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

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing program and an information processing system for executing processing related to a processing request of a user after the user changes setting content to setting content of another known information processing device.SOLUTION: A user terminal acquires setting information showing the current setting content of a setting duplication source device from the setting duplication source device known by a user to send it to a setting duplication destination device 16. A setting change processing part 68 of the setting duplication destination device 16 executes setting change processing for changing content of setting information 54 to setting content shown by setting information corresponding to a job prior to execution of processing related to the job received from the user. A job processing part 70 executes processing related to the job in the setting content changed by the setting change processing part 68.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing program, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed an information processing device that copies information stored in another information processing device to its own device. Copying information stored in another information processing device to its own device is also called importing information from the other information processing device to its own device.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that imports import data (e.g., user information and destination information) stored in another image forming apparatus into itself, and when a processing request (job) is accepted before the import of the import data is completed, the image forming apparatus first copies information from the import data that is necessary for executing the processing related to the job. Patent Document 2 also discloses an image forming apparatus that imports import data indicating the settings of another image forming apparatus, and when, as a result of importing the import data, it becomes impossible to output an import result log via the receiving path of the import data, outputs the import result log via a path other than the receiving path. Patent Document 3 also discloses an image forming apparatus that imports import data indicating the settings of another image forming apparatus, and sets an import level for each setting item and imports setting values ​​for the setting items according to the import level. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5704141 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6025435 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6261370 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, a user may wish to have a process related to a processing request executed on an information processing device other than the known information processing device. While not limited to this, for example, the known information processing device may be an information processing device installed in the user's office, and the other information processing device may be an information processing device installed in a convenience store or a shared working space. In such a case, the user may wish to change the settings of the information processing device on which the processing request is to be executed to the settings of the known information processing device, and then have the information processing device execute the process related to the processing request. This is merely one example, but for example, if the settings of the known information processing device are set to settings that are easy for the user to use, the user may wish to change the settings of the information processing device on which the processing request is to be executed to settings that are easy for the user to use, just like the known information processing device, and then have the information processing device execute the processing request.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to allow a user to change the settings of an information processing device to the settings of another known information processing device, and then have the information processing device execute a process related to a processing request from the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] request request 1The invention relates to an information processing device comprising a processor, wherein the processor receives setting information indicating the setting contents of another information processing device known to the user from a user terminal used by the user who wants the device to execute processing related to a processing request, and executes a setting change process to change the setting contents of the device to the setting contents indicated by the setting information prior to executing the processing related to the processing request received from the user, wherein the setting contents of the other information processing device and the setting contents of the device include multiple setting values ​​for multiple setting items, and the processor does not change the setting values ​​for setting items of the device other than the related setting items that are related to the processing related to the processing request received from the user, based on related setting item information indicating the relationship between the type of processing request and the setting items related to the processing related to the processing request. Claim 2 In the invention according to the present invention, the processor identifies, among the related setting items, difference setting items which are setting items whose setting values ​​in the setting contents of the device before the change and the setting values ​​indicated by the setting information differ, and does not execute the setting change process if the setting values ​​of the difference setting items cannot be changed based on changeability information indicating whether the setting values ​​of each setting item can be changed. 1 The information processing device is described in Claim 3 The invention according to claim 1, wherein the changeability information indicates whether a setting value can be changed for a combination of a setting item and a usage environment of the information processing device, and the processor does not execute the setting change process if the setting value for the combination of the difference setting item and the usage environment of the information processing device cannot be changed. 2 The information processing device is described in Claim 4The invention according to claim 1, wherein the changeability information indicates, for each setting item, whether a setting value can be changed or whether user consent is required to change the setting value, and when user consent is required to change the setting value for the difference setting item, the processor outputs an inquiry to the user to obtain user consent regarding whether the setting value for the difference setting item can be changed, and when the user does not consent to the inquiry, the setting change process is not executed. 2 The information processing device is described in Claim 5 The invention according to claim 1, wherein the processor notifies the user of an alternative processing request proposal associated with the type of the processing request received from the user and the difference setting item whose setting value cannot be changed, when the setting change processing is not executed, based on alternative processing request information in which the type of processing request, the setting item related to the processing related to the processing request, and the alternative processing request proposal in the case where the setting value of the setting item cannot be changed are associated. 2 from 4 The information processing device according to any one of the above items. Claim 6 and when the setting change process is not to be performed, the processor notifies the user of an alternative information processing device capable of executing the process related to the processing request received from the user, based on the type of the processing request and alternative device information associated with an alternative information processing device capable of executing the process related to the processing request. 2 from 4 The information processing device according to any one of the above items. Claim 7 The invention is an information processing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the processor retains the setting contents of the device before the change, changes the setting contents of the device, executes the processing related to the processing request received from the user, and then restores the setting contents of the device to the setting contents before the change. Claim 8 The invention relates to a process that is executed by a user terminal of a user who causes a computer to execute a process related to a processing request. ,before The user indicates the settings of other information processing devices that he / she knows. vinegar The setting information is received, and before executing the process related to the processing request received from the user, the setting information of the own device is In front The setting change process is executed to change the setting contents indicated by the setting information. the setting contents of the other information processing device and the setting contents of the own device include a plurality of setting values ​​for a plurality of setting items, and the computer further does not change setting values ​​for setting items other than related setting items that are related to the processing related to the processing request received from the user, based on related setting item information indicating the relationship between the type of processing request and the setting items related to the processing related to the processing request; The information processing program is characterized by: Claim 9 The present invention relates to an information processing system including an information processing device and a user terminal used by a user who causes the information processing device to execute a process related to a processing request, wherein the user terminal ,before The user indicates the settings of other information processing devices that he / she knows. vinegar The setting information is transmitted to the information processing device, and the information processing device transmits the setting information of the information processing device to the information processing device before executing the process related to the process request received from the user. In front Execute the setting change process to change the setting contents indicated by the setting information death , the setting contents of the other information processing device and the setting contents of the own device include a plurality of setting values ​​for a plurality of setting items, and based on related setting item information indicating the relationship between the type of processing request and the setting items related to the processing related to the processing request, the setting values ​​of the setting items of the own device other than the related setting items that are related to the processing related to the processing request received from the user are not changed; The information processing system is characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Claim 1, 8 , or 9 According to the invention, a user can change the setting contents of an information processing device to the setting contents of another known information processing device, and then have the information processing device execute a process related to a processing request from the user. Also, The setting items whose setting values ​​are changed can be limited to related setting items. Claim 2 According to the invention, it is possible to prevent the information processing device from behaving in an unexpected manner due to a change in the settings of the information processing device. Claim 3 According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the information processing device from behaving in an unexpected manner due to changes to the settings of the information processing device, taking into consideration the usage environment of the information processing device. Claim 4According to the invention, the settings of the information processing device can be changed and the process can be executed after obtaining the user's consent. Claim 5 According to the invention, the user can grasp the alternative process requests that can be executed by the information processing device. Claim 6 According to the invention, the user can know the alternative information processing devices that can execute the processing request. Claim 7 According to the invention, after the process related to the process request is executed, the setting contents of the information processing device can be restored to the setting contents before the process request was executed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a setting duplication source device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of setting information. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a setting copy destination device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of related setting item information. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the content of changeability information. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of substitute job information. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of alternative device information. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of a setting copy destination device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 10 includes a settings source device 12, which is an information processing device, a user terminal 14 used by a user, and a settings destination device 16, which is also an information processing device. The settings source device 12 and the user terminal 14 are communicably connected to each other via a communication line 18a such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)). The user terminal 14 and the settings destination device 16 are communicably connected to each other via a communication line 18b such as a wireless LAN or short-range wireless communication. The settings source device 12 and the settings destination device 16 do not necessarily have to be communicably connected to each other.

[0011] As will be described in more detail later, in the information processing system 10, setting information indicating the setting contents (described in more detail later) of the setting source device 12 is transmitted to the user terminal 14, and the setting information is transmitted from the user terminal 14 to the setting destination device 16, whereby the setting contents of the setting source device 12 are replicated to the setting destination device 16. Then, a user (hereinafter simply referred to as "user") using the user terminal 14 inputs a job as a processing request to the setting destination device 16, and causes the setting destination device 16 to execute processing related to the job. In other words, the setting source device 12 corresponds to the "other information processing device" in the claims, and the setting destination device 16 corresponds to the "information processing device" in the claims.

[0012] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the setting source device 12 and the setting destination device 16 are image processing devices, and that a user copies the settings of the setting source device 12 to the setting destination device 16, and then causes the setting destination device 16 to execute processing related to a job. However, the setting source device 12 and the setting destination device 16 are not limited to image processing devices, and may be any devices as long as the settings of the setting source device 12 can be copied to the setting destination device 16, and the setting destination device 16 can execute the user's job.

[0013] 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the setting source device 12. The setting source device 12 is a device whose settings are known to the user. The setting source device 12 can be said to be a device that the user uses frequently (in other words, uses on a daily basis). Although not limited to this, for example, the settings copy source device 12 is an image processing device installed in the office where the user usually works, and the settings thereof are determined by the user himself.

[0014] The communication interface 20 is configured by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), a near field communication (NFC) adapter, etc. The communication interface 20 performs a function of communicating with the user terminal 14 via a LAN or near field wireless communication.

[0015] The memory 22 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an embedded multi-media card (eMMC), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. As shown in Fig. 2, the memory 22 stores setting information 24.

[0016] The setting information 24 is information indicating the current setting contents of the setting copy source device 12. Here, the setting contents indicated by the setting information 24 determine the operation contents of the setting copy source device 12, and in particular, determine the processing contents when the setting copy source device 12 executes processing related to a job from a user. The setting contents are composed of a pair of setting items and setting values ​​for the setting items. The setting contents may include multiple setting values ​​for multiple setting items. The setting contents (more specifically, the setting values ​​for each setting item) are determined by an administrator or user of the setting copy source device 12, and are stored in the memory 22 as the setting information 24. In this way, the setting values ​​for the setting items include values ​​that can be changed by the user, and the setting information 24 is updated every time the setting value is changed by the user.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the setting information 24 of the setting duplication source device 12. For example, the example in Fig. 3 shows that the setting value "Photo" is set for the setting item "Image quality setting", and the setting value "Enabled" is set for the setting item "Background color removal".

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3 , the setting information 24 indicates each setting value for a plurality of setting items, and each setting item is classified into one of a plurality of categories. For example, in the example of FIG. 3 , the setting items “Image Quality Settings” and “Background Color Removal” are classified into the same category, “Mobile Print Settings,” and the setting items “IPSec,” “SSL,” and “TLS” are classified into the same category, “Security Settings.” Although omitted from FIG. 3 , other categories (e.g., the categories “USB Application Settings,” “Interface Settings,” and “Protocol Settings”) also include one or more setting items. A category groups similar setting items together. For example, the category “Mobile Print Settings” groups together setting items referenced when executing a print job from a mobile terminal, and the category “Security Settings” groups together setting items related to the security of the setting duplication source device 12. Each category and the setting items included in each category are predetermined by the designer, administrator, or the like of the setting duplication source device 12.

[0019] As described above, the setting values ​​for the setting items can be changed by the user. For example, when inputting a job into the setting copy source device 12, the user can set setting values ​​for the setting items related to the execution of processing for the job. The setting values ​​set in this way are stored in the memory 22 as setting information 24. Then, the next time the setting copy source device 12 is used, the previously set setting values ​​can be used as the setting values ​​for the setting items. Therefore, once the user has changed the setting values ​​for each setting item to a setting value suitable for the user, the user can continue to use the setting copy source device 12 with the settings suitable for the user without having to change the setting values ​​each time. The setting information 24 may be stored for each user.

[0020] The processor 26 refers to a processor in a broad sense and includes at least one of a general-purpose processor (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) and a dedicated processing device (such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or programmable logic device). The processor 26 may not be a single processing device, but may be configured by the cooperation of multiple processing devices located in physically separate locations. The processor 26 controls each section of the setting copy source device 12.

[0021] In this embodiment, since the setting duplication source device 12 is an image processing device, in addition to the above-mentioned components, the setting duplication source device 12 also includes, for example, a printer unit that performs printing processing, a scanner unit that performs scanning processing, a display that displays various screens, and an input interface for inputting user instructions, but these are not shown in Figure 2.

[0022] 4 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the user terminal 14. In this embodiment, the user terminal 14 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. However, the user terminal 14 is not limited to a mobile terminal as long as it performs the functions described below, and may be, for example, a desktop personal computer.

[0023] The communication interface 30 is configured by, for example, a NIC, an NFC adapter, etc. The communication interface 30 performs the function of communicating with the setting copy source device 12 and the setting copy destination device 16 via a LAN or near field communication.

[0024] The display 32 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), etc. Various screens are displayed on the display 32.

[0025] The input interface 34 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, etc. The input interface 34 receives instructions from the user.

[0026] The memory 36 includes, for example, an eMMC, a ROM, or a RAM. The memory 36 stores various data related to the processing of the user terminal 14. For example, the memory 36 stores the setting information 24 acquired from the setting copy source device 12.

[0027] The processor 38 refers to a processor in a broad sense and includes at least one of a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU) and a dedicated processing device (e.g., a GPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a programmable logic device). The processor 38 may not be a single processing device, but may be configured by the cooperation of multiple processing devices located in physically separate locations. The processor 38 controls each unit of the user terminal 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the processor 38 also functions as a setting information acquisition unit 40 and a transmission processing unit 42.

[0028] The setting information acquisition unit 40 acquires the setting information 24 from the setting copy source device 12. Specifically, the user connects the setting copy source device 12 and the user terminal 14 so that they can communicate with each other via a LAN or short-range wireless communication, and transmits a transmission request for the setting information 24 from the user terminal 14 to the setting copy source device 12. In response to the transmission request, the setting copy source device 12 transmits the setting information 24 stored in the memory 22 to the user terminal 14. The processor 38 of the user terminal 14 stores the received setting information 24 in the memory 36.

[0029] The transmission processing unit 42 transmits the setting information 24 acquired from the setting source device 12 to the setting destination device 16. Specifically, the user connects the user terminal 14 and the setting destination device 16 so that they can communicate with each other via a LAN or short-range wireless communication, and transmits the setting information 24 to the setting destination device 16. The transmission processing unit 42 can also transmit a job (for example, a print job) to the setting destination device 16.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the settings destination device 16. The settings destination device 16 is a device whose settings are unknown to the user. The settings destination device 16 may be a device that the user does not use often (in other words, does not use on a daily basis). While not limited to this, the settings destination device 16 may be, for example, an image processing device installed in a public place or a location accessible to an unspecified number of users, such as a convenience store, a coworking space, or a shared office. The user may not be familiar with the settings of such an image processing device. Furthermore, if settings changed by someone remain in the memory of the image processing device, an unspecified number of users may change those settings, making it difficult for the user to accurately grasp the settings of such an image processing device.

[0031] In this embodiment, since the setting copy destination device 16 is also an image processing device, the setting copy destination device 16 is equipped with, for example, a printer unit that performs printing processing, a scanner unit that performs scanning processing, a display that displays various screens, an input interface for inputting user instructions, etc., but these are not shown in Figure 5.

[0032] The communication interface 50 is configured by, for example, a NIC, an NFC adapter, etc. The communication interface 50 performs a function of communicating with the user terminal 14 via a LAN or short-range wireless communication.

[0033] The memory 52 includes, for example, an HDD, SSD, eMMC, ROM, or RAM. The memory 52 stores an information processing program for operating each unit of the setting duplication destination device 16. The information processing program can also be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a CD-ROM. The setting duplication destination device 16 can read and execute the information processing program from such a storage medium. As shown in FIG. 5 , the memory 52 also stores setting information 54, related setting item information 56, changeability information 58, alternative job information 60, and alternative device information 62.

[0034] The setting information 54 is information indicating the current setting contents of the setting destination device 16. Like the setting information 24 of the setting source device 12, the setting contents indicated by the setting information 54 determine the operation contents of the setting destination device 16, and in particular, determine the processing contents when the setting destination device 16 executes processing related to a job accepted by a user. Like the setting information 24, the setting contents are composed of pairs of setting items and setting values ​​for the setting items, and may include multiple setting values ​​for multiple setting items. The setting contents (more specifically, the setting values ​​for each setting item) are determined by an administrator or user of the setting destination device 16 and stored in the memory 52 as the setting information 54. In this way, the setting values ​​for the setting items include values ​​that can be changed by the user, and the setting information 54 is updated each time the setting value is changed by the user.

[0035] The related setting item information 56 is information that indicates the relationship between the type of job and the setting items related to the processing related to that job. In other words, the related setting item information 56 is information that indicates, for each type of job, the setting items that the settings destination device 16 refers to when executing the processing related to that job. The related setting item information 56 is prepared in advance by, for example, a designer or administrator of the settings destination device 16 and stored in the memory 52.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the related setting item information 56. In the example of FIG. 6, related categories are associated with job types in the related setting item information 56. As described above, a category is a grouping of setting items of the same type, so it can be said that setting items are also associated with job types in the related setting item information 56 shown in the example of FIG. 6. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the related categories "USB application settings" and "mobile print settings" are associated with the job type "print from user terminal." This indicates that when the settings copy destination device 16 executes a print job input from the user terminal 14, it refers to the setting values ​​of one or more setting items included in the category "USB application settings" and the setting values ​​of one or more setting items included in the category "mobile print settings."

[0037] The changeability information 58 is information indicating whether the setting value can be changed for each setting item indicated in the setting information 54. The changeability information 58 is also prepared in advance by, for example, a designer or administrator of the setting copy destination device 16 and stored in the memory 52.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the changeability information 58. In the example of FIG. 7, the changeability information 58 is shown in table format, and each setting item is associated with a “◯,” “×,” or “Δ.” In FIG. 7, “◯” indicates that the setting value of the setting item can be changed, and “×” indicates that the setting value of the setting item cannot be changed. Possible reasons for not allowing the setting value of a setting item to be changed include, but are not limited to, the following: the user is not permitted to change the setting value of the setting item in the first place; the operational policy of the setting duplication destination device 16 in a coworking space or shared office does not permit changing the setting value of the setting item; or changing the setting value of the setting item would cause problems with the proper operation or security of the setting duplication destination device 16. In addition, in FIG. 7, “Δ” indicates that user consent is required to change the setting value of the setting item. For example, “Δ” is set when changing the setting value of the setting item allows the user's job to be executed, but the processing result may not be the result the user desires.

[0039] In this embodiment, the changeability information 58 indicates whether a setting value can be changed for each combination of a setting item and the usage environment of the settings destination device 16. Here, the usage environment includes at least one of the installation location of the settings destination device 16 and the usage conditions. The usage conditions include, for example, whether the user who uses the settings destination device 16 is a member of a coworking space or a shared office, or, if the input job is a print job, whether the printed material printed by the print job will be bound or a pamphlet.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 7 , the locations where the setting destination device 16 is installed are shown as "convenience store," "coworking space," "shared office," and "print shop," and the usage conditions are defined as "loose" and "strict" for each installation location. For example, for the installation locations "convenience store," "coworking space," and "shared office," if the user using the setting destination device 16 is not a member of these locations, the usage conditions are "strict," and if the user is a member, the usage conditions are "loose." For example, for the installation location "print shop," if the printed material printed by the print job is to be bound, the usage conditions are "strict," and if the printed material is a pamphlet, the usage conditions are "loose." Thus, in the example of FIG. 7 , the changeability information 58 indicates whether the setting value can be changed for each combination of the setting item, the installation location of the setting destination device 16, and the usage conditions of the setting destination device 16.

[0041] For example, in the example of FIG. 7, an "x" is shown for the combination of the setting item "image quality setting," the installation location of the setting destination device 16 "convenience store," and the usage condition "strict." This indicates that if the installation location of the setting destination device 16 is a "convenience store" and the user is not a member of that convenience store, the setting of the setting item "image quality setting" cannot be changed. On the other hand, an "o" is shown for the combination of the setting item "image quality setting," the installation location of the setting destination device 16 "convenience store," and the usage condition "loose." This indicates that if the installation location of the setting destination device 16 is a "convenience store" and the user is a member of that convenience store, the setting of the setting item "image quality setting" can be changed.

[0042] The alternative job information 60 is information that associates the type of job, setting items related to the processing of the job, and proposed alternative jobs for when the setting values ​​for the setting items cannot be changed. The alternative job information 60 is also prepared in advance by, for example, the designer or administrator of the setting copy destination device 16 and stored in the memory 52.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the alternative job information 60. In the example of FIG. 8, the alternative job information 60 associates related categories with job types and alternative job proposals. Therefore, it can be said that the alternative job information 60 associates setting items and alternative job proposals with job types and alternative job proposals. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the related category "Interface Settings" and the alternative job proposal "Print from User Terminal" are associated with the job type "Print Document on Server." Suppose a user attempts to have the settings duplication destination device 16 execute processing related to a server print job that prints an electronic document stored on a document management server or the like, but is unable to change the setting values ​​for one or more setting items included in the related category "Interface Settings." In this case, since the setting values ​​cannot be changed, the processing related to the server print job cannot be executed. However, even in this case, the alternative job proposal, a print job sent from the user terminal 14, can be executed properly.

[0044] The alternative device information 62 is information that associates the type of job with an alternative information processing device that is an information processing device (an image processing device in this embodiment) other than the setting copy destination device 16 and that can execute processing related to the job. The alternative information processing device is preferably a device that is installed near the setting copy destination device 16. The alternative device information 62 is also prepared in advance by, for example, an administrator of the setting copy destination device 16 and stored in the memory 52.

[0045] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the content of the alternative device information 62. In the example of FIG. 9, for example, the alternative information processing devices "information processing device A" and "information processing device C" are associated with the job type "color copy." "Information processing device A" and "information processing device C" are image processing devices capable of color copying. Therefore, this indicates that if the settings duplication destination device 16 cannot perform color copying (particularly if color copying is not possible because the setting values ​​of the setting items referenced when performing color copying cannot be changed), the alternative information processing devices "information processing device A" or "information processing device C" can perform the color copying instead of the settings duplication destination device 16.

[0046] Returning to FIG. 5, the processor 64 refers to a processor in a broad sense and includes at least one of a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU) and a dedicated processing device (e.g., a GPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a programmable logic device). The processor 64 may not be a single processing device, but may be configured by the cooperation of multiple processing devices located in physically separate locations. The processor 64 controls each unit of the setting copy destination device 16 in accordance with an information processing program stored in the memory 52. ​​As shown in FIG. 5, the processor 64 also functions as a receiving unit 66, a setting change processing unit 68, a job processing unit 70, and a notification unit 72.

[0047] The receiving unit 66 receives setting information 24 indicating the setting contents of the setting copy source device 12, which the user terminal 14 has acquired from the setting copy source device 12. The receiving unit 66 can also receive a job from the user terminal 14. The receiving unit 66 may receive the setting information 24 and the job together from the user terminal 14, or may receive them separately as long as the correspondence between the setting information 24 and the job can be determined.

[0048] The setting copy destination device 16 can also accept job input directly from a user. For example, a copy job or the like is directly input to the setting copy destination device 16 by the user operating an input interface (not shown) of the setting copy destination device 16. However, even in this case, the job is input in a manner that allows the correspondence with the setting information 24 received by the receiving unit 66 to be determined. The correspondence can be obtained, for example, by comparing the user ID of the user who sent the setting information 24 with the user ID of the user who directly input the job.

[0049] Prior to executing processing related to the job, the setting change processing unit 68 executes setting change processing to change the content of the setting information 54 to the setting content indicated by the setting information 24 corresponding to the job. As a result, the setting content of the setting copy source device 12 is copied as the setting content of the setting copy destination device 16. Here, the setting change processing unit 68 may store the setting content of the setting copy destination device 16 before the change, i.e., the setting information 54 before the change, in the memory 52.

[0050] The job processing section 70 executes the processing related to the job in accordance with the setting contents changed by the setting change processing section 68.

[0051] Thus, according to this embodiment, the user can change the setting contents of the setting duplication destination device 16 to the setting contents of the known setting duplication source device 12, and then have the setting duplication destination device 16 execute the processing related to the job.

[0052] After the job processing unit 70 executes the processing related to the job based on the changed settings, the setting change processing unit 68 may restore the changed settings information 54 to the setting information 54 before the change that was stored in the memory 52. ​​In other words, the setting change processing unit 68 may restore the changed settings of the setting copy destination device 16 to the settings before the change.

[0053] Depending on differences in hardware structure, installation environment (usage environment), or operational policy between the setting source device 12 and the setting destination device 16, unexpected problems may occur if the setting contents of the setting source device 12 are copied as the setting contents of the setting destination device 16. Therefore, it is desirable to narrow the range in which the setting contents of the setting destination device 16 can be changed (in other words, the range of setting items for which setting values ​​can be changed) as much as possible.

[0054] Therefore, the setting change processing unit 68 may analyze the received job to identify the type of the job, and then, based on the related setting item information 56 (see FIG. 6 ), identify related setting items indicated in the setting information 54 that are related to the processing of the job (i.e., setting items to be referenced when processing the job). For example, if the related setting item information 56 has the content shown in FIG. 6 and the type of the received job is “print from user terminal,” the setting change processing unit 68 may refer to the related setting item information 56 and identify multiple setting items included in the categories “USB application settings” and “mobile print settings” as related setting items of the job. Then, the setting change processing unit 68 may change the setting values ​​of the related setting items, among the multiple setting items included in the received setting information 24, to the values ​​of the setting items indicated in the received setting information 24, while leaving the setting values ​​of setting items other than the related setting items unchanged. In other words, the setting contents of the setting copy source device 12 may be copied only for setting items that are referenced when processing the received job, and the setting contents of the setting copy source device 12 may not be copied for other setting items. This allows the user to execute job-related processing on the settings destination device 16 with the same settings as those on the settings source device 12, while narrowing the range in which the settings on the settings destination device 16 can be changed as much as possible.

[0055] Furthermore, after identifying the related setting items, the setting change processing unit 68 may refer to the setting information 24 received by the receiving unit 66 and the setting information 54 indicating the current setting contents of the setting destination device 16, and identify, among the related setting items, differential setting items that are setting items whose setting values ​​in the setting contents before the change (i.e., the current) of the setting destination device 16 differ from the setting values ​​indicated in the received setting information 24. Then, the setting change processing unit 68 may not execute the setting change process if the setting value of the differential setting item cannot be changed based on the changeability information 58 (see FIG. 7 ). Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the changeability information 58 indicates whether the setting value can be changed for a combination of a setting item and the operating environment of the setting destination device 16, the setting change processing unit 68 may not execute the setting change process if the setting value for the combination of the identified differential setting item and the operating environment of the setting destination device 16 cannot be changed. If there are multiple difference setting items, the setting change process is executed if the setting values ​​of all difference setting items can be changed, and if the setting value of even one of them cannot be changed, the setting change process is not executed.

[0056] For example, consider a case where the configurability information 58 has the content shown in FIG. 7 and only "image quality setting" is identified as a difference setting item. In this case, assume that the setting destination device 16 is installed in a coworking space, and the user who inputs a job to the setting destination device 16 is a member of the coworking space. Here, information regarding the installation location of the setting destination device 16 is stored in advance in the memory 52 by an administrator of the setting destination device 16, etc., and the setting change processing unit 68 can obtain the installation location of the setting destination device 16 by referencing this information. Furthermore, the setting change processing unit 68 can determine whether the user is a member of the coworking space based on the user's login information for the setting destination device 16. In this case, the configurability information 58 indicates "O" for the setting item "image quality setting," the installation location "coworking space," and the usage condition "relaxed." Therefore, the setting change processing unit 68 executes a setting change process to change the setting value for the setting item "image quality setting."

[0057] On the other hand, suppose that the settings copy destination device 16 is installed in a coworking space, and the user who input the job to the settings copy destination device 16 is not a member of the coworking space. In this case, the changeability information 58 indicates "x" for the setting item "image quality setting," the installation location "coworking space," and the usage condition "strict," so the settings change processing unit 68 does not change the setting value for the setting item "image quality setting." In other words, the settings change processing is not executed.

[0058] Furthermore, if the setting change processing unit 68 determines based on the changeability information 58 that the user's consent is required to change the setting value for the identified differential setting item, the setting change processing unit 68 outputs an inquiry to the user to obtain the user's consent regarding whether or not the setting value for the differential setting item can be changed, and if the user does not consent to the inquiry, the setting change processing is not executed.

[0059] 7, and only "IPSec" is identified as a differential setting item. In this case, assume that the setting copy destination device 16 is installed in a coworking space, and the user who input the job to the setting copy destination device 16 is a member of the coworking space. In this case, the changeability information 58 indicates "△" for the setting item "IPSec," the installation location "coworking space," and the usage conditions "loose," so the setting change processing unit 68 determines that user consent is required to change the setting value for the setting item "IPSec."

[0060] Therefore, the setting change processing unit 68 outputs an inquiry to the user who sent the job to the setting copy destination device 16 to obtain consent for changing the setting value for the setting item "IPSec." The inquiry may be made, for example, by displaying an inquiry screen on the display 32 of the user terminal 14, or by displaying an inquiry screen on the display of the setting copy destination device 16. The inquiry screen may also be configured to notify the user of the impact of changing the setting value.

[0061] The inquiry screen allows the user to input a response as to whether or not it is OK to change the setting value of the setting item. For example, the inquiry screen displays a text such as "May I change the setting value for the setting item "IPSec?" along with "Yes" and "No" buttons. If the user operates the "Yes" button on the inquiry screen, a signal indicating that the change of the setting value for the setting item is accepted is input to the setting duplication destination device 16. On the other hand, if the user operates the "No" button, a signal indicating that the change of the setting value for the setting item is not accepted is input to the setting duplication destination device 16.

[0062] If the user's response to the inquiry indicates consent, the setting change processing unit 68 executes a setting change process to change the setting value for the setting item "IPSec." On the other hand, if the user's response to the inquiry indicates disapproval, the setting change processing unit 68 does not change the setting value for the setting item "IPSec." In other words, the setting change processing is not executed.

[0063] If the setting change processing unit 68 does not execute the setting change processing, the setting copy destination device 16 may not be able to execute processing related to the job from the user. In view of this, if the setting change processing unit 68 does not execute the setting change processing, the notification unit 72 may notify the user of an alternative job proposal associated with the type of job accepted from the user and the difference setting items whose setting values ​​are not changeable, based on the alternative job information 60.

[0064] For example, assume that the content of the alternative job information 60 is as shown in FIG. 8 , the type of job input by the user to the settings destination device 16 is a server print job, and the setting change processing unit 68 identifies a setting item included in the category "interface settings" as a difference setting item. If the setting change processing unit 68 determines that the setting value for that setting item cannot be changed and does not execute the setting change process, the notification unit 72 refers to the alternative job information 60 and identifies "print from user terminal" associated with the job type "print document stored on server" and the related category "interface settings" as an alternative job. The notification unit 72 then notifies the user of the identified alternative job. As a notification method, for example, a notification screen may be displayed on the display 32 of the user terminal 14, or a notification screen may be displayed on the display of the settings destination device 16.

[0065] This notification allows the user to have the setting destination device 16 execute processing related to the alternative job proposal. In the above example, the user is notified that the setting destination device 16 cannot execute the server print job but can execute the print job sent from the user terminal 14, so the user can download the electronic document related to the print job from the server to the user terminal 14, and then send the print job for the electronic document from the user terminal 14 to the setting destination device 16, and have the setting destination device 16 execute processing related to the print job.

[0066] In addition, when the setting change processing unit 68 does not execute the setting change processing, the notification unit 72 may notify the user of an alternative information processing device that can execute processing related to the job accepted from the user based on the alternative device information 62.

[0067] 9, and the type of job input by the user to the settings destination device 16 is color copy. If the setting change processing unit 68 determines that the setting value for the difference setting item cannot be changed and does not execute the setting change process, the notification unit 72 refers to the alternative device information 62 and identifies "information processing device A" and "information processing device B" associated with the job type "color copy" as alternative information processing devices. The notification unit 72 then notifies the user of the identified alternative information processing devices. As with the alternative job, the notification method may be, for example, displaying a notification screen on the display 32 of the user terminal 14, or displaying a notification screen on the display of the settings destination device 16.

[0068] This notification allows the user to have the alternative information processing device execute the processing related to the job. In the above example, although the setting copy destination device 16 is unable to execute color copying, the user is notified of an alternative information processing device that can execute color copying, and the user can input the job into the notified alternative information processing device to have the alternative information processing device execute the processing related to the color copy job.

[0069] The outline of the configuration of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment has been described above. The flow of processing by the settings copy destination device 16 will now be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0070] In step S10, the receiving unit 66 receives the setting information 24 that the user terminal 14 has acquired from the setting copy source device 12 from the user terminal 14. The setting copy destination device 16 also receives a job corresponding to the setting information 24 from the user.

[0071] In step S12, the setting change processing unit 68 identifies the type of job accepted in step S10 and identifies the related setting items of the job based on the related setting item information 56. Then, the setting change processing unit 68 references the setting information 24 accepted in step S10 and the setting information 54 indicating the current setting contents of the setting copy destination device 16, and identifies differential setting items from among the related setting items. Note that if there are no differential setting items, the setting change processing unit 68 does not change the contents of the setting information 54, and the job processing unit 70 executes the job accepted in step S10, ending the processing.

[0072] In step S14, the setting change processing unit 68 determines whether the setting value of the difference setting item identified in step S12 can be changed or whether user consent is required to change the setting value of the difference setting item, based on the changeability information 58. If the setting value of the difference setting item can be changed, the process proceeds to step S20 without performing the processes of steps S16 and S18. If user consent is required to change the setting value of the difference setting item, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0073] In step S16, the setting change processing unit 68 outputs an inquiry to the user to obtain the user's consent regarding whether or not to change the setting value for the difference setting item for which it was determined in step S14 that the user's consent is required for changing the setting value. Then, the setting change processing unit 68 determines whether or not the user consents to the inquiry. If the user consents, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0074] In step S18, the setting change processing unit 68 stores the setting contents of the setting copy destination device 16 before the change, i.e., the setting information 54 before the change, in the memory 52. ​​Next, the setting change processing unit 68 executes setting change processing to change the setting values ​​of the related setting items (more specifically, the differential setting items) to the setting values ​​of the setting information 24 acquired from the setting copy source device 12.

[0075] In step S20, the job processing section 70 executes processing related to the job accepted in step S10 using the settings changed by the setting change processing section 68 in step S18.

[0076] In step S22, the setting change processing unit 68 restores the contents of the setting information 54 changed in step S18 to the setting information 54 before change that was stored in the memory 52 in step S18, and ends the process.

[0077] If the setting value of the difference setting item cannot be changed in step S14, or if the user does not agree in step S16, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0078] In step S24, the notification unit 72 notifies the user of an alternative job proposal associated with the type of job accepted from the user in step S10 and the difference setting items whose setting values ​​are determined not to be changeable, based on the alternative job information 60. Alternatively, the notification unit 72 notifies the user of an alternative information processing device that can execute processing related to the job accepted from the user in step S10, based on the alternative device information 62, and then ends the process.

[0079] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0080] For example, in this embodiment, the related setting item information 56, the changeability information 58, the alternative job information 60, and the alternative device information 62 are stored in the memory 52 of the setting duplication destination device 16, but these pieces of information may also be stored in another device accessible from the setting duplication destination device 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 Information processing system, 12 Setting copy source device, 14 User terminal, 16 Setting copy destination device, 18a, 18b Communication line, 20, 30, 50 Communication interface, 22, 36, 52 Memory, 24, 54 Setting information, 26, 38, 64 Processor, 32 Display, 34 Input interface, 40 Setting information acquisition unit, 42 Transmission processing unit, 56 Related setting item information, 58 Changeability information, 60 Alternative job information, 62 Alternative device information, 66 Receiving unit, 68 Setting change processing unit, 70 Job processing unit, 72 Notification unit.

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: receiving, from a user terminal used by a user who causes his / her own device to execute the process related to the processing request, setting information indicating setting contents of another information processing device known to the user; executes a setting change process for changing the setting content of the device itself to the setting content indicated by the setting information prior to executing the process related to the processing request received from the user; the setting contents of the other information processing device and the setting contents of the own device include a plurality of setting values ​​for a plurality of setting items; The processor: not changing setting values ​​of setting items other than the related setting items that are related to the processing related to the processing request received from the user, among the setting contents of the own device, based on related setting item information that indicates the relationship between the type of processing request and the setting items related to the processing related to the processing request; 1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The processor: Identifying a difference setting item, which is a setting item whose setting value in the setting content of the own device before the change differs from the setting value indicated by the setting information, among the related setting items; If the setting value for the difference setting item cannot be changed based on changeability information indicating whether the setting value for each setting item can be changed, the setting change process is not executed.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. the changeability information indicates whether a setting value can be changed for a combination of a setting item and a usage environment of the information processing device; The processor: If it is not possible to change the setting value for the combination of the difference setting item and the usage environment of the device itself, the setting change process is not executed.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:

4. The changeability information indicates, for each setting item, whether a setting value can be changed or whether user consent is required to change the setting value; The processor: If a user's consent is required to change the setting value for the difference setting item, an inquiry is output to the user to obtain the user's consent regarding whether or not the setting value for the difference setting item can be changed, and if the user does not consent to the inquiry, the setting change process is not executed.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:

5. The processor: When the setting change process is not executed, based on alternative processing request information in which the type of processing request, the setting items related to the processing related to the processing request, and the alternative processing request proposal in the case where the setting value of the setting item cannot be changed are associated, notify the user of the type of processing request received from the user and the alternative processing request proposal associated with the difference setting item whose setting value cannot be changed.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

6. The processor: notifying the user of an alternative information processing device capable of executing the process related to the processing request received from the user, when the setting change process is not executed, based on the type of the processing request and alternative device information associated with an alternative information processing device capable of executing the process related to the processing request; 5. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

7. The processor: The settings of the device before the change are retained, changing the setting content of the device itself, executing the process related to the processing request received from the user, and then restoring the setting content of the device itself to the setting content before the change; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

8. On the computer, receiving, from a user terminal used by a user who causes his / her own device to execute the process related to the processing request, setting information indicating setting contents of another information processing device known by the user; executes a setting change process for changing the setting content of the device itself to the setting content indicated by the setting information prior to execution of the process related to the processing request received from the user; the setting contents of the other information processing device and the setting contents of the own device include a plurality of setting values ​​for a plurality of setting items; and the computer further causes the setting values ​​of setting items other than the related setting items, which are setting items related to the processing related to the processing request received from the user, not to be changed among the setting contents of the own device, based on related setting item information indicating the relationship between the type of processing request and the setting items related to the processing related to the processing request. An information processing program characterized by:

9. An information processing system including an information processing device and a user terminal used by a user who causes the information processing device to execute a process related to a processing request, The user terminal The user transmits setting information indicating setting contents of another known information processing device to the information processing device; The information processing device includes: executes a setting change process for changing the setting content of the device itself to the setting content indicated by the setting information prior to executing the process related to the processing request received from the user; the setting contents of the other information processing device and the setting contents of the own device include a plurality of setting values ​​for a plurality of setting items; not changing setting values ​​of setting items other than the related setting items that are related to the processing related to the processing request received from the user, among the setting contents of the own device, based on related setting item information that indicates the relationship between the type of processing request and the setting items related to the processing related to the processing request; An information processing system comprising:

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