Image forming apparatus and method for the same

Abstract

An image forming apparatus compares device identification information acquired from XML setting information received from a connected device with device identification information of the image forming apparatus, and determines an import level based on a comparison result. The image forming apparatus extracts a setting according to the import level using each module of a plurality of applications for the image forming apparatus, and stores the extracted setting in a storage that is used for control performed in each application. The device identification information that determines the import level includes at least one of firmware version, destination information, user editing information, accessory connection information, and license information, in addition to model management number and machine body management number.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a technique capable of managing setting information of an image forming apparatus, such as a printer, a copying machine, or a multifunction peripheral having multiple functions.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]A recent image forming apparatus has a plurality of functions prepared beforehand, and has the capability of additionally installing various applications. A user of the image forming apparatus can use these functions and applications directly or via a network. The setting information increases in the number of items to be set or adjusted if the total number of the functions increases. Thus, an initial setup of an image forming apparatus for office use takes a significant time.[0005]Hence, prior to the delivery of the apparatus to an office system, a selling agent is required to perform preliminary kitting that includes a work for introducing and setting applications and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]According to an aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus configured to control a plurality of applications according to setting information includes a storage unit configured to store, in a temporary region, setting information, described in Extensible Markup Language (XML), that is received from a connected device, an acquisition unit configured to acquire device identification information from the setting information stored in the temporary region, a determination unit configured to compare the device identification information acquired by the acquisition unit with device identification information of the image forming apparatus and to determine an import level used to reflect each setting included in the setting information stored in the temporary region, and a storing unit configured to extract a setting to be reflected according to the import level from the stored setting information using each module of the plurality of applications, and to store the extracted setting in a storage that is used for control performed in each application, wherein the device identification information that determines the import level includes at least one of firmware version, destination information, user editing information, accessory connection information, and license information, in addition to model management number and machine body management number.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, an initial setup of an image forming apparatus for office use takes a significant time.

Hence, in a situation that the worker is forced to work concentratedly to deliver a large number of machines during a busy time, it will be difficult to secure a sufficient lead-time for the shipment.

Further, even in a case where the adjustment and setting work has been completed before shipment, the delivered machine may not smoothly operate due to ambient conditions (e.g., vibrations during transportation, temperature difference, and humidity difference).

Further, setting information relating to license or security is information unique to each machine body due to operational reasons, and therefore cannot be equally used for another image forming apparatus even when the apparatus has the same configuration.

Therefore, the management method discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-238799 is insufficient to realize satisfactory management.

Further, if the above-described flag indicates that the transmission is disabled, the setting value cannot be transmitted to an external device.

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