JP6024285B2 - Setting device and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a setting device and a computer program used for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  There is a technique for setting an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-functional Peripheral), a printer, and a facsimile machine from an external device via a network. In general, this type of technology uses SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), and an image forming apparatus is provided with an MIB (Management Information Base) that is information indicating the state of the apparatus. The external apparatus sends setting data indicating the setting value to the image forming apparatus to update the MIB.

  In an office of a somewhat large scale, a network printing environment including a plurality of image forming apparatuses is constructed in order to smoothly process a large number of print jobs. It is often the case that the model is different among a plurality of image forming apparatuses. In recent years, the printing environment has been optimized by combining various models such as color machines, monochrome machines, high-speed machines, and simple bookbinding machines.

  A system (software) that centrally manages the state of the image forming apparatus and sets the same set values for a plurality of image forming apparatuses in a centralized manner for an office where such a large number of image forming apparatuses are installed. (Non-Patent Document 1). The batch setting is performed when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are newly introduced, when a department is newly established or changed, or when a print policy or security level is changed. For example, when the installation location or the maintenance staff changes as the department changes, a new installation location or maintenance staff is set as management information.

  In the collective setting, the system provides a user interface (an operation screen and a mechanism for receiving an operation based on the operation screen) to the user. The user selects an image forming apparatus and setting items to be set from image forming apparatuses on the network using a user interface provided as appropriate, and inputs a desired setting value (numerical value, character string, etc.). To do. Then, the system accesses the image forming apparatus selected by the user and updates the setting value of the selected setting item to the input setting value.

  On the other hand, conventionally, there has been proposed a method for reducing the burden on an operator when setting a plurality of apparatuses at once. In Patent Document 1, in the case of batch transmission of setting data to a plurality of devices, when an error due to a specific cause such as a password mismatch occurs, only the device in which the error has occurred is registered as a setting data retransmission destination. An apparatus is disclosed. The operator only needs to remove the cause of the error and instruct the retransmission before instructing the retransmission, and does not need to designate the device in which the error has occurred as the retransmission destination or input the setting data again.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses that the same UI is integrated into one when collectively setting a plurality of devices of different models each having a setting user interface (UI). Setting contents input by the user using the integrated UI are transmitted to a plurality of devices. The user does not need to input the same settings repeatedly.

PageScope Net Care Device Manager Ver. 2.3 User's Guide

JP 2006-173680 A JP 2010-92486 A

  When the models are not the same among a plurality of image forming apparatuses targeted for batch setting, there may occur a situation in which there are no setting items in one model in other models. If the batch setting for the setting item is performed for a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the setting of the image forming apparatus without the setting item results in an error.

  Conventionally, in order not to cause such an error due to setting value setting, an operator must grasp setting items and input restrictions of a plurality of models. Then, only the image forming apparatus having a desired setting item has to be designated as a setting target. However, in practice, since it is difficult to grasp a wide variety of setting items, it is necessary to perform batch setting for only the image forming apparatuses of the same model for each model.

  If an error occurs, only the image forming apparatus in which the error has occurred may be designated as a target and set in a batch. However, even if there are a single image forming apparatus or a plurality of image forming apparatuses in which an error has occurred, the setting is often repeated for each model, unless the model is the same.

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to improve the workability of operation input for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models.

An apparatus that achieves the above-described object is a setting apparatus that is used for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses that can change setting values via a network, and is a target item that is a setting item specified by a user. On the other hand, a set value input field is displayed, and visual information indicating which image forming apparatus can be set for the target item among the plurality of image forming apparatuses is displayed in the one set value input field. Means for providing an operation screen for inputting a set value to be displayed adjacently to the user; and the plurality of images so as to update the set value for the target item to the set value input by the operation screen. Means for giving an instruction to an image forming apparatus capable of setting the target item in the forming apparatus. The operation screen displays only one set value input field for each input restriction for the target item when the input restriction of the set value for the target item differs between the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Visual information indicating which image forming apparatus has the same input restriction corresponding to the set value input field is displayed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the workability of operation input for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models.

It is a figure which shows the network structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the batch setting process A which a setting apparatus performs. It is a figure which shows the operation screen for a user to specify the object apparatus of batch setting. It is a figure which shows the operation screen for a user to specify the object item of batch setting. 10 is a flowchart of a setting input UI generation routine in a batch setting process A. It is a figure which shows the 1st part of the operation screen for a user to input a setting value when the input restrictions of each target item are the same in all the target apparatuses. It is a figure which shows an example of the choice display of a selection type setting value input column. It is a figure which shows the 2nd part of the operation screen for a user to input a setting value when the input restrictions of each target item are the same in all the target apparatuses. It is a figure which shows the operation screen for a user to input a setting value about the target item from which input restrictions differ among several target apparatuses. 7 is a flowchart of a setting execution routine in a batch setting process A. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the batch setting process. It is a figure which shows the operation screen for the user who concerns on the batch setting process B to input a setting value. 12 is a flowchart of a reset input UI generation routine in a batch setting process B. It is a figure which shows the operation screen for a user to input a setting value about the target item from which input restrictions differ among several target apparatuses in the case of the reset in the batch setting process. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of a setting input UI generation routine in the batch setting process A.

  A network 8 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a LAN (Local Area Network) in a company. The network 8 includes a plurality of client terminals including personal computers 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, used by users of these client terminals. 17, 18, and 19 are connected. The image forming apparatuses 11, 12, 13, 14, and 16 are complex information devices called MFPs, and have a function of executing jobs involving printing such as copying, network printing, and facsimile reception, and other various jobs. Yes. The image forming apparatus 15 is a printer, and the image forming apparatuses 17, 18, and 19 are facsimile machines.

  The setting device 1 is further connected to such a network 8. The setting device 1 is a server computer (so-called server machine) or a personal computer. In other words, the computer operates as the setting device 1 by executing the setting utility 100 that is an application program. The computer serving as the setting device 1 includes a storage 10 that stores a setting utility 100 and a setting specification database 120 generated by the setting utility 100.

  The setting utility 100 is a program for collectively setting a plurality of image forming apparatuses on the network 8. Change the settings of multiple image forming devices at once, such as when the location of an image forming device changes due to an office layout change, when a department name changes due to an organizational change, or when the network environment is altered There are times when you have to do. An operator (for example, a network administrator) who performs a setting operation at such a time uses the setting utility 100 to perform setting without taking the trouble of repeatedly instructing setting of the same contents one by one. You can finish the work. In the present embodiment, the setting utility 100 is incorporated as a part of a server program that centrally manages image forming apparatuses on the network 8.

  The setting utility 100 can be used by using a client terminal having a Web browsing function. FIG. 1 shows a situation in which a user 9 who operates the personal computer 3 uses the setting utility 100 to set the image forming apparatuses 11, 14, 16, 18 and 19. The user 9 accesses the setting device 1 using a Web browser on the personal computer 3 and performs a predetermined operation on an operation screen displayed on a display attached to the personal computer 3. The operation screen that is appropriately switched according to the operation is generated by the setting utility 100 and displayed by a web browser that cooperates with the setting utility 100.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the setting device 1 by the setting utility 100 will be described with a specific example of the operation screen.

[Mode 1 of operation]
If the model is different among a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the type and total number of setting items are naturally different. For example, an MFP that is a multi-function device and a printer that is a single-function device have a plurality of common setting items, but there are many setting items that are present in the MFP but not in the printer. Further, in general, in a high-end machine having a memory capacity and control system processing capacity that is lower than that of an inexpensive low-end machine, input restrictions on setting values such as the number of characters and character type restrictions are relatively lenient. Accordingly, when performing batch setting for various image forming apparatuses of different models and grades, the setting values are input in consideration of the presence or absence of setting items in each target apparatus and the difference in input restrictions of each setting item. There is a need. In such a case, a useful operation by the user is realized by the “batch setting process A”.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of the batch setting process A executed by the setting device 1.

In order to start the batch setting process A, the user 9 performs the following procedure.
(1) A predetermined address is input to the Web browser to access a management server program already running on the setting device 1. The accessed server program displays a login screen on the Web browser.
(2) Enter authentication information (user ID and password) on the displayed login screen to receive user authentication. The server program that has authenticated the user 9 displays the top menu screen.
(3) On the top menu screen, a batch setting function corresponding to the setting utility 100 is selected from function options. The server program activates the setting utility 100 to start the batch setting process A.

  In the batch setting process A of FIG. 2, the setting device 1 accepts an input operation for designating a part or all of the image forming apparatuses on the network 8 as target devices (# 11). At this time, the setting device 1 provides the user 9 with a device selection screen Q11 illustrated in FIG.

  Subsequent to the designation of the target device, the setting device 1 accepts an input operation for designating some or all of a plurality of predetermined setting items as target items (# 12). At this time, the setting device 1 provides the user 9 with an item selection screen Q12 illustrated in FIG.

  Next, the setting device 1 extracts the specifications for the setting items of the target device from the setting specification database 120 as the specification information (# 13). The setting specification database 120 shows setting items and input restrictions for each image forming apparatus on the network 8 for each model. The model is distinguished by an apparatus ID given by the manufacturer of each image forming apparatus. The setting specification database 120 can be constructed in advance by communicating with each of all the image forming apparatuses and acquiring necessary information from each of the image forming apparatuses. Further, after the target device is designated, necessary information may be acquired from the target device and the setting specification database 120 may be updated. As the setting specification database 120, a file in a predetermined format such as an xml format, a csv format, or an xls format can be used.

  The setting device 1 that has extracted the specification executes a setting input UI generation routine (# 14). Thereby, the setting input screen Q13 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 or the setting input screen Q13b shown in FIG. 9 is provided to the user 9.

  Thereafter, the setting device 1 receives a setting value input operation (# 15), receives an execution instruction from the user 9 (YES in # 16), and executes a setting execution routine (# 17). The processing of the setting execution routine in step # 17 corresponds to means for giving an instruction to the image forming apparatus capable of setting the target item.

  The device selection screen Q11 shown in FIG. 3 is an operation screen that constitutes a user interface for the user 9 to specify target devices for batch setting.

  An operation area A1 for displaying target device candidates is provided at the top of the device selection screen Q11, and the user 9 can select any or all of the device groups registered in advance in the input field 21 in the drop-down list format. Specify as a candidate. Even if no device group is registered, all image forming devices on the network 8 can be designated as candidates. When the user 9 clicks the display button 41, a list 20 of image forming apparatuses belonging to the selected apparatus group is displayed at the bottom of the apparatus selection screen Q11.

  The list 20 shows the apparatus name and model of each image forming apparatus, and one check box is provided for each image forming apparatus. The user puts a check box corresponding to an image forming apparatus to be designated as a batch setting target apparatus among the candidates shown in the list 20 in a check state. In the figure, check boxes 45 respectively corresponding to five image forming apparatuses whose device names are Device (# 01), Device (# 04), Device (# 06), Device (# 08), and Device (# 09). , 46, 47, 48, and 49 are in a check state. This means that the image forming apparatuses 11, 14, 16, 18, and 19 shown in FIG. 1 are designated as the target apparatuses.

  By clicking the all selection button 43, all candidates in the list 20 can be designated as target devices. When the communication confirmation button 44 is clicked in a state where at least one target device is specified in the list 20, a communication connection process is performed for the specified target device, and a communication result indicating success or failure of communication is displayed.

  When the user 9 specifies the target device on the device selection screen Q11 and clicks the edit button 42, an item selection screen Q12 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed instead of the device selection screen Q11. The item selection screen Q12 is an operation screen constituting a user interface for the user to specify target items for batch setting.

  As shown in FIG. 4, on the item selection screen Q12, a large number of setting items hierarchized in the setting specification database 120 are displayed in a tree view format. Each setting item is provided with a check box indicating the presence / absence of designation. The displayed setting items are template setting items created by acquiring setting information from any of the image forming apparatuses on the network 8 in advance. The server program has a function of creating a template by accessing the image forming apparatus designated by the user. Usually, the template is created based on setting information acquired from an image forming apparatus having the most setting items on the network 8.

  On the item selection screen Q12, the user 9 appropriately performs operations for expanding and folding the tree to display desired setting items, and designates one or more target items. If all selection buttons 43A and 43B provided on the upper and lower ends of the item selection screen Q12 are clicked, all setting items can be designated as target items. In addition, by clicking the clear button 57, the designation made so far can be canceled.

  In the example of FIG. 4, among the displayed setting items, three setting items 201, 203, and 205 of “Nick Name”, “Contact”, and “Paper Tray Table” are the target items. The specified state is drawn. “Nick Name” is a setting item for assigning an appropriate character string (name) so that a general user can easily identify the device name, which is a registered name for management. “Contact” is a setting item for registering a contact (department in charge or person in charge) when the user of the image forming apparatus wants to request supply of consumables or troubleshooting. The “paper feed tray table” is a setting item for determining a paper feed tray (also referred to as a cassette) as a normal supply source of printing paper.

  When the user 9 specifies the target item on the item setting screen Q12 and clicks the apply button 55, the setting input UI generation routine of step # 14 in FIG. 2 is executed, and the user 9 inputs the setting value for the target item. A setting input screen is generated. In the generation of the setting input screen, a setting value input field and display information are arranged for each of a plurality of target items by a screen editing method in which predetermined parts are combined. The processing flow of the setting input UI generation routine is shown in FIG.

  In the setting input UI generation routine of FIG. 5, the setting device 1 pays attention to one of the target items specified by the user 9 and has a target device (this is referred to as “target item holding device”) as the setting item. Is called). It can be said that the target item holding device is a target device capable of setting a target item of interest. Then, the setting device 1 checks whether or not the input restriction of the target item of interest is the same in all target item holding devices (# 141). Depending on the result of this check, the layout of the setting input screen is partially changed.

  If the input restrictions are the same in all target item holding devices (YES in # 141), the set value input fields for the target item holding devices are integrated into one (# 142). That is, even if there are a plurality of target item holding devices, a setting value input field is not provided for each of the plurality of target item holding devices, but a setting value for the target item for a plurality of target item holding devices. Arrange only one input field.

  If none of the target devices is a target item possessing device, the user 9 is notified that there is no target device corresponding to the target item of interest by, for example, placing a message text instead of the setting value input field. The In addition, a method may be employed in which a set value input field is arranged and gray out indicates that input is impossible.

  On the other hand, if the input restrictions differ among the plurality of target item holding apparatuses (NO in # 141), the setting value input fields are integrated into one for the target item holding apparatuses having the same input restrictions (# 143). That is, one set value input field is arranged for each pair (group) of target item holding apparatuses having the same input restriction. Accordingly, in this case, the number of set value input fields corresponding to the target item of interest is not the same as the number of pairs of target item holding devices having the same input restriction and the input restriction of any other target item holding device. This is the sum of the number of target item holding devices.

  In this way, the setting device 1 that arranges the setting value input fields and generates the setting input screen part by part displays the generated parts sequentially (# 144). Then, the process from step # 141 to step # 144 is repeated until the entire setting input screen is displayed by paying attention to all target items (YES in # 145).

  6 and 8 show the setting input screen Q13 when the input restrictions of each target item are the same in all target devices. FIG. 6 shows the upper part and the lower part of the setting input screen Q13, and FIG. 8 shows the upper part and the lower part of the setting input screen Q13.

  6 and 8, the target items are “nickname”, “contact”, “paper feed tray table”, “e-mail address”, and “fax number”. Among these, “e-mail address” and “Fax number” are registered items in the address book, and a plurality of items are usually registered in each target device. On the setting input screen Q13, the same number of setting value input fields as the maximum number of registrable items in the target apparatus are provided for each of “e-mail address” and “Fax number”. That is, the target item “e-mail address” is not a single item but a plurality (registrable number). The same applies to the “Fax number”.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a list 60 is arranged at the upper end of the setting input screen Q13. The list 60 shows the device name and model of the target device designated by the user 9. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, the set value input fields 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, corresponding to each of the plurality of target items are displayed below the list 60. 34 and 35 are arranged, and a setting execution button 56 and a clear button 57 are arranged at the lower end of the setting input screen Q13. In this example, since the input restriction of each target item is the same in all target devices, there is only one set value input field corresponding to each target item.

  On the right side of the set value input field 23 corresponding to one “nickname” of the target item, a character string 71 representing the input restriction of the target item is displayed. An example input restriction is a character number restriction of “maximum 30 characters”. In other words, it is impossible to set a nickname with more than 30 characters in all target devices. A user interface that accepts input to the set value input field 23 does not accept input of a set value that cannot be set. The user 9 can input a character or character string within a range satisfying the restriction indicated by the character string 71 as a setting value of “nickname” by a keyboard operation or a copy and paste operation.

  What should be noted here is that visual information 81 indicating the target item holding device is displayed adjacent to the set value input field 23. Illustrative visual information 81 is a character string that lists the device names of the target item holding devices, and is arranged below the set value input field 23. In the visual information 81, Device (# 01), Device (# 04), Device (# 06), Device (# 08), and Device (# 09) are listed. It can be understood that all of them are target item holding devices for “nickname”. The visual information 81 is not limited to character information, and may be graphic information such as an icon that is an image forming apparatus, or a combination of a graphic and a character.

  For other target items, “Contact” and “Paper Tray Table”, the character strings 72 and 73 indicating input restrictions and the target item holding device are adjacent to the set value input fields 24 and 25 and the target item holding device is the target device. Visual information 82 and 83 indicating which one of them is displayed. The visual information 82 corresponding to “contact” indicates that two target devices whose device names are Device (# 06) or Device (# 08) are target item holding devices. The visual information 83 corresponding to the “paper feed tray table” includes four target devices whose device names are Device (# 01), Device (# 04), Device (# 06), or Device (# 08). Indicates that the device is a target item holding device. The user 9 can know the target item holding device for the “contact” and the “paper feed tray table” from the visual information 82 and 83, and at the same time, can know the target device that is not the target item holding device.

  A setting value input field 25 corresponding to “paper feed tray table” is an input field in a drop-down list format. When a drop-down button with a downward triangle mark at the right end of the set value input field 25 is clicked, a drop-down list 61 appears as shown in FIG. The user 9 can input a set value in the set value input field 25 by placing the cursor on a desired option in the drop-down list 61 and clicking.

  In the example of FIG. 8, the “e-mail address” that is the target item is subdivided into a total of 100 sub items that match the maximum number of e-mail addresses that can be registered in five target devices. Corresponds to one set value input field. That is, each sub item is handled as one target item. In the figure, five set value input fields 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 out of 100 are drawn.

  Setting value input column 26 titled “E-mail address 001”, “E-mail address 002”, “E-mail address 050”, “E-mail address 051” and “E-mail address 100” , 27, 28, 29, 30 are displayed adjacent to each other, visual information 86, 87, 88, 89, 90 is displayed. The visual information 86, 87, 88 adjacent to the set value input fields 26, 27, 28 is for three target devices whose device names are Device (# 01), Device (# 04), or Device (# 06). Indicates that the device is an item holding device. The visual information 89 and 90 adjacent to the set value input fields 29 and 30 indicate that the two target devices whose device names are Device (# 01) or Device (# 04) are target item holding devices. ing. That is, the visual information 86, 87, 88, 89, 90 can register 50 e-mail addresses in three of the five target devices, and up to 100 in two of these three devices. Indicates that an e-mail address can be registered. At the same time, the visual information 86, 87, 88, 89, 90 also indicates that the two target devices whose device names are Device (# 08) or Device (# 09) are not the target item holding devices.

  Similarly, setting value input fields 31, 32, 33, and 34 titled “Fax number 001”, “Fax number 002”, “Fax number address 050”, “Fax number 051”, and “Fax number 100”. , 35, visual information 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 are displayed adjacent to each other. The visual information 91, 92, 93 adjacent to the set value input fields 31, 32, 33 has a device name of Device (# 01), Device (# 04), Device (# 08) or Device (# 09) 4 This indicates that the target device is a target item holding device. The visual information 94 and 95 adjacent to the set value input fields 34 and 35 indicate that two target devices whose device names are Device (# 01) or Device (# 04) are target item holding devices. ing. That is, as for the visual information 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 50 fax numbers can be registered in 4 of the 5 target devices, and up to 100 faxes can be registered in 2 of these 4 devices. This indicates that the number can be registered. At the same time, the visual information 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95 also indicate that one target device whose device name is Device (# 06) is not a target item holding device.

  When the user 9 clicks the setting execution button 56 on such a setting input screen Q13, processing for instructing setting to the target item holding device for the target item for which the setting value has been input is executed.

  FIG. 9 shows a setting input screen Q13b when input restrictions differ among a plurality of target devices. 9, elements corresponding to those in FIGS. 6 and 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the setting input screen Q13b, for the “nickname”, one setting value input field 23 is arranged in a form in which the input fields corresponding to the five target devices are aggregated (also referred to as an integrated form) as in the example of FIG. Has been.

  On the other hand, for “contact address”, there are two target item holding devices in the same manner as in the example of FIG. 6, but input restrictions differ between these two devices. That is, the input restriction of one target item holding device whose device name is Device (# 06) is “maximum 30 characters”, while the other target item holding device whose device name is Device (# 08) is limited. The input limit is “maximum 20 characters”. For this reason, two setting value input fields 24A and 24B are arranged for “contact”. Then, a character string 72A indicating input restriction and visual information 82A indicating the target item holding device are displayed adjacent to the set value input field 24A, and a character string 72B indicating input restriction adjacent to the set value input field 24B. And visual information 82B representing the target item holding device is displayed.

  For the “paper feed tray table”, input fields are grouped according to input restrictions, and as a result, three setting value input fields 25A, 25B, and 25C are arranged. Then, character strings 73A, 73B, 73C indicating input restrictions and visual information 83A, 83B, 83C representing the target item holding device are displayed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting execution routine of step # 17 in the batch setting process A of FIG. The execution of the setting execution routine is started when the user 9 clicks the setting execution button 56 on the setting input screen Q13 or the setting input screen Q13b.

  The setting device 1 pays attention to one of the target devices (# 171), and then pays attention to one of the target items (# 172). If the focused target device is a target item holding device for the focused target item (YES in # 173), the setting device 1 instructs the focused target device to update the setting for the focused target item ( # 174). When the processes from step 172 to step 174 have been executed in order for all target items (YES in # 175), the process returns to step # 171 and pays attention to one of the unfocused target devices. Such processing is repeatedly executed until the processing from step 172 to step 174 is completed for all target devices (YES in # 176).

  The form of setting instructions for the target device is not limited to the form in which one device and one item are performed as illustrated in FIG. When the target device can accept a collective instruction for a plurality of setting items, such a target device may be given a collective instruction. In addition, when each of the plurality of target devices can extract the instruction corresponding to the own device from the instruction transmitted from the setting device 1 in a broadcast manner, the instruction is transmitted to the plurality of target devices. You may make it perform.

[Mode 2 of operation]
For any of the target items specified by the user 9, if the set value that the user 9 wants to input matches the input restriction for that, it is not necessary to arrange the set value input field for each input restriction. That is, there may be no problem even if the set value input fields for all the target devices are integrated into one. If the setting value input fields are integrated into one, the process of discriminating the difference of input restrictions when creating the setting input screen according to the specification of the target item can be omitted, and the process can be simplified. . Therefore, the following “batch setting process B” is considered useful.

  The flowchart of FIG. 11 shows an overview of the batch setting process B. In the collective setting process B, the setting device 1 provides the user with a first setting input screen that does not distinguish between setting value input fields due to input restrictions (# 21, # 22), and the setting value on the first setting input screen. Is set to the target device (# 23, # 24, # 25). Accordingly, when an error due to the input restriction occurs, the setting device 1 provides the user with a second setting input screen on which setting value input fields are arranged for each input restriction (# 26, # 27). More details are as follows.

  The setting device 1 receives an input operation for designating the target device and the target item (# 21). At this time, the setting device 1 provides the user 9 with a device selection screen Q11 illustrated in FIG. 3 and an item selection screen Q12 illustrated in FIG.

  Next, the setting device 1 executes a setting input UI generation routine (# 22). As a result, the setting input screen Q21 shown in FIG. The routine processing of step # 22 corresponds to means for providing the first operation screen.

  Thereafter, the setting device 1 receives a setting value input operation (# 23), receives an execution instruction from the user 9 (YES in # 24), and executes a setting execution routine (# 25). In the setting execution routine of this example, for each target item, it is determined whether the target device is a target device that does not have the target item (a target device other than the target item holding device), and a target other than the target item holding device The apparatus is not instructed to set the target item. Therefore, an error due to the absence of the target item in the target device does not occur.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the setting input screen Q21 related to the batch setting process B. 12, elements corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The setting input screen Q21 is an operation screen that constitutes a user interface for the user 9 to input setting values for the target item. In the example of FIG. 12, one set value input field 23, 24, 25 is arranged for each of the target items “nickname”, “contact”, and “paper feed tray table”. As is clear from comparison between FIG. 6 and FIG. 12, the setting input screen Q21 does not display a character string indicating input restriction and visual information indicating the target item holding device. When the user 9 clicks the setting execution button 56, processing for instructing setting is executed for all target apparatuses.

  Returning to FIG. 11, in step # 26, whether or not an error has occurred in the target device is checked based on the processing result notification from the target device. The processing result notification may indicate the presence or absence of an error, or may indicate a setting value after updating according to an instruction. In the latter case, if the setting value instructed to the target device and the setting value notified from the target device do not match, an error has occurred.

  When the setting is completed in all target devices in accordance with the instruction from the setting device 1, that is, when no error has occurred (NO in # 26), the batch setting process B ends.

  On the other hand, if an error occurs because the setting value does not conform to the input restrictions (eg, YES in # 26), such as exceeding the number of characters, using prohibited characters, deviating from the numerical value range, or specifying an invalid value, the reset input UI The generation routine is executed (# 27). The check process in step # 26 corresponds to means for determining an image forming apparatus that has failed to update the set value as a reset target. The process of the reset input UI generation routine in step # 27 corresponds to means for providing the second operation screen to the user.

  Thereafter, the setting device 1 receives a setting value input operation (# 28), receives an execution instruction from the user 9 (YES in # 29), and executes a resetting execution routine (# 30). The processing of the reset execution routine in step # 30 corresponds to a means for giving an instruction to one or more image forming apparatuses that have been determined to be reset.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a reset input UI generation routine. The setting device 1 pays attention to one of the target items related to the error, and checks whether or not the input restriction of the focused target item is the same in all the resetting target devices that are target item holding devices in which the error has occurred. (# 271). Depending on the result of this check, the layout of the reset input screen is partially changed.

  If the input restriction is the same for all resetting target devices (YES in # 271), the setting value input fields for the resetting target item holding device are integrated into one (# 272). That is, even if there are a plurality of resetting target devices, a setting value input field is not provided for each of the plurality of resetting target devices, but a setting value for the target item is set for a plurality of resetting target devices. Arrange only one input field.

  On the other hand, when input restrictions differ among a plurality of reset target devices (NO in # 271), the set value input fields are integrated into one for reset target devices having the same input limit (# 273). That is, one set value input field is arranged for each set of resetting target devices having the same input restriction. Therefore, in this case, the number of setting value input fields corresponding to the target item of interest is not the same as the number of sets of resetting target devices having the same input restriction and any of the other resetting target devices having the same input restriction. This is the sum of the number of devices to be reset.

  In this way, the setting device 1 that arranges the setting value input fields and generates the resetting input screen part by part displays the generated parts sequentially (# 274). At that time, the set value is displayed as error information before the occurrence of the error, adjacent to the set value input field (# 275). Then, the process from step # 271 to step # 275 is repeated until the entire reset input screen is displayed by paying attention to all target items in which an error has occurred (YES in # 276).

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the reset input screen. In the reset input screen Q23 shown in the figure, the list 62 arranged at the upper end displays the target items related to the device name, model and error of the reset target device. In the example, it is assumed that an error has occurred in all of the five target devices in the original batch setting, and all of these five target devices are reset target devices.

  “Nickname”, one of the target items in which an error has occurred, involves five reset target devices. However, only one set value input field 23 is arranged for “nickname”. That is, the input restriction of “nickname” is the same in the five devices to be reset, and the input fields for the five devices are integrated into one.

  A character string 71 indicating the contents of the input restriction is displayed adjacent to the right end of the set value input field 23, and visual information 81 indicating the resetting target device is displayed adjacent to the lower end of the set value input field 23. In addition, on the resetting input screen Q23, the setting value 97 that has caused the error is displayed adjacent to the upper end of the setting value input field 23. With reference to these displays, the user 9 can input an appropriate set value obtained by partially correcting or completely changing the set value 97 so as to satisfy the input restriction.

  “Contact”, which is another target item in which an error has occurred, involves two reset target devices. For “Contact”, two set value input fields 24A and 24B are arranged. This is because the input restriction on the “contact” is different between the two reset target devices. Character strings 72A and 72B and visual information 82A and 82B are displayed adjacent to setting value input fields 24A and 24B for each input restriction, and input restriction and reset target devices corresponding to the setting value input fields 24A and 24B are displayed. Indicated. In addition, a set value 98 that causes an error is displayed adjacent to the upper end of the first set value input field 24A. However, the setting value 98 may be displayed adjacent to each of the plurality of setting value input fields 24A and 24B. When there are a large number of setting value input fields, the setting value input field is adjacent to every predetermined number. The set value 98 may be displayed.

  “Reset paper tray table” which is another target item in which an error has occurred involves three resetting target devices. For the “paper feed tray table”, three setting value input fields 25A, 25B, and 25C are arranged. Then, character strings 73A, 73B, 73C and visual information 83A, 83B, 83C are displayed adjacent to setting value input fields 25A, 25B, 25C for each input restriction. As a result, input restriction and resetting target devices corresponding to the setting value input fields 25A, 25B, and 25C are shown.

  For the “feed tray table”, which is the selection target item, the display of the setting value that caused the error is omitted. This is because the user can easily understand that the character strings 73A, 73B, and 73C are not appropriate as setting values except for the options that the character strings 73A, 73B, and 73C indicate as input restrictions by displaying the character strings 73A, 73B, and 73C. However, the setting value that caused the error may be displayed.

  When the user 9 clicks the setting execution button 56 on the resetting input screen Q23, processing for instructing resetting to the resetting target device (step # 30 in FIG. 11) is executed.

[Mode 3 of operation]
In the first and second modes of operation described above, when input restrictions on target items differ between target apparatuses for batch setting (including resetting), setting value input fields for each input restriction are displayed on the operation screen for setting input. Is placed. That is, there are a plurality of setting value input fields corresponding to the target item. On the other hand, in the third mode, when the input restriction of the target item is different among the target devices (NO in # 141), as shown in the flowchart shown as a modification of the batch setting process A in FIG. Only one set value input field is arranged for. Then, the strictest input restriction among the input restrictions of the target item in the plurality of target devices is applied to the set value input field (# 143b).

  According to the third aspect, even when the input restriction of the target item is the same among all the target devices or when the input restriction of the target item is different among the plurality of target devices, the setting value corresponding to the target item Since there is only one input field, the layout of the operation screen can be simplified.

  The following are examples of the strictest input restrictions. If the input limit is a limit on the number of characters, the input limit with the smallest number of characters is the strictest. If the input restriction is a character type restriction such as numbers only, alphanumeric characters only, ASCII codes only, the input restriction with the fewest allowable characters is the strictest.

  When the target item is a selection type that selects a setting value from predetermined options, one or a plurality of options common to a plurality of target devices may be applied as the strictest input restriction.

[Modification]
In the second form of operation described above, the resetting may be performed not only on the target device in which an error has occurred during resetting, but also on the target device in which no error has occurred. Specifically, in step # 271 of FIG. 13, the difference in input restriction between all target devices regardless of whether there is an error is determined. In step # 272 and step # 273, one set value input field corresponding to all target devices or a plurality of set value input fields for each input restriction corresponding to all target devices as a whole are provided. Thereby, the user 9 can input a set value that satisfies the input restriction while considering the consistency among all the target devices.

  Visual information (for example, visual information 81, 82, 83) indicating the target item holding device can be displayed in a plurality of lines when the number of target item holding devices is large. If all of the image forming apparatuses belonging to one of the device groups obtained by grouping the image forming apparatuses on the network are target item holding apparatuses and have the same input restrictions, a device group is used instead of listing the target item holding apparatuses. May be indicated. Any visual information may be used as long as the user can understand which of the target devices is the target item holding device.

  In the figure, as the visual information indicating the target item holding device, the character information listing the device names of the target item holding device is exemplified, but all the target devices are listed so that the target item holding device and the others are distinguished. May be. In that case, it is only necessary to put a strike line other than the target item holding device or color-code the target item holding device and the other. By enumerating all target devices, the user can easily understand target devices that are not target item holding devices.

  According to the embodiment described above, when the user inputs a setting value in one setting value input field for the target item, the setting value is set for one or more image forming apparatuses capable of setting the target item. Instructed. That is, the set value inputs for the target items for a plurality of image forming apparatuses are collected at one time. Thereby, compared with the case where the same set value is input to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, it takes less time to input. In addition, by the visual information displayed adjacent to the set value input field, the user recognizes which image forming apparatus can set the target item, and at the same time, the image forming apparatus that cannot be set. It is possible to input a set value while recognizing which one. Therefore, even when a model that can be set for a target item depending on the model and a model that is not possible are mixed, input work for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses with different models becomes a simple task. An operating environment can be provided.

  Further, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of errors caused by differences in setting items between models or differences in input restrictions on setting items. That is, in a case where the models are not the same among the plurality of image forming apparatuses targeted for batch setting, there may be a situation in which there are no setting items in one model in other models. In the same case, there is a situation where a certain setting item exists in any model, but the input limit (value, value range, number of characters, character type, etc.) for the setting item varies depending on the model. Can happen. In the former situation, if batch setting for the setting item is performed for a plurality of image forming apparatuses, setting of the image forming apparatus without the setting item results in an error. In the latter situation, if the batch setting that does not satisfy the input restriction is performed on a plurality of image forming apparatuses in some models, the setting of the image forming apparatus that does not satisfy the input restriction results in an error, or Setting values that are automatically modified to satisfy the input restrictions are set. In any case, the operator's intention is not correctly reflected in the setting. Conventionally, in order not to cause such an error due to setting value setting, an operator must grasp setting items and input restrictions of a plurality of models. Then, only an image forming apparatus having a desired setting item must be specified as a setting target, and a setting value within a range satisfying the strictest input restriction among the targets must be specified. However, in practice, since it is difficult to grasp a wide variety of setting items and input restrictions thereof, it is necessary to perform batch setting for only the image forming apparatuses of the same model for each model. According to the above-described embodiment, the worker only has to input a setting value that can be input on the displayed operation screen.

  According to the first mode of operation described above, the user of the setting device 1 completes the batch setting normally by performing a series of batch setting operations for specifying the target device and the target item and inputting the setting value once. be able to. There is no error due to the target device not having the target item or not satisfying the input restriction of the target item, and there is a time-consuming situation in which the target device in which the error occurred is identified and the setting value is input again. It becomes difficult to happen.

  In the above-described embodiment, the user 9 causes the setting device 1 to perform batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses by an operation from the personal computer 3 via the network 8, but is not limited thereto. When the setting device 1 has operation devices such as a display, a keyboard, and a mouse, the user 9 can cause the setting device 1 to perform batch setting by directly operating the setting device 1.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mouse is used to operate the operation buttons in the screen. However, a shortcut key operation using a keyboard may be used. When the display includes a touch panel, a touch operation may be performed.

  The batch setting function of the setting utility 100 can be applied to the setting of information devices other than image forming apparatuses including an image scanner and a personal computer.

1 Setting device (computer)
8 Network 11, 14, 16, 18, 19 Image forming device Q11 Device selection screen Q13, Q13b Setting input screen (operation screen)
Q21 Setting input screen (first operation screen)
Q23 Reset input screen (second operation screen)
23, 24, 25 Set value input field 24A, 24B, 25A, 25B, 25C Set value input field 81, 82, 83 Visual information 82A, 82B, 83A, 83B, 83C
100 Setting utility (computer program)
120 Setting specification database (specification information)

Claims (14)

A setting device used for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of changing setting values via a network,
A setting value input field is displayed for a target item that is a setting item designated by the user, and which of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is an image forming apparatus capable of setting the target item. Means for providing the user with an operation screen for inputting a setting value, displaying visual information corresponding to the one setting value input field;
Means for giving an instruction to an image forming apparatus capable of setting the target item among the plurality of image forming apparatuses so as to update the set value for the target item to the set value input through the operation screen; With
The operation screen displays only one set value input field for each input restriction for the target item when the input restriction of the set value for the target item differs between the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Visual information indicating which image forming apparatus has the same input restriction corresponding to the set value input field is displayed.
A setting device characterized by that . Specification information indicating setting items for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and input restrictions on each setting item is further provided,
It said means for providing an operation screen, setting device according to claim 1, wherein generating the said operation screen based on the specification information. When the input restriction for the target item is a restriction that restricts a settable input value to one or more options, the operation screen displays one setting value input field for each group of image forming apparatuses having the same option. displaying and setting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said selection in association with the setting value input field to display visual information indicating which image forming apparatus is either a same. A setting device used for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of changing setting values via a network,
A setting value input field is displayed for a target item that is a setting item designated by the user, and which of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is an image forming apparatus capable of setting the target item. Means for providing the user with an operation screen for inputting a setting value, displaying visual information corresponding to the one setting value input field;
Means for giving an instruction to an image forming apparatus capable of setting the target item among the plurality of image forming apparatuses so as to update the set value for the target item to the set value input through the operation screen; With
Whether the operation screen displays only one set value input field to the target item, and is in correspondence with the setting value input field is set an image forming apparatus for the target item either The strictest input restriction on the target item among the plurality of image forming apparatuses is applied to the input to the set value input field.
A setting device characterized by that . When there are a plurality of the target items, the operation screen displays a set value input field for each of the plurality of target items, and for the target items of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Visual information indicating which image forming apparatus can be set is displayed in correspondence with the set value input field,
The means for giving the instruction sets a setting for each target item of the plurality of image forming apparatuses so as to update a setting value for each of the plurality of target items to a setting value input through the operation screen. claims 1 gives instruction to the image forming apparatus can be set according to any one of 4. A computer program executed by a computer used for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of changing setting values via a network,
On the computer,
A setting value input field is displayed for a target item that is a setting item designated by the user, and which of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is an image forming apparatus capable of setting the target item. Processing for providing the user with an operation screen for inputting a set value, displaying the visual information corresponding to the one set value input field;
A process of giving an instruction to an image forming apparatus capable of setting the target item among the plurality of image forming apparatuses so as to update the set value for the target item to the set value input through the operation screen; And execute
When the input limit of the set value for the target item is different among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the operation screen displays one set value input field for each input limit for the target item and sets each setting. Visual information indicating which image forming apparatus has the same input restriction corresponding to the value input field is displayed.
A computer program characterized by that . The computer program according to claim 6, wherein the process of providing the operation screen generates the operation screen based on specification information indicating a setting item and an input restriction of each setting item for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. If the input restriction for the target item is a restriction that limits the input values that can be input to one or more options, the operation screen has one setting value for each group of image forming apparatuses having the same option. The computer program according to claim 6 or 7, wherein an input field is displayed and visual information indicating which image forming apparatus has the same option corresponding to each setting value input field is displayed. A computer program executed by a computer used for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of changing setting values via a network,
On the computer,
A setting value input field is displayed for a target item that is a setting item designated by the user, and which of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is an image forming apparatus capable of setting the target item. Processing for providing the user with an operation screen for inputting a set value, displaying the visual information corresponding to the one set value input field;
A process of giving an instruction to an image forming apparatus capable of setting the target item among the plurality of image forming apparatuses so as to update the set value for the target item to the set value input through the operation screen; And execute
The operation screen displays only one set value input field for the target item, and indicates which image forming apparatus can set the target item in association with the set value input field. A computer program characterized by displaying the visual information shown and applying the strictest input restriction for the target item among the plurality of image forming apparatuses to the input to the set value input field. When there are a plurality of the target items, the operation screen displays a set value input field for each of the plurality of target items, and for the target items of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Visual information indicating which image forming apparatus can be set is displayed in correspondence with the set value input field,
In the process of giving the instruction, the setting for each target item in the plurality of image forming apparatuses is performed so that the setting value for each of the plurality of target items is updated to the setting value input through the operation screen. The computer program according to claim 6 , wherein an instruction is given to a possible image forming apparatus. A setting device used for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of changing setting values via a network,
Means for displaying a set value input field for a target item which is a set item specified by the user, and providing the user with a first operation screen for inputting a set value;
Means for instructing the plurality of image forming apparatuses to update a set value for the target item to a set value input on the first operation screen;
Means for discriminating among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, an image forming apparatus that has failed to be updated to the setting value input on the first operation screen as a target of resetting;
For the target item, only one set value input field is displayed for each input limit of the set value for the target item in one or more image forming apparatuses determined as the reset target, and each set value is displayed. Means for providing the user with a second operation screen for inputting a set value, which displays visual information indicating which image forming apparatus has the same input restriction corresponding to the input field;
Means for giving an instruction to one or more image forming apparatuses determined as the target of resetting so as to update the setting value of the target item to the setting value input on the second operation screen. A setting device characterized by. The second operation screen, the set value in association with the input field, setting device according to claim 11 for displaying the set value input by the first operation screen. A computer program executed by a computer used for batch setting for a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of changing setting values via a network,
On the computer,
A process of displaying a setting value input field for a target item that is a setting item designated by the user, and providing the user with a first operation screen for inputting a setting value;
Processing for giving an instruction to the plurality of image forming apparatuses so as to update a setting value for the target item to a setting value input through the first operation screen;
A process of discriminating among the plurality of image forming apparatuses an image forming apparatus that has failed to be updated to the setting value input on the first operation screen as a target for resetting;
For the target item, only one set value input field is displayed for each input limit of the set value for the target item in one or more image forming apparatuses determined as the reset target, and each set value is displayed. Processing for providing the user with a second operation screen for inputting setting values, which displays visual information indicating which image forming apparatus has the same input restriction corresponding to the input field;
A process of giving an instruction to one or more image forming apparatuses determined as the resetting target so as to update the setting value of the target item to the setting value input on the second operation screen. A computer program characterized by that. The computer program according to claim 13, wherein the second operation screen displays a setting value input through the first operation screen in association with the setting value input field.

Images