JP2018116361A - Information processing apparatus, management apparatus, control method of information processing apparatus, and program, information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To create a script for efficiently executing an installation work accompanied by manual input in a plurality of information processing devices when an operator analyzes and executes the acquired script. In an information processing device that communicates with a management device, when an installation instruction information is set by analyzing a script acquired from the management device and setting the installation instruction information, the installation instruction information manually input by the installer to the installation instruction information of the script to be analyzed. And the confirmation information of the manually input installation instruction information are included, the process includes a process of temporarily stopping the installation process based on the script and a process of acquiring the installation instruction information manually input by the installer. Create a script for. Then, the installation instruction information manually input by the created script for execution is registered in the management device. [Selection diagram]

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus control method, a program, and an information processing system.

  In order to newly introduce an image processing apparatus that is an information processing apparatus, it is necessary to perform installation work according to the use environment of the image processing apparatus in advance. The installation work includes work such as installation of hardware options such as a finisher for finishing a printed matter, setting work of a control program of the image processing apparatus, work of enabling an extended function license, and installation of an extended program.

  As an extension program, a system in which a vendor can add in an image processing apparatus and a function of the image processing apparatus can be extended. An example of this type of system is Canon's MEAP (registered trademark).

JP 2010-224828

  There is an installation instruction information management system (hereinafter referred to as “management system”) that creates and manages installation instruction information including firmware of image processing apparatuses, expansion programs and setting values, and procedures for executing the installation processes. Further, there is a program for automatically performing the installation work in accordance with the installation instruction information in the image processing apparatus targeted for the installation work.

  However, in some cases, the installation of the image processing apparatus cannot be completed by only the automatic execution of the installation instruction information. For example, when the printing result of the image processing apparatus is visually confirmed and the color is adjusted to a specific balance for a certain business negotiation, manual work by a human must be performed during the automatic installation process. When trying to install a plurality of them with the same contents, it was necessary to perform the same manual installation in all the image processing apparatuses.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a method of creating an execution folder and media necessary for installation from a computer installation work procedure table and setting value file. According to this, since the contents changed during the installation of the computer cannot be reflected to other computers, the problem that the same work must be performed in all the image processing apparatuses cannot be solved.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. The object of the present invention is to manually set and reflect on a plurality of information processing apparatuses when analyzing and executing a script acquired by an operator. It is to provide a mechanism that can create a script that performs work.

The information processing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.
An information processing apparatus that communicates with a management apparatus, wherein an acquisition unit that acquires a script in which installation instruction information to be set in the information processing apparatus is described from the management apparatus, and analyzes the acquired script to analyze the installation instruction information If the execution means for setting, the installation instruction information manually input by the installer in the installation instruction information of the script analyzed by the execution means, and the confirmation information of the installation instruction information manually input, A creation means for creating an execution script including a process for temporarily suspending the installation process based on the script and a process for obtaining installation instruction information manually input by the installer; and an execution script created by the creation means. And registration means for registering manually-installed installation instruction information in the management apparatus.
The management apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.
A management apparatus that communicates with an information processing apparatus, the management means for managing a script that stores installation instruction information to be set in the information processing apparatus, and an installation that is manually input by an installer requested to register from the information processing apparatus Update means for acquiring instruction information and updating the contents of a script already registered.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when analyzing and executing the script which the operator acquired, the script which performs efficiently the installation operation | work with a manual input with a some information processing apparatus can be created.

It is a figure which shows the example of an apparatus structure of a management system. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a client computer. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a management server It is a figure which shows the example of a software structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the main menu screen displayed on an operation part. It is a figure which shows the example of a function structure of a support program. It is a figure which shows the example of a function structure of an installation instruction information creation system. It is a figure which shows the example of a function structure of an installation instruction information management system. It is a figure which shows the table which an installation instruction information database manages. It is a figure which shows a manual work management table. It is a figure which shows installation instruction information and the script contained in it. It is a figure which shows UI screen displayed on an operation part. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the created script for execution. It is a figure which shows the correction script of the created script for execution. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of a management apparatus.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention.
<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]

<< Entire system configuration >>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device configuration of an information processing system including an image processing apparatus and a management server according to the present invention.
In the information processing system of this example, a plurality of image processing apparatuses that are information processing apparatuses and a management server that is a management apparatus are communicably connected on a LAN (Local Area Network).

  In FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus, which is an information processing apparatus, is a multifunction machine in which a plurality of functions such as a scanner, a printer, a facsimile, and a file transmission function are integrated into a copying machine. The image processing apparatus has an interface connected to a network. It also has an interface for connecting a portable storage medium. The interface for connecting the portable storage medium is not limited, but the USB interface is used.

  The client computer is a so-called personal computer or mobile terminal. The client computer can execute a Web browser and a GUI program. By these, it communicates with the management server, and is configured to create and edit installation instruction information described later. It also has an interface for connecting a portable storage medium. The interface for connecting the portable storage medium is not limited, but the USB interface is used.

  The management server is a server that manages a combination of installation work for each item, such as the delivery destination of the image processing apparatus, each customer, and each received business negotiation. Installation work combinations include model information, externally connected hardware, firmware and expansion program version combinations, configuration information of image processing devices to be delivered such as setting values, and installation instruction information such as their application order. It is. Furthermore, it is a server that manages available firmware, binary data of expansion programs, various license information, and the like. These managements may be configured by the same management server or may be configured by a plurality of management servers. The management server may be directly connected to the LAN or connected via the Internet. In this embodiment, a USB storage is used as a portable storage medium. However, when this embodiment is applied, any type of storage device can be used as long as it can be easily removed from a host device, but a USB storage that implements the USB mass storage class is taken as an example.

<< Hardware Configuration Example-Image Processing Apparatus >>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. In this example, a composite image processing apparatus is taken as an example.
In FIG. 2, a control unit including a CPU controls the operation of the entire image processing apparatus. The CPU reads out a control program stored in the ROM and performs various controls such as reading control and transmission control. The RAM is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area of the CPU.

  The HDD stores image data, various programs, or various information tables. The operation unit I / F connects an operation unit, which is a notification unit, and a control unit. The operation unit includes a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like.

  The printer I / F connects the printer and the control unit. Image data to be printed by the printer is transferred from the control unit via the printer I / F and printed on a recording medium by the printer.

  The scanner I / F connects the scanner and the control unit. The scanner reads an image on a document to generate image data, and inputs the image data to the control unit via the scanner I / F.

  The network I / F connects the control unit (image processing apparatus) to the LAN. The network I / F transmits image data and information to an external device on the LAN, and receives various types of information from the external device on the LAN.

  The USB host I / F is an interface unit that communicates with the USB storage. The USB host I / F outputs the data stored in the HDD to the USB storage. In addition, the USB host I / F inputs data stored in the USB storage and transmits it to the CPU. The USB storage is an external storage device that stores data, and is detachable from the USB host I / F. A plurality of USB devices including a USB storage can be connected to the USB host I / F.

<< Hardware configuration example-Client computer >>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a client computer that is a data processing apparatus. The client computer edits installation instruction information used in a script to be described later, and registers it in the management server.
In FIG. 3, a control unit including a CPU controls the operation of the entire client computer. The CPU reads out a control program stored in the ROM and executes various control processes. The RAM is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area of the CPU. The HDD stores image data, various programs, or various information tables described later.

  The operation I / F is an I / F that connects a user interface terminal that inputs a control operation to a program executed on a client computer. In this example, it is composed of a mouse and a keyboard, but this is not a limitation.

  The display I / F is an I / F that connects a display terminal that displays a UI of a program executed on the client computer. In this example, a display is used, but this is not a limitation. The network I / F connects the control unit to the LAN. The network I / F transmits and receives various types of information to and from other devices via the network.

The USB host I / F is an interface unit that communicates with the USB storage. The USB host I / F outputs the data stored in the HDD to the USB storage. In addition, the USB host I / F inputs data stored in the USB storage and transmits it to the CPU. The USB storage is an external storage device that stores data, and is detachable from the USB host I / F. A plurality of USB devices including a USB storage can be connected to the USB host I / F.

<< Hardware configuration example-Management server >>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server shown in FIG.
In FIG. 4, a control unit including a CPU controls the operation of the entire management server. The CPU reads out a control program stored in the ROM and executes various control processes. The RAM is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area of the CPU. The HDD stores image data, various programs, or various information tables described later.
The network I / F connects the control unit to the LAN. The network I / F transmits and receives various types of information to and from other devices via the network.

<< Example of Software Configuration-Image Processing Apparatus >>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the image processing apparatus.
In FIG. 5, the native program of the control program originally provided such as a printer, a FAX, and a scanner, and an extended program execution platform that is an extended program execution platform are operating on the OS. Further, a firmware update service, an option validation service, and a setting management service are operating on the native program. An extended program system service and an extended program are running on the extended program execution platform.

  The firmware update service is a service that provides various functions for updating firmware. For example, the firmware update service refers to firmware designated by the user and determines whether or not the firmware needs to be updated. In addition, the firmware is updated with respect to or through the native program.

  The option validation service is a service for validating an optional function that is previously incorporated in the native program. The option activation service identifies and activates an optional function specified by an option license file designated by the user.

The setting management service is a service for managing various setting information such as printers and scanners. The setting management service provides a function of rewriting the setting information of the native program when, for example, a user specifies one or a plurality of settings or a file including a plurality of setting information.
Note that the setting management service has a user interface (hereinafter referred to as “UI”), and the user can instruct setting change via the operation unit of the image processing apparatus. The extended program system service is a utility library that is useful for extended programs and is provided from the system. By calling the function of the extended program system service from the extended program, it is possible to save time and effort for developing the extended program.
The extension program can access each module of the image processing apparatus such as another extension program and RAM only through the extension program execution platform or the extension program system service.
An extension program having a UI can display an icon on a main menu screen (FIG. 6) displayed on the operation unit of the image processing apparatus. When the operation unit I / F detects that the user has selected this icon through the operation unit, the operation unit I / F transmits a message to that effect to the CPU. The CPU that has received the message displays the UI of the extension program selected by the user on the operation unit.
Note that this software configuration describes only the basic portion, and other services may be included depending on the implementation environment. In addition, there is no need for unnecessary services for reasons such as limiting settings.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a main menu screen displayed on the operation unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.
In FIG. 6, the main menu screen has a program icon display area, a standard program icon, and an extended program icon. The program icon display area is an area for displaying an icon of a program that is currently operable on the image processing apparatus. The standard program icon is an icon for displaying a UI for operating a function of the control program of the image processing apparatus. The extension program icon is an icon for displaying a UI for operating the extension program of the image processing apparatus.

《Example of installation work》
Hereinafter, installation work of the image processing apparatus showing the present embodiment will be described.
In performing the installation work of the image processing apparatus, first, the worker connects necessary hardware such as a finisher, a scanner, and an expansion RAM to the image processing apparatus to be installed at the installation destination.
The worker installs a support program (hereinafter referred to as “support program”) for supporting the installation work in the image processing apparatus to be installed. The support program may already be installed and executed in the image processing apparatus. Further, it may be implemented and executed as a standard service on a native program. The support program of the image processing apparatus is connected to the management server and executes installation work according to the procedure shown in FIGS.

<Example of software function configuration>
The installation process to be described later according to the present invention is performed by a support program which is one of the extension programs. Further, the installation state management process described later according to the present invention is performed by a program operating on the management server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a support program that operates in the image processing apparatus. Each function is realized by the CPU executing a program corresponding to each function.
In FIG. 7, the support program has a UI control unit, a communication unit, a process execution unit, and a script analysis unit.
The UI control unit provides a UI for operating the support program to the worker through the operation unit, and accepts the operation of the worker. The communication unit communicates with the management server, and performs installation work instruction information, software download, and the like. The process execution unit performs various processes in accordance with instructions from the UI control unit and the communication unit. The script analysis unit analyzes the script of the installation information acquired by the communication unit from the management server, and determines the process and order to be executed by the process execution unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an installation instruction information creation system that operates on a client computer.
In FIG. 8, each function is realized by the CPU executing a program corresponding to each function. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the program is executed on the client computer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program may be executed by a server or service on the network via the network I / F. The installation instruction information creation system includes a UI control unit, a communication unit, a process execution unit, and a script generation unit.

  The UI control unit provides a user with a UI for operating the installation instruction information creation system through the display, and accepts the operator's operation through a mouse or a keyboard.

The communication unit communicates with the management server installation instruction information management system via the network I / F according to instructions from the UI control unit and the processing execution unit. The communication unit requests reading and writing of the installation instruction information from the installation instruction information management system.
The process execution unit performs various processes in accordance with instructions from the UI control unit. The script generation unit generates a script that can be analyzed by the installation instruction information and the support program in accordance with an instruction from the processing execution unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an installation instruction information management system (hereinafter referred to as “management system”) that operates on the management server.
In FIG. 9, each function is realized by the CPU executing a program corresponding to each function. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the program is executed by the management server on the LAN via the network I / F. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the program may be executed by a server or service on the Internet. Good.
The installation instruction information management system includes a control unit, a communication unit, a storage management unit, and an installation instruction information database. The control unit instructs the storage management unit to store, delete, update, and acquire the installation instruction information according to the request received by the communication unit.

  The storage management unit stores, deletes, and updates installation instruction information in the installation instruction information database in accordance with instructions from the control unit. In addition, the storage management unit obtains installation instruction information from the installation instruction information database.

  The communication unit receives a request from a client computer or the like, and transmits the request content to the control unit. Further, it receives a processing result for the request content from the control unit, creates response data for the request, and transmits the response data to a client computer or the like.

The installation instruction information database is a database that operates in the installation instruction information management system. In this example, the installation instruction information database is configured in the installation instruction information management system. However, the installation instruction information database may be arranged on another server as long as it can cooperate with the installation instruction information management system.
The installation instruction information database manages the installation instruction information management table shown in FIG. 10A (A), the common data expansion program table shown in FIG. 10B, and the setting data table shown in FIG. Each row of the common data extension program table and the setting data table is managed in association with each row of the installation instruction information management table by the installation instruction information ID. The setting data table in (d) of FIG.

<< Example script file for installation instruction information >>
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a script file including installation instruction information indicating a work procedure for automatically performing the installation work of the image processing apparatus and a script included therein. In this example, the script file is created based on the installation instruction information ID “M001” in the installation instruction information management table shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the script file is created based on the corresponding installation configuration information by the script generation unit of the installation instruction information generation system. The script generation unit stores the created installation instruction information and script in the installation instruction information management system. The script is read by the communication unit of the support program and analyzed by the script analysis unit via the process execution unit. The script analyzed by the script analysis unit is then subjected to the installation work described by the process execution unit. Further, the script in this figure is described in XML (Extensible Markup Language), and includes a device identification unit and a process description unit. In this figure, the script is expressed by XML, but is not limited to XML, and may be written by a shell script or the like.

  In the device identification unit, information for identifying the image processing apparatus that is the target of the installation work is described. Specifically, it includes <deviceId>, which is an identifier of the image processing apparatus, and <name> <comment>, which indicates the contents of this script in an arbitrary character string. <Name> <comment> may be used not only as a description of the contents of this script but also as an identifier when it cannot be identified by only <deviceId>. For example, it can be used as an identifier when it is necessary to prepare a plurality of settings for one image processing apparatus.

In the process description section, a process group necessary for performing the installation work is described. In this figure, the process description section includes firmware update processes a and b, process pause processes, setting information import processes a and b, and extended program installation processes a and b. Further, the process description section includes an extended program start process and system built-in option program activation processes a and b.
The tag indicating the processing of each installation work includes an Order attribute. In this figure, the order of the installation work is determined according to the value of Order. If the processing order is not specified, the Order value can be the same. When Order values are the same, they may be executed in the order written in the process description part, or may be the order read by the script analysis part. The determination may be made based on the capacity of data used in each process.

Firmware update processes a and b are processes for updating firmware via a firmware update service. The firmware update process a defines a process by describing an <updateFirmwareCommand> tag. Further, in the firmware update process a, the firmware to be downloaded and updated from the management server is designated by the <contentsServer> tag and the <firmwareVersion> tag.
The <contentsServer> tag describes the URL of the management server. The <firmwareVersion> tag describes the firmware version that is the key to download.
The firmware update process b defines a process by describing an <updateFirmwareCommand> tag when designating a file stored in a portable storage medium connected to the USB host I / F.

  The file to be used is specified by the <relativeDirPath> tag and <FirmwareName>. The <relativeDirPath> tag describes the relative path from the root folder to the firmware to be updated. The <FirmwareName> tag specifies the firmware to be updated. In this figure, firmware archived in Zip format is specified. In addition, a method of embedding binary data in the script may be used instead of the URL or the file path.

The process suspension process is a process for temporarily suspending the automatic installation process and starting the subsequent installation process in response to a restart instruction from the operator. While the automatic installation process is temporarily stopped, the worker performs a fine adjustment work of hardware. For example, the toner color balance correction value of the image processing apparatus is adjusted by confirming the color of the output product with several test prints. In addition, there are scanner sensors and printing position adjustment.
Also, in this example, an operation screen as shown in FIG. 12C is displayed during a pause when receiving a resume instruction, and it is detected that the resume button has been pressed by operating the operation unit, and the automatic installation process is resumed. Like to do. Moreover, you may make it receive the instruction | indication which restarts an automatic installation process from the other terminal by the external communication method.

  The setting information import processes a and b are processes for importing and reflecting setting values via the setting management service. The setting information import process a defines a process by describing an <importDeviceConfigCommand> tag. The <contentsServer> tag specifies a settings file that is downloaded from the management server and imported. The <contentsServer> tag describes the URL of the management server. The setting information import process b defines a process by describing an <importDeviceConfigCommand> tag.

The setting information file to be imported is specified by the <relativeDirPath> tag and the <configFileName> tag. The <relativeDirPath> tag describes the relative path from the root folder to the setting information file to be imported when designating a file stored in a portable storage medium connected to the USB host I / F.
The <configFileName> tag specifies a setting information file to be imported. In this figure, the setting information file archived in the Zip format is specified. Note that the format of this setting information file is not limited to the Zip file format. In addition, a method of embedding binary data in the script may be used instead of the URL or the file path.

The extension program installation processes a and b are processes for installing an extension program via the extension program system service. The extension program installation process a defines a process by describing an <installApplicationCommand> tag. The <contentsServer> tag, <applicationName> tag, and <applicationVersion> tag specify an extension program that is downloaded from the management server and installed.
The <contentsServer> tag describes the URL of the management server. Further, the extension program installation process b defines a process by describing an <installApplicationCommand> tag when a file stored in a portable storage medium connected to the USB host I / F is designated.

The extension program to be installed is specified by the <relativeDirPath> tag and the <AppFileName> tag. The <relativeDirPath> tag describes a relative path from the root folder to the actual extension program to be installed. The <AppFileName> tag specifies the entity of the extension program to be installed.
In this figure, an extension program in the Jar file format is specified. The format of this extension program is not limited to the Jar file format. In addition, a method of embedding binary data in the script may be used instead of the URL or the file path.

  In the extension program installation process a, the <licenseServer> tag describes the URL of the management server that acquires the license for the extension program. The extension program installation process b designates the license for the extension program to be installed by the <licenseRelativeDirPath> tag and the <licenseFileName> tag.

The <licenseRelativeDirPath> tag describes the relative path from the root folder to the license file of the extension program when specifying a file stored in a portable storage medium connected to the USB host I / F. The <licenseFileName> tag specifies the license of the extension program.
In this figure. A license file in the lic file format is specified, and the license file format is not limited to this. In addition, a method of embedding binary data in the script may be used instead of the URL or the file path.

  The extension program start process is defined by the description of the <startApplicationCommand> tag, and the extension program to be started is specified by the <appId> tag. In the <appId> tag, an ID for uniquely identifying the extension program to be started is specified.

  The system built-in option program activation processes a and b, which are optional function processes, are processes for validating a built-in option via an option validation service. The system embedded option program activation process a is defined by the description of the <activateEmbeddedFunctionCommand> tag. The <licenseServer> tag describes the URL of the management server that acquires the license for the extended program.

  In addition, information specifying a built-in option to be acquired is described by a <functionId> tag. In addition, the system embedded option program activation process b defines a process by description of an <activateEmbeddedFunctionCommand> tag. The embedded optional program to be activated is specified by the <relativeDirPath> tag and the <licenseFileName> tag. The <relativeDirPath> tag is used when designating a file stored in a portable storage medium connected to the USB host I / F. Specifically, the relative path from the root folder to the license file of the embedded optional program to be activated is described.

  The <licenseFileName> tag specifies a license entity for enabling the embedded option program. In this figure, a license file in the lic format is designated, and the license file format is not limited to this. In addition, a method of embedding binary data in the script may be used instead of the URL or the file path. Note that when there is no embedded option program preinstalled in the image processing apparatus or when it is not activated, the description of the initial installation work process is unnecessary.

  Note that the script initial installation processing shown in the drawing is not limited to the processing described, and for example, restart processing of the image processing apparatus may be added. Further, there may be overlap and increase / decrease of processing as required.

<< Image Processing Device Installation Process Flow >>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the installation processing operation executed according to the operator's instruction after the support program is started will be described. Each step is realized by executing a control program (processing execution unit) stored in the CPU.

In S1301, the process execution unit searches for installation instruction information and displays the result on the operation unit. Here, the process execution unit acquires the device ID of the image processing apparatus on which the support program operates. Further, the device ID is transmitted to the management server by the communication unit. The installation server confirms and acquires the installation instruction information. Here, only summary information of the installation instruction information may be acquired. All information of the installation instruction information may be acquired during an installation process to be described later.
The device ID is information for specifying an image processing apparatus to be installed such as an individual identifier or a model number of the image processing apparatus. In this example, the installation instruction information managed by the management server is searched. However, the installation instruction information stored in the portable storage medium may be searched.

  The UI control unit displays the acquired installation instruction information on the operation unit on a screen as shown in FIG. 12A and notifies the operator. The operator can confirm that correct installation instruction information has been found. When receiving the execution instruction, the process execution unit proceeds to the next step. In this example, the UI control unit determines whether or not the execution button has been pressed, and the process execution unit proceeds to the next step in response to the result. Further, the UI control unit may prepare a cancel operation for ending this flow when the script is not executed.

  In S1302, the process execution unit performs a process of converting and creating the installation instruction information executed in S1303, which will be described later, from the installation instruction information acquired in S1301. Details of this step will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In S1303, the process execution unit executes various commands in accordance with the command execution order (description of the process description unit) of the script file of the installation instruction information converted and created in S1302. The process execution unit executes the command to enable execution of software installation / update / setting work that must be executed as the installation work. For example, updating of firmware including a native program of the image processing apparatus, installation and start of an extension program, and the like.

  In S1304, the UI control unit displays that the automatic installation by the script as shown in FIG. 12D has ended, and waits for the next processing. When the worker presses the completion button after completing the confirmation work, this process is finished.

<< Processing for creating installation instruction information for image processing apparatus >>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This example is a detailed procedure for generating execution installation instruction information by the script analysis unit in S1302 of FIG. Each step is realized by executing a control program (script analysis unit) stored in the CPU.

[Execution installation instruction information generation process]
In S1401, the script analysis unit starts in order from the beginning of the command execution order of the script file acquired in S1301. In S1402, the script analysis unit determines whether the first command process is a setting information import process. If the script analysis unit determines that the setting information import process is being performed, the process proceeds to S1404. Otherwise, the script analysis process proceeds to S1403.

In S1403, the script analysis unit determines whether the process has been executed up to the end of the command execution order (the order of the process description part). If the script analysis unit determines that there is a subsequent command process, the process returns to S1402.
On the other hand, if the script analysis unit determines in S1403 that there is no subsequent command process, the process ends.

In step S1404, the script analysis unit determines whether manual request information is included in the setting data to be imported by the setting information import process. If the script analysis unit determines that manual request information is included, the script analysis unit proceeds to step S1405. If the script analysis unit determines that manual operation request information is not included, the script analysis unit proceeds to step S1403. In this example, the setting operator manually changes the default setting value for each settable item as in the setting value table shown in (D) of FIG. 10B for individually setting according to the user preference. It holds information about whether it is possible. The manual operation request information may be in the form of inputting and holding a procedure in text when it is generated by the installation instruction information generation system.
In step S1405, the script analysis unit determines whether the manual request information includes a confirmation item that is confirmation information (in this example, a color setting value). If the script analysis unit determines that there is a confirmation item that is required, the process proceeds to S1406. If the script analysis unit determines that there is no confirmation item that is required, the process proceeds to S1407.

  In S1406, the script analysis unit can determine that it is necessary to perform manual setting change or confirmation operation in S1404 and S1405. Therefore, a command process for temporarily stopping the automatic installation process is added after the corresponding setting information import process while the worker performs the manual work. In this example, in S1406, one temporary stop processing command (the command in FIG. 15A) is added, but this is not a limitation. Further, one stop processing command may be added for the number of manual request items and the number of procedures, and a message to be displayed during the pause may be displayed more specifically on the operation unit.

  In step S1407, the script analysis unit determines whether manual setting data is registered in the setting data associated with the setting information import process. If the script analysis unit determines that manual setting data is not registered, the script analysis unit advances the process to step S1408. If the script analysis unit determines that it is registered, the script analysis unit advances the process to step S1410.

  In step S1408, the script analysis unit determines the type of setting information import processing. Here, if it is determined that the setting data is commonly set by a plurality of image processing apparatuses installed with the same installation content, the process proceeds to S1409. On the other hand, if the script analysis unit determines that the setting data is different for each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses, the script analysis unit returns the process to step S1403.

  In S1409, the script analysis unit creates setting data to be changed manually, adds command processing (command in FIG. 15A) to register as manual setting data to the original installation instruction information, and ends this processing. To do. Note that the command in FIG. 15A is added after the pause process added in S1406.

In this example, only the changed setting item and value are registered as the manually completed setting data (see FIG. 10B), but this is not restrictive. Manual setting data may be created by outputting setting items and current values of all image processing apparatuses and extracting differences from the original setting data.
These processes may be performed by the management server. The registration process in the management server that is requested to register the manually completed setting data created in this process will be described later with reference to FIG.
In S1410, the script analysis unit performs command processing (command processing in FIG. 15A) for importing the manually completed setting data determined in S1407, and returns the processing to S1403. As a result, the command is added immediately before processing the command, which is the pause processing added in S1406.

Specifically, a description will be given of the case where this flow is executed based on the script file of the installation instruction information IDM001 in the installation instruction information in FIG. 11A in the first one of the plurality of image processing apparatuses installed with the same installation contents. To do.
At this time, there is no manual setting data. Therefore, the setting data is described in the command execution order as setting information import processing including a setting value table that can be created in advance by the installation instruction information creating system, like setting data.

The setting information import process (command process) proceeds to S1404 based on the determination in S1402. In S1404, since manual operation request information is set in the setting value table, the process proceeds to S1405.
In this example, manual operation request information is set to ON for each CMYK toner amount setting item of the printer of the image processing apparatus. This is a case where, during the installation work, confirmation of the printed matter and the original color balance in the business negotiation for delivery are confirmed. In the case of a unique color balance in a business negotiation, if the same model is used, it can be reflected in other image processing apparatuses. Therefore, after confirming the output product on the first unit, it can be used on the second and subsequent units.
In S1405, since there are items to be confirmed in the setting value table, the process proceeds to S1406. In S1406, processing of a command to be paused is added.

In step S1407, the script analysis unit advances the process to step S1408 because there is no manual setting data in the setting data in FIG. 10A at the first unit. In step S1408, the script analysis unit advances the processing to step S1409 because there is setting data to be set in common in the setting data. In step S1409, the script analysis unit adds setting data export processing (command processing shown in FIG. 15A) to the execution script a.
In step S1303, the script analysis unit executes the created execution script a as an installation process. In particular, command processing (export processing) is executed as manual setting data registration command processing. Then, the setting data managed by the management server is changed to the setting data shown in the setting data table shown in (D) of FIG. 10A. As a result, the management server registers the manually completed setting data shown in (E) of FIG. 10B in the installation instruction information database.

When the second unit is installed, the script file of the same installation instruction information IDM001 is executed in the image processing apparatus according to the procedure shown in FIG.
Until S1406, the same installation processing as that of the first image processing apparatus is executed. In step S1407, the script analysis unit of the second image processing apparatus causes the first image processing apparatus to execute a script on the setting data. Here, the script analysis unit of the second image processing apparatus advances the process to S1410 because there is already manually set data in the setting data as shown in (D) of FIG. 10 registered in the management server. .
In S1410, the script analysis unit of the second image processing apparatus adds an import command process for manually completed setting data immediately after the command immediately before the pause command process added in S1406. Here, the pause command process corresponds to the command process of FIG. 15B, and the import command process corresponds to the command process.
In this way, in the installation process of the first image processing apparatus for the first unit, the setting data changed manually by the operator is registered in the installation instruction information, so that manual operation is performed for the second and subsequent units. The setting data changed in can be reflected.

《Manually registering the setup data of the management server》
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the control method of the management apparatus according to the present embodiment. This example is an example of manual processing of setting data registration processing of the management server by executing command processing which is manual processing of setting data registration processing in the image processing apparatus. Each step is realized by executing a control program (control unit) stored in the CPU.
In step S1601, the control unit receives the manually completed setting data transmitted from the first image processing apparatus. In S1602, it is determined whether or not the value of the number of permitted manual setting data registration is 1. Here, if the control unit determines that the value of the number of permitted manual setting data registration is 1, it determines that the manual setting data of the installation instruction information may be reflected in the registration request from the first unit. Then, the process proceeds to S1603.

  On the other hand, when the control unit determines in S that the value of the number of permitted manual setting data registration is greater than 1, the process proceeds to S1604. This is because manual work results in a plurality of image processing apparatuses need to be reflected in the manual setting data of the installation instruction information. In S1603, the control unit registers the manually completed setting data received in S1601 in the corresponding setting data table ((D) in FIG. 10A), and ends the process.

  In S1604, the control unit compares the number of data registered in the pre-determined manual work setting data table shown in (G) of FIG. 10B with the value of the number of permitted manual work setting data registration shown in (F) of FIG. 10B. To do. Here, if the control unit determines that the number of registered data is less than the number of manually set data registration permitted, the process proceeds to S1605. This process is terminated for a data registration request.

In S1605, the control unit compares the already registered setting data with the contents of the manually completed setting data received in S1601. Here, when it is determined that the setting data already registered and the manual setting data received in S1601 are the same, the manual work performed by a plurality of image processing apparatuses can be performed without error. Judge and proceed to S. In S, the control unit adds the manually completed setting data to the pre-confirmed manually completed setting data table, and ends this process.
On the other hand, if the control unit determines in S1605 that the setting data already registered and the manual setting data received in S1601 are different, the control unit determines that there is a mistake in the manual operation in the image processing apparatus. The process ends. Note that a process of notifying the administrator that there has been a mistake in manual work in the image processing apparatus may be added.

  This makes it possible to register and manage correct manually completed setting data to be reflected in a plurality of subsequent image processing devices only when the result of manual setting value change performed by several image processing devices is the same. It becomes like this.

The above-described installation configuration state confirmation processing flow and the above-described flow related thereto determine the first unit or the first few installation processing in the installation configuration and other settings, and manually change settings for the first installation. Reflect the value to the original installation instruction information. As a result, the same setting value as the setting value manually changed can be reflected in the subsequent image processing apparatus to be installed. In addition, in the subsequent installation work of the image processing apparatus, it is possible to perform a manual confirmation work as necessary.
According to this embodiment, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of the initial installation work of the image processing apparatus.
In addition, it is possible to discriminate between the first unit or the first few units in the installation configuration and the other, and the setting values manually changed in the first unit installation can be reflected in the original installation instruction information. As a result, the same setting value as the setting value manually changed can be reflected in the subsequent image processing apparatus to be installed.
In addition, in the subsequent installation of the image processing apparatus, it is possible to perform manual confirmation work as necessary.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation | work which registers the difference information which is the additional installation instruction information which is not described in the acquired script with a management apparatus is performed.
As a result, it is possible to register the intentionally entered installation instruction information in the management apparatus while reducing the influence on the traffic on the network.

[Second Embodiment]
If the installation instruction information manually input by the installer is unconditionally registered in the management apparatus, the installation instruction information is reflected on another information processing apparatus that acquires the script next time.
At this time, if the installation instruction information is normal information, no problem occurs. However, since the installation instruction information is not correctly evaluated, unintended installation instruction information is reflected in another information processing apparatus. There is.
Therefore, when registering the installation instruction information in the management apparatus, unintended installation instruction information is registered by comparing the authentication information input from the registration instruction person with the information of the registered instruction person registered in advance. It is good also as a structure which avoids.
[Third Embodiment]
For the problem shown in the second embodiment, when the management device compares the contents of the installation instruction information requested for registration from a plurality of information processing devices and determines that the installation instruction information matches, The installation instruction information requested for registration is registered in the script.
Thereby, it is possible to prevent unintended installation instruction information from being registered in the management apparatus without requiring an operation for authenticating the registration instructor.

  The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Network Image processing device Client computer Management server

Claims (14)

An information processing apparatus that communicates with a management apparatus,
An acquisition means for acquiring a script in which installation instruction information to be set in the information processing apparatus is described from the management apparatus;
Execution means for analyzing the acquired script and setting the installation instruction information;
When the installation instruction information manually input by the installer and the confirmation information of the installation instruction information manually input are included in the installation instruction information of the script analyzed by the execution means, the installation process based on the script is temporarily performed. Creating means for creating a script for execution including processing to stop and processing to acquire installation instruction information manually input by the installer;
Registration means for registering in the management device installation instruction information manually input by an execution script created by the creation means;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The execution unit reflects the setting of installation instruction information manually input by an installer after the installation process is temporarily stopped according to the execution script acquired from the management apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the device is a printing unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the installation instruction information manually input by the installer is information for correcting a color balance of a printing unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies the content of the process performed by the installer when the process executed by the executing unit is temporarily stopped.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus includes an image processing apparatus and a composite image processing apparatus. A management device that communicates with an information processing device,
Management means for managing a script storing installation instruction information set in the information processing apparatus;
Update means for acquiring installation instruction information manually input by the installer requested to register from the information processing apparatus, and updating the contents of the already registered script;
A management apparatus comprising:   The management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the management unit manages a script in which installation instruction information set in common for a plurality of information processing apparatuses is described.   The management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the management unit acquires and manages a script created by the data processing apparatus. A method of controlling an information processing apparatus that communicates with a management apparatus,
An acquisition step of acquiring a script in which installation instruction information to be set in the information processing device is described from the management device;
An execution step of analyzing the acquired script and setting the installation instruction information;
When the installation instruction information manually input by the installer and the confirmation information of the installation instruction information manually input are included in the installation instruction information of the script analyzed in the execution step, the installation process based on the script is temporarily performed. A creation step for creating a script for execution including processing to be stopped and processing to be executed manually by the installer;
A registration step of registering in the management device the installation instruction information manually input in the execution script created in the creation step;
An information processing apparatus control method comprising: A control method of a management device that communicates with an information processing device,
A management step of managing a script storing installation instruction information set in the information processing apparatus;
An update process for acquiring installation instruction information manually input by the installer requested to register from the information processing apparatus, and updating the contents of the already registered script;
A control method for a management apparatus, comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the information processing apparatus according to claim 10.   A program causing a computer to execute the management apparatus control method according to claim 11. An information processing system in which a management device and an information processing device communicate with each other,
The information processing apparatus includes:
An acquisition means for acquiring a script in which installation instruction information to be set in the information processing apparatus is described from the management apparatus;
Execution means for analyzing the acquired script and setting the installation instruction information;
When the installation instruction information manually input by the installer and the confirmation information of the installation instruction information manually input are included in the installation instruction information of the script analyzed by the execution means, the installation process based on the script is temporarily performed. Creating means for creating a script for execution including processing to stop and processing to acquire installation instruction information manually input by the installer;
Registration means for registering in the management device installation instruction information manually input by an execution script created by the creation means;
With
The management device
Management means for managing a script storing installation instruction information set in the information processing apparatus;
Update means for acquiring installation instruction information manually input by the installer requested to register from the information processing apparatus, and updating the contents of the already registered script;
An information processing system comprising:

Images