JP4552575B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for determining suitability between an image forming apparatus and an optional function when the optional function is introduced into the image forming apparatus.

A so-called multi-function machine having functions such as a printer, a FAX, a copy, and a scanner is indispensable for office work. Multifunction devices are often connected to a network and shared by multiple people. There are various requirements for the functions of the multifunction device. However, since the resources of the multifunction device are limited, it is impossible to provide all the required functions. In view of this, manufacturers of multi-function peripherals mount only functions that are considered to be the minimum necessary in multi-function peripherals, and provide other functions as optional functions according to user requirements.
The optional function is realized by installing optional software or an optional device in the multifunction machine. However, the optional functions that can be installed are limited depending on the model of the MFP. In addition, optional functions are compatible with each other, and optional functions that can be installed simultaneously with certain optional functions are limited.

  Conventionally, the consistency between an image forming apparatus and an optional function when a new optional function is introduced, or the compatibility between an already installed optional function and a newly introduced optional function is confirmed by a serviceman or the like. There is a problem that it takes a lot of time because it is performed manually as an operator confirms while reading the manual.

As a technique for solving this problem, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1, for example. The technique described in Patent Document 1 confirms the suitability of an optional function while an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus communicate with each other.
JP 2000-49998 A

However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the image forming apparatus and the management apparatus need to communicate with each other several times, resulting in a complicated system. In addition, since information that can be managed by the management apparatus is limited to a part of the information, it is difficult to manage information about another optional function that has already been introduced to the image forming apparatus. For this reason, there is also a problem that it is not possible to confirm the combination of option modules based on the configuration of each image forming apparatus.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of confirming suitability of an optional function with a simple system configuration.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus connected to a network, the storage unit storing configuration information of the image forming apparatus, and a management apparatus connected via the network. Option information download means for downloading information on a plurality of option functions, selection means for selecting at least one option function from the plurality of option functions, and confirmation software corresponding to the option function selected by the selection means are downloaded. By executing the confirmation software download means and the confirmation software downloaded by the confirmation software download means, the optional function already installed in the image forming apparatus is identified based on the configuration information stored in the storage means Special By referring to the list of optional features adapted propriety is shown with optional functions, an image forming apparatus having a determination means for determining the suitability of optional features selected by the selecting means with respect to the image forming apparatus provide. According to this image forming apparatus, suitability of the optional function is determined based on configuration information relating to software and hardware of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether the optional function introduction is appropriate with a simple configuration.

In a preferred aspect, the image forming apparatus may further include a display unit that displays a determination result by the determination unit.
In another preferred embodiment, the optional function selected by the selection unit is software, and the image forming apparatus is adapted to match the optional function selected by the selection unit by the determination unit. Then, when it is determined, it may further include optional software download means for downloading the optional function selected by the selection means from the management apparatus connected via the network.
According to this aspect, when the optional function is software, if the selected optional function (software) is compatible with the image forming apparatus, it is automatically downloaded, so that no complicated operation is required. Desired optional features can be installed.

In still another preferred aspect, the image forming apparatus receives the attribute information of the optional function selected by the selecting unit, and the image on the recording material based on the attribute information received by the receiving unit. You may further have the image formation means to form.
According to this aspect, when the optional function under consideration is hardware, if the optional function is compatible with the image forming apparatus, the attribute information necessary for ordering the optional function is recorded on a sheet or the like. Since it is printed on the material, the user can easily perform the ordering work.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The four multifunction peripherals 10a to 10d that are image forming apparatuses to be managed (the multifunction peripherals are collectively referred to as “multifunction peripheral group 100”) are connected to each other via the LAN 2. The four multifunction peripherals 10a to 10d have the same hardware structure. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish a particular one of the four multifunction peripherals, it is described as “multifunction peripheral 10”. A communication control device 50 is connected to the multifunction device 10a, and data can be transmitted / received to / from other devices via the network 3 such as the Internet. The management device 60 is a management device for remotely managing the multifunction machine group 100. The management device 60 is connected to the network 3 and can communicate control signals and data with the multifunction machine 10 via the network 3 and the communication control device 50.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment. The multifunction machine 10 is an image forming apparatus having functions of a printer, a FAX, a copy, and a scanner. The CPU 11 has a function of controlling each component of the multifunction machine 10. The storage unit 12 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like, and various programs executed by the CPU 11, data to be processed such as printing and FAX transmission, The data for the operation of the multifunction machine 10 is stored. The I / F (interface) 13 is an interface for transmitting and receiving control signals and data to and from other devices. The I / F 13 includes a FAX modem for performing FAX transmission / reception. A UI (user interface) 14 is a user interface for a user to input instructions, and includes a liquid crystal display, a touch panel, a numeric keypad, and the like.

In addition, the multifunction machine 10 includes an image forming unit 15, an image reading unit 16, and a paper transport unit 17 for realizing the functions of the printer, FAX, copy, and scanner. For example, in the case of functioning as a printer, the multifunction machine 10 displays an image corresponding to print data received via the LAN 2 and the I / F 13 on a sheet (recording material) conveyed by the sheet conveying unit 17. The forming unit 15 forms an image. In this way, the functions of the printer, FAX, copy, and scanner are realized by combining the components shown in FIG.
In the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish and explain the components of the four multifunction devices 10 shown in FIG. 1, for example, the suffix “CPU 11a” is used for the components of the multifunction device 10a. Add a.

  The storage unit 12 stores a management program according to the present embodiment. The CPU 11 reads this management program from the storage unit 12 and executes it. The multifunction device 10 can have the functions described below by executing a management program.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the management device 60. The management device 60 is a computer device including a CPU 61, a storage unit 62, an I / F 63, a keyboard 64, a mouse 65, a display 66, and the like. The storage unit 62 stores an option function table TB1 in which information about option functions that can be added to the image forming apparatus is recorded. In addition, option compatibility confirmation software corresponding to each option function is stored.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the optional function table TB1. As shown in FIG. 4, in the option function table TB1, an option function is recorded together with the category and identifier of the option function.

<1-2. Operation>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus management system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Prior to the introduction of an optional function, the user determines the suitability of the optional function to be introduced as follows.

  The user operates the UI 14 of the multifunction device 10 and inputs an instruction for requesting provision of information on optional functions. The CPU 11 of the multi-function peripheral 10 that has detected the instruction input transmits an option function information provision request to the management apparatus 60 (step S11). When receiving the information provision request, the CPU 61 of the management device 60 transmits the option function table TB1 from the storage unit 62 to the multi function device 10 (step S12). When the optional function table TB1 is received, the CPU 11 of the multifunction machine 10 stores the received optional function table TB1 in the storage unit 12.

  The CPU 11 displays a list of option functions on the liquid crystal display based on the option function table TB1 (step S13). The user selects an optional function to be introduced from the list of optional functions displayed on the liquid crystal display (step S14). When an optional function is selected, the CPU 11 generates a request for downloading option suitability confirmation software including an identifier that identifies the selected optional function. The CPU 11 transmits the generated download request to the management device 60 (step S15).

  When the download request is received, the CPU 61 of the management device 60 reads the option suitability confirmation software corresponding to the identifier included in the received download request from the storage unit 62. The option compatibility confirmation software is unique to each option function. The CPU 61 transmits the read option suitability confirmation software to the multifunction device 10 that is the transmission source of the download request as a destination (step S16).

When the option suitability confirmation software is received, the CPU 11 of the multifunction machine 10 stores the received option suitability confirmation software in the storage unit 12. The CPU 11 reads the option suitability confirmation software from the storage unit 12 and executes it (step S17).
By executing the option suitability confirmation software, the CPU 11 checks the operating environment of the multifunction machine 10 and determines whether an optional function can be added. Specifically, it is as follows. The storage unit 12 stores an identifier that identifies an optional function (software and hardware) that has already been introduced. The option compatibility checking software has data of a list of optional functions that match the optional functions and an identifier that identifies the MFP main body. CPU11 compares the identifier memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 12, and the list | wrist of the identifier which option compatibility confirmation software has. The CPU 11 confirms the consistency between the optional function or the multifunction machine main body already introduced in this way and the newly introduced optional function. Note that the option suitability confirmation software may include data of a list of identifiers that identify optional functions that are not compatible with the optional functions and the MFP main body.
The CPU 11 displays the determination result of suitability (addition availability) on the liquid crystal display (step S18).

  Specific examples of the confirmation items include the following. (1) Combination of font typeface / number of fonts and decomposer, (2) Combination of finisher and sorter, (3) Combination of manual feed tray and side tray, (4) Memory capacity, (5) Remaining capacity of HDD, (6) Firmware version, (7) MFP model number.

The operation of the image forming apparatus management system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically as follows. The user operates the UI 14 and inputs an instruction to request a list of optional functions. The multi-function device 10 receives data of a list of optional functions that can be provided from the management device 60. The CPU 11 displays an optional function list on the liquid crystal display. The user selects an optional function that is being considered for introduction from a list of optional functions displayed on the liquid crystal display. Here, a case where a new font such as “Gothic” is selected will be described.
When the user selects a new font, the multi-function device 10 downloads option suitability confirmation software corresponding to this font from the management device 60. The CPU 11 of the multifunction machine 10 executes the downloaded option compatibility confirmation software. The option conformity confirmation software includes list data of identifiers of decomposers that conform to this font. The CPU 11 compares the identifier for identifying the decomposer of the multifunction machine 10 stored in the storage unit 12 with the list of identifiers for the decomposer included in the option suitability confirmation software. If the decomposer of the multifunction device 10 is included in the list, the CPU 11 determines that this font is adaptable and displays that fact on the liquid crystal display. From this display, the user can know that the font being considered for introduction is compatible with this multifunction device.

  According to the present embodiment, before introducing a new optional function to the image forming apparatus, the system configuration of the image forming apparatus and other optional functions (hardware and software) that have already been introduced and the introduction are examined. Compatibility with optional functions can be confirmed. At this time, the compatibility is determined not only about the compatibility between the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus and the optional function, but also about the compatibility between the software installed in the image forming apparatus and the optional function. Therefore, it is possible to confirm in advance whether or not the optional function can be introduced.

<2. Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is applicable particularly when the optional function is software. Since the system configuration in this embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus management system 1 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Also, the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment up to the stage of confirming the suitability of the option software, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus management system 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, only the part different from the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is shown. When it is determined that the font (optional function) selected by the user is suitable for the multifunction device 10 (step S21: YES), the CPU 11 transmits a download request for the selected font to the management device 60 (step S21: YES). Step S22). When the download request is received, the CPU 61 of the management device 60 reads the requested font data from the storage unit 62 and transmits it to the multi-function peripheral 10 that is the source of the download request (step S23).

  When the font data is received, the CPU 11 of the multifunction machine 10 installs the received font (step S24). The installation program (installer) may be stored in the storage unit 12 in advance, or may be downloaded from the management device 60 together with the font data. If it is determined in step S21 that the optional function is not suitable for the multifunction device 10, the CPU 11 displays the fact on the liquid crystal display and ends the process.

  The present embodiment can be modified as follows. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display of the UI 14 in this modification. The option function table TB1 stored in the storage unit 62 of the management apparatus 60 has a hierarchical structure such that the option function table TB1 is classified for each category, and the category is further classified for each category. When the CPU 11 receives the option function table TB1, the CPU 11 extracts the data of the highest layer from the option function table TB1 and displays it on the liquid crystal display (for example, “software” and “hardware”; FIG. 7A). When the user selects a desired category (for example, “software”) from the displayed category group, the CPU 11 displays a category group below the category on the liquid crystal display (for example, “font”, “firmware”, etc .; FIG. b)). When the user further selects a desired one (for example, “font”) from the displayed category group, a category group belonging to the category is further displayed. In this way, when reaching the lowest layer (for example, “Japanese”) of the hierarchical structure, the CPU 11 generates a download request for option conformity confirmation software corresponding to the optional function (in this case, all Japanese fonts) belonging to the category. The CPU 11 transmits the generated download request to the management device 60.

  In response to the received download request, the CPU 61 of the management device 60 reads option suitability confirmation software corresponding to all the optional functions belonging to the category “Japanese font” from the storage unit 62, and combines the download request transmission source. To the machine 10. Upon receiving the option suitability confirmation software, the CPU 11 of the multifunction device 10 executes the received option suitability confirmation software, and for all the fonts belonging to the category “Japanese font”, the compatibility with the multifunction device 10 is confirmed. Confirm. The individual confirmation method is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

As a result of checking the compatibility in this way, the CPU 11 displays only the optional functions determined to be compatible with the multifunction machine 10 on the liquid crystal display (FIG. 7C). The user selects a desired font from the fonts displayed on the liquid crystal display. What is displayed on the liquid crystal display has only been confirmed to be compatible with the multifunction machine 10.
When the user selects a font (optional function), the CPU 11 generates a download request for the selected font. The CPU 11 transmits the generated download request to the management device 60. The management device 60 transmits the requested font data to the multifunction device 10, and the multifunction device 10 installs the downloaded font.

  According to this embodiment, the suitability of the optional function of the software selected from the list is determined in the image forming apparatus. In addition, since the multifunction machine 10 automatically downloads the software whose compatibility is confirmed from the management device 60, the user can install the software whose compatibility is confirmed only with a simple operation.

<3. Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is applicable particularly when the optional function is hardware. Since the system configuration in this embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus management system 1 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Also, the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment up to the stage of confirming the suitability of the optional hardware, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus management system 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, only the part different from the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is shown. When it is determined that the hardware (optional function) selected by the user is compatible with the multifunction machine 10 (step S31: YES), the CPU 11 performs an ordering process for the selected hardware. The ordering process may be performed by transmitting data to the management device 60 via the network 3, for example. That is, the CPU 11 generates an order request including an identifier that identifies the selected hardware, and transmits the generated order request to the management device 60. The management device 60 notifies the person in charge of the received ordering request by a method such as transferring it to the person in charge of ordering as an e-mail message. If it is determined in step S31 that the optional function is not compatible with the multifunction device 10, the CPU 11 displays that fact on the liquid crystal display and ends the process.

  The ordering process may be performed as follows. If the CPU 11 determines that the hardware selected by the user is compatible with the multifunction device 10, the CPU 11 transmits an order request for the selected hardware to the management device 60 (step S32). The management device 60 transmits data including attribute values (attribute information) such as the designated hardware price and specifications to the multifunction peripheral 10 that is the transmission source of the order request (step S33). The multi-function device 10 that has received the data prints a purchase order for the selected hardware based on the received data (step S34). The purchase order includes the address, sender, item model number, quantity, price, and the like. The user fills in the necessary items, sets the purchase order in the multifunction device 10, and transmits the fax to the destination described in the purchase order.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to order only hardware whose compatibility has been confirmed with an actual machine. Therefore, after purchasing optional hardware, the optional hardware is not compatible with the multifunction machine 10. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience that it becomes clear. Further, in the aspect in which the multifunction device 10 prints the purchase order, it is possible to save the user from creating the purchase order.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus management system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a management device 60. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates optional function table TB1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus management system 1 according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the image forming apparatus management system 1 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the screen displayed on a liquid crystal display in a modification. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the image forming apparatus management system 1 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus management system, 2 ... LAN, 3 ... Network, 10 ... Multifunction machine, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... Memory | storage part, 13 ... I / F, 14 ... UI, 15 ... Image forming part, 16 ... Image reading , 17 ... paper transport unit, 50 ... communication control device, 60 ... management device, 61 ... CPU, 62 ... storage unit, 63 ... I / F, 64 ... keyboard, 65 ... mouse, 66 ... display, 100 ... multifunction device group

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus connected to a network,
Storage means for storing configuration information of the image forming apparatus;
Option information download means for downloading information on a plurality of optional functions from a management device connected via the network;
Selecting means for selecting at least one optional function from the plurality of optional functions;
Confirmation software download means for downloading confirmation software corresponding to the optional function selected by the selection means;
By executing the confirmation software downloaded by the confirmation software download unit, the optional function already installed in the image forming apparatus is identified based on the configuration information stored in the storage unit, and the identified optional function An image forming apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines compatibility of the optional function selected by the selection unit with respect to the image forming apparatus by referring to a list of optional functions indicating whether or not the function is compatible.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display a determination result by the determination unit. The optional function selected by the selection means is software,
When the determination unit determines that the option function selected by the selection unit is compatible with the image forming apparatus, the option function selected by the selection unit is transferred from the management apparatus connected via the network. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising optional software download means for downloading. Receiving means for receiving attribute information of the optional function selected by the selecting means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material based on the attribute information received by the receiving unit.

Images