Information processing systems and electronic equipment

Abstract

This reduces the likelihood of import failures on the destination electronic device when importing configuration data from the source electronic device to the destination electronic device. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a reading unit 104 that reads device information from a USB memory 71 which stores device information including setting value data held by other electronic devices and mounting status information indicating the mounting status of optional devices on other electronic devices; an unmounted detection unit 105 that determines whether optional devices mounted on other electronic devices are mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 based on the mounting status information contained in the device information and detects unmounted optional devices; a notification unit 106 that notifies the unmounted optional devices detected by the unmounted detection unit 105; and an execution unit 107 that performs an import process using the setting value data contained in the device information read by the reading unit 104.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for making the settings of multiple electronic devices the same.

Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices such as printers and multifunction devices are often shared in an office or the like. Therefore, there are cases where multiple electronic devices are used with the same settings. For example, by exporting the setting value data that defines the operation content of a basic electronic device held by one electronic device and importing it to other electronic devices, the settings of multiple electronic devices can be made the same (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When performing an import process on another electronic device (import destination electronic device) based on the setting value data (import data) of a basic electronic device (export source electronic device), the import process may not succeed and may fail.

[0005] The main causes are as follows. One is when the installation value data of the export source electronic device exceeds the capabilities of the import destination electronic device. The other is when an optional device (for example, an additional paper feed cassette, an additional tray, a FAX board) attached to the export source electronic device is not attached to the import destination electronic device and the attachment status of the optional device does not match.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to reduce the failure of the import process in the destination electronic device when importing setting data from the export source electronic device into the destination electronic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system comprising an export source electronic device and an import destination electronic device, wherein the export source electronic device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires setting value data to be exported, which is held in the export source electronic device; an installation status detection unit that detects the installation status of an optional device on the export source electronic device; and an output unit that outputs device information including the setting value data acquired by the acquisition unit and installation status information indicating the installation status of the optional device detected by the installation status detection unit to an external storage medium, and the import destination electronic device is the external storage medium or The system comprises: a reading unit that reads out the device information; an uninstalled detection unit that determines whether the optional device installed in the export source electronic device is installed in the import destination electronic device based on the installation status information contained in the device information read out by the reading unit, and detects the uninstalled optional device if it is determined that there is an uninstalled optional device; a notification unit that performs processing to notify the user of the uninstalled optional device detected by the uninstalled detection unit; and an execution unit that performs import processing based on the setting value data contained in the device information read out by the reading unit.

[0008] Furthermore, an electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires setting value data to be exported, which is held in the electronic device, A mounting status detection unit for detecting the mounting status of an optional device in the aforementioned electronic device, The system includes an output unit that outputs device information to an external storage medium, which includes the set value data acquired by the acquisition unit and the mounting status information indicating the mounting status of the optional device detected by the mounting status detection unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an import destination electronic device, comprising: a reading unit that reads device information from an external storage medium which device information is stored, including setting value data held by another electronic device and installation status information indicating the installation status of optional devices on the other electronic device; an uninstalled detection unit that determines, based on the installation status information included in the device information read by the reading unit, whether all of the optional devices installed on the other electronic device are installed on the import destination electronic device, and if it is determined that there are uninstalled optional devices, detects the uninstalled optional devices; a notification unit that performs processing to notify the user of the uninstalled optional devices detected by the uninstalled detection unit; and an execution unit that performs import processing based on the setting value data included in the device information read by the reading unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In this invention, the user is notified of any uninstalled optional devices that are installed on the export source electronic device but not on the import destination electronic device, allowing the user to resolve the mismatch in the installed optional devices. As a result, according to this invention, when importing setting data from the export source electronic device into the import destination electronic device, the failure of the import process on the import destination electronic device can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This shows the entirety of an information processing system comprising an image forming apparatus, which is one embodiment of the electronic device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of an image forming apparatus, which is one embodiment of the electronic device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of processing performed by the control unit of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of processing performed by the control unit of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, an information processing system and electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the overall structure of an information processing system comprising an image forming apparatus, which is one embodiment of the electronic device according to the present invention.

[0013] The information processing system 11 comprises an image forming apparatus 1A as the export source electronic device and an image forming apparatus 1B as the import destination electronic device. The image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B (hereinafter also referred to as "image forming apparatus 1") are multifunction devices that combine multiple functions, such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

[0014] Image forming apparatus 1A outputs the setting value data to be exported, which is held within image forming apparatus 1A, to an external storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory 71. Image forming apparatus 1B acquires the setting value data via the USB memory 71.

[0015] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device that can function as both an export source electronic device and an import destination electronic device.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a control unit 10, a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, an operation unit 47, and a storage unit 8. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a USB connector 7, and is configured to allow the attachment and detachment of a USB memory 71, which is an external storage medium.

[0017] The original document feeding unit 6 is configured to be openable and closable by hinges (not shown) on the upper surface of the original document reading unit 5. When reading the original document placed on the platen glass (not shown), the original document feeding unit 6 functions as an original document pressing cover. Also, the original document feeding unit 6 is what is called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), has an original document placement tray (not shown), and supplies the original document placed on the original document placement tray to the original document reading unit 5.

[0018] The original document reading unit 5 includes a scanner or the like, reads the original document fed from the original document feeding unit 6, or reads the original document placed on the platen glass. Also, the original document reading unit 5 can sequentially read a plurality of original document images sent from the original document feeding unit 6.

[0019] The case where the original document reading operation is performed in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The original document reading unit 5 optically reads the image of the original document supplied to the original document reading unit 5 by the original document feeding unit 6 or the original document placed on the platen glass, and generates image data. The image data generated by the original document reading unit 5 is stored in an image memory (not shown) or the like.

[0020] The case where the image forming operation is performed in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming unit 12 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a primary transfer device for each color, and is a mechanism for forming an image on a recording paper as a recording medium by secondary transfer via an intermediate transfer belt. The image forming unit 12 forms an image on the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit 14 based on the image data generated by the original document reading operation, the image data stored in the image memory or the like, the image data received from a computer connected to the network, etc., and creates a printed matter.

[0021] The fixing unit 13 is a fixing device including a heat roller, a pressure roller, and a drive mechanism for rotationally driving these, heats and presses the recording paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 12 with the nip formed by the two rollers, and fixes the image on the recording paper. The recording paper subjected to the fixing process is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown).

[0022] The paper feeding unit 14 includes a paper feeding cassette (not shown), and further includes a pickup roller, a conveyance roller, a conveyance path, and a rotation drive mechanism for each roller to pick up recording paper from the paper feeding cassette and feed it to the image forming unit 12.

[0023] The operation unit 47 includes various hard keys operated by the user, and receives instructions from the user, such as an instruction to execute an image forming operation, regarding various operations and processes that the image forming apparatus 1 can execute according to the operation of the hard keys.

[0024] The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 that displays operation guidance and the like to the operator. Further, the operation unit 47 receives an input of an instruction from the user based on an operation (touch operation) by the user on the screen displayed on the display unit 473 via the touch panel included in the display unit 473.

[0025] The display unit 473 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. When the operator performs an operation of touching a button or a key displayed on the screen, an instruction associated with the touched position is received by the touch panel. In this case, the touch panel functions as an operation unit.

[0026] The storage unit 8 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various control programs and the like.

[0027] The control unit 10 is composed of a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and dedicated hardware circuitry. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100, an acquisition unit 101, an installation status detection unit 102, an output unit 103, a reading unit 104, an uninstalled unit 105, a notification unit 106, and an execution unit 107.

[0028] The control unit 10 functions as a control unit 100, acquisition unit 101, mounting status detection unit 102, output unit 103, reading unit 104, non-mounted detection unit 105, notification unit 106, and execution unit 107, through operation by the processor in accordance with the control program stored in the memory unit 8. However, the control unit 100 and others can also be configured by hardware circuits, rather than operating according to the control program by the control unit 10. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0029] The control unit 100 is responsible for the overall operation control of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 100 is connected to the document feeding unit 6, document reading unit 5, image forming unit 12, fixing unit 13, paper feeding unit 14, operation unit 47, storage unit 8, and USB connector 7, and performs drive control of each of these units and executes various processes necessary for image formation by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0030] The acquisition unit 101, the mounting status detection unit 102, and the output unit 103 are for the image forming apparatus 1 to function as an export source electronic device. On the other hand, the reading unit 104, the non-mounted detection unit 105, the notification unit 106, and the execution unit 107 are for the image forming apparatus 1 to function as an import destination electronic device.

[0031] The acquisition unit 101 acquires the setting value data to be exported, which is stored in the storage unit 8. The storage unit 8 stores the setting data for each function that can be operated by the image forming apparatus 1. This setting data also includes the setting data for each optional device provided by the image forming apparatus 1. This setting data is a set of setting values ​​that define the operation of the image forming apparatus 1A and the optional devices.

[0032] For example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires setting value data of operation content belonging to a category specified by a selection instruction received by the operation unit 47 through user operation from the storage unit 8.

[0033] The mounting status detection unit 102 detects the mounting status of optional devices (e.g., additional paper cassettes, additional trays, or fax boards) in the image forming apparatus 1 (image forming apparatus 1A as the export source electronic device). For example, the mounting status detection unit 102 sends a confirmation signal to an interface device to which the optional device may be mounted, and recognizes the mounting status of the optional device based on whether or not there is a response to the confirmation signal.

[0034] The output unit 103 outputs device information, including the setting value data acquired by the acquisition unit 101 and the mounting status information indicating the mounting status of the optional device detected by the mounting status detection unit 102, to an external storage medium. For example, the output unit 103 converts the above device information into a highly versatile XML format and outputs it to a USB memory 71 via the USB connector 7.

[0035] The reading unit 104 reads the above-mentioned device information from an external storage medium. For example, the reading unit 104 reads the above-mentioned device information from a USB memory 71 via a USB connector 7.

[0036] The unattached device detection unit 105 determines, based on the detection results from the attachment status detection unit 102, whether all of the optional devices attached to the export source electronic device (image forming apparatus 1A), as indicated by the attachment status information included in the device information read by the reading unit 104, are attached to the image forming apparatus 1 (image forming apparatus 1B as the import destination electronic device). If it determines that there are unattached optional devices, it detects the unattached optional devices. For example, if a FAX board is attached to the export source electronic device and this is indicated in the attachment status information of the device information, but the FAX board is not attached to the import destination electronic device, the unattached device detection unit 105 detects the FAX board as an unattached optional device.

[0037] The notification unit 106 performs a process to notify the user of any uninstalled optional devices detected by the uninstalled detection unit 105. For example, the notification unit 106 controls the display of the display unit 473 to display the uninstalled optional devices on the display unit 473. This notifies the user that there are uninstalled optional devices in the image forming apparatus 1B, which is the import destination electronic device, that cannot import set data.

[0038] The execution unit 107 performs an import process using the setting value data included in the device information read by the reading unit 104. For example, the execution unit 107 performs preprocessing to determine whether the import process can be performed successfully for each set value data. If it determines that it can be performed successfully, it stores the setting value data in the storage unit 8 and performs processing to set the setting value data in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0039] In the above preprocessing, it is determined whether the set value data is within the capabilities of the image forming apparatus 1 (i.e., within the range of set values ​​that can be handled by the capabilities of the installed optional device), and whether the optional device necessary for the import process based on the set value data is installed in the image forming apparatus 1. If the set value data exceeds the capabilities of the image forming apparatus 1, or if the optional device to which the set value data pertains is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (including cases where it cannot be installed in the first place), the execution unit 107 determines that the import process cannot be performed normally and does not perform the import process.

[0040] Next, an example of the export process by the image forming apparatus 1, which is the source electronic device for exporting, will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 3. This process is performed when the operation unit 47 receives an instruction from the user to execute the export process and the selection instruction mentioned above, during maintenance mode.

[0041] The acquisition unit 101 acquires setting value data of operation content belonging to the category specified by the selection instruction received by the operation unit 47 from the storage unit 8 (S1). The mounting status detection unit 102 detects the mounting status of the optional device in the image forming apparatus 1 (S2).

[0042] Next, the output unit 103 converts the device information, which includes the setting value data acquired by the acquisition unit 101 and the mounting status information indicating the mounting status of the optional device detected by the mounting status detection unit 102, into XML format (S3) and outputs it to the USB memory 71 via the USB connector 7 (S4). After that, this process ends.

[0043] Next, an example of the import process by the image forming apparatus 1, which is the import destination electronic device, will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 4. This process is performed when the operation unit 47 receives an instruction from the user to execute the import process during maintenance mode. The user shall insert the USB memory 71 containing the above-mentioned device information into the USB connector 7 of the image forming apparatus 1, which is the import destination electronic device.

[0044] The reading unit 104 reads the above-mentioned device information from the USB memory 71 via the USB connector 7 (S11). The unattached detection unit 105 analyzes the above-mentioned device information (setting value data and attachment status information) read by the reading unit 104 and determines, based on the detection result by the attachment status detection unit 102, whether all of the optional devices attached to the export source electronic device (image forming apparatus 1A) indicated by the attachment status information contained in the device information are attached to the image forming apparatus 1 (image forming apparatus 1B as the import destination electronic device) (S12). In other words, the unattached detection unit 105 determines whether there are any optional devices that are not attached to its own machine among the optional devices indicated by the attachment status information.

[0045] If the non-installed detection unit 105 determines that there are no non-installed optional devices, that is, that all optional devices indicated by the installation status information included in the equipment information are installed (YES in S12), the execution unit 107 determines whether the setting value indicated by one of the setting value data included in the equipment information is within the range of setting values ​​that can be handled by the capabilities of the optional device to which the setting value data is set (S13).

[0046] If the execution unit 107 determines that the setting value indicated by the setting value data exceeds the range of setting values ​​that can be handled by the optional device (NO in S13), it controls the display unit 473 to display an error notification indicating that the import process cannot be performed normally for that optional device (S18). After this, the process proceeds to S19.

[0047] Furthermore, if the execution unit 107 determines that the setting value indicated by the setting value data is within the range of setting values ​​that can be handled by the capabilities of the optional device (YES in S13), the execution unit 107 also determines whether the optional device to which the setting value data is to be set is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (image forming apparatus 1B as the import destination electronic device) (S15). This determination includes determining whether the image forming apparatus 1 has the function to install the optional device, and whether the optional device is actually installed assuming that it has that function. In other words, even if the execution unit 107 determines that the image forming apparatus 1B does not have the function to install the optional device, this is included in the determination that the optional device to which the setting value data is to be set is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1B.

[0048] When the execution unit 107 determines that an optional device to which one of the setting value data included in the above-mentioned device information is to be set is installed on the image forming apparatus 1B (YES in S15), it executes the import process by setting the setting value data for the optional device to which the setting value data is to be set (S17).

[0049] On the other hand, if the execution unit 107 determines that the image forming apparatus 1B does not have the functionality to attach the optional device (NO in S15), it controls the display on the display unit 473 to display an error notification indicating that the import process for the optional device cannot be performed normally (S18). After this, the process proceeds to S19.

[0050] After the import process for one setting data (S17) and after S18, the execution unit 107 determines whether the import process has been completed for all option devices to which setting value data included in the above device information is to be set (S19). If the execution unit 107 determines that the import process has been completed for all option devices to which setting value data is to be set (YES in S19), this process ends. On the other hand, if the execution unit 107 determines that the import process has not been completed for all option devices to which setting value data is to be set (NO in S19), the process returns to S13 in order to perform the import process for another option device to which setting value data is to be set.

[0051] In S12, if the non-installed detection unit 105 determines that at least one optional device is not installed, that is, that at least one optional device indicated by the installation status information included in the above-mentioned equipment information is not installed (NO in S12), it identifies the non-installed optional device (S20). After this, the notification unit 106 controls the display unit 473 and causes the display unit 473 to display the non-installed optional device, as shown in Figure 5 as an example (S21). Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 473.

[0052] On the operation screen G1, the additional tray and fax board are not installed, and a message M1 prompting the user to install the uninstalled optional equipment is displayed, along with an operation button B1 labeled "OK" and an operation button B2 labeled "Skip".

[0053] When the operation unit 47 receives a re-execution instruction for operation button B1 marked "OK" (OK in S22), the non-installed detection unit 105 executes the process in S12 again. For example, after a user installs an uninstalled option device into the image forming apparatus 1 (image forming apparatus 1B as the import destination electronic device), the user operates operation button B1 marked "OK" and receives a re-execution instruction.

[0054] On the other hand, if the control unit 47 receives a cancel instruction for the operation button B2 labeled "Skip" (Skip in S22), the process proceeds to S15. In this case, the import process will only be performed for optional devices that are eligible for import processing, as determined by the processing from S13 onward. In this case, for optional devices that are not installed, the result in S15 is NO.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the user is notified of any uninstalled optional devices that are installed in the image forming apparatus 1A, which is the export source electronic device, but are not installed in the image forming apparatus 1B, which is the import destination electronic device. This allows the user to take action to resolve the mismatch in the installation of optional devices. As a result, according to this embodiment, when importing setting value data from the export source electronic device into the import destination electronic device, the failure of the import process in the import destination electronic device can be reduced.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments and various modifications are possible. Furthermore, the configuration and processing shown in the above embodiments using Figures 1 to 5 are merely one embodiment of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to such configuration and processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Image forming apparatus 11. Information Processing Systems 47 Operation section 71 USB memory sticks 101 Acquisition Department 102 Installation status detection unit 103 Output section 104 Reading section 105 Non-installed detection unit 106 Hochi Department 107 Execution Department

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising an export source electronic device and an import destination electronic device, The aforementioned export source electronic device is An acquisition unit that acquires the setting value data to be exported, which is held in the export source electronic device, A mounting status detection unit for detecting the mounting status of optional devices in the export source electronic device, The system includes an output unit that outputs device information to an external storage medium, which includes the set value data acquired by the acquisition unit and the mounting status information indicating the mounting status of the optional device detected by the mounting status detection unit. The aforementioned import destination electronic device is A reading unit that reads the device information from the external storage medium, Based on the mounting status information contained in the device information read by the reading unit, the reading unit determines whether the optional device mounted on the export source electronic device is mounted on the import destination electronic device, and if it is determined that there are unmounted optional devices, the unmounted detection unit detects the unmounted optional devices. A notification unit that performs processing to notify the user of the optional device that has not been installed, as detected by the non-installed device detection unit, An information processing system comprising: an execution unit that performs an import process based on the setting value data contained in the device information read by the reading unit.

2. It is an electronic device, An acquisition unit that acquires setting value data to be exported, which is held in the aforementioned electronic device, A mounting status detection unit for detecting the mounting status of an optional device in the aforementioned electronic device, An electronic device comprising: an output unit that outputs device information to an external storage medium, including the set value data acquired by the acquisition unit and the mounting status information indicating the mounting status of an optional device detected by the mounting status detection unit.

3. Import destination electronic equipment, A reading unit reads device information from an external storage medium on which device information is stored, including setting value data held by other electronic devices and installation status information indicating the installation status of optional devices on the other electronic devices. Based on the mounting status information contained in the device information read by the reading unit, the reading unit determines whether all of the optional devices mounted on the other electronic device are mounted on the import destination electronic device, and if it is determined that there are any unmounted optional devices, the unmounted detection unit detects the unmounted optional devices. A notification unit that performs processing to notify the user of the optional device that has not been installed, as detected by the non-installed device detection unit, An import destination electronic device comprising: an execution unit that performs an import process based on the setting value data contained in the device information read by the reading unit.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the execution unit does not perform the import process if the non-installed detection unit determines that there is an option device that is not installed.

5. It further includes an operating unit that accepts input instructions from the user, The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the execution unit executes the import process even if the non-installed detection unit determines that there is an option device that is not installed, if the operation unit receives a user instruction to forcibly execute the import process.

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