Programs, information processing devices, and electronic devices.

Abstract

To improve the convenience of obtaining configuration information for electronic devices. [Solution] The program causes the information processing device to execute a setting information acquisition procedure to acquire setting information relating to an application that processes electronic data generated by an electronic device, a program identification procedure to identify a program necessary to use the application based on the setting information, and a program acquisition procedure to acquire the program identified by the program identification procedure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing apparatus, and an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for distributing electronic data for operating an electronic device are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that manages combination information between an application executed in an image processing apparatus, which reproduces a description file in which operation procedures are defined, and the description file.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, there is room for improvement in the convenience when acquiring setting information regarding an electronic device. For example, in the prior art, when operation procedures exceeding the range reproducible by an application are defined in a description file, it is necessary to separately acquire an application capable of executing those operation procedures.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to improve the convenience when acquiring setting information regarding an electronic device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes an information processing device to execute a setting information acquisition procedure for acquiring setting information relating to an application for processing electronic data generated by an electronic device; a program identification procedure for identifying a program necessary to use the application based on the setting information; and a program acquisition procedure for acquiring the program identified by the program identification procedure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the convenience of obtaining configuration information related to electronic devices is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a profile distribution system. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a profile distribution system. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a category selection screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the profile list screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the profile details screen. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows an example of a scanner software screen. [Figure 8] Figure 2 shows an example of a scanner software screen. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing an example of a profile distribution method. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing an example of a profile distribution method. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of an image reading method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] [Embodiment] One embodiment of this disclosure is an example of an information processing system for distributing configuration information related to electronic devices. Hereinafter, configuration information related to electronic devices will also be referred to as a "profile." The information processing system according to this embodiment will also be referred to as a "profile distribution system."

[0011] A profile is electronic data that indicates setting information for electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, office equipment, home appliances, or facility equipment. Electronic devices may also include, for example, image reading devices such as scanners. Electronic devices are not limited to image reading devices and may also include, for example, image forming devices such as printers, facsimile machines, and digital multifunction devices (MFPs; Multifunction Peripheral / Product / Printers).

[0012] Software for using scanner devices is used from information processing terminals such as personal computers or smartphones. Hereinafter, this software for using scanner devices will be referred to as "scanner software." Users of scanner devices can create and use profiles related to the scanner device by operating the scanner software.

[0013] A profile may contain settings related to other applications. These other applications may be applications that process electronic data generated by electronic devices. The profile may also contain settings for interacting with other applications. Hereafter, these other applications will also be referred to as "interacting applications."

[0014] Among the setting items for cooperation with a cooperative application, there are those that require processing that cannot be achieved by a profile alone. For example, the cooperative application may transmit and receive data using its own communication method. Also, for example, the cooperative application may support only image quality or file formats that cannot be generated by a scanner device. In this case, another program may be incorporated to expand the functions of the scanner software so that the scanner software can cooperate with the cooperative application. Hereinafter, another program is also referred to as a "relay program".

[0015] Conventionally, a software installed in an information processing device or an information communication service that distributes setting information of the software has been used. Through this type of information communication service, a profile can be distributed. However, when the profile includes setting items that require a relay program, even if only the profile is distributed, cooperation with the cooperative application may not be achieved. In this case, the user of the scanner software needs to separately obtain the relay program and manually install it in the information processing device that uses the scanner software. Also, the user of the scanner software is required to have knowledge of obtaining and installing the relay program. Therefore, in the prior art, there is room for improvement in the convenience when obtaining a profile.

[0016] This embodiment aims to improve the convenience when obtaining a profile. In this embodiment, a profile including settings related to a cooperative application that processes image data generated by a scanner device is obtained, a relay program necessary for using the cooperative application is specified based on the profile, and the specified relay program is obtained.

[0017] In one aspect, according to this embodiment, when obtaining a profile including settings related to a cooperative application, there is no need to separately obtain a relay program necessary for using the cooperative application. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the convenience when obtaining a profile is improved.

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

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the profile distribution system 1000 includes a scanner device 10, a user terminal 20, a distribution server 30, and a cooperation server 40. The scanner device 10 is an example of an electronic device. The user terminal 20 is an example of an information processing device and a third information processing device. The distribution server 30 is an example of an external storage device. The cooperation server 40 is an example of a second information processing device.

[0020] The scanner device 10, the user terminal 20, the distribution server 30, and the cooperation server 40 are connected so as to be capable of data communication via a communication network N. The communication network N may be a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or the Internet. The communication network N may include a wired or wireless communication network. The communication network N may include serial communication using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like.

[0021] The scanner device 10 is an example of an image reading device that optically reads an image formed on an image forming medium. The scanner device 10 may output image data read from the image forming medium. The scanner device 10 may perform data processing such as optical character recognition (OCR; Optical Character Recognition) on the image data read from the image forming medium, and output the processing result. The scanner device 10 may transmit the image data or the processing result for the image data to the user terminal 20 via the communication network N.

[0022] User terminal 20 is an example of an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal operated by user U of the scanner device 10. Scanner software is installed on user terminal 20. By operating the scanner software, user U can perform functions such as creating or using profiles.

[0023] An import tool may be installed on the user terminal 20. The import tool is a program for installing profiles and relay programs on the user terminal 20. The import tool may also be integrated as a function of the scanner software.

[0024] The distribution server 30 is an example of an information processing device such as a server, workstation, or personal computer that distributes profiles. The distribution server 30 stores pre-created profiles in its storage device. In response to a request from a user terminal 20, the distribution server 30 reads the profile from its storage device and sends it to the user terminal 20.

[0025] The distribution server 30 may provide an information and communication service for distributing profiles. Hereinafter, the information and communication service for distributing profiles will also be referred to as the "profile store." The profile store may distribute the relay programs required for each profile along with the profiles themselves. The profile store may provide profiles free of charge or for a fee.

[0026] The collaboration server 40 is an example of an information processing device such as a server, workstation, or personal computer that runs a collaboration application. The collaboration server 40 may run a collaboration application that processes image data generated by the scanner device 10. The collaboration server 40 may also run a collaboration application that processes image data in response to a request from the user terminal 20.

[0027] For example, the linked application may be a business card management service that manages image data of business cards scanned by the scanner device 10. Another example is a household budgeting service that manages image data of receipts scanned by the scanner device 10. Yet another example is a photo management service that manages image data of photographs developed on photographic paper scanned by the scanner device 10. The linked application is not limited to these examples and may include various applications that process image data generated by the scanner device 10.

[0028] In this embodiment, user U receives the profile delivered to user terminal 20 by operating user terminal 20. However, user U may also receive the profile delivered to scanner device 10 by operating scanner device 10, or by operating user terminal 20. Scanner device 10 and user terminal 20 may be installed in the same space or in different spaces.

[0029] Note that the overall configuration of the profile distribution system 1000 shown in Figure 1 is just one example, and various system configurations are possible depending on the application and purpose. For example, the profile distribution system 1000 may include two or more scanner devices 10 or two or more user terminals 20. For example, the distribution server 30 or the collaboration server 40 may be implemented by multiple computers or as a cloud computing service. The classification of devices such as the scanner device 10, user terminals 20, distribution server 30, and collaboration server 40 shown in Figure 1 is just one example.

[0030] <Hardware Configuration> The hardware configuration of the profile distribution system 1000 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. The user terminal 20, distribution server 30, and collaboration server 40 may be implemented by, for example, a computer. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the computer 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 504, input device 505, display device 506, communication interface 507, and external interface 508. The CPU 501, ROM 502, and RAM 503 form what is known as a computer. Each piece of hardware in the computer 500 is interconnected via a bus line 509. The input device 505 and display device 506 may also be used by connecting them to the external interface 508.

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

[0033] ROM502 is an example of non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. ROM502 functions as the main memory, storing various programs and data necessary for the CPU501 to execute the programs installed on HDD504. Specifically, ROM502 stores boot programs such as BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) that are executed when the computer 500 starts up, as well as OS (Operating System) settings, network settings, and other data.

[0034] RAM503 is an example of volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) whose programs and data are erased when the power is turned off. RAM503 includes, for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). RAM503 provides a working area that is expanded when various programs installed on HDD504 are executed by CPU501.

[0035] HDD504 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The programs and data stored in HDD504 include the operating system (OS), which is the basic software that controls the entire computer 500, and applications that provide various functions on the OS. Note that computer 500 may use a storage device that uses flash memory as its storage medium (e.g., SSD: Solid State Drive) instead of HDD504.

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

[0037] The display device 506 consists of a display such as a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) that displays a screen, and a speaker that outputs sound data such as audio.

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

[0039] External I / F 508 is an interface for external devices. Examples of external devices include the drive device 510.

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

[0041] The various programs to be installed on the HDD 504 are installed, for example, when the distributed recording medium 511 is set in a drive device 510 connected to an external I / F 508, and the various programs recorded on the recording medium 511 are read by the drive device 510. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed on the HDD 504 may be downloaded via the communication I / F 507 from a network other than the communication network and installed that way.

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

[0043] ≪Distribution Server≫ As shown in Figure 3, the distribution server 30 comprises a configuration information storage unit 301, a program storage unit 302, a screen transmission unit 310, a configuration information transmission unit 320, and a program transmission unit 330. The distribution server 30 functions as the configuration information storage unit 301, program storage unit 302, screen transmission unit 310, configuration information transmission unit 320, and program transmission unit 330 when a pre-installed distribution program is executed.

[0044] For example, the configuration information storage unit 301 and the program storage unit 302 are implemented by the HDD 504 shown in Figure 2. For example, the screen transmission unit 310, the configuration information transmission unit 320, and the program transmission unit 330 are implemented by a process in which a program loaded from the HDD 504 shown in Figure 2 onto the RAM 503 is executed by the CPU 501.

[0045] The configuration information storage unit 301 stores profiles. The configuration information storage unit 301 may store pre-created profiles. The configuration information storage unit 301 may store profiles input to the input device 505 of the distribution server 30. The configuration information storage unit 301 may store profiles received by the distribution server 30 via the communication network N.

[0046] The configuration information storage unit 301 may store profiles that are distributed to the user terminal 20 via the profile store. Profiles provided via the profile store may be created by the user or administrator of the distribution server 30, or by the user or administrator of the cooperation server 40.

[0047] The profile may include settings related to the linked application. The settings related to the linked application may include identification information for the relay program required by that linked application. The identification information for the relay program may also be location information for obtaining the relay program. The location information may also be information indicating the location on the communication network N. The location information may, for example, be a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

[0048] The program storage unit 302 stores relay programs. The program storage unit 302 may store relay programs that have been created in advance. The program storage unit 302 may store relay programs that have been input to the input device 505 of the distribution server 30. The program storage unit 302 may store relay programs that the distribution server 30 has received via the communication network N.

[0049] The program storage unit 302 may store relay programs required by the profiles distributed through the profile store. The relay programs stored in the program storage unit 302 may be created by the users or administrators of the distribution server 30, or by the users or administrators of the collaboration server 40.

[0050] The screen transmission unit 310 transmits screen data. The screen transmission unit 310 may transmit screen data to the user terminal 20 in response to a request from the user terminal 20. The screen transmission unit 310 may transmit screen data for displaying the profile store screen. The screen data is electronic data written in, for example, HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and may include a program written in a scripting language such as JavaScript (registered trademark). The screen transmission unit 310 may be implemented by, for example, a web server or an application server.

[0051] The configuration information transmission unit 320 transmits a profile. The configuration information transmission unit 320 may also transmit a profile to the user terminal 20 in response to a request from the user terminal 20. The configuration information transmission unit 320 may also read the profile requested by the user terminal 20 from the configuration information storage unit 301. The configuration information transmission unit 320 may also transmit the profile read from the configuration information storage unit 301 to the user terminal 20.

[0052] The program transmission unit 330 transmits a relay program. The program transmission unit 330 may also transmit a relay program to the user terminal 20 in response to a request from the user terminal 20. The program transmission unit 330 may read the relay program requested by the user terminal 20 from the program storage unit 302. The program transmission unit 330 may also transmit the relay program read from the program storage unit 302 to the user terminal 20.

[0053] <<User Terminal>> As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 20 comprises a storage unit 200, a screen display unit 210, an operation reception unit 220, a setting information acquisition unit 230, a program identification unit 240, a program acquisition unit 250, and an operation control unit 260. The user terminal 20 functions as the storage unit 200, screen display unit 210, operation reception unit 220, setting information acquisition unit 230, program identification unit 240, program acquisition unit 250, and operation control unit 260 when a pre-installed terminal program is executed.

[0054] For example, the storage unit 200 is implemented by the HDD 504 shown in Figure 2. For example, the screen display unit 210, operation reception unit 220, setting information acquisition unit 230, program identification unit 240, program acquisition unit 250, and operation control unit 260 are implemented by the process by which the program loaded from the HDD 504 shown in Figure 2 onto the RAM 503 is executed by the CPU 501.

[0055] The storage unit 200 stores profiles. The storage unit 200 may store profiles acquired by the configuration information acquisition unit 230. The storage unit 200 may store profiles downloaded from the distribution server 30. The storage unit 200 may have profiles stored in it beforehand.

[0056] The storage unit 200 stores relay programs. The storage unit 200 may store relay programs acquired by the program acquisition unit 250. The storage unit 200 may store relay programs downloaded from the distribution server 30. The storage unit 200 may have relay programs stored in it beforehand.

[0057] The storage unit 200 stores scanner software and import tools. The storage unit 200 may already have scanner software and import tools stored in it. The storage unit 200 may also store scanner software and import tools downloaded from the distribution server 30.

[0058] The screen display unit 210 displays the profile store screen on the display device 506. The screen display unit 210 may also display the profile store screen based on screen data received from the distribution server 30. The screen display unit 210 may be a web browser or an application with browser functionality. An application with browser functionality may be, for example, an application that displays web content using a web view function.

[0059] The screen display unit 210 displays the scanner software screen on the display device 506. The screen display unit 210 may also display the scanner software screen by executing the scanner software read from the storage unit 200.

[0060] The operation reception unit 220 accepts operations from user U. The operation reception unit 220 may also accept operations on the profile store screen displayed by the screen display unit 210. The operation reception unit 220 may also accept operations on the scanner software screen displayed by the screen display unit 210.

[0061] The configuration information acquisition unit 230 acquires a profile. The configuration information acquisition unit 230 may download a profile from the distribution server 30 via the communication network N. The configuration information acquisition unit 230 may download a profile in response to an operation on the profile store screen. The configuration information acquisition unit 230 may acquire a profile based on the profile identification information embedded in the profile store screen. The profile identification information may also be location information for acquiring that profile.

[0062] The program identification unit 240 identifies the relay program. The program identification unit 240 may identify the relay program based on the profile acquired by the configuration information acquisition unit 230. The program identification unit 240 may identify the relay program for using the linked application. The program identification unit 240 may identify the relay program based on the configuration items related to the linked application included in the profile. The program identification unit 240 may identify the relay program by acquiring the identification information of the relay program included in the profile.

[0063] The program acquisition unit 250 acquires the relay program. The program acquisition unit 250 may acquire the relay program identified by the program identification unit 240. The program acquisition unit 250 may download the relay program from the distribution server 30 via the communication network N. The program acquisition unit 250 may acquire the relay program based on the identification information of the relay program included in the profile.

[0064] The operation control unit 260 controls the operation of the scanner device 10. The operation control unit 260 may control the operation of the scanner device 10 based on the profile acquired by the setting information acquisition unit 230. The operation control unit 260 may control the operation of the scanner device 10 based on the profile stored in the storage unit 200. The operation control unit 260 may control the operation of the scanner device 10 in response to operations on the scanner software screen.

[0065] The motion control unit 260 may acquire image data generated by the scanner device 10. The motion control unit 260 may execute the relay program acquired by the program acquisition unit 250. The motion control unit 260 may set information about the image data in the relay program. For example, the motion control unit 260 may start the relay program using the path information of the image data as an argument.

[0066] The relay program may transmit the image data generated by the scanner device 10 to the cooperating server 40. The relay program may convert the image data generated by the scanner device 10 into a file format corresponding to the cooperating application. The relay program may convert the image quality of the image data generated by the scanner device 10 according to the cooperating application.

[0067] The storage unit 200, screen display unit 210, operation reception unit 220, setting information acquisition unit 230, program identification unit 240, program acquisition unit 250, and operation control unit 260 may be provided by the scanner device 10. In this case, the profile distribution system 1000 does not need to include the user terminal 20. If the scanner device 10 is equipped with a screen display unit 210, the profile store screen is displayed on a display such as the operation panel of the scanner device 10. Other processing units may be configured in the same way as when they are provided by the user terminal 20.

[0068] The functional configuration of the profile distribution system 1000 shown in Figure 3 is just one example, and it goes without saying that there are various functional configurations depending on the application and purpose. The division of processing units shown in Figure 3, such as the storage unit 200, screen display unit 210, operation reception unit 220, setting information acquisition unit 230, program identification unit 240, program acquisition unit 250, operation control unit 260, setting information storage unit 301, program storage unit 302, screen transmission unit 310, setting information transmission unit 320, and program transmission unit 330, is just one example.

[0069] <Specific examples of relay programs> The processing details of the relay program will be explained in detail, with specific examples.

[0070] The first specific example is a relay program for handling data transfer to a linked application that requires a specific communication method. Some linked applications perform data transfer using a specific communication method. On the other hand, the communication methods implemented by scanner software are limited. Note that the communication method may also include an API (Application Programming Interface) that allows the linked application to perform data communication.

[0071] For example, to integrate with a new application, it's necessary to transfer data using the communication method required by that application. By incorporating a relay program into the scanner software that can transfer data using the communication method required by the new application, integration with the new application can be easily achieved without updating the entire scanner software.

[0072] The second specific example is an intermediary program for linking with a household budgeting service with settings suitable for that service. Some household budgeting services can perform optical character recognition on receipt image data, and also allow for confirmation or correction of the recognition results. However, the print quality of receipts (for example, readability including darkness) varies greatly.

[0073] Therefore, in order to integrate with a household budgeting service, it is preferable that the image data generated by the scanner device can be read with image quality suitable for the household budgeting service. Specifically, this could involve enabling settings to emphasize text or increasing the intensity of binarization. Integration with the household budgeting service can be achieved by distributing a profile that reads with settings suitable for the household budgeting service and a relay program that transfers data using the communication method required by the household budgeting service.

[0074] A third specific example is a relay program for integrating with photo management services using settings suitable for those services. Some photo management services allow for features such as face recognition-based tagging of individuals or manual organization of image data. Photo management services often contain a mix of digital data captured with digital cameras or smartphones, and digitized data from photographs developed on paper. Users of photo management services expect their photos to be digitized with the highest possible image quality.

[0075] Therefore, in order to integrate with a photo management service, it is desirable to be able to read photos with settings suitable for photo reading and correct the image quality. Specifically, this could include settings such as reducing the compression ratio or enabling photo fading correction. Integration with a photo management service can be achieved by distributing a profile that reads photos with settings suitable for photos, a relay program that corrects the image data to an image quality suitable for the photo management service, and a relay program that transfers data using the communication method required by the photo management service.

[0076] A fourth specific example is an intermediary program for supporting collaborative applications that require specific file formats. Scanner software often only supports classic file formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), TIFF (Tag Image File Format), and PDF (Portable Document Format). These file formats may have insufficient compression ratios compared to newer compression formats such as JPEG2000 and JBIG2 (Joint Bi-level Image Experts Group). Therefore, scanner software may not be able to integrate with services that only support newer, more efficient compression formats.

[0077] Therefore, by incorporating into the scanner software a relay program that converts image data generated by the scanner device into a highly efficient compression format, and another relay program that can transfer data using the communication method required by the application, it becomes possible to easily integrate with new applications that only support highly efficient compression formats without updating the entire scanner software.

[0078] <User Interface> The user interface of the profile distribution system 1000 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8. The user interface of the profile distribution system 1000 includes the profile store screen and the scanner software screen.

[0079] The profile store screen includes a category selection screen (see Figure 4), a profile list screen (see Figure 5), and a profile details screen (see Figure 6). The category selection screen displays the categories of the profiles. The profile list screen displays a list of profiles. The profile details screen displays detailed information about a profile.

[0080] Figure 4 shows an example of a category selection screen. As shown in Figure 4, the category selection screen 600 has one or more category display areas 601 (601-1 to 601-3). The category display area 601 is an area that displays the profile category in a selectable format. The profile category may include the profile's purpose, usage scenario, target users, type of linked application, etc.

[0081] Figure 4 shows, as an example, three category display areas 601-1 to 601-3 based on the purpose of the profile (document management, business card management, accounting / expense reimbursement). In Figure 4, category display area 601-2, which represents business card management, is selected. When any of the category display areas 601 is selected on the category selection screen 600, the user transitions to the profile list screen.

[0082] Figure 5 shows an example of a profile list screen. As shown in Figure 5, the profile list screen 610 has one or more profile display areas 611 (611-1 to 611-3) and one or more detail display buttons 612 (612-1 to 612-3). The profile display area 611 is an area that displays one or more profiles belonging to the category selected on the category selection screen 600. The detail display buttons 612 are buttons for displaying detailed information of the profiles shown in the profile display area 611. The detail display buttons 612 are associated with the profile display area 611 that indicates the profile for which detailed information is to be displayed.

[0083] Figure 5 shows, as an example, three profile display areas 611-1 to 611-3 belonging to the business card management category. Figure 5 shows the detailed display button 612-1 corresponding to profile display area 611-1 being pressed. When any of the detailed display buttons 612 are pressed on the profile list screen 610, the user transitions to the profile details screen.

[0084] Figure 6 shows an example of a profile details screen. As shown in Figure 6, the profile details screen 620 has a details display area 621 and an acquisition button 622. The details display area 621 is an area that displays detailed profile information. The detailed profile information may include a description of the linked application. The description of the linked application may include instructions on how to use the linked application.

[0085] The Get button 622 is a button for obtaining a profile. In other words, the Get button 622 is a button for obtaining a profile that enables the use of the linked application. The Get button 622 may have profile identification information embedded in it. Specifically, the Get button 622 may have a link to the profile's URL embedded in it. When the Get button 622 is operated, the import tool installed on the user terminal 20 may be launched. For example, the Get button 622 may launch the import tool using a URL scheme. When the import tool is launched, the profile download begins.

[0086] The profile store screen may include a screen corresponding to the scanner device 10. For example, the profile store screen may be controlled to display only profiles available for the scanner device 10 once the model of the scanner device 10 is specified. The model of the scanner device 10 may be specified by the user U of the scanner device 10. For example, the profile store screen may have an input field for accepting the specification of the scanner device 10 model. The model of the scanner device 10 may be automatically specified based on information about the scanner device 10. For example, the distribution server 30 may store the identification information and model information of the scanner device 10 in association, and automatically specify the model of the scanner device 10 based on the identification information obtained from the scanner device 10.

[0087] Figure 7 is the first figure showing an example of the scanner software screen. Figure 7 shows an example of the scanner software screen before receiving the profile. As shown in Figure 7, the scanner software 700 has a scanner selection section 701, an add button 702, an edit button 703, and a profile display area 704.

[0088] The scanner selection unit 701 is a screen component for selecting the scanner device 10 to be controlled. The scanner selection unit 701 displays information indicating one or more pre-set scanner devices 10 in a selectable format.

[0089] The Add button 702 is used to add a profile to the scanner software. When the Add button 702 is pressed, a screen for creating a new profile is displayed. This screen may display the settings included in the profile as blank or with default values.

[0090] The edit button 703 is used to edit the profile set in the scanner software. When the edit button 703 is pressed, a screen for editing the profile is displayed. This screen may display the settings of the already configured profile in an editable format.

[0091] The profile display area 704 is an area that displays the configured profiles. The profile display area 704 displays information (for example, icons and labels, etc.) indicating the profiles stored in the storage unit 200. When any profile is selected in the profile display area 704, the operation of the scanner device 10 is controlled based on the selected profile.

[0092] Figure 8 is the second example showing a screen of scanner software. Figure 8 shows an example of the scanner software screen after receiving a profile. As shown in Figure 8, after receiving a profile, the scanner software 710 adds information indicating the delivered profile to the profile display area 704. In the example shown in Figure 8, it can be seen that information 711 indicating a profile linked to "Business Card Management A," an example of a business card management service, has been added.

[0093] The new profile may be displayed in the profile display area 704 at any time. For example, the new profile may be displayed when the scanner software is started for the first time after the profile has been stored in the storage unit 200. Alternatively, for example, the scanner software may monitor the profiles stored in the storage unit 200 at predetermined time intervals and immediately display the new profile when it detects that a new profile has been stored.

[0094] <Processing Procedure> The processing procedure of the profile distribution system 1000 will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is a flowchart of an example of a profile distribution method. Figure 9 shows the processing procedure of the user terminal 20 in the profile distribution method.

[0095] In step S1, the user terminal 20 sends a request to the distribution server 30 to retrieve the profile store screen in response to an operation by user U. The screen transmission unit 310 of the distribution server 30 sends screen data to the user terminal 20 to display the profile store screen in response to the retrieval request received from the user terminal 20. The screen display unit 210 of the user terminal 20 displays the profile store screen on the display device 506 based on the screen data received from the distribution server 30.

[0096] In step S2, the operation reception unit 220 of the user terminal 20 accepts the selection of a profile. Specifically, the operation reception unit 220 accepts the press of the acquire button 622 on the profile details screen 620. The operation reception unit 220 sends the identification information of the selected profile to the setting information acquisition unit 230.

[0097] In step S3, the configuration information acquisition unit 230 of the user terminal 20 receives profile identification information from the operation reception unit 220. The configuration information acquisition unit 230 determines whether or not the import tool is installed on the user terminal 20.

[0098] If the import tool is not installed (NO), the configuration information acquisition unit 230 proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the import tool is installed (YES), the configuration information acquisition unit 230 skips step S4 and proceeds to step S5.

[0099] In step S4, the configuration information acquisition unit 230 of the user terminal 20 acquires the import tool. For example, the configuration information acquisition unit 230 may download the import tool from the distribution server 30. Before downloading the import tool, the configuration information acquisition unit 230 may display a screen on the display device 506 requesting permission to download. The configuration information acquisition unit 230 then installs the import tool on the user terminal 20. For example, the configuration information acquisition unit 230 may store the import tool in a predetermined directory of the storage unit 200.

[0100] In step S5, the configuration information acquisition unit 230 of the user terminal 20 starts the import tool. The configuration information acquisition unit 230 sends the profile identification information received in step S3 to the import tool.

[0101] In step S6, the import tool receives profile identification information from the operation reception unit 220. The import tool determines whether or not scanner software is installed on the user terminal 20.

[0102] If scanner software is not installed (NO), the import tool proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if scanner software is installed (YES), the import tool skips step S7 and proceeds to step S8.

[0103] In step S7, the import tool obtains the scanner software. For example, the import tool may download the scanner software from the distribution server 30. Before downloading the scanner software, the import tool may display a screen on the display device 506 requesting permission to download. The import tool then installs the scanner software on the user terminal 20. For example, the import tool may store the scanner software in a predetermined directory on the storage unit 200.

[0104] In step S8, the import tool launches the scanner software. The scanner software reads the profile stored in the memory unit 200. The scanner software displays the profile read from the memory unit 200 on the screen.

[0105] In step S9, the configuration information acquisition unit 230 of the user terminal 20 acquires the profile based on the profile identification information received in step S3. For example, the configuration information acquisition unit 230 may download the profile from the distribution server 30 using an import tool. The configuration information acquisition unit 230 stores the profile in a predetermined directory of the storage unit 200.

[0106] In step S10, the configuration information acquisition unit 230 of the user terminal 20 sends the profile acquired in step S9 to the program identification unit 240. The program identification unit 240 identifies the relay program based on the profile received from the configuration information acquisition unit 230. For example, the program identification unit 240 acquires the identification information of the relay program included in the profile.

[0107] The program identification unit 240 determines whether or not a relay program has been identified. If a relay program has been identified (YES), the program identification unit 240 proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if a relay program has not been identified (NO), the program identification unit 240 skips step S11 and terminates the profile distribution method. If a relay program has not been identified, this may include, for example, cases where the relay program identified based on the profile is unnecessary, or cases where the relay program identified based on the profile is already stored in the storage unit 200.

[0108] In step S11, the program identification unit 240 of the user terminal 20 sends the relay program identification information acquired in step S10 to the program acquisition unit 250. The program acquisition unit 250 receives the relay program identification information from the program identification unit 240.

[0109] The program acquisition unit 250 acquires the relay program based on the relay program's identification information. For example, the program acquisition unit 250 may download the relay program from the distribution server 30 using an import tool. The program acquisition unit 250 stores the relay program in a predetermined directory of the storage unit 200. Subsequently, the scanner software displays the profile acquired in step S9 on the screen.

[0110] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a profile distribution method. Figure 10 shows the processing procedure of the distribution server 30 in the profile distribution method.

[0111] In step S21, the user terminal 20 sends a request to the distribution server 30 to retrieve the profile store screen in response to an operation by user U. The screen transmission unit 310 of the distribution server 30 sends screen data to the user terminal 20 to display the profile store screen in response to the retrieval request received from the user terminal 20. The screen display unit 210 of the user terminal 20 displays the profile store screen on the display device 506 based on the screen data received from the distribution server 30.

[0112] In step S22, the screen display unit 210 of the user terminal 20 determines whether the model of the scanner device 10 is specified on the profile store screen. If the model of the scanner device 10 is specified (YES), the user terminal 20 proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the model of the scanner device 10 is not specified (NO), the user terminal 20 proceeds to step S23.

[0113] In step S23, the screen display unit 210 of the user terminal 20 accepts an operation to specify the model of the scanner device 10 on the profile store screen. The screen display unit 210 may also display a notification on the profile store screen requesting the specification of the model of the scanner device 10. The notification requesting the specification of the model of the scanner device 10 may include displaying a message prompting the user to specify the model of the scanner device 10, highlighting an input field for accepting the specification of the scanner device 10, etc.

[0114] In step S24, the screen display unit 210 of the user terminal 20 sends a screen acquisition request to the distribution server 30 corresponding to the model of the scanner device 10. The screen transmission unit 310 of the distribution server 30 sends screen data to the user terminal 20 to display only the profiles available for the scanner device 10 model, in response to the acquisition request received from the user terminal 20. Based on the screen data received from the distribution server 30, the screen display unit 210 of the user terminal 20 displays only the profiles available for the scanner device 10 on the profile store screen. For example, the screen display unit 210 may be controlled to display only the category display area 601 containing the profiles available for the scanner device 10 on the category selection screen 600.

[0115] In step S25, the operation reception unit 220 of the user terminal 20 accepts an operation to select a profile on the profile store screen. The operation reception unit 220 sends the identification information of the selected profile to the configuration information acquisition unit 230. The configuration information acquisition unit 230 sends a profile acquisition request to the distribution server 30. The profile acquisition request includes the identification information of the profile received from the operation reception unit 220.

[0116] Furthermore, if the user terminal 20 does not have the import tool installed, it will download the import tool from the distribution server 30 and store it in a designated directory on the storage unit 200. Also, if the scanner software is not installed, it will download the scanner software from the distribution server 30 and store it in a designated directory on the storage unit 200.

[0117] In step S26, the configuration information transmission unit 320 of the distribution server 30 receives a profile acquisition request from the user terminal 20. The configuration information transmission unit 320 reads the profile identified by the received acquisition request from the configuration information storage unit 301. The configuration information transmission unit 320 then transmits the read profile to the user terminal 20.

[0118] The configuration information acquisition unit 230 of the user terminal 20 receives a profile from the distribution server 30. The configuration information acquisition unit 230 stores the received profile in a predetermined directory of the storage unit 200.

[0119] In step S27, the program identification unit 240 of the user terminal 20 identifies the relay program based on the profile received in step S26. If a relay program is identified, the program identification unit 240 sends the identification information of the identified relay program to the program acquisition unit 250. The program acquisition unit 250 sends a request to acquire the relay program to the distribution server 30. The request to acquire the relay program includes the identification information of the relay program received from the program identification unit 240.

[0120] The program transmission unit 330 of the distribution server 30 receives a request from the user terminal 20 to acquire a relay program. The program transmission unit 330 reads the relay program identified by the received acquisition request from the program storage unit 302. The program transmission unit 330 then transmits the read relay program to the user terminal 20.

[0121] The program acquisition unit 250 of the user terminal 20 receives the relay program from the distribution server 30. The program acquisition unit 250 stores the received relay program in a predetermined directory of the storage unit 200.

[0122] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an image reading method. Figure 11 shows the procedure for processing the electronic data generated by the scanner device 10 based on the profile delivered by the profile delivery method.

[0123] In step S41, the operation reception unit 220 of the user terminal 20 accepts an operation to select a profile on the scanner software screen. The operation reception unit 220 notifies the operation control unit 260 of the selected profile.

[0124] In step S42, the operation control unit 260 of the user terminal 20 receives a profile notification from the operation reception unit 220. The operation control unit 260 reads the notified profile from the storage unit 200. The operation control unit 260 controls the operation of the scanner device 10 based on the read profile. The scanner device 10 reads the image formed on the image forming medium. The scanner device 10 generates image data read from the image forming medium. The scanner device 10 may perform predetermined data processing on the image data read from the image forming medium and generate the processing result.

[0125] In step S43, the scanner device 10 transmits the image data or processing result of the image data generated in step S42 to the user terminal 20. The operation control unit 260 of the user terminal 20 receives the image data or processing result of the image data from the scanner device 10.

[0126] In step S44, the operation control unit 260 of the user terminal 20 sets the image data or information regarding the processing result of the image data received in step S42 into the relay program. The operation control unit 260 then executes the relay program into which the image data or information regarding the processing result of the image data has been set.

[0127] The relay program works in cooperation with a predetermined collaborative application to process image data or processing results for the image data. For example, the relay program may transmit image data or processing results for the image data to the collaborative server 40 using a communication method requested by the collaborative application. For example, the relay program may convert the image quality or file format of the image data so that it can be used in cooperation with the collaborative application, and then transmit the converted image data to the collaborative server 40.

[0128] <Effects of the Embodiment> In this embodiment, the user terminal 20 acquires configuration information related to an application that processes electronic data generated by an electronic device. Based on the configuration information, the user terminal 20 identifies the program necessary to use the application and acquires the identified program.

[0129] In one respect, according to this embodiment, when acquiring a profile that includes settings related to an application, it is not necessary to separately acquire the program required to use the application. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the convenience of acquiring setting information related to electronic devices is improved.

[0130] The user terminal 20 may download configuration information from a distribution server 30 that can communicate via a communication network. In one respect, according to this embodiment, configuration information can be easily obtained via a communication network.

[0131] The user terminal 20 may display a screen showing the configuration information stored in the distribution server 30. In one respect, according to this embodiment, the available configuration information can be easily confirmed.

[0132] The user terminal 20 may download the settings information selected on the screen. In one respect, according to this embodiment, the user can easily obtain the settings information they desire.

[0133] The screen may display instructions on how to use the application, along with configuration information to implement those instructions. In one respect, this embodiment allows users to easily obtain configuration information suitable for their desired use.

[0134] The user terminal 20 may download the program from a storage device that can communicate via a communication network. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, the program necessary to use the application can be easily obtained via the communication network.

[0135] The user terminal 20 may identify a program by obtaining program identification information included in the configuration information. In one respect, according to this embodiment, a program can be identified based solely on the configuration information.

[0136] The program identification information may include location information indicating its position within the communication network. In one respect, according to this embodiment, the method for obtaining the program can be determined based solely on the configuration information.

[0137] The electronic device may include an image reading device. In one aspect, this embodiment improves the convenience of acquiring setting information related to the image reading device.

[0138] The program may send the image data generated by the image reading device to the cooperating server 40 that runs the application. In one respect, this embodiment makes it easy to accommodate the communication method required by the application.

[0139] The program may correct the image data generated by the image reader to an image quality appropriate for the application. In one respect, this embodiment makes it easy to accommodate the image quality required by the application.

[0140] The program may convert the file format of the image data generated by the image reader into a file format appropriate for the application. In one respect, this embodiment makes it easy to accommodate file formats required by the application.

[0141] [supplement] Each of the embodiments described above can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0142] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0143] 10: Scanner device 20: User terminal 30: Distribution Server 40: Linked Server 200: Storage section 210:Screen display section 220: Operation Reception Section 230: Configuration Information Acquisition Unit 240: Program Identification Department 250: Program Acquisition Section 260: Operation Control Unit 301: Configuration Information Storage Unit 302: Program Storage Unit 310: Screen transmission unit 320: Configuration information transmission unit 330: Program transmission unit 1000: Profile Distribution System

Claims

1. In an information processing device, A procedure for obtaining configuration information related to an application that processes electronic data generated by electronic devices, A program identification procedure that identifies the program necessary to use the application based on the aforementioned configuration information, A program acquisition procedure for acquiring the program identified by the program identification procedure, A program to execute.

2. The procedure for obtaining the configuration information involves downloading the configuration information from a storage device that can communicate via a communication network. The program according to claim 1.

3. Further, the procedure is performed to display a screen showing the setting information stored in the storage device. The program according to claim 2.

4. The procedure for obtaining the setting information involves downloading the setting information selected on the screen. The program according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned screen displays the application usage method along with the configuration information that enables the usage method. The program according to claim 4.

6. The program acquisition procedure involves downloading the program from a storage device that can communicate via a communication network. The program according to claim 1.

7. The program identification procedure identifies the program by obtaining the program identification information included in the configuration information. The program according to claim 6.

8. The identification information includes location information indicating the location in the communication network. The program according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned electronic device includes an image reading device. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The program acquired by the program acquisition procedure transmits the image data generated by the image reading device to a second information processing device that executes the application. The program according to claim 9.

11. The program acquired by the program acquisition procedure corrects the image data generated by the image reading device to an image quality appropriate to the application. The program according to claim 9.

12. The program acquired by the program acquisition procedure converts the file format of the image data generated by the image reading device into a file format corresponding to the application. The program according to claim 9.

13. A configuration information acquisition unit that acquires configuration information related to an application that processes electronic data generated by electronic devices, A program identification unit identifies the program necessary to use the application based on the aforementioned configuration information, A program acquisition unit that acquires the program identified by the program identification unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

14. A configuration information acquisition unit that acquires configuration information related to an application that processes electronic data generated by electronic devices, A program identification unit identifies the program necessary to use the application based on the aforementioned configuration information, A program acquisition unit that acquires the program identified by the program identification unit, Electronic devices equipped with the following features.

15. A configuration information transmission unit transmits configuration information related to an application that processes electronic data generated by an electronic device to a third information processing device, A program transmission unit that transmits a program necessary for using the aforementioned application to the third information processing device, Equipped with, The aforementioned configuration information includes information that can identify the program, Information processing device.

16. The system further includes a screen transmission unit that transmits screen data for displaying a screen showing the aforementioned setting information to the third information processing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15.

17. The aforementioned screen displays the setting information available on the electronic device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16.

18. The aforementioned screen displays the application usage method along with the configuration information that enables the usage method. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16.

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