CN100504753C - information processing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

An information processing device is disclosed that is able to extend functions without performing installation and enables easy function settings. The information processing device is able to communicate with an image forming device, and includes a storage unit for storing basic information of the information processing device; an information acquisition unit for acquiring function information from the image forming device; a function detection unit for detecting a function of the image forming device from the function information; and a storage controller which determines whether function data of the detected function is included in the basic information, and modifies the basic information according to the determination results. When the function data of the detected function is not included in the basic information, the storage controller stores the function data in the storage unit.

Description

information processing equipment

technical field

The present invention relates to an information processing device capable of communicating with an imaging device.

Background technique

When a host terminal such as a personal computer (PC) and an image forming device such as a printer are connected via a network, software generally called a printer driver is installed in the host terminal so as to use a page description language supported by the image forming device, A document created or viewed by an application installed in a host terminal is converted into print data compatible with (ie, printable by) an image forming device connected to the host terminal through a network. Here, "print data compatible with an image forming device" means print data capable of being printed in an image forming device.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a printer driver.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer driver 12 is installed in the host terminal 1, and includes: a data receiving part 121, which receives document data created or browsed by the application 11 installed in the host terminal 1; GUI (Graphical User Interface) A controller 122 that performs control so that the printer driver 12 or the setting value of the document data is stored in the storage unit 123; the storage unit 123 that stores the setting value of the document data received by the data receiving section 121 122 controls setting values of the printer driver 12; and a writing section 124 that converts document data into print data compatible with the image forming device based on the setting values stored in the storage unit 123.

The data receiving section 121 receives document data created or browsed by the application 11 , and the storage unit 123 obtains setting values of the document data received by the data receiving section 121 from the application 11 . Furthermore, the storage unit 123 obtains the setting values of the printer driver 12 from the GUI controller 122 in order to convert the document data received by the data receiving section 121 into print data compatible with the image forming device. The setting values obtained by the storage unit 123 are sent to the writing section 124 through the data receiving section 121 together with the document data received by the data receiving section 121 . Based on the setting value of the document data obtained from the application 11, and based on the setting value of the printer driver 12 obtained from the GUI controller 122, the writing section 124 converts the document data into print data compatible with the image forming device. The print data converted by the writing section 124 is sent from the port controller 13 of the host terminal 1 to the image forming apparatus via the network.

In the latest network environments, there are often multiple imaging devices connected to the network. In addition, with the widespread use of mobile phones and portable PCs, it becomes necessary for one user to be able to use different imaging devices at different locations; therefore, one host terminal is required to be able to control multiple imaging devices. For example, a plurality of printer drivers corresponding to respective image forming devices must be installed in the host terminal.

For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2004-310488 (hereinafter, referred to as "reference 1") discloses a printing system in which one driver is installed in a plurality of printing apparatuses of the same type in one installation. In the printing system disclosed in Reference 1, multiple printing devices appear to be managed with the same ID number but different network ID numbers; therefore, it is not necessary to install multiple printer driver.

However, the host terminal does not always control the same type of printing device. When the host terminal controls different types of printing devices, a corresponding printer driver should be installed in the host terminal. Furthermore, even when the host terminal always controls the same type of printing apparatus, it is possible to replace the printing apparatus in use with a new printing apparatus due to the lifespan or failure reasons. Due to the exchanging of printing devices, if it is required to extend the functions of the printer driver installed in the host terminal, the printer driver with extended functions should be installed in the host terminal. Installing the printer driver in the host terminal increases the workload imposed on the OS (Operating System) of the host terminal; furthermore, such installation increases the user's cost and work time.

To solve this problem, it has been proposed to install a plug-in module into a printer driver already installed in a host terminal, and to add an extended function only when it is necessary to install a new printer driver having the extended function.

For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2005-173701 (hereinafter, referred to as "Reference 2") discloses an information processing device capable of efficiently installing a plug-in for implementing an additional function in an existing printer driver Program modules.

In recent years, printer drivers have more and more functions as functions of utilities executed in image forming apparatuses and host terminals improve. However, depending on the user, different parts of the functions of the printer driver are used, and in many cases, not all of the functions of the printer driver are necessary.

For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2001-75758 (hereinafter, referred to as "Reference 3") discloses a printer driver that is presented in the system only when the printer driver is set to use the function of the printer functions possessed by the printer, so it is possible to make the setting faithful to the functions possessed by the printer in a simple manner and with high operability.

In the information processing apparatus disclosed in Reference 2, since new additional functions are installed only as plug-in modules, the workload imposed on the information processing apparatus is reduced compared to an apparatus having to reinstall the entire printer driver . However, since the number of operations in installation is not reduced, the workload imposed on the user such as cost and work time is hardly reduced.

In the printer driver disclosed in Reference 3, since a dynamic link library (DLL) is required to provide data for setting printing conditions for each connected printer, in an environment including an unspecified number of connected printers, A mass storage device is required to store many DLLs.

Contents of the invention

Embodiments of the present invention can solve one or more problems in the related art.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention can provide an information processing apparatus capable of expanding its functions without performing installation and capable of easy function setting.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device capable of communicating with an imaging device, which includes:

a storage unit for storing basic information of the information processing device;

an information acquiring unit, configured to acquire functional information from the imaging device;

a function detection unit that detects a function of the imaging device from the function information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and

a storage controller that determines whether function data associated with the function detected by the function detection unit is included in the basic information stored in the storage unit, and modifies the basic information stored in the storage unit according to the determination result,

in

When function data associated with the function detected by the function detection unit is not included in the basic information stored in the storage unit, the storage controller stores the function data into the storage unit.

According to the current embodiment, when a new function is added to the information processing device of the present invention capable of communicating with the imaging device, or when a different type of imaging device is connected, the information processing device in the present invention is made only from the imaging device It is sufficient to obtain information not included in the basic information prepared in advance. Therefore, when an imaging device is added or updated, it is not necessary to introduce an information processing device corresponding to the imaging device every time the addition or update is performed. That is, the workload imposed on the user by the installation process is reduced. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of expanding functions without performing installation.

Here, "basic information" means minimum necessary information included in software installed in advance as a device driver corresponding to an imaging device, and information added later.

As an example, the basic information includes function data and status flags associated with the functions of the information processing device, the function information includes function data and status tags associated with the functions of the imaging device, and the storage controller associates the functions with the imaging device The associated status flag is assigned to the status flag associated with the function of the information processing device which is the same as the function of the imaging device.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to set the function of the information processing device in response to the state of the imaging device. For example, when the image forming apparatus is a printer, it is possible to recognize that some functions of the information processing apparatus are currently unavailable due to factors on the printer side such as optional equipment not installed, or the printer running out like staples or Consumables such as toner, or the size or type of paper are not compatible. For example, if an optional device is later installed in the printer and a factor preventing execution of a specific function is removed, the function becomes available.

As an example, when the function data included in the basic information is not included in the function information, the storage controller assigns a value to the status flag corresponding to the function data to indicate that the function data is included in the basic information but not in the function information.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of utilizing actually required functions. That is, when the information processing device according to the present invention is applied to a PC or other host terminal, even when an optional device is added, since the information processing device does not invoke a function currently unavailable in an imaging device, it is possible to minimize the OS workload on the host terminal.

As an embodiment, the information processing apparatus further includes: a setting item input and output unit that displays a setting graphic image based on the basic information stored in the storage unit,

in,

The setting item input and output unit modifies the form of the setting graphic image in response to a status flag corresponding to a function of the information processing device included in the basic information.

According to the current embodiment, the user can visually confirm the function of the information processing device, and when setting the function parameter of the information processing device, the user can easily and appropriately set the parameter in response to the state of the information processing device.

As an example, the setting item input/output unit refers to a status flag corresponding to function data included in the basic information but not included in the function information, and does not display the setting item associated with the function data on the setting graphic image.

According to the current embodiment, the user can visually confirm the functions currently available, and when setting the function parameters of the information processing device, it is clear which functions' settings can be modified, and compared with a printer driver including unnecessary functions, Improved operability.

Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, because the information processing device can acquire only information not included in the basic information which is the function information of the connected imaging device and which is the minimum included in the software installed in advance necessary information, so it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of expanding functions without performing installation and enabling easy function setting.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a printer driver;

2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of printer function information;

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of basic information stored in the storage unit 21;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 for adding or enabling a printer function; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 when a function existing in the information processing apparatus 2 other than the printer is detected.

Detailed ways

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Configuration of information processing device]

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the information processing device 2 includes a GUI controller 222 , a setting storage unit 223 , and a writing unit 224 . These components realize the function of a printer driver for generating data interpretable by a printer connected through a network such as a local area network (LAN).

The setting storage unit 223 stores document data to be printed by the printer and setting values of the information processing apparatus 2 , and includes the storage unit 21 and the information acquisition unit 22 . The storage unit 21 stores basic information of the information processing device. This basic information is used by the information processing device 2 in order to control the printer. The information acquisition unit 22 acquires function information of the printer from the printer.

The GUI controller 222 performs control so as to store setting values of the information processing apparatus 2 or setting values of document data to be printed by the printer in the setting storage unit 223 . The GUI controller 222 includes a function detection unit 23 , a storage controller 24 , and a setting item input and output unit 25 .

The function detecting unit 23 detects all functions of the printer from the function information of the printer obtained by the information obtaining unit 22 . The storage controller 24 controls the data stored in the storage unit 21 so as to match the functions of the printer detected by the function detection unit 23 .

The setting item input and output unit 25 displays graphic images on the screen for setting based on information stored in the storage unit 21, to adjust setting values or to issue control commands to generate data interpretable by the printer. For example, when the information processing device 2 is included in a PC, the setting item input and output unit 25 displays a setting graphic image on a display device (such as a monitor) of the PC, and the user operates like a mouse in response to the setting graphic image on the display. Input devices such as a keyboard and a keyboard to receive input setting values.

The writing unit 224 converts document data into print data interpretable by the printer and to be printed by the printer based on the information stored in the setting storage unit 223 . The writing unit 224 includes a function executing unit 26 that executes a function corresponding to the target printer based on the data stored in the storage unit 21 .

If a printer is powered on or connected while the information processing apparatus 2 is powered on, the information acquisition unit 22 detects its available printers, and acquires function information from the detected printers.

The function detecting unit 23 detects all functions of the printer from the function information of the printer obtained by the information obtaining unit 22 . The storage controller 24 controls basic information stored in the storage unit 21 so as to match the printer functions detected by the function detection unit 23 , for example, the storage controller 24 adds, deletes, and updates information in the storage unit 21 .

The setting item input and output unit 25 displays a setting graphic image on a display device such as a monitor based on the basic information stored in the storage unit 21, thereby allowing the user to adjust setting values or issue control commands in order to generate information that can be interpreted by the printer. data. Once the graphic image is displayed on the display device, the user inputs setting values by using the input device. The setting item input and output unit 25 receives setting values input by the user, and reflects these setting values as basic information stored in the storage unit 21 . Based on the basic information stored in the storage unit 21 updated by including therein the setting value input by the user, the function executing unit 26 generates data interpretable by the target printer.

[Method of information description]

Next, printer function information obtained by the information obtaining unit 22 is explained with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of printer function information.

As shown in FIG. 3A, printer function information is managed as a data list of functions P(n) (n=1, 2, . . . , N) currently available in the printer. Alternatively, the printer function information may be managed to include a plurality of function groups, each function group including a plurality of functions currently available in the printer. In addition, the function information also includes data of functions that are currently unavailable but may become available when optional equipment is added.

The function information includes a status flag for identifying whether the function P(n) is currently available. For example, the status flag has an "ON" state and an "OFF" state; when the status flag is in the "ON" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is currently available in the target printer. When the status flag is in the "OFF" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is currently unavailable in the target printer, for example, because an optional device is not installed, or the printer has run out of items such as staples or toners consumables such as solvents, or the size or type of paper is not compatible.

For example, a function having a status flag in an "OFF" state becomes available when an optional device is later installed in the printer and a factor preventing the function from being executed is removed. In this case, the status flag changes to "ON". That is, the status flag value is changed depending on the status of the target printer.

The storage controller 24 controls data stored in the storage unit 21 based on the function information shown in FIG. 3A .

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of basic information stored in the storage unit 21 .

As shown in FIG. 3B , the basic information includes initial information 31 which is the minimum necessary information included in software installed in advance to generate data interpretable by the printer, and additional information 32 added after installation.

The initial information 31 is managed as a data list of functions D(x) (x=1, 2, . . . , X) currently available in the information processing device 2 . Similarly, the additional information 32 is also managed as a data list of functions DT(y) (y=1, 2, . . . , Y) currently available in the information processing device 2 . Alternatively, the initial information 31 and the additional information 32 may also be managed to include a plurality of function groups each including a plurality of functions currently available in the information processing device 2 .

Whether the functions D(x) and DT(y) are executable depends on whether these functions are currently available in the target printer.

The various function data include status flags for identifying whether the function D(x) and the function DT(y) are currently executable. For example, the state flag has an "ON" state, an "OFF" state, and an "IMP" state. When the status flag is in the "ON" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is currently executable. When the status flag is in the "OFF" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is not currently executable, for example, because an optional device is not installed, the printer has run out of consumables such as staples or toner product, or the size or type of paper is not compatible, or other factors on the printer side. However, this function becomes available when a factor preventing the execution of the function is eliminated, for example, when an optional device is installed in the printer later.

When the status flag is in the "IMP" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is absolutely not executable because of the specifications of the target printer. However, when other types of printers are controlled, the function with the status flag in the "IMP" status becomes executable. In this case, the status flag changes to "ON" or "OFF". That is, the status flag value changes depending on the type of the target printer.

The additional information 32 corresponds to functions available in the printer, which are detected by the function detection unit 23 from the function information shown in FIG. 3A . When the additional information 32 has not previously been included in the basic information stored in the storage unit 21, the additional information 32 corresponds to function information added by the storage controller 24, detected by the function detection unit 23, and not included in the basic information .

[Operation of information processing equipment]

Next, the operation of the information processing device 2 in the present embodiment is explained with reference to the drawings.

When the information processing device 2 in the current embodiment as shown in FIG. Convert document data into print data that can be interpreted by the printer and includes control commands entered by the user. The information processing device 2 can utilize the function of a printer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 for adding or enabling a printer function.

As shown in FIG. 4 , in step S101 , when a printer performing printing is powered on or connected, the information acquiring unit 22 acquires the printer's function information from the printer.

In step S102 , the function detecting unit 23 detects all the functions P( 1 ) to P(N) of the printer described in the function information obtained by the information obtaining unit 22 .

In step S103 , the storage controller 24 determines whether the functions P( 1 ) to P(N) of the printer detected by the function detection unit 23 are included in the basic information stored in the storage unit 21 . In other words, the storage controller 24 determines whether the function P(n) included in the function information shown in FIG. 3A is consistent with the functions D(1) to D included in the initial information 31 (basic information) shown in FIG. (X) one of the same.

It is to be noted that, in the present embodiment, the storage controller 24 determines whether the function P(n) exists in the initial information 31 (basic information) in the order of description in the function information.

If the storage controller 24 determines that the function P(n) coincides with one of the functions D(1) to D(X) included in the initial information 31 (basic information), that is, the function P(n) of the target printer is included in the initial information 31 (basic information). If the information is 31 (basic information), the routine continues to step S104. Otherwise, the routine continues to step S105.

In step S104, since the function P(n) of the target printer is included in the initial information 31, the storage controller 24 obtains the status flag of the function P(n) in the target printer, and sets the status flag of the function P(n) to A value is assigned to the state flag of the function D(x) corresponding to the function P(n). In other words, memory controller 24 replaces the status flag value of function D(x) with the status flag value of function P(n).

In step S105, since the memory controller 24 determines that the function P(n) does not coincide with any of the functions D(1) to D(X) included in the initial information 31, that is, the function P(n) of the target printer is not is included in the initial information 31, so the memory controller 24 regards the function P(n) of the target printer as an additional function DT(y). Furthermore, the storage controller 24 obtains the status flag of the function P(n) of the target printer, and associates the status flag value of the function P(n) with the function DT(y).

In step S106, the storage controller 24 increments the index of the additional function DT(y). That is, the next added function becomes DT(y+1).

In step S107, in order to determine whether a function P(n+1) following the function P(n) in the function information exists in the basic information, the storage controller 24 increments the index of the function P(n). That is, the next function of the target printer to be compared becomes P(n+1).

In step S108, the storage controller 24 determines whether the new index n of the function P(n) is smaller than N which is the upper limit of the index n. That is, the storage controller 24 determines whether all functions P(n) included in the function information have been investigated.

If all the functions P(n) included in the function information have been checked, the routine proceeds to step S109. Otherwise, the routine returns to step S103 to repeat steps S103 to S107.

In step S109, because the index n of the function P(n) is greater than or equal to N, that is, all the functions P(n) included in the function information have been examined, the storage controller 24 adds the functions DT(1) to DT(Y ) is stored in the basic information of the storage unit 21 as the additional information 32 shown in FIG. 3B.

It is to be noted that if all the functions P(n) of the target printer are included in the basic information, there is no additional function DT(n); therefore, step S109 is not performed.

In step S110, the setting item input and output unit 25 displays a graphic image on the screen, in which the status marks of the function D(x) and the additional function DT(y) included in the basic information stored in the storage unit 21 are suitable. display mode to display various setting items. Hereinafter, a graphic image displayed on a screen and used for a user to adjust a setting value is referred to as a "setting graphic image" or a "setting screen".

Therefore, in the information processing device 2 of the present embodiment, when a printer is newly connected, it is possible to expand the functions of the information processing device 2 without performing installation.

As described above, when it is detected that a function exists in the information processing apparatus 2 but not in the printer, the setting item input/output unit 25 does not display the setting item of the function on the setting graphic image. Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 when the information processing apparatus 2 detects that a function exists in the information processing apparatus 2 but not in the printer will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 2 when it is detected that a function exists in the information processing device 2 but not in the printer.

As shown in FIG. 5 , in step S201 , when a printer performing printing is powered on or connected, the information acquiring unit 22 acquires the printer's function information from the printer.

In step S202 , the function detecting unit 23 detects all functions P( 1 ) to P(N) of the printer described in the function information obtained by the information obtaining unit 22 .

In step S203, the storage controller 24 determines whether the function D(x) included in the initial information 31 (basic information) is the same as one of the functions P(1) to P(N) of the target printer detected by the function detecting unit 23. unanimous.

It is to be noted that, in the present embodiment, the storage controller 24 determines whether the function D(x) coincides with one of the functions P(1) to P(N) of the printer in the order of description in the basic information.

If the storage controller 24 determines that the function D(x) included in the basic information coincides with one of the functions P(1) to P(N) of the printer, that is, the function P(n) of the target printer exists in the basic information, then The routine continues to step S204. Otherwise, the routine continues to step S205.

In step S204, since the function P(n) of the target printer is already included in the initial information 31, the storage controller 24 obtains the status flag of the function P(n) in the target printer, and sets the function P(n) included in the basic information The state flag value of (n) is assigned to the state flag of the function D(x) corresponding to the function P(n). In other words, memory controller 24 replaces the status flag value of function D(x) with the status flag value of function P(n).

Note that when the process shown in FIG. 5 is performed after the process shown in FIG. 4 is completed, step 204 may be omitted because the status flag of the function P(n) of the target printer has already been obtained.

In step S205, since the memory controller 24 determines that the function D(x) included in the basic information does not coincide with any of the functions P(1) to P(N) of the printer, that is, the function P(n) of the target printer ) does not exist in the basic information, so the storage controller 24 sets the status flag value of the function D(x) included in the basic information to "IMP".

In step S206, in order to determine whether the function D(x+1) following the function D(x) in the basic information coincides with one of the printer's functions P(1) to P(N), the storage controller 24 increments the function D index of (x).

In step S207, the storage controller 24 determines whether the new index x of the function D(x) is smaller than X which is the upper limit of the index x. That is, the memory controller 24 determines whether all functions D(x) in the basic information have been compared with the functions P(1) to P(N) of the printer.

If all functions D(x) in the basic information have been compared with functions P(1) to P(N), the routine continues to step S208. Otherwise, the routine returns to step S203 to repeat steps S203 to S207.

In step S208, because the index x of function D(x) is greater than or equal to X, that is, all functions D(x) in the basic information have been compared with functions P(1) to P(N), so the setting item input and output The unit 25 refers to the state flag of the function D(x) included in the basic information stored in the storage unit 21, and displays a setting graphic image on which only the function D(x) in the "IMP" state (which indicates that the function is absolutely not executable) is not displayed. ) is a setting item for the function of the status mark.

Therefore, in the information processing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, because a function having a state mark in the "IMP" state indicating that the function is absolutely inoperable is not displayed on the setting graphic image, that is, basically not displayed on the setting graphic image that does not exist in function in the target printer, so it is possible to improve the convenience and operability of setting a graphic image, and to make function setting easy.

It should be noted that the process in FIG. 4 and the process in FIG. 5 can be combined. However, since the process in FIG. 4 determines whether the function D(x) included in the basic information exists in the functions P(1) to P(n) of the target printer, the process in FIG. 5 determines whether the target in the function information Whether the function P(n) of the printer exists in the functions D(1) to D(x) included in the basic information, so when the processes in FIGS. 4 and 5 are performed, overlapping operations occur. Therefore, for example, during the process of FIG. 4, in step S103, when the storage controller 24 determines that among the functions D(1) to D(x) included in the basic information, the function D(x) does not match the function D(x) included in the function information When any of the included functions P(n) agree, the storage controller 24 automatically sets the status flag value of the function D(x) to "IMP". In this way, the process in FIG. 5 can be omitted.

[Mode of setting screen]

As described above, the mode of the setting screen displayed by the setting item input and output unit 25 depends on the status flags of the functions D(x) and DT(y) included in the basic information in the storage unit 21 .

For example, when the status flag is in the "ON" state, the function corresponding to the function data including this status flag is currently available, and the setting of the function can be further modified. In this case, for example, a setting item corresponding to this function may be displayed with full brightness to notify the user of the message.

When the status flag is in the "OFF" state, the functions corresponding to the data including the status flag are not available in the current state of the printer, and the settings of these functions cannot be modified, but if the state of the printer is changed, the corresponding functions becomes available. In this case, for example, a setting item corresponding to this function may be displayed with half brightness to notify the user of the message.

When the status flag is in the "IMP" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is absolutely not executable because of the specifications of the target printer. In this case, for example, setting items corresponding to this function are not displayed on the setting screen.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments chosen for purposes of illustration, it is clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but numerous modifications can be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the basic concept of the invention. and range.

For example, in the above-described embodiments, it is described that the information processing device is connected to a printer as an example of an image forming device, and a printer driver is described as being used to generate printer-interpretable data, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention is applicable to scanner drivers, PC-FAX drivers, or other device drivers as long as these drivers can convert instructions from applications into data that can be processed by the device.

Furthermore, the invention is not limited to device drivers and equivalent modules, but is applicable to the application itself.

Furthermore, the present invention can be realized by a program stored in a memory such as a hard disk (HDD) in an information processing device, or a read only memory (ROM). That is, the present invention can be realized by executing a program capable of function expansion as described above.

This patent application is based on Japanese Priority Patent Application No. 2006-075647 filed on March 17, 2006 and Japanese Priority Patent Application No. 2007-018552 filed on January 29, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in This is incorporated.

Claims (5)

1. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus, comprising:

a storage unit that stores basic information of the information processing apparatus;

an information acquisition unit that acquires function information from the imaging apparatus;

a function detection unit that detects a function of the imaging apparatus from the function information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and

a storage controller that determines whether function data associated with the function detected by the function detection unit is included in the basic information stored in the storage unit, and modifies the basic information stored in the storage unit according to the determination result;

wherein,

the storage controller stores the function data in the storage unit when the function data associated with the function detected by the function detection unit is not included in the basic information stored in the storage unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

the basic information includes function data and a status flag associated with a function of the information processing apparatus;

the function information includes function data and a status flag associated with a function of the image forming apparatus; and

the memory controller assigns a value of a status flag associated with a function of the image forming apparatus to a status flag associated with a function of the information processing apparatus, the function of the information processing apparatus being the same as the function of the image forming apparatus.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,

when the function data included in the basic information is not included in the function information, the memory controller assigns a value to a status flag corresponding to the function data to indicate that the function data is included in the basic information but not included in the function information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising:

a setting item input-output unit that displays a setting graphic image based on the basic information stored in the storage unit;

wherein,

the setting item input-output unit modifies a form of the setting graphic image in response to a status flag corresponding to a function of the information processing apparatus included in the basic information.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the setting item input-output unit refers to a status flag corresponding to function data included in the basic information but not included in the function information, and does not display the setting item associated with the function data on the setting graphic image.

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