Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a program that can reproduce setting information without using instruction information and improve usability.SOLUTION: When a stop key 27 is operated after a USB memory 5 is connected (S13: YES), an MFP 3 determines whether a configuration file 7 is stored in the USB memory 5 (S23). When the configuration file 7 is not stored (S23: NO), the MFP 3 encrypts setting information 6 with a data password DTP1 received from a user and exports the information to the USB memory 5 (S131). When the configuration file 7 is stored (S23: YES), the MFP 3 decrypts the configuration file 7 in the USB memory 5 with the data password DTP1 received from the user and imports the information (S115).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to a technique for duplicating setting information of an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming device that imports device setting information stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory as its own setting information. When importing setting information from a USB memory, the image forming device described in Patent Document 1 performs login authentication based on a password described in an instruction information file. When the image forming device is successfully authenticated and enters a logged-in state, it imports setting information based on the write items described in the instruction information file. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-276362 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the image forming device described in Patent Document 1, when the user wants to import setting information, the user needs to write password information in the instruction information file. The user needs to create an instruction information file including password information in advance as text data or the like and store it in a USB memory.

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a program capable of duplicating setting information without using instruction information and improving usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present application includes an image forming unit, a storage unit, a control unit, a media interface, and a user interface, and the control unit performs a first determination process of determining whether a storage medium is connected to the media interface and a predetermined condition is met, a second determination process of determining whether the setting information is stored in the storage medium connected to the media interface based on the first determination process determining that the predetermined condition is met, a first reception process of receiving a data password at the user interface based on the second determination process determining that the setting information is not stored in the storage medium, and a reception process of receiving the data password at the first reception process. Based on this, the first reception process executes an export process in which the setting information stored in the memory unit, which may include operation settings related to the image formation, is encrypted with the data password received in the first reception process, and the encrypted setting information is exported to the storage medium; based on the second judgment process determining that the setting information is stored in the storage medium, the second reception process executes a second reception process in which the data password is received by the user interface; and based on the data password being received in the second reception process, the second reception process executes an import process in which the setting information stored in the storage medium is decrypted with the data password received in the second reception process, and the decrypted setting information is imported.

[0007] In addition, the contents disclosed in the present application are not limited to being embodied as an image forming apparatus, and may be embodied in various forms. For example, the contents disclosed in the present application may be usefully embodied as an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses, or as a program readable by a computer of the image forming apparatuses. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the image forming system, image forming apparatus, and program of the present application, it is possible to duplicate setting information without using instruction information, thereby improving usability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overview of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an MFP. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart showing import / export processing. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart of an export process when there is an export text. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart of an import process when there is an import text. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of an import process when there is no import text. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart of an export process when there is no export text. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of import text and export text. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 illustrates an export start screen. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of a configuration file. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A printing system 1, which is an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present application, will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates an overview of the printing system 1. The printing system 1 includes, for example, a plurality of MFPs (abbreviation of Multi Function Peripheral) 3 (two in the illustrated example), and can copy the setting information 6 to the plurality of MFPs 3 by exporting setting information 6 from any one of the plurality of MFPs 3 as a setting file 7 to a USB memory 5 and importing it to another MFP 3. For convenience of explanation, the MFP 3 that exports the setting information 6 will be referred to as MFP 3A, and the MFP 3 that imports the setting information 6 will be referred to as MFP 3B. In addition, when referring to a plurality of MFPs 3 collectively, they will be described as MFP 3. The MFPs 3A and 3B are, for example, of the same model. In addition, in the following description, the setting information stored in the MFP 3 will be referred to as setting information 6, and the setting information stored in the setting file 7 will be referred to as setting information 6A.

[0011] 2, the MFP 3 is a multifunction device having, for example, a printing function, a copying function, a scanning function, and a FAX function. The MFP 3 includes a memory 11, a CPU 12, a printing unit 14, an image reading unit 15 for reading images, a FAXIF (abbreviation of an interface) 18 for sending and receiving FAXes, a user IF 20, a network IF 21, and a USB IF 23. The CPU 12 and other components are connected to one another via a bus 10.

[0012] The memory 11 includes, for example, a RAM, a ROM, and a non-volatile memory (such as an EEPROM). The memory 11 may also include an HDD, an NVRAM, a flash memory, and the like. The memory 11 may also be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. A non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet or the like is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a type of computer-readable medium. However, this type of electrical signal is not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0013] In addition, for example, a device password DVP1 and setting information 6 are stored in a non-volatile storage area of ​​the memory 11. The printing unit 14 has, for example, an electrophotographic printing engine and executes printing by electrophotography. The printing engine may be configured to print by inkjet printing using an inkjet head or the like.

[0014] The user IF 20 includes, for example, a touch panel and keys. The user IF 20 of this embodiment includes a stop key 27. The stop key 27 is a key for inputting an instruction to stop an operation or process being executed by the MFP 3. The network IF 21 is, for example, a LAN interface. The USB IF 23 is an interface that complies with the USB standard, and transmits and receives data to and from the USB memory 5 via a USB port 29.

[0015] In the memory 11, for example, various programs 30 executed by the CPU 12 are stored in a non-volatile storage area. The program 30 is, for example, a program that comprehensively controls each part of the MFP 3. In this embodiment, the processing of the CPU 12 according to the instructions written in the program 30 is mainly shown. The processing by the CPU 12 also includes hardware control. That is, the processing such as "determination" and "export" in the following description represents the processing of the CPU 12. Note that "acquire" is used as a concept that does not necessarily require a request. That is, the processing of receiving data without the CPU 12 requesting it is also included in the concept of "the CPU 12 acquires data". In the following description, the MFP 3 that executes the program 30 with the CPU 12 may be described simply by the device name. For example, the description "the CPU 12 reads the setting information 6 from the setting file 7 of the USB memory 5 via the USBIF 23" may mean "the MFP 3 controls the USBIF 23 by executing the program 30 with the CPU 12, and reads the setting information 6 from the setting file 7 of the USB memory 5 via the USBIF 23."

[0016] Figures 3 to 7 show the contents of the import / export process. In the explanation of the procedure of each process in Figures 3 to 7, steps are represented as "S." For example, when the power is turned on and the system is started by executing the program 30, the CPU 12 starts the process of Figures 3 to 7.

[0017] First, when the CPU 12 detects that the USB memory 5 has been attached to the USB port 29 (S11: YES), it judges whether or not the stop key 27 has been pressed (S13). If the stop key 27 has not been pressed (S13: NO), the CPU 12 ends the process shown in Fig. 3. In this case, the CPU 12 uses the USB memory 5 as an external memory, for example, and executes data read and write processes. For example, if the USB memory 5 is inserted without pressing the stop key 27, the CPU 12 executes operations such as printing print data stored in the USB memory 5 and storing scanned data in the USB memory 5.

[0018] When the stop key 27 is pressed (S13: YES), the CPU 12 executes the import process or the export process by executing S15 and subsequent steps. Therefore, for example, when the USB memory 5 is inserted while the stop key 27 is pressed, the CPU 12 executes the import process or the export process. The operation of the stop key 27 is an example of a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is not limited to the condition that the USB memory 5 is inserted while the stop key 27 is pressed, but may be a condition that the USB memory 5 is inserted while another key such as the power key is pressed, while multiple keys are pressed simultaneously, while the paper tray is open, or the like. In addition, the condition may be that the USB memory 5 is inserted within a predetermined time after the stop key 27 or another key is pressed and held, or multiple keys are pressed simultaneously, or the like. The stop key 27 and other keys may be software keys displayed on a touch panel instead of hardware keys. The keys may be called buttons.

[0019] In S15, the CPU 12 determines whether or not export text is stored in the USB memory 5. The export text 33 is stored in text format under a predetermined file name, for example, "export.txt" (see FIG. 1). If, in S15, a file with the file name "export.txt" exists in the USB memory 5, the CPU 12 determines that the export text 33 is stored (S15: YES) and executes S17.

[0020] On the other hand, if the export text 33 is not stored (S15: NO), the CPU 12 judges whether or not the import text 34 is stored in the USB memory 5 (S19). If, for example, a file named "import.txt" (see FIG. 1) is stored in the USB memory 5 (S19: YES), the CPU 12 executes S21, and if not (S19: NO), the CPU 12 judges whether or not the setting file 7 is stored in the USB memory 5 (S23). If, for example, a file named "Backup.bin" (see FIG. 1) is stored in the USB memory 5 (S23: YES), the CPU 12 executes S25, and if not (S23: NO), the CPU 12 executes S27. Note that "Backup.bin" is the setting file 7 exported by another MFP 3 in an export process described later. Furthermore, in the determination process of S23, the CPU 12 may determine, as the setting file 7, not only "Backup.bin" exported by the MFP 3 but also a setting file of the same format as "Backup.bin" created by other means such as a PC application, for example, a file called "Setup.bin". The same applies to S79 ​​in FIG. 5 described later. Furthermore, the method of determining whether the export text 33 or the like is stored in the USB memory 5 is not limited to a method of determining whether a file with a specific file name is stored. For example, the determination may be made based on whether a file with a specific extension exists, or whether a specific character string (export, import, Backup, etc.) exists in the file.

[0021] In S17, the CPU 12 executes an export process (FIG. 4) using the export text 33. In S31 of FIG. 4, the CPU 12 determines whether or not both a device password and a data password (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as each password) are described in the export text 33 (S31). As shown in FIG. 8, the export text 33 can describe the device password DVP2 and the data password DTP2 in text format. In the illustrated example, an instruction is described to set the character string "admin" as the device password DVP2 and the character string "abcdefg" as the data password DTP2.

[0022] In S31 of FIG. 4, if neither of the passwords DVP2 and DTP2 is written in the export text 33 (S31: YES), the CPU 12 executes S33. In S33, if the setting file 7 is stored in the USB memory 5 (S33: YES), the CPU 12 executes S37, and if not (S33: NO), the CPU 12 executes S39. When the CPU 12 executes the export process of S51 described later in a state in which the setting file 7 is stored in the USB memory 5, the CPU 12 of this embodiment overwrites the setting information 6A of the setting file 7 in the USB memory 5 with the setting information 6. For this reason, in S37, the CPU 12 displays an export start screen 39 to which a message 37 for confirming the overwriting as shown in FIG. 9 is added, for example, on the touch panel of the user IF 20. The CPU 12 displays characters such as "EXPORT" indicating the start of the export process in the title field 41 of the export start screen 39. The CPU 12 also displays a message 43 for confirming the execution of the export, an icon 44 for selecting YES, and an icon 45 for selecting NO on the export start screen 39.

[0023] After displaying the export start screen 39 in S37 of Fig. 4, the CPU 12 determines whether or not an instruction to execute the export process has been accepted (S41). If the YES icon 44 is selected on the export start screen 39 (S41: YES), the CPU 12 executes S43, and if the NO icon 45 is selected (S41: NO), the CPU 12 ends the process shown in Fig. 4 and ends the process shown in Fig. 3.

[0024] When S39 is executed, there is no risk of the setting file 7 being overwritten by the export process because it is not stored in the USB memory 5. For this reason, in S39, the CPU 12 displays, for example, an export start screen 39 in which the message 37 has been removed from the illustration in Fig. 9 (i.e., the overwrite confirmation is not performed), and confirms the instruction to execute the export (S41).

[0025] In S43, the CPU 12 executes input processing of the device password DVP1. The device password DVP1 is, for example, a password for authenticating login to the MFP3. For example, the user can change settings of the MFP3 by operating the user IF 20 and succeeding in login authentication. As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 12 displays an input screen 47 for accepting input of the device password DVP1 on the user IF 20. The CPU 12 displays a title character 49 indicating that the screen is for accepting a device password, such as "DEVISEPASSWORD", at the top of the input screen 47. The CPU 12 also displays an input field 51 for inputting the device password and character keys 53 for selecting alphabetic characters to be input in the input field 51 on the input screen 47. The user can input a predetermined character string in the input field 51 by operating the character keys 53. When an OK icon 55 is selected, the CPU 12 accepts the character string displayed in the input field 51 as the device password.

[0026] When the CPU 12 receives the device password on the input screen 47, if the received device password matches the device password DVP1 stored in the memory 11, the authentication is deemed successful (S45: YES), and the CPU 12 executes S47. On the other hand, if the received device password does not match the device password DVP1 (S45: NO), the CPU 12 displays an export failure screen on the user IF 20 (S49) and ends the processing of FIG. 4. For example, the CPU 12 displays a message indicating that the export process is stopped or a message indicating that authentication of the device password has failed on the export failure screen. The device password DVP1 stored in the memory 11 is a password stored at the time when the MFP 3 is shipped from the vendor to the user. At the time of shipment, the same password may be stored in all MFPs 3, or different passwords may be set for each of the MFPs 3A and 3B. The MFP 3 may also receive a change to the device password DVP1 stored in the memory 11 from the user.

[0027] If the authentication of the device password DVP1 fails (S45: NO), the CPU 12 may display a warning screen or an input screen 47 or the like to accept the device password DVP1 again and perform authentication confirmation multiple times. If the authentication fails, the CPU 12 may restrict some of the functions, such as not starting authentication or the process of FIG. 3 for a certain period of time.

[0028] In S47, the CPU 12 executes a data password input process. For example, the CPU 12 sets and displays the characters "Set DATAPASSWORD" in place of "DEVICEPASSWORD" in the title characters 49 of the input screen 47 in Fig. 10. In the following description, the data password received from the user is referred to as a data password DTP1.

[0029] For example, in S47, the CPU 12 accepts the input of the data password DTP1 twice, and if the first and second data passwords DTP1 match, executes S51. In the export process, the data password DTP1 is used to encrypt the setting file 7. If the input data password DTP1 is incorrect, the setting file 7 cannot be decrypted. Therefore, in S47, the input of the data password DTP1 is accepted multiple times to check whether the input is incorrect. The CPU 12 may accept the input of the data password DTP1 only once, or may accept it three or more times to check whether it matches. If the data passwords DTP1 entered twice do not match, the CPU 12 may report an error and end the process of FIG. 4, or may accept the input of the data password DTP1 again.

[0030] In S51, the CPU 12 executes an export process. The CPU 12 encrypts a setting file 7A (FIG. 11) including the setting information 6 of the own device with the data password DTP1 received in S47, and exports the encrypted file as a setting file 7 to the USB memory 5. FIG. 11 shows an example of the setting file 7A before encryption. The setting information 6 includes setting information including operation settings related to image formation, such as printing by the printing unit 14, scanning by the image reading unit 15, and sending and receiving FAX by the FAXIF 18. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the setting information 6 is information such as information on the installation location of the MFP 3, contact information, IP address, IP address of a mail server, scan settings, and copy settings. Specifically, for example, the scan settings can include the IP address of the destination of scanned image data, the resolution at the time of scanning, settings for the side to be scanned (single-sided or double-sided), and settings for monochrome or color scanning.

[0031] The setting file 7A is, for example, a file in JSON (JavaScript (registered trademark) object notation) format. In FIG. 11, in order to avoid the drawing becoming complicated, the notation is conveniently different from the JSON format. Of course, the data format of the setting information 6 is not limited to the JSON format, and may be other formats such as the CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format. The encrypted setting file 7 (Backup.bin) is data obtained by compressing the setting file 7A (Backup.json) using a compression method such as ZIP or LZH, and encrypting the data using the data password DTP1. As the encryption method, encryption methods such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and DES (Data Encryption Standard) can be adopted. In addition, when generating the setting file 7, the compression process may be omitted and only the encryption process may be performed, or neither the compression nor the encryption process may be performed.

[0032] In S51, the CPU 12 stores the generated setting file 7 in the USB memory 5. If the setting file 7 has already been stored in the USB memory 5, the CPU 12 overwrites the setting file 7. The CPU 12 deletes the export text 33 in the USB memory 5 (S53) and ends the processing in FIG.

[0033] On the other hand, if at least one of the passwords DVP2 and DTP2 is written in the export text 33 in a character string in a predetermined format shown in FIG. 8 (S31: NO), the CPU 12 executes S35. In S35, the CPU 12 judges whether or not both of the passwords DVP2 and DTP2 are written in the export text 33 of the USB memory 5. If both are written (S35: YES), the CPU 12 performs authentication using the device password DVP2 in the export text 33 (S55). If the device password DVP2 matches the device password DVP1 in the memory 11 (S55: YES), the CPU 12 executes S51. The CPU 12 encrypts the setting file 7A using the data password DTP2 in the export text 33 to generate the setting file 7 and stores it in the USB memory 5. Therefore, if both of the passwords DVP2 and DTP2 are written in the export text 33, authentication, encryption, etc. are executed without requesting input from the user. The CPU 12 deletes the export text 33 (S53). This improves security by deleting the export text 33 in which the passwords DVP2, DTP2 are written in text format (unencrypted plain text) from the USB memory 5. The CPU 12 does not need to execute S53. The CPU 12 also executes S49 if one of the passwords DVP2, DTP2 is not written in the export text 33 (S25: NO) or if authentication using the device password DVP2 has failed (S55: NO).

[0034] 4, if neither of the passwords DVP2, DTP2 is written in the export text 33 (S31: YES), the authentication and export processes are executed by requesting the user to input the passwords DVP2, DTP2. However, if only one of the passwords DVP2, DTP2 is written, the authentication and export processes may be executed by requesting the user to input only the password that is not written. For example, the CPU 12 may determine whether the device password DVP2 is stored, and then determine in turn whether the data password DTP2 is stored, and request the user to input a password depending on each determination.

[0035] Furthermore, when S51 is executed after S47, the export process is executed based on the export text 33 that does not include the passwords DVP2 and DTP2. As shown in FIG. 8, the export text 33 and the import text 34 described later can include, in addition to the passwords DVP2 and DTP2, instruction information 35 that indicates the process contents of the export process and the import process. For example, the export process and the import process include a plurality of processes. As the instruction information 35, for example, for at least one of the plurality of processes, an instruction to select information to be exported as the setting file 7 (SELECT in the figure), an instruction to exclude a part of the information from being exported (EXCEPTED in the figure), an instruction to replace the information to be exported with another information (REPLACED in the figure), etc. can be set. Similarly, for the import text 34, the selection, exclusion, replacement, etc. of the information to be imported can be described in the instruction information 35.

[0036] Also, in S21 of FIG. 3, the CPU 12 executes an import process (FIG. 5) using the import text 34. In the following description, the same contents as those in FIG. 4 will be omitted as appropriate. In S61 of FIG. 5, the CPU 12 judges whether the import text 34 stored in the USB memory 5 is encrypted or not. As will be described later, the CPU 12 encrypts the import text 34 stored in the USB memory 5 with the device password DVP1 of the own device based on a predetermined condition (S95). Therefore, if the import text 34 is encrypted (S61: YES), the CPU 12 executes decryption using the device password DVP1 read from the memory 11, and judges whether the decryption has been successful (S63). If the decryption has been successful (S63: YES), the CPU 12 executes S65, and if the decryption has failed, the CPU 12 displays a screen indicating that the import process has failed (S67).

[0037] Furthermore, if the import text 34 is not encrypted (S61: NO), the CPU 12 executes S65. The CPU 12 judges whether or not both passwords DVP2, DTP2 are described in the import text 34 (decrypted text when S63 is executed). If both passwords are not described (S65: YES), the CPU 12 displays a screen for starting the import process on the user IF 20 (S69). For example, the CPU 12 displays the word "IMPORT" in the title field 41 of the export start screen 39 shown in FIG. 9, erases the display of the message 37, and displays the word "Are you sure you want to execute the import process?" in the message 43, as the import start screen.

[0038] When the YES icon 44 (see FIG. 9) on the import start screen displayed in S69 is selected (S71: YES), the CPU 12 accepts input of the device password (S73) in the same manner as in S47, and when the NO icon 45 is selected (S71: NO), the CPU 12 ends the process of FIG. 5. When the authentication of the device password accepted in S73 is successful (S75: YES), the CPU 12 accepts input of the data password DTP1 (S77), and when the authentication is unsuccessful (S75: NO), the CPU 12 displays a failure screen (S67). In S77, the CPU 12 displays, for example, a screen similar to the input screen 47 shown in FIG. 10, and displays the characters "DATAPASSWORD" in the title characters 49. In S47 of FIG. 4, the title characters 49 "Set DATAPASSWORD" are displayed, but in S77, the title characters 49 without the characters "Set" are displayed. The MFP3 of this embodiment starts the import / export process shown in FIG. 3 and thereafter based on the same operation (operation of the stop key 27), and switches between the import process and the export process based on the data stored in the USB memory 5. Meanwhile, in S47, the data password DTP1 used for encrypting the setting file 7, i.e., set in the encryption, is requested, whereas in S77, the data password DTP1 used for decrypting the setting file 7, which will be described later, is requested. For this reason, if the title characters 49 of the same characters, for example, only "DATAPASSWORD", are displayed, it is difficult for the user to understand which data password DTP1 for the export / import process is being requested. Therefore, in the CPU 12 of this embodiment, by displaying an input screen with the same screen configuration in S47 and S77 but with the title characters 49 changed, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous input and simplify the display process of the input screen.

[0039] Also, in S77, the CPU 12 accepts input of the data password DTP1, for example, only once. This is because, unlike S47, S77 requests the data password DTP1 used for decryption, and therefore there is no need to prompt the user for input multiple times to request confirmation. Note that the CPU 12 may request input of the data password DTP1 multiple times in S77. After executing S77, the CPU 12 executes S79.

[0040] On the other hand, if at least one of the passwords DVP2, DTP2 is stored in S65 (S65: NO), the CPU 12 determines whether or not both of the passwords DVP2, DTP2 are written in the import text 34 (S81), and if one of the passwords is not written (S81: NO), executes S67. If both passwords are written (S81: YES), the CPU 12 executes authentication using the device password DVP2 written in the import text 34 (S85), and if the authentication is successful (S85: YES), executes S79, and if the authentication is unsuccessful (S85: NO), executes S67.

[0041] In S79, the CPU 12 judges whether or not the setting file 7 is stored in the USB memory 5. If the setting file 7 is stored (S79: YES), the CPU 12 executes S87. If the setting file 7 is not stored (S79: NO), the CPU 12 executes S67. In S87, the CPU 12 decrypts the setting file 7 using the data password, and judges whether or not the decryption has been successful. If the CPU 12 executes S87 after S77, the CPU 12 uses the data password DTP1 whose input has been accepted for decryption, and if the CPU 12 executes S87 after S81, the CPU 12 uses the data password DTP2 of the import text 34 for decryption. If the CPU 12 fails to decrypt (S87: NO), the CPU 12 executes S67. Note that in S67, the CPU 12 may change the display content of the failure screen depending on which of the processes S75, S63, S81, S85, S79, and S87 was executed next (for example, "Decryption Failed", "Authentication Failed", etc.).

[0042] On the other hand, if the decryption is successful (S87: YES), the CPU 12 executes the import process (S89). The CPU 12 imports the setting information 6A (information on the installation location and contact information in FIG. 11) of the setting file 7 to the own device. The import means, for example, storing the setting information 6A of the setting file 7 in the memory 11 as the setting information 6 and making the setting information 6 available in the device. This makes it possible to export the setting information 6 of the MFP 3A shown in FIG. 1, import the settings to another MFP 3B, and duplicate them. Also, as with the export text 33, even if the passwords DVP2 and DTP2 are not described, the setting information 6 to be imported can be selected, replaced, and the like by specifying the processing contents in the import process in the instruction information 35 (see FIG. 8) of the import text 34. For example, if a different IP address is described in the import text 34 for each MFP 3, the CPU 12 imports only the IP address of the setting information 6, which is the value described in the import text 34 for the own device.

[0043] After executing S89 or S67, the CPU 12 executes S91. If the import text 34 in the USB memory 5 is encrypted (S91: YES), the CPU 12 ends the process of FIG. 5. If the import text 34 in the USB memory 5 is not encrypted (S91: NO), the CPU 12 judges whether or not both of the passwords DVP2 and DTP2 are written in the import text 34 (S93). If both of the passwords DVP2 and DTP2 are not written (S93: YES), the CPU 12 ends the process of FIG. 5. If at least one of the passwords DVP2 and DTP2 is written (S93: NO), the CPU 12 encrypts the import text 34 in the USB memory 5 using the device password DVP1 in the memory 11 (S95), and ends the process of FIG. 5. The encryption method, etc. of S95 is not particularly limited, but the CPU 12 performs encryption, compression, etc. using the device password DVP1 in the same manner as in S51, for example. This makes it difficult for other users to decipher the passwords DVP2 and DTP2 when they are written in plain text without being encrypted in import text 34. Furthermore, by using encrypted import text 34, import processing can be executed for an MFP3 for which the same device password DVP1 is set. Note that CPU 12 does not have to encrypt import text 34, and may encrypt it only when both passwords DVP2 and DTP2 are written.

[0044] Also, the CPU 12 executes the import process (FIG. 6) without using the import text 34 in S25 of FIG. 3. In FIG. 6, the CPU 12 displays an import start screen (S101) as in S69, and if an instruction to execute the import process is received (S103: YES), the CPU 12 displays the input screen 47 of FIG. 10 and executes the input process of the device password (S105), and if the instruction is not received (S103: NO), the CPU 12 ends the process of FIG. 6. If the authentication using the device password received in S105 is successful (S107: YES), the CPU 12 displays the input screen and receives the input of the data password DTP1 only once (S111), and determines whether the decryption of the setting file 7 is successful with the input data password DTP1 (S113). In S111, the CPU 12 displays an input screen that does not display the character "Set" as in S77 of FIG. 5. If the decryption is successful (S113: YES), the CPU 12 executes the import process based on the setting file 7 (S115) and ends the process of Fig. 6. If the authentication fails (S107: NO) or the decryption fails (S113: NO), the CPU 12 displays a failure screen (S109) and ends the process.

[0045] Also, in S27 of Fig. 3, the CPU 12 executes the export process (Fig. 7) without using the export text 33. As shown in Fig. 7, the CPU 12 displays the export start screen 39 of Fig. 9 with overwrite confirmation (S121) as in S37, and if an instruction for the export process is received (S123: YES), displays the input screen 47 of Fig. 10 and executes the input process of the device password (S125), and if the instruction is not received (S123: NO), ends the process of Fig. 7. If the authentication using the device password received in S125 is successful (S127: YES), the CPU 12 displays the input screen and receives the input of the data password DTP1 as in S47 of Fig. 4 (S129), and encrypts the setting file 7 with the input data password DTP1 and exports the setting file 7 (S131). In S129, the CPU 12 displays the input screen displaying the character "Set" as in S47 of Fig. 4, and receives the input of the device password DVP1 twice for confirmation. When the CPU 12 ends the export process in S131, it ends the process in Fig. 7. If the authentication fails (S127: NO), the CPU 12 displays a failure screen (S133) and ends the process.

[0046] Incidentally, the printing system 1 is an example of an image forming system. The MFP 3 is an example of an image forming device. The MFP 3A is an example of a first image forming device. The MFP 3B is an example of a second image forming device. The USB memory 5 is an example of a storage medium. The memory 11 is an example of a storage unit. The CPU 12 is an example of a control unit. The printing unit 14, the image reading unit 15, and the FAXIF 18 are examples of an image forming unit. The USBIF 23 is an example of a media interface. The stop key 27 is an example of a user interface. The export text 33 is an example of export instruction information. The import text 34 is an example of import instruction information. S11 and S13 are examples of a first determination process. S23 is an example of a second determination process. S129 is an example of a first reception process. S131 is an example of an export process. S111 is an example of a second reception process. S115 is an example of an import process. S15 is an example of a third determination process. S51 is an example of a second export process. S19 is an example of a fourth determination process. S89 is an example of a second import process. S121 is an example of a first notification process. S101 is an example of a second notification process. S127 is an example of a first authentication process. S107 is an example of a second authentication process. S45 is an example of a third authentication process. S55 is an example of a fourth authentication process. S33 is an example of a fifth determination process. S37 is an example of an overwrite notification process. S75 is an example of a fifth authentication process. S85 is an example of a sixth authentication process.

[0047] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects are achieved. (1) When the setting file 7 is not stored (S23: NO), the CPU 12 encrypts the setting file 7 describing the setting information 6 of the MFP 12's own device with the data password DTP1 received in S129 and exports it to the USB memory 5 (S131). When the setting file 7 is stored (S23: YES), the CPU 12 decrypts the setting file 7 of the USB memory 5 with the data password DTP1 received in S111 and imports it (S115). This allows the import / export process to be executed depending on the presence or absence of the setting file 7 by receiving the data password DTP1, even when a USB memory 5 in which the import text 34 or the export text 33 is not stored is connected. The setting information 6 can be copied to another MFP 3 without using instruction information 35 such as the import text 34 describing a password or the like, thereby improving usability.

[0048] (2) When the CPU 12 detects that the USB memory 5 is connected while the stop key 27 is being operated (S13: YES), it determines that a predetermined condition is met. This makes it possible to set an operation that is not normally performed as an operation condition for starting the import / export process, thereby preventing the occurrence of an erroneous operation that starts the import / export process.

[0049] (3) When the export text 33 is stored in the USB memory 5 (S15: YES), the CPU 12 encrypts the setting information 6 in the memory 11 with the data password DTP2 in the export text 33 and exports it to the USB memory 5 (S51). When the export text 33 is not stored (S15: NO), the CPU 12 executes S23. According to this, when the export text 33 containing the data password DTP2, instruction information 35, etc. is stored in the USB memory 5, the export process based on the export text 33 (S51) can be executed with priority over the process of S23 (such as the export process (S131) ​​that does not use the export text 33). The process instructed by the user in the export text 33 can be executed with priority in the export process, improving usability.

[0050] (4) Similarly, when the import text 34 is stored in the USB memory 5 (S19: YES), the CPU 12 decrypts and imports the setting file 7 in the USB memory 5 with the data password DTP2 of the import text 34. This makes it possible to give priority to the import process based on the import text 34 (S89) over the process of S23 (such as the import process without using the import text 34 (S115)) when the import text 34 is stored in the USB memory 5.

[0051] (5) The CPU 12 displays the export start screen 39 on the user IF 20 in S121, and displays the import start screen in S101. When executing S51 after S35 or S89 after S81, the execution is started without displaying the start screen. In this way, when executing the import / export process without requesting input of a password such as the data password DTP1, the process can be started without notifying the user. Since the export text 33 and the import text 34 are stored, the process can be started quickly when there is an intentional instruction from the user.

[0052] (6) The CPU 12 executes the import / export process (S51, S89) based on the export text 33 and the import text 34. This allows the process contents to be changed to the intended contents by the export text 33, etc.

[0053] (7) If the device password received in S125 matches the device password DVP1 in the memory 11 (S127: YES), the CPU 12 executes S131. This makes it possible to prevent leakage of the setting information 6 by performing authentication using the device password DVP1 and to enhance security.

[0054] (8) If the device password received in S105 matches the device password DVP1 (S107: YES), the CPU 12 executes S115. This makes it possible to perform authentication using the device password DVP1, thereby preventing the occurrence of unauthorized operations such as tampering with the setting information 6 of the MFP 3 by a malicious user, thereby enhancing security.

[0055] (9) If the authentication in S107 and S127 fails, the CPU 12 does not execute the import / export process in S131 and S115. This can prevent leakage or tampering of the setting information 6. The CPU 12 may limit part of the process content of the import process or export process before executing it.

[0056] (10) If neither of the passwords DVP2, DTP2 is written in the export text 33 (S31: YES), the CPU 12 executes authentication using the device password received in S43 (S45), and if the authentication is successful, executes S51. This can improve security in the execution of the export process.

[0057] (11) If both passwords DVP2, DTP2 are set in the export text 33 (S35: YES), the CPU 12 executes authentication using the device password DVP2 in the export text 33, and if the authentication is successful (S55: YES), executes S51. This can improve security in the execution of the export process.

[0058] (12) If the setting file 7 is stored in the USB memory 5 (S33: YES), the CPU 12 notifies in S37 that the setting file 7 will be overwritten. On the other hand, if both of the passwords DVP2, DTP2 are described in the export text 33, the CPU 12 does not notify the user of the overwriting of the setting file 7. In this way, if the export text 33 exists but no password is described, the user can be alerted to the fact that the setting file 7 will be overwritten. On the other hand, if the user stores the export text 33 in which the passwords DVP2, DTP2 are set in the USB memory 5, the export process can be quickly performed without notifying the user of the overwrite.

[0059] (13) If neither of the passwords DVP2, DTP2 is written in the import text 34 (S65: YES), the CPU 12 accepts the device password and performs authentication using the accepted device password (S75). If the authentication is successful (S75: YES), the CPU 12 executes S89. This can improve security in the execution of the import process.

[0060] (14) If both passwords DVP2, DTP2 are written in the import text 34 (S81: YES), the CPU 12 performs authentication using the device password DVP2 in the import text 34 (S85). If the authentication is successful (S85: YES), the CPU 12 executes S89. This can improve security in the execution of the import process.

[0061] (15) In S129, the CPU 12 displays the character "SET" in the title character 49 of the input screen 47 to indicate that the data password DTP1 for performing the export process has been accepted, and in S111, the character "SET" is removed to indicate that the data password DTP1 for performing the import process has been accepted. This makes it possible to inform the user which of the import and export processes to perform when the data password DTP1 is accepted. In this embodiment, the user can perform either the import or export process by operating the stop key 27. This makes it easier for the user to operate, but there is a risk that the user may unintentionally execute the import or export process. Therefore, by making the input screen for the data password DTP1 a different screen for the import and export processes, the occurrence of erroneous operations by the user can be suppressed.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the contents and order of the processes in the flowcharts shown in Figs. 3 to 7 are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate. As shown in Fig. 3, the CPU 12 executes S15 before S19 to prioritize the export process over the import process, but may execute S19 first to prioritize the import process. The CPU 12 may execute S121 and S123 after S125, or may execute S101 and S103 after S105. The method of notifying the start of the import process or export process may be lighting of a lamp or guidance by voice, regardless of the screen display. The start of the import process or export process may not be notified to the user. The CPU 12 may not execute authentication using the device password DVP1.

[0063] The image forming apparatus of the present application is not limited to the MFP3, but may be a printer, scanner, or copy machine having only a printing function. Also, as the image forming apparatus, a label printer, a production printer, an embroidery machine, a 3D printer, a laser marker, a machine tool, or the like may be adopted. Also, the start of the export process or the import process such as S37 may be notified on the input screen of the data password DTP1 such as S47, S77, S111, and S129. For example, a display such as "Accepting data password for import" may be displayed on the input screen of the data password DTP1. Also, the control unit of the present application is not limited to the CPU 12, but may be, for example, an ASIC or an FPGA. Also, the media interface of the present application is not limited to the USBIF 23, but may be various interfaces such as a memory card slot and IEEE1394. Also, as the media interface, a wireless interface such as an NFC interface or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface may be adopted. Also, as the recording medium, not limited to the USB memory 5, but may be a memory card, a portable HDD, or a portable SSD. Furthermore, although the CPU 12 encrypts the import text 34 (S95), this does not have to be done. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Printing system (image forming system), 3 MFP (image forming device), 3A MFP (first image forming device), 3B MFP (second image forming device), 5 USB memory (storage medium), 6, 6A setting information, 11 memory (storage section), 12 CPU (control section), 14 Printing section (image forming section), 15 Image reading section (image forming section), 18 FAXIF (image forming section), 20 User IF, 27 Stop key (user interface), 23 USBIF (media interface), 33 Export text (export instruction information), 34 Import text (import instruction information), DTP1, DTP1 data password, DVP1, DVP2 device password.

Claims

1. An image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses, Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes an image forming unit that executes an image forming process; a storage unit that stores setting information including operation settings related to image formation; A control unit that operates based on the setting information; A media interface; A user interface; Equipped with The control unit of a first image forming apparatus which is one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a first determination process for determining whether or not a storage medium is connected to the media interface and a predetermined condition is satisfied; a second determination process for determining whether or not the setting information is stored in the storage medium connected to the media interface based on the determination that the predetermined condition is established by the first determination process; a first reception process for receiving a data password through the user interface based on the determination in the second determination process that the setting information is not stored in the storage medium; an export process of encrypting the setting information, which is information stored in the storage unit and may include operation settings related to the image formation, with the data password received in the first reception process based on the reception of the data password in the first reception process, and exporting the encrypted setting information to the storage medium; Run The second determination process includes: a process for determining that export setting information is stored in a storage medium connected to the media interface when the export setting information is stored in the storage medium, the export setting information being the setting information exported by the export process in one of the image forming apparatuses; The control unit of the second image forming apparatus, which is one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, The first determination process; The second determination process; a second reception process in which the storage medium storing the export setting information exported by the export process of the first image forming apparatus is connected to the media interface, and the data password is received by the user interface based on the second determination process that the export setting information is stored in the storage medium connected to the media interface; an import process of decrypting the export setting information stored in the storage medium with the data password received in the second reception process based on the reception of the data password in the second reception process, and importing the decrypted export setting information; Run After the import process, various processes are executed using the export setting information imported in the import process. The first image forming apparatus is The import process is executable, The second image forming device is An image forming system capable of performing the export process.

2. an image forming unit that executes an image forming process; a storage unit that stores setting information including operation settings related to image formation; A control unit that operates based on the setting information; A media interface; A user interface; Equipped with The control unit is a first determination process for determining whether or not a storage medium is connected to the media interface and a predetermined condition is satisfied; a second determination process for determining whether or not the setting information is stored in the storage medium connected to the media interface based on the determination that the predetermined condition is established by the first determination process; a first reception process for receiving a data password through the user interface based on the determination in the second determination process that the setting information is not stored in the storage medium; an export process of encrypting the setting information, which is information stored in the storage unit and may include operation settings related to the image formation, with the data password received in the first reception process based on the reception of the data password in the first reception process, and exporting the encrypted setting information to the storage medium; a second reception process of receiving the data password through the user interface based on the determination that the setting information is stored in the storage medium by the second determination process; an import process of decrypting the setting information stored in the storage medium with the data password received in the second reception process based on the reception of the data password in the second reception process, and importing the decrypted setting information; An image forming apparatus that performs the above steps.

3. The control unit is 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the first judgment process, when it is detected that the storage medium is connected to the media interface while a predetermined operation is being performed on the user interface, it is judged that the predetermined condition is met.

4. The control unit is a third determination process for determining whether or not export instruction information for which the data password can be set is stored in the storage medium; a second export process for encrypting the setting information stored in the storage unit with the data password set in the export instruction information and exporting the encrypted setting information to the storage medium, based on the determination in the third determination process that the export instruction information is stored in the storage medium; Run 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second determination process is executed based on a determination made in the third determination process that the export instruction information is not stored in the storage medium.

5. The control unit is a fourth determination process for determining whether or not import instruction information for which the data password can be set is stored in the storage medium; a second import process for decrypting the setting information stored in the storage medium by the data password set in the import instruction information and importing the decrypted setting information, based on the determination in the fourth determination process that the import instruction information is stored in the storage medium; Run The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the second determination process is executed based on a determination made in the fourth determination process that the import instruction information is not stored in the storage medium.

6. The control unit is a first notification process for notifying the user that the export process will be started, during the period from when it is determined in the second determination process that the setting information is not stored in the storage medium until when the export process is started; a second notification process for notifying the user that the import process will be started, during the period from when it is determined in the second determination process that the setting information is stored in the storage medium to when the import process is started; Run 6. The image forming apparatus of claim 5, wherein, when the second export process is to be executed, the execution is started without notifying the user that the second export process is to be started before the execution, and, when the second import process is to be executed, the execution is started without notifying the user that the second import process is to be started before the execution.

7. Each of the second export process and the second import process includes: It includes multiple processes, The control unit is Executing at least one of a plurality of processes included in the second export process based on the export instruction information; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: an image forming unit configured to perform at least one of a plurality of processes included in the second import process based on the import instruction information.

8. The storage unit is storing a device password of the image forming apparatus; The control unit is receiving the device password through the user interface based on the determination that the setting information is not stored in the storage medium by the second determination process, and executing a first authentication process to determine whether the received device password matches the device password stored in the storage unit; 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a processor configured to execute the export process when it is determined in the first authentication process that the device passwords match.

9. The control unit is receiving the device password through the user interface based on the determination that the setting information is stored in the storage medium by the second determination process, and executing a second authentication process to determine whether the received device password matches the device password stored in the storage unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising: a processor configured to execute the import process based on a determination that the device passwords match in the second authentication process.

10. The control unit is displaying a failure screen indicating that authentication has failed based on a determination that the device passwords do not match in the first authentication process; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a failure screen indicating that the authentication has failed, when it is determined in the second authentication process that the device passwords do not match.

11. The storage unit is storing a device password of the image forming apparatus; Each of the export instruction information and the import instruction information is The device password can be set, The control unit is if it is determined by the third determination process that the export instruction information is stored in the storage medium and both the data password and the device password are not set in the export instruction information, a third authentication process is executed in which the device password is received by the user interface and it is determined whether the received device password matches the device password stored in the storage unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising: a processor configured to execute the second export process based on a determination that the device passwords match in the third authentication process.

12. The control unit is a fourth authentication process is executed to determine whether the device password in the export instruction information matches the device password stored in the storage unit when the third determination process determines that the export instruction information is stored in the storage medium and both the data password and the device password are set in the export instruction information; The image forming apparatus according to claim 11 , further comprising: a processor configured to execute the second export process based on a determination that the device passwords match in the fourth authentication process.

13. The control unit is a fifth determination process is executed to determine whether or not the setting information is stored in the storage medium when it is determined by the third determination process that the export instruction information is stored in the storage medium and both the data password and the device password are not set in the export instruction information; overwriting the setting information stored in the storage medium with the setting information to be exported in the second export process based on the determination in the fifth determination process that the setting information is stored in the storage medium; after determining in the fifth determination process that the setting information is stored in the storage medium, executing an overwrite notification process to notify the user that the setting information will be overwritten before overwriting the setting information; 13. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 11 or 12, wherein when the third judgment process determines that the export instruction information is stored in the storage medium, and both the data password and the device password are set in the export instruction information, if the setting information stored in the storage medium is stored, the setting information stored in the storage medium is overwritten with the setting information to be exported in the second export process, and no notification of the overwrite is provided before overwriting the setting information.

14. The storage unit is storing a device password of the image forming apparatus; The import instruction information is The device password can be set, The control unit is a fifth authentication process is executed in which, if it is determined by the fourth determination process that the import instruction information is stored in the storage medium and both the data password and the device password are not set in the import instruction information, the device password is received by the user interface, and it is determined whether the received device password matches the device password stored in the storage unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising: a processor configured to execute the second import process based on a determination that the device passwords match in the fifth authentication process.

15. The control unit is a sixth authentication process is executed to determine whether the device password in the import instruction information matches the device password stored in the storage unit when the fourth determination process determines that the import instruction information is stored in the storage medium and both the data password and the device password are set in the import instruction information; The image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the second import process is executed based on a determination that the device passwords match in the sixth authentication process.

16. The control unit is displaying an export start screen for performing the export process when the data password is accepted in the first acceptance process; The image forming apparatus of claim 2 , wherein an import start screen for performing the import process is displayed in the data password reception process in the second reception process.

17. A computer-readable program for an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that executes an image forming process, a storage unit that stores setting information including operation settings related to image formation, a computer that operates based on the setting information, a media interface, and a user interface, the program comprising: The computer includes: a first determination process for determining whether or not a storage medium is connected to the media interface and a predetermined condition is satisfied; a second determination process for determining whether or not the setting information is stored in the storage medium connected to the media interface based on the determination that the predetermined condition is established by the first determination process; a first reception process for receiving a data password through the user interface based on the determination in the second determination process that the setting information is not stored in the storage medium; an export process of encrypting the setting information, which is information stored in the storage unit and may include operation settings related to the image formation, with the data password received in the first reception process based on the reception of the data password in the first reception process, and exporting the encrypted setting information to the storage medium; a second reception process of receiving the data password through the user interface based on the determination that the setting information is stored in the storage medium by the second determination process; an import process of decrypting the setting information stored in the storage medium with the data password received in the second reception process based on the reception of the data password in the second reception process, and importing the decrypted setting information; A program to execute.

Images