 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The storage unit 17 includes one or more recording devices capable of temporary storage, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and non-temporary recording devices, such as a solid state drive (SSD) configured with semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive (HDD) configured with a magnetic disk. For convenience of explanation, the storage unit 17 is shown as a single unit, but it may also be configured as separate units for different purposes, such as an area used for executing programs (main storage area), an area for saving programs and data (auxiliary storage area), an area used for caching, etc.

[0029] The storage unit 17 stores a job control program 17a, a display control program 17b, an initial installation wizard control program 17c, and a setting value import control program 17e. The storage unit 17 also has an initial installation setting storage area 17d and a setting storage area 17f.

[0030] When the control unit 15 executes the job control program 17a, the control unit 15 functions as a job control unit 15a. The job control unit 15a controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a job. For example, when executing a copy job or a print job, the job control unit 15a reads out the setting values ​​stored in the setting storage area 17f and executes the job. The job control unit 15a may also store the setting values ​​related to the executed job in the storage unit 17 as the job setting history.

[0031] When the control unit 15 executes the display control program 17b, the control unit 15 functions as the display control unit 15b. The display control unit 15b controls the display on the display unit 3, and in particular displays an update screen. The update screen is a screen related to whether or not to update a setting value corresponding to a first extracted setting item, which is a setting item that corresponds to both a first setting item corresponding to a program setting value, which is a first setting value, and a second setting item corresponding to an import setting value, which is a second setting value. The update screen includes, for example, a confirmation screen, a selection screen, and a notification screen, which will be described later.

[0032] The initial installation wizard control program 17c is a program that controls the initial installation wizard. When the control unit 15 executes the initial installation wizard control program 17c, the control unit 15 functions as the initial installation wizard control unit 15c. The initial installation wizard control unit 15c displays a wizard screen on the display unit 3 for interactively setting setting values ​​corresponding to one or more setting items. The initial installation wizard control unit 15c also sets setting values ​​corresponding to one or more setting items in response to input received from the user via the operation unit 5 while the wizard screen is displayed. When setting values ​​are set for one or more setting items, the setting values ​​are stored in the setting storage area 17f as user setting values ​​associated with the setting items, and are also stored in the initial installation setting storage area 17d as program setting values ​​associated with the setting items. Here, the program setting values ​​refer to setting values ​​set for one or more setting items during initial installation of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0033] The setting value import control program 17e is an execution program for import processing, and when the setting value import control program 17e is executed, the control unit 15 operates as a setting value import control unit 15d. The initial installation setting storage area 17d stores an initial installation setting table. The initial installation setting table is a table that stores setting values ​​(hereinafter also referred to as default setting values) stored in the setting storage area 17f immediately before the setting values ​​stored in the setting storage area 17f are updated by the initial installation wizard, and setting values ​​(hereinafter also referred to as program setting values) stored in the setting storage area 17f immediately after the setting values ​​stored in the setting storage area 17f are updated by the initial installation wizard, in association with setting items. The setting storage area 17f is an area that stores setting values ​​for various setting items of the image forming apparatus 1. The setting values ​​stored in the setting storage area 17f are also referred to as user setting values. The job control unit 15a executes a job based on the user setting values ​​when executing the job.

[0034] [1.2 Operation] 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the import process of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the control unit 15 operates as a setting value import control unit 15d in accordance with a setting value import control program 17e read from the storage unit 17.

[0035] The setting value import control unit 15d reads import data from the outside via the communication unit 11 or the connection unit 13 (step S1). Next, based on the initial installation setting table stored in the initial installation setting storage area 17d, the setting value import control unit 15d extracts setting items that exist in the initial installation setting table from the setting items of the import setting values ​​included in the import data as first extracted setting items (step S3). If the first extracted setting items include one or more setting items (step S5, Yes), the process proceeds to step S7. If the first extracted setting items include zero setting items (step S5, No), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0036] In step S7, for each setting item included in the first extracted setting items, the setting value import control unit 15d compares the current setting value (user setting value) corresponding to that setting item with the setting value (program setting value) set for that same setting item in the initial installation wizard. The setting value import control unit 15d extracts, as second extracted setting items, setting items whose user setting value matches the program setting value (setting items whose user setting value is set in the initial installation wizard). If the second extracted setting items include one or more setting items (step S9, Yes), the process proceeds to step S11. If the second extracted setting items include zero setting items (step S9, No), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0037] In step S11, the setting value import control unit 15d compares, for each setting item included in the second extracted setting items, the user setting value corresponding to that setting item with the setting value set for that same setting item in the import data (import setting value). The setting value import control unit 15d extracts, as the third extracted setting item, a setting item for which the user setting value does not match the import setting value (a setting item for which a setting value different from the setting value set in the initial installation wizard is set as the import setting value). If the third extracted setting items include one or more setting items (step S13, Yes), the process proceeds to step S15. If the third extracted setting items include zero setting items (step S13, No), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0038] In step S15, the display control unit 15b displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 3. The confirmation screen is a type of update screen, and is a screen for inquiring whether or not to execute a batch update of the setting values ​​corresponding to the first extracted setting item. For example, the confirmation screen may be a screen for inquiring whether or not to execute a batch update of the setting values ​​corresponding to the third extracted setting item.

[0039] When the confirmation screen is displayed on the display unit 3, if an operation to not update the settings is received via the operation unit 5 (step S17, No), the setting value import control unit 15d excludes the import setting value corresponding to the third extracted setting item from the import data, and uses the remaining import setting value to update the user setting value in the setting memory area 17f corresponding to that import setting value via the setting item (step S19).

[0040] On the other hand, when the confirmation screen is displayed on the display unit 3, if an operation to update the settings is received via the operation unit 5 (step S17, Yes), the setting value import control unit 15d proceeds to step S21.

[0041] In step S21, the setting value import control unit 15d uses all the import setting values ​​included in the import data to update the user setting values ​​in the setting storage area 17f that correspond to the import setting values ​​via the setting items.

[0042] [1.3 Example of operation] It is assumed that the control unit 15 executes the initial installation wizard control program 17c (initial installation wizard), and as a result, the initial installation wizard control unit 15c stores an initial installation setting table 21 shown in FIG. 4 (described later) in the initial installation setting storage area 17d. It is also assumed that the control unit 15 acquires import data 23 shown in FIG. 5 (described later) via the communication unit 11 or the connection unit 13. The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 at this time will be described. It is assumed that, in this operation example, the user setting values ​​have not been changed after the execution of the initial installation wizard.

[0043] The initial installation setting table 21 in Figure 4 is an example of an initial installation setting table. The initial installation setting table 21 stores setting items to be updated from their default settings in the initial installation wizard, setting values ​​(program setting values) set for the setting items to be updated by running the initial installation wizard, and setting values ​​(default setting values) that were set for the setting items to be updated before being updated by running the initial installation wizard. For example, the top record in the initial installation setting table 21 indicates that for the setting item "Password Policy Settings," the program setting value "Enabled" was set by running the initial installation wizard, and that the default setting value "Disabled" was set before running the initial installation wizard.

[0044] Import data 23 in Figure 5 is an example of import data. The import data 23 includes setting items to be set by the import process and import setting values ​​associated with those setting items. The import data 23 includes setting items such as "minimum password length," "automatic firmware recovery," and "server port - HTTP," with the respective setting values ​​being "8," "enabled," and "enabled, 8080," respectively.

[0045] In step S3, the setting value import control unit 15d determines whether or not there is a setting item of the import data 23 among the setting items in the initial installation setting table 21. Since the setting items "minimum password length," "automatic firmware recovery," and "server port-HTTP" of the import data 23 are all included in the initial installation setting table 21, "minimum password length," "automatic firmware recovery," and "server port-HTTP" are extracted as the first extracted setting items, and step S5 becomes "yes."

[0046] In step S7, the setting value import control unit 15d compares the user setting values ​​stored in the setting storage area 17f with the program setting values ​​in the initial installation setting table 21 for each setting item of the first extracted setting items, and extracts setting items for which the two values ​​match. In this case, since the user setting values ​​have not been changed since the initial installation wizard was executed, the user setting values ​​match the program setting values. Therefore, the setting items of the first extracted items are extracted as they are as the second extracted items.

[0047] In step S11, the setting value import control unit 15d compares the user-set value with the import setting value for each setting item of the second extracted setting items, and extracts any setting items for which the two do not match as third extracted setting items. The user-set values ​​for the second extracted setting items "minimum password length," "automatic firmware recovery," and "server port-HTTP" are "5," "disabled," and "enabled, 80," respectively. Meanwhile, the import setting values ​​for "minimum password length," "automatic firmware recovery," and "server port-HTTP" in the import data 23 are "8," "enabled," and "enabled, 8080," respectively. Therefore, the three user-set values ​​for the second extracted setting items and the three corresponding import setting values ​​are different from each other, and therefore "minimum password length," "automatic firmware recovery," and "server port-HTTP" are extracted as third extracted setting items.

[0048] The confirmation screen 31 in FIG. 6 is an example of a confirmation screen displayed in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The confirmation screen 31 has a text field 33, a setting item field 35, a Yes button 37, and a No button 39. The text field 33 is a field in which text indicating the content of a question to the user is entered. The text field 33 states, "Some setting items will be changed from the settings at the time of initial installation. Do you want to import data for the following setting items?" The setting item field 35 is a field for displaying third extracted setting items. Here, the third extracted setting items, "Minimum password length," "Firmware auto recovery," and "Server port - HTTP," are entered.

[0049] When an operation of the No button 39 is accepted via the operation unit 5 (step S17, No), the setting value import control unit 15d updates the user setting value of the corresponding setting item by using the import setting values ​​included in the import data 23 other than the third extracted setting item (step S19). Here, all of the import setting values ​​in the import data 23 correspond to the third extracted setting item. Therefore, there are no user setting values ​​to be updated by the import process based on the import data 23. In other words, when an operation of the No button 39 is accepted via the operation unit 5 (step S17, No), the setting value import control unit 15d executes the process of step S19 if the import setting values ​​included in the import data 23 include an import setting value other than the third extracted setting item, and does not execute the process of step S19 if the import setting values ​​included in the import data 23 do not include an import setting value other than the third extracted setting item.

[0050] On the other hand, when an operation to the Yes button 37 is received via the operation unit 5 (Yes in step S17), the setting value import control unit 15d updates the corresponding user setting values ​​using all of the import setting values ​​included in the import data 23. That is, the control unit 15 uses the import setting values ​​of "minimum password length," "firmware auto-recovery," and "server port-HTTP" included in the import data 23 to update the corresponding user setting values.

[0051] [1.4 Summary] According to the first embodiment, for setting items extracted as third extracted setting items from the import data (setting items for which setting values ​​different from those set in the initial installation wizard are set as import setting values), the user can specify whether to perform the import process after excluding all import setting values ​​at once, or to perform the import process by applying the import data as is, thereby enabling the user to set the setting values ​​as intended.

[0052] [2. Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the user collectively specifies whether or not to apply the import setting values ​​of the third extracted setting items to the import process. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the user individually specifies whether or not to apply the import setting values ​​from among the setting items of the third extracted setting items for each setting item. Only the differences in configuration and processing from the first embodiment will be described.

[0053] 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In step S13, if a third extracted setting item exists (step S13, Yes), the display control unit 15b displays a selection screen on the display unit 3 (step S31). The selection screen is a screen for selecting a setting item, from the third extracted setting items, whose user setting value is to be updated with an imported setting value. While the selection operation via the operation unit 5 is incomplete (step S32, No), the display control unit 15b displays the selection screen on the display unit 3. When the selection operation is completed (step S32, Yes), the display control unit 15b closes the selection screen, and the setting value import control unit 15d removes the import setting values ​​of the setting items not selected in step S32 from the import data and updates the user setting values ​​of the corresponding setting items using the remaining import setting values ​​(step S33).

[0054] 8 is an example of a selection screen displayed in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The selection screen 51 has a text field 53, a setting item field 55, and an OK button 57.

[0055] The text field 53 is a field in which text indicating the content of the inquiry to the user is entered. The text field 53 states, "Some setting items will be changed from the settings at the time of initial installation. Please select the setting items for which you want to import data."

[0056] The setting item column 55 displays the third extracted setting items and also displays check boxes for selecting the setting items. Here, the third extracted setting items "Minimum Password Length," "Firmware Auto Recovery," and "Server Port - HTTP" are listed. Also, a check box is provided in front of each setting item. The user selects the desired setting item by using the operation unit 5 to check the check box provided in front of the desired setting item.

[0057] The decision button 57 is a button for confirming the selection operation on the check box, and after completing the selection of the desired setting item, the user operates the decision button 57 using the operation unit 5 to confirm the setting item whose check box is checked as the setting item to be updated with the import setting value. Note that the decision button 57 can be operated even if no setting item displayed in the setting item column 55 is selected, and in that case, the same processing as when the No button 39 is operated on the confirmation screen 31 of the first embodiment (No in step S17) is performed.

[0058] According to the second embodiment, the user can specify the setting items to be subject to the import process from among the setting items extracted as third extracted setting items from the import data (setting items whose import setting values ​​are different from the setting values ​​set in the initial installation wizard), thereby enabling the user to set the setting values ​​as intended.

[0059] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, a notification screen is displayed to notify the user that import processing will not be performed for the setting items of the third extracted setting items. The following mainly describes only the parts of the configuration and processing that are different from the first embodiment.

[0060] 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. In step S13, if a third extracted setting item exists (step S13, Yes), the display control unit 15b displays a notification screen on the display unit 3 (step S41). The notification screen is a screen for notifying the user that import processing will not be performed for the setting item of the third extracted setting item. After displaying the notification screen, the display control unit 15b displays the notification screen on the display unit 3 until an operation to close the notification screen is received via the operation unit 5 (step S43, No). When the operation to close the notification screen is received (step S43, Yes), the display control unit 15b closes the notification screen, and the setting value import control unit 15d removes the import setting value of the third extracted setting item from the import data and updates the user setting value of the corresponding setting item using the remaining import setting value (step S45).

[0061] 10 is an example of a notification screen displayed on an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The notification screen 71 has a text field 73, a setting item field 75, and an OK button 77.

[0062] The text field 73 is a field in which text indicating the content of the inquiry to the user is entered. The text field 73 states, "Changes from the settings at the time of initial installation are prohibited. Import data for the following setting items will not be imported." The setting item field 75 is a field for displaying the setting items of the third extracted setting items, i.e., the setting items that will not be imported in the import process. Here, the third extracted setting items, "Minimum password length," "Firmware auto recovery," and "Server port - HTTP," are entered. The OK button 77 is a button that the user operates via the operation unit 5 when the contents of the text field 73 and the setting item field 75 have been confirmed.

[0063] According to the third embodiment, it is possible to know that changes to the setting values ​​set by the initial installation wizard are prohibited, and therefore, it is possible to know that the setting values ​​of the setting items extracted as the third extracted setting items from the import data (setting items whose import setting values ​​are different from the setting values ​​set by the initial installation wizard) will not be updated by the import process.

[0064] [4. Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining appropriately modified technical means within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] On the confirmation screen 31 and the selection screen 51, the third extracted setting items are displayed in the setting item columns 35 and 55, but in addition to this, import setting values ​​corresponding to each setting item may also be displayed. In this case, the user can check the setting values ​​when the import setting values ​​are applied. Although the initial setup wizard process has been exemplified as a process executed during initial setup of the image forming apparatus 1, the process is not limited to this, and the initial setup process may be executed in a format other than the wizard format.

[0066] The programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories), HDDs, and SSDs (Solid State Drives), and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0067] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc. Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-described embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present disclosure may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0068] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course also included in the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. Image forming device 3 Display section 5 Control section 7 Image forming unit 9 Image input section 11 Communications Department 13 Connection 15 Control Unit 17 Memory section 17a Job Control Program 17b Display control program 17c Initial Installation Wizard Control Program 17d Initial installation settings storage area 17e Setting value import control program 17f Setting storage area 21 Initial Installation Settings Table 23 Import Data 31 Confirmation screen 33, 53, 73 Text field 35, 55, 75 Setting item field 37 Yes button 39 No button 51 Selection screen 57 Decision button 71 Notification screen 77 OK button

Claims

1. The device includes a storage unit that stores setting values ​​corresponding to setting items, a control unit that executes control in accordance with the setting values, a display unit, and an acquisition unit, The control unit storing a first setting value corresponding to a first setting item in the storage unit; acquiring a second setting value using the acquisition unit; extracting, from the first setting items, setting items for which the first setting value different from the second setting value is stored; an update screen relating to whether or not the first setting value corresponding to the extracted setting item can be updated by the second setting value is displayed on the display unit; Image forming device.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the update screen on the display unit to inquire whether or not to perform a batch update of the first setting values ​​corresponding to the extracted setting items with the second setting values.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the update screen on the display unit to accept selection of a setting item, among first setting values ​​corresponding to the extracted setting items, for updating the first setting value to the second setting value.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the update screen on the display unit, the update screen including a notification that the first setting value corresponding to the extracted setting item will not be updated to the second setting value.

5. storing a first setting value corresponding to a first setting item; Obtain a second setting value; extracting, from the first setting items, setting items for which the first setting value different from the second setting value is stored; displaying an update screen relating to whether or not the first setting value corresponding to the extracted setting item can be updated by the second setting value; A control method for an image forming apparatus.

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