Network device, method for controlling network device, and program

Abstract

This approach aims to verify that problems encountered during equipment processing have been resolved, while minimizing the complexity of the verification process. [Solution] A network device having a web server has a display means and is characterized in that it displays code information on the display means for accessing a website provided by the web server to a user terminal using a web browser, in order to install software as a progressive web application to provide at least some of the functions of the network device on the user terminal.

Description

Technical Field

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[0003] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a network device, a method for controlling a network device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a Progressive Web App (hereinafter sometimes referred to as PWA) for providing at least some functions of a network device such as an image processing device is known. For example, a user installs a PWA on a user terminal by operating the user terminal, and then uses the PWA on the user terminal. Also, techniques for reducing the user's effort in using downloaded software are known. Patent Document 1 discloses that a user terminal transmits a browsing request for a web page specifying a URL to an information providing system together with user-specific information described on an app installation page, obtains a provisional registration page from the information providing system, and performs user registration.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a network device having a web server, and further comprising a display means, characterized in that the display means displays code information for accessing a website provided by the web server via a web browser in order to install software as a progressive web application to provide at least some of the functions of the network device on a user terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, in a situation where the user can operate the network device, it is possible to easily install a progressive web application on the user's terminal to provide at least some of the functions of the network device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an overall diagram of the function provision system. [Figure 2] (A) is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information terminal, and (B) is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a multifunction printer. [Figure 3] (A) is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a multifunction printer, and (B) is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an information terminal. [Figure 4] This figure shows the information stored in the user management database. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the settings screen. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the generation process. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the display process. [Figure 8] (A) is a diagram showing the prompt screen, and (B) is a diagram showing the installation screen. [Figure 9] (A) is a diagram showing the authentication screen, and (B) is a diagram showing the service provision screen. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing a notification image. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the service provision process. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the update process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the function provision system 1. The function provision system 1 is a system that provides at least a part of the functions of a network device, which is a device capable of communication, to the terminal of a user who accesses (connects to) the network device. Examples of network devices include image processing devices such as multifunction peripherals (MFPs). However, the device may be a different device from an image processing device, such as a network router, surveillance camera, or digital medical device. The function provision system 1 comprises an information terminal 101, a multifunction printer 102, a user management database 103, and a push server 104. The information terminal 101, the multifunction printer 102, the user management database 103, and the push server 104 are connected via a network 100.

[0009] The multifunction printer 102, as an example of a network device, has functions such as printing, faxing, copying, scanning, and data transmission. In this embodiment, the multifunction printer 102 provides at least some of its functions to the information terminal 101. Examples of functions from the multifunction printer 102 provided to the information terminal 101 include notification of the status of the multifunction printer 102, instructions for jobs to be sent to the multifunction printer 102, and settings on the multifunction printer 102. The functions provided from the multifunction printer 102 to the information terminal 101 can also be considered as a remote user interface (remote UI).

[0010] Furthermore, the multifunction printer 102 of this embodiment provides at least a portion of the functions of the multifunction printer 102 to the information terminal 101 by installing Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on the information terminal 101. A PWA is a technology that allows web applications on a website to be used as if they were applications running on the information terminal 101. A PWA is application software that can be downloaded and installed via a web browser, and is built using common web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WebAssembly. Furthermore, PWAs do not require users to download applications from, for example, application stores provided by operating system (OS) vendors. Users can use a PWA by connecting their information terminal 101 to a website used for PWA installation and installing the PWA on the information terminal 101 through that website. The content of the PWA is also freely designed by the website provider. The website used for PWA installation may be referred to as the installation site below. Furthermore, PWAs utilize the Service Worker function to enable push notifications to client devices and display icons on the home screen from application servers built by website providers. These push notifications are implemented via the push server 104. The push notifications utilize specific APIs supported by the operating system and browser of the information terminal 101.

[0011] Furthermore, the multifunction printer 102 of this embodiment installs the PWA on the information terminal 101 without requiring the user to input the installation site address information into the information terminal 101. More specifically, the multifunction printer 102 causes the information terminal 101 to read information including the installation site address information, thereby connecting the information terminal 101 to the installation site. In the illustrated example, the function provisioning system 1 is equipped with three multifunction printers 102, but this is not limited to this configuration. The number of network devices provided in the function provisioning system 1 can be any number, as long as there is one or more.

[0012] An example of a user terminal is the information terminal 101, which is a terminal device used by users of the function provision system 1. By using the information terminal 101, on which the PWA is installed, users can check the status of the multifunction printer 102 and instruct the multifunction printer 102 to perform jobs. Examples of information terminals 101 include computer devices such as PCs, smartphones, and tablet terminals. The user management database 103 manages users by storing information related to the users. The information stored in the user management database 103 will be described in detail later.

[0013] The push server 104 realizes the above-described push notification by acquiring the information transmitted from the multifunction device 102 and transmitting it to the information terminal 101. The network 100 is not particularly limited as long as data can be transmitted and received, and may be, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like. Also, the communication line used for data transmission and reception may be wired or wireless. Further, the network 100 connecting the information terminal 101 and the multifunction device 102 and the network 100 connecting the multifunction device 102 and the user management database 103 may be the same network or different networks.

[0014] FIG. 2(A) is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information terminal 101. The information terminal 101 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an HDD 204, an input device 205, an output device 206, and an NC (Network Controller) 207. The CPU 201 controls the entire information terminal 101. The ROM 202 stores the BIOS. The RAM 203 is a direct storage device that is used as the working area of the CPU 201 or as temporary storage for loading software modules. The HDD 204 is an indirect storage device that stores the OS, which is basic software, and software modules. Note that an indirect storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used instead of the HDD 204. The input device 205 is a device used for inputting information into the information terminal 101. Examples of the input device 205 include a keyboard, a pointing device, and a microphone. In the present embodiment, a camera for reading information such as an image is provided as the input device 205. The output device 206 is a device that outputs information such as a display and a speaker. The NC 207 is an interface for connecting to the network 100.

[0015] In the information terminal 101, the BIOS is executed by the CPU 201, and the OS is loaded from the HDD 204 to the RAM 203 so as to be executable. The CPU 201 loads various software modules, which will be described later, from the HDD 204 to the RAM 203 as needed according to the operation of the OS. The various software modules are executed and operate by the CPU 201.

[0016] FIG. 2(B) is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the multifunction device 102. The multifunction device 102 includes a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, an NC 234, a DKC (Disk Controller) 235, a raster controller 237, a print engine 238, an operation panel 239, a storage device 240, and a card reader 241. The CPU 231, the ROM 232, the RAM 233, the NC 234, the DKC 235, the raster controller 237, the operation panel 239, the storage device 240, and the card reader 241 are connected via a bus 230, respectively. The CPU 231 controls the entire multifunction printer 102. This control is based on a control program stored in the ROM 232, and control programs and resource data (resource information) stored in the external memory 236 connected via the DKC 235. The RAM 233 functions as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 231, and its memory capacity can be expanded by optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The storage device 240 is an external storage means that functions as a large-capacity memory. The operation panel 239 displays a screen and accepts user operation instructions via the screen. The screen displayed on the operation panel 239 also includes a screen for accepting settings such as the operating mode of the multifunction printer 102, a screen showing the status of the multifunction printer 102, and a screen for accepting the selection of data to be printed. The NC 234 is, for example, a network interface card (NIC) and communicates with external devices. The raster controller 237 is a controller that converts print data written in, for example, the PDL language into image data. The print engine 238 uses known printing techniques to form an image on the sheet based on image data input from the raster controller 237. Examples of methods used for image formation by the multifunction printer 102 include electrophotography, inkjet, and sublimation (thermal transfer). The card reader 241 reads an IC card containing user identification information.

[0017] Figure 3(A) shows the functional configuration of the multifunction printer 102. The multifunction printer 102 includes a storage unit 303, a transmission / reception unit 304, a web server 305, a display unit 306, an operation reception unit 307, a control unit 308, and a status management unit 309. The memory unit 303 stores information acquired by the multifunction printer 102 and information generated by the multifunction printer 102. Examples of information stored in the memory unit 303 include information necessary for managing the multifunction printer 102. Examples of information necessary for managing the multifunction printer 102 include firmware information, device configuration information such as the identification number of the multifunction printer 102, various counter information, wear status information of consumable parts, the operation history of the multifunction printer 102, and history information indicating abnormal states in the multifunction printer 102. The transmitting / receiving unit 304 sends and receives information to and from external devices such as the information terminal 101. Protocols such as SMTP, HTTP / HTTPS, SMNP, FTP, and SMB are used for sending and receiving information by the transmitting / receiving unit 304. The web server 305 is a module used by the multifunction printer 102 to provide a remote UI. As an example of a display means, the display unit 306 displays information. The operation reception unit 307 receives user requests to operate the multifunction printer 102.

[0018] The status management unit 309 manages the status of the multifunction printer 102 by acquiring information indicating the status of the multifunction printer 102 detected by a sensor (not shown) from the sensor and storing it in the storage unit 303. The status of the multifunction printer 102 managed by the status management unit 309 includes the presence or absence of abnormalities for each function of the multifunction printer 102, the degree of wear of each component of the multifunction printer 102 such as the toner cartridge and fuser unit, and the number of printed pages.

[0019] As an example of a control means, the control unit 308 controls the installation of the PWA on the information terminal 101. More specifically, the control unit 308 displays code information, which is an encoded representation of the installation site's address, on the display unit 306. Examples of code information include QR codes (registered trademarks). Furthermore, the control unit 308 also functions as a web application server implemented in the multifunction printer 102. The control unit 308 notifies the information terminal 101 on which the PWA is installed, via the push server 104, of the status of the multifunction printer 102 managed by the status management unit 309, and information indicating changes in this status. The information that the control unit 308 notifies includes information stored in the storage unit 303 and status information managed by the status management unit 309. Furthermore, when the control unit 308 receives an instruction from the information terminal 101 via the transmission / reception unit 304 to execute a job on the multifunction printer 102, it causes the multifunction printer 102 to execute the received job.

[0020] The processing performed by the transmitting / receiving unit 304, the web server 305, the control unit 308, and the state management unit 309 is realized by the CPU 231 loading programs stored in ROM 232 or storage device 240 into RAM 233 and executing them. The display unit 306 and the operation reception unit 307 are realized by the operation panel 239. The storage unit 303 is realized by ROM 232 or storage device 240.

[0021] Figure 3(B) shows the functional configuration of the information terminal 101. The information terminal 101 has a browser 310, which is software used to view websites such as installation sites. Browser 310, as an example of a web browser, communicates with the web server 305 of the multifunction printer 102. Browser 310 has an information processing unit 311, a library 312, storage 313, and cache memory 314. The information processing unit 311 receives and interprets HTML data. The library 312 performs calculations. The library 312 also retrieves information from external devices and uses and manipulates browser resources. The storage 313 is browser-managed non-volatile memory, such as local storage. Local storage is a memory area managed by the browser 310, and is permanent memory that can be stored independently for each web application. Examples of local storage include Local Storage and Indexed DB. The cache memory 314 is cache memory for speeding up the display of loaded HTML pages when they are accessed again.

[0022] Figure 4 shows the information stored in the user management database 103. The user management database 103 stores the card ID 701, username 702, password 703, user type 704, expiration date 705, UUID 706, and device hash 707, each associated with the other. Card ID 701 indicates the identification information of the IC card stored in the IC card owned by the user. In this embodiment, different identification information is stored in each IC card, and Card ID 701 indicates the identification information of each IC card. Therefore, Card ID 701 can also be considered as information that identifies the user. The username 702 contains information that identifies the user. Password 703 indicates the password used for user authentication when a user logs in to the remote UI via the information terminal 101. In this embodiment, username 702 and password 703 are used for user authentication for the user to log in to the remote UI.

[0023] User type 704 indicates different user types with varying permissions to use the functions available from the multifunction printer 102. In the illustrated example, user type 704 is either "Administrator," "General," or "Guest." In this embodiment, the functions that a user can use with the information terminal 101 from the functions provided by the multifunction printer 102 are determined according to the user type indicated in user type 704. Permissions granted to "Administrator" in user type 704 include, for example, changing the network settings of the multifunction printer 102 and managing users such as adding or deleting users who can use the multifunction printer 102. Permissions granted to "General" in user type 704 include, for example, issuing instructions to the multifunction printer 102 for jobs such as printing, scanning, and copying. Permissions not granted to "General" include those mentioned above as permissions granted to "Administrator." Permissions granted to "Guest" in user type 704 include issuing instructions to the multifunction printer 102 to print. Furthermore, permissions that cannot be granted to a "guest" include, among the various functions that the multifunction printer 102 can provide to the information terminal 101, functions other than the instruction to print to the multifunction printer 102. The expiration date for password 703 is indicated in the expiration date for expiration date 705. UUID706 indicates the Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) associated with username 702. The device hash 707 contains information that identifies the multifunction printer 102.

[0024] Figure 5 shows the settings screen 400. The settings screen 400 is a screen that accepts settings made by the administrator regarding the use of the PWA by users. The administrator is the person who manages the function provisioning system 1. The settings screen 400 is displayed on the administrator terminal (not shown), which is a terminal used by the administrator. However, the settings screen 400 may also be displayed on the multifunction printer 102. The control unit 308 of the multifunction printer 102 displays the settings screen 400 in response to the administrator's operation on the multifunction printer 102 or the administrator terminal. The settings screen 400 shows the SSL reception unit 401, the PWA reception unit 402, and the function reception unit 410.

[0025] The SSL receiver 401 accepts SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) communication between the information terminal 101 and the multifunction printer 102. When the SSL receiver 401 is selected by the administrator, the control unit 308 of the multifunction printer 102 configures the settings to enable SSL. The SSL receiver 401 displays the text "Use SSL". In this embodiment, the use of PWA by the information terminal 101, or in other words, the provision of a remote UI from the multifunction printer 102 to the information terminal 101, is performed on the condition that the information terminal 101 and the multifunction printer 102 communicate via SSL.

[0026] The PWA reception unit 402 accepts permission from the administrator to install the PWA on the information terminal 101. As will be described in detail later, when the PWA reception unit 402 is selected by the administrator, information indicating the address of the installation site is displayed on the display unit 306 of the multifunction printer 102. The PWA reception unit 402 displays the text "Provided as a PWA". The PWA reception unit 402 also displays information indicating that the remote UI will be provided from the multifunction printer 102 to the information terminal 101 on the condition that the information terminal 101 and the multifunction printer 102 communicate via SSL. More specifically, the PWA reception unit 402 displays the text "Use of SSL is required". The function reception unit 410 accepts the administrator's selection of functions to be provided to the information terminal 101 regarding the use of the PWA by the information terminal 101. The function reception unit 410 includes a notification reception unit 404, a promotion reception unit 405, a code reception unit 403, a job reception unit 406, and a status reception unit 407.

[0027] The notification receiving unit 404 accepts the administrator's selection to provide the push notification function to the information terminal 101. When the administrator selects the notification receiving unit 404, the information terminal 101 is provided with the function for the multifunction printer 102 to send push notifications to the information terminal 101. The promotion reception unit 405 accepts requests to prompt users to install the PWA using the information terminal 101. If the promotion reception unit 405 is selected by the administrator, a PoP (Post Office Protocol) message prompting the user to install the PWA using the information terminal 101 is displayed on the information terminal 101. The code reception unit 403 accepts the administrator's selection of a function to display code information, in which the installation site address information is encoded, on the multifunction printer 102. If the code reception unit 403 is selected by the administrator, the code information, in which the installation site address information is encoded, is displayed on the display unit 306 of the multifunction printer 102. In the illustrated example, the code reception unit 403 displays the text "Display QR code for installation," which indicates that a QR code will be displayed as the code information. The job reception unit 406 accepts the administrator's selection of a function that enables job instructions from the information terminal 101 to the multifunction printer 102. When the administrator selects the job reception unit 406, job instructions become available from the information terminal 101 to the multifunction printer 102. In the illustrated example, the job reception unit 406 displays the text "Provides Direct Print PWA," which means that print instructions are available from the information terminal 101 to the multifunction printer 102. The status reception unit 407 accepts the administrator's selection of a function to display information indicating the status of the multifunction printer 102 on the information terminal 101. If the status reception unit 407 is selected by the administrator, information indicating the status of the multifunction printer 102 is displayed on the output device 206 of the information terminal 101.

[0028] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the generation process. The generation process is the process in which the control unit 308 of the multifunction device 102 generates information related to the PWA. In this embodiment, the generation process starts when the PWA reception unit 402 on the settings screen 400 (see Figure 5) is selected. The control unit 308 determines whether SSL has been configured for communication between the information terminal 101 and the multifunction printer 102 (step (sometimes referred to as "S") 501). The control unit 308 makes the determination in step 501 based on whether the SSL reception unit 401 on the setting screen 400 is selected. If SSL is not configured (no in S501), the control unit 308 determines whether or not the digital certificate used for SSL communication is configured (S502). If an electronic certificate is not already configured (no in S502), the control unit 308 accepts the administrator's selection of an electronic certificate to be used for SSL communication from the electronic certificates pre-installed on the multifunction printer 102 (S503). The control unit 308 accepts the administrator's selection by displaying a list of pre-installed electronic certificates on the multifunction printer 102 or the administrator's terminal. Upon selection of an electronic certificate to be used for SSL communication, the multifunction printer 102 acquires a public key and private key pair to be used for SSL communication.

[0029] Furthermore, if an electronic certificate has already been set up (yes in S502), the control unit 308 determines whether or not a public key and private key pair used for SSL communication has been set up (S504). If a key pair has not been configured (no in S504), or after step 503, the control unit 308 accepts the administrator's selection of a key pair to be used for SSL communication (S505). The control unit 308 accepts the administrator's selection by displaying a list of previously acquired key pairs on the multifunction printer 102 or the administrator terminal. If a key pair has already been set up (yes in S504), or after step 505, the control unit 308 enables SSL used for communication between the information terminal 101 and the multifunction printer 102 (S506).

[0030] The control unit 308 configures the functions to be provided to the information terminal 101 through the use of the PWA, according to the function selected in the function reception unit 410 of the settings screen 400 (S507). For example, if the promotion reception unit 405 is selected in the settings screen 400, the control unit 308 generates a PoP message to encourage the user to install the PWA on the information terminal 101. Also, for example, if the notification reception unit 404 is selected in the settings screen 400, the control unit 308 sets the information necessary for push notifications in the Service Worker configuration file. A Service Worker is a script that the browser 310 of the information terminal 101 runs in the background separately from the web page to realize functions such as push notifications and background synchronization of the PWA. In this way, in step 507, the control unit 308 generates information to provide the function selected in the function reception unit 410 to the information terminal 101, and places the generated information in a predetermined location on the Web server 305.

[0031] Next, the control unit 308 determines whether or not to display information indicating the address of the installation site as code information (S508). The control unit 308 makes the determination in step 508 depending on whether or not the code reception unit 403 is selected on the setting screen 400. If the control unit 308 displays code information (yes in S508), it generates a prompt screen (S509) showing a QR code containing encoded information indicating the installation site address and text information indicating the installation site address. The prompt screen will be described in detail later. Furthermore, if the control unit 308 does not display code information (no in S508), it generates a prompt screen (S510) that displays text information indicating the address of the installation site. The prompt screen generated at this time does not display a QR code.

[0032] The control unit 308 generates a web page for the information terminal 101 to install the PWA, and places the generated web page in a predetermined location on the web server 305 (S511). Furthermore, if the SSL reception unit 401 is selected on the settings screen 400 (see Figure 5), steps 502 to 506 in the generation process are performed, thereby enabling SSL used for communication between the information terminal 101 and the multifunction printer 102. The control unit 308 can also be considered as a setting means for setting the electronic key used for encrypting and decrypting the content of the communication, and for setting the electronic certificate of the Web server 305.

[0033] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display process. The display process is the process by which the control unit 308 of the multifunction device 102 displays the prompt screen. In this embodiment, the display process starts when the generation process (see Figure 6) is completed. The control unit 308 determines whether the IC card mentioned above has been read by the card reader 241 of the multifunction printer 102 (S701). As long as the negative result in step 701 continues (no in S701), the process in step 701 is repeated. Furthermore, if the IC card is read by the card reader 241 of the multifunction printer 102 (yes in S701), the control unit 308 obtains the card ID stored in the read IC card via the transmitting / receiving unit 304 (S702). The control unit 308 determines whether or not to display a QR code on the promotion screen (S703). The control unit 308 makes the determination in step 703 depending on whether the process in step 509 or the process in step 510 was performed in the generation process.

[0034] If the control unit 308 displays a QR code on the prompt screen (yes in S703), it refers to information such as the card ID 701 stored in the user management database 103 (see Figure 4). The control unit 308 then displays a prompt screen (S704) showing a QR code encoded with the UUID 706 associated with the card ID 701 obtained in step 702, and text information indicating the address of the installation site. Furthermore, if the control unit 308 does not display a QR code on the prompting screen (no in S703), it displays a prompting screen showing text information indicating the address of the installation site (S705). The prompting screen displayed at this time does not show a QR code.

[0035] Figure 8(A) shows the prompt screen 600. The prompt screen 600 is a screen that prompts the user to install the PWA using the information terminal 101. The prompt screen 600 is displayed when the IC card is read by the card reader 241 of the multifunction printer 102 after the generation process (see Figure 6) has been executed (see steps 704 and 705 in Figure 7). The prompt screen 600 is also displayed on the display unit 306 of the multifunction printer 102. Note that the prompt image 600 shown in Figure 8(A) is the prompt screen 600 that is displayed when the generation process (see Figure 6) is performed with the code reception unit 403 selected in the settings screen 400. The prompt screen 600 displays a text prompt image 610 and a code prompt image 620.

[0036] The text prompt image 610 prompts the user to install the PWA on the information terminal 101 by having them input the address of the installation site as text into the information terminal 101. The text prompt image 610 shows a text prompt unit 605 and an address unit 601. The text prompting unit 605 displays information that prompts the user to install the PWA on the information terminal 101 by entering the installation site address as text into the information terminal 101. In the illustrated example, the text prompting unit 605 displays the text: "For PCs, access the following URL, follow the procedure to set your ID and password, and install the web application." The address section 601 shows the URL, which is the address of the installation site, as text.

[0037] The code prompt image 620 facilitates the installation of the PWA on the information terminal 101 by having the information terminal 101 read a QR code that contains the address of the installation site. The code prompt image 620 shows a QR code section 602 and a code prompt section 606. The QR code section 602 displays a QR code that encodes the address of the installation site. The address displayed as encoded information in the QR code section 602 is the local IP address or hostname or the address containing the HTML content configuration set when the multifunction printer 102 is installed or connected to the LAN after installation. Furthermore, as described above, the QR code displayed in the QR code section 602 is a QR code that contains information encoded with the UUID (see Figure 4) associated with the card ID of the IC card read by the card reader 241. In other words, the QR code section 602 displays a QR code corresponding to the IC card read by the card reader 241. Note that the address section 601 does not contain any information indicating the UUID.

[0038] The code acceleration unit 606 displays information that facilitates the installation of the PWA on the information terminal 101 by having the information terminal 101 read a QR code that encodes the address of the installation site. In the illustrated example, the code acceleration unit 606 displays the text, "For smartphones, please read the following 2D code and install." The code acceleration unit 606 also displays information indicating that if the information terminal 101 reads the QR code shown in the QR code unit 602 and installs the PWA, the user authentication settings required to use the PWA are not necessary. In the illustrated example, the code acceleration unit 606 displays the text, "ID and password settings are not required." As described above, if the PWA reception unit 402 is selected instead of the code reception unit 403 on the settings screen 400 (see Figure 5), the process in step 510 is performed in the generation process (see Figure 6), and the process in step 705 is performed in the display process (see Figure 7). In this case, the code prompt image 620 is not displayed on the prompt screen 600 shown on the display unit 306.

[0039] Here, the user, for example, operates the information terminal 101 to input the URL shown in the address section 601 into the information terminal 101, or to have the information terminal 101 read the QR code shown in the QR code section 602. In this case, as shown in Figure 8(B), the installation screen 630, which is the installation site, is displayed on the output device 206 of the information terminal 101. The installation screen 630, as an example of an installation page, is the screen used for installing the PWA by the information terminal 101. When the QR code on the QR code section 602 is read by the information terminal 101, the browser 310 on the information terminal 101 is launched and requests the web server 305 of the multifunction printer 102 to retrieve web content to be displayed on the web browser 310. The web server 305 retrieves the requested web content and sends it to the browser 310 on the information terminal 101. The browser 310 has the information processing unit 311 decode the retrieved web content, and the page of the loaded URL is displayed on the output device 206 as the installation screen 630. Here, the web content includes UI information and PWA information. The UI information consists of, for example, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, etc. The PWA information includes the Service Worker and manifest file (a file that describes the PWA installation settings), which are components of the PWA.

[0040] The installation screen 630 displays the installation reception unit 603. When the user selects the installation reception unit 603, the PWA is installed by the information terminal 101. Furthermore, if the prompt reception unit 405 is selected on the settings screen 400, the output device 206 of the information terminal 101 displays the installation prompt image 604. The installation prompt image 604 shows the installation reception unit 641, which accepts the installation of the PWA by the information terminal 101, and the cancellation reception unit 642, which accepts the cancellation of the PWA installation by the information terminal 101. Therefore, the installation prompt image 604, as an example of an installation page, can also be perceived as an installation site.

[0041] During the installation of the PWA by the information terminal 101, a Service Worker is registered with the browser 310. The Service Worker is a program (JavaScript) defined by the PWA specification, which defines the behavior of the PWA, such as the push notification function, offline operation, and icon display on the home screen. The Service Worker runs in the background, separate from the display of the browser 310. Also, if the notification receiving unit 404 is selected in the settings screen 400, the information terminal 101 requests the push server 104 to register for push notifications. The push server 104 registers the requested information terminal 101 as a target for push notifications. Furthermore, once the Service Worker is registered with the browser 310, the browser 310 notifies the control unit 308 of the registration result. In this case, when a situation requiring notification occurs in the multifunction printer 102, the control unit 308 requests the push server 104 to issue a push notification, specifying the Web API key indicating the destination information terminal 101 and the content URI as the content of the notification. In other words, the control unit 308 functions as a web application server. Then, the push server 104 sends the requested content to the information terminal 101, thereby performing a push notification. Furthermore, after the information terminal 101 installs the PWA, the PWA is added as a desktop icon in accordance with the screen design of the information device 101's OS. When the user selects the icon, the remote UI's top page is displayed on the output device 206. This allows the user to start using the remote UI without being aware of the browser 310.

[0042] Figure 9(A) shows the authentication screen 800. The authentication screen 800 is a screen for authenticating a user when the information terminal 101 uses a PWA. In this embodiment, the authentication screen 800 is displayed when a PWA is installed on the information terminal 101, or when a user instructs the information terminal 101 to use a PWA. The authentication screen 800 shows a username reception unit 801, a password reception unit 802, and a verification reception unit 803. Username reception unit 801 accepts the input of a username. The password reception unit 802 accepts the input of a password. The verification reception unit 803 receives instructions to verify the information entered into the username reception unit 801 and the password reception unit 802. When the verification reception unit 803 is selected, the information terminal 101 transmits the username entered into the username reception unit 801 and the password entered into the password reception unit 802 to the multifunction printer 102. The control unit 308 authenticates the user if the username and password transmitted from the information terminal 101 and acquired by the transmission / reception unit 304 match the username 702 and password 703 stored in the user management database 103 for that user. In addition, when the control unit 308 authenticates the user, it causes the output device 206 of the information terminal 101 to display the provision screen 820 shown in Figure 9(B). Therefore, both the username and password are considered authentication information for authenticating the user. Furthermore, the authentication information is also considered information for authenticating the information terminal 101.

[0043] The information display screen 820 is a screen that shows information provided to the information terminal 101 as part of the functionality of the multifunction printer 102 through the use of PWA by the information terminal 101. The information display screen 820 shows a menu section 810, a status image 811, and a job image 814. The menu unit 810 accepts the user's selection of the function they wish to use. Status image 811 shows the status of each function of the multifunction device 102, specifically the printer function, scanner function, and fax function. More specifically, status image 811 shows that an error has occurred in the printer, that scanning is possible, and that faxing is possible. In addition, status image 811 shows "Error Information" and the text "No paper" indicating that the error that occurred in the printer is due to a paper shortage. The job image 814 accepts the selection of the job content to be instructed to the multifunction printer 102. In the illustrated example, the job image 814 accepts the selection of the print content to be instructed to the multifunction printer 102. The job image 814 shows an image receiving unit 812 that accepts the selection of an image file to be printed by the multifunction printer 102, and a document receiving unit 813 that accepts the selection of a document file to be printed by the multifunction printer 102. The user selects the image receiving unit 812 or the document receiving unit 813 to specify the file to be printed, and then instructs the information terminal 101 to print. In this case, the information terminal 101 sends the print instruction to the multifunction printer 102 along with the specified file. The control unit 308 of the multifunction printer 102 processes the file sent from the information terminal 101. The processed file is printed by the print engine 238 via the raster controller 237.

[0044] Figure 10 shows a notification image 1000. The notification image 1000 is an image that shows the content to be notified in a push notification sent by the multifunction printer 102 to the information terminal 101. In this embodiment, when a predetermined change in state occurs in the multifunction printer 102, the notification image 1000 is displayed on the output device 206 of the information terminal 101, thereby making a push notification. Notification image 1000 shows a type notification unit 1001, a content notification unit 1002, and a device notification unit 1003.

[0045] The type notification unit 1001 displays the text "Error occurred," which indicates the type of change that occurred in the state of the multifunction device 102, and the text "Print," which indicates the type of function whose state has changed. The content notification unit 1002 displays the details of the changes in the status of the multifunction printer 102. In the illustrated example, the content notification unit 1002 displays the text, "No paper available." The device notification unit 1003 displays information identifying the multifunction printer 102 in which a change in status has occurred.

[0046] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the provisioning process. The provisioning process is the process by which the control unit 308 of the multifunction printer 102 displays the provisioning screen 820 (see Figure 9(B)) on the information terminal 101. In this embodiment, the provisioning process starts when the PWA is installed on the information terminal 101. The control unit 308 determines whether the PWA installation by the information terminal 101 was performed after the information terminal 101 read the QR code displayed in the QR code section 602 (S901). When the information terminal 101 reads the QR code displayed in the QR code section 602 of the prompt screen 600, it sends the UUID contained in the QR code as encoded information to the multifunction printer 102 when requesting the acquisition of Web content from the multifunction printer 102. Therefore, the control unit 308 determines that the QR code has been read by the information terminal 101 when the UUID is sent from the information terminal 101. Also, when the address displayed in the address section 601 of the prompt screen 600 is entered into the information terminal 101, the information terminal 101 requests the acquisition of Web content from the multifunction printer 102, but does not send the UUID. Therefore, the control unit 308 determines that the QR code has not been read by the information terminal 101 when the UUID is not sent from the information terminal 101.

[0047] If the QR code has not been read (no in S901), the control unit 308 displays a screen (not shown) on the information terminal 101 for setting the username and password used for user authentication, and determines whether the setting has been accepted (S902). As long as the negative result in step 902 continues (no in S902), the process in step 902 is repeated. When the control unit 308 accepts the setting of a username and password (yes in S902), it displays the authentication screen 800 (see Figure 9(A)) on the information terminal 101 (S903).

[0048] The control unit 308 determines whether or not a verification of authentication information has been instructed (S904). The control unit 308 makes the determination in step 904 based on whether or not the verification acceptance unit 803 was selected on the authentication screen 800. Furthermore, as long as the negative result in step 904 continues (no in S904), the process in step 904 is repeated. If authentication information verification is instructed (yes in S904), the control unit 308 determines whether or not to authenticate the user (S905). The control unit 308 makes the determination in step 905 based on whether the username and password entered on the authentication screen 800 match the username 702 and password 703 stored in the user management database 103. If at least one of the username and password entered on the authentication screen 800 is different from the username 702 and password 703 stored in the user management database 103 (no in S905), the process from step 903 is repeated.

[0049] Furthermore, if the QR code is read (yes in S901), the control unit 308 determines whether the UUID obtained from the information terminal 101 matches the UUID 706 stored in the user management database 103 (S906). The control unit 308 extracts the UUID 706 from the user management database 103 that is associated with the card ID 701 stored on the IC card read by the card reader 241. Then, the control unit 308 makes the determination in step 906 based on whether the extracted UUID 706 matches the UUID obtained from the information terminal 101. If the UUID transmitted from the information terminal 101 does not match the UUID 706 stored in the user management database 103 (no in S906), the process from step 903 is performed.

[0050] If the UUID transmitted from the information terminal 101 matches the UUID 706 stored in the user management database 103 (yes in S906), the process proceeds to the next step. The control unit 308 transmits the username 702 and password 703 associated with the UUID 706 used in this verification to the information terminal 101 in the user management database 103. In other words, when the information terminal 101 installs the PWA by reading the QR code displayed on the QR code unit 602, the user is authenticated without the user having to set or input authentication information. Therefore, the UUID is also treated as authentication information for authenticating the user. The information terminal 101 also stores the acquired username 702 and password 703 in the storage 313. Furthermore, if the user is authenticated (yes in S905) or after step 907, the control unit 308 displays the display screen 820 on the information terminal 101 (S908). If the user is authenticated, the username 702 and password 703 used as authentication information are stored in the storage 313 of the information terminal 101.

[0051] Furthermore, if username 702 and password 703 are stored in storage 313, when the authentication screen 800 is displayed, the information terminal 101 will enter the stored username 702 and password 703 into the displayed authentication screen 800. Therefore, after username 702 and password 703 are stored in storage 313, the user no longer needs to enter authentication information into the authentication screen 800.

[0052] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the update process. The update process is a process in which the control unit 308 of the multifunction printer 102 updates the authentication information when the expiration date for using the authentication information has passed. In this embodiment, the update process starts when the verification reception unit 803 is selected on the authentication screen 800 (see Figure 9(A)). The control unit 308 determines whether the username and password entered on the authentication screen 800 match the username 702 and password 703 stored in the user management database 103 (S1101). If the authentication information entered on the authentication screen 800 does not match the authentication information stored in the user management database 103 (no in S1101), the update process terminates. In this case, the user is prompted to enter the authentication information on the authentication screen 800 again.

[0053] Furthermore, if the authentication information entered on the authentication screen 800 matches the authentication information stored in the user management database 103 (yes in S1101), the system proceeds to the next step. The control unit 308 determines whether the password 703 used for authentication is still valid (S1102). The control unit 308 makes the determination in step 1102 based on whether the current date is earlier than the date indicated in the expiration date 705 associated with the password 703 used for authentication in the user management database 103.

[0054] If password 703 has expired (no in S1102), the control unit 308 updates password 703 by issuing a new password 703 (S1103). More specifically, the control unit 308 overwrites the expired password 703 stored in the user management database 103 with the newly issued password 703. Furthermore, the control unit 308 sets a new expiration date 705 for the new password 703. The control unit 308 transmits the newly issued password 703 to the information terminal 101 (S1104). In this case, the expired password 703 is overwritten in the storage 313 of the information terminal 101 with the newly issued password 703.

[0055] If password 703 has not expired (yes in S1102), or after step 1104, the control unit 308 authenticates the user (S1105) and displays the service screen 820 on the information terminal 101 (S1106). In other words, if the authentication information entered on the authentication screen 800 matches the authentication information stored in the user management database 103, the user is authenticated without requiring any further action from the user, even if password 703 has expired (705). More specifically, the user is authenticated without requiring the user to issue a new password or re-enter their password.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, there is a website provided by the Web server 305 for installing software as a PWA to provide at least some of the functions of the multifunction printer 102 onto the information terminal 101. The control unit 308 of the multifunction printer 102 displays code information on the display unit 306 for accessing the website with the browser 310. An example of the website is the installation screen 630, which is an installation site. In this case, the user can install the PWA on the information terminal 101 without having to enter the installation site address into the information terminal 101 by having the information terminal 101 read the code information. Therefore, in a situation where the user can operate the multifunction printer 102, the user can easily install the PWA on the information terminal 101 to provide at least some of the functions of the multifunction printer 102.

[0057] Furthermore, the code information is a QR code that encodes information indicating the website address. In this case, the user will no longer need to perform any new settings to allow the information terminal 101, which is capable of reading QR codes, to read the code information in order to install the PWA.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 308 displays a settings screen 400 that accepts settings from the administrator regarding the use of the software as a PWA. The provision of at least some functions of the multifunction printer 102 by the software as a PWA is conditional on the communication between the information terminal 101 and the multifunction printer 102 being encrypted. The settings screen 400 also displays a reception image that accepts the setting of encryption for communication. Examples of reception images include the SSL reception unit 401 and the PWA reception unit 402. When the encryption setting is accepted in the reception image, the control unit 308 sets the electronic keys used for encrypting and decrypting the content of the communication and sets the electronic certificate of the Web server 305. Examples of electronic keys used for encrypting and decrypting the content of communication include a public key and a private key. In this case, the administrator no longer needs to configure PWA usage settings and communication encryption settings on separate screens.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 308 displays information on the settings screen 400 indicating that the provision of at least some functions of the multifunction device 102 via software as a PWA is conditional on the communication being encrypted (see PWA reception unit 402 in Figure 5). In this case, the administrator can be made aware that encryption of communications is a requirement for using PWAs, and then be instructed to configure the encryption of communications.

[0060] Furthermore, the functions of the multifunction device 102 provided by the software as a PWA include, at a minimum, push notifications indicating the nature of changes that have occurred regarding the status of the multifunction device 102 (see Figure 10). In this case, the user can be made aware of changes in the status of the multifunction printer 102 without requiring the user to operate the multifunction printer 102.

[0061] Furthermore, the control unit 308 displays an authentication screen 800 on the information terminal 101 to authenticate the information terminal 101 on which the PWA software is installed. The control unit 308 also authenticates the information terminal 101 if the input information entered on the authentication screen 800 matches predetermined information. The input information includes information entered in the username reception unit 801 and information entered in the password reception unit 802. The predetermined information includes the username 702 and password 703. The code information includes authentication information for authenticating the information terminal 101 as encoded information. The authentication information is a UUID. In this case, the burden of authenticating the user of the information terminal 101 from which the code information was read is reduced.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 308 displays specific character information indicating the website address, along with code information, on the display unit 306. The specific character information includes the address section 601. This specific character information does not include authentication information. In this case, it is prevented that someone other than the user of the information terminal 101 from reading the code information will use the information in the address section 601 to use the PWA on behalf of the user of the information terminal 101 from reading the code information.

[0063] Furthermore, the transceiver unit 304 of the multifunction printer 102 acquires identification information and authentication information to identify the user. The identification information includes the card ID 701. The identification information is associated with the authentication information (see Figure 4). The control unit 308 displays code information, including encoded information of the authentication information associated with the identification information acquired by the transceiver unit 304, on the display unit 306. When the authentication information is acquired by the transceiver unit 304, the control unit 308 provides the information terminal 101 with a function of the multifunction printer 102 that corresponds to the user identified from the acquired authentication information, through the use of the PWA software by the information terminal 101. The function corresponding to the user identified from the acquired authentication information includes a function corresponding to the user type 704 associated in the user management database 103 with the UUID acquired by the transceiver unit 304. In this case, even if the functions provided to the information terminal 101 through the use of PWA differ depending on the user, the burden of authenticating the user of the information terminal 101 from which the code information was read is reduced.

[0064] In this embodiment, an expiration date is set for password 703, but this is not limited to this. Password 703 does not necessarily have to have an expiration date. Furthermore, although this embodiment describes that the code information includes information in which a UUID has been encoded, it is not limited to this. Instead of a UUID, the code information may include information in which a username 702 or password 703 has been encoded. However, if the information included in the code information is information in which a UUID has been encoded, privacy is better protected compared to when the code information includes information in which a username 702 or password 703 has been encoded.

[0065] Furthermore, although this embodiment has described that the functions provided from the multifunction printer 102 to the information terminal 101 via the use of the PWA by the information terminal 101 differ depending on the user, it is not limited to this. The functions provided from the multifunction printer 102 to the information terminal 101 via the use of the PWA by the information terminal 101 may be the same for all users.

[0066] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes that the card ID 701, username 702, password 703, and UUID 706 are different for each user, it is not limited to this. Card ID 701, username 702, password 703, and UUID 706 may be the same for all users. However, if card ID 701, username 702, password 703, and UUID 706 are different for each user, security will be enhanced by preventing the reuse of code information.

[0067] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes how the use of the PWA on the information terminal 101 is permitted after user authentication via the authentication screen 800, the embodiment is not limited to this. The use of PWA on the information terminal 101 may be permitted without requiring user authentication.

[0068] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes the code information as a QR code, it is not limited to this. The code information may be a different two-dimensional code than a QR code, such as PDF417 or Data Matrix. Furthermore, the code information may be a different code from a two-dimensional code, as long as it can be read by the information terminal 101.

[0069] Furthermore, the flow of the display processing (see Figure 7) is not limited to the example described above. For example, after the IC card has been read by the card reader 241, the process in step 703 may be initiated when the user operates the multifunction printer 102 to instruct the display unit 306 to display the prompt screen.

[0070] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes the prompt screen 600 being displayed on the multifunction printer 102 after the IC card is read by the card reader 241, the embodiment is not limited to this. If a user operates the multifunction printer 102 and gives an instruction to display a prompt screen on the display unit 306, the prompt screen 600 may be displayed on the display unit 306 of the multifunction printer 102, regardless of whether or not the IC card has been read by the card reader 241.

[0071] Furthermore, the present invention also includes cases in which a software program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied directly from a recording medium or via wired / wireless communication to a system or device having a computer capable of executing the program, and the program is executed. Therefore, in order to realize the functional processing described above in relation to the present invention using a computer, the program code itself supplied to and installed on the computer also realizes the present invention. In other words, the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention is also included in the present invention. In this case, the form of the program is not limited as long as it has the functionality of a program, such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to an OS. As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium such as magnetic tape, an optical / magneto-optical storage medium, or a non-volatile semiconductor memory may be used. Furthermore, as a method of supplying the program, a method can be considered in which a computer program forming the present invention is stored on a server on a computer network, and a connected client computer downloads the computer program and programs it. Furthermore, based on the instructions of the program code, an operating system or similar device running on the computer may perform some or all of the actual processing, thereby realizing each of the functions of the embodiment described above. In addition, the program code read from the storage medium may be written to the memory of a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instructions of that program code, a CPU or similar device in that function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform some or all of the actual processing. Even in this case, each of the functions of the embodiment described above will be realized.

[0072] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) A network device having a web server, Having a means of display, A network device characterized by displaying code information on the display means for accessing a website provided by the web server via a web browser to install software as a progressive web application to provide at least some of the functions of the network device on a user terminal. (Configuration 2) The network device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the code information is a QR code in which information indicating the address of the website is encoded. (Composition 3) A settings screen is displayed that accepts settings from the administrator regarding the use of the software as a progressive web application. The provision of at least some functions of the network device by the software as a progressive web application is performed on the condition that the communication between the user terminal and the network device is encrypted. The settings screen displays a reception image that accepts the settings for the encryption of the communication. The network device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the encryption settings are accepted in the reception image, it sets the electronic key used for encrypting and decrypting the content of the communication and sets the electronic certificate of the web server. (Composition 4) The network device according to configuration 3, characterized in that it displays information on the settings screen indicating that the provision of at least some functions of the network device by the software as a progressive web application is conditional on the encryption of the communication. (Composition 5) The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the functions of the network device provided by the software as a progressive web application include at least push notifications of information indicating the nature of changes that have occurred regarding the state of the network device. (Composition 6) An authentication screen is displayed on the user terminal to authenticate the user terminal on which the software as a progressive web application is installed. If the input information entered on the authentication screen matches predetermined information, the user terminal is authenticated. The network device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the code information includes authentication information for authenticating the user terminal as encoded information. (Composition 7) The display means displays specific character information indicating the address of the aforementioned website together with the code information. The network device according to configuration 6, characterized in that the aforementioned specific character information does not include the authentication information. (Composition 8) The user's identification information and authentication information are obtained, The aforementioned identification information is associated with the aforementioned authentication information, The code information, which includes information in which the authentication information associated with the identification information acquired by the acquisition means is encoded, is displayed on the display means. The network device according to configuration 6, characterized in that, once the authentication information is obtained, it provides the user terminal with a function from among the functions of the network device that corresponds to the user identified from the obtained authentication information, through the use of the software as a progressive web application by the user terminal.

[0073] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1...Function provision system, 101...Information terminal, 102...Multifunction printer, 103...User management database, 104...Push server

Claims

1. A network device having a web server, Having a means of display, A network device characterized by displaying code information on the display means for accessing a website provided by the web server via a web browser to install software as a progressive web application to provide at least some of the functions of the network device on a user terminal.

2. The network device according to claim 1, characterized in that the code information is a QR code in which information indicating the address of the website is encoded.

3. A settings screen is displayed that accepts settings from the administrator regarding the use of the software as a progressive web application. The provision of at least some functions of the network device by the software as a progressive web application is performed on the condition that the communication between the user terminal and the network device is encrypted. The settings screen displays a reception image that accepts the settings for the encryption of the communication. The network device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the encryption settings are accepted in the reception image, it sets the electronic key used for encrypting and decrypting the content of the communication and sets the electronic certificate of the web server.

4. The network device according to claim 3, characterized in that it displays information on the settings screen indicating that the provision of at least some functions of the network device by the software as a progressive web application is conditional on the encryption of the communication being performed.

5. The network device according to claim 1, characterized in that the functions of the network device provided by the software as a progressive web application include at least push notifications of information indicating the nature of changes that have occurred regarding the state of the network device.

6. An authentication screen is displayed on the user terminal to authenticate the user terminal on which the software as a progressive web application is installed. If the input information entered on the authentication screen matches predetermined information, the user terminal is authenticated. The network device according to claim 1, characterized in that the code information includes authentication information for authenticating the user terminal as encoded information.

7. The display means displays specific character information indicating the address of the aforementioned website together with the code information. The network device according to claim 6, characterized in that the aforementioned specific character information does not include the authentication information.

8. The user's identification information and authentication information are obtained, The aforementioned identification information is associated with the aforementioned authentication information, The code information, which includes information in which the authentication information associated with the identification information acquired by the acquisition means is encoded, is displayed on the display means. The network device according to claim 6, characterized in that, once the authentication information is obtained, it provides the user terminal with a function from among the functions of the network device that corresponds to the user identified from the obtained authentication information, through the use of the software as a progressive web application by the user terminal.

9. A method for controlling a network device having a web server, A method for controlling a network device, characterized by having the step of displaying code information on a display means of the network device for accessing a website provided by the web server using a web browser, in order to install software as a progressive web application for providing at least some of the functions of the network device on a user terminal.

10. On the computer, A program for displaying code information on a display means of a network device for accessing a website provided by a web server via a web browser, in order to install software as a progressive web application for providing at least some of the functions of a network device having a web server on a user terminal.

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