Equipment, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

To reduce the burden of device setup work.SOLUTION: A device provided herein comprises a setup unit for setting initial values for any of multiple setting items, and a screen display unit configured to display a screen for receiving setting values for the setting items, distinguishing between setting item with initial values and setting items without initial values.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Before a device such as an image forming apparatus can be used by reaching the user, initial settings for the device are required in each process such as during assembly at the factory, when being carried into warehouses in various regions, when being installed by an engineer, and when the user performs the first operation.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, since the settings performed in each process vary depending on the region and the like, it has been difficult for the user to determine the setting items to be set by the user at the time of the first operation. As a result, there has been a problem that the setting work for the device by the user becomes complicated.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to reduce the burden of setting work for a device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, a device includes a setting unit that records, in a storage unit, information indicating that setting changes for a setting item for which an initial value has been set in any one of a plurality of processes for setting before the first operation by the user of the destination of the device are not necessary; a screen for receiving a setting value for a setting item for which the information is recorded in the storage unit at the time of the first operation by the user; and a screen display unit that displays a screen for receiving a setting value for a setting item by distinguishing a setting item for which the information is not recorded in the storage unit. Among the settings items, those for which it was confirmed that no change from the initial value is required. Furthermore, the screen display unit does not display a screen for receiving setting values ​​for setting items for which the information is recorded in the storage unit, but displays a first screen for receiving setting values ​​to change the initial values ​​of setting items for which the initial values ​​are set but for which the information is not stored in the storage unit, and a second screen for receiving setting values ​​for setting items for which the initial values ​​are not set. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This can reduce the burden of setting up equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This sequence diagram illustrates an example of a processing procedure performed by the image forming apparatus 10 regarding the settings in the preceding process. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the initial value setting screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example configuration of the setting management information storage unit 133. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a setting item for which an initial value is set in each preceding process. [Figure 7] This flowchart illustrates an example of the processing procedure performed by the image forming apparatus 10 regarding the initial settings made by the user. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of screen transitions for the image forming apparatus 10 during the initial setup by the user. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 has hardware such as a controller 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, a modem 14, an operation panel 15, a network interface 16, and an SD card slot 17.

[0009] The controller 11 includes a CPU 111, RAM 112, ROM 113, HDD 114, and NVRAM 115. ROM 113 stores various programs and data used by those programs. RAM 112 is used as a memory area for loading programs and as a work area for loaded programs. The CPU 111 implements various functions by processing the programs loaded into RAM 112. HDD 114 stores programs and various data used by those programs. NVRAM 115 stores various configuration information.

[0010] The scanner 12 is hardware (image reading means) for reading image data from a document. The printer 13 is hardware (printing means) for printing print data onto printing paper. The modem 14 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line and is used to send and receive image data via fax communication. The operation panel 15 is an information processing terminal equipped with input means such as buttons for receiving input from the user, and display means such as an LCD panel. For example, a tablet terminal may be used as the operation panel 15. The LCD panel may have a touch panel function. In this case, the LCD panel also functions as an input means. The network interface 16 is hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The SD card slot 17 is used to read programs stored on the SD card 80. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10, not only programs stored in the ROM 113 but also programs stored on the SD card 80 can be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed. Furthermore, the SD card 80 may be replaced by other recording media (for example, a CD-ROM or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). In other words, the type of recording media that corresponds to the position of the SD card 80 is not limited to a predetermined one. In this case, the SD card slot 17 may be replaced by hardware corresponding to the type of recording media.

[0011] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, the controller 11 has a main unit setting storage unit 131. The main unit setting storage unit 131 can be implemented using, for example, an HDD 114 or an NVRAM 115.

[0012] The operation panel 15 includes an initial setting unit 121, an information and communication unit 122, a setting management unit 123, and a screen display unit 124, etc. Each of these units is realized by processing that one or more programs installed on the operation panel 15 cause the CPU 1 of the operation panel 15 to execute. The operation panel 15 also includes a panel setting storage unit 132 and a setting management information storage unit 133. Each of these storage units can be realized using the auxiliary storage device of the operation panel 15.

[0013] The main unit setting storage unit 131 stores setting values ​​for each setting item (hereinafter referred to as "main unit setting item") related to the controller 11 (the main unit side of the image forming apparatus 10).

[0014] The information and communication unit 122 detects the setting (initial setting or update) of setting values ​​for setting items in the main unit setting storage unit 131 through asynchronous communication with the controller 11. When the information and communication unit 122 detects the setting of any setting item, it notifies the setting management unit 123 of the ID of the setting item (hereinafter referred to as "item ID") and the setting value set for that setting item.

[0015] The panel setting storage unit 132 stores setting values ​​for each setting item related to the operation panel 15 (hereinafter referred to as "panel setting item").

[0016] The setting management unit 123 detects the setting (initial setting or update) of the setting value for the setting items in the panel setting storage unit 132. When the setting management unit 123 detects the setting of the setting item, it records the management information related to the setting (hereinafter referred to as "setting management information") in the setting management information storage unit 133. The setting management unit 123 also records the setting management information related to the setting related to the notification in the setting management information storage unit 133 in response to the notification from the information communication unit 122.

[0017] The setting management information storage unit 133 stores the setting management information for each setting item.

[0018] The screen display unit 124 displays a screen for allowing the user to set a value for the setting item. At this time, the screen display unit 124 displays the screen so as to reduce the work load of the user based on the setting management information stored in the setting management information storage unit 133. Specifically, the screen display unit 124 displays the screen by distinguishing between the setting items with the initial value set and the setting items without the initial value set.

[0019] Hereinafter, the processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the processing procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 10 regarding the setting in the previous process. Here, the previous process refers to a process in which settings are made for the image forming apparatus 10 before the first operation by the user of the destination of the image forming apparatus 10 (hereinafter, this first operation is referred to as the "user process"). Examples of the previous process include during assembly at the factory, when being transported to warehouses in each region, when being installed by an engineer, etc. In these previous processes, initial values are set for the setting items that require settings in the previous process. Hereinafter, the person who performs the setting operation on the image forming apparatus 10 in the previous process is referred to as the "operator".

[0020] In step S100, the initial setting unit 121 receives the setting of the initial value for the setting items on the main body side via the initial value setting screen. The initial value setting screen is a screen for receiving the setting of the initial value in the previous process, and is displayed by the initial setting unit 121 on, for example, the operation panel 15 or a terminal communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the initial value setting screen. As shown in FIG. 4, the initial value setting screen 510 is a screen on which the input of the initial value and the setting completion flag can be performed for each setting item. The setting completion flag is information indicating whether the setting has been completed (the necessity of setting in subsequent processes). The setting item for which the setting completion flag is checked (the setting completion flag is true) indicates that the setting has been completed (no setting change is required in the subsequent previous process or user process). The setting item for which the setting completion flag is not checked (the setting completion flag is false) indicates that the setting is not necessarily completed or determined (a setting change may be made (the setting change is possible) in the subsequent previous process or user process).

[0022] The operator sets the initial value for the setting items to be set in the previous process for which the operator is in charge. If there are setting items for which the setting has been completed (no setting change is required in the subsequent previous process or user process) among the setting items for which the initial value has been set, the operator checks (turns on) the setting completion flag for the setting item. In other words, the setting completion flag for the setting items for which a setting change is required in the subsequent previous process or user process among the setting items for which the initial value has been set remains false.

[0023] Subsequently, the initial setting unit 121 records the setting information including the initial value set for the main body setting item, the initial value set for the main body setting item, and the setting completion flag set for the main body setting item, etc. in association with the item ID of the main body setting item in the main body setting storage unit 131 (S111).

[0024] The information and communication unit 122, for example, in response to the detection of an update event to the main unit setting storage unit 131, obtains the item ID, initial value, and setting completion flag of the main unit setting item that has been set from the main unit setting storage unit 131 (S112). Subsequently, the information and communication unit 122 notifies the setting management unit 123 of the obtained item ID, initial value, and setting completion flag (S113). The setting management unit 123 records the initial value, setting completion flag, setting date and time, and setting user information in the setting management information storage unit 133, corresponding to the notified item ID (S114).

[0025] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the setting management information storage unit 133. As shown in Figure 5, the setting management information storage unit 133 has a configuration that allows it to store setting management information for each setting item, including the item ID, setting value, setting date and time, setting user information, and setting completion flag.

[0026] The item ID is pre-stored for all setting items. That is, the initial state of the setting management information storage unit 133 includes an empty record for each item ID of all setting items. The setting value is the initial value here. The setting date and time is the date and time when the setting was made. For example, the current date and time may be recorded as the setting date and time. The setting user information is the identification information of the person who made the setting. For example, the setting user information may be identified from the login information of the current worker.

[0027] On the other hand, for panel setting items for which an initial value has been set, the initial setting unit 121 records setting information, including the initial value set for the panel setting item and the setting completion flag set for the panel setting item, in the panel setting storage unit 132, corresponding to the item ID of the panel setting item (S121).

[0028] The setting management unit 123, for example, in response to the detection of an update event to the panel setting storage unit 132, retrieves the item ID, initial value, and setting completion flag of the panel setting item that has been set from the panel setting storage unit 132 (S122). The setting management unit 123 records the retrieved item ID, initial value, and setting completion flag, along with setting date and time and setting user information, as setting management information in the setting management information storage unit 133 (S123).

[0029] Note that the main unit settings and the panel settings may be set separately by the operator. In this case, the controller 11 may also have an initial setting unit 121. That is, step S111 may be performed by the initial setting unit 121 of the controller 11.

[0030] By the way, in the preceding process, settings are not necessarily made for all setting items. For example, Figure 6 shows an example of setting items for which initial values ​​are set in each preceding process.

[0031] Figure 6 shows an example of settings that need to be configured before the image forming apparatus 10 can be used, including time settings, date settings, region settings, firmware automatic update settings, IP address settings, and proxy settings.

[0032] Figure 6 shows an example where regional settings are performed during factory assembly. In this case, the processing procedure shown in Figure 3 is executed for regional settings during factory assembly, and setting management information for the regional settings is recorded in the setting management information storage unit 133.

[0033] Furthermore, when the equipment is brought into the warehouse, the processing procedure shown in Figure 3 is executed for setting the time, date, and region, and setting management information related to these setting items is recorded in the setting management information storage unit 133.

[0034] Furthermore, during engineer installation, the processing procedure shown in Figure 3 is executed for time setting, date setting, region setting, and firmware automatic update setting, and setting management information for these setting items is recorded in the setting management information storage unit 133.

[0035] Furthermore, if the same setting item is set in a step prior to a certain previous step, the setting management information recorded in the previous step may be overwritten by the setting management information recorded in the current previous step.

[0036] Next, we will explain the processing steps that the image forming apparatus 10 performs when it arrives at the user's location and is set up for the first time by the user. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps that the image forming apparatus 10 performs for the first time by the user. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the screen transitions of the image forming apparatus 10 during the first setup by the user.

[0037] In response to a predetermined operation by the user, the screen display unit 124 obtains a list of setting management information for the setting items set in the previous step from the setting management information storage unit 133 (S201). The relevant setting management information is setting management information in which the setting date and time and the person who set the setting are recorded.

[0038] In this case, the screen display unit 124 may, for example, display the progress screen 520 shown in Figure 8 on the operation panel 15.

[0039] Next, the screen display unit 124 removes setting management information for which the setting completion flag is true (i.e., setting management information relating to setting items for which user changes are not required) from the acquired list of setting management information (S202). Hereinafter, the list of setting management information from which the setting completion flag is true has been removed will be referred to as the "list of settings that can be changed".

[0040] Next, the screen display unit 124 displays a setting confirmation screen 530 (Figure 8) for each setting item related to the list of changeable settings (hereinafter referred to as "changeable setting items"), including the item name and initial value (S203). On the setting confirmation screen 530, it is possible to change the setting value from the initial value for each changeable setting item. Here, changeable setting items are setting items other than those that were determined in the previous step not to require user setting changes. In other words, setting items that were determined in the previous step not to require user setting are not displayed on the setting confirmation screen 530. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally changing the setting value of such setting items and to simplify the setting work during the user's first operation.

[0041] If the user presses the OK button 531 without making any setting changes (No in S204), the process proceeds to step S206.

[0042] On the other hand, if the user changes the setting value of any configurable item (Yes in S204), the screen display unit 124 notifies the setting management unit 123 of the item ID of the configurable item whose setting value has been changed and the changed setting value. Figure 8 shows an example where the regional setting has been changed. If the setting item related to the item ID is a panel setting item, the setting management unit 123 changes the setting value stored in the panel setting item storage unit that is associated with the item ID (S205). Alternatively, if the setting item related to the item ID is a main unit setting item, the setting value stored in the main unit setting item storage unit that is associated with the item ID is changed (S205). The process proceeds from step S205 to step S206.

[0043] In step S206, the screen display unit 124 obtains a list of setting management information that has not been set in the previous step (setting value, setting date and time, and setting person are not recorded) from the setting management information storage unit 133.

[0044] Next, the screen display unit 124 accepts input of setting values ​​for each setting item in the list from the user (S207). For example, Figure 8 shows an example of the display of the setting screen 540 for IP address settings, which is one of the setting items. That is, the screen display unit 124 displays the setting screen for each setting item in the list in order and accepts input of the setting value for that setting item. Alternatively, the screen display unit 124 may display a single setting screen to accept input of setting values ​​for all setting items in the list.

[0045] Next, the screen display unit 124 reflects (registers) the setting values ​​entered in step S207 to the panel setting storage unit 132 or the main unit setting storage unit 131 via the setting management unit 123, etc. (S208).

[0046] Furthermore, the setting management unit 123 also records setting management information for setting items that were set in step S205 and step S208 in the setting management information storage unit 133 at each respective timing. In this case, the user's identification information is recorded for the person who made the setting. The setting management information recorded in step S205 is information indicating that the initial value has been changed. Therefore, for example, if a problem occurs due to a setting change made during the user's first operation, the setting items that were changed during the user's first operation can be narrowed down from the person who made the setting and the date and time of the setting management information, and the cause can be analyzed efficiently.

[0047] As described above, according to this embodiment, setting items that have been set in the previous step and setting items that have not been set are distinguished and displayed (distinguished on the setting confirmation screen 530 and the setting screen 540, etc.). Therefore, the user can recognize that they do not need to set setting items that have been set in the previous step, and that they only need to perform setting work on setting items that have not been set in the previous step. As a result, the burden of setting work on the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

[0048] Note that the devices to be configured may be devices other than the image forming apparatus 10. For example, this embodiment may be applied to devices such as PJ (Projector), IWB (Interactive White Board), digital signage output devices, HUD (Head Up Display) devices, industrial machinery, imaging devices, sound collection devices, medical equipment, network home appliances, notebook PCs (Personal Computers), mobile phones, smartphones, tablet devices, game consoles, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), digital cameras, wearable PCs, or desktop PCs.

[0049] Furthermore, each function of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0050] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is an example of equipment. The initial setting unit 121 is an example of a setting unit. The setting management unit 123 is an example of a recording unit.

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Controllers 12 Scanners 13 Printers 14 Modem 15. Control Panel 16 Network Interfaces 17 SD card slots 80 SD cards 111 CPU 112 RAM 113 ROM 114 HDD 115 NVRAM 121 Initial setting section 122 Information and Communications Department 123 Settings Management Department 124 Screen display section 131 Main unit setting memory section 132 Panel setting memory unit 133 Setting management information storage section [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0053] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-123235

Claims

1. It is a device, A setting unit records in a storage unit information indicating that no setting change is necessary for setting items that have been received to require a change from their initial value, among multiple setting items, in one of the multiple setting steps performed before the initial operation by the user at the equipment delivery site. During the initial operation by the user, a screen display unit displays a screen for accepting setting values ​​for setting items for which the information is recorded in the storage unit, and a screen for accepting setting values ​​for setting items for which the information is not recorded in the storage unit, distinguishing between these two types of setting items. It has, The screen display unit does not display a screen for receiving setting values ​​for setting items for which the information is recorded in the storage unit, but displays a first screen for receiving setting values ​​to change the initial values ​​for setting items for which the initial values ​​are set but for which the information is not stored in the storage unit, and a second screen for receiving setting values ​​for setting items for which the initial values ​​are not set. A device characterized by the following features.

2. When the initial value of any setting item is changed via the first screen, a recording unit records information indicating that the initial value has been changed. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by having the following features.

3. The device, A setting procedure that records information in a storage unit indicating that no setting change is necessary for setting items that have been set to an initial value in one of the multiple setting steps performed before the initial operation by the user at the equipment delivery site, and for setting items for which it has been confirmed that no change from the initial value is necessary. A screen display procedure that, during the initial operation by the user, distinguishes between setting items for which the information is recorded in the storage unit and setting items for which the information is not recorded in the storage unit, and displays a screen for accepting setting values ​​for the setting items, Execute, The aforementioned screen display procedure does not display a screen for receiving setting values ​​for setting items for which the information is recorded in the storage unit, but displays a first screen for receiving setting values ​​to change the initial values ​​for setting items for which an initial value has been set but for which the information is not stored in the storage unit, and a second screen for receiving setting values ​​for setting items for which an initial value has not been set. An information processing method characterized by the following:

4. The device, A setting procedure that records information in a storage unit indicating that no setting change is necessary for setting items that have been set to an initial value in one of the multiple setting steps performed before the initial operation by the user at the equipment delivery site, and for setting items for which it has been confirmed that no change from the initial value is necessary. A screen display procedure that, during the initial operation by the user, distinguishes between setting items for which the information is recorded in the storage unit and setting items for which the information is not recorded in the storage unit, and displays a screen for accepting setting values ​​for the setting items, Make it run, The aforementioned screen display procedure does not display a screen for receiving setting values ​​for setting items for which the information is recorded in the storage unit, but displays a first screen for receiving setting values ​​to change the initial values ​​for setting items for which an initial value has been set but for which the information is not stored in the storage unit, and a second screen for receiving setting values ​​for setting items for which an initial value has not been set. A program characterized by the following features.

Images