JP2018133039A - Image formation device, information processing system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an external application to use an image forming apparatus whose setting information has been changed without user operation. An image forming apparatus communicates with a control unit for controlling the image forming apparatus, a storage unit for storing setting information set for the image forming apparatus, and an external device. The external device includes a communication unit and a terminal device having an application that operates in cooperation with the image forming device according to the cooperation information consistent with the setting information, and the control unit sets the setting when the setting information is changed. It has a determination unit for determining whether or not to send a change notification indicating that the information has been changed to the terminal device. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing system, and a program, and in particular, an image forming apparatus, an information processing system, and a program for transmitting a notification that information set in the image forming apparatus has been changed to another apparatus. About.

  Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-102604) discloses a technique for collectively changing contents set in each image forming apparatus for a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Proposed.

  Further, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-158783) discloses that when the content set in the image forming apparatus has been changed, the application of the image forming apparatus or the image forming apparatus is restarted. Make it available.

JP 2014-102604 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-158783

  If an external application that has used the image forming apparatus according to the setting information of the image forming apparatus does not know that the setting information of the image forming apparatus has been changed, it cannot connect to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the user has to manually change the setting contents of the external application according to the setting information after the change of the image forming apparatus.

  An object of an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus, an information processing system, and a program that allow an external application to use an image forming apparatus whose setting information has been changed without being operated by a user. .

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling the image forming apparatus, a storage unit for storing setting information set for the image forming apparatus, and communication with an external apparatus. An external device includes a terminal device having an application that operates in cooperation with the image forming apparatus according to cooperation information that matches the setting information, and the control unit is configured to change the setting information when the setting information is changed. And a determination unit that determines whether or not to send a change notification indicating that the setting information has been changed to the terminal device.

  Preferably, the determination unit is further configured to determine to transmit a change notification when at least a part of the cooperation information received from the terminal device does not match the changed setting information.

  Preferably, the determination unit is further configured to determine whether or not to send a change notification based on a history of communication between the terminal device and the image forming apparatus for the cooperative operation by the application.

  Preferably, the determination unit is configured to determine to transmit a change notification when communicating with the terminal device for a cooperative operation by the application within a predetermined time after the setting information is changed.

  Preferably, the control unit further includes a matching unit for matching the cooperation information of the terminal device with the changed information that is the changed setting information when the change notification is transmitted to the terminal device.

  Preferably, the matching unit is configured to cause the terminal device to perform matching processing for matching the cooperation information with the changed information when the change notification is transmitted to the terminal device.

  Preferably, the matching unit is further configured to transmit the post-change information to the terminal device to perform the matching process when the change notification is transmitted to the terminal device.

  Preferably, the external device includes an information processing device capable of communicating with the terminal device, the control unit further includes a changing unit that changes the setting information using the changing information, and the matching unit includes the terminal device. In order to cause the matching process to be performed, the change information is transmitted to the application.

  Preferably, the matching unit requests the information processing device to transmit change information to the terminal device in order to cause the terminal device to perform matching processing.

  Preferably, the control unit requests the information processing device to transmit a change notification to the terminal device.

  According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal device that communicates with an image forming apparatus includes a control unit that controls the terminal apparatus, and a storage unit that stores cooperation information that matches setting information set in the image forming apparatus And an application that cooperates with the image forming apparatus in accordance with the cooperation information, and a change notification that indicates that the setting information has been changed from the image forming apparatus, for matching the cooperation information with the changed setting information. A matching processing unit.

  According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device that communicates with a terminal device includes a control unit that controls the information processing device, and the terminal device is linked information that matches setting information set in the image forming device. And the control unit, when the setting information of the image forming apparatus is changed, changes information for matching the cooperation information with the changed setting information. , Configured to transmit to the terminal device.

  An information processing system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an image forming apparatus and a terminal device that communicates with the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a control unit for controlling the image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus. A storage unit for storing setting information set for the apparatus, and the terminal device includes an application that operates in cooperation with the image forming apparatus in accordance with the cooperation information that matches the setting information. Is configured to determine whether or not to send a change notification indicating that the setting information has been changed to the terminal device when the setting information has been changed.

  According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a processor of an image forming apparatus to execute a method. In this method, the setting information stored in the storage unit is changed, the step of communicating with a terminal device having an application that operates in cooperation with the image forming apparatus according to the cooperation information that matches the setting information, and the setting information is changed. And a step of determining whether or not to send a change notification indicating this to the terminal device.

  According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a program for causing a processor of a terminal device communicating with an image forming apparatus to execute a method is provided. The terminal device is configured to operate in cooperation with the image forming apparatus according to cooperation information that matches the setting information set in the image forming apparatus, and the method receives a change notification indicating that the setting information of the image forming apparatus has been changed. A step of receiving, and a step of changing the linkage information so as to be consistent with the changed setting information when the change notification is received.

  According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a program for causing a processor of an information processing device communicating with a terminal device to execute a method is provided. The terminal device has an application that operates in cooperation with the image forming apparatus in accordance with linkage information that matches the setting information set in the image forming apparatus, and the method is linked when the setting information of the image forming apparatus is changed. The step of acquiring the information for a change for matching information with the said setting information after a change, and the step of transmitting the information for a change to a terminal device are provided.

  In one aspect of this disclosure, an external application can use an image forming apparatus whose setting information has been changed without user operation.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of MFP 500. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a PC 300. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of MFP 500 according to each embodiment. 3 is a flowchart of processing according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process of FIG. 6 typically. It is a figure which shows the process of FIG. 6 typically. It is a figure which shows the process of FIG. 6 typically. It is a figure which shows the process of FIG. 6 typically. 10 is a flowchart of processing according to the second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating step S11 of FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing according to the third embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating step S17 and step S19 of the process of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the matching process in FIG.13 S21. 10 is a flowchart of processing according to the fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of processing according to the fifth embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the matching process in step S25 of FIG. 18 is a flowchart of processing according to the sixth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart showing processing of the PC 300 according to the seventh embodiment. 20 is a flowchart showing processing of the server 100 according to Embodiment 8.

  Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system (hereinafter simply referred to as a system) according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses that communicate with each other via a network 400, a PC (abbreviation of personal computer) 300 that is an example of a “terminal apparatus”, and “information processing”. The server 100 which is one Example of an apparatus is provided. The network 400 may include various types of wired or wireless networks.

  The plurality of image forming apparatuses include MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals) 500A-1, 500A-2, 500A-3, 500A-4. In the embodiment, the MFP is an example of an “image forming apparatus”. In the following description, 500A-1, 500A-2, 500A-3, and 500A-4 are collectively referred to as MFP 500. The MFPs 500 communicate with each other via a communication line 501 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  In FIG. 1, four MFPs 500 are provided in the system, but may be five or more, or three or less. Moreover, although PC300 is a laptop type in FIG. 1, it is not limited to this type.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server 100. Referring to FIG. 2, server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 for controlling the entire apparatus. The server 100 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11 for storing a program executed by the CPU 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13. The server 100 further includes a timer 14, a network controller 15, and a memory card I / F (abbreviation of Interface) 16. The network controller 15 controls communication with other devices via the network 400. The memory card I / F 16 is detachably loaded with an external storage medium such as the memory card 17 and reads data (including a program) from the loaded storage medium or writes data (program) to the storage medium. .

  The HDD 13 stores in advance information relating to devices such as the PC 300 and the MFP 500 connected to the network 400 (IP (Internet Protocol) address, etc.) and information relating to the user of the device (password for user authentication). . The hardware configuration of the server 100 is not limited to the device configuration in FIG. 2 and may include an output device (printer, display, etc.).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of MFP 500. Referring to FIG. 3, MFP 500 includes a CPU 50 that is an example of a “control unit” for controlling the entire apparatus. MFP 500 also includes a storage unit for storing programs and data. The storage unit includes a ROM 51 for storing programs and data executed by the CPU 50, a RAM 52, an HDD 53 as an example of a storage device for storing image data, and a memory card I / F 58 described later. Including. The MFP 500 further includes a scanner 54, a printer 55, an operation panel 56, a network controller 57 as an example of a “communication unit”, and a memory card I / F 58. Operation panel 56 is operated by a user and receives user operation details on MFP 500. The network controller 57 controls communication with another MFP 500 via the communication line 501 and communication with external devices (PC 300, server 100, etc.) via the network 400. The memory card I / F 58 is detachably loaded with an external storage medium such as the memory card 59, and reads data (including a program) from the loaded storage medium or writes data (program) to the storage medium. .

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the PC 300. Referring to FIG. 4, PC 300 includes a CPU 30 for controlling the entire apparatus, a touch panel 34, and a storage unit. The storage unit includes a ROM 31 for storing a program executed by the CPU 30, a RAM 35, an HDD 36 for storing various information, and a memory card 40 described later. PC 300 further includes a network controller 37 that controls communication with other devices (MFP 500 and server 100) via network 400, a timer 38, and a memory card I / F 39. The touch panel 34 is operated by the user and accepts the user's operation content on the PC 300. The network controller 37 controls communication with other devices (such as the MFP 500 and the server 100) via the network 400. The memory card I / F 39 is detachably loaded with an external storage medium such as the memory card 40, and reads data (including a program) from the loaded storage medium or reads data (including a program) from the storage medium. Write. The touch panel 34 integrally includes a display 32 and an operation panel 33.

<Explanation of terms>
Terms used in the embodiment will be described.

  “MFP setting information” is an example of “setting information”. The “MFP setting information” is information that is set for the MFP 500 in order to control or use the MFP 500 and can be changed. “MFP setting information” is stored in a rewritable storage area of MFP 500. “MFP setting information” includes authentication information (for example, a password) for authenticating a user, information for communicating with an external device (for example, an IP address), version information of a control program for the MFP 500, an operation schedule (for example, The time of the power saving operation mode and the normal operation mode) is included, but is not limited to these types.

  “Old MFP setting information” indicates MFP setting information before the change is made. “New MFP setting information” indicates MFP setting information after the change, and is an example of “changed information”.

  “External application” is an application that operates in cooperation with MFP 500. In the embodiment, the external application exemplifies software (program) executed by the processor. However, the external application is not limited to software, but hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). It may be a wear circuit.

  The cooperation operation of the “external application” includes an operation for collecting information from the MFP 500 while communicating with the MFP 500. The collected information includes, for example, information related to the operation of the MFP 500 (count values such as the number of copies, the remaining number of sheets, and information on users who have used the information).

  “Application setting information” is an example of “cooperation information” necessary for an external application to operate in cooperation with the MFP 500. When the “cooperation information” matches the MFP setting information of the MFP 500, the external application can operate in cooperation with the MFP 500. However, when the “cooperation information” does not match, the external application cannot operate in cooperation.

  The “matching process” indicates a process for changing the application setting information so as to match a part or all of the new MFP setting information. The matching process may include a process for changing the application setting information so as to completely match part or all of the new MFP setting information.

  The “change notification” is a notification indicating that “MFP setting information” of the MFP 500 has been changed using “change information”.

  “RDT (Remote Deployment Tool)” is a program executed by the server 100 in order to change MFP setting information.

<Outline of processing>
In each embodiment, when the MFP setting information is changed, MFP 500 determines whether it is necessary to send a change notification to PC 300 having an external application. When the PC 300 receives the change notification directly from the MFP 500 or via the server 100, the PC 300 performs a matching process for matching the application setting information with the changed MFP setting information using the change information. The external application can operate in cooperation with the MFP 500 after the MFP setting information is changed in accordance with the application setting information acquired by the matching process.

  In each embodiment, the MFP setting information includes a plurality of items including an authentication password, a power saving operation mode time, and the like. MFP 500 transmits a change notification when a predetermined item of MFP setting information is changed. The predetermined item is an item necessary for the external application to operate in cooperation with the MFP 500, and is, for example, a password. The predetermined item is not limited to a password.

<Functional Configuration of MFP 500>
FIG. 5 schematically shows a functional configuration of MFP 500 according to each embodiment. In FIG. 5, the functions of MFP 500 are shown in association with new MFP setting information 5 and old MFP setting information 6 stored in the nonvolatile storage area of RAM 52.

  Referring to FIG. 5, MFP 500 changes when old MFP setting information 6 in RAM 52 is changed to new MFP setting information 5 using changing information, and when changing is performed by changing unit 1. A determination unit 2 and a matching unit 3 that determine whether or not to send a change notification indicating that the change has been made to the PC 300 are provided. The new MFP setting information 5 is an example of “changed information”. The matching unit 3 performs processing for matching application setting information 30B (described later) of the PC 300 with the new MFP setting information 5 when a change notification is transmitted to the PC 300.

  In each embodiment, the change unit 1, the determination unit 2, and the matching unit 3 are realized by a program executed by the CPU 30, but are not limited to a program, and may be realized by a combination of a program and a circuit.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing according to the first embodiment. 7-10 is a figure for demonstrating each step of the process of FIG. 7 to 10 show cases where the MFP setting information of two MFPs 500 is changed to simplify the description.

  7 to 9 schematically show the processes of steps S1 to S11 in FIG. 6, respectively. 7 to 9, RDT 10A and change information 10B are stored, for example, in the storage unit of server 100, and CPU 101 executes RDT 10A. Further, in the PC 300, the program of the external application 30A, the application setting information 30B, and the program of the matching processing unit 30C are stored in the storage unit. The CPU 30 executes the program of the external application 30A for the cooperative operation, and executes the program of the matching processing unit 30C. The matching process is implemented by executing the program of the matching processing unit 30C. In each embodiment, the matching processing unit 30C is illustrated as a part of the program of the external application 30A, but may be generated as an individual program.

  The MFP setting information of each MFP 500 in FIG. 1 is collectively changed using the change information 10B from the server 100 (see step S1 and FIG. 7). That is, the changing unit 1 of each MFP 500 changes the old MFP setting information 6 using the changing information 10B received from the RDT 10A of the server 100, and generates new MFP setting information 5. The change information 10B includes an item identifier and a changed value of the item.

  When the MFP setting information is changed, the determination unit 2 determines whether it is necessary to send a change notification to the PC 300 (see step S3, FIG. 7). If the determination unit 2 determines that it is not necessary to transmit a change notification (NO in step S3), the process ends, but if it is determined that a change notification needs to be transmitted (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to step S5. Transition. For example, the determination unit 2 collates an identifier of a predetermined item described in a definition file stored in the HDD 53 with an identifier of an item whose MFP setting information has been changed. Based on the result of the collation, when the identifiers of both items match, the determination unit 2 determines that it is necessary to transmit a change notification, and determines that it is not necessary to transmit the change notification if they do not match.

  The CPU 50 receives an access request from the external application 30A (see step S5, FIG. 8). The access request indicates a request for accessing (reading / writing) the count value stored in the storage unit of the MFP 500. The access request includes the password in the application setting information 30B.

  The CPU 50 determines whether or not the setting information before the change, that is, the password before the change is included in the access request from the external application 30A (see step S7, FIG. 8). For example, the CPU 50 collates the password of the new MFP setting information 5 and the password of the access request, and determines whether or not they match based on the collation result (step S7). When CPU 50 determines that both passwords match (YES in step S7), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 50 determines that the two passwords do not match (NO in step S7), the CPU 50 proceeds to step S11. That is, when the access request password does not match the password of the new MFP setting information 5, the process proceeds to step S9 in order to perform matching processing.

  The determination unit 2 determines whether or not an access request from the external application 30A has been received within a specific period (for example, a predetermined period such as one month retroactive) after the MFP setting information is changed. Judgment from the history (step S9). Note that the specific period is variable, and may be variable depending on the type of the external application 30A, for example.

  The communication history is stored in the storage unit so that information related to communication is accumulated each time the CPU 50 of the MFP 500 communicates with the MFP 500 and various applications of the external terminal device. The communication history includes, for each application (or terminal device), an IP address, which is an example of an identifier, and a communication time in association with each other.

  When the determination unit 2 determines that the access request is received outside the specific period (NO in step S9), the determination unit 2 ends the process, but when it determines that the access request is received within the specific period (step S9). A change notification is transmitted to the PC 300 (step S11, see FIG. 9). Then, the matching unit 3 causes the PC 300 to perform matching processing (step S13). Thereafter, the process of FIG. 6 ends.

  The process of step S13 will be described with reference to FIG. In step S13, any one of the four patterns in FIGS. 10A to 10D is performed. For example, the pattern to be implemented is switched according to the type of the external application 30A.

  In FIG. 10A, upon receiving the change notification, the matching processing unit 30C of the PC 300 transmits a setting information acquisition request to the MFP 500. The matching unit 3 of the MFP 500 receives the acquisition request (step S13a). The matching unit 3 transmits the new MFP setting information 5 and the change request in response to the acquisition request (step S13b). The matching processing unit 30C of the PC 300 performs matching processing using the new MFP setting information 5 in accordance with a change request from the MFP 500. As a result, the application setting information 30B is changed to be consistent with the new MFP setting information 5.

  In FIG. 10B, the matching unit 3 of the MFP 500 transmits the new MFP setting information 5 and the change request to the PC 300 (step S13c). The matching processing unit 30C of the PC 300 performs matching processing using the new MFP setting information 5 in accordance with a change request from the MFP 500. As a result, the application setting information 30B is changed to be consistent with the new MFP setting information 5.

  In FIG. 10C, the matching processing unit 30C of the PC 300 transmits a setting information acquisition request to the server 100 when the change notification is received (step S13d). When receiving the acquisition request, the RDT 10A of the server 100 transmits the change request and the change information 10B to the PC 300 (step S13e). The matching processing unit 30C of the PC 300 performs matching processing using the change information 10B in accordance with a change request from the server 100. As a result, the application setting information 30B is changed to be consistent with the new MFP setting information 5.

  In FIG. 10D, the matching unit 3 of the MFP 500 transmits a transmission request to the server 100 (step S13f). This transmission request indicates a content for requesting the server 100 to transmit the new MFP setting information 5 (or the change information 10B) to the PC 300.

  In response to the transmission request from the MFP 500, the server 100 transmits the change request and the change information 10B to the designated PC 300 (step S13g). The matching processing unit 30C of the PC 300 performs matching processing using the change information 10B in accordance with a change request from the server 100. As a result, the application setting information 30B is changed to be consistent with the new MFP setting information 5. In accordance with a change request from the server 100, the CPU 30 of the PC 300 changes (updates) the application setting information 30B so as to be consistent with the new MFP setting information 5 using the change information 10B.

  Here, in steps S13e and 13g, the server 100 transmits the change information 10B to the PC 300 for alignment processing, but is not limited to the change information 10B. For example, the server 100 may generate new MFP setting information 5 and transmit it to the PC 300. Specifically, the CPU 10 of the server 100 generates the new MFP setting information 5 by generating the new MFP setting information 5 from the change information 10 </ b> B transmitted to the MFP 500 or receiving the new MFP setting information 5 from the MFP 500. The acquired new MFP setting information 5 may be transmitted to the PC 300.

  In the first embodiment, when the MFP setting information is changed, the matching process according to any of FIGS. 10A to 10D is executed, so that the application setting information 30B is also matched with the changed MFP setting information. Can be changed to.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment shows a modification of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the password verification of the access request (step S7 in FIG. 6) is omitted, and the external application 30A to be subjected to the matching process is determined from the communication history (log).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining step S11 in FIG. Steps S1, S3, and S11 in FIG. 11 are the same as the processing described in FIG. 6, and thus detailed description will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIG. 11, changing unit 1 of MFP 500 changes old MFP setting information 6 to new MFP setting information 5 based on changing information 10B received from server 100 (step S1). The determination unit 2 determines whether or not a change notification needs to be transmitted (step S3). If it is determined that transmission of a change notification is not required (NO in step S3), the process ends. If it is determined that transmission of a change notification is necessary (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4. .

  The determination unit 2 specifies (determines) information of the external application 30A that has communicated during the specific period from the communication history (step S4). Note that the reference for determining the external application 30A is not limited to access within the specific period. For example, the access frequency (number of times), the length of communication time, and the like may be used as a reference.

  The CPU 50 transmits a change notification to the PC 300 of the external application 30A specified in step S4 (see step S11 and FIG. 12). Then, the matching unit 3 causes the PC 300 to perform the matching process (step S13). Thereafter, the process of FIG. 11 ends. In the matching process in step S13, any one of the processes shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D described above is performed, and therefore the description will not be repeated here.

(Embodiment 3)
The third embodiment shows a modification of each of the above embodiments. In the third embodiment, the matching processing unit 30C of the PC 300 performs the matching process using the change information 10B received from the RDT 10A. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining step S17 and step S19 of the process of FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the matching process in step S21 of FIG. Steps S1, S3, S5, S7, and S9 in FIG. 13 are the same as the processing described in FIG. 6, and thus detailed description will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIG. 13, changing unit 1 of MFP 500 changes old MFP setting information 6 to new MFP setting information 5 based on changing information 10B from RDT 10A (step S1), and determining unit 2 notifies the change notification. If it is determined that transmission is necessary (YES in step S3), the CPU 50 receives an access request from the external application 30A (step S5).

  If the determination unit 2 determines that the password before setting change is included in the access request (YES in step S7), the access request is received within a specific period after the MFP setting information is changed. (YES in step S9), the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the CPU 50 of the MFP 500 transmits a request for matching processing to the RDT 10A of the server 100 (step S17, FIG. 14). The request indicates the content of requesting (requesting) the RDT 10A of the server 100 to execute processing between the MFP 500 and the PC 300.

  The RDT 10A transmits a change notification addressed to the external application 30A in accordance with the request from the MFP 500 (step S19, FIG. 14). The matching process by the matching processing unit 30C is performed (step S21). Thereafter, the process of FIG. 13 ends.

  The matching process in step S21 will be described with reference to FIG. In step S21, one of the processes in FIGS. 15A and 15B is performed. For example, processing to be performed is determined according to the type of the external application 30A.

  In FIG. 15A, when receiving the change notification, the external application 30A transmits an acquisition request to the RDT 10A of the server 100 (step S21a). When the RDT 10A transmits a change notification according to the notification request and receives an acquisition request from the external application 30A, the RDT 10A transmits the change request and the change information 10B to the external application 30A (step S21b). The matching processing unit 30C performs the matching process using the change information 10B from the RDT 10A according to the change request from the RDT 10A.

  In FIG. 15B, when receiving a request from the MFP 500, the RDT 10A transmits a change request to the PC 300 (step S21c). When the RDT 10A receives a response to the change request from the PC 300, the RDT 10A transmits the change information 10B to the PC 300 (step S21d). The matching processing unit 30C performs the matching process using the change information 10B from the RDT 10A according to the change request from the RDT 10A.

  In the third embodiment, when the determination unit 2 of the MFP 500 determines that the change notification needs to be transmitted, the subsequent matching processing is performed between the RDT 10A of the server 100 and the PC 300, thereby reducing the burden on the MFP 500. can do.

(Embodiment 4)
The fourth embodiment shows a modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of processing according to the fourth embodiment. In the processing of FIG. 16, the processing in steps S5, S7 and S9 in FIG. 13 is changed to step S4 in FIG. 11, but the other processing is the same as in FIG. 13, and therefore detailed description will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIG. 16, changing unit 1 of MFP 500 changes old MFP setting information 6 to new MFP setting information 5 based on changing information 10B from RDT 10A (step S1), and determining unit 2 sends a change notification. Is determined (YES in step S3), the external application 30A to which the change notification is to be transmitted is specified (determined) from the communication history (step S4).

  Thereafter, when the CPU 50 of the MFP 500 transmits the request to the RDT 10A (step S17), the RDT 10A transmits a change notification to the PC 300 of the designated external application 30A according to the request (step S19). The matching process is performed by the processing unit 30C (step S21). Thereafter, the process of FIG. 16 ends.

(Embodiment 5)
Embodiment 5 shows a modification of each of the above embodiments. In each of the above embodiments, the MFP setting information of each MFP 500 is changed using the change information 10B from the RDT 10A. However, in the fifth embodiment, the MFP setting information is changed without using the RDT 10A.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of processing according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the matching process in step S25 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 17, changing unit 1 of MFP 500 extracts change information from the user's operation content received via operation panel 56, and changes the MFP setting information based on the extracted change information (step). S1a). As a result, the old MFP setting information 6 is changed to the new MFP setting information 5. Then, the process of step S3-S11 for transmitting a change notification to the external application 30A is implemented. The processing in steps S3 to S11 in FIG. 17 is the same as the corresponding processing shown in FIG. 6, and therefore details will not be repeated.

  When the change notification is transmitted to the PC 300, an alignment process (step S25) by the alignment processing unit 30C is performed. The matching process in step S25 will be described with reference to FIG. In step S25, one of the processes in FIGS. 18A and 18B is performed. For example, processing to be performed is determined according to the type of the external application 30A.

  In FIG. 18A, when the external application 30A receives the change notification, the external application 30A transmits a setting information acquisition request to the MFP 500, and the CPU 50 of the MFP 500 receives the acquisition request from the external application 30A (step S25a). The matching unit 3 of the MFP 500 transmits a change request and new MFP setting information 5 in response to the acquisition request (step S25b). The external application 30A performs matching processing using the new MFP setting information 5 in accordance with the change request from the MFP 500.

  In FIG. 18B, the matching unit 3 of the MFP 500 transmits a request for changing the application setting information 30B to the external application 30A (step S25c). When the matching unit 3 receives the response from the external application 30A, the matching unit 3 transmits the new MFP setting information 5 to the PC 300 (step S25d). The matching processing unit 30C performs matching processing using the new MFP setting information 5 in accordance with a change request from the MFP 500.

(Embodiment 6)
The sixth embodiment shows a modification of the fifth embodiment. Also in the sixth embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, each MFP 500 changes its own MFP setting information. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of processing according to the sixth embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 19, changing unit 1 of MFP 500 changes the MFP setting information based on the changing information received from the user as in the fifth embodiment (step S1a). Thereafter, the processes of steps S3, S4 and S11 for transmitting the change notification to the external application 30A are performed. Since the processes in steps S3 to S11 in FIG. 19 are the same as those in FIG. 11, details are not repeated.

  When the change notification is transmitted to the PC 300, the matching processing unit 30C performs the matching process (step S25). Since the matching process in step S25 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 18, the description will not be repeated.

(Embodiment 7)
In the seventh embodiment, the matching process of the PC 300 in each of the above embodiments is shown. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing of the PC 300 according to the seventh embodiment. Referring to FIG. 20, matching processing unit 30C of PC 300 determines whether or not a change notification or request is received (step T1). Until the change notification or request is received, the process of step T1 is repeated. When a change notification or request is received (YES in step T1), the alignment processing unit 30C performs alignment processing using the change information 10B (or the new MFP setting information 5) (step T3).

(Embodiment 8)
In the eighth embodiment, the processing of the server 100 in each of the above embodiments is shown. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing of the server 100 according to the eighth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 21, CPU 10 (RDT 10A) determines whether or not it receives a request from MFP 500 or a request from PC 300 (step R1). Until the request or request is received, the process of step R1 is repeated. When the request or request is received (YES in step R1), the CPU 10 acquires the change information 10B (or new MFP setting information 5) (step R3). Specifically, CPU 10 obtains these information by reading change information 10 </ b> B from the storage unit, generating new MFP setting information 5, or receiving new MFP setting information 5 from MFP 500.

  The CPU 10 transmits the acquired change information 10B (or new MFP setting information 5) to the PC 300 together with the change request for matching processing (step R5).

(Embodiment 9)
In the ninth embodiment, it is possible to provide a program for causing various information processing apparatuses to execute the processes of the flowcharts shown in the above-described embodiments. By executing the program, it is possible to cause the existing apparatus such as the MFP 500, the server 100, and the PC 300 to execute the above-described processing, and the information processing system according to the present embodiment can be constructed.

  Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card attached to the computer of the above existing apparatus. It can also be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to Embodiment 9 is a program module provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) that calls and executes necessary modules at a predetermined timing in a predetermined arrangement. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. Such a program not including a module can also be included in the program according to the ninth embodiment.

  Further, the program according to Embodiment 9 may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the ninth embodiment.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Change part, 2 Judgment part, 3 Matching part, 5 New MFP setting information, 6 Old MFP setting information, 10A RDT, 10B Change information, 30A External application, 30B application setting information, 30C Consistency processing part, 100 Server, 300 PC, 500 MFP.

Claims (16)

An image forming apparatus,
A control unit for controlling the image forming apparatus;
A storage unit for storing setting information set for the image forming apparatus;
A communication unit for communicating with an external device,
The external apparatus includes a terminal device having an application that operates in cooperation with the image forming apparatus according to cooperation information that matches the setting information.
The controller is
An image forming apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether or not to send a change notification indicating that the setting information has been changed to the terminal device when the setting information has been changed. The determination unit further includes:
The image formation according to claim 1, wherein when at least a part of the cooperation information received from the terminal device does not match the changed setting information, the image formation is determined to be transmitted. apparatus. The determination unit further includes:
The image according to claim 1, wherein the image is configured to determine whether to transmit the change notification based on a history of communication between the terminal device and the image forming apparatus for the cooperative operation by the application. Forming equipment. The determination unit
The apparatus is configured to determine to transmit the change notification when communicating with the terminal device for the cooperative operation by the application within a predetermined time after the setting information is changed. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The control unit further includes:
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a matching unit configured to match the cooperation information of the terminal device with post-change information that is the changed setting information when the change notification is transmitted to the terminal device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The matching portion is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the change notification is transmitted to the terminal device, the terminal device is configured to perform a matching process for matching the cooperation information with the post-change information. . The alignment unit further includes:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the change notification is transmitted to the terminal device, the post-change information is configured to be transmitted to the terminal device in order to perform the matching process. The external device includes an information processing device capable of communicating with the terminal device,
The controller is
A change unit for changing the setting information using change information;
The matching portion is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the change information is transmitted to the application in order to cause the terminal device to perform the matching process. The matching portion is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information processing apparatus is requested to transmit the change information to the terminal apparatus in order to cause the terminal apparatus to perform the matching process. The controller is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information processing apparatus is requested to transmit the change notification to the terminal apparatus. A terminal device that communicates with an image forming apparatus,
A control unit for controlling the terminal device;
A storage unit for storing cooperation information that matches setting information set in the image forming apparatus;
An application that cooperates with the image forming apparatus according to the cooperation information;
And a matching processing unit configured to match the linkage information with the changed setting information when a change notification indicating that the setting information has been changed is received from the image forming apparatus. An information processing device that communicates with a terminal device,
A control unit for controlling the information processing apparatus;
The terminal device has an application that operates in cooperation with the image forming apparatus according to cooperation information that matches setting information set in the image forming apparatus,
The controller is
An information processing apparatus configured to transmit, to the terminal device, change information for making the linkage information consistent with the changed setting information when the setting information of the image forming apparatus is changed. An image forming apparatus;
An information processing system comprising: a terminal device that communicates with the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A control unit for controlling the image forming apparatus;
A storage unit for storing setting information set for the image forming apparatus,
The terminal device
Including an application that operates in cooperation with the image forming apparatus according to cooperation information that matches the setting information;
The control unit of the image forming apparatus includes:
An information processing system configured to determine whether or not to send a change notification indicating that the setting information has been changed to the terminal device when the setting information has been changed. A program for causing a processor of an image forming apparatus to execute a method,
The method
Changing the setting information stored in the storage unit;
Communicating with a terminal device having an application that cooperates with the image forming apparatus according to cooperation information that matches the setting information;
A program for determining whether or not to transmit a change notification indicating that the setting information has been changed to the terminal device. A program for causing a processor of a terminal device communicating with an image forming apparatus to execute a method,
The terminal device is configured to operate in cooperation with the image forming apparatus according to cooperation information that matches setting information set in the image forming apparatus.
The method
Receiving a change notification indicating that the setting information of the image forming apparatus has been changed;
Changing the linkage information so as to match the changed setting information when the change notification is received. A program for causing a processor of an information processing device communicating with a terminal device to execute a method,
The terminal device has an application that operates in cooperation with the image forming apparatus according to cooperation information that matches setting information set in the image forming apparatus,
The method
When the setting information of the image forming apparatus is changed, obtaining change information for making the linkage information consistent with the changed setting information;
Transmitting the change information to the terminal device.

Images