JP6971578B2 - Information processing device and its control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method thereof, and particularly to a technique of activation processing.

When the power of the information processing device is turned on and started, the initialization process of the module or application (hereinafter referred to as “application”) operating on the information processing device is started. When all of these initialization processes are completed, the information processing apparatus is initialized and the user can use the information processing apparatus. Therefore, shortening the initialization time required for initializing the information processing device leads to improvement of user convenience. It is possible to install the application on the information processing device later as needed, and the initialization of the application installed later is also performed as a part of the initialization process of the information processing device. Some applications to be installed later are developed by a third party, and in order to properly initialize the application, it may be necessary to have conditions such as the information processing device being able to communicate with the network. Therefore, if the information processing device does not meet the required conditions, the application initialization process will fail.

As a solution for this, as in Patent Document 1, by starting the information processing device, acquiring the log, analyzing this log, and changing the starting order of the modules and applications, the next time the information is started. A technique for reliably initializing an information processing device in a short time is known.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-39745

In the method using the prior art of Patent Document 1, when a new application is installed in the information processing device, it is necessary to restart the information processing device to acquire and analyze the log, which is a problem that it takes time and effort. There is. In recent years, many applications have made it a prerequisite for initialization that the information processing device is capable of network communication. Therefore, even when such an application is installed in the information processing device, it is required to initialize the information processing device in a short time and surely.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and an object of the present invention is to perform initialization processing of an information processing apparatus in a short time and reliably regardless of the situation of the information processing apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configurations.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is an information processing device that can be connected to a communication network and can install an application.
A determination means for determining whether or not the application is installed according to the activation of the information processing device, and
When the determination means determines that the application is installed, the standby means waiting to be connected to the communication network and the standby means.
When waiting by the standby means, it has an initialization means for initializing the application.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform the initialization processing of the information processing apparatus in a short time and surely regardless of the situation of the information processing apparatus. This improves user convenience.

It is a block diagram which shows the controller unit 119 of the image forming apparatus 100 common to each embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure of the controller unit 119 common to each embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100 common to each embodiment of this invention. It is an image diagram of the system module initialization table common to each embodiment of this invention. It is an image diagram of the user application management table common to each embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, a controller unit of an image forming apparatus, which is an embodiment of an information processing apparatus, will be described.
<Configuration of controller unit of image forming device>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of a controller unit of an image forming apparatus 100 according to each embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral device (MFP), and may be called an information processing apparatus by paying attention to its information processing ability.

The controller unit 119 has a CPU 101 that executes various control programs. The CPU 101 starts the system based on the boot program stored in the ROM 103, reads the control program stored in the HDD (hard disk disk device) 104 on the system, and executes a predetermined process using the RAM 102 as a work area. With this control program, it is possible to execute predetermined control such as a Java (registered trademark) program. The HDD 104 stores the various control programs, as well as image data and information related to all communication means possessed by the network unit 107, which will be described later. The RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 are connected to the CPU 101 via the system bus 111. Further, the operation unit I / F 105, the network unit 107, the image bus I / F 109, and the power supply management unit 109 are connected via the system bus 111.

The operation unit I / F 105 is an interface unit with the operation unit (for example, a touch panel or the like, which also has a display) 106, and performs a process of acquiring and transferring image data to be displayed on the operation unit 106 from the RAM 102, and an operation. Processing such as transferring the signal generated by the unit 106 to the CPU 101 is performed. The operation unit 106 performs display processing for displaying an object such as a button that can be operated by the user, and input processing for detecting a signal (input signal) operated by the user on the information displayed in the display processing.

The power management unit 109 manages the power OFF and the power ON of the image forming apparatus 100. When the power ON is detected, as described above, the CPU 101 boots the system based on the boot program of the ROM 103, and executes the control program stored in the HDD 104 on this system to execute the control program of the image forming apparatus 100. Perform initialization processing.

The network unit 107 is connected to the LAN 108 and inputs / outputs information via the LAN 108. When a web server is connected to the LAN line, it is possible to acquire information from the server via LAN 108. It is also possible to connect to the Internet via a proxy server in a LAN line and acquire web contents from a web server on the Internet.

The image bus I / F 110 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 111 and the image bus 112 and converts the data structure. The image bus 112 is composed of a PCI bus capable of transferring image data at high speed or a bus according to IEEE1394 regulations. The device I / F 114 and the image processing unit 113 are connected to the image bus 112.

The device I / F 114 connects a scanner 116 as an image reading device, a printer 118 (collectively referred to as an image input / output device) as an image forming device, and a controller unit 119, and converts image data in a synchronous / asynchronous system. I do. Here, the device I / F 114 and the scanner 116 are connected via the cable 115, and the device I / F 114 and the printer 118 are connected via the cable 117, respectively.

The image processing unit 113 performs compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBEG, MMR, MH for binary image data. In addition, the input image data and the output screen are corrected, processed, and edited by printer correction and resolution conversion.

In this way, the CPU 101 of the controller unit 119 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 110 based on each control program, and also receives image information from the scanner 116 via the device I / F 114. Read. Further, after performing predetermined processing on the read image information, control such as outputting the image information to the printer 118 via the device I / F 114 is performed. Further, the character data and the image data acquired through the network unit 107 are analyzed and converted, and the data is saved in the HDD 104 or the display is controlled by the operation unit 106.

<Software module configuration>
Next, the module configuration of the software operating on each hardware such as the CPU 101 and the HDD 104 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the module configuration diagram of FIG. The processing in each of these modules is realized by reading and executing the program stored in the ROM 103 or the HDD 104 by the CPU 101 and executing the predetermined processing using the RAM 102 as the work area. Further, all the information generated by executing the predetermined process is stored in the RAM 102 or the HDD 104. Since the processing in each module is the same in the following, the description thereof will be omitted below.

The initialization process control unit 201 controls the entire initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100. The initialization process control unit 201 controls the initialization of each system module and the initialization of the user application (user application). The user application is a post-inserted application and is also called a post-inserted application. Also, while a system module is called a system, it may also be simply called an application or application.

The copy module 202 and the network module 203 are examples of system modules. The system module is a general term for modules and applications for realizing functions that can be executed on the image forming apparatus 100. Examples thereof include a copy module 202 for realizing a copy function, a scan module (not shown) for realizing a scan function, and a network module 203 for enabling network communication. These system modules cannot be additionally installed by the user (including the administrator) in the image forming apparatus 100 later, and are pre-installed in the image forming apparatus 100 (before shipment from the factory). When these system modules receive an initialization request from the initialization processing control unit 201 during the execution of the activation processing of the image forming apparatus 100, they execute the initialization processing in the module. The system module is a module in which the initialization process succeeds as long as the image forming apparatus 100 operates normally in any state. Although there are many system modules in the image forming apparatus 100, the description is omitted here and only three are described.

The user application control module 204 controls the entire user application described later. When the user application control module receives an initialization request from the initialization processing control unit 201 during the execution of the activation processing of the image forming apparatus 100, the user application control module executes the initialization processing of the user application.

The user applications 205 to 207 are applications that the user has installed later (after factory shipment) in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the purpose. That is, the user application (user application) is an application that can be installed later. When these user applications receive an initialization request from the user application control module 204 during the execution of the activation process of the image forming apparatus 100, they execute the initialization process in the user application in the same manner as the system module. Although it is possible to install a large number of user applications on the image forming apparatus 100, the description is omitted here and only three are described. In addition, unlike the system module, some user applications need to meet certain conditions in order to operate, and if these prerequisites are not met, the user application will operate (including initialization processing). Fail. In this embodiment, it is assumed that there is one or more user applications that operate on the premise that network communication is available.

The network determination unit 208 uses the network unit 107 to determine whether or not network communication with the outside is possible. Many methods are known for determining whether or not network communication is possible, but in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the IP address required for network communication is set in the image forming apparatus 100. More specifically, the network unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 100 communicates with the DHCP server via the WAN 108 and acquires an IP address from the DHCP server. Since this is a general technique, the description thereof is omitted here. Then, the IP address is set by storing the acquired IP address in the HDD 104. It is assumed that nothing is set in the HDD 104 as the IP address in the default state before the initialization processing of the information processing apparatus is executed. The determination of network communication is performed based on whether or not the IP address has been acquired in this way. Therefore, the reason why the image forming apparatus 100 is not capable of network communication may be that it takes time to acquire the IP address from the DHCP server. Further, if the network cable is not physically connected to the image forming apparatus 100, it may cause the network communication to not be possible. The above is the description of the module configuration diagram.

Before the user can use the image forming apparatus 100, the system module and the user application are initialized by clarifying the functions that can be used by the user in the image forming apparatus 100 and by the user using the image forming apparatus 100. This is to shorten the response time when operating. Specifically, it is possible for the operation unit 106 to determine what kind of function the user can select in the operation unit 106 during the initialization process and display only the selectable function in the operation unit 106. Further, by executing the process started after the user operates the operation unit 106 during the initialization process, the processing time (response time to the user) after the user operates the operation unit 106 is shortened. can do. In this way, the user's operability can be improved by performing the initialization process when the image forming apparatus 100 is started.

<Initialization Process of System Module> Next, the description of the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is executed by the CPU 101 on the hardware, and in the software module, step 301 is executed by the initialization processing control unit 201, and steps 302 and thereafter are executed by the user application control module 204.

When the initialization processing control unit 201 detects that the power of the image forming apparatus 100 has been turned on by using the power supply management unit 109, it transmits an initialization processing execution request to each system module in a predetermined order. Each system module performs an initialization process (step 301). The initialization process of this system module is performed by the initialization process control unit 201 using the system module initialization table. Here, a specific example of the system module initialization table will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the information of FIG. 4, that is, the system module initialization table is stored in ROM 103 in advance. FIG. 4 shows the order of the system modules called by the initialization processing control unit 201, the names of the system modules (which may be unique identification information), and the initials called by the initialization processing control unit 201 to perform the initialization processing. It is a table associated with the conversion function (function in the system module). The system module initialization table of FIG. 4 consists of eight system modules. The system module to be initialized first is a module whose name is "OS", and the initialization function executed by the initialization processing control unit 201 to initialize this "OS" module is the "os_init ()" function. Is. By executing this initialization function, the "OS" module is initialized, and the specific contents of the initialization process include starting the OS of the image forming apparatus 100 and starting the Kernel. When the initialization processing control unit 201 executes the initialization function os_init () of the "OS" module, it executes the initialization function of the module to be initialized next without waiting for the execution result. Here, the initialization process of the "copy" module is performed by executing the initialization function "printer_init ()" of the "copy" module (copy module 202 in FIG. 2). The specific contents of the initialization process are confirmation that communication is possible with the image processing unit 113 and the printer 118, and transmission of a copy preparation request (fixation temperature rise, toner stirring, etc.) to the printer 118. In this way, the initialization process control unit 201 repeatedly calls the initialization function of each system module up to the last "network" module (network module 203 in FIG. 2) to perform the initialization process. In this embodiment, by calling the initial function "network_init ()" of the "network" module, the IP address of the image forming apparatus 100 is set to, for example, "192.168.123.456", and network communication is possible. It should be noted that the timing at which network communication becomes possible is in the middle of the initialization process of the last user application (“scan” application 207 described later).

The above is the description of the system module initialization process (step S301). Next, the initialization process of the user application will be described.

<Initialization process of user application>
The initialization process of the user application includes two processes, a pre-initialization check process (steps 302 to 306) and an initialization execution process (step 307). First, the pre-initialization check process will be described.

When the initialization of the system module is completed, the initialization process control unit 201 transmits an initialization execution request to the user application control module 204. Upon receiving this, the user application control module 204 determines whether or not the user application is installed in the image forming apparatus 100 by using the user application management table (step 302). Here, a specific example of the user application management table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a table in which the order of user applications called by the user application control module 204, the name of the user application, the type of the user application, and the information indicating whether or not network communication is used are associated with each other. Further, FIG. 5 also includes an initialization function (a function in the user application) called by the user application control module 204 to perform the initialization process. The information in FIG. 5 is the information described in the setting file included in the application, and is stored in the HDD 104 when the user application is installed in the image forming apparatus 100. The value of each item to be set may be set in advance in the installation file of the application, may be set as a part of the manifest file, or may be input by the user each time the installation is performed. You may. As a specific example of this setting file, when the user application is a Java (registered trademark) application, it is a MANIFEST file. For example, the name and type of the application A, whether or not the network is used, and the name of the initialization function are registered in the manifest file of the application A, and by installing the application A, these items are registered in the user application management table. The value of the item "order" may be, for example, the installed order.

The user application management table of FIG. 5 consists of three user applications. The user application to be initialized first is an application whose name is "App A" (user application 205 in FIG. 2), the type of application is "copy", and the use of network communication is "none". The initialization function called by the user application control module 204 to execute the initialization of this "application A" application is "copy_init ()". For the application whose application name is "App B" (206 in FIG. 2), the type of application is "Login", the use of network communication is "Yes", and the initialization function is "login_init ()". In the application whose application name is "App C" (207 in FIG. 2), the type of application is "scan", the use of network communication is "yes", and the initialization function is "scan_init ()". The above is the description of the user application management table.

The user application control module 204 uses such a user application management table to determine whether or not at least one user application is installed in the image forming apparatus 100. For example, if there is no user application registered in the user application management table, it can be determined that there is no installed user application. If even one user application is registered in the user application management table, it can be determined that the user application is installed. Here, if it is determined that no user application is installed, the user application control module 204 sends a notification of the end of the initialization process of the user application to the initialization process control unit 201. Then, the initialization processing control unit 201 that has received this completes the initialization processing of the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, if it is determined that one or more user applications are installed, the user application control module 204 pays attention to each user application in sequence, and repeats the processes of steps 303 to 306 described later for each user application.

First, the user application control module 204 determines whether or not the user application uses network communication (step 303). Here, the determination is made by referring to whether or not network communication is used in the user application management table. As a result, when the user application control module 204 determines that the user application does not use network communication, it refers to the user application management table and proceeds to check the next user application if it exists (returns to the determination in step 303). .. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user application uses network communication, the user application control module 204 determines whether or not the type of application is login (step 304). Here, whether or not the application type is login is determined by referring to the application type in the user application management table. It should be noted that the reason for determining whether the type of application is login is to treat the login application specially, and the login application is an application that always succeeds in initialization even when the image forming apparatus 100 is not capable of network communication. This is because it is supposed to be. The post-insertion login application needs to display the UI screen first after the initialization of the image forming apparatus is completed, and the user can log in from the UI screen. Even if the login application is a post-insertion application, the initialization process is performed before confirming that the network connection has been completed. Therefore, the post-installed login application is not premised on being connected to the network, and the implementation of the application is such that initialization is successful even if the network is not connected. Therefore, the login application is treated as an exception. As a result of the determination in step 304, if it is determined that the user application type is login, the user application control module 204 refers to the user application management table and proceeds to check the next user application (returns to the determination in step 303). ). It may be said that steps 303 and 304 are put together to determine whether or not the application of interest to be determined is an application that should be connected to the communication network in the initialization process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the type of the user application is not login, the user application control module 204 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 is capable of network communication by using the network determination unit 208 (step 305). As a result, when it is determined that network communication is possible, the user application control module 204 refers to the user application management table and proceeds to check the next user application (returns to the determination in step 303). On the other hand, if it is determined that network communication is not possible, it waits for network communication to be possible (step 306). Specifically, for example, it checks that the IP address of the image forming apparatus 100 has been acquired at a predetermined cycle, and waits for the IP address to be acquired. In this case, when the IP address is acquired, it is determined that the connection with the communication network is possible. Such processing is carried out until all the applications in the user application management table or network communication become possible. In some cases, network communication may not be possible due to reasons such as the physical network cable not being connected. In this case, since the initialization of the image forming apparatus 100 is stopped, in step 306, it may be determined that network communication is possible after waiting for a predetermined time-out time determined in advance.

If it is determined in step 305 that network communication is possible, the process may not be repeated from step 303 for the subsequent user applications, but may be branched to step 307 to execute the user application initialization process. good. In this example, it is judged that network communication is possible if the IP address has already been acquired, so once it is judged that network communication is possible for a certain user application, it may be judged that communication is not possible with subsequent user applications. Is considered low.

The above is the description of the pre-initialization check process of the user application. By this procedure, some of the installed user applications use the network except for the application whose type is login, and if network communication is not possible, wait for network communication to become possible. In other cases, the initialization of the user application is executed immediately. Here, a specific example of the pre-initialization check process will be described. It is assumed that the user application management table is shown in FIG.

<Specific example>
First, since the user application control module 204 has the user application installed, it determines whether or not to use the network communication for the user application having the application name "application A" (step 303). Here, since the user application of "App A" does not use network communication, the user application control module 204 checks the user application of the application name "App B" which is the next user application.

Next, the user application control module 204 determines whether or not to use network communication for the user application of "application B" (step 303). Here, since the user application of "application B" uses network communication, the user application control module 204 determines whether or not the type of application is "login" (step 304). Here, since the type of the application of "App B" is "Login", the user application control module 204 checks the user application of the application name "App C" which is the next user application.

Finally, the user application control module 204 determines whether or not to use network communication for the user application of "application C" (step 303). Here, since the user application of "App C" uses network communication, the user application control module 204 determines whether or not the type of application is "login" (step 304). Here, since the type of application of "App C" is not "Login", it is determined whether or not network communication is possible (step 305). Here, since network communication is not yet possible, wait for network communication to be possible (step 306). Here, it is assumed that network communication becomes possible by waiting for a predetermined time, for example, 500 msec, and the user application control module 204 ends the pre-initialization check process after 500 msec. The above is the explanation of the specific example using FIG. 5, and this concludes the explanation of the pre-initialization check process. Next, the initialization execution process will be described.

<Initialization process of user application>
When the pre-initialization check process is completed, the user application control module 204 performs the initialization execution process. This initialization execution process is performed by the user application control module 204 referring to the user application management table and executing the initialization function of each user application (step 307). Specifically, in the case of FIG. 5, the user application control module 204 executes the "copy_init ()", "scan_init ()", and "login_init ()" functions, which are initialization functions of each user application. As a result, the initialization process of each user application is performed in each function. When all the initialization processes of the user application are completed, the user application control module 204 sends a notification of the end of the initialization process of the user application to the initialization process control unit 201, and receives the notification of the end of the initialization process of the user application. Completes the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100. The above is the description of the initialization execution process, and this concludes the description of the flowchart FIG.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary to wait until network communication becomes possible for each user application, and only when it is necessary to wait, wait until network communication becomes possible and then initialize the user application. Will be. As a result, it becomes possible to avoid unnecessary waiting for network communication, the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100 can be performed reliably in a short time, and the convenience of the user is improved.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, in the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100, it is determined for each user application whether or not it is necessary to wait until network communication becomes possible. However, when a large number of user applications are installed in the image forming apparatus 100, it takes time to check the information of each user application, and it may take time to initialize the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, in order to complete the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100 as quickly as possible, it may be determined under another condition whether or not to wait until network communication becomes possible.

In the present embodiment, an embodiment in which it is determined whether or not to wait until network communication becomes possible depending on whether or not even one user application is installed will be described with reference to FIG. Since the basic processing and control are the same as those in the first embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. Since the initialization process of each system module (step 301) and the determination of whether or not the user application is installed (step 302) are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

When the user application control module 204 determines in step 302 that no user application is installed, the user application control module 204 transmits a notification of the end of the initialization process of the user application to the initialization process control unit 201. Then, the initialization processing control unit 201 that has received this completes the initialization processing of the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, when the user application control module 204 determines in step 302 that even one user application is installed, the user application control module 204 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 is capable of network communication by using the network determination unit 208. (Step 305). As described above, in the present embodiment, when it is determined in step 302 of FIG. 6 that the application is installed, steps 303 and 304 shown in FIG. 3 are skipped and the process branches to step 305. Also, the judgment of step 305 is not performed for each application, but is performed only once. As a result of step 305, if it is determined that network communication is possible, the pre-initialization check process of the user application is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that network communication is not possible, the user application control module 204 waits for network communication to be possible (step 306), and ends the pre-initialization check process.

When the pre-initialization check is completed, the user application control module 204 performs initialization execution processing of each user application (step 307). Since this process is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. The above is the explanation of the flowchart FIG.

According to this embodiment, when at least one user application is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to initialize the user application after waiting for network communication to become possible. Therefore, even when a large number of user applications are installed, the image forming apparatus 100 can be initialized reliably in a short time. As a result, the waiting time for starting the image forming apparatus 100 of the user can be reduced, and the convenience of the user is improved.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, in the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100, whether or not to perform a process of waiting until network communication becomes possible according to whether or not the user application is installed and the information of the user application is performed. It was judged. However, depending on the situation of the image forming apparatus 100, the user application may not be used by the user. In this case, the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100 can be completed in as short a time as possible, and the image forming apparatus 100 can be used by the user. Is required to be. In this embodiment, an embodiment in which the pre-initialization check and the initialization execution process of the user application are not performed depending on the situation will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Since the basic processing and control are the same as those in the first embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, after the initialization of each system module in step 301 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not to perform the initialization execution process of the user application depending on whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 is activated in a special situation. ..

The initialization process (step 301) of each system module is the same as that of the first embodiment. After this, the user application control module 204 determines whether the image forming apparatus 100 is in the normal mode (step 701). Here, the normal mode and the special mode will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 has a plurality of modes, and modes other than the normal mode are collectively referred to as a special mode. The normal mode is a mode in which a user uses the image forming apparatus for its original purpose, for example, copying, printing, scanning, and the like. On the other hand, the special mode is a mode set by the user to use the image forming apparatus 100 in a special situation, and the user application installed in the image forming apparatus 100 is not used in this special mode. The special mode is used for assembling and maintaining the device, for example, a factory confirmation mode when the image forming apparatus 100 is assembled at the factory, and a service confirmation mode when a serviceman performs maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100. Mode. Therefore, the normal mode and the special mode may be referred to as an operation mode and a maintenance mode, respectively. There are various methods for switching to such a special mode, but in this embodiment, the determination is made by referring to the value of the current mode stored in the HDD 104. As the value of the current mode of the HDD 104, the operation unit 106 performs a predetermined operation to store the information that the current mode is in the special mode in the HDD 104. Therefore, the user application control module 204 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 is in the normal mode by referring to the mode value of the HDD 104. As a result of this (result of step 701), when the user application control module 204 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 is not in the normal mode, the user application control module 204 transmits a notification of the end of the initialization processing of the user application to the initialization processing control unit 201. Then, the initialization processing control unit 201 that has received this completes the initialization processing of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the initialization process (step 307) of each user application is not performed.

If it is determined in step 701 that the image forming apparatus 100 is in the normal mode, the user application control module 204 performs the processes of steps 302 to 307 as in the first embodiment, but the description thereof will be omitted. The above is the description of the flowchart FIG. 7.

According to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 is started in the special mode, that is, in a special situation different from the normal usage situation, the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100 is performed before the initialization of the user application is performed. Can be completed. As a result, the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 100 can be performed at high speed, and the convenience of the user is improved. The above is the description of the third embodiment.

[Other Examples]
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

101 CPU, 102 RAM, 103 ROM, 104 HDD

Claims (11)

An information processing device that can be connected to a communication network and can install applications.
A determination means for determining whether or not the application is installed according to the activation of the information processing device, and
When the determination means determines that the application is installed, the standby means waiting to be connected to the communication network and the standby means.
An information processing apparatus comprising: an initialization means for initializing the application after waiting by the standby means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.
When the determination means determines that the application is installed, the standby means determines whether or not the application is connected to the communication network, and when it is determined that the application is not connected, the standby means determines whether or not the application is installed. An information processing device characterized by waiting to be connected to a communication network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.
When the determination means determines that the application is installed, should the standby means be connected to the communication network in the initialization process for each installed application? It is determined whether or not it is connected, and when it is determined that it should be connected, it is determined whether or not it is connected to the communication network, and when it is determined that it is not connected, it is connected to the communication network. An information processing device characterized by waiting for. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
Prior to the determination by the determination means, the information processing apparatus is further provided with means for determining whether or not the information processing apparatus is operating in the normal mode.
An information processing device characterized in that the application is not initialized when it is determined that the mode is not the normal mode. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.
An information processing device characterized in that, in determining whether or not it is connected to the communication network, if the IP address has already been acquired, it is determined that the IP address is connected to the communication network. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The information processing device is characterized in that the determination means determines whether or not the application is installed based on a table in which an installed application is registered. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.
The determination means installs the application based on a table including application identification information registered for each installed application, an application type, and information indicating whether or not to use the communication network. Judge whether or not it is
The standby means determines whether or not the application should be connected to the communication network in the initialization process based on the information indicating the type of the application and whether or not to use the communication network. An information processing device characterized by. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
Image forming means and
An information processing device characterized by further having an image reading means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7.
The table is an information processing apparatus characterized in that it is registered based on the settings associated with the application at the time of installation of the application. A program for operating a computer as the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. It is a control method of an information processing device that can be connected to a communication network, can install an application, and has a determination means, a standby means, and an initialization means.
The determination means determines whether or not the application is installed according to the activation of the information processing apparatus.
If it is determined that the application is installed , the standby means waits to be connected to the communication network.
A control method for an information processing apparatus, characterized in that, when the initialization means waits for connection with the communication network, the application is initialized after that.

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