JP4658748B2 - Image forming apparatus and network system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a network system connected to a network, and in particular, a user can easily change items on a setting screen of a plurality of functions of an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus, and the setting screen can be set by a simple method. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a network system that can set the item.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer connected to a network, setting items such as printing conditions and their setting values are stored as hypertext type display information, and the display information is formed by a browser program. Some devices can be displayed as a setting screen on the display unit of the apparatus. For example, in the printing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-166907, the hypertext display information stored in the printing apparatus is stored in a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) connected via a network. PC by sending
The display information of the printing apparatus can also be displayed as a setting screen on the display unit of the PC by the browser program included in

  In the printing apparatus, the setting items such as the printing conditions in the setting screen displayed based on the display information by rewriting the contents of the hypertext (display information) by using an editor program provided in the PC, The display order of the setting items can be changed, and the changed hypertext is transmitted to the printing apparatus, so that the printing apparatus displays the setting screen in which the setting item display order is changed to the desired order. Can be displayed.

  In the printing apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-166907 described above, setting items or setting values such as various functions or printing conditions of the printing apparatus displayed on the setting screen are displayed on the PC side as hypertext type display information. Therefore, the setting items to be changed on the PC side must be changed in accordance with a convention that is a special usage of HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), which is a hypertext programming language.

  However, since the user generally does not know the HTML rules, the contents of the hypertext cannot be rewritten, and the display contents such as the display order of the setting items displayed on the setting screen cannot be easily changed. There is a problem.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily edit display contents of a setting screen related to a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus. And

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is a communication unit connected to a network and capable of two-way communication with a personal computer, and an image for forming image data received via the communication unit on a recording sheet. Forming means, and information providing means capable of providing setting image information indicating setting items for various settings as display information in HTML format via the communication means with respect to a plurality of functions provided in the image forming means. A storage unit that stores the set image information and edit image information for editing display contents of the set image information, and the edit image information stored in the storage unit is displayed in HTML format. Edit information providing means that can be provided to the personal computer via the communication means, and the personal computer Based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the edited image information received via the communication means, the setting image information stored in the storage means is edited, and the edited setting image information is stored in the storage means. Setting image information editing means to be stored, and the setting image information stored in the storage means and edited by the setting image information editing means to be H
Setting information providing means that can be provided to the personal computer via the communication means as display information in TML format, and the edited image information includes setting items for each function that can be displayed as the setting image information. Includes setting information that can be set by directly inputting the setting items in a desired display order, and the setting image information editing unit displays based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the setting information. The setting image information is edited so that the arrangement order of the setting items to be changed is changed.

In the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 having such feature relates more functions of the image forming unit, setting image information setting items for various settings is shown, the communication unit as display information in HTML format To the other device. Also, edited image information capable of editing the display content of the set image information is also provided to the counterpart device as HTML format display information. Then, the setting image information editing unit edits the setting image information based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the editing image information transmitted from the counterpart device. As a result, an editing screen is displayed on the display function of the counterpart device based on the edited image information provided as display information in the HTML format from the image forming device to the counterpart device, and an instruction is given on this screen using the input unit or the like. As a result, the image forming apparatus receives the instruction content as editing instruction information, and the set image information is automatically edited based on the received instruction content. Therefore, the user can easily edit the display content of the set image information without knowing the HTML format rules.
In addition, the setting information of each function that can be displayed as setting image information is included in the edited image information, and the setting information of each function that can be set in any order is displayed as HTML format display information via the communication means. Provided to the destination device. Then, based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the arrangement setting information transmitted from the counterpart apparatus, the setting image information editing unit edits the setting items displayed as the setting image information so as to change the arrangement order. As a result, the edited image information includes arrangement setting information, and this is displayed as an editing screen on the display function of the counterpart device, and settings for each function that can be displayed as setting image information on this screen are displayed. The items can be set to be arranged in an arbitrary order, and the user can easily change the display order of the setting items of each function in the setting image information without knowing the HTML format rules.
Further, since the setting items can be directly input and set in the display order desired by the user with respect to the arrangement setting information of the edited image information, the setting items displayed on the setting screen relating to the plurality of functions of the image forming unit and The user can set the change of the arrangement order more easily.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, image forming means for forming a personal computer and a two-way communicable communication means are connected to a network, the image data received via the communication means to the recording sheet, Information forming means capable of providing, via the communication means, setting image information indicating setting items for various settings related to a plurality of functions provided in the image forming means as display information in HTML format In the apparatus, storage means for storing the set image information and edit image information for editing the display contents of the set image information, and the communication means as the edit image information stored in the storage means as display information in HTML format Edit information providing means that can be provided to the personal computer via the personal computer, and the communication means from the personal computer. A setting image that edits the setting image information stored in the storage unit and stores the edited setting image information in the storage unit based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the editing image information received Setting information that can be provided to the personal computer via the communication means as information display means and the setting image information edited by the setting image information editing means stored in the storage means as display information in HTML format And the editing image information includes setting items of each function that can be displayed as the setting image information, and assigning a display order desired by the user to each setting item that can be displayed of the setting image information. The setting image information editing means includes arrangement setting information that can be arranged, and the setting image information editing means is based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the arrangement setting information. Characterized by editing the setting image information so as to change the arrangement order of the setting items to be displayed Te.

In the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 having such a feature, setting image information indicating setting items for various settings related to a plurality of functions included in the image forming means is displayed as HTML format display information. To the other device. Also, edited image information capable of editing the display content of the set image information is also provided to the counterpart device as HTML format display information. Then, the setting image information editing unit edits the setting image information based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the editing image information transmitted from the counterpart device. As a result, an editing screen is displayed on the display function of the counterpart device based on the edited image information provided as display information in the HTML format from the image forming device to the counterpart device, and an instruction is given on this screen using the input unit or the like. By giving the image, the image forming apparatus receives the instruction content as editing instruction information, and the setting image information is automatically edited based on the received instruction content. Therefore, the user can easily edit the display content of the set image information without knowing the HTML format rules.
In addition, the setting information of each function that can be displayed as setting image information is included in the edited image information, and the setting information of each function that can be set in any order is displayed as HTML format display information via the communication means. Provided to the destination device. Then, based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the arrangement setting information transmitted from the counterpart apparatus, the setting image information editing unit edits the setting items displayed as the setting image information so as to change the arrangement order. As a result, the edited image information includes arrangement setting information, and this is displayed as an editing screen on the display function of the counterpart device, and settings for each function that can be displayed as setting image information on this screen are displayed. The items can be set to be arranged in an arbitrary order, and the user can easily change the display order of the setting items of each function in the setting image information without knowing the HTML format rules.
Further, since the setting can be made by assigning the display order desired by the user to each setting item that can be displayed as the setting image information, the setting screen relating to a plurality of functions of the image forming unit. The user can set the setting items displayed on the screen and the change of the arrangement order more easily.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system including the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect and a personal computer including a communication device connected to the network and capable of two-way communication. In the network system, the personal computer displays various instructions based on a display device that displays display information in HTML format received from the image forming device via the communication device, and image information displayed via the display device. Instruction input means for inputting information, and transmission means for transmitting the instruction information input via the instruction input means to the image forming apparatus via the communication device, the image forming apparatus comprising: When a request for transmission of the edited image information is received from a personal computer, the edited image is sent to the personal computer. The personal computer transmits the instruction information input via the instruction input means as the editing instruction information via the communication device based on the edited image information displayed via the display device. To the image forming apparatus.

In the network system according to the third aspect having such characteristics, the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect and the personal computer are connected to each other on the network so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. With respect to a plurality of functions of the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus, setting image information indicating setting items for various settings is provided to the personal computer as HTML display information via the network. In addition, when the image forming apparatus receives a request for transmission of edited image information for editing the display contents of the set image information from the personal computer, the image forming apparatus receives the edited image information as display information in HTML format. Send over the network. When the personal computer receives the edited image information as the display information in the HTML format, the personal computer displays the edited image information on the display device. Then, the personal computer transmits the instruction information input based on the edited image information displayed on the display device as the editing instruction information to the image forming apparatus via the communication device. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus edits the set image information based on the edit instruction information received from the network via the communication unit.
Thereby, a setting screen based on the setting image information is displayed on the display unit of the personal computer, and an instruction is given on the screen using the input unit of the personal computer, whereby a plurality of functions included in the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus are provided. Various settings can be made. Further, an editing screen based on the edited image information is displayed on the display unit of the personal computer, and an instruction is given on the screen using the input unit of the personal computer, so that the content of the instruction is used as editing instruction information to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus automatically edits the set image information based on the editing instruction information. Therefore, the user can easily edit the display content of the set image information by simply giving a simple instruction on the editing screen without knowing the HTML format rules.

A network system according to a fourth aspect is the network system according to the third aspect , wherein a password is given to the personal computer.

In the network system according to claim 4 having such characteristics, in the network system according to claim 3 , since the password is given to the personal computer, the image forming apparatus uses the password to make a plurality of personal computers. It is possible to manage various instructions received from.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the user can edit the display content of the set image information using the edited image information provided as the display information in the HTML format without knowing the HTML rules. Therefore, the user can easily edit the setting items displayed on the setting screen for various settings regarding the multiple functions of the image forming means, and the setting items displayed on the setting screen can be set by a simple method. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above. Further, in the network system according to the present invention, the user can edit the display content of the setting image information by the edited image information displayed on the display device of the personal computer, so the user does not know the HTML rules. However, regarding the multiple functions provided in the image forming apparatus, the setting items displayed on the setting screen for various settings can be easily edited, and the setting items displayed on the setting screen can be set by a simple method. A network system can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is connected to a network system managed using a so-called WWW (a wide area information system in which hypertext is constructed on a network and all information can be accessed). A detailed description will be given with reference to the drawings based on a first embodiment to a third embodiment which are embodied for each printer.

  First, a schematic configuration and usage of the printer according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration and usage of the printer according to the first embodiment.

  Here, the outline of the WWW will be described. The WWW includes network management information of the printer 10 and another computer (a program called a WWW browser (a program for browsing the setting state of the terminal device). This is an information system for centrally managing a computer, which is a computer that browses and grasps the status of the printer 10 and manages the network based on this, and is hereinafter referred to as a management computer G). In order to express the state of the printer 10, an image or character information indicating the state is expressed using software called hypertext. As a protocol used for communication between the management computer G and the printer 10, a so-called HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is used. Further, as a language for expressing hypertext, for example, HTML (Hyper Text Markup) is used. Language) is used.

  In the first embodiment, a program called CGI (Common Gateway Interface) is provided on the printer 10, and the CGI constitutes HTML corresponding to the designation by designation from the management computer G. Or a processing unit that is provided in the server computer (NIC (Network Interface Card) 1) from the management computer G and provides data or control information to the printer 10 or the like connected to the NIC 1, and the NIC 1 The above-mentioned CGI for use is included in the server computer) (generally referred to as a form. For example, the user of the management computer G sets the number of copies in the printer 10 to "5". In this case, the form “COPIES = 5” is transferred from the management computer G to the server code. Sent to CGI in computer.) It is used to interpret. At this time, the designation of the printer 10 from the management computer G includes identification information called a URL (identification information unique to the printer 10; in the first embodiment, the NIC 1 and the printer 10 connected to the NIC 1). The printer 10 is identified and designated based on the URL.

  Next, the configuration of the network system S will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the network system S includes a management computer G, a printer 10, a network W such as a LAN, and a plurality of computers 20 connected to the printer 10 via the network W. Yes.

  On the other hand, the management computer G includes a CPU 50, a ROM 51, and a RAM 52, to which a mouse 53, a keyboard 54, a CRT 55, and the like are connected. The management computer G is connected to the NCI 1 of the printer 10 via the gateway 56 and configured to be able to communicate with the printer 10 having a specific IP address. Here, it is assumed that the gateway 56 permits communication between the management computer G and the printer 10.

The NCI 1 includes a transceiver 2, a LAN controller 3, a shared memory 4, a CPU 5, a ROM 6, a RAM 7, and a bus 8. The ROM 6 stores in advance a WEB server program 6a, an SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) client program 6b, and an SNMP server program 6c.

  As is well known, the WEB server program 6 a includes a NIC HTML 6 aa and a NIC CGI 6 ab as a database, and realizes a function as a WEB server in cooperation with the LAN controller 3. The SNMP client program 6b and the SNMP server program 6c realize functions as an SNMP client and an SNMP server (SNMP agent) in cooperation with the LAN controller 3, respectively.

  Further, the printer 10 includes a CPU 11, an NVRAM 12, a RAM 13, a ROM 14, an operation key 270, an LCD 274, a bus 15, an output interface 16, an input interface 17, and a printing unit 18. Here, the NVRAM 12 stores therein a printer HTML 12a and a printer CGI 12b in advance. The RAM 13 includes an output buffer 13a and an input buffer 13b. The printer 10 is connected to the NIC 1 via the connection line 9 connected to the bus 15 and is connected to the network W via the input interface 17.

  Next, an outline operation in the network system S will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 50 in the management computer G requests information (hereinafter simply referred to as a request) for requesting the printer 10 for information necessary for the management computer G to grasp the status of the printer 10 to which the NIC 1 is connected. Or a control command to the printer 10 is generated and transmitted to the transceiver 2 of the NIC 1 via the gateway 56. Then, the transceiver 2 that has received the request or the control command demodulates it and outputs it to the bus 8 via the LAN controller 3.

  Here, when the request is specifically illustrated, for example, the following is transmitted as a request.

(1) "GET / nic / ****. Html HTTP / 1.0"
(2) "GET / nic-CGI / ****. Exe HTTP / 1.0"
(3) "GET / printer / ****. Html HTTP / 1.0"
(4) "GET / printer-CGI / ****. Exe HTTP / 1.0"
In these examples, “GET” indicates a request, “nic”, “nic-CGI”, “printer”, and “printer-CGI” are URLs, and “****. Html “Or“ ****. Exe ”is information indicating the management target (generally called a resource) (names indicating various resources and passwords corresponding thereto are described in“ **** ”). "HTTP / 1.0" is HTTP version information. At this time, the request includes a URL ("nic") indicating NIC1.
Or “nic-CGI”) or a URL (“printer” or “printer-CGI”) indicating the printer 10 is added.

  Next, when the NIC 1 receives a request including a URL designating the printer 10 (for example, as shown in the above (3) or (4), the URL of “printer” or “printer-CGI” is used). When the request is included, the CPU 5 transfers the request to the printer 10 via the shared memory 4 and the connection line 9. At this time, after writing a request in the shared memory 4, the CPU 5 generates an interrupt (interrupt command) to the CPU 11 through a signal line (not shown) to execute the processing of the request. Substantially the same processing is performed when the NIC 1 receives a control command. Note that a program necessary for the processing of the CPU 5 in response to the above-described request or control instruction is stored in the ROM 6 in advance.

Next, when a request or control command specifying the printer 10 transferred from the NIC 1 is input to the printer 10 via the connection line 9, the CPU 11 acquires it via the bus 15 and then stores it in the NVRAM 12. The printer CGI 12b and the printer HTML 12a are used for processing. At this time, those that can be processed only by the printer HTML 12a are processed only by the printer HTML 12a, and those that can be processed only by the printer CGI 12b are processed only by the printer CGI 12b. Thereafter, the CPU 11 returns a response, which is the processing result, to the NIC 1 via the bus 15, the connection line 9, and the shared memory 4. A control program necessary for the CPU 11 to process this request or control command is stored in the ROM 14 in advance.

  Further, in the NVRAM 12 of the printer 10, image data from the management computer G and each computer 20 is acquired, and printing function setting information and printing function setting information corresponding to each of the management computer G and each computer 20 are stored. A print function setting wizard (corresponding to setting image information of the present invention) to be displayed is stored. In the ROM 14, printing function setting information designated by the management computer G and each computer 20 is transmitted to the management computer G and each computer 20, or the printing function setting information is transmitted as will be described later. An editing wizard that can be edited, which will be described later, is transmitted to the management computer G and each computer 20, or displayed on the printing function setting wizard based on information of the already-set editing wizard received from the management computer G and each computer 20. Various functions including an editing function for changing setting items, a printing function program group for printing image data received from the management computer G and each computer 20 via the printing unit 18, and during printing function operation Flag information representing operating conditions is stored.

  Further, the NIC 1 that has received a response to a request or control command to be processed by the printer 10 from the printer 10 transfers the response to the management computer G via the transceiver 2 as it is. Then, the management computer G that has received the response from the printer 10 displays the image or character information corresponding to the received response on the CRT 55 and grasps the operating state of the NIC 1 or the printer 10.

  On the other hand, the schematic configuration of each of the plurality of computers 20 connected to the printer 10 via the network W is basically the same as the schematic configuration of the management computer G. Each computer 20 transmits a request or control command similar to that of the management computer G to the printer 10 via the network W, and the image or character information corresponding to the received response is the same as that of the management computer G. Can be displayed on the CRT, and the operating state of the NIC 1 or the printer 10 can be grasped. Further, as will be described later, different passwords are assigned to the management computer G and each computer 20, and when a password is added to a request or control command to the printer 10, a unique password is assigned. Are transmitted to the printer 10.

Here, the transceiver 2, the LAN controller 3, the shared memory 4, and the input interface 17 constitute communication means. The printing unit 18 functions as an image forming unit. The NIC1, the NVRAM 12, and the ROM 14 function as information providing means. The CPU 11, the NVRAM 12, the ROM 14, and the NIC 1 constitute editing information providing means. The CPU 11, the NVRAM 12, and the ROM 14 constitute setting image information editing means. The ROM 6 and the NVRAM 12 constitute password storage means. Moreover, CPU5 and CPU11 function as a determination means. The LCD 274 functions as display means. The operation key 270 functions as setting means. The gateway 56 functions as a communication device. The management computer G and each computer 20 function as personal computers. The CRT 55 functions as a display device. The mouse 53 and the keyboard 54 constitute instruction input means. The gateway 56 functions as a transmission unit.

  Next, the editing control process in which the printer 10 configured as described above edits the display contents of the print function setting wizard transmitted to the management computer G and each computer 20 via the NIC 1 and the input interface 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG. In the print function setting wizard, setting items related to various functions provided in the printer 10 are displayed.

  FIG. 2 is a main flowchart illustrating an example of an edit control process in which the CPU 11 of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment changes setting items displayed on the print function setting wizard transmitted to the management computer G or each computer 20. . FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an editing wizard for editing the display contents of the printing function setting wizard displayed on the screen of the management computer G or each computer 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the edited print function setting wizard displayed on the management computer G or the CRT 55 of each computer 20 according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that printing function setting information and printing function setting wizard data are stored in advance in the printer 10 in association with the management computer G and each computer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, the CPU 11 of the printer 10 receives a plurality of types of print function setting information (from 1 to X) from either the management computer G or each computer 20. A determination process for determining whether any one of the X types of print function setting information) is requested is executed. If any one of the print function setting information is requested (S1: YES), in S2, the CPU 11 transmits the requested print function setting information to the request destination and displays it on the request destination CRT 55. It waits for the “Submit” button to be clicked with the mouse 53 by the user. When the “Submit” button is clicked by the user, a request signal for data of a print function setting wizard for displaying the print function setting information on the printer 10 is transmitted from the request destination. Subsequently, in S <b> 3, the CPU 11 reads the print function setting wizard data for displaying the print function setting information from the NVRAM 12 and transmits it to the request destination via the NIC 1 or the input interface 17. In the requested computer, a setting screen is displayed on the CRT 55 based on the received print function setting wizard, and settings and instructions for the printer 10 can be performed using the mouse 53 and the keyboard 54 on the screen.

  On the other hand, if no print function setting information is requested from the management computer G or each computer 20 in S1, it is required to edit the display setting items of the print function setting wizard for displaying the print function setting information ( In step S4, an “edit button” displayed on the management computer G or the CRT 55 of each computer 20 is clicked with the mouse 53. Thus, the editing wizard (corresponding to the edited image information of the present invention) can set for each function whether or not to actually display all setting items that can be displayed in the printing function setting wizard. A data request signal is transmitted to the printer 10 together with a unique password assigned in advance to the management computer G or each computer 20. Subsequently, in S5, the CPU 11 checks the password attached to the received edit wizard data request signal, and if this password matches one of the passwords stored in advance, the edit wizard corresponding to this password. Is transmitted to the request destination having this password. That is, the editing wizard data corresponding to the requested management computer G or each computer 20 is transmitted.

Note that the management computer G can set for each function whether or not to actually display all setting items that can be displayed in the print function setting wizard of either the computer 20 or the computer 20. That is, the self or each computer 2 together with the request signal of the editing wizard
By specifying any of 0, it is possible to receive from the printer 10 data of an editing wizard that sets the setting items displayed in the corresponding print function setting wizard for each function. On the other hand, each computer 20 is configured so that it can receive only the setting wizard displayed for its own print function setting wizard for each function. Therefore, a plurality of print function setting information corresponding to each of the management computer G and each computer 20 is individually stored in the NVRAM 12.

  In S6, all the settings that can be displayed in the print function setting wizard are stored in the CRT 55 of either the management computer G or each computer 20 of the management computer G or each computer 20 that has received the editing wizard data. An editing wizard 201 (see FIG. 3) for setting whether to actually display the item is displayed. The user checks each item displayed in the editing wizard 201 by clicking on the white circle as display setting information on the left side of “display” or “non-display” with the mouse 53 to check the print function setting wizard. Select the function of the setting item to be displayed in order.

  Here, an example of the editing wizard 201 displayed on the CRT 55 of either the management computer G or each computer 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, at the left end of the editing wizard 201, all setting items that can be displayed in the printing function setting wizard are displayed in order in a vertical direction for each function. In addition, “display” and “non-display” are displayed on the right side of each item, and a white circle to be checked by clicking with the mouse 53 is displayed on the left end of the “display” and “non-display”. Yes. In addition, a scroll bar in the vertical direction is displayed at the right edge of the editing wizard 201. In addition, a “Submit” button that is clicked with the mouse 53 when the setting of display items is completed and a “Cancel” button that is clicked with the mouse 53 when the setting change operation is stopped are displayed at the lower edge of the editing wizard 201. Has been.

For example, “Resolution” indicating a print output resolution setting item is displayed in the first column on the left side, and a white circle “non-display” is checked. In addition, “Emulation” indicating the setting item of the emulation mode is displayed in the second column on the left side, and a white circle of “display” is checked. In addition, “Feeder” indicating the setting item of the paper feed tray is displayed in the third column on the left side, and the white circle of “display” is checked. In addition, “Copies” indicating the setting item of the copy function is displayed in the fourth column in the left column, and a white circle “non-display” is checked. In the fifth column on the left side, “Duplex” indicating a setting item for double-sided printing is displayed, and a white circle of “display” is checked. Further, “Media” indicating the setting item of the photographic media is displayed in the sixth column in the left column, and the “display” white circle is checked.

Subsequently, in S7, when all the setting items displayed in the editing wizard 201 have not been changed, that is, when neither the “Submit” button nor the “Cancel” button is clicked with the mouse 53 (S7: NO), this setting change operation is continued. When the setting change is completed (S7: YES), the user clicks the “Submit” button displayed on the editing wizard 201 with the mouse 53 in S8. As a result, “display” or “non-display” check data (corresponding to editing instruction information of the present invention) for each setting item displayed in the editing wizard 201 is transmitted to the printer 10. On the other hand, the CPU 11 temporarily stores the received check data in the RAM 13. If the user clicks the “Cancel” button displayed on the editing wizard 201 with the mouse 53, the processing from S1 is executed again. Thereafter, in S9, the CPU 11 sets the print function setting wizard corresponding to the password input in S5 (if this password is the password for the management computer G, it is the print function setting wizard for the designated computer). The setting item displayed in is edited based on the check data in the RAM 13. That is, editing is performed so that only the setting items set to “display” by the editing wizard 201 are displayed, and the edited items are stored in the RAM 13 again. Then, the print function setting wizard after the change is read from the RAM 13 and transmitted to the management computer G or the computer 20 that has requested the editing wizard. Then, the changed printing function setting wizard is displayed on the CRT 55 of the computer that has received the printing function setting wizard data.

  Here, FIG. 4 shows an example of the print function setting wizard whose settings are changed by the editing wizard 201 shown in FIG. 3 and displayed on the CRT 55 of either the management computer G or each computer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4, at the left end of the print function setting wizard 202, only the setting items for which the “display” white circle is checked in the edit settings of the edit wizard 201 are displayed in order in the vertical direction for each function. ing. In addition, on the right side of each setting item, a setting content entry column is provided, which is set to an initial value stored in the NVRAM 12 in advance. In addition, a vertical scroll bar is displayed on the right edge of the print function setting wizard 202. Further, at the lower edge of the print function setting wizard 202, an “OK” button for requesting that each setting item and the setting contents of each setting item be updated and stored in the NVRAM 12 of the printer 10, and each setting item and each setting item are displayed. A “Cancel” button for requesting cancellation of the setting contents is displayed.

In S9, the screen of the print function setting wizard displayed on the CRT 55 of the computer 20 is a screen for confirming the setting performed in S6. On this screen, the setting contents of each setting item are changed, for example, “ Duplex "ON / OFF changes are not accepted. Therefore, on this screen, only the setting items such as “Emulation” and “Feeder” may be displayed, and the setting contents such as ON / OFF may not be displayed or the actual print function may be displayed. You may make it distinguishable from the case of the display of the screen of a setting wizard.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, in S <b> 10, the CPU 11 updates the setting items of the printing function setting wizard and the setting contents of the setting items to the printing function setting wizard 202 after re-editing and saves the settings in the NVRAM 12. Judgment processing is performed to determine whether or not. That is, a determination process for determining whether either the “OK” button or the “Cancel” button of the print function setting wizard 202 is clicked with the mouse 53 by the user is executed.

  If the “OK” button is clicked with the mouse 53 (S10: YES), the CPU 11 receives a signal indicating that the “OK” button of the print function setting wizard 202 has been clicked from the computer.

  Subsequently, in S12, the CPU 11 sets each setting item of the edited printing function setting wizard 202 and the setting contents of each setting item to the printing function setting information corresponding to the password input in S5 (in the case of the management computer G). Is stored in the NVRAM 12 as the print function setting information of the computer specified by itself or each of the computers 20), and the process ends. Thereby, when there is a display request for printing function setting information (any one of the settings 1 to X in S1) from the management computer G or each computer 20 in the future. The print function setting wizard 202 updated and stored in the NVRAM 12 of the printer 10 is transmitted.

  For example, the result of setting change by the editing wizard 201 shown in FIG. 3 is transmitted as a print function setting wizard 202 as shown in FIG. 4 and displayed on the CRT 55 of the computer 20. Here, the setting contents of each setting item can be changed.

  On the other hand, when the “Cancel” button is clicked with the mouse 53 in S10 (S10: NO), the CPU 11 receives a signal indicating that the “Cancel” button of the print function setting wizard 202 has been clicked from the computer.

  Subsequently, in S <b> 13, the CPU 11 determines that the “cancel” button of the print function setting wizard 202 has been clicked, and ends the process.

  Thereby, when there is a display request for printing function setting information (any one of the settings 1 to X in S1) from the management computer G or each computer 20 in the future. The print function setting wizard that has not been updated is sent.

  As described above in detail, the printer 10 according to the first embodiment requests the “edit button” to change the setting of the print function setting wizard 202 displayed on the CRT 55 from either the management computer G or each computer 20. ”Is clicked with the mouse 53 (S4), the data of the editing wizard 201 for changing the setting item displayed in the printing function setting wizard 202 is attached to the request signal. The password is transmitted to either the management computer G or each computer 20 corresponding to the password. Then, the user clicks “display” or “non-display” of each setting item of the editing wizard 201 displayed on the management computer G and the CRT 55 of each computer 20 with the mouse 53 (S6), and the print function The setting items displayed in the setting wizard 202 can be re-edited (S7 to S13).

  Therefore, the user of the printer 10 simply clicks “display” or “hide” for each setting item on the editing wizard 201 displayed on the management computer G or the CRT 55 of each computer 20 with the mouse 53. Since the display items of the print function setting wizard 202 corresponding to each of the computer G or each computer 20 can be changed, the user knows language knowledge and rules of hypertext (for example, language knowledge and rules of HTML, etc.). Even without this, the display items of the print function setting wizard 202 can be easily changed, and the display items of the print function setting wizard 202 can be set by a simple method.

  Note that the print function setting information specified in S1 requires the editing wizard, and the setting items related to the functions provided in the printer 10 are in the initial state before the display setting items of the printing function setting wizard are edited. All are configured to be displayed, and after editing by the editing wizard, only the setting items instructed to be displayed are displayed. Thereafter, in response to the request for the same print function setting information, a display based on the edited print function setting wizard is performed. However, when the user of the computer 20 is changed, it is desired to perform the setting from the beginning. When a “reset” button (not shown) is clicked, the print function setting information for the computer 20 returns to the initial state (all items displayed).

  Next, a printer according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The same reference numerals as those of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts as those of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a main flowchart illustrating an example of an edit control process in which the CPU 11 of the printer 10 according to the second embodiment changes setting items displayed on the print function setting wizard transmitted to the management computer G or each computer 20. . FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an editing wizard for changing setting items displayed on the printing function setting wizard displayed on the screen of the management computer G or each computer 20 according to the second embodiment.

  The overall configuration and control circuit configuration of the printer according to the second embodiment are substantially the same as those of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment. However, in the printer according to the second embodiment, the setting item entry field of the editing wizard displayed on the CRT 55 directly enters the setting items that the user desires to display in the print function setting wizard 202 in the above order. This is different from the printer 10 according to the embodiment.

  Here, the editing control process in which the printer according to the second embodiment changes the setting items displayed in the print function setting wizard transmitted to the management computer G and each computer 20 via the NIC 1 and the input interface 17 is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the same control process from S1 to S5 is executed as the control process from S21 to S25. Then, in S26, all the settings that can be displayed in the print function setting wizard are stored in the CRT 55 of either the management computer G or each computer 20 that has received the data of the editing wizard among the management computer G or each computer 20. An editing wizard 205 (see FIG. 6) for setting for each function whether or not to actually display the item is displayed. In addition, the user enters the setting items that the user desires to display in the print function setting wizard 202 in order in the setting item entry field as the arrangement setting information displayed in the editing wizard 205 via the keyboard 54. For each entry field, the white circle on the left side of “display” or “non-display” is checked by clicking with the mouse 53, and the function of the setting item displayed in the print function setting wizard 202 is sequentially selected. A list of names that can be entered as setting items is displayed on the CRT 55 at the same time, and the user refers to the list and enters setting items that are considered necessary. Alternatively, by clicking one setting item from the list with the mouse 53, the item may be selected and entered.

  Here, an example of the editing wizard 205 displayed on the CRT 55 of either the management computer G or each computer 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, at the left end of the editing wizard 205, entry fields 205A for entering setting items desired to be displayed in the printing function setting wizard 202 for each function via the keyboard 54 are arranged in order in the vertical direction. It is displayed. In addition, “display” and “non-display” are displayed on the right side of each entry field 205A, and a white circle to be checked by clicking with the mouse 53 is displayed on the left end of the “display” and “non-display”. Has been. In addition, a scroll bar in the vertical direction is displayed on the right edge of the editing wizard 205. In addition, a “Submit” button that is clicked with the mouse 53 when the setting of the display item is completed and a “Cancel” button that is clicked with the mouse 53 when the setting change operation is stopped are displayed on the lower edge of the editing wizard 205. Has been.

For example, “Emulation” indicating the setting item of the emulation mode is entered in the first entry column on the left side, and the white circle of “display” is checked. In the second entry column in the left column, “Feeder” indicating the setting item of the paper feed tray is displayed, and the “display” white circle is checked.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, when all the setting items desired to be displayed in the print function setting wizard 202 are not entered in each entry field 205A displayed in the editing wizard 205 in S27, that is, “Submit”. If neither the button nor the “Cancel” button is clicked with the mouse 53 (S27: NO), this setting change operation is continued. Then, when the setting change is completed (S27: YES), the same control processing from S8 to S13 is executed in the control processing from S28 to S33.

Therefore, the user of the printer according to the second embodiment desires the user to display the printing function setting wizard 202 in each entry field 205A on the editing wizard 205 displayed on the management computer G or the CRT 55 of each computer 20. Printing functions corresponding to each of the management computer G or each computer 20 can be entered in order via the keyboard 54 and the “display” or “non-display” for each entry field can be simply clicked with the mouse 53. Since the display items of the setting wizard 202 can be changed, the user can easily change the display items of the print function setting wizard 202 without knowing the language knowledge and conventions of hypertext, and printing by a simple method. The display items of the function setting wizard 202 can be set. In addition, since the display item arrangement setting of the print function setting wizard 202 is set by directly inputting the setting items in the display order desired by the user, only display / non-display of the setting items displayed in the print function setting wizard 202 is set. In addition, the display order can be set more easily, and the setting items can be displayed in an order that is easy for the user to use according to the frequency of use of each function.

  Next, a printer according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The same reference numerals as those of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts as those of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an edit control process in which the CPU 11 of the printer according to the third embodiment changes setting items displayed on the print function setting wizard 202 transmitted to the management computer G or each computer 20 via the LCD 274. It is a main flowchart. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of display on the LCD 274 when changing setting items displayed on the print function setting wizard of the printer 10 according to the third embodiment.

  The overall configuration and control circuit configuration of the printer according to the third embodiment are substantially the same as those of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment. However, in the printer according to the third embodiment, setting items desired to be displayed on the printing function setting wizard 202 transmitted to the management computer G or each computer 20 are also displayed via the operation keys 270 and the LCD 274 arranged on the printer. This is different from the printer 10 according to the first embodiment in that it can be changed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 11 first presses the “setting item edit button” of the operation keys 270 to change the setting item desired to be displayed on the print function setting wizard 202 via the LCD 274. (S41: NO). When the “setting item edit button” is pressed (S41: YES), in S42, the CPU 11 displays “Web Customize” on the LCD 274 and the setting item desired to be displayed on the print function setting wizard 202. The user is notified of the start of the change process. When the user presses the “SET” key of the operation key 270 or a predetermined time elapses, the CPU 11 sequentially displays all setting items that can be displayed in the print function setting wizard 202 in a predetermined order for each function. For each item, a determination process for determining whether the user has pressed the “SET” key of the operation key 270 or simultaneously pressed the “+” key and the “−” key of the operation key 270 is executed. When the “SET” key is pressed (S42: “SET” key pressed), in S43, the CPU 11
The “*” mark is displayed at the right end of the CD 274 and the item is temporarily stored in the RAM 13 as a setting item to be displayed on the print function setting wizard 202. Subsequently, in S <b> 44, the CPU 11 displays the next setting item that can be displayed in the print function setting wizard 202 on the LCD 274.

  On the other hand, if the “+” key and the “−” key are pressed at the same time (S42: +, −key pressed), in S44, the CPU 11 sets the next setting item that can be displayed on the print function setting wizard 202 on the LCD 274. To display. Note that only the “+” key may be pressed without simultaneously pressing the “+” key and the “−” key. In this case, when the “−” key is pressed, the previously displayed setting item is displayed and may be set again.

  Next, in S <b> 45, the CPU 11 executes determination processing for determining whether or not all setting items that can be displayed in the print function setting wizard 202 are displayed on the LCD 274. If all the setting items have not yet been displayed on the LCD 274 (S45: NO), the processing after S42 is executed again.

  Here, an example displayed on the LCD 274 when the setting item displayed on the print function setting wizard 202 is changed will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, “Web Customize” is displayed on the LCD 274 by the process of S41. Then, when the user presses the “SET” key of the operation key 270 or a predetermined time elapses, “Resolution” indicating the setting item of the print output resolution is the first among all setting items that can be displayed in the print function setting wizard. Is displayed and the `` SET '' key is pressed,
An “*” mark is displayed at the right end of the LCD 274, and the “Resolution” is temporarily stored in the RAM 13 as a setting item to be displayed in the print function setting wizard 202, and the second setting item “Emulation” is the LCD 274. Is displayed. On the other hand, “+” key and “−
When the “” key is pressed simultaneously, the “Resolution” is temporarily stored in the RAM 13 as a setting item that is not displayed in the print function setting wizard 202, and the second setting item “Emulation” is displayed on the LCD 274. .

Subsequently, “Emulation” is displayed as the second setting item, and when the “SET” key is pressed, an “*” mark is displayed at the right end of the LCD 274 and the “Emulation” is displayed.
"Is temporarily stored in the RAM 13 as a setting item to be displayed in the print function setting wizard 202, and" Feeder "as the third setting item is displayed on the LCD 274. On the other hand, when the “+” key and the “−” key are pressed simultaneously, the “Emulation” is temporarily stored in the RAM 13 as a setting item that is not displayed in the print function setting wizard 202 and is the third setting item. “Feeder” is displayed on the LCD 274.

When “Feeder” is displayed as the third setting item and the “SET” key is pressed, an “*” mark is displayed at the right end of the LCD 274, and the “Feeder” is a print function. A setting item to be displayed on the setting wizard 202 is temporarily stored in the RAM 13, and a fourth setting item is displayed on the LCD 274. On the other hand, when the “+” key and the “−” key are pressed at the same time, the “Feeder” is temporarily stored in the RAM 13 as a setting item that is not displayed in the print function setting wizard 202, and the fourth setting item is the LCD 274. Is displayed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, when all setting items are displayed on the LCD 274 (S45: YES), in S46, the CPU 11 displays “list printing?” On the LCD 274, and the print function setting wizard 202 is displayed. A determination process for determining whether or not a print request is made for a list of setting items temporarily stored in the RAM 13 as the setting items to be displayed is executed. Then, when a print key (not shown) of the operation keys 270 is pressed within a predetermined time (S46: YES), the CPU 11 prints out the list through the printing unit 18 in S47. On the other hand, if the print key is not pressed within the predetermined time (S46: NO), the CPU 11 does not print out the list.

Subsequently, in S <b> 48, the CPU 11 displays “Save settings?” On the LCD 274, and whether the setting items temporarily stored in the RAM 13 are updated and stored in the NVRAM 12 as setting items displayed in the new print function setting wizard 202. A determination process for determining whether or not is executed. When the “SET” key is pressed (S48: “SET” key pressed), the CPU 11 sets the NVRAM 12 as a setting item to be displayed on the new print function setting wizard 202 as the setting item temporarily stored in the RAM 13. Update and store. As a result, when there is a display request for the print function setting wizard 202 from the management computer G or each computer 20 to the printer 10 in the future, the updated print function setting updated and stored in the NVRAM 12 of the printer 10. The wizard 202 is transmitted to the management computer G or each computer 20.

  On the other hand, when the “+” key and the “−” key are simultaneously pressed in S48 (S48: “+” key and “−” key are pressed), the CPU 11 prints the print function setting wizard 202 stored in the NVRAM 12. The process is terminated without changing the update. As a result, when there is a display request for the print function setting wizard 202 from the management computer G or each computer 20 to the printer 10 in the future, the conventional print function setting wizard 202 of the printer 10 that has not been changed is managed. To the computer G or each computer 20.

Therefore, the user of the printer according to the third embodiment determines whether or not each setting item sequentially displayed on the LCD 274 is included in the display setting items of the print function setting wizard 202 by pressing the “SET” key or the “+” key. Since the setting can be performed by simultaneously pressing the “−” key, the user can know the language knowledge and rules of the hypertext, and the print function setting wizard displayed on the management computer G or the CRT 55 of each computer 20. The setting items displayed on 202 can be easily changed, and the items on the setting screen can be set by a simple method. Note that display / non-display settings have already been made for each setting item, and when the setting is changed, “*” indicating that there is a display setting at the time of item display in S42 and S44. It is displayed with a mark and can be changed to non-display.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said 1st Embodiment thru | or 3rd Embodiment, Of course, various improvement and deformation | transformation are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. For example, the following may be used.

  (A) In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, since the print function setting wizard is individually assigned to each computer 20, it is preliminarily attached to the management computer G or each computer 20 in the processing of S5 or S25. Although the unique password is checked, the password may be given only to a plurality of specific users and administrators. Also, a plurality of types of passwords corresponding to each of the printing function setting wizards of the plurality of types of printing function setting wizards may be provided, and each specific user may correspond to each password. As a result, even when multiple users share a printer, it is possible to prevent each user from colliding and prevent the contents of the print function setting wizard set by one user from being changed by another user. it can.

  (B) In the second embodiment, desired setting items are entered for each function in the entry field 205A displayed in a vertical line at the left end of the editing wizard 205, and white circles of “display” and “non-display” are displayed. Although the mark is checked by clicking with the mouse 53, it may be changed to the editing wizard 207 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an editing wizard 207 for changing setting items displayed on the printing function setting wizard 202 displayed on the screen of the management computer G or the CRT 55 of each computer 20 according to another embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, at the left end of the editing wizard 207, all setting items that can be displayed in the printing function setting wizard 202 are sequentially displayed in a vertical line for each function. Further, on the right side of each setting item, a number entry column 207A as arrangement setting information for instructing the order in which the setting items are displayed on the print function setting wizard 202 is displayed. In addition, a scroll bar in the vertical direction is displayed at the right edge of the editing wizard 207. Also, at the lower edge of the editing wizard 207, a “Submit” button that is clicked with the mouse 53 when the setting of display items is completed, and a “Cancel” button that is clicked with the mouse 53 when the setting change operation is stopped are displayed. Has been.

For example, “Resolution” indicating a print output resolution setting item is displayed in the first column on the left side, and no number is entered in the number entry column 207A on the right side. That is, the setting item “Resolution” represents an editing instruction not to be displayed in the print function setting wizard 202. Further, “Emulation” indicating the setting item of the emulation mode is displayed in the second column in the left column, and the number “1” is entered via the keyboard 54 in the number entry column 207A on the right side. That is, the setting item of “Emulation” is 1 at the left end of the print function setting wizard 202.
The editing instruction to display the second is shown. In addition, “Feeder” indicating the setting item of the paper feed tray is displayed in the third column in the left column, and the number “2” is entered through the keyboard 54 in the number entry column 207A on the right side. That is, the setting item “Feeder” represents an editing instruction to be displayed second on the left end of the print function setting wizard 202. Further, “Copies” indicating the setting item of the copy function is displayed in the fourth column on the left side, and no number is entered in the number entry column 207A on the right side. That is, the setting item “Copies” represents an editing instruction not to be displayed in the print function setting wizard 202. Further, “Duplex” indicating a setting item for double-sided printing is displayed in the fifth column in the left column, and the number “3” is entered through the keyboard 54 in the number entry column 207A on the right side. That is, the setting item “Duplex” represents an editing instruction to display the third item at the left end of the print function setting wizard 202. In addition, “Media” indicating a setting item for double-sided printing is displayed in the sixth column on the left side, and the number entry field 207A on the right side.
The number “4” is entered through the keyboard 54. That is, the setting item “Media” represents an editing instruction to display the fourth item at the left end of the print function setting wizard 202.

  Therefore, the user of the printer according to the other embodiment wants to display each setting item desired to be displayed on the print function setting wizard 202 among the setting items on the editing wizard 207 displayed on the management computer G or the CRT 55 of each computer 20. The type of display items of the print function setting wizard 202 displayed on the management computer G or the CRT 55 of each computer 20 simply by entering the display order of the setting items in the print function setting wizard 202 in the number entry field 207A. The display order can be changed and set at the same time, so that the user can easily change the display items of the print function setting wizard 202 without knowing the language knowledge and conventions of hypertext, and the printing function can be performed by a simple method. The display items of the setting wizard 202 can be set. In addition, since the display item arrangement setting of the print function setting wizard 202 is set by directly inputting the display order desired by the user into the number entry field 207A, the display order of the setting items displayed on the print function setting wizard 202 is changed. The user can set it more easily.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration and a usage pattern of a printer according to a first embodiment. 5 is a main flowchart illustrating an example of an edit control process in which a CPU of the printer according to the first embodiment changes a setting item displayed on a management computer or a print function setting wizard transmitted to each computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the edit wizard which edits the display content of the printing function setting wizard displayed on the management computer which concerns on 1st Embodiment, or the screen of each computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing function setting wizard after the edit displayed on the management computer which concerns on 1st Embodiment, or CRT of each computer. 10 is a main flowchart illustrating an example of an edit control process in which a CPU of a printer according to a second embodiment changes a setting item displayed on a management computer or a print function setting wizard transmitted to each computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the edit wizard which changes the setting item displayed on the printing function setting wizard displayed on the management computer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, or the screen of each computer. 10 is a main flowchart illustrating an example of an edit control process in which a CPU of a printer according to a third embodiment changes setting items displayed on a print function setting wizard transmitted to a management computer or each computer via an LCD. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the said LCD when changing the setting item displayed on the printing function setting wizard of the printer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the edit wizard which changes the setting item displayed on the printing function setting wizard displayed on the management computer which concerns on other embodiment, or the CRT screen of each computer.

Explanation of symbols

1 NIC
2 Transceiver 3 LAN controller 4 Shared memory 5, 11, 50 CPU
6, 14, 51 ROM
7, 13, 52 RAM
10 Printer 12 NVRAM
18 Printing Section 20 Computer 53 Mouse 54 Keyboard 55 CRT
201, 205, 207 Edit wizard 202 Print function setting wizard 205A entry field 207A number entry field 270 operation key 274 LCD
G Management computer

Claims (4)

A communication means connected to a network and capable of two-way communication with a personal computer;
Image forming means for forming image data received via the communication means on recording paper;
Information forming means capable of providing, via the communication means, setting image information indicating setting items for various settings related to a plurality of functions provided in the image forming means as display information in HTML format In the device
Storage means for storing the set image information and edit image information for editing the display content of the set image information;
Edit information providing means capable of providing the edited image information stored in the storage means as display information in HTML format to the personal computer via the communication means;
Based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the edited image information received from the personal computer via the communication means, the setting image information stored in the storage means is edited, and the edited setting image information is displayed. Setting image information editing means stored in the storage means;
Setting information providing means capable of providing the setting image information edited by the setting image information editing means stored in the storage means to the personal computer via the communication means as display information in HTML format. ,
The edit image information includes setting information for each function that can be displayed as the setting image information, and setting information for setting the setting items by directly inputting the setting items in a display order desired by the user,
The setting image information editing unit edits the setting image information so as to change an arrangement order of setting items to be displayed based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the arrangement setting information . A communication means connected to a network and capable of two-way communication with a personal computer;
Image forming means for forming image data received via the communication means on recording paper;
  Information forming means capable of providing, via the communication means, setting image information indicating setting items for various settings related to a plurality of functions provided in the image forming means as display information in HTML format In the device
Storage means for storing the set image information and edit image information for editing the display content of the set image information;
Edit information providing means capable of providing the edited image information stored in the storage means as display information in HTML format to the personal computer via the communication means;
Based on the edit instruction information corresponding to the edit image information received from the personal computer via the communication means, the setting image information stored in the storage means is edited.
Setting image information editing means for storing the edited setting image information in the storage means;
Setting information providing means capable of providing the setting image information edited by the setting image information editing means stored in the storage means to the personal computer via the communication means as display information in HTML format. ,
In the edited image information, setting items for each function that can be displayed as the setting image information can be arranged and set by giving a display order desired by the user to each setting item that can be displayed in the setting image information. Including location setting information
The setting image information editing unit edits the setting image information so as to change an arrangement order of setting items to be displayed based on the editing instruction information corresponding to the arrangement setting information. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
In a network system composed of a personal computer connected to the network and provided with a communication device capable of bidirectional communication,
The personal computer includes a display device that displays display information in HTML format received from the image forming device via the communication device;
Instruction input means for inputting various instruction information based on image information displayed via the display device;
Transmitting means for transmitting the instruction information input via the instruction input means to the image forming apparatus via the communication device;
When the image forming apparatus receives a transmission request for the edited image information from the personal computer, the image forming apparatus transmits the edited image information to the personal computer.
Based on the edited image information displayed via the display device, the personal computer uses the instruction information input via the instruction input means as the edit instruction information via the communication device as the image forming apparatus. A network system characterized by transmitting to the network. The network system according to claim 3, wherein a password is assigned to the personal computer.

Images