JP6769286B2 - Image processing equipment, systems, control methods and programs for image processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to control methods and programs of image processing devices, systems, and image processing devices, and in particular, control methods and programs of image processing devices, systems, and image processing devices that set setting information of image processing devices to other image processing devices. Regarding.

In an environment such as an office, a plurality of image processing devices (for example, a copier, a printer, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals), which is a multifunction device thereof, etc.) may be used.

In order to efficiently operate (use) multiple MFPs, each MFP has a function to change the setting information together with other MFPs at the same time. The setting information includes, for example, information for power saving.

Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-154427), a setting means sets a set value in the own device based on an XML format setting request sent by the sending means. I do. Further, with an access means for accessing another image processing device indicated by the setting destination information included in the XML format setting request converted by the conversion means and having a function of setting the setting value of the XML format by the second application. , A transmission means for transmitting an XML format setting request including a setting value to another image processing device accessed by the access means is provided. In Patent Document 1, when a value is set in the own device (one unit), a setting request is automatically sent from the own device so that the value is set in another image processing device, so that the administrator can set the value. The burden can be reduced.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-154427

In Patent Document 1, when a set value is set in the own device, it is necessary that the set value can be set in another image processing device at the same time. That is, both the own device and the other image processing device need to be in a state where, for example, an administrator can log in.

However, a conventional image processing device such as an MFP is in a state where an administrator can log in to the image processing device when a user who is not an administrator is operating the device or a job is being executed in the device. It cannot be migrated. Therefore, when the administrator logs in to his / her own device, it is necessary to confirm that another image processing device can log in to the administrator, and simplification of the operation is desired.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of setting setting information in each image processing apparatus by a simple operation.

An image processing device according to a certain aspect of the disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with another image processing device and a control unit that controls the own device, and the operation mode of the image processing device is limited to the administrator. Including the administrator mode for permitting the operation of the device, the control unit shifts the operation mode of the own device to the administrator mode and moves to the setting information for acquiring the setting information of the own device stored in the storage unit. Includes a setting processing unit that transmits the access information of the above to another image processing device via the communication unit and then returns the operation mode from the administrator mode.

Preferably, when the control unit further receives a request including access information from another image processing device, the control unit reads setting information from the storage unit based on the received access information, and performs other image processing via the communication unit. Includes a request response unit to send to the device.

Preferably, the control unit causes the server to perform the processing of the request response unit.
Preferably, the image processing device includes a storage unit that stores information set in the own device, a communication unit that communicates with another image processing device, and a control unit that controls the own device, and operates the own device. The mode includes an administrator mode that allows only the administrator to operate the own device, and the control unit shifts the operation mode to the administrator mode when receiving access information to the setting information of another image processing device. Then, the setting information is acquired by using the access information and stored in the storage unit, and then the operation mode is restored from the administrator mode.

Preferably, the control unit is further configured to determine whether the own device is in a state of permitting or prohibiting the change of information in the storage unit, and the control unit is further configured with access information. When the own device is in the change permission state, the operation mode is changed to the administrator mode, the setting information is acquired using the access information and stored in the storage unit, and then the operation mode is changed. It is configured to return from administrator mode.

Preferably, when the control unit receives the access information, when the own device is in the change prohibited state, the control unit further notifies another notification that the setting information cannot be acquired without shifting the operation mode to the administrator mode. It is configured to be transmitted to an image processing device.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system comprising a first image processing apparatus and a second image processing apparatus communicating with the first image processing apparatus is provided. The operation modes of the first image processing device and the second image processing device include an administrator mode that allows only the administrator to operate the image processing device, and the first image processing device controls the own device. The first control unit provides access information to the setting information for shifting the operation mode of the own device to the administrator mode and acquiring the setting information of the own device stored in the storage unit. 2 It is configured to transmit to the image processing device and then return the operation mode from the administrator mode. The second image processing device includes a second control unit that controls its own device, and the second control unit is When the access information is received from the first image processing device, the operation mode of the own device is shifted to the administrator mode, the setting information is acquired and stored using the access information, and then the operation mode of the own device is obtained. Is configured to return from administrator mode.

According to other aspects of this disclosure, a method of controlling an image processing apparatus is provided. The operation mode of the image processing device includes an administrator mode that allows only the administrator to operate the image processing device, and the control method includes a step of shifting the operation mode of the own device to the administrator mode. In the control method, further, the step of transmitting the access information to the setting information for acquiring the setting information of the image processing device to another image processing device, and after transmitting the access information, the operation mode is set to the administrator. Includes a step to wake up from mode.

According to other aspects of this disclosure, a method of controlling an image processing apparatus is provided. The operation mode of the image processing device includes an administrator mode that allows only the administrator to operate the image processing device, and the control method includes a step of receiving access information to setting information of another image processing device and access. When the information is received, it includes a step of shifting the operation mode to the administrator mode, and the control method further includes a step of acquiring setting information of another image processing device using the access information in the administrator mode. , A step of returning the operation mode from the administrator mode after acquiring the setting information is provided.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, a program is provided that causes a computer to execute the control method of the image processing apparatus described above.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to set setting information in each image processing device by a simple operation.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the outline of the setting information between the parent MFP and the child MFP which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic the hardware configuration of the MFP which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the function of the parent MFP which concerns on Embodiment 1. It is a flowchart which shows the process generally performed in the parent MFP which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows schematicly the process performed in the child MFP which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the sequence of communication between the parent MFP and the child MFP which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same.

[Embodiment 1]
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

The "image processing device", "setting information", "administrator", and "administrator mode" used in each embodiment can be defined as follows.

The "image processing device" includes, for example, a copier, a printer, a facsimile, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals), and the like. The MFP has functions such as a copier, a printer, and a facsimile. The image processing apparatus is not limited to these types.

“Setting information” indicates information set (stored) in the image processing device mainly by the administrator in order to control the image processing device. The setting information includes information (address, etc.) for identifying the image processing device for communication between different image processing devices, and information for saving power consumption in the image processing device. The information that saves power consumption includes, for example, information on the time required to shift the image processing device to a state of low power consumption. The type of setting information is not limited to these.

The "administrator" is a person who can be distinguished from a general user of the image processing device and has the authority to manage the image processing device.

The "administrator mode" is one of a plurality of operation modes of the image processing device. When the operation mode is the administrator mode, the operation on the image processing device is permitted only to the administrator. In the non-administrator mode (operation mode excluding the administrator mode among the operation modes), the user is permitted to operate the image processing device.

(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, the system according to the first embodiment includes the information processing device 100, the MFPs 101, which are examples of the "image processing device", and the MFPs 102, 103, and 104 that communicate with the MFPs 101. The information processing device 100 corresponds to a computer having a function of a web browser. These devices are communicably connected to each other via a network including wired or wireless.

In the first embodiment, the MFP 101 is also referred to as a'parent MFP'for the sake of explanation, and the MFPs 10203 and 104 are also referred to as'child MFPs', respectively. The parent MFP has a function of setting the setting information P of its own device in the child MFP. Specifically, the parent MFP receives the setting information P from the information processing device 100 and stores the received setting information P. Further, when the parent MFP receives the request Q (request Q1, Q2, Q3) from the child MFP, the parent MFP transmits the stored setting information P to the request source child MFP. This parent MFP is an embodiment of the "first image processing device". Further, the child MFP is an embodiment of the "second image processing device" that communicates with the first image processing device.

Each MFP stores the program and data for the parent MFP and the program and data for the child MFP in the storage unit so that it can function as both the parent MFP and the child MFP. Each MFP functions as a parent MFP when the program for the parent MFP is started, and functions as a child MFP when the program for the child MFP is started according to the operation contents from the operation panel.

(Overview of setting information)
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of setting information between a parent MFP and a child MFP according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 2, the parent MFP exports the setting information P of the storage unit of its own device to a file (export file), and stores the export file in a storage unit such as an SMB (Server Message Block) server (for example). Processes R1 and R2 in FIG. 2). In the export, the setting information may be converted into a format that can be handled by the child MFP. The storage unit in which the export file is stored may be, for example, a storage unit such as an SMB server built in the parent MFP.

In addition, the parent MFP transmits access information for accessing the export file to each child MFP (process R3 in FIG. 2).

When the child MFP receives the access information from the parent MFP, the child MFP determines whether or not the own device can import the setting information. When it is determined that the import is possible, the child MFP transmits a request Q including the access information received from the parent MFP (process R4 in the figure). Request Q indicates an acquisition request for acquiring setting information from the parent MFP.

When the parent MFP receives the request Q from the child MFP, the parent MFP reads the export file from the storage unit based on the access information included in the received request Q, and sends the read export file to the requesting child MFP. Send.

The child MFP imports (stores) the setting information of the export file received from the parent MFP into the storage unit of its own device. As a result, the original setting information stored in the storage unit of the child MFP is changed (rewritten) using the setting information of the parent MFP (process R5 in FIG. 2).

(Hardware configuration)
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the configurations of the parent MFP 101 and the child MFP 102. Since the other MFP 103 has the same configuration as the MFP 102, the description will not be repeated.

With reference to FIG. 3, the MFP 101 has, as main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, and an NVRAM, which are examples of the “control unit”. It includes (Non-Volatile RAM) 24, a storage device 25, an operation panel 26, a scanner unit 27, a printer unit 28, a FAX (facsimile) unit 29, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 20. Further, the MFP 101 includes a memory I / F (Interface) 19 to which a memory card 18, which is a kind of external storage medium, is detachably attached and reads and writes data of the attached memory card 18.

The scanner unit 27 is a known device that scans a set document and obtains image data of the document. The printer unit 28 is a device that prints an image such as a document based on data by a known electrophotographic method. The data that can be printed includes image data read by the scanner unit 27, print data from a personal computer (PC), and data received by the fax unit 29. The FAX unit 29 is a known device that transfers the image data read by the scanner unit 27 using a public line.

NIC20 is an example of the "communication unit". The NIC 20 carries out data communication via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The data to be communicated includes job data (print job, scan job, etc.), request Q from the child MFP, setting information P from the parent MFP, and the like.

The operation panel 26 includes a liquid crystal display unit on which a touch panel is laminated on the surface. The operation panel 26 is operated to select or set various information such as copy image quality, paper size, number of prints, scan destination, and the like.

The storage device 25 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The ROM 22 reads a program and controls the functions of the entire system. Programs and data are stored in the ROM 22, RAM 23, and NVRAM 24. In the first embodiment, the NVRAM 24 is an embodiment of a "storage unit" for storing the setting information P. The NVRAM 24 is a rewritable non-volatile memory.

With reference to FIG. 3, the MFP 102 (child MFP) has, as a main component, a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, an NVRAM 44, a storage device 45, an operation panel 46, and a scanner unit 47, which are examples of the “control unit”. , The printer unit 48, the FAX unit 49, and the NIC 40. Further, the MFP 102 includes a memory I / F 39 to which the memory card 38 is detachably attached and the data of the attached memory card 38 is read and written. Since each part of the MFP 102 has the same function as each corresponding part of the MFP 101, the description will not be repeated.

(Functional configuration)
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a function of the parent MFP according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 4, the MFP 101 (parent MFP) includes a setting processing unit 30 and a request response unit 31. Each of these parts is shown as a function of the CPU 21 of the MFP 101. The CPU 21 realizes the functions of each part of FIG. 4 by executing a program stored in the storage parts such as the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the NVRAM 24. The functions of each part in FIG. 4 may be realized by a combination of a program and a circuit.

The setting processing unit 30 shifts the operation mode of the parent MFP (MFP101) to the administrator mode, and provides access information for accessing the setting information P stored in the storage unit to the child MFPs (MFP102, 103, 104). Is transmitted via the NIC 20, and then a process of returning the operation mode from the administrator mode is performed. When the child MFP receives the access information from the parent MFP (setting processing unit 30), the child MFP transmits a request Q including the received access information to the parent MFP.

When the request response unit 31 receives the request Q transmitted from the child MFPs (MFP102, 103, 104), the request response unit 31 sets information from the storage unit (NVRAM24) of the parent MFP based on the access information included in the received request Q. P is read and transmitted to the requesting child MFP via the communication unit. In the first embodiment, for example, the parent MFP has an SMB server built-in, and the SMB server has the function of the request response unit 31. The function of the request response unit 31 is not limited to the method realized by the SMB server.

When the child MFP receives the setting information from the parent MFP, the child MFP stores the received setting information in the storage unit (NVRAM44) of the own device. Specifically, the original setting information of the storage unit (NVRAM44) is changed (updated) by using the received setting information. After that, the CPU 41 of the child MFP controls the child MFP according to the changed setting information stored in the storage unit (NVRAM 44).

(Processing flowchart)
The process of setting the setting information in the child MFP by the parent MFP according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart.

<Processing of parent MFP>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing the processing performed by the parent MFP according to the first embodiment. The program according to this flowchart is stored in a storage unit such as a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an NVRAM 24, and a storage device 25. The processing is realized by the CPU 21 reading the program from the storage unit and executing the read program.

A process in which the parent MFP (MFP101) transmits an export file having setting information to the child MFP will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 21 starts the process of FIG. 5 when the administrator receives the operation content of the administrator login to the parent MFP (MFP101) via the operation panel 26.

First, the setting processing unit 30 of the CPU 21 shifts (switches) the operation mode of the parent MFP to the administrator mode according to the operation content of the administrator login from the operation panel 26 (step S301).

The setting processing unit 30 switches the display screen of the operation panel 26 to the setting screen for import / export. The information on the import / export settings screen includes a list of identification information of child MFPs that can communicate with the parent MFP over the network. The identification information of the child MFP includes the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the child MFP acquired by the CPU 21 searching the network. The administrator determines one or more child MFPs that reflect the setting information of the own device (parent MFP) by searching the list (step S302).

In step S302, the MFP 102 is determined as, for example, a child MFP. The child MFP to be determined is not limited to the MFP 102, and may be the MFP 103 or the MFP 104. Further, the number of child MFPs to be determined is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

When the child MFP is determined, the setting processing unit 30 of the parent MFP reads the setting information P of the NVRAM 24, creates an export file in which the read setting information P is described, and stores the setting information P in the parent MFP in the storage unit of the SMB server. Store (step S303). The setting information P is described in the export file according to, for example, an XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. Further, the storage unit of the SMB server in which the export file is stored may be a storage unit different from the NVRAM 24 (for example, a storage unit composed of the RAM 23, the storage device 25, and the like).

After that, the setting processing unit 30 transmits the access information for accessing the export file stored in the storage unit of the SMB server to the child MFP (MFP102) determined in step S302 (step S304). The access information for accessing the export file is information for accessing the export file stored in the storage unit of the SMB server, and includes, for example, the address of the export file in the storage unit of the SMB server.

After that, the setting processing unit 30 executes the logout process of the administrator mode (step S305). By this logout process, the setting processing unit 30 returns the operation mode of the parent MFP (MFP101) from the administrator mode to the original operation mode.

After returning to the original operation mode, the CPU 21 determines whether or not to receive the request Q from the child MFP (MFP102) (step S306). This request Q includes the access information transmitted to the child MFP in step S340.

When the CPU 21 determines that the request Q (that is, access information) has been received from the child MFP (MFP102) (YES in step S306), the SMB server determines whether or not the received access information is correct (step S307). For example, the received access information is compared (verified) with the address of the export file of the SMB server, and if they match based on the comparison result, it is determined that the access information is correct (YES in step S307). Therefore, in the case of falsified access information or incorrect access information, the comparison result shows a discrepancy and is not determined to be correct (NO in step S307).

If it is determined that the request Q is not received from the child MFP (MFP102) (NO in step S306) or the access information is not determined to be correct by the SMB server (NO in step S307), the process returns to step S306 and subsequent processing. Is repeated.

On the other hand, when the SMB server determines that the access information is correct (YES in step S307), the request response unit 31 of the SMB server reads the export file from the storage unit based on the determined access information, and requests the export file. It is transmitted to a child MFP (MFP102) (step S308).

As described above, when the CPU 21 transmits the access information to the export file storing the setting information P to each child MFP and then receives the request Q including the access information, the CPU 21 is the source of the request Q. Send the export file to a child MFP.

<Processing of child MFP>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing the processing performed in the child MFP according to the first embodiment. The program according to this flowchart is stored in a storage unit such as a ROM 42, a RAM 43, an NVRAM 44, and a storage device 45. The processing is realized by the CPU 41 reading the program from the storage unit and executing the read program.

Next, a process of changing (updating) the original setting information of the own device by the child MFP (MFP102) by importing the setting information received from the parent MFP (MFP101) will be described. The CPU 41 of the child MFP periodically performs the process shown in FIG.

In the process of FIG. 6, the child MFP sets whether the change of the setting information stored in the storage unit is permitted or prohibited by the flag (referred to as the import waiting flag in FIG. 6). Judgment is based on the value. In the first embodiment, the state in which the change of the setting information is prohibited indicates a state in which the change of the setting information affects the operation of the apparatus. For example, it includes a state in which the child MFP is processing a job (print job, scan job, etc.), a state in which the user's operation content is received via the operation panel 46, a state in which the child MFP is communicating with another MFP, and the like. The state in which the change of setting information is prohibited is not limited to these.

Further, in the first embodiment, the state in which the setting information is permitted to be changed means a state in which the operation of the apparatus is not affected even if the setting information is changed. Specifically, among the operating states of the child MFP, the states excluding the above-mentioned prohibited state are included.

With reference to FIG. 6, the CPU 41 of the child MFP (MFP102) clears the import waiting flag (sets 0) (step S401).

The CPU 41 determines whether or not to receive access information from the parent MFP (step S402). When the access information is not received (NO in step S402), the process of step S402 is repeated.

When the CPU 41 receives the access information from the parent MFP (YES in step S402), the CPU 41 sets the import waiting flag to 1 (step S403). Further, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the child MFP is in a state where the change (file import) of the setting information is permitted (possible) based on the output from each unit (step S404).

When the CPU 41 determines that the child MFP is in a state where the change of the setting information is permitted (YES in step S404), the CPU 41 clears the import waiting flag (sets 0) and executes an administrator login to the child MFP. Then, the operation mode is changed to the administrator mode (step S406).

After migrating to the administrator node, the CPU 41 acquires the export file of the setting information P from the parent MFP based on the access information from the parent MFP (step S407). Details of the process for acquiring the export file will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

The CPU 41 imports the setting information of the acquired export file (step S408). As a result, the original setting information of the storage unit of the child MFP is changed so as to show the same contents as the setting information P of the parent MFP.

After that, CPI 41 executes the process of administrator logout (step S409). As a result, the child MFP returns from the administrator mode to the original operation mode. After that, the process proceeds to step S410.

Returning to step S404, when the CPU 41 determines that the child MFP is in a state where the change of setting information (file import) is prohibited (NO in step S404), the access information received in step S402 is input to the child MFP. It is stored (stored) in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit (step S411), and the process proceeds to step S410.

In step S410, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the value of the import waiting flag is 0 (step S410). When the CPU 41 determines that the import waiting flag is 0 (YES in step S410), the CPU 41 ends the process. That is, when the processes of steps S405 to S409 are executed and the setting information is changed, the process ends.

On the other hand, when the CPU 41 determines that the import waiting flag is not 0 (that is, the import waiting flag is 1) (NO in step S410), the CPU 41 returns to step S404 and performs the processing after step S404 in the same manner as described above. carry out. In this way, the CPU 41 periodically determines whether or not the child MFP is in a state where the change of the setting information is permitted while the child MFP is in the state where the change of the setting information is prohibited. (Step S404). When it is determined in the periodic determination process (step S404) that the state is permitted (YSE in step S404), the processes of steps S405 to S409 are executed, and the setting information of the child MFP is changed. ..

<Communication sequence>
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a sequence of communication between the parent MFP and the child MFP according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 7, the CPU 21 of the parent MFP (MFP101) carries out steps S301 to S303 described above.

In step S304, the CPU 21 transmits a notification of access information for accessing the export file stored in the parent MFP to the child MFP. The CPU 41 of the child MFP (MFP102) receives the notification from the parent MFP and transmits a reception completion response to the parent MFP. Further, the CPU 41 stores the access information included in the notification received from the parent MFP in the storage unit.

When the child MFP determines that the change of the setting information is prohibited (NO in step S404), the CPU 41 repeats the processes of steps S405 to S411 (performs the loop process).

When the child MFP is not in a state where the change of the setting information is prohibited (alt), that is, when the child MFP is determined to be in the state where the change of the setting information is permitted, the CPU 41 executes step S406 to perform step S406. Move to S407.

In step S407, the CPU 41 executes an export file acquisition process from the parent MFP. Specifically, the CPU 41 generates a request Q having access information and transmits the request Q to the parent MFP. When the SMB server (request response unit 31) of the parent MFP receives the request Q from the child MFP, it sends a response to the child MFP of the request source. Specifically, the request response unit 31 of the SMB server reads the export file of the setting information P from the storage unit based on the access information of the received request Q, and transmits the read export file to the child MFP. The CPU 41 of the child MFP receives the export file which is the response from the parent MFP.

After that, the CPU 41 of the child MFP executes steps S408 to S411 to change the original setting information of the own device by using the setting information of the export file from the parent MFP.

<Notification that cannot be changed>
With reference to FIG. 7, the CPU 41 of the child MFP notifies the parent MFP of a failure notification indicating that the setting information cannot be acquired (cannot be acquired) when the above loop process is repeated a predetermined number of times. Transmit (step S415).

When the CPU 21 of the parent MFP receives the failure notification from the child MFP, the CPU 21 stores the failure notification in the storage unit (step S311). As a result, the parent MFP can manage a log (history record) indicating success / failure of the change in the setting information of the child MFP. Further, the CPU 21 of the parent MFP displays a log on the screen (step S312).

[Embodiment 2]
The second embodiment shows a modification of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the parent MFP stores the export file in the storage unit in the own device, but the storage location is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, the case where the export file is stored in the storage unit outside the parent MFP will be described.

In the second embodiment, the CPU 21 of the parent MFP stores the export file in the storage unit of the second server different from the SMB server in the own device, or in the storage unit of the SMB server in the external child MFP (MFP102). You may do so. In this case, the change in the flowchart (FIG. 5) is that in step S303, the parent MFP creates an export file in which the setting information is described and stores it in the second server or the SMB server in the child MFP (MFP102). Then, the process of transmitting the export file by the request response unit 31 after step S306 is executed by the second server or the child MFP (MFP102). The second server may include, for example, an SMB server, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server.

In this case, since the parent MFP does not need to perform response processing (transmission of the export file) to the request Q from the child MFP, it is possible to reduce the load on the parent MFP as compared with the first embodiment. ..

Even if the setting information P of the parent MFP is stored in the storage unit of the second server or the storage unit of the SMB server in the child MFP (MFP102), the parent MFP requests from the child MFP. The request response unit 31 may perform response processing (transmission of the export file) for Q. In this case, the storage location of the export file can be outside the parent MFP, and the memory consumption of the parent MFP can be reduced.

[Embodiment 3]
In the third embodiment, a program for causing the MFP to execute a process according to the flowchart or communication sequence described above is provided. 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 18, 38 attached to the MFP computer. It can also be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by recording on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. The program can also be provided by downloading via the network.

The program may be a program module provided as a part of an OS (Operating System) of a computer, in which necessary modules are called in a predetermined array at a predetermined timing to execute processing. In that case, the program itself does not include the above module and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module may also be included in the program of the third embodiment.

Further, the program according to the third embodiment may be provided by being incorporated into a part of another program. Even in that case, the program itself does not include the modules included in the other programs, and the processing is executed in cooperation with the other programs. A program incorporated in such another program may also be included in the program according to the third embodiment.

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

[Advantages of Embodiment]
According to each of the above-described embodiments, the parent MFP transmits access information to the export file storing the setting information in the child MFP, and then the child MFP is allowed to change the setting information of its own device. When request Q for acquiring the export file is sent to acquire the export file (Pull type). That is, the method of setting the setting information to the child MFP of each embodiment is not that the parent MFP sends the setting information setting instruction to the child MFP (Push type).

Therefore, the administrator logs in to the parent MFP at the timing of creating the export file, but at this time, even if the child MFP cannot log in to the administrator (change of setting information is prohibited). , The setting information of the child MFP can be changed to the same information as that of the parent MFP.

As a result, when managing multiple MFPs located in the same company or on the same floor so that they have the same setting information, the administrator moves to the installation location of each child MFP and sets the operation mode to the administrator mode. There is no need to perform an operation for switching. Therefore, the setting information of each MFP can be changed to the same contents by a simple operation.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

18,38 memory card, 22,42 ROM, 23,24 RAM, 43,44 NVRAM, 25,45 storage device, 26,46 operation panel, 27,47 scanner unit, 28,48 printer unit, 30 setting processing unit, 31 Request response unit, 100 Information processing device, 101, 102, 103, 104 MFP, P setting information, Q request, R1, R3, R4, R5 processing.

Claims (10)

It is an image processing device
With a communication unit that communicates with other image processing devices,
Equipped with a control unit that controls its own device
The operation mode of the image processing device includes an administrator mode that allows only the administrator of the own device to operate the image processing device.
The control unit
Access information to the setting information for shifting the operation mode of the own device to the administrator mode and acquiring the setting information of the own device stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the other image processing device by the communication unit. An image processing apparatus including a setting processing unit that transmits via the image and then returns the operation mode from the administrator mode. The control unit further
When a request including the access information is received from the other image processing device, the setting information is read from the storage unit and transmitted to the other image processing device via the communication unit based on the received access information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a request response unit. The image processing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes a server to perform processing of the request response unit. It is an image processing device
A storage unit that stores information set in the own device,
With a communication unit that communicates with other image processing devices,
A control unit that controls the own device is provided.
The operation mode of the own device includes an administrator mode that allows only the administrator of the own device to operate the own device.
The control unit
When the access information to the setting information of the other image processing device is received, the operation mode is shifted to the administrator mode, the setting information is acquired using the access information, and then stored in the storage unit. , An image processing device configured to return the operation mode from the administrator mode. The control unit further
It is configured to determine whether the own device is in a state of permitting or prohibiting the change of information in the storage unit.
The control unit further
When the access information is received and the own device is in the change permission state, the operation mode is shifted to the administrator mode, the setting information is acquired using the access information, and the setting information is stored in the storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the operation mode is then returned from the administrator mode. The control unit further
When the access information is received and the own device is in the change prohibition state, a notification that the setting information cannot be acquired is transmitted to the other image processing device without shifting the operation mode to the administrator mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, which is configured to perform the above. A system including a first image processing device and a second image processing device that communicates with the first image processing device.
The operation mode of the first image processing device includes an administrator mode that allows only the administrator of the own device to operate the first image processing device.
The operation mode of the second image processing device includes an administrator mode that allows only the administrator of the own device to operate the second image processing device.
The first image processing apparatus is
Equipped with a first control unit that controls its own device
The first control unit
The operation mode of the own device is shifted to the administrator mode, and access information to the setting information for acquiring the setting information of the own device stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the second image processing device, and then. , It is configured to return the operation mode of its own device from the administrator mode.
The second image processing apparatus is
Equipped with a second control unit that controls its own device
The second control unit
When the access information is received from the first image processing device, the operation mode of the own device is shifted to the administrator mode, the setting information is acquired and stored using the access information, and then the own device is used. A system configured to restore the operating mode of the administrator mode. It is a control method of an image processing device.
The operation mode of the image processing device includes an administrator mode that allows only the administrator of the own device to operate the image processing device.
The control method is
Including the step of shifting the operation mode of the own device to the administrator mode
In the administrator mode, the control method further
A step of transmitting access information to the setting information for acquiring the setting information of the image processing device to another image processing device, and
A method for controlling an image processing device, which comprises a step of returning the operation mode from the administrator mode after transmitting the access information. It is a control method of an image processing device.
The operation mode of the image processing device includes an administrator mode that allows only the administrator of the own device to operate the image processing device.
The control method is
Steps to receive access information to the setting information of other image processing devices,
When the access information is received, the step of shifting the operation mode to the administrator mode is provided.
The control method further
In the administrator mode
A step of acquiring the setting information of another image processing device using the access information, and
A control method for an image processing device, comprising a step of returning the operation mode from the administrator mode after acquiring the setting information. A program that causes a computer to execute the control method of the image processing device according to claim 8 or 9.

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