JP2007329637A - Device setting support system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the hassle of preparing a program to be installed in an editing apparatus for each model in order to edit setting contents of a setting destination apparatus.
A multifunction device (1) provides a setting definition file storage unit (12) for storing a setting definition file including setting definition information of the device itself, and a PC (2) for reading the setting definition file and editing the setting contents of the multifunction device. And a file request unit 25 that obtains a setting definition file from the multifunction device, and the editing result is reflected and the PC is adapted to the multifunction device based on the setting definition information obtained from the multifunction device. A setting information generation unit 28 that generates setting information and a file transmission unit 31 that provides a setting content file including the setting information obtained here to the multi-function peripheral. In the setting content file acquired from the PC by the multi-function peripheral Based on the setting information, the setting update processing of the own apparatus is performed.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a device setting support system in which setting contents of a setting destination device are edited by an editing device.

Since devices such as printers, facsimile machines, and multifunction peripherals have various functions to enhance convenience and have a wide variety of setting items, settings are troublesome when operating the operation panel provided with the device. If such a setting operation is performed on a PC having excellent operability, the setting operation can be made more efficient. Therefore, a technique is known in which an application program for device setting is introduced into a PC connected to the device to be set up via the network, and the setting contents of the device are edited by the PC (see Patent Document 1). ).
JP 2004-192131 A

  However, in the conventional technology, because the specifications regarding the setting, for example, the type of setting item, the input condition for each setting item, and the mutual relationship between the setting items are different for each model, the same application cannot be used. It is necessary to prepare a dedicated application for each model, and the manufacturer needs to develop a new application corresponding to the new model. On the other hand, each time a model is added, a different application is required on the user side. Troublesome to introduce.

  In addition, when a new device is introduced, it is possible to set a new device by diverting the settings of a device that is already in operation. Although it can be simplified, it is convenient. However, as described above, since the specifications regarding the setting are different for each model, it is not easy to transfer the setting contents to another model.

  The present invention has been devised in order to solve such problems of the prior art, and its main purpose is to model a program installed in the editing apparatus in order to edit the setting contents of the setting destination apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus setting support system configured so that it is not necessary to prepare for each apparatus and the setting contents of a set apparatus can be diverted to another model.

  The present invention includes a setting destination device and an editing device that edits the setting contents, and the setting destination device stores setting definition information that defines conditions on the format of the setting information of the own device; Means for reading setting definition information from the setting device and providing the setting definition information to the editing device. The editing device reflects setting results from the setting destination device and obtains the setting definition information from the setting destination device. Means for creating setting information suitable for the setting destination device based on the setting definition information, and means for providing the setting information obtained here to the setting destination device. The configuration is such that setting update processing for updating the setting state of the own device is performed based on the setting information acquired from the device.

  The present invention further includes a setting destination device, an editing device that edits the setting content, and a setting source device that is a setting source of the setting destination device, and the setting source device stores setting information of the own device. Means for providing to the editing device, wherein the setting destination device stores setting definition information for defining conditions on the format of the setting information of the own device, and reads the setting definition information from this to provide to the editing device Based on the setting information acquired from the setting source device, the means for acquiring setting information from the setting source device, the means for acquiring setting definition information from the setting destination device, Means for creating setting information that reflects the editing result based on the setting contents of the setting source device and that matches the setting destination device based on the setting definition information acquired from the setting destination device, and obtained here Setting information And a setting update process for updating the setting state of the own apparatus based on the setting information acquired from the editing apparatus. .

  According to the present invention, since the setting information suitable for the setting destination device is created according to the setting definition information acquired from the setting destination device, the device can be set with the same program regardless of the model of the setting destination device. it can. For this reason, there is no need to prepare a different program for each model, and there is no need for development on the manufacturer side and troublesome introduction on the user side regarding the program corresponding to the new model. A great effect is obtained in improving convenience. Further, according to the present invention, since the setting information is created based on the setting information acquired from the setting source device, the setting contents of the setting source device can be diverted to the setting destination device of a different model, and the setting work can be performed. A great effect can be obtained in improving efficiency.

  A first invention made to solve the above-described problem has a setting destination device and an editing device that edits the setting contents, and the setting destination device satisfies the formal condition of the setting information of the own device. Means for storing setting definition information to be defined, means for reading out setting definition information from this and providing it to the editing device, wherein the editing device acquires setting definition information from the setting destination device; And means for creating setting information suitable for the setting destination device based on the setting definition information acquired from the setting destination device, and means for providing the setting information obtained here to the setting destination device. The setting destination device is configured to perform a setting update process for updating the setting state of the own device based on the setting information acquired from the editing device.

  According to this, since the setting information suitable for the setting destination apparatus is created according to the setting definition information acquired from the setting destination apparatus, the apparatus can be set with the same program regardless of the model of the setting destination apparatus. For this reason, it is not necessary to prepare a different program for each model, eliminating the trouble of development on the manufacturer side and the troublesome introduction on the user side regarding the program corresponding to the new model.

  In this case, the setting definition information is information relating to the types of setting items that can be set by the user, input conditions (character types, the number of characters) for each setting item, and interrelationships between setting items. The editing apparatus can be realized by introducing an application program for apparatus setting into a general-purpose information processing apparatus.

  Further, the editing device may be configured to include screen control means for creating a device setting screen based on the setting definition information. Further, the editing apparatus may be configured to acquire setting information of the setting destination apparatus together with the setting definition information and display the setting information on the apparatus setting screen. This makes it easy to edit settings by displaying the current setting information when the setting destination device is already in operation, and displaying the default setting information when the setting destination device is newly installed. become.

  A second invention made to solve the above-described problems includes a setting destination device, an editing device that edits the setting contents, and a setting source device that is a setting source of the setting destination device, and the setting The source apparatus includes means for providing the setting information of the own apparatus to the editing apparatus, and the setting destination apparatus stores means for storing setting definition information that defines a format condition of the setting information of the own apparatus, and setting from now on Means for reading definition information and providing it to the editing device, wherein the editing device acquires setting information from the setting source device, means for acquiring setting definition information from the setting destination device, and the setting Setting information that reflects the editing result based on the setting contents of the setting source device based on the setting information acquired from the source device and that matches the setting destination device based on the setting definition information acquired from the setting destination device Create And a means for providing the setting information obtained here to the setting destination device, wherein the setting destination device updates the setting state of the own device based on the setting information acquired from the editing device. The update process is performed.

  According to this, in order to create setting information adapted to the setting destination device according to the setting definition information acquired from the setting destination device, regardless of the model of the setting destination device, the device can be set with the same application, Particularly, since the setting information is created based on the setting information acquired from the setting source device, the setting contents of the setting source device can be diverted to the setting destination device of a different model.

  In this case, the editing device verifies whether the setting information is compatible with the setting destination device without any problem in the format by comparing the setting information reflecting the editing result with the setting definition information of the setting destination. A configuration provided with means is preferable. Furthermore, if the verification fails there, that is, if the setting information is incorrect, based on the setting definition information of the setting destination, the problematic part, that is, the part that needs to be added or changed is presented to the operator. It is preferable that a notification for prompting correction be made.

  In addition, the setting destination device also has means for verifying whether the setting information is compatible with the own device without any format problem by comparing the setting information acquired from the editing device with the setting definition information of the own device. It is preferable that the configuration update process based on the authentication information acquired from the editing apparatus is rejected when the verification fails.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, in the first and second aspects, provided data including setting definition information provided from the setting destination device to the editing device is data in a schema language. The structure is a defined configuration.

  According to this, since it is possible to determine an error in the transmission data with reference to the description in the schema language, it is possible to accurately acquire the setting definition information.

  In this case, transmission data (setting definition file) including setting definition information is preferably described in, for example, an XML schema. The transmission data (setting content file) including setting information may be described in XML (Extensible Markup Language).

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, in the first and second aspects of the invention, the editing apparatus sets authentication information together with setting information to determine whether or not the setting destination apparatus has a setting authority. Provided to the destination device, the setting destination device rejects the setting update processing based on the setting information when the authentication based on the authentication information acquired from the editing device fails.

  According to this, unauthorized setting can be prevented.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, in the first and second aspects of the invention, the editing device acquires each setting definition information from a plurality of the setting destination devices, and the setting definition information. Based on the above, setting information suitable for each of the plurality of setting destination devices is created, and the setting information is provided to the plurality of setting destination devices.

  According to this, since a plurality of devices can be set at once, the setting operation can be made more efficient.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a multifunction device setting support system to which the present invention is applied. In this system, a multifunction device 1 and a PC 2 for editing the setting contents of the multifunction device 1 are connected to a network, and a device setting application that operates on a required OS is installed in the PC 2.

  The example shown in FIG. 1A is a case of single setting for one multifunction device 1. The PC 2 acquires a setting definition file and a setting content file from the multifunction device 1 to be set, and the PC 2 After the setting contents are edited by the operator, the setting contents file reflecting the editing result is sent to the MFP 1 to be set, and the setting contents file received from the PC 2 by the MFP 1 is sent to the setting contents file. Based on this, processing for updating the setting state of the own apparatus is performed.

  The example shown in FIG. 1B is a case where the setting contents of the already set multifunction device 1 are transferred to another multifunction device 1, and the setting definition file and the setting contents are sent from the setting source and setting destination multifunction device 1 to the PC 2. After the file is acquired and the setting contents are edited by the operator on the PC 2, a setting contents file reflecting the editing result is created in a format suitable for the setting destination MFP 1 and the setting destination file is created. Processing for updating the setting state of the own apparatus is performed based on the setting content file sent from the PC 2 to the multifunction device 1 that is the setting destination.

  2 and 3 show an example of the setting definition file provided to the PC 2 from the multifunction device 1 shown in FIG. This setting definition file is described in XML, and in the XML instance following the XML declaration and the XML namespace declaration, setting item name, setting type (character string, numerical value, IP address, bit string, binary), The settable numerical value range, settable character type, dependency between settings, maximum / minimum number of characters that can be set, initial value, and the like are described.

  The setting definition information is information related to the format of the setting information based on the specifications of the own device, and a format condition is specified for each setting item. For example, FIG. 2 shows a part related to the network. In the setting items of the IP address, DNS server, gateway, and subnet mask, the identification name (label), format (format), and setting range (bottom and top) are shown. ) Is specified. In the setting item of DHCP, a setting method by two choices of “Yes” and “No” regarding the use of DHCP is specified.

  FIG. 3 shows a part related to the address book. The destination identification name (name), the display character (button) of the destination designation button displayed on the display input unit (touch panel display) of the multifunction device 1, and the destination designation button In each setting item of the tab display character (table of contents) and destination address (telephone number and mail address) to switch the address selection screen where is arranged, the identification name (label), the number of characters (length), and the character type (character) are It is specified. In the setting item of the line type, a setting method by selecting one of “automatic”, “line 1”, “line 2”, and “---” is designated.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the setting definition file provided to the PC 2 from the multifunction device 1 shown in FIG. In this setting definition file, the data structure is defined by a schema language, here, XML Schema, and XML elements, that is, how the setting definition information is arranged and possible values are defined. In addition, as a schema language for describing a schema, DTD (Document Type Definition), RELAX (REgular Language Description for XML), XML Data Reduced, and the like are also possible. In FIG. 4, although the specific description of the setting definition information is omitted, the setting definition information having the same contents as the setting definition file shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is described.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a setting content file exchanged between the multifunction device 1 and the PC 2 shown in FIG. This setting contents file is described in XML. First, a password (authentication information) is described in an XML instance following the XML declaration and the XML namespace declaration. Subsequently, setting contents for each setting item are described as setting information. Has been.

  The password is used to determine whether or not the setting content file has a valid setting authority when the MFP 1 performs setting update processing based on the setting content file acquired from the PC 2. It is preferable to describe a character string obtained by encrypting and converting a specified password character string according to a specific rule.

  The setting information is a specific value (a character string, a parameter value, etc.) indicating a setting content that is referred to when each process such as printing or facsimile communication is executed in the multifunction device 1, and a value is described for each setting item. Is done. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the setting information includes values that are setting contents for each setting item of the IP address, DNS server, gateway, subnet mask, and DHCP related to the network. A value which is a setting content is described for each setting item of a button, a table of contents, a telephone number / mail address, and a line type.

  The setting content file can be configured to select and set only some setting items in addition to setting all setting items at once.

  6 and 7 are block diagrams showing schematic configurations of the multifunction machine 1 and the PC 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows the case of single setting for one multifunction device 1 as shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 7 shows the setting as shown in FIG. A case of diversion setting for diverting the setting contents of the already-used multi-function machine 1 to another multi-function machine 1 is shown.

  The MFP 1 includes a setting information storage unit 12, a setting definition file storage unit 13, a setting content file creation unit 14, a file transmission unit 15, a file reception unit 16, a setting information verification unit 17, a response transmission unit 18, and an authentication unit 19. have.

  The setting information storage unit 12 stores the current setting information of the own device. The setting definition file storage unit 13 stores a setting definition file in which setting definition information of the own device is stored. The setting content file creation unit 14 creates a setting content file based on the current setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 12. The file transmission unit 15 transmits a setting definition file and a setting content file to the PC 2 in response to a transmission request from the PC 2.

  The file receiving unit 16 receives the setting content file transmitted from the PC 2. The setting information verification unit 17 verifies whether the setting information in the setting content file received from the PC 2 is compatible with the own device based on the setting definition file in the setting definition file storage unit 13. The response transmission unit 18 transmits a response including information related to the success or failure of the verification in the setting information verification unit 17 to the PC 2.

  When the verification by the setting information verification unit 17 is successful, a setting update process for updating the setting state of the multifunction device 1 is performed by writing the setting information to the setting information storage unit 12, and the verification by the setting information verification unit 17 fails. Then, the setting update process based on the setting content file is rejected.

  The authentication unit 19 determines whether or not the setting content file has a valid setting authority when performing setting update processing in the multifunction device 1 based on the setting content file acquired from the PC 2. If the authentication in the authentication fails, the setting update process based on the setting content file is rejected.

  On the other hand, the PC 2 includes a display unit 21, a screen control unit 22, an input unit 23, an input control unit 24, a file request unit 25, a setting definition file storage unit 26, a setting content file storage unit 27, a setting information generation unit 28, and setting information. A verification unit 29, a setting content file creation unit 30, a file transmission unit 31, and a response reception unit 32 are included.

  The screen control unit 22 causes the display unit 21 to display necessary screens such as a device setting screen and a notification screen described later. The input control unit 24 acquires input information according to the operation of the input unit 23 including a keyboard and a mouse. The file request unit 25 requests the multifunction device 1 to transmit a setting definition file and a setting content file, and receives the setting definition file and the setting content file. The setting definition file storage unit 26 and the setting content file storage unit 27 store the setting definition file and the setting content file received by the file request unit 25, respectively.

  The setting information generation unit 28 generates correction setting information based on the input information acquired by the input control unit 24 when the operator operates the input unit 23 on the setting screen displayed on the display unit 21 by the screen control unit 22. To do. The setting information verification unit 29 verifies whether or not the correction setting information acquired by the setting information generation unit 28 is compatible with the MFP 1 to be set based on the setting definition information in the setting definition file. It is.

  The setting content file creation unit 30 creates a setting content file from the correction setting information acquired by the setting information generation unit 28, and the setting content file is created when the verification by the setting information verification unit 29 is successful. . The file transmission unit 31 transmits the setting content file acquired by the setting content file creation unit 30 to the multifunction device 1.

  The response receiving unit 32 receives a response from the multifunction device 1 in response to the setting content file transmission from the file transmission unit 31, and in this response, the verification result in the setting information verification unit 17 of the multifunction device 1, Information related to the authentication result in the authentication unit 19 is included, and a process for causing the display control unit 22 to display a required notification screen on the screen control unit 22 based on the content of the response received by the response reception unit 32 is performed.

  The screen control unit 22 performs processing for displaying the device setting screen on the display unit 21 based on the setting definition information in the setting definition file and the setting information in the setting content file. Specifically, a device setting screen is created according to the setting definition information, that is, a setting item to be displayed on the device setting screen is determined, and a display unit for each setting item and a display mode for selecting and inputting characters Next, the setting information in the setting content file is referred to, and the value for each setting item is displayed on the display unit for each item on the corresponding setting screen.

  In particular, in the case of the diversion setting shown in FIG. 7, information acquired from the setting destination multifunction peripheral is used as the setting definition information serving as a reference for creating the device setting screen. In addition, for the value to be displayed in the item-specific display section on the setting screen, the setting information acquired from each setting source and setting destination MFP is used. At this time, the setting source value is set to the setting destination value for each setting item. The setting information generation unit 28 generates provisional setting information overwriting and displays the value for each setting item on the corresponding item display unit on the setting screen based on the provisional setting information.

  Each unit included in the PC 2 is realized by causing the CPU to execute a device setting application program.

  8 to 10 show apparatus setting screens displayed on the PC 2 shown in FIG. When the device setting application is started on the PC 2, the device setting screen (initial screen) shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 21, and when the setting source and setting destination multifunction device 1 is selected here, the device setting screen shown in FIGS. A setting screen for each setting item is displayed.

  In the setting screen, the device designation field 41 includes setting source and setting destination display units 42 and 43, setting source and setting destination change buttons 44 and 45, setting destination add button 46, write button 47, and An end button 48 is displayed.

  In the setting source and setting destination display sections 42 and 43, the model name, IP address, and installation location for identifying the MFP 1 designated as the setting source and setting destination are displayed. The change buttons 44 and 45 are used to newly designate the multifunction device 1 as a setting source and a setting destination, and to instruct to change to another multifunction device 1. The add button 46 is used to set a plurality of multifunction devices as the setting destination. When specifying 1 and setting all at once, an instruction to add the multifunction device 1 to the setting destination is given. When the change buttons 44 and 45 and the add button 46 are operated, the multifunction device found by the search processing described later is performed. 1 is displayed as a list, and by selecting and specifying a required one, a setting destination can be newly specified, changed, and added.

  When the setting source and setting destination multifunction device 1 is selected, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, display selection sections 52 for network, print setting, and address book are displayed in the menu column 51 as setting items. The setting item can be switched by selecting the display selection unit 52.

  In the network setting screen shown in FIG. 9, the IP address, DNS server, gateway, and subnet mask input sections and a selection section regarding whether or not DHCP is used are displayed in the item-specific setting field 53, and the number of pages The display unit and the previous and next page movement buttons are displayed. By operating this page movement button, the screen shifts to another setting screen related to the network.

  In the setting screen related to the address book shown in FIG. 10, the identification name (name) of the destination is displayed in the item-specific setting field 53, and the display character (button) of the destination designation button displayed on the display input unit (touch panel display) of the multifunction device 1. The display characters (table of contents) for switching the destination selection screen on which the destination designation buttons are arranged, the address of the destination (telephone number and mail address), and the line type are displayed.

  FIG. 11 shows a situation in which another multifunction device is designated on the device setting screen displayed on the PC 2 shown in FIG. When setting a plurality of MFPs 1 at a time, it is possible to specify a plurality of MFPs 1 as setting destinations by operating the add button 46. In this case, the pull-down menu button of the setting destination display unit 43 is operated. Then, a list of a plurality of multifunction devices 1 that have been designated as setting destinations is displayed. When a required multifunction device 1 is selected, the setting screen for the multifunction device 1 is switched, and the setting operation for the multifunction device 1 can be entered. .

  12 to 14 show notification screens displayed on the PC 2 shown in FIG. The input error screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed when the contents input by the operator on the setting screens of FIGS. 8 to 11 do not match the setting definition information in the setting definition file, and prompts the operator to input again. . The setting completion screen shown in FIG. 13 transmits a setting content file created in accordance with the contents input by the operator on the setting screens of FIGS. 8 to 11 to the multi-function peripheral 1 and performs setting update processing based on the setting content file. 14 is for notifying that the MFP 1 has ended normally, and that the transmission error screen shown in FIG. 14 has ended abnormally because the setting information in the setting content file received by the MFP 1 is not compatible with the MFP 1. Is to be notified.

  FIG. 15 shows a device search screen displayed on the PC 2 shown in FIG. This device search screen is used to specify a search condition when searching for the MFP 1 existing on the network. The change buttons 44 and 45 or the add button 46 on the device setting screen shown in FIGS. This device search screen displays a subnet and IP address selection section and an IP address designation range input section. When the user selects the desired selection and input, the OK button is operated. Then, a process for searching for the MFP 1 on the network is executed by limiting the specified range of the subnet or IP address.

  FIG. 16 shows a device selection screen displayed on the PC 2 shown in FIG. In this device selection screen, a list of multifunction devices 1 found by the search according to the search conditions entered in the device search screen of FIG. 15 is displayed, and when the required multifunction device 1 is selected and the OK button is operated, the multifunction device 1 is displayed. The machine 1 is determined as the setting source or setting destination, and is displayed on the setting source and setting destination display units 42 and 43 on the apparatus setting screen shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processes performed in the multifunction machine 1 and the PC 2 at the time of single setting shown in FIG. Here, the device setting application is first activated on the PC 2, and the MFP 1 to be set is designated on the device setting screen (initial screen) in FIG. 8 (ST101). At this time, the same multifunction device 1 is designated as the setting source and the setting destination. The designation of the setting source and setting destination devices is performed by operating the change buttons 44 and 45, and a required condition is displayed on the device selection screen shown in FIG. 16 displayed by designating the search conditions on the device search screen shown in FIG. 15. Select and specify MFP 1.

  When the MFP 1 to be set is specified in this way, the file request unit 25 makes a request for sending the setting definition file and the setting content file to the MFP 1, and the MFP 1 is responded accordingly. The setting definition file and the setting content file transmitted from are received, and the setting definition file and the setting content file are stored in the setting definition file storage unit 26 and the setting content file storage unit 27 (ST102 and 103). .

  At this time, when the MFP 1 receives a request for sending the setting definition file and setting content file from the PC 2, the setting definition file is read from the setting definition file storage unit 13, and the setting information is read from the setting information storage unit 12 and set. A process of creating a setting content file by the content file creating unit 14 and transmitting the setting definition file and the setting content file to the PC 2 is performed by the file transmitting unit 15 (ST201 and 202).

  Next, in the PC 2, the screen control unit 22 performs processing for creating the device setting screen shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 according to the setting definition information in the setting definition file and the setting information in the setting content file (ST104). At this time, the display form of the device setting screen is determined based on the setting definition information as described above, and each value of the setting information is displayed in a required portion of the device setting screen. The operator looks at the device setting screen and, if correction is necessary, operates the input unit 23 to edit the setting contents (ST105).

  When the editing of the setting contents on the device setting screen is finished and the reflection of the editing result is requested by operating the write button 47 (ST106), the editing result is compared with the setting definition information to check whether there is any problem. In the setting information verification unit 29 (ST107), if there is a problem in the editing result, a process for displaying an error screen as shown in FIG. This is performed by the screen control unit 22 and prompts the operator to re-edit (ST108).

  On the other hand, if there is no problem in the editing result, a setting content file is created from the setting information in which the editing result is reflected in the setting content file creation unit 30, and the setting content file is transferred from the file transmission unit 31 to the multifunction device 1. It is transmitted (ST109). It should be noted that the editing result check (ST107) is also executed when the page movement button is operated or the setting item is switched in the menu column 51 on the apparatus setting screen shown in FIGS. Anyway.

  Next, in the MFP 1, the setting content file transmitted from the PC 2 is received by the file receiving unit 16 (ST203), and the setting information in the setting content file is compared with the setting definition information of the own device to obtain setting information. A process for checking whether there is a problem is performed in the setting information verification unit 17 (ST204). If there is no problem in the setting information, a setting update process for overwriting and saving the setting information in the setting information storage unit 12 is performed. Then, a process of transmitting a setting completion response to the PC 2 is performed by the response transmitter 18 (ST206). On the other hand, when there is a problem with the setting information, the response transmitter 18 performs processing for transmitting an error response to the PC 2 (ST207).

  In the PC 2, when the response completion unit 32 receives the setting completion response from the multifunction device 1 (ST110), the screen control unit 22 performs processing for displaying the setting completion screen shown in FIG. The operator is notified that the setting of the machine 1 has been completed normally (ST111). On the other hand, when the response receiving unit 32 receives an error response from the multifunction device 1 (ST110), the screen control unit 22 performs a process of displaying the error screen shown in FIG. The operator is notified that the setting has ended abnormally (ST112).

  FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are flowcharts showing the procedure of processing performed by the setting source and setting destination multifunction device 1 and the PC 2 at the time of diversion setting shown in FIG. Here, first, the device setting application is started on the PC 2, and when the setting source multifunction device 1 is designated on the device setting screen (initial screen) in FIG. 8 (ST301), the file request unit 25 sets the setting source compound. A request for sending the setting definition file and the setting content file is sent to the machine 1, and in response to this, the setting definition file and the setting content file transmitted from the setting source multifunction device 1 are received, and the setting definition file and Processing for saving the setting content file in the setting definition file storage unit 26 and the setting content file storage unit 27 is performed (ST302 and 303).

  When the setting destination multifunction device 1 is designated on the device setting screen of FIG. 8 on the PC 2 (ST304), the file request unit 25 sends the setting definition file and the setting content file to the setting destination multifunction device 1. In response to the request, the setting definition file and the setting content file transmitted from the setting destination multifunction peripheral 1 are received, and the setting definition file and the setting content file are stored in the setting definition file storage unit 26 and the setting content file. Processing for storing in the storage unit 27 is performed (ST305 and 306).

  At this time, in the setting source and setting destination multifunction device 1, upon receiving a transmission request for the setting definition file and the setting content file from the PC 2, the setting definition file is read from the setting definition file storage unit 13 and from the setting information storage unit 12. Processing for reading the setting information, creating a setting content file by the setting content file creation unit 14, and transmitting the setting definition file and the setting content file to the PC 2 is performed by the file transmission unit 15 (ST401, 402, 501, 502). ).

  Next, in the PC 2, the screen control unit 22 performs processing for creating the apparatus setting screen shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 according to the setting definition information in the setting definition file and the setting information in the setting content file (ST307). At this time, the display form of the apparatus setting screen is determined based on the setting definition information as described above, and the setting information generation unit 28 overwrites the setting source value on the setting destination value for each setting item. Each value of the generated provisional setting information is displayed in a required part of the device setting screen.

  Further, the setting information verification unit 29 performs a process of checking the provisional setting information generated by the setting information generation unit 28 with the setting definition information of the setting destination to check whether there is any problem (ST308). If there is a problem, the screen control unit 22 performs a process of displaying an error screen on the display unit 21, and alerts the operator (ST309).

  The operator looks at the device setting screen and the error screen displayed on the display unit 21 and, if correction is necessary, operates the input unit 23 to edit the setting contents (ST310). When the editing of the setting contents on the device setting screen is completed and the reflection of the edited result is requested by operating the write button 47 (ST311), there is a problem comparing the edited result with the setting definition information of the setting destination. The setting information verification unit 29 performs a process for checking whether there is a problem (ST312), and if there is a problem in the editing result, an error screen as shown in FIG. The screen control unit 22 performs the process of causing the operator to re-edit (ST313).

  On the other hand, when there is no problem in the editing result, a setting content file is created from the setting information in which the editing result is reflected in the setting content file creation unit 30, and the setting content file is combined from the file transmission unit 31 to the setting destination composite. It is transmitted to the machine 1 (ST314).

  Next, the setting destination multifunction device 1 receives the setting content file transmitted from the PC 2 at the file receiving unit 16 (ST503), and compares the setting information in the setting content file with the setting definition information of its own device. Processing for checking whether there is a problem in the setting information is performed in the setting information verification unit 17 (ST504), and if there is no problem in the setting information, the setting update for overwriting and saving the setting information in the setting information storage unit 12 Processing is performed (ST505), and then processing for transmitting a setting completion response to the PC 2 is performed by the response transmission unit 18 (ST506). On the other hand, if there is a problem with the setting information, the response transmitter 18 performs processing for transmitting an error response to the PC 2 (ST507).

  In the PC 2, when the response completion unit 32 receives the setting completion response from the setting destination MFP 1 (ST 315), the screen control unit 22 performs processing for displaying the setting completion screen shown in FIG. 13 on the display unit 21. Then, the operator is notified that the setting of the multifunction device 1 has been completed normally (ST316). On the other hand, when the response reception unit 32 receives an error response from the multifunction device 1 (ST315), the screen control unit 22 performs a process of displaying the error screen shown in FIG. The operator is notified that the setting has ended abnormally (ST317).

  As shown in FIG. 11, when a plurality of multifunction devices 1 are designated as setting destinations, the file request unit 25 receives each setting definition file from each of the plurality of multifunction devices 1 as setting destinations. Based on the setting definition information in the setting definition file of each setting destination, the information generating unit 28 generates setting information suitable for each of the setting destination multifunction devices 1, and the setting content file creating unit 30 sets the setting information. Is stored for each setting destination multifunction device 1, and the file transmission unit 31 transmits the setting content file to the setting destination multifunction device 1, respectively.

  At this time, if the plurality of setting multifunction devices 1 are the same model and the setting contents are the same, the same setting content file may be transmitted. If the plurality of setting multifunction devices 1 are different models, What is necessary is just to transmit the setting content file in which the setting information suitable for the specification of each model was stored.

  The apparatus setting support system according to the present invention does not need to prepare for each model a program to be installed in the editing apparatus in order to edit the setting contents of the setting destination apparatus, and the setting contents of the already set apparatus are different models. For example, it is useful as a device setting support system in which the setting contents of devices such as printers, facsimile devices, and multifunction devices are edited by an editing device.

System configuration diagram showing a multifunction device setting support system to which the present invention is applied FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a setting definition file provided from the multifunction device shown in FIG. 1 to the PC. Figure showing the continuation of the setting definition file shown in Figure 2 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a setting definition file provided from the multifunction device shown in FIG. 1 to the PC. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting content file exchanged between the multifunction device illustrated in FIG. 1 and a PC. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP and PC shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP and PC shown in FIG. The figure which shows the apparatus setting screen displayed with PC shown in FIG. The figure which shows the apparatus setting screen displayed with PC shown in FIG. The figure which shows the apparatus setting screen displayed with PC shown in FIG. The figure which shows the condition which designates another multifunctional machine on the apparatus setting screen displayed with PC shown in FIG. The figure which shows the notification screen displayed with PC shown in FIG. The figure which shows the notification screen displayed with PC shown in FIG. The figure which shows the notification screen displayed with PC shown in FIG. The figure which shows the apparatus search screen displayed on PC shown in FIG. The figure which shows the apparatus selection screen displayed on PC shown in FIG. FIG. 1A is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the multifunction machine and the PC at the time of single setting shown in FIG. FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the setting source and setting destination multifunction peripherals and the PC at the time of diversion setting shown in FIG. Flow diagram following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (setting destination device, setting source device)
2 PC (editing device)
12 setting information storage unit 13 setting definition file storage unit 14 setting content file creation unit 15 file transmission unit 16 file reception unit 17 setting information verification unit 18 response transmission unit 19 authentication unit 21 display unit 22 screen control unit 23 input unit 24 input control Unit 25 file request unit 26 setting definition file storage unit 27 setting content file storage unit 28 setting information generation unit 29 setting information verification unit 30 setting content file creation unit 31 file transmission unit 32 response reception unit

Claims (5)

A setting destination device and an editing device for editing the setting contents;
The setting destination device comprises means for storing setting definition information for defining conditions on the format of the setting information of the own device, and means for reading the setting definition information from this and providing it to the editing device,
The editing device creates setting information adapted to the setting destination device based on the setting definition information obtained by reflecting the editing result and the setting destination information, and means for acquiring setting definition information from the setting destination device Means for providing the setting information obtained here to the setting destination device,
An apparatus setting support system in which the setting destination apparatus performs setting update processing for updating a setting state of the own apparatus based on setting information acquired from the editing apparatus. A setting destination device, an editing device that edits the setting contents, and a setting source device that is a source of setting of the setting destination device;
The setting source device includes means for providing setting information of the device to the editing device,
The setting destination device comprises means for storing setting definition information for defining conditions on the format of the setting information of the own device, and means for reading the setting definition information from this and providing it to the editing device,
The editing device obtains setting information from the setting source device, means for obtaining setting definition information from the setting destination device, and setting of the setting source device based on the setting information obtained from the setting source device Means for creating setting information that reflects the editing result based on the contents and that matches the setting destination device based on the setting definition information acquired from the setting destination device, and the setting information obtained here is the setting destination Means for providing to the device,
An apparatus setting support system in which the setting destination apparatus performs setting update processing for updating a setting state of the own apparatus based on setting information acquired from the editing apparatus.   The apparatus setting support system according to claim 1, wherein the provided data including setting definition information provided from the setting destination apparatus to the editing apparatus has a data structure defined by a schema language. The editing device provides the setting destination device with authentication information together with setting information for determining whether or not the setting destination device has setting authority,
3. The setting update apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting destination device rejects setting update processing based on setting information when authentication based on authentication information acquired from the editing device fails. 4. Device setting support system. The editing device acquires each setting definition information from the plurality of setting destination devices, creates setting information suitable for each of the plurality of setting destination devices based on the setting definition information, and sets the setting information. The apparatus setting support system according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus setting support system is provided to a plurality of setting destination apparatuses.

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