Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for improving convenience when using setting information.SOLUTION: In a profile synchronization system in which a user terminal and a synchronization server that are connected to a scanner device via a communication path so as to be capable of data communication are connected to each other via a communication network so as to be capable of data communication, a user terminal 20 as an information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit 220 that acquires setting information related to use of an electronic device, a determination unit 230 that determines whether or not the setting information is usable, and a display unit 250 that displays the setting information in accordance with a determination result by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for synchronizing setting information related to the use of electronic devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device that uploads a backup file including an application and a setting file of the application to an external device, and when restoring the backup file uploaded to the external device, skips restoring setting files that correspond to filtering information held in the backup file and restores the backup file. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-75760 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology leaves room for improvement in the convenience of using configuration information. For example, an application for which the restoration of the configuration file has been skipped cannot be used unless the configuration file is manually created.

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure aims to improve convenience when using setting information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires setting information regarding the use of an electronic device, a determination unit that determines whether the setting information is available, and a display unit that displays the setting information according to the determination result by the determination unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, convenience when using setting information is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a profile synchronization system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a profile synchronization system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a profile. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mapping table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a profile synchronization process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a determination process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a profile selection screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a profile selection screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a profile selection screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a profile creation screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a profile creation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] An embodiment of the present disclosure is an example of an information processing system that synchronizes profiles among a plurality of information processing devices. Hereinafter, the information processing system according to this embodiment will be referred to as a "profile synchronization system."

[0011] A profile is electronic data that indicates setting information related to the use of an electronic device. Examples of electronic devices include office equipment, home appliances, and facility equipment. Examples of electronic devices include image reading devices such as scanners. Examples of electronic devices are not limited to image reading devices and may include image forming devices such as printers, facsimile machines, and digital multifunction peripherals (MFPs; Multifunction Peripheral / Product / Printers).

[0012] Applications for using scanner devices are available from information processing terminals such as personal computers or smartphones. Hereinafter, applications for using scanner devices will be referred to as "scanner software." By operating the scanner software, users of scanner devices can create and use profiles related to the use of the scanner device.

[0013] Some scanner software has a function to synchronize a profile created by a specific user across multiple information processing devices. Using the profile synchronization function, users can conveniently use the same profile on different information processing devices.

[0014] Incidentally, a profile related to the use of a scanner device may include path information indicating the location of a file or folder. Examples of path information included in a profile include a destination setting that specifies a folder for saving image files generated by a scanning operation, or a link setting that specifies an executable file for an application that processes the image files. When a profile includes path information, a profile created on one information processing terminal may not be usable on another information processing terminal. For example, if the directory structures of one information processing terminal and another information processing terminal are different, a folder or path that exists on one information processing terminal may not exist on another information processing terminal.

[0015] Specifically, for example, if different operating systems (OS) are installed on information processing terminals, the directory structures of one information processing terminal may differ from those of another information processing terminal. Also, even if the same OS is installed on information processing terminals, if different user accounts log in to the information processing terminals, the directory structures (e.g., desktops) associated with the user accounts may differ.

[0016] However, users who use the profile synchronization function expect the same usability to be realized even when they operate different information processing devices. If the profile is not synchronized, or if it is synchronized but cannot be used, the user has to manually create a new profile according to the information processing device. Therefore, if the profile cannot be used as is after it has been synchronized, this behavior does not meet the user's expectations and is a factor that reduces convenience.

[0017] The present embodiment aims to improve convenience when using setting information. In this embodiment, it is determined whether setting information related to the use of an electronic device is available, and the setting information is displayed according to the determination result. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, the user can easily determine whether the displayed setting information is available, thereby improving convenience when using the setting information.

[0018] <Overall structure> The overall configuration of a profile synchronization system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a profile synchronization system.

[0019] 1, the profile synchronization system 1000 includes a plurality of scanner devices 10 (10-1, 10-2), a plurality of user terminals 20 (20-1, 20-2), and a synchronization server 30. The scanner device 10 is an example of an electronic device. The user terminal 20 is an example of an information processing device.

[0020] Hereinafter, when there are multiple scanner devices 10, they will be distinguished from one another by using sub-numbers such as "scanner device 10-1" and "scanner device 10-2." When a term such as "scanner device 10" is used without using a sub-number, it applies to all scanner devices 10. The same notation will be used for user terminals 20.

[0021] The user terminal 20 and the synchronization server 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate data with each other via a communication network N1. The communication network N1 may be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network (VPN), or the Internet.

[0022] The scanner device 10 and the user terminal 20 are connected to each other via a communication path N2 so that data can be transmitted between them. The communication path N2 may be a wired or wireless communication network, or may be serial communication using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. The communication path N2 may be part of the communication network N1.

[0023] The scanner device 10 is an example of an image reading device that optically reads an image formed on an image-forming medium. The scanner device 10 may output image data read from the image-forming medium. The scanner device 10 may perform data processing such as optical character recognition (OCR) on the image data read from the image-forming medium and output the processing results. The scanner device 10 may transmit the image data or the processing results for the image data to the user terminal 20 via the communication path N2.

[0024] The user terminal 20 is an example of an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal operated by a user U of the scanner device 10. Scanner software is installed in the user terminal 20. By operating the scanner software, the user U can perform functions such as creating, using, and synchronizing a profile.

[0025] In this embodiment, a user U uses two scanner devices 10-1 and 10-2 by operating two user terminals 20-1 and 20-2. The scanner device 10-1 and the user terminal 20-1, and the scanner device 10-2 and the user terminal 20-2 may be installed in different spaces. As an example, the scanner device 10-1 and the user terminal 20-1 may be installed in the user U's workplace, and the scanner device 10-2 and the user terminal 20-2 may be installed in the user U's home.

[0026] The profile synchronization system 1000 synchronizes a profile created by a user U between the scanner software installed in the user terminal 20-1 and the scanner software installed in the user terminal 20-2. This allows the user U to use the profile created in the user terminal 20-1 in the user terminal 20-2. Similarly, the user U can use the profile created in the user terminal 20-2 in the user terminal 20-1.

[0027] The synchronization server 30 is an example of an information processing device such as a server, workstation, or personal computer that controls the profile synchronization function. The synchronization server 30 receives the profile from the user terminal 20 and stores it in a storage device. In response to a request from the user terminal 20, the synchronization server 30 transmits the profile read from the storage device to the user terminal 20.

[0028] The overall configuration of the profile synchronization system 1000 shown in Fig. 1 is an example, and various system configuration examples are possible depending on the application and purpose. For example, the profile synchronization system 1000 may include three or more scanner devices 10 or three or more user terminals 20. For example, the synchronization server 30 may be realized by multiple computers or may be realized as a cloud computing service. The classification of devices such as the scanner device 10, user terminal 20, and synchronization server 30 shown in Fig. 1 is an example.

[0029] For example, the profile synchronization system 1000 may synchronize profiles directly between the user terminal 20-1 and the user terminal 20-2 without going through the synchronization server 30. In this case, the profile synchronization system 1000 may not include the synchronization server 30. Also, for example, the profile synchronization system 1000 may synchronize profiles between the scanner device 10-1 and the scanner device 10-2 with or without going through the synchronization server 30.

[0030] <Hardware configuration> The hardware configuration of the profile synchronization system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The user terminal 20 and the synchronization server 30 may be realized by, for example, a computer. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer.

[0031] 2, the computer 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 504, an input device 505, a display device 506, a communication I / F (Interface) 507, and an external I / F 508. The CPU 501, the ROM 502, and the RAM 503 form a so-called computer. The hardware components of the computer 500 are connected to each other via a bus line 509. The input device 505 and the display device 506 may be connected to the external I / F 508 for use.

[0032] The CPU 501 is a computing device that reads programs and data from a storage device such as the ROM 502 or the HDD 504 onto the RAM 503 and executes the processes, thereby realizing the overall control and functions of the computer 500. The computer 500 may have a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) in addition to or instead of the CPU 501.

[0033] The ROM 502 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 502 functions as a main storage device that stores various programs, data, etc. required for the CPU 501 to execute various programs installed in the HDD 504. Specifically, the ROM 502 stores boot programs such as a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) and an Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) that are executed when the computer 500 starts up, as well as data such as OS (Operating System) settings and network settings.

[0034] The RAM 503 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) in which programs and data are erased when the power is turned off. The RAM 503 is, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The RAM 503 provides a working area in which various programs installed in the HDD 504 are expanded when executed by the CPU 501.

[0035] The HDD 504 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The programs and data stored in the HDD 504 include an OS, which is basic software that controls the entire computer 500, and applications that provide various functions on the OS. Note that the computer 500 may use a storage device that uses flash memory as a storage medium (e.g., an SSD (Solid State Drive)) instead of the HDD 504.

[0036] The input device 505 includes a touch panel, operation keys and buttons, a keyboard and mouse, a microphone for inputting sound data such as voice, and the like, which are used by the user to input various signals.

[0037] The display device 506 is configured with a display such as a liquid crystal display or organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display for displaying a screen, a speaker for outputting sound data such as voice, and the like.

[0038] The communication I / F 507 is an interface that connects to a communication network and enables the computer 500 to perform data communication.

[0039] The external I / F 508 is an interface with external devices, such as a drive device 510.

[0040] The drive device 510 is a device for loading a recording medium 511. The recording medium 511 here includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, or a magneto-optical disk. The recording medium 511 may also include semiconductor memories that record information electrically, such as ROMs and flash memories. This allows the computer 500 to read from and / or write to the recording medium 511 via the external I / F 508.

[0041] The various programs to be installed in the HDD 504 are installed, for example, by setting the distributed recording medium 511 in a drive device 510 connected to the external I / F 508 and reading out the various programs recorded on the recording medium 511 by the drive device 510. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the HDD 504 may be installed by being downloaded via the communication I / F 507 from a network different from the communication network.

[0042] <Functional configuration> The functional configuration of the profile synchronization system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the profile synchronization system.

[0043] <Synchronization Server> 3, the synchronization server 30 includes a storage unit 300 and a management unit 310. The synchronization server 30 functions as the storage unit 300 and the management unit 310 by executing a server program installed in advance.

[0044] For example, the storage unit 300 is realized by the HDD 504 shown in Fig. 2. For example, the management unit 310 is realized by a process that the CPU 501 executes by a program loaded from the HDD 504 onto the RAM 503 shown in Fig. 2.

[0045] Profiles are stored in the storage unit 300. The profiles stored in the storage unit 300 are managed by the management unit 310. The management of profiles may include adding, updating, synchronizing, deleting, and the like of profiles.

[0046] A profile stored in the storage unit 300 may be associated with information indicating the environment in which the profile was created (hereinafter referred to as "creation environment information"). The creation environment information may include information indicating the identity or type of the scanner device 10, information indicating the identity or type of the user terminal 20, information indicating a user account, information regarding the allocation of special paths, information indicating an OS drive letter, etc.

[0047] A mapping table may be stored in the storage unit 300. The mapping table is table data for converting path information including an abstract expression into path information corresponding to the directory structure of the user terminal 20. The abstract expression is information that expresses a path so as not to depend on the directory structure. The abstract expression may be any predetermined character string.

[0048] The management unit 310 manages profiles. The management unit 310 may manage profiles stored in the storage unit 300. The management unit 310 may receive a profile created by the user terminal 20 and store it in the storage unit 300. The management unit 310 may receive a profile edited by the user terminal 20 and update the profile stored in the storage unit 300. The management unit 310 may delete a profile stored in the storage unit 300 in response to a request from the user terminal 20.

[0049] In response to a request from the user terminal 20, the management unit 310 may transmit a profile stored in the storage unit 300 to the user terminal 20. The management unit 310 may receive a profile from the user terminal 20 and transmit only the difference between the received profile and the profile stored in the storage unit 300 to the user terminal 20. When transmitting the profile or the difference between the profiles, the management unit 310 may transmit a mapping table stored in the storage unit 300 to the user terminal 20.

[0050] (profile) The profile stored in the storage unit 300 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a profile.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, a profile has data items such as a profile name, image processing, file format, collaboration type, detailed information, etc. The profile name is an example of identification information for identifying a profile. The image processing is information indicating a processing method for an image generated by a scanner operation. The file format is a file format for saving an image generated by a scanner operation. The collaboration type is information indicating a type of processing for an image generated by a scanner operation. The detailed information is information indicating parameters related to the processing, etc.

[0052] The profile may include path information according to the collaboration type. The profile shown in FIG. 4 indicates that when the collaboration type is "folder storage," the detailed information includes path information indicating the destination folder. The profile shown in FIG. 4 also indicates that when the collaboration type is "app collaboration," the detailed information includes path information indicating the executable file.

[0053] (Mapping table) The mapping table stored in the storage unit 300 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the mapping table.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the mapping table is table data that associates abstract pathnames, which are an example of abstract expressions, with paths corresponding to the directory structure of each OS. Paths corresponding to the directory structure may be written using environment variables set by default in the OS. The mapping table shown in Figure 5 indicates that the path includes environment variables (such as %SystemDrive% and $HOME).

[0055] The mapping table may be packaged with the scanner software and installed together with the scanner software in the user terminal 20. The mapping table may also be coded directly into the scanner software. In this case, the mapping table does not need to be stored in the storage unit 300.

[0056] <User device> 3, the user terminal 20 includes a storage unit 200, a transmission unit 210, an acquisition unit 220, a determination unit 230, a conversion unit 240, and a display unit 250. The user terminal 20 functions as the storage unit 200, the transmission unit 210, the acquisition unit 220, the determination unit 230, the conversion unit 240, and the display unit 250 by executing scanner software that has been pre-installed on the user terminal 20.

[0057] For example, the storage unit 200 is realized by the HDD 504 shown in Fig. 2. For example, the transmission unit 210, the acquisition unit 220, the determination unit 230, the conversion unit 240, and the display unit 250 are realized by processing that is executed by the CPU 501 in accordance with a program loaded from the HDD 504 onto the RAM 503 shown in Fig. 2.

[0058] Profiles are stored in the storage unit 200. The profiles stored in the storage unit 200 may be created by the user U operating scanner software installed in the user terminal 20. The profiles stored in the storage unit 200 may be acquired from the synchronization server 30 by the acquisition unit 220.

[0059] The transmission unit 210 transmits the profile stored in the storage unit 200 to the synchronization server 30. The transmission unit 210 may transmit the profile to the synchronization server 30 at any timing. For example, the transmission unit 210 may transmit the profile to the synchronization server 30 in response to an operation on the scanner software by the user U. Furthermore, the transmission unit 210 may detect that a new profile has been stored in the storage unit 200 or that a profile stored in the storage unit 200 has been updated, and transmit the added or updated profile to the synchronization server 30.

[0060] The acquisition unit 220 acquires a profile from the synchronization server 30. The acquisition unit 220 may request the synchronization server 30 to transmit a profile, and may receive the profile transmitted by the synchronization server 30 in response to the request. The acquisition unit 220 may read out a profile stored in the storage unit 300 of the synchronization server 30.

[0061] The acquiring unit 220 may acquire the mapping table from the synchronization server 30. The acquiring unit 220 may receive the mapping table transmitted by the synchronization server 30 together with the profile. The acquiring unit 220 may read out the mapping table stored in the storage unit 300 of the synchronization server 30.

[0062] The determination unit 230 determines whether or not the profile acquired by the acquisition unit 220 is usable. The determination unit 230 may determine that the profile is usable if the creation environment of the profile is the same as the environment of the user terminal 20. The determination unit 230 may determine whether or not the environments are the same based on creation environment information associated with the profile.

[0063] If a profile cannot be used by the scanner device 10, the determination unit 230 may determine that the profile cannot be used. For example, if settings related to scanner operation included in the profile are not supported by the scanner device 10, the determination unit 230 may determine that the profile cannot be used by the scanner device 10. The settings related to scanner operation may include, for example, the scanning side (double-sided or single-sided), the resolution (dpi), the file format, etc. For example, if the scanning side set in the profile is double-sided scanning and the scanner device 10 is a model that supports only single-sided scanning, the determination unit 230 may determine that the profile cannot be used by the scanner device 10. For example, if the resolution is set to 1200 dpi in the profile and the scanner device 10 is a model that supports up to 600 dpi, the determination unit 230 may determine that the profile cannot be used by the scanner device 10.

[0064] If a setting related to scanner operation is not supported by the scanner device 10, the determination unit 230 may correct the setting related to scanner operation so that it can be executed by the scanner device 10. For example, if the reading side set in the profile is double-sided scanning and the scanner device 10 is a model that supports only single-sided scanning, the determination unit 230 may correct the reading side set in the profile to single-sided scanning. For example, if the resolution is set to 1200 dpi in the profile and the scanner device 10 is a model that supports up to 600 dpi, the determination unit 230 may correct the resolution set in the profile to 600 dpi.

[0065] The determination unit 230 may determine that a profile is unusable if the profile includes path information indicating a file or folder that does not exist in the user terminal 20. If the profile includes path information that includes an abstract expression, the determination unit 230 may convert the path information using the conversion unit 240, and if the converted path information indicates a file or folder that does not exist in the user terminal 20, may determine that the profile is unusable.

[0066] The conversion unit 240 converts path information included in the profile acquired by the acquisition unit 220. When the profile includes path information including an abstract expression, the conversion unit 240 may convert the path information into path information that corresponds to the directory structure of the user terminal 20. The conversion unit 240 may convert the path information included in the profile using a mapping table. The conversion unit 240 may use the mapping table acquired by the acquisition unit 220, or may use a mapping table installed together with the scanner software.

[0067] When converting path information, the conversion unit 240 may store a conversion history including the path information before conversion and the path information after conversion in the storage unit 200. When a conversion history is stored in the storage unit 200, the conversion unit 240 may convert the path information included in the profile based on the conversion history.

[0068] The display unit 250 displays the profile acquired by the acquisition unit 220. The display unit 250 may display the profile on a screen of scanner software. The display unit 250 may display the profile according to the determination result by the determination unit 230. In other words, the display unit 250 may display the profile in a manner according to whether the profile is available for use.

[0069] For example, the display unit 250 may display profiles determined to be usable and not display profiles determined to be usable. For example, the display unit 250 may display profiles determined to be usable as active profiles and profiles determined to be unusable as inactive profiles. Note that active display refers to displaying a profile in an operable manner on the screen, and inactive display refers to displaying a profile on the screen in an inoperable manner.

[0070] For example, the display unit 250 may associate a profile determined to be unusable with the profile and display information indicating the reason for the determination that the profile is unusable. As an example, the display unit 250 may display the profile determined to be unusable in an inactive state, and when the cursor is moved near the profile, display a message indicating the reason for the determination that the profile is unusable in the form of a tooltip or the like. The reasons for the determination that the profile is unusable may include, for example, the absence of a save destination path, the absence of an executable file for the linked application, or a setting that is not supported by the scanner device.

[0071] The functional configuration of the profile synchronization system 1000 shown in Fig. 3 is one example, and it goes without saying that there are various examples of functional configurations depending on the application and purpose. The division of processing units such as the storage unit 200, transmission unit 210, acquisition unit 220, determination unit 230, conversion unit 240, display unit 250, storage unit 300, and management unit 310 shown in Fig. 3 is one example.

[0072] <Profile sync method> A profile synchronization method executed by the profile synchronization system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the profile synchronization method.

[0073] In step S1, user U starts scanner software on user terminal 20-1. Display unit 250 of user terminal 20-1 displays the scanner software screen on display device 506. User U creates a profile by operating the scanner software displayed on display device 506. User U may set path information included in the profile using abstract representation. Display unit 250 may convert the path information input by user U into path information using abstract representation. Display unit 250 stores the created profile in storage unit 200.

[0074] In step S2, the transmitting unit 210 of the user terminal 20-1 transmits a request to add a profile to the synchronization server 30. The request to add a profile includes the profile stored in the storage unit 200 and creation environment information related to the profile.

[0075] In step S3, the management unit 310 of the synchronization server 30 receives the profile addition request from the user terminal 20-1. The management unit 310 stores the profile and the creation environment information included in the addition request in the storage unit 300 in association with each other.

[0076] In step S4, the user U starts the scanner software on the user terminal 20-2. When the scanner software starts to be launched, the acquisition unit 220 of the user terminal 20-2 transmits a profile acquisition request to the synchronization server 30. The profile acquisition request may include the profile stored in the storage unit 200.

[0077] In step S5, the management unit 310 of the synchronization server 30 receives a profile acquisition request from the user terminal 20-2. The management unit 310 reads out the profile, creation environment information, and mapping table stored in the storage unit 300. If the profile acquisition request includes a profile, the management unit 310 may compare the profile included in the profile acquisition request with the profile read out from the storage unit 300 and extract differences between the profiles. The management unit 310 transmits the profile (or the differences between the profiles), the creation environment information, and the mapping table to the user terminal 20-2.

[0078] In step S6, the acquisition unit 220 of the user terminal 20-2 receives the profile (or the profile difference), the creation environment information, and the mapping table from the synchronization server 30. The acquisition unit 220 sends the profile (or the profile difference) and the creation environment information to the determination unit 230. The acquisition unit 220 also sends the mapping table to the conversion unit 240.

[0079] The determination unit 230 receives the profile (or the profile difference) and creation environment information from the acquisition unit 220. When the profile difference is received, the determination unit 230 reads the profile from the storage unit 200 and updates the profile read from the storage unit 200 based on the profile difference. The determination unit 230 executes a determination process to determine whether the profile received from the synchronization server 30 or the updated profile is usable. The determination unit 230 sends the profile and the determination result of the determination process to the display unit 250.

[0080] In step S7, the display unit 250 of the user terminal 20-2 receives the profile and the determination result from the determination unit 230. The display unit 250 displays the screen of the scanner software on the display device 506. At this time, the display unit 250 displays the profile on the screen of the scanner software in a format according to the determination result. For example, the display unit 250 may display profiles determined to be usable and not display profiles determined to be unusable. For example, the display unit 250 may display profiles determined to be usable as active and profiles determined to be unusable as inactive.

[0081] In step S8, the user U creates a profile by operating the scanner software. The user U may create a new profile, or may create a new profile by referencing an existing profile. When creating a new profile by referencing an existing profile, the user U may be able to reference a profile that has been determined to be unusable. In this case, the user U may be able to reference even a profile that has been hidden by the scanner software.

[0082] When creating a new profile, the scanner software displays all setting items blank or with default values. When creating a profile by referencing an existing profile, the scanner software may display setting items set in the existing profile by default, and display setting items not set in the existing profile blank or with default values. When creating a profile by referencing a profile determined to be unusable, the scanner software may display information indicating the reason for the determination that the profile was unusable, in association with the setting information that caused the profile to be determined to be unusable.

[0083] After inputting the necessary setting items in the scanner software, the user U performs an operation to save the created profile. In response to the operation to save the profile, the display unit 250 stores the created profile in the storage unit 200.

[0084] In step S9, the transmitting unit 210 of the user terminal 20-2 transmits a profile addition request to the synchronization server 30. The profile addition request includes the profile created in step S8 and creation environment information related to the profile.

[0085] In step S10, the management unit 310 of the synchronization server 30 receives a profile addition request from the user terminal 20-2. The management unit 310 stores the profile and creation environment information included in the addition request in the storage unit 300 in association with each other.

[0086] <Determination process> The determination process (step S6 in FIG. 6) executed by the user terminal 20-2 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process.

[0087] In step S6-1, the determination unit 230 of the user terminal 20-2 determines whether the profile creation environment is the same as the environment of the user terminal 20-2 based on the creation environment information. Specifically, the determination unit 230 determines whether the information indicating the scanner device, user terminal, user account, special path assignment, drive letter, etc. indicated in the creation environment information is the same as that of the scanner device 10-2 or the user terminal 20-2.

[0088] If it is determined that the profile creation environment is the same as the environment of user terminal 20-2 (YES), determination unit 230 proceeds to step S6-7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the profile creation environment is not the same as the environment of user terminal 20-2 (NO), determination unit 230 proceeds to step S6-2.

[0089] In step S6-2, the determination unit 230 of the user terminal 20-2 determines whether the profile can be used by the scanner device 10-2. Specifically, the determination unit 230 determines whether the settings related to scanner operation included in the profile are supported by the scanner device 10-2.

[0090] If the determination unit 230 determines that the profile can be used in the scanner device 10-2 (YES), the process proceeds to step S6-3. On the other hand, if the determination unit 230 determines that the profile cannot be used in the scanner device 10-2 (NO), the process proceeds to step S6-8.

[0091] In step S6-3, the determination unit 230 of the user terminal 20-2 determines whether or not the profile includes path information. If the profile includes path information (YES), the determination unit 230 proceeds to step S6-4. On the other hand, if the profile does not include path information (NO), the determination unit 230 proceeds to step S6-7.

[0092] In step S6-4, determination unit 230 of user terminal 20-2 determines whether or not the path information included in the profile contains an abstract expression. If the path information contains an abstract expression (YES), determination unit 230 sends the path information containing the abstract expression to conversion unit 240 and proceeds to step S6-5. On the other hand, if the path information does not contain an abstract expression (NO), determination unit 230 proceeds to step S6-6.

[0093] In step S6-5, conversion unit 240 of user terminal 20-2 receives the mapping table from acquisition unit 220. Conversion unit 240 also receives path information including an abstract expression from determination unit 230. Based on the mapping table, conversion unit 240 converts the path information including the abstract expression into path information that corresponds to the directory structure of user terminal 20-2. Conversion unit 240 sends the converted path information to determination unit 230. Determination unit 230 receives the converted path information from conversion unit 240.

[0094] In step S6-6, the determination unit 230 of the user terminal 20-2 determines whether the files or folders indicated in the path information included in the profile and the converted path information exist in the user terminal 20-2. If it is determined that all of the files or folders indicated in the path information exist in the user terminal 20-2 (YES), the determination unit 230 proceeds to step S6-7. On the other hand, if it is determined that any of the files or folders indicated in the path information do not exist in the user terminal 20-2 (NO), the determination unit 230 proceeds to step S6-8.

[0095] In step S6-7, the determining unit 230 of the user terminal 20-2 determines that the profile is available for use, and sends the profile and a determination result indicating that the profile is available for use to the display unit 250.

[0096] In step S6-8, the determination unit 230 of the user terminal 20-2 determines that the profile is unavailable, and sends the profile and a determination result indicating that the profile is unavailable to the display unit 250.

[0097] <User Interface> 8 to 12, the screens of the scanner software, which serve as the user interface of the profile synchronization system 1000, will be described. The screens of the scanner software include a profile selection screen (see FIGS. 8 to 10) and a profile creation screen (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0098] <Profile selection screen> The profile selection screen is a screen that displays a list of profiles and accepts the selection of a profile to be used or edited. The profile selection screen may also accept an operation to create a profile. The profile selection screen may also accept the selection of a profile to be referenced when creating a profile.

[0099] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a first example of a profile selection screen. Fig. 8 is an example of a profile selection screen that is displayed when all profiles are available. As shown in Fig. 8, a profile selection screen 600 has a profile display section 601, a new creation button 602, and a reference creation button 603.

[0100] The profile display section 601 displays selection buttons 611 corresponding to created profiles. The profile display section 601 displays edit buttons 612 for editing the profiles near the selection buttons 611. Fig. 8 shows an example of the profile display section 601 displaying profiles named "Quick Menu," "Send Mail," "Send Cloud," and "Save Folder."

[0101] When the user U presses the select button 611, a scan operation using the profile begins. When the user U presses the edit button 612, a profile creation screen for editing the profile is launched. When the user U presses the new creation button 602, a profile creation screen for creating a new profile is launched. When the user U presses the create by reference button 603, a profile creation screen for creating a profile while referencing an existing profile is launched.

[0102] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of a profile selection screen. Fig. 9 is an example of a profile selection screen that is displayed when some profiles are unavailable. The profile selection screen 600 shown in Fig. 9 displays available profiles and hides unavailable profiles. In the profile selection screen 600 shown in Fig. 9, it can be seen that the area 613 where the select button 611 and edit button 612 corresponding to the profile named "Save Folder" in Fig. 8 were displayed is blank.

[0103] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a profile selection screen. FIG. 10 is another example of a profile selection screen that is displayed when some profiles are unavailable. The profile selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 10 displays available profiles as active and unavailable profiles as inactive. In the profile selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 10, it can be seen that the selection button 614 corresponding to the profile named "Save Folder" is displayed in an inoperable state. In addition, in the profile selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 10, it can be seen that a tooltip 615 indicating the reason why the profile is unavailable is displayed near the selection button 614. The tooltip 615 may be displayed only when a pointer such as a mouse cursor is present near the selection button 614.

[0104] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of a profile creation screen. Fig. 11 is an example of a profile creation screen for creating a new profile. As shown in Fig. 11, a profile creation screen 700 has a setting item input section 701, an add button 702, and a cancel button 703.

[0105] The setting item input section 701 accepts input of setting items included in the profile. The setting item input section 701 shown in Fig. 11 includes setting items related to the scan operation (scan settings), a setting item indicating the save destination of the image file (save destination), and a setting item indicating the application that processes the image file (linked application).

[0106] When the user U presses the Add button 702, an operation to save a profile including the setting items input on the profile creation screen 700 is accepted. When the user U presses the Cancel button 703, the setting items input on the profile creation screen 700 are discarded, and the profile creation screen 700 is closed without saving the profile.

[0107] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a second example of a profile creation screen. Fig. 12 is an example of a profile creation screen for creating a profile while referencing an existing profile. As shown in Fig. 12, a profile creation screen 700 for creating a profile while referencing an existing profile has a profile selection section 704 in addition to a setting item input section 701, an add button 702, and a cancel button 703.

[0108] The profile selection unit 704 displays a selection button 711 corresponding to a profile that has already been created. The profile selection unit 704 displays a selection button 712 corresponding to the profile even if the profile has been determined to be unusable. On the profile creation screen 700 shown in FIG. 12, it can be seen that the selection button 712 corresponding to the profile named "Save Folder" is displayed in an operable manner. It can also be seen that on the profile creation screen 700 shown in FIG. 12, a tooltip 713 indicating the reason why the profile is unusable is displayed. The tooltip 715 may be displayed only when a pointer such as a mouse cursor is present near the setting item that caused the profile to be determined to be unusable.

[0109] <Modification> In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which scanner software is installed in user terminal 20, and a profile created in user terminal 20-1 is synchronized with user terminal 20-2. In this modified example, a configuration will be described in which scanner device 10 has a function for creating a profile, and a profile created in scanner device 10-1 is synchronized with scanner device 10-2. The following describes a profile synchronization system 1000 according to this modified example, focusing on differences from the embodiment.

[0110] In this modification, the profile synchronization system 1000 includes a plurality of scanner devices 10 and a synchronization server 30. That is, in this modification, the profile synchronization system 1000 does not need to include the user terminal 20. The scanner devices 10 and the synchronization server 30 are connected to each other via a communication network N1 so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0111] The scanner device 10 has a built-in control device. The control device is an example of an information processing device that controls the operation of the scanner device 10. The control device may be realized by a computer 500 having the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2. The control device has the same functional configuration as the user terminal 20 shown in FIG. 3. In other words, in this modification, the operation of the scanner device 10 is realized by the control device built into the scanner device 10.

[0112] The user U creates a profile by operating the screen displayed on the display of the scanner device 10-1. In this modification, the profile only needs to include settings related to at least the scanning operation. The scanner device 10-1 sends an addition request including the profile created by the user U to the synchronization server 30. The synchronization server 30 stores the profile received from the scanner device 10-1 in the storage unit 300.

[0113] The scanner device 10-2 transmits a profile acquisition request to the synchronization server 30 at any timing. The scanner device 10-2 may transmit the profile acquisition request in response to an operation by the user U. The scanner device 10-2 may transmit the profile acquisition request at predetermined time intervals. Upon receiving the profile acquisition request, the synchronization server 30 transmits the profile read from the storage unit 300 to the scanner device 10-2.

[0114] The scanner device 10-2 determines whether the profile received from the synchronization server 30 is usable. Specifically, the scanner device 10-2 determines whether the settings related to the scan operation included in the profile are supported by the scanner device 10-2. If the settings related to the scan operation are not supported by the scanner device 10-2, the scanner device 10-2 determines that the profile is unusable. Note that the scanner device 10-2 may correct the settings related to the scan operation so that the scan operation can be executed by the scanner device 10-2.

[0115] The scanner device 10-2 displays the profile on the display in a manner according to the result of the determination of whether the profile is usable. For example, the scanner device 10-2 may display the profile determined to be usable and not display the profile determined to be unusable. For example, the scanner device 10-2 may display the profile determined to be usable as active and the profile determined to be unusable as inactive.

[0116] <Effects of the embodiment> The user terminal 20 according to this embodiment acquires a profile relating to the use of an electronic device, determines whether the profile is usable, and displays the profile according to the determination result. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, the user can easily determine whether the displayed profile is usable, thereby improving convenience when using the profile.

[0117] The user terminal 20 may determine that a profile is usable if the environment in which the profile was created is the same as the environment of the user terminal 20. In one aspect, according to the present embodiment, a profile created in the same environment is likely to be usable, so it is possible to easily determine whether the profile is usable.

[0118] If the profile cannot be used in the electronic device, the user terminal 20 may determine that the profile is unusable. According to one aspect, the present embodiment can determine that a profile including settings that are not supported by the electronic device is unusable.

[0119] The user terminal 20 may determine that a profile is unusable if the profile includes path information indicating a file or folder that does not exist in the user terminal 20. In one aspect, according to the present embodiment, a profile that includes path information indicating a file or folder that does not exist in the user terminal 20 can be determined to be unusable.

[0120] When a profile includes path information that includes a predetermined abstract expression, the user terminal 20 may convert the path information into path information that corresponds to the directory structure of the user terminal 20, and may determine that the path information is unavailable if the converted path information indicates a file or folder that does not exist in the user terminal 20. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, path information can be set using an abstract expression that is independent of the directory structure, so that it is possible to determine whether a profile is available or unavailable taking into account the directory structure of the user terminal 20.

[0121] The user terminal 20 may display profiles that are determined to be usable and not display profiles that are determined to be unusable. The user terminal 20 may display profiles that are determined to be usable as active and profiles that are determined to be unusable as inactive. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily determine whether a profile is usable or not.

[0122] The user terminal 20 may associate the profile determined to be unusable with information indicating the reason for the determination that the profile is unusable and display the information. In one aspect, according to the present embodiment, the reason for the determination that the profile is unusable can be easily identified, and therefore the profile determined to be unusable can be easily corrected.

[0123] The electronic device may include a scanner device 10. The profile may include path information indicating the location of a folder in which images scanned by the scanner device 10 are saved. The profile may also include path information indicating the location of an executable file of an application that processes images scanned by the scanner device 10. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, the convenience of the profile for using the scanner device 10 is improved.

[0124] [supplement] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the above-described functions.

[0125] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10: Scanner device 20: User terminal 30: Synchronization server 200: Storage section 210: Transmitter 220: Acquisition Department 230: Judgment section 240:Conversion unit 250: Display section 300: Storage section 310: Management Department 1000: Profile Synchronization System

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires setting information regarding the use of the electronic device; a determination unit that determines whether the setting information is available; a display unit that displays the setting information in accordance with a determination result by the determination unit; An information processing device comprising:

2. the determination unit determines that the setting information is available when the environment in which the setting information was created is the same as the environment of the information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the determination unit determines that the setting information is unavailable when the setting information is unavailable for the electronic device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the determination unit determines that the setting information is unavailable when the setting information includes path information indicating a file or folder that does not exist in the information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. a conversion unit that converts, when the setting information includes path information including a predetermined abstract expression, the path information into second path information corresponding to a directory structure of the information processing device; the determination unit determines that the second path information is unavailable when the second path information indicates a file or folder that does not exist in the information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. the display unit displays the setting information determined to be available for use, and does not display the setting information determined to be unavailable for use.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1.

7. the display unit displays the setting information determined to be available in an active state, and displays the setting information determined to be unavailable in an inactive state.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1.

8. the display unit displays information indicating a reason for determining that the setting information is unusable, in association with the setting information determined to be unusable.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1.

9. the electronic device includes an image reading device; 6. The information processing device according to claim 1.

10. the setting information includes path information indicating the location of a folder in which images read by the image reading device are saved; The information processing device according to claim 9 .

11. the setting information includes path information indicating the location of an execution file of an application that processes an image read by the image reading device; The information processing device according to claim 9 .

12. The information processing device A procedure for obtaining configuration information regarding the use of electronic devices; determining whether the setting information is available; a step of displaying the setting information according to a result of the determination step; An information processing method that performs the above.

13. In the information processing device, A procedure for obtaining configuration information regarding the use of electronic devices; determining whether the setting information is available; a step of displaying the setting information according to a result of the determination step; A program to execute.

Images