JP2010086250A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to prevent unnecessary access to an external device when a setting is changed.
A multifunction device acquires time data from a time server according to a plurality of operation parameters set in the device. The setting value of each operation parameter can be changed remotely from the PC 40, but setting change request data representing a setting value change request is transmitted for each operation parameter from the PC. For this reason, when receiving the first setting change request data, the multi-function device starts a timer, suspends execution of the unit holding time and setting value changing operation, and waits for reception of the next data. When the next data is received before the unit holding time elapses, the holding period is extended by resetting and restarting the timer. Then, when the hold period ends or when end notification data is received from the PC, the above-described hold change operation is executed, the set value is changed, and time data is acquired from the time server with the changed set value. .
[Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a communication function.

Conventionally, electronic devices such as personal computers and digital multi-function peripherals that can communicate with external devices via a network are known.
Further, as a conventional technique related to communication, a technique is known in which a reception standby time as a data reception wait time is changed according to a network load (see Patent Document 1). As a technology to control the reception standby time, every time new data is received during the reception standby time, the reception standby time is reset and the reception standby time is counted from zero to extend the reception standby time. The technique to do is known (refer patent document 2).

In addition, as a conventional technique, a technique for performing a setting change operation on an electronic device from a management device via a network is known (see Patent Document 3).
JP 09-081339 A JP 09-083743 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-347619

  By the way, when the management device changes the setting of a plurality of operation parameters related to the above processing over the network with respect to the electronic device that executes the process for the external device, the electronic device receives a plurality of operation parameters from the management device. Each time a setting change request for each is received, there is a risk of executing processing for the external device. In this case, unnecessary access to an external device may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and when an electronic device changes setting values of a plurality of operation parameters in accordance with a setting change request transmitted for each of the plurality of operation parameters from the management device, An object of the present invention is to reduce unnecessary access of an electronic device to an external device.

  An electronic device of the present invention made to achieve such an object is an electronic device having a communication function configured to be connected to a network, and is connected to a network according to a plurality of setting values corresponding to a plurality of operation parameters. The apparatus includes a process execution unit that executes a predetermined process for the external device and an execution control unit.

  When the execution control means receives a setting value change request for the first operation parameter from among the plurality of operation parameters from a management apparatus connected to the network, the process execution means performs a change after the change based on the change request. Execution of the predetermined process is prohibited for a predetermined period in accordance with the set value of the first operation parameter.

On the other hand, when the execution control unit receives a request for changing the setting value for the second operation parameter among the plurality of operation parameters from the management device before the predetermined period has elapsed, the execution control unit sends the change request to the process execution unit. The predetermined process according to the setting value of the second operation parameter after the change based on the change value and the setting value of the first operation parameter after the change based on the change request received in advance is executed.

  According to the electronic apparatus configured as described above, even if a change request for the set value for the first operation parameter is received, the process execution unit does not execute the process based on the changed set value for the time being.

  For this reason, a setting change operation for the first operation parameter and the second operation parameter is performed in the management device, and accordingly, a change request for setting values for the first and second operation parameters is transmitted. Even in such a case, it is possible to avoid the operation of the processing execution means with the setting value of only the first operation parameter being changed. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to avoid an unnecessary access to the external device due to the operation of the processing execution means during the setting change.

  That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an external device from being accessed without reflecting some of the setting values to be changed, and to prevent unnecessary external values. It is possible to suppress as much as possible the load on the external device due to access to the device.

  It should be noted that the “setting value change request for the first operation parameter” is a setting for one of a plurality of operation parameters received first from the management apparatus in a state where the execution operation of the process is not prohibited by the execution control means. It is preferable to set the value change request.

  For example, when a combination of operation parameters whose setting change operation is performed at the same time among a plurality of operation parameters defining the predetermined processing is limited to a combination of some operation parameters, the combination Among them, the operation parameter to which the change request is transmitted first is handled as “first operation parameter”, and the operation parameter to which the change request is transmitted after the second is referred to as “second operation parameter”. It is also possible to handle. However, this makes it possible to appropriately perform the operation prohibition operation in an electronic device in which the combination of operation parameters whose settings are changed at the same time is not limited to a combination of some operation parameters. Can not.

  On the other hand, the “setting value change request for the first operation parameter” is set to “one of a plurality of operation parameters received first from the management apparatus in a state where the execution operation of the process is not prohibited by the execution control unit”. “Value change request” means that the execution of processing is prohibited even in an electronic device in which the combination of operation parameters corresponding to a series of change requests transmitted from the management device is not limited to a combination of some operation parameters. The operation can be appropriately performed.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress as much as possible that the processing execution unit operates without reflecting the setting values of some of the operation parameters for which the setting change operation has been performed by the management apparatus. .

  In the above-described electronic device, “a request to change the set value for the second operation parameter” is “the execution operation of the process is prohibited by the execution control unit after receiving the request to change the set value for the first operation parameter”. In the state, the setting value change request received from the management apparatus can be determined.

  In addition, the execution control means prohibits the execution operation of the process based on the changed set value, and then sets the set value for the second operation parameter from the management device during the execution prohibition period until the predetermined period elapses. When the change request is received, the end time of the execution prohibition period may be extended.

The execution control means may be configured not to extend the end time of the execution prohibition period, but when the execution control means is configured in this way, it is necessary to set the execution prohibition period redundantly.
For example, in an environment where there are three or more operation parameters whose settings are changed in the management device, there is a possibility that only one operation parameter change request may be sent for all the operation parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to set the execution prohibition period longer in consideration of the possibility that the setting value change request is transmitted from the management apparatus.

  On the other hand, if the electronic device is configured to extend the end time of the execution prohibition period when it receives a request for changing the set value for the second operation parameter from the management device during the execution prohibition period, it is executed from the beginning. It is not necessary to set the prohibition period to be redundantly long.

  In addition, when the execution control means receives the change request end notification from the management apparatus, the execution control means performs the predetermined process according to the changed set value based on the change request received from the management apparatus before receiving the end notification to the process execution means. It is preferable that the configuration is configured such that the execution prohibition state of the processing is canceled by executing the processing.

  By configuring the execution control unit in this way, even if the execution prohibition period is set to be redundant, it is possible to avoid an increase in the time lag until the process based on the changed set value is executed by the process execution unit. it can.

  The above-described invention can be applied to an electronic device that executes processing for acquiring the current time from a time server that provides the current time. In addition, the operation parameters in this case can include a time server address and a period for acquiring the current time from the time server.

  Since the time server is used in many electronic devices connected to the network, it is preferable to avoid unnecessary access to the time server as much as possible. However, according to the present invention, it can be realized.

  The present invention relates to an electronic device, a system including a communication device (electronic device) and an external device and / or a management device, a method for controlling the electronic device, a computer program for controlling the electronic device, and a recording medium for recording the computer program It can also be realized in various forms such as.

First, a comparative example will be described prior to describing an example of the present invention.
Here, as a comparative example, when the management device changes the setting of a plurality of operation parameters related to the above processing over the network with respect to the electronic device that executes processing for the external device, the plurality of electronic devices are transmitted from the management device. An example will be described in which processing for an external device is executed each time a setting change request for each of the operation parameters is received.

  In the comparative example, the setting change operation through the network is realized by causing the management device to display a setting screen that can change the setting value of the operation parameter of the electronic device and allowing the user to operate the setting screen. Shall.

When the setting value of the operation parameter is changed through the setting screen and an operation to “apply” the setting change is performed, the management apparatus sends the operation parameter to be changed and the setting value after the change to the electronic device. The setting change request data shown is transmitted, and the electronic device changes the setting value of the operation parameter held by the own device in accordance with the received setting change request data.

  When the setting values of multiple operation parameters are changed through the setting screen, the management device sends the setting change request data in which the changed setting values of the changed multiple operation parameters are collectively described to the electronic device. By transmitting or transmitting the setting change request data to the electronic device for each operation parameter, the changed content is reflected on the electronic device.

  However, in a system in which the management device transmits the setting change request data for each operation parameter and the electronic device changes the operation parameter every time the electronic device receives the setting change request data, the electronic device has a plurality of operation parameters. When a specified function is added, there is a problem that this function operates in the middle of a setting change in which only a part of the operation parameters are changed.

  For example, consider a case in which a function for acquiring specific types of data from an external server is given to an electronic device. In this case, the operation of the function is defined by a plurality of operation parameters such as the server address of the external server that is the data acquisition destination and the data acquisition cycle.

  On the other hand, in an electronic device, even if a function is defined by a plurality of operation parameters, setting change request data for all the operation parameters that define the function is not always transmitted. Is received, the setting is changed based on the setting change request data to activate the function.

  Accordingly, when both the server address and the data acquisition cycle are changed in the management device, the external server based on the changed server address is triggered when the server address setting change request data is received in the electronic device. And the access to the external server is triggered when the acquisition period setting change request data is received.

  That is, access to the external server is performed without reflecting some of the setting values changed by the user through the setting screen, and unnecessary access to the external server occurs, which is useless. There arises a problem that a load is applied to the external server.

  In short, in a system that changes the operation parameter every time the setting change request data is transmitted from the management device for each operation parameter and the electronic device receives the setting change request data, it should not be executed originally during the setting change. There was a problem that the load on the external server increased due to access to the external server.

  Incidentally, when the function for acquiring data from an external server is a function for acquiring time data from a time server, as an operation parameter for defining the function, in addition to the server address and the data acquisition cycle, the access destination time server Operation parameters indicating fixed / non-fixed (hereinafter referred to as “access parameters”) are added. This is because the address of the time server can be registered in the DHCP server, and the electronic device can access the time server based on the address registered in the DHCP server.

That is, when the server address is set to “fixed”, the electronic device acquires time data from the server address destination set in the self-device, and when the server address is set to “non-fixed”, the DHCP Time data is acquired from the server address registered in the server, but as the number of operation parameters that define the function increases, access to unnecessary external servers increases. The load on the external server increases.

FIG. 9 is a ladder chart showing an operation mode of the electronic device when a setting change operation for the function of acquiring time data from the time server is performed on the electronic device from the management apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 9, the access parameter is changed from “non-fixed” to “fixed”, the server address is changed from “XXX.com” to “ΔΔΔ.com”, and the data acquisition cycle is changed from “24 hours” to “ When the setting is changed through the network at “8 hours”, an unnecessary time server is accessed twice in the state where the setting change is incomplete in the electronic device.

  Of course, such a problem can be achieved by configuring the management apparatus so that setting values for a plurality of operation parameters are collectively described in setting change request data and transmitted. However, there is a problem that the format of communication data is changed, and the change of software reaches a large scale, resulting in high development costs.

  In addition, even if the setting values of a plurality of operation parameters are collectively described in one setting change request data, depending on the user, the setting change may be changed every time one operation parameter is changed on the setting screen. There is a case where an operation of “apply” is performed. In this case, the setting change request data is transmitted every time an operation of “apply” is performed, and access to the external server during the setting change cannot be avoided.

The embodiments of the present invention described below solve such problems.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the communication system 1 of this embodiment, a digital multi-function peripheral 10, time servers 20 and 21, a DHCP server 30, and personal computers (PCs) 40 and 41 are connected to a network NT. Is configured.

The digital multifunction peripheral 10 constituting the communication system 1 includes a control unit 11, a network interface 13, a recording unit 15, a reading unit 17, and a display operation unit 19.
The control unit 11 includes a CPU 11a that executes various programs, a ROM 11b that stores programs executed by the CPU 11a, a RAM 11c that is used as a work area when the CPU 11a executes programs, and an EEPROM 11d that stores various setting information. By executing the program stored in the ROM 11b, the entire apparatus is controlled in an integrated manner to realize various functions.

  On the other hand, the network interface 13 is connected to the network NT, and is configured to be able to communicate with external devices (time servers 20, 21, DHCP server 30, PCs 40, 41, etc.) through the network NT.

  The recording unit 15 forms an image based on the image data input from the control unit 11 on a sheet. The reading unit 17 is placed on a document supplied from the ADF apparatus or a document placing table. The original to be read is optically read, and image data representing the read image is generated. The image data generated by the reading unit 17 is input to the control unit 11.

In addition, the display operation unit 19 includes a liquid crystal monitor for information display and various operation keys, and functions as a user interface.
The control unit 11 implements a network printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function by using the recording unit 15, the reading unit 17, and the display operation unit 19.

  For example, the control unit 11 implements a network printer function by inputting image data to be printed received from the PCs 40 and 41 through the network interface 13 to the recording unit 15.

  Further, when a reading command is input through the display operation unit 19, the control unit 11 causes the reading unit 17 to read the original, thereby obtaining image data representing a read image of the original, and the EEPROM 11 d stores this image data. According to the stored setting information, the scanner function is realized by transmitting to a predetermined external device via the network interface 13.

  In addition, when a copy command is input through the display operation unit 19, the control unit 11 causes the reading unit 17 to read the original, thereby acquiring image data representing a read image of the original, and this image data is stored in the recording unit. 15, the recording unit 15 is caused to form a copy image of the original on the paper. With this operation, the control unit 11 realizes a copy function.

  By the way, in addition to the above functions, the multifunction machine 10 acquires time data representing the current time from the time servers 20 and 21 through the network interface 13, and corrects the time measured by the internal clock to the current time indicated by the time data. And a function for changing setting information stored in the EEPROM 11d according to setting change request data received from an external device through the network interface 13 (remote setting operation accepting function).

Specifically, the internal clock correction function and the remote setting operation reception function are realized by the control unit 11 executing a program stored in the ROM 11b.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an internal clock correction process executed by the control unit 11. The control unit 11 starts the internal clock correction process immediately after the multifunction device 10 is turned on.

  When the internal clock correction process is started, the control unit 11 refers to the time server setting information stored in the EEPROM 11d and sets the access parameters, the server address, and the data acquisition cycle that constitute the time server setting information. The value is read (S110).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the time server setting information stored in the EEPROM 11d includes access parameter, server address, and setting values of each operation parameter of the data acquisition cycle.

  The setting values of these operation parameters define the operation of the internal clock correction process. Specifically, the server address is an operation parameter whose value is the IP address of the time servers 20 and 21 to be accessed.

  The data acquisition cycle is an operation parameter whose value is the cycle of acquiring time data from the time servers 20 and 21. In addition, as described above, the access parameter is an operation parameter indicating whether the access time server is fixed or not. This access parameter takes a value of “fixed” or “non-fixed”.

When the processing in S110 is completed, the control unit 11 proceeds to S120 and executes subsequent processing according to the setting value read in immediately preceding S110.
In S120, the control unit 11 first requests time data from the time servers 20 and 21 via the network interface 13, and acquires the time data provided by the time servers 20 and 21 via the network.

  That is, when the access parameter read in S110 is “fixed”, the time data is requested from the server address destination read in S110, and the time data representing the current time is obtained from the time server 20 at this address destination. To do.

  On the other hand, when the setting value of the access parameter is “non-fixed”, the time registered in the DHCP server 30 is requested by requesting the time data to the address destination of the time server 21 registered in the DHCP server 30. Time data is acquired from the server 21.

  When the time data is acquired in this way, the control unit 11 proceeds to S130 and corrects the internal clock based on the time data acquired from the time servers 20 and 21. That is, the current time indicated by the internal clock is corrected to the current time indicated by the time data acquired from the time servers 20 and 21.

  When the processing in S130 is completed, the control unit 11 proceeds to S140, and the time corresponding to the set value of the data acquisition cycle read in S110 from the time when the internal clock is corrected in S130 immediately before (hereinafter, “ It is determined whether or not the “set time” has elapsed.

  The elapsed time from the time when the internal clock is corrected in the immediately preceding S130 is stored and held in the RAM 11c as the previous correction time, and the current time indicated by the internal clock is stored in the RAM 11c. It can be obtained by calculating the difference from the previous correction time stored in the memory.

  If it is determined in S140 that the set time has not elapsed (No in S140), the control unit 11 proceeds to S150 and waits until a time acquisition command is input or the set time elapses (S140, S150). ). When a time acquisition command is input or the set time elapses (Yes in S140 and S150), the process proceeds to S110, the set value stored in the EEPROM 11d is read again, and the time servers 20 and 21 are read in S120. The time data is acquired from, and the internal clock is corrected in S130.

  As described above, in the internal clock correction process, the time data is acquired from the time servers 20 and 21 repeatedly according to the set value stored in the EEPROM 11d, and the internal clock is corrected.

  Next, the remote setting operation reception function will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing time server setting reception processing executed by the control unit 11. Of the remote setting operation reception function, the function of changing the time server setting information stored in the EEPROM 11d is realized by the time server setting reception process. Note that the control unit 11 repeatedly executes the time server setting reception process from when the multifunction device 10 is powered on until when it is shut down.

  When the time server setting acceptance process is started, the control unit 11 receives setting change request data representing a setting value change request for any of the three operation parameters constituting the time server setting information from the external device through the network interface 13. (S210).

Specifically, the setting change request data includes an instruction code indicating that the data is the setting change request data, an identification code of the operation parameter for which the setting value is to be changed, and a value to be set for the operation parameter (after the change Set value).

  In this embodiment, a program for changing the time server setting information by remote operation is stored in the PC 40, and the setting change request data is transmitted from the PC 40 through the network when the PC 40 executes this program. Come.

  Here, before proceeding with the description of the time server setting reception process shown in FIG. 3, the operation of the PC 40 that transmits the setting change request data will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a time server setting management process executed by the PC 40 using a built-in CPU (not shown).

  When the display command for the time server setting screen is input through the user interface provided by the PC 40, the PC 40 executes the time server setting management process shown in FIG. 4, and a monitor (not shown) provided in the PC 40 as the time server setting screen. Above, a time server setting screen having a graphical user interface configuration capable of changing the access parameter, the server address, and the setting value of the data acquisition cycle is displayed (S310). And it waits until operation with respect to a time server setting screen is made (S320).

  When an operation is performed on the time server setting screen (Yes in S320), the PC 40 proceeds to S330, and the performed operation “applies” the contents of the setting change made through the time server setting screen to the multifunction machine 10. It is determined whether or not the operation is to do so.

  If it is determined that the operation is “apply” (Yes in S330), the above-described setting change request data is generated for each operation parameter for each operation parameter whose setting value has been changed on the time server setting screen. Then, these are sequentially transmitted to the multifunction machine 10 through a network interface (not shown) built in the PC 40 (S335). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S320 and waits until the next operation is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the performed operation is not an operation to “apply” (No in S330), the PC 40 proceeds to S340, and the performed operation displays the contents of the setting change made through the time server setting screen. Then, it is determined whether or not the setting end operation is to “apply” to the multifunction machine 10 and end.

  If it is determined that the operation is a setting end operation (Yes in S340), the process proceeds to S345. As in S335, for each operation parameter whose setting value is changed on the time server setting screen, the setting described above is performed for each operation parameter. The change request data is generated and sequentially transmitted to the multi-function device 10 through a network interface (not shown) built in the PC 40.

  Further, when all the transmission of the setting change request data for each operation parameter whose setting value has been changed on the time server setting screen is completed, the transmission of the setting change request data to the multifunction device 10 is terminated. End notification data is transmitted (S350). Thereafter, the time server setting screen is closed (S380), and the time server setting management process is ended.

  In addition, if it is determined that the operation performed above is not a setting end operation (No in S340), the PC 40 is a cancel operation that cancels the setting change made through the time server setting screen and ends. It is determined whether or not there is (S360).

  If it is determined that the performed operation is not a cancel operation (No in S360), the PC 40 executes processing corresponding to the performed operation (S370), and then proceeds to S320 to perform the next operation. Wait until.

  Specifically, in S370, an operation for changing the setting value of the operation parameter on the setting screen is performed in accordance with the operation performed through the time server setting screen. In S335 and S345, the setting change request data for the operation parameter whose setting value has been changed in this way is transmitted to the multifunction machine 10.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S360 that the operation performed is a cancel operation (Yes in S360), the PC 40 closes the time server setting screen (S380) and ends the time server setting management process.

The story is returned to the time server setting reception process executed by the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10 shown in FIG.
When the control unit 11 receives the setting change request data for one of the three operation parameters constituting the time server setting information transmitted from the PC 40 in this way through the network interface 13 (Yes in S210), the setting is made. The request content indicated by the change request data is temporarily stored in the RAM 11c as an execution suspension command (S220). Specifically, the identification code and the set value of the operation parameter to be changed are written in the RAM 11c as an execution suspension command.

  Furthermore, by starting a timer that measures the elapsed time from the start time, the measurement of the elapsed time after receiving the setting change request data this time is started (S230). The timer is realized by software.

  After the timer is started, it is determined based on the measurement time indicated by the timer whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the timer was started (S240). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S240), the processes of S250, S260, and S240 are repeatedly executed, so that the time server setting information is configured for the period until the predetermined time elapses. It waits until new setting change request data for one of the two operation parameters is received through the network interface 13 or until the end notification data is received through the network interface 13.

  During this period, when new setting change request data for any one of the three operation parameters constituting the time server setting information is received through the network interface 13 (Yes in S250), the request indicated by the setting change request data. The execution pending command is added by writing the contents in the RAM 11c as an execution pending command (S270).

  Further, by resetting the timer started in S230 and restarting the timer, the timer measures the elapsed time from the time when the setting change request data is newly received through the network interface 13 (S280). ). When this process is finished, the process proceeds to S240.

  That is, after restarting the timer in S280, it is determined in S240 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the restart point. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S240), S250 is determined. , The setting change request data for any one of the three operating parameters constituting the time server setting information is newly updated through the network interface 13 until a predetermined time elapses after the timer is restarted. Until the end notification data is received through the network interface 13.

  When the setting change request data is newly received through the network interface 13 during standby (Yes in S250), the control unit 11 adds the request content indicated by the setting change request data to the RAM 11c as an execution pending command. At the same time, the timer is restarted (S280). The control unit 11 repeats such an operation every time setting change request data is received.

  If the end notification data is received through the network interface 13 during a period from when the timer starts to when a predetermined time elapses (Yes in S260), the process proceeds to S290. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed since the timer start without receiving the end notification data (Yes in S240), the process proceeds to S290 when the predetermined time has elapsed.

  When the process proceeds to S290, the control unit 11 updates the setting values of the operation parameters constituting the time server setting information stored and held in the EEPROM 11d in accordance with the contents of the execution pending commands accumulated in the RAM 11c, so that in S210, When the setting change request data for one of the three operation parameters constituting the time server setting information is first received, the setting value changing operation is performed according to each setting change request data received thereafter. In other words, when the execution of the setting value changing operation according to the setting change request data is started, the setting value changing operation according to each setting change request data received thereafter is performed.

  By this operation, the setting value of the operation parameter stored and held in the EEPROM 11d is changed to the setting value of the operation parameter described in each setting change request data transmitted from the PC 40. The execution pending command whose setting value has been changed is deleted from the RAM 11c at that time.

  When the setting value changing operation corresponding to all execution pending commands registered in the RAM 11c is performed in this way, the control unit 11 performs a task for executing an internal clock correction process (hereinafter referred to as an “internal clock correction process task”). )), A time acquisition command is input, and the internal clock correction process is restarted from S110 (S300).

  Next, a specific example of an operation realized by the above-described time server setting reception process will be described with reference to a ladder chart shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a ladder chart showing operation modes of the multifunction machine 10 and the PC 40 when the setting is changed.

  Here, as in the comparative example (see FIG. 9), the access parameter is changed from “non-fixed” to “fixed”, the server address is changed from “XXX.com” to “ΔΔΔ.com”, and the data acquisition cycle. Let us consider a case where an operation for changing the setting from “24 hours” to “8 hours” is performed on the PC 40.

  When the setting end operation is performed on the PC 40 in a state where such a setting change operation is performed through the time server setting screen, as described above, the setting change request data for the access parameter and the server address are received from the PC 40. The setting change request data and the setting change request data for the data acquisition cycle are sequentially transmitted, and further, end notification data is transmitted.

  In such an environment, the MFP 10 first receives the setting change request data for the access parameter, starts a timer (S230), and suspends execution of the setting value changing operation for a predetermined time (S240). .

  The predetermined time (hereinafter also referred to as “unit hold time”) determined in S240 is based on the reception interval of the setting change request data transmitted continuously by changing the setting of a plurality of operation parameters on the time server setting screen. Even a sufficiently long time is set.

  For this reason, when a total of three setting change request data are sequentially transmitted from the PC 40 to the multi-function peripheral 10 by the process of S345, the new setting change request data (server address) is determined before the determination of Yes in S240. Is received by the multi-function device 10 and the processes of S270 and S280 are performed.

  For this reason, the period during which execution is suspended is extended as shown in FIG. 5 when the setting change request data for the server address is received, and the setting change request data for the data acquisition cycle is extended during this extended period. It is received by the multifunction device 10.

  Therefore, in the multi-function device 10, the setting value change operation to the EEPROM 11 d based on the setting change request data is received until the setting change request data for each operation parameter whose setting is changed on the time server setting screen of the PC 40 is received. The internal clock correction process according to the changed setting value based on the setting change request data is not executed.

Further, unlike the comparative example, the multi-function device 10 does not access the time servers 20 and 21 every time the setting change request data is received.
Therefore, according to the multifunction machine 10 of the present embodiment, only some of the setting values are reflected although all of the setting values changed on the time server setting screen are not reflected on the multifunction machine 10. In this state, it is possible to prevent the time data acquisition operation from being executed, and as a result, it is possible to suppress unnecessary access to the time servers 20 and 21.

  Further, when receiving the end notification data from the PC 40, the multi-function device 10 determines Yes in S260, and proceeds to S290 so that the end time of the unit hold time is reached as shown in FIG. Then, the hold state is released, and the setting value changing operation to the EEPROM 11d according to the setting change request data received so far is executed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the result of the setting change operation of the PC 40 can be quickly reflected in the internal clock correction process.
By the way, in the above embodiment, on the time server setting screen, assuming that the user performs the operation of “apply” every time the setting value of one operation parameter is changed, the unit hold time is It should be set longer.

  Since the user of the PC 40 does not know how the operation on the time server setting screen is reflected in the multifunction machine 10, even if the user intends to change the set values of the three operation parameters, it is possible to set one operation parameter. Each time the value is changed, there is a possibility of performing an operation of “apply”.

When such an operation of “apply” is performed, the process of S335 is performed before the user performs the setting change operation for all target operation parameters. If the setting is long, the MFP 10 performs the next “apply” operation, and until the new setting request data is transmitted, it is based on the setting request data received in advance at the MFP 10 side. The execution of the setting value change operation can be suspended, and the time server setting information is updated in a state in which some setting change requests are accepted before all the setting change operations intended by the user are completed. The time data acquisition operation can be avoided.

In addition, the communication system 1 described above may be configured as follows.
In other words, the PC 40 may be configured not to execute the process of S350, that is, configured not to transmit end notification data. In this case, the MFP 10 is configured not to execute the process of S260. That is, the time server setting acceptance process is configured to shift to S240 when it is determined No in S250.

  When the communication system 1 is configured as described above (hereinafter referred to as a first modification), the multifunction machine 10 operates as shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a ladder chart showing the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10 of the first modification.

  In the first modification, since the end notification data is not transmitted from the PC 40 even after receiving the final setting change request data, the multifunction machine 10 is extended in the process of S280 after receiving the final setting change request data. During the specified period (the period until the unit hold time elapses), the execution of the setting value change operation is held in a hold state. Then, at the end of the period, the setting value change operation to the EEPROM 11d based on the setting change request data received so far is executed, and the setting value for which the setting change operation has been performed on the time server setting screen is stored in the EEPROM 11d. The internal clock correction processing task is caused to reflect the time data acquisition operation according to the changed set value.

  According to the first modification, the PC 40 does not need to have a function for transmitting the end notification data, and the processing on the multifunction device 10 side when the end notification data is received is not required. It can be set as a simple structure.

  Further, the multifunction machine 10 of the first modification may be configured not to execute the process of S280. That is, the time server setting reception process may be configured to shift to S240 without executing the process of S280 after the process of S270.

  When the communication system 1 is configured as described above (hereinafter referred to as a second modification), the multifunction machine 10 operates as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a ladder chart showing an operation mode of the multifunction machine 10 of the second modification.

  In the second modification, since the process of S280 is not executed, the timer is not reset or restarted after the timer is started in response to the reception of the first setting change request data (S230).

  Accordingly, the period during which the execution of the setting value changing operation is suspended is not extended as in the first modified example, but from the time when the setting change request data for the access parameter is received as the first setting change request data. When the unit hold time elapses, it ends.

  That is, the MFP 10 holds the setting value change operation to the EEPROM 11d based on the setting change request data received during the period until the unit hold time elapses until the period ends, and the end of the period. At that time, the setting value changing operation to the EEPROM 11d based on the setting change request data is executed, and the setting value changed in the time server setting screen is reflected in the EEPROM 11d, and the internal clock correction processing task is performed. The time data acquisition operation according to the set value after the change is executed.

According to the MFP 10 of the second modified example configured as described above, it is not necessary to execute the process of S280, so that the configuration of the program that realizes the time server setting reception process can be simplified. In addition, the processing load on the control unit 11 can be reduced.

  However, in the second modified example, since the period for holding the execution of the setting value changing operation is not extended, the unit holding time is not changed even when three setting change request data are continuously transmitted from the PC 40. Until the setting change request data is received, it is necessary to set the time sufficiently long so that the unit holding time does not elapse.

  Further, the time server setting management process shown in FIG. 4 may be changed as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing time server setting management processing executed by the PC 40 in the communication system 1 according to the third modification. In FIG. 8, the same step numbers are assigned to the steps that execute the same process as the time server setting management process shown in FIG.

  When the time server setting process of the third modification is executed, the PC 40 displays a time server setting screen (S310) and waits until an operation is performed on the time server setting screen (S320).

  When an operation is performed on the time server setting screen (Yes in S320), the PC 40 proceeds to S340, and the performed operation “applies” the contents of the setting change made through the time server setting screen to the multi-function device 10. Then, it is determined whether or not the setting end operation is to end.

  If it is determined that the operation is a setting end operation (Yes in S340), the PC 40 proceeds to S347, and all the operation parameters that can be set on the time server setting screen (regardless of whether the setting value is changed) ( For the operation parameters (access parameters, server address, data acquisition cycle), the setting change request data describing the setting values on the time server setting screen is generated.

  Then, these are sequentially transmitted to the multifunction machine 10 through a network interface (not shown) built in the PC 40. Further, when the transmission of the setting change request data for all the operation parameters is completed, the end notification data for ending the transmission of the setting change request data is transmitted to the multifunction machine 10 (S350). Thereafter, the time server setting screen is closed (S380), and the time server setting management process is ended.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation performed above is not a setting end operation (No in S340), the PC 40 proceeds to S360 and executes the subsequent processing in the same manner as the time server setting management processing shown in FIG.

  According to the third modification, when the user performs a setting end operation (S340), setting change request data for all operation parameters (access parameters, server addresses, data acquisition cycle) is transmitted in S347. Even in this case, the multifunction machine 10 performs the processing as shown in FIG. Therefore, unnecessary access to the time servers 20 and 21 can be suppressed also in the third modification.

When the time server setting management process is configured as in the third modification, the predetermined time (unit holding time) in S240 is set to a relatively short time (for example, 5 seconds).
Further, in the time server setting management process shown in FIG. 8, the procedure for transmitting the end notification data (S350) can be omitted. In this case, the multifunction machine 10 operates in the same manner as in the first modification (FIG. 6). If the multi-function device 10 is configured in the same manner as the second modification, the multi-function device 10 operates as shown in FIG.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention including the modifications have been described above, the electronic device described in “Claims” corresponds to the multifunction machine 10, the management device corresponds to the PC 40, and the external device corresponds to the time server. It corresponds to 20,21. The process execution means is realized by an internal clock correction process executed by the control unit 11, and the execution control means is realized by a time server setting reception process executed by the control unit 11.

  In addition, the “request to change the set value for the first operation parameter” is the first in the state where the execution of the change operation of the set value is not suspended after the internal clock correction process is started (in the state waiting in S210). The “setting change request for the second operation parameter” corresponds to each setting change request data received after the first received setting change request data.

  In addition, the operation of the execution control unit prohibiting the execution of the process based on the set value after the change by the process execution unit is determined No in S240 until the measured time of the timer has passed the unit hold time, and S290. And by not executing the processing of S300, the internal clock correction processing task is realized by the operation for prohibiting the operation according to the changed set value based on the setting change request data.

  Further, when the execution control means receives a request for changing the set value for the second operation parameter among the plurality of operation parameters from the management device before the predetermined period has elapsed, The operation of executing a predetermined process according to the setting value of the second operation parameter after the change based on the request and the setting value of the first operation parameter after the change based on the change request received in advance is performed in S290 and S300. This process is realized.

  Further, the operation of extending the end time of the execution prohibition period is realized by the process of S280 executed by the control unit 11, and the operation of releasing the prohibition state upon reception of the end notification is triggered by reception of the end notification data. This is realized by the operation of determining Yes in S260 and executing the processing of S290 and S300.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can take various forms. For example, the present invention is not limited to a digital multi-function peripheral and can be applied to various electronic devices.

1 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a communication system 1 and a multifunction machine 10. 5 is a flowchart showing an internal clock correction process executed by a control unit 11. It is a flowchart showing the time server setting reception process which the control part 11 performs. It is a flowchart showing the time server setting management process which PC40 performs. 6 is a ladder chart showing an operation mode of the multifunction machine 10 when a setting is changed. 6 is a ladder chart showing an operation mode of the multifunction machine 10 according to a first modification. 10 is a ladder chart showing an operation mode of the multifunction machine 10 of a second modified example. It is a flowchart showing the time server setting management process of a 3rd modification. It is the ladder chart which showed the operation | movement aspect of the electronic device of a comparative example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system, 10 ... Multi-function device, 11 ... Control part, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... ROM, 11c ... RAM, 11d ... EEPROM, 13 ... Network interface, 15 ... Recording part, 17 ... Reading part, 19 ... Display operation Part, 20, 21 ... time server, 30 ... DHCP server, 40, 41 ... PC, NT ... network

Claims (6)

An electronic device having a communication function configured to be connected to a network,
Processing execution means for executing predetermined processing on an external device connected to the network according to a plurality of setting values corresponding to a plurality of operation parameters;
When a setting value change request for the first operation parameter among the plurality of operation parameters is received from a management device connected to the network, the process execution unit performs a change after the change based on the change request. According to the set value of the first operation parameter, execution of the predetermined process is prohibited for a predetermined period, and before the elapse of the predetermined period, a second operation among the plurality of operation parameters is sent from the management device. When a request for changing a setting value for a parameter is received, the processing execution means is set to the setting value of the second operation parameter after the change based on the change request and the change based on the change request received in advance. Execution control means for executing the predetermined processing in accordance with a setting value of the first operation parameter later;
An electronic device comprising:   The setting value change request for the first operation parameter is a setting for one of the plurality of operation parameters received first from the management apparatus in a state where the execution operation of the process is not prohibited by the execution control unit. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a value change request.   The execution control means sends a setting value change request for the second operation parameter from the management device during an execution prohibition period as a period until the predetermined period elapses after the execution operation of the process is prohibited. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when received, the end time of the execution prohibition period is extended.   When the execution control means receives the change request end notification from the management device, the execution control means executes the predetermined processing according to the changed setting value based on the change request received from the management device before receiving the end notification. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus is executed by a means to cancel the execution prohibition state of the process. The external device is a time server that provides the current time,
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process execution unit executes a process for acquiring a current time from the time server as the predetermined process.   6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of operation parameters include an address of the time server and a period for acquiring a current time from the time server.

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