JP2017105146A - Information processing unit, information processing system, information processing method, program and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to alter setting for a plurality of apparatuses more efficiently.SOLUTION: While an imitation part that imitates an operation of apparatus is operated using set information acquired from the apparatus, the set information is altered to a predetermined value and is reflected (set) on the apparatus. Then, an image on an operation image screen obtained by reflecting the set information on the apparatus is acquired to use as a comparison image. Next, set information (i.e., altered set information) same as the set information reflected on the apparatus on which the comparison image is formed is reflected on another apparatus, and an image of an operation image screen is acquired to be compared with the comparison image. If there is no differential image between the image on the operation image screen of another apparatus and the comparison image, the appropriate reflection of the set information with respect to another apparatus can be verified. If there is a differential image between the image on the operation image screen of another apparatus and the comparison image, the reflection of the set information with respect to another apparatus can be verified to be inappropriate. On the basis of such a verification result, setting for a plurality of apparatuses can be altered more efficiently.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, a program, and a device.

  Devices such as image forming apparatuses can provide various functions. However, users who use all functions are rare. Therefore, the display content of the screen displayed on the operation panel of the device is complicated for many users.

  For this reason, for example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-142640), by directly operating the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to set the configuration of the screen displayed on the operation panel. It is disclosed.

  However, conventionally, changing the setting of a device has to be performed manually, and there is a problem that time and labor are required. Moreover, it is necessary to change the setting of the devices one by one. For this reason, when setting change work is performed on a plurality of devices, there is a problem that the change work time and labor for the number of units and the verification time of the setting contents are required even if the same setting change contents are used.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, a program, and a device that can change settings more efficiently. To do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides device setting information, operation result information indicating the operation result of the device based on the changed setting information, and other information based on the changed setting information. The setting information is changed based on the operation of the acquisition unit that acquires the operation result information indicating the operation result of the device, the imitation unit that imitates the operation of the device based on the setting information acquired from the device, and the operation of the imitation unit A change processing unit, a communication control unit that transmits the changed setting information to the device and other devices, a storage control unit that stores operation result information acquired from the device as comparison information in the storage unit, and other devices A comparison unit that compares the operation result information acquired from the information and the comparison information, and an output unit that outputs the comparison result of the comparison unit.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that setting change or the like can be performed more efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the user terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the user terminal and the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the user terminal. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of screen configuration information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of the initial screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of one icon information. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the editing screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an editing screen including the changed initial screen. FIG. 11 illustrates each function realized by the CPU of the user terminal of the information processing system according to the second embodiment executing a user terminal setting application program (setting application) stored in the auxiliary storage device. It is a functional block diagram. FIG. 12 is realized by the CPU of the image forming apparatus of the information processing system according to the second embodiment executing a setting application program (setting application) for the image forming apparatus stored in a storage unit such as an HDD. It is a functional block diagram of each function performed. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the operation of reflecting the changed setting information on the image forming apparatus and the operation of verifying the reflected setting information. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the collation processing unit in detail. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating the matching process. FIG. 16 is another diagram schematically showing the matching process.

  Hereinafter, a system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system according to the first embodiment includes one or more image forming apparatuses 20 and one or more user terminals 10. The example of FIG. 1 is an example in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as an image forming apparatus 20a, an image forming apparatus 20b,. The image forming apparatus 20 and the user terminal 10 are connected to be communicable with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet (whether wired or wireless).

  The image forming apparatus 20 is a multifunction machine that realizes two or more functions of printing, scanning, copying, FAX transmission / reception, and the like with a single casing. However, a device having any one function alone may be used as the image forming apparatus 20.

  The user terminal 10 is a computer used by the user to change the configuration of the screen displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 20. For example, a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) may be used as the user terminal 10.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the user terminal according to the first embodiment. The user terminal 10 in FIG. 2 includes a drive device 100, an auxiliary storage device 102, a memory device 103, a CPU 104, an interface device 105, a display device 106, an input device 107, and the like that are mutually connected by a bus B.

  A program for realizing processing in the user terminal 10 is provided by a recording medium 101 such as a CD-ROM. When the recording medium 101 storing the program is set in the drive device 100, the program is installed from the recording medium 101 to the auxiliary storage device 102 via the drive device 100. However, the program does not necessarily have to be installed from the recording medium 101, and may be downloaded from another computer via a network. The auxiliary storage device 102 stores the installed program and also stores necessary files and data.

  The memory device 103 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 102 and stores it when there is an instruction to start the program. The CPU 104 realizes functions related to the user terminal 10 in accordance with a program stored in the memory device 103. The interface device 105 is used as an interface for connecting to a network. The display device 106 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like by a program. The input device 107 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and is used for inputting various operation instructions.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3, the image forming apparatus 20 includes hardware such as a controller 21, a scanner 22, a printer 23, a modem 24, an operation panel 25, a network interface 26, and an SD card slot 27.

  The controller 21 includes a CPU 211, RAM 212, ROM 213, HDD 214, NVRAM 215, and the like. The ROM 213 stores various programs and data used by the programs. The RAM 212 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area for the loaded program, and the like. The CPU 211 realizes various functions by processing a program loaded in the RAM 212. The HDD 214 stores a program and various data used by the program. The NVRAM 215 stores various setting information and the like.

  The scanner 22 is hardware (image reading means) for reading image data from a document. The printer 23 is hardware (printing means) for printing print data on printing paper. The modem 24 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line, and is used to execute transmission / reception of image data by FAX communication. The operation panel 25 is hardware including input means such as buttons for accepting input from a user, display means such as a liquid crystal panel, and the like. The liquid crystal panel may have a touch panel function. In this case, the liquid crystal panel also functions as an input unit. The network interface 26 is hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The SD card slot 27 is used for reading a program stored in the SD card 80. That is, in the image forming apparatus 20, not only the program stored in the ROM 213 but also the program stored in the SD card 80 can be loaded into the RAM 212 and executed. The SD card 80 may be replaced by another recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). That is, the type of recording medium corresponding to the positioning of the SD card 80 is not limited to a predetermined one. In this case, the SD card slot 27 may be replaced by hardware corresponding to the type of recording medium.

  The operation panel 25 may be a device having a CPU and an OS (Operating System) independent from the image forming apparatus 20, such as a dedicated or general-purpose smartphone or tablet terminal. The OS may be one generally used in a smartphone, a doublet terminal, or the like such as Android (registered trademark). By doing so, it is possible to display an expressive screen like a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and it is possible to provide the same operational feeling as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. However, the operation panel 25 may be realized by another device.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the user terminal and the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a panel control unit 221, a screen configuration reading unit 22, a screen configuration writing unit 223, and the like. Each of these units is realized by processing executed by the CPU 211 by one or more programs installed in the image forming apparatus 20. The image forming apparatus 20 also uses the screen configuration storage unit 224. The screen configuration storage unit 224 can be realized using, for example, the HDD 214 or a storage device that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 20 via a network.

  The panel control unit 221 controls screen display on the operation panel 25. Of various screens displayed on the operation panel 25, an initial screen or a home screen (hereinafter referred to as “initial screen”) is displayed based on screen configuration information stored in the screen configuration storage unit 224. Is done. The screen configuration information is information indicating the configuration of the initial screen. The initial screen is, for example, a screen that is a starting point for operations of the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the initial screen may be a screen that is displayed first when the image forming apparatus 20 becomes operable. The time when the image forming apparatus 20 becomes operable is, for example, when the activation of the image forming apparatus 20 is completed, or when authentication is required, when authentication is successful.

  In response to a request from the user terminal 10, the screen configuration reading unit 222 reads the screen configuration information stored in the screen configuration storage unit 224 and transmits the screen configuration information to the user terminal 10. The screen configuration writing unit 223 writes the screen configuration information transmitted from the user terminal 10 in the screen configuration storage unit 224.

  On the other hand, the user terminal 10 includes a screen configuration acquisition unit 11, a screen reproduction unit 12, a screen configuration change unit 13, a screen configuration transmission unit 14, a screen configuration storage unit 15, and the like. Each of these units is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the user terminal 10 cause the CPU 104 to execute. The user terminal 10 also uses the screen configuration storage unit 16. The screen configuration storage unit 16 can be realized using, for example, the auxiliary storage device 102 or a storage device that can be connected to the user terminal 10 via a network.

  The screen configuration acquisition unit 11 acquires screen configuration information to be changed or edited from any one of the image forming apparatuses 20 or the screen configuration storage unit 16. The screen reproduction unit 12 imitates an initial screen display process based on the screen configuration information by the panel control unit 221. That is, the screen reproduction unit 12 displays the initial screen in the same manner as the display mode in the image forming apparatus 20 based on the screen configuration information acquired by the screen configuration acquisition unit 11. The screen configuration change unit 13 changes the screen configuration information in response to a change instruction for the displayed initial screen. The screen configuration transmission unit 14 transmits the changed screen configuration information to the designated image forming apparatus 20. The screen configuration storage unit 15 stores the changed screen configuration information in the screen configuration storage unit 16.

  Hereinafter, a processing procedure executed by the user terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure executed by the user terminal. In the description of FIG. 5, the user operates the user terminal 10.

  For example, when an acquisition instruction for screen configuration information is input by the user, the screen configuration acquisition unit 11 determines whether the acquisition destination of the screen information specified in the acquisition instruction is the image forming apparatus 20 or the user terminal 10. It is determined whether the file is a local file (S101). The local file refers to a file stored in the screen configuration storage unit 16, for example. However, the screen configuration information may be stored in the screen configuration storage unit 16 in a data format other than a file.

  If the acquisition destination is the image forming apparatus 20 (S101: Yes), the screen configuration acquisition unit 11 receives an input of the IP address of the acquisition destination image forming apparatus 20 from the user (S102). For example, the screen configuration acquisition unit 11 may display a screen for inputting an IP address, and the input of the IP address may be accepted via the screen. In addition to the IP address, other identification information such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) may be input.

  Subsequently, the screen configuration acquisition unit 11 acquires screen configuration information stored in the screen configuration storage unit 224 of the image forming apparatus 20 from the image forming apparatus 20 related to the input IP address (S103). More specifically, the screen configuration acquisition unit 11 transmits a screen configuration information acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 20. The screen configuration reading unit 222 of the image forming apparatus 20 acquires the screen configuration information stored in the screen configuration storage unit 224 in response to the acquisition request, and sends the acquired screen configuration information to the screen configuration acquisition unit 11. Send back.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of screen configuration information. In FIG. 6, for convenience, the screen configuration information is expressed in a table format. However, for example, the screen configuration information may be described using XML (eXtensible Markup Language) or the like.

  In FIG. 6, the screen configuration information includes model information, wallpaper information, layout information, icon information, wallpaper data, icon data, and the like. However, information other than these may be included in the screen configuration information.

  The model information is information related to the model (model) of the image forming apparatus 20 to which the screen configuration information can be applied (the screen configuration information is valid). For example, the model name is included in the model information.

  The wallpaper information is information indicating image data (hereinafter referred to as “wallpaper data”) used as the wallpaper (background) of the initial screen. For example, the wallpaper information includes identification information (hereinafter referred to as “wallpaper ID”) of any one of wallpaper data to be described later.

  The layout information is information relating to the arrangement of display components (hereinafter referred to as “icons”) on the initial screen.

  The icon information is included in the screen configuration information for each icon arranged on the initial screen. For example, each icon information includes information indicating an icon arrangement position and the like.

  The wallpaper data is one or more image data that can be used for the wallpaper of the initial screen. In the screen configuration information, one or more pieces of wallpaper data are encoded and listed, for example. Each wallpaper data is associated with a wallpaper ID.

  The icon data is icon image data (hereinafter referred to as “icon data”) included as a default. In the screen configuration information, for example, icon data for each of the standard application programs in the image forming apparatus 20 is encoded and listed, for example. Each icon data is associated with identification information (hereinafter referred to as “icon ID”).

  In FIG. 6, the layout information includes the number of columns, the number of rows, the number of X-direction surfaces, the number of Y-direction surfaces, and the like. The number of columns is the number of icons that can be arranged in the horizontal direction on one surface. The number of rows is the number of icons that can be arranged in the vertical direction on one surface. The number of faces in the X direction is the number of faces in the horizontal direction. The number of Y direction surfaces is the number of surfaces in the vertical direction. Here, the “surface” is a unit of a display range (display area) that can be switched by, for example, a swipe operation or a scroll operation. In FIG. 6, the number of columns = 4, the number of rows = 2, the number of planes in the X direction = 1, and the number of planes in the Y direction = 3. In this case, the initial screen has a layout as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of the initial screen. In FIG. 7, three surfaces from the first surface to the third surface are shown in the vertical direction. The range that can be displayed simultaneously is one surface. Each plane includes icon arrangement positions corresponding to 2 rows and 4 columns (eight). Each arrangement position has a coordinate value expressed in a format of “<surface number> − <position number>”. The surface number is an identification number of each surface. The position number is a serial number in units of planes. That is, in FIG. 7, since the eight arrangement positions are included for each surface, the position number has a value of 1 to 8.

  Each icon information that is a part of the screen configuration information has a configuration as shown in FIG. 8, for example. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of one icon information. (1) is a configuration example of icon information of an icon corresponding to an application program. (2) is a configuration example of icon information of an icon corresponding to a widget (widget). (3) is a configuration example of icon information of an icon corresponding to a shortcut. That is, the configuration of the icon information differs depending on the entity corresponding to the icon. However, in (1) to (3), the type and the arrangement position are common items.

  The type is information indicating the type of entity corresponding to the icon. For example, “application” indicates an application program. “Widget” indicates a widget. “Url” indicates a shortcut to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The arrangement position is an item indicating the icon arrangement position based on the coordinate values shown in FIG. In (2), (1-3, 1-7) is an arrangement position. This indicates that the center of “1-3” and “1-7” is the arrangement position. In addition, it is possible to specify (1-7, (+ 0%, + 30%)) as the arrangement position. This indicates an arrangement position having a deviation of 0% in the x direction and a deviation of + 30% in the y direction with respect to the arrangement position of “1-7”. The arrangement position of the non-displayed icon is “0-0”.

  The icon information (1) further includes an icon ID, an application ID, a name, and the like. The icon ID is an icon ID for any icon data included in the screen configuration information. That is, the icon related to the icon information is displayed by icon data related to the icon ID. The application ID is an ID of an application program corresponding to this icon, and is used when the icon is operated in the image forming apparatus 20. The name is a display name of the icon.

  The icon information (2) further includes an application ID and icon data. The application ID is the ID of the widget corresponding to this icon. The icon data is, for example, encoded data of icon data for displaying an icon related to the icon information.

  The icon information (3) further includes url and icon data. url is the URL of the reference destination. The icon data is, for example, encoded data of icon data for displaying an icon related to the icon information.

  In step S103 of FIG. 5, screen configuration information having the configuration described in FIGS. 6 to 8 is acquired.

  On the other hand, when the acquisition destination is a local file (S101: No), the screen configuration acquisition unit 11 receives an input of a file name from the user (S104). Subsequently, the screen configuration acquisition unit 11 acquires screen configuration information from the file associated with the input file name among the files stored in the screen configuration storage unit 16 (S105). The screen configuration information acquired here also has the configuration described with reference to FIGS. Note that the model name (model name) of the image forming apparatus 20 may be input instead of the file name. In this case, screen configuration information related to the model name may be acquired.

  Steps S104 and S105 are convenient processing procedures when, for example, it is desired to customize the screen configuration information in advance for the image forming apparatus 20 scheduled to be delivered in a state where the image forming apparatus 20 has not been delivered. Alternatively, steps S <b> 104 and S <b> 105 are also effective when screen configuration information already customized for a certain image forming apparatus 20 is used to generate screen configuration information regarding another image forming apparatus 20.

  Subsequent to step S103 or S105, the screen reproduction unit 12 displays an editing screen including an initial screen on the display device 106 based on the acquired screen configuration information (S106).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the editing screen. In FIG. 9, the edit screen 510 includes a display area 511, a menu area 512, and the like. The display area 511 is an area where the initial screen 610 is reproduced based on the screen configuration information. That is, the initial screen 610 is displayed in the display area 511 in the same manner as that displayed on the operation panel 25 of the image forming apparatus 20. The menu area 512 is an area for receiving various operations.

  The initial screen 610 includes seven icons such as Copy, Scan, Fax, Doc, Address, Config, and Weather. If any icon is selected while the initial screen 610 is displayed in the image forming apparatus 20, processing corresponding to the application ID or url included in the icon information of the icon is executed.

  When an instruction to change the configuration of the initial screen 610 is input by the user via the editing screen 510 (S107: Yes), the screen configuration change unit 13 applies the change according to the change instruction to the screen configuration information. (S108). For example, the user can change the position of the icon by dragging the icon on the initial screen 610 displayed in the display area 511. When there is another icon at the dragged destination, the arrangement position of the dragged icon and the other icon is switched. In this case, the value of the arrangement position of the icon information of the icon whose arrangement position has been changed is changed. In addition, when the Delete key is pressed with any icon selected, the screen configuration change unit 13 changes the value of the icon information arrangement position of the icon to “0-0”.

  Further, when a right click is performed on any of the icons, the screen configuration changing unit 13 displays a context menu including menu items such as “change icon” and “change name”. When “change icon” is selected in the context menu, icon data can be changed. For example, icon data stored in the auxiliary storage device 102 of the user terminal 10 can be added as icon data of screen configuration information. The added icon data can be used as icon data for the icon that is right-clicked.

  Also, when “change name” is selected, the name of the icon information can be changed. Note that a menu item “restore icon settings” may be included in the context menu. When the menu item is selected, the screen configuration change unit 13 may restore icon data change, name change, and the like.

  In addition, when the menu area 512 is operated, the screen configuration change unit 13 displays a list of wallpaper data included in the screen configuration information in the menu area 512. When any one of the wallpaper data is selected from the list, the wallpaper ID of the selected wallpaper data is overwritten on the wallpaper information of the screen configuration information. As a result, the wallpaper on the initial screen 610 is changed. Further, the image data stored in the auxiliary storage device 102 of the user terminal 10 may be added to the wallpaper data of the screen configuration information. By doing so, the image data stored in the auxiliary storage device 102 can be used as the wallpaper data of the initial screen 610.

  By performing the change (editing) as described above, for example, the initial screen 610 is changed as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an editing screen including the changed initial screen.

  In the display area 511 of the editing screen 510 in FIG. 10, the changed initial screen 610a is shown. In the initial screen 610a, an icon arrangement position change, icon data change, wallpaper change, and the like are performed. Specifically, the icon data of the “Fax” and “Doc” icons are changed, and the Config icon is deleted. The name of the “Doc” icon has also been changed. In addition, the size of the “Weather” icon is also changed.

  Subsequently, when the end of the change is instructed (S107: No), and the IP address of the transmission destination is input regarding the changed screen configuration information (S109: Yes), the screen configuration transmission unit 14 receives the input IP address. The changed screen configuration information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 according to (S110). When receiving the screen configuration information, the screen configuration writing unit 223 of the image forming apparatus 20 stores the screen configuration information in the screen configuration storage unit 224. At this time, the original screen configuration information may be overwritten by the received screen configuration information.

  Note that step S110 may be repeated a plurality of times. That is, the same screen configuration information may be applied to a plurality of image forming apparatuses 20.

  When the input of the IP address is completed (S109: No), and a screen configuration information storage instruction is input (S111: Yes), the screen configuration storage unit 15 displays the changed screen configuration information as the screen configuration storage unit 16. (S112). For example, when steps S104 and S105 are executed and the screen configuration information to be changed is acquired from the screen configuration storage unit 16, overwriting may be instructed. In this case, the screen configuration storage unit 15 overwrites the original screen configuration information with the changed screen configuration information. In addition, when saving with a name, the screen configuration storage unit 15 stores the changed screen configuration information in the screen configuration storage unit 16 in association with the name input by the user. The screen configuration information stored in the screen configuration storage unit 16 becomes a selection candidate in the next steps S104 and S105. Further, screen configuration information for another image forming apparatus 20 may be generated based on the screen configuration information stored in the screen configuration storage unit 16.

  When it is desired to make the configuration of the initial screen different for each user, the screen configuration information is associated with identification information (for example, user ID) for each user and stored in the screen configuration storage unit 224 or the screen configuration storage unit 16. It may be stored. For example, the user ID may be included in the screen configuration information. In this case, the user ID may be specified together with the acquisition destination of the screen configuration information at the start of the processing of FIG. The screen configuration acquisition unit 11 may acquire screen configuration information corresponding to the designated user ID.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the user can change the screen configuration information of the initial screen using the user terminal 10. The changed screen configuration information can be transmitted and applied not only to the image forming apparatus 20 from which the original screen configuration information is acquired, but also to other image forming apparatuses 20. That is, the configuration of the initial screens of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 can be changed by changing one screen configuration information. Therefore, it is possible to reduce an operation burden for changing the configuration of the screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 20.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an information processing system according to the second embodiment will be described. In the information processing system according to the second embodiment, the user terminal 10 acquires an operation unit image as a setting result of one image forming apparatus 20 and the setting result of the first image forming apparatus 20 is appropriate. It is verified on the emulator that performs the imitation operation of the operation panel 25. When the user approves (OK) the verification result, the user terminal 10 acquires the operation unit image that is the setting result from the second and subsequent image forming apparatuses 20 and compares it with the approved comparison image. Thereby, the troublesome work of reflecting the setting information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 can be greatly reduced, and the work time can be shortened.

  FIG. 11 is realized by the CPU 104 of the user terminal 10 of the information processing system according to the second embodiment executing a setting application program (setting application) for the user terminal 10 stored in the auxiliary storage device 102. It is a functional block diagram of each function. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the CPU 104 of the user terminal 10 executes the setting application, thereby executing an input processing unit 701, an acquisition unit 702, an emulator unit 703, a change processing unit 704, a communication control unit 705, and a verification processing unit 706. , Function as a determination unit 707, a difference detection unit 708, a display control unit 709, and a storage control unit 710. The emulator unit 703 is an example of an imitation unit. The collation processing unit 706 and the difference detection unit 708 are examples of a comparison unit. The display control unit is an example of an output unit.

  The emulator unit 703 imitates (emulates or simulates) an operation of an application in the target device (for example, the image forming apparatus 20 referred to in the present embodiment) and hardware of the target device. Therefore, the emulator unit 703 can provide the same operating environment as that of the target device. The emulator unit 703 is realized by a process executed by the CPU 104 by a program installed in the user terminal 10. In the present embodiment, the meaning of simulation is also included in the emulation or emulator.

  The input processing unit 701 performs an acquisition process such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the image forming apparatus 20 input from the user via the input device 107. The acquisition unit 702 acquires setting information stored in the auxiliary storage device 102 or setting information from the image diatom apparatus 20 having an IP address designated by the user. The emulator unit 703 imitates the operation of the operation panel 25 of the image forming apparatus 20, for example. The change processing unit 704 changes the acquired setting information according to a user operation or the like.

  The communication control unit 705 performs communication control between the user terminal 10 and the image forming apparatus 20. The collation processing unit 706 reflects the image of the display screen formed by reflecting the changed setting information on the image processing apparatus 20 and the other image processing apparatus 20 with the changed setting information. The image on the display screen to be formed is compared (verified). Based on the collation result of the collation processing unit 706, the determination unit 707 determines whether or not the reflection of the changed setting information for the other image processing apparatuses 20 has been successful.

  The difference detection unit 708 detects an image that is a difference between the above-described comparison image and an image on a display screen formed by another image processing apparatus 20 in which the changed setting information is reflected. The display control unit 709 displays an image that is a difference between the above-described comparison image and an image on a display screen formed by another image processing apparatus 20 in which the changed setting information is reflected. The storage control unit 710 stores the setting information that has been successfully reflected to the image processing device 20 in a storage unit such as the auxiliary storage device 102.

  In this example, the input processing unit 701 to the storage control unit 710 are realized by software. However, part or all of the input processing unit 701 to the storage control unit 710 may be an IC (Integrated Circuit) or the like. It may be realized by hardware. A CPU such as the CPU 104 described in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an IC (Integrated) designed to execute each function. Circuit) or hardware such as a circuit module.

  In addition, the setting application for the user terminal 10 may be provided as a file in an installable or executable format recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a CD-ROM or a flexible disk (FD). Good. Further, the program may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), or a semiconductor memory. The setting application for the user terminal 10 may be provided in a form that is installed via a network such as the Internet. The setting application for the user terminal 10 may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like in the device.

  Next, FIG. 12 illustrates a setting application program (setting application) for the image forming apparatus 20 stored in the storage unit such as the HDD 214 by the CPU 211 of the image forming apparatus 20 of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of each function implement | achieved by performing. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the CPU 211 of the image forming apparatus 20 functions as a communication control unit 751, a storage control unit 752, a setting operation unit 753, and an operation image formation unit 754 by executing a setting application.

  The communication control unit 751 performs communication control between the image forming apparatus 20 and the user terminal 10 such as transmitting operation information corresponding to the setting information of the image forming apparatus 20 and the changed setting information to the user terminal 10. The storage control unit 752 reflects the changed setting information in the storage control unit 752 by changing (rewriting) the setting information stored in the NVRAM 215 to the setting information transmitted from the user terminal 10. The setting operation unit 753 operates a part corresponding to the changed setting information based on the changed setting information. The action image forming unit 754 forms an action image that is an image of an action screen obtained by operating based on the changed setting information.

  Note that the communication control unit 751 to the operation image forming unit 754 are realized by software. However, a part or all of the communication control unit 751 to the operation image forming unit 754 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) or the like. It may be realized by hardware. Further, the CPU such as the CPU 211 described in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an IC (Integrated) designed to execute each function. Circuit) or hardware such as a circuit module.

  The setting application for the image forming apparatus 20 is provided in a form that can be installed or executed and recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a CD-ROM or a flexible disk (FD). Also good. Further, the program may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), or a semiconductor memory. The setting application for the image forming apparatus 20 may be provided in a form that is installed via a network such as the Internet. The setting application for the image forming apparatus 20 may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like in the device.

  The flowchart of FIG. 13 shows the flow of the operation of reflecting the changed setting information on the image forming apparatus 20 and the operation of verifying the reflected setting information. In the flowchart of FIG. 13, the process starts from step S <b> 201 when the setting application of the user terminal 10 is activated. First, the user operates the input device 107 to specify whether to obtain setting information from the image forming apparatus 20 or to obtain setting information stored in the auxiliary storage device 102. An input processing unit 701 illustrated in FIG. 11 performs input processing of information indicating a setting information acquisition destination (the image forming apparatus 20 or the auxiliary storage device 102) instructed by the user via the input device 107. In step S201, the acquisition unit 702 determines whether an instruction to acquire setting information from the image forming apparatus 20 has been issued by the user. If it is determined that the instruction for acquiring the setting information from the image forming apparatus 20 is received from the user, the process proceeds to step S202, and it is determined that the instruction for acquiring the setting information from the image forming apparatus 20 is not received from the user. If so, the process proceeds to step S214.

  When acquiring the setting information from the image forming apparatus 20, the user inputs the IP address of the image forming apparatus (target image forming apparatus) 20 from which the setting information is acquired. In step S202, the acquisition unit 702 acquires the IP address input by the user. In step S203, the acquisition unit 702 accesses the image forming apparatus 20 corresponding to the IP address input by the user via the communication control unit 705 and makes a setting information transfer request. The storage control unit 752 of the image forming apparatus 20 reads setting information stored in the NVRAM 215. Then, the communication control unit 751 transmits the read setting information to the user terminal 10. Thereby, the acquisition unit 702 of the user terminal 10 acquires setting information of the image forming apparatus 20 designated by the user.

  Here, when the image forming apparatus 20 for which the user changes the setting information is connected to the network, the setting information of the image forming apparatus 20 can be acquired via the network as described above. However, it is difficult to change the setting information of the image forming apparatus 20 before delivery via the network. In this case, setting information of the image forming apparatus 20 of the same model is acquired in advance and stored in the auxiliary storage device 102. In step S <b> 214, the acquisition unit 702 acquires setting information stored in the auxiliary storage device 102. As will be described later in the description of step S212 and step S213, the setting information subjected to the change process is stored in the auxiliary storage device 102. For this reason, the acquisition unit 702 also acquires setting information from the auxiliary storage device 102 when the setting information that has been subjected to the changing process before is further changed.

  Next, when the setting information is acquired from the image forming apparatus 20 or the auxiliary storage device 102 in this way, the emulator unit 703 performs an imitation operation of the image forming apparatus based on the acquired setting information. For example, when the acquired setting information is the setting information of the operation panel 25 of the image forming apparatus 20, the emulator unit 703 displays the display screen of the operation panel 25 on the display device 106 based on the acquired setting information. Perform imitation operations such as displaying. The user changes the setting information to a desired value while viewing the display screen displayed by the imitation operation so that a display screen having desired display contents can be obtained. In step S204, the change processing unit 704 changes the setting information according to the user's change operation.

  Next, when the change process is completed, the user performs a setting information change completion operation via the input device 107. When the change completion operation is performed, the communication control unit 705 transmits the changed setting information to the image forming apparatus 20 corresponding to the IP address input in step S202 in step S205.

  The storage control unit 752 of the image forming apparatus 20 illustrated in FIG. 12 overwrites the original setting information stored in the NVRAM 215 with the changed setting information transmitted from the user terminal 10. The setting operation unit 753 operates a portion corresponding to the overwritten setting information (changed setting information) based on the overwritten setting information. The action image forming unit 754 forms an action image that is an image of the action screen corresponding to the overwritten setting information. For example, when the setting information of the operation panel 25 is overwritten, the setting operation unit 753 operates the operation panel 25 based on the overwritten setting information. Then, the operation image forming unit 754 forms an operation image of the operation panel 25 operated based on the setting information. The communication control unit 751 transmits an operation image to the user terminal 10.

  In step S206, the collation processing unit 706 of the user terminal 10 illustrated in FIG. 11 operates the operation image transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 and the operation image obtained from the other image forming apparatus 20 reflecting the changed setting information. To verify the operation of each image forming apparatus 20 corresponding to the changed setting information. Detailed operation of the verification processing unit 706 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the user sees the result of the collation process and determines that the desired operation is obtained in the image forming apparatus 20 based on the changed setting information, a predetermined operation indicating successful reflection is performed via the input device 107. I do. The determination unit 707 outputs a reflection success determination signal when a predetermined operation indicating successful reflection is detected, and outputs a reflection failure determination signal when a predetermined operation indicating successful reflection is not detected. When a determination signal indicating that the reflection has failed is output from the determination unit 707 (step S207: No), the display control unit 709 causes the display device 106 to reflect the reflection failure such as “setting failed” in step S208. Display to the effect. Thereby, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 13 is completed.

  On the other hand, when setting the setting information successfully reflected in another image forming apparatus 20, the user designates the image forming apparatus 20 to which the setting information is reflected via the input device 107. In step S209, the determination unit 707 determines whether the image forming apparatus 20 that reflects the setting information has been specified by determining the presence / absence of a designation operation from the user. If the determination unit 707 determines that the image forming apparatus 20 that reflects the setting information has been designated (step S209: Yes), the process returns to step S202, and the image forming apparatus 20 to which the IP address is input by the user is returned. Thus, the setting information subjected to the above-described change process is reflected (set).

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 707 determines that the image forming apparatus 20 that reflects the setting information is not designated (step S209: No), the process proceeds to step S210, and the difference detection unit 708 performs the above-described comparison image, It is determined whether or not there is an image (difference image) that becomes a difference with an image on a display screen formed by another image processing apparatus 20 that reflects the changed setting information. When it is determined that there is a difference image (step S210: Yes), the process proceeds to step S211, and the display control unit 709 displays the difference image on the display device 106. As will be described in detail later, the user determines whether or not the changed setting information is accurately reflected on the other image forming apparatus 20 based on the displayed difference image.

  Next, when saving the difference image, the user performs a difference image saving operation via the input device 107. In step S212, the storage control unit 710 monitors the presence / absence of a difference image saving operation. When the difference image saving operation is not detected (step S212: No), the processing of the flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, when a difference image saving operation is detected (step S212: Yes), the process proceeds to step S213, and the storage control unit 710 uses the designated file name to store the difference image in the auxiliary storage device 102 or the like. Save to the storage section. Thereby, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 13 is completed.

  In this example, the difference image is displayed for each device and the user confirms it. However, after the difference image is stored in association with each device and reflected on all the target devices, The user may be requested to confirm.

  Next, the collating process in step S206 in FIG. 13 will be described in detail using the flowchart in FIG. As an example, the flowchart of FIG. 14 will be described using an example in which the setting information of the operation panel 25 of the image forming apparatus 20 is changed. First, in step S301, the collation processing unit 706 acquires an operation unit image of the operation panel 25 operated based on the changed setting information from the image forming apparatus 20.

  In step S <b> 302, whether or not the collation processing unit 706 is the first image forming apparatus 20 that acquires the operation unit image corresponding to the changed setting information (whether or not it is the first image forming apparatus 20). Is determined. If it is the first image forming apparatus 20 (step S302: Yes), the collation processing unit 706 displays the operation unit image on the display device 106 via the display control unit 709 in step S303. The matching processing unit 706 also displays a success button that is operated when the user determines that the reflection result is successful, and a failure button that is operated when the user determines that the reflection result has failed, together with the operation unit image. To do.

  The user determines the reflection result of the changed setting information on the image forming apparatus 20 to be changed by looking at the displayed operation unit image. When it is determined that the reflection result is successful, the success button is operated. When it is determined that the reflection result is unsuccessful, the failure button is operated. The verification processing unit 706 monitors the presence / absence of an operation of a success button or a failure button. Step S207 in the flowchart in FIG. 13 corresponds to step S304 in the flowchart in FIG. In step S304, when the collation processing unit 706 detects the operation of the failure button, the collation processing unit 706 determines that the reflection result is inappropriate (step S304: No), proceeds to step S208 in the flowchart of FIG. A message to the effect is displayed on the display device 106.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the success button is detected, the collation processing unit 706 displays an operation unit image corresponding to the setting information (changed setting information) that has been successfully reflected via the display control unit 709 in step S305. A save button operated when executing the save and a cancel button operated when canceling the save are displayed on the display device 106 via the display control unit 709 together with a message asking whether to save.

  When the operation of the cancel button is detected, the matching processing unit 706 discards the operation unit image corresponding to the setting information that has been successfully reflected (changed setting information). On the other hand, when the operation of the save button is detected, the collation processing unit 706 stores the operation unit image acquired from the image forming apparatus 20 in the storage unit such as the auxiliary storage device 102 as a comparison image. As a result, the operation unit image corresponding to the changed setting information, which becomes the comparison image, is stored in the auxiliary storage device 102. This comparison image is compared with the operation unit image acquired from the other image forming apparatus 20 as described below.

  That is, if it is determined in step S302 that an operation unit image has been acquired from the second and subsequent image forming apparatuses 20, the collation processing unit 706 advances the process to step S306. In step S306, the collation processing unit 706 acquires the operation unit image acquired from the second and subsequent image forming apparatuses 20, and the comparison image (first image) stored in the auxiliary storage device 102 as described in step S305. The operation unit image) of the forming apparatus is compared (collated). In step S307, the matching processing unit 706 determines whether there is a difference image that is a difference between the two. Note that steps S306 to S308 in FIG. 14 correspond to steps S210 to S213 in the flowchart in FIG.

  The fact that the difference image does not exist (step S307: No), the setting information (changed setting information) reflected on the first image forming apparatus 20 is appropriately reflected on the second image forming apparatus 20 as well. It means that it was made. For this reason, the collation processing unit 706 displays a message indicating successful reflection on the display device 106 via the display control unit 709, for example, “setting information has been successfully reflected”.

  On the other hand, the presence of the difference image (step S307: No), the setting information (changed setting information) reflected in the first image forming apparatus 20 is transferred to the second image forming apparatus 20. It also means that it may have been reflected inappropriately. For this reason, the matching processing unit 706 displays the difference image on the display device 106 via the display control unit 709. The user looks at the displayed difference image and determines whether or not the changed setting information is appropriately reflected on the second image forming apparatus 20. For example, an operation unit image (= comparison image) corresponding to setting information reflected on the first image forming apparatus 20 provided with the Web browser function, and a second image not provided with the Web browser function When the same setting information as that of the first apparatus is reflected on the forming apparatus 20, an image corresponding to the Web browser function appears as a difference between the two operation unit images.

  However, in this case, it is an image difference that occurs due to the presence or absence of the Web browser function, and not an image difference that occurs depending on whether the setting information is appropriately reflected. That is, in this case, the setting information is appropriately reflected in the second image forming apparatus 20, but a difference image is generated because it does not have a Web browser function. The user determines whether the setting information is correct based on the displayed difference image. If necessary, an instruction to save the difference image is given via the input device 107. As a result, in step S308, the matching processing unit 706 stores the difference image in the auxiliary storage device 102 via the storage control unit 710.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing such a collation process. In FIG. 15, the user first obtains a screen image A that is an operation unit image of the image forming apparatus 20a by reflecting the changed setting image on the image forming apparatus 20a. The user looks at the screen image A displayed on the display device 106 and determines whether or not a desired reflection result corresponding to the changed setting image is obtained. If the desired reflection result is not obtained, the user changes the setting image again and reflects it on the image forming apparatus 20a. On the other hand, when a desired reflection result is obtained, the user stores the screen image A in the auxiliary storage device 102 as a comparative image.

  Next, the user reflects in the image forming apparatus 20b the same setting information as the setting information reflected in the image forming apparatus 20a. Thereby, a screen image B is obtained as an operation unit image of the image forming apparatus 20b. The above-described collation processing unit 706 performs collation processing between the comparison image that is the screen image A stored in the auxiliary storage device 102 and the screen image B. When there is no difference between the comparison image and the screen image B, the collation processing unit 706 determines that the changed setting information is appropriately reflected in the image forming apparatus 20b, and the display apparatus 106 And display that the setting information is appropriately reflected.

  Next, the user reflects in the image forming apparatus 20c the same setting information as the setting information reflected in the image forming apparatus 20a. Thereby, a screen image C is obtained as an operation unit image of the image forming apparatus 20c. The collation processing unit 706 performs collation processing between the comparison image that is the screen image A stored in the auxiliary storage device 102 and the screen image C. In FIG. 15, as can be seen by comparing the comparison image and the screen image C, the comparison image has a background, but the screen image C has no background. This means that the setting information is inappropriately reflected on the image forming apparatus 20c. In this case, the collation processing unit 706 displays on the display device 106 that the changed setting information is inappropriately reflected on the image forming apparatus 20c.

  Similarly, FIG. 16 is another diagram schematically showing the matching process. In FIG. 16, the processes of the image forming apparatus 20a and the image forming apparatus 20b are the same as the processes of the image forming apparatus 20a and the image forming apparatus 20b described in FIG. In FIG. 16, the user reflects the same setting information as the setting information reflected on the image forming apparatus 20a on the image forming apparatus 20c. Thereby, a screen image C is obtained as an operation unit image of the image forming apparatus 20c. The collation processing unit 706 performs collation processing between the comparison image that is the screen image A stored in the auxiliary storage device 102 and the screen image C. As can be seen by comparing the comparison image and the screen image C in FIG. 16, the screen image C has no circular icon. This circular icon indicates an icon for the Web browser function.

  Usually, when the image does not match the comparison image, it is considered that the setting information is not properly reflected. However, the image forming apparatus 20a on which the comparison image is formed is provided with a Web browser function, and the image forming apparatus 20c on which the screen image C is formed is not provided with the Web browser function. In this case, the web browser function icon does not appear on the screen image C. Accordingly, the setting information is appropriately reflected in the image forming apparatus 20c. The user thus determines whether or not the setting information is reflected based on the difference image from the comparison image. And a difference image is preserve | saved in the auxiliary storage device 102 as needed.

  As is apparent from the above description, the information processing system according to the second embodiment changes the setting information acquired from the image forming apparatus 20 to a desired value using the emulator of the image forming apparatus 20 to form an image. It is reflected (set) on the apparatus 20. Then, an image of the operation screen obtained by reflecting the setting information on the image forming apparatus 20 is acquired and used as a comparative image. Next, the same setting information as the setting information reflected on the image forming apparatus 20 on which the comparison image is formed (= changed setting information) is reflected on the other image forming apparatuses 20 to obtain an image of the operation screen. Compare with the comparison image. If there is no difference image between the image on the operation screen of the other image forming apparatus 20 and the comparison image, it can be verified that the setting information is appropriately reflected on the other image forming apparatus 20. On the other hand, if there is a difference image between the image on the operation screen of the other image forming apparatus 20 and the comparison image, it is verified that the reflection of the setting information on the other image forming apparatus 20 is inappropriate. be able to.

  Thereby, verification of the suitability of the reflection of the setting information for the second and subsequent image forming apparatuses 20 can be performed by automatically comparing the image of the operation screen and the comparison image, which is the reflection result of the setting information. For this reason, the work of reflecting the setting information on the plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 can be greatly reduced, the work time can be shortened, and the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Finally, each of the above-described embodiments has been presented as an example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, in each embodiment, the image forming apparatus is used. However, other devices such as a projector apparatus, a video conference system, or a digital camera apparatus may be used.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made using the wording of the file as an example. However, the file is only an example, and is not limited to the file format as long as it can be processed (realized) in the present embodiment. Various data formats shall be included.

  Each embodiment is included in the scope and gist of the invention, and is included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Screen structure preservation | save part 16 Screen structure memory | storage part 20 Image forming apparatus 21 Controller 22 Scanner 23 Printer 24 Modem 25 Operation panel 26 Network interface 27 SD card slot 80 SD card 100 Drive apparatus 101 Recording medium 102 Auxiliary storage apparatus 103 Memory apparatus 104 CPU
105 Interface Device 106 Display Device 107 Input Device 211 CPU
212 RAM
213 ROM
214 HDD
215 NVRAM
221 Panel control unit 222 Screen configuration reading unit 223 Screen configuration writing unit 224 Screen configuration storage unit B bus 701 Input processing unit 702 Acquisition unit 703 Emulator unit 704 Change processing unit 705 Communication control unit 706 Verification processing unit 707 Discrimination unit 708 Difference detection 709 Display control unit 710 Storage control unit 751 Communication control unit 752 Storage control unit 753 Setting operation unit 754 Operation image forming unit

JP 2011-142640 A

Claims (11)

An acquisition unit that acquires device setting information, operation result information indicating an operation result of the device based on the changed setting information, and operation result information indicating an operation result of another device based on the changed setting information. When,
Based on the setting information acquired from the device, an imitation unit that imitates the operation of the device;
Based on the operation of the imitation unit, a change processing unit that changes the setting information;
A communication control unit for transmitting the changed setting information to the device and the other device;
A storage control unit that stores the operation result information acquired from the device as comparison information in a storage unit;
A comparison unit that compares the operation result information acquired from the other device with the comparison information;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs a comparison result of the comparison unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the comparison unit includes a difference detection unit that detects difference information indicating a difference between the operation result information acquired from the other device and the comparison information. . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation result information is an operation image corresponding to an operation based on the changed setting information. An information processing system comprising a device that operates based on setting information, and an information processing device that changes the setting information of the device,
The information processing apparatus includes:
An acquisition unit that acquires device setting information, operation result information indicating an operation result of the device based on the changed setting information, and operation result information indicating an operation result of another device based on the changed setting information. When,
Based on the setting information acquired from the device, an imitation unit that imitates the operation of the device;
Based on the operation of the imitation unit, a change processing unit that changes the setting information;
A communication control unit for transmitting the changed setting information to the device and the other device;
A storage control unit that stores the operation result information acquired from the device as comparison information in a storage unit;
A comparison unit that compares the operation result information acquired from the other device with the comparison information;
An output unit for outputting a comparison result of the comparison unit,
The equipment is
An operation control unit that performs operation control based on the changed setting information;
An operation result forming unit for forming operation result information indicating an operation result based on the changed setting information;
A communication control unit that controls the communication unit so as to transmit the setting information and the operation result information to the information processing apparatus. An acquisition unit includes device setting information, operation result information indicating an operation result of the device based on the changed setting information, and operation result information indicating an operation result of another device based on the changed setting information. An acquisition step to acquire;
The imitation unit imitates the operation of the device based on the setting information acquired from the device;
A change processing unit, a change processing step for changing the setting information based on the operation of the imitation unit,
A communication control step in which the communication control unit transmits the changed setting information to the device and the other device;
A storage control step in which the storage control unit stores the operation result information acquired from the device in the storage unit as comparison information;
A comparison step in which the comparison unit compares the operation result information acquired from the other device with the comparison information;
An information processing method, wherein the output unit includes an output step of outputting a comparison result of the comparison unit. The comparison step includes a difference detection step in which a difference detection unit detects difference information indicating a difference between the operation result information acquired from the other device and the comparison information. The information processing method described. The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein the operation result information is an operation image corresponding to an operation based on the changed setting information. Computer
An acquisition unit that acquires device setting information, operation result information indicating an operation result of the device based on the changed setting information, and operation result information indicating an operation result of another device based on the changed setting information. When,
Based on the setting information acquired from the device, an imitation unit that imitates the operation of the device;
Based on the operation of the imitation unit, a change processing unit that changes the setting information;
A communication control unit for transmitting the changed setting information to the device and the other device;
A storage control unit that stores the operation result information acquired from the device as comparison information in a storage unit;
A comparison unit that compares the operation result information acquired from the other device with the comparison information;
A program that functions as an output unit that outputs a comparison result of the comparison unit. The program according to claim 8, wherein the comparison unit includes a difference detection unit that detects difference information indicating a difference between the operation result information acquired from the other device and the comparison information. The program according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the operation result information is an operation image corresponding to an operation based on the changed setting information. An operation control unit that performs operation control based on the changed setting information;
An operation result forming unit for forming operation result information indicating an operation result based on the changed setting information;
A communication control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit the setting information and the operation result information to an information processing apparatus.

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