Information processing system, setting screen generation method, and program

Abstract

To make it easy for users to configure settings according to their needs, we aim to create a simple setting screen that minimizes the likelihood of setting errors or omissions. [Solution] The information processing system 1 includes an input receiving unit 31 that inputs user requests regarding settings as text, a setting item identification unit 32 that detects user requests based on the input text and identifies setting items that the user should set from among multiple setting items, a screen generation unit 33 that generates a setting screen with input forms corresponding to the identified setting items, and a screen providing unit 34 that provides the setting screen generated by the screen generation unit 33.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a setting screen generation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, information processing devices such as MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals) have become more complex in function. When a user tries to set each function of an information processing device to a desired state, it is necessary to perform setting operations for many setting items. For example, the user must appropriately input desired setting values for necessary setting items included in each setting screen while sequentially displaying a plurality of hierarchical setting screens. However, it is difficult for the user to appropriately perform setting operations for many setting items across a plurality of setting screens, and setting omissions and setting mistakes are likely to occur.

[0003] Conventionally, a technique has been proposed to enable a user to easily and appropriately perform settings for a plurality of setting items necessary to achieve a predetermined setting state (for example, Patent Document 1). This conventional technique identifies a plurality of setting items necessary to achieve a predetermined setting state and displays a setting guidance screen in which links to screens for displaying each setting item are arranged in order according to the setting order. Therefore, the user can sequentially display screens including necessary setting items and proceed with the setting operation by sequentially operating the links displayed on the setting guidance screen.

[0004] However, even if a screen including a setting item necessary for setting is displayed by operating a link, the screen may include a setting item that requires a setting operation and a setting item that does not require a setting operation. In that case, it is difficult for the user to distinguish between a setting item that requires a setting operation and an unnecessary setting item, and it takes a long time until all settings are completed, and there is still a possibility of setting omissions and setting mistakes.

[0005] Incidentally, in recent years, information processing devices that display wizard-style setting screens, which allow users to proceed with configuration operations interactively, have been provided with the aim of improving user operability. Wizard-style setting screens assist users in preventing incorrect selections or omissions in settings during the operation process. As a result, users can easily achieve the desired configuration state by proceeding with operations based on the instructions on the setting screen.

[0006] However, as functionality becomes more complex, user demands for information processing devices are becoming more diverse. Therefore, it is difficult to prepare a wizard-style configuration screen in advance to accommodate all of these diverse user demands. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-111147 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional system. Specifically, the purpose of this invention is to provide an information processing system, a method for generating a settings screen, and a program that enable easy creation of settings screens that are less prone to setting omissions or errors, in order to allow users to easily make settings according to their needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the invention according to claim 1 is an information processing system characterized by comprising: an input receiving unit that inputs user requests regarding settings as text; a setting item identification unit that detects user requests based on the input text and identifies setting items that the user should set from among a plurality of setting items; a screen generation unit that generates a setting screen on which input forms corresponding to the identified setting items are arranged; and a screen providing unit that provides the setting screen generated by the screen generation unit.

[0010] The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the information processing system of claim 1, the setting item identification unit includes a generation AI server, inputs the input text to the generation AI server, and identifies the setting items that the user should set based on the response obtained from the generation AI server.

[0011] The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the information processing system of claim 2, the setting item identification unit creates a prompt in a predetermined format based on the input text and submits the prompt to the generation AI server.

[0012] The invention according to claim 4 is an information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores a setting item database which associates setting categories, which are groups of setting items that are related to each other, with keywords assigned to the setting categories, wherein the setting item identification unit, when the input text contains the keyword, searches the setting item database to extract the setting category to which the keyword is assigned, and identifies the setting items included in the extracted setting category as setting items that the user should set.

[0013] The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the information processing system of claim 4, the setting item database links a plurality of setting categories that are related to each other, and the setting item identification unit identifies the setting items included in the setting category to which the keyword is assigned and the setting items included in the other setting category as setting items that the user should set, when another setting category is linked to the setting category to which the keyword is assigned.

[0014] The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the information processing system of claim 5, the screen generation unit generates a setting screen which has an input form corresponding to a setting item included in a setting category to which the keyword has been assigned, and a setting screen which has an input form corresponding to a setting item included in another setting category, as separate screens, and the screen providing unit sequentially provides a plurality of setting screens which have been generated as separate screens.

[0015] The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in the information processing system of claim 4, the setting item database may associate the same keyword with multiple setting categories, the screen generation unit generates a selection screen for selecting one setting category from the multiple setting categories when the setting item identification unit detects multiple setting categories based on the keyword contained in the input text, and the setting item identification unit selects the one setting category selected on the selection screen.

[0016] The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the information processing system of claim 1, the screen generation unit determines the type of setting input value for a specified setting item, selects an input form from among a plurality of types of input forms according to the type of setting input value, and places it on the setting screen.

[0017] The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that, in the information processing system of claim 8, the screen generation unit selects a string input form when the type of setting input value is a string, selects a radio button or a pull-down menu as the input form when the type of setting input value is a selection from two or more options, and selects a toggle switch as the input form when the type of setting input value is an on or off switch.

[0018] The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that, in the information processing system of claim 4, the setting item database holds explanatory text and a default value for each of a plurality of setting items, and when the screen generation unit generates a setting screen in which an input form corresponding to a specified setting item is placed, it places the explanatory text on the setting screen and reflects the default value in the input form.

[0019] The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that, in the information processing system of claim 4, the setting item database registers an input form corresponding to each of a plurality of setting items, and the screen generation unit identifies an input form corresponding to a specified setting item based on the setting item database and places the identified input form on the setting screen.

[0020] The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that, in the information processing system of claim 1, the screen generation unit determines whether or not a user setting operation is required for each of the multiple setting items when a plurality of setting items are identified by the setting item identification unit, and generates a setting screen in which the setting items for which a user setting operation is not required are hidden.

[0021] The invention according to claim 13 is a method for generating a setting screen in an information processing system, comprising: a step of text-inputting a user's desire regarding settings; a step of detecting the user's desire based on the input text and specifying a setting item that the user should set from among a plurality of setting items; a step of generating a setting screen in which an input form corresponding to the specified setting item is arranged; and a step of providing the generated setting screen.

[0022] The invention according to claim 14 is a program executed by a computer, causing the computer to execute: a step of text-inputting a user's desire regarding settings; a step of detecting the user's desire based on the input text and specifying a setting item that the user should set from among a plurality of setting items; a step of generating a setting screen in which an input form corresponding to the specified setting item is arranged; and a step of providing the generated setting screen.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, in order to enable easy setting according to the user's desire, it is possible to easily create a setting screen in which setting omissions and setting mistakes are unlikely to occur.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of screen information. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of an input form. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a setting item database. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of category detailed information. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a top screen. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the initial screen. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the configuration and operation of the setting item identification unit. [Figure 11] This figure shows another example configuration of the setting item identification section. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen. [Figure 13] This figure shows the configuration screen that is generated for SMB server settings. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in an information processing system. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows the specific processing steps for identifying the setting category. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows an example of a detailed processing procedure for screen generation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, elements common to all are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations of these elements will be omitted.

[0026] (Example of an information processing system configuration) Figure 1 shows an example configuration of an information processing system 1, which is one embodiment of the present invention. This information processing system 1 comprises an information processing device 2, a server device 3, and a terminal device 5. The information processing device 2 and the server device 3 can communicate with each other via a network 4. The network 4 includes local networks such as LANs (Local Area Networks) and the Internet. The information processing device 2 can also communicate with the terminal device 5. Communication between the information processing device 2 and the terminal device 5 may be via wired communication or wireless communication, and may also be conducted via the network 4.

[0027] The information processing device 2 is comprised of, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Printer). The information processing device 2 includes a scanner unit 6, a printer unit 7, and an operation panel 8. The scanner unit 6 reads an image of a document set by the user and generates image data. The printer unit 7 forms the image on a sheet such as printing paper and outputs it. The operation panel 8 is the user interface for when the user uses the information processing device 2.

[0028] The control panel 8 displays various settings screens that the user can operate and accepts user input. By operating the control panel 8, the user can set various functions installed in the information processing device 2 to their desired state.

[0029] Furthermore, the information processing device 2 can also transmit user-operable setting screens to the terminal device 5 and accept user operations via the terminal device 5. For example, the information processing device 2 has a web server function and provides various setting screens to be displayed on the operation panel 8 as web pages to the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 launches a web browser to display the setting screens provided by the information processing device 2 and accepts user operations. The terminal device 5 then transmits operation signals to the information processing device 2 in accordance with the user's operations. Therefore, the user can set various functions of the information processing device 2 to their desired state by operating the terminal device 5.

[0030] Information processing device 2 has multiple functions. For example, in addition to basic functions such as copying, scanning, and printing, information processing device 2 has various additional functions. These additional functions of information processing device 2 may be turned off by default. If a user wants to use the additional functions of information processing device 2, they need to perform configuration operations on information processing device 2 to reflect the settings that enable these additional functions. At this time, the user needs to perform complex settings depending on the installation environment of information processing device 2. However, it is difficult for the user to understand which setting items to input what values ​​to achieve the desired settings.

[0031] Server device 3 is a server that assists users with configuration operations on the information processing device 2. For example, server device 3 is configured as a Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative Artificial Intelligence) server. If a user does not know how to configure the information processing device 2 to achieve their desired settings, they input a request into the information processing device 2 indicating how they want to use it. Server device 3 identifies the user's request and identifies the settings that the user should configure to fulfill the user's request. Note that such functions of server device 3 may also be incorporated into the information processing device 2.

[0032] (Example configuration of information processing device 2) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 comprises a scanner unit 6, a printer unit 7, an operation panel 8, a control unit 10, a storage unit 13, and a communication unit 16. The control unit 10 is connected to each unit via a bus 9 and controls the operation of the information processing device 2.

[0033] The control panel 8 comprises a display unit 8a and an operation unit 8b. The display unit 8a is, for example, a color liquid crystal display and displays various setting screens. The operation unit 8b is, for example, a touchscreen located on the screen of the display unit 8a and detects user operations.

[0034] The control unit 10 comprises a processor 11 and a memory 12. The processor 11 controls the operation of each part by executing a computer-readable program. For example, the processor 11 reads and executes a program 20 stored in the storage unit 13. The memory 12 provides a storage area that serves as the work area when the processor 11 executes the program 20.

[0035] The storage unit 13 is a non-volatile storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage unit 13 pre-stores the program 20 executed by the processor 11. The storage unit 13 also stores screen information 21, input forms 22, and a settings item database 23.

[0036] Screen information 21 is information that registers multiple screens to be displayed on the display unit 8a of the operation panel 8. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of screen information 21. As shown in Figure 3, multiple screens 26 are stored in screen information 21. These multiple screens 26 form a hierarchical structure, with a screen configuration that branches from the top screen 26a at the top level to multiple sub-screens 26b. The multiple sub-screens 26b also form a hierarchical structure. The information processing device 2 selects one screen from the multiple screens 26 according to the user's operation and displays it on the display unit 8a. In other words, the user can set the information processing device 2 to a desired state by performing setting operations on each screen while transitioning through the screens displayed on the display unit 8a. However, it is difficult for the user to perform setting operations while sequentially displaying only the screens necessary to achieve the desired state from the multiple screens 26 formed in a hierarchical structure.

[0037] The input form 22 is a screen component placed on screen 26 and is an information input part that the user can input. Multiple types of forms are registered in the input form 22 depending on the type of setting input value or the manner of input operation. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the input form 22. As shown in Figure 4, the input form 22 includes, for example, a string input form 22a, radio buttons 22b, a toggle switch 22c, and a pull-down menu 22d. These input forms 22 are read from the storage unit 13 when screen 26 is displayed on the display unit 8a and are placed at the specified position on screen 26.

[0038] The string input form 22a is a screen element that is displayed when a string is entered. The string input form 22a is configured, for example, as a rectangular frame into which a string can be entered, and the string (text) to be entered can be displayed inside the rectangular frame. If the screen displayed on the display unit 8a includes the string input form 22a, the user can enter any string (text) into that string input form 22a.

[0039] Radio buttons 22b are screen elements that are displayed, for example, when selecting one of several options. Radio buttons 22b are displayed for each of the multiple options, and the central dot lights up when selected and turns off when not selected. If the screen displayed on the display unit 8a contains multiple radio buttons 22b, the user can select one of those multiple radio buttons 22b.

[0040] The toggle switch 22c is a screen element that is displayed, for example, when switching between on and off. The toggle switch 22c is displayed when the setting item can be switched on or off, and the user switches it on or off with a toggle operation. The toggle switch 22c changes its display pattern depending on whether it is in the on state or the off state. Therefore, the user can understand whether the toggle switch 22c is set to the on or off state by the display pattern of the toggle switch 22c.

[0041] The pull-down menu 22d, like the radio buttons 22b, is a screen element that appears when, for example, a user selects one option from multiple choices. The pull-down menu 22d displays multiple options in a list, and when an option is selected from the list, the selected option is displayed in the display area at the top. If the screen displayed on the display unit 8a includes the pull-down menu 22d, the user can select one option from the multiple options included in the pull-down menu 22d.

[0042] If each screen 26 registered in the screen information 21 includes user-configurable settings, each screen 26 includes a link to an input form 22 corresponding to those settings. Therefore, when the information processing device 2 transitions the screen to be displayed on the display unit 8a based on the screen information 21, it obtains the input form 22 based on the link of the screen 26 to be displayed, and places and displays the obtained input form 22 at the specified position within the screen 26. This allows the user to perform input operations on the input form 22.

[0043] The settings item database 23 is a database that describes the relationships between multiple settings items that can be configured by the user. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the settings item database 23. The settings item database 23 has a keyword area 23a, a settings category area 23b, and category details information 23c. Multiple keywords 231, 232, 233, and 234 are registered in the keyword area 23a. Multiple settings categories 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, and 246 are registered in the settings category area 23b. A settings category is a categorization of one or more settings items grouped together for each function or theme in the information processing device 2. Therefore, one settings category aggregates the settings items that the user should configure to achieve a predetermined state with respect to a specific function or theme.

[0044] Each of the multiple keywords 231, 232, 233, and 234 registered in the keyword area 23a is associated with one of the multiple setting categories 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, and 246 registered in the setting category area 23b. A single keyword may be associated with one setting category or with multiple setting categories. For example, in Figure 5, the keyword "server" 231 is associated with multiple setting categories 241, 242, and 243. Also, the keyword "BOX sharing" 232 is associated with one setting category 241. Furthermore, the keywords "scan" 233 and "BOX storage" 234 are associated with the same setting category 244.

[0045] Multiple setting categories 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, and 246 registered in the setting category area 23b are related to each other. For example, if it is necessary to configure another setting category after configuring one setting category, those multiple setting categories are related to each other in the setting category area 23b. For example, in the setting item database 23 shown in Figure 5, multiple related setting categories are linked by two types of edges 251 and 252. Edge 251 is a continuation edge, indicating that there is an edge that continues to another setting category. Edge 252 is a terminal edge, representing the connection to the terminal setting category. Edges 251 and 252, which connect one setting category to another, define the configuration order for multiple setting categories.

[0046] Each of the multiple setting categories 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, and 246 is associated with category details 23c. Figure 6 shows an example of category details 23c. Category details 23c contains information such as the setting category, hierarchy, setting item name, type, input form, default value, input attribute, recommended value, setting value registration function, setting value retrieval function, and description.

[0047] The setting category describes the setting categories registered in the setting category area 23b. The hierarchy describes the hierarchical structure of screen 26 that contains the setting items associated with that setting category. The setting item name describes the name of the setting item. The type defines the type of input data for that setting item. The input form defines the type of input form 22. The default value is the default value for that setting item. The input attribute indicates whether or not user input is required. The recommended value defines the recommended value for that setting item. Note that the recommended value may not be defined. The setting value registration function is a function that registers a setting value for that setting item. The setting value acquisition function is a function that acquires the current setting value for that setting item. The description is a description of that setting item, and is stored as, for example, a text document.

[0048] Therefore, the configuration item database 23 has a data structure that allows for the identification of configuration categories from keywords, and further allows for the extraction of necessary configuration items from the identified configuration categories.

[0049] (Initial screen) Figure 7 shows an example of the top screen 26a displayed on the display unit 8a of the information processing device 2. This top screen 26a includes a copy button 27a, a scan button 27b, and a print button 27c. When a user wants to execute a copy job using the information processing device 2, they operate the copy button 27a. Then, a settings screen for making detailed settings related to the copy job is displayed on the display unit 8a. The user can make detailed settings for the copy job by operating on this settings screen. Also, if the user operates the scan button 27b or the print button 27c, the information processing device 2 displays a settings screen for making detailed settings related to the scan job or print job on the display unit 8a. In other words, the copy button 27a, scan button 27b, and print button 27c are buttons for displaying sub-screens for setting the basic functions of the information processing device 2.

[0050] The top screen 26a also includes an administrator settings button 27d and a settings wizard button 27e. The administrator settings button 27d is a button for displaying a subscreen for configuring additional functions in the information processing device 2. However, users do not frequently configure these additional functions. Therefore, users often do not know which settings to enter and what values ​​to enter to configure the additional functions to the desired state. Furthermore, users often do not know which screen in the hierarchical structure contains the settings items that need to be configured. In such cases, the user operates the settings wizard button 27e. When the user operates the settings wizard button 27e, the information processing system 1 activates a function to support the user's configuration operation, generating and providing a configuration screen (wizard screen) that is less prone to configuration errors and omissions. The details of the information processing system 1 are described below.

[0051] (Configuration of the control unit 10) Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the control unit 10 when a function to assist the user in setting operations is in operation. When the user operates the setting wizard button 27e, the control unit 10 functions as an input reception unit 31, a setting item identification unit 32, a screen generation unit 33, and a screen provision unit 34.

[0052] The input receiving unit 31 displays the initial screen of the setup wizard on the display unit 8a and accepts input from the user. Figure 9 shows the initial screen G1 displayed on the display unit 8a. When the initial screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 8a, the input receiving unit 31 takes the user's request as text input. For example, the user may not understand what settings to make for the additional functions of the information processing device 2. Therefore, the input receiving unit 31 accepts the user's request in natural language format. Thus, the user can input their request to the information processing system 1 by entering a message such as "I want to make the MFP a server."

[0053] Furthermore, the input receiving unit 31 may be capable of receiving not only text input from the user but also voice input from the user. When voice is input, the input receiving unit 31 performs voice recognition and generates text that represents the user's request. Therefore, even in the case of voice input, the input receiving unit 31 obtains text that represents the user's request.

[0054] When the input receiving unit 31 acquires text representing the user's request, the setting item identification unit 32 in the control unit 10 functions. The setting item identification unit 32 detects the user's request based on the input text and identifies the setting item that the user should set from among multiple setting items. For example, the setting item identification unit 32 works in cooperation with the server device 3 to identify the setting item that the user should set.

[0055] Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration and operation of the setting item identification unit 32. For example, the setting item identification unit 32 has a prompt creation unit 32a as shown in Figure 10(a). The prompt creation unit 32a creates a prompt 42 to be fed into the generation AI based on the text 41 received by the input reception unit 31. Figure 10(b) shows an example of the text 41, and Figure 10(c) shows an example of the prompt 42. For example, the prompt creation unit 32a generates a prompt 42 in which the text 41 is embedded at a predetermined position in a predetermined string. The predetermined string is a string that allows the generation AI to identify the setting items necessary to make settings according to the user's request. By embedding the text 41 in the predetermined string, the prompt creation unit 32a can create the optimal prompt 42 to be fed into the generation AI. Once the setting item identification unit 32 has created the prompt 42, it feeds the prompt 42 into the server device 3.

[0056] The server device 3 maintains a configuration item database 23 similar to that of the information processing device 2. When a prompt 42 is entered, the server device 3 extracts the necessary configuration items from the configuration item database 23 to perform the settings according to the user's request and generates a tabular response 43 as shown in Figure 10(d). The server device 3 outputs this response 43 to the configuration item identification unit 32. The configuration item identification unit 32 analyzes the response 43 obtained from the server device 3 and identifies the configuration item corresponding to the configuration name from the screen at the hierarchy specified in the response 43. In other words, the configuration item identification unit 32 identifies the configuration items necessary to perform the settings according to the user's request by utilizing the generation AI provided by the server device 3. Note that the configuration item identification unit 32 may also be configured to incorporate the functions of the server device 3 as described above.

[0057] Figure 11 shows another example of the configuration of the setting item identification unit 32. The setting item identification unit 32 shown in Figure 11 comprises a morphological analysis unit 32b, a keyword extraction unit 32c, and a database search unit 32d.

[0058] The morphological analysis unit 32b divides the text 41, which represents the user's request and is entered in natural language, into the smallest units of morphemes and determines the part of speech of each morpheme. The keyword extraction unit 32c extracts keywords that represent the user's request from the morphemes determined by the morphological analysis unit 32b. For example, the keyword extraction unit 32c extracts keywords from the morphemes extracted from the text 41 that match keywords registered in the keyword area 23a of the setting item database 23. The database search unit 32d searches the setting item database 23 based on the keywords extracted by the keyword extraction unit 32c to identify the setting items that the user should set.

[0059] The screen generation unit 33 generates a settings screen with input forms for the settings that the user should configure, based on the results of the setting item identification unit 32. For example, the screen generation unit 33 identifies the type of input form corresponding to the setting item identified by the setting item identification unit 32. The screen generation unit 33 then reads the input form corresponding to the identified type from the input form 22 and places it on the screen to generate the settings screen.

[0060] The screen providing unit 34 provides the settings screen generated by the screen generation unit 33. For example, the screen providing unit 34 displays the settings screen on the display unit 8a. This allows the user to perform setting operations on the settings screen. Alternatively, the screen providing unit 34 may provide the settings screen to the terminal device 5 and have the terminal device 5 display the settings screen.

[0061] For example, consider the case where a user enters the text 41 "I want to make the MFP a server," as shown in Figure 9. In this case, the keyword extraction unit 32c extracts the keyword 231 "server." The keyword 231 "server" is registered in the keyword area 23a of the configuration item database 23 shown in Figure 5. This keyword 231 "server" is associated with multiple configuration categories 241, 242, and 243, as shown in Figure 5. In other words, the information processing device 2 has three configuration categories 241, 242, and 243 related to server functions. Configuration category 241 is a configuration category related to "SMB server settings." Configuration category 242 is a configuration category related to "FTP server settings." Configuration category 243 is a configuration category related to "LDAP server settings." Therefore, even if the configuration item identification unit 32 searches the configuration item database 23, it cannot identify a single configuration category that fulfills the user's request. When the setting item identification unit 32 detects multiple setting categories in this manner, the screen generation unit 33 generates a selection screen in which the user selects one setting category from the multiple setting categories. In this case, the screen provision unit 34 displays the selection screen generated by the screen generation unit 33 on the display unit 8a and accepts the user's selection operation.

[0062] Figure 12 shows an example of the selection screen G2. This selection screen G2 is a screen in which the user selects one setting category from among several setting categories detected based on keywords representing the user's request. In the example shown in Figure 12, the screen configuration allows the user to select one of three options: SMB server settings, FTP server settings, and LDAP server settings. The screen generation unit 33 generates the selection screen G2 with radio buttons 22b to select one of these three options. Note that Figure 12 illustrates the state in which SMB server settings are selected. By displaying such a selection screen G2, the user can specifically instruct the information processing device 2 on what they want to do. The setting item identification unit 32 then identifies one setting category that corresponds to the user's request based on the user's operation on the selection screen G2.

[0063] When the setting item identification unit 32 identifies a setting category, it searches the category details information 23c. The setting item identification unit 32 then extracts all the setting items registered in the identified setting category from the category details information 23c. In other words, the setting item identification unit 32 extracts all the setting items that the user should set in the identified setting category. This ensures that at least one setting item is extracted. The setting item identification unit 32 then notifies the screen generation unit 33 of the setting item that the user should set in the identified setting category.

[0064] Furthermore, the setting item identification unit 32 determines whether another setting category is linked to the identified setting category by edges 251 and 252. If another setting category is linked by edges 251 and 252, the setting item identification unit 32 further identifies the other setting category linked by edges 251 and 252. The setting item identification unit 32 then extracts setting items from the identified other setting category. Finally, the setting item identification unit 32 notifies the screen generation unit 33 of the setting items extracted from the other setting category.

[0065] The screen generation unit 33 generates a screen with a number of pages corresponding to the number of setting categories identified by the setting item identification unit 32. For example, if two setting categories are linked to each other by edges 251 and 252, the screen generation unit 33 generates two pages of setting screens.

[0066] Figure 13 shows two configuration screens G3 and G4 generated for SMB server settings. Figure 13(a) shows the SMB server settings screen G3. For example, as shown in Figure 13(a), the SMB server settings screen G3 includes the following configuration items: "Server Settings", "Server Name", and "Workgroup".

[0067] The "Server Settings" section displays a toggle switch 22c as input form 22, which is used to switch the server settings on or off. Therefore, the user can turn the server settings on by toggling the toggle switch 22c.

[0068] Furthermore, when generating the settings screen G3, the screen generation unit 33 obtains recommended values ​​for the "Server Settings" settings from the category details 23c. Then, when placing the "Server Settings" settings on the settings screen G3, the screen generation unit 33 reflects these recommended values ​​in the toggle switch 22c. For example, if it is necessary to turn on the toggle switch 22c to reflect the settings requested by the user, the screen generation unit 33 displays the toggle switch 22c in the "on" state. This eliminates the need for the user to perform a switching operation for the "Server Settings" settings. As a result, it is possible to prevent users from missing settings or making setting errors.

[0069] Furthermore, when the screen generation unit 33 generates the settings screen G3, it obtains explanations for the "Server Settings" settings from the category details 23c. When placing the "Server Settings" settings on the settings screen G3, the screen generation unit 33 places and displays the explanations near the toggle switch 22c. Therefore, the user can understand what settings to make by reading the displayed explanations. Thus, it is possible to prevent users from forgetting or making setting errors.

[0070] The "Server Name" setting field displays a string input form 22a as input form 22. Therefore, the user can set the server name by entering a string into the string input form 22a.

[0071] When generating the settings screen G3, the screen generation unit 33 may obtain recommended or default values ​​for the "Server Name" setting item and display them in advance in the string input form 22a. Alternatively, when generating the settings screen G3, the screen generation unit 33 may execute a setting value acquisition function for the "Server Name" setting item and display the current setting value in the information processing device 2 in advance in the string input form 22a. When generating the settings screen G3, the screen generation unit 33 can reduce the user's operational burden by displaying a pre-specified string in the string input form 22a. In addition, the "Server Name" setting item will also have an explanation displayed in the same manner as described above.

[0072] In the "Workgroup" settings, a text input form 22a is displayed as input form 22. Therefore, the user can set the name of the workgroup by entering text into the text input form 22a.

[0073] When generating the settings screen G3, the screen generation unit 33 may obtain recommended or default values ​​for the "Workgroup" setting items and display them in advance in the string input form 22a. Alternatively, when generating the settings screen G3, the screen generation unit 33 may execute a setting value acquisition function for the "Workgroup" setting items and display the current setting values ​​in the information processing device 2 in advance in the string input form 22a. In this case as well, the screen generation unit 33 can reduce the burden on the user. In addition, explanations will be displayed for the "Workgroup" setting items in the same manner as described above.

[0074] When the user finishes configuring settings on settings screen G3, they click the "Next" button displayed in the lower right corner of settings screen G3. The screen provider 34 then transitions the display unit 8a from settings screen G3 in Figure 13(a) to settings screen G4 in Figure 13(b). Figure 13(b) shows settings screen G4 for creating a new BOX linked to the SMB server settings. Settings screen G4 includes "BOX name" as a setting item.

[0075] The "BOX Name" setting item displays a string input form 22a as input form 22. Therefore, the user can set the BOX name by entering a string into the string input form 22a. The screen generation unit 33 may also obtain recommended or default values ​​for the "BOX Name" setting item and display them in advance in the string input form 22a when generating the setting screen G4. The screen generation unit 33 can reduce the user's operational burden by displaying a pre-specified string in the string input form 22a. The "BOX Name" setting item also displays an explanation in the same manner as described above. When the user has finished setting up the setting screen G4, they operate the "Next" button displayed in the lower right corner of the setting screen G4.

[0076] If there are no screens following the settings screen G4, all user configuration operations are considered complete. In this case, the control unit 10 reflects the values ​​entered by the user for each setting item included in the settings screens G3 and G4 to the information processing device 2 and activates the function desired by the user.

[0077] (Processing procedure) Figures 14 to 16 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the information processing system 1. This process is primarily performed by the processor 11 of the control unit 10 executing the program 20. The control unit 10 determines whether or not the user has instructed it to start the setup wizard (step S10). For example, when the top screen 26a shown in Figure 7 is displayed, if the user operates the setup wizard button 27e, the control unit 10 detects that the user has instructed it to start the setup wizard.

[0078] When the control unit 10 detects a command to start the setup wizard (YES in step S10), it displays the initial screen G1 of the setup wizard (see Figure 9) and accepts user input (step S11). Upon receiving user input, the control unit 10 executes a setting category identification process (step S12).

[0079] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the specific processing steps for identifying the setting category. The control unit 10 first obtains text 41 representing the user's request (step S20). After obtaining text 41, the control unit 10 performs morphological analysis on text 41 (step S21) and extracts keywords representing the user's request from text 41 (step S22). Based on the extracted keywords, the control unit 10 searches the setting item database 23 and detects the setting category corresponding to the keywords (step S23).

[0080] The control unit 10 determines whether it was able to find a setting category that is a candidate for setting through the search process of the setting item database 23 (step S24). If it was not able to find a setting category that is a candidate for setting (NO in step S24), the control unit 10 displays a screen indicating that no setting candidate corresponding to the keyword was found (step S25). In this case, the control unit 10 cannot proceed with the setting process according to the user's request. Therefore, the processing by the control unit 10 ends.

[0081] On the other hand, if a setting category that is a candidate for setting is detected (YES in step S24), the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is only one setting candidate corresponding to the keyword (step S26). That is, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is only one setting category associated with the keyword in the setting item database 23. If multiple setting categories are associated with the keyword (NO in step S26), the control unit 10 displays a selection screen G2 as shown in Figure 12 (step S27). The selection screen G2 is a screen for selecting one category from multiple setting categories. The control unit 10 then accepts the selection operation from the user (step S28). The control unit 10 then identifies one setting category corresponding to the keyword (step S29).

[0082] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the identified setting category is linked to another setting category by an edge (step S30). If another linked setting category exists (YES in step S30), the control unit 10 traces the edge and identifies another setting category (step S31). After that, the control unit 10 returns to step S30 and determines whether yet another setting category is linked to the identified setting category. Thus, by repeatedly executing the processes from steps S30 to S31, the control unit 10 can identify multiple setting categories in the order of their settings. When there are no more links by edges, the setting category identification process ends.

[0083] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 14, the control unit 10 sets the number of setting categories identified in the setting category identification process (step S12) as the number of screen pages N (step S13). Then the control unit 10 executes the screen generation process (step S14).

[0084] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure for the screen generation process (step S14). When the control unit 10 starts this process, it initializes the variable i to 1 (step S40). Then, in the setting category identification process (step S12), the control unit 10 selects the i-th identified setting category (step S41). The control unit 10 generates the i-th setting screen (step S42). Then, the control unit 10 refers to the category details information 23c (step S43). Based on the category details information 23c, the control unit 10 identifies the setting items included in the i-th setting category (step S44), and further identifies the input form corresponding to those setting items (step S45).

[0085] The control unit 10 also determines whether user input is required based on the input attributes of the identified setting item (step S46). If user input is required (YES in step S46), the control unit 10 places the input form identified in step S45 within the setting screen generated in step S42 and assigns display settings to the input form (step S47). For example, if the input form is a CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) file, the control unit 10 can assign display or hide settings to the input form placed within the screen.

[0086] When the control unit 10 places an input form corresponding to a setting item on the screen, it determines whether or not a recommended value exists for that setting item (step S48). If a recommended value exists (YES in step S48), the control unit 10 displays the input form with that recommended value temporarily entered (step S49).

[0087] If no recommended value exists (NO in step S48), the control unit 10 determines whether a default value exists for that setting item (step S50). If a default value exists (YES in step S50), the control unit 10 displays the input form with that default value temporarily entered (step S51).

[0088] On the other hand, if the identified setting item does not require user input (NO in step S46), the control unit 10 sets the input form corresponding to the setting item to invisible (step S52). Note that the control unit 10 does not need to place input forms that do not require user input within the setting screen.

[0089] Steps S41 to S52 above generate a settings screen for the i-th setting category. This settings screen contains only the settings necessary to fulfill the user's request. Therefore, the user does not need to search for the necessary settings themselves from multiple screens arranged in a hierarchical structure to fulfill their request. Consequently, the user's operational burden is significantly reduced.

[0090] When the i-th setting screen is generated, the control unit 10 determines whether the variable i is equal to N (step S53). If the variable i is less than N (NO in step S53), the control unit 10 adds 1 to the variable i (step S54). The control unit 10 then repeatedly executes the processes in steps S41 to S52. This generates a setting screen for another setting category. When the variable i becomes equal to N (YES in step S53), the screen generation process ends.

[0091] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 14, the control unit 10 generates N pages of setting screens and first reads and displays the setting screen for the first page (step S15). For example, the control unit 10 displays the setting screen for the first page on the display unit 8a. The control unit 10 then accepts user input on the setting screen for the first page (step S16). Once the user's input on the setting screen for the first page is complete, the control unit 10 determines whether there is a next page (step S17). If there is a next page (YES in step S17), the control unit 10 returns to step S15 and repeats the same process for the setting screens for the second page and beyond. Once the user's input on all pages of the setting screen is complete (NO in step S17), the control unit 10 executes the setting reflection process (step S18). As a result, the settings according to the user's requests are reflected in the information processing device 2.

[0092] (action) As described above, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment comprises an input reception unit 31, a setting item identification unit 32, a screen generation unit 33, and a screen provision unit 34. The input reception unit 31 receives the user's requests regarding settings as text input. The setting item identification unit 32 detects the user's requests based on the input text and identifies the setting items that the user should set from among multiple setting items. The screen generation unit 33 generates a setting screen with input forms corresponding to the identified setting items. The screen provision unit 34 then provides the setting screen generated by the screen generation unit 33 in a manner that the user can operate.

[0093] According to this information processing system 1, when a user inputs their request as text, a settings screen containing the necessary settings to fulfill that request is automatically generated. Therefore, the user does not need to search for the screen containing the necessary settings among multiple screens with a complex hierarchical structure. As a result, information processing system 1 can prevent users from missing or making setting errors.

[0094] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 automatically generates a settings screen based on the user's text input. Therefore, it is not necessary to pre-install a wizard-style settings screen in the information processing device 2 to accommodate all of the diverse user requests. Consequently, the development cost of the settings screen can be reduced according to the information processing system 1.

[0095] (modified version) Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are applicable.

[0096] For example, the above embodiment illustrates a case where the information processing device 2 is an MFP. However, the information processing device 2 is not limited to being configured as an MFP.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the program 20 executed by the processor 11 of the control unit 10 is pre-stored in the storage unit 13. However, the program 20 can be the subject of a transaction on its own. Therefore, the program 20 may be a program that is installed on the information processing device 2 as needed. In this case, the program 20 is provided in a manner that allows it to be downloaded, for example, via a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the program 20 may be provided in a manner that is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or USB memory. The program 20 may also be provided in other manners. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Information Processing System 2. Information Processing Device 3. Server device (Generating AI server) 5 Terminal devices 8. Control Panel 8a Display section 8b Operation section 10 Control Unit 11 processors 13 Storage section 20 Programs 21 Screen Information 22 Input Forms 23. Configuration Item Database 23a Keyword area 23b Setting Category Area 23c Category Details 31 Input Reception Section 32 Setting item specification section 32a Prompt creation section 32b Morphological analysis section 32c Keyword Extraction Unit 32d Database Search Unit 33 Screen generation section 34 Screen provision department 231,232,233,234 Keywords 241,242,243,244,245,246 Setting Categories

Claims

1. An input receiving unit for users to enter their requests regarding settings as text, A setting item identification unit detects user requests based on the input text and identifies the setting item that the user should configure from among multiple setting items. A screen generation unit that generates a settings screen with input forms corresponding to the identified setting items, A screen providing unit that provides a settings screen generated by the screen generation unit, An information processing system characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the setting item identification unit includes a generation AI server, inputs the entered text to the generation AI server, and identifies the setting items that the user should set based on the response obtained from the generation AI server.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the setting item identification unit creates a prompt in a predetermined format based on the input text and sends the prompt to the generation AI server.

4. A storage unit that stores a database of setting items, which associates setting categories, which are groups of mutually related setting items from among the aforementioned multiple setting items, with keywords assigned to the setting categories. Furthermore, The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the input text contains the keyword, the setting item identification unit searches the setting item database to extract a setting category to which the keyword is assigned, and identifies the setting items included in the extracted setting category as setting items that the user should set.

5. The aforementioned settings database links multiple related settings categories, The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, when a setting category to which the keyword is assigned is associated with another setting category, the setting item identification unit identifies the setting items included in both the setting category to which the keyword is assigned and the other setting category as setting items that the user should set.

6. The screen generation unit generates, as separate screens, a settings screen which has input forms corresponding to the settings items included in the settings category to which the keyword has been assigned, and a settings screen which has input forms corresponding to the settings items included in another settings category. The information processing system according to claim 5, characterized in that the screen providing unit sequentially provides a plurality of setting screens that are generated as separate screens.

7. The aforementioned configuration item database may associate the same keyword with multiple configuration categories. When the screen generation unit detects multiple setting categories based on the keywords contained in the input text by the setting item identification unit, it generates a selection screen for selecting one setting category from among the multiple setting categories. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the setting item identification unit selects one setting category selected on the selection screen.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the screen generation unit determines the type of setting input value for the identified setting item, selects an input form from among multiple types of input forms according to the type of setting input value, and places it on the setting screen.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, characterized in that the screen generation unit selects a string input form when the type of setting input value is a string, selects a radio button or a pull-down menu as the input form when the type of setting input value is a selection from two or more options, and selects a toggle switch as the input form when the type of setting input value is an on or off switch.

10. The aforementioned configuration item database stores, for each of the multiple configuration items, a descriptive text related to the setting and a default value. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that when the screen generation unit generates a settings screen in which an input form corresponding to a specified setting item is placed, it places the explanatory text on the settings screen and reflects the default value in the input form.

11. The aforementioned settings item database registers input forms corresponding to each of multiple settings items. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the screen generation unit identifies an input form corresponding to a specified setting item based on the setting item database, and places the identified input form on the setting screen.

12. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that when a plurality of setting items are identified by the setting item identification unit, the screen generation unit determines whether or not a user operation is required for each of the plurality of setting items, and generates a setting screen in which the setting items that do not require a user operation are hidden.

13. A method for generating a settings screen in an information processing system, The process involves entering user requests regarding settings as text, The process involves detecting user requests based on the input text and identifying the settings that the user should configure from among multiple settings. The process involves generating a settings screen with input forms corresponding to the identified settings items, The process of providing the generated settings screen, A method for generating a settings screen, characterized by having the following features.

14. A program executed by a computer, wherein the computer, A step to enter user requests regarding settings as text, The process involves detecting user requests based on the entered text and identifying the settings that the user should configure from among multiple settings. The steps include: generating a settings screen with input forms corresponding to the identified settings items; The steps include providing the generated settings screen, A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

Images