Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a system that has improved the operability of a set value editing application.SOLUTION: An information processing system performs setting of an image forming apparatus based on editing of the setting by using a set value editing application that operates in an external device, and the application acquires the status of the image forming apparatus, downloads information on the setting of the image forming apparatus, determines whether to start up the set value editing application, and controls the start-up of the application based on a result of determination. The determination is performed based on the status before the start of download of the setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system having a setting value editing application for manipulating setting information of an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, it has become possible to edit the settings of an image processing device such as a multifunction printer (hereinafter, referred to as a device) on an information processing device external to the device, and import the edited setting value data. The edited setting value data can be saved in a format that can be imported into the device, and by using these setting values, the device can be instantly tailored to the desired settings for a customer who is installing it for the first time.

[0003] Examples of methods for editing the setting values ​​of a device on an external information processing device (e.g., a PC) include a remote UI function and a setting value editing application that runs on a PC. For example, when the setting items of a setting destination device are setting items that should be set to different setting values ​​for each device, a system is known that has a setting value editing application that can set the setting destination device to an appropriate setting (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] In this way, in a setting value editing application that runs on a PC and edits device setting values, naturally, guard processing is performed according to the device status when editing settings. For example, if a fax-related setting value is rewritten while a fax job is running on a device, the device may operate in an unexpected manner. For this reason, generally, an exclusive control is performed between the reception process that accepts operations on the device and the process that reflects the settings on the device (see Patent Document 2). This makes it possible to guarantee the operation of various jobs running on the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4506732 [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-107768 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, there are various timings and methods for obtaining the device status in a setting value editing application that runs on a PC. If the status is obtained only once, an application startup error will occur even if the device status should be resolved after a few seconds, and the work will have to be redone.

[0007] Furthermore, as the number of setting values ​​increases due to the increasing number of functions of multifunction devices, it may take several minutes to download the setting values ​​of a device. In an application that acquires the device status after downloading, an application startup error occurs after waiting several minutes. In this case, the time required to download the setting values ​​is wasted, and the startup of the setting value editing application after the setting values ​​are downloaded is prevented. For this reason, it has been desired to improve the operability of the setting value editing application.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a system that improves the operability of a setting value editing application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information processing system of the present invention is an information processing system that configures an image processing device based on setting editing by an application running on the information processing device, and has an acquisition means for acquiring the status of the image processing device, a download means for downloading setting information of the image processing device, a judgment means for determining whether to launch the application, and a launch means for controlling the launch of the application based on the judgment result of the judgment means, and is characterized in that the judgment by the judgment means is made based on the status before the download of the setting information begins. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system that improves the operability of a setting value editing application. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a setting value editing application. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a setting value editing application. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen of the setting value editing application. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen on the device. [Figure 7] 1 is a screen flow diagram of a setting value editing application. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram showing a list of device statuses referenced by a setting value editing application. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart on the device side according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart on the setting value editing application side according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11]13 is a flowchart on the setting value editing application side according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart on the setting value editing application side according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the solution of the present invention. Note that the same components are given the same reference numbers and descriptions are omitted.

[0013] [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 100. Each block represents a module. Arrows between each block represent the flow of data or instructions. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment is an example of an image processing apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a device) in an information processing system.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 is made up of a printing unit 107, a reading unit 109, an operation panel 110, a line I / F (interface) 112, and a controller unit 101 that controls these components.

[0015] The controller unit 101 includes a CPU 102, a RAM 103, a ROM 104, a printing unit I / F 106, a reading unit I / F 108, a MODEM 111, a USB_I / F 115, a HDD 117, and a network I / F 118. Each block is connected via a system bus 105. In this embodiment, the ROM 104 is exemplified by a font ROM and a program ROM. However, the ROM configuration is not limited to this.

[0016] CPU 102 generally controls each of the above-mentioned blocks in accordance with various control programs. The various control programs are executed by reading out the control programs stored in the program area of ​​ROM 104. Alternatively, compressed data stored in the program area of ​​ROM 104 is decompressed and loaded into RAM 103 and executed. Furthermore, the various control programs described above may be stored in a compressed or uncompressed state in hard disk drive (HDD) 117 or an HDD (not shown).

[0017] The network I / F 118 performs communication processing with a host computer (referred to as a PC in the drawing; hereinafter, referred to as an external device 200 or a PC) via a network (LAN) 120 or the like. The network I / F 118 and the network 120 are connected by a communication cable such as a LAN cable 119.

[0018] The modem 111 is connected to a public line network 114 via a line I / F 112, and performs communication processing with other image forming apparatuses, facsimile machines, telephone sets, etc. (not shown). The line I / F 112 and the public line network 114 are generally connected via a telephone line 113 or the like.

[0019] The printing unit I / F 106 serves as an interface for outputting an image signal to the printing unit 107 (printer engine). The reading unit I / F 108 serves as an interface for inputting a read image signal from the reading unit 109 (scanner engine). Note that in this block diagram, the reading unit 109 and the printing unit 107 are configured to be inside the image forming apparatus 100, but one or both of the printing unit 107 and the reading unit 109 may be configured to be outside.

[0020] CPU 102 processes an image signal input from reading unit I / F 108 and outputs it as a recording image signal to printing unit I / F 106. CPU 102 uses font information stored in a font area of ​​ROM 104 to display characters and symbols on the display unit of operation panel 110, and receives instruction information from operation panel 110 that has received instructions from the user.

[0021] HDD 117 stores device information of image forming apparatus 100, setting values, user phone book information, and department management information, and is read and written by CPU .

[0022] The external device 200 is included in a PC and has at least a CPU 201. The CPU 201 executes programs of modules in the external device 200. The external IF 202 communicates with other devices. The memory 203 accumulates data received through the external IF 202, and also temporarily stores data to be sent through the external IF 202. The PC further has a display means such as a display that displays a predetermined screen to the user, and an input means such as a keyboard or a touch panel that allows the user to input instructions to the PC. The external device 200 in this embodiment is an example of an information processing device in an information processing system.

[0023] The setting value editing application 210 manages setting values ​​according to the setting value data 220. The setting value editing application 210 in this embodiment is an example of an application in an information processing system. Although the setting value editing application 210 is arranged inside the external device 200 in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the setting value editing application 210 may be stored in a server or the like outside the external device 200.

[0024] 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 has function keys 311, 312, 313, and 314 for each job, which correspond to "copy," "fax," "scan," and "media print." Pressing each function key transitions to the basic screen for the corresponding job. Each function key lights up when the corresponding function is selected.

[0025] An OK key 315 is used to select an item. Up, down, left and right arrow keys 316 to 319 are used to move between items. A display 320 displays an operation screen. In this embodiment, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is used as the display 320, but this is not limited to this. The black and white start key 321 lights up when it can be pressed. Similarly, the color start key 322 lights up when it can be pressed. When sending a fax, only the black and white start key 321 lights up. A stop key 323 is used to stop a job, etc.

[0026] 3 to 5 are examples of screens related to the setting value editing application 210. In this embodiment, these screens are displayed on a PC display. Fig. 3(A) shows a PC application screen 401 that is displayed when installing a dedicated driver in the external device 200. The name of the product to be set is displayed in an area 402 on the PC application screen 401.

[0027] Three buttons 403, 404, and 405 are arranged on a PC application screen 401. Button 403 launches an application capable of editing all device settings. Button 404 launches an application capable of editing only the address book. Button 405 launches an application capable of editing only the scan settings, called My Scan Settings, which are sent only to one's own PC. Pressing buttons 403, 404, and 405 all enters the same startup processing flow for the setting value editing application 210. Here, the processing flow when button 403 is pressed will be described.

[0028] 3B shows the device password input screen 406. When the button 403 is pressed, the process enters into a startup process flow for an application capable of editing all device settings, and transitions to the device password input screen 406. On the device password input screen 406, the password is displayed in ** in an area 407.

[0029] 3C shows a progress bar display screen 410. The progress bar display screen 410 is a screen indicating that device setting information is being downloaded. When an OK button 408 is pressed on the device password input screen 406, the screen transitions to the progress bar display screen 410. When a cancel button 409 is pressed on the device password input screen 406, the screen returns to the PC application screen 401.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a screen of the setting value editing application 210. When the download is completed, the screen transitions to the screen of the setting value editing application 210. A list of downloaded device setting information is displayed in a field 411 on the screen. A hierarchical name of the setting value is displayed in a field 412, and editable items are displayed in areas 413 to 417. For example, in the area 413, it is possible to specify and change a file path as a place to save the scan data. In the area 414, it is possible to select the type of document to be read. It is assumed that there are options such as "monochrome / color", "color", "monochrome", "monochrome (OCR)", "grayscale", and "color (magazine, catalog)". In the area 415, it is possible to specify the format of the file to be saved, such as JPEG, TIFF, PDF, or BMP. In the area 416, it is possible to specify the size of the document to be scanned. In the area 417, it is possible to specify the resolution of the image to be scanned.

[0031] The "Export" button 418 can save the current settings to a file, and can output data with a dedicated file extension. The "Print" button 419 can issue an instruction to print a list of the current settings to the device. Printing is not possible before pressing the "Apply" button 423; it is necessary to click the "Apply" button 423 once to send new data to the device, and then click the "Print" button 419. The "Import" button 420 can read and display the settings saved in a file. The "OK" button 421 sends the settings to the device and terminates the setting value editing application 210. The "Cancel" button 422 terminates the setting value editing application 210 without sending the settings to the device. The "Apply" button 423 sends the settings to the device, but does not terminate the setting value editing application 210, allowing continued use.

[0032] Next, an example of an error screen displayed in the startup process flow of the setting value editing application 210 is shown. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen of the setting value editing application 210. Specifically, it is a screen that describes the reason for a startup error of the setting value editing application 210 and a confirmation screen at the time of an error. The startup error of the setting value editing application 210 is output when, for example, even if editing is performed with the setting value editing application 210, the edited content cannot be reflected in the setting information of the device. Specifically, a screen 424 in FIG. 5(A), a screen 425 in FIG. 5(B), and a screen 426 in FIG. 5(C) are examples of various errors displayed. A screen 427 in FIG. 5(D) is a screen for confirming whether or not the editing screen of the setting value editing application 210 can be started during the occurrence of an error, and a button 428 "Yes" and a button 429 "No" are displayed. Each screen is displayed together with an error number. The contents displayed on each screen will be explained together with the embodiment described later.

[0033] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen on the device side. This figure shows a UI (User Interface) screen on the operation panel 110 of the image forming apparatus 100. Fig. 6(A) is an example of a top screen 500 on the operation panel 110. The top screen 500 is a device tip screen on which buttons for each function are displayed. Button 501 indicates copy, button 502 indicates scan, and button 503 indicates FAX, and pressing each button transitions to a function screen for each function. Button 504 is a device menu, and transitions to a menu screen 508 described later.

[0034] FIG. 6(B) shows a copy function screen 505 on operation panel 110. Screen 505 is a basic copy screen consisting of five lines, with the first line displaying the current status. The second line displays the current setting status. The third line is an input field for copy density, which can be changed by pressing the input field. Lines 3 to 5 display operation mode items 506 that can be specified for a copy job. If it is not possible to display all items, they are configured so that they can be displayed by scrolling, and a scroll bar 507 is displayed at the right end.

[0035] Fig. 6(C) is a menu screen 508. Basic settings are displayed in the title item, and scan function related settings 509 are displayed among the menu items. Fig. 6(D) is a pop-up screen 600 indicating that the setting value editing application 210 is connected. It covers the entire operation panel 110 and locks device side operations.

[0036] Fig. 7 is a screen flow diagram of the setting value editing application 210. Fig. 7 shows the flow of application screens up to the start of the setting value editing application 210. As shown in Fig. 7, in the first embodiment, screen transitions are made as follows: Fig. 3(A) → Fig. 3(B) → Fig. 5, or Fig. 3(A) → Fig. 3(B) → Fig. 3(C) → Fig. 4. Details of screen transitions in other embodiments will be explained together with the flowcharts of each embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a list of device statuses referred to by the setting value editing application 210. FIGS. 8A to 8C are lists of device statuses referred to by the setting value editing application 210. These lists specify the screen types to be displayed and the display timing for various error statuses. The setting value editing application 210 switches the display of the error screen by referring to these lists. In the first embodiment, the setting value editing application 210 refers to a list 601 in FIG. 8A. On the other hand, in the second embodiment described later, the setting value editing application 210 refers to a list 602 in FIG. 8B, and in the third embodiment, the setting value editing application 210 refers to a list 603 in FIG. 8C. Details will be described together with the flowcharts of each embodiment. The lists shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C in this embodiment are examples of lists in the information processing system. The lists are stored as data in the memory 203 of the external device 200 or other storage units. The lists are appropriately referred to by the CPU 201 or the like that controls the start of the setting value editing application 210.

[0038] 9 is a flowchart on the device side according to the first embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart is executed by the CPU 102 according to a program stored in either the ROM 104 or the RAM 103 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0039] After the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on, the top screen 500 is displayed on the operation panel 110 (S1000). While the top screen 500 is displayed, the connection of the setting value editing application 210 is detected (S1001). When the connection is detected, a pop-up screen 600 indicating that the setting value editing application is connected is displayed (S1002). Thereafter, when the end of the setting value editing application 210 is detected (S1003), the display returns to the top screen 500.

[0040] 10 is a flowchart on the setting value editing application 210 side according to the first embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is executed by the CPU 201 on the external device 200. For this reason, in this embodiment, the CPU 201 acquires the device status and downloads the device setting information to the external device 200. Also, in this embodiment, the CPU 201 determines whether or not to start the setting value editing application 210, and controls the start of the setting value editing application 210 based on the result of this determination.

[0041] When button 403 labeled "Menu Settings" is pressed in S1004, password entry screen 406 for the device is displayed in S1005. When the device status is acquired in S1006, it is checked against status list table 601 in FIG. 8(A) in S1007 to confirm the screen type to be displayed for each error status and the display timing. Here, the display timing for each error status in FIG. 8(A) is all "first." This means that this is a list of error statuses that should be checked "before" the download process for device setting information begins.

[0042] If it is determined in S1008 that the screen type of the acquired status is pattern 1, it is determined that the setting value editing application 210 is not to be started, and in S1010, screen 424 of the error screens is displayed. If the acquired status is not in table 601, the process proceeds to S1009, where download processing is started and display screen 410 is displayed. When the download is complete, the setting value editing application 210 screen is displayed (S1011).

[0043] According to the first embodiment, the device status is obtained before downloading the device setting information, so that the user can understand the reason for the application startup error without performing unnecessary downloads, thereby improving the operability of the setting value editing application.

[0044] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the second embodiment, an example will be given in which the setting value editing application 210 acquires the device status twice, once before the start of downloading the device setting information and once after the downloading is completed.

[0045] In the first embodiment, whether or not the application can be started is determined based on the result of acquiring the device status only once before the download starts. Therefore, if it takes several minutes to download the setting values ​​of the device, even if the error is resolved after a certain time has passed, the status cannot be taken into consideration. For example, immediately after the setting value editing application 210 is started, the user may be using a copy and the operation panel 110 of the device may display the copy basic screen 505, so the device status may correspond to an error status. However, if the user uses the device for only a few seconds and leaves the device, the timeout time may elapse and the device may return to the top screen 500. In this way, the device status does not necessarily correspond to an error status after the download is completed.

[0046] In such a case, if the setting value editing application 210 can be started normally after the download of the device setting information is completed, the frequency of start-up errors can be reduced. Thus, the second embodiment is characterized in that the decision to start the setting value editing application 210 is made in consideration of the possibility that the device status will change after a certain period of time has passed.

[0047] 11 is a flowchart on the side of the setting value editing application 210 according to the second embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the CPU 201 on the external device 200.

[0048] Since steps S1012 to S1015 are the same as steps S1004 to S1007 in the first embodiment, their explanations will be omitted. Note that the device side flowchart is also the same as the first embodiment, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0049] The process flow from S1016 onwards in Fig. 11 will be described. The device status acquired for the first time in S1016 is compared with the status list 602 in Fig. 8(B). Here, the screen type to be displayed and the display timing for each error status are confirmed. An error status with a display timing of "first" is an error status that should be checked before downloading begins. If the screen type of the acquired status is determined to be pattern 1 in S1016, a screen 425 indicating an error is displayed in S1017. On the other hand, if the display timing is "later" as a result of the comparison with the status list 602 in Fig. 8(B) or if there is no corresponding status, the process proceeds to S1018.

[0050] Download processing is started in S1018, and in S1019, the display screen 410 is displayed. When the download is completed in S1020, the device status is obtained for the second time (S1021).

[0051] In S1022, the status is again compared with the status list 602 in FIG. 8B. Here, the screen type to be displayed for each error status and the display timing are again confirmed. A status with a display timing of "later" is an error status to be compared after the download is completed. If the acquired status is determined to be pattern 1 in S1023, a screen 426 indicating a startup error is displayed in S1024. If the acquired status does not exist in the list 602, the process proceeds to S1025, and the setting value editing application 210 screen is displayed.

[0052] According to the second embodiment, the device status is obtained twice, once before the start of downloading the device's setting information and once after the download is completed, and the start of the appropriate application is determined at the appropriate timing. This reduces the frequency of start-up errors of the setting value editing application 210 running on the PC. This improves the operability of the setting value editing application 210.

[0053] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, even if a start error should be detected as a result of checking against the status list 602, the setting value editing application 210 can be started based on the result of querying the user.

[0054] In the first and second embodiments, by appropriately acquiring the device status, it is possible to reduce the frequency of startup errors of the setting value editing application 210. On the other hand, unless the device status is released from the error status state, the setting value editing application 210 cannot be started by the operation on the external device 200 side.

[0055] However, the setting value editing application 210 has a function that allows working without transmitting data to the device, as shown in Fig. 4. Examples of such functions are the "export" button 418 that allows the current setting contents to be saved to a file, and the "import" button 420 that allows the setting contents saved in a file to be read and displayed. Furthermore, the data editing itself of the setting value editing application 210 can be operated separately from the device status. The third embodiment is characterized in that in order to use some of the functions of the setting value editing application 210, a decision is made as to whether to start the setting value editing application 210 based on the result of an inquiry to the user.

[0056] 12 is a flowchart on the side of the setting value editing application 210 according to the third embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the CPU 201 on the external device 200.

[0057] The process flow from S1030 to S1038 is the same as that from S1012 to S1020 in the second embodiment, and therefore the description will be omitted. Note that the process flow on the device side is also the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore the description will be omitted.

[0058] The process flow from S1039 onwards in Fig. 12 will be described. In S1039, the device status is obtained for the second time. In S1040, the status is checked against the status list 603 in Fig. 8C to confirm the screen type to be displayed and the display timing for each error status. A status with a display timing of "later" is an error status to be checked after the download is complete.

[0059] If the screen type corresponding to the acquired status is pattern 2 in S1041, then in S1042, screen 427 is displayed to prompt the user for confirmation, rather than an error screen. If button 428 "Yes" is pressed on screen 427, the process proceeds to S1044 even if the state would normally result in a startup error. This makes it possible to display the setting value editing application 210 screen. If button 429 "No" is pressed, the setting value editing application 210 screen is not started and the process ends. Note that if the status acquired in S1041 is not in list 603, then the process proceeds to S1044, and the setting value editing application 210 screen is displayed.

[0060] According to the third embodiment, it is possible to determine whether to start the setting value editing application 210 in order to use some of the functions of the setting value editing application 210 based on the result of an inquiry to the user. Therefore, the setting value editing application 210 can be started as necessary, which can improve usability for the user. Note that the setting value data edited by the setting value editing application 210 can be saved or exported. As a result, the setting value data can be used as data to be sent again to the device when the device status is no longer an error status.

[0061] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. In addition, parts of the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0062] The items displayed in field 411 of the list of downloaded device setting information are not limited to those in the above-mentioned embodiment. Also, the items displayed in the list of device setting information are not limited to those in the above-mentioned embodiment. Also, the PC in the above-mentioned embodiment may be a portable terminal.

[0063] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100...Image processing device 200...External device 201...CPU 210...Settings editing application

Claims

1. An information processing system for configuring an image processing device based on configuration editing by an application running on the information processing device, An acquisition means for acquiring a status of the image processing device; download means for downloading setting information of the image processing device; A determination means for determining whether or not to start the application; a start means for controlling start of the application based on a result of the determination by the determination means; The determination by the determining means is made based on the status before the start of downloading the setting information. An information processing system comprising:

2. The determination by the determination means is made based on the status before the start of downloading the setting information and the status after the completion of downloading the setting information.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The application program further includes a display unit that displays a predetermined screen when the determining unit determines that the application program is not to be started.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system.

4. The determination by the determination means is made based on whether or not the status corresponds to a predetermined error status, and is made by referring to a list that defines the predetermined error status and the screen type and display timing of the predetermined screen corresponding to the predetermined error status.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3.

5. The display means displays an error screen when the determination means determines that the application should not be started.

5. The information processing system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. When the determination means determines that the application should not be started, the display means displays a screen for confirming with the user whether or not to start the application.

6. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the information processing system is a computer-readable storage device.

7. an input means for allowing the user to input whether or not to start the application when the display means displays a screen for confirming with the user whether or not to start the application, The starting means starts the application when an input indicating that the application can be started is input to the input means.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. When the determination means determines that the application will not be started before the download of the setting information starts, the download means does not download the setting information.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system.

9. An information processing device having an application and performing settings of an image processing device based on settings and editing by the application, An acquisition means for acquiring a status of the image processing device; download means for downloading setting information of the image processing device; A determination means for determining whether or not to start the application; a start means for controlling start of the application based on a result of the determination by the determination means; The determination by the determining means is made based on the status before the start of downloading the setting information.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

10. An information processing method for setting an image processing device based on setting editing by an application running on an information processing device, comprising: acquiring a status of the image processing device; a downloading step of downloading setting information of the image processing device; a determination step of determining whether or not to launch the application; a start step of controlling start of the application based on a result of the determination step, The determination in the determination step is made based on the status before the start of downloading the setting information.

23. An information processing method comprising:

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 10.

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